#MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND

[reebmiester]

Zombie Apocalypse Steve Rogers for @whotheheckitheheck’s au <333

[startrekfangirl2233-fic-recs]

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw Recommended Fic Masterlist

Key:

❤️‍🔥 - Smut

☁️ - Fluff

💢 - Angst

🍬 - Sweet

📚 - Multi-Chapter

Stupid Jar Opener by @krmy2386 ☁️ 🍬

Rooster's morning routine with his wife when he's home from deployments is disrupted by a jar opener.

Remember This by @myfaveficrecs ❤️‍🔥

Written for @roosterforme's #love is in the air tgm challenge to the song “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men.

Not A Coincidence by @sehnsuchts-trunken ❤️‍🔥(Alluded)

It’s not a coincidence when the Squad sees you turn up at the Hard Deck for a beach day. It’s not a coincidence either when you end up inside the bar all alone with Rooster. And after what happened on Tuesday, well…  

I Close My Eyes and All I See Is You and the Small Things You Do by @jupitercomet ☁️ 🍬

“At ease, soldier.” The playful teasing vibrated against the vertebrae of his spine.

Bradley relaxed at the command — almost dutifully, almost like a soldier — turning in your embrace so that he could face you. You’re smiling at him, eyes bright, an apron tied loosely around your waist. He played with the bow at your back as you kissed him softly.

“I missed you, bear.”

or

Bradley Bradshaw comes home.

Till Forever Falls Apart and I'll Always Feel The Way I Felt by @jupitercomet ❤️‍🔥☁️ 💢🍬📚

You and Rooster will love each other forever. Even if forever falls apart. Inspired by Till Forever Falls Apart by Ashe and FINNEAS

Following the aftermath of “till forever falls apart” (a.k.a a happy ending for all those who wanted it :)) Inspired by Glowing Review by Maisie Peters

I Missed You by @fandomxpreferences ☁️ 💢🍬

Rooster is finally home and his two girls can’t wait to see him. (Based on this request)

40. “I know it hurts, but you’ll get through this.” by @topguncortez 💢🍬

From an Ask: 40. “I know it hurts, but you’ll get through this.” I need this ❤️

Short Stack by @spacecaravan ❤️‍🔥 ☁️ 🍬

Breakfast for Rooster. Any way he wants it. 🥞☕🥓

Is It Working For You (The Roo and Baby Girl Universe) by @roosterforme ❤️‍🔥 ☁️ 💢 🍬 📚

Is It Working For You? (18 Part Series)  Rooster has had his eye on you all week at work, and now you’re at the Hard Deck looking too good to be true.  

Stories (in order) to accompany Is It Working For You?:

Underneath It All (Kinktober challenge) You and Bradley discover each other's kinks, and nobody is disappointed. (can be read alone)

Take It Off You ask Bradley to shave off his mustache. The regret is instant. (can be read alone)

Lips on You When Rooster upsets you at the Hard Deck, he earns your forgiveness with his mouth and his tongue. 

Meet the Parents Bradley meets your parents and wishes you could have met his.

The Craftsman You and Bradley go house hunting and are in complete agreement over what you see.

Take Me to Neverland You and Bradley celebrate Halloween with the Dagger crew before sneaking off together. (can be read alone)

A Little Present "What if you just let me fuck you real quick, Sweetheart? I'll fill you up and leave you with a little present, and then you can be on your way." (can be read alone)

The One Where He Puts His Foot in His Mouth Bradley takes his stress out on you, and you let him know that's unacceptable. 

A Preview of the Weekend You and Bradley christen your new office. (can be read alone)

Sounds Ideal Having you in his living space makes everything seem better and brighter to Bradley. 

Boys Night In The boys make Bradley self conscious about you, and you give them a formal dressing down.

Behind Closed Doors Bradley swore you did it on purpose. The way you looked at him as he tried to get to work on time was highly distracting. (can be read alone)

Have Yourself a Merry Little Rooster Bradley joins you when you visit your parents for Christmas. Everything seems to be fitting together perfectly for him. 

Five More Minutes It's your birthday, and you're kind of annoyed that Bradley never asked when it was. 

King of the Road When Bradley picks you up from a night out, you thank him orally on the ride home. 

A Rooster to Care for Me Bradley loves to take care of you when you have your period. (can be read alone)

Just Desserts Rooster only has eyes for his girlfriend and her baked goods. (can be read alone)

We Broke the Bed You and Bradley manage to break your Queen bed. Time to upgrade to a King.

The Deployment Diaries (25 Part Series) It is time for Bradley to leave on deployment. Being separated from each other is not something either of you want.

Suddenly and Unexpectedly Bradley gets called back to Top Gun for a special assignment. One of the members of the team has his heart suddenly and unexpectedly skipping a beat. (prequel story!)

Hands to Yourself Normally Bradley would encourage you to touch him as much as you want, but not when you've invited everyone you know over for a cookout.

I'm So Hot For You Bradley makes you some homemade hot sauce to show his love and appreciation for you being his sexy nurse.

Gonna Make You Sweat Bradley is determined to get back in peak physical condition, but you are more of a distraction than he anticipated.

A Love You Don't Find Everyday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 (Multi-part Series) Sometimes plans change, and you don't always agree on everything, but you and Bradley have what you need to make it work.

B&BG Headcanons

The Keeper , Part 2 , Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 by @tulipsbymybed ❤️‍🔥 ☁️ 🍬 📚

Rooster visits his local bookstore and meets his future wife-when she laughs in his face, that is.

Bradley is utterly obsessed with you. Good thing today is the day he gets to collect his book from your shop.

It's been a few days and Rooster is thoroughly depressed. It doesn't help when he's forced to go out to the Hard Deck-but maybe the universe will help him while he's there?

Rooster finally gets a hold of himself and asks you the important question. Well, he tries to.

Rooster needs this evening to go perfectly, he can't handle anything less. Happily, it goes even better than perfect.

Landslide by @roosterbruiser ❤️‍🔥 ☁️ 💢 🍬 📚

It’s been almost three years since the accident that took half of her, and Faye “Clover” Ledger seems fine, really. She loves her old house, she has a perpetually expanding vinyl collection, she’s got a job she likes on base, and she is only a short drive from the beach. She’s grounded--literally. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw feels like he’s been homesick his entire life. He’s always on the move;  jumping from one squadron to another, living one mission to the next. Somewhere in between losing both his parents and carving a successful career as a Naval aviator, he’s never found himself a home. When a call to serve on a high-priority mission with an elite squadron brings Rooster back to Miramar, he finds that home. Except it’s not a house that he finds--it’s the former backseater that observes and records the mission for the Official Navy Record. 

Let's Get It On (Someday) by @familyvideostevie ☁️ 🍬

For @roosterforme's "Love is in the Air" Valentine's Day TGM Challenge. Inspired by the song Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye.

Concerned Neighbor by @mothdruid ❤️‍🔥 ☁️ 🍬

Bradley and you are neighbors, sharing a duplex owned by Mav. But Bradley never realized how paper thin the walls really were until one night. He learned the difference between your moans, from true pleasure and fake pleasure. He makes it a point to show you true pleasure when with someone.

Forever Valentine by @bradshawsbaby ☁️ 🍬

Pre-wedding stress plus Valentine's Day is a potent combination for you. Thankfully you've got Bradley Bradshaw as your fiancé to make everything better.

Red Flags, Green Flags by @roosterformeme ☁️ 🍬

Hangman complains about his date's red flags, but Bradley thinks this girl sounds amazing.

[starstruckkittensweets]

Snowy Skies and Silver Eyes | Levi x Reader

Merry Christmas Levi Ackerman! As per usual, I have returned with my annual Christmas fic for our favorite lil captain. I want nothing more than to give this man some peace and quiet and happiness for once, so this little fic was born. I hope you guys enjoy it, and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a wonderful New Year in 2022! (And a very Happy Birthday to one (1) Captain Levi Ackerman!) 

Fandom: Attack on Titan  Pairing: Levi x Reader Words: 2.7k 

Warnings: post-Season 3 spoilers, pre-Season 4 hints/spoilers, brief mentions of canon deaths, slight suggestive language (nothing too serious), mentions of pregnancy 

“A vacation? Are you sure about that?”

It’s hard not to blush beneath Hanji’s curious eyes—well, eye is more like it (you’re still not used to seeing her with that dark eyepatch across her face). You shrug your shoulders and turn back to your book, picking at the corner of the page you’re currently on.

“It’s not a full vacation... Just a few days away from the base. Alone,” you add, with a slight smirk tugging at your lips. Hanji’s always had a hard time keeping her nose out of other people’s business; it wouldn’t surprise you one bit if she tried intruding on this little getaway as a third wheel.

She hums softly, placing both hands on her hips. “Yeah, I figured. No unwelcome visitors, right?” She reaches over to flick your forehead and laughs when you swat her hand away playfully. “I hope you know the assembly’s going to be up my ass about it, though. They’re going to be wondering where our two best soldiers are.”

“Oh, they can loosen up for once. Besides, it’ll be Christmas soon. Surely they can afford to let us go for a week or so.”

She hums in agreement again, and the two of you settle back into a comfortable silence, as she sifts through paperwork and you read your book. It’s been like this for the past few months, ever since she became the 14th Commander of the Survey Corps. You’ll never say it out loud, but you suspect she likes your company more nowadays. She’s never liked having an empty office.

“So,” she says, stretching her arms out behind her, “do you need me to help you pack for your little vacation? Food, wine…lingerie?”

“Fuck off.” But there’s no point in hiding your blush. Hanji’s already snickering behind the palm of her hand. “…If I need any of that, I’ll let you know.”

“Ha, I knew it!”

“Shut up!”

You reach over the desk to swat at her, but she ducks just in time and slides out of her seat. You throw down your pen and jump to your feet, arms stretched out to grab at her sleeves. But she evades your grasp as you chase her around the office, laughing all the while.

For a moment, it feels like how things were before. Before the battle for Shiganshina. Before discovering the secrets in Eren’s father’s basement. Before learning about the world beyond the Walls.

Before you, Levi, and Hanji became eternally exhausted.

But these are the moments you yearn for. Fooling around like children with your best friend, elated to hear a real laugh come out of her mouth. It’s been months since you’ve heard her laugh like that; you’re certain Moblit would be proud of her, if he were still here.

Levi is a little reluctant when you bring up the idea of a little vacation to him—less so when he realizes Hanji will be left at the assembly’s mercy once you leave. But she brushes him off with a wave and a smile, winking her one good eye at him.

“You could use the time off, Shorty.” She’s careful to keep her voice low, you are discussing this in the crowded mess hall, after all. “Summer’s been so busy with all those extra expeditions… You deserve to have a break. Both of you do.”

He huffs before taking another sip of his tea. “You deserve one too, Shitty Glasses.” Neither of you miss the faint blush on her cheeks at the old nickname. “You deal with a lot more shit than we do.”

“Eh, I’ll be alright. I’ll take a few days off once you guys get back. I’ll leave you two trapped in that castle with ten mountains of paperwork!”

He scoffs, “I wouldn’t be fucking surprised…”

But at least she’s supportive of your plans. Hanji’s always been easy to talk to, a good shoulder to lean on when times are tough. She’s been with you through it all, so of course she knows how precious your time with Levi is to you. Although she doesn’t say it often, you know deep down she’s your number one supporter.

“So…is that a yes, then?”

He glances at you, teacup still pressed against his lips. Finally, he pulls it away and lets out a sigh.

“I guess so. Where would you even want to go, anyway?”

You steal a glance at Hanji, and she nods wordlessly, picking up her tray and excusing herself to get another helping of food at the counter. You made her promise not to eavesdrop on your conversation, in fear she might want to come with you two. As much as you love her though, this little trip is for you and Levi only. Besides, it’ll help in the long run when the assembly asks where the two of you are, and she really doesn’t know the answer.

“I was thinking we go visit the hills just outside Quinta District. It’s really nice there, I’m sure you’d love it. There’s a few rivers, a nice view, and not too many people out there to begin with.”

Of course there aren’t. It’s only been about a month since Wall Maria was declared free of any Titans, but people are still reluctant to move back into their old homes. Especially those in Shiganshina, where the district still lays in ruin. It’ll take another few months to clean up the mess it’s been turned into, unfortunately.

But you know the areas surrounding Quinta. You’re confident the two of you can find some peace of mind over there, if not anywhere else within the Walls. And if the assembly does send a few MPs out to look for you, you highly doubt they’ll check a place that was just recently cleared of Titans. While they’re nowhere near as corrupt as they once were, they’re still not as ready to face Titans as the Scouts and the Garrison are.

You hold your breath, waiting for Levi’s verdict on the plan. But then he smiles softly, placing his teacup down to ruffle your hair.

“Alright, we’ll go there. But we have to leave soon, alright? And make sure you pack enough for the trip. I don’t want to be keeping you warm every night just because you forgot to bring some decent clothes.”

You can only laugh and nod, knowing full well he has no problem with warming you up every night.

The two of you slip out in the middle of the night, with Hanji waving at you from her office window. Your horses are saddled and ready to go, with two bags strapped to each of them (not counting the backpacks on your backs). With your hoods pulled up and your ODM gear ready, the two of you set off into the night.

The road to Quinta’s outskirts is simple enough. Follow the trail from Trost to the village of Dauper, minding the lively forests along the way. Cut through the river that passes through Yarckel, follow it into Krolva, and the two of you are already within the boundaries of Wall Maria. It’s a breath of fresh air to be out of the busy districts for once; despite it being under humanity’s control once again, Wall Maria still has an air of mystery to it. Untouched for five years, since the Colossal Titan broke through the gate of Shiganshina.

The whole trip takes about two days, with a brief rest at New Dauper (and a quick reunion with Sasha’s family), as well as a night in a tavern in Krolva District. Then, just as the sun starts to set on the third day, the outline of Quinta District becomes visible in the distance, as the first flakes of a snowfall drift from the sky.

Levi lets you take the lead, considering your knowledge of this area. The furthest he’s been within the Walls is the capital of Mitras, and probably just outside Orvud District of Wall Sina. But as far as you know, he’s never explored the western territories. So it’s nice to watch his reaction as he takes it all in for the first time.

The pine trees stand tall against the sky—nowhere near as the ones in the Forest of Giant Trees, but remarkable all the same. The gray sky, with just a sliver of sun poking through the clouds, making the snowflakes glitter as they fall on the frostbitten grass. The rushing river nearby, which is sure to freeze up once the months get colder.

But then he sees something else, and when he motions to it, your heart leaps in your throat. The two of you trudge toward it wordlessly, too scared to make any sudden movements.

It’s a little settlement just outside the main gates. A tiny wooden house and some fences, to hold a few farm animals. But the grass is overgrown, withering in the chilly air. The windows are dusty, the roof caving in from age. Even the fences are starting to wither, splintering at the edges.

Levi opens his mouth to speak—but he suddenly freezes when he sees your hands shaking around the reins of your horse’s bridle.

“An old home,” you choke out, desperately trying to keep your voice strong. “Not mine—well, it was, kind of, but it wasn’t permanent. My parents only stayed there for a few months after they got married, before my father got a job outside Ehrmich… That’s when they had me. But they used to visit here a few times, especially in the summer…”

You clear your throat and give him a smile. No need to dwell on the past now. It’s over and done with. Time to look to the future, and whatever it may hold.

“Come on, I know a good spot to camp out.”

He remains silent as you continue to lead the way, not missing the forlorn look you cast over your shoulder. At the withering house at the edge of the village, tattered and broken and full of memories.

There’s a small hill about a mile away from the village, overlooking the forests and river, as well as the little house your family once owned. You let your horses roam free for the time being, to let them get a little rest. Levi’s stallion paws at the ground, before prancing around the meadow like a newborn foal. He must be trying to impress your mare, as always. Luckily, she snorts and joins him shortly, kicking up tufts of snow with each step.

Levi helps you set up the tent. By the time you’re finished, you’re sharing a quiet meal over a small fireplace, with two bottles of wine at your sides. The snow never stops falling, too light to put out the fire, but enough to make Levi growl in annoyance. But once he sees you tremble with the slightest shiver from the cold, he throws a heavy blanket over your shoulders, only shrugging when you thank him.

When your bellies are full and the horses are sleeping, you open the blanket and invite him inside. It’s only when you give him a pleading look that he decides to join you, wrapping an arm around your waist as he pulls the blanket closer. You lean in for a kiss, but he stops you at the last minute, bringing the bottle of wine to his lips. But you only laugh, giving him a light shove beneath the blanket.

“It’s nice out tonight, isn’t it?”

“…If you count a shitty storm as nice, then yeah.”

“It’s not big enough to be a storm yet, captain.” You nudge him gently with your elbow, taking another drink of your wine bottle. You’ve only had a few sips, but you’re already starting to feel sleepy. The trek’s finally catching up to you, it seems. “…You know, you never told me what you wanted for your birthday this year.”

“So? I don’t care about that shit, so why should you?”

You roll your eyes. It’s always the same conversation, no matter the year. Levi, tell me what you want for your birthday. Levi, do you want to do anything special this year for Christmas? Levi, why can’t you understand that I want to celebrate your birthday with you? And he always gives you the same question: why do you care about it in the first place?

And over the years, your answer has never changed in the slightest: “Because I love you, that’s why.”

He scoffs and takes another swig of his bottle, but at least his arm has relaxed around your waist. He’s still not pleased with your answer, but at least he’s willing to play along for now.

“So, what do you want for your birthday? It can be anything in the world. More tea? I’ll go to Mitras as soon as we get back and buy only the best! Some extra cleaning supplies? I’ll stop by Orvud District and pick some up with Hanji. Another vacation from the Scouts? That’ll be harder to do, but I’m sure I can pull a few strings with Historia…”

But he shakes his head at every single one of them. You puff out your cheeks and glare at him, nudging him in the side once more.

“Come on! Tell me, what do you want this year? Tell me and I’ll get it for you!”

He glances down at his lap for what feels like an eternity, plucking at the neck of the wine bottle with the tip of his finger. Finally, he shifts in his seat and turns to look at you dead in the eye.

“That house—the one you showed me.”

You follow the direction of his finger, and your heart leaps in your throat when you see the aging house, the same one that used to belong to your parents.

“Um…okay, sure! But…can I ask why?”

“So we can move in after all this.”

“…Like, you, me, Hanji and the kids—?”

“No, us. Live together…just the two of us.”

It’s the way he says it—so blunt and earnest, you have no choice to believe him—that makes you want to cry. Your palms are shaking, heart throbbing violently in your chest. Something warm and wet splashes onto the fuzzy material of the blanket. Your nose burns, your face heats up—but then his eyes are staring into yours, his rough palms pressed against your cheeks.

“I’m not good at this shit,” he mutters, his cheeks tinged with a bright shade of pink, “so I’ll just say it like this. That house—the one you and your parents lived in—let’s make it ours. Let’s live in it after the war. Fix it up and live together. Maybe even have a few kids, like you always talked about.”

The secret desire you’ve held for so long, seemingly forbidden when it comes to your life as a soldier, for children with the man you love with all your heart—you sob into his hands and wrap your arms around his neck, pressing kisses to every inch of his face you can reach. His forehead, his cheeks, his nose, his lips—you don’t stop until you trace every bit of his skin with your mouth.

“Okay,” you mumble against his lips, “let’s do it. We’ll live in it, just like Mom and Dad. Make it our own. And…are you serious? Do you really want kids?”

His lips are warm and gentle against your forehead. “If they’re with you, then yes.”

You choke out another sob as he gives you a kiss, tasting the salt of your tears against your cheeks. A birthday wish so beautiful, yet so unstable, so fleeting. No one knows what this war will bring. No one knows what will happen in the years moving forward.

And yet, none of that seems to bother you, as you sit beneath the snowfall with your captain’s arms around you. His lips are pressed against the top of your head, his chest warm and pleasant against your back. You lean in, clinking your wine bottle to his, before planting a soft kiss on the flushed skin of his cheek.

“Merry Christmas, captain.”

He huffs out a faint “Merry Christmas, brat,” before taking a drink of his wine, and pulling you in for another sweet kiss.

[deepperplexity]

Prompt: 21. Christmas Present

A/N: This is a continuation of prompt 18. Christmas Market ^^ Hope you'll enjoy it! :D

Setting: Hogwarts, Filch's quarters

Characters: Snape & Filch

Word count: 1513

Warnings: NONE

Masterlist page // Masterlist post // SNAPEMAS POST

Severus could barely contain himself as he walked through Hogwarts, Argus's gift in his hands and a smile across his thin lips. He hoped and begged that his gift would be received with joy by Argus. But he was nervous, so damn nervous his legs felt wobbly when he finally reached the door.

It took him a moment to gather himself enough to knock on the worn door. It opened within a short moment. And there was Argus. He looked clean and nice, he was wearing the waistcoat Severus had given him for his birthday last year. It looked nice on him and made Severus so incredibly happy to see.

"Merry Christmas," Severus said with a slight vibration to his voice and Argus smiled.

"Merry Christmas. Come in lad," he said as he stepped aside and Severus went in. The gift still clutched in his pale hands.

Argus's home at Hogwarts (well, his only home that is) was scarcely decorated but there was a little tree and beneath it laid three gifts. Severus sneaked over and saw two were addressed to him and one was for Mrs. Norris. His heart thumped a little harder as he placed his present with the others. He could not quite understand he had been so lucky as to befriend Argus in such a way. The man was disliked, no question, but he was gentle and kind to Severus. How it came about was a long story but Severus was happy it had happened.

Argus meandered over while he straightened his coat.

"We'll do the gifts in a minute lad," he said, "First we talk about what we hope for next year. A little tradition from my family." Severus nodded and they both walked over to the worn couch and Mrs. Norris happily joined them. A little red bow that matched her blood-red eyes tied around her neck. She easily jumped up and landed in Severus's lap, purring instantly as he stroked her back gently with the tips of his fingers.

"You start lad, what do you wish for next year?" Severus pondered the question for a minute but he really didn't need to.

"That the Marauders will stop bullying me for existing. And maybe, make a friend my own age who doesn't just tolerate me," Severus said as his cheeks took on a slight blush. Argus nodded. He understood Severus and didn't reprimand him for wanting so little out of life. He knew the boy had had a rough start and was still in a rough place. So he simply slapped his thighs and looked at him.

"I wish whoever keeps sticking gum to walls and floors will die a painful death so I don't have to scrape away anymore of that stuff. Merlin knows where that mouth has been," he grumbled out. Severus chuckled slightly.

"Oh mark my words laddie, when I find the culprit I'll hang him by his thumbs until he screams." Severus chuckled again as Argus had a wicked gleam to his eyes, as if he really hoped his wish would come true. It easily distracted him from his own problems and the relief was indeed welcome.

Sure, Argus was a dark and spiteful person. He was brutal and harsh. Much like Severus's own father. But Argus was very different. The man always had a reason, he never did anything not approved by the headmaster and he was at the core a gentle but misunderstood person who had been cast aside much like Severus himself. So the two got along splendidly.

"Let's hope both our wishes come true, lad." Severus nodded and Mrs. Norris jumped of his lap to saunter over to the trees where the gifts laid. As if she knew it was time.

"Very well girl, impatient as ever," Argus said with a smile that showed his yellowing teeth.

"But the boy first."

"No no, ladies first," Severus aid with a grin towards Mrs. Norris who sat by her present.

"Well lookie here girl, a gentleman," Argus said as he patted Severus's shoulder harshly but in a nice way.

Mrs. Norris played around with the little red mouse made of felt that scurried around the room, enchanted by a spell that only needed the cats attention to kick in. Severus and Argus looked at her as she jumped, spun and chased the little toy all over the floor. Obviously happy with her gift.

"Now you lad," Argus said and handed over the two gifts addresses to him. One from Argus himself and one from the cat. Severus opened the latter first and was met by a weird looking piece of fabric. He tilted his head in question.

"When you are older," Argus said with a soft voice, you can wear this. It's called a cra-vat, fancy word, I think I'm pronouncing it wrong but nonetheless. It goes around your neck. Rather fancy thing but I believe Mrs. Norris thought it might suit such a handsome boy as yourself lad," Argus grumbled and Severus smiled as his heart hammered.

"I believe it goes well with a frock coat," Argus continued, "And I believe you would look rather splendid in one of those fancy things." Severus held the fabric with gentle hands and nodded. One day he would wear it, he would wear a cravat and a frock coat, one day when he was older.

"Go on lad, open the other," Argus urged him and Severus did just that. Inside the box laid a brand new bag made of thick black leather with golden details. Severus gawked at the item as he was mesmerized by it. His hand gently touched the leather and a tiny wave of goosebumps travelled up his arm by the smoothness of it.

He looked towards Argus as his head filled with questions.

"Don't look so alarmed lad, I noticed your bag was falling apart. Can't have you dropping important school stuff," he said and Severus gave him a wide smile before he returned his gaze to the bag. He picked it up and inspected it. It had a multitude of pockets inside so he could organise all this things and there was enough space to carry at least five books in it. It was perfect, absolutely perfect. He couldn't wait to stuff it with all his school things and carry it with him to every class.

"Thank you so much," he whispered as his eyes watered a bit. Argus nodded and clapped his hands together before rubbing them against each other.

"Now, I believe there is one more present?" He said with a broad smile and Severus immediately ran over to the tree and got it. He didn't use magic infront of Argus, he saw enough of it outside his own home and Severus did not want to remind the man of what he did not have.

He handed over the gift wrapped in striped paper with green string around it. His heart hammered and his palms turned a little sweaty as his nerves were reaking havoc in him.

"Merry Christmas," he said as Argus grabbed the gift with his harsh hands covered in little scars. Argus ripped open the present and Mrs. Norris took command of the string that fell to the floor. As Argus lifted the lid of the box he froze in his movements. Not a word or expression on his face. He just blankly stared at the pocket watch made of silver with little to no details. Severus stomach tightened. It nearly hurt as worry set in. Perhaps he had not managed to buy a good gift after all?

"Lad..." Argus mumbled as he hesitantly picked up the pocket watch. Severus kept his eyes fixed on him as he inspected the watch with clear eyes.

"It is perfect," Argus said in a low voice before a smile broke out across his face and he held the pocket watch tighter, "Absolutely perfect, splendid my dear boy," he continued and the pain in Severus's stomach disappeared as it was replaced with warmth.

"You like it?" he asked with a low voice and Argus whipped his head around.

"I love it, lad," he said as he put the watch in place. Fastened in his waist coat and then placed in the little pocket that was truly only there for a pocket watch. Severus beamed at him and before he knew it Argus had taken him in a warm hug.

The man patted the boys back and thanked him for the wonderful gift as Severus did the same. More than happy with the gifts he had received. Mrs. Norris jumped up and squeezed herself in between them with a loud purr as the man and boy split apart.

"Thank you as well my lovely lady," Severus said with a smile as he scratched the cat under her chin. She tilted her head ever so slightly so he could reach better and as Severus looked up he saw Argus smiling down at the pocket watch he then held in his hand. It was the best Christmas they both had had so far.

Masterlist page // Masterlist post // SNAPEMAS POST

I hope you enjoyed this one! I really like Argus and Severus in a father/son-like relationship. It also as close friends. I can't exactly say why but I find them to fit with each other. Both when Severus is young and when he is older. ^^ And everyone deserves gifts at Christmas, even scruffy old Filch and Mrs. Norris <3

Tags: @lizlil @snapefiction  @morphineisouthoney​ @setsuna-meiou31​ @snapefiction​ @monstreviolet @meteoritewolf69​

[Dec:2020]

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[oh-theatre]

Objection!: Chapter 21

Chapter title: A Winters Ball

A/n:  Merry Christmas Eve! Happy Hannukah! Happy Holidays to all! I hope this chapter is a nice something should you need it, it's a little longer so I hope that's ok! It's also bad but when are they not lol. Anyway, enjoy! Make sure to leave me some comments and Happy Holidays!

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words: 6082

summary: Patton throws a holiday party, with gifts for all!

pairings: Eventual logicality, eventual prinxiety, platonic demus, romantic remile

warnings: Alcohol, murder mention, drunk, implied abuse, gun, kissing, crying

Ao3 Link  

It started out so calm. Virgil arrived a little after seven looking happier than he had that entire week. He carried with him a small box, clutching to it as if it was his last hope. The kids pounced instantly, jumping forward as they drag Damian and Virgil further into the house only solidifying their stay.

“Ok” Patton laughs “Give Uncle Virge room to breathe '' He requests, the twins pout but let go moving away. Damian scurries back to his position, hiding safely with his father, clutching to the detective's legs. “Hey” Patton greets, a side hug is given.

“Papa! Can we play now?” Valerie asks, tugging loosely on her father's jeans. He chuckles shaking his head, he nods. Valerie races towards the living room where she has previously set toys and begins her game under the Christmas tree again. Remus sways in his spot, he watches Damian carefully.

“Uncle Virgil?” He speaks so softly, the adults almost miss his spoken words. “Would Dee like to play?” He wonders, Damian furrows his brows but pokes his head out ever so slightly “Dada let me buy a new game, it has snakes” he offers with a toothy grin. Virgil nods almost impressed by Remus’s calm manner, clearly quite taken to Damian. He turns to his son, lifting him carefully.

“Dee? Wanna go play with Remus?” He questions, Damian, shies away not wanting to meet his father's eyes “Damian” Virgil drags his name, he places his fingers on his son's lips, flubbing them gently. He giggles finally giving in.

“I'll play” He resigns, Virgil smiles letting him down. Remus, trying his hardest not to explode, bounces away with a frightened Damian. Yet Virgil sees something new in his son, a curious spark in his eyes.

“Happy birthday Virge '' Patton says finally once the kids are distracted. Virgil gives a coy smile following his friend into the kitchen. “Ok, we have got all your favorites.” Patton huffs triumphant, a proud aura around him. Virgil cheers silently, the sweet smell of each delectable treat making its way through his nose. “Alright what's with the smiles” Patton notes, Virgil's blush furthers

“Roman and I, may or may n-” Virgil stops as the door bursts open. The pair make their way to the main hall, Virgil quickly moves to his holster. Patton goes towards the now alert kids, their eyes fall on the figure that stumbles in. “Who are you!” Virgil demands, his gun pulled now. The kids squeal hiding behind Patton. Three pairs of hands clutch to him as he tries his hardest to breathe.

“I'm your worst nightmare” Is the simple, groan-inducing, response they receive. Soon enough the figure stands pointing his own weapon. Patton stifles a gasp, his hands placed protectively on the children.

“Pat, take the kids and go” He commands, Patton nods instantly picking up the three of them struggling as he races to the bedroom.

“I'm scared dada” Remus cries, not letting go of his father as they settle onto the bed. Patton nods through his own careful tears. Valerie and Damian follow Remus’s lead and grasp desperately to Patton. He cradles them, stroking their heads protectively hoping they can't hear the conversation arising outside. He takes a deep breath reaching for his phone, sending a quick text to Logan. He knows it's vague but he doesn't have space in his mind to worry about anything else right now.

“Is my Papi going to be ok?” Damian barely whispers, Patton takes staggered breaths before turning to Damian. “Uncle Pat?” He goes again

“Dee, I promise, he is going to be ok” Patton hopes, he knows Virgil never leaves the house without his gun and his bulletproof vest. Even then, the image of Virgil and that monster facing off rattles Patton.

“What do you want?” Virgil questions, hearing the door shut in the room.

“Not you, so I would get the hell out of my way” The figure speaks “You and your kids could get out of this safe. Just give me the lawyer” It requests, Virgil bites his lower lip. Fat chance, he re-asserts his gun. “Awe come on detective Tormine, you don't want this to escalate do you?” It mocks.

“No he doesn't” A new voice enters the ring, the absolute sigh of relief that emerges from Virgil cannot be described. “And neither do you, hands on your head, drop the weapon” Remy commands, the figure snarls but hesitantly obeys. Once Remy has control Logan and Roman appear, feared determination upon the judge's face. A quick look at the figure before Roman moves to Virgil.

“Are you ok?” He rushes, Virgil's eyes widen but he remains. Small nods increasing before he resets. “Virge?” Roman tries again, taking the detective's shoulders.

“Damian” Virgil utters, soon enough two small feet run towards him, Virgil turns scooping up his son immediately. “Oh my god,” He whispers, clutching tight wishing to never let him go. Roman rubs his back supportively, strokes through Damian's hair. A small family, safe.

“He was a very brave little boy” Patton compliments emerging with his twins in hand. Roman gasps, pulling the trio into a hug, Patton melts absolutely comfortable in his hold. “Thank you, for coming” He nods at them, Logan nods before giggling.

“You're ok!” Logan exclaims, he throws his arms around Patton, for the first time with Logan the lawyer flinches. Roman and Virgil freeze. “I was so worried” Logan pouts, Patton takes a sharp breath.

“A-are you...drunk?” He practically gags as the odor wafts from him. Logan cocks his head before grinning.

“I am l-lightly...tipsy” His teeth shine through the smile. Patton backs away, only securing his hold on the twins.

“I am lightly tips- tip..” Liam stops “What's the word again?”

“Patton?” Roman checks, Virgil gives him a grim nod. “Lo, why don't I...why don't we get home?” Roman suggests, Logan watches the lawyer, his naive smile draining away as he grounds himself. “Bud?” Roman tries again.

“Hey! Stop fidgeting” Remy fights against the intruder, the group turns and watches him. Virgil goes forward, handing his son to Roman, assisting Remy.

“A b c d E f g” the figure seethes, a disgustingly mischievous smile on his face “guess it’s time for a killing spree” Remy and Virgil share a look, a nervous swallow is shared.

“Yeah whatever, let's go” Remy directs, disappearing soon into his car. Roman helps Logan back into his vehicle, after much resistance and whiny behavior of course.

“Pat, I'm gonna head home ok?” Virgil checks, popping his head into the twin's room. Patton sits by Remus’s bed, stroking his hair delicately, he turns his eyes tired. Damian yawns, shuffling in his father's arm as he sleeps away. “You ok?”

“Mmhm” Patton hums “Night Virge...happy birthday” He celebrates weakly. Virgil gives half the effort for a smile before leaving, fearing what might come should the house fall empty and quiet.

~~~

“Merry Christmas Eve Lo!” Patton cheers advancing on Logan's position, the lawyer turns, his breath stolen as the bright figure walks towards him. A shining smile as he unwraps himself from his coat, revealing a neat yet festive outfit.

“Patton, I want to apologize once again, profusely” Logan begins, Patton hangs his coat cocking his head. “My behavior was unacceptable, it crossed a line and I am so eternally sorry for what happened” He laments, Patton's eyes soften as they take Logan's hand. He gives a quick squeeze.

“Logan, listen to me ok?” He asks, knowing its a big one. Logan nods eagerly to do anything he can. “It's ok, you are ok and...this shouldn't mean anything at all, but...I forgive you” He says, Logan can't help but fiddle with Patton's fingers. Clearly aching for this sense of normalcy.

“I'm not Liam” He asserts, needing to make that clear. Patton laughs softly, placing a cupped hand on Logan's cheek. Logan restrains every wants to buckle his knees and fall into the pool of love that fills Patton's eyes. His gentle touch caused a flutter they both dearly missed.

“I know, Lo...you are not” Patton smiles at even the thought “I was just scared, it happens. Virgil's done the same thing and I had the same reaction, it's really not your fault...just um…” He takes a breath, his lips pursed as he thinks. Logan exhales sharply, knowing exactly what he deems the occurrence as.

“Habit?” Logan hates how easily that clicks for Patton, it shouldn't be.

“Right” He agrees, he shakes himself out before a smile returns. “So listen, are you still coming over tonight?” Patton inquires, the pair begin their walk through the courtyard. The unspoken tradition needed no affirmation, every morning, a chilly walk with the promising reward of coffee.

“Tonight?” Logan panics only slightly, knowing his calendars are meticulous

“Yeah are you still-”

“-Coming over?” Patton wonders, struggling with an ornament. Logan tilts his head, his adorable eyes sparkle in confusion. “Christmas eve Lo, are you coming over?” Patton chuckles, the lawyer looks simply beautiful under the newly hung lights. A dim array of colors brighten the room.

“Oh! Um...yes. Absolutely, should you want me there” He replies, affirming his position. Patton stops, walking over to where the lawyer himself places stockings, each handcrafted.

“Of course I do” He smiles as his own blush overtakes, Logan was much better at hiding his light dust of infatuation. “Plus! Everyones going to be here” He adds, continuing the decoration of the tree. He hums quietly to the holiday music that plays in the background. It's funny almost, Patton can't remember the last time he got to do this with someone. Last year the twins spent Christmas with his sister due to an emergency, the three years before that they were much too little to help out and Patton was on his own.

“My star!” As if on cue, Valerie races by Patton's legs hiding quickly behind Logan, holding a shining ornament. “Nyeh!” She sticks out her tongue, Remus emerges pouting as he crosses his arms. “Lo! Up!” Valerie begs, fear yet determination crosses her eyes. Logan obliges lifting the young girl in protection.

“I wanna do the star!” Remus argues, he stomps his feet on the ground. Patton swoons at the sight of Logan and Valerie, engaging in a small game of their own. He picks up his son, trilling his lips, Remus lips against his own wishes. “No fair!” He cries

“You can do the star together” He compromises, they share a quick furled glance before agreeing. “Yay” Patton celebrates weakly, Logan takes this as his time. He moves forward, the pair stand side by side, children in hand. “Ready kiddos?” Patton questions, they nod. The lawyers move at the same time, lifting them, they take the star with their small fists. Carefully they place it atop the tree, giggling in excitement as Patton uses his foot to turn on the lights.

“Well done you two” Logan compliments, they set the twins down watching as they bounce around before retreating to their room. No doubt to continue their shrieks and bouts of fun. “That was...extraordinary” Logan realizes, Patton turns to him, a coy smile. “I...I don't know...why- Thank you, for allowing me to be a part of that '' Logan finishes, the memory burned deep into him.

“Hey, that was my first time seeing them do the star” Patton nudges, Logan adjusts his glasses, a soft ‘ah’ released. “Barb and I used to do it, now them” Patton smiles, kicking the ground below. Logan takes his hands, squeezing them. “Thank you for your help” Logan stifles a delicate chuckle, Patton's arms make there around his neck, relaxing as Logan secures Patton's waist. “Mistletoe” He reminds, his eyes flickering up

“What a shame” Logan teases, leaning in for a kiss. Their lips melting together, safe as the lights dance around them. Low yet ecstatic music playing, they trap themselves in the warmth of their...Patton's home. Should it start snowing right there, with fireworks going on Patton would see it fit. Fit for a perfect evening

“Right! Yes...I will be there” Logan shakes the distant memory away, unaware Patton's mind had wandered there as well.

“Yay! Oh, I'm so excited” Patton expresses, retrieving his phone as it buzzes. “Patton Hart” He listens, Logan stands idle observing his surroundings. He enjoys the simple pleasure, feeling a more relaxed Sherlock Holmes of his time. Watching jurors go by, frantic lawyers, guilty men dragged away. Everything is a routine, part of a well oiled yet destructive machine. “Em! That's amazing!” Logan blinks, returning his focus to Patton. The lawyer takes Logan's arm, the biggest grin upon his face. “We will be there” He nods some “Ok, bye, I love you too!” He hands up, practically vibrating gazing back to Logan

“Is everything...alright?” Logan fears the response

“Better than ok” Patton swoons “Oh! It's a Christmas miracle” The lawyer bounces, Logan sighs, keeping his temper.

“Patton!” He pushes

“Remy and Emile!” He delights “They're getting a son today”

~~~

“You're kidding!” James laughs walking alongside Roman, the judge shakes his head containing his own laughter.

“Nope, I swear” He continues “On multiple occasions, Joan has fallen asleep during a case, they just have” Roman affirms, James stops them placing a hand on Roman's shoulder. The judge freezes up, a shocking smile, a little flutter as a spark is transferred between them.

“That's amazing, my bailiff was never that interesting” James remembers, Roman nods listening to his delicate voice, he's sure the stories are interesting but the way James speaks just makes him want to fall asleep.

“Oh...you must be James'' Virgil approaches, extending a friendly hand towards the judge. Roman gives him a quick smile of greetings, trying to ignore the awkwardness his stomach plunges into him. They are just friends...friends. “Detective Virgil Tormine” He introduces, James returns the gesture.

“I've heard about you...Jame McCoy” He smiles, Roman watches the two, light ease. “Whatcha...uh, whatcha doing here detective?” James wonders, it seems stiff but alas the man is shy himself.

“I practically work here” Virgil jokes “I'm always here or the precinct”

“Papi! RoRo!” Virgil grows a giant smile turning, enveloping his child quickly. Damian hugs his dad, still having his arms around his neck as he looks to James. “Hello” He waves

“Heya” James greets, Roman doesn't mind them before allowing Virgil to hand him, Damian.``Is he uh...your son?” James inquires to Roman, the judge playing with Damian's hand chuckles.

“Oh! No...uh Dee…” He spins Damian “This is James McCoy, he's a judge, like me” Roman introduces them, James shakes the polite boy's hand, receiving a giggle. Virgil's is not sure why he feels the sudden urge to jerk his son away, he's never ever not trusted, Roman. And yet here he stood, on the outside watching his son.

“Is he your boyfriend RoRo?” Damian pokes, playing around with Roman's face. Virgil coughs, he takes Damian back. “No! RoRo!” Damian cries, making grabby hands towards the judge. Roman stifles a confused glance before waving a small goodbye.

“Sorry, uh...got to drop him off” Virgil laughs shakily, Roman nods. “Say bye Dee”

“Bye-bye Ro!” Damian grins, a gleeful giggle escapes. “Bye-bye Ro’s boyfriend!” Damian laughs into his father's neck, Virgil shakes his head a small smirk.

“Bye niño” Roman turns on his heel, much calmer. “Gosh I love that kid” Roman flatters, James chuckles. “Thank you for this uh…” He searches for a word to describe it.

“Our date?” James proposes, Roman nods slowly trying hard to squeeze back a smile. James takes Romans hand, squeezing it gently. “I enjoyed it, merry Christmas Roman” James lets go, lingering for a moment before disappearing leaving Roman with simple remnants.

“Merry...Christmas?” Roman finds himself confused, not sure how things could escalate and reach this moment so fast. Not that he has any time to process his thoughts as Patton taps him excitedly. “Hmm?” Receiving a simple bob in return.

~~~

“This is our son, Thomas Sanders” Emile whispers, cradling a small child as he displays him carefully around the room. Patton awes, not meaning to grasp to Logan, the excitement just builds.

“Thomas Picani-Nyx Sanders” Remy recites, his mind trying to make sure that it's all there. The group laughs, each making their own introduction to the baby. “Thomas these are some weird people who are gonna be around your entire life” Remy jokes, Patton sniffles laughing through his tears. Thomas reaches out wrapping what small fist he has around Patton's finger.

“That's Patton” Emile barely makes it through, not sure whether he's going to wake up in a moment. “He's your uncle” Emile informs, Thomas giggles through his motions, smiling widely in Patton's hold. Remy bounces on the bed, keeping a careful eye on his son. Virgil stands idle, not sure how to express how his heart feels at the moment.

“Thomas, this is Virgil…” Remy smiles, a coy one as he looks to his partner in solving crime. “He's your godfather” They announce, Roman and Patton, share small gasps, tapping excitedly on their friend. Virgil staggers his breath, pointing to himself. “If he figures out how to accept” Remy teases

“Hi, Thomas...I’m your...godfather” Virgile simply states, Emile, places Thomas into his arms carefully. Thomas feels a sense of comfort, as the warmth of Virgil wraps him.

“You want me to be his godfather?” Patton questions, Virgil nods. “Damian, hi” He introduces himself, kissing the baby's forehead softly. Virgil yawns leaning his head on Patton's shoulder, watching his son giggle at the lawyer's antics.

“I still can't believe you made me Remus’s godfather, and Ro is Vals” Virgil sighs, Patton chuckles. “I mean...what about Logan?” Patton hums lightly to Damian.

“He's...he's more than that...hopefully”  Patton continues humming as Virgil simply soaks in his delight.

“My turn!” Roman shouts in a whisper, Emile chuckles but transfers his child over to Roman now. “Oh, you're absolutely perfect” Roman marvels, the soft features alight with imagination as they fall into Roman's arms. He plays with his little feet, small mocks of gasps as they play.

“Please don't break my son” Remy only slightly jokes, Logan watches from behind Patton, his eyes following the child. “Hey! Four-eyes! Wanna meet my awesome son?” Remy throws a tissue at Logan.

“Yes, I would like to...however please don't throw things at me” Logan looks to Patton who helps him secure Thomas in his arms. And somehow, once again they fall into their own trance. And how selfish in the moment but Patton wishes he could have shared this moment with his twins with Logan. Not alone, struggling with no one to talk to. “Like this?” Logan checks softly, Patton smiles

“Yeah, you're doing great” Patton assures. Thomas’s smile turns to confusion, a bright curiosity lights them, as he watches Logan. “He likes you” Patton identifies. Me? Logan breathes, stroking a careful hand over the baby’s head.

“I like him too”  Logan returns the child, everyone's heart happy for the well-deserving pair.

~~~

“Kiddos” Patton tries watching as the twins circle around him, shrieking in laughter. “Hey” He smiles, scooping up Remus. “Everyones gonna be here soon, are you ready for the holiday party?” He questions, Valerie stops, just as Molly runs by taking the beagle in her arms.

“Molly's ready!” She announces, the puppy looks to her licking her face gently. Patton chuckles releasing Remus as he pushes against his father The boy antsy to play, he rushes helping Valerie pet Molly.

“Yay” Patton cheers weakly, the twins giggle before disappearing into their rooms once again. Playfully he rolls his eyes moving to the kitchen, double-checking everything once more as the candles and the lights wrap him tight, securing his safety. A quick trance before the door rings and it whisks away. “Barb!” He greets, taking his sister in his arms.

“Heya Patton” Barbara hugs back, moving away so Patton may greet Marcy. “Under the tree?” She asks, holding up what seems maybe too many gifts. Patton chuckles but nods.

“I told her not to go overboard” Marcy quips watching her wife place the presents delicately. “She does not listen” Marcy folds her arms, Patton nudges her softly

“Eh, you love her anyway” Patton jokes,  a small smile spreads across Marcy's face. Warmth to the house circling them.

“I really do” Marcy bites her lower lips, Barbara finishes preparing to stand quickly being attacked. The twins pounce instantly, an excited Molly yelping around them. The absolute joy that radiates from Barbara as she embraces her niece and nephew can not be matched. “I want to give her that” Marcy whispers, mostly to her own comfort.

“No update?” Patton laments, watching the scene unfold himself. His heart pounds in his ears, knowing how badly Barbara wishes for exactly what he holds. A family, but alas a cruel worlds fate deemed her unfit. How dare they? Patton thinks to himself.

“She just can't carry one to term” Marcy informs, the same thing they've heard for years. Barbara laughs as the twins poke and prod, excited as they interact.

“You can always adopt” Patton assures, he can't help but grin at the best thing he had ever done. The twins sing as they skip around the room. Marcy nods a deep sigh.

“We applied a few months ago” Marcy admits, Patton turns a quiet gasp and a smile. “Don't get too excited, we haven't heard anything” She looks back to her wife, a sudden somber dim upon the once joyful room. “I'm sorry, it's a celebration” Marcy looks to Patton, she plants a sweet kiss on his cheek. “Happy holidays Pat” She joins the group on the floor, greeting the twins.

“There's the door!” Patton chimes, opening it once more. “Hey you two- three” Patton corrects, his eyes falling on a snoring Thomas, safe in Remy's arms. “I set up Valerie's crib in the guest room if you need it” He greets both happily. They sigh relieved almost immediately traveling to the back room. Returning with a free glance after a moment. “Light the menorah?” Patton asks Emile as they venture through the house

“Mhmm, Thomas loved it” Emile can't help but gleam, Remy makes his way to greet the twins. They pounce on him the same, including him in their never-ending cycle of energy. “Remy's parents were awfully excited in their own right” Emile laughs, Patton squeezes his arms as the doorbell rings once more.

“Hey you two!” Patton greets, hugging Roman and Virgil as they enter his residence. “Gifts under the tree” He smiles as Roman holds up maybe too many gifts. “You okay?” He asks as Roman passes by, leaving an antsy Virgil with a calm Damian in his arms.

“Pat…” He looks behind “I'm sorry” Patton's heart sink as two figures make their way up the driveway. Gloria and Arlo tread carefully through the simply beautifully decorated front yard, judging everything that comes in their path. “I'm here if you need me” Virgil pats his shoulder before joining the group.

“Mom...dad” Patton greets, Gloria and Arlo barely glance towards him before squeezing through. “Yeah hi to…” He trails off his eyes falling onto something much more pleasant. Logan steps out of his car, his feet crunching the soft snow below him. He stops as he sees Patton. “Hi” Patton smiles, his aura glowing with a feathery blush.

“Hi Patton” Logan greets, he meets him face to face. Patton smiles from his corners, he gestures for Logan to join him in their safe bubble. Logan does just that, and they stand freely under the lights as they dance around the room.

“Dada! Is it present time yet?” Remus begs, tugging at his father. Logan chuckles picking up the small boy, much to both Patton and Remus’s joy. “LoLo!” Remus cries, his small arms wrapping safely around the lawyer.

“I fear you're going to have to exercise patience dear Remus” Logan advises, Patton watches him carry the boy to the couch. Patton takes a cautious breath as the party continues without him, he finishes up the treats in the kitchen watching everyone from afar. Marcy tries her hardest to amuse Gloria and Arlo, Barbara watches the twins as they marvel at the presents, Damian speaks calmly to his father and Roman expressing his own bouts, Remy and Emile continue to appear and disappear before making light conversation. Everything a well-oiled machine, Patton fears to break that.

“Dinner time!” He announces, Valerie scurries his way jumping delighted into his arms. Remus remains in Logan's arms, a quick smile as they pass each other. “Ok Remus, Val, and Dee are over here” He instructs, the proper arrangements are made accordingly. Soon everyone else fills in a chair. Patton sits next to the twins, Virgil in front of him next to Damian. Logan seats himself next to Patton, as Roman does with Virgil.

“Oh Pat, this looks delicious” Barbara compliments, already diving in as she helps Marcy. Patton smiles and quickly pairs are created. Logan and Patton discuss with one another while serving the twins. Marcy flirts shamelessly with Barbara, Patton watches giggling. “Oh I'm so sure” Barbara retorts, the table laughs at their antics. She leans in kissing her wife on the cheek.

“Barbara, would you care to refrain from...so much public display” Gloria punishes, Patton, sighs feeling Logan takes his hand carefully. A grateful glance is registered. “It's just...we’re at dinner dear”

“Mom, nobody else is bothered” Patton comments, Remus and Valerie pause, their eyes alight with curiosity. “Just admit you're h-” He bites his lower lip, Remus and Valerie. “Just, no one else is bothered mother”

“Pat it's fine, sorry mom” Barbara laments, turning quietly to her food and continuing. Her energy dampened. Patton turns to his children, assuring them everything's ok, Logan keeps a steady hand on Pattons. The doorbell rings and Glorias face improves, she stands with Patton.

“Oh! That must be Liam” She taps excited, Patton inhales sharply. “I'll get it!” She cheers, dancing her way to the door. Patton stands, kissing the twins gently on the forehead, begging his friends to watch them.

“Ill be right back” Patton excuses himself, a gentle squeeze to Logan's hand as he leaves to his room. Closing the door, he slides against it, a shuddered breath. “Take a deep breath Patton, you're okay, he can't hurt you, he can't hurt them” He recites, his eyes move to the windowsill, bunched clothes lay. “Something to do” he sighs relieved, he moves slowly folding the clothes neatly.

“Patton?” Logan creaks, the door squeezing open. The lawyer turns, a sweater in his arms. “Are you-”

“Anything else” he interjects, his soft eyes practically shattering behind the reflective light of his glasses. “Talk about literally anything else” He pleads, Logan nods instantly closing the door behind him.

“You say we’re moving too fast but I think we aren't moving fast enough” Logan decides, he has had one glass of eggnog, and yet his mind feels as sane as it has. Patton stops, a small opening to his mouth, not what he was expecting. “I have known you for ten years, Patton. I know you're scared and I know that you have every right to be-”

“The twins” Patton argues, a minuscule shatter to his voice. Logan moves forward, he takes the sweater leaning it on a chair, his hands interlace with Pattons.

“If I thought, even for a moment, that any of this” He looks between them “Would even dare hurt them, Id walk away. If there was even a chance that any of you would suffer, I would walk away” He assures, Patton watches with a fearful look. His lips pursed, his baby blue eyes shine with droplets of tears. “Patton, I love your kids, and I would be happy to just continue being in their life as I am now but…” He examines the lawyers face, taking his thumb to rub a delicate tear away. “I want to be with you, I want to hold your hand, I want to get lost in your eyes and have my mind consumed by you every waking moment” Logan admits, Patton scoffs through his sadness, knowing that broken desire well enough. Knowing the feeling, and knowing the absolute pain it causes.

“That's the stuff of fairytales”

“Then god dammit Patton, I want a fairytale” Logan laughs “That...monster might be your villain but beat him, Patton, fight for your happily ever after” Logan seethes, refusing to let Liam and his smug face, his undeserved boldness, ruin this.

“I'm so tired of fighting Lo” Patton shuts his eyes, a tickle as the liquid seeps out. They meet each other foreheads, the connection forcing through the barricades, joining them together once more.

“Then let me fight alongside you” Logan replies “You don't have to face every day alone, you don't have to force every smile” Pattons not sure what hit him, but in a seconds flash he felt Logans lips against his own. His hands move to Logans chest, the pulsating heartbeat he feels grounding him. The world could go on without them, they couldn't care less, they were fine-

No

They were happy

Is this what it feels like? A shared thought, a united question from an emotion they matched.

~~~

“I've just never met someone as forward as me” Roman quips, Virgil laughs. “I'm serious, I mean...I'm not complaining it's just...I'm not used to it” He thinks of James, the sizzling reminder of their brief hold.

“Oh I like him” Virgil teases, Roman nudges him, the pair turning back to the party.

“My turn!” Valerie cries, Patton nods sweetly from the couch, Remus sprawled across him and Logan, sleepily. “Papa! Is it this one?” She questions, hefting a big box up, Patton chuckles in affirmation. She tears it open, wrapping flies every which way. A gasp as her eyes fall onto the gift. A small groan is heard from behind Patton, where he knows his parents stand with Liam. “What is it?” She asks, a silly smile across her face, the group laughs.

“That, Val, is one part of your new kingdom set” He explains, she balls the wrapping paper in her fists bouncing excitedly. “The rest is waiting to be built, we’re going to put in the backyard and you-”

“And Remus!” She giggles, Patton stifles a sob, he was much too lucky. Valerie pushes past her other gifts, including; new art supplies from Logan, a beginner's clothes making kit from Roman and her own detective kit from Virgil (as requested).

“And Remus can play and live out all your fairytale adventures” He finishes, his daughter wasting no time jumping into his arms, hugging him with all she had. “You like it?” He jokes

“Thank you, papa! Thank you!” She celebrates. Once they part she moves to her brother, shaking him. “Your turn dummy” Remus mumbles awake, switching positions with Valerie. She sits in the middle of the lawyers, clapping her hands in anticipation. The night continues, Remus receives a slime lab from Virgil and Damian (almost an instant regret), a plethora of books of new words from Logan, a whole new assortment of costumes from Roman and the promise of a fish tank and fishes from his father.

More gifts are exchanged throughout the fast evening. Barbara and Marcy deemed the stuffed animal queens, each child receiving one. An octopus for Remus, a valiant lion for Valerie, a two-headed snake for Damian and a mixing bowl of teddy bears for Thomas. Remy and Emile find themselves gifted with many new items, mostly for Thomas but they couldn't be happier. Even Gloria and Arlo gain a few new things, Barbara and Patton don't skimp. Damian ends the night quite pleased with his new valuables and trinkets. Especially the new compass from his father.

“I have a gift for the Hart family” Logan announces, Remus and Valerie shoot awake, now fully present. Patton tears his gaze away from a suspicious Liam, eyes meeting Logans. “A family full of royalty and fairytales and it shocked me to find, you've never been to Disney world” He plays, Patton releases a soft laugh. The twins look to one another, giant grins plastered across their tired faces. “Four tickets for you two, your father and a special guest of your choosing” He looks to Patton, handing him the envelope, a careful shock as they meet across the promise of joy.

“I want LoLo to come with us!” Remus begs, he bounces on his father's leg, Patton scoops him up tickling him. “Aa!” He shrieks laughing, Valerie giggles falling onto her backside. “No Dada!” Even Damian finds the scene amusing as he rests his head on Virgil's shoulder, safe in his father's arms.

“That's up to Logan” Patton finally decides, releasing the red-faced boy. “And we can talk about it later, but it's getting late and you don't want Santa to think you're still awake right?” All three children gasp, Damian pokes his father alerted.

“Hold on” And there it is, Liam makes his way to the tree, his eyes piercing through Patton. “Before you go, I have a gift” He reveals, Gloria swoons clapping. Patton's shoulders recoil, his arms around the twins only stabilize. “I thought that you two should know where you came from” he smirks, evil oozing. Virgil feels Roman take hold of his arm, pushing him back as he growls. Patton sits forward, an immense frown, hinting annoyance as Liam talks.

“We know!” Valerie smiles, Remus nods. Liam steps back, tilting his head. “Papa told us when we were little a nice lady gave us to Papa. Papa wanted kids and he couldn't have any, but then she gave us to him. And he's been our papa since we were babies!” Valerie concludes, Patton shuts his eyes pulling them close. The others clap at Valerie's excellent storytelling skills. “What was the word again?”

“Adopted” Patton reminds, Valerie nods satisfied. “And I love you very much,” He tells them, knowing he would tell them even after words didn't make sense to him when his mind was old and grey, that would stay. “Now off to bed with you heathens!” He jokes, they race to their room after quick goodbyes to everyone. A special hug for Logan and an explicit farewell from Remus to Damian. Soon the house clears, a determined Damian dragging his father home, new parents Remy and Emile sludge home exhausted. Roman leaving soon after, followed by Barbara and Marcy. Then there were five. After a firm reprimand from Patton, his parents leave shortly after. “Now you” He points to Liam.

“Patton don't, he's not worth it” Logan speaks out, paying no mind to Liam's existence. “Your phone Pat” Logan identifies, a sweet tune snapping them back. Patton takes it, still watching Liam wary. “If I could kill one person, with no consequences, I hope you know, it would be you,” Logan says casually once Patton is not within earshot.

“Excuse me?” Liam furrows his brows, a tight face. Logan shrugs, folding his arms.

“You are, in the most eloquent way, an absolute monster” Logan names, his fingers snap “Or as I believe Virgil would say ‘A dick’” Logan settles, nodding, clearly liking this option. Sure he had had a few eggnogs, but it's not like he wasn't justified “Its really quite humorous, you came here expecting to derail a loving home and yet…” He looks around, the perfect room shaping the absolute care and happiness it contained wonderfully. “You failed because you don't know Patton or his kids-”

“Our kids”

“His kids, let's not even go there” Logan smirks, Patton returns a solemn look on his face quickly shaken away. “Patton are you alright?” Logan checks, his demeanor softens.

“Hmm? Yeah fine” he hums “Liam I think you should go” And so he does, clearly defeated. After a sloppy cleanup session, a hesitant Logan takes his leave as well, fidgeting all the way as he remembers the last few moments he spent with Patton. Something had changed after the phone call, something happened.

“Patton Hart!” Patton greets, putting out as cheerful as he could.

“Enjoy your last few moments of happiness mister Hart” And the line goes dead

[vannahfanfics]

Christmas Morning

Category: Family Fluff/Romantic Fluff

Fandom: Naruto

Characters: Sakura Uchiha, Sarada Uchiha, Sasuke Uchiha

Sakura awoke to the shrill screaming of her daughter.

“Mommy! Mommy! It's Christmas!” the little girl shrieked with delight as she threw open the woman's bedroom door and ran over the carpeted flooring to vault her six-year-old body into the queen-sized bed. Squealing loudly, she crawled onto Sakura's stomach and bounced up and down, pushing into her chest as she demanded for her mother to awaken to share in the magic that was Christmas morning. Sakura groaned as she was so unceremoniously ripped from sweet sleep, swatting tiredly at her daughter while she mumbled incomprehensibly. She caught Sarada's short black hair before her hand flopped uselessly down against the comforter. “Mommy! Wake up!” she demanded once more.

“I’m up. I’m up,” Sakura mumbled as she finally rose into consciousness and sat up, sweeping her unruly pink hair behind her ears and smiling sleepily down at her elated daughter. “Shall we video call your Daddy before we start opening presents?” she offered, and Sarada gasped in delight.

“Yes! Yes! I’ll call him! I’ll call him!” she cried as she leaned over the edge of the bed to grab Sakura's smartphone while the young woman yawned and attempted to chase the sleep away. As the dial tone rang, Sarada giggled and snuggled into her mother so that both of their faces were captured in the large phone screen. After a few rings, the video suddenly kicked into life to reveal the face of Sakura's husband, Sasuke, who was a secret agent for the government and was currently deployed halfway across the world guarding some important figure or another. It was similar to being in the military, because he was gone half the year and could never talk much about what he was doing, but Sakura loved him no less. He was doing what made him happy, and so she supported him fully. “Hello, Daddy!” Sarada cried joyfully.

“Hey,” Sasuke smiled warmly as he was greeted with the faces of his daughter and his loving wife. “You’re up bright and early,” he mused with a raised eyebrow. To him, it was early evening.

“Sarada is very ready to open her Christmas presents,” Sakura mused as she wrapped an arm around her small child and nuzzled her affectionately, giving her a few kisses on the cheek. Sarada squealed and wriggled in her grasp, giggling as she begged her mother to stop showering her with affection.

“Daddy! Will you watch me open my presents?” Sarada asked hopefully, her black eyes sparkling behind small red-rimmed glasses. Sasuke pretended to think about it, but the smile hiding in the shadow of his expression indicated to Sakura that he had intended all week to be there when his little girl got to experience Christmas Day. “Please, Daddy?” she begged, batting her eyes at him.

“Hmm, I suppose so. I have time,” he consented, and in her excitement she snatched the phone away and hopped off the bed, promptly taking off out of the room and down the hall with elated laughing.

“Hey! Sarada!” Sakura laughed as her daughter absconded with her phone, throwing the covers off herself and sliding out of bed. She made no hurry to go after her, however, just slid her feet into her slippers and grabbed the bathrobe hanging off the bedroom door and wrapped it around herself. She shuffled down the hall as she followed Sarada's happy chatter, and the woman caught wisps of conversation drifting down the hall from the living room. While she waited for her mother, the little girl was describing the experience of decorating the Christmas tree to her absent father. They had shown him the day they had put it up, but the little girl had seemed to forget about it in all the commotion.

After getting a cup of coffee, Sakura strode into the living room to see her daughter sitting at the base of the tree positively bursting with excitement. “Okay! Are we ready?” the housewife smiled as she settled herself into an armchair, crossing her legs and holding her cup of coffee close, waking up as she breathed in the fumes of the hearty drink.

“Okay! Daddy, watch!” Sarada grinned as she propped up the phone so that he could see both of them and still had a prime view of his daughter opening presents. Sarada naturally dragged over the largest one first and began tearing eagerly into the wrapping paper. “Whoa! A dollhouse!” she cried as the toy contained inside was revealed, and she hopped up and down excitedly as she ran around the massive constriction to fully appreciate the large house. “It has a mommy, and a daddy, and a daughter, just like us! Plus a dog! Mommy, can we get a dog?”

“Maybe for your birthday,” Sakura laughed and waved a hand dismissively. “Keep opening them!” she commanded, and the young girl eagerly complied. Sarada pushed the dollhouse to one corner before tearing into more presents. She unearthed a new dress and promptly stripped down to her little pink undies to slip on the dress and do a fashion walk for her chuckling parents, the tag still flopping about as she pranced around. She soon paired it with a new pair of little flats and a bow. She tore into another box to find a storybook, and flipped it open to start reading it until her parents reminded her of the task at hand. She tossed the book aside to resume plundering her presents.

“Daddy, look! Isn’t this teddy bear cute?” Sarada asked as she held up her new stuffed animal.

“Very cute,” he confirmed with an amused smile. He was leaned back against a bed with one hand behind his back, watching his daughter happily. I wish he could be here, Sakura lamented silently. Even though he looked happy, she could tell that he was pained at being unable to be with his daughter on Christmas. As Sarada begged for her attention, she was dragged back to the present to act extremely excited over the pair of funny socks that Santa had brought her. Sarada had made her way through quite a chunk of the gifts now, and wrapping paper and ribbon and bows were strewn across the living room floor. As she paraded around, the paper crumpled beneath her feet. The doting parents watched her unwrap more clothes and toys before she was finally finished and settled down to play with her things. Sakura set the empty coffee cup down on the coffee table and stood up, walking across the room to bend down and retrieve the phone. She swept her hair behind her ear as she straightened up, smiling now that she had a minute alone with her husband.

“Another great year,” she murmured as she walked into the adjoining kitchen. “… I wish you could be here, honey,” she sighed after a moment. It wasn’t often that she allowed the loneliness to show. Usually it was times like these, when they should be together as a family. She knew Sasuke did what he had to, but even though she accepted it, it hurt no less when he was gone.

“I know,” he sighed deeply, and the hurt showed on his expression despite his normally guarded emotions. As she gazed at him, she cocked her head to the side slightly as she realized he had seemed to have switched from a bed to a couch, and he was lying on his back so she couldn’t really analyze it too much.  It was a strange-looking couch, made of some gray material, but before she could inquire she heard raucous knocking at the door. “Lemme guess. Naruto?” Sasuke smirked as he heard the unmistakable sound of his best friend. Even in knocking, the yellow-haired man was boisterous.

“Sakuraaaaaa~” she heard him calling impatiently at the front door.

“The one and only,” Sakura laughed as she walked out of the kitchen to greet their mutual friend. It had become a sort of odd tradition for Naruto and Sasuke's families to spend Christmas together. Sarada joined her mother in the entryway, holding her new teddy bear and bouncing up and down on her heels as she prepared to greet the man she regarded as an uncle. Sakura smiled as she opened the door, and her daughter immediately jumped at Naruto's legs.

“Uncle Naruto!” Sarada squealed happily, and the tall man laughed and leaned down to give the girl a bear hug.

“Hey, Sarada! Wow! Look at that teddy bear! It's awesome!” he beamed as she displayed it proudly for him to see. He straightened back up once he was done doting on the little girl, who had moved on to show off her teddy to an only mildly interested Boruto. “Hey, Sakura,” he smiled and leaned forward to give her a one-armed hug and a friendly kiss on the cheek.

“Merry Christmas!” Hinata, his pretty wife and another one of their childhood friends, smiled warmly and looked down at their one-year-old baby, Hinawari, before grabbing her hand and waving it in greeting. “Say hello, Himawari,” she chuckled.

“Morning, guys. Say hello to Sasuke!” Sakura beamed and held up the phone to the family, who all waved happily- except for Naruto, who whined loudly and grabbed the phone so only he was in the phone screen.

“Sasukeeeee! Come hooooooome! I miss youuuuuu!” he whined miserably before Sakura wrenched the phone back with a pout.

“Are you his wife all of a sudden?” she huffed and looked back at the screen. Sasuke looked half-amused and half-annoyed.

“Really, you should have expected him to act like that. He’s always been such a girl,” he smirked up at her.

“Can we eat now? I’m hungry!” Boruto whined and tugged on the hem of his mother's dress. As per tradition, Naruto, his wife, and his children always came over to Sakura's house and she cooked breakfast for them. I had started back when it was only the original trio, mostly because Naruto was broke and lonely back in the day, and it had just stuck. “I want waffles!”

“You’ll get your waffles,” Naruto laughed. “First though, we have to give Sakura and Sarada their present,” he added with a sudden mischievous grin, and Sakura's expression turned to confusion while Sarada, the innocent child that she was, was just excited to be getting another gift.

“What? Naruto, we never get each other presents anymore,” she blinked and looked down at the video screen to see if her husband had been in on the plan only to find that the call had ended. Perplexed, she looked at Naruto for explanation, but movement in the driveway caught her eye and she peered over Naruto's shoulder. The phone fell from her hand as it rose to her mouth, and she was barely aware of Naruto fumbling to catch it as she watched the back door of his car open and her husband climb out.

“Jeez. I thought I was never gonna get out of there. Do you know how uncomfortable it is laying in the back of one of those things?” he complained nonchalantly as he rubbed his neck, but the smile of happiness was clear on his face.

“Daddy!” Sarada screamed and roughly shoved Boruto aside as she made a mad dash for her father, her teddy bear swinging from her hands as she dashed down the driveway. Sasuke laughed and crouched down to embrace his daughter, pulling her into his arms and swinging her around.

“Ah, there's my girl. You’ve gotten taller, haven't you?” he grinned as he swept a few black strands of hair from her face.

“Uh-huh! Taller than Boruto!” she confirmed happily.

“Not true!” the aforementioned boy whined from his comfy spot on the concrete. As he held his daughter, Sasuke's dark eyes fell on his wife, who was still standing in shock in the doorway. Once those eyes fell on her, she suddenly stirred into motion, like a robot suddenly brought to life. She tried to stifle a sob as she moved past Naruto and Hinata to approach her husband, but failed miserably and began to cry. She was just so happy. He had been gone for months, and now he was here, so suddenly, and it was just too much.

“S-Sasuke,” she stammered pitifully. Only this man can make me blubber like a fool, she thought dryly as he slid his free arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to kiss her forehead.

“Merry Christmas, honey,” he murmured against her skin, and she could hear the smile in his voice.

“I can't believe you and Naruto conspired like this. You big meanie,” she mumbled as she buried her face into his broad chest, breathing in the scent of him that she had missed, savoring his mere presence.

“Hey, I went to great lengths to pull this off. I’m rather proud of myself. Do you know how much I had to threaten Naruto to keep his big mouth shut?” Sasuke laughed as he held her, and Sakura could not help but release a half-laugh, half-sob of her own.

“Heyyyy!” Naruto whined from the threshold of the door. “I'm not that bad!”

“Yeah you are, Dad,” his son refuted, and the older man hung his head in shame at being so bluntly called out by his six-year-old. Hinata chuckled and rested her head on his shoulder, watching the touching scene with a smile.

“I’m so happy,” Sakura whispered as she wrapped her arms around her beloved husband, holding him tightly. She knew that sooner or later she would have to let him go again, but until that time, she was going to keep him as close as possible.

“Is it time for waffles now?” Sarada asked suddenly, making them all break into a fit of laughter. Sasuke set her down and she ran back into the house with the Uzumakis in tow, while her parents lingered out in the driveway for a brief moment of privacy. Sakura gazed up at her husband as he swept her hair from her face.

“So? Good gift?” he smirked down at her jokingly.

“Every moment I have with you is a gift,” she responded lovingly, then stood up on her tip-toes to lightly kiss him.

And I treasure every one.

Enjoy this oneshot? Feel free to support me on Ko-fi or peruse my Table of Contents!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters or canon events presented in this story.

[itsyourdailysimp]

BTS Reaction to you saying you can't go there but actually you are surprising them for their birthday.

Warnings- None

I don't own any of these Gifs.

Kim Seokjin:

"Are you sure you can't come here Y/N? It's fine if your a little late." Jin says in disappointment since he really wanted to spend his Birthday with you. "I'm sorry Jin but I can't." You guys talked for a bit more until hanging up.

You acted like you really couldn't go when in reality you're already in Korea and your just waiting for Jungkook and Namjoon to pick you up.

When you reached the building the plan was that they would have a dance practice video and when they would play a specific song and it was Jin's part you would come out and give him his cake.

When the time came you went inside the practice room while singing "Happy Birthday to you~" when you finished sing the song you were in front of him and you told him to blow the candle and make a wish.

When everyone was eating you went up to Jin and gave him a cake "So Jin, what did you wish for." He put his cake down and put your cake down also before pulling you into a hug.

"I was supposed to wish that you would be here but now that your here I wished that this wouldn't be a dream."

Min Yoongi:

Yoongi would understand that your busy (even though your not) and say "It's fine Y/N. Just stay safe and that can be my birthday present." You smile at how sweet he can be. You told him that you had to study for your exam and ended the call but you were actually boarding the plane.

You arrived at Korea really late at night so you knew that the boys would be asleep. You opened the door with the spare key behind the plant pot.

When you went in you saw Taehyung at the fridge finding something to eat "Tae?" He looked at you and said "Yoongi is in his studio he might be asleep." You nodded and placed your things on the couch. Just before you went to Yoongi, Taehyung informed you that his cake was in the fridge.

You went inside Yoongi's studio and you found him sleeping on his chair still with his headphones on. You slowly took them off and placed a blanket over him and fell asleep for a while.

When you woke up you place his cake in front of him and he woke up slowly "Y/N?" He saw you hold the cake and smiled "Happy birthday Yoongi." You said in a soft tone and kissed his forehead.

"Thank you Y/N. This is the best gift ever." He said hugging you but he was kind of annoyed that you woke him up.

Jung Hoseok:

"Y/N~" Hoseok would really try persuade you but you always said no "Hoseok I'm sorry but I can't go there." Hoseok would sigh before saying okay and goodbye before ending the call after you went on the plane and arrived at Korea on the next day in the afternoon.

You decided to surprise him in a scary way. You wore a mask that covered your whole face. Since Hoseok wasn't there yet you waited in his room.for an hour and two before he came back.

The moment he saw you with a mask running at him he got so scared he started to run all around the place which made you laugh so hard. When you took off the mask Hoseok was so confused while you and the other members couldn't stop laughing.

You walked up to him while laughing "It's just me Hobi." Hoseok looked so confused but started laughing after awhile.

"I almost died because of you Y/N." You and the other members start laughing so much that some of their eyes get watery.

Kim Namjoon:

He would be sad but he wouldn't show it he would say It's fine or maybe next year which made you feel bad. "I promise I'll make it up to you Namjoon. I need to get back to work." You heard him sigh before saying goodbye.

You were walking down the streets of Seoul trying to find the perfect gift for him. The next day arrived quicker then ever and you still didn't know how to surprise him so you just went inside their apartment and cooked food for him.

You were setting up the table placed Namjoon's cake on the table you washed the pots, spoons etc. that you used.

While you were washing the dishes you felt a pair of arms go around your waist "I knew you would make it." You looked behind and saw Namjoon's sleepy face resting on your shoulder. He looked at you and said

"I saw you the other day walking into shops."

Park Jimin:

He would be really sad that you wouldn't be able to make it "Can you really not come here?" You hear his disappointed voice and say "I can't. I have to go now Jimin." He says goodbye and ends the call.

After the call he felt really sad since he want to celebrate his Birthday with you and that was the only gift he wanted. While you on the other hand was taking a train heading to Seoul since your plane stopped at Daegu.

The next day Jimin wasn't in the mood to celebrate his birthday. When you arrived at the studio he was still busy so you decided to wait. Jin said that he was going to sing a duet and he told me that I should sing.

After Jimin said "You have a really have a nice voice. Reminds me of my girlfriend." You smile and slowly go out of the room you were in since we weren't in the the same room.

"Thanks Jimin." You said as you entered the room he was in and when he saw you he was so shocked. "Y/N?" You smiled and nodded, he ran up to you and hugged you

"I shouldn't have believed you when you said you weren't coming."

Kim Taehyung:

Taehyung would be a little sad thinking that you wouldn't be there to celebrate his birthday but he wouldn't force you to come.

When you arrived at Korea you could already see your Boyfriend's face at the airport. There was this one small poster which landed in front of you and it was his face with a huge happy birthday sign.

"Happy birthday.." you say in a soft tone. You put the poster in your bag and take a load of pictures at the airport so you can show him his face when yoh get home.

You arrived at their dorm in the afternoon and when you came in you were holding his cake and present. You placed his cake on the table and his present while you took of your shoes.

You asked the members where was he and they said he was in his room so you took the cake and brought it to his room. You gently opened the door and you heard him say "Y/N I wish you were here to celebrate my birthday with me." You smiled and said "Your wish is my command."

He turned around and saw you holding a cake with a lit up candle. When you all finished singing happy birthday to him Yeontan came in the room barking and jumping on you and him.

You placed the cake down on the table beside his bed and he hugged you while saying

"Your much more valuable then a genie. Genies only last three wishes and you last forever." he then sits down and starts playing with Yeontan while you admire your two babies

Jeon Jungkook:

You've never prank Jungkook like this before and you always go to Korea when it is his birthday so when he heard that you couldn't come he said through the phone "You're joking right?" You kinda felt bad but you kept going. "No. I have an exam on that day." You guys kept talking until you had to leave for the plane.

You arrived at 2am at Busan and when you got to Seoul it was 3:30am and you reached at their house at 4am. You called Hoseok and asked him to open the door after he went back to his room to sleep.

You took off your jacket and put your bags on the couch and you checked if the cake you asked them to order was in the fridge and it was.

You went to the bathroom and washed your face and changed since you wanted to sleep. When you finished you went into Jungkook's room and saw him sleeping as you got closer you saw him hugging something. He was hugging a picture of the both of you.

You got inside the bed and back hugged him. He woke confused and turned around and saw you and he said "Y/N?" You nodded "I thought you said you couldn't make it since you have and exam?" You laughed and his cuteness and you explained everything to him then hugged you.

"So everything you said to me yesterday was a lie?"

Merry Christmas to you all🌲💕

[gaytrashgoblin]

Merry Pitchmas 2018

Merry Pitchmas to @dirtymercury from your no longer secret santa! You said to surprise you, so I took that as a prompt itself, hope you enjoy!

It was a phrase Beca was used to hearing. What to eat? Check. Birthday presents? Check. What music to listen to? Check. What to drink? Check. The list goes on. The point is- after three years of friendship, Beca is used to Chloe saying ‘surprise me.’ So, when she asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she shouldn’t been shocked by the answer.

“Surprise me!”

Really, she shouldn’t have even asked. After mulling over various ideas for a few days, she decided to take Chloe’s statement as a challenge. She wants a surprise; then a surprise she shall have.

Chloe was usually an early riser, but on Christmas morning she was up ridiculously early. Usually, she went to the kitchen to have hot chocolate and bake some goodies while she waited for the others to wake up, but this year, she walked into the kitchen to find a steaming mug with a card on the counter. Grabbing it, and noticing it was addressed to her, she read the note while sipping her drink.

Chloe,

I hope you enjoy your hot chocolate this morning. Your present this year is a little different than usual, so be prepared to spend your day out. Your day begins at the quad, if you would meet me there around 8, that would be cool.

-Beca

Smiling at the thoughtful gesture, and surprising note, Chloe glanced at the clock. 6:45. She has time to enjoy her hot chocolate and get dressed to meet her at the park.

At eight, Chloe found herself at the quad, hands stuffed in her pockets to fight the chill from the light snowfall. Under the large tree, she spotted her friend rocking on her feet.

“Hey Bec! Thanks for the chocolate this morning, it was nice.”

“Glad you liked it. Now, c’mon, I’ve got like, the whole day planned so…” she trailed off with a smile, offering her arm to Chloe.

“Well, lead the way!”

After one of the best days Chloe has had in a while, which included a snowball fight, a nice lunch at her favorite restaurant, and a Christmas concert that afternoon, Beca was leading Chloe back to the Bellas house.

“This has been the most awesome Christmas ever, Beca,” she exclaimed as they walked inside.

“Well it isn’t over yet. We have dinner and the movie with the girls, then I have one last surprise for you.”

“Really?!” She squealed, bouncing up and down in excitement. Beca simply nodded.

It was always nice having a real Christmas dinner with the Bellas. CR and Flo had commandeered the kitchen all day preparing for it, as usual, and they had a great time eating and joking around. The girls at poked at Beca and Chloe having spent all day together, making jokes about them being together. They made those joked all the time, so it was nothing new, but it always made Chloe a little sad, given that she wished it was true, but was certain the attraction was one sided. She was happy enough with being the only one Beca truly opened up to, both emotionally and physically.

After they ate, they settled down for a movie, which they had agreed upon last week. Rudolph. A few minutes into the movie, Beca sat herself down on the couch next to her and wrapped a blanket around the two of them, taking Chloe’s hand in hers. She didn’t say anything, but she did look over at Beca with a confused look, which Beca responded to with a small smile and a squeeze of her hand. Chloe smiled and settled into the couch with her, resting their heads against each other. They sat there for a few minutes after the movie was over, the others clearing out either to bed or somewhere or other to party. When they were alone, Beca slowly stood, bringing Chloe up with her by their still joined hands.

“C’mon,” she said softly, leading Chloe up the stairs. Leading her through her own room, Beca finally let go of her hand when they reached the window. Beca stepped out the window onto the landing, and gestured for Chloe to follow her. With a curious look, she carefully followed her. Once on the landing, Beca grabbed her hand again, walking them onto the roof. When they made it up, Chloe gasped at what she saw. Beca had set up what looked like a pillow fort at the center of the roof, softly lit with fairy lights. With a smile, Beca pulled her over to it.

“I figured we could hang out and watch the stars? I got some hot chocolate, too,” she explained, gesturing to the blankets, pillows, and thermoses under the sheet roof.

“Sounds perfect,” Chloe said thickly, smiling at her friend. Beca smiled back, pulling Chloe into the fort with her. They got settled quickly, cuddling under the blankets. After a few minutes, Beca spoke.

“So, y’know how you always say surprise me for stuff?” Chloe hummed. “Well, that’s what you said when I asked what you wanted for Christmas, so I kinda took it as a challenge. Like, I was trying to figure out the best way to surprise you.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “I had a bunch of ideas. Music, clothes, a vacation. But none of it felt… right. Except,” Beca stopped, letting out a sigh and running a hand through her hair. Chloe looked at her, brows furrowing in worry. She took Beca’s hand in her own, hoping to help her with whatever she was nervous about.

“There was one thing that I figured you-you’d never think of, right? And, well, this is it.” Beca said, pointing out at the sky in front of the Bella house. A moment after she said that, fireworks flew into the air. Chloe watched as they blew up, and was shocked when they spelled out a message.

“I love you”

“Does that… say what I think it says?” She asked, looking at Beca for a second before looking back at the now falling fireworks.

“Gosh, I wonder who that’s for!”

“It’s for you. Chlo,” Beca said softly.

“What? There’s no way-”

“I’m in love with you,” Beca said, interrupting her. Chloe blinked, her mouth snapping shut.

“I did the fireworks. Or, well, the girls helped me. It’s for you. Because I love you. I’m in love with you. And I mean, like, really in love with you. Like I finally get what all those stupid movies are talking about, and I wanna spend all my time with you, and I’d do pretty much fucking anything for you. And it’s okay if you don’t feel the same or whatever, because I think you just deserve to know that you’re loved, or whatever, so I just- I just wanted you to know,” she finished quietly. Chloe’s eyes had slowly filled with tears the more Beca had spoken, and were rolling down her cheeks when Beca had finished.

“What? No, no don’t- don’t cry, Chlo. It’s okay.” Beca pulled her sleeve down to gently wiped the tears off of Chloe’s cheeks, pulling her into a hug when she got them.

“I’ve been waiting to hear you say that for three years. I am so in love with you Beca Mitchell,” she said into Beca’s shoulder, wrapping her arms around her tightly. They sat there for a minute, just holding onto each other. Beca pulled Chloe’s face up with her hands, then pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. Then a second one. Then a third. Before pulling away, smiling at Chloe, who was smiling back. Beca pulled her back into her, cuddling up with the blankets. After a few moments of peaceful quiet, Beca spoke.

“So, did I surprise you?”

[minxiebutt]

Fruitcake

Merry christmas @cattableabby ! You wanted something canon about the holidays, and when I saw that you preferred art, I knew I had to give you both art and fic ;) I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed making it. Happy holidays and new year!

-500 words + chibi eruris below the cut-

“It's not because of your birthday, though that is a very fortunate coincidence. Harvests were bountiful this year,” Erwin explains. The captain eyes the cart full of little brown parcels but lets him continue. “The cost of holiday goods this month is negligible compared to usual. And it's good for the morale.”

Levi nods, though he didn't need convincing. Erwin's logic is something he trusts without needing any explanations. He retrieves a small detail of cadets to carry the parcels into the mess hall to be passed out during dinner, and Erwin is right, it is good for the morale. Dinner is bubbly and bright with the addition of the fruit cake. Soldiers come and go to wish Levi a happy birthday, and more than a few comment on the coincidence of the unusual addition to their dinner.

Levi's not really one for sweets, though. There were no such things in the underground, and a mere year on the surface is not enough to sway his tastes. Still, Erwin procured a tin of spicy tea for him with the promise that it pairs well with the cake, so when he gets up to follow Erwin back to his office after mess, he takes his parcel along on the tray with the steaming teapot and pair of mugs. Erwin practically bounces up the stairs and seeing the cheerful attitude on his usually-grave commander makes Levi's heart squeeze with fondness.

They settle into Erwin’s sofa side by side, their tea steeping on the little table before them.

“You haven't opened your cake,” Erwin says with the bright excitement of a puppy. “Let me do it for you.”

He doesn't wait for Levi’s response before he leans forward and unties the parchment paper, and the rich scent of spices and dried fruits mingles with the tea in such a pleasant way that Levi feels his mouth water. With the sort of care that people usually reserve for religious objects, Erwin slices a triangle from the round cake and lifts it onto a saucer.

Levi leans forward as well, and grabs the rim of his mug so that he can take a sip and hide the upturn of his lips.

“This was always my favourite part of the holidays when I was a child,” Erwin reveals and Levi allows his smile to be seen at that. If Erwin is being open and honest, then he can, too.

“It smells nice,” Levi admits. “Like the tea does.”

“I'm thrilled to know you think the tea smells nice,” Erwin says. “I asked the King’s teahouse for their most elaborate blend.”

He allows Erwin to see his pleasure at the implications in Erwin’s statement, and Erwin smiles back. There's an intense moment of eye contact that brings colour up to Levi's face before he looks away and drinks more of his tea.

“Please, have some of the cake,” Erwin says, a blush highlighting his own cheekbones. He reaches and takes the saucer in one hand, using the other to cut a chunk from the dessert with the side of the fork. He holds the prepared bite up to Levi's mouth and it hangs there for one breath before Levi leans in and accepts it.

“You're right,” he concedes after another sip of tea to wash the flavourful cake down. “It pairs very well.”

“Then, I'll make sure to get it again for you next year,” Erwin promises.

Levi looks into Erwin’s eyes again. “I'd like that.”

[dumbgaybitch]

have yourself a merry little christmas (thor x loki)

Well I promised @thorkicraving a fluffy Christmas Thorki fanfic, so here it is! It’s my first fanfic ever, so I’m not sure it’s going to be worth anything, but oh well. Comments and constructive criticism are more than welcome.

I’m not really feeling up for smut just yet… sorry? I might try it out sometime later, though.

Hope you guys like it, and merry (early) Christmas ♥

NB: Egil is a is a masculine given name derived from Old Norse, meaning “to inspire fright; the edge or point, a sting”. (Yes, I did my research, even for a cat’s name. Don’t judge.)

(I have no idea if I did this right lol sorry)

Characters: Thor, Loki

Pairings: Thor x Loki, Grandmaster x Loki (mentioned)

Universe: Human AU

Words: 1,881

Trigger warning: incest? But like, not really?

Summary: Thor surprises Loki with a huge Christmas tree that they set to decorating on a backdrop of Mariah Carey songs and Christmas carols, nostalgic memories and ugly sweaters, and not-so-brotherly feelings. Sprinkle some holiday cheer on top, and you get the perfect recipe for a cozy afternoon.

Read it on AO3

Loki was sitting in the window seat, a book in one hand and soft jazz music playing in the background. With his free hand, he was absentmindedly petting the small, purring kitten Thor had so petulantly decided to adopt a few weeks before. Loki had rolled his eyes, but said nothing because, as always, Thor would eventually have ended the discussion by saying he was the eldest, the smartest, the strongest, and -probably the most valid argument in Loki’s eyes- that he owned the apartment they lived in. So, they had gotten a kitten. Not that Loki really minded.

The front door opened, and he didn’t even have to look up to know who had just stomped in. “Brother!” Loki could positively hear the joy in his brother’s voice. Whatever was putting him in this good a mood, he didn’t want to know. “I see you’ve grown quite fond of Egil here.” Loki scoffed, not lifting his eyes from the pages, not stopping his fingers from stroking the cat’s pelt. “Don’t get your hopes up brother, I still call him Garbage.” Thor huffed, which immediately ignited a smirk on the younger man’s face. He took immense pleasure in calling the cat horribly offending names -well, offending to Thor, at least. The kitten probably didn’t care at all what name he was given, as long as he was being fed and pet.

“Stop saying nonsense and come help me.”

“Help you with what?”

“If you’d look up from that goddamned book, you’d know!”

Loki looked up, slightly alarmed by the angry tone Thor was using. He didn’t want to get bashed over the head with his book. His eyes went from his brother to what he was holding, and his mouth fell open, a childish gleam lighting itself deep in his eyes. “A Christmas tree!” He bounded up to it, his book falling forgotten on the floor and Egil scrambling to stop from hitting the ground face-first. The tree almost touched the ceiling, its big branches all but hiding Thor’s imposing bulk. A full-blown grin illuminated Loki’s face as he tilted his head to the side. “I call dibs on the star!” Thor shook his head and laughed. “Okay, fine, but I call dibs on helping you reach the top.” Loki could already imagine his warm hands around his waist, his strong body behind him, lifting him high up to help him put the golden star on the highest branch. He gulped and turned his head to the side, feeling a blush creep up his neck, his ears, his cheeks. I shouldn’t be feeling this. It’s not allowed. “Yeah, sure… brother.”

Thor didn’t seem to hear the change of tone in his brother’s voice, or at least he didn’t show it, choosing instead to set the big tree down in a corner of the living room and head to the kitchen for a well-deserved glass of water. As soon as he disappeared around the corner, Loki ran his slender fingers along his face, exhaling a long sigh. When he opened his eyes, he saw Egil sitting at his feet, big caramel-colored orbs trained on him. “What?” The cat didn’t answer, tilting its head to the side to watch him more intently. Loki scowled and pushed past it to fetch the holiday decorations. He wouldn’t let something as stupid as unwanted flutters in the stomach get in the way of Christmas.

When he got back to the living room, stacks of cardboard boxes in his arms, his jazz music had been replaced by a Christmas playlist, Mariah Carey singing her heart out at top volume. Thor was sitting on the couch, his Christmas sweater sporting an exceedingly ridiculous Rudolph, a photo album open in his lap. Loki set the boxes down and sat cross-legged next to his brother, peeking at the pictures he was looking at. They were memories of when they were kids, outdoor picnics and birthday parties and family reunions, camping nights and barbecue dinners and bonfire evenings, northern lights and snow, fishing at the lake in summer. The raw beauty of Norway, pure and whole in those precious moments filled with happiness. “Do you miss it? Norway, I mean? The life we had?”, Loki asked, voice soft. He could see the nostalgia flooding his brother’s eyes, and even though he thought himself selfish, he hated seeing him that way. Thor was his big brother, the strongest of the two, the one who was supposed to protect him, keep him safe, watch out for him, and be there for him, through thick and thin. Seeing him sad or feeling down just didn’t sit well with Loki. It just wasn’t Thor.

“Nah, I don’t… miss it, not to that extent. I just… Sometimes, I just wish we could go back to how things were back then”, he answered, fingers delicately stroking a picture where he and his dad were laughing like mad. Back when I had a family, back when I trusted you, back when we knew how to feel around each other, back when everything was simple. He didn’t say it, but Loki knew him well enough to be able to read his sky-blue eyes. Loki frowned. “It’s ok to miss your family, you know.”

“It’s your family, too.”

“Sure.” Loki turned his gaze to his lap and started picking threads in the couch. He had always felt like an outsider, a stranger to this family, even when he hadn’t known he’d been adopted. “I just don’t miss them the same, I guess. I don’t know. Oh, enough with that already! Let’s get that Christmas tree all glammed up!”, he exclaimed, jumping up and slamming the album closed, setting it aside, not even bothering with Thor’s weirded out glance. He started picking out glittery tinsels and shining baubles, scowling at Egil who was desperately trying to catch the hanging end of a decoration. Thor shook his head, laughing, and got up to help him. “Did you get your taste in sparkly decorations from En?” Thor teased. Loki blushed, his scowl deepening. He hated the mention of his ex and their disastrous excuse for a relationship, but he hated it even more when he saw how gleeful it made Thor to tease him about it. He grumbled something under his breath. His brother came closer, leaning towards him, his head tilted to the side in the most ridiculous impersonation of innocence Loki had ever seen. “I’m sorry, what was that? I didn’t hear you.” The blonde man’s grin became so obnoxious that Loki got the irresistible urge to wipe it off his face, and the only solution that somehow came to his mind was to kiss him.

Right there.

Right then.

And it was unexpected, and it was violent, and it was blissfully sweet and terribly lustful. It was something they both craved from the deepest pits of their beings, something their very cores vibrated to, something their hearts sang to. Thor’s arms wrapped around the younger’s waist, pulling him closer. Loki’s fingers slithered up his brother’s neck, latching onto the short blonde hair, nails digging into the soft skin of his scalp as he deepened the kiss. They were eager, hungry animals that hadn’t been fed for years.

Loki broke the contact, gasping for air, eyes wide and heart thrumming in its bone cage. What had he been thinking? What had he done? He tried pushing away, panic clear in his blue-green eyes, but Thor was too quick. He slammed him into the wall, hands coming under Loki’s thighs to lift him up and set him on his hips, pinning him between the wall and his own, strong body. “You’re not going anywhere,” he growled, his hot breath fanning his younger brother’s face.

“But -”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Loki. Isn’t this what you wanted? Isn’t this what you were aiming for?” The truth was, he hadn’t calculated his move. For once, he had acted solely on impulse, obeying his needs, his desires, his wants, even though he had made sure they were hidden deep inside. Even though he thought he had made sure they would never take the pace on his conscious behavior. “Is this what you want, too?”

“It’s what I’ve been craving, for years,” Thor said, voice rough and deep and filled with longing. Loki shivered and felt his veins ignite with the fire of desire, driving him mad with want despite the fear twisting his stomach. His brother bent down and traced his neck with kisses, coaxing a soft moan out of Loki’s throat. Thor’s voice rumbled through his rib cage, strong, clear, commanding. “My room.”

Breathless, Loki nodded. “Yeah sure, let’s do that.”

Christmas morning

Waking up next to Thor was probably the best gift Loki could have asked for. Cold winter sunlight was streaming through the curtains, outlining the golden crown of hair on his head, the defined muscles of his arms, the white sheets carelessly wrapped around his lower half. Loki stretched out a hand and softly caressed his cheek. He almost jumped out of his skin when Thor grabbed his wrist and kept his hand close to his face, not seeming to want to let go anytime soon. Without opening his eyes, he asked: “Awake already, princess?” Loki rolled his eyes, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I know you rolled your eyes.”

“Thanks, Captain Obvious. But I mean, princess, really? What am I, the god of sparkles?”

“You could be,” Thor replied, stretching, and then reaching for his brother, spooning him, engulfing him in his warm embrace. Loki had never felt so good.

“Right, because everyone knows I embody the rainbow-and-glitter spirit of unicorns.”

“Make that ‘sarcastic princess’ then.”

“God, you’re insufferable.”

“I know.” He could feel him grinning.

“Get back home safe, Peter. Tony, please watch out for him. Thanks. Merry Christmas everyone!” The last member of their friend-become-family group left the apartment, and Thor let the door fall closed with a sigh. Leaning on the wood, he directed a grin towards his brother. “Finally. Some alone time.”

Loki rolled his eyes, a small smile playing on the edges of his lips. “As if we didn’t already spend enough time together, huh?” Thor shrugged, a bashful smile on his face. “I guess all this is so new… I want to make the most of it.” He stepped closer and wrapped the younger in his arms. “Oh, would you look at that?”, he said, pointing upwards, above their heads, lips stretching into a grin. His blue eyes were twinkling with mirth, not leaving his brother’s face for even a second. Loki raised his gaze to the ceiling, lowering it back to Thor to better raise his right eyebrow at him. “A mistletoe, brother? Really? I didn’t take you for the sentimental type.” The blonde man scoffed. “Oh please. I know you love it.” Loki wrinkled his nose. “I don’t like romantic sappy shit, no.”

Thor rolled his eyes and swooped down to steal a kiss from his brother’s lips. “Course not.” A grin inched up his mouth, mirroring Loki’s smirk. The younger one shook his head and gripped Thor’s neck, coming up for a long, sweet kiss.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it?

[noplanwithavan]

WISH YOU WERE HERE

There’s been a touch of holiday season “hiraeth” these last few weeks. Or perhaps that’s disingenuous. It’s not the motherland we miss. We cannot lay claim to that evocative welsh term for longing. Ours is more a background hum - a pang of kinship for the traditions and people of home. Christmas time will do that to you. When the strength of familial bonds tug most keenly. Yet there has been enough to lessen the strain - many friends - old, new and acquired have helped to see us through.

First there was the Osman family whom we met on the Costa Brava at the start of our journey. We’d kept in touch as we knew they would be heading south for the winter, and managed a rendezvous at a campsite outside Caños de Meca. Unlike us they hadn’t gone down the route of wild camping. Their smaller van with a large tent in tow ruled out that option. Instead they’d stuck to campsites - a more expensive, yet undeniably less smelly existence. We spotted their flower-powered van on our approach and followed, whopping, hooting and waving with glee. Despite only having spent a few days together 3 months ago, they felt like long lost friends. Bonded by that peculiar camaraderie which comes from shared experience. The girls picked up with their kids Nancy and Dolly where they left off. Trotting, free-wheeling and carousing around the campsite. All chitter chattering as they shared stories. Rain set in for a few days, but we countered it by hunkering down in the Osman tent. Gossiping and catching up. The adults drinking wine, while the young ones put our distraction to good use. Before we realised what game they were playing, it seemed too late to stop it - dress the parents up in the children’s clothing. Unsurprisingly Elsie got very absorbed in her role as stylist. A particularly fetching ruff was selected for Nancy and Dolly’s dad, Jay, which gave him the air of a Spanish reconquistador. She paused to weigh up the effect of her composition, but seemed unsatisfied. Clearly this was not quite the look she had in mind. Disappearing briefly into the deeper recesses of the tent, Elsie emerged moments later with a triumphal look. Rapidly, layers were added - to the face, and hands. She stepped back quizzically to admire her work, and smiled. The masterpiece was complete. With hands now bound in submission, Mr Osman was transformed - no longer a knight of the Spanish Golden Age. More like a detainee from Guantanamo Bay.

As we parted, Marcus joked we’d have to find more friends in time for Christmas. And in fact, this proved remarkably easy. Rolling our way back down the coast, we made for Tarifa. That wind-sock of a kite-surfing mecca, luring you in with its laid-back charm. We’d heard there was a good free camping community at Playa de los Lances. Surely our best shot at making festive friends. After searching for a few days without success, Marcus suggested trying down one of the many beach-side tracks. One clearly declaimed itself a campervan-free zone, with a hard-to-ignore “No Acampar” sign in large lettering. Venturing on through the umbrella-shaped pines, we broke out onto a runway lined with mobile homes. This was van heaven, curving off into the distance. With a collective gasp, it was clear. We were hit with a serious case of vehicle envy.  It’s hard not to marvel at human inventiveness at such moments. The sheer cornucopia of self-sufficiency in all shapes and sizes. Big wheels, graffiti spray-jobs, even patio doors out the back. All these configurations and compromises tailored to individual need.

We celebrated the girl’s 6th birthday here, foregoing presents for an “experience” instead. After some discussion they settled on a rock climbing lesson over horse riding on the beach. It proved an education all round; the parental art of butting right out. Scaling a 40 foot rock face in nearby Bettis, Elsie baulked at the prospect of letting go to abseil down. Contradicting everything she’d ever been taught, the instructor Chris was now explaining how to let go and lean right back. She was not at all keen to put her untested faith in a rope. Sensing panic, Marcus and I tried to help, bellowing up instructions like, “Move your leg over to the right. No, not that right, the other right.” This didn’t help. We were merely fuelling the flames, a volley of overlapping commands fired at cross purposes. That was until Chris turned to us diplomatically, with the words, “I think it would help if you just let me do the talking.” Enough said. He had her down in a jiffy. From a quivering jelly back to full bravado, all in the space of a few feet. And busting to do it all over again.

During our time in Tarifa we acquired a favourite pitch at our camping spot. That curious desire to lay claim even amongst a free-for-all. If we went for the day we’d leave behind a few possessions - chairs, clothes hung out to dry. And there was good reason. Not wanting to lose our place beside the big blue bus. When we first arrived we noticed it had the tell-tale sign we tend to home in on - a child’s bike mounted on the back. Sure enough, 3 year-old Bonnie soon burst forth, wearing baggy pants and a sweet, diffident smile. Within minutes that immutable call to friendship between children had been uttered and answered. The girls disappeared inside her bus. And that was it. We had neighbours. And what’s more neighbours with extended family. A few days later Hilary and Richard, Bonnie’s Grandma and Grandpa, showed up. Swinging by in style with their vintage VW van. This was, it seems, a grand tour en famille. We stayed put, cooking together and sharing food on Christmas Day, happy to be part of this warm solidarity. Hilary and Richard provided an indulgent treat for the girls - spearheading craft sessions on the beach and trips to pick edible mushrooms. After a week Elsie and Lulu were even calling them Grandma and Grandpa, exchanging christmas cards and involving them in parental confidences. Waving hello one morning Hilary chuckled knowingly as she shared, “You can’t tell children anything can you?” I must have looked puzzled, for she added in a conspiratorial whisper, “Just so as you know…we DO have a toilet.” Blushing furiously I could hear my mind whirring…back to that conversation days ago with the girls. The one that went:

Lulu - “I like their orange van. It has nice curtains. It’s pretty cool isn’t it? Me - “Well yes VWs are good to look at, but frankly they’re not very practical. I mean it’s very small. They probably don’t even have a toilet in there.”

Repeated verbatim to the subject in question…thanks a lot kids.

Social indiscretions aside, we would have loved to stay, but Boxing Day brought with it a new chapter. Friends from the old country - the Bulloughs -  were coming out to see us. The girls were crackling with excitement. I’m not sure which was more of a novelty - welcoming the first pals to have made it out to join us along this journey, or ditching the camper van and living it up in a flat for 12 days. Sadly I fear it may not have been the relaxing holiday Tom, Charlie, Edwyn and Alice envisaged. All 8 of us squeezed into a small apartment, with Elsie and Lulu clearly the more noisy and boisterous half of their merry band. But it was fab. And as a city Cádiz is hard to beat. This is Spain at it’s most Spanish. We were in the heart of the old town. Crammed into a spit of land, with the port on one side, and sweeping beaches the other. Looking out from up high there is a maze of flat roof-tops, intersected at points by over 100 watchtowers. Faded relics from a more prosperous past. Then stepping outside you’re thrown headlong into a warren of wide, criss-crossing streets teeming with life. I had the unshakeable sense that whole lifetimes are lived within just a few yards. The same faces seen day after day within invisible boundary lines - hawking their wares or pacing the plaza. It was truly an enchanting, beguiling place. Having been told from Grandma Ros that Rick Stein had done a programme on Cádiz, Marcus assiduously followed all of Rick’s food recommendations. And we weren’t disappointed, gulping down sherry, seafood and churros. Bizarrely the only time when people didn’t appear to be out and about, drinking and eating at all hours, was New Year’s Eve. We’d read that Spanish people celebrate with their families until midnight, and only come out much later. Having managed to stay awake until 12.30, we reasoned things would surely have begun to heat up by now. The odd bar perhaps cracking open to offer a sliver of comfort. Maybe even the faint strains of “auld lang syne” calling us forth. But no, the whole place was a ghost town, shutters drawn over large silent windows. If we’d kept prowling the pavements till 2am perhaps we’d have seen a party, but tired and despondent it was just easier to go to bed.

But if welcoming in 2017 was a little restrained, our epiphany was soon to come. Christmas Day is no big deal in Spain. The real festivities are geared towards the Magi. The 3 Kings visiting baby Jesus on January 6th. It wasn’t always easy to coax 4 kids around the city. To avoid the many glittering temptations in every doorway. Constantly beset by stops to the playpark or the irresistible giant magnolia trees. Their trunks inviting exploration, with bark the texture of an elephant’s hide. But if we’d tried we wouldn’t have been able to drag them home on the night of January 5th. Despite multiple separate breakdowns, all 4 refused to abandon their place behind the barriers lining Plaza de España. This was the mother of all fiestas. The Magi were on their way. A brass band heralding a cavalcade of flotillas snaking its way towards us, releasing a collective frenzy amongst the crowd. Small Spanish bodies surged forwards, elbowing their way past us, screaming “Acquí, acquí!” as thousands of sweets rained down. We tried to get a look at the girls faces, to see their reactions to this bubble-gum exuberance. But we couldn’t see them - shielded by the youthful melee they were scrabbling desperately all around - on the floor, under the barriers - for whatever pickings they could get. “Did you like that?” we asked later. “That.. was the best night of my life - EVER!” beamed Lulu.

Leaving Cádiz it was tough to say goodbye to the Bulloughs. But we were also hankering to be back on the open road and in the camper van once again. The last few days have been peaceful, sun-filled and happy. Hanging out along the Costa de la Luz - the surf spot El Palmar, Conil, and Vejer de la Frontera. And the hand of friendship has once again played its part. Big thanks to Ivan Black back home for putting us in touch with his great mates Sarah and Camden out in Vejer. Former Londoners who’ve been living in Spain for the last 12 years, we hit it off straight away. We ended up parking in their garden and had a fabulous day sharing great food, company and the delights of a washing machine and shower. Sarah even threw in a yoga lesson. New friends, old friends, friends not just for Christmas. It’s all good, and it’s set us in great stead for our next big leap. Across the water to Africa - Morocco here we come!