#A really nice sugar cookie shaped like a Christmas tree

[strange-creature-222]

Aw Hell naw they got rid of my buttons😭

[ursuburbanmother]

I’m On Fire, But I’m Trying Not to Show It || Chapter Three

Pairing: Angus Tully x fem!reader

a/n: Mothers and daughters?? Fathers and sons?!?

Word Count: ~4k

Find: Part 1 Part 2 Part 4

Enjoy!

December 23, 1970

You’ve been stuck in your own mind all day. It's decided to shut down like a panic room and you can see Angus try to crack it open with his attempts at small talk. Mary and Mr. Hunham share uncomfortable glances at each other, slightly humored about the quiet lunch they are having that would usually be filled by chatter from you two.

Angus leans in close to your ear, “You said we would talk today.”

“After this,” you murmur, sinking into the wooden chair.

“If this is about yesterday, it was just a weird moment, it didn’t mean anything.”

“Stop talking,” you say as nicely as you can when you see Mary's eyebrow quirk up at Angus’s comment.

“I have a surprise,” Mr. Hunham suddenly announces. Your eyes snap to him, embracing the distraction. He brings out a platter full of Christmas cookies and places them on the table. “These were a gift to me, and I would like to share them with both of you.”

Angus is unimpressed and by the way he is scowling, he's upset too. “Look at them. Look at all the festive shapes. Snowflakes and gingerbread men. A tree. A little mitten,” Mr. Hunham picks up the red and white frosted cookie and takes a bite. “Mmm,” he looks pleasantly surprised.

“Thank you, Mister. This is really nice,” You reach for the snowflake. You’re not sure how well sloppy joe and sugar will settle in your stomach but you're willing to gamble on it. Mr. Hunham gives you a thin smile.

“May I go to the bathroom, sir?” Angus asks, already pushing away his dish and getting up from his chair.

“You may,” he sighs, watching the boy walk away.

“Well, I’m trying,” he says to the group, defeated.

You give him a weak grin, “These are good cookies though. If that means anything to you.”

Mary chuckles at your exchange. Mr. Hunham gets up and goes the same direction Angus had exited. Your eyes follow him until it is impossible for you to see him without breaking your neck. You turn to Mary who is close to finishing her cigarette. She blows the smoke away from your direction and pushes the packet towards you.

“Want one?”

“Oh. No thanks. That's Angus’s thing.”

“Alright. But don’t go asking for one later.”

“I won’t,” you laugh quietly. You hear voices in the hallway get louder. Angus shouts something you can’t make out and Mr. Hunham's response follows shortly after. Their noise fades away and you rub your tired eyes to snap you awake. You never could get enough sleep. You swear you could sleep for twenty-four hours and still feel groggy.

“What's going on with you two?” Mary asks.

“Angus and I?”

“No. You and the ghost that haunts the infirmary,” she took a sip of her coffee while shaking her head in amusement.

“My mother says I'm a bit of a blabbermouth. I don’t know if you want to hear the details,” you warn.

“Give me the reader's digest,” she pats the seat next to her. Bringing your coca-cola with you, you go cross over to her side of the table. “Okay. Tell me if you think I’m crazy-”

“I will.”

“-But Angus has been acting so weird. One second, he's all moody, a regular Holden Claufield, and the next he’s nice and being the Angus I’ve known all my life. I don’t know… Maybe he’s at the stage where his feelings swing around like a pendulum.”

“That's all-teenagers sweethearts. Even at adulthood, that pendulum never stops swinging. At some point it may slow down only for a gust of wind to return it into motion.”

“I mean he’s always been a little short-tempered, just never towards me. Yesterday,” you wonder if you are getting too personal now, “he called me selfish.”

“Selfish? The girl that just scarfed down a cookie to make an old man feel better.”

You shrug. You never knew how to take compliments. “I know I should just ask him what's really going on, but I don’t want him to blow up on me again.”

“If he does come to me. I’ll whip him into shape for you.”

“Thank you,” you giggle. “What do you think happened out there?” You tilt you heard towards the doors.

“Their usual bickering. That boy is probably paying the price for cursing Hunham out right now.”

“How long have you known Mr. Hunham?”

She paused before answering, “A while now.”

“Has he always been this… strong-willed?”

“Stubborn as a mule you mean? Yes, he has. Although the years have certainly hardened him more.”

“Why’s that?"

“Not sure. He’s a private man. I haven’t been able to pry anything out of him.”

“Not even when he’s,” you make your hand into a fist, extending the pink and thumb. You move it back and forth to mimic drinking from a bottle.

Mary cackles. “Not even then.”

…

The stupidest thing Angus had done was what he had done to you yesterday. He doesn’t know why he said it, why he had called you selfish. It just tumbled out. It was like he was a man possessed. But launching off a springboard in the gym in an act of rebellion was a close second.

He numbed the pain thinking of you. Granted if you were here, you would be lecturing him non-stop and telling him how he should have known better. But at least you would have been here, and he wouldn’t have to watch Mr. Hunham marinate in his misery. At least you would have been there to hold his hand as they popped his arm back into its socket.

Although his mouth had gotten him in trouble the last few days, it had been helpful in getting them out of the hospital insurance issue. And it was about to get him a free burger now too.

They had arrived at the local watering hole. It was jam packed with people getting tipsy with beer. He could hear the clink of billiards and the white noise on the TV.

“I think I’ll start with a beer. How about you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Mr. Tully. Get your cheeseburger.”

“They’ve got Miller High Life. The Champagne of Beers.”

“Oh?” Mr. Hunham said, but Angus could tell he was just trying to amuse him.

Angus shut the menu as their waitress came up the stairs to their little booth. “Okay, you ready to order? Oh!” she gasped as she turned to his teacher.

“Miss Crane,” Hunham touched his chest, “As I live and breathe. What-, what are you doing here?”

“Oh hi guys! Yeah, I always pick up a little extra work over Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Miss Crane explained.

It looked as if Mr. Hunham had been snapped awake, “Well, um, this is Mr. Tully,” he motioned his hand towards him.”

“Sure, I know you and your little girlfriend. You two are always glued together like gum on a pole,” Miss Crane said teasingly.

“Y/n L/n," he beamed, "she goes to the girl's school and we’re just friends. But um, we met outside Dr. Woodrup’s office. I was wrongly accused of blowing up a toilet,” he smiled as innocently as he could.

“I didn’t know about the wrongly part,” she shares a laugh with Hunham.

“He’ll have a cheeseburger,” he orders for Angus.

“And a Miller High Life please,” Angus adds quickly.

“Uh. No you will not,” Hunham says sternly.

“Where do you stand on Miller High Life, Miss Crane?”

“Well, like they say, it’s the Champagne of Beers.”

Angus turns to Hunham, “And she’s a professional.”

“Okay, one cheeseburger,” Miss Crane waits for him to fill the blank.

He relents and orders reluctantly, “And a Coke.”

“I’ll have a cheeseburger as well,” Hunham smiled.

“Two cheeseburgers,” she jots down the order on her notepad

“And a Jim Beam. On the rocks. Please.”

“Okay, you got it guys,” She smiles at them before exiting. Paul watches her go and Angus grins at the scene.

“Ouch. You two have chemistry,” he shakes his hand like he had touched a hot plate.

“Okay. That’s the Percodan talking,” Hunham dismisses.

“I don’t know. Seeing her like this, I think she’s pretty attractive,” he hopes his teacher will take the bait.

“Listen, you hormonal vulgarian, that woman deserves your respect, not your erotic speculation.”

Angus resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Well, may I at least go to the bathroom? Sir?”

“You mean the payphone?”

They have a stare off before he runs off to the back of the restaurant. Angus scours any leftover change in his back pocket of his jeans. He finds enough to make a call. He scans the room, making sure that Mr. Hunham isn’t hunting him down like last time. He dials the number to the Barton infirmary and hopes you are lounging in your room.

“Pick up, pick up, pick up,” he chants under his breath. Instead he gets the dial tone. He curses and slams the phone back to its original place.

…

You haven’t seen Angus since the morning. You've been spending all afternoon with Mary instead. You helped with the lunch dishes and are preparing the potatoes for supper later. Mary had a radio in the kitchen which you happily hummed to. Christmas music flooded your ears and reminded you of the holiday. In the halls of Barton there were no decorations, and one could probably convince a kid that the Grinch had stolen them in the dead of night.

“Mary, I'm done,” you proudly show her the bowl of potatoes. In your house most of the cooking was done by private chefs who came in and out so irregularly that you could never learn their names. Understandably, they didn’t have time to entertain a ten-year-olds insistent questions about what it meant to julienne a vegetable.

“Great. Why don’t you start boiling them and get started on chopping those mushrooms.”

“Okay,” you add water to a pot before adding the chomped potato. You find the mushrooms and cut them as thinly as you can. After you place them on the counter next to Mary who has already prepared everything else.

You admire as she adds them to a pan of melted butter. She drops salt, pepper, Italian dressing and other spices you can’t name, without even having to use measuring tools. “You’re Julia Child!” You praise.

“Just years of practice.”

“Hey, when do I get to sauté and mix things?” You get on your tiptoes to get a better look at the mushrooms turning a dark brown.

“When I know you won’t hurt yourself doing it,” she gave a pointed look at the bandaids on your fingers. You may have cut yourself in your first attempts at handling a knife. You hide the hand behind your back. “Sorry.”

You go to sit in a stool by the oven. You open a borrowed copy of a Kerouac book that Angus had in his suitcase. The Subterraneans, written in three days apparently and no offense to Jack but it shows. Mary notices your squinting as you go try to make sense of the writing, inching your face closer and closer to the paper.

“Are you planning to do something with that? The books.” Mary stops her stirring and lowers the heat of the stove. She walks over to you and glances at pages.

“What? Like with writing?” You ask, “I’m not sure. I know I should have figured it out by now but I just never got one of those woosh moments,” you sway your hands in the air.

“Woosh moment?”

“It's like what we talked about with the pendulum. I feel like I've been hanging still and waiting for the wind to send me on my way. I wait for it to push me with the strength of a tornado. Woosh. Almost to flood me with a feeling of knowing? I’m not the best at words…” you trail off.

“You're telling me nothing interests you?” She raised her eyebrow.

“No, a lot of things do. I want to do everything. Right now, for example, I feel like becoming a renowned chef,” you pick up a random bowl and start stirring it slowly.

“Try learning how to handle a knife right first,” she tuts.

“Practice makes perfect Mary,” you smile and look down into the chocolate substance you were messing with. “Cake or brownies?”

“Neither actually. It's more doughy than liquid honey,” she lectures you kindly.

“Right,” you say sheepishly, “I swear I’m smarter when it comes to other things. You should see me in civics class.”

“I believe you,” she winks, “Now get to preheating the oven, Betty Crocker.”

…

Angus goes off to play a game on the Pinball machine and to take his mind off you. It certainly helps him. Avoiding the prospect of getting beat up by locals and injuring another part of his body allows him to momentarily forget the stress he feels when he remembers how pissed you are at him.

Mr. Hunham and Angus eat their burgers quickly. To repay Mr. Hunham for saving his ass, Angus keeps his mouth shut every time he orders a Jim Beam. They leave after Hunham drops a rather generous tip for Miss Crane.

They're walking towards Hunhams car and Angus can’t resist the urge to ask, “Why’d you buy those guys beer? They’re assholes.”

“That’s one way to look at it. Hey. Catch,” he tosses his keys at Angus, who catches them on instinct.

“How many boys do you know who have had their hands blown off? Barton boys don’t go to Vietnam. No, they go to Yale or Dartmouth or Cornell, whether they deserve to or not."

“Except for Curtis Lamb.”

“Except for Curtis Lamb.”

“Were you ever in the military?” Angus’s curiosity peaked.

“I tried to enlist in ‘41, but was rejected,” Mr. Hunham pointed at his eye, as if to say obviously. He tries to unlock the door of the driver's side to no avail. He points towards Angus,“I have to get in through there. Anyways, they made me an air raid warden. Gave me a whistle and everything. Helmet. Arm band.”

Angus opens the door, handing the keys off as Mr. Hunham slides in. He catches a whiff of Mr. Hunham unmentioned scent.

“Before we get going, can I be candid with you?”

“Mm-hmm,”

“You smell,” he states bluntly and Mr. Hunham deflates. Angus joins him inside the Nova, “Like fish. And it’s really noticeable toward the end of the day. I even smell it on your coat. Mind if I crack the window?”

“Trimethylaminuria.”

“Huh?” Angus frowns.

“Trimethylaminuria. Means my body can’t break down trimethylamine. That’s the smell. And, uh, yes, more toward the end of the day.

“Wow. Your whole life? No wonder you’re afraid of women,” he concludes.

“I am not afraid of women,” Hunham says, clearly offended. “Jesus H. Christ.”

“I shouldn’t have said anything. Dr. Gertler says I don’t always give consideration to my audience,” Angus exhales.

“Who’s Dr. Gertler?’’

“My shrink,” Angus wants to disappear.

“Has Dr. Gertler ever tried a swift kick in the ass?”

Angus figures he ought to level the playing field. “Okay, all right, now your turn. Go ahead, tell me something about me. Something negative.”

“Something negative about you?”

“Sure. Just one thing.

“Just one?”

Angus nods and he probably should be offended that he is taking an awful long time to say anything.

“You’re obtuse about your social relationship.”

“What the hell is that supposed mean?”

“You didn’t say I had to elaborate Mr. Tully.”

“Okay well now I want you to. Spit it out.”

“No,” he backs out of his parking spot and hits the road.

“Come on! Explain,” Angus tugs on Hunhams jacket.

“I hope you don’t plan to pester me all the way to Barton. It'll be an awfully long ride.”

He presses down harder on the gas pedal.

…

You had burned the cookies. Not that you could tell when you took a bite of it. The cocoa had disguised it and you had just finished patting your back when you had to spit the whole thing out into the sink. Mary relishes your misery and apologizes through her laughs, wiping the tears in the corner of her eyes.

So your two-course meal had been reduced to just an entree. After thirty minutes of searching and waiting on Angus and Mr. Hunham, you ladies decided to leave the capacious mess hall and have a TV dinner. If your mother could see you now you were sure she would have you arrested by the etiquette police.

Mary was flipping through the channels to tune in to her daily rewatch of the Newlywed Game. You stopped her suddenly, your hand on top of hers to stop her from operating the remote.

“Cactus Flower! I love this movie. Please can we watch it?” You beg, clasping and shaking your hands together.

“What’s it about?” She asks hesitantly, clearly wary about abandoning her favorite program.

“You’ll love it! Ingrid Berman has to pretend to be her boss's wife because he lied to his lover about being married and having kids and shit-,”

“Language.”

“-Sorry. And so now he has to pull off this big con, so she won’t leave his lying as-, butt,” you correct yourself. “Goldie Hawn is sooo good in this. She won an Oscar I think.”

“I supposed I could give it a try. If it bores me we are switching right back though.”

“Deal,” you giggle and scoot the plate balancing on your lap closer so you can dig in.

For the next hour, Mary seems content in watching the characters in the movie ignore and miscommunicate their feelings. Even shaking her head when they do something she finds ridiculous. Your eyes get heavy as the ending nears, your stomach warm and content with the meal you had and the glare of the television tiring your vision. You lean your head back into the couch cushion and close your eyelids. Distantly you hear Ingrid Berman and Walter Matthau confess their love before your world goes dark.

Slumped against Mary, you wake up for the second time that week by the same hands. Angus is shaking your shoulder gently. Your gaze falls immediately to the sling his arm is in.

“Angus! What the hell?” You whisper- shout, fixing your posture and wiping the potential drool off your face. You check to make sure you didn’t wake up Mary.

“It's okay, it's okay,” he reassures. “It’s not broken, or anything just dislocated.”

“What happened?’’ Your arm trails down from where the sling starts to where his hand hangs lazily out. "Is this why you weren’t at dinner tonight? Hunham too?”

“Uh yeah. I jumped off a springboard in the new gym,” he answers bashfully.

“Wow… you are so stupid sometimes.”

“I prefer spontaneous thank you,” he sits down next to you on the couch and lets out a sigh. Using his good arm, he lifts a plastic bag. “We went out to eat and I got you something.”

“Ooh,” You snatch the bag and open it as quietly as you can without crinkling the plastic. Inside the Styrofoam box there's a half-eaten burger with some cold fries. You snack on it anyway offering some to Angus who shakes his head.

“Mr. Hunham thought buying another would be wasteful. He assumed you and Mary would have probably eaten by then so I saved what I could.”

“We did and,” you motion to the plates, “I helped cook it!”

“Really?” Angus's eyes widened, “I’m sorry I missed it.”

“I saved you some cookies,” You pick up the dish of the burnt dessert. You have brought them over believing you had been exaggerating the taste.

You hadn't.

He takes one, clueless, and bites almost half the cookie off. You see him wince but still he continues to chew. He chokes it down and nods, “Not bad?”

“You’re such a liar,” you shove his head lightly. “I forgot to turn on the timer.”

“Yeah I can tell,” he takes your confession as his cue to spit the rest out into a nearby napkin.

“Thanks for this though,” you take a bite of the burger, “I had forgotten what fast food tasted like.”

“Don’t tell him I let you have it. Or that you saw me in fact. The whole arm thing is supposed to be secret.”

“Got it,” you extended your pinky for him to intertwine. He takes it but doesn’t remove his pinky after, instead he lets your connected hands fall between the both of you.

The TV is still on, except the volume is lower and an old black-and-white movie is on. You finish the burger and put the trash aside to throw away in the morning.

“Where is Mr. Hunham now?”

“Crashed as soon as his head hit the pillow.”

“So you want to talk now?” You look up at him.

“Umm, somewhere private though. Incase Mary wakes up,” he gets up, still connected to you by your fingers and pulls you alongside him. You pick up a discarded blanket along with you

“Okay. Where do you want to go?”

He walks you two out of the staff common room and you let him take the lead. Barton is cold even without all the large windows closed. It’s like walking through a haunted mansion, passing by old dusty trophy cases and pictures of past alumni. When you enter what you recognize to be the auditorium, thanks to the plaque next to the door, Angus strolls you two over to the stage. You sit on the piano bench and when he joins you, you cover him with your blanket.

You hear Angus let out a shaky breath and then see the winter air turn it into a small cloud of smoke.

Angus starts to speak, a tremble in his voice, “You’re the only person who thinks of me first know? Even when we were little, and we had a free pass to be totally self-centered you still never-. Like in middle school when you’d give me biology answers, or just now with the blanket! I have a jacket! I should be giving you the entire blanket. In fact, let me give you -, your just-.”

“It’s alright Angus,” you stop his rapid rambling, holding his face between your hands. “I already forgave you a long time ago.”

“Didn’t feel like it,” he chuckles, trying to divert his gaze but the soft hold you have on him keeps him still.

“I forgave you the second you walked in looking like a kicked puppy.”

He laughs at your words.

“Although I just want to ask what has been going on with you? I know you hate school and you're not incredibly fond of Stanely marrying your mom, but I feel like something has been bothering you. Something big.”

“I need to go to Boston Y/n,” he admits, hitting some random piano keys. The notes echo around the room.

“Okay,” you bite the inside of your cheek, “why?”

“It's snowing outside but it doesn’t feel like Christmas. But my dad, he would make it feel that way. So I need to see him and my mom had promised but you see how that turned out.”

“Oh Angus. This is why you kept bringing it up,” you gasp. “Jesus. And I had called you stupid, I’m the dense one for not connecting the dots.”

“No no. You’re not. I was being evasive. I guess I didn’t want you to worry.”

“I would have stolen Jason Smith's car keys had I known! We could be there by now, eating Clam Chowder by the bay. ”

“Nuh-uh. You’re way too of a goody-two shoe for that.”

“Well I would have followed you. Given an hour's notice, of course, to build my confidence.”

“I don't know,” Angus hits a few more keys, “Maybe this was fate like you said. It definitely didn’t deal me a cruel hand having me holdover here with you.”

“Yeah, the universe was certainly on our side for this one,” you move closer to him and put your head on his shoulder. “Hey, you think you can still play even with only one working hand?”

“I’m willing to try it,” he stretches his fingers, “What shall I serenade you with?”

“Something Beach Boys. In My Room?”

“You got it L/n.”

He plays much slower and his jaw is sharp, fully determined to get through the song for your enjoyment. He plays so gracefully you don’t even notice when he slips on occasion. You don’t mind it. It’s almost as sweet as a lullaby.

[teenage-mutant-ninja-freak]

Heyo! Love your work btw *chef kiss* I'm obsessed with your poly turtles stuff. Could you maybe do some Christmas poly headcannons? Seasonal Activities they do with their s/o, possible gifts they receive, fav cookies/treats, fav Xmas music. Idk just some festive stuff? If you're busy that's cool 😎 your poly turt stuff has me needing more haha. Thanks!

Ok, I'm pretty sure I got this before Christmas and it's now May. I'm so sorry. I won't go into all the reasons I haven't really been writing because it's a lot but I want to get back into it so here goes with this very unseasonal post lmao

and thank you everyone for you patience as I get back into the swong of writing for my blog

Raph

This big hunk of red and green first

He's very seasonal if you think about it

He's also super (secretly) into the holidays

catch him doing his rendition of rockin' around the Christmas tree very loudly when he's off his tits on eggnog

((side note I think he would hate eggnog but would drink it solely because it's festive))

He's secretly super sentimental and he knows you love this time of year so he really puts his back into it

I'm talking it's the 1st of December and he wakes you up in a full Santa outfit and white beard (that he knitted himself) yelling "Ho Ho Ho!" and asking if you've been naughty or nice

it's like 6am so you, naturally, tell him to piss off

to which he makes a big show of trying to shove you into his Santa sack because "Someone needs a trip to the North Pole to learn the Christmas spirit"

He's also pretty good with crafts

obvs you guys can't go outside and be seen so he creates a whole winter wonderland in the lair (without telling the others, Mikey was the only one who appreciated it tbh)

also he's a great cook so you spend evening after evening baking sugar cookies and decorating them, sipping hot chocolate with a candy cane in it and whipped cream on top, making warming winter soups.

In terms of gifts, he gets you anything and everything he even thinks you might like

real big spender this one

handmade too items like a scarf he knitted for you because your old one was a bit worn, handmade card, he even did a little snow globe that he made with figures of you and him inside of it

he'll say "I know it's lame" or "It's not the best but I tried" but it means the world to you

Leo

Big boy blue up next

I see him loving a very traditional, old fashioned, classic Xmas.

His big thing is that he loves to decorate the tree with you

but you would always bicker about how it should look

"No, I think a gold and red theme would look better!"

"But, Leo, we have all of these cute glass candy canes I wanna hang!"

"But I have a vision!!"

so this year he decides to buy like 6 trees (and by buy I mean forage, steal or cut down)

so you can both have your own trees and decorate them however you want

this, obviously, becomes a Christmas competition

your very unwilling judges are Leo's brothers and even Splinter

they have never looked more uncomfortable than when you and Leo are very passionately stating your case for why your tree is better than the other's and it ends in you both throwing baubles at each other

about half an hour and a lot of tinsel lying everywhere later you decide that maybe you're both a little too competitive

but Leo reassures that "That's why I love you"

He's so big on quality time with you

lot's of sitting by a crackling fire, sipping coco and letting soft Christmas songs play

he's made a playlist of v gentle ones like Eartha Kitt's Santa baby, Conventry carol and god rest ye merry gentlemen.

it's all about the mood w/ Leo

as far as gifts, it's has to be something personal and sweet

a pressed flower in resin from the first day you both met, a silver heart shaped locket with a pic of you both in it, some sort of talisman that's supposed to keep you safe in ninja superstition

Mikey

Time for chaotic good to come to play

Mikey just manages to capture that almost childlike enthusiasm and wonder for the season

He has a funny habit of wrapping your gifts to look like something else

last year you were certain he'd gotten you a rocking horse but it turned out to be a new phone and headphones

"How long did it take you to wrap it like that?"

"Don't ask questions you don't wanna know.....3 hours to make the horse part look right"

normally he gets you silly but sweet gifts

lots of sticking filler things

oh and he gets you an actual stocking too, but like a comically oversized one to fit all the gifts

stuff he's made too

one year he made you 50 hand cut paper snowflakes with 50 reasons he loves you written and drawn on them

also stuff you guys can do together

video games he knows you'll find fun, stupid interactive games that you can play, that kinda stuff

he does a special Xmas scavenger hunt for you each year that the others pretend is stupid but it keeps getting more elaborate as time goes on and even they are started to get invested in the ending

there's a theme and everything ranging from polar express to murder at the Christmas party to Santa's grotto....

he also never fails to dress up as Mrs Clause every year (because Raph insists on being Santa and at first Mikey just wanted everyone to laugh, but now it's kinda a tradition)

Donnie

oh my sweet gadget boy

he's super big into cocktails, the sweeter the better

and you always get to name them together but you both have a warped sense of humour so the names are getting out of hand

you pick a fave each year as well

last year was "The abominable snowman's frozen left nut" and the year before was "Mrs Clause putting glass shavings in Santa's food because he came back with the clap"

I told you they were bizarre....

his gifts are always thoughtful and so romantic

I HC Donnie as being a super romantic guy

whether it be a painting he made of the constellations and planets in correct placement on the night the two of you first kissed

or a wreath of dried flowers and plants to hang on the door that came from the field behind your childhood house

but this year it's a scrapbook filled to the brim with every detail of the two of you, all dated and with a little annotation telling a story as to why it's in there. photos, cards, handwritten letters, magazine cut outs, diary entries.... it's all in there and it's enough to make you cry.

He also sneaks you out on Christmas eve every year without the others knowing (they'd flip if they came to know that he was stealing you away at that time)

but he takes you up to the rooftops to sit on blankets and drink hot chocolate (spiked with a little rum, it's Donnie after all...) and look at the lights and snowflakes and people bustling home to their families and you sit and feel at peace and laugh as you make up backstories to each individual you see scurrying home

you lean against his shoulder and every year that he does this it feels more magical than the last

[doveabovetheworld]

Merry Christmas, Sammy

Summary; After a few months of your lover being on an adventure with his brothers and best friend, he finally comes home…

Warnings; mentions of war, battle wound, hinting towards sex but mostly fluff

A/N; Happy Holidays, @losfacedevil!!! I am very happy that I had the honor of being your Secret Santa! This was a cute idea that I shaped together out of the answers to each question I asked you. I really hope you like it, even if it’s a bit short. This was also set in the little universe that Greta made with their music, so this also kinda ties into a different series I’m starting soon. I hope everyone has a great holiday and enjoys this Sammy fic! Much love!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was 5 months since he left. His brothers asked if he’d go with them on a journey and although you weren’t so keen on it, you let him go. Your mind couldn’t help but worry with ‘what ifs’.

What if he isn't okay? What if he died? What if he won’t come back before Christmas?

He always came back for Christmas.

You didn’t even decorate the Christmas tree because that was always something you AND Sam always did. You wanted to wait for him but what if there was no point in waiting?

You let out a small sigh, walking from the kitchen towards the front door to get your coat and winter gear on.

You and Sam lived in a little cottage a few miles from a nearby town. It was a nice light brown cottage with flowers and a garden in the front. You guys also had a stables with a few horses behind the house as well. It was a comfy place you liked to call home.

While you were outside, caring for the horses, you heard the sound of footsteps ascending towards you. Before you could even look, you heard a familiar voice.

“I wasn’t gone too long, was I?”

You turned and saw Sam standing at the doors with a huge smile. He had his arms out, waiting for a hug, which you gladly responded with as you ran up to him.

As you two embraced, he kept planting small kisses all over your face, causing you to let out small laughs. You two hugged for about a good 3 minutes before you pulled away just to see his face. Those puppy dog eyes and a gorgeous smile that you haven’t seen in forever. You missed him.

“Sam… Oh my god…” you said as you held his face in between your palms. “I-I thought you died.”

Sam couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, “I’m sorry, princess… I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“No, no, don’t say sorry,” You said with a smile. “I was just worried after what I heard about what the journey was, y’know?”

“Well, I’m here now, aren’t I? No need to worry any longer.” He said as he leaned in and captured your lips in a kiss.

~

You both were sitting on the sofa, looking at the now-decorated Christmas tree. The warmth from the fireplace and the blankets, not to mention Sam’s body heat as you cuddled, was comfortable enough to make you fall asleep.

Sam had his arm around you, keeping you as close to him as possible, as you laid your head against his chest. You could hear his heartbeat. You could smell the scent of pine and sap from the tree. You could feel his fingers softly run through your hair. You could taste the sugar cookies you and him just eaten. You saw the content smile on his soft face as he held you. This was all you both wanted. This was home.

“Tell me about the mission you guys went on.” You said, smiling at him.

He looked down at you and kissed the top of your head.

“Where do I even start?” He chuckled and moved so that way he could look directly into your eyes. “It was insane. We saw almost all of the hillsides and kingdoms and towns and valleys in all of the continent. We fought in some pretty big battles, Jake, Josh, Danny, and I. I also got a pretty good battle wound too.”

He smiled proudly as he took off his shirt and showed you a scar on the side of his torso. It seemed to have healed itself but you couldn’t help but gasp.

“Sammy… what happened…?”

“Oh, it was during a battle. It’s okay though, it was a few months ago, and I’m fine.” He rushed to say as he saw the panic in your eyes.

You were about to say something before he spoke again, “No need to worry, sweetie. I promise you, I’m okay.”

“Sam…” you started. “I hate seeing you hurt.”

He gave you the saddest smile before pulling you onto his lap and hugging you. You felt his chilled skin against your clothes. His breath was on your neck and he gave small kisses to your shoulder. He wanted to reassure you that he was okay, and you believed it but of course, you’d worry. He’s your boyfriend.

“Baby, I know how much this journey means to you but what if one day you leave and… what if you don’t come back?” You asked with grief. This was a thought you never wanted to think of.

“I’ll be back. Princess, love, I will always be here,” He said with that same smile and those puppy dog eyes. He ran his hand through your hair. “I promise.”

You couldn’t help but smile and leaned down, kissing his forehead. You noticed some light blush spread across his face.

“Hey, there was a Christmas light festival in town… maybe we can go?” You suggested, wanting to make the tone a bit more upbeat once again.

His smile grew even more before saying, “Yes! That’s perfect!”

You both walked a couple of miles to the nearby village, able to see a festival full of candlelight and flowers. It was a gorgeous sight, multiple different colors blinding you both. He held your hand tightly, lightly stroking the top of your hand with his thumb. You smiled, thankful that he was back and making you smile.

He pointed out a bouquet of red roses and smiled as he said, “They remind me of you because you’re just as beautiful. Remember when we first met?”

You let out a small laugh, thinking of the time in the tavern a couple of years ago. You both ran in due to the snowstorm hitting the city. He was with his older brothers and best friend on some sort of mission to get some extra money. He bumped into you on accident, spilling his beer on your dress.

“Yeah, and you still have the same baby face I fell in love with,” you answered, as he blushed at your comment.

You remember seeing his brown eyes and the apologetic look on his face as he repeatedly said “I’m sorry”, over and over again. He offered you a drink and the rest is history. You both clicked immediately and after that night of exchanging stories, he gave you a rose. He wanted you to remember him before he left. And you did.

The whole night he held your hand, keeping you close to him in an attempt to keep you warm. That was something you liked about him. How much of a gentleman he’s always been. He gave you a small kiss on your forehead before catching sight of a dog.

“Oh my god, look!” He yelled out, pointing to the dog with a smile. He looked like a little kid and his expression made you laugh.

“You wanna go say hi?” You asked, squeezing his hand.

“I wanna go say hi.” He said before running towards the dog, taking you with him. He crouched down as he saw the animal, putting his hand out and saying in the softest voice possible, “Hey, buddy… I’m Sam and this is Y/N. What’s your name?”

You couldn’t help but smile at Sam as he conversed with the dog, getting permission to pet it as the dog moved closer. Sam took up the dog’s offer and let go of your hand as he petted the dog.

“Does he have an owner?” You asked, a bit worried about the dog being in the cold.

“I’m not too sure, actually…” Sam said as he smiled at the dog. “Maybe we can keep him if he doesn't.”

You smiled and let out a small laugh.

“Maybe. He is definitely a real sweet one.” You replied, crouching down next to Sam to pet the dog.

“Let’s bring him home, just for the night. Please? We can’t keep him out in the cold. And anyway, we can see if he has an owner tomorrow morning.” Sam begged, putting on a fake pout and puppy dog eyes. He knew you were a sucker for the pout.

You rolled your eyes playfully and smiled before agreeing, along with Sam repetitively thanking you. The dog even seemed happy as it looked at the two of you with a glint in its eyes. You knew you made the right choice. If he had an owner, you’d find them

tomorrow, but all you guys cared about right now was making sure the dog didn't freeze to death in the snow.

~

You and Sam, along with the dog, were back home. You guys were cuddled up on the bed and under the covers, the dog, whom you decided to name Oakley, at the end near your feet. Sam had his arms around you, keeping your head near his chest so you could hear his heartbeat. He ran his fingers through your hair and kissed your forehead.

“You look really pretty…” he mumbled quietly.

You blushed at his compliment, smiling lightly.

“Thank you. You look really handsome yourself,” you answered back, moving a bit closer to him if it was even possible.

“Hey, Y/N?” Sam mumbled after a few moments of silence.

“Yeah, Sam?”

“I love you.”

You smiled to yourself and gave his collarbone a small kiss before saying quietly, “I love you too…”

His hands around your waist held you tighter as if he thought that if he let go, you’d disappear. He kept leaving small kisses on your forehead down to the tip of your nose to your cheeks and then to your lips.

“What if we kicked Oakley out for a bit? He wouldn’t mind…” he mumbled as he gave small kisses on your neck.

“No, probably not,” you agreed, moving onto your back so he was on top of you.

“God, I missed you.” He said in a breathless voice before kissing your lips with force.

After the kiss broke, you ran your hand through his hair and smiled. “Me too. You’ll never know how much I missed you…”

“Don’t worry. You’ll never have to miss me again.”

“Promise?” You asked, looking up at him pleadingly.

“I promise, princess.” He said before kissing you again.

You knew he meant it. You saw it in his eyes and you felt it in the kiss. You knew he was infatuated with you and you knew he felt at home when he was with you. This was just one of the many Christmases you’d spend together.

“Merry Christmas, Sammy,” you mumbled after the kiss, feeling his hands squeeze at your waist and hold onto you.

“Merry Christmas, sweetie.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[minniesmelody]

Hi! I see you're doing requests for Bernard! Hmmm, how about a little fic where Bernard and reader go for a little coffee shop date? (Or would it be a Hot Cocoa date? Does the North Pole even have coffee shops?...maybe it should...).

Shaken, not stirred

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘹 GN！𝘌𝘭𝘧！𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯．𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩，𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮．

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘦

𝐀/𝐍: 𝘏𝘪！𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵！𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴， 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 24／7 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘢 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘑𝘶𝘥𝘺’𝘴 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘏𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘢． 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵！

Working at the North Pole was an amazing job with an amazing purpose. Making toys for kids all around the world, putting smiles on kids faces, how something as small as a stuffed bear, or a toy truck, or a doll dressed like their favorite princess can make a big difference for them.

It was the best job a person (or elf in this case) could ask for.

But lord, it did get stressful at times.

Most days it wasn't, but today was one of those days when it was.

The day was horrible and stressful ever since the start of the day. From oversleeping and already being a whole hour in a half late for work, to slipping on some ice while entering the workshop, to missing my lunch break and skipping a meal so i could get the work i missed this morning done because i was late, to bumping into some of the little elf bakers and making them drop their entire batch of Christmas tree shaped sugar cookies and even though they told me that it was okay and they could just make a new batch and what mattered more was that everyone was okay it still left a guilty feeling inside of me. Overall the day was horrible and all i really wanted to do was go home and get the day over with.

If the whole day wasn't a headache itself already, i very much had one now. The next task today for me was to paint some mini dollhouses, but my mind was in scrambles already so i kept messing it up and having to repaint them over and over. It also didn't help that Curtis had to keep making comments at me every time i messed up.

"Come on Y/n, what's with you today? You are an elf aren't you?" He asked, clipboard in hand.

"No Curtis, i'm not an elf, these pointy ears are just some fake rubber ears that i can take off that i got from a Halloween store a few years back" i said back, pointing at my ears.

"Ha Ha very funny" He said with a straight face "i'm serious Y/n, we got a month till Christmas, we don't have time for mistakes, and it is the only thing you have been doing all day!"

"Curtis! There you are!" said a voice behind Curtis, Bernard.

Bernard was much like Curtis, very stern and was very serious when it came to the workshop, but for whatever reason he was always nice to me and wasn't as harsh on me as he was with most of the other elves. I never knew why, maybe it was because i was older than most of the other elves, maybe it was because he understood me in some way because i was like him a lot, i am honestly not sure what it was but I was grateful for him and how much he cared.

"Oh hey Y/n, painting some dollhouses are we?" Bernard said as he examined my work.

"Yeah and they keep messing up almost every task they have been given today" Curtis said, i care about Curtis, i really do but sometimes i really just wanna throw him out of the workshop and making him stand in the freezing cold weather just so i don't have to constantly have to hear him yapping away all the time.

"Curtis, i'll have you know i haven't had a very good day" I said, my eyes burning into Curtis's.

"Clearly"

"Oh come on Curtis, give Y/n a break, how about this, Y/n you come with me and lets go get some hot cocoa and you Curtis can go tell Santa about you know what" Bernard suggested, hot cocoa does sound good right about now.

"Yeah no, they have too much work still to do, and why do i have to be the one to tell him?!" Curtis said, getting a little stressed now himself.

"Because, i'm the head elf, i don't give bad news, it's one of the perks of my Seniority. Now go tell him, Y/n please take a break for a bit"

"Gladly" i said standing up and giving Curtis a face while walking off with Bernard.

"Bad news huh?" i asked Bernard who was walking beside me with his hands behind his back.

"Uh yeah, i can't really talk about it but that is one thing, right now my attention is on you, so....care to stop and get some cocoa?" He asked

"sure" I responded, as we walked to the North Poles cocoa shop. The walk there was quiet but it was filled with an cofertable silence.

When we got there we walked to the front counter of the shop.

"Oh Hey Bernard, hey Y/n, what can i get you guys today?" Said the little elf behind the counter.

Me and Bernard both turned our heads towards each other, unsure of who should order first.

I gave Bernard a little nod, letting him go first.

"Uh i can i get a small hot cocoa, not too hot, extra chocolate, and make sure it's sh-"

"Shaken, not stirred?" i questioned and finishing his sentence.

He looked over at me a little shocked "Yeah, yeah how did you-"

I pointed up towards the sign above us, the menu sign "The Judy, Judy gave away her recipe for her famous hot cocoa and now it's a drink here and named after her"

"Best Hot cocoa there is, at least i think so" the small elf across from us said.

"I didn't even know she did that, but um- yeah no can i get a Judy, and Y/n...what would you like?" Bernard said, turning his head away to avoid any eye contact.

"i will get the same, thanks" i said with a small smile to the even smaller elf.

"Right away, you guys can go take a seat, i will get you guys you're hot cocoas and bring them to you" the elf said as he walked away to go make our drinks.

"Thank you" we both said in union. We both looked at each other and giggled a bit at ourselves before finding a small table for us to sit at.

"So what's been going on that has you in scrambles? i mean jeez, you look like you haven't slept since Halloween" Bernard said, making conversation.

"i uh...yeah no it's just...today hasn't been a great day, it started bad and has been horrible ever since" i explained.

"well what happened that started the whole thing?"

"I woke up an hour late and was an hour in a half late work"

"What?" Bernard said with wide eyes "You? Late? That's the first in maybe 100 years"

"Trust me Bernard, i have been late plenty of times in recent years"

"Here are you're drinks guys" the small elf said as he handed us our drinks

"Thanks" Bernard said before we both took a sip. Even on the worst days, Judy's hot cocoa is always the best. "What else happened?" He questioned me.

"Well, let's see...i slipped on some ice, skipped lunch so i can do the work i missed, bumped into a bunch of the bakers and made them drop all of their freshly new cookies, which by the way i still feel horrible about, i have had a headache all day long. Curtis was not helping either" i explained.

"Yeah, that sounds like you have had a pretty rough day" Bernard said, looking at the ground, still avoiding eye contact.

"Yeah..." i said before i took another sip of my drink as silence consumed us.

We sat there for a few minutes just enjoying our drinks in silence, just enjoying one another's presence. That was until we were both close to finishing our drinks that Bernard spoke up.

"Well, i have a small erm...meeting...with Santa and Curtis but afterwards you wanna come and oh i don't know...maybe get something to eat to make up for the meal you skipped...and if you want...we can go ice skating" Bernard said as he fiddled with his fingers and he spoke.

"Like a date?" i suddenly blurred out, once i realized what i said i shut my eyes and looked down, hiding my face.

How could i have said that? Bernard would never ask me on a date or even think of anything like that. We were simply friends who worked together. He wouldn't think of-

"I mean...we are kinda on one now, but if you would allow me to take you on a proper date, that would make me a very happy elf" Bernard said, finally looking fully at me, i looked back and we made eye contact.

"Really? You mean that?"

"I mean yeah, that is uh- only if you want to-"

"Of course i would like to!" i said to him with a big smile "I'd love to"

He gave me a smile back "Great, um well...i must get going now, i have that meeting with Santa, but please go home and relax until then, you deserve it"

"What about Curtis? He will probably get on you on how you just...let me go for the day, and with how close we are to Christmas.."

"I will deal with him, don't worry. I will see you later yeah?" He said as got up from his seat.

"Yeah, sure" i said, still smiling.

Well...maybe today wasn't gonna be completely horrible...

[vainvenus]

⌲;꒰ Baking 101 ꒱

Pairing(s): Jane "El" Hopper + Byers!Reader

12 Days Of Christmas Prompt: Cookies

Summary: Reader helps El bake cookies for the first time since she had no clue what she's doing.

Includings: Platonic (Reader's like a sibling to El), takes place during S4 but no spoilers, featuring will byers and jonathan byers, Jim and Joyce are married, tooth rotting fluff

An: I love writing sibling bonding fics, it's like a reward fr

@nzlikestea @go-on-and-kiss-the-girl @thelorewitch

"El... what're you doing up this late?"

You were rubbing you eyes and trying to get them to adjust to the dimly lit kitchen, you wouldn't have been able to tell it was El if it weren't for her hair and how it was up in a messy ponytail.

She was wiping something from her hands as she gestured to the bowl and your eyes glanced around the kitchen which was a mess.

There was flour almost everywhere including the girl's pajamas, hands and face. There was split milk on the counter and your eyes had widened a bit when you saw the amount of sugar that had been spilled everywhere.

"I was trying to make cookies for everyone..so we could eat them in the morning..." She had said, her eyes gazing around the mess she had made.

"It didn't go well.."

You had giggled, grabbing the broom "I can tell. How about this, I'll help you bake it but we'll still tell them it was your idea."

She had nodded at this, grabbing the other broom to help you clean up the mess she had made.

It took the two of you a good ten minutes to clean up all the flour that was everywhere along with the sugar, salt and egg yolks. You weren't even sure how she managed to get half of the ingredients on the flour and not the bowl but you knew she was still new at a few things.

You had decided to start all over, placing the ingredients that you were going to need to make the cookies and the icing on the now clean counter.

"Okay so first put the butter and sugar into the bowl and put it in the mixer, let it mix until it's all creamy." You had said and El had grabbed one of the bowls, putting the soft butter into it and the sugar as well.

She let the ingredients mix as you were mixing the flour, baking powder and salt together in a slightly bigger bowl. El waited until it looked nice enough and she leaned the bowl you to affirm that it was good.

You glanced over and nodded "Good job! Now can you add one egg and two teaspoons of vanilla extract?"

"Two teaspoons?" She had repeated in a confused tone and you put your bowl down, searching for the clatter of spoons and showing it to her, pointing at the smallest one.

"Pour the vanilla extract into this two times and put it in the bowl after you crack the egg. Make sure not to get any eggshells in there and then stir it really good." You had said and she nodded, smiling softly as she took the spoons from you.

You watched as she careful cracked the egg on the side of the bowl and let the yolk fall into the bowl before she placed the eggshells aside. You almost wanted to giggle when she started pouring the vanilla extract into the tablespoon, trying to be as precise and careful as she could doing both pours.

El grabbed one of the whisks and started stirring it together and looking at you as if she were doing it wrong but you gave her a thumbs up which made her face ease up.

"All done." She said as she gave the bowl to you and you had thanked her, pouring it in with the dry ingredients and stirring it together. "Now we'll let it chill in the fridge for a bit so it won't be all sticky when we use the cookie cutters." You explained, putting plastic wrap over the bowl and putting it in the fridge.

You had grabbed a sheet of parchment paper, placing it on the table and putting a bit of flour on it, not minding that El was following you around like a baby duck.

"What's that for?" She asked while you were grabbing the cookie cutters that came in the shapes of Christmas trees, snowmen, reindeers, snowflakes, candy canes and stars.

"In case the dough is still a little sticky." You responded, putting the cookie cutters on the table and taking a seat.

"Is there anything you're hoping to get for Christmas?" You asked her, deciding you didn't want to sit in silence while waking for the dough to chill.

El had tilted her head, brows knitting together as she thought for a second before a smile grew on her face and she started nodding. "Yes! A paint set so I can paint with Will. He's very good!"

You had nodded "He is really good! Do you think you'll be as good as him someday?"

She shook her head, a bright smile still on her face "No...Will's really good and I still can only draw stick figures."

"You and me both! God, even when I was younger and will was like a baby he was still better than me somehow." You had giggled and El had looked at you in disbelief.

"You weren't even a little better than him?"

You shook her head "I could barley draw a stick figure then and I'm still not that good now. We had a draw off yesterday and I got my ass handed to me." You giggled, getting up from your chair and going to the fridge so you could get the dough out.

You placed the bowl on the table and told El to take off the plastic wrap and throw it away as you had grabbed a pan, putting it on the counter a bit away from the bowl and parchment paper.

You then looked for the rolling pin, smiling triumphantly as you had found it and you handed it to El.

As you grabbed half of the dough, flattening it out a bit you had started explaining to El what to do. "You'll just press it against the dough, back and forth and just roll it out." She followed your instructions, rolling the pin back and forth against the dough until it was stretched out enough.

"Awesome! Now here comes the fun part!"

"What's the fun part?" A soft voice had questioned from the stairs and you had both turned your heads to see Will who looked like he was half awake by the way he was squinting and yawning.

"What're you doing up?" You questioned.

"Heard some noise and I was thirsty. What're you two doing up?"

"Making cookies." El responded and that seemed to wake up Will as his face started to light up. "Can I help?"

"Fine, only because we woke you up." You said and he had came down the rest of the stairs and stood next to El as he looked at the dough spread out.

You told El that there was really no way to mess up this part, you just place the cookie cutter on the dough, press down, pull the cookie cutter off and presto! You've got yourself a cute little Christmas themed cookie.

Will's favorite seemed to be the Christmas tree since you had seen him pick it up about ten times already and El showed much favor to the star shaped ones so it was up to you to make sure there was a mixed amount of each shape.

As you finished cutting them out you had made sure to spray the pan before placing the cookies on it and placed them into the oven. You grabbed the cute little timer and set it to the amount of time that the cookies needed to stay in the oven. Now all that was left was to put the icing on them, clean up the mess you made and hopefully get a few more hours of sleep in.

As you were cleaning up the things you weren't going to need anymore, Will deciding that he would help too just to make the process a little easier and quicker he had voiced a question he forgot about earlier.

"Why are you two up this late making cookies anyway?"

While you were washing your bowl you had answered "Well, Santa said he was just craving some homemade sugar cookies, so here we are. Maybe you could deliver them? I'm sure he's missing his favourite elf anyway."

"Hardy har har. That's so funny I almost forgot to laugh." He rolled his eyes and you had let out a laugh, finding your own joke very funny and you even heard El giggling as she was wiping down the counter.

"I don't know, Will. It was a little funny." She said, looking over her shoulder to look back the boy.

Will fake gasped, placing his hand over his heart "The betrayal! I can't believe you right now."

"Think about the betrayal Santa feels. One of his elves not wanting to send him cookies. I would be hurt." El said and you couldn't help but laugh as she pushed on your joke.

"I'm literally taller than you! Stop it!"

♡

With the cookies being set out to cool all that was left was to make the icing and start decorating the cookies then you could peacefully go back to sleep, thank god.

You put the powdered sugar, two tablespoons of milk, corn syrup and vanilla extract in a medium sized bowl then turned your head to Will, pointing at the cabinets.

"Will can you get the food dye while El mixes this?" You asked, passing the bowl to the girl who had already got the hang of everything by now and Will went to grab the food coloring.

But as he grabbed the food coloring his hands had brushed against the plastic bottles of spices, causing a few to drop with the sound of plastic clatter and you winced.

"Are you trying to wake up the whole house?!" You chuckled.

"Well, looks like you're almost there." A groggy voice said from the stairs and you sighed, knowing that you had woken up your other younger brother.

"Hii.." El whispered as he rounded the corner into the kitchen and he gave a small yet tired smile, waving to her. "Hey. Why are we up making cookies this late?"

"Will has us helping him make his cookies for Santa. Y'know, Elf work." You said as he had shot you a glare as he placed the small bottles of food coloring down.

"That wasn't funny earlier and it's still not funny."

"It's a little funny." Jonathan stifled a chuckle as he leaned against the table causing Will to huff.

"I'm done, [Y/n]." El said, showing you the fully mixed bowl and you clapped your hands together as quietly as you could not wanting to wake up either of your parents next.

"Nice, now we'll put put some into the bowls, mix the food coloring in them and put them in the piping bags." You said, pouring the white icing into different bowl and then handing them to El and Will.

Jonathan decided that if he was gonna be awake now he might as well help you guys so he started mixing the green icing.

Once all of you were finished you were the one to put them in the piping bags since you were the only one who knew how to do it the fastest and without creating a mess.

El grabbed a star shaped cookie and started to decorate it with the blue icing, all of you grabbed your own cookies of choice and started to ice them.

"Hey, can you pass the white icing?" Jonathan asked, holding out his hand for it and you had grinned smugly up at him.

"Yeah..of course." You said, putting some of the icing on your fingers and putting the piping bag into his hand.

"Thanks-" But he was cut off as you smudged the icing across his lips and face, giggling as you stepped back.

"[Y/n]! C'mon!" He groaned, wiping as much as the icing from his face as he could, lunging to wipe it all over yours and you moved out of the way causing Jonathan to get icing on Will instead.

"Jonathan!"

"[Y/n] started it! Get her back!" He said, grabbing you by your shoulders to use you as a shield and Will had grabbed the yellow icing smudging it on his hands and pressing them on your face as you squirmed and laughed.

You noticed El giggling while watching the situation go down and you held out your hand "El! Help me out here I'm being double attacked!"

She grabbed the blue icing, putting it on her hands and reaching to put them on Will's face leaving her blue handprints and he wiped them off, immediately wiping them back her.

Giggles and laughs fueled the once whisper quiet kitchen, all of you forgetting about how quiet you were supposed to be as you attacked each other with the icing.

"Will! You got it in my hair!"

"Because [Y/n] got it in mine!"

"Then get it in hers!"

It seemed like there as more icing in your hair and on your faces than the actually cookies.

"El! Get him! We're on the same team here!" You had exclaimed, giggling as you wiped the yellow icing from your nose and she blinked.

"There's teams?"

"Obviously! And we're winning!"

"What's with all the noise?"

All of you froze and stopped all the laughing and giggling, staring to look up at the stars where you both of parents stood, crossing their arms and looking down at you all.

It was quiet as you all looked at each other and you opened your mouth to tell them what had happened but El had spoke up.

"So...Will needed help making cookies to deliver to Santa because he's one of his Elfs-"

But before she could even finish the whole thing she was muffled as Will had pressed his icing based hand over her mouth.

"Enough with that story!" He shouted as El had started laughing again since you and Jonathan were loosing it.

"But it's true?"

"No, El it's the full truth, he's just in denial." You giggled, noticing that both of your parents were still standing on the stairs looking for an explanation to the mess and noise.

"Cookies?" You offered two to your parents that El decorated with a nervous smile.

"We made them ourselves!" The girl had chimed in beside you.

Will smiled, coming near the two of you. "Yeah and the icings really good!"

"Trust me, we know." Jonathan added some half of the icing was on your faces.

Your parents only sighed, and of course they couldn't be upset about the mess for long because how could they with such sweet kids like you all, smiling up at them with multiple colors of icing on your face.

"What are we gonna do with you all?" Joyce sighed, taking a bite from the cookie and letting out a sound of delight.

"Love, cherish and and spoil all of us?" You offered, bringing all of them into a tight hug as you all smiled like those cheesy family pictures up at them.

"And not punish us for the mess and noise because you love us all?"

[miokki]

# SUGAR COOKIES

✰ synopsis: christmas season is a means for sugar cookies

✰ character(s): albedo x gn!reader (pronouns aren’t mentioned), klee (platonic ofc)

✰ content warnings: just klee’s disoriented family dynamic?

✰ note: this was supposed to be a cute christmas oneshot but taylor swift started playing so—yeah

bzzzz… bzzzz…

albedo’s phone vibrates in his pocket, alerting the both of you. as a result, you look over to see your boyfriend standing up from one of the kitchen stools. turning to face you as he opens his mouth to speak, “love, can you get klee while i check on the cookies?” he asks as he walks over to the newly baked tray of sugar cookies. “of course,” you replied, walking straight down the hallway to the child's bedroom.

“klee, dear, the cookies have cooled down,” knocking on the door as you called.

it wasn't long before the door swiftly swung open revealing a little girl about to explode from excitement. her eyes sparkling from the sugary scent filling her nose. “hooray!” she exclaimed in a fit of enthusiasm as she ran out the door and into the kitchen area.

you seated yourself next to klee as albedo set out the assorted batch of cookies on a cooling tray. you stared at the variety of cookie shapes, which included Christmas trees, snowflakes, stars and somehow dodocos. you shrugged it off assuming that it was one of alice’s gifts to klee.

you never really got the family dynamic if you're being honest. you're not saying that there's anything wrong with it, it's just klee barely sees her mother. if it were you and your family, you sure you could cope but not like klee. the girl has never noticed anything wrong with it. you supposed that alice tries her hardest to keep her connection with her even if she’s not around most of the time.

coming back to your senses as albedo asked you if you wanted to decorate one. “yes, of course,” you smiled as you snatched a snowflake-shaped cookie from the tray along with an icing bag with blue-coloured icing inside. looking over at albedo and klee as they started decorating their selective cookies; albedo icing a star and to no one's surprise, klee, a dodoco.

by the time you three had finished icing klee returned to her room while you and albedo were left with twelve very different-looking cookies on the rack. you say that but it was obvious who had iced each one. klee’s being the three dodocos and albedo doing most of the stars and some of the christmas trees, while you did the leftovers.

you let out a sigh as you picked up the washcloth, getting reach to wipe the kitchen counter. as you turned on the tap to run the cloth under, you felt a familiar pair of arms wrap around your waist. you turned off the tap and rested your hand down like it was instinct. your body eased into his embrace, down his head on your shoulder as you swayed together in tune.

“what's on your mind, love?”

his cold breath on your neck made you wriggle in his arms, albedo always had that effect on you. you chuckled to yourself before replying, “i don’t know, it's just...” you paused, ringing out the cloth as a way to stall.

noticing your hesitation, albedo took your free hand in his, squeezing just a little as a means of comfort. “it’s okay, love, you can tell me,” he reassured, as she brought the back of your hand to his lips.

“i can’t, i,” you halted again.

“i’m just tired, that's all,” you shook your head, avoiding speaking your mind.

“i can tell you're worried, love,” albedo said as he spun you around to face him. you two moving closer and closer to each other before there was no longer a gap. just you two encased in each other's warmth.

“is it klee?”

you hummed into the crook of his neck. you breathed in to prepare yourself for what was to come, “don’t you think it's a little strange that alice might not be with her for christmas? i know klee never has any expectations but wouldn’t it be nice.” you confessed, looking up at your lover.

“don't doubt miss alice, she's always full of surprises. even then, klee’s a big girl, she can handle it.” albedo smiled.

“but big girls like klee still need their mother,” you said, attempting to reason with him.

“you're right,” he agreed before planting a kiss on your forehead. his fingers entwined in yours as he pulled away from your embrace. “come, let's go check on klee. she probably wants to taste the cookies by now.”

do not copy or repost any of my works.

reblogs are appreciated

@ miokki 2022

[chibi-tsukiko]

Takashi’s Holiday Party 🎄

part 3 of 3

Party time has arrived! 🎉 let’s see how it went!

The holiday party is a huge success. The doorways are lined with festive evergreen garlands, decorated with multicolored ornaments. White and blue holographic snowflakes hang from the ceiling, and the few tables lining the room are marked with beautiful crystal and poinsettia centerpieces. It’s the perfect winter wonderland. After dinner, the DJ begins playing holiday tunes and taking requests as the guests congregate and enjoy the dessert hors d’oeuvres.

“What can I get you darlin’?” Uma asks while she finishes off a holiday beer.

“The Sugar Cookie Martini sounds good!” Myya says.

“You got it.”

“Do you want anything?” Myya asks, turning to Kai-Aris whose mouth is full of sugar cookies.

“Take a breath, Rudolph.” Uma comments, nodding to the antler headman he’s wearing.

“Apologies,” Kai-Aris says, wiping his hands.

“Kai’s addicted to Hein’s cookies,” Myya tells her.

“They are perfect!” The man exclaims. “Soft, warm, and sweet. It is like a holiday party for my taste buds!”

“That good huh?” Uma asks, handing Myya her drink and setting another one next to it.

“Oh, I did not order something,” Kai- Aris says.

“It’s not for you, it’s for me,” Uma tells him.

“Ah, well here, you should try one!” Kai encourages, handing her a tree shaped cookie.

“Mm,” Uma hums, biting into it. “not bad.”

Myya and Kai smile at one another.

“What do you think of the decor?” Myya asks, taking a sip of her drink. “Astraea really outdid herself, huh?”

“It’s a bit overkill if you ask me.” Uma disagrees.

“Aw come on, it’s pretty!”

“It’s like Christmas threw up in here.”

“Well, tis the season.”

Uma snorts and takes a swig of her drink.

“Does this mean she is a Scrooge or a Grinch?” Kai-Aris asks.

“Neither,” Myya tells him.

“Of the two I’d rather be Scrooge,” Uma tells them. “But like the beginning of the movie Scrooge. Not the nice charity driven old man at the end. What a sell out.”

“Uma!” Myya gasps.

“Honey listen, ain’t nobody coming between me and my bag. I don’t care how many ghosts come knocking.”

Myya shakes her head, looking back out at the guests enjoying themselves. She watches Astraea flit from server to server making sure they are taking breaks and their trays are full of food. Takashi’s standing near the doorway, saying goodbye to a few guests who are turning in early. Across from him, in the corner, Ryuji stands, watching Ishida dance with a few of the children that came with their parents. Over by the dessert tables, Hein, wearing a Santa hat, places a fresh plate of cookies on the tray.

“Hein!” Myya calls out to him.

Hein smiles and makes his way over to the bar. “Are you guys having a good time?” He asks.

“Oh yes!” Myya says with Kai-Aris nodding along with her.

“You and Astraea really made this party perfect!” She praises.

Uma clears her throat loudly.

“And of course we’d be lost without your incredible bartending skills, Uma,” Myya adds.

“That’s what I thought. Now,” Uma smiles, leaning onto the bar, her red sequined shirt reflecting off the lights. “What can I get you Sugar cube?” She asks pointing to Hein, “Christmosa? Peppermintini?”

“Oh no,” Hein shakes his head, “I’m good. Thank you though. And thank you for agreeing to help Mr. Takashi tonight.”

“Softies,” Uma mutters. “All of you.”

“Hein, by the way,” Kai-Aris interjects, “your cookies, they are magnificent!”

“Yeah even Uma liked them!” Myya adds.

“Oh well, actually, I didn’t make the cookies, Mr. Takashi did.”

“Huh?!” The three others exclaim.

“You’re kidding,” Myya gasps.

“Mr. Takashi is actually very good in the kitchen,” Hein tells them.

“Well, it helps when you have a good teacher,” Takashi adds, coming up behind Hein.

His red suit jacket hangs open showcasing his festive Gingerbread man tie and velvet corset. He presses a kiss to Hein’s temple and puts an arm around him.

“Color me impressed,” Myya toasts, taking another sip of her drink.

“Thanks, and I didn’t even set fire to anything,” Takashi says proudly.

“One time!” Myya shouts. “It was one time!”

Takashi throws his head back laughing, “no, but in all seriousness Hein’s a great teacher, hopefully I can teach him something one day.”

“Oh I’m sure there’s plenty you can teach him outside the kitchen,” Uma smirks.

“What do you mean?” Hein asks, clueless. “Mr. Takashi is always teaching me things.”

“I’ll bet he is,” Uma snickers. “He’s got a lot of experience, don’t you Romeo?”

Takashi blushes, while Myya and Uma giggle.

“What’s so funny?” Hein asks, sharing a confused look with Kai-Aris.

“I’ll tell you when you’re older, Moon pie,” Uma winks.

“Mr. Takashi?”

“Uh, we’ll…I’ll tell you later,” Takashi stutters, “so Uma, which one of your festive drinks haven’t I tried yet?”

“No, no,” she waves, pulling out a stack of tiny glasses, “round up the rest of the crew. We’re doing mistletoe shots!”

* * *

The night air is cold, as thick white flakes slowly fall from the dark sky above. There’s a quietness that snow brings that’s comforting watching as the city below seems to slow. It’s peaceful, even if it’s short-lived. A short gust of wind makes Ishida shiver, and he wraps his arms around himself to try and block out the chill. He feels something warm draped over his shoulders and looks up at the large shadow blocking the balcony doors.

“Hi,” he whispers.

“Hi,” Ryuji answers, moving towards the railing, rolling up the sleeves of his black button down shirt since he’s given Ishida his jacket. “I figured you’d be out here.”

"Oh?"

"You always like to watch the snow.”

Ishida smiles at being known so well, and looks back out at the snow covered city.

“Myya’s looking for you,” Ryuji tells him.

“She is?”

“Apparently Uma wants everyone to do Mistletoe shots.”

"That sounds dangerous," Ishida chuckles.

Ryuji grunts in agreement, leaning against the railing.

Ishida turns to glance in at the party, “so where’s Myya?”

"I told her to look for you out in the hallway,”

"Trying to keep me all to yourself, eh?" Ishida teases.

"Maybe," Ryuji shrugs.

"You could have joined us, you know earlier, instead of standing in the corner."

"I like watching you have a good time."

Ishida nods and walks over to him. "You deserve to have a good time too, you know," he says, putting his arms around the taller man's waist to hold him.

"I always have a good time when I'm with you," Ryuji says, pulling Ishida closer. He brushes some of the freshly fallen snow from Ishida's head and leans down to press a quick kiss to his forehead.

Ishida leans into it, snuggling closer to Ryuji, enjoying the heat they share. He slips his hands underneath his boyfriend's shirt and chuckles when he feels his muscles tense.

"Jesus," Ryuji shivers.

"Sorry," Ishida laughs, "I can't help it, I'm cold, and you're like a furnace."

"Well no one told you to stand out here without a jacket," the taller man scolds, tucking Ishida into his arms.

"We should probably go in," Ishida suggests, but Ryuji doesn't move. "You don't want to?"

"In a minute."

"So possessive," Ishida chuckles, "they're going to find us eventually." He steps away, readjusting Ryuji's jacket.

"I know, but there's something I want to do first."

"Oh?" he asks, watching curiously as Ryuji pulls a small plant from his pocket.

He loops his fingers through the red ribbon that ties the branches together and stretches his arm up so that the bouquet dangles above their heads.

Ishida can't hold back the smile spreading across his face. "Mistletoe?" he asks.

Ryuji nods.

"I had no idea you'd take interest in such traditions.'

"I'm a simple man," Ryuji says, the tips of his ears turning a light pink. "Takashi was going on and on about free kisses, and how romantic it is, I just thought," he shrugs, "you know."

"Ah yes, but Mistletoe isn't just about free kisses," Ishida tells him, a playful tone to his voice. "They say that if you refuse, it means you're doomed to be single forever."

Ryuji chews the inside of his cheek.

"Do you know what happens if the kiss is accepted?" Ishida asks, placing his hands on Ryuji's chest.

"Hm?"

"It's a promise that we'll be together next Christmas."

"Well that," Ryuji starts, leaning down, "is a guarantee."

They smile into the kiss, melting like the snowflakes on their shoulders.

Tag list : @littleturtle95 @phoenix-and-dragon @khaleesiofalicante @my-archerboy @clumsyowl-in-a-fandom @radisv @raziyekroos @magnus-the-maqnificent @spotsandclawsthings @sassybookworm2020 @shadowhuntingdemigod-blog @elettralightwood @high-warlock-of-brooklyn

[digital-zone]

[HOLIDAY EMOJI DRABBLES] 🍪: Our muses baking cookies together // with Masaru @cpirits

(@cpirits's muse Masaru baking cookies with Shunya, feat. their partner!)

The weekend provided a good time to do something nice for himself and his parents before the holidays hit, and what better to do something nice than with a friend? This person he met from a Digital Zone had grown accustomed to them rather quickly! What was the idea for doing something sweet? Baking cookies! That's what!!

Faitomon could be heard making the actual dough, while Agumon can be seen managing the taking and placing trays of sugar cookies onto the counter! In addition to carving the shapes after the dough was ready to be cut into. Meanwhile, the tamers were decorating the cookies on the kitchen island!

(Cut here for the sake of people's timelines!)

"So, Masaru-san... Did you ever do this with your mother?" Shunya asks, while painting a decent Christmas tree with green, brown & yellow frosting/icing. "Hm? Oh yeah, when I was younger. My mom is quite an awesome cook, so it was something I looked forward to doing around this time of year!" Masaru on the other hand, had gotten a gingerbread guy, and the result was... Very amateurish, to say the least. Not like his family cared about the quality of the art...

"You can say that again. Though it'd be even better if my sister were still here..." The blond-haired male sighed sadly... Christmas was something he looked forward to with Yumeno. With her missing in his life? It makes it hard to focus... Without thinking of her anyway.

However, Masaru quickly patted the teen's back with a good amount of force. Snapping him out of that depressive spiral of thoughts. "Oi, Shunya-san... Focus on the now! Not much you can do until you figure out a way. Though..." Masaru sets down his piping bag with a bit of a reminiscing smile. "I know the sort of thing you feel. I also have a younger sister, who I want to protect, no matter the cost. If that sense guides you, then you beat the hell out of those guys that took her!" The tamer grinned with a fist punching into his palm.

"Y-Yeah. That's actually a good point... Thank you Masaru-san." Shunya replied with a kind smile. Resuming his focus on decorating the cookies. As they were finishing that last batch of cookies, Faitomon had finished making the last of the dough. "I have finished making all of the dough needed to make the cookies, my lord." "Aw sweet, thank you!" Agumon was about wrapping up cutting up the cookies himself. "Almost done myself, Aniki!" "Heh, great job Agumon!"

After that, the pair would join Shunya & Masaru in decorating the cookies. Faitomon decorated with excellence and precision, while Agumon's style was... very childish to say the least. "Faito-san... You really remind me of Gaomon! With how you act and speak!"

"Hm? Well, while I do not know this specific Gaomon you refer to, I am quite honored to make you reminisce over someone you care about. If he has mannerisms and prose akin to my own, I think the two of us would get along splendidly." "You even bore me with how you talk..." Masaru chuckles some, overhearing the conversation.

It took a lot of effort, and some sweat was made... They all managed to decorate every single cookie with barely enough supplies to finish it all off. You had some of the classics, a tree, a snowflake, a candy cane, but there were some specific things like a Santa hat, an elf, Santa's head, and even his sleigh! With a whole slew of other shapes as well to give a nice variety to the pallet.

"Whew... I think we are done. You guys are more than free to take some to eat. There is more than enough for me, Faitomon, and my parents to have over the month..." Faitomon nods. Raising an arm up like a typical butler does. "Please help yourselves, as a courtesy for taking time out of your day to do this with us." "Heh, don't mind if I do~!!" Agumon obviously eats a cookie rather quickly, and his eyes widen over the texture of the cookie.

Soft but fluffy, sweet but not sickly, and the right amount of resistance without being too hard or soft... The reptile fell in love rather quickly. So much so, he quickly tried to eat the ones that they were going to take. "OI! Agumon!! Save some for me and not hog them all to yourself!" "But they're sooooo good Anikiiii!!!"

As they were fighting, Shunya shrugged his arms and shook his head with a slightly defeated smile. "I guess some things never change..." More so referring to his own group of tamers, but still... This was the type of thing that he has gotten used to. Both Faitomon and Shunya wanted it to keep it that way.

[the-fiction-witch]

Dec 5 Gingerbread... first apartment

Media Lewis 

Character Adam Douglas

Couple Adam X Reader

Rating Cute 

5th of December 2022

I laid on our bed already bored with my textbook, while y/n was sitting at her desk working away on her paper for class.

"babe"

"Yes?"

"I'm bored"

"Okay"

"You wanna go do something?"

"Like what?"

"you wanna go to the Christmas market?"

"Nah. too busy"

"go to the coffee shop? get a nice festive brew?"

"No, too expensive"

"A walk in the snow?"

"Too cold"

"Did you wanna... make some Christmas cookies?"

"Maybe, what kind?"

"Gingerbread house?"

"....Yeah okay"

"Woooo!" I smiled jumping off the bed and grabbing her hand pulling her out of her chair and out of our bedroom into the kitchen "Let's pop on some festive tunes and get baking"

"Alright, Peppermint gingerbread?" she asks getting her little cookbook and tieing her apon around her wait

"ummm you know me well my love" I smirked cuddling her closely as she baked the dough for the cookies

"Would you like to make the shapes?"

"Yes, I would! what are you going to make?"

"A little house, just some basic house shapes, two people, and a few 3d trees"

"Oohh getting fancy" I smiled making her the shapes "I think... I'm going to make a mansion with a garage, pool, bulter and small dog" making my own shapes

"Alright adam, if your sure" she giggled "Now I'll watch those cook, you go and get our decor" she smiled

"Okay, anything specific?" I asked her grabbing my coat and shoes

"I'd like Maltesers and caramel buttons for sure"

"No problem. won't be long" I smiled giving her a kiss before grabbing my wallet and heading out of our little house heading down the cold snow-covered streets the snow still battering me as I walked luckily it wasn't far to the local corner shop quickly ducking inside "Afternoon" I smiled

"Afternoon, cold out," He says at the counter

I wondered around collecting up everything into my basket, Laces, buttons, Maltesers, kinder, gummy bears, Smarties, candy canes, chocolate coins, gumdrops, and basically everything else they had in their sweet confectionary section and taking it all over to the till he looked at everything as he scanned it and then looked at me

"What did you do to her?"

"Nothing. we're making gingerbread houses"

"Ohh, I thought you'd just really pissed her off."

"Well. not yet" I laughed handing over some cash and taking my bag scurrying back out into the snow before arriving back home and quickly coming inside snaking the snow off me "I'm back my love!"

"did you get the sweeties?"

"I did, how's the bread?"

"all baked, and the icing is sitting in the mixer"

"excellent. then it's time to decorate!"

I worked for what felt like several hours while the snow fluttered outside the window my plans had uhhh... downsized a little given my... skills. not being helped but y/ns sweet perfect little house it was a cute little cottage with caramel button shingle roof, little iced trees, chocolate coin path, little gummy bear string lights, a little pink waffer door and all manner of other perfection.

"All done" she smiled putting her last bit of icing sugar snow dusting on her house "How about you"

"I uhhh I think so"

"what do you think?" she asks

"it's... beautiful. seriously it's perfect. this is what like M&S would use in an advert. it's beautiful my love"

"Thank you adam" she smiled giving my cheek a kiss "what have you made?"

"well... due to planning boards and budgets, and overall handy work we had to downsize. from a mansion with pool, dog, and butter to.... gingerbread... first apartment. his bed is in his living room. and the shower is so close to the toilet you could realistically pee while in the shower." I explained "But still little ginger dog. he may not have all his legs but he is still a ginger dog"

"It's adorable adam" she giggled giving me a cuddle

"Mine looks really shit compared to yours doesn't it?"

"No, it's just as perfect. let's be honest adam if this apartment was in central London it would be six figures a month"

"True, at least we can eat mine. and keep yours beautiful"

"Sounds like a good plan" she smiled taking my wall and heading to the sofa so I took a wall to and went to join her.

[mouthfulloftoothpasterry]

please elaborate on princess blind!Y/n!

OMG OKAYYYYYY :DDD

okay so she’s just such a girly girl

Dresses- always, skirts- yes, baby pink cardigans- they go with everything, don’t they?

She’s just such a princess I love it

Like the only colors in her wardrobe is pink, more pink, pink, a darker pink, white, more pink, then lavender

Silk nightgowns are a must for every night, and if not a nightgown then a pretty matching set because even when she’s sleeping she wants to feel pretty

Nails always done, her and Harry definitely go out every two weeks and get mani pedi’s together, and she does a usually baby pink on both fingers and toes but sometimes she gets fancy and does pressed flowers or some glitter (Harry loves the long nails because he gets good back scratches)

Silky legs and dresses are her favorite thing ever

A fresh wax with a new dress is her idea of heaven on earth

Pearl earrings and her gold heart locket with her babies faces in it is a staple and she wears them every day without fail

Along with her wedding ring ofc

She definitely had a signature scent that she gets compliments for 24/7, I think a mix between black cherries and vanilla

She’s so that girl that has a 73992 step skincare routine and takes forever to get ready

Like before bed once she’s done with her shower and done lotioning up her whole entire body and doing all her skincare she walks out and puts on her silky pajamas and Harry’s like “that took you almost two hours.”

But she can’t help it

And she’s just so that girl who’s hair is always so perfect looking, not a single hair out of place, always so pretty and shiny weather she has it natural or in a pretty braid or something

And she’s definitely a reader, into the female rage/feminist books and sometimes she will read to Harry before they go to bed

And she’s big on the whole “wellness” stuff

And I can see Harry getting so annoyed because she’s always getting some new skincare stuff or something new in the kitchen and she’s like “it’s good for you, it’s like that healing your gut stuff. Do you want to try it?”

And when she does get up early enough to see Harry before he’s out of the house she’s packing him a healthy lunch and making him a green juice to drink instead of the coffee he usually drinks

She lowkey feels like one of those “crunchy” moms BUT NOT WHAT YOURE PROBABLY THINKING HDDN

Everything organic and doesn’t let any suspicious chemicals around, all natural skincare and all her clothes and the babies clothes are from small businesses and stuff like that

Speaking of clothes i need to talk about her just overall style and aesthetic even tho that’s what this whole think is about

She wears pink everyday without fail

Most days it’s a dress but once it gets to the winter she’s going to be wearing layers bc there is no way she’s going to stop wearing her pretty skirts and dresses

Heart shaped mirrors with matching brushes is so her thing

When she has the time to do makeup blush is her favorite thing along with a pinky lip stain

Fluffy pink towels are the only thing she can use after the a shower

Lighting pink sugar cookie scented candles 24/7

She definitely has one of those pink Christmas trees and does the whole pink cute candy theme when they decorate

Matching bra and panties sets on 24/7 because it makes her feel put together and pretty

Especially when she gets to wear one of her really nice ones for Harry and he gets to feel the silky material covering her or the thin lace material slipping off of her

Podcast kind of girl

She definitely has her favorite podcasts she listens to while she’s cleaning and the babies are sleeping, those feminist podcasts, wellness and sexual wellness podscasts

And she falls for any of those skincare products that are just pretty

Like that one “açaí your boobies” thing every influencer was screaming about in like 2019 or whatever

And she always convinced Harry to do the stuff with her

He’s sitting on the seats they have in their bathroom bc that’s apparently what stupid rich people have in their bathrooms 😭 and she’s on his lap in her silky pajamas with a face mask on her face and she’s cradling his face with one hand and the other is smearing a mask over his face.

“Your nail poked my eye again.”

“M’sorry, baby. Keep them shut while I do this mask, okay? I don’t want it to get in there.”

Her nails are definitely constantly poking him

But he loves how girly she is mainly because one, she’s always been like that and that’s just her but two- he gets pampered all the time.

Okay this was an absolute mess but that’s all I have for you unless you want me to talk abt anything specific 😢

[adiwriting]

if you are still doing wip’s— michael waking up and seeing alex wearing his UNM hoodie while making breakfast with nova… <3

I was in the mood to write something fluffy after all the angst I've been writing and this prompt fit the bill. Enjoy!

I'll probably post on AO3 this week sometime. As a reminder, you're always allowed to drop me prompts in my inbox to DM them to me. I write them as I have time and inspiration.

****

When Michael wakes up, he’s surprised to find that the bed is cold. In fact, the entire room is freezing. He sits up in bed and glances out the window to see that it’s snowing outside. The first of the season. Suddenly it’s less surprising that he woke up alone and not to Nova crawling on top of him, demanding cuddles. She probably looked out the window and was instantly transfixed by the snow.

She’s always loved snow, even when she was a baby. He still remembers her as a little one year old, bundled up in her tiny snow pants and coat, laughing as she sat outside, the snow falling down around her. He’s happy that they’ll get to share this with Alex this year. That they’ll be able to create all kinds of holiday memories together.

Creating holiday memories together as a family will hopefully be a nice distraction from reality. So many of their holiday traditions revolve around Max, and with him in the pod for the foreseeable future...

Michael pushes down that thought, not ready to deal with his grief from everything that happened just yet.

He’s distracted from thoughts about his brother by Nova giggling. Michael smiles and assumes she’s with Alex. Curious what they are up to, he stands up out of bed. The moment his bare feet hit the hardwood floor, he begins to shiver. It really is too cold and he’s not sure why Alex hasn’t turned up the heat yet. If Michael is cold, the two of them have to be freezing.

He looks around the room for the sweatshirt he’d discarded last night in their lust, but he can’t find it. He assumes Alex must have grabbed it to throw it in with his wash. Instead, he opens one of Alex’s drawers and pulls on the first sweatshirt he sees. Looking down, he realizes it’s a navy Air Force hoodie and he debates taking it off in protest. But the truth is that most of Alex’s sweatshirts are military issued and while he hates the military with a passion, it’s a little bit easier to let go of his distaste of the organization when the sweatshirt smells like Alex and the ink is officially drying on Alex’s discharge papers.

Michael quickly throws on his sweatpants, eager for the warmth they bring, before pushing the door open and heading down the hall towards the sound of Christmas music on the radio and Alex’s singing.

When he reaches the kitchen, he can’t help but smile at the sight that greets him. Nova Mae is sitting on the counter, reindeer antlers on her head in place of her usual alien antenna. Her pajamas are covered in flour and a bit of it is smeared on her nose. And she’s looking up at Alex with nothing but adoration as he holds a bowl of something that he’s currently mixing while singing along to ‘Last Christmas.’

Michael doesn’t say a word, instead, he leans back against the wall, crossing his arms, and just watches.

“What shape should we try and make?” Alex asks her, pulling down his cookie cutters from their spot on top of the fridge so that Nova can dig through the bin and pick out what shape she’d like her pancakes in this morning.

“Albien,” she says, so predictably that Alex can’t help but snort.

“How about we try and do something Christmasy. Maybe some trees? We can put powdered sugar on top and make it look like it snowed?” Alex suggests.

“It did sow,” Nova says as she pulls out the metal alien cookie cutter and hands it to Alex. “I tink daddy want albien pancake.”

Michael can’t help but laugh at that, the sound managing to catch both of their attention as they turn their twin smiles on him.

“Daddy!” Nova yells excitedly, knocking the bin of cookie cutters to the ground in the process. “It sowd!”

Michael moves into the kitchen to pull her into his arms so they can both look out the window over the sink together. “It did! Did you make a wish?”

“I wit ta see Unca Max,” she says and Michael’s entire body tenses and he has to close his eyes against the onslaught of emotions that hit him hard.

“Hey, we were just making breakfast,” Alex interrupts, pulling Nova out of his arms and into his own before squeezing Michael’s arm in silent support. “I told Nova she could help me turn the batter green. Why don’t you go back to bed, we can bring you a plate when it’s done.”

Michael wraps his arms around himself and shakes his head. “I’d rather stay and watch,” he says. He doesn’t need to be alone with his thoughts. He needs the distraction and the happy memories. Because he’s determined to make happy memories this holiday. He’s not going to let their first holiday together as a family be marred in nothing but sadness.

Alex nods in understanding, leaning in for a kiss. Michael reaches out to frame Alex’s face in his hands, holding him in place a moment longer, just breathing him in. They stay like that until Nova’s little hands push against Michael’s shoulders.

“Daddy, no,” she whines. “Ottah Daddy and me are cookin’.”

“Right, sorry,” Michael says, giving Alex one last parting kiss before letting go with a smile. “Well, if your daddy is cooking, it’s a good thing I’m here to supervise.”

“Ha ha,” Alex says with a playful glare. “I’m getting better and you know it. Even you said my last batch of pancakes wasn’t half bad.”

“Is that what I said?” Michael teases and he’s about to make a joke when he realizes that Alex is wearing his UNM hoodie from the night before and suddenly his mouth goes dry.

Alex seems to realize what he’s staring at and a beautiful blush fills his cheeks. “I was cold,” he says with a coy little shrug, like he doesn’t know exactly what he’s doing.

Michael moves in to wrap his arms around Alex’s waist despite Nova’s protesting. “Well you should have stayed in bed. I have plenty of ways to warm you up.”

“Our daughter requested pancakes or I would have,” Alex says. “I see I’m not the only sweatshirt thief around.”

“Well what did you expect me to do when you stole my sweatshirt and your house is freezing? Walk around shirtless?” he asks.

Alex hums happily. “Now there’s an idea.”

Alex’s free hand travels down to Michael’s ass and he can only gasp in shock and step out of Alex’s grasp with a laugh. “Nova’s right here,” he says, slightly scandalized, but equally turned on.

“Later then,” Alex says with a wink before setting Nova back down on the counter and turning back to the task of preparing pancakes. Michael hops up onto the kitchen counter and watches the two of them work together fondly. He can’t stop himself from reaching into his pocket for his phone and snapping a photo to replace as his background. There’s something about watching Alex with Nova that always makes his heart feel too big for his chest.

“What do you have planned today?” Alex asks as he plates their pancakes and Michael is helping Nova set the table for breakfast.

“I told Mom we’d be back home in time for lunch,” he says. “We’re all gonna spend the day together. Sanders is coming over and we’re having a game day. You’re welcome to come over when you get off work? I was thinking we might put up the tree tonight and I’d like you to be there.”

Alex smiles as he sets the final plate down and they all take a seat. “Yeah, that sounds perfect.”

“I know we haven’t really talked much about specific Christmas plans. If there are any traditions or things you tend to do that you’d like Nova or I to be a part of… Or not…”

“Honestly? There aren’t any Christmas memories from my childhood that I'm all that interested in reliving. I’m far more interested in starting new traditions together if that’s alright with you?”

Michael nods, feeling his heart swell with joy. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted, honestly.”

[evabellasworld]

Ezra's First Christmas

For @katrina-loves-birds, this is my gift for you as part of the @starwarsfandomfests event. Thank you to @lilhawkeye3 for organising this event. I really enjoyed it so far.

AO3 Link ——————————————————————————————

Summary: Having no experience of a Christmas celebration, Ezra Bridger bonds with the Ghost Crew by decorating Christmas cookies with them.

——————————————————————————————

Leaning against his seat, Ezra gazed at the snow falling from the back of the Ghost, with a soft smile painted on his face. The calm scenery reminded him of a snow globe he would find at a gift shop, which was the gift he received for this year’s Hanukkah.

It hardly snowed in Lothal. The only traces of snow the young boy ever saw were at the Jedi Temple, but he never got a chance to play with it, not even once. It was sunny or cloudy back home, though rainfalls are occasional. He wouldn’t mind playing in the snow, just as long as no one was throwing a snowball at him. Unfortunately, he spoke too soon.

“Damn it, Chopper,” cursed Ezra, as he turned around and faced the small, orange droid in front of him. “You had to ruin my day, didn’t you?”

The droid shrugged as he laughed at him, making the boy cross his arms tightly. “Yeah, very funny. Thanks a lot, Chop.”

Chopper responded by teasing him in Binary, leaving him sighing. “Whatever, it’s not like you’re doing anything productive too, you know.”

He shook his head and explained what he was doing all day in his language, to which Ezra just rolled his eyes and walked away from his comfortable spot. As he dragged his feet on the ship’s corridor, Ezra could swear he smelled a sweet, sugary scent from the kitchen, prompting him to head there.

Spreading the buttery icing on her Christmas tree shaped cookies, Sabine hummed a Christmas song she heard from the radio to herself as she shook a hand-sized bottle of rainbow sprinkles on top of the icing. Kanan and Hera, on the other hand, were wrapped together with a knitted red blanket while sipping on their hot cocoa, watching her decorate the cookies like an artist.

As she placed it on a wide tray next to her, the teenage girl noticed Ezra in front of her, prompting her to acknowledge his presence. “You’re right on time,” Sabine smiled. “Hera asked us to decorate the cookies, so you’re more than welcome to help us out.”

“These were fresh out of the oven,” Hera pointed out, holding her polka-dotted mug with both hands. “It would be nice to decorate them together, just like how we did last year.”

“I know how much you enjoyed decorating them, so I thought it would be better if we do it together,” Kanan grinned. “Besides, we’ve never done anything like this before.”

Before Ezra could respond to his Jedi Master, Hana and Zeb bumped into his shoulder, carrying a basket full of cookie decorations and bags of icings that were prepared yesterday.

“Sorry, kid,” Zeb laughed, slapping him on his back. “Didn’t see you there.”

“Of course,” he rolled his eyes as he tapped Hana’s shoulders. “Bet those icings taste horrible.”

“Says the guy who needed my help to prepare food for Hanukkah.”

“In my defense, I haven’t celebrated Hanukkah for years.”

“Yeah, same,” Hana squealed. “I can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with you guys. This is my first, by the way.”

“Mine too. I never celebrated Christmas, ever.”

Sabine gave a nod. “Well, it was fun celebrating Hanukkah with the both of you. The latkes were pretty good, if you asked me.”

“It was a team effort.”

“But I was the one who found the recipe,” Hana reminded him, prompting Ezra to punch her shoulder in a light manner.

“Whatever it is, at least Chopper wasn’t there to prank you,” Zeb jokes, making Sabine and Chopper burst into laughter.

“He literally placed a whoopee cushion on my seat.”

“Still funny, though,” Sabine lifted her shoulders, handing him a round sugar cookie that hasn’t been decorated yet. “Here, go make yourself useful or something.”

“No offense, but why can’t I have the Christmas tree cookie?”

“What’s wrong with the round one?” Kanan’s brows furrowed. “It’s the easiest cookie to design.”

“That’s the thing. Round cookies are boring to decorate.”

“I know, but you can make it better,” Hera encouraged him. “Besides, this is a good chance to practice those art skills.”

“Just as long as it doesn’t look like the Grinch,” Zeb laughed.

Ezra could only blink as he glanced at Hana, who had a blank look on her face. “Who’s Grinch? Is he one of Santa’s elves?”

“He was a character from a famous children’s book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas ,” Kanan explained. “You guys never heard of it?”

“My parents never read this story to me.”

“Neither did mine,” Hana agreed with Ezra. “Slaves weren’t allowed to read, or celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas.”

“Well, it’s a tradition to read them for Christmas,” Hera offered, placing her hot cocoa on the kitchen counter. “I can read them to you both later, if you want to.”

“We would love that, Hera. Right, Ezra?”

Ezra bobbed his head in response as he stared at his blank slate of cookies. Glancing at Sabine’s newly designed snowman cookie, he took a mental note of the blue-white icing and the silver ball sprinkle she used for its shiny buttons. Ezra then turned to Hana, who used green edible glitter on her donut-like cookie to make it sparkle.

Dang, everyone is so good at decorating cookies. Maybe I should just wing it instead.

Grabbing a red icing bag from the basket, Ezra coloured the cookies in a circular motion, mimicking Zeb. Reaching for a white icing bag, he squeezed it gently, creating a thin, squiggly line in the middle. Hana watched as he complimented the red cookie he just painted with green sprinkles, reminding her of a pastry chef on a holorecording.

“That looks amazing,” she complimented him. “How did you do that?”

“I got my ideas from our Christmas ornaments,” he shrugged. “Guess it’s beginner’s luck.”

“It’s simple, but it’s good,” Sabine sings her praise. “I’m impressed, actually.”

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Zeb grinned. “I knew you could do this.”

“I guess I am starting to enjoy cookie decorating. We should do this every year.”

“That’s the spirit,” Hera chirped. “Anyway, there’re more cookies to decorate if you feel like doing some more.”

The teenager chuckled as he decorated more batches of cookies with the other for hours in their toasty kitchen. The only Christmas cookies he gets to enjoy were from a bakery on Lothal, and even then, it’s not the same as the ones that Hera baked. If he was lucky, he would munch on the gingerbread house, with gumdrops and candy canes pasted on the sugary icings, hoping he wouldn’t get caught.

As he placed the last piece on the tray, Ezra sighed in relief as he wiped his forehead. “Looks like we’re finally done.”

“Good job, everyone,” Kanan clapped his hands. “We finally decorated our first Christmas cookies, especially you, Ezra. You did good today. I’m proud of you.”

“It was a team effort,” Ezra’s eyes crinkled. “We couldn’t have done it without the help from Sabine, Zeb and Hana.”

Chopper let out a grumble. “Oh yeah, and Chopper too. He helped too.”

“Not really,” Zeb shook his head, prompting the droid to snap at him. “Alright, alright, you helped a lot today. Happy now?”

“Speaking of which, could we play in the snow?” Sabine asked. “I feel cooped up here.”

“Alright, but don’t forget your jacket,” Hera reminded her, before turning to the others. “You guys can head outside if you want to. It’s a beautiful day today.”

As Ezra, Sabine, Zeb, Chopper and Hana stepped out of the Ghost, Hera and Kanan could only watch in glee as they ran around the soft, snowy carpet, wishing for everlasting happiness in the galaxy.

[berrynarrybanana]

Holiday Wishes, Mistletoe Kisses

A/N: This was meant to be a blurb, but I got carried away. I honestly don’t know how I feel about it, but I wanted to post some Christmassy stuff in between now and Deck the Halls, so here’s a little something. It’s basically over a thousand words of Harry pining for some girl he just met. That seems to be my favorite trope, yeah? Anyways, I hope you enjoy and I hope that you all remember that Christmas isn’t about what you have or what you’re able to give, it’s about spending time with the people you love the most. I’m always here for you all if you need me and I love you loads. Thank you! 

Word Count: 5.1K+

Warnings: A little smut, pining, flash forward, ofc

Prompt: “You’re wearing the Santa hat, whether you like it or not” | Taken from this post here! 

It wasn’t that Harry hated Christmas. 

He loved spending time with his family, drinking mulled wine and talking shit with his Mum and Sister on the couch until the morning light. He loved the Christmas cookies that everyone seemed to bake just for him. Every single one of his friends would wrap them up in cute, candy cane striped cellophane bags with a little bow as if they were worried he’d been deprived of sweets. He loved the warmth that enveloped him when he stepped into any building, dodging the cold winter winds and brutal snowflakes that hit his skin. He loved most things about the season, but he truthfully hated the actual holiday itself.

He hated the music, each song covered by about twenty different artists, (yet, they always sounded the same, somehow), playing on a loop on every single Christmas station. He hated how rude people were in the shops and on the road, as if their time was more important than anyone else's. He hated the stigma around giving expensive gifts, stressing over the perfect thing to get each of his friends. If he could, he’d give them all something homemade, but he was shit at doing anything crafty. 

His boots crunched against the snow as he walked towards his mother’s front door. 

He let himself in, kicking his shoes off before he removed his scarf and his winter coat. He could hear laughter from the kitchen, Gemma and his Mum giggling far too loud. They must have cracked into the mulled cider a little early, and truthfully, he was jealous. He’d spent the last four hours stuck in traffic listening to white Christmas over and over and over again. He shut the front door as Evie wrapped herself around his legs, her soft purring catching his attention as he glanced down at the black and white kitten. 

“Hiya, darling girl.” He crouched down, scooping her into his arms before he delivered a series of kisses over her head. “Daddy’s missed you, eh. Have you been good for your nan?”

She meowed in response, causing Harry to coo at her before he scratched under her chin. 

“That’s my girl.” He pressed another kiss to the top of her head before setting her back to the ground. 

He knew they would indulge in several cuddle sessions over the next few days, so he wasn’t worried about missing his one and only pet this holiday season. He walked through the house, finding his way into the kitchen where Gemma was tipping back a glass of dark red liquid, and his Mum was rolling out cookie dough with a bright smile on her face. What Harry wasn’t expecting, was the curly haired girl with a cookie cutter in her hand next to his Mum.

“Hello!” He called out, offering a smile as he walked over to the kitchen island. “I see we’ve started having fun already.”

“It took you forever to get here!” Gemma said defensively, picking up a chocolate kiss before tossing it at Harry. “Do you want a drink?”

“Something hot, it’s like the bloody tundra outside.” He shivered at the thought of the harsh wind, his eyes trailing back towards the new girl. 

“Stella makes the best peppermint hot chocolate you’ve ever had in your life.” Gemma groaned out, her eyes rolling back in her head. “She puts peppermint vodka in there.”

“I can make you one if you’d like?” Stella’s voice was soft and painfully american. “We’ve got a slow cooker full of hot chocolate.”

“If you don’t mind.” Harry gave her a smile as he pulled out a stool, sitting next to Gemma. “Nice to meet you, Stella. I’m Harry, by the way.”

“She knows who you are.” Gemma reached over, pinching Harry’s side. “Stella is a new transfer at work. She’s new to England, and we thought we’d show her a proper English Christmas.”

“Stella, love, you should probably find another family to spend Christmas with if you want a proper English Christmas.” Harry snorted. “Ours is half arsed at best.”

“We have a lovely Christmas, thank you.” Anne piped up, flicking flour in Harry’s direction as Stella laughed softly. “Don’t scare the poor thing off, we’ve just made her feel at home.” 

Stella turned her back, walking towards the stove.

“I suppose we do have a good time.” Harry hummed out. “I can’t wait to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas for the millionth time.” 

“They’ve got an animated one now!” Gemma exclaimed. “We’re going to do a double feature.”

“Lovely.” Harry rolled his eyes. 

Moments later, a steaming mug of hot chocolate laced was placed in front of Harry. 

He looked down at the grinch mug before looking back up at Stella. 

“Thanks.” He offered her a smile, but she merely nodded back at him before taking her place next to Anne again. 

He watched her, sipping at his drink as Gemma and Anne chatted about some Hallmark movie that was meant to premiere at some point during the week. She wasn’t normally the type of girl that he dated, but he had to admit that she was beautiful. Her cheeks were round, a soft blush smeared over them that he assumed came from a makeup product. Her lashes were thick, and long, shadowing her hazel colored eyes. She had thick brows that seemed a little unruly, and plump lips stained with a plum colored lipstick that matched her smoky, purple eyeshadow. He wasn’t a huge fan of the plum color, but he had to admit that it brought out a lot of the warmer tones in her eyes and in her beautiful, brown skin. He also thought that it complimented the lighter strands in her curly brown hair that bounced about everytime she turned her head. 

He tried not to be too obvious with his curious gaze, but he couldn’t help it. He was almost mesmerized by her beauty, but he was more so confused by his attraction to her. She was far too quiet for his taste, her eyes cast down on the cookies she’d been cutting out for the last few minutes while everyone else chatted. 

He watched her place them on the tray carefully, obsessing over how they landed before she reached for the colored icing. He watched her pipe onto the little shapes, her tongue nestling in the corner of her mouth as her unsteady hands worked diligently on the cookies. 

This was a Styles family Christmas, and the Styles were a rowdy and messy bunch. He’d never seen his Mum or Gemma put that much work into sugar cookies before, and it was almost painful to watch her perfect each and every one before she slipped the tray in the oven. He watched her reach for the cheeky little chicken shaped oven timer that Gemma bought when his Mum fist moved into this house. In all of those years, he’d never seen anyone actually use it. 

“Did you hear me, my little turtle dove?” Anne brushed her hand over Harry’s back as he sipped at his cocoa. “They’re calling for a huge storm this weekend, are you packed for that?”

“I left some stuff here the last time I was around.” He turned his head, smiling back at her. “I think I should be fine if I get stuck with you lot.” 

“Good.” She nodded, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “I’ve missed you.” 

“Missed you too, Mumma.” He wrapped an arm around her back, pulling her into a hug. 

The warm scent of vanilla and musk greeted his senses, flooding him with comfort and nostalgic memories of cuddling with Mum on the couch. He missed having her around him. He missed having his best friend around to comfort him when he needed it the most. When he let go of her, his heart sank a little in his chest. She pressed a kiss to the top of his head before moving back to work on more cookie dough. 

“Why are you making so many cookies?” He asked, brows furrowing as he brushed his fingers over the sickly green mug with the cartoon characters face on it. “Do you plan on feeding an army?”

“No, but Stella suggested that we take some down to the local homeless shelter on Christmas Eve.” Anne smiled over at the girl. “That’s her family's Christmas tradition, and since she’s not with them this year, we thought we’d make it happen for her here.”

“Thank you again, for agreeing to this.” Stella smiled at Anne. “It really means the world to me, and I can’t thank you enough.”

“You’re a part of the family now, dear.” Anne teased. “Even if you’re not spending Christmas with us, this little tradition of yours has been officially integrated into our own Christmas tradition. We’ll always have a little bit of Stella with us during the Holiday’s now, eh.”

Stella laughed at that, reaching her arms out to wrap Anne in a hug. 

Harry almost felt a little jealous at how seamlessly she fit in here. 

“If you keep staring at her, she’s gonna want to run back to America.” Gemma nudged her elbow into his side. “We get it, she’s hotter than you.”

“Oh, shut up.” Harry rolled his eyes at Gemma as she smirked. “I wasn’t staring.”

“Okay, Casanova.” She snorted. “Whatever you say. 

**

Harry wasn’t sure why he was hard. 

He just wanted to close his eyes and go the fuck to sleep. 

After a long day of travel, and an even longer evening filled with Harry pulling down Christmas decorations from the attic, he just wanted to sleep. He wasn’t looking forward to taking the annual trip to the Christmas Tree Farm tomorrow. Since Robin passed, Harry was the only man in the family, which meant that he often had to do the heavy lifting. He found that most of his strength lay in his core, despite the amount of lifting he’d done to buff up his arms, and he wasn’t looking forward to tossing a tree on top of his car while everyone watched. 

Truthfully, that was the worry that should have been plaguing his mind as he lay in bed. Instead, his mind was lost in hazel colored waves that crashed on dark plum shores. He couldn’t stop thinking about Stella’s eyes or her perfectly shaped lips. He spent most of his night watching her drink from a wine glass, her cheeks turning a shade darker with each joke that she shared with his family. If there was one thing that he was shocked about, it was the dry humor that tumbled from her perfect plum colored lips. She was a funny girl, despite being quiet, and he laughed at every single joke she told without shame. 

As he shifted his about, trying to avoid any further thoughts about her lips, the tip of his cock brushed against the warm flannel of his pajama pants. He let out a throaty groan, reaching down to push his palm into the crotch of his pants to soothe the pressure building in his lower belly. He couldn’t jack off to the thought of Gemma’s new friend, it would be awful, and it would surely land him on the naughty list. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying his best not to picture her lipstick staining his lower belly, his upper thighs, and eventually...the shaft of his cock. But after a few minutes of trying not to think about it, that was the only thing he could see behind closed eyes. 

With an annoyed grumble, he dipped his hand into his pajama pants, tugging his cock out while his free hand pushed the band of the pants down his hips. He licked over his dry lips, making a mental note to buy some chapstick tomorrow as he gave himself one, swift stroke. He bit the inside of his cheek, trying not to moan as he brushed the pad of his thumb over the weeping slit of his cock. He was pathetic, dripping down his cock over a girl that he barely knew. He couldn’t believe that he was being that guy right now, tugging at his cock desperately to the thought of a beautiful girl on her knees for him. He wanted so badly to have her there, whispering filthy words in that gentle tone she had, encouraging him to cum on her tongue. 

When he did cum, her name spilled from his lips. 

His chest was heaving as he came down, the tinkling of Stella’s laughter filling his ears. 

Seconds later, he heard her bid goodnight to Gemma before the door next to his own shut. 

He was totally fucked for this girl. 

**

The next morning, he didn’t expect to see Stella sitting at the breakfast bar when he came downstairs. 

He stopped in the doorway, his cheeks growing warm as he looked over her sweater covered back. Thoughts of her name tumbling from his lips last night flooded back as he looked at her. She was wearing a lavender colored, cable knit sweater, and her curls were tied up in a messy ponytail on top of her head. Most of the curls had fallen out, covering up some of her neck alongside her fingers. Her cheek was propped on her palm, her gaze focused on her laptop as she lifted a mug of steaming liquid up to her mouth with her other hand. 

Harry cleared his throat, walking toward the stove so he could put the kettle on. No one else in the house would be up for hours, but Harry couldn’t turn off his internal alarm clock no matter how he tried. He also hoped that he might find a moment of peace from the very girl sitting in his Mother’s kitchen. She haunted his dreams, her face playing on the silver screen in his mind all night long. He hated how infatuated he was with this woman that he barely even knew. 

“Morning.” She spoke up first, her voice scratchy and tired. “Did you sleep well?”

“Splendid, yeah.” He nodded, filling the kettle with water. “You?” 

“I’ve slept better, but that’s to be expected.” She said softly. “I spent a little bit of time on a skype call with my brother’s, so I was up longer than expected.” 

“But you’re up fairly early this morning, aren’t you?” He put the kettle on the stovetop before turning around, his eyes landing on hers. “Why’s that?”

“I wake up this early anyways.” She smiled at him. “I usually like to go for a walk in the morning to wake myself up.”

“That’s nice.” He lifted his hand, scratching at the stubble on his jaw. “I usually like to go for a swim or a run in the morning, too.”

“Where do you swim?” She asked. 

“There’s a men’s swimming club not too far from my home in London.” He said. “It’s freezing cold, but you get used to it after a while.”

“Jeeze, you swim outside in this weather?” She lifted her head from her palm, her eyes growing wide. “I could never.” 

“It’s an acquired taste.” He chuckled softly. “What are you working on?”

“A new piece for my blog.” She said. “I started out using it as a diary of sorts, but people apparently love reading about the disaster that is my life.”

“I’m sure it’s not all horrible.” He hoped that he sounded encouraging and not rude. “You seem like a lovely, and positive person.”

“I try to be.” She shrugged, reaching for her mug. “I could say the same about you.”

“I try to be.” He smiled at her. “Would you like some breakfast?” 

“Oh, I was actually thinking of popping down to this little bakery Gemma told me about-” 

“Mandeville’s.” His heart picked up, a smile stretching across his lips. “Had my first job there.”

“Yeah, that’s the one.” She laughed, wrapping both hands around her mug as she leaned back in the barstool. “I figured I’d go grab some pastries for everyone. I know it’s kind of a busy day with the Christmas Tree Farm, so I thought it would be best if your Mum didn’t feel the need to cook.”

“She would love that.” Harry said. “Maybe I could go with you? We could both get our walks in, and I can see Mary before she hunts me down and drags me to the bakery.”

“I would love the company.” She smiled. “But enjoy your tea first, I’ll just be working on this until we’re ready to go.”

“Cheers.” He nodded, watching her eyes drop to her computer screen. 

She wasn’t wearing a stitch of makeup this morning, and Harry almost wished that she was. 

He wished that she had covered up her beautiful, freckle covered skin so that he didn’t fall harder for her beautiful face. He wished that she was hiding away those little blemishes that made him swoon, because she was actually a human after all, not some angel sent down from heaven to torture him. He wished that she covered those beautiful lips in that plum lipstick again so that he could imagine kissing it off of her. He hated the feeling stirring inside of his belly, the butterflies a tell tale sign of his feelings. 

He had a crush on Stella. 

And there was nothing he could do to stop himself from falling for her. 

**

Stella’s gloves were precious.

They were a bright red, little snowflakes and reindeer stitched into them. 

She offered to let Harry borrow a pair of her gloves, claiming that she’d brought plenty of pairs for the winter, but he politely declined before shoving his hands in his pockets. She looked so cozy, wrapped up in her winter coat with a beanie on top of her head and a matching scarf tied around her neck. Harry wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and cuddle her so that they could both stay nice and toasty on their walk. He wanted to kiss her bare cheeks, paying special attention to each freckle on her skin as the winter sun cast over them. 

He was so infatuated with her that it was almost embarrassing. 

“I can’t even imagine what it was like, growing up in a place like this.” Stella turned her head towards Harry, the tip of her nose a little red. “It’s so picturesque.”

“It’s alright.” He gave her a small smile. “I always wanted to get out when I was a kid.”

“Of course you did, we all do.” She chuckled. “I think everyone should run away for a little while, it really gives you all of the tools you need to really appreciate your hometown when you go back. I don’t know that I’ll ever move back to my hometown, but when I visit it, I feel a little bit more appreciative of the pivotal role it had in raising me.”

“I feel the same way about Cheshire.” Harry nodded. “It’s a big part of who I was, and that helped make me who I am. I wouldn’t be the same without this place.”

“Exactly.” She said. 

“So where exactly are you from?” He asked. “I mean, obviously America-”

“Is it that obvious?” She asked, narrowing her eyes playfully, her lips pursed. “I don’t think it is.”

“It’s a neon, flashing sign above your head kind of obvious, love.” He snorted. “But I can’t place what your accent is.”

“It’s not really an accent.” Stella shrugged, turning her attention back to the sidewalk. “I grew up on the road for most of my life, but my family settled in Georgia when I was about twelve.”

“Interesting.” He said. “How did you like Georgia?” 

“I didn’t, at first.” She laughed. “I hated it so much. I loved being on the road with my family, traveling places like Hawaii and Los Angeles. When we moved to the south, I despised everything about it. It was so plain and boring compared to places we’d lived before. But like I said, moving away has made me learn to love it more when I go back.”

“How long have you been gone?” He asked. 

“About three years.” She said. “I lived in Amsterdam for a year, and then Paris, and now I’m here.”

“Which place is your favorite?” He asked. “Be honest with me, now. You don’t have to say London just because you’re trying to get on my good side.” 

Stella tossed her head back, laughing loudly. 

“I think it’s truthfully London, Harry.” 

His name sounded like honey falling from her lips. 

“Why is that?” He asked. 

“Because I’ve found my chosen family.” She turned back, giving him a smile that thawed out the chill creeping up from his toes. “Starting with Gemma, of course. She was the first person to take me under her wings, and I’m so happy that I have her in my life. Then I started to find other people, and we all became this really close knit group of friends that felt more like family than my actual family does. I don’t know how I’ll ever leave this place.” 

“Maybe you shouldn’t.” He said softly. “Maybe this is home.”

Please don’t go, Stella. 

Stay here with me forever. 

Love me. 

“My contract is up at the end of the year, but we’ll just have to see how things go.” She said. “I might be convinced to stay.”

“Well, I guess I have a lot of work to do.” He chuckled.

“Why are you so keen on me staying?” She asked him, her brows raising as she gave him a knowing smirk. “Do you have a crush on me, Styles?”

His cheeks grew hot against the cold wind. 

“Alright now, don’t let that go to your head.” He grumbled, tucking his neck into his scarf as Stella’s smile grew wider. “It’s all your bloody fault, you know?”

“What have I done?” She laughed louder. “I’m just me.”

“That’s exactly it.” He let out a breathy chuckle. “You’re you, Stella.”

**

The Christmas Tree Farm was going well. 

That was up until Gemma decided that they absolutely needed to take a family picture in front of the big Christmas tree, Stella included. They had picked up a few little trinkets and such while walking around the market included in the farm. Anne picked up a reindeer headband with bells stitched in, plopping it on her head the second she found it. Gemma found an elf’s hat with little ears attached to the side, putting it on her hair before fussing with her hair. Stella found a crown made of poinsettias that she plopped on top of her curls, the red and gold working perfectly with her red lipstick and gold eyeshadow. Harry, however, wasn’t exactly in the spirit. 

“You’re wearing the bloody santa hat, whether you like it or not!” Gemma shoved it towards him with a frown. “If you stand next to Stella, you’ll like Mr. and Mrs. Claus!” 

“Shut up, Gemma.” Harry sneered, snatching the hat from her hands. “I didn’t tell you about that so you could throw it in my face!” 

“Well, I’m doing it for the greater good of our family photo!” She glared at him. “Put that hat on before I shove it on your head myself.”

“Fine.”

“Are you two alright?” Stella smirked, adjusting her crown on her head as she walked up to Harry and Gemma. “Santa is still putting people on the naughty list you know?” 

“If anyone’s going to be on the naughty list, it’s Harry.” Gemma tossed her arm around Stella’s shoulder with a proud smirk. “He’s being a pain in the arse.”

“Is the hat really necessary to the photo?” He groaned, dropping his head back. 

“Yes.” Stella and Gemma said at the same time. 

“Alright, alright.” He groaned, tugging the hat over his curls. “Are you both happy now?”

“Ecstatic.” Stella smiled brightly at Harry. “I think you look handsome.”

“I’m going to just point out…” Gemma pulled her arm from around Stella, tucking her hands behind her back. “That there’s mistletoe hanging from that piece of wood above your heads.” 

“Gemma-” Harry’s eyes grew wide. 

“And I’m promptly going to walk away.” She smiled at Stella. “Meet us at the tree in ten minutes.” 

“Gemma-” Stella held her hand out as Gemma walked away, her eyes growing just as wide as Harry’s were. “What a sneaky little elf.” 

“Tell me about it.” Harry shifted, adjusting the hat on his head. “Devious little-”

“Well, I guess we can’t break tradition.” Stella looked up at Harry, shuffling forward slowly with a little smirk on her lips. “I mean, what would Santa say if we didn’t kiss under the mistletoe?”

Harry licked over his bottom lip, his fingers twitching. 

“You really want to kiss me?”

“I might.” Stella’s toes were almost touching Harry’s now. “But the question is, do you want to kiss me?”

“I do, yeah.” He nodded. “I’ve been thinking about it ever since I laid eyes on you, Stella.”

“Well, what are you waiting for?” She raised her brows. “Now is your chance, Mr. Grinch, lay one on me.”

Harry lifted his hands, pressing them to Stella’s face hesitantly before he lowered his lips to hers in a soft kiss. It was a gentle peck, one that anyone would share underneath the mistletoe, but Harry wanted more from Stella. It seemed that she wanted more as well, her arms sliding around his neck as she pressed up on her toes. He let his hands fall to her waist as the kiss grew more intense, his hands holding onto her tightly as she brushed her tongue over his lower lip. He tried his best not to smile into the kiss, letting her have what she wanted by parting his lips. When her tongue slipped over his, he let out a tiny moan, gripping her hips tighter. 

“Get a room, you two!” Harry groaned, pressing his forehead to Stella’s. 

“Gemma, I swear to god-” Harry turned his head, whipping his santa hat off before he threw it in her direction. “Go bother someone else!” 

Stella laughed, ducking her forehead down to Harry’s chest as he rubbed his thumbs over her side gently. He felt her body shaking underneath his hands, his heart hammering in his chest when he realized just how close they actually were. He turned his head back, lifting a hand up to guide Stella’s chin up. He pressed his lips to hers once, twice, three more times before she pressed her palms to Harry’s chest. 

“We’ll never stop if we don’t move away from the mistletoe.” Stella whispered. “And I think Gemma might physically pull us apart if we miss that Christmas picture.”

“Let it be known that I’m only partaking in this picture because I want to stand next to you for as long as I can.” Harry smiled. “I think I have a little more than a crush on you, Stella.” 

“I think I have more than a crush on you, too.”

**

“Madeline, stop right there.” Stella let out a frustrated sigh as she looped her arm under the baby carrier, her eyes falling down to the sleeping infant. “Milo, promise Mumma that you’ll listen when you get to that age?”

“Give him here.” Harry brushed a kiss over Stella’s temple, his hand massaging her lower back gently. “You go catch up with speed racer, okay? I’ll be right behind you with the baby and the diaper bag.”

“Thank you.” Stella turned her head, puckering her lips out. “I love you.” 

“I love you.” He hummed out. “And our beautiful babies, even if one of them has a death wish and two left feet.” 

Stella snorted out a laugh, pulling her arm from the carrier before she stuffed her hands in her pockets. “I better go help her up the stairs.”

“Please, we don’t need a repeat of last year.” Harry smiled. 

“Yeah, I would like to avoid a trip to A&E this year.” Stella snorted. 

He watched Stella walk over to an antsy Madeline, her pigtails bouncing about as she jumped from foot to foot in excitement. Harry chuckled softly at his daughter, amused by her excitement. He was happy that she found so much joy in Christmas, just like her Mother did. He watched Stella hold a hand out, waiting for Madeline to take it before they both conquered the brick steps outside of his Mum’s house. When they got to the top, Stella lifted Madeline up, kissing over her cheeks as their daughter giggled. Harry lifted Milo’s car seat from the base, his eyes falling down to the six month old with hazel eyes and soft cheeks just like his Mother’s. 

“We’ve got our hands full with those two, mate.” Harry pulled the soft, wintery blue blanket up to Milo’s chin, tucking it around his shoulders so that he would stay warm. “Gonna keep us both on our toes, I know it.” 

Milo cooed up at him, causing Harry to smile wider before he ducked his head down to kiss his son's soft cheeks. 

“Let’s get you into Nan’s before you turn into a popsicle, my love.” Harry said. “Mumma won’t be happy if we have to spend Christmas thawing you out.”

As Harry made his way up the stairs, he couldn’t help but remember five Christmases ago. 

He was walking up the exact same steps on his own, unaware of the magic that was waiting inside for him. He was unaware that the girl Gemma brought home for Christmas would one day be his wife, and the mother of his two beautiful children. He had no idea that they would spend long nights together, planning their future and holding each other tight. He opened the front door to his Mum’s house, smiling at the sound of Madeline telling his Mother a story with animated gestures, her curly pigtails bouncing around as Stella tried to wrangle her jacket off. 

“And then Daddy told me we could get a puppy next year if I was good enough!” Madeline squealed out as Harry shut the door. 

He dodged the steely gaze he got from Stella after she heard the word puppy.

“Sorry.” He mouthed over at her, causing her to shake her head as she tried to fight off a smile. 

“You’re a menace.” She mouthed back. “But I love you.” 

“I love you, too.” He said it outloud, his heart soaring in his chest. 

Stella gave him a heart warming smile, Madeline’s coat still in her hands. 

Seconds later, Milo let out a tiny cry causing Harry to snap back into dad mode. 

He rested the carseat on the ground, carefully pulling his son out before pressing a kiss to his chubby little cheeks. As if Gemma could sense his presence, she barreled into the living room with her eyes set on Milo. 

“There’s my little man.” She held her hands out, wiggling them as Harry rolled his eyes. “You get to see him every day, Harry. Pass him over to his auntie.” 

“Fine.” He rolled his eyes. “Please be careful with him, I kind of like this one.”

“Piss off.” Gemma snorted out, sliding Milo onto her hip before pressing a bright red kiss mark into his forehead. “Has Daddy told you that without auntie Gem, you wouldn’t exist?” 

“Gemma-” 

“Can you believe that?” She looked up at Harry, a hint of something nostalgic and genuine sparkling in her green eyes. “If I’d never brought Stella to family Christmas, we wouldn’t have two beautiful babies to dote over every year.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine what life would be like without them.” He whispered. “Thank you, Gemma.”

“Harry, I really didn’t-”

“Gemma.” He said her name sternly, pressing his palm to her bicep. “Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” She said softly, her eyes watering. “Now, if you could do me a favor and bring a hot friend around, I’d really appreciate it.”

“I’ll see what I can manage.” He let out a wet chuckle, his own eyes watering. 

“What are we managing?” Stella wrapped her arms around Harry. 

“We owe Gem a favor.” He sniffled, turning head to press a kiss to Stella’s forehead. 

“Why are you crying, baby?” Stella frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing at all.” He pressed his lips to hers, softly brushing his nose against the tip of hers as his. “Just so incredibly grateful to have you in my life, that’s all.”

“You’re so sappy around the holiday’s.” Stella brushed her palm over his belly. “I love you, Mr. Styles.” 

“I love you, too, Mrs. Styles.” He said. “Merry Christmas, Darling.”

“Merry Christmas.” 

[domesticnct]

25 Days of NCT Christmas Taeil

Taeil would be really excited for Christmas.

He would be the dad that bakes during the entire holiday season and is the reason everyone in your family gains 5-7 pounds by the end of the holiday season.

I see him doing his gift shopping really early and putting up the tree before Thanksgiving which Doyoung judges him intensely for.

The tree would be one that holds a lot of old memories for you. Though the tree itself and the lights changed, the ornaments never did.

Each one had a story. Some of the bulbs were from the college the two of you attended, some had been gifts from family members, then there were the ones the two of you had bought for your first Christmas tree when you first got married, one for the first pet you had adopted that had since passed away, babies first Christmas, ones with family photos, ones that your toddlers handprints were printed on, others that were made at during craft activities at school, some that had been made as crafts at home.

Some were made of pottery your grandmother had made and some were from your childhood home that you had made as a little kid.

Each year a few new ornaments found their way onto the tree that you all had made as a family.

There would also be one or two the kids fought over putting on the tree (me and my siblings STILL do this every year.)

Decorating the tree would be extremely nostalgic for you as you all played your favorite Christmas album in the background and sipped on eggnog.

When Christmas eve came, Taeil’s favorite activity would be wrapping fights with you and baking and decorating cookies with the kids. Though neither of you were good at wrapping or decorating cookies, it was still fun.

A tradition you had was driving out to look at all the Christmas lights in the neighborhood, then baking sugar cookies cut into cute shapes of bells, reindeer, snowflakes, and snowmen and letting the kids decorate them. You all would munch on cookies while you sat around the fireplace watching Christmas specials from your childhood.

Taeil would tell the kids they’d better hurry and get to bed before Santa came.

You would help them take baths, brush their teeth, and get cozy in their favorite Christmas pajamas while Taeil stuffed the stockings and put all the gifts under the tree.

Then you would kiss them goodnight and read the twas the night before Christmas. Right when you ended the story, Taeil would sneak outside and ring bells as if Santa was coming which would put the kids right to sleep.

After you were sure there were asleep, you would go downstairs with Taeil and the two of you would drink some hot cocoa and watch a Christmas movie and talk about all the things you were excited to do with the kids the next day.

The next morning the kids would run into your room jumping on the bed exclaiming “it’s Christmas! It’s Christmas!” 

You would be slow to get up, but Taeil would hop right out of bed and join them jumping and waking you up. 

The whole family would rush down the stairs and look at the tree lit up with shining presents in silver and gold paper. It was still a little dark outside and freezing cold in the room, so you would get a fire going in the fireplace and get a pot of coffee going. As soon as you were back the kids would tear into their presents and Taeil would be watching beaming. (HE WOULD BE LIKE THAT ONE MEME OF GAVIN WITH THE MUG DOING THE SMILE THAT EVERYONE SAYS IS THEIR MOM ON CHRISTMAS).

After the kids finished opening their gifts, you and Taeil would open yours and he would always get you something really nice.

While Taeil helped the kids assemble whatever toys the kids needed help putting together, you would head to the kitchen and bake fresh cinnamon rolls with bacon and fruit. At some point you would feel Taeil’s arms slip around your waist and his head lean on your shoulder and he would wish you a Merry Christmas.

The rest of the day was chaotic with kids running around arguing over whose turn it was to play with which toy while you busied yourself preparing Christmas dinner.

Eventually Taeil would slip away from the kids and help you in the kitchen before your daughters joined you to help with making the desserts.

You all would sit down around the lovely Christmas feast that consisted of ham, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls and Taeil would start to get emotional talking about how grateful he was that you all were able to spend Christmas together as a family.

The rest of the night would be spent watching Christmas movies and relaxing.

The next day would be full of eating leftovers, cleaning up after the huge mess made on Christmas, and having family and friends come to visit. 

Taeil would be a little down in the following days because Christmas was over, but at the same time would still be extremely happy with how everything went and would already be talking about Christmas the next year when your girls are a little older.

[jeongjaebae]

No mistletoe required

⇢ Jaehyun x reader  ⇢ 9.3k | AO3 ⇢ a cute and funny holiday college AU (lowkey enemies to lovers)

To your utter surprise and dismay, there's your neighbour. The one directly across from you who keeps turning the decorating into a competition, who happens to be setting up the next batch of lights on their door at this very moment. And that kind of ruins the previously good mood you were in, so you open the door to give them a piece of your mind. 

Why are you still here? Why are you still putting up decorations? Why are you turning this into a competition that I never asked to join— 

"Why are you shirtless." 

Or: There were three things you did not expect to encounter this holiday season. The first was to have someone else staying on campus over the winter break with you. The second, to have this person as your neighbour who tries to one-up you in Christmas decorations. The third, that this said neighbour would be hot.

Not going home for the holidays really wasn't the worst thing in the world. In fact, part of you was looking forward to doing whatever the heck you wanted without your roommates in the dorm, and not having any extended family members around to lie about having a good GPA or significant other to. Not that your GPA wasn't good, but the significant other category might need some work. Either way, you were excited to be able to finally bake Christmas cookies, decorate the entire apartment, and marathon your list of Christmas movies all while wearing your comfiest (ugliest) clothes and being sufficiently inebriated. There would be no one around to judge you while you screamed the lyrics to All I want for Christmas is You while dancing around in your pajamas. There would be no one around you for miles as even the RAs go home for the holidays.

It was like a dream come true.

"Today's going to be the day the rest of the door decorations go up," you announce to no one in particular. That's definitely another benefit of being all alone in this residence building—you could talk to yourself without sounding crazy. "They are long overdue so let's get this party started!"

There really weren't too many decorations left in your possession. You'd brought only a few things from home when you first moved in, like the cute ornament that looked exactly like your dog back home, a bow (for your hair but holiday decor takes priority right now), and a string of fairy lights that was originally for decorating your room but will now be taped onto the front door because you refuse to lose this unspoken decorations contest to the neighbour directly across from you.

This contest had begun a couple of weeks ago when you and your roommates had first put up a wreath on the door. It was already December at that point, so it wasn't exactly too early to start with the decorations, but with finals coming up none of the other students had decorated their doors. You'd thought the wreath that your roommate Rose brought was such a nice touch to remind everyone that the holidays were coming soon and that you'd all pull through with finals. Just a sign of hope and love and all the warm and coziness that you loved about Christmastime.

So when you opened the door later that afternoon and saw an identical wreath on your neighbour's door, you were stunned. You almost thought they stole it at first, but then seeing how yours was still there, that made you question some things. Maybe it was just a coincidence that they happened to have the same wreath, and they only put it up when they were reminded by seeing your wreath.

That was the first time, anyway.

A few days later, your roommates had brought out some pretty Christmas lights to wrap around the wreath. Again, it was just to lift the spirits of everyone during the dreadful time that is finals season. So you guys wrapped the lights carefully around the wreath, making sure that no one would trip on extension cords or anything like that. It ended up looking really nice and you were kind of proud of your festive door.

Until you saw your neighbour's door that also had an added string of Christmas lights.

Even worse, theirs did not simply wrap around the wreath like yours did but framed the entire door instead. It was as if they drew around the door frame with a highlighter because now all the attention would go straight to their door and leave yours completely drowned out.

The third time it happened was with the ornaments. You'd put your dog ornament on the wreath along with the other objects that your roommates had brought, some of which were pretty questionable (Rose's sparkly bottle cap, Jihyo's homemade felt gingerbread man, and Miyeon's earring?), but the overall vibe was still nice. It made the hallway feel more Christmassy than before and you knew that your copycat neighbour would not be able to mimic this.

But somehow they did.

You'd been trying to catch a glimpse of this lame neighbour through the peephole of your door all day, but the moment you stepped away for a much needed bathroom break, that's when their ornaments went up. You had come back from your under 30 seconds of a break and looked through the peephole and gawked at those twinkling ornaments—proper Christmas ornaments! The neighbour had hung them on the string of lights framing the door so that the lights bounced off and looked even brighter, shinier, warmer.

It also made you want to punch a wall.

That had been the week before finals. Your roommates were out of decorations at that point and you wanted to channel your anger into studying, so nothing had been done about the decorations. Unsurprisingly, your neighbours also did not add anything else to their door decor, which definitely squashed any chance of coincidence.

But now that everyone has gone home for the winter break, you were determined to put up the most extravagant decorations and have your neighbours come back to their defeat. The fairy lights in your room were ready for the world to see as you blasted a playlist of Christmas songs at decibels much higher than normally allowed. You had the tape in hand and were ready to go into battle. The door still had a ton of space below the wreath, so you started there and created a Christmas tree shape with the lights, taping them at every corner with the little battery holder acting as a base of the tree. Your bow hair accessory went at the very stop as a makeshift star, and you ripped out a sheet from your spiral lab notebook and cut off the ripped side to use as tinsel for this makeshift tree. It looked nice and cute and was definitely cooler than any traditional decorations.

"Okay, now that that's done I can finally get on with the Christmas cookies," you say to yourself.

The rest of the day was spent on baking some cute sugar cookies using Miyeon's cookie cutters of various non-holiday shapes, and some red and green food colouring which turned your icing into pink and green. So much for Christmas vibes. They were still cute though.

But just after you put the cookies in the oven, that's when you hear the creaking of a door and some shuffling sounds. You even turn down your music the slightest bit to hear what was going on because who could possibly still be here in this building? You had been certain that everyone would be going home and you hadn't heard a sound in days.

To your utter surprise and dismay, there's your neighbour. The one directly across from you who keeps turning the decorating into a competition, who is setting up the next batch of lights on their door at this very moment. You watch for a few seconds through the peephole as this mysterious competitor adjusts the lights on the door just slightly below the wreath, so all you could see was a hand.

And that kind of ruins the previously good mood you were in, so you open the door to give them a piece of your mind.

Why are you still here? Why are you still putting up decorations? Why are you turning this into a competition that I never asked to join—

"Why are you shirtless." You eye him up and down, the sight in front of you temporarily distracting you from the long speech you were planning on bombarding him with. "Um, that's so rude? You're basically giving everyone totally unsolicited naked pictures of you and your...abs, embedded into their minds forever."

That doesn't seem to startle him at all, as he simply stares back at you without missing a beat. "And," he looks at you up and down too, "your ugly Christmas sweater will be ingrained into my mind forever."

"Excuse you?" You weren't even wearing an ugly Christmas sweater though; this was just one of your regular cozy sweaters. "Well, is it hot in here or is it just you?" you spit out, the words dripping with sass.

Wait. What.

That came out totally wrong and was not at all how it sounded in your head.

He pauses for a second too but just breaks into a chuckle. "Why, thank you."

"I meant hot! In your apartment! You're the only one feeling the heat since you're clearly hot enough to be shirtless in the middle of winter!"

The corners of his lips raise the slightest bit along with an eyebrow, and that's when you knew he caught on to the last bit of what you said. "I'm hot enough to be shirtless?"

"You are not hot, okay? Like, opposite of hot. You're so freezing cold that I am going to leave before I get hypothermia" you lied through your teeth. Anyone who could say that he's not hot would be lying but that doesn't mean you'd ever admit it.

"So I'm too cool for you?"

"Bye, boy."

And with that you slam your door shut and collapse right against it.

That's the neighbour who's been secretly competing against your holiday decor? You hadn't pictured anyone in particular when you thought about the lame neighbour putting up decorations on their door, but this guy has got to be the farthest thing possible from anything in your realm of expectations. Even though you spent most of that interaction avoiding looking at him at all, you definitely saw enough. More like too much. But surely a guy who looks like every girl's quarterback frat boy crush with muscles like The Rock couldn't possibly be interested in being less than five feet away from Christmas decorations? And what was he still doing here anyways, away from all the friends and family back home?  

On top of that, now you had to continue this dumb contest for the rest of the break since you refused to let someone like that win at this.

***

The next day consisted of waking up to a drained laptop battery, your list of Christmas movies marked as complete, and no memory of having watched any of them because you'd fallen asleep near the beginning of the movie marathon. Cookies were left half eaten on the plate with crumbs everywhere and your mug had stains from the dried remnants of hot chocolate. It takes you a minute to collect yourself and for a good while, you'd forgotten about the awkward encounter with shirtless neighbour.

Until you hear him singing.

It wasn't a song that you recognized but that didn't matter because you were dazed. Firstly, that boy could sure sing. Yesterday his talking voice hadn't left any impressions on you probably because he hadn't said much and you were too busy noticing the insults that came out of that mouth, but his singing voice today is a whole different story. It's fairly deep but somehow still soft, and its timbre fits perfectly with the smooth R&B song he's singing. Of course you'd never admit it, but this was such a turn on and you did not know how to handle this information.

And secondly, it turns out the walls were not as soundproof as you thought, which meant he probably heard everything from your high notes screaming session to you talking to yourself about beating that dumbass neighbour at this stupid decorating contest. It was embarrassing, to say the least, but on the other hand, if he'd heard you through the walls then maybe he would know better than to sing and risk having you hear. Well, unless he's turning that into a competition too which may be a good possibility given how competitive he seems.

After eating an abnormally late breakfast at 3pm, you went to take out the large pile of trash that was overflowing the garbage can. It was long overdue but had just become an object in the background as everyone went through finals in the past few weeks. In short, it stank and was ruining your holiday mood.

There was something else that was ruining your holiday mood though. The first thing you see when you open the door to go take out the garbage... was your shirtless neighbour. Only he wasn't shirtless this time; he had a tee on but was still exposing those toned arms as he was, to your disbelief, still putting up some more decorations on their door. It seems like he actually did not copy your fairy lights idea yesterday because today he's taping up Christmas gift wrapping paper on the door. As if his apartment was a gift to anyone! You were sure that was a fire hazard or something but there were no RAs around to even report this to.

He freezes when you open your door and makes the most awkward eye contact with you for a few seconds too long.

"Wow, nice to see you in a shirt today," you say with heavy sarcasm dripping off those words. "Feeling kind of cold?"

"Nice to see you too." He doesn't take the bait but entirely changes the subject, a neutral but inviting expression on his face. "Hey, are your roommates here too?" And the dimples. Ugh, you could not look away from the dimples.

"What?" You pause. "Why?"

"Oh it's nothing, but I just keep hearing you talking to someone."

That's when it was your turn to freeze like a deer in headlights.

The thin walls. The singing this morning. Was it all so that he could make fun of you talking to yourself?!

"Excuse you? Just so you know, I still have more decorations that are much better than your corny wallpaper here. You aren't a gift, boy."

He simply chuckles but then gives you such a blinding smile. You hadn't paid attention to his face yesterday but with the shirt on today, it was a little easier to observe this competitive neighbour. And his smile, wow. "I'll be looking forward to seeing those."

Then you close the door and completely forgot about taking out the trash. Not the way this happens each time because of how much he infuriates you! But now it was too late to go out there because you'd be forced to run into him again, so you decided to wait until after he was done his door.

***

The video call comes at a good time as you'd finished a couple of Christmas movies and your fancy homecooked dinner of mac and cheese. It's not unexpected as your best friend and roommate, Rose, probably has some updates for you after her wild family gatherings.

"Hey, girl! How's it going?" You pick up on the first ring. You were surprisingly glad for the human interaction after being alone for nearly a week, but you suspect that her main motive for calling was to sneak away from her family holiday party.

"Wow, look at you all dressed up in festive pajamas!" She squeals. "They're so cute!"

"Thanks girl! Gotta be festive around here." Maybe you'd be embarrassed if it were anyone else on that video call, especially if they were all dressed up like Rose today, but she's been your best friend since middle school and you've all seen each other in plenty of embarrassing outfits on the daily. "How's your holiday going?"

"It's been good but pretty tiring. You would not believe the amount of drama my cousin has been trying to start." Rose breaks out into a chuckle. "But how have you been surviving there all alone without us?"

"Christmas movie marathons and cookies all day! It's been so nice to finally get a break from school and people, you know? Oh, except there's this annoying neighbour still here who keeps trying to compete with me for best decorated door or something." You roll your eyes. "Can you believe it? Who would do such a thing?"

"Oh, he's still doing that?"

"Yeah, unfortunately? I keep running into him too, like every time I step out—wait. You know him?"

She stares at you for just a second too long before responding. "W-what do you mean?"

"You asked if he's still here, but I hadn't even mentioned this neighbour's gender or anything yet."

"Oh nah," she brushes it off, "I didn't mean anyone specific but... Y/N?"

"Yes?"

Her voice drops down to a whisper as she leans in towards the camera. "Are you talking about Jaehyun?"

"Jaehyun?"

"You know, the one who looks like he should be walking the runway even in sweats and a tee."

You don't say anything but shoot her a questioning look.

"Oh come on. Broad shoulders, toned arms, probably has abs. Dimples and a nice face to top it off?"

"His name is Jaehyun?" you say lamely. "Wow, I was expecting something cooler. Like even Jay or something."

"So he is who you were talking about? Isn't he so hot?"

"Well," you hesitate. You would never admit that you actually saw the abs that she was imagining. Or that he does indeed belong at a photoshoot way more than he does in front of his door hanging ornaments. "He's okay I guess?"

"Just okay?"

You nod slowly. "Why? Don't tell me you... like him or something."

"What? No, Y/N, of course not! He's in my bio tutorial and we happened to bump into each other while walking back to the dorm one day, but that's it. Nothing to worry about."

"Okay, sure?" you say, unconvinced.

"Seriously! He's interested in someone else, okay?"

"You guys are close enough for him to tell you that?"

"I—" Rose stops and turns around to look behind her. "Shoot, my cousin found me. Sorry Y/N, I gotta go! Bye—"

Then the call ends. Even though you definitely did not see her cousin in the background.

It was nice to talk to your best friend again, but that conversation leaves you feeling strange. You're confused as to why she would word vomit about how hot Jaehyun was, then immediately try to convince you that she didn't like him in that way. You've all had crushes throughout the years and told each other eagerly about them, so why was she adamantly denying this one? If this had been a conversation in person, you'd probably be able to tell whether she was telling the truth or not based on the appearance or absence of stars in her eyes, but it was difficult to tell since it was a low quality video call after all. Maybe you'll grill her about it once she gets back.

That wasn't all though. There was a feeling you couldn't quite pinpoint, but it wasn't positive. Maybe you were slightly bothered by the fact that Rose hadn't told you about this crush? Or maybe you were feeling left out because she somehow knew this rival neighbour really well while you were left in the dark, trying to figure out who kept copying your Christmas decorations. That's probably it—you were disappointed that Rose hadn't told you that she knew the culprit all along!

Then another thought hits you when you're least expecting it. He's single. It's something that never even crossed your mind since you just started assuming that hot people at this age were all off the market and you'd die all alone. Not that him being single has anything to do with you not dying alone, but maybe Rose has a chance now if she really liked him. Nah, she's too good for a cutthroat Christmas decorator like him.

After washing your stack of dirty dishes in the sink, you finally take out the trash but not before checking for enemies through the peephole. Luckily enough, shirtless neighbour, Jaehyun, was not there. Unfortunately enough, his door actually looked quite nice with the wrapping paper on it. He chose one on the simpler side so that it wouldn't clash with the ornaments but it matched with the lights on the doorframe so well that it made you feel warm and fuzzy inside for just a second until you remembered whose door this was.

And then you remembered the bluff you so confidently stated earlier today.

So now you find yourself staring at the storage box at the top shelf of your closet because of that bluff you'd made so confidently earlier. The reality was that you weren't sure if you even had anything useful in this storage box but had to check for the sake of that bluff. You refused to lose to him at decorating, but even more than that, you refused to admit that he was right. So up the step ladder you went, standing so carefully as to not tip over and fall while dragging down everything with you. The top shelf was still quite high despite your height boost and tiptoes were still needed to reach the big cardboard box. You hoped that it was at least light but don't quite remember what you'd packed in there, so you grabbed it by the two sides and began slowly shifting it towards the edge of the shelf.

The last thing you register was hearing your own voice. Screaming very loudly.

Adrenaline coursing, blood roaring, heart pounding. You don't feel the impact as you hit the carpeted floor, nor the step ladder and the storage box and all the other items in your closet tumbling after you. It becomes a big mess on the floor of your room, looking like the closet vomited out half its contents. Unfortunately, most of it was on top of you so the clothing did nothing to cushion your fall. You would probably be feeling the ache tomorrow but for now, there was something even worse to deal with.

"Are you okay?" a voice suddenly asks. You nearly scream again. "What's going on?"

"I—um." The state of shock was still affecting your mind, so you simply decided to point up for your not-shirtless neighbour to see. "Spider."

And there it was, all of its eight legs attached to your wall right beside the box you were getting. You could've touched it! Your hand totally could've brushed it! The thought of it makes you squeeze your eyes shut and suppress a shiver.

"Wow, a big one," he says as he looks around and finally decides on some random tissue you had lying on your desk. He kills it in one swift motion, making sure not to leave any of its... bodily remains on your wall. Then he goes to dispose of it as you sit there wondering if this was all a dream and that someone actually dealt with your spider problem and made it look so easy.

Despite the rivalry between the two of you, at that moment, there was nothing more attractive than a guy who could kill bugs for you. The abs were just a bonus.

"All gone; nothing to worry about now." Jaehyun reaches out a hand. "But are you okay? That sounded like quite the fall."

"Yeah, just fine." You gingerly take his hand as your head is still spinning and he pulls you out of the giant pile. You're thankful for his firm grip but what you notice instead is how soft and big his hand is.

He catches you when you stumble. "Careful," he puts his arm around you and guides you to the bed. "Wait, you're bleeding."

"What?"

"Stay right here. I'll go get a first aid kit."

You sigh as he leaves, suddenly feeling exhausted and actually glad to be taken care of for once. The thought of Christmas decorations leaves your mind and is replaced by the feeling of his arm around you, the faint smell of his body wash, how he reached the spider so easily without even stretching too far and certainly without using the step stool. And now he's getting a first aid kit for you? This definitely must be a dream.

"You didn't hit your head, right?"

Oh. Right. That was probably why your thoughts are all strange.

Jaehyun settles into the chair opposite you, alcohol wipe and cotton swab in hand. "This cut must've been from the corner of the box. Might sting a bit."

You hardly paid attention to anything he just said because suddenly there's the way he leans towards you so, so closely. The rest of the world starts to blur into the background as you feel his hand gently brush your skin, the worry and care in his eyes so genuine. Any feelings of self consciousness seem to melt away, the close distance between you not uncomfortable but rather perfect for slowly leaning in and—

"Ow!" you hear in your own voice again. He'd started cleaning the area on your left cheek with the alcohol wipe and it was the sting that seemed to jolt you from the strange thoughts.

Maybe you really did hit your head because what was all that?

"Sorry," he flashes a smile and has the audacity to laugh at your pain. "Need to make sure this won't get infected."

"You brought this first aid kit from your place?" you ask dully.

"Well, didn't know where you keep yours so..." He opens a tube of ointment and squeezes it carefully onto the cotton swab.

"Wait, how did you even get here in the first place? No, why did you come here?"

The smile on his face only grows. "Your door was unlocked, obviously. And I heard you scream followed by several loud thuds. Is that good enough?"

"Yeah, but why did you come here? I would've been just fine."

"I had to make sure that my lovely neighbour wasn't dead, alright? Otherwise who's going to continue our little holiday contest and lose?"

"Okay, first of all, you would lose. Second, you should've left me for dead," you grumble. "No one wants to participate in your stupid contest."

"Oh, come on. I thought you were enjoying it since you promised to show me all the decorations you still have." He opens a bandage and places it ever so gently on your cheek. "All done."

"I could've done that myself you know."

At that, he raises an eyebrow at you, grin still plastered on his face. "You really would've killed that spider that caused all of this?"

"How dare you—I might've? But you caused all of this actually. If it weren't for that dumb competition then why would I be up in my closet looking for that box of stuff?"

It was true enough. You wouldn't have looked for this box and you wouldn't have seen that spider. And he would absolutely not be here dealing with you battle scars.

"Oh." Surprisingly enough, that smile he had on disappears and he actually looks kind of guilty. "I'm sorry."

"Right."

"No, really. I feel bad that this happened because of something so silly. Let me make it up to you; no more competitions, no more decorations."

You almost heave a sigh in relief after hearing those words. It was like a dream come true as you've wanted nothing more than to have this decoration obligation off your back, though not if it was because he assumed you were going to lose.

So you're still suspicious.

"And how exactly are you going to do that?"

"Hmm. Let me treat you to a meal?"

You look him up and down. "I'd rather stay in."

"We can stay in and get takeout or delivery?"

"I'd rather eat alone."

"Oh come on." He has the audacity to pout at you now. "What's the point of spending the holidays alone?"

"Well, actually I've been having a lot of fun on my own."

"But doesn't it get... lonely?"

Maybe. You shake your head. "Not really."

He heaves a dramatic sigh. "How about just one night? And if you really hate it that much then I won't bother you again."

You sigh too, equally as dramatic. "Fine. But only because I'll get to beat you at whatever games you have planned."

"I'd love to see that." The grin is back on his face in full force, dimples and eyes both seeming to twinkle.

"But why do you even want to spend time with me?"

"Well, we're the only two people on campus and we happen to be neighbours?"

You stifle your laugh at his goofy expression. "Okay, fine. Please don't make it weird though."

"Weird how?"

"You know, those apocalyptic stories about the last two people on earth having to do you-know-what in order to survive and procreate and all that."

If he had a drink in his mouth, you're sure it'd be sputtering out by the way he half laughs and half chokes.

"Um, no. I have not heard of anything like that, but I think we can confirm that I'm not the one making it weird right now."

"Hey, you were the one rude enough to go walking around shirtless!"  

"I'm just kidding." He smiles that dazzling dimpled smile again. "No competitions, no decorations, and no weirdness. Deal?"

You purse your lips. "Deal, but also, shirts are a must. And pants. Don't you dare pull anything funny."

"Deal. Oh, but before I forget," he pulls out his phone and unlocks it. "I hope this isn't considered part of the weirdness."

"Hmm." It's the 'add new contact' page on his phone that he hands you, of course. "I'll let you off the hook just this once."

You add your name and number as well as a description of 'your amazing neighbour who's better at decorating' before handing it back to him.

"Nice to meet you, Y/N. I'm—"

"Jaehyun."

"You remem—you know my name?" His eyes widen, an eyebrow raised.

You shrug. "Yeah, Rose gave me your name."

"Rose talked to you about me?" Eyes flicker briefly and the corners of lips settle into a sort of frown. "What else did she say?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Because—why were you guys even talking about me?"

"She literally called to say that there is absolutely nothing going on between you guys." You roll your eyes at just remembering that strange conversation. "But in any case, I'll have you know that I think she's way too good for you."

"And I'll have you know that there's absolutely nothing going on between her and me," Jaehyun crosses his arms, eyebrows furrowed. Yet at the same time he somehow looked relieved, body slack against the wall and not tense like a moment ago.

"Whatever you say," you shrug. "Oh, but she did mention there's someone you're interested in."

"What?!"

You definitely save his name in your phone as 'stupid shirtless decorating neighbour'.

***

The next few days consisted of some simple exchanges through text. The hangout was planned for Christmas Eve which was still a few days away, and as much as you didn't exactly want to be talking to him, you find your gaze wandering to your phone whenever it lights up with his name flashing across the screen.

Yes, it was just a hangout, not a date. You'd be staying in, acting casual, and there would be no weirdness involved as the two of you had agreed. Besides, you didn't even like him. At this point you could only bring yourself to admit that he was quite attractive and that your annoyance with him might've died just a little when you watched him save you from the spider and treat your wound. But now there was a new annoyance stemming from how rudely this guy was showing off all of his perfection (all six feet of it!) right in your face. Who does he think is he? You just know that you're lucky he isn't in any of your classes because this competition might've started way earlier with test grades or whatnot.

The point was that you couldn't wrap your head around why he would suddenly want to hang out with you. Based on his previous actions, it was to probably beat you in various video games or in something that should not even be a competition.

You decide to video call Rose to ask her for advice on how to better prepare you for this war.

"Did I interrupt?" is the first thing you say when Rose's face comes on the screen. She seems to be at the table in the middle of a meal, but it didn't look like a restaurant nor did you recognize it as anywhere in her house. "I can call back later."

"Nah, it's fine! How are things going on your side?"

Before you could answer, you see a guy walk into the frame. And recognize him immediately. You lower your voice, "Are you with our TA?"

"Um..." She only shrugs at you but you could see her flashing a smile at the guy who walks out of the frame. Who you're sure is the TA of your psychology class.  

"Rose, are you on a date with our TA?" you whisper.

"Sorry, I'll be right back," she says to him, before the background changes and you could see her walking to a different room. "Okay, yes, you caught me."

"How long has this been going on for?"

"Not long at all! It's a long story though and I'll tell you in person first thing when I get back. But hey, didn't I tell you that there was nothing going on between me and Jaehyun?"

"That's the first thing you decide to bring up?"

"Well, I just wanted to make sure you knew." She rolls her eyes. "Anyways, how are things going over there?"

You sigh deeply, ready to launch into the drama that is your life. "I may or may not have a hangout with him in a couple of days."

"What?!" she shrieks, making you nearly throw your phone. Her loud voice also invokes an 'are you okay?' from your TA, which you still could not wrap your head around. "Wow, that was quick."

"Calm down, girl, it's just a hangout. And yes, it's way too quick because I don't even know him? Don't know why he would want to hang out but I'm guessing it's probably to turn everything in a competition."

"Just because of that thing with the door decor?" She laughs. "I think you're reading too much into it. Just enjoy the holidays with some company! Besides, how do you know he doesn't want this to be a date?"

"Well, we agreed that there would be nothing weird, and also, doesn't he like someone already? So it'll just be chill and casual."

"Where are you guys going for this?"

"Literally nowhere," you stifle a laugh at the thought, "just his place right across the hall."

She snorts, "Oh man, good luck to him cleaning that up."

"Why, is it like super messy or something?" You wouldn't be surprised as it's a boys' dorm after all.

"Y/N, it's a next level mess in there, and nothing sparks joy. Trust me, Marie Kondo would definitely lose her mind seeing that mess of a place."

"You've been over to his place?"

"For a bio project! You'd think he could've picked the library or something but no, I had to trip over multiple piles of clothes lying around." She rolls her eyes, a smile on her face. "Sorry, I shouldn't be talking to you about all this. Don't worry! It'll be fun."

"I sure hope so?" You raise an eyebrow at her.

"Well if you really want to keep up with this contest of yours, I have an idea. I mean, only if you want to get back at him for the decorating thing or whatever stunt he pulls. Just in case."

"Um. I'm listening."

She leans closer to the camera, looking ready to spill some big secret. "You guys should make it a formal event. Get all dolled up—don't give me that look; I know you've missed dressing up since before finals. Anyways, get your fancy dress and makeup on and see who can clean up better. I know you've got some skills, so this is something you'd definitely win."

"But we're not even going out," you whine, "it's literally going to be twenty feet away."

"It's just an excuse to dress up, Y/N. Besides, if it's at his place you won't be freezing in your dress."

"I don't know—I feel like this kind of violates our 'nothing weird' rule."

She shrugs, "Well, it's only a competition if you're winning." Then she flashes you one of her hundred-watt smiles. "Just ask him. Okay, I gotta go. Talk to you soon?"

"Yeah, sure."

***

Jaehyun agrees to it, to your surprise.

You're not sure what kind of reaction he had as it was all done through text, but he didn't ask anything and just went along with it.

When Christmas Eve finally comes around, you pick out the most glamorous dress in your closet with some pieces of jewelry to match with it. The silvery material shimmers and glitters, bouncing light in so many directions it seems to make you radiate a type of confidence you could only wish you had. It was something you've never even worn before because of how revealing it was, but you'd brought to college with you in case of special events. And well, even though this was definitely not a special event, it still turned out to be a good decision because maybe you'd be able to beat him at his own game of so rudely showing off.  

But the moment you knock on his still gift-wrapped door is when you knew that these contests never go very well for you.

"What. Is. All. This." were the first words out of your mouth as you stood there in shock. In fear. In awe.

"Hmm? You said you wanted it to be a fancy event, so I just made it fancy...?"

"I—"

You had no words for this.

The lighting was dimmed with only the flickering candles on a tabletop and fairy lights swirling right above it creating a soft glow in the room. There was a beautiful red tablecloth with expensive looking plates ready to be served with whatever food was behind the delicious smell remaining in the air. A bottle of red wine and empty wine glasses. His apartment was spotless and not at all what you imagined it to look like, especially after Rose's spiel the other day about how messy it was. You don't doubt he spent a lot of time and effort to clean the place and set all this up, but this was way beyond anything your imagination could've thought of.

And lastly, there was him. If you'd just expected him to simply have a shirt on, he definitely went above and beyond the low expectations you had. Here he was standing in a white dress shirt tucked into black dress pants. Sleeves rolled up. Hair gelled up and slicked back. There was no ounce of imperfection in him or in this entire set up, and suddenly the outfit you picked out seems so insignificant. You could already taste the disappointment of losing a battle you'd had all intentions of winning.

Another thing that worried you was that this didn't look like the setting for a hangout. This looked like the type of place rich people eat at, where proposals happen, where anniversaries are celebrated, where you might even run into a celebrity. You definitely shouldn't have listened to Rose's advice because now it just seems like you played yourself.

"Do you not like it?"

"No, it's fine but Jaehyun, it's just—a little weird."

"A little weird? Yeah, I thought so too." He looks down, leaning against the wall as if unsure where he was supposed to go, what he was supposed to do. Not that far from your own situation.

"I shouldn't have asked for this fancy hangout," you say under your breath, then quickly change the subject before things continued down this slippery slope of awkwardness. "Anyways, I don't see a tree in here. What happened, Mr. I-have-better-decorations-than-you?"

"No tree this year, but I do have a gingerbread kit?"

"And what, were you going to put that on your door too?" You roll your eyes at him. "Let's put it together it right now."

"It was definitely an option but you're the one who wanted the fancy date." He shrugs at you innocently.

"I just wanted a chance to dress up, okay? You can't possibly comment on this," you gesture at the dress, "the way you made fun of my sweaters."

There's no expression on his face as he gives you a glance over then quickly looks away. "You look...good."

"Thanks, I know." You do a hair flip in his face just for emphasis. "Okay, let's get to it! And would you turn some lights on already?"

It turns out, decorating a gingerbread house became a lot like decorating the door to your apartment. Unintentionally. It's not like you were highly competitive by nature, but there's something about his calm demeanour, his laidback gaze, and the way his lips curl at the corners that irks you because you wanted to break down those walls and see something real. Who does he think he is, looking and acting so perfect on your supposedly casual hangout?

Besides, it wasn't your idea to see whose side of the gingerbread house looks better.

"We must look so silly doing this," you comment. "Two people all dressed up in fancy clothes just to build a gingerbread house."

"It's totally part of today's itinerary of fancy activities. Just look at how fancy my side is?" He turns the tray so you could see it. "It's looking like a mansion over here."

You resist the urge to roll your eyes at him but you'd expected nothing less. "Then I guess it would suck if someone decided to ruin it."

Holding his gaze as if a challenge, you take the tube of pink icing in your hand and squeeze it generously all over his side of the gingerbread house. It was like a thick coat of fluffy pink clouds on the roof, in the yard, and all over the windows.

His jaw drops. "You. Did. Not."

"I think I did," you tease, the biggest smile you've worn in days on your lips from just getting a reaction out of him. "And I'll do this too." He definitely does not expect it when the huge blob of the pink icing on your finger gets dabbed onto his cheek.

"You're not getting away with this, Y/N." That's the last thing Jaehyun says before he starts chasing you down with a tube of blue icing in his hands.

Then it becomes a game of running around the apartment in circles, occasionally getting close enough to place another wad of icing on him but also for him to cover you with it. Until you decide to grab the icing sugar and use that as your next weapon.

The first pinch of it lands on his face and coats it like a foundation far too light. The image of him— stopped in his tracks, lips pursed and trying to blow the sugar off, blinking with disbelief—was enough to supply you a year of happiness so that's when you let your guard down and pause to wholeheartedly laugh at him. But that's also when the icing sugar came flying at you.

In the end, both of your fancy clothes and tidied hair ended up being coated with icing sugar, as well as the apartment he'd put so much effort into cleaning. And you didn't mind at all for it worked in giving you a glimpse of someone real behind the mask of perfection that he had been wearing in the few times you'd seen him so far. Someone who isn't just abs and a pretty face, nor just competitions and winning.

Basically, someone you could like.

Dinner passes by in a breeze with delicious foods and surprisingly easy conversation. Maybe it should've felt like an awkward first date with how little you knew about each other and how you've barely seen each other before this point, but it wasn't like that at all. It was hard to define because it wasn't quite like talking to an acquaintance, yet friendship would be too tight of a term to describe this relationship. He felt familiar, like an old friend that you knew you could share everything with despite knowing him no better then a stranger. But perhaps that was from the amount of wine you both drank; while it wasn't your drink of choice, it was definitely helpful in facilitating a lot of laughter as you kept breaking out in giggles and he definitely couldn't keep a straight face.

Time was slowing as the two of you collapsed on the couch afterwards, satisfied from a hearty meal. You found yourself suddenly dreading the inevitable end to your time here, though the warmth of the wine pushes that thought away.  

"If we were outside, that would've totally been a snowball fight," you mention, looking out the window where fluffy snowflakes started to float through the air. It seemed like a Christmas miracle for it to be snowing so unexpectedly but maybe this year will give you a beautiful white Christmas.

The corners of his eyes crinkle when he smiles so brightly even with the dim lighting of the room. "Then we could've also been making snow angels or a fort."

"Sorry for dirtying your floor though." You couldn't help but giggle. "It was so clean before all this."

"Don't worry, this isn't even as bad is it usually is," he confesses with a laugh.

"Yeah, Rose told me all about that."

"She did? Oh I'm so going to kill her."

The two of you burst out laughing at that, leaning over in a way that has your hand lightly brushing against his.  

"It's not all terrible though. It almost looks like it snowed in here too," you say, admiring the sprinkles of icing sugar scattered all across the floor that looks nothing like actual snow, but it's nice to think of it that way. "Icing sugar everywhere."

Everything you look at seems to glow and sparkle with the heat of the wine still swirling through your body, heart racing, cheeks hot, the world spinning just slightly. And it's not like you were completely drunk, but instead it felt more like you were drunk on life with small, happy thoughts bubbling through your veins—how cozy this place was, how it's the holidays, how you actually enjoyed spending time with Jaehyun and how things turned out much better than you could've possibly imagined. It was nothing like the image of competitive gaming with the frat boys that Rose had put in your mind; this was the most romantic thing that anyone's ever done for you even if it wasn't intending to be more than a casual hangout.

Then there was how attractive Jaehyun looked as he's seated right beside you, hair dishevelled from earlier, a faint pink dusting his face, shirt unbuttoned just low enough to expose the top of his chest. Icing sugar at the corner of his lips where a faint smile rests.

When you look back up, his eyes meet yours and you have to urge to quickly look away, cheeks blazing from knowing you'd been caught staring a moment too long. But instead, a sudden stroke of courage compels you to hold his gaze, perhaps to see a reaction, perhaps as a question silently lingering in the room for much of the night.

"Mhm, it's beautiful," he says softly, still not moving his gaze from where it rests on you. "You still have some right here," he says softly, leaning in slightly as his hand brushes across your heated cheeks. Everything seems to happen in slow motion when he reaches your bottom lip, thumb grazing gently.

And suddenly it was like a repeat of what happened just days earlier. When he meets your eyes again this time, his dark pupils are twinkling in an answer to your question, luring you into their gravity until you're sinking, eyes closing, slowly getting lost in him.

Sparks fly at the slightest brush of his lips on yours and that's enough to abruptly drag you out of the moment you were swept into.

"Wait, Jaehyun—we agreed not to make things weird."

As much as you wanted to just kiss him right then and there, there was still some part of your mind that was telling you to stay away from this slippery slope. That things will be different after the rose-coloured lenses of alcohol and lust fade, that the weird that you both had tried so hard to avoid would end up happening and ending badly.

"Um, right. Sorry." He looks away, refusing to meet your eyes as his cheeks redden, unrelated from the wine. "Y/N... it's just that I've liked you for so long."

Out of all the things you thought he would say, this was nowhere near any of it. His words catch you totally off guard and seem to immediately sober you up.

"What? What do you mean?"

He sighs softly, a hand running through his hair and a hand on yours, tentatively.

"I'm not sure if you remember but we went to the same middle school." Jaehyun pauses, his eyes searching yours for a reaction but you don't dare breathe, waiting for him to continue. "I know this was so long ago and it shouldn't even matter anymore but middle school wasn't really a good time for me."

You take his hand in yours, encouraging him to go on.

"Kids could be so cruel back then, you know?" He smiles sadly. "But you were the only person who showed me such kindness. I could never forget that, Y/N."

"Middle school?"

He confirms with a small nod and that's when you think back. Middle school wasn't a good time for you either and it probably wasn't for anyone, but nothing in particular stood out in your mind. You had a small group of friends back then and got good grades. You were in the school's band and might've been teacher's pet one year. There wasn't exactly anyone bullying you, but there was one girl who was mean and made up rumours about you and some guy you didn't even know. That guy turned out to be really nice though, and the two of you ended up as good friends as a result of that rumour. But all that ended when his family moved right before high school and you never saw him or contacted him again.  

"Sorry, I don't really recall. Were you in my class? There really weren't any boys in my life back then, like the only guy that I can recall is Hyunnie." You smile just thinking about the memories. "He was a good guy. Not sure what happened to him but I kind of liked him."

Jaehyun says nothing but you could see a hint of a smile that he was trying to hold back.

"What, you also know Hyunnie?"

He still remains silent, this time shrugging his shoulders the tiniest bit as he bites his lips.

"Then? Wait—" You gasp when it hits you. "Wait. We all called him Hyunnie but... Hyunnie. Jaehyun. That's—no," you shake your head, "there's no way. That's impossible."

"Y/N," he weaves his fingers with yours.

"You're joking." You stare at him to try to put the pieces together. The Hyunnie you remembered was a small, chubby boy with glasses so big they seem to cover his whole face while his bangs would cover the rest of it as if seeming to hide him from the world. Maybe initially you just wanted to support him as the rumours tied the two of your together, but after getting to know him better you realized he was very kind and genuine. And that's when your admiration for him started.

"Remember the secret code names we had? And the glow in the dark watch? And our mad minute competitions?"

"You're Hyunnie," you breathe, still shocked.

"Yeah," he whispers.

"But—why didn't you say anything at the time?"

"Because I knew you wouldn't feel the same," he looks away, not meeting your eyes. "I thought moving away would help me get rid of my feelings...but it didn't work."

"Why were you so sure about that? Why wouldn't I feel the same?"

"Is it not obvious? I—wasn't exactly someone you would be proud to be with. You were so sweet and popular and gorgeous. You had so many people wanting to be with you, and I—I was nothing.

"Don't say that! I was so happy that you were one of my closest friends." You pause. "Also, how could you be so wrong?" You roll your eyes at him, at all the silly things that once felt like the end of the world but are now so trivial when looking back.

"Was I wrong?"

"Yes! I liked you too, okay? I don't care what you look like. Jaehyun, you don't know how hard it was for me after you left without a trace."

"I'm sorry. I can only promise you that it will never happen again." Then he pouts. "Also, I worked so hard for these abs just to hear you say you don't care what I look like. Wow, I'm hurt."

That makes you burst out laughing. "They're definitely nice, but you are worth so much more than what you look like. And don't think that I wouldn't like you for who you are."

He brushes a strand of hair behind your ear, leaning in just a little closer.

"Okay."

"Never think that you're not good enough."

A hand cupping your cheek, tracing your jaw. Even closer.

"Okay."

"And don't ever leave me like that again."

His lips hesitate just for a moment.

"Okay."

Then they're crashing on yours, the electricity between you crackling so loud it blocks out the rest of the world as your mind is only filled with Jaehyun, Jaehyun, Jaehyun. His lips are sweet like the cotton candy you had back in seventh grade, lingering on your teeth at the amusement park, turning his tongue bright blue. His touch is gentle, ebbs and flows like the ocean during the eighth grade beach trip, water gently lapping at your feet, sand between your toes and between entangled fingers. His scent surrounds you like a warm hug on a cold day, like a hoodie too big to fit your shoulders while sitting outside of the school after the dance. All the memories flooding back make your mind spin; the things you've forgotten, the ones you've buried, and the fragments that he'd taken when he left, now brought back to their rightful place.

As the clock struck twelve, there were only whispered words of Merry Christmas in between lingering kisses, racing hearts, brushes of bare skin.

It wasn't weird like you were afraid tonight would go. What you once thought to be awkward and strange turned out to be so right, so perfect. Sure, it might hurt to know that there was all this lost time between you, but now you could make up for that by spending the rest of it getting to know each other again. Learning and relearning each other until there was only a seamless connection between the past and the present, an invisible red string tying the two of you together.

And maybe you did lose all these competitions to him but they never really mattered to you anyways especially when you gained back an old friend, a first love, a soulmate.