#and alex in an elf costume

[aydann-runs]

Michael encounters the last person he expects when he reluctantly agrees to accompany Isobel to a benefit at the UFO Emporium during the holidays.

[jetskisonyourmoat]

An old interview from 2007 ☺️

[credit to Twitter user who took photos of the interview]

Transcript:

Coldplay in scarves and woolly mittens. The Libertines as Dickensian street urchins, and REM's Michael Stipe as um, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer. The NME Christmas cover has an illustrious tradition of rock stars arsing around in their best dressing up clobber for a day Some need gentle coaxing, some need a raft of costume. based ideas sent over by our art team before theyll commit. Others, like this year's Christmas cover stars Arctic Monkeys, have planned the concept and hired the outfits even before our tentative email request has had time to settle in their manager's inbox. "We want to be evil elves," came the return message moments later. "Not naughty elves, not mischievous elves. EVIL ELVES.” Which is why, one Wednesday afternoon in late November, we find ourselves at a north London photo studio strapping dynamite sticks to reindeers, impaling others with giant shards of metal, hiding a bomb in a snowman's hat and handing Arctic Monkeys bassist Nick O'Malley a mallet and then standing back as he sends carefully wrapped gifts shattering across the room. Of course, there were the annual set of complications in trying to co-ordinate a photoshoot of this magnitude: Alex Turner requesting the ‘smacked-up elf’ look from the make up artist, but looking more like a cherubic waif with every ring of dark eyeshadow applied, Nick shunning the hired-in pixie boots in favour of his own toe-curling pointers ("from Prada, thank you very much") and a minor tussle over which band member was going to get their ears stuck on first. That and the endless flutes of champagne threatening to sabotage the interview scheduled for straight after the shoot (“I feel very light headed and unsteady on my feet, NME," says Alex, wobbling).

Eventually we manage to steer them to a corner of the room where a Dictaphone awaits. By this time Nick, Matt Helders and Jamie Cook's costumes are on coat hangers and they're back in civvies. Only Alex has opted to stay as an elf, at least as long as the interview lasts. It's a heated hour that will see them debate the big topics of the year, consider their own personal highlights (Nick. "Glastonbury. NME: And your defining Glasto 2007 moment? Nick "Er, headlining the fucker") and lowlights (Mike Reid RIP). Before all that though, there's the small matter of destroying Christmas 2007 for everyone. Your favourite worst nightmare before the festive season is about to be unleashed.

NME: Hello, Nice costumes.

Alex Turner: "Thanks. You might say we dress up too much, But really, what is too much? It's good to escape your own face for an hour.

Matt Helders: "It's easier to hide behind a costume, isn't it? I felt in good spirits up there though - I’m not sure I was really feeling evil enough.

So what's Arctic Monkeys squad of evil elves manifesto for ruining Christmas?

Jamie Cook: "Go out on Christmas Eve.

Alex: "I heard a terrible story about a friend who went out on Christmas Eve once. This lad got hammered and, you know when you're hungover and, like, your thoughts and your mouth aren't connected properly? Well, he was eating his Christmas dinner and his nan were wittering on as your nan does, and he thought to himself. Oh, shut up Nan, you cunt. Then he looked up and everyone was looking at him and his dad went. I think you'd better just take your dinner upstairs and eat in your bedroom. He’d said it out loud (The table collapses in laughter).

Matt: "His nan was a cunt, though."

Alex: "So there's a way to wreck Christmas - call your nan a cunt. Actually. you should leave that out cos my nan buys NME more than my mum. My nan files her NMEs!

Matt: "So our real answer would be... I dunno, burn everyone's house down.

Alex: "Or, you know those Santa’s that come on a truck to estates and all the kids come to see them? Maybe you could hijack one of them as another Santa then rip your beard off

Matt: "....and punch the kids. Or the dad. There's nothing worse than beating kids dads up in front of the kids!"

Alex: "(Nodding) Nothing worse.

Moving on. What does a traditional Christmas entail round at Alex Turner, the only child's, house?

Alex: "Quality Street. That's the only tradition around mine. Other than that, just looking at the phone thinking. Can I ring them (points at other Monkeys) on Christmas Day or is that out of order?'

Matt: "Yeah. it is. (Holding hands up to each ear to mimick a two-way phone conversation between Alex and himself 'Do you wanna come round?' 'Al, it's Christmas Day. My nan's here.' 'Yeah. but I'm just sat here at home...' "

Alex: "We've been discussing how there's nothing to do on Christmas Day and maybe having some kind of party this year. Fancy dress, obviously. We were talking about having some sort of Ultimate Warrior party."

Matt: "Wrestlers weren't it?"

Alex: "Ah yes, wrestlers."

What are you doing for New Year's Eve?

Matt: "Last year was crap. I DJed in Sheffield at midnight. The first song everyone in that room heard going into 2007 was 'Boom! Shake The Room, which was a good feeling"

Alex: "That's something to be proud of. This year we've got nothing planned. We all go out together though; we were at that club."

Matt: "It rarely works, New Year's Eve. It's always such a fucking build-up."

Alex: Everyone's like, '(Whining voice) What are we doing now?' And then it fucking snows, doesn't it?"

Um, not where I'm from...

Alex: "It always snows round where we are"

Jamie: "It's not snow, it's sleet."

Alex: "I remember walking home last year in it and no taxis stopping for us."

Jamie: "Yeah, 'Im not taking you to High Green, mate."

Nick O'Malley: "I booked a hotel last year in Sheffield city centre and just stayed there."

Alex: 'Maybe well stay in this year. See Jools' Hootenanny and that."

What New Year's resolutions are you going to make?

Alex: "I want to learn how to cook food. I want to do a good curry."

Nick: "I want to get to a level of fitness synonymous with that of a boxer - just so I don't get out of breath walking up the stairs"

Jamie: "I want to grow a beard. I’m not shaving after today."

Alex: "Otherwise I'm allowed to punch him in the nose."

Matt: "I want to learn to do a back somersault and a front somersault."

Jamie: "Oh, and be able to dive into shallow water from a height and not hurt yourself."

Alex: "Yeah, flips, juggling. unicycling. I think were all always looking for improvement in our overall balance."

The coming year dealt with, it's time to turn the clock back and get Arctic Monkeys' take on the headlines that shook 2007. For this, Alex takes a more noticeably back-seat role in the conversation especially when the spectre of political allegiance rears its head and he actually goes completely mute. According to his press officer afterwards, having seen Arctic Monkeys branded Gordon Brown's favourite new band before he became Prime Minister, Alex is reluctant to say anything that any of the political parties could use to their advantage. From here on in then, Nick'n'Matt take over from Aln'Matt as the comedy double act. Meanwhile, Jamie will reserve his sole contribution to the conversation for an animated outburst about social networking sites in the workplace.

This Christmas marks the one-year anniversary of James Brown's death. Did he mean much to Arctic Monkeys?

Nick: "Yeah, we were big fans of James Brown."

Alex: "The first ever gig we did, we walked onstage to 'The Payback. And at college I had a pair of jeans I'd written on in red marker ‘I've got soul and I'm super bad!

Jamie: "He did as well."

Nick: "It was one of those things when you heard, you didn't want to believe it. A bit like Steve Irwin."

Alex: "Or Mike Reid. (Genuinely moved) Mike Reid, that really hit me that."

Nick: 'I don't think there was a big enough fuss about that as there should have been."

Matt: "I tell you when Ill be dead upset- and I don't really want to say it cos he's not dead yet, but I might as well get it all out -and that's when Bruce Forsyth dies."

Alex: "(Gravely) Ah, Forsyth."

Matt: "Cos I know I'm going to see it.. all being well my end."

Nick: "Touch wood."

Alex: "Cover the holes!"

Nick: "(To NME] Do you know where that expression comes from?"

Alex: "Apparently there's these little people who live in the wood. Like these little fairies that bring things that you say to life. So you cover the holes so they can't get out... Yeah, Mike Reid. I remember reading about that in the airport.

Then there was the Celebrity Big Brother race row early in the year. Did you watch any of it?

Nick: "We made a point of watching that. We wanted to watch where what's-her-name got kicked out. That said it all, and they didn't have any crowd there"

Alex: "Oh, Jade."

Jamie: "I thought Jade Goody and the one that was getting abused by her.

Matt: "Shilpa Shetty."

Jamie: "That's right. I thought they both played it bad."

Alex: "Jo from S Club 7 can fuck off I’d send her to jail Why? I just don’t like her; I think she came across horrible."

Nick: (Changing tact) “I texted one of those numbers to find out about touch wood (Reaches for beeping phone and starts reading) Touch wood is said to come from a mid-18th century story in which children being chased who touched wood were said, to be immune from being caught"

Matt: "I don't believe that. This has been wrong once before and thats when texted, to ask who's headlining Glastonbury and it said Eric Clapton. (Pumping chest out defiantly) It weren't - it were us!"

Of course the biggest music story of the first half of the year was Keith Richard revealing he'd snorted his father…

Jamie: "(Laughing) His ashes weren’t it?

Yep. What's the weirdest thing you've ever snorted?

Matt: "An eraser. That's not true actually I've witnessed it but never done it I wish I had. I didn't live enough at school”

What did you think of Keith's revelations?

Matt: "I think it was shortly after he said we were shit. He said something like the ["Load of cunts. load of cunts. Posers, rubbish was how Keef actually described the Monkeys, alongside Bloc Party and The Libertines in the same NME interview.

Keith said he didn't like The Libertines who reformed for one night only in April, with Carl Barât joining Pete Doherty onstage at London's Hackney Empire. Did you care?

Alex: "Yeah, I was interested in that. It was a 'should've been there moment, I imagine.”

Matt: "I’d have liked to have seen that.”

Nick: "They're one of the bands that a very young us were really into."

Would you like them to get back together permanently?

Alex: "(With just enough sarcasm) The greatest hits album were enough for me”

Jamie: "They didn't sling it out though did they? It was the label."

Nick: "I read something where Pete was saying he didn't even know it had come out.”

What about the new Babyshambles album? Were you fans of that?

Nick: "I’ve only heard a few songs, but the were good tracks."

Alex: "I liked it and I liked him on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross.”

Nick: "He seemed like a nice gentleman"

Alex: "I met him once. I was at this party in this club this time last year when we were recording, and someone who I’d never met said Oi! Come here and led me through this door and there was a studio and in this studio he was stood there with his top off."

Nick: "Topless?!"

Alex: "It were surreal. For a start there's a studio in a club, then there’s Pete Doherty and then he's got his top off he’s taller than you’d think.”

Matt: "I remember meeting him, as a fan actually, at a Strokes gig at Alexandra Palace I had my picture took with him and that’s when I realised he were tall."

In May, offices and schools across the UK began blocking students from using Facebook.

Alex: "I’ve never even been on Facebook"

Jamie: "(Antagonised) You know what? That’s fair enough if they should be workin’ or learning, not making take friends"

Matt: "What's the difference between…”

Jamie: "(Raising voice) No, but fair enough! You're fucking working!"

Matt: "Um, what's the difference between Facebook and MySpace?”

Please tell me one of the Arctic Monkeys knows what Facebook or MySpace are...

Alex: "I've never looked on them."

Jamie: "I haven't."

Matt: “I know what MySpace looks like, cos other people have shown me theirs, but none of us have actually got one.”

Are there any sites you do frequent?

Matt: "I don't mind The Hype Machine. I go on to search for remixes before they get heard properly."

Nick: "I got really into Wikipedia at one point. I read loads of things about joe Meek and Shack"

Alex: "He’ll read all these facts then casually throw them into conversation the next day."

Matt: "Askjolene.com is the biggest adult search engine in the world.. Just throwing that in there"

Gordon Brown - a big fan of yours, apparently - took over from Tony Blair this summer as Britain's 51st Prime Minister. How's he done so far?

Nick: "I've not really noticed any changes."

Matt: "It's neutral for me."

Who will you be voting for next time?

Matt: "I need to start evaluating, reading all their manifestos."

Nick: "I’ll Wikipedia them all and make a decision that way.”

The UK smoking ban kicked in on July 1. Has it bothered you?

Matt: "Nick's the only one of us that smokes."

Nick: "Oi, my mum reads this!"

Matt: "(Back-tracking hastily) Like I said, Nick doesn't even smoke."

Nick: "I agree with it, even though 1 do smoke. I think it's a good thing."

Alex: "You get weird smells now, I reckon."

Matt: "We were reading about that place where they give out free deodorant because you smell people more now in bars."

Nick: "It's a good way to meet new people outside I've found. And it someone's getting on your nerves you can just say. 'Right, Im going outside for a cigarette."

Alex: "I think it will become less strict in a few years. 'Cos like in New York they've had it a bit longer and they turn a blind eye to it some places there now.”

In August we had another music legend pass away; Tony Wilson.

Alex: "That were a right shock. I'm not a huge fan of the Manchester music scene. but enough for his death to mean a lot."

Nick: "I always imagine him as Alan Partridge, y know! Well, Steve Coogan in 24 Hour Party People. That's where I first got to know of Tony Wilson."

Alex: "(Looking glum) What happened in September, NME?"

You can have the Diana death inquest or Klaxons winning the Mercury Prize.

Alex: "Klaxons winning the Mercury Prize."

Matt: "You could say Klaxons winning the Mercury Prize if you want, or you could say us losing the Mercury Prize"

How did you feel about that?

Matt: "It were alright. It were a bit of a dent on my life."

Nick: "Well done, Klaxons. I wanted Dizzee Rascal to win it."

Matt: "'Yeah, Maths + English'"

Nick: "I thought it was Winehouse's though."

Alex: "But then I think Klaxons' album is more of an album than Amy Winehouse's album. Like, Amy Winehouse's album had some good tunes an' that. But I think as a thing, you can't really argue with Klaxons."

What did you think about Radiohead shocking the music industry with the way they released In Rainbows' this autumn?

Alex: "We heard Radiohead's riveting radio broadcast on the way home last night."

Matt: "I nearly fell asleep at the wheel!"

Alex: "I were nudging him! 'Keep your eyes on the road!"

Nick: "I think it was quite a clever idea for them. I think it works well for them cos their fans are the type of fans who’d probably really be into that concept."

Is it something you'd ever do?

Alex: "Nah."

Matt: "That'll be memorable 'cos they'd gone out of their way to do something different, but I don't think we need to. Obviously they don't need to either. They can afford to do stuff like that."

Alex: "They've done it now. You only need to do an experiment like that once. I don't feel like it was designed to change anything"

Matt: "They said themselves, 'It's not a template' See! I was listening last night."

Then at the end of the year, Led Zeppelin finally played their long-awaited reunion show in London. Did you apply for tickets?

Matt: "Nope. I would have gone if late Led Zep drummer] John Bonham was still alive."

Nick: "Oh, Matt."

Matt: "I'm not that bothered by them. It's not that big a deal."

Jamie: "Nah, it really is! (Laughing) Thats why a lot of people are going."

Nick: "I had a phase of being a big Zep fan. I remember I had a perlod of about six months thinking they were the bee's bollocks."

Which brings us right up to the end of the year. What great truths have Arctic Monkeys learned in 2007?

Nick: "We learned that we're really into finding out where expressions came from. So we learned where 'fill your boots' came from - it's where old, er-”

Matt: "Cavaliers."

Nick: "Yes, Cavaliers!"

Matt: "They'd get their place at the bar and once they were there they wouldn't want to lose it, so they'd piss straight into their boots so they could carry on drinking. They had big boots on, like. That's it. There's our great truths.”

Or are they? Can we trust anything that comes out of the mouths of Satan's Little Helpers? Perhaps it's all just an evil plot to make us urinate on our own footwear this Christmas. Or go on festive arson rampages. Or cause expletive-induced coronaries in the elderly. Whatever, Arctic Monkeys certainly wish you all a very scary a Christmas.

[piratefalls]

hi, yes, i'm still very behind on reading, but in my defense i picked up an actual book and did read that, so.

anyway, here's some fic.

masterlist.

(Secret) Santa Baby by indomitablelove

"When it comes to Secret Santa, Alex really does have a reputation to uphold. Everybody wants Alex to get them. Nobody actually wants to get Alex, which is why he usually ends up with novelty socks or a political biography, but he doesn’t care. Ultimately, everybody wants Alex to get their name. And right now, Alex is seconds away from finding out who his new mark is. The person that he’s going to spend the next few weeks learning inside and out to ensure that he gets them the perfect gift." --- Alex gets his work nemesis, Henry, in the office Secret Santa and realises that he doesn't know nearly as much about him as he thought...

Creative Differences by @sparklepocalypse

Zahra tilts her head at him, a contemplative expression on her face. “How attached are you to the notion of being a solo artist?” (AU; Alex is a failed solo musician and Henry's band needs a lead singer.)

just a figure of speech by congee4lunch

“Like I said: Alphas really don’t know how to fuck.” “And like I said,” Alex sets down his mug and steps closer to Henry. “I can fuck and I know how to fuck you so well, you’ll see stars, baby.” henry, an omega, hasn’t had good sex in a long time. as his alpha roommate and friend, alex can help with that. in a totally platonic bro way, of course.

Oxford Days by @myheartalivewrites

"Alex’s new roommate is kind of a slut. No. Strike that. Not kind of. Definitely. Definitely a slut." -- An ode to slutty Henry.

we play all day (and spread holiday cheer) by headabovethewater

Nora guffaws. “You fucked Santa’s Elf?!” “I mean,” Alex pauses and shrugs, “not with the costume on, obviously.” “I can’t fucking believe you,” Nora exclaims, her hands cupping her own face in disbelief. She looks over Alex’s shoulder and cocks an eyebrow, before she lowers her hands and her tone, and asks, “Since when do you have a thing for blondes?”

miles to go, but we're almost home by anincompletelist

Texas is a bit of a last minute decision. As in, at the actual last minute, Henry had begged them at the station for whatever ticket they had left to get out of the city, shoved his credit card at them expeditiously, and promptly boarded the vessel just as the doors slid closed behind him. Turns out it’s the best decision he’s ever made.

If at first you don't succeed by clottedcreamfudge

"Probably straight," Alex says, holding his hand out to Henry, "but you're extremely hot, so like - well done." "Well done?" Henry asks incredulously, the corner of his mouth quirking up into a smile as he takes Alex's hand in a firm handshake. "Well done on... being extremely hot?" "Hey, man," Alex says easily, taking his hand away after the briefest of shakes. "Take it or leave it." "In that case, I shall update my profile," Henry says as he gets to his feet. "Unsuccessful date with a heterosexual man who, nonetheless, had to admit I was 'extremely hot'."

his soft touch by viciouslyqueer

Alex comes homes and Henry immediately knows something is wrong.

Nocturnal Guilt by somuchworse

Henry hums, and Alex feels the vibration of it more than actually hearing the delicate sound. “What did you do, love?” “I stole Liam’s medication,” he grumbles. The room is still for a moment. “Tonight?” Henry asks, voice sliding into a slightly higher pitch, a memorable indication of his most genuine confusion. Alex groans. Talking is hard. “No,” he says, when Henry applies a little more pressure on the back of his head, like it’s a reward. “When we were kids. I stole a few so I could work on school shit, and he had a total meltdown when a few were missing, and I didn’t even tell him. I’m literally the fucking worst.”

Bukkake Breaky Heart by @kiwiana-writes

Six men surround Alex in a semicircle: blindfolded, tested, NDA’ed to within an inch of their lives even without any idea of who is in the room with them. Alex has a fantasy. Henry makes it happen.

Going Once, Going Twice by allmylovesatonce

“I was supposed to go to this Christmas fundraiser for the NYU symphony,” she explains, “but there’s this event at work that as an intern I really can’t miss.” “What’s the favour?” June grimaces. “I need you to go to the symphony fundraiser for me.” Alex stills. There’s one reason June would be going to something for the symphony. Henry fucking Fox. He’s going to hope that her favour doesn’t involve him, but Alex figures he can’t really be that lucky. -------- Alex wins a date with Henry, but in order to even slightly enjoy it, he'll have to get over his hatred for him.

it's all me (just don't go) by weather_stained

Alex has been trying all summer to manage his grueling internship and other commitments without impacting his relationship with Henry. When he misses a date night, he worries it could be the last straw.

if evil, why so cute? by everwitch

Alex’s cat hates Alex, but loves Henry, the Bookstagram influencer who’s on vacation in Alex’s quiet seaside town. And while Alex is pretty salty about his grumpy cat’s inexplicable affection for a complete stranger, he must admit he can see the appeal; Henry is fucking gorgeous. It’s why Alex follows him on Instagram in the first place. It's just, Alex had never thought he’d be officially introduced to Henry by his own goddamn cat. Or: Henry takes a two-week vacation to a seaside cabin with the intent to read a lot of books. Instead, he has a lot of sex.

Jumped the Gun by lovelythething

"Well,” Henry says, measuring his voice carefully, “there’s a first time for everything.” Alex, in reply, screams into a pillow.

secret moments in a crowded room by HypnosTherapy

Henry smiles, something settling in his expression when he sees Alex. “Hello, darling-” “I felt up your employee,” Alex says, the words rushing out of his mouth. Henry blinks. “I thought Angus was you, and I grabbed him by the hips, and it was weird as shit, I’m sorry.” Henry has the nerve to smirk, rolling his eyes. “He really is an excellent double,” he says, reaching out to pat Alex consolingly on the shoulder. __ After getting a concerned call from the man's PPO, Henry makes an effort to ensure his body double Angus is getting properly socialized. Alex is hesitant to spend time with the Henry-shaped clone, but he quickly finds himself getting charmed by the man. Angus gracefully slides from strange phenomenon to friend. And then something more.

it's you (it's always been you) by coffeecatsme

“You mean to tell me you named your vibrator after another man because you thought the pun would be funny?” Alex names his vibrator after Han Solo and Henry gets jealous.

come pick me up by smc_27

‘I’m here for you’ He can tell that the person will receive that as a text message as well as in the app, which is a relief because sometimes people like, order rides then absolutely pay no fucking attention to the app. It’s really annoying to have to wait forever for folks. ’Thank you. I’m going through a difficult time currently, so this means a lot.’ Alex stares at the message he received, frowning, and then another comes through. ‘Apologies. I’ve lost all my contacts. Who is this?’ Oh, Christ. This is going to be awkward as fuck. ’This is your Uber driver. I’m outside.’ OR, Alex is an Uber driver. Henry needs a ride the airport.

titles are the worst, we refuse by athousandrooms, clottedcreamfudge, everwitch, indomitablelove, railmedaddy

The paparazzi, a friend, their classmates, a true enemy. Alex is no stranger to telling people to fuck off, it’s a daily occurrence; but when it’s Henry who does it? Alex couldn’t be prouder. — 5 times Alex tells someone to fuck off and one time Henry does.

Gym Buddies by cmere

"I'm Henry," the guy offers. Alex pushes up one rep, then another. The blood is rushing to his face as he powers through more, and seems to be rushing elsewhere as well, because there's undeniable arousal pooling in his groin from the exertion. He struggles slightly for a moment, then, and instead of taking over like Alex expects, his new best friend Henry starts—talking. "That's good, so good. Perfect, can you give me another?" Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Sweat pours down Alex's forehead as he pushes the bar back up off his chest. "Beautiful, just beautiful. So good for me. There you are, love." Henry helps Alex settle the bar back on the rack, and Alex exhales in a rush, his heart thudding almost painfully against his chest. Fuck. PUMP Gym is notorious for gay guys cruising, and Alex wants to hook up.

To Show Our Love by bleedingballroomfloor

With Henry and Alex in the midst of moving into their new home together, Henry reflects on Valentine's Day and what the holiday meant to him growing up closeted in the palace, and more so, the new meaning that Alex brings to it.

Cosmos in His Palms by AnchoredArchangel

“I’ve been thinking,” Henry says quietly, “almost constantly, about your list.” Alex blinks because, well, his list hasn’t had this kind of traction in years. The Google trend must be spiking off the charts. Henry bites at his own lower lip, turning the blush pink a tortured white, admits, “About the things you want to do-” Oh. That list. Or: Alex discovers that talking to Henry is just as nice as having sex with him, or at least, pretty close. A perfectly timed revelation when he finds himself in desperate need of a heart-to-heart.

Fox. Henry Fox. by Pondermoniums

Alex had seen the guy around campus, sure. He was hard to miss, but Alex never said out loud why. For everyone else, being the son of the famous James Bond actor made him a celebrity enough. But for Alex, Henry Fox just…stood out.

wanting by rizcriz

It slammed into him with the force of a semi truck out of the blue on a random Tuesday in July. the AC was out; they were sprawled out in the living room in nothing but their boxers, complaining about the heat and threatening to off their landlord in a million different ways. Alex was on the floor, Henry was on the couch, one leg draped over the back, his arms thrown up over his head. Henry had said something; something absurd and hilarious and Alex can’t for the life of him remember what it was, because all he remembers is lifting his head off the floor, and catching sight of that shining head of golden hair caught in a sunbeam and thinking— And thinking. God, I love him.

you all over me by stutteringpeach

When Henry organises an evening of group sex, he never expects to meet a gorgeous man he wants to marry and have children with. Or, a meet-cute at a sex club.

tripped and fell into this bed by @priincebutt

“What, hate sex with my ex who chose his duty to his country over me? I’m not interested.” “Are you sure about that?” Henry’s voice is curious, genuine and raw, because he can hear the hesitation behind Alex’s words, the way his sentence structure is crumbling with wanting to say yes. It hasn’t been long enough for Alex to be moved on, and Henry doesn’t know if he wants Alex back, or if he just wants to have some really fucking good sex, which he’s not had since the last time he’d been with Alex. It had been a bold move, but he doesn’t regret it. And he internally cheers when Alex lets out another dramatic sigh. “Fine. Where are you staying and when should I meet you?” Or, Henry broke up with Alex when he stormed the castle, then booty calls him months later at Paris Fashion Week.

if you want me to tag you in future lists for whatever reason, just let me know, and i'll see you next week!

@starkfridays @stilesgivesmefeels

[roseharpermaxwell]

RWRB FirstPrince Holiday Recs

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve - click below for my favorites.

I Don't Know About You, But I'm Feeling... by IBoatedHere. T, 794 words. Four birthdays in Alex's life.

kiss me, and tell me that i’ll see you again by fxckingeyelashes. T, 2k. “Forgive me if I’m being too forward, but are you into guys perhaps? I’d like to know if I have a chance.”

“A chance at what?” Alex raises his eyebrows. It’s only then that he notices the rainbow G A Y under Henry’s name.

“A chance to be your new year’s kiss.”

(you can start) a family who will always show you love by @waterloolovers. T, 2.1k. “Confetti eggs.”

“Cascarones, but yes,” Alex grins, “I’ll give you a pass since your Spanish is a bit tragic.”

“Rude.” Henry rolls his eyes fondly. “So you just… chase each other around and try to smash eggs on each other? Seems rather messy with confetti going everywhere.”

“It’s very messy, but that’s the fun part of it. It’s meant to bring good fortune for the rest of the year."

The Spirit of Giving by @cha-melodius. T, 2.3k. His practice tamales come out pretty damned good, if he says so himself, and the ones for the holiday party are going to be even better. Alex is confident now that there’s no way his won’t be the best dish a the whole potluck; he’s definitely going to win (and no, he doesn’t care that you can’t ‘win’ a potluck, June).

(1 million words challenge holiday edition, prompt: “My holiday dish is better than your holiday dish.”)

Speaking my Language by HMS_Chill. G, 2.3k. Prompt:

"Alex always saying sweet things to Henry in Spanish but won't tell him what any of it means, and he's always google translating them and awe-ing at how cute Alex is and then like maybe he learns how to say something adorable to and says it to Alex and Alex just like melts or something"

one of your girls. by seafloor. M, 2.4k. New Years Eve; three years later. An hour before midnight.

Santa, Tell Me by @harrysglasses. G, 2.5k. Henry receives a very special gift from his office Secret Santa and is determined to find out who it's from.

we play all day (and spread holiday cheer) by headabovethewater. E, 2.5k. Nora guffaws. “You fucked Santa’s Elf?!”

“I mean,” Alex pauses and shrugs, “not with the costume on, obviously.”

“I can’t fucking believe you,” Nora exclaims, her hands cupping her own face in disbelief. She looks over Alex’s shoulder and cocks an eyebrow, before she lowers her hands and her tone, and asks, “Since when do you have a thing for blondes?”

I'll Have a Flu Christmas by @three-drink-amy. G, 2.7k. Plans go awry when Alex comes down with the flu right before Christmas while Henry waits for him to fly over and meet him in England. Prepared to spend Christmas sick and alone, Alex doesn't expect Henry to take matters into his own hands.

i think i'm falling for you by WaterlooLovers. T, 2.8k. Henry blinks at the man. He’s thankful the rink is fairly dark, only disco lights and black lights surrounding them, so the man can’t see the blush on his cheeks. The man is gorgeous, and still holding his waist, and Henry might be hallucinating. Maybe he did crack his skull on the hard rink floor. “Um.”

Trick or Kiss by ronans. NR, 2.9k. Henry’s been here for ten minutes and he’s already causing Alex to feel some feelings. He supposes Henry has made him a bit scared with his costume, but not in the god given Halloween way he should.

Or, Alex is throwing the Halloween party of the year and can't quite figure out why the Prince of England is haunting his every thought.

May Your New Years Dreams Come True by chamel. T, 3.1k. “In fact, I’d wager money my date will by far be the hottest there.”

Hunter scoffs, which honestly Henry doesn’t understand. It’s not like Alex hasn’t pulled in some real lookers to previous years’ parties, much to Henry’s chagrin. “Really? You want to bet?”

Alex shrugs. “Sure.”

“Henry,” Hunter says suddenly, finally—and unfortunately—acknowledging that he’s actually been standing there the whole time. “You want in on this?”

(1 million words challenge holiday edition, prompt: "Competition to see who can bring the hottest date to the New Year’s party")

you and me, forevermore by @theprinceandagcd. T, 3.1k. "He pushes up on his toes to kiss Henry, who returns the kiss immediately, greedily, tongue brushing against his in a way that makes Alex's brain short circuit just as much as it did a year ago.

A year ago.

It still does something to him, stirs something deep inside him that makes his entire body feel like pure mush. It's a memory burned so bright in his mind - cold air, a buzz in his veins, a tree in a quiet garden, fingers gripping his face, soft lips against his.

The night his world turned on its axis and shifted toward Henry, altering his path and forever tilting him closer."

Or, Alex and Henry on New Year's Eve, one year after their first, and Alex wants it to be special.

don't let me get drunk again by @getmehighonmagic. E, 3.1k. Alex had never wanted to cancel plans as much as he had while watching Henry pull a pair of light wash, tight jeans over his stockinged legs and bare ass.

Christ, he’s getting hard thinking about it now.

Merry Christmas, Darling by lucy_in_the_sky. E, 3.2k. Alex and Henry's first Christmas together as a couple. Just some good ol' fashioned Christmas smut

Wherever you are, as ever I remain by gallifreyandglowclouds. M, 3.4k. 'It’s transparently a lie, and he shouldn’t lie to Alex, but he can’t help it in the moment. He so badly wants everything to just be fine, to love this new life without a foot stuck in the old one.'

Henry can't help but feel a little homesick during his first Christmas in Brooklyn.

stars by the pocketful by weather_stained. T, 3.7k. Henry is having a terrible Halloween, so terrible that he completely forgets it even is Halloween until Alex shows up at his door asking to borrow a prop for June's costume.

Though Henry opts out of June's Halloween party, Alex makes sure he doesn't spend the holiday alone.

Call It Even by @smc-27. T, 3.7k. Alex shrugs. “I’ll go with you.”

Terrible, terrible, no good idea.

Too bad his mouth works faster than his brain. Which is…another thing he wishes to not think about. His mouth, and Alex, and all the things he could do to that man.

“All right.”

Fuck.

(aka: henry needs a +1 for a holiday party. his roommate offers.)

Help Yourself to Happiness by ronans. NR, 3.8k. ‘So you’re taking the post down, I assume? Now we’re both sober and in control of our impulses?’

Pez barks a laugh. ‘Absolutely not.’

‘I know we discussed the very real possibility that I would cry myself into oblivion without you here singing horrendously off key Christmas carols, but… isn’t this a little… desperate?’

‘I’m willing to see where this will take us, aren’t you?’ Pez asks, raising an eyebrow.

‘Says the man who would be safely out of the country after setting his best friend up with a potential murderer.’

Pez levels him with a look and then picks up Henry’s phone. ‘How many polos did he play?’ Pez turns the screen around so Henry can see the comment. ‘Does that sound like a person with murderous tendencies?’

Henry snatches the phone back. ‘This is a terrible idea.’

Or, A drunken night leads to Pez posting on Reddit, calling on any singles in the area to help Henry be a little less lonely this Christmas.

I'm not gay, but my apparel is by @clottedcreamfudge. T, 4.5k. “I’m not a salesman,” Alex points out, coming out from behind the counter and rolling up his sleeves. “I’m a purveyor of oddities, curiosities, and intrigue.”

“Yes, I saw your sign.”

“And now here we are,” Alex says, gesturing grandly and expansively to the space around him.

“Here we are,” the man says softly, then pulls one hand out of his coat pocket and holds it out to Alex. “Henry Fox-Mountchristen. I would like to purchase an oddity, curiosity, or an item of intrigue.”

you bring blue lights to dreams by headabovethewater. E, 4.5k. When Alex pulls him a bit closer and kisses him again, he thinks he sees a flash of blue peek through the opening in Henry’s shirt, but he ignores the thrill that travels down his spine and shrugs it off. Wishful thinking, he’s sure.

Or, Henry surprises Alex as they celebrate New Year's Eve together.

baby, be mine by strwbrryfox. T, 4.8k. five times alex asks henry to be his valentine and one time henry beats him to it ♥️

many times, many ways by @littlemisskittentoes. M, 4.8k. The thing is, Alex knows he can’t replace the bittersweet wave of memories that swarm Henry’s head at the sight of snow flurries and smell of peppermint in the air. He doesn’t want to. He wants Henry to keep those close, even if it is through the sepia tone of melancholy.

But Alex can’t help but wonder if maybe he can find a way to balance poignancy with something a bit easier. Something a little bit lighter. Something Henry can revisit to understand where he belongs, how he fits into the “happy” of it all any time he needs.

He looks over to Henry, finally asleep against his chest. He takes in the gentle slope of Henry’s nose, the fluttered fan of eyelashes against moon-bathed cheeks. He fixates on the subtle canyon, the soft part of Henry’s lips, the phantom wind of a silent snore, and Alex knows: the very least he can do is try.

or, holidays have always come as a reminder to Henry of what he’s lost. But Alex always manages to remind him of everything he’s gained too.

Ink it in on my skin, sign me up, make it last against the time by @hgejfmw-hgejhsf. E, 5.2k. “Okay, then,” Alex says, and Henry can’t help but smile at the hint of mischief creeping into his voice, “there’s two weeks until Valentine’s Day. We each have that long to make it happen, and we’ll do a big reveal that night. Deal?” Flecks of gold are shimmering in his copper eyes. Henry leans forward, catching Alex’s lips to seal their accord.

“Agreed.”

OR

Alex and Henry both decide to get tattoos.

I must tell you what you will not ask by @lizzie-bennetdarcy. E, 5.3k. Henry's plans for Christmas fall through, so Alex invites him home for the holidays. They're best friends, strictly platonic roommates, so why does everyone think they're dating?

Have you ever been alone in a crowded room? by @hgejfmw-hgejhsf. T, 5.4k. When the Legendary Balls-Out Bananas White House Trio New Year's Eve Party is interrupted by a security threat, Henry, Pez, Nora, June, and Alex find themselves locked in the White House library for their own protection with nothing but time, a few bottles of champagne, and some lighthearted conversation, until a single question threatens to change everything for Henry.

You and Me, Forevermore by milowren. NR, 5.6k. When Henry gets sick a few days after Christmas, he and Alex end up celebrating New Year's together in a different way than they planned.

where every wish comes true by @hypnostheory. E, 6k. “Locked out?”

“I forgot my keys,” Alex says with a sigh, leaning against his door with a muted shiver. He was planning on a heated Uber ride to June’s apartment, not standing out in the cold ass hallway. Alex hugs his coat closer to his chest. “My friend has my spare.”

Henry nods, leaning against his own door frame. Alex isn’t sure what the man does outside of going to grad school at NYU, but it must be bench-pressing horses based on the size of his biceps. Henry reaches up to push his glasses higher on his nose and Alex swears he wasn’t that bisexual when the day started. “Would you like to wait in my apartment for your friend?”

Alex gets locked out his apartment on Christmas Eve. He's forced to take refuge in his neighbor and occasional fuck buddy Henry's apartment, and together the two get into the Christmas spirit with the help of a festive costume and a silk ribbon.

The Honeymoon Suite by clottedcreamfudge. E, 6.1k. Henry's plane is grounded, which is absolutely fine, and not at all the worst possible outcome on Christmas Eve when he should already be on his way to London. Alex's plane is also grounded, but fortunately for his leggy British co-worker, he's a generous soul who's happy to share the room he managed to bag at a local hotel while they wait for their new flights.

So, so generous.

Baby, it's Halloween and we can be anything by sheisraging. E, 6.3k. Alex is furious. More furious than he should be about the whole thing, but still. Plans were made. Money was spent. Costumes were purchased—not even rented—purchased!

it's in the stars, it's who we are by @indomitable-love. E, 6.4k. 'Henry pulls back with wide, startled eyes, releases him roughly and staggers backwards. He lets out a mumbled curse and turns on his heel, and Alex has just enough of something still firing in his brain to reach out and catch Henry’s wrist. Just enough awareness of the fact that Henry is about to run, to say, ‘No, wait,’ before he can disappear through the snow.'

or, the AU where Henry doesn't run after the New Year's Eve kiss.

Re: Inappropriate Festive Party Conduct [Sent with High Importance!] by @largepeachicedtea. E, 6.5k.

Alex has changed his suit into something soft-looking and appropriately red, though the white shirt with the holly pin is still there, now accompanied by a trail of sparkly tinsel around his neck like a festive scarf. He’s holding a whiskey glass in one hand, leaning into something Nora is saying, and looks positively lethal. “Christ,” Henry mutters through a gulp of cider. “He looks good,” Pez agrees through a cheshire grin. “He always looks good,” Henry says. “Right now, he looks–” “Henry! Pez!” “Fuck.” “Alexander!” Pez hollers. “Babes!”

—

An office holiday party AU where Alex and Henry ignore the first rule of corporate festivities: Don't hook up with your coworker.

Ho for the Holidays by @whimsymanaged. E, 6.8k. “Listen, don’t worry about this,” Henry says quickly, already mentally crafting the passive-aggressive text he’s going to send Pez. “Better luck next year. I’ll just be off—“

“Hold your damn horses.” Alex stops Henry with a fast, surprisingly gentle hand to his wrist. His eyebrows furrow. “What did you put on your questionnaire?”

Henry’s ears go hot. “That’s none of your business.”

Alex scoffs and leans in closer. “Baby, we matched. It’s safe to say we have at least some interests in common. Be honest—was it because you confessed to having a secret desire to slap me?”

Or, Pez organizes an event called Ho for the Holidays, and these two idiots get paired up.

all my time is yours to spend by smc_27. T, 6.8k. Any way you look at it, Bea is not meant to be here, and if it were just the lights, he’d assume she forgot to turn them off. The fire burning is another thing entirely. The weather has been dreadful, and perhaps her flight was canceled. Surely, she’d have told him as much.

He should investigate.

Waffles & Conversation by clottedcreamfudge. E, 7k. “I’m fine, I swear. I just need to give it a proper clean and I’ll be fine.”

Ellen isn’t convinced. “Okay, but you’re letting Henry look at it later.”

Alex grits his teeth for what must be the thousandth time today and tries to keep his voice level. “No, I’m not. He’s a vet, mom.”

“And he’s the closest thing to a doctor we have coming tonight,” she says firmly, letting him take his hand back and raising her eyebrows at him. “It’s that or the ER, honey. Your choice.”

You're the Perfect Gift for Me by @cha-melodius. T, 7.2k. “Twenty-one-year-old Scotch,” the man says with a low whistle, looking more impressed than anything else. “Special occasion or just expensive taste?”

Alex can’t stop his grimace. “Came up here to propose,” he says, even though this random stranger doesn’t need to hear his woes. “Found out my girlfriend’s getting back together with her high school sweetheart.”

“Ouch,” the man replies, the word sounding slightly absurd in his rounded, posh accent. He looks at the bartender. “Leave the bottle.”

(Dumped two days before Christmas by his girlfriend, Alex meets a British writer who's spending Christmas on his own in generic Tiny Town, USA, and together they discover something new to celebrate.)

Snowed In? Snow Problem by @rmd-writes. E, 7.3k. The challenge: to write a fun college AU for the queen of college AUs (though she’ll probably be mad at me for saying so). Bonus points for also including the only one bed and getting caught doing something sus tropes.

The result: hopefully all of the above, plus they’re snowed in for the holidays.

AKA Henry and Alex get snowed in at their dorm for the holidays, whatever will they do?

It's Not Thanksgiving Without the Turkeys by allmylovesatonce. M, 7.5k. Thanksgiving 2020, Alex invites Henry to join the Claremont-Diaz family for Thanksgiving. More than anything, they're excited for another excuse to be together.

(Valen)Tie Me Up by @happinessofthepursuit. E, 7.7k. “Well, I actually made your gift at one of Pez’s workshops, though I’m sure they would’ve gotten it out of me anyway,” Henry says, voice fond.

Alex’s mind is whirring, going through the monthly calendars from Seize the Play. Pez leads classes multiple times a week, but there’s only a few that Henry could’ve attended, and one in particular that would explain his own gift…

“Which one?” Alex asks.

“I think that’ll immediately be clear.”

Or, Alex and Henry exchange gifts for their first Valentine’s together—then proceed to use them.

you make it look so easy, i know it's not by @anincompletelist. T, 7.9k. Bea’s to his left, speaking frantically on the phone with who Henry hopes is the fire brigade or someone else trained to deal with these— situations. In front of him, Pez is fumbling frustratedly with the water hose, showcasing his colorful vocabulary with a flourish of jerky hand movements and chaotic pacing. On either side of the fence, his neighbors are peaking over the sides to ask if everything’s okay, and Henry feels the resolution to make a good first impression crumbling and slipping rapidly out of his grasp. Even David watches on from inside the house, his sage eyes and patriotic bowtie appraising the scene and looking back to Henry as if to say I told you so.

And the fryer — the fryer itself is up in flames, thick gray smoke swirling up into the air and soaring high above the tree line now. In the distance, the echo of sirens. Henry may faint right here, in the middle of his backyard at his new home before he's even unpacked, with all the neighbors and his family and friends watching on, on his first official American Thanksgiving. It is, by all means, not what he’d envisioned for the day.

everything ever written about love by greenandmoss. E, 8.4k.

“Bet you’re glad you knocked on this door.”

“I am, actually.” Smiles should not be this disarming. It’s disconcerting.

It’s like they’re in a movie, where all the lines are pre-written, and the smiles and the looks all mean something. The couple are scripted to catch eyes, and fall in love with each other the second their lips touch. But that’s fucking ridiculous. Henry sits there like some kind of James-Bond-Jude-Law heartthrob, and Alex’s life is not a movie. This is not how real life plays out.

Or: The Holiday au but it's just that one scene where Cameron Diaz meets Jude Law

Save a Horse, Ride a Princess by @affectionatelyrs. E, 8.6k. “I have to say, this is all quite literal, don’t you think?”

Alex wouldn’t know literal right now if it hit him in the head. “Huh?”

Henry points at Alex: “Pillow Princess,” and then to himself: “Cowboy. Ready to ride and all that.”

Alex nods dumbly. “Right.”

Or, Alex and Henry dress up as the ultimate couples costume for Halloween — themselves — and they both feel some kind of way about it

the world watched (and the world smiled) by fangirl6202. M, 9.1k. "Oh,” Alex says finally, faintly, touching one hand to his lips. Then: “Shit.” 

His mind catches up then, realizing that Henry is walking away and he doesn't even think twice. He begins to quite literally chase after him, trying to get to him before he can get away or, God forbid, try to fly back to England and ghost him. 

Henry is very pointedly not looking at him, stuttering apology over apology until Alex has to quite literally throw himself in front of him to get him to stop. Alex doesn’t know what to do. But the answer is simple, isn’t it? So fucking simple.

 

He takes Prince Fucking Charming’s lapels into his hand and kisses him back. 

Or; it's New Years, and Henry stays.

more than you could ever know by indomitablelove. T, 9.5k. He watches Alex’s bright smile as he talks to Bea and Leo, the way that Ellen and Catherine have their heads bent close together and how Nora is talking with Pez, Oscar and June. He feels something catch in his throat, something blooming in his chest with such strength that it threatens to burst its way out. He never, in a million years, thought he would have this.

this year i will fall by @rmd-writes. E, 9.8k. Henry has many regrets in his life, but leaving the ice rink after a literal run in with the potential love of his life without even obtaining his name may be his biggest. With his family visiting for the holidays for the first time and ever-present work deadlines looming, he's too busy to think about how to engineer his own happy ending worthy of the novels he edits.

But what if fate has other ideas?

Ye Merry Gentlemen by allmylovesatonce. M, 9.9k. Across three different years, at different points in their lives, Alex and Henry celebrate Christmas together.

On My Mind (Let's Go) by @sparklepocalypse. E, 10k. Pez blows into his hands and rubs them together to warm them. “Listen. Just… whatever happens in there, say yes, alright?”

“I don’t follow,” Henry says, his brow furrowing. “Say yes to what?”

“Whatever opportunity comes knocking,” Pez says breezily. “You forget, I’ve seen your messages. The booze is flowing tonight, and everyone’s got their best fit on – so opportunity will knock, and you will say yes.”

(A movieverse New Year's Eve fix-it that started as crack and turned into crack taken seriously. With dancing. And smut. Like... a lot of smut.)

Someone Special by bleedingballroomfloor. E, 10k. "That was Shaan," Henry explains as Alex snuggles closer to him, pressing his nose to his neck. "The blizzard hit early, apparently. Too risky to fly."

"So Christmas here?" Alex says in that sleepy drawl of his that Henry will never get tired of. "Fuckin' sweet."

Happy NY by @myheartalivewrites. E, 11k. “Hi,” he says, and Henry looks into his eyes, taking in the brown colour and little flecks of black and gold that give it depth; the tiny freckles dotted across his nose and cheekbones, only a shade or two darker than his deep bronze skin. “Uh, sorry about that,” the man says, but he doesn’t step out of Henry’s arms. Instead his eyebrows go up, and his expression changes, from one of embarrassment to something Henry thinks is surprise, and maybe, ever so hopefully, a little bit of interest.

would you wait for me? by smc_27. T, 11k. Henry Fox has made Alex nervous from the second they met.

Now it’s different. Now Alex has to try and find a shirt to wear to a party where he’ll inevitably see Henry for the first time in a year. For the first time since Alex’s heart was broken and he’d made what felt like the brave and smart decision and left.

Coming back might be a mistake.

Gonna Give You Something (So You Know What’s on My Mind) by @affectionatelyrs. E, 11k. Alex hums, turning around to pull open the freezer drawer. “You want anything?”

But Henry barely registers his question. Not when Alex is slightly bent over, allowing Henry a perfect view of his perfect ass. Each individual ridge of his spine is visible due to his lack of shirt. All of these things combined would normally be a large enough issue in itself to render Henry dumbstruck, except—

Except, that’s not the only thing that Henry’s faced with.

Right there, clear as day: blue lace, delicately peeking out from the waistband of his joggers. Henry’s hand immediately flies up to his cheek. The skin is hot to the touch, and he feels the imprint of where the material once lay like a brand.

Or, With the help of a white elephant gift, Henry learns that maybe the whole being-in-love-with-his-roommate thing isn’t as one-sided as he thought

Love and Hate at the Farmers' Market by myheartalive. T, 11k. Alex and Henry both work at a farmers' market and they hate each other, until suddenly— oops! They don't!

(Secret) Santa Baby by @indomitable-love. E, 11k. "When it comes to Secret Santa, Alex really does have a reputation to uphold. Everybody wants Alex to get them. Nobody actually wants to get Alex, which is why he usually ends up with novelty socks or a political biography, but he doesn’t care. Ultimately, everybody wants Alex to get their name. And right now, Alex is seconds away from finding out who his new mark is. The person that he’s going to spend the next few weeks learning inside and out to ensure that he gets them the perfect gift."

Alex gets his work nemesis, Henry, in the office Secret Santa and realises that he doesn't know nearly as much about him as he thought...

Trim my Christmas tree by @clottedcreamfudge. E, 12k. Henry is a writer, not a mall Santa, but unfortunately this year - thanks to his adorable and conniving nieces and their Aunt Beatrice - he's going to have to be both. This doesn't leave him a great deal of time to pine horribly over the part-time bookseller and Law student over at June Claremont-Diaz's shop, but somehow he manages to jam it in anyway.

Ho ho ho.

i'll be home for christmas by @dumbpeachjuice. M, 12k. He books a tiny cottage in a village called Little Snoring (not to be confused with the nearby Great Snoring) somewhere in Norfolk and tries to tell himself Christmas by himself in a foreign country is going to be an adventure from which he will have an adorable story to tell his friends and family, and not just totally depressing. At the very least he can take a cute picture of his snowy cottage and pretend he’s not totally fucking jealous of his entire family gathering in Austin without him.

If he ever fucking gets there, that is.

Or, Alex's first Christmas in the UK gets ruined by the British weather. A handsome stranger invites him to spend the holiday with his family instead.

The Holiday by @dracowillhearaboutthis. E, 13k. Henry is in no mood to attend his family's holiday gathering this year. So when June Claremont-Diaz asks him via a Home Swap website whether or not his house is free over the holidays, he jumps at the opportunity to escape the country and his family for the holidays.

He did not include Alex into the calculation - June's charming and gorgeous brother who suddenly appears at her doorstep.

Airplane Mode by clottedcreamfudge. E, 14k. Getting into an argument with someone in the airport lounge had probably been a mistake, in hindsight; Alex knows this. But with so many fucking delays and the fact that the signal on his phone is currently making it about as useful as two paper cups joined by a piece of string, he’s kind of on-edge. It’s not entirely his fault that he snaps.

Attractive people with perfect hair who take the last almond croissant before Alex can get to it probably just need to understand this. Alex is at the end of his tether, and he will not be swayed by, “Well, I was here first,” in a British accent so smooth it could butter bread.

Home for the Holidays by lucy_in_the_sky. E, 14k. “How would you feel about maybe spending Christmas in Texas with me and my family?” He bites his lip after popping the question.

Henry’s eyebrows shoot up. But before Alex can regret asking, a soft smile blossoms on his face.

“I want you there with me. I- I wanted you there this week, too-” Alex starts to ramble. “And, like, it’s totally ok if you want to go to England to be with your family, duh, but I’d love to show you Austin and introduce you to my family and teach you the Claremont-Diaz holiday traditions and kiss you on Christmas morning and-”

He’s cut off by the hard press of Henry’s lips against his own.

“Yeah?” Alex beams.

“Yes, love. Of course yes.”

Sweet Dreams of Holly and Ribbon by @villiageidiot. T, 14k. He falls asleep on the loveseat, Nora and June curled up on the couch across from him, as a terrible Hallmark Christmas film plays in the background. It’s the fourth night of sleeping alone—Henry taking care of some business back in the palace—and he’d rather wake up cold and cramped across from the two of them than alone in his own bed.

That’s how Alex falls asleep.

That is not how he wakes up.

A Fine Line by indomitablelove. E, 15k. Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Whatever is inescapable. In the worst way possible. He’s always fucking there. Alex turns up for his shift and Henry is there behind the coffee machine, apron tied around his waist and stupid, tight white T-shirt clinging to his biceps. Alex turns up for open-mic night at the cafe and there he is again, reading his fucking poetry. Alex goes to the grocery store, or the bookshop, or the fucking campus library, and who does he see? Henry. Always Henry.

Always Henry, always with a different guy.

Alex hates Henry. He's only letting Henry and his stupid long limbs and his overly symmetrical face stay on his couch because he has to, because 'tis the season not to be a massive dick, because it's Christmas. Isn't he? -also coffee shop/roommates

12 Days of Christmas with Alex and Henry series by @coffeecatsme. E, 16k. "It seems I've gotten myself in quite a tangle."

"Tangle?" Henry's voice is hoarse, eyes darkened as they travel over Alex's body. They stop at his crotch, and Alex can see it even under the dim lights—Henry's growing hard too, a visible bulge pushing at his sweatpants. Alex's cock gives a desperate twitch.

"Y'know, I was trying to put them around the tree," he starts, gesturing at the plain tree at the corner. It's clear he didn't even attempt to touch it. "And somehow I've managed to completely trap myself. Can't even move my hands." Henry makes a desperate noise at the back of his throat as his eyes snap up to Alex's face. Alex flashes him a suggestive grin, teeth biting down on his lip. "Seems I'm completely at your mercy."

(Dil)Do It Yourself by @happiness-of-the-pursuit. E, 16k. “Listen,” Nora starts, turning her body once more so that she’s sitting sideways in the chair with her legs thrown across the armrest. “I did the math. There’s a 79% chance you’re gonna become a slut to the power of the prostate, and while we’re not dating anymore, it’s my duty as your fellow slutty bisexual to get this party started.”

Or, when Nora drags Alex to a holiday dildo workshop, he doesn’t expect to find someone to use it with.

Spirit of the Season by @pridepages. M, 17k. Henry was dead to begin with. That much you must understand, or nothing that follows will seem strange or wondrous...

Alex Claremont-Diaz doesn't believe in ghosts. And he really hates Dickens.

But that's not going to stop a very unusual Christmas Spirit...

Henry Fox is on a mission. Once a year, he finds a soul in need of his help. (Too bad this one's such an utter berk.)

When two lost souls find each other on Christmas Eve, they may just find everything they never knew they wanted.

The Christmas Guest by @omgcmere. E, 17k. Alex is looking forward to a relaxing winter break catching up with his sister after her semester abroad, but June's gone and ruined everything by inviting her insufferable international student friend to stay with their family for a real American Christmas experience. Henry is irritatingly gorgeous with a completely obnoxious superiority complex, and Alex is prepared to hate every single second he's forced to spend in his presence. As Alex starts to get into the Christmas spirit, however, he finds that maybe there's more to Henry than meets the eye - and maybe, just maybe, this will actually be the best Christmas ever. - also college

Four Christmases by @hgejfmw-hgejhsf. E, 19k. From Washington to Austin, London to New York, Alex and Henry spend Christmas with different members of their families from 2020 - 2023. Funny couples' Christmas sweaters, festive swimsuits, statement-making ties, and family pajamas all bring lots of laughs, some tears, and a bit of fun to be had by all along the way.

A Year in the Life series by milowren. NR, 19k. Alex and Henry are coworkers, Henry has a crush, and they end up at a haunted corn maze together a few nights before Halloween. Shenanigans ensue! And - When Alex's flight home is canceled at the last minute, Henry invites him over for Thanksgiving - despite never having hosted an American Thanksgiving before.

and you would be there too by smc_27. M, 20k. It’s mostly dark out here, just the lamp poles in the parking lot casting a warm yellow glow across the packed snow.

“We’re closed.”

Henry spins around, heart racing, and sees the beautiful man from the café and from earlier at the shops. He cuts a stunning image, swinging one leg over the wooden fence rail and stepping into the parking lot as he pulls a red and black plaid shirt over his shoulders, his tan pants tight enough across his thighs to make Henry blush for noticing.

This Hell of a Season by Chamel. E, 21k. (Nova, Baby follow-up) “The first few years, it was a relief to get away from all the stupid family drama,” Alex says, blowing a long sigh. The hand that’s not holding Henry’s slides onto his stomach, a warm, comforting pressure. “Then I started to resent it. It hurt to be stuck out on a mission while everyone celebrated without me.”

“And now?”

A grin slips onto Alex’s face as he walks two fingers across Henry’s bare chest. “Now I have you.”

(Or, 3 times Alex & Henry spent Christmas on missions and 1 when they didn't; or, A Very Nova Christmas Special.

Love on the Menu by berrybluefae. M, 23k. Henry Fox has a side hustle at his job as a host in an upscale restaurant. He loves setting up romantic moments for guests who want a little something extra for their night out to dinner. A bouquet of flowers and a bottle of champagne for the couple celebrating their 50th anniversary? Easy. A special table with candles and a dessert with a surprise for the woman about to propose? Child’s play. But despite playing Cupid for the restaurant’s guests, Henry has never been on the receiving end of a grand romantic gesture. So imagine his surprised delight when anonymous gifts begin appearing just for him.

Who is Henry’s secret admirer? Only Valentine’s Day will tell.

You Make Every Day Feel Like It's Christmas by allmylovesatonce. T, 25k. Burned out on work, Alex goes to visit June who is on assignment in a sleepy Vermont town called Snow's Landing. June is determined for him to see where she's been living for the last six months and to love it as much as she does. The most intriguing part of it all is June's best friend there, a man named Henry, that Alex believed was a jerk at first but is starting to discover a new side of as they spend more time together.

Paper Chains by @myheartalivewrites. E, 25k.

DAY 751

(Alex)

Henry is… Well, if Alex is being honest, Henry is everything to him.

But it’s kinda hard to explain.

DAY 1

.

.

.

———

I have no idea how to summarise this one, folks. The best I can do is… Alex and Henry's journey from awkward beginning as colleagues, to best friends, to spending time apart and finally to finding each other again.

But it’s not as straightforward as that.

Every Day's a Holiday (When I'm Near to You) by bleedingballroomfloor. E, 29k. I know this is a long shot, but if anyone’s going to Texas/anywhere south for the holidays and is crazy enough to drive there instead of fly, I’m looking for a road trip buddy. We can split gas money and snacks if you pick good ones. DM me if you’re interested.

And Henry knows he's about the make the most idiotic decision he's ever made in his life.

Or, Henry impulsively tags along with Alex on a road trip to Texas with absolutely no plan. Surely this won't backfire.

in a holidaze by @tedddylupin. E, 49k. Alex didn't mean to spend his New Years Eve thrown together with a perfect stranger at an airport. He didn't mean to offer up to share his hotel room with a very attractive stranger. He also didn't mean to find the man insufferably perfect either.

Or: the one where Alex and Henry find each other during different holidays throughout a year's time.

When I think about you by @clottedcreamfudge. E, 50k. Dream sharing is absolutely not a thing, even though Alex would very much like it to be.

The magic of soulmates, however, means that someone you’ve never met – someone whose soul is tied to yours, in whatever way that manifests – can appear in your dreams, like an extra character who keeps popping up over and over again. They won’t be having the same dream as you, and you won’t actually meet, but whatever you remember from the dream can start to take shape in your waking hours; you can figure things out, bit by bit, dream by dream.

I only tag an author once per post, but I'm still figuring out firstprince author handles. If you see one I may not know or find a broken link, please give me a heads up!

Master List of RWRB FirstPrince Recs

Master List of Recommendations

[getmehighonmagic]

we play all day (and spread holiday cheer)

Nora guffaws. “You fucked Santa’s Elf?!”

“I mean,” Alex pauses and shrugs, “not with the costume on, obviously.”

“I can’t fucking believe you,” Nora exclaims, her hands cupping her own face in disbelief. She looks over Alex’s shoulder and cocks an eyebrow, before she lowers her hands and her tone, and asks, “Since when do you have a thing for blondes?”

Merry Christmas, everyone! ♥

[transingthoseformers]

D&D Earthspark anon here:

It would flash to an imagined scene of what's happening in-game. The Transformers are all different species: Twitch is a Fairy or Aasimar, Thrash is a half-elf, Hashtag is a human, Nightshade is an Elf, Jawbreaker is a half-orc, Bumblebee is a Dragonborn, and Starscream is a Tiefling. The Maltos plus Jon are: Robby as a Halfling, Mo as a Tabaxi, Alex as a Dwarf, Dot as a Warforged, and Jon is basically himself with a wizard hat and cloak.

Alex is probably the one who initiates the session and probably has the original D&D guidebook and little player figures too.

Starscream would totally be a tiefling though like yes

Jon is himself with a wizard costume and ykw Jon that's okay and dandy

The designs would be so pretty though like yes? Yes

[firstprince-ao3feed]

we play all day (and spread holiday cheer)

we play all day (and spread holiday cheer) https://ift.tt/I3SjFf7 by headabovethewater Nora guffaws. “You fucked Santa’s Elf?!” “I mean,” Alex pauses and shrugs, “not with the costume on, obviously.” “I can’t fucking believe you,” Nora exclaims, her hands cupping her own face in disbelief. She looks over Alex’s shoulder and cocks an eyebrow, before she lowers her hands and her tone, and asks, “Since when do you have a thing for blondes?” Words: 2512, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Red White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston, Red White & Royal Blue (2023) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: Alex Claremont-Diaz, Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, Nora Holleran Relationships: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - College/University, Christmas Smut, Costumes, Horny Teenagers, No one is a minor tho, Banter, Friendship, Hook-Up, Smut, Shameless Smut, Nipple Piercings, Anal Sex, Anal Fingering, Post-Coital Cuddling, Bottom Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, Top Alex Claremont-Diaz, Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor is So Whipped via AO3 works tagged 'Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor' https://ift.tt/diN3n9A December 19, 2023 at 08:34AM

[gyubby99]

halloween costume one pls all ur ocs

HAHA

Song ocs:

Lily - the k howard outfit. HANDS ON THE FLOOR.

Alex - the japanese urban legend kuchisake-onna (you can look it up. She's the reason i have mixed feelings with going to japan)

Zach - Jack Frost

Jane - a pumpkin :D

Melody - a witch

Emmy - Olaf

Rosella - Persephone

Edward - you know that scene of Taylor in her music video 'You need to calm down' where she was dressed like fries? That.

Charlotte - She's the burger.

Ill-fated reality:

Marianne - modern au? Elsa. In-universe? A ghost of herself.

Damian - he would wear a maid costume with bunny ears because he lost a bet. Or a pirate costume if he hadn't lost.

Elizabeth - snow white

Selene - EMILY FROM CORPSE BRIDE

Jake - he'd be a zombie. He'd try and outdo damian (as usual) but he ends up being overshadowed again lol (hes just like me fr)

(No comment on frederic and catherine they suck)

Mary - TINKERBELL!! 😄😄

Noah - probably a viking

Anne - a knight

Ava - a witch as well

(Story draft hasnt been developed much so idk about them- moving on)

Hellaverse:

Mal - ...i wanna say vox so bad..

Folklore:

Dalia is a nightmare in itself and wouldn't need one- she can't do trick or treating because it's usually at night and she detatches at night. That would be rlly weird. HOWEVER, she would wanna wear a costume during the day. She would love to wear an archer costume.. or an elf one!

Amelia would dress up as a regular human because she wants to make fun of them. A nightmare dressed like a daydream if you will

[sleepingdragonhq]

Under the cut you will find the list of everyone’s costumes as well as lists for the couples romantic and platonic. The voting for the costume contest this year will be done here. We ask that you choose your top 5 favorites in each category but then rank the order in which you’d rate them in the ‘other’ option. If you’ve got any questions about how that works, do not hesitate to ask us. The ranking per usual goes five points for first place, four points for second and so on so please put your votes in order accordingly. Please vote before the 10th of November as we will be announcing the winners from that point onward before the end of the event. If we have missed any contestants/costumes on any of the lists please shoot us a message so we can fix that !! 

individual

Aaron Hale - Werewolf

Adeline Mulciber - Harley Quinn (DC)

Alastair Watson - Danny Phantom (Danny Phantom)

Alessandra Macnair - Roxie Hart (Chicago)

Alexus Callahan - Spider

Alice Longbottom II - Woody (Toy Story/Pixar)

Alison Wood - Glinda (Wicked)

Andromeda Marshall - Lydia Deetz (Beetlejuice)

Aryana Robins - Layla El-Faouly/Scarlet Scarab (Marvel)

Ariella Belefleur - Lizzie McGuire (The Lizzie McGuire Movie)

Astrid Mendez - Betty Boop

Auden Wilkes - Charlie Spring (Heartstopper)

August Fawley - Jack Skellington (The Nightmare Before Christmas)

Aurora Claremont - Alex (Totally Spies)

Axel Wolffe - Waving Inflatable Tube Guy

Beatriz Calderon-Boot - Kuzco (Emperor’s New Groove)

Benjamin Ollivander - Pirate

Bentley Lockhart - Superman (DC)

Briar Bellchant - Evil Queen

Caleb Cresswell - 70s Vision (Marvel)

Camille McGonagall - Alice (Alice in Wonderland)

Casey Abrams - Lady (Lady and the Tramp/Disney)

Cassius Cresswell - Thor (Marvel)

Cedrella Weasley II - Sam (Totally Spies)

Charlotte Watson - Emily the Corpse Bride (Corpse Bride)

Chloé Bonaccord - Britney Spears

Clara Arquette - Catwoman (DC)

Clementine Delacour-Laurent - Shuri/Black Panther (Marvel)

Colm McCarthy - Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Cynthia Clearwater - Elphaba (Wicked)

Cyrus Clearwater - Steve (Blue’s Clues)

Damien Launier - Milo Thatch (Atlantis/Disney)

Delilah Hartwell - Spider-Gwen (Marvel)

Diana Rosier - Scarecrow

Dominique Weasley - She-Ra/Adora

Edward Lupin - Doris the Ugly Stepsister (Shrek)

Elara Macmillan-Bones - Cotton Candy

Elena Flores - Bride of Frankenstein

Elias Hopkirk- Linguini (Ratatouille/Disney)

Elijah Westenberg - Frankenstein’s Monster

Erin McCormack - Kim Possible (Kim Possible)

Evan Parkinson - Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Phineas and Ferb)

Evangeline Pickering - Sharpay Evans (High School Musical/Disney Channel)

Evelyn Moon - Stain Glass Window

Ezra Broadmoor - Mafia/Mob Boss

Finnley Wood - Ash (Fantastic Mr. Fox)

Francesca Zabini - Yip Yip (Sesame Street)

Frank Longbottom II - Tramp (Lady and the Tramp/Disney)

Frederick Hayes - Kida (Atlantis/Disney)

Freya MacDougal - Harley Quinn (DC)

Gabriel Larkin - Gambit (X-Men/Marvel)

Gwendolyn Hawkes - Pirate

Halley Macmillan-Bones - Hot Cheeto

Hazel Macdougal - Sexy Cryptologist

Hunter Adams - Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher)

Ingrid Hagen - Ellie Sattler (Jurassic Park)

Iris Lestrange - Scary Bunny

Isabelle Durant - Elf

Jaiyash Dewan - Loki (Marvel)

James Ashcroft - Tony Stark (Marvel)

James Sirius Potter - Shrek (Shrek)

Jasper Locklear - Elvis Presley

Jaxon Dequan - Thomas Shelby (Peaky Blinder)

Jia Rookwood - Yip Yip (Sesame Street)

Jonah Finch - Beetlejuice

Joseph O’Reilly - Lord Farquaad (Shrek)

Joséphine Flamel - Jessie (Team Rocket/Pokémon)

Juliet Highmore - Supergirl (DC)

Laurel Ollivander - Loki Variant (Marvel)

Liam Alvarez - Ian Malcom (Jurassic Park)

Lily Luna Potter - Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story/Pixar)

Lorenzo Roshan - Hannah Montana (Disney Channel)

Lucas Harper - Creepy Owl

Lucienne Wolffe - Fortune Teller

Lucy Weasley - Woody Pride (Toy Story/Pixar)

Luke Dawson - Marty McFly (Back to the Future) 

Lyra Malfoy - Isabella Parigi (The Lizzie McGuire Movie)

Lysander Scamander - Scarlet Witch (Marvel)

Mackenzie Finnigan-Thomas Potter - Fiona (Shrek)

Madeline Brown - Sexy Mothman

Mae Levesque - Velma Kelly (Chicago)

Maeve Finch - Mia Thermopolis (The Princess Diaries)

Manon Flamel - Marcus/Kevin (White Chicks)

Marcus Carson - Cowboy

Mason Jones - Waving Inflatable Tube Guy

Matthew Asprey - Swedish Chef (Sesame Street)

Melora Flamel - Marcus/Kevin (White Chicks)

Meredith Wayfelle - Perry the Platypus (Phineas and Ferb)

Merle Rappaport - 70s Wanda Maximoff (Marvel)

Molly Weasley II - Beldam (Coraline)

Natalya Dolohova - Rogue (X-Men/Marvel)

Nate Wood - Alan Grant (Jurassic Park)

Nathaniel Marshall - Skeleton

Nicholas Vexmoor - James (Team Rocket/Pokémon)

Octavia Coleman - Shego (Kim Possible)

Oliver Mulciber - Flynn Rider (Tangled/Disney)

Orion Macmillan-Bones - Legit Snack

Orlando Lockhart - Maleficent (Disney)

Peggy Carson - Sam Manson (Danny Phantom)

Penelope Hawthorne - Barbie

Pepper Rosewood - Michele (Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion)

Perseus Mulciber - Alan (The Hangover) 

Piper Wilkinson - Golden Angel

Pippa Rosewood - Romy (Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion)

Reid Anderson - Jareth (Labyrinth)

Rory Goldstein - Sharpay Evans (High School Musical/Disney Channel)

Rose Granger-Weasley - Sally (The Nightmare Before Christmas)

Samantha O’Reilly - Jenna Rink (13 Going on 30)

Scorpius Malfoy - John Constantine (DC)

Seraphina MacAuley - Clover (Totally Spies)

Seung Krum - Wybie (Coraline)

Silas Zabini - Satyr

Sophia Parkinson - Bloody Skeleton

Stella Macmillan-Bones - Pop-Tart 

Talia Kiraz-Mulciber - Rapunzel (Tangled/Disney)

Tallulah Abbot - Voodoo Doll

Thea Cresswell - Mighty Thor (Marvel)

Theodore Dubanowski - Blondie (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly)

Theodore Oliver - Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland)

Theseus McLaggen - Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland)

Valeria Sanchez - La Muerte (The Book of Life)

Vera McKinnon - Poison Ivy (DC)

Verity Nott - Pepper Potts (Marvel)

Victoire Weasley - Aurora (Sleeping Beauty/Disney)

William Ashcroft - Agent (Men in Black)

Willow Picquery - Valkyrie (Marvel)

Xavier Dupont - The Priest (Fleabag)

platonic couples costumes

Alessandra Macnair & Mae Levesque - Roxie Hart & Velma Kelly (Chicago)

Alice Longbottom II & Lily Luna Potter - Woody & Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story/Pixar)

Ariella Belefleur & Lyra Malfoy - Lizzie McGuire & Isabella Parigi (The Lizzie McGuire Movie)

Axel Wolffe & Mason Jones - Waving Inflatable Tube Guys

Bentley Lockhart & Juliet Highmore - Superman & Supergirl (DC)

Camille McGonagall & Theseus McLaggen - Alice & Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland)

Cedrella Weasley II, Seraphina MacAuley & Aurora Claremont - Sam, Clover & Alex (Totally Spies)

Damien Launier & Frederick Hayes - Milo Thatch & Kida (Atlantis/Disney)

Elena Flores & Elijah Westenberg - Bride of Frankenstein & Frankenstein’s Monster

Evangeline Pickering & Rory Goldstein - Sharpay Evans & Sharpay Evans (High School Musical/Disney Channel)

Freya MacDougal & Vera McKinnon - Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy (DC)

Hazel Macdougal & Madeline Brown - Sexy Mothman & Sexy Cryptologist

Jia Rookwood & Francesca Zabini - Yip Yips (Sesame Street)

Liam Alvarez & Nate Wood - Ian Malcon & Alan Grant (Jurassic Park)

Melora Flamel & Manon Flamel -  Marcus & Kevin (White Chicks)

Meredith Wayfelle & Evan Parkinson - Perry the Platypus & Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Phineas and Ferb)

Natalaya Dolohova & Gabriel Larkin - Rogue & Gambit (X-Men/Marvel)

Nicholas Vexmoor & Joséphine Flamel - Jessie & James from Team Rocket (Pokémon)

Octavia Coleman & Erin McCormack - Shego & Kim Possible (Kim Possible)

Orion Macmillan-Bones, Halley Macmillan-Bones, Stella Macmillan-Bones & Elara Macmillan-Bones - Legit Snack, Hot Cheeto, Pop-Tart & Cotton Candy (Snacks)

Pepper Rosewood & Pippa Rosewood - Romy & Michele (Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion)

Seung Krum & Molly Weasley II - Wybie & Beldam (Coraline)

Thea Cresswell & Willow Picquery - Mighty Thor & Valkyrie (Marvel)

romantic couples costumes

Alastair Watson & Peggy Carson - Danny Phantom & Sam Manson (Danny Phantom)

August Fawley & Rose Granger-Weasley - Jack Skellington & Sally (The Nightmare Before Christmas)

Casey Abrams & Frank Longbottom II - Lady & Tramp (Lady and the Tramp/Disney)

Clara Arquette & Kai Arquette - Catwoman & Batman (DC)

Cynthia Clearwater & Alison Wood - Elphaba & Glinda (Wicked)

Gwendolyn Hawkes & Benjamin Ollivander - Pirates

James Ashcroft & Verity Nott - Tony Stark & Pepper Potts (Marvel)

James Sirius Potter & Mackenzie Finnigan-Thomas Potter - Shrek & Fiona (Shrek)

Merle Rappaport & Caleb Cresswell - 70s Wanda Maximoff & Vision (Marvel)

Oliver Mulciber & Talia Kiraz-Mulciber - Flynn Rider & Rapunzel (Tangled/Disney)

[hatterfae]

Fantasy Incarnation, chapter 3

For real, though, despite this going to be where I talk about my pixie stuff, I'm still going to post story stuff since I'm also a writer and proud of that shit.

So enjoy!

Ch 3

Alex lay on the couch on her side, wings spread out behind her.  With one hand holding up her head and the other reached over to the channel buttons on the remote control that was as large as she was, the only conclusion she thought she could reach at this time was simply: Daytime television sucked.

She’d started watching the news channels, but nothing had come up regarding anything related to her and her sister’s case of waking up as a fantasy body double.  After the third “feel-good” segment of animals, she started channel hopping to find anything more interesting.  

She still had not succeeded in that when the sound of both her sister’s and mother’s voices got her attention from outside.  Both were yelling at each other, though she couldn’t make out the words they were saying.  With a tired sigh, knowing full well what was very likely going to happen, Alex stood up, stretched her limbs and wings, and flitted up to lay on the back of the couch to at least get a good view.  

The door opened and their mother stepped in, eyes scanning the room to see what was going on.  “ALEX, DON’T LEAVE THE TV ON IF YOU’RE NOT WATCHING IT,” she shouted up the stairs, missing the small pixie with her head propped up on her hands. “Honestly, why don’t the two of you actually pay attention to what you’re doing? I don’t have the ability to call off of work just because my kids are acting up!” 

Claire walked in, closing the door behind her.  “Look, okay?  It’s not like I wanted you to come home early!” she yelled back, then doing a small take as she noticed the pixie.  “Alex, look, tell her that this isn’t just something we’re doing to screw with her.” 

Their mother stalked towards the kitchen, searching for her son.  “Alex isn’t down here, Claire.  He’s probably up on his computer doing whatever.” 

Claire pointed at Alex.  “No, he’s right here,” she told her mother.  

Alex met her mother’s gaze as it finally resolved on her.  “Something really weird is going on,” she said, fluttering her wings a little to fully illustrate the problem.  

Their mother didn’t say anything in response.  Her eyes traveled from Alex to Claire and back again, then she sighed and brought a hand up to her face to rub her eyes.  “Everyone.  Kitchen.  Now,” she said, turning around to head to the kitchen table.  

Claire gestured for her sister to take the lead.  “You first.” 

Alex made a sour face and got up, flitting into the kitchen slowly enough enough that it didn’t seem like she was racing, with Claire following behind.  As the two of them got into the kitchen, their mother was at the fridge, staring at a bottle of liquor in her hand before putting it back on the shelf and shutting the door.  

Claire took a seat at the table, with Alex kneeling on the table to make herself comfortable.  Their mother sat across the table from them, propping her head up in her hands and staring at the small pixie.  “You’re Alex, right?” she started, then shook her head a little.  “No, don’t answer that.  I know you’re Alex.  You’re too much like him not to be.”  Alex held her hands up in a gesture of surrender.  “So the next question, why are you a girl?” 

Claire’s gaze snapped to Alex at that question, looking down at her sister.  Alex, for her part, gave a pained smile and rubbed at the back of her neck.  “It’s not like I meant to do this,” she admittedly, blushing hard at the question.  “I just woke up like this and it’s like… I don’t think it’s wrong, y’know?” 

Their mother blew out a breath and closed her eyes, then leaned back in the chair and stared at the ceiling.  “The elf ears, I could write off as a prank.  Super glue, maybe, and some really good prosthetics or costume pieces.  This?”  She shook her head, looking back down at the table.  “Okay, so the two of you aren’t screwing with me.  Explain what you do know.” 

“It’s like I told you in the car, we woke up like this.  Except, um… I’m guessing our old bodies are laying in bed still?”  Claire offered, trying to make it seem like it was no big deal.  

Their mother’s gaze went to Alex, who simply nodded in agreement.  She stood up with another pained sigh.  “Come on then, you two, let’s go look at what this is,” she said as she started walking back down the hall to the stairs.  

Alex was up first; in the air and flitting near to her mother’s head.  “So you’re not mad?” she asked, suspicious.  

“I’m livid. Because this is the sort of crap you should have called me home over,” she answered as she went up the stairs.  “Instead, you pile up on the couch and she goes to school like nothing’s happened.”

“To be fair,” Claire offered, “It’s not like I couldn’t go to school, and we figured that it’d keep until you got off of work.”

Their mother stepped through the open door into Alex’s room, looking to see her other body laying in bed, still visibly asleep.  She moved over to check his breathing, then pulled an arm out to check for a pulse, then pulled an eye open. “Alive, no obvious drugs, but nobody’s home,” she muttered.  

“How do you know?” Alex asked, kneeling down on her own old forehead.  

“Stuff from before you were born,” she answered, letting go off the eyelid and standing up.  “I’ll need to check Claire’s room too, but…” she started to say, then pulled her phone out of her pocket, dialing a number on it and holding it to her ear.  “Hey Mark,” she finally said when someone else answered.  “It’s Elise.  Yeah, I know, I haven’t been in touch, been busy with kids and work, you know how it is.  Listen, I’ve got some extremely weird shit going on over here, and I’ve got a couple of unconscious kids here that I don’t think we can handle on our own.  No, listen, they’re my kids, but it’s… look, okay, it’ll be easier to explain when you get here, because it’s too weird to try and explain it over the phone.  I’m going to need to get them to the hospital, but I don’t think I can get this on my own and I’m sure as  shit not calling an ambulance.  Yeah, okay, see you in fifteen, bro.”  

“So Uncle Mark’s coming over?” Claire asked from the doorway.  

Their mother nodded.  “We’re going to get you two… or… ah, shit, we’re all going to the hospital now to figure out what the hell’s going on, okay?  And to make sure that you two aren’t like, going to explode or something, and the other two of you aren’t just going to die without warning, okay?”  

[roamwithahungryheart]

I found myself missing Dad!Sy and his chaotic family from my earlier story Homecoming, so I decided to bring them back for a little festive drabble!

This was inspired by the 'Santa suit' prompt from the lovely @winter2112rose .

Sacred Heart Elementary’s Christmas party had been a success for everyone except eight year old Alexander Syverson. Still in his elf costume, he slammed the door, launched himself onto the couch, crossed his arms and sulked. Being raised in a military family meant that Alexander didn’t get away with temper tantrums for too long. His father, Jack, peered around the living room door, then searched his wife Sarah’s face for an answer.

“Alex had a bad time at the party.” Sarah’s eyes softened. “Go easy on him, Jack.”

Jack replied with a grunt, then approached his son.

“Hey buddy, Momma tells me you had some trouble at school today, is that right?”

Alexander huffed. His eyes were red and puffy. “Sorta.”

Jack’s brow furrowed. “Whaddya mean sorta?”

Alexander took off his hat, scrunching it nervously in his tiny hands. “Daddy, is Santa Claus real? Emmett McAllister said he’s made up. He made fun of me in front of everyone.”

Jack crouched down to his son’s level. “You know how sometimes I go on secret missions? Ones I can’t tell anybody about?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, a couple years back, I was part of a mission called Operation: NORAD. Do you know what that is?”

Alexander shook his head.

“NORAD is how they track Santa every Christmas. I was one of the guys in the control room, and I saw his sleigh take off that night.”

Alexander’s eyes widened. “Really?” He squealed.

“Really.” Jack nodded. “So whatever Emmett McAllister told you, it’s a load of bullsh-“ He stopped himself mid-sentence – “it’s a big ol’ lie. And you know what else?” He shot his son a conspiratorial grin. “I happen to know for a fact that Emmett is on the naughty list.”

Alexander sat up straight then. “Am I on the nice list?”

“You bet.” Jack ruffled his son’s hair. “The Syversons are always on the nice list. Go on upstairs.”

With that, Alexander shot off.

Sarah leaned against the doorframe. “I know one Syverson who won’t be on the nice list this year.”

“Oh yeah?” He grasped his wife by the waist, pulling her against him.

“Sometimes being naughty is more rewarding than being nice.” She lilted, trailing her hands down his chest, making him jolt a little as she travelled further downward.

He responded with a low growl.

“Amen to that.”

@harrysthiccthighss @foodieforthoughts @cavillsbestgal @myloveforhenrycavill @cherry-gemz @blowing-mikey @captainsy-cookiemonster @pussyverson @sillyrabbit81 @viking-raider @zealoushound @keanureevesisbae @littlewrenofrivia @beck07990 @luna-aestas @luclittlepond @kebabgirl67 @angreav @omgkatinka @mostly-marvel-musings @cavillsthighs @littlebirdofrivia @angelcavill66 @darklydeliciousdesires @henrys-little-princess @angryschnauzer @herefortherealdeal @cavills-little-princess @mis-lil-red @mansaaay @thwick @marytudorbrandon @uncensored-steve-the-platypus @nerdyoldsoul @aletheladyinred @thereisa8ella​ @janenyfl @summersong69 @miss-rebel-without-applause @scorpiobitch95 @marantha @notabronte @unauthorizedhenry @est1887 @nuggsmum @spazzymamahenrylover @nashibirne

[fortheloveoffanfic]

Santa's Favorite Elf

12 Days of Christmas Writing Event- Day 1

Alexander Skarsgård x Reader. Drabble (A/n- lmao I've been secretly writing for him for months, but this is the first time I'm posting anything on him. Be gentle, please)

Masterlist

Prompt 3- You might be the hottest elf I’ve ever met.” “You’ve met other elves?”

requested by @penwieldingdreamer

Warnings- Mentions of SMUT

One last, cautionary glance at the mirror to check her make-up was met with Y/n then reaching for a pair of striped, white and red, knee high socks that she’d left near the edge of her vanity. Guests would be arriving soon and if the clock mounted over the bedroom door was any indication, she was running late. It was the first holiday party they’d thrown as a couple, and as the time before it dwindled, Y/n couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that she was completely in over her head.

What the hell was a costume Christmas party? Why hadn’t they just gone with an ugly sweater party, or, heaven forbid, a regular party.

After hurriedly adjusting the hem of the socks at her knees, Y/n rose to her feet, headed to the walk-in closet though pausing upon noting that the Santa costume she’d laid out for her husband had been left unattended on the bed. He was supposed to be dressed already. Rolling her eyes and trying- and failing- to suppress her irritation, Y/n yelled; “Alex!”

An absent, albeit curious, “Yeah?” Erupted from all the way down the winding stairs.

“Can you get up here?” He had been reluctant to don the suit, but he had promised and all she wanted to do was make that party perfect. It would set the tone for every other party they threw in the future and Y/n did not want to make their first impression a bad one. “Please,” she added sweetly, lest he think she was irritated with him.

In the interim, Y/n continued towards the closet; slipping inside and then sifting through a few unpacked shopping bags until she’d found the pair of black, polished, boots with a couple inches worth of fluffy white trim at the top and a single red bow on the outer side of each one. The heels added about four inches to her small stature and there were shiny silver buckles over each ankle. With a huff, and not even bother to take a moment to sit on the otter-man in the center of the expansive closet, Y/n tugged the shoes one clumsily before swiping up the hat that would have finished off her ensemble from one of the other bags.

Finally, when she was the perfect image of one of Santa’s trusty helpers, Y/n emerged from the closet, only to find Alexander standing at the foot of the bed, hands sunken into the pockets of his faded blue jeans and white, cable knit sweater hugging his gorgeously lean frame. He was turned towards the bed, blond head cast down as he regarded the costume. “You’re supposed to wear it, not look at it,” she teased.

“I-” As he turned around, catching a look of her just as she moved off the threshold of the walk-in closet, he raised in brows. “Wow,” Alexander whistled lowly, appraising her outfit, “You look…wow.”

Y/n could feel her cheeks heat up, combating the traces of winter chill that managed to seep through the cracks of the tightly shut windows. Passing her hands over the green and red skirt of her costume, she grinned brightly, “You like it?”

“Like it?” Alexander scoffed humorously, peeling his hands out his pockets as he approached her. Licking his lips, he laid his hands on her waist, his palms to the cool faux leather of the belt that accessorized her costume, he grinned appreciatively, “You might be the hottest elf I’ve ever met.”

“You’ve met other elves?” Y/n shot back with a raised brow, her hands roaming his chest to her gaze challenging, “Is there something you’re not telling me?” She teased.

"Scratch that," he bent, capturing her lips in a sweet endearment, "Hottest and only elf I've ever met."

Standing on her toes as they kissed again, Y/n's hands deserted Alexander's broad chest; sliding up his strong shoulders to encircle his neck, "I thought so," she mumbled between slow, sensual pecks. His arms snaked around her waist, making a point of tugging her even closer, so the razor-thin space between them was muted and the top of her chest was pressed to the center of his.

“How much time do we have before people get here?” Alexander mumbled, his open mouthed ministrations traveling along her jaw and then down her neck.

An enthralled moan parted her crimson lips and Y/n stole a quick glance at the digital alarm clock on his side of the bed, before tilting her head to the side, granting him greater access while threading her small fingers through his short, blonde locks. “Not enough- Ah!” She hissed with Alexander nipped the soft skin her pulse, alternating between biting teasingly and sucking erotically, no doubt with the intention of leaving a very telling mark.

“We’ll make it enough,” he mumbled, and she could feel her resolve waning thin.

“But the party....." Y/n whined in protest, though still obliging when he hooked his hands around the back of her thighs, easily wrapping her legs around his waist.

“Fuck the party,” he mumbled, words cast into her soft warm skin as he buried his face in the exposed valley of her cleavage, words punctuated by little teasing nibbles and hot, fervent kisses, “Santa needs some time with his favorite elf.” And then, the last appropriate sound to part her lips was the delighted giggle that filled the room, just as Alexander unceremoniously dumped her onto the bed, wrinkling his unworn costume and making them very late to their own party.

[beebleboosuwu]

Valentine’s Day 2020 was an interesting day for Beetlejuice on Broadway.

let’s talk about it:

For the case of Alex Brightman:

Alex Brightman started the show without a hitch but when he was running around (during that swing moment in The Whole Being Dead Thing), he violently rolled his ankle and tried to power on through the show. During a moment of reprieve when he was hiding behind the couch when the Maitlands were getting out of the hole, Alex panickally waved to the stage manager or whoever saying “I have no ankle.” His microphone was off. Duh.

After he ran up the stairs after The Whole Being Dead Thing Pt. 2, Alex was immediately pulled to the side surrounded by the Beetlejuice team and putting ice to calm the rolled ankle. Alex also mentioned that his foot was turning purple and black.

He, and the crew, were asking if Alex can continue the show. Alex, powered by adrenaline, ploughed through Act 1 but everyone knows that the beginning of Act 2 begins with That Beautiful Sound, which is a dance heavy number with Betelgeuse and Lydia... so Alex called in a lifeline.

The case of Will Blum:

Our shining swing!

Will Blum was not scheduled to perform on Valentine’s Day and had the day off but ten minutes before the show Will came to the Winter Garden with the plan of playing Otho that evening but as we know: Alex rolled his ankle.

Will calmly assured Alex that the show will be fine as Alex left for the hospital and Will rushed to get his Juice on.

#weloveourblumjuice

We aren’t done.

The case of Otho:

As mentioned, Will Blum was called in to play Otho ten minutes before the show.

The principal actor for Otho, Kelvin Moon Loh was on vacation. So Abe Goldfarb, another swing, was to play him... BUT Abe, during sometime in Act 1, hit his head which caused a concussion, leaving a role out of commission and no swings to cover Act 2.

Sean Montgomery, another swing, was announced to play Otho but by half hour before the show started, was switched to play Adam Maitland instead due to a complication with David Josefsberg (Kerry Butler said something about it but I don’t know what she said) THATS ANOTHER SWING PLAYING A DIFFERENT ROLE.

Stage production was in a frenzy thinking of who can they get, in a short time, to play Delia’s guru. Well they found one in a swing named Eric Anthony Johnson.

ERIC DOES NOT COVER OTHO. It’s not a role he knows nor was he asked to cover, he was the fourth/fifth person to be announced as Otho. So imagine you’re an audience member, hearing multiple announcements that the same role will now be played by other people. You scratch your head in confusion as to what the hell is going on backstage?

Eric now RUSHING to get into hair, make up and costume, rehearsed his lines with Leslie Kritzer and Adam Danheisser during intermission. Of course you can’t memorize a whole line of dialogue within 20 mins, so management rigged Eric with an iPad that had the script and he went on as Otho!

At the beginning of the show, there were 2 swings on.

BUT BY THE END THERE WERE 6 OF THEM AND 2 OF THEM WERE IN ROLES THEY NEVER PLAYED BEFORE.

I SAID IT BEFORE AND I’LL SAY IT AGAIN:

SWINGS.

ALTERNATES.

STANDBYS.

UNDERSTUDIES.

THEY ARE NEEDED FOLKS, IF AN INCIDENT LIKE THIS OCCURS THERE ARE CONTINGENCY PLANS AND WAYS TO MAKE A SHOW WORK. AND BY GOLLEY DID IT WORK.

Also hella props for the production and stage management, apparently there was someone new to the team as the production stage manager and they had to experience this for their first week. Props to that person.

This information was found via The Beetlejuice reunion 2.0, Kerry Butler’s Instastory, Will Blum’s instastory and Dana Steingolds inststory.

Cheers to @mel-time for this gif of Blum doing the splits as buddy the elf

[handbagman]

marble hornets au where before the project ended alex and everyone hosted holiday parties for the crew and brian n tim never showed up so alex a week before the party was like "haha if you both dont show up to our christmas party you owe everyone 20 dollars" so tim and brian are like "oh shit" so on the day of the party tim isnt answering his phone so he drives over and boom its not tim its masky so brian has 1 hour to teach masky how to speak common phrases and forces him to wear this big santa costume with a fat beard. masky and brian dress up like a 'scary' santa and elf so that nobody questioned the mask

[penaltbox]

confessions under the mistletoe - roman ahcan

here’s a repost of an old fic 😊but it’s the right time of year for it. let me know what your favorite part was! feedback is appreciated!

__________

The holiday party is in full swing as you walk up to Alex, saying your goodbye to Roman. He’d been the reason you were there in the first place and you knew you’d find him later. For now, you wanted to go see the cute boy he was teammates with. 

“Hey you,” you smile, intentionally putting your hand on his arm so he notices you. 

He looks over and smirks a little, leaning in for a hug, “hey, pretty. I like that sweater.”

He reaches one hand out, tugging gently on the side of the ugliest sweater you could find at the thrift store. You laugh a little, taking a sip of the drink you’d grabbed as soon as you got to the bar. You easily fall into a conversation with Alex, letting the flirty comments roll out easily. 

You didn’t necessarily want anything with him, but he was cute and obviously a big deal as far as the team was concerned. Other girls watched as you easily held his attention and maybe it was more that than actually talking to him that you liked. 

You glance in the direction Roman had gone and catch his eye quickly, always seeming to find each other. He lifts his beer bottle up in your direction, a silent ask of how you’re doing. You smile at him and nod. He always made sure you were safe and you were sure your brother was behind that. 

Eric and Roman had grown up the best of friends and even though they drove you nuts, you were lost when they left for college. Eric stayed in Minnesota for school, but you didn’t want to follow your brother to college, so you picked a different school. 

After one visit to Madison you were sold and Eric made Roman swear he’d look out for you. Roman agreed, always used to having you around and now that you were grown up, he figured it wouldn’t be an issue. 

You had to push your feelings for Roman to the side, knowing Eric would never let that fly. And you were convinced Roman always saw you as a little sister anyways so you tried to focus on other people that would maybe reciprocate feelings. It didn’t always work though considering you hung out with Roman so often. 

Alex is still talking, off on a subject you have no interest in, but you pretend to be engaged with him. He looks ridiculous in the elf sweater and earmuffs he has on, which you have to focus on not laughing at. You tip your drink back but realize it’s empty at this point. 

You frown and interrupt Alex at a semi-low point in his rambling, saying you needed to go grab a new drink. He nods, letting you go with barely a glance. You carefully make your way to the bar, swerving around all the bodies that packed the building. 

You come up behind Tarek, tapping his shoulder to hopefully slide up to the bar and order. He glances back and smiles at you when he realizes who it is. 

“Hey!” He says, happily giving you as much of a hug as he can in the busy area. 

“Tarek, hi!” You say, just as happy to see the sweet boy, “I just need to get in and order a drink.”

He shakes his head, leaning in, “what are you drinking? I’ll buy this one for you.”

You blush a little, but tell him your choice and he quickly flags down a bartender to get it. He turns towards you, handing the drink over. If there was anyone that had caught your attention when Roman had first introduced you to the team it had been Tarek, but he was kind of accounted for so you never pushed your luck. 

He glances over your shoulder and points, “weren’t you talking to Alex before?”

You frown and turn a little, looking to where he was pointing. You find Alex with his arm around some girl’s waist, leaning in close to talk to her. You’re not upset, but you’re not surprised either. Alex was always getting attention from someone and you couldn’t seem to keep a guy’s attention yet at school. 

You shrug and turn back to Tarek, “go figure. The kid’s popular. I should go find Roman.”

“He was right over there with Max and Dom last I saw,” he motions to your right. 

“Thank you for the drink, Tarek. You’re the best!” You say, giving him another quick hug before sliding back into the crowd to find your favorite boy. 

You finally catch sight of Dom’s ridiculous costume and know Roman won’t be far from him. Much to your happiness you see Roman right next to him and head over quickly, knowing he was your safe spot in all the chaos. 

He’s looking around the room, tip toeing to see over people like he’s looking for someone. You laugh when you realize it’s probably you, so you save him some strain. 

“Ro!” You call out, his head whipping in your direction. You give him a little smile and he relaxes instantly. 

He holds his arm out, letting you slip under it easily and wind your arm around his back as you lean into his side. He leans down and kisses your head, making your cheeks flush. Thankfully they were already red from the amount of people in the room, but you’re sure they somehow got darker. 

“You scared me! I thought you left or something. Last I looked you were with Alex and then you very much were not anymore,” he laughs, looking down at you. 

He must not like the look on your face, a frown turning his lips. You notice and shake your head, not wanting him to worry at all. 

“I’m fine, Ro. I swear I am. I don’t want anything with Alex anyways, but I’m not surprised he was talking to a girl as soon as I walked away from him.”

Roman sighs, “You’re too good for him anyways. I wouldn’t let you try and date him.”

“I know, but I can’t keep a guy’s attention. They always find someone else,” you admit, your filter starting to disappear with drink #2. 

Roman shakes his head a little and squeezes you closer. Max comes back over to your area then and gives you both a look. 

“Hi,” he says, giving you a knowing smile. You can’t help but turn and press your face into Roman’s side, knowing he saw through it all. 

It had been the second week of school when Max had approached you and said he could tell you liked Roman. You were floored that he saw it so easily, but he explained that having sisters gave him that power of knowing better. He never mentioned anything to Roman, but he always gave you a look that told you he knew. 

Roman laughs as you hide against him, not knowing any wiser as to why. He probably figured you found Max cute or something and you weren’t about to tell him the real reason why. 

So you spend the night like that, hanging out with Roman, Max, and Dom like you had all year so far. They were your people at this point and you liked it that way. Eventually things begin to slow down as it gets later and you feel yourself getting tired. 

You look up at Roman and pout a little, waiting for him to notice. He glances down and does a double take when he catches it, smiling immediately. 

“What’s that look for?” He asks as his grip tightens for a second on your hip. 

“I’m tired, Ro,” you say, trying not to sound too whiny. 

He nods and checks the time, his eyes going wide, “yeah, let’s go. I’ll take you back to your place.”

He holds his hand out and you get a brave streak suddenly as you lace your fingers with his. He squeezes your hand and leads the way out of the bar, making you feel a little more confident that he let you do that. 

He pulls out his phone and orders an Uber, not even considering walking back to your side of campus. It’s chilly out and you shiver immediately from the cold wind. Roman pockets his phone and pulls you closer, wrapping his arms around your shoulders. 

You sigh and press your face into his chest, mumbling a ‘thank you’ against his shirt. He rubs your back, trying to keep you as warm as he can while you wait. You try not to think about it too much as you sit there with him. You seemed to fit so easily in his arms and you tucked right into his chest, his chin leaning down on your head. You were just comfortable with each other. 

The Uber shows faster than you expected and Roman holds the door open so you can get in first. You try not to pout about the fact you don’t get to be pressed against him anymore. The ride back is mostly silent and now there’s no reason to have any physical contact, but you let your hand slide across the seat towards him. Maybe you could find a reason. 

You think he doesn’t notice but then his hand slides over yours, giving another tiny squeeze. You keep looking out the window, but you can’t help the smile that’s on your face. It feels like a win to you. 

The street lights fly by as you get closer and closer to your dorm room. You know Roman will make sure you get in safe and say good night before going back to his place. But you don’t want just that tonight, and maybe it’s the haze of the alcohol, but you’re convinced he should stay longer than normal this time. 

You hardly wait until you’re inside the dorm hall to start talking, but Roman is still holding your hand and your buzz isn’t wearing off. So you sigh loudly and when he looks at you it all comes rushing out.

“Sometimes I wish you weren’t my brother’s best friend. I wish I was just allowed to like you and I could hold your hand all the time and you didn’t have to leave right away when you bring me back here. I chase after guys like Tarek and Alex but I don’t want either of them,”

“You’re so good to me and it’s not fair because Eric would kill me if he knew I liked you after all these years. And you’re probably so sick of having to watch over me every weekend because you never can just cut loose and have fun with the boys or flirt with girls.”

You have to stop and take a deep breath as Roman leans back against the wall next to your door. He’s got a one sided smile on his face that you aren’t quite familiar with but you can’t help thinking it looks absolutely adorable. 

“Are you done?” He asks softly, still holding your hand as his thumb rubs over your knuckles. 

You sigh and nod, looking down at where you’re standing between his legs. You weren’t sure when you’d gotten so close to him but you also don’t plan to be stepping away unless he makes you. 

“Eric would kill us if anything happened,” he starts off and you think you know where he’s going, “but I’m kind of sick of caring about that. You don’t hold me back at all, you know that right? I like having you around. I don’t want other girls hanging around me.”

You look up at him quickly, trying to connect what he was saying. You must have quite the look on your face because a laugh quickly falls from his lips. He looks over at your door and points up at the fake mistletoe your roommate had hung up. 

“Is that thing legit? Do you follow that rule?” Roman asks, his eyebrows raised as he waits for your answer. 

You blush when you realize what he’s asking and nod, “I mean my roommate and her boyfriend use it as an excuse. I guess I’ve never been in the situation to use it?”

“Come here then,” he mumbles, leaning in slowly. You meet him halfway, your knees practically going out when he kisses you. 

When he finally pulls back you both try and fight off smiles, but you lose quickly. You laugh a little and lean into his chest, hugging his waist. He kisses the side of your head and holds you tight. 

“You’re gonna cause me so much trouble, aren’t you?” He laughs, looking down at you. 

You glance up at him and nod, “yeah, probably. I hope that’s okay.”

“At least trouble is so cute. I think I can figure things out for her.”

You stand up and reach over, unlocking your door after you untangle from Roman. You look over at him and take a deep breath before you ask him the question you kept mulling over in your head.

“Stay tonight?” 

He smiles and nods, kissing your cheek as he pushes you both into your room quickly. 

[hauntednightmarekitty]

Comic-con Gone Wrong

Summary: Alex goes to comic-con with his girlfriend and meets a cute girl dressed up as link. Or so he thinks. 

Warnings: misgendering, very very slight abuse mentions if you read into it

“Alex, come on! We’re going to be late if you don’t pick up the pace,” My girlfriend, Andrea, urged me as she pulled my arm. She was trying to get me into the comic-con faster, but I was distracted by all of the people in costumes - I think Andrea called it cosplay - and all of the crowds of people. I had never been to any sort of con even though Andrea adores them and goes constantly. I’ve been dating her for years, but I didn’t even know that she liked these things until about a year, but now I see why. There is so much and all of the colors just catch your attention, plus the people seem very friendly. 

“I’m coming, sweetheart, don’t worry so much,” I said, but she just shot me a dirty look and continued to try to drag me into the building where the con was taking place. 

Once we got in the building, I was immediately hit with a wave of stimulus. People were talking all around me, the lights were bright overhead, I could smell multiple different food vendors cooking various different kinds of food, and people shoved at me in an attempt to get by me. 

“What do you want to do first?” Andrea asked, pulling me back to the current moment. 

“I would really love something to eat.” She giggled a little then shook her head, her long red hair hitting bouncing around. She had dressed up as Poison Ivy and tried to convince me to dress up with her, but I had too much work and it was too short notice for us to be able to pull anything together. 

“You can do that, but I’m not really hungry yet. I think I’ll go and look at that DC merch booth, okay? Just meet me there when you’re done.” I flashed her a smile which made her giggle again before she turned and skipped over to the booth. 

I got into line at a booth that served various deserts shortly after. The girl in front of me was wearing a Link cosplay and looked up when she noticed me get in line. She had a nose ring and an eyebrow ring, but they, oddly enough, worked really well with the cosplay. Her fake elf ears poked out from her shoulder-length blonde hair and her eyeliner was sharp enough to cut. 

“Hey, is this your first con?” Her voice was sweet and slightly deeper, but still beautiful. 

“How did you know?” Her intuition freaked me out a bit, but she flashed me a toothy grin and offered me a hand. I took and she returned with a firm handshake that felt like we were sealing a business deal. 

“You have that look about you. Everyone does at first. I’m Max by the way.” She flashed that toothy grin once again and moved forward as the line shortened. “Did you come with anyone or have you always been into comics and such?” 

“My girlfriend made me come along, but it’s not like I mind. I usually go to superhero movies with her, so it’s not like I’m completely in the dark about this stuff.” Max kept comfortable eye contact this whole conversation up until I said the word ‘girlfriend’ when she looked away and rubbed the back of her neck. 

“That’s cool. I always wanted my boyfriend to go to this stuff with me, but he never wanted to. He didn’t like me going by myself either though, so I often didn’t even get to go.” 

“I’m guessing you’re not with him anymore since you’re here.” 

Another toothy grin. She really was cute when she smiled. “You would guess right. My friend made me dump him a little while ago. She’s actually here today, but I don’t know where she went.” Max got up on her toes and looked around for her friend, but eventually settled down and shrugged. “She likes to go off on her own, but she’s my Zelda, so our cosplays are incomplete without each other.” 

“I was going to cosplay with my girlfriend, but my work schedule got in the way, so I didn’t end up with a finished cosplay before the con. Maybe next time.” Max’s eyes, once again, darted away when I mentioned Andrea, but she recovered quickly when I talked about cosplay. 

“I can only hope that I find a boyfriend as cool as you. Maybe my expectations are too high.” 

“I don't think expectations can be too high. You have self respect and I respect that. I’m sure you’ll find a guy that will appreciate a girl as lovely as you.” Max gave me a funny look and laughed when I finished my little speech and I could feel my ego deflate slightly. She recovered quickly though and noticed that she hurt my feelings a little. 

“It’s not that I don’t believe you, it just feels so impossible.” Max was, finally, next in line and she ordered something that looked like something that Andrea would never eat and instead she’d just complain about the carbs in it and throw it away if I bought it for her. However, Max seemed comfortable in herself and comfortable with the extra calories in what she’s eating. 

When I got up to the booth I ordered the same thing as Max and stepped out of the walkway with her in order to talk a little more. 

“You should follow me on Instagram,” she said as she pulled her phone out of her pocket. “I do cosplays more often than just at cons, so you could see some of that on there.” 

I pulled my phone out as well and handed it to her, so she could follow herself on my Instagram. She handed it back to me with a big smile when she was finished and pulled out her own phone to follow me. It was then that I saw Andrea coming over and I waved her over to Max and I.

“Alex,” she said, looking at Max, “did you make a new friend? Introduce me.” 

“Andrea, this is Max.” Max held out her hand and Andrea shook it while regarding her. She must’ve passed whatever test Andrea had for her because Andrea turned to me and smiled. 

“I should probably go find my friend, she just texted me asking where I am,” Max held up her phone almost as if she was showing proof that she wasn’t lying. “It was nice to meet you though, I hope you message me on Instagram sometime.” I waved and she disappeared into the crowd, looking down at her phone as she walked. 

“I think you should message Max sometime, it’d be nice for you to have more friends who aren’t overgrown frat boys.” 

“You’re ok with me talking to a single girl that I just met? Is this the Andrea that I know?” I pressed a hand to her forehead, but she just pushed my hand away and gave me an odd look. 

“What do you mean? Max was obviously a guy. Even with makeup he couldn’t completely hide his jawline. Plus most girls love showing off their boobs in link cosplay and he was flat chested. And I’m not that controlling, I just didn’t like Adeline because she was constantly flirting with you.” Andrea crossed her arms and stuck out her bottom lip like a little kid, but I was still stuck on the fact that the girl that I was just talking to wasn't actually a girl at all. 

“But she said that she had a boyfriend.” 

“Gay people exist, Alex.” Andrea’s tone of voice was one that you may use on a child, not on your boyfriend and that’s how I knew that she thought I was an idiot. Maybe I was an idiot, but I was not ready to let this go. 

“I called her a girl and she didn’t correct me, she just giggled.” 

“I’m sure he felt awkward about you calling him a girl and didn’t want to embarrass you or himself, so he just stayed quiet about it. I know I’d stay quiet if someone called me a guy.” 

“You wouldn’t do that, you’re just trying to prove your point. You’re too proud to let someone call you a guy.” 

“I cosplayed as Marshalee last summer and posted pictures on my Instagram and a few people thought I was a boy, but I decided that it was too much trouble to correct them, so I just let it go. A lot of cosplayers do that, especially if you’re cosplaying as the opposite gender.” 

“It still makes no sense that she wouldn’t correct me.” 

“You got her Insta, right?” I nodded and Andrea took my phone from me. “Let’s check his bio. I know his type and they usually put their pronouns in their bio.” She swiped at my phone for a few unbearable moments before showing me my phone. 

He/him/his

The words were at the end of his bio and they were the words that I least wanted to see at that moment. I didn’t want Andrea to be right, and I didn’t want to be dumb, but she was right and I was dumb to assume.