#bringing back christmas cat again for this year

[malchira]

Birthday time again 🎉

[ilonacho]

it hit me what makes me the most miserable abt my work week is how it’s just school all over again. just hanging in there until the weekend. repeat. repeat. repeat

[gentlyweeps-world]

Purrfect Christmas Tree

summary: It was finally time to decorate for the Holiday, but with two cats it was a difficult task.

pairing: max verstappen x fem! reader

warning: sexual tension, none

LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

“Max are you sure the cats won’t try and knock the ornaments off?” You ask again as you and your boyfriend, Max Verstappen, browse the aisles of the local shop, picking out Christmas decorations for your shared apartment.

"No, of course not. They'll be fine. Besides, they've never done anything like that before." He says in a soothing tone, his arm brushing against yours as you two walk together.

“Alright..” You mumble out, still unsure. You had a Christmas tree last year but did put any ornaments up in fear of the cats ruining them.

“How many more decorations do you want to get?” You ask Max, knowing he secretly likes decorating for Christmas.

"Let's just get a few more, and then we can head home and decorate the tree." He looks at you with a playful smile, his bright eyes sparkling in amusement. You know him well enough to know that he's probably planning on buying as many ornaments as he can find.

You pause and notice that your hand is still brushing his. You smile to yourself, appreciating the soft feel of his skin against yours, and you continue walking together, your fingers interlocking with his.

Soon after everything is bought and put into your car, you arrive back to your apartment and slowly start decorating with Max.

"Can I put some of the ornaments on the tree?" His voice is full of excitement as he holds a bunch of decorations, waiting for your approval. Of course, you can't say no to him so you nod, and he starts to put the baubles on the Christmas tree.

As the two of you work together, laughing at silly jokes and making conversation, you can't help but think about how lucky you are to be spending the holidays with the person you love.

Suddenly, you catch him looking at you from under his eyelashes, a mischievous look in his eye.

“What are you planning?” You ask suspiciously, a grin plastered on your face as you watch him.

Max's smirk widens as he continues to work, his eyes never leaving you as he places the final ornaments on the tree. When he finally speaks, his voice is low and teasing, as he continues to hide his expression from you.

"Oh, nothing," He says casually, turning back towards the tree. "Just thinking about how simply lovely our tree looks this year."

“Hmm it does look pretty good” You say, stepping back to admire the tree all decorated.

"Not as good as you though Y/n." He finally admits, stepping towards you and looking you in the eyes. His voice is just above a whisper now, and there's a twinkle in his eyes that you know means trouble.

"Max, what are you-" You begin, but he reaches up to place a gentle finger on your lips, cutting off your words with a smirk.

Before you can say anything else, Max's other hand reaches out towards you and pulls you close. You find yourself pressed against him, your body flush with his. Without thinking, you reach your arms up around his neck, running your fingers through his hair.

He leans his head down, bringing his face closer to yours, and after a few moments of anticipation, his lips finally press lightly against your own. His hands move from your waist up to behind your head, drawing you in even closer.

As you two separate he looks up at the ceiling with a smirk, “Mistletoe, what a coincidence..” He says with a grin, looking back at you.

“You are such a dork” You say with a chuckle leaning your head against his chest.

"Oh, really?" He asks with clear doubt in his voice, but he can't resist a smug smile. "Maybe we should just leave it there for a while, just in case."

Suddenly you feel his hands reach up behind you and wrap around your waist, pulling you closer to him again. He smiles and you have to admit, you're starting to like the idea of leaving the mistletoe there.

“Maybe..” You muse back with a grin, capturing his lips in a kiss again.

The kiss lasts longer than the first, and you can feel his tongue exploring your own as you press yourself against him. His hands slowly move from your waist up to behind your head again, gently tilting your face to match his as he pulls himself closer to you.

Slowly, you feel his hands moving up to your shoulders and back down to your waist again, pulling you flush with his hips. This is becoming a lot more than some Christmas mistletoe.

And the cats don’t seem to be fans of it. You pull away from Max when you hear a rustling coming from the tree.

“What..” You mumble out, leaning down to look at the tree you see Jimmy hiding in there.

“Max I told you..!” You say with a groan.

"Oh, for goodness' sake. Jimmy, get out of there!" Max says, his voice now more stern.

With that, you watch as your beloved cat slowly crawls his way out of the tree, he looks up at you with wide eyes that are saying "You're going to kill me, aren't you?"

Then another ornament falls, followed by a “meow”. You move to get a better look at the tree and see Sassy hiding in the stems.

"Oh, come on!" You say loudly with laughter escaping from your lips. It seems that your cats just can't get enough of ruining Christmas decorations. Maybe the holidays are just too much fun for even them to resist.

At least now the mistletoe seems safe. You turn back to look at Max and notice that he looks even more stunning than usual in the light of the Christmas tree. How does he manage to make everything he does look so appealing?

"Sassy, no! We talked about this before. Come out of there this instant." Max commands, while you can't help but laugh at the absurdity of this situation.

Then again, it isn't at all surprising that your cats are trying to mess up your Christmas decorations.

“So who was right about the cats ruining the decorations?” You say smugly, leaning back onto the couch as you watch Max get both cats into his arms.

"Shut up," Max says without even turning to face you, but he's clearly laughing.

He holds your two cats, one in each arm, as they seem reluctant to acknowledge the fact that they've been caught red-handed. After a few moments of petting them, they calm down, and Max leans back against the couch as well.

"Did we really think they were going to behave themselves this year?" He asks with a small smirk. You can't help but laugh, it's a good thing your cats are cute.

“You thought that, I knew they were going to mess up the ornaments” You say with a giggle.

"I think I had a little too much faith in them." He admits with a shrug, his face showing no signs of regret as he holds out your cats for you to take.

Sassy and Jimmy give you pleading looks, and Max speaks on their behalf. "Please don't punish them, mom. They just wanted to have a little fun. You know, like how you and I had a little fun just a few minutes ago?"

You glare at Max and pick up Jimmy, cuddling him into your arms.

Soon both cats wander away, ready to get into some more mischief. You lean into Max, placing your head on his shoulder as you stare at the tree.

“You’re fixing the ornaments” You say to Max.

"Fine." He sighs, but as he looks at you, a slight smile spreads across his lips.

He gently pulls your head against his shoulder, wrapping an arm around your waist again. You press your body flush with his, relishing in the warmth of his skin.

You stare at the Christmas tree together for a few moments before he speaks again.

"I love you schat." He whispers, his voice so soft that you're not sure if he said it out loud or to himself.

“I love you too Max” You whisper back, happy and content in the moment.

He leans his head down to kiss you gently on the forehead, before whispering, "Let's start putting the ornaments back on the tree."

“You mean you’re going to do it, since I was right!” You say teasingly, shoving him off the couch with a giggle.

"Shut up." Max mutters in response, but as he walks away he pulls you up and off the couch. "Oh, I think we both know that you're not going to get off so easily."

After a moment, his arms around you kissing your neck gently. "You and your big ego..." He says lightly, but there's a tone of approval in his voice.

“Ohhh I have a big ego? What about you, three time world champion Max Verstappen?” You tease, wrapping your own arms around him.

"That's not me having an ego. Those are just facts." Max says with a sly grin, but then he lowers his voice and mumbles, "Besides, I've never met anyone with a bigger ego than you."

“Hmm I dunno, Danny Ric has a pretty big ego..” You mumble out with a smile. Max's grin falters for just a second. "Okay, maybe I've met one person with a bigger ego."

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y/n 📸🗑️

maxverstappen ❤️❤️❤️

y/n 🫶🫶

danielricciardo What’s that last picture?

y/n No comment

landonorris Is that Jimmy in the tree?

y/n Yes!!

heidiberger_ 🤍🤍

y/n 🤍

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radio 🪩: I feel like Max is the kind of guy to go all out for Christmas ❄️

[reaveries]

▬  𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲

gif credit to @robpattinsongifs (much higher resolution on their account)

summary: late-night visits from your definitely human boyfriend

pairings: edward cullen x fem!reader

word count: 1.6k (approximately 7 minutes reading time)

a/n:  I’ve had this baby marinating in my drafts since January, when I was going through my bi-annual Twilight Renaissance. I was actually in the middle of writing a RE2R Leon Kennedy fic today and decided to put on a twilight playlist, and then I just knew I had to finish this one. It’s my first *published* non-RDR fic heehee (I have so much in my drafts, it’s insane). Anyways, enjoy (pardners)!

masterlist archive of our own

It’s that dreadful time of year again. 

The sun is making its curtain call as students from the nearby elementary school trip over themselves running home. Little girls and boys have sticky remnants of lunch peeking from the corners of their mouths and the grass is still slick from morning showers. But dusk is impatient in February, and its eagerness is encouraged in a town hidden beneath perpetual overcast nine months out of the year.

The school children ran past her window minutes ago when the sky had been painted brilliant indigo. Now, when she looks up the only thing left to see is her own dark reflection and the warm orange glow from a candle on the sill. Its tall flame stutters, collapsing and rising with the damp breeze. 

A page turns, disrupting the otherwise quiet room. The only other noise that can be heard is a soft pitter of water dripping onto the floorboards from a coat hanging off the closet door. 

She reaches for a mug sitting on the corner of her nightstand and promptly sets it back down upon finding it empty. It returns to its spot atop crumpled receipts and library hold slips belonging to the growing stack of books accumulating dust at her bedside. These books tower over the permanent nightstand residents: lazily discarded beaded necklaces, a sample bottle of floral perfume from Christmas, two little ceramic bunnies purchased from an antique mall in Port Angeles last summer, car keys, and drugstore chapstick. It might be worth convincing her to let go of some of these post-object permanence discoveries, but that is a matter for another time.

In a desperate attempt to comprehend the words she’s reading, she rolls onto her back and extends her arms straight in the air so the book hovers a foot from her face—a change of perspective to freshen the mind.

It does not help. 

No matter how much she shifts or squints, the antiquated prose remains stubbornly uninviting. She can’t fathom why anyone would willingly subject themselves to something so archaic and convoluted and furthermore, recommend it as one of their favorite novels.

With a huff, she adjusts the headphones at her ears, hoping the music will clear her mind. But despite her best efforts, the book slowly drifts closer to her chest and her eyelids grow heavier as the music lulls her into a dreamless sleep. 

When she wakes to cold fingers grazing her jaw it’s impossible to tell whether she’d fallen asleep or if she just blinked. The weight of the headphones gently disappears as they’re pulled off and set down on the nightstand. She grumbles incoherently and stretches out her legs, not unlike a cat after a long, difficult day of lounging around. Her eyes begrudgingly flutter open and immediately find him only inches away. He’s watching her, peering down with a twinkle in his amber-colored eyes.

“Edward…” she whispers.

“Dracula,” he says, eyebrows raised as he makes the observation. “I thought you didn’t like Gothics.”

She reaches a finger into the book on her chest and folds the page over before tossing it carelessly into the sea of knitted and quilted blankets at the foot of the bed. With the haze of sleep still clouding her eyes, she smiles sheepishly up at him.

“I’m trying.”

He chuckles lightly and brings his hand to her hair again, brushing stray strands off her forehead and tucking them behind her ears before leaning down to place a chaste kiss above her eyes. Though his lips are soft, the icy touch of his skin sends a shiver down her spine. He’s always cold; a result of his anemia, he says. However, the downpour that's dampened his hair and clothes to his skin has chilled him even more so.

In an effort to sit up, she raises herself onto her elbows and catches a glimpse of the bright red digital numbers on her bedside clock.

“You’re late, you know,” she chides, watching him settle uncomfortably at the head of the bed. He sinks down among the pillows, their plushness contrasting humorously with the stiffness of his demeanor. He reaches behind his back and tugs free a stuffed rabbit lodged between him and the headboard, then sets it down softly beside himself.

“I had to make a quick stop. I hope you can forgive me,” he says in a hushed voice, so as not to make too much noise in the resting house. His eyes flit towards the nightstand and she follows them to see a new item sitting amongst the disorder. A tall styrofoam cup with steam rising thinly from the lid. Coffee. 

The mug she just finished sits right beside it. She’d considered brewing more but that was before being rendered unconscious by Bram Stoker nearly an hour ago. Her heart swells at his thoughtfulness, but a more pressing question comes to mind before she can voice her gratitude.

“How did you even climb up here with that?” She asks, reaching for the cup with both hands.

“I’m very…agile.” There’s a look in his eyes that tells her there’s more to it, but she chooses to ignore it for now with a shake of her head.

The taste is immediately harsh, significantly more bitter than how she makes it herself. Any trace of a smile dissipates and is replaced with a pronounced look of disgust.

“Good God, Edward,” she exclaims. “Decaf? What did I ever do to you?”

He laughs and takes it from her hands, leaving her still reeling from the unexpected taste. “As much as I love staying up with you, you need sleep,” he says, a hint of sternness in his voice. “You didn’t get any last night and you don’t hide it well.”

He says the last part sweetly, tilting his head to the side and following her motions with his eyes, watching her pick up the stuffed rabbit by its cotton paw.

“Don’t hide it well?” She repeats, the indignation in her voice contrasting with the softness of the toy as she raises it high into the air and brings it down against his chest with a soft thud. “Well maybe I wouldn’t have to hide anything if you—weren’t—keeping—me—up—all—night!”

With every word, the rabbit hits his forearms poorly attempting to shield himself from the blows. Edward grins as she attacks him, the soft toy barely making a sound against his arms. He watches as her hair falls across her face in the midst of the unrelenting attack, the warm glow of the candle casting a soft halo around her.

But then, his amusement fades as he sees the exhaustion in her eyes. 

He gently takes the rabbit from her and sets it aside before grabbing her arm mid-swing and pulling her into his chest. She sighs heavily and surrenders, relaxing against him. "I’m sorry," he whispers, his lips brushing against her hair. “I’ll let you rest tonight.”

Despite his tender words, a residual half-baked frustration lingers inside her. “How did you manage to stay awake in class?” she mumbles into his sweater, the words muffled. “I mean, you didn’t get any sleep either.”

He chuckles, as if privy to some inside joke.

“Well, someone had to take your notes for you,” he says, his fingers trailing through her hair in a soothing motion. “And besides, you looked so peaceful drooling away.” 

She looks up at him, a hint of a drowsy smile playing at the corners of her lips. “I did not drool,” she insists.

He grins down at her, his eyes alight with fondness. “Of course not.”

She groans and buries her head into his chest, to which he responds by encircling his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.

“I’m never falling asleep in front of you again,” she grumbles.

His chest rumbles beneath her cheek as he laughs. “Alright, angel.”

He shifts his hand from the crown of her head to the curve of her back, tracing languid circles over the fabric of her t-shirt as the room fills with a comfortable silence. The rain outside grows heavier, tapping against the glass with a more insistent force. Her body is warm against his and he can feel the steady thumping of her heartbeat as if it's his own. A few minutes slip by, and he senses her breathing even out and deepen. Without disturbing her, he reaches for a nearby blanket and drapes it over her, then turns his gaze to the candle on the windowsill.

“Sweet dreams,” he whispers, as the dwindling flame fades out of focus. 

This is his favorite part of the day.

Vague arrays of soft, muted hues and shapes swirl around in his vision, overtaking the warm surroundings of her bedroom. They morph into recognizable figures after some time, and he can hear them speaking when he focuses. For the most part, they sound as if he’s underwater and they’re conversing on the shore. But every now and then, a clear phrase emerges.

Suddenly, the floating shapes assimilate into a figure resembling him and he realizes what this dream is. It’s a recurring one he’s particularly fond of. He settles in and pulls her closer as the scene ebbs between reality and distortions of the unconscious mind. 

He can’t remember how he used to pass the night hours before he met her. Books, records, films--looking back, they feel hollow compared to nights spent like this. Part of him hopes he’ll never know what it's like to want for this. But these dreams, and her thoughts in the waking hours, assure him he won’t ever have to find out.

[xoxoavenger]

Try Me

pairing: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader

summary: Y/N has powers that can heal any illness or wound through her cooking, which comes in handy when Matt gets hurt.

word count: 2279

warnings: small mention of wounds but not graphic

part 2

12 Days of Christmas masterlist main masterlist

"Matt, oh my God." Y/N said as she walked into the office to see Matt all bruised, a cut above his eye. "What happened?" She asked, walking closer to see it closer. He looked away, but she was already sitting on his desk, moving his glasses away.

"I, uh, I fell down the stairs." He told her, but she just shook her head and clucked her tongue. She reached into her bag to grab the pastry she packed that day. She always packed one everyday just in case, but she didn't think she would have to use it this early.

"Did you eat breakfast?" She asked, trying to keep herself from running a hand through his hair. Because of course she had to fall for him, her coworker.

"No, but I-"

"Come on, Matt." She smiled as she got off the desk, pulling her skirt down. "I can practically hear your stomach growling from here." With that she walked to her own front desk, Karen's old one. Y/N had taken over the blonde's position of secretary, and she was good at it.

"Good morning you beautiful people!" Foggy practically yelled as he walked through the door. The man had way too much energy for eight thirty in the morning. "Y/N, here's your coffee." He grabbed a cup out of the cup holder and placed it on her desk before winking at her.

"And here's your breakfast." She handed him a pastry, because she always gave one to him even though she knew it wouldn't do anything.

The truth was, Y/N had a power. It wasn't one she flaunted, hell, she hardly ever used it, but she practiced it just incase. She could heal people with her food; how, she wasn't sure, and she had only found it out ten years prior, when she made food for her friend. A couple minutes later, the small cat scratch on her friend's cheek was miraculously gone. After that, she continued to test her theory until there was no doubt in her mind that she had powers.

Just like the Avengers.

But she didn't want fame. She didn't want to be in an elite team of super heroes. She wanted the life she had, working with Foggy and Matt and Karen when she was in the office. It was a fine life.

Plus, she was totally in love with Matt Murdock.

"You're telling me I'm not the only one you make breakfast for?" Matt asked, causing Y/N to smile. She looked over to see Matt eating, which made her happy. She was glad he would be healing, and her heart was hurting slightly at the fact that Matt had to live all alone. Obviously he could take care of himself, but she wanted to be able to take care of him, to heal him when he did things like fall down the stairs.

"Fine, from now on, I'll make breakfast for both of you." She smiled as she looked between the two boys.

"That isn't fair! I bring you coffee, which means Matt has to bring you something too. You cannot just give your baking talents out like that!" Foggy complained, making Y/N roll her eyes.

"I'm sure I'll think of something. Until I do, just keep track." Matt smiled at her before going to his work, grabbing his glasses and putting them back on. Y/N stared for a few seconds before going to work filing and sorting.

~

"Matt," Y/N said in surprise when she walked in the next day. It wasn't surprise of his presence, he had often been in the office first now. Foggy told Y/N that he used to never come in, that Nelson and Murdock had once been done for because Matt never showed up, but he was obviously over it now. No, she was gasping because she was so in shock at his state. He didn't look any better from her pastry - in fact, he almost looked like he'd fallen again.

"Y/N," Matt smiled, but she could tell it was strained.

"Matthew, what did you do this time?" She sat on his desk once more, giving him the pastry. She took his glasses off before he could protest, and looked at his wounds.

"What do you mean?" He chuckled, shying slightly away from her. "I fell down the stairs."

"Twice?" She wiped her finger over some of the dried blood off his face.

"No, I fell the night before yesterday." He told her, wincing as she touched a fresh cut.

"No," She fought back, frowning. "That's fresh blood." She wanted to say that she knew it was new because the pastry should have accelerated his healing enough that he shouldn't be bruising this bad.

"Must've reopened a cut." Matt shrugged, but he made no move to move her hand. She rubbed her fingers over his bruises, hoping the pastry she brought today was enough to help him.

"I'm fine, Y/N. Don't worry about me." He waved her off and she stood, not wanting to annoy him.

"Have you figured out a way to repay me for the pastries every morning?" She asked, trying to find a topic he'd be comfortable talking about.

"Not yet. But, I promise I will." He looked in her general direction, eyes unfocused. She stared, not out of confusion or disgust, but out of wonder. Why would he hide his eyes? They expressed so much emotion, and they were beautiful. He must have sensed her staring, because he quickly felt around for glasses before putting them back on.

"Well, keep me updated." She said as she went to her desk.

"Morning!" Foggy was opening the door a couple seconds later, which put Y/N back in a good mood.

"Good morning, you beautiful person!" She said, referring to his greeting the day before.

"The usual, my fair lady." He said in a strange accent, and she tipped her imaginary hat to him.

"Thank you, kind sir. Whatever would I do without you?" She smiled as he went to his own desk.

"So, Matt figure out what to pay you with?" Foggy asked, bringing out his computer out of his bag.

"Not yet." Y/N shook her head, looking through the company emails.

"I know what he could pay you with." Foggy looked up and smirked at Matt, who began to talk at the same time of Y/N.

"What?"

"Shut it, Fog." Matt had temporarily paused his work, but he got back to it when the conversation dropped. Y/N looked between the two, but Foggy only smirked at her before going to do his own thing.

"Did you forget my pastry?" He asked, making her eyes widen. She had forgotten, and she felt slightly guilty. She reached into her bag to get Foggy's pastry, standing and bringing it to his desk.

"So sorry, sir." She joked, bowing and going back to her work. She couldn't help but sneak glances at Matt all day however, watching his bruise start to fade.

She smiled to herself when she left and his cut was almost fully healed.

~

She still made Matt pastries every morning, however he hadn't come in with any injuries that she could see.

Until he didn't come in a week later.

The door wasn't open, and even after she tried knocking she didn't hear any movement. So she tried calling him.

No answer.

"Hey Matt, I'm at the office and apparently you're not here, because you didn't answer the door, so if you could just let me know if this is a holiday or something?" She chuckled at the end, but her heart was beginning to pound. She called Foggy next.

"The time hasn't magically warped forward, has it?" He joked as he answered the phone.

"Where's Matt?" She felt bad but she needed to get down to business.

"He's not there?" Foggy began to get worried now as well.

"No, and he's not answering his phone." She told Foggy quickly. "Ya know what, I'm just going to check on him." She said, walking back out of the hallway and going down the stairs.

"Don't worry about it! I'm almost there anyway." He rushed out, but Y/N shook her head.

"I'm coming too." She wanted to help if she could, wanted to be there incase he happened to be injured. Foggy was quiet for a moment.

"Fine. I'll meet you there. He may be sick."

"He's not sick." She said. He had been eating her pastries every day, and she knew that was all someone needed of her cooking and baking to keep away from the common cold or viruses.

"He could be." Foggy pointed out, but Y/N shook her head as she walked down the street. Matt didn't live super far away, so it didn't take long for her to make it. Luckily, Foggy was also pretty close.

"I'll be there soon. Wait outside - the doorman is a stickler. He won't let you in alone." He told her, so Y/N confirmed and hung up. Foggy was there a minute later, and the two walked into the building together, hearts racing.

"He does this all the time." Foggy assured her, but she could tell he was freaking out, even if it was slightly less than her. "He probably just overslept." His voice seemed to give away more than his actual words.

"Right." She nodded as they began to climb the stairs. They got to Matt's floor and walked quickly to his apartment, Y/N banging on the door as soon as she could.

"Matt?" Foggy called out from her side, both of them going quiet to try and listen to what was going on.

"Matt, are you okay?" Y/N yelled, heart getting lodged in her throat as she couldn't hear anything.

"That's it," Foggy reached into his pocket to grab his keys, picking through them to find a key that Y/N assumed was Matt's. She stood back to let him open the door, and the two walked in, their worries for their friend outweighing the fact that they had just actually broken into Matt's apartment.

"Matt? Matt are you alright?" Y/N yelled, following Foggy in. She heard a groan from the living room and rushed with Foggy through the small hallway to see Matt on the couch, only in his underwear. She was about to look away when she noticed that he was covered in cuts and bruises, the blood wet around the cuts but drying down his body. There were at least four thick, deep cuts and dark, almost black bruises.

"Shit," Foggy muttered. He thought that Matt would be bruised from his after work activities, but he was hoping it wasn't this bad. He didn't want Y/N to come with him, but he couldn't exactly tell her no.

"Oh my God," Y/N made her way to his side, assessing the damage.

"I was hoping you'd find me." He muttered as he opened his eyes slightly. "I need your help." He grabbed her hand, shifting with a groan.

"With what? I can't stitch you up! I don't know the first thing about medical aid." She muttered, instinctively reaching up to push his hair out of his face.

"Maybe not," Matt chuckled but then ended up coughing, causing Y/N and Foggy to wince. "But you do know a thing or two about healing." Y/N froze, her heart stuttering. How did he know?

"What?" She whispered, but Matt squeezed her hand. "How did this happen? This is worse than falling down the stairs." She tried to change the subject, but Matt moved in pain again.

"I notice things." He said, as if that would explain everything. Before Y/N could answer, he was speaking again. "Could you make something while Foggy helps me clean up?" All she could do was nod and look in her bag, taking the two pastries she always brought for the boys out.

"If you can get these down, it'll help, but I'll make some soup." She smiled at him and got up, squeezing his hand before letting it go.

"What is going on?" Foggy whispered to Matt, making him chuckle slightly.

"Let's just say Y/N's soup is special." Matt closes his eyes and tries to ignore the pain while Y/N works. Foggy looks between them quickly.

"What the fuck does that mean?" He cries, making Y/N chuckle.

"It's alright, Foggy." Matt has a tired smile, one that worries his friend.

"You need medical attention." Foggy tries to convince Matt, who just shakes his head.

"Try to eat the pastries!" Y/N calls from the kitchen.

"What the fuck are pastries gonna do?" Foggy screams, wanting to rip out his own hair.

"Foggy, how many times have you gotten sick in the past six months?" Matt asks softly.

"That has absolutely nothing to do with you dying on the couch." Foggy gets up to grab a cloth to wipe at the blood on his face.

"I am not dying." Matt mutters with the roll of his eyes. Foggy returns and gets him to shut up by wiping at his mouth.

"The soup just has to heat up." Y/N comes out of the kitchen and kneels next to Matt. "Foggy, can you run to the store to grab some bandages?" She asks, taking the cloth.

"When I get back, you guys are telling me what I'm missing." He says very seriously before he walks out the door.

"How did you figure it out?" Y/N whispers, wiping his blood away with one hand and his hair out of his face with the other. "How did this happen?" She changes her question while shaking her head.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." He muttered, causing Y/N to scoff.

"The food I make can heal people. Try me." She smiles.

"Well, you know Daredevil?" 

//

tags: @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 @one-sweet-gubler @thefandomplace @punzoquack @mcueveryday @icequeen1371

[callofdudes]

Can't sleep, having a bad night so I give you cat shifter Ghostie ok??

Cat shifter Ghost headcanons.

Simon is comforted by the smell of those closest to him. It isn't uncommon for Price to wake up and go looking for his fresh laundry only to find a certain cat has already burrowed himself into the pile.

Especially if it's a chilly morning, without the fur, Simon loves to find the closest familiar laundry basket and slip in for a snooze.

Or if any of you have just done a load and bring it to your bed to sort and fold, sometimes Simon will hop up onto your bed and start kneading your clothes. As if trying to help, or just liking the stress toy.

Simon doesn't like cat toys, you aren't getting him wrapped into that- oh shit a laser! Oh yeah, you can get him with that laser. that pesky laser, his insides scream to catch it.

His belly is extremely sensitive, and he isn't always comfortable with butt scratches, but under the chin?? Oh yeah, that spot right there. If you scratch under his chin he will consider dying for you instantly.

You and Johnny always buy those stupid cat sweaters. Sometimes their scratchy on his skin and other times he just looks stupid. One year you got him an uncle Christmas cat sweater and made him wear it. It was actually very cozy and he still has it.

As you may know, Simon likes to sleep under the blankets with you guys. Snuggling up to Price's side, finding a warm pocket under your fuzziest blankets.

If you have your weighted blanket even better, Ghost loves it.

If there are recruits in Simon's path he'll usually do his best to avoid them. Or just generally keep from shifting outside of the main base because he doesn't know what will happen.

He feels incredibly small when faced with people he does not trust, if Price is with him he'll feel less like he's backed into a corner but it will still be there.

Simon knows very well that he can act as an anxiety pet. And while he's got chronic problems of his own, he knows that sometimes you all just need some comfort.

When you were having a bad night he'd hop onto your bed and knead your shirt gently before laying down, head nuzzled under your chin.

He let's Gaz pet him for reassurance. Tail flicking and smacking as he lays loaf style or completely stretched out, knowing Gaz is a safe person.

He'll come over to Price's desk and run his tail under Price's jaw as he goes by, purring and coming back around to do it again to get Price's attention off his computer or his paperwork.

Price knows Simon needs a safe place he can go and unwind, so he made a perch above the shelves in his office so Simon can go up there and nap or watch the world. And a small cat bed on his desk so Simon can be closer and within arms length.

Yes, Simon will be an asshole and steal food off recruits plates that he doesn't like or has beef with. And most of the time the recruits can't say no to the mysterious cute kitty they don't realize is their asshole lieutenant.

Sun lounger. Yes, he loves sleeping in dark corners where he knows he's not going to be seen, it makes him more comfortable. But if there's a Sunbeam through your window or onto the perfect spot on Price's desk he can't help but indulge.

Simon often has a lot of things to do, and many people in the military skip meals because of mission routines and such. Which is why Simon prefers to bath himself with his tongue than actually baths, especially if he's low on time. Even if it doesn't keep him clean for as long.

Johnny tries to record those stupid TikTok videos with Simon, making him dance. And Simon tolerated the stupidity for 8 seconds before he launches around, hissing and scratching at Johnny who begs for mercy.

Simon does that thing where he sits on one of the chairs at the table and reeeeeaches over a paw to dip it into Price's tea. And Price looks at him disgusted as Simon licks it off his paw. Mm, delicious.

Sometimes he's an ass and if you walk into the kitchen he'll swipe at you from on top of the fridge. Or you'll open up the freeze and Simon will hop up and give you big brown kitty eyes.

Feed me...

When Price lets Simon come back for leave with him to his house, simon doesn't shift for a bit. He doesn't like being small and vulnerable in spaces he doesn't know like the back of his hand. But after about a week Price wakes up to a familiar cat stretching out across his warm chest, curling up and flopping on his side.

Price smiles softly, scratching between his ears, closing his eyes again. Hearing those soft purrs start.

Kitty Simon knows that he can be totally vulnerable around Price, even if it takes him some time.

Snuggling up to Price's arm, between his shoulder and chest, stretching out and snoozing. Huge power nap.

And he trusts you guys too, getting more comfortable. Sometimes Johnny gets jealous of Price before Simon gives Price snuggles and not him as much.

But hell, you all love the little guy. Which you are very well aware is your giant lieutenant on the flip side.

[shadesoflsk]

― don't slip, Leon !

ft. Leon S. Kennedy x gn reader. summary: Just Leon trying out ice skating (and failing miserably.) There are brief mentions of angst and Leon's life as agent but overall this just fluff. author's note: This is going to be my last Christmas themed work. I may write something for New Years but I'm not sure. Fae if you see this, thank you for the amazing idea. ♡ wc: 1.7k

The room fell silent as soon as those words left Leon’s lips. He wasn’t even thinking straight when he said what he said. He was being dramatic, of course. It’s been a while since he could take some well deserved vacations, and now Christmas spirit was making him excited to try new things.

Ice skating was one of them.

He was scrolling down on his cellphone ―which was brand new, his last one shattered into pieces by accident―  when he came across a video that started with a catchy phrase.

Things to do with your partner this Christmas!

Well… now that got his attention. Christmas plus you sounded amazing and since he wasn’t the most creative fella out there, this video will surely bring some ideas to his mind. 

His eyes locked on the screen as the person in the video kept listing off multiple suggestions. Most of them were alright, baking cookies, and watching Christmas movies. He had already done those things with you and while he did have fun, this holiday called for something more adventurous.

“Ice skating could be an amazing idea for both of you. If you are in the DC area, you could go to…”

He paused the video and looked over his shoulder. You were busy doing the dishes and he so naively thought you weren’t listening. You lifted your head and gave him a warm smile, resuming your task at hand. When he was sure the sound of the faucet would keep your ears filled, he played the video once again.

After a few seconds, the video cut off to another idea which Leon quickly dismissed. He had his mind set on the previous activity which made him imagine all types of scenarios. He had driven cars, buses, airplanes and bikes. But the idea of literally gliding on ice with skates instead of normal shoes made him hesitate. 

What if he falls? Falling and being thrown around in his area of work is a normal occurrence for him. But falling in front of several people because the old man can’t walk on ice sent shivers down his spine. How embarrassing. 

“But ice skating sounds so fun…”

His lips moved on his own, unaware that his thoughts were voiced out loud. And that brought him to the situation which he was facing right now.

“What did you say?” You ask, leaning over the counter that separated the kitchen from the living room. Your smirk tells him enough, you have been eavesdropping to both the video and him.

“Nothing.” He clears his throat while turning off his cellphone. While he was dying to try ice skating, there was no way he would tell you. Yeah, he was so excited at first but now his own mind played dirty tricks on him, making him aware of his age and the consequences that would bruise his ego and self esteem.

“So ice skating it is…” You laugh as you walk towards the couch where Leon was sitting. He scooted over, making some space for you. “Come on, it will be fun.” Now you were the one who was excited to go. The idea of trying new things with your boyfriend was always at the back of your head and you thank God for popping that video on his Instagram feed.

He doesn’t know how or when he agreed. The only thing he knew was that you were talking to the guy who was teaching you how to put on the skaters. His mind was blank, like a cat who was just staring at its bowl of food. He knows he was the one who brought up the idea, but now seeing everyone mastering the art of gliding across the ice made his fingers twitch in nervousness.

He’s definitely going to fall in front of everyone, his pride as an agent will be destroyed and―

“Leon!” You call out for him. You motion him to follow your lead. Your smile reaches your eyes and he can’t help but smile too. Maybe he will do just fine with your help.

He was mistaken.

You were in your element, as soon as you stepped into the designated area to skate, you left him to his own devices. How could you be so cruel? He thought while taking deep breaths. 

In reality, you haven’t gone too far. This date was between you and Leon alone, but the desire of teasing him for a while was itching you.

As Leon watches the person who was supposed to teach him, he decides to take the first step by himself. 

Another mistake. 

Clinging for dear life on the walls, a kid next to him observes him carefully before tapping him on his back.

“Sir, are you alright?” He asks with a troubled expression on his face. 

Yes, thank you very much. That's what he wanted to say. Spare him the embarrassment, little one. 

He takes a deep breath, again. He glances from where you are to the kid who seemed so interested and worried about him.

“Yeah. Thank you for asking. Shouldn't you be with your mom? This is quite dangerous, you see.”

He tries to be a responsible adult. The one who advises the little one that he could fall if he doesn't know how to skate. Of course a kid his age wouldn't know how to skate on ice, right?

“Mommy is actually paying so I can stay a bit more.”

Ouch, Leon's ego was hurt. He had fought bioweapons, dealt with many messed up villains  and faced many adversities yet a little kid slapped him back to reality. 

“You can do it, sir.” The boy innocently reassured Leon. For a kid, it must be quite an amazing achievement to help an adult. From afar you watched as a little child helped your boyfriend. An amused smile plastered on your face.

You skate your way over to your boyfriend. The little one still holding his hand but not daring to go further, knowing that if he did, Leon would fall and therefore him too.

“Hey.” You wave at both of them, Leon giving you a glare that doesn't match his eyes and his  new friend waves back politely.

“Your friend needs help.” He says in a monotone tone, it appears that his patience has grown thin over the course of a couple of seconds. Poor kid had just babysat a federal agent, life’s unfair.

His little frame disappeared as he entered the ice rink. You were left alone with your boyfriend, a worried expression on his face.

“You look like a scaredy cat.”

“No, I do not.”

“Yes you do.”

“....”

You sigh and roll your eyes, it’s impossible to win an argument with him. Carefully, your hands grab his forearms and gently pull him to the ice rink. 

He’s still stressed about the imminent fall that may occur if he steps into the cold area, but as you reach for him, his features slightly relaxed. 

Slowly, he glides over and lets you guide him. You have to hold back a laugh as you witness your boyfriend ― who most of the time looks like a big bear ― stand like a newborn deer. 

“If I hear you laughing we’re breaking up…” He threatens you, giving you a glare but not daring to sound more bitter, in case you’re heartless enough to leave him to his own devices. Again.

“Me? Laughing at you? As if.” Your lips tugged into a smirk but your hands never left his arms. Even if you sound sarcastic, you wouldn’t let him fall. 

You start pulling him forward, he follows your lead as he eyebrows furrowed, trying his best to keep his balance.

He reminds himself that this is what he wanted. After seeing that video a few hours ago, his mind instantly teleported to where he’s standing now. He lifts his head, now looking at you instead of his feet, he was met with a glee expression. 

It’s been a while since his life has gotten more normal, typical even. He loves and enjoys normalcy, and that is why he indulges in this moment. Away from missions, bloodshed and violence.

You begin moving backwards, your eyes darting from your boyfriend to your back, trying to avoid crashing into someone. 

“See? You’re a natural!” You praise him, internally acknowledging that he was no expert, his legs were bent in a weird angle but it helped him to stay on his feet.

Watching a tough agent, standing like bambi wasn’t on your list of things you wanted to see before you die. But now, it surely is one of your favorite experiences. Throughout his life, he was expected to teach, not be taught. He was supposed to know how to do something and master that in the blink of an eye, no time spared and surely no patience given.

But now, as you so eagerly guide him, he can't help but be so damn thankful that he has the opportunity to spend this holiday with you and not somewhere else, praying not to be killed.

Eventually, he gets the hang of it. He’s still not the best, falling from time to time dragging you with him. In the midst of your laughing, you told him to be careful, falls at his age are something to worry about and not a laughing matter. He huffs, explaining that he's still pretty young.

It was heartwarming, knowing that Leon could still relax and forget about his past for a while. You had seen him at his worst ― eyes empty with no desire to keep going. But you have also accompanied when life gave him another chance. From that depressed and soulless person to this tough but gentle agent, who is now giggling like a child. Maybe even healing his inner child.

And after falling, getting up, and falling again, you get exhausted from the step by step skating routine. Leon never let go of your hand. And at that point, it wasn’t to prevent himself from falling, since he would have fallen nonetheless.

“Wanna go home?” You ask him, your gloved hands reaching for his face as he stands steadily. 

“Yeah, my butt hurts.” He lets out a groan but in his eyes there’s a childlike glimmer. This little date had really healed something in him.

“Poor you.” You coo as you press a tiny kiss on his cold nose. “I’ll prepare you hot chocolate, don’t you worry.”

Hand in hand, both of you exited the ice rink, grateful for the joy this little activity brought to your hearts. Maybe next year, life will be generous enough to grant him another wish.

[igotanidea]

Cookies: Jason Todd x reader

Christmas bingo day 18 : cookies

Her laughing was so hard and so disturbingly turning into desperate sobbing, that Jason could not help getting alarmed. So, throwing his book away and almost tripping over their cat he jumped off the couch rushing to the bedroom where his lovely, emotionally unstable girlfriend were fighting for her breath, almost spitting her lungs out rolling in the sheets and holding her belly.

"Y/n?" He stuttered, quite amused by the scene in front of his eyes though he couldn't deny certain cuteness to it. She felt comfortable enough around him to actually let her guards down and turn into happy child mode. To the point where she couldn't hear him."Y/n!" He tried again falling on his stomach on the bed causing her to jump a little form the recoil "what's so funny babe?"

"Oh Jace!" She rolled on the side to face him "I've just talked to f/n. Apparently your older brother -"

"Not my brother -" Jason muttered turning a little bit grumpy, only earning eye rolling and tongue sticking from her.

"Technicals, love. Whats important is that Dick got her into baking cookies. Tricked her with using the word nutcracker." Y/n chuckled

"She thought he was going to take her out for the ballet, didn't she?" Jason couldn't help a smirk at the story. "This does sound like Dick."

"Pun intended?" His girl smirked back knowingly

"Most definitely pun intended. So how did it end, did he burn the load or did f/n had to do the work? Wait-- don't answer that I think I already know."

"He said it was a couple bonding exercise."

"Oh really?" Jason raised an eyebrow scooting closer to her and grabbing her waist "I got some other ideas for that -"

"Yeah good thing we settled on not baking this year -" she wriggled out of his embrace, sitting on the bed cross legged and fixing her hair without a care of what Dick and f/n did.

And then it hit her, her brain shutting off from the reality.

And when she looked at Jason she knew he figured it out too.

***

There was no freaking way Jason and y/n were going to get outdone in the baking area. Never .

***

And if the oldest batman son made (sort of) cookies, it could only mean that he was going to bring them to a family feast and keep on bragging about hidden culinary talent.

No freaking way.

So acting like a two pieces of the same, well-oiled machine Jason and y/n gathered all the necessary ingredients, grabbed their matching aprons and started producing something that could, hands down, be called a masterpiece.

The recipie that never failed them was enriched with a secret ingredient called love as they laughed and bantered during the preparation.

And obviously he didn't mean to blow that flour her way and made her sneeze. And that vicious smile on his face only meant apologies. It really wasn't Jason's fault that she took this a cue to get all competitive.

"You know what?" Once she managed to wipe the white powder from her face her eyes glistened mischievously "I got an idea"

"Did you think about it a lot?"

"Well it took me longer than it takes you to finish when-"

"Shut up!" He turned red instantly getting a handful of cinnamon and rubbed it into her crystal white apron "oh, you're so clumsy princess, such a messy cook. Maybe you should just leave the professional to do the complicated work?"

Much to his surprise, instead of lunging at him (which would give him opportunity to grab her and tease her in some other ways than verbal) his words only made her take an exhale, shake her head and smile.

Uh huh. Not a good sign.

"You want to stand against me Todd? You sure about that? I don't think you realise what's coming for you, pretty boy." Her hands found a way to her hips as she stood in a power pose that could do very little to intimidate him.

"Flattery will get you nowhere princess" he leaned forward over the kitchen counter testing her nerves and patience.

"Are you that terrified you feel the urge to distract me?"

"May the best cook win" he grinned pulling her cooking hat onto her eyes blocking her view for a few seconds just to get a head start, grab the ingredients and put them out of her reach.

"That's cheating!" She protested trying to retrieve the necessary products

"I can't remember us setting the rules."

"Bully!"

"That's not what you said when- ouch!" The sudden stepping on his foot took him by surprise, giving her the chance to grab the baking powder and eggs and start running. Once she reached the pantry, she immediately locked the door.

At the moment they were at an impasse.

Y/n had the eggs and baking powder while Jason was left with flour and sugar.

Pretty much neither of them could make actual and edible cookies without cooperating.

"Come on princess don't be like that." He yanked on the door handle "you can't win you know it"

"Is that a surrender I hear in your voice?"

"You wish! I'm merely giving you a chance to walk with your head high and not shamefully defeated"

"Admit it you can't do a single thing without my input!"

"I think that's pretty obvious at this point of our relationship..." He said, his tone suddenly turning soft. "It scares me sometimes how dependant of you I am... Come on baby open up..."

"You're not playing me?" She asked from behind the door, her heart beating so loud that the blood was rushing in her ears

"Cross my heart-" he started but before he finished, she actually unlocked the door and stood in the doorframe still a little bit hesitant and careful, having learnt to watch out for him and his games.

"Hey...." She muttered diligently assessing the situation.

"Fool!" Jason yelled, grabbing her and pulling her to a kiss that seemed to last forever but still not long enough. "You didn't actually think I didn't have an ulterior motive did you?"

"You're such a dork Todd ..." She chuckled (not) trying to break free.

"Oh damn, this woman is still talking! Not on my watch."

And once their lips met again, they had the world in their grasp in the person of one another. For what they cared the rest of it could have burned.

And talking about burning -

"Our cookies are still gonna be better right?" She pulled back after a minute not really capable of getting rid of that competitiveness.

"Damn right. But the dough can wait a little bit longer." He retorted.

Preferably all night cause they were going to be busy with some other kind of sugar and sweetness.

[daisygirlwrites]

Little Things (Simon "Ghost" Riley + Reader "Crash") Platonic Headcanons

Part Three to Rough Start & Olive Branch

a/n: hey hey! been a minute, sorry about that ;-; also sorry that this is a bit shorter than usual but i might write some small fics about a few of these headcanons in the future. should be posting again sometime soon though! thank you so much for reading!

taglist: @bobfloydsgf , @itsscromp , @d4z01

Being friends with Ghost is like putting a puzzle together except all of the pieces are scattered. Finding some of them would bring you delight and while others give you a better understanding of the man. Throughout your long years of friendship, you come to an understanding that there will be pieces of him that you will never get to see, some forever gone. And yet, even if the puzzle is incomplete, you had most of it together. You’d rather have that than nothing at all

That being said, your first year with the team was quite good, besides the constant threat of almost dying and a certain member of the team being mean for almost half of it

But after bonding over knife throwing and tea for the last couple months, you and Ghost have grown close. To him, at least. From your perspective, after getting your new callsign, you felt like your relationship with him hasn’t progressed much

However, it’s the little things that you’ve noticed with him:

Like making your tea in the early morning. Half of the time you would join him and other times when your nightmares don’t show up, he’d leave your mug in the microwave

Knowing that you were raised in the Rocky Mountains, it kind of surprised him to learn that you hate the cold. So during missions in colder climates, after watching you shiver like a wet cat, he’d give you his extra pair of balaclava and gloves.

“It’s a little big on me” “Fine, give it back then” “No >:( “ 

Another thing that he does for you is taking your first watch during missions. In the first couple months when you joined, Soap and Gaz had a list of “Rookie Responsibilities” and of course one of them was to take the first watch. It wasn’t really mandatory but being a people pleaser, you did it anyway. 

It went well at first but in the last couple months, Ghost noticed that you, in his words, looked like shit after missions. And of course, you’d volunteer for the first watch. Sometimes, when it was his turn, he’d find you somehow looking worse, giving him the frog blink and thumbs up, before watching you immediately pass out on the cot or couch. 

You’d make a fuss when he would take the first watch and he had to basically pull rank to force you to go to sleep

Still calls you Rook/Rookie besides your callsign. Would sometimes call you Tiny and Mini-Me just to piss you off

Isn’t a surprise but Ghost is really observant. Knows your nervous ticks and honestly reads your emotions well. He didn’t do it before but he does check up on you 

Head pats is a thing that he does. Used to do it to his nephew and Joseph would look up to him with his cheeks puffed and whining “Uncle Si!”. You’d have the same reaction except with calling him Uncle Si, you’d usually say “Ghost, what the fuck”

You find out that Ghost doesn’t like talking about family and Christmas. Hearing some bits of info from Price, it broke your heart to learn about the reasons why he’d always gone on missions during the holiday. But at the same time, you understood him

You kind of do the same thing, taking on missions instead of going on leave. Kind of surprised Ghost when hears that he’s going to get paired up and with you of all people

“I figured you’re the type to celebrate the holidays” “Oh, I am, Just didn’t want to see my dad, that’s all.”

He opens his mouth to comment but chooses to not say anything at all. He gives you a nod instead. Ghost understands your family dynamic, it mirrors his.

Would copy his accent to make fun of him over coms. Yes, it was very bad but it did make the team giggle. He hits you back with an equally horrible American accent that made you cry

He accidentally told you one of his favorite dishes during a stake out. He was listening to you talk on coms about how much you missed pizza and how you can’t wait to go back to base to make some, silently nodding in agreement. 

“I would kill for a bubble and squeak right about now,” he thinks out loud, not realizing that his coms were on He became slightly concerned when heard you stop talking for a moment, before repeating to him, “A bubble and squeak?!” Even without seeing you, he can tell you had a big grin on your face, “I’m gonna keep quiet.” “No no, LT. I’m not making fun of you,” you assured him, “Tell me, what’s a bubble and squeak?” Ghost lets out an audible sigh before he gives you an explanation, “Basically mix some leftover mash, vegetables and roast and then fry it up in a pan." "Holy shit , that sounds delicious.”

Taught him some gen z slang because you notice that he would eavesdrop during your conversations with Soap and Gaz sometimes

Share the same type of humor. When you, Soap and Ghost got separated in Las Almas, they would hear you cackle on coms

Both of you wear your balaclavas as a second skin and would forget to take it off sometimes. Would sit in silence together as the rest of the team roast you for getting your masks wet with tea

Crash : “I have no soul. Have a nice day! :) “ Ghost : “I don’t have one either.”

Honestly, he finds you annoying but in a good way. Having you talk to him gives him the comfort that the relationship is improving but at the same time, he wants to smack you upside the head

That’s when he realize how much you remind him of his brother

When the queen died, Ghost wasn’t too upset. That is until you reminded him that Charles is now king

Due to some previous events, you’re the one driving Ghost everywhere when you guys hang out. Is offended when you straight up tell him that he has shit driving skills. 

Calls him Passenger Princess as a joke

Ghost is more into books than movies. So it does come as a shock that he mentions that he hasn’t seen the LOTRs movies. You basically force him (and the rest of the team) into a movie marathon for a day. He grumbles about how some of the scenes are different from the book but he does get into it during the Mountains of Moria

Impressed with how you handle your liquor. Watched you beat Soap and Gaz in a drinking contest before drunkenly demanding chicken nuggets and then passing out

Ghost is surprisingly decent at video games. During game nights, he’d beat everyone at Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. You accuse him of cheating and of course, he denies it. Had to be held back by Price as you repeated “These hands are rated E for Everyone.”

Your face wasn’t a mystery to him or to anyone in the team. You took your mask off regularly around them. But like many others, you saw his face in Mexico. There was a greater sense of trust that you felt when you made eye contact with him. He gave you a soft smile and you returned it

"Huh, didn't think you'd be a blondie," You remarked as you both head towards the truck "Didn't think you'd be short but here we are," Ghost jokes back

He will never admit it in front of you that he's sees you as more than friends. That you have the best qualities from his family; his mother's compassion and his brother's humor and determination. Hell, at some points, you even resemble Joseph with your optimism.

He has someone to call family again

Bonus Memes:

[just-some-trans-nobody]

Had a yautja idea I had to write down and share with everyone.

Minors don't interact

Yautja's are light big cats, we can all agree on thst right?

How would they react to a Christmas tree?

The yautja watched you bring in a tree confused on why would would bring that inside but then get mad at him for bringing his kills inside. He gets even more confused when you start putting things on the tree. The shiny orbs confuse him and yet allure him. He most have it.

The whole time your setting up the tree he's trying to steal the ornaments from you. It starts to get on your nerves but he looks at them with such an intense curiosity thst you can't help but smile. When the tree is finally all decorated and covered in Christmas lights you plug it in and take a step back to admire your work.

The sound started off quiet at first, you didn't notice it right away until it got much louder. Looking to your side you found the source. He's purring as he looks at the lights with wide eyes. You've never see his pupils so wide before. The moment was magical until he pounced on the tree wanting the sparkly shiny lights.

Getting him off the tree was neat impossible but after a while you managed it. He now does that every time he sees the Christmas tree lit up. Every year you think he won't do it but he does.

One year you didn't bother with a tree sense he tackes it every dakn time. He was very upset by this and stormed out. An hour later he came back with a whole ass grown tree wanting you to set it up. You went back to setting the tree up every year again after that.

[malchira]

Once again it's birthday time 🎂

[outsideratheart]

Make It True (Leah Williamson x reader)

A/N: Day twenty three of the Christmas advent calendar.  I thought I would do a longer one for Christmas eve’s eve.

Based off this: Fake dating for Christmas Ball & “I’ll let you sit on my knee.

The snow was falling at The Coloney and it’s as if everyone turned into children. Snowballs had been thrown, snowmen had been made and the last training session of the year had been one full of games. 

As the team gathered in the canteen, the club’s Christmas party was on the team’s mind. There was no pressure of entertaining sponsors and the higher ups. It was just the players and staff in attendance. 

Of all the seats in the room Leah chooses your table which happens to be full so she sits on your knee. It wasn’t the first time this has happened so the team didn’t bat an eyelid. Your team mates and the fans knew the two of you were close and took the term work wife very seriously. 

Like always you and Leah have your own conversation as if no one else is there. Whilst your friends found it cute they also find it a annoying from time to time. 

“Y/N” Katie almost sings and you know the tone, she means to cause trouble. 

“You look very comfortable there. I’m not sure your girlfriend would appreciate you been so close to our vice captain like that?” 

You eyes widen at her accusation. You did not have a girlfriend and you have no idea what would make her think that. Truth is you only had eyes for Leah, it has been that way for years and you honestly don’t see it changing. 

Then you see the look in the Irish women’s eye. She is trying to get one of you to bite and you know that Leah is the easy target. 

“Don’t” you whisper in the blonde’s ear when you feel her tense up on your lap. 

You eye Katie giving her a warning but when she smirks you know she isn’t done. 

“What do you think Meado, will Y/N be bringing her girlfriend?” Katie asks. 

There’s that word again. One which doesn’t have an owner. 

“You’re seeing someone?” Viv asks. 

“It makes sense. You’ve been very preoccupied lately. You haven’t been coming out with us. What’s her name? Do we get to meet her? What’s she like?” Beth fires question after question and as soon as she is finished with her interrogation Jen starts then Steph. 

“It’s me” Leah snaps. 

All heads turn to the two as you as Leah grabs your hand and wraps it around her waist, your hand now resting on the lower part of her stomach. The placement is a lot more intimate then where it was before. 

“You’re better at lying then me” she whispers in your ear before kissing your cheek. 

At the point you see your friends waiting for your response. 

“Looks like the cats out of the bag. Leah is the person I have been spending my time with, if that isn’t obvious at this point” 

“I knew it!” Caitlyn stands up in victory and asks for some of the team to pay up making it clear that they have made bet on your’s and Leah’s fake relationship. 

The attention soon comes back to the two of you but you tap Leah’s tummy telling her to get up. 

 “We have to go. Have fun gossiping” you tel you team. 

Even after you are out the canteen you don’t speak to Leah. It is only when you are back in the locker room where you know no one can hear do you make your true feeling known. 

“Care to explain?” You tried not to sound mad but the undertone was there and Leah knew it. 

When she doesn’t answer you know that it must be something deeper than she is willing to let on because she won’t look you in the eye. 

“We still need to discuss why you did what you did but not now” you couldn’t ignore how natural it felt when you held Leah or the rosiness in her cheeks after she kissed you but clearly she wasn’t ready and neither were you. 

“What is your plan?” You ask Leah knowing that the reason why your fake relationship was revealed is because of the Christmas party. 

“We stay fake dating until after the party then we break up” Leah is clearly unsure of what the plan is, given she only made it up ten minutes ago. 

“Wow, you’re already planning on breaking up with me. You wound me Williamson” 

Leah throws her training jacket at you. She then bursts into laughter at the situation she has put herself in although she can’t complain, not with the way her heart is beating at the thought of calling you hers even if it is fake. 

“The party is in two days. I’ll pick you up and we’ll go together. Follow my lead and let me do the talking” you hug her tightly before leaving to locker room ready to go home. 

“Wait, why are you doing the talking?”

You turn to face Leah.  

“Because you are a terrible liar. It’s one of the things I love about you” it is only when you are half way down the hallway do you realise what you said. You only hope that Leah didn’t think that much into it but if you were to turn around you would see her frozen in her spot. 

********************

You had driven to Leah’s house countless times before but this time was different. You had thought about your plan the entire day. In the end you came to the conclusion that the best way to get through the night was to be as honest as possible and treat Leah the way you always wanted to, like she is the only girl in the world. 

When you knock on her door you cannot help but feel like you are picking up your prom date. That feeling comes true when her mum answers the door. 

“What are you intentions with my daughter?” She only just gets the sentence out before bursting into laughter. 

“Did she tell you what happened?” Her mum nods her head “Maybe tonight to will show what the future could look like” 

Amanda told you time and time again that she thought you were made for her daughter and it made her the number one supporter of yours and Leah’s fake relationship. 

“Maybe. I guess there is only one way to find out” truth is you had thought and hoped the same thing. 

Luckily you get stopped before the conversation gets too deep. The last thing you needed tonight was for your feelings to get in the way. You head needed to be in control. 

“Y/N you look beautiful” Leah makes her way towards you and not so subtly checks you out. 

You wore a long black dress with your hair in a straight ponytail. Although tonight was a party, it was black tie themed. Leah herself takes your breath away, she is wearing a well tailored suit, a white shirt with more buttons undone then done up and then a black lace bra underneath. 

“You look, wow” you keep your sentence short in hear that your true thoughts will come to light. 

“Photo. Photo” Amanda says as she gets her phone out. 

You and Leah pose for several photos before Amanda suggests you get into character. Leah’s mum is oblivious to your hand placement as it rests on Leah’s bum. You lean down and meet her gaze. The way you look at her and she looks at you, well you would have thought each other hung the stars. 

“We do make a good couple” Leah says as she looks at the first few photos. 

“A sexy couple” you reply when she swipes to the final one. 

“Y/N!” Both Leah and her mum say at same time. 

“What! I need to be honest now because I’m about to spend god knows how long lying to our friends” 

Although you meant no harm by your words you can immediately see that Leah is hurt. 

“I’m sorry” 

“Hey!” You grab her shoulders “I agreed to it and we’re going to have fun tonight” you grab her hand and pull her to towards the door. You know it isn’t necessary but you were excited to have Leah be your pretend girlfriend for the night. 

“Have her home for 11” Amanda shouts. 

“Not a chance” Leah shouts back. 

*********************

You face your first challenge when you get out the car. 

“Shall we hold hands? We link arms or we—“ Leah always mumbles when she gets nervous, it was one of her tells. 

“What did I tell you?” 

“To follow your lead”

“That’s right”

You take Leah’s hand in yours making sure to interlock your fingers. When you walk though the doors you feel like a spotlight has been put on the two of you. 

“Well if it isn’t the hottest and best kept secret couple in the WSL” Katie says. 

“You’re just mad we didn’t tell you sooner” you retort as you hug Ruesha. 

You make the extra effort to greet Jonas and his wife. His face is priceless when he sees your hand resting on Leah’s waist as his wife talks. 

“I had my suspicions about you two on my first day here. Nice to see that my gut was right” Jonas is proud of himself, you can tell. 

“I think everyone has thought me and Leah are dating at one point or another” you joke whilst Leah watches as you seem to confirm he is right but don’t actually say it. In this moment she understands why you said you would do the talking. You’re not lying to anyone, you’re just not telling the whole truth. 

Throughout the night you and Leah do the rounds saying hello to the staff and their partners. It is after speaking to one of the your close friends who works at the club that Leah begins to struggle with the facade. 

“I’m going to the bathroom” Leah kisses your cheek before walking away. 

You don’t want to be rude so you continue your conversation but your gaze follows Leah until she is no longer in sight. In the end you excuse yourself. Something wasn’t right and you needed to know if Leah was ok. 

“Leah it’s me. Please open the door” you knock gently as not to make a scene. 

Unbeknownst to you Leah is leaning on the other side of the door. Panic is slowly consuming her as the lies begin to take their toll. Despite this she lets you in and you lock the door behind you. 

“Talk me Leah” 

You see her hesitate like she doesn’t what to say what she is thinking. When she still doesn’t reply you test the waters. 

“Why did you tell the team you were my girlfriend?” It was a question that you knew the answer and it was helping you get through the night. Now Leah had to realise it too. 

“I don’t know” 

At first you don’t believe her but then you see the look her contemplation in her eyes and you know she is almost there. 

“I do. You told them we were dating because you hated the thought of me being with someone else” 

“I can’t keep lying to them” she didn’t acknowledge what you said but you know she heard you and that was enough. 

“Then we make it true” it sounded more simple than it was but you know a little truth can go a long way. 

Leah walks towards you, with each step she gains a little more confidence knowing you mean what you said and that you were right. 

“How?” She asks.

“Like this. On our first date we went for a walk around Hyde park because you know how much I like it and I know you like the little cafe by the bridge”

“But that hasn’t happened” 

“It hasn’t happened…..yet. Are you free tomorrow?” 

You were confident and Leah knew it. 

“Our first date. We just don’t tell them when” she says and you nod your head, now she was getting it “then if they ask when I knew I liked you I would say the day I met you” 

“Is that so? If they ask who said I love you first I will say me. We were in a bathroom and I realised in that moment that there was no one else for me, that you Leah Williamson, were my soul mate so I pulled you close, looked you straight in the eyes and said I love you” 

You do as you and say and by the time you finish the three magic words, Leah’s eyes are welling up with tears. 

“And I said I right back. I said nobody in the world makes me feel the way you do. Whenever I picture my future you are the one I see by my side. I said I love you and I meant it” 

Then Leah kisses you. The warmth of her lips on your own is like nothing you’ve ever felt before. It gave you butterflies, the best kind. 

“We really should get out there, they’ll be looking for us” you unlock the door but Leah remains in her place with a pout on her face 

“C’mon, I’ll let you sit on my knee. I know how much you like it” you tease. 

The rest of the night is much easier. You and Leah remain close and rarely leave each other’s side. Her mum was right. Tonight definitely showed you what the future could look liked and you couldn’t wait. 

[acersthings]

Heartless

Miguel O'Hara x Spider!Woman Reader

Summary: An ex comes running back in need of help. But, old memories still haunt you.

Warnings: Angst, swearing, Miguel is a whole warning himself, death, grief, kinda short (may be a part two??)

Three years ago, you would've said yes to anything he asked you. Three years ago, you would've done anything for him. Three years ago, you would've disrupted any canon event just to be with him.

But now, you could give two flying fucks.

"All I am asking is for you to stop and think about what this could do and how it can affect us," Miguel pleaded, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

It had been a quiet night on your Earth, allowing you to swing around the city with no danger or worry. One night to yourself. That was until Miguel's cat claws ripped a breach right behind you.

"I stopped thinking about us a long time ago, Miguel," you scoffed, perching on a water tower that overviewed the whole city. "I can't help you."

"Why not?"

"You know why."

Miguel wasn't one to give up but right now, he was feeling hopeless. He knew arguing with you was not a fun path to take.

"Y/n, if not for me, do it for Peter."

You flinched hearing the name you swore to never bring up again. Especially out of his mouth. Your body grew tense at the sound of those two syllables. You've learned that one word could do so much damage to a person.

You jumped off the tower and stood face to face with Miguel. Well, more of face-to-chest. You watched as he straightened his back and followed your every step with his half-lidded stare.

"Don't ever say his name again, asshole. Now, I don't know if the message isn't getting through that thick head of yours, but I am not helping you. Go find another Spider," you pointed at him. You hadn't been this close to him since that night. You didn't like it.

"You are the only one I want, Y/n. Your powers and strength are exactly what I need to stop this anomaly. Whether you like it or not, you are my only hope," he placed his hands on his waist, shaking his head in despair.

"Yeah, well guess what, Miguel?" You flicked out your wrist to get ready to swing away to the nearest building. He interrupted you by applying a good amount of pressure to your wrist, but not enough to leave bruising.

He grasped your wrist and pulled you closer to him. So close that you could sense his heart beating twice the normal pace.

"You're the only one I need."

His talon trailed up to the edge of your mask, lifting it up ever so slightly. Your breath hitched as felt his talon curve up your neck. As much as you hated to admit it, you missed his touch. His touch made you become the person you were years ago. It gave you hope.

You stopped him before he could take off the mask, denying the feelings, and used your watch to open a breach behind him.

"Leave, Miguel. That's your last warning."

Miguel dropped his head in defeat and began walking towards the breach. Before he left, he turned his head ever so slightly.

"I know you blame me for what happened to Peter. But, please try to look past that and remember that I know what happens when you try to mess with fate. I didn't want that happening to you. I'm sorry, Y/n."

He disappeared and left you with the everlasting memory you've always wanted to burn.

Three Years Ago, Earth Y/E/N, Christmas Eve

You always loved Christmas time. The food, the weather, the holiday, the movies, the people. This Christmas was spent swinging around the city with your boyfriend, Miguel, and your brother, Peter Parker.

The three of you ended up on the rooftop of your old apartment, laughing at old stories of you and your brother as kids.

"I love this time with you guys," Peter confessed, smiling at his best friends.

"Don't get too emotional on us now, we still have to watch 'It's A Wonderful Life' and we all know you start crying like a baby," you patted his shoulder and laughed.

"That is not true! Miguel, back me up here," Peter laughed, looking over at a dissociated Miguel.

"Miguel? Love?" You rested a hand on his arm as he focused back on reality.

"Oh, yeah, cariño. Mhm."

You knew something was up. He was never like this, only when thinking about Gabriella. You and Peter shared a knowing look and shrugged, knowing not to bother Miguel when he was in deep thought.

The three of you sat on the roof in comfortable silence until a boom was heard down the street.

"Time to do our jobs," Peter sighed, pulling down his mask.

You followed, pulling down your mask. Peter took off while you were stopped by a harsh grip on your waist.

"Miguel? We have to go, Peter already left." You tried shaking out of his grip on your waist, but you had no luck. His talons were digging dip into your sides.

"I think Peter has this one covered," his tone was sad. Depressed, even.

"Okay, what is the matter? You've been in a different world ever since I woke up this morning. Can we please go help Peter and then we can talk?" You begged, placing a comforting hand on Miguel's cheek.

"No, Y/n, please. You need to listen to me."

"No, Miguel. You listen to me. We go help Peter and then we can talk about whatever is on your mind. I promise," you planted a kiss on his pouted lips.

Miguel's pleading eyes finally fell as he nodded slowly. "Okay."

You swung off not realizing Miguel stayed where he stood. Miguel murmured silent Spanish curses as he looked down at his watch.

CANON EVENT DETECTED

CANON EVENT APPROACHING

"Mac! My man, how has the Raft been treating you?" You greeted, landing next to Peter at the sight of the bombing. Peter smiled at you as he taught you most of his one-liners. He was proud to be your brother.

The green arachnid-suited man grinned evilly as he turned around and saw you two.

"Ah, the Spiders who finally got caught in their own webs."

As if on cue, Peter and your's spider sense started going off like no other. It wasn't until you heard a mechanical laugh in the distance. Peter jumped out of the way and so did you.

The Goblin flew past you, making sure to make his dramatic entrance.

"Wow, now this is a Christmas dinner," Peter remarked, "The Goblin and the Scorpion, is there a return receipt for this gift?"

Peter nudged you with his shoulder and whispered, "Like always, Spider-Sis?"

You smiled under your mask, "Like always."

The two of you shared a look and went after the according enemy. Goblin vs Peter. You vs Scorpion.

"Come on, Mac. Had to ruin Christmas for me?" You webbed his poisoned tail to the back of his suit, making him go around in circles.

"Oh trust me," he grabbed one of the webs and pulled you close, "it is about to get a lot worse."

You shook off his threat and began fighting him like you always did. Avoid his poison and then you'll be good.

You had finally knocked him and webbed him up until you realized Peter was still fighting the Goblin. You ran over and webbed onto the Goblin's back, distracting him from Peter. You began throwing all your might into your punches.

The Goblin laughed and shoved you off, pinning your body behind debris that was horribly heavy.

"You are going to want to watch this," the Goblin sneered at you and went to fight Peter again. Before doing so, he made sure to break your web slingers.

You were confused by what he meant so you tried getting out from under the debris. You struggled until you saw Miguel jump into the building. You motioned for him to come down and help you but he wouldn't.

He shook his head at you slowly.

You looked over to Peter, seeing him slowly lose his battle. The Goblin was beating him up badly. You looked up to Miguel.

"Help him!" You screamed.

Miguel looked away.

"Miguel!"

Nothing.

You looked back at Peter. You felt hopeless. His mask had been ripped in half, there were slash marks on his chest, and he had been slowly losing effort.

Looking up at Miguel, you sobbed and screamed.

Nothing.

All of a sudden, everything stopped. The world moved in slow motion. All the air got sucked out of you.

The Goblin had stabbed Peter with the glider.

No.

No. No.

No. No. NO.

It was all a blur. You don't remember how you got out of the debris but you did. You knew you were running but it felt slow. Your breathing and heartbeat were the most prominent sounds.

Before you could get close to the murderer, Miguel stopped you by taking care of him. He ripped out his talons and fangs. He got rid of the Goblin. Like he should've done ten minutes earlier.

"Peter." You sobbed, falling to your knees next to his lifeless body.

You ripped off your mask and threw it to the side. You didn't care. You were completely numb. The last thing you cared about was someone seeing who you were.

"No. No. No. Pete, this isn't funny. You can wake up now," you placed your hand on his cold and pale face. Your other hand went down to his stab wounds, covering your hand with blood.

Your body took control and screamed for you. A scream of agony. Pain. Grief. Betrayal. Anger.

You felt a hand on your shoulder and instantly shot up, "D-Don't you fucking touch me!"

Miguel stood back and watched as you stared at him with dead eyes.

"Y/n, I-"

"Why didn't you do anything, you bastard? You stood there and fucking watched my brother and your best friend get killed! Why?"

Miguel took a step towards you and tried to reach for you. You took a step back, contradicting his move.

"Why?!" You gritted through your teeth.

Miguel wanted to comfort you and tell you everything but he couldn't. He watched as tears traveled down your cheeks. He saw so many emotions swirling in your eyes. He saw Peter's blood on your hands when it really was on his hands.

"I can't tell you."

You felt your heart shatter even more when you heard his words. Your chest began heaving as your breathing grew rapidly.

"I fucking hate you."

Miguel's whole body broke down when you said those words.

"No, please, I-"

"You either tell me why my brother is dead or I'm gone. You will never see me again."

Miguel sighed as his eyes became blurred with tears.

"It was a canon event." He whispered, looking down ashamed.

"What?" You spoke, not hearing what he said clearly.

"It was a canon event," Miguel snapped, his voice breaking as tears began to flow, "It was supposed to happen and it can't be changed, okay? How do you think I feel when I realized I couldn't do anything to save him? Just like I couldn't save Gabriella! I tried changing it and it didn't work."

He didn't realize how close he had gotten to you. He could finally see the damage he had done. The color had been drained from your face. Your eyes didn't shine anymore. Your love for him was gone. And the way you were looking at him, it scared him.

You looked up at him with pure hatred in your eyes.

"How long have you known? And don't you dare lie to me."

Your clenched fist twitched in anticipation as you waited to hear the answer that would change everything you knew about Miguel.

It would change how you viewed Miguel.

"I've known since the day I met the two of you."

[bellaxgiornata]

Who wants a Covid special of my internal dialogues with the boys? I've missed writing them so I needed to give them a little love this morning. I'm also attempting to get that part of my brain working again to prove I haven't entirely lost my writing ability this week because that would be tragic. As always, it's below the cut.

Matt: Put orange juice on the list.

Mikey, raising a brow questioningly at Matt: She has almost two bottles in the fridge already...d'ya really think she needs a third?

Matt: Yes. Put it on the list. And more Tylenol.

Frank, leaning on the kitchen counter: Think she's been cravin' spaghetti so I'm gonna make some.

Matt: Pretty sure her family is dropping off a Thanksgiving meal tonight. She doesn't need you to cook, Frank.

Frank: Fine, then I'll make it for her tomorrow night, altar boy. Point still stands, I'm making her some damn spaghetti soon. With garlic bread, too, because that's the only way her son will eat it.

Mikey: That’s a good idea actually, she hasn't been wantin' to eat lately. Maybe we should make her more things she's been cravin' to get some food in her.

Frank: And maybe we should put somethin' in her diffuser to make her finally go to sleep.

Bella, on the couch: I can hear you three from over here, you know.

Frank, calling across the room: Good, go to sleep. Stop thinkin' about that damn Christmas story you have half written for Red here.

Mikey: He's right, ya need your rest, pet. Ya were awake in bed last night for two hours just thinkin' 'bout that story.

Bella, sheepishly: ...I blame Covid. But I was also thinking about your Christmas fic, too, Mikey.

Mikey: Ya need to rest, love. Worry 'bout the stories later.

Bella, pouting: But I miss you all.

Matt, making his way to the couch and sitting down: We haven't gone anywhere, sweetheart. We're all still here, just waiting for you to get better.

Bella, muttering: Fine, but I still miss you all.

Matt: Is there anything else you want at the store? Mangoes?

Frank: I doubt you're gonna find some good mangoes this far north at this time of the year, Red.

Matt, glaring over his shoulder at Frank: Watch. Me.

Mikey, annoyed: Alrigh', enough bickerin' the both o' ya. Is there anythin' else ya want from the store, pet?

Bella, sitting up: Yes.

Matt, leaning closer: What do you want, sweetheart?

Bella, grabbing Matt by the collar and pulling him closer: For the love of God, please bring me back some vanilla moose track ice cream. I beg of you. I can't stop thinking about it.

Matt: That--that might be a bit cold for your sore throat right now.

Bella: It's incentive for me to get better, Matty.

Frank, calling across the room: It's on the list, darlin'. Don't you worry. Now you cuddle with your cat and get some rest, we'll take care of the groceries.

Matt: I'll send Mittens over to cuddle, too. He misses you.

Bella, wide-eyed: You're going to let me cuddle with Mittens?

Matt, grinning: Whatever gets you to go to sleep. Go rest already, he's on his way over. Then when we get back you can drink more orange juice.

Mikey, muttering: Always with the damn orange juice.

Matt, annoyed: Because it helps!

[wooahaes]

party planning committee

pairing: non-idol!96z x gn!reader

genre: silly fic. coworkers au.

word count: 1.2k~

warnings: alcohol mentions within fic (no depictions of it being consumed--just mentons of it being purchased). reader is anti-horanghae agenda </3.

daisy's notes: please know my notes for this fic are just:

party planning committee w the 96z ft helpful person who wants to be here (jun), person who wants to spice up the parties and often supplies alcohol (soonyoung), quiet person in charge of the money bc cheol trusts him to be sensible (wonu), and person to rein in soonyoung and (deliberately) fails half the time (jihoon). soonyoung is once again bringing his idea for christmas tigers. motion denied.

The five of you have shut the door to one of the meeting rooms with a single sign taped up: PARTY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING IN PROGRESS: KEEP OUT!!!

Yes, this sign was indeed made by you. Jihoon underlined the words and taped it up, so you considered it a joint effort. Now you were sitting at the head of the table with your fellow committee members present. Jun had a notepad open in front of him with ideas he’d already jot down (you saw paper snowflakes? at the top of the list, followed by Christmas cats?). Soonyoung had his own with a list of alcohol he planned to get, having emailed you earlier that he got approval to bust out the booze. Wonwoo had his laptop open, no doubt with the budget written down and ready to look up everything else. And then there was Jihoon, who sat next to Soonyoung, fully prepared to rein him in.

“Alright,” you said, laptop open in front of you. There was a red-and-green powerpoint presentation in front of you, and you’d already hooked up your laptop to the projector. “So… Alongside the approval for drinking… We did get fully approved to throw a little holiday party before the office closes for a short break.”

Jun’s eyes were already twinkling. “We know,” he said, “You sent out the email.” 

“So… How are we going to do this?” You said, clicking onto the tab with decoration ideas you’d put into bullet points. “Because I do have some ideas. We can either go red and green for classic Christmas-y colors, or maybe go a little more classy with this white and gold idea. Minghao in sales offered up the idea of black and gold, too, which I think could look very snazzy—”

Soonyoung’s hand shot up, and when you looked at him, he dropped it back down. “I have a presentation.” 

“... Do you?”

“It’s good!” He said. “It’s very good! Jeonghan and Jihoon helped me put it together!”

Jihoon nodded from his seat, which meant Soonyoung was about to throw out some idea you’d have to shoot down. “It’s very good,” he said with a nod. 

Wonwoo looked up, and he, unlike the currently stoic Jihoon, actually smiled. Wonwoo knew. Wonwoo knew. This only meant one thing.

“Can you send it to me—”

“Already did!” He smiled.

While you went to search your email for it, Jun spoke up again, “I think we could do something cute with cats and dogs. Everyone here can be separated into those categories.”

You didn’t even look up. “Except Jeonghan. He's too unpredictable.”

“Except Jeonghan,” he affirmed, “but we’ll put him as a cat. It doesn’t have to be an entire theme, but we could decorate the desks with something small.” 

The moment you opened up Soonyoung’s presentation, you were greeted with a glaringly bright red and green color scheme… with one jpeg of a tiger in the corner. “My eyes hurt—”

“It’s less bad on the projector, I promise,” Wonwoo pointed out, already rolling his chair over to flip the lights back off. You were starting to think everyone there was in on this.

Jihoon motioned for you to slide your laptop to him as Soonyoung stood up, taking a spot at the front of the room. “We’ve gone through this for the past few years,” he said. “We always talk about color schemes and themes and party games—white elephant or secret santa or whatever!” 

You spoke up, “Because those are two different games—”

“Shh!” Soonyoung pointed at you. “Let me finish!”

Jihoon pressed to the next slide. Already, you had buried your face in your hands, not wanting to see this anymore while Soonyoung burst into giggles.

“We can have Christmas tigers—”

“Soonyoung, please tell me you’re fucking around again.”

“No, no,” Jun said, waving you off, “let him finish. I want to hear more.”

At least that was confirmation: everyone except you and Jun had been in on this. When you looked up, you could see Jeonghan peeking through the blinds. The moment he met your eyes, he immediately disappeared. Was everyone else in the office in on this pitch? They had to know you’d have to say no, right? Minghao would stop it if no one else. 

“Tigers,” Soonyoung said very confidently, “have stripes. You know what else has stripes? Wrapping paper! Some streamers! Instead of orange and black, we’ll make red and green tigers! Or black and gold! Or white and gold—Tigers are versatile for the holidays!” 

Sometimes you wondered how you ended up as the head of this committee. Were you there to defend the world (read: the office) from Soonyoung? Was that why the others appointed you as head of the committee? Because you were the only one strong enough? Jihoon would consider saying yes just for the joke of it. Jun was far too into this idea for your liking. And Wonwoo…

Well, Wonwoo might say yes because it’d be hilarious to see how far Soonyoung would go in terms of setting up for the party and to see how Minghao (among a few others) reacted to Soonyoung’s tiger agenda being brought into work. 

“I’ll even draw the tigers myself!” He said. “We can do so much for this theme, and you’ve never done it the last few years I’ve been pitching it—”

“For good reason,” you said, face buried in your hands again. 

“You’re missing the powerpoint,” Wonwoo said.

“Good.” 

It earned a snort from Jihoon. “He was really passionate about it this year.” 

“I like it,” Jun said. “It’s fun. I think these meetings would be boring without this kind of thing.”

He had a point, but… “I’m bringing Minghao into this committee,” you said. “I need backup.” Again, your hands dropped down into your lap as you looked at Soonyoung. “Are you drunk? Are you sober right now?” 

“I’m sober—”

“Because I’m starting to think you’re drunk.”

He waved a hand, laughing, “No, no, I’m sober! I promise!”

“Speaking of,” Wonwoo said. “Soonyoung, can I get the list? I need to mark off what’s out of budget.” 

Soonyoung threw himself back into his chair, smiling like a fox. “I’ll let you in on something,” he said, leaning over as he slid Wonwoo the list. “Cheol said he’d personally pay for anything the company won’t.”

Wonwoo looked up, “What? Is he that desperate for decent drinks?”

“My punch recipe is good, actually,” you rolled your eyes. “If he wants something stronger, he can bring it himself.” 

Jun’s gaze drew back to the neon abomination on the projector screen. “Okay, but… Motion to look at the Christmas tigers again—”

“Motion denied.”

This was going to be a long meeting.

taglist: @twancingyunhao @wonuziex @synthetickitsune @staranghae @porridgesblog @weird-bookworm @bangchansbae

[hanihazeljade]

Three Weeks

As the snow fell into the streets of Gotham, covering her land with white sheet, he stepped out of the plane. He shivers. He missed the deadly coldness of his hometown. The pollution never seemed to change back when he left 7 years ago. He sighed, white mist blowing out of his mouth. He will only need to stay here for three weeks. Three weeks and he will go back to Japan.

After many years of being away to his adopted family, Tim comes back to Gotham for Cassandra and Stephanie's wedding.

(CW: flashbacks, negligence, swear words, a badass Timothy)

Tim looks outside of the bus. His eyes watch the streets of Gotham. Christmas lights are on as it was 5 days away from Christmas. He watched and watched, like he always did, as classical music blasted to his airpods until the bus hit the stop to Bristol.

In all honesty, he could ask Alfred to fetch him but the man is now too fragile to his liking to be doing him favours. He rather takes the 40 minute walk from the station to Wayne Manor. He doesn’t mind the cold, he actually prefers to be freezing every single moment of his life. He doesn’t want to be reminded of the burning desert in Iraq.

With his suitcase on his tow, he started walking to the peaceful street of Bristol. The snow gently falls into his face and quickly melts but some falls into his lashes and brows and he couldn’t bring himself to wipe it off. He likes the small blur on his sight, it shows that he doesn’t have to stay vigilant in this city. Twenty minutes into the walk, he saw the Drake Manor, still in its pristine shape, hopefully. He walked as he tried to look past the gates of the once house of his, snow is piling up but he will be visiting it once he gets his stuff unpacked.

As he starts to get closer and closer to the Wayne Manor, nostalgia hits him. The good memories flood his mind. Bruce giving them a small pat or rarely hugs, Dick trying to spoil all of his siblings, Cass putting glitter bombs to the most unique places together with Stephanie, Jason joking his death again and again, Damian giving them Alfred the Cat as a stress reliever, and Alfred giving them hot cocoa on the worst days and cookies on the best.

But obviously, if it's all just good memories, he will not leave Gotham. The bad to the worst memories starts to resurface. The threat of Arkham, the throat-slitting episode, the pushing to his death story, the I choose to follow Batman rather than to be honest with you thing, the hellish training with Lady Shiva and many more that he couldn’t remember. He shook his head to remove those memories. It’s been more than a decade since that happened and he has healed already. No need to reopen old wounds.

His time in Japan definitely made him more aware that he doesn’t need other people to love him. He can just do it himself. He starts to sleep for more than 6 hours a night. He eats three times a day, sometimes with a balanced diet, sometimes just pure sodium for ramen or just straight up scooping Nutella out of the jar. He now prioritises himself over others. He works for himself and not to get approval from anyone. He is now him, just Tim. A simple Tim that loves to photograph and now be the object of his photographs. 

Many things change over the course of time. He forgives the Waynes but he will never call himself one. Waynes never treats him like family, except for Cass, bless her pure heart, and he is now giving it back, the treatment of an acquaintance. Not family. Not friends. But acquaintances. That’s all the Waynes are to him now. Because god forbid that his teenage self is simply obsessed with them. He rolled his eyes on the thought.

As he was letting his thoughts wander, he finally arrived at the prestigious Wayne Manor. The gates are open so he let himself into the other five minute walk of the driveway. As he stared at the old oak wood door, he sighed, trying to compose himself as he will be in their presence for the next three weeks. After trying to console himself, he knocks hoping that it will be Alfred who will open the door for him. After a few minutes of waiting on the porch, the door opened, revealing the foyer of the Manor and Alfred standing in front of him.

“Hi, Alfred.” Tim smiled at the old man.

Alfred, still in shock but smiled back to him, “Welcome back, Master Tim.”

And then suddenly there is a commotion behind Alfred, making the two gentlemen on the doorway look. It shows Damian and Jason. Seems like the two are trying to race to see which one will get to the door first. Childish competitions, like what brothers do. Jason and Damian look at them, first to Alfred and next to Tim. And he looked back at them, giving them a gentle smile.

“Hi, Timmerly. You look different.” Jason spoke out of the blue.

“Thank you, Jason.” He said, “You look different, too.” he added. Jason has indeed changed. The white stripe of hair due to the dip is still there but the face and the body itself evolved. Jason looked taller than he last saw him, The tight wool sweater emphasises the bulk body of Jason. And that face of his, is always exceptional but more relaxed.

There he heard a cough and gave his attention to the person. “Timothy, you look alright.” Damian said, standing in his glorious 6 foot 3. His tanned skin is honeyed perfection and his build is more similar to Bruce and Jason. Green eyes looked at him like it was captivating his soul. The Demon Brat is gone and was replaced by a hulking man.

He was shocked for a fleeting second before replying, “Thank you, Damian.”

“Young Masters, as much as I like that the three of you are conversing like normal human beings, Master Timothy needs to go inside first. It is freezing out there.” Alfred interrupts them and tells Jason and Damian that he is still indeed on the porch. Jason without waiting a moment, went and grabbed his suitcase and he proceeded to go inside the manor. 

Tim asked Alfred, “Where will Jason put my suitcase?”

“In your room, Master Tim. I mean, your old room.”

“Oh.” He just said as he took off his scarf and coat and gave it to Alfred, as he left the three on the foyer.

He starts walking into the Manor and walks past the library with the rest that didn’t meet him on the door. Steph and Cass are cuddling each other on the couch while Bruce is on the loveseat fiddling something in the tablet, probably about Wayne Enterprise, and Dick is on one of the bean bags that is scattered in the library. The first one to notice him is Cass, of course.

“Little brother, welcome.” She said as she reached out one of her arms to him. Her acknowledgement of his presence makes everyone in the room aware of his existence.

“Timmy!” Dick shouted as went to him and hugged him. It kinda still startled him a little bit, but he awkwardly hugged Dick back. 

Bruce gave him a smile, “Welcome back, Tim.”

Steph hit his back, “When Cass actually told us that you will come for our wedding, we didn’t believe her.“

Tim touched the spot Steph hit, “I would not miss it for the world.” Then he walked to Cass, “Hey, sis.” Cass smiled back at him. “Winter wedding, really?” 

“Hey, winter weddings are beautiful. And Cass will look like an angel.”

“And you are the demon that made Cassandra fall down from heaven.” A voice joined them, it’s Damian.

“Hey! That’s mean!”

The chaos and noises are relatively relaxing but when he yawns, he excuses himself. “Going to sleep, Timmy?” He nodded and replied with, “Jetlagged.”

Tim tried to remember where his room was. And thank god, he found it with no anomalies. He entered the room and saw the room that he left. The room is completely gone with cans of energy drinks or packaging of junk foods. The bed is comforting as he remembers, he saw his suitcase next to the nightstand. He opens it and gets a fitted cashmere turtleneck and fleece sweatpants. He took a quick shower and changed. He laid down on the bed and let sleep take him.

 He woke up the sun already down and darkness already took the city. He grabbed his phone and looked at what time it was. 8:05 am. Huh?? Oh, his phone is still in the Japanese Time Zone. He quickly changes it and freshens up. He looked at the wide mirror in his bathroom, and assessed himself. He knows he changed when he moved to Japan. His toned body was dissolved into a more lean one. His hair was maintained into a shoulder length, but his hair is shining with a red undertone in the right light. He has an ear piercing. His face was more round and yet still sharp. He got taller but still the smallest to Wayne, even Cass is taller than him. No, he is not salty about it.

He scooped up a handful of water and splashed his face and hair. Once he could feel his rationality and sanity came back to him, he dried his face and went down to the kitchen. He needs something to ingest in his body, anything. He saw Alfred was making something in the kitchen.

“Master Tim, you are finally awake. Will you please call the others for dinner?”

“Sure, Alfred.”

He found everyone in the largest living room. Damian and Dick playing chess, Damian is winning. Stephanie is doing something together with Duke. Bruce is with Cass flipping in the catalogue of whatever they still need to add to the wedding.

“Hey, Alfred told me to get you all. Dinner is ready.”

Dinner is rather peaceful, but rather uncomfortable. Whenever his eyes linger for a little second longer on a dish, Dick is already putting it on his plate. Damian kept on giving him a piece of whatever Damian thought he liked. Jason is spoon feeding him on dishes on what Jason thinks he will like. If this continues, he will be fat and as a model he would rather not have that. The Japanese Modelling World is so strict when it comes to thinness of their own.

But after that dinner, he sighed as walked to his room, he grabbed a velvet box and went to what he thinks is Cass' room.

He knocked, then he opened the door. Waynes are known for just busting your door open before coming in, because apparently, privacy is a social construct. Tim is not a Wayne anymore and also he is one of the decent people who actually knocks before coming inside of someone’s personal space.

“Hey Cass. I got you something.” he said as he looked at his sister.

“What is it?”

Instead of answering, he pulled a velvet box and gave it to Cass. Cass accepts it and opens the blue velvet box, revealing a silver hair comb pin. Cass looked at him with huge eyes. He smiled at his sister, “My mother wore that at her wedding. She says my grandmother and my great grandmother also wear that to their wedding, and I feel like I am not the rightful owner of such a piece.”

Cass hugged him. He missed how tight Cass hugs him. The comfortable warmth that brings pleasant memories only, none of those scorching heat of Iraq. Maybe, maybe he can stay here for three weeks for Cass. For Cass.