#buy tissue paper/gift bags? no my family will just pass the same ones around over and over

[gideonisms]

Obsessed with people who are cheap about things that are not that hard to acquire at low prices. Yes we SHOULD be taking tp from work. Nona was right

[works-of-fanfiction]

Harmless Fun - Graham Coxon x Reader

Summary: Graham agrees to a date at the funfair with the reader. (I imagined 2020/21 Graham whilst writing this, but you can view him however you like.)

Requested by: Anon - who wanted to see an older introverted Graham with an extroverted reader - I put a little spin on this with Graham coming out of his shell more throughout. I hope I did the idea justice!

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 2.8k

___________________

Among the extravagant rides, flashing lights and hundreds of people, Graham and I seem so small. We link arms as we walk into the funfair, exchanging a couple pounds each for fluorescent orange paper wristbands and glow-in-the-dark hand stamps shaped like goldfish. Graham’s smudges across his knuckles a little and we both make fun of the distorted icon on his skin. “That’s a very chubby goldfish.” I giggle, tracing the outline of it with my finger then comparing it to my own.

“No, yours is just starving. Look!” Graham points at my stamp, rubbing his finger over it to try and smudge it. It doesn’t budge and I laugh mockingly before tugging on his hand to drag him further down the gravelled entryway.

We reach a red arch covered in bright lights, mimicking a stereotypical dressing room mirror, like the kind you’d see in a movie. Graham and I spend the next couple of minutes dodging couples and families taking photos, the repetitive sounds of phone cameras clicking and flashes going off. Coming to a halt, I pull Graham to the side and grab my film camera from my tote bag. I wiggle it in front of his face, donning the classic puppy dog eyes to try and get my way. “Y/N…” He starts, taking the camera from my hand. “There’s so many people here. We can take a photo inside.”

“But this is such a nice spot! It’s so bright and sparkly. It’ll make such a pretty picture, Gra.” I beg, batting my eyelashes like a spoilt toddler. He sighs, winding up the camera and holding down the flash button until it lights up. I clap my hands together happily, giving him a quick side-hug before shuffling to the middle of the arch. “Ask him to take the photo.” I whisper, gesturing towards a man stood nearby. Graham shakes his head, holding the camera up to his face.

“Let me take one of you.”

“You’re just making excuses not to be in the picture!” I whine, my hands on my hips as I stare into the lens. Graham unexpectedly presses the button, the flash catching me off guard. “Hey! I wasn’t ready.”

“But you were posing.” He teases, winding the camera again. I shake my head, laughing as I link arms with him and lead him away.

“You still owe me a photo later.” I huff, grabbing the camera and tucking it back into my bag.

Graham chuckles, giving me a kiss on the temple and whispering in my ear, “I win.” I playfully slap his chest and he gasps, pretending it hurts. “Don’t hit the old man.”

“You’re not an old man!” I protest, standing on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek. He smiles, unlinking our arms to wrap his around my shoulder. He pulls me close and I settle into his side so perfectly, it’s almost like I was made specifically to be there. “Thank you for agreeing to this.” I say quietly, my arm lazily slung around his back, holding onto his denim jacket.

“Well, you were very persuasive.” He taunts, prodding me in the upper arm and earning himself another slap to the chest.

“Graham! Don’t say that in public.”

“Say what?”

“That! People will hear you.”

“Oh, they don’t know what I’m talking about.” He teases, leaning down to kiss my head. “You always know how to get your own way with me.” His hand slides further up my arm and onto my shoulder, gently massaging it. My eyes flutter closed involuntarily and Graham hums, the sound so smug it snaps me out of my daydream. He knows exactly what that damn shoulder thing does to me. I bat his hand away and point to the carousel which is the first ride we come across.

“You were saying something about me getting my own way?” I slip from his grasp and run to get in line.

“Y/N! The carousel… really?”

“Come on! It’ll be fun.”

Graham looks around, clearly worried or bothered about something. I leave the line before anybody joins behind me and go back over to him. “What’s wrong?” I ask, hands resting on either side of his arms.

“I’m just - I don’t know. We’ll stick out like a pair of sore thumbs on there.” He scratches his head, looking past me at the people climbing onto the brightly painted horses.

“Who cares?” I whisper, leaning closer to him and pressing a light kiss to his nose, before rubbing my nose against his. His glasses graze my face and I pull away, swiping his lenses with my sleeve to make sure I don’t leave any smudges behind. “Shall we?” I ask, holding out my hand to him.

He’s quiet for a moment, giving the carousel one last look before his eyes come back to meet mine. I smile hopefully, my hand still flat awaiting his to connect with it. He sighs and takes my hand, pushing his glasses up onto his nose with the other. “Alright. But I’m having that grey horse there.”

Graham’s horse is on the left, closer to the centre of the ride. I take the white horse beside him and hold onto the gold pole with one hand, the other still in Graham’s. He looks at me and smiles shyly as the ride begins to start, a corny rendition of ABBA’s ‘Mamma Mia’ playing on what sounds like an organ. We both roll our eyes and I listen out for the chorus, joining in with it. Graham bows his head, laughing quietly as I sing the lyrics at the top of my lungs, bopping from side to side and nodding my head to the music. “Why, why did I ever let you go? Mamma Mia! Now I really know - my my, I should not have let you go!” I sing, letting go of the ride to pretend I have a microphone in my hand. Graham leans over and grabs my wrist, pressing my hand back onto the pole.

“Hold on!” He shouts over the music and my tone deaf singing. I flash him an apologetic smile, cheekily blowing him a kiss and carrying on with the song. As the tune fades to an end, so does the ride. He jumps down from his horse and helps me off of mine. We head down the stairs and stand beside the ride control box where Graham stops to fix my hair, moving a piece out of my face and smoothing the rest with his palms. “Did you enjoy that?”

“Very much so!” I grin, staring up at Graham whose face is lit up by the carousel. His eyes catch the light and I can’t help but smile at just how beautiful he looks. The slight salt and pepper colour of his hair is more visible and I reach my hand up to run it through his fringe. “You’re so pretty, Graham.”

“Pretty?”

“That’s what I said.”

His gaze struggles to meet mine and I can’t help the giggle that passes through my lips. “Look at you getting all embarrassed! Is that a blush I see on your cheeks?” I tease, poking his cheek with my finger.

“Stop it…” He says, his voice small and unbelievably adorable. I wrap my arms around him to give him a hug, resting my cheek against his chest. He hugs me back, his chin resting on my head as we slowly sway under the lights. “Are you hungry?” He finally asks and I nod.

We head over to the food stalls and I find a bench, grabbing my scarf from my bag and laying it across the seat before sitting down. Graham stands, looking at the different options. “What do you fancy?” He asks, leaning down and holding onto my shoulders, his face hovering next to mine as I read the banner of each stall.

“I’ll just have some fries. Can we get donuts later?”

“Of course we can get donuts later.” He plants a kiss on my cheek and heads over to get the food, leaving me to save our seats. Taking the camera from my bag, I sneakily snap a picture of Graham as he waits for our orders. His attention is focused on something in the distance so he doesn’t notice the three clicks of the camera flash. One photo is never enough when it comes to Graham. Even if I filled a thousand albums with pictures of him, I’d still want to make it a thousand and one.

He’s back in no time with an extra large tray of fries and a bunch of sauce packets in his hand. He dumps the sauces on the table, putting down the food and untucking two cans of lemonade from under his arm. “I didn’t know if you’d want ketchup or mustard so I just got both.” He shrugs, sliding onto the bench beside me and tearing open a sachet of ketchup. He makes a space on the tray and empties the sauce out, wasting no time and tucking into the fries. I do the same but with mustard, and we assume a comfortable silence as we eat. The action continues around us as various songs play at each ride, all muddling into one and mixing with people’s squeals and screams. The scent of different foods surrounds us and almost tempts me into trying more, but I resist. We clean the tray of fries pretty quickly and decide to walk around, cans of lemonade still in hand as we explore the fairground more.

We spend the next twenty minutes making conversation about everything we spot around the fair. There’s stalls of handmade crafts and gifts which is something neither of us have ever seen before at an event like this. I marvel at the array of trinkets and lovingly crafted items, pointing things out to Graham that I think he might like. I come across a watercolour painting of a man playing the guitar, his silhouette illuminated by the night’s sky as he perches on the edge of a dock like a fisherman. The detail in the picture is spectacular, every brush stroke purposeful in making the painting perfect. I scuttle to Graham who’s a couple of stalls over and bring him over to show him the painting. I watch as his eyes light up like headlights in the snow, and we both look at each other with beaming smiles on our faces. No words need to be exchanged for us to combine some money and buy the picture. The artist carefully wraps the canvas in tissue paper before tucking it into a stiff cardboard box. I thank her and she thanks us right back for supporting her work. We look at a few other things before continuing on our walk.

“This’ll look great in your studio, Graham.” I enthuse, holding tightly onto the box. “Although I do wish you would’ve let me buy it for you.”

“It’s not just my painting, it’s ours.” He states simply, taking my hand and bringing it to his face to kiss the back of my knuckles. A rush of heat spikes up my neck and onto my cheeks, and my gaze falls to the ground like a lovesick rom-com character.

As we walk, Graham gets onto the topic of fairground mini games and how they’re rigged to make more money and have barely any winners. It’s hard not to laugh at his rambling, and I tease him for being so uptight about it. “I’m not uptight! It’s the truth!”

“It’s for kids, Graham.”

“Exactly! Which is why it shouldn’t be such a scam. It’s not fair for kids to keep losing.” As he speaks, I spot a Hook-A-Duck game and grab his arm to stop him. He notices the stall and frowns, his expression the complete opposite of the ear-to-ear grin taking over my face.

“Go on, Gra! Have a go!” I chime, wrapping my arms around his left arm like a koala bear attached to a tree. “That stuffed panda up there looks like he needs a home.”

“That stuffed panda is too big to be a real prize, Y/N. You’ll be lucky if I win that plastic snake down there.”

“It’s worth a shot.”

I pull him towards the game, handing money to the woman at the counter. She hands me the rod and I turn to Graham, thrusting it into his grasp. “You weren’t kidding.” He says, reluctantly taking it.

“Nope!”

He aims the hook towards the brightest yellow duck in the middle of the water. His grip is a little shaky and he misses the first couple of tries, but he eventually gets it. The worker grabs the duck and turns it over to show a big black star on the bottom of it. Graham drops the rod and looks at me, embarrassment covering his face as the large stuffed panda bear is brought down from the top shelf and handed over to us. “Congratulations! You found the grand prize duck.” The worker cheers, pushing the bear towards Graham. He awkwardly thanks her, picking up the oversized plush toy and carrying it over to the nearest bench.

I can’t contain my laughter as he stares at the bear, one hand on his hip and the other scratching his head. “Well, this is ridiculous.”

“He’s cute!” I squeal, sitting down and cuddling the panda close. “I’m going to name him Leslie.”

“Very funny.” Graham quips, trying hard not to smile but I can see the smirk beginning to tug at the corners of his mouth. I give the teddy bear another big squeeze, encouraging the smile to finally surface on Graham’s more than perfect face. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

“Who? Me or the bear?” I raise my eyebrows and he moves closer to me, bending down to press a gentle kiss to my lips. I grab him by his jacket and pull him closer, causing him to stumble a little and almost fall on top of me. He steadies his feet, kissing me again, his hand cupping my cheek. For a second it feels like we’re the only people there, until the screams of those on the dodgems pull us out of our private moment. We both jump at the sound, Graham’s cheeks turning slightly pink before he buries his face in my neck.

“Look at us snogging at the fair like a pair of teenagers.” He mumbles, his hair tickling my skin as he talks. I find his shoulders and push him to stand up straight, standing with him.

“Oh, let them stare! I’m not embarrassed and neither should you be.” I encourage, embracing him in a hug and fluttering kisses along his jaw. He squirms a little and complains about being ticklish, moving his head around to try and dodge me. He slips away and grabs the panda bear, throwing it onto his shoulders like a parent carrying their child, or a festival-goer balancing their drunken friend. I laugh, tossing our empty cans into the bin before linking my arm with his once again.

With a giant stuffed bear in tow, it becomes increasingly more difficult to get on rides and find somewhere safe to leave it. We settle on the ferris wheel, sitting beside one another with the panda facing us. Graham stays close, his arm wrapped tightly around me as we go up into the air and look down on the view of the funfair as well as the city around us. “Sorry we didn’t get to do much. Bloody stupid bear.” Graham scoffs, gesturing to the mountain of stuffing and fake fur occupying the opposite seat.

“I don’t mind. I’ve had a lovely time.” I rest my head on his shoulder, reaching over to hold his hand. His fingers entwine with mine, his thumb rubbing circles over the back of my hand as we listen to the faint sounds of the music below us. “I’m really glad we agreed to do date nights more regularly.”

“Me too, but I’m planning the next one. Preferably somewhere with fewer screaming people.”

“Here’s me thinking you enjoyed the company of overexcited strangers.” I joke, nuzzling my nose into his neck and inhaling the addictive scent of his cologne. He rubs his cheek against my head like a cat showing affection.

“I’d enjoy having you to myself much more.”

“Then it’s a date.” I giggle, kissing his cheek and feeling his short stubble tickle my upper lip. He turns his head for his lips to meet mine, kissing me as we both mumble “I love you”s against one another’s mouths.

Graham is the first to pull away, slouching in his seat and slipping his hand into my bag. He pulls out the camera and smiles at me. “How about we take that photo together now?”

[everafterkeiji]

Summary: When your first Christmas with Suga turns into a bit of a sweet mess.

Pairing: Koshi Sugawara x gn!reader

Word count: 3.4k

Genre: fluff

A/N: god help me i wrote this on INSTINCT, dropped EVERYTHING for this baby. Also happy holidays my lil melodies!!

"Asahi please stop freaking out."

Sugawara says through the phone as he hears complains and whines from Asahi, panicking where he misplaced Suga's gift for Y/N. He strictly ordered Asahi to hide his present for you knowing it's all you've been talking about for months. Next thing he knows, Asahi calls him completely frantic acting like he's completely destroyed their friendship.

Suga laughs as he hears random sounds from objects assuming Asahi was carelessly running through his house finding the beautifully wrapped gift. Meanwhile he was preparing all the ingredients needed for these extremely adorable Christmas inspired cupcakes that he and Y/N found. He was looking at the list of the things needed before setting everything on the kitchen counter.

"SUGA I'M SO SORRY. WHAT IF I LOST IT?"

"Asahi you're the tidiest person I know."

"I RUINED YOUR FIRST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER. I'M SUCH A TERRIBLE PERSON."

"Asahi! Please. It's too early and when you find it please just come over and bring it to me. Y/Ns got work from that cafe so we have time. I'll call you back okay? I'll just bake." He says before hanging up the phone, leaving a very stressed Asahi, feeling like there was a baring weight on his shoulders as he finds the gift.

Meanwhile Koshi has his tongue poking out as he figures out what the woman on the video just said. As he mixes the ingredients together, he can't help but smile when he realizes how important it was for the two of you.

As mentioned, it was your first Christmas together and this man was not going to pass up on the opportunity to show you how much you mean to him. You've got this lovesick fool wrapped around your finger, completely struck by your beauty and characteristics. You felt the exact same, feeling as if the gods gave you one of their prized possessions. How could you even deny the butterflies that surround you when he holds your hand, or even when he takes your bag on the way home.

Everything about him was already a gift from the heavens.

So here he was, completely forgetting what a budget meant, buying you the object you've been endlessly fangirling about it, even if you joked that you accepted him with a little bow wrapped around his head. Though he was willing to do it just to hear your laugh, he'd rather choose spoiling you instead. You can possibly imagine the way he looked, so confident swinging the little paper bag in his hands as he walked as if he won a lottery. He also bought you another gift that you didn't even request for. He just wanted to see the way your eyes would shine when you receive it.

As for you, you also forgot about your initial plan of spending less than what you expected. You didn't really settle on one thing, you had the cute idea of putting all the things he loved in a box along with all your photos together and with some heart warming letter you knew he would love. He loved the way you would stick notes on his favorite snacks and giving it to him when he was off to practice, or even the way he changed his alarm to you continuously telling him if he doesn't wake up he gets less hugs.

You figured that he adored your little acts of love instead of buying him a shirt or a sweater so you figured it benefitted your time preparation for his present. Also maybe buying everything that reminded him of you wasn't a brilliant idea.

It took you several days of torturing yourself from spilling the secret. You can never hide anything from your boyfriend- I mean how can you? One glance from his soft eyes was enough for you to surrender any information you've got so Daichi had to physically clasp his hand over your mouth just because he didn't trust that you have the ability to keep the secret to yourself. You thanked him knowing it was difficult to do especially when all you wanna do is ramble on how you found this plushie that you got him.

So when the universe put you two together, its absolutely the same for him.

He had to physically beg for Asahi to hide it from you knowing he was to be the least suspected one to just blurt out a secret. The con is Asahi was at the top for being anxious and being too caring. Though he deeply wished he picked Daichi, he figured he was practically a bridge for you two so he disregarded the idea. Seeing Asahi all worked up about the gift was quite humorous to Suga.

"Suga- honey do you know what that means?"

"Yes what is it darling?"

"We'll have our first Christmas together!" You exclaim, clapping your hands with a smile on your face as he chuckles draping an arm on your shoulder. He kisses the side of your head as you automatically lean into his touch.

"And I'm excited for everything, hun." He says with his heart jumping in glee at the idea of being under theChristmas lights with you, imagining you two snuggled up talking for hours just embracing the warmth of each other.

"Even New Years!"

Sugawara smiles as he reminisces the precious memories you two have made in the short amount of time. It amazes him how a person was able to consume his thoughts on a daily, how every second with you felt like he wanted it to last for a lifetime. You overwhelm his heart with so much adoration and he can't help but feel as if he was given a slice of heaven whenever he's around you.

"You do know Y/N likes you right?" Daichi asks as he sets the vice captains heart on fire with what he just said. Suga let's out a nervous giggle before waving his hand back and forth as an act of denial. Daichi laughs at his gestures, examining the pink tinted cheeks of his fellow teammate.

"C'mon, Suga."

"I-it's not like Y/N likes me back the way I do!" Daichi lets out another laugh as he runs a hand through his locks. Sugawara wipes the sweat from his forehead, finding it challenging to think about them having mutual feelings for each other. His mind can't focus on the probability of you two dating since he figured he'd feel as if he was on cloud nine if that were to happen. Another heat wave rushes to his cheeks as he shakes his head no.

"Koshi!" A voice shouts, making him yelp..his confession.

"YES I LIKE Y/N."

"ME?"

"Y/N?"

"SUGA!"

".. oh no."

He remembers how he wanted to faint that day, definitely disappointed he confessed to her opposite to what he had in mind. He wanted it to be in a calm place, only them with possibly a scenery in front of them but instead he got a funny confession, yelping like a girl before declaring his love in hopes what surprised him was Daichi but was faced with Y/N instead. In the eyes if the universe, it seemed too funny yet wholesome while Sugawara thinks it's too clumsy and could've been way better.

So with the disaster of a confession, he made it up to you by bringing you along on fantastic dates. Sugawara developing a habit of picking random things that you had on that date whether it'd be a tissue that you drew on a smiley face with, or the receipt of what you ordered that day. It was such a cute habit seeing him pick them up and just shoving it in his bag, he'll pretend he hid nothing but later on you saw a little box under his bed filled with the objects with dates on each of them.

"Koshi what's this?" You ask shaking the box in your hands as his eyes widen running to you and softly taking it away from your hands. He chuckles nervously, arms waving around you as if he was protecting it with his life. You laugh at his actions before attacking him from behind hugging him, trying to stop him from moving any farther. Suga let's out a war cry, desperate to not give into your embrace.

"NO I WILL NOT SURRENDER TO SUCH CUTENESS."

"WHAT IS IN THERE SUGA."

He trips as he walks, making you follow behind him, falling the same way he did. You fall to the floor laughing at the stupidity of you two. You were facing him as you take in the way his laughter was the best thing you've ever heard. He had his eyes closed with his smile brighter than the sun as his chuckle echoes through the room. You let your hand rest on his cheek before leaning in and kissing his temple. This quickly had the young man turn his head to you with flustered cheeks and sleepish smile.

"Seems like you're incredibly in love with me."

"What's so wrong with that?"

Before he could land a peck on your forehead, you grab the box from his hand earning a gasp of betrayal from your boyfriend as you quickly jog to a corner opening the box, and what was in this so called treasure chest was filled with random objects. As you take in the tissue in your hands, you see his handwriting on it with the date of your recent date. You smile as he comes behind you wrapping arms around your waist, resting his head on your shoulder.

"You know you're too cute for me, Suga. You're gonna make me have a heart attack with this."

"At least I can you were drop dead in love with me."

"Okay now- that wasn't cute."

This automatically carries a smile on your lips as you give the last customer their drink. Seems like everyone was affected by the chilly holiday feels since there were no customers that pissed you off like usual. Everyone was rushing to spend time with their families at home. Your family along with Suga's were spending the holiday together, happily welcoming the boy into your family. Although you found it funny when Suga acted so nervous when he was invited to spend it with them.

So as promised, your boss insisted everyone to go home early making you take your time in cleaning up.

-

"Asahi! You made it happy holidays!" Suga softly pats the ace's shoulder giving him a smile. Asahi does the same, setting down your gift on the table. Asahi takes a seat on the couch admiring the way the room was filled with decorations, with polaroids clipped with fairy lights, even a tiny Christmas tree in the corner borrowed from your parents.

"Seriously thank you for bringing it over, where did you find it?" Asahi chuckles as he removes his scarf.

"It was in my drawer all along. I thought I hid it in my cabinet so that's why I panicked." Suga shakes his head in amusement.

"I'd like to stay but my moms making me buy something from the store." Asahi says standing up. He hands Sugawara a box that was wrapped neatly with a gold ribbon at the middle. Suga's eyebrows were raised in confusion as he sees the little tag that said "To: Suga, From: Daichi and Asahi", he then smiles before handing a present to him as well. They both bid a thank you to each other before Asahi leaves.

As Suga leaves your present on the counter so he can continue cleaning up the mess he made from baking.

That's when he heard a knock to the door as he takes a peak in the little hole seeing his lovely lover standing in the doorway. Then he realizes that his present for you was just laying around and the kitchen was still pretty much a disaster. So he dashes as fast as he could.

You were replying to messages from Kiyoko and Yachi and he simply thanks the world that it was sparing him time.

And with such speed, comes with great responsibility. He accidentally knocks down the flour on the counter, where the tiny box was placed making it covered in flour making him puff in annoyance. With the dust making its way to his nostrils, this unfortunate makes him sneeze making the whip of air carry the flour residue land on his face, giving his face a powder like finish, along with his hair. This absolutely had him at complete shock as he hears the door open.

"Suga honey! Oh- what the hell happened." You say with a slight giggle as you snap a picture of your beloved boyfriend covered in flour. Looking back at the photo, you laugh even more, him swiftly hiding the flour covered box in his hands shoving it in his pockets.

"Y/N! Ah- I'm so sorry." He says before you set down your bag and remove your shoes as you set the cookies from the cafe on the counter. You take in how he looks with a frown on his plump lips as you smile softly before going over to him, your finger landing on the flour as your fingers swipe across your face joining him in the little flour art on either of your faces. He chuckles as his flour covered hands land on your cheek.

"How do you make it look so cute, sugar?" He asks as he gives a slight squish to your cheeks. You roll your eyes at his words as he places a delicate peck on your forehead.

"Are you sure it's really okay? I could clean this up all by myself you go ahead and take a shower!" He says but even if you insisted on helping him he disagrees.

"But-"

"Nope nope, I did this, it's my responsibility. Now shoo!" He says pushing your back to go on ahead and shower, the habit he's been doing to Kageyama and Nishinoya. You giggle at his actions before finally giving in to his demands.

During your well spent shower you hear a scream from the outside. You immediately grab your towel, wiping away the water in your eyes and wrapping it around your figure, frantically opening the door.

"Suga?!"

"Y/N wait no I'm fine!"

You look up to see smoke coming from the oven with your boyfriend in his adorable apron with matching mittens fanning his hands as he quickly brings out the tray of burnt cookies as you both lock eyes now both widening at the same time at the sight of you.

"Oh! Wait! Look away!"

"SUGA!"

"WAIT NO I SHOULD LOOK AWAY!"

Suga covers his eyes as he tries to stumble around the room trying to move around the counter. Thankfully, he screamed when you were finished showering so you grabbed the clothes you had from the room to help the poor boy, changing while he had his eyes covered. You still had your hair dripping wet but you immediately remove the hands from his face, revealing a very red Suga.

"Koshi, love. What happened?"

"I'm sorry! I can't believe I just messed up everything for our..first Christmas." Sugawara slides down on the floor feeling like he's lost all the time to make up for everything. Y/N sits beside him taking his had and leaning it your shoulder while your hands rummage through his hair, comforting him.

"Love, you didn't ruin it. I promise you that. If its any consolation, I think you look absolutely cute in your outfit." Sugawara lifts his head off your shoulder with a pout to his lips. You giggle at the sight of him before gently placing a peck on his pretty lips.

"And a frown doesn't suit it." You say before he chuckles bringing you into his arms, a move to hide his face. You laugh as he practically hugs you even tighter.

"Should we even bother to taste the cookies?"

"Oh please no I don't wanna go to the hospital on Christmas."

-

"Okay now gift giving time!"

Suga tugs on your hand underneath the table as you look at him, as he turns his head to the side signalling for the two of you to leave the table for a while. You excused yourselves. Suga leads you into the empty room as he excitedly sits down on the bed, and you followed his actions.

"So what are you up to, mysterious man?" You ask as Sugawara pulls out a tiny box from his pockets. Your eyebrows were raised, confused at the tiny little thing. He then goes behind you pushing back your hair as you feel a cold material hit your neck. Your fingers grazes over the thin material as you feel an circle charm on it that felt like there was distinct design from the texture. You close your eyes with a smile, already loving how he was so delicate. Once he locks it, you immediately hop off the bed rushing to the nearest mirror as your eyes set upon the dainty piece.

It was a gold necklace with a small disc charm in the middle with a letter S along with engravings of your favorite flower at the bottom. You gasp at how it was able to emit such beautiful details of the flowers. He wraps his arms behind you, resting his head on yours as light bounces off the mirror from where his finger was. Curious, you turned to him as you take a hold of each hand, then finding him wearing a ring with your initial with the same flower esque design on your necklace. It was placed in his ring finger and you covered your face, speechless at everything.

Suga takes this a sign that you were absolutely bewildered by his gift and he smiles as he pulls you into his arms.

"You're absolutely god-sent, it's unfair at this point." You say as he chuckles, he pulls away to see you pouting as he tucks a piece of hair behind your ear, letting his hand rest on your cheek like usual making you rest your cheeks weight on his hand.

"I know this isn't our only Christmas, we've got so many to go through. I just wanted us to start off strong with this. At least, even without a holiday or special occasion, we'll always feel like the other is around. Especially, it kinda looks like I'm married to you so what else can I complain about?"

You slap his chest jokingly feeling like the waterworks were coming to meet you. He pats your hair as he lets his eyes linger on you, setting your heart on fire with the way his eyes made you feel so safe and loved.

You wipe your eyes as you make your way to the cabinet, grabbing the present and handing it to him shyly. He remains silent as he opens the box to be greeted by his favorite snacks, an adorable plushie sprayed with your perfume, along with scattered letters and photographs of you two. He takes in one of the notes that his eyes landed on.

"My little ray of sunshine! Out of all the things I could say, you've left me speechless everytime. It's just pure luck that I managed to pull an angel like you. I genuinely hope you like this and not scold me for spending too much but how can I when I'm too in love with you? Merry Christmas, my love - Y/N."

He shouts in glee taking you by surprise as he basically tackles you on the bed, hugging you for the hundredth time today as he repeatedly kept saying thank you. You laugh, finally feeling relieved that he loved your gift. He sits up like a little kid reading every note that touched his hand and his eyes sparkle everytime. It surely was a sight that could make it feel like Christmas everyday. He hugs the plushie with all his love as you snap a photo of them, admiring the way his cheeks looked squished against the softness of the toy.

"Merry Christmas, honey." You say, curled up in his chest.

"Merry Christmas too, love."

He looks at you and he hums in happiness at the sight of the both of you, welcome in each others arms and nothing but endless smiles and laughter.

"I'm so in love with you."

"Good, believe it or not but I love you more."

[devilatmydoor]

this christmas I l.r.h

a/n; the first installment of my ficmas event! this idea was totally and completely self indulgent but i thought it was a cute idea! it features one of my favorite tropes of all time!  enjoy! 

summary; You attend Michael and Crystal’s annual christmas party with your secret santa gift in hand. You receive an unexpected and priceless gift from your secret santa. 

pairing; luke/reader // word count;  1,905  masterlist / ficmas masterlist 

warnings; drinking/alcohol & fluff 

You cut the engine of your car as you reached Michael’s neighborhood, you looked at the bag in your passengers seat nervously as you grabbed it and got out of your car. You knew if you arrived any later to Crystal and Michael’s party someone would call you, most likely Luke or Ashton wondering when you’d show. You knew they wouldn’t start Secret Santa until you arrived but no telling what else would ensue as the party went on.

You locked your car and walked on the sidewalk , as you reached Michael’s place when you heard Christmas music playing. You walked up to the door and slowly opened it and by no surprise the first people you saw were Michael and Calum in the kitchen drinking the spiked eggnog you never thought you’d hear the end of. Ashton made eye contact with you and waved, you walked over to him as his dimples were on full display, “You're finally here! We were ready to send a search party for you!” He teased with a smile

"I'm hardly an hour late, where should I put my secret Santa gift?" You asked looking around for your secret Santa recipient.

"Oh right here," Ashton instructed as pointed to the table filled with gifts.

You set your gift down before Ashton led you into the kitchen as Calum and Michael refilled their cups with more eggnog, "Did you spike the drink?"

"Yeah Mike, I brought a bottle and spiked it when no one was looking." Calum shook his head as he saw you and smiled, "Eggnog?"

"I'll pass, thank you." You smile looking over the array of drink selections in front of you.

"Awh no eggnog?" You heard a familiar voice as his hand rested on the small of your back; your body tensed as your eyes met his ocean blues.

"I don't like eggnog, sue me." You shrugged as you giggled at Michael and Calum trying to figure out who spiked the drink.

His hand still on your back as he looked for something to drink, "Michael where is the tequila?"

You giggled at his desperation for his favorite drink, "Luke, I think you'll have to drink something else."

He says in frustration, the smile across his face makes it obvious he's just teasing. "But!"

All you could think about was his perfect butt. The bubble butt you found yourself staring at when he wasn't looking.

"You can't always get what you want Luke, how about peppermint schnapps?" You asked as you grabbed a cup and filled it halfway.

"Peppermint Schnapps? Love, have you ever seen me drink anything like it?" He asked as his eyes scanned the table.

"Try mine, see if you like it." You smiled handing him the cup to drink out of.

He took a sip and you looked to see his reaction, "Not so bad little one, I'll try it."

Little one, one of his pet names for you. Ever since you met he'd call you that.

"For the last time I am not little! Your just a giant and compared to you everything is small."

"Not everything," He winked as he poured a cup of schnapps.

You playfully hit his arm, "Luke!"

He chuckled as he walked with you towards an open spot on the couch. You sat next to him as you sipped your drink, he leaned toward you so only you'd hear him "Okay time to spill, who did you have?"

You giggled at his antics, you leaned closer to him to whisper, "Luke its Secret Santa for a reason!"

"Love, I'm dying to know who you have! You've been so secretive ever since we drew names." He looked around the room and then back at you.

"That's the whole point you dork! Be patient like everyone else." You teased getting off the couch as Crystal motioned you over.

"Where are you going?" He asked as his eyes never left you.

"Crystal is motioning me over, I'll be right back!" You giggled with your drinking hand as you walked towards her.

"You two are something else, I've been trying to get your attention for 5 minutes!" Crystal expressed. 

"Sorry, he's been hounding me about who I have for Secret Santa."

"Still? Him and Michael are the same! He kept bothering me!"

"Why am I not surprised? I'm gonna bring some cookies over, he's stuck drinking Peppermint Schnapps."  You joked playfully as you grabbed a plate and filled it with cookies.

"He'll never let Michael live down not buying any tequila."  She giggled as you walked toward Luke who was on his phone, you sat down and he put his phone away.

"Ouh cookies!" He smiled as he grabbed one and began eating it. You grabbed one of the iced cookies and took a bite.

"I thought you could use a snack." You smiled as you ate your cookie.

"Thank you love," He flashed his smile as you ate your cookie, "Oh you've got some. Uh-"

"I've got what?" You asked confused as he licked his thumb and swiped the pad of his thumb on the edges of your mouth.

"Icing darlin, you had some icing on your mouth." He winked as he finished his cookie and reached for another.

"Thank you, when do you think Cal and Michael will stop playing chess?" You giggled looking over at them in their own world as Ashton strummed the guitar while Kay Kay and Crystal talked.

"If one of us doesn't step in soon I reckon we'll be here past 1am with those two playing." He smiled sitting closer to you, "Now’s the time to tell me darlin, I won't tell anyone I promise.'

"Oh my god Luke!" You turned your head realizing how close his face was in proximity to yours. His pink lips agonizingly close to yours.

"Love, I'm just messing with you. When do you go home for the holidays?"

Your mind went completely blank, you suddenly couldn't remember if your family was coming to L.A or if you were going to them. Your eyes locked on his, "I'm not sure I'll be right back."  You shook your head before standing up straight and giving Ashton a knowing look. You made a run for the bathroom to take some deep breaths. You leaned against the door as you closed your eyes trying to calm down. You heard a knock at the door causing you to jump . Your eyes open as Ashton says your name.  “Yes?”

“We’re about to open presents!” He informs as you open the door to meet him.

Finally.

“Oh thank god, let’s go before they start without us.”

Ashton giggled as you walked with him towards the living room where everyone was waiting,  Matt Pauling had finally showed up which explained the wait. You sat next to the free space on the edge of the couch next to Crystal.

Ashton decided to open his first; everyone laughing at Calum’s facial expression which easily gave him away. He went next opening his gift as Crystal looked at you and then at Michael giving her tell away. Luke’s eyes met yours as you could feel your cheeks flush.

Ashton decided to switch things up as he handed Luke his gift, “Here ya go mate, you’ve been anxious all night.”

“Thanks Ash.” He smiled as he opened the gift, your heart rate increasing as you watched him open the gift from you. He looked at you, already knowing it was from you.

“Thank you love, I knew you had me.” He giggled as his cheeks turned a familiar shade of pink.

“Is that why you wouldn’t stop bothering me?” You teased as Ashton gave you your gift; you removed the tissue paper as you could cry from the contents. Everything in the bag were all of your favorite things you didn’t think anyone would pay attention to. Your favorite brand of lip balm, type of socks you loved and snacks always craved down to a gift card to your favorite store. It meant everything to you that someone paid that attention to what you loved so much.  Narrowing down who was left, Michael looked at Luke followed by you looking at him and you knew from the smile he was giving you that he gave you all of your favorites.

“Thank you Lu.” Was all you could get out as Crystal opened her gift from Matt before Michael opened his gift from Kay Kay.

Crystal leaned in, “You two had each other, no one else had each other.” She looked at Luke, “It’s almost as if-”

“Crystal don’t start with your fate nonsense.” You teased playfully shaking your head.

Michael joined in, “Crystal has a point.”

“Oh not you too, both of you need to stop watching Romcoms.”

As much as you wanted to deny that it was a coincidence, part of you wondered if it was.

Luke got off the couch and walked up to you and bent down so he was eye level with you, “Did you like your gift?”

You nodded as you smiled holding the bag in your arms, “I love it Luke, thank you.”

“Of course darlin, come with me.” He said with a smile as you followed him into the bathroom as the party continued on.

“Wanna help me put on the choker you got me?” He asked softly as he handed it to you.

“You wanna wear it?”

He nodded as you stepped closer to him as you looped his choker around his neck, his soft skin against yours as you nervously clasped the hook while Luke intently watched you.

Your eyes locked with his as you stepped backwards as your back met the door behind you. The tension between you thick as you cleared your throat hoping it would help the dryness. “Lu?”

“Yes?” He said as he ran his fingers through his curls.

“I know the timing of what I’m about to say isn’t perfect  but I can’t take it anymore.” You started as he tilted his head as he listened to the words spewing from your lips.

“I just- Uh.”

“Hey, talk to me what’s going on are you okay?” He asked, concerned as he stepped closer to you, “You know you can tell me anything.”

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

“Okay, I’m not saying this to ruin our relationship, that is the last thing I want. I’ve loved you from the moment we met and I know it’s the oldest story in the history of books,” You rambled, “But I do.”

“Is it safe to assume you're not talking about loving me as a friend but more?” You nodded as he took a deep breath, “It is the oldest story in the history of books but did you ever think  I felt the same?”

“I did but-”

“But what? I do. I always have, always will.”

You stepped closer to him as you cupped your face in his hands, “Say the words Luke.”

“I love you.”

Relieved the pad of your thumb touched his lips as he softly kissed your thumb, “I love you.”

“Oh just kiss me already will you?” He winked as he leaned forward to kiss you, his lips softer than you imagine.

You giggled as he continuously pecked your lips as your hands rested on the nape of his neck, “I had no idea the night would end like this.”

“Who said anything about it ending?”

taglist - @twilightmomentswithyou​ @lilacsos​ @suchalonelysunflower​ @calumrose​ @softlrh @clemmings @clemmings @esbisos @burstintocolor @redrattlers @himbocalum @sanrioluke @blackbutterfliescal @honeybunchcalum @sublimehood @talkfastromance4​ @redrattlers​ @lukeysdimples​ @myloverboyash​ @sublimehood​ @littledrummeraussie​ @flowers-on-the-graves​   @calumthomcs​​ @feliznavidaddycal​​ @calswildflower​​ @haikucal​​ @ukulelecal​​ @highscal​​ @sexgodashton​  @currentlyupcalsass​​​ @clemmings​​ @notinthesameguey​​ @calmlftv​​ @castaway-cashton​​ @mashlums​​ @cthwldflwr​​ @boytoynamedcalum​​  @wastelandcth​ @spicycal​ @tpwkatsumu 

[everybodyscupoftea]

keeping a secret

pike jj x reader (ft. cody and tyler)

family secret santa in which the boys can’t keep a secret

this made my heart soft btw so y’all are going to melt

(warnings: cursing, light editing)

Secret Santa never worked the way it was supposed to. The four of you drew names the weekend after Thanksgiving, and when you got together to exchange gifts, you had pretty much figured out who had who.

“There’s a forfeit this year,” you interrupted their excited chatter, clutching Cody’s name in your hand, “if I find out who everyone has before we open gifts because of y’all’s dumbasses, you all have to buy me a gift.”

Tyler scoffed, “How is it our fault, maybe you’re just nosy.”

You raised your eyebrows, “So last year you didn’t borrow my chapstick and accidentally slide your slip of paper back into my pocket with the chapstick? And then JJ didn’t literally try and buy my gift while I was in the same room?”

Cody snorted, “She may have a point.”

“Yeah, I have a point. Y’all are sucking the fun out of it, so please, keep it a secret for fuck’s sake.”

“Mhmm, sure. Um, J, what were you wanting for Christmas this year?” Cody asked, grinning at you.

“I’m going to kill you,” you threatened, flipping him off, before pulling your phone out, “everyone send what they want in the group chat.”

You watched Cody’s message roll in and had to hold back a scoff at a date please.

“Cody, you’re being difficult,” Tyler complained.

“Fine,” he huffed and sent something else.

Idk kitchen shit i guess

Now that you could work with.

-

“You know,” JJ mused from where he was lying on your bed, “I think that you have me.”

“Pardon?” you asked.

“What’d you get me for Christmas, I know you have me for Secret Santa.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, “I’m not going to ask how you came to that conclusion, but I want to make it absolutely clear that if you try and ruin Secret Santa again, I will kill you.”

“You won’t,” he answered, confidently, “but I know because Tyler obviously has Cody after the text thing. And I have-” you lunged across the bed to clap your hand over his mouth.

“Maybank, I thought I was clear.”

He smirked and licked your palm until you jerked your hand back, JJ answered, innocent tone of voice, “I was just going to say that I have someone other than myself.”

“Sure you were.”

As you moved to stand, he frowned, grabbing your wrist, “I promise I’ll drop it. Can we study?”

“That’s what you’re here for.”

-

Wanna go to the mall this afternoon

Came onto your phone in the middle of your class, and you sighed, reminding yourself to respond to Tyler once the lesson was finished. Your professor let the class out early, and you responded, walking toward your apartment.

Yeah sure. What time?

Now. I’ll pick you up at your apartment

Okay I’m not quite there yet

I know. I’m sitting outside

You snorted, not even remotely surprised. He was parked right outside your building, looking down at his phone, and you ducked, sneaking around the front of his truck before popping up and tapping on the driver’s window.

He jumped high enough that his head slammed into the roof and screamed so loud and high pitched that even you flinched. Tyler grabbed his chest and glared at you, flipping you off.

Laughing, you ran around the truck and climbed into the passenger seat and asked, “What’s up, creep?”

“Nothing much, asshole.”

“To the mall?” you said, buckling up.

“Yeah, gotta get my Secret Santa gift.” You gave him a look, and he glanced over at you at a red light, “What?”

“Ty, baby, please tell me you’re not bringing me to spoil Secret Santa.”

“I’m,” he paused, “not?”

“Uh huh. Well, I hope you’re buying one for me too, that’s the deal.”

“How do you know I’m not getting one for you in the first place.”

“Tyler,” you warned, “I swear to god.”

“Darling,” he answered, “I’m not religious.”

You groaned, “I’m going to kill you before your driving does.”

-

“I need help,” Cody told you, sitting down with a dramatic frown.

“With what?” you tossed your notebook aside to give him your full attention.

He smiled sheepishly, “Can you wrap my gift for me?”

“What?”

“I know you’re joking. Did the three of you plan this? You’ve all done this.”

“Done what?”

“Tried to ruin it for me.”

“Nope, it’s honestly coincidental and absolutely hilarious.”

You rolled your eyes, “I’m not helping you.”

“Fine,” he pouted, “I guess that my person will be very disappointed, don’t want to upset-” and before he could answer, you kicked out and hit his thigh hard.

“Cody, you’re going to make me do something drastic.”

He smirked, “Oh yeah, like what?”

“I’m going to spoil it for you. I know how much you love Christmas.”

Cody looked conflicted, “Damn, you’ve kinda got me there.”

“Wrap your own damn gifts.”

-

You showed up to the frat house in your pajamas, ready to exchange gifts. Cody was in the kitchen, finishing up some snacks for the group, and you leaned against the counter, “Good afternoon, sir.”

“Good afternoon, ma’am.”

“Excited for today?”

He beamed, “Of course.”

Tyler stumbled into the kitchen rubbing sleep out of his eyes, and you gaped at him, “Bro, it’s 2 p.m.”

He yawned, scratching his stomach, “I’m catching up on sleep.”

“From what?”

“Life, bro. It’s exhausting being alive.”

Which, fucking true. You held your fist out for him to bump, “Feel that.”

“Nap later,” he suggested and you nodded.

JJ came down the stairs next and tilted your chin up to kiss you hello, tapping his fingers on your jaw a few times before pulling back.

Tyler made a gagging noise and reached for a mug of coffee Cody poured. JJ rolled his eyes, “Don’t be bitter.”

“Can we just open gifts?” Tyler whined.

You laughed and nodded, “Yes, let’s take a seat, shall we?”

Cody looked at you warily, “Why the tone?”

“Tone?” you asked, faking innocence.

JJ side eyed you, “You know?”

“I know.”

Tyler groaned, “Literally how? Who blabbed?”

“Cody did. He drunk texted me asking what JJ wanted.”

He smiled sheepishly, “I have zero recollection.”

“Okay but how did you figure out the rest?” Tyler interrupted.

“You have me, we didn’t buy anything at the mall that time we went, but you followed me around all afternoon, trying to figure out what I was interested in.” Tyler narrowed his eyes, “That obvious, huh?”

“It was. Which means JJ has you because I have Cody.”

Pushing himself back, JJ laughed, “Got it in one.”

You crossed your arms, “So I will be accepting gifts from JJ and Cody in the near future, thanks.”

Cody sighed, “We figured you’d find out, so we actually already ordered them, just not in yet.”

“Oh my god,” Tyler muttered, “y’all are awful.”

“Hey,” Cody pointed at him accusatory, “just because you weren’t at fault doesn’t mean you get to take a moral high ground, you’re the one who ruined it last year.”

“Yeah,” JJ added on, “I’m the only one who gets to take it.”

“You ruined it the first year,” you reminded him, “well, Brooke did I guess. She texted me asking why the fuck you were spending more money on my gift than hers.”

Tyler choked on his coffee, “What?!”

JJ’s jaw dropped, and you suddenly realized you’d never told any of them about it. They all stared at you, waiting for a response, “Yeah, she was mad I guess.”

“Jesus Christ,” JJ muttered.

Cody laughed, “God she was the fucking worst. That’s why your gift was cheap sweetheart.”

After a few more seconds of laughter, JJ finally interrupted, “Okay, we should actually exchange gifts.”

“Right, so, I had Cody,” you started, passing over your gift.

He tore into it and pulled out the apron that said plant mom in a script font with plants scattered randomly all over the front. He snorted, “This is fucking fantastic.

“Thank you,” you beamed, “but there’s actually more, so don’t get stuck on the apron.”

Cody pulled out a set of hockey tickets, two for the upcoming Hurricanes Leafs matchup and gasped, “Dude, oh my god, I’m going to kiss you right now.”

Laughing, you puckered your lips, “Any time, baby.”

JJ chuckled, “Mr. Steal My Girl, huh?”

“Maybank, she’d leave you in a fucking heartbeat for a Leafs player, we both know that. I’m not quite as great, but I’m close,” Cody fired back, softening it by sliding his gift for JJ across the table. 

Picking it up, JJ shook it a few times before digging through the bag. He made a weird face and pulled out a pair of boxers. His jaw dropped and Cody was very clearly holding in laughter.

“What is it?” Tyler asked, eyebrows furrowed.

Wordlessly, he held them up and flipped them around so everyone could see daddy issues written across the ass in pink writing.

You and Tyler busted out laughing as Cody sat, arms crossed looking smug. JJ was clearly unsure how to feel, close to laughing, until Cody took pity, “Don’t worry, bro, there’s more in the bag.”

Sure enough, JJ pulled out a new wallet, one he’d been eyeing for months but hadn’t pulled the trigger on because it was a bit out of budget. Smiling softly at Cody, he told him, “Thanks bro, love you.”

“Love you too, J.”

“No sappy hours early,” Tyler interrupted, “give me my gift.”

“It’s 2 p.m.,” JJ muttered but passed the box over to Tyler anyway.

He tore into it and JJ jolted forward, “Dude, it’s breakable, chill.”

Inside was a nice tea set and a box of fancy teas. Tyler blinked a few times, in awe of the contents, “Woah.”

“I know you like tea more than coffee, and we never have any here, so I figured I’d set you up.”

“I-” Tyler cut himself off, “wow, this is really thoughtful. Thanks buddy.”

“Anytime. I’ll tell you where I ordered them too so if you like one you can order more. I kinda just got a starter pack.”

“Yeah, that would be sick.”

JJ squeezed his shoulder and Tyler cleared his throat, passing a small bag across the table. You picked it up, curious, and pulled the tissue paper out. After looking, you let out a loud laugh, “Great minds, huh?”

“Great minds,” Tyler nodded, folding his hands.

“What is it?” JJ asked, leaning over.

“Leafs tickets. Two of them.”

“Well,” Cody said, “guess we can all go now. Sitting in different places, but we can make a trip of it.”

Tyler lit up, “I didn’t even think about that!”

“Boys night,” Cody cheered.

“Fuck yes,” you agreed, clutching the tickets to your chest.

“Oh,” Tyler leaned forward, “there’s something else, but it’s in my room, be right back.”

He disappeared up the stairs, and JJ stood to grab his wallet to start switching everything over. Cody looked pleased, and Tyler came running back down a few seconds later with a box in his hand.

“This too,” he huffed out, collapsing back into the chair.

“You’re going to break that one day,” you warned him, tearing into the wrapping paper. Inside was the pair of running shoes you’d talked about the day you went to the mall with him and you smiled, “Thanks, bud.”

“Mall trip successful,” he responded, taking the last sip of his coffee before standing again, “who wants tea?”

“Me,” you answered, standing with him while Cody started pulling out plates for the snacks he’d made. 

In the loudness of everyone talking over each other, you just had to smile. Sure it was chaotic, but it was your family, and you loved them all dearly.

“Oh,” you remembered, “Cody and JJ I expect my gifts on Christmas Eve, thanks.”

Cody groaned and JJ squeezed his shoulder, “You have no one to blame but yourself.”

~

for day nine of @obxmermaid​‘s holiday challenge: secret santa

[timebird84]

🎄 PotO Advent Calendar 2020 🎄

By @flora-gray​

The Gift Exchange

(Rated T)

Erik was wrong. 

It was a rare occurrence, in Christine’s experience, but even geniuses don’t know everything about everything, and he certainly didn’t seem to know much about anything when it came to love. 

He had insisted that the distraction of a suitor would interfere with her studies — it had not. She hadn’t missed a single one of their covert lessons, but had continued to put in the endless hours of practice he demanded, with irreproachable focus and without complaint.

He had been adamant that a man of nobility could not be trusted to do right by her, yet here they were, six months on, an engagement ring on Christine’s finger and a gift in Raoul’s hands, carefully wrapped in bright red paper trimmed in gold.

After all those summers at the seaside, this was their first Christmas together, the first of what Raoul promised would be a lifetime of many. Christine chewed at her thumbnail — a nasty habit, Erik would say whenever he caught her — as her fiancé ripped open the paper, a smile twitching on her lips. 

“Oh, Christine!” Raoul exclaimed as he pulled a little ribbon-wrapped bundle from the box. The spicy-clean scent of peppermint filled the air. “Polkagris? Wherever did you find this?” He pulled a candy stick from the bundle, the glossy swirls of red and white glistening in the dressing room’s soft lamplight. “I haven’t had polkagris since we were children! I can’t believe you remembered how much I used to love them.” A smile beaming on his face, he tucked the candy back into the box and pulled her into an embrace. “Christine, you truly are the most thoughtful person I’ve ever known.”

“It’s just a little thing,” she replied, her cheeks glowing a warm rosy pink. “I remembered how you used to beg Papa for them, and I happened upon a candy shop run by a Swedish family.”

“Well, I’m afraid mine will seem rather uninspired compared to yours,” Raoul said, speaking up over the sound of rustling paper as he dug into the bag next to him, “but I do hope you’ll like it anyway. I’ve hardly been able to stand having to wait all week — I had to hide it away in a closet so I wouldn’t be tempted to give it to you early!” He placed a box on her lap and rubbed his hands together, nearly bouncing in his seat. 

The package was large and flat and covered in thick, heavy paper printed all over with shining silver arabesques, topped with an elaborately tied white satin bow. “It’s so beautifully wrapped, I almost don’t want to open it,” Christine said, trailing her fingers over the soft, shimmery ribbon before tugging it loose. Gingerly, she slid a nail around the edge to loosen the paper.

“You needn’t be so careful with it, I have plenty more of the stuff back at home. It’s all yours, if you like it so much,” Raoul laughed, his eyes lit up with anticipation.

“Good,” she smiled teasingly back at him. “Then I’ll expect you to wrap up everything you ever give me just like this from now on.” The paper fell away and she lifted the lid.

Layers of impossibly thin tissue paper covered the contents, and she peeled them back, one by one. 

On top was a fine linen handkerchief trimmed in lace, embellished with intricate embroidery. “It’s lovely Raoul!” Christine breathed, lifting it from the package and letting her fingers glide along the underside of the smooth fabric, all the while wondering vaguely if she’d ever stop feeling uncomfortable with such fine things. 

Raoul’s casual displays of wealth, though never snobbish, were evidence of the privilege he’d been raised with, so different from her early life of scraping by, of simple meals of bread and cheese and rough muslin against her skin. And even now, she was acutely aware of the gulf that lay between them. It was impossible not to, when she was occasionally mistaken for a shop girl while they strolled Le Bon Marché together, an experience he found much more amusing than she did. Even once they married and she went from Christine Daaé to Vicomtess de Chagny, she doubted she’d ever truly fit in amongst the fine ladies who’d been raised with finishing school and balls, who sat and enjoyed operas from velvet-lined boxes rather than performed them, sweating under the hot lights for a modest salary. And though Raoul was insistent that he loved her just as she was, that certainly didn’t seem to stop him from trying to outfit her like somebody else.

Unfolding the handkerchief which likely cost more than her entire dress, Christine spread it open to admire its details. “I’ve never seen such gorgeous lace!” she gushed. “And are these our—” 

“Yes, our initials!” Raoul finished triumphantly. 

Christine’s brow furrowed. “Actually…” She brought the handkerchief up to her eyes and squinted at the letters. Her heartbeat began to quicken. “It says R, and...” She blinked, but the letter stubbornly stayed the same. “And...V.” 

“What? Let me see!” Raoul’s hand shot out and yanked the handkerchief from her slack fingers. Turning it over and over, he examined every inch of it, shaking his head. “There must have been some mistake! Perhaps the girl at the shop heard me wrong — I suppose the letters do sound the same.” He looked up at her, eyes anxious and searching. “I’m so sorry, my love, I can’t believe I didn’t notice! I can have it remade right away.”

“Oh no, it’s fine,” she said, her lips forming the words automatically. A formless sense of unease was slithering its way into the back of her mind, but, with a firm shove, she pushed the feeling away; there was no reason to let a simple mistake ruin their first Christmas. “Really,” she insisted, arranging her lips into a smile that was only a little forced.

Beneath the next layer of paper, enclosed in its own small, shallow box, was a pile of silk, white as snow and with that same incomparable look, as though it were delicate enough to melt under her fingertips. This new luxury unfurled as she raised it up between them, the folds falling, forming the shape of...a pair of ladies’ drawers?

The breath escaped from her lungs in a sharp gasp. Heat flamed at the edge of her ears as she dragged her eyes up to where her fiancé sat, stock still.

A red flush was creeping up from under his collar. 

His voice wavered. “That— that’s not a shawl?” 

“No, Raoul,” she replied evenly, despite the queasy fluttering in her stomach. “It is not.”

“Are those…?” He dropped his gaze to the floor.

“Yes, they are.”

“I—” Raoul squirmed in his seat. The flush was working its way up his neck, spreading across his face, leaving beads of sweat in its wake.  “It was meant to be a shawl. I would have never—” His words fell away and he looked up at her with pleading eyes.

“I know you wouldn’t have,” said Christine quickly. She jammed the drawers back into their box and shoved it all to the side, eager to leave the subject behind. 

And it was true, she could not think of a less likely thing for him to give her. Their relationship had been quite chaste, almost to the point of frustration, with nothing more than sweet, sinless kisses, always broken off far too soon. He’d never given any indication that he so much as even thought about what lay under her skirts, let alone considered the subject enough to buy her such intimate garments. The mistake would almost be funny in its outlandishness, if it weren’t so mortifying — and such an unpleasant reminder of her most secret insecurity: the fear that though he undoubtedly seemed to love her, perhaps he did not desire her. That perhaps he held her up against those lovely ladies of high society he’d been pushed for years to accept, with their bosoms spilling from their silk dresses and their ample hips swaying beneath their skirts, and found nothing inspiring about her waiflike frame. 

But no, he was just being a gentleman, wasn’t he? He wasn’t like the other men of the aristocracy, who took mistresses and visited brothels — no, no, he would never. Raoul, that sweet, brave boy from the salt-kissed seaside was now a respectful and honorable man, and he loved her for herself, not her body. There was nothing wrong with that.

But of course this was the last thing she wanted to be thinking about right now; Christine shook her head to fling away the thought and refocused the entirety of her attention back on the box in her lap. 

“Oh, look! There’s still something left,” she said, infusing her tone with much more enthusiasm than she felt, and she lifted a red velvet pouch from where it lay, heavy, at the bottom of the box. 

Raoul sprang forward. “Actually, why don’t you just give that back to me,” he said, his voice tight and trembling, reaching to take it from her hands. “This has turned out horribly so far, and I—”

“Darling, please.” Christine pulled the object out of his reach. “Certainly one of the three will be as you intended. Your luck can’t be that bad,” she laughed, though in the pit of her stomach sat a sour, sick feeling.

Grasping the pouch in one hand, she reached in with the other and slowly began to pull out a thick pillar of ivory, sculpted and polished, heavy as a candlestick — but not shaped like any candlestick she’d ever seen. It was too irregularly formed, the contours somehow too carnal, and her cheeks were already inexplicably burning before she’d even finished withdrawing it from its velvet enclosure. 

It couldn’t be… 

She’d heard that such things existed, but she never—

Too late she realized she should stop — not that she was sure she could have — but her hand kept moving, pulling the thing free from its covering to stand tall and proud in her clenched fist, absurdly large and luridly detailed — each vein, each curve of ivory flesh on display as she held it high, an obscene trophy.

Not a sound could be heard in the room. Not even a breath — not from her, and not from Raoul, who was looking at her, slack-jawed, with complete and utter horror written in every line of his face.

A minute passed, and then time unfroze.

Gasping as though she’d surfaced from deep underwater, Christine’s fingers flew open, loosing their grip on the vile thing; it hit the carpet with a muffled thud. Then she was on her feet, groping blindly for her cloak and gloves.

Raoul didn’t move from his seat; pale and trembling, he sat staring at the now empty gift box. “I don’t understand...”

Christine rounded on him, hot tears pricking at her eyes. “You don’t understand?” That formless unease had now taken a sinister, serpentine form, snaking itself around her heart, which spasmed within its crushing coils. “What was all that, Raoul?”

“I don’t know! It doesn’t make any sense. I wrapped it myself — that wasn’t in there!” 

He stumbled to his feet, reaching for her hands; she pulled them away, pressing her clenched fists against her turning stomach. “What’s the explanation, then? Are you implying that the contents of the box were just magically replaced without you knowing?” 

“No of course not! I mean, I don’t think so…”

One desperate, near-hysterical sob wrenched itself from Christine’s throat, and she fell silent. The painful throbbing of her heart had ceased. That place within her chest was cooling, hardening until it was as cool and hard as the piece of ivory which lay on the carpet, that disgusting thing which forced her to admit the truth to herself, a truth she’d been trying to deny since the moment she saw those embroidered initials. 

How could she have been so stupid? This never could have worked out. He was highborn, she was practically a peasant. Perhaps he did love her, but likely it was a love born of nostalgia and pity, the love of a brother for his sister — and even if he had been willing to marry her, that kind of love isn’t the only kind men need. And perhaps...perhaps he really wasn’t different from other men, after all. 

Christine gathered her cloak and gloves into a bundle and shoved it under her arm. “Goodbye, Raoul,” she said with finality, and steeling herself, she turned her back on the man she thought she loved.

“Christine!” Raoul gripped her arm in a wide-eyed panic. “You can’t believe that I would ever give you such a thing!”

Shaking off his hand, she held her head high. “No, Raoul, I don’t believe you would.” She could not look at him, not if she wanted to hold onto the last scraps of her tattered pride. “Do you know what I believe?” Despite her best efforts, tears were beginning to leak from her eyes, making the words thick and strained. “I believe that gift was intended for another woman.”

“What?” he cried, nearly choking on the word. “No!” 

“The wrong initials,” she sobbed, no longer able to hold back the tide; bitter tears flowed freely down her cheeks. “I may be naive, but I’m not stupid, Raoul! Who is she? How long has this been going on?” Christine tugged the gold and diamond band off her finger. “Is she wearing one of these, too?” she demanded, brandishing the ring in his face.

“Christine…” Tears welled in Raoul’s beautiful blue eyes, but she would not be swayed by the obvious ploy meant to prey on her sympathy.

She flung the little piece of gold at him, and it bounced off his chest and fell to the floor with a pathetic clink. 

“I should have listened to Erik!” she cried, and slammed the door behind her.

*****

Erik was right. 

But then again, he usually was. 

It was never going to work out between Christine and the boy; affairs between the nobility and the bourgeois rarely do, she had to know that. Really, it would be a mercy for it to end sooner rather than later. It was inevitable. And hadn’t he tried to warn her?

Still, he pretended surprise when she showed up at his door, red-eyed and sniffling, her ring finger blessedly bare.

Wordlessly, he brought her inside, wrapped her in a blanket and sat her down by the fire, brought her hot tea and let her pour out her heart — along with a steady stream of tears. Eventually, she slept, and Erik carried her to her room, tucking her into the bed he’d readied for her. He brushed the curls away from her face, now so hot and raw from crying, but no less beautiful.

He hated to see her in such pain, but someday she would understand, and she would have to agree that it was for the best. Erik always knew what was best for her.

Just like he knew that idiot boy would never notice a few feet of missing wrapping paper. 

[sunshinestrand-inactive]

Oh My Love, Don’t You Worry

For Maddie (@reyesstrand) - Surprise! Here is your gift for the 911 gift exchange! It was honestly such an honour to write you a fic! I hope you enjoy this, my dear! You’re incredible. 💛💛💛

Read on AO3 

***

“You should have talked me out of this.”

Marjan looks up from where she sits on the bench beside him, her phone clutched in one hand and a cup of tea in the other and she raises her eyebrow at him.

“Why on earth would I do that?” She asks after a moment, setting her phone down on the bench next to her, following his gaze to the store in front of them. A jewelry store that they had been sitting outside of for at least ten minutes. He had insisted that he needed a break, but they both knew that he was just too scared to enter it.

The two of them had had the day off and TK had invited Marjan to help him buy a very important Christmas gift. It had been his second one in Austin and he was growing more fond of his new found family with every passing day, a family that included his now boyfriend Carlos. To say he had fallen completely head over heels for the man since getting to know him further during their year together, would be an epic understatement. It was something that he had never thought he’d have the opportunity to feel again. But he was so glad the universe had given him another chance. He knew that the gift he would give Carlos this year would have to be something incredibly special and upon a conversation with Marjan, they had come to an obvious conclusion. A promise ring.

It was an easy enough endeavor, really. Except TK hadn’t stepped foot in a jewelry store since New York and the thought of Carlos reacting badly (which he was aware was highly unlikely) burned in the back of his mind, freezing his movements and prohibiting him from even stepping foot into the store. It was terrifying.

“What if it’s too soon?” TK asks, his voice low with the question.

Marjan scoffs and waves her hand at him. “You and I both know it’s not. You love him and we all know from the way he looks at you, with those heart eyes? He feels the exact same way.”

TK shakes his head, watching as another person walks out of the shop with the familiar little bag in their hand, joy clear on their faces and he can’t help but to smile. He wishes that could be him, if he could just get his damn ass off the bench and actually enter the store.

“Hey.” Marjan says, placing a gentle hand onto his arm and breaking him from his trance. “This thing you have with Carlos? It’s special. I believe that the universe brought you two together for a reason. I saw that boy when you two were first starting up, he’s in deep for you, TK.”

TK grins, mostly to himself as he listens to Marjan’s words. He knows just how special Carlos is and even more so of how special their relationship is. They were truly one of a kind.

“Maybe you’re right.” TK whispers.

“Of course I’m right.” Marjan starts, standing up from the bench and picking up the bags off the floor. She extends her hand out to him. “Now come on, TK Strand. There’s a perfect promise ring just waiting in there for you to give to Carlos and we are on a mission to find it.”

TK stares at her for a moment before looking to the entrance of the store again. He has so many thoughts swirling around in his head but he knows one thing is for sure, Carlos and his life with him. When he looks back at Marjan, he reaches up and connects his hand with hers. He realises then just how incredibly grateful he is to have Marjan as a friend. TK is sure that she would do anything for him and he is damn sure that he would do the same for her.

He stands from the bench and squeezes her hand. “You’re the best, you know that?”

Marjan shrugs, flashing a knowing smirk. “I’ve been told once or twice. I guess you are pretty cool too.” She jokes and before TK can say another word, she turns around and pulls him towards the store.

***

Fifteen minutes go by with Marjan pointing out various rings to him and he shakes his head at all of them. He is sure he’ll know it when he sees it, will feel something deep within his stomach explode. It’ll feel like a connection, he just knows it.

And just when they’re about to leave to go try another shop, it happens.

“Marj, wait.” TK says, gently grabbing her arm and halting her movements. He turns towards one of the glass cases on the wall. It’s beautiful and perfect, a silver ring with a rose gold beveled edge. It’s the exact ring he was picturing in his mind. Something from within him snaps and he swallows hard, feeling his body begin to warm and his heart beating hard against his chest.

As he points it out to the lady working behind the counter and watches her wrap it up, he begins to recognise the feeling. It’s the feeling he had felt since the first moment he had laid eyes on Carlos, the feeling he had when they first kissed. He thinks it must be what true love feels like, like total love and admiration. It’s a feeling that he knows he wants to spend forever experiencing. A feeling he would never want to lose.

“I love it.” Marjan whispers as she stands next to him, their arms interlocked. He’s reminded for the second time that day how grateful he is to have her there for support. “And more importantly, he’ll love it.”

TK smiles as he pays and the feeling grows as he grabs the bag from the counter.

“I hope so.”

***

“Thank you so much for supper, Grace, it was delicious.”

The rest of the 126 all mumble agreements, which is about all they can do after the wonderful meal they had just had. They had all gotten up from the table and then proceeded to collapse to various places around the living room. TK currently sat, snug in Carlos’ side, his boyfriend’s arm around his shoulders and his thumb stroking TK’s exposed skin.

It had become a tradition since moving to Austin, all of them going to the Ryder’s house for dinner during special occasions. It had become a haven for all of them. Here there were no bad calls, no fires, no accidents. Here only love and support existed. Here they were all safe.

“You’re very welcome. I’m glad you guys enjoyed it.” Grace says as she takes a seat next to Judd on the other side of the couch. “You’re more than welcome to take any leftovers.”

It isn’t long before they all fall into comfortable conversations with one another and TK can’t help but to feel complete and utter happiness, sitting here with these people he has grown to love. They were the only other thing, besides the man sitting beside him, that made Austin worthwhile. He would never trade them for anything. They were his family.

“Hey.” TK whispers, grabbing Carlos’ attention. “Would you like to come outside with me for a second?”

Carlos smiles. “Sure.”

As if they read each other’s minds, they both rise from the couch and move to grab the respective gift bags that had been placed under the tree when they had arrived. TK grabs Carlos’ hand and begins to lead him towards the back door. Marjan gives him a reassuring smile as they pass by the couches.

The Austin air is cooler than usual as they step onto the back porch. They both walk to sit down on the porch swing and it’s quiet for a moment before TK speaks.

“I wanted to give you this, but I wanted us to be alone.” TK says before putting the bag down onto the swing between them. “Um, so yeah, I hope you like it.”

Carlos grins and eyes the bag. “You have nothing to worry about. I’m sure I’ll love it.”

“Yeah, here’s to hoping.”

Carlos picks up the bag and grabs the tissue paper out of it before reaching in and bringing out the small wrapped package. TK chews on his lip nervously as he watches Carlos carefully unwrap the paper before he is left with the small box. His heart pounds heavily against his chest as Carlos takes a brief glance at him before his gaze returns to the box. After what feels like an eternity, TK watches as he opens it. There’s silence, too much of it for TK’s liking as Carlos stares into the box, unblinking and frozen. TK’s eyebrows knit together as he stares at Carlos, and he feels a slight pang in his heart, an all too familiar feeling rising in his throat.

“Please say something.” TK urges.

“TK -”

“Wait.” TK says as he looks away, opting to look at his fumbling hands. “I already know. It was way too soon, I knew it was too soon. I’m sorry.”

There’s another moment of silence before Carlos places his hand on top of TK’s, stopping him from being able to move them and he feels as the nervous energy builds up without the physical escape he has grown so accustomed to.

“TK, sweetheart, look at me please.”

TK shakes his head, tears pricking his eyes as he raises his gaze to level with Carlos’. There’s always so much warmth in Carlos’ eyes that TK finds he never wants to lose. There’s a smile on his face and TK thinks that must be a good thing.

“TK, I love you so much, you know that.” Carlos starts and TK nods. He does know. “The time we’ve had with each other is something that I would never trade for anything. It’s something I will always fight for, cross oceans for. Got it?”

TK nods again.

“Good. Now before we go any further,” He reaches beside him to grab the small bag that he had been carrying and passes it to TK. “I need you to open this.”

TK stares at him for a moment before he is opening it with shaking hands and in only a few seconds he is staring down at an extremely familiar box. He continues the process, opening the box and he’s suddenly completely aware of the situation. Staring back at him from the little box is the same ring that TK had just given to Carlos, identical except for instead of silver, TK’s was black with rose gold. He swallows hard, a whole new wave of emotion washes over him, new tears begin forming in his eyes.

“Now do you think it’s too soon?” Carlos asks, his voice unbearably soft.

TK feels a chuckle bubble up in his throat and he shakes his head, the first few tears dropping from his eyes and into his lap as he stares down at the ring. “No, not really.”

“I told you you had nothing to worry about.” Carlos says, bumping his shoulder against TK’s. “I also told you that I love you and I meant it. This is just another very small way of me showing you how much I do. I want forever with you, whenever we’re ready but I want to make that promise to you right here and right now.”

“Hey, you stole my speech,” TK jokes before he raises his hand and places it against Carlos’ cheek. “I love you, Carlos Reyes and I promise to give you everything.”

Carlos smiles, one so full of sunshine and love that TK can barely handle it and they both take their respective rings and put them on. A promise made to each other, forever engraved on this very night. TK takes a deep breath, half out of relief and half out of happiness.

It only takes a few minutes before they are interrupted.  

“Everything alright out here, you two?”

Both of them turn to look towards where Grace is leaning out of the door with Marjan behind her. Both women have knowing looks on their faces and TK shakes his head. He should have known, Marjan had been his partner in all of this and Grace had been Carlos’.

“You’ll never guess.” Carlos says and he and TK both raise their hands to show the respective rings off. Grace and Marjan exchange a look and suddenly everything falls into place in their minds as well. “I guess great minds think alike.”

“Wow, that is —” Grace starts.

“So nauseatingly romantic.” Marjan finishes before throwing TK a look that was drenched in the words I told you so. TK almost sticks his tongue out at her.

“Well, we will just leave you to it. There’s hot chocolate in here whenever you two are ready.” Grace says before she is disappearing and then a beat later, Marjan is gone also and the night is quiet around them once again.

“What do you say?” Carlos says gently. “Want to go join everyone else?”

TK hums as he leans into Carlos’ side and shakes his head. “In a minute. I just want to be with you for a little while.”

“That works for me.”

Carlos puts his arm around TK, pulling him close to his body and TK settles his head onto Carlos, his boyfriend’s warmth flooding into him. TK stares down at their connected hands, the rings side by side and he knows, he just knows — this is exactly what love feels like.

[sweet-barnes]

Those Heels - b.b

Pairing: Bucky x tall!Reader (modern au)

Summary: You found your family in university and they had never left your side, and even after all these years the ‘surprise’ birthday parties are still going strong. Bucky finally decided it’s the right night to go after the girl.

A/N: i’m really bad with summaries, i apologise for whatever that is lmao thank you to @invisibleanonymousmonsters and @writingsoftheloser for helping out with ideas/concepts when writing a tall!reader, i appreciate it💕

You were grateful for your friends, there was no denying that. They were such a big part of your life since the day you had met, you knew you would be a completely different person altogether without them.

It had all started at university, in the student accommodation where you were all put on the same floor by some miracle. You met Natasha first, you had walked into your assigned room and she was already laying out paint samples ready for decorating. You knew from then on you were going to be in trouble with her. It wasn't long before she was introducing you to the rest of her group, and there was a lot of them.

The girls were in the rooms that surrounded you, so you naturally met them first. Wanda, Nakia, Peggy and Okoye were the sweetest bunch you had ever met and you instantly felt part of their little family. 

Next were the boys, all which you met at the party that was thrown at Tony's house. Natasha had explained to you on the way that he was the ‘rich one’ so he refused to stay in student digs. Instead residing in his dad’s mansion near the university and one of his many expensive cars in every day. 

Once you arrived at his place, you were blown away. You had only seen houses like these in passing, never did you think you would be invited to a party in one. The huge windows indented in the pristine white walls showed off the colourful lights inside and the masses of people who were already in there.  

The music could be heard thrumming from outside and as you all piled out of the car, you were pulled towards the entrance by Wanda.

Inside is where you met the rest of your family, unbeknownst to them. From Steve Rogers to Peter Quill, T'Challa to Tony Stark. There were so many people, you didn't think you could keep track of them all, but now you knew them like the back of your hand.

The one person who definitely stuck in your mind was the one brooding in the corner. His fluffy dark hair and his piercing blue eyes took your breath away as soon as you were introduced to him. 

Bucky Barnes had your heart from the moment you set eyes on him, but that dream was soon shattered by the small blonde that sidled up to him, wrapping an arm around his waist and placing her head against his arm. 

You knew from then on you never stood a chance with him, and the countless other girls he introduced to the group just clarified that. You gave up on that dream quickly, promising yourself you wouldn't get too close to him for your heart to break.

Very soon after that, you may have let your secret crush on him slip to the girls. Of course they freaked out but you soon shot them down, not wanting them to get your own hopes up for something that wasn't going to happen. The way you said "he only likes small girls" gave away to them how you really felt and they tried their hardest to make you see it from their view, but it was no use. 

They were all so petite, yet so strong and powerful in the way they held themselves. They would never understand how you felt within yourself.  It wasn't that you didn't think you were strong and powerful, you knew as a woman you had your place in this world to do your bit for the better. You just weren't petite like them. You were at least a head taller and you felt like you didn't belong.

Despite the sharing your insecurities one drunken night at fresher’s, the girls never let go of you. Your friendship with them, even though it was only 5 days old at the time, was too precious for them to lose. That still stood 11 years later.

--

You placed the jumpsuit in front of your body, looking it up and down in the mirror before throwing it back down on the bed. "Are you excited?" Natasha asked as she walked into the room, a black body con dress hugging her body. You let out a groan, plopping back onto your bed. "Am I ever excited for one of Tony's parties?"

Tony was still rich, of course he was, he was a genius. His habit of having parties at every possible opportunity had never wavered, and birthday's were no exception to that rule. A 'surprise' birthday party was thrown every year for everyone within the group, even though all of you knew it was coming, it was like clockwork.

Everyone else loved it, you on the other hand, would rather be curled up on the sofa with a tub of Ben and Jerry's watching Netflix. You couldn't exactly avoid this one, it was your birthday and this party was especially for you.

The girls had taken you shopping earlier that day, which had already set your anxiety off. You hated clothes shopping and even though they tried their hardest to get you to buy a nice dress for the evening, you still arrived home with a jumpsuit, a classic look for you. There was no way you were going to a party that you were already uncomfortable with and making that worse with a dress.

"I'm sure you'll enjoy it once you get there," Natasha sat next to you and that's when you noticed the gift bag in her hand. "Nat, I told you I didn't want anything," you gave her a look before flitting your eyes down to the sparkly bag, curious to see what was inside. 

"I know but I couldn't not get my best friend something for her birthday, and it's a bit of a risky present if I'm honest but I would really appreciate it if you maybe wore them tonight?" Your mind was all over the place trying to think of what it could possibly be. Natasha pushed the bag towards you and you didn't waste any time in pulling out the tissue paper to reveal what was inside.

You lifted the shoes out, or should you say heels, and turned them slightly to inspect them. "Do you like them?" Natasha whispered next to you, leaning in slightly. They were black, thick straps along the top and around the ankle, with a small chunky heel and a slight platform.

They were pretty, you couldn't deny it, and they were just your style. "Yes," you breathed out. Without thinking, you shooed Natasha out, telling her you would be two minutes before changing into your outfit and putting on the shoes.

You stared at your figure in the mirror, the jumpsuit hugging in at your waist and stopping just above your ankles, showing off the straps on the heels perfectly. There was a slight plunge neckline, showing off your chest just enough that you didn't feel completely ridiculous. 

"Oh my god," that was when you heard the murmuring from the doorway and you turned to see all your girls stood there, mouths dropping at the sight of you.

"You look gorgeous!" Wanda squealed, making everyone laugh. Every one joined in with the compliments and you felt the heat rising to your cheeks at all the attention you were getting. 

"Don't we have a party to get to?" You questioned, attempting to stop the onslaught of comments. It worked in your favour and soon, you were all piling into a taxi, making your way to another of Tony's mansions.

You felt the base through the floor as you stepped in through the double doors. You looked around at the familiar faces, shooting back a thank you every time someone greeted you with a 'happy birthday.' Most of these people were just acquaintances, people your group had met along the way and had been nice enough to be invited to one of the parties. 

To be honest, Tony just liked having a lot of people at his parties. 

You all weaved your way through the crowds of people, picking up your drinks in the kitchen and making your into one of the large back rooms. Every one you knew and loved was in there and as soon as they saw you, a chorus of happy birthday's was shouted in your direction.

You couldn't help the giggle that erupted from you as you went in to give everyone a hug, all their grips strong on you as they pulled you into them. "You're getting old now," Sam joked, grabbing you around the waist and pulling you into his side. You gasped, "hey, that's rude," you gave him a light slap on his chest before laughing along with him.

You looked around at the small circle your friends had formed, consisting of Natasha, Nakia, Steve, Sam and Bucky. Your eyes scanned them all, taking in the joyous looks on their faces before your eyes landed on Bucky. 

Your heart leapt as you locked eyes with him, a smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth as he looked you up and down.

A wave of self-consciousness fell over you and you felt yourself retreating slightly into Sam's side. You sent Bucky a quick smile before looking back at Steve to try and concentrate on the story he was telling.

And the night went on like that. Flitting between different groups of your friends, trying not to feel out of place. 

You had noticed a few glances from people as you were taking photos, especially with the girls. It was now just natural for you to bend your knees slightly when taking selfies with them, you had been doing it since you had first met but clearly other people weren't used to it. You tried to ignore them the best you could but with the more alcohol you consumed, the more irritating it became.

You were at the bar again, ordering another drink when you felt the presence of someone beside you. Their musky vanilla smell hit you, and you recognised it instantly. 

"You look really good tonight, Y/N." His voice was husky and you could tell he'd been drinking. You looked to your side, taking in his sculpted face next to you. "Do you not have some small blonde with you tonight?" You attempted to joke but you truly meant it. Bucky chuckled, "not this time, got my eye on someone else."

You rolled your eyes, taking the drink that had just been placed in front of you, not saying anything else.

"I noticed you were wearing heels, that's a-" Bucky was cut of by a sharp "hey." You both turned to see Nakia stood behind you, a stern look directed straight at Bucky. She was the wrong person to mess with and clearly Bucky had pissed her off. 

"You do not say anything about her heels, do you understand Barnes?" She pointed a finger at him, nudging him slightly and the bewildered look on his face nearly made you laugh. "What? I wasn't going to say anything-" She cut him off again. "I heard you, James," you took the opportunity to sneak away, hearing their voices fading as Bucky was trying to defend himself against her.

If there was anyone that would stick up for you, Nakia was the best for it, everyone listened to her and they didn’t dare try to disagree. You slipped out onto the balcony, grateful for the cool evening air against your hot skin. You took another sip of your drink and the alcohol burned slightly as it went down.

Of course it was Bucky who would point out the heels. He just couldn't help himself. For someone who was so good with the ladies, he definitely didn't know how to talk to one. Or talk to you at least.

The door behind you slid open, letting out the loud music before muting it again as it closed. "Y/N?" Bucky's voice was soft and you turned to meet his nervous stance. "Look, I'm really sorry about what I said back there, Nakia explained it and I really didn't mean it to come across any type of way," his was wringing his hands together as he looked at you. 

You let out a sigh, "it's okay, Buck, I know you didn't mean any harm." His womaniser demeanor was gone as he moved to stand next to you. A moment passed before he spoke again, "I was going to say you look really hot actually," chuckling at himself. 

Your heart stopped, questioning whether he really just said that. "And I'm not just saying that to sleep with you, I know you think I'm like that sometimes but I wouldn't do that to you."

You eventually found your voice, looking into Bucky's hopeful eyes as he tried to read your thoughts. "I'm not like any other girl you've ever been with Bucky, why now?" There was a shift in the way he looked at you before he looked down. 

"Since the first day I met you at Tony's party, 11 years ago, I knew I felt something for you. I was just a dick and I slept around too much and I knew you didn't like it, I could tell by the way you looked at each new girl whenever I showed up with one. Then you became more and more distant, I knew it would be harder to get to you and make you see how I felt so I thought it was better to leave it," he paused, taking a deep breath. Your mind was all over the place, not knowing what to say or do, but Bucky carried on anyway.

"But I've stopped that now, I've been single for about a year and I was hoping you'd see that and see I'm not the guy that you thought I was but I guess that was a stupid plan." You laughed a little at this and Bucky joined in. "I was going to ask if you'd like to dance with me?" 

Your mouth was already agreeing to it before you could fully process what was happening. Bucky took your hand in his, leading you back inside and into the cleared area that had become the dancefloor. A slow song had started playing and couples were paired together around you. 

As you walked into the centre with Bucky, you felt eyes from all over the room looking at you. Your gaze landed on Natasha's over the shoulder of Bruce, she sent you a wink before a big smile broke out onto her face. She knew your feelings for Bucky never truly faded and she couldn't help the happiness she felt at seeing you two finally together now.

Bucky turned to face you, his arms snaking around your waist, pulling you close to him while your arms went over his shoulders. "Is this alright?" He whispered, his blue eyes sparkling even in the low light, as you looked across at him. You simply hummed in response, nodding slightly. 

No one said anything. Your skin was on fire from where his arms were touching you, even through your clothes and a feeling of serenity washed over you. It was like everyone else in the room melted away and it was just you and Bucky dancing alone. No more eyes prying into your business or making you feel small.

"This is nice," you said softly, Bucky placed his forehead on yours, closing the distance even further. You felt yourself becoming flustered and moved your head to rest on his shoulder instead. He moved your body so it was flush against his. "I could do this forever," he murmured into your hair. "How have I been missing out this long?" 

You were sure he was talking to himself at this point but you couldn't help yourself, "well... if you hadn't screwed all those other girls-" 

You were cut off by his hands moving to tickle your waist, his laugh mixing with yours as you tried to get away. "No, you're not going anywhere," he tried to grab you again but you were too quick. 

"Just watch me, Barnes!" You shouted, slipping away into the crowd. Bucky shook his head at you, pausing for a second to watch your figure disappear. 

“Why did I wait so long?” He whispered to himself, before running into the crowd after you.

[crowdedimagines]

Mistletoe - David Dobrik

Today is the last day that whole group is going to be in Los Angeles. It’s always hard because we want to go home to our families, but we all have to go our separate ways.

“Y/n!” voices cheer as I walk in David’s front door.

“Merry Christmas!” I cheer right back as I walk in. I set down an armful of presents off under the tree. We’ve carried on this tradition every since David got this house, we all show up. Even if we don’t all celebrate, there’s something about being together to celebrate a holiday and pick things out for each other.

“We’re having dinner, then presents after.” Natalie explains.

“Y/n!” David grins, “Merry Christmas.” He walks out of his room and pulls me in for a hug.

“Merry Christmas, Dave.” I hug back.

“Wow, when I tried to get a hug earlier, you literally pushed me away.” Zane yells from the living room.

“That’s because you’re Zane.” David teases.

“How can I help?” I got there a little early so I can help set things up. Carly, Scott, Kristen, Erin, TJ, Heath, and Mariah are all here too. They’re all just sitting on the couch enjoying themselves. Jason, Natalie, and David are all in the kitchen.

“Could you set the table?” Natalie asks as she moves food into other dishes.

“Absolutely!” I grin. I take the tablecloth off of the island and lay it out over the tables for us to all sit at. I decorate the table and move some things around so everything is perfect. One by one, more people show up until now everyone is here and all of the food is almost ready. David is running around filming a montage and asking people questions.

“Y/n, could you grab the plates?” Jason asks, he carries the large roasting pan which either contains turkey or ham over to the center of the table.

“Yeah, where are they?” I get up from my spot on the couch.

“They’re in the spare bedroom closet with all the other storage.” Natalie explains, my eyes go wide for a second, “No, I can just do it-”

She starts to set down what she had been previously been doing.

“No no, I can do it.” I reassure.

I make my way to the extra bedroom and open the closet to be met with a stack of clear totes. They’re all filled with a mixture of things David can’t get rid off, stuff he actually needs, and PR packages.

“I was sent to help.” Jeff laughs announcing himself as he walks in.

“Yeah, I just might need it.”

He helps me take a few out before we find the right one. We put everything back the way it was, only Jeff is carrying a heavy stack of nicer plates now.

“Success?” Erin asks from the couch. Jeff and I stop to show off the plates with a grin.

“Yeah-”

“Oh my god!” Zane screams out interrupting me.

“What?” I ask, question is burst of excitement.

“Mistletoe!” He points to the spot above our heads. I look up to see that he’s right. I don’t remember that being there in the past, it must be a new decoration that was added today.

I turn to look at Jeff and he’s biting back a smile, his cheeks tinted in pink.

“What? Are you nervous or something?” I tease.

“I didn’t- I mean- I” He stutters while trying to come up with anything to say.

“Stop panicking. It’s only a mistletoe kiss.” I stand up on my toes and press my lips to his in a quick kiss. The group screams in shock that I actually did that. It’s not a big deal, it’s not like people in our group haven’t kissed for bits or other randomness.

He stands there for a few seconds, just a shy smile on his face. I take the plates out of his hands and walk back over to the table and start placing them around. I can feel David watching me as I do it.

“You okay, Dave?” I ask, looking up to finally meet his eyes.

“No, I’m good!” He smiles tight lipped.

“Alright, I think we’re ready!” Jason cheers.

The rest of the group scrambles over to take a seat and grab something to drink. I take a seat somewhat towards the end of the table near David. I sit on David’s right with Natalie to my right.

“I just want to thank all of you for being a part of my life. It’s cheesy, I know, but I really am glad to be hanging out with so many people who are half my age!” Jason holds up his glass, “But honestly, this holiday really is amazing to spend with you guys. I love wasting money on gifts you don’t care about.”

We all laugh throughout Jason’s toast. After he sits back down to David expecting him to say something too.

“Dig in!” He yells.

We all hesitate for a second, but dig in regardless. I guess David never really has been a sentimental guy anyway. We all dive into conversation, David being unusually quiet.

“Hey are you okay?” I ask, placing a gentle hand on his knee.

“Mhm.” He nods as he continues to shovel in more food.

“Dave.” I lean down to try and force eye contact again, “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” he finally picks up his head and smiles at me. Maybe if we were still newly friends I would believe that it was a genuine smile. Instead of continuing to badger him for the rest of the meal, I focus on the group conversation again.

“Present time!” Erin cheers.

We all take our plates and clear them before sitting in the living room. We all pass our presents around to whoever they belong to.

“No cars this year, right?” I tease, taking a seat next to David.

“No cars this year.” David agrees, finally smiling. He throws an arm around the back of the couch around me. I don’t know what was wrong before, but he seems to be happy now.

One by one we all get to open our presents. Taylor gets to open the designer wallet I got her, which she completely flipped out over. Jason gets the massage gun I got him. Mariah for the mini filming get that she can use for youtube or to help record her dancing for Tik Tok. There were countless other presents too.

“Wait, what is this?” Jeff asks, digging to the bottom of the bag.

“It’s a toy for Nerf.” I explain with a laugh. I picked out other things for him, but that was a random add on that I thought was funny.

“Ahh, it’s perfect.”

He holds it up for everyone to see.

“Thank you.” He gets up from his spot on the other side of the room to give me a hug. I lean forward and mutter an ‘of course’.

I lean back and the attention moves onto Zane who was next for opening. David lets out a loud sigh and pulls back his arm. I try to ignore the mood swings he’s going through. Finally it’s made its way to me.

“My turn!” I sing with a laugh.

I receive cute clothes from Carly and Erin. Zane, Heath, and Matt all joined in to buy me a new lens for my camera. Jeff got me a pair of the shoes I had been complaining about wanting for a while and a coupon to visit Nerf anytime I want. Natalie and I unintentionally got each other the same exact bag from Gucci for each other because we loved it so much. We knew the other would too, since we have similar taste.

“Last one.” Carly hands me the last on from my stack on the floor.

“David?” I ask reading the tag on the top of the smaller box. I smile looking over at him. He has a red face and he’s chewing his bottom lip.

“Actually Y/n can I talk to you?” David interrupts, his hand suddenly stops me from tearing through the paper.

The room falls in to a dead silence.

“Yeah.” David stands up, “Sure, Dave.”

I follow where he leads into his room, he shuts the door behind him softly. My heart is racing over what this could be about.

“Hey Dave, what’s going on?” I ask as I take a seat on his bed.

He slowly walks over and stops in front of me. I look up and wait for an answer as he takes a deep breath before pacing again.

“I need to tell you something.”

“You can tell me anything, what’s going on? You’re making me nervous! Please sit.”

Finally he takes a seat on the bed, I turn to actually face him.

“I just wanted to do this in private because I had this whole plan with and I couldn’t go through with it with all of our friends out there. And Jeff.”

“What are you-”

David pulls out the gift from him that I had started to open from behind his back.

“Here, you can open it now.”

I hesitantly open it. It’s filled with random knickknacks from what I can best tell.

“What is all of this?” I smile looking back up at him.

“This,” He grabs the top item on the box, “is the wristband I was wearing the night we first met in that club. I took it off after dropping you off and filming with you, and I knew it was worth saving I knew you were going to be a big part of my life.”

I look up and his eyes are starting to water, I don’t dare say anything because I know that I’m not far behind him if he keeps this up.

“This is the receipt from the first time you made me run out and buy you chocolate from the gas station by my apartment. It was the first time we ever had a sleepover.”

He lets out a laugh, “That was in the shitty Dom apartment, I’m lucky you didn’t run then.” We both chuckle, I wipe away a stray tear drifting down my cheek.

“This is a piece of drywall from when you tried to convince me that you could in fact do a handstand and ended up putting a hole in my wall.”

We both laugh at the memory. He reaches in again to grab another object.

“This is the polaroid you gave me when you first got that camera. I barely opened my door and a flash went off. Now I can get you back though with my disposable cameras.”

“This is gross, but it’s a tissue that you gave me when Liza and I broke up. You stayed up with me for hours to listen to my cry basically and just make sure I wasn’t alone.”

He shakes his head looking down at it. I don’t know where exactly he’s going with this trip down memory lane, but it’s making my heart jerk.

“This is a movie ticket from the first time you stole my clothes. I couldn’t believe how good you looked wearing my sweatshirt. You claimed that movie theaters are always cold.”

“They are!” I interrupt.

“Whatever.” He rolls his eyes with a smile.

“This is the plane ticket from the first time I took you home to Chicago. You had no idea, but that whole trip was planned so you could meet my family.”

I nudge his shoulder lightly with mine, a steady stream of tears our drifting down both of our faces at this point.

He reaches in once again, there are few things left now.

“This is a dried up rose petal from when I tried to go over to your apartment to tell you that I loved you, but I chickened out.”

“This rose petal is almost two years old. I have been in love with you for two years, and I know that I always will. I just needed you to know. I couldn’t go another year without telling you. You’re my best friend, I want to tell you everything. I just love you so much, and I would love it if you’re comfortable staying in my life as a friend. I know you and Jeff are-”

“Jeff and I?” I interrupt.

“The kiss!” He says rolling his eyes.

“It was just mistletoe!” It’s my turn to roll my eyes now, “I would’ve kissed Natalie under it. It didn’t mean anything, it was only friendly.”

“Oh.” He bites his bottom lip.

“Wow, you were so jealous!” I grin.

“I wasn’t that jealous.” He shrugs, trying to act nonchalant.

“You totally were, and that’s okay.”

“It is?” He looks up, wiping his last trail of tears from a few minutes ago.

“It is, because I’m in love with you too, David.”

“You are?”

“Duh!” I tease.

“Oh thankgod, I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous.” He pulls me in for a hug.

“You did a really good job, Dave. Very sweet. Very sentimental.” I grin.

“I knew it would pay off keeping all of this crap for so long!” He throws the stuff back on the bed.

“Hey! It’s not crap.” I pick it all back up and put it back in the box.

“No, I know.” He presses a kiss to edge of my jaw.

“You missed.” I look up, his face being closer to mine now than it’s maybe ever been.

“What?” His voice is barely a whisper, he gulps loudly.

I smirk and tilt my head forward to our lips can meet after years of waiting. It’s like all this time was building up because it feels like a release of endorphins and excitement. I can feel his lips smiling against mine.

“Worth the wait?” I ask, I stand up so we can head back out to our friends who I’m sure are wondering what’s going on.

“Definitely worth the wait.”

“What’s going on? Are you guys okay?” Jason asks, hearing the door open and noticing us walk out. Everyone turns to look at us. We’re just standing outside of David’s room, eyes red and puffy. We both have smiles on our faces, but I’m sure it’s a confusing look. I’m sure they’ve just spent the last ten minutes talking about us.

I take a look at David and smile, we both walk in a little closer to the living room to see everyone.

“We’re great actually.” I grin, taking David’s hand in mine.

“Really great.” David agrees with a squeeze of my hand.

“Hey look guys, Mistletoe!”

~

i really hope you guys love this as much as i do. xx

[sadaboutniall]

something about you;

introduction | masterlist | tag | wattpad

Twelve. December, 2010. 

He arrives back into Mullingar in the front seat of his dad’s car, backpack on his lap, heart in his throat. The village is fully dressed up in Christmas cheer: lights strung across the high street, tree sparkling in the village green, carolers making their way from door to door. It all looks fake to him somehow, like something in a movie. Something he knew once, but doesn’t anymore. 

It’s been five months since he’s been here. Now, he’s got a fortnight at home before he heads off to Los Angeles with the boys to start recording their first album. He can’t even begin to wrap his mind around the fact that he’s going to California to record an album, but that’s just the way his life is now: something no one can wrap their minds around. He remembers a million years ago, in this same car, staring out the window as Greg drove them to Lough Ennell, dreaming of being in California. He’s got a first-class ticket to LAX dated two weeks from today.

He goes through the motions most of the day: spending time with family, letting his gran kiss his face, answering infinite questions about what it’s like living in London and how tall Simon Cowell really is. By the time he leaves to head over to Mully’s he’s exhausted, happy to have the 25 minute walk in the biting December air as a way to wake him up. He shoves his hands deep into the pockets of his new puffer jacket, takes the long way to Mully’s, and tries not to think about anything. 

Everyone’s there when he arrives and lets himself into the basement: Mully and Emilia curled up together on the basement couch like they were that Halloween a million years ago, Nicky and Gilly kicking a football back and forth in front of the TV as they each sip a beer, Deo standing in front of Mully laughing about something Niall can’t quite make out. And Isla, too, on the couch next to Emilia, the two of them talking animatedly, Isla’s hand coming up to cover her mouth as a smile stretches across her face in response to whatever Emilia’s just told her. Niall’s heart tugs in his chest, splutters and stops, and Isla looks up at him.

‘Hey, you,’ she smiles, stands up to give him a kiss and Niall wants to say no, sit down, the least he can do is bend over to kiss her, but she beats him to it, up on her tippy toes to press her lips against his before he can even step across the room. She kisses just the same as she did when he saw her last, two months ago in London, and it makes him want to cry. 

‘Ah, superstar’s here,’ Mully’s saying when Isla pulls away. ‘Rich and famous now mate, you couldn’t bring us some cans?’

‘They don’t pay me,’ Niall says, and it’s half true. The money will come after the album, though he has no living expenses right now, with Modest! paying for everything. Appearances on TV shows pay a few hundred quid each, and he’s put most of that away for Christmas presents for his family and Isla—a few cans wouldn’t have been a bad idea though, he realizes belatedly. It’s kind of the least he can do. 

Mully’s laughing though, and so is everyone else, and Niall knows it was a joke, lighthearted taking the piss the way his friends have always done, but something about it is sitting like a stone in his stomach, curdling uncomfortably. He’s different, now. And his mates are too.

Everyone looks different: Mully’s hair is getting longer and Gilly’s shaved his head and Deo’s gotten taller and Mia got new glasses, cute, round ones that really compliment her face. Isla’s different too—her body feels new when he touches her, and there are freckles in spots he doesn’t remember, places where he used to leave his own marks on her skin.

Sometimes, Niall thinks, his life has taken to feeling like a movie montage these days, a supercut of moments rapidly changing around him. It’s all snapshots set to weird background music: laughing all night with Harry and Louis and missing four calls from Isla in the process, waking up absurdly early to go on the radio and sleeping all afternoon so that when he does try to call Isla that night she’s fast asleep, fans outside screaming his name, strangers asking questions about his girlfriend back home. He tries to keep Isla out of it, to protect her privacy, but doing that makes him feel like he has to bury her sometimes, to keep her at arm’s length to keep her safe. 

They just keep missing each other, even though they’re on the same time zone and only a short flight apart. It feels like millions of miles, like a whole different world, like every time he goes to touch her hand she drops it, or like every time she leans in for a kiss he turns his head. 

He’s sitting next to her now and that feels good—his thigh pressed against hers, his arm around her shoulders, her laugh in his ear—but he knows. And he knows she does, too. 

-- 

Isla comes over on Boxing Day. She looks so pretty bundled up at his door and all he can think about is how ridiculous it is that she makes him feel so much—that there are girls lined up screaming his name every time he goes outside in London, and yet that doesn’t even come close to how Isla, standing at his door in sweatpants, makes him feel. 

Up in his room they kiss on the bed, hands under clothes, lips and teeth sharp on skin. He feels so comfortable with her underneath him, so safe, so sure, and he doesn’t want it to stop, even though he knows it has to. It’s biting at the back of his mind as he presses his tongue between her lips, as he gets his hands on the soft, maroon lace of her bralette, as she arches her back against his hips and tugs gently on his hair and whimpers in his ear. It’s the sound of his name on her lips that pushes him over the edge, that sets the rancid feeling in his stomach up to the ‘Impossible to Ignore’ setting. This isn’t fair to her. He sits back on her thighs, still straddling her, and scrubs a hand over his face. 

‘Isla,’ he starts, already breathing a little too heavily.

‘Are you gonna say it now?’ Underneath him, Isla scooches up the bed a little bit. She’s just in her bralette and sweatpants, slung low so he can see her hips. 

‘Yeah,’ he takes another deep breath. ‘I think I have to.’

‘Okay,’ Isla’s voice is soft but sure. ‘Just let me sit up?’

He swings his leg over her body and together they get reseated, Isla criss-cross-applesauce with her back against his headboard, him with his shins pressed against the side of her thigh, his back against the wall. 

‘I’m going to America next week,’ is how he starts. 

‘I know, I’m excited for you.’

‘There’s going to be an eight hour time difference between us.’

‘That’ll be tough.’

‘Yeah. And I’ll be working a lot, like. Writing the album and recording it and practicing my singing. And they think there’s gonna be a tour, too, around America and Europe, after the album. I don’t think I’ll have, like, a lot of spare time? I think it’s going to be pretty full on, from here on out, and I just… I don’t think it would be fair. On you.’

‘I agree.’

‘And I—wait, what?’ Niall stops, entire prepared speech thrown off the rails. 

‘I agree,’ Isla’s looking at her hands, picking at her nails. ‘I agree that it wouldn’t be fair on me. It wouldn’t be fair on you either, Niall. I love you, but you’re not here anymore. And that’s not your fault, and this is what I want for you. It’s just, like. There’s no room for me on the plane, you know? Sold out show.’ She looks up at him then, a soft, sweet smile on her face and his heart swoops dramatically and gives out. His next breath comes out shaky. 

‘I love you so much,’ he tells her. ‘I can’t imagine I’ll ever stop.’

‘Ah, sure you will,’ Isla’s smile is sad, her voice strong. ‘Think of all the models you’ll meet.’

‘Don’t care about them.’

‘You will,’ she laughs a little, sniffles a little more. ‘You’ll forget about me.’

‘I don’t want to hear you say that,’ Niall shakes his head. The thought of that makes him want to scream, run, go back in time and un-do it all. It feels violent, the idea that he could ever forget about loving Isla. ‘It’s not true.’

Isla doesn’t press it. Instead, she reaches up to wipe her eyes and says, ‘I got you a Christmas present, though. If you want it before we break up officially.’

‘Christ,’ Niall laughs, biting back his own tears. ‘You’re so—I got you one, too, hold on.’

He scrambles off the bed and fishes the gift out of the back of his closet, while Isla does the same, rifling through her bag. Back on the bed Isla goes first, handing him a small gift bag stuffed with red and green tissue paper. She tells him it’s not much but Niall knows without opening it that that can’t be true—that anything she gives him is coming along to America, to Europe, everywhere. 

It’s wrapped up neatly inside the bag: a new, leather guitar strap, embossed with his initials and a series of numbers he doesn’t recognize. He blinks back the wetness in his eyes, as Isla reaches over and runs her fingers over it. 

‘Coordinates,’ she says, fingers brushing the numbers. ‘Latitude and longitude for Mullingar.’ 

‘Isla,’ when he looks up all he can see is her, brown hair falling over her collarbone, lips chapped from his own against them. ‘Isla, this is too much.’

‘Wasn’t that expensive,’ she’s whispering, matching his tone. ‘Just wanted you to have something to remember this all by.’

Niall shakes his head, rolls his lips into his mouth. ‘Fuck’s sake, petal. You fucking nailed it.’

Isla laughs, hand coming up to cover her mouth and all Niall wants to do is kiss her, pull her into his lap, hold onto her, onto this moment, onto this spot, forever. Instead, he passes her the bag he’d been hiding behind him, hands shaking with nerves. He’d gone to Harrod’s for the first time in his life to buy it for her, spent hours wandering around a department store he had never even dreamt of being able to afford. Isla eyes the bag with surprise, knowing. 

‘Harrod’s? Niall…’ 

‘Just open it, will ya?’

She giggles as she does and Niall can see that her hands are shaking too, that she’s feeling just as much as he is. His heart is in his throat watching her carefully undo the immaculate wrapping he’d paid extra for, watching her wriggle the top off the box, watching her face as she realizes what’s inside. She whispers his name and he almost cries, has to take two deep breaths to keep himself from breaking down. 

‘Can I help you put it on?’ his voice drops back down to a whisper and Isla nods, holding the necklace out for Niall to take. It’s even more delicate than he remembers: a thin, silver chain, a tiny, solitary pearl placed in the middle. She turns around and lifts her hair up so he can clasp it, so he can watch as the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand up at the touch of his fingers, at the brush of his breath over her skin. He gets it clasped easily, despite shaking hands, and then he bows his head and presses his lips to the back of her neck, soft, precious, and whispers against her skin, ‘it looks beautiful on you.’

‘You haven’t even seen it yet, you liar,’ she says, voice thick as she holds back tears.

‘Don’t need to see it to know,’ he presses one final, firm kiss to the back of her neck and then Isla drops her hair, turns around, and he was right, of course. It fits perfectly, falling so the pearl sits right in the hollow of her neck, sparkling against her skin. He shoves his hands in the pockets of his sweatpants to keep himself from touching her. Deep breath, then, ‘so, that’s it, then?’

‘I guess so,’ Isla swallows thick, smiles sad. ‘Thanks for being the best first love I ever could’ve hoped for.’

Niall’s mouth feels dry, tears pricking at the back of his eyes and rising in his throat, threatening to spill over any second now. He doesn’t know how much he can say without breaking down, without making this worse than it needs to be. ‘I love you so much,’ he gets out on a sad laugh. ‘Even right now when we’re breaking up, I love ya.’

‘I love you too,’ she reaches up to run her fingers over the necklace, her eyes flickering down to Niall’s lips and then back up to meet his, wet with tears. ‘Can I say one last thing as your girlfriend? Before we call it?’

‘Anything.’

‘I just kinda wish you’d have let me come before you decided to stop and break up with me. A little annoyed about that, actually.’

Shocked, Niall snorts out a laugh, and Isla does too, the two of them matching each other until they’re both doubled over with it, laughing, crying, a mess of tears and snot and butterflies in their stomachs, hearts in their throats. Niall wipes at his eyes, collects himself as best he can, and tries it out: ‘I mean. I think I can do something about that, if you want? One last time, like? Before we call it.’

Isla rolls her lips in to hide a smile, but her dimples give her away. Confident, she steps forward, traces her fingers over Niall’s lower stomach, the shadow of his abs, the waistband of his joggers. ‘For old time’s sake,’ she smiles. ‘Before we call it.’

####

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[floof-reppu]

Aight, so… this is my piece for the BNHA Writer's Fest, written for @ellectric-blue. I wanted to give you the best quality writing I could manage with my knowledge and time crunch, so I chose to write for Yaoyorozu. I've been a little bit preoccupied lately with a lot of family issues since it's that time of year, but nonetheless I was able to pump this out for you just in time. Happy Holidays to you!

Word Count: 2.4k

—

It was getting to be that time of year yet again; Christmas was just around the corner.

Many hours were always dedicated to shopping for friends and loved ones, this year being no exception. You had gotten to know your current friends over the course of the past few months, especially living at the dorms together with them for at least half that time. Going through such hardships together with your classmates solidified your bonds with one another and made this Christmas feel special to you.

The lot of you decided to host your own Secret Santa of sorts, which was fun and all, but you ended up drawing a name you… didn't exactly expect or desire to draw. Momo Yaoyorozu was more than just a fellow classmate or a friend; to you, she was your crush. To say that you were absolutely terrified was an understatement. She was rich beyond measure, something that you couldn't compare to in the slightest.

Yaoyorozu wasn't much of a materialistic girl thankfully, but it was hard to point out her exact interests and put them to heart. As far as she was concerned, she bought things out of habit and would rather better the economy than use her quirk and imbalance it. Maybe she would like something that you made yourself?

Instead of dawdling on the thought, you instead decided it might be nice to learn how to crochet. Homemade gifts were the best, because it shows how much you care, the time dedicated and the overall process being most meticulous. A scarf would look lovely wrapped around Momo's neck (and possibly around your own as well), a winter coat look sounding appeasing to you, and crocheting one couldn't be all that hard… right?

Your time limit made everything all that more stressful, as well as trying to hide the supplies from your fellow classmates, especially Ashido. If she found out, she would have an absolute fit and press for more information, which you couldn't have at all. That's why you did shopping by yourself, picking out the softest yarn at your disposal. The colors you'd chosen were a compliment to her hero costume: crimson and silver. They both look good on her regardless, but you thought it would be nice for a potential outfit.

Smuggling the materials into the dorms without getting caught wasn't as hard as you thought it would be, given that everyone was preoccupied with one thing or another. However… you did catch a glimpse of Yaoyorozu, and— well, she's walking over here now. Shit.

"Oh, Y/N? Everyone was wondering where you had gone!" The smile she had on her face sent butterflies through your stomach. She glanced down at the bag in your hand which you tried your best to hide from plain sight, but was too wide. "You went to the store? What did you buy?"

"Oh, ah… just a few things, nothing special…" You had to get away from her, and quick. Her eyes continually glanced at the bag, which you kept moving around to block from her sight. "Anyways, what are you up to? Not doing any shopping?"

"There's no need! I purchased my present the day I drew a name!" Momo had her hands folded in front of her body oh so characteristically of her as she spoke proudly. Of course she would have purchased something already. "It was quite easy for me to choose for the recipient of my Secret Santa gift."

"Oh… well, I'm still thinking of what to get mine."

"I'm sure whatever it is will be amazing, Y/N. You're such a thoughtful person, and I know whoever receives your present will absolutely cherish and adore it."

There she goes again, saying something so beautiful that it makes your heart melt. She always seemed to know just what to say to put you to ease, but it made you feel even more pressured to make your gift as perfect as possible so she isn't disappointed. Momo seemed to notice the awkward silence you gave her, blushing a bit out of embarrassment.

"I hope I haven't said anything wrong, Y/N."

"Oh, no! Not at all! I'm just thinking about what you said… thank you, Yaoyorozu. I'm going to start working on my gift now."

And with that, you gave her a small wave before going to your dorm room and practically throwing the yarn to the side. She almost caught you red-handed, but thankfully you were able to change the subject quick enough before she had the nerve to peek in your bag.

Opening the lid to your laptop, you searched up a tutorial on how to crochet a scarf, and thank goodness there was one that popped up immediately that seemed to be reliable enough to follow. You almost forgot that you bought the needles as well (because how would you have been able to crochet without the needles). Grabbing all the materials from the bag, you started to work on your hopefully wonderful masterpiece for Momo.

—

Weeks had passed since that fateful day, and with every new talent came bumps in the road. You had failed at least five times trying to make the scarf the way you wanted it to turn out, even while following the tutorial. Yarn was wasted and you even had to make a second trip to the store to purchase even more of it.

But your hard work finally paid off, and in front of you sat your finished creation. Each thread was carefully crocheted together perfectly, and you couldn't wait to present it to your crush. Putting it in a box and wrapping it up, you didn't put your name on it, instead writing Your Secret Santa on the tag. You didn't forget to put Momo's name on it, though.

Going down to the first floor, the tree looked marvelous and grand in the middle of the lobby. Presents were already adorning the underside of the tree, while bulbs and lights alike decorated the branches. A star was placed on the top, shining brightly and looking over you and everyone else. You remember putting it up with your friends vividly, as if it just happened yesterday. Iida and Yaoyorozu did most of the clean up when it came to the decorations, all of them being strung in the same places on the tree. Moving them so it looked nice was a must.

And there she was, Momo Yaoyorozu, dressed in some of the most Christmas-like articles of clothing she owned and sitting alone. Placing your present under the tree, you swiftly took a seat beside her, a blush evident on your cheeks.

"Merry Christmas, Yaoyorozu." She turned to face you as you spoke, a bit surprised since she wasn't really paying attention to the seat beside her before now. She returned your greeting earnestly, eyes closed and a wide grin taking up her face.

"Thank you, Y/N, and a Merry Christmas to you too. Are you excited for the Secret Santa present exchange?"

"Yes, I am. I can't wait for a certain someone to open my gift and hopefully smile just like a kid when they see what it is."

"I see. I'm quite confident that my gift with have that same effect, but I'm not sure… maybe I overdone it?" Momo opened her eyes, and for a second you saw a hint of doubt in her expression. "Gifts aren't always things you should buy, that much is for certain. Sometimes I wish Mother and Father would stop purchasing them and be a tad more creative."

"Do you get the same things every year?"

"Unfortunately so. Clothes are always high on the list as well as the newest technologies, but once in a great while I might receive something completely different."

"Really? Like—"

"Everyone, we are now going to start passing out the Secret Santa presents! Please refrain from opening yours until they are all handed out!" Iida was ever the wise one and cut you off, but for a good reason at that. Both Yaoyorozu and yourself directed your attention to the blue-haired president and his wild hand gestures as he spoke. The raven-haired girl beside you took that as her cue to stand up, dusting off her skirt.

"I apologize, Y/N. It's my duty as the vice president to help Iida with handing out the presents. You wouldn't mind saving my seat though, would you?"

"Of course not, take your time."

In a little less than ten minutes, everyone had their present on their lap. Ashido looked to be the most excited to open hers, while Bakugo glared at his. Your present seemed to be big, but not heavy, so you took it as something that was either a gag or a very expensive item (because everyone knows the smaller the gift the more it costs these days). Yaoyorozu sat down beside you yet again when she was finished, the box you had so precariously wrapped earlier placed on her legs.

"I'm quite curious to see what I've received. It's not on the heavy side, but…" She looked over at your present, the curious side of her lighting up yet again. "Perhaps you have a clue as to what your gift is, Y/N?"

"Not a clue. It looks like it would be something big, but it's so light that it doesn't feel like much." You wanted to shake the box, but you didn't want to break whatever was inside if it was fragile. Trying to keep the attention off of you, your head glanced down at the box in Momo's grasp. "Why don't you open yours first? We can see what each other has gotten that way."

"That is a very smart idea, Y/N. Very well, I'll open mine first."

Her hands went and tugged at the bow you added at the very last minute, pulling it free and making it easier for her to tear off the wrapping paper. She read the tag, a bit confused as to why there wasn't another person's name written. Nevertheless, she tore off the rest of the paper and lifted the lid to the box. Tissue paper covered your creation as well as a card you decided to put in so she knew who it was actually from. Pulling it out, she unfolded the envelope and stared wide-eyed at the card.

Momo Yaoyorozu,

I thought of you when I made this scarf for you with my own hands. Your family spoils you with material possessions, and nothing that comes from the heart. They want to make you happy with whatever you desire, but that's not what Christmas should always be about. It's about giving others heartfelt, thoughtful gifts. I hope you cherish this scarf as much as I cherish the time I spent making this for you. I wouldn't have it any other way.

With much love,

Y/N

You saw tears forming at the corners of her eyes as she read the card. She threw the tissue paper aside and took out your real gift, the one you handmade yourself. The silver accented the crimson perfectly, and she clenched the material in her hands. The tears started to flow like a fountain; that's when you knew that you did the right thing.

"Y/N, I… just can't believe that you spent so much time making this for me. You didn't have to do this—"

"I didn't do this because I had to, I did this because I wanted to. I… meant every word that I wrote on that card, Momo. I love you so much, and I would do anything for you. I wanted to make you smile, because God how I love it when you smile. I messed up a lot of times while I was making that, and even while training and studying I managed to get it done for you in just the nick of time," You paused, catching your breath and chuckling slightly, "but anyways, I hope you like—"

"Like it? Y/N, I absolutely love it. This is the most thoughtful present I've ever received. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," Momo wiped the tears away from her eyes and wrapped the scarf around her neck, her gaze fixed on yours, "so… would you care to open yours now?"

You nodded, prodding carefully at the paper covering your present. Whoever wrapped it used a lot of tape, which wasn't the best idea in a situation like this, so it caused you to take a bit of extra time tearing it off. Finally, it was revealed to you.

The one who had your name was none other than Yaoyorozu herself.

Neither of you expected for it to end up this way, but it was quite the pleasant surprise. You looked at the culprit out of the corner of your eye and opened the box at the same time, revealing a card for you as well.

Y/N,

I know how much you adore the Christmas holiday, as well as books. I myself, as you may already know, enjoy both just as much as you. My gift to you comes from the heart, as I have purchased a book full of Christmas fables for us to enjoy. I would love for us to sit under a blanket together and read it.

This is the most discreet way I could confess my romantic feelings. I would very much love to spend more time with you, as well as… get to know you more than I already do.

Please accept my invitation as well as my feelings.

Momo Yaoyorozu

This was… no way was this happening.

"Y/N…?" Momo sounded worried, her pitch lowering drastically as she met your gaze once again.

"Yes. Yes, Momo, of course I accept your feelings." Now you were the one that was tearing up, grasping the book in your hands and letting the box drop on the ground. "I want this to be the first thing we do together. Tonight."

"I would love to, Y/N."

You spent the rest of the night in the comfort of your own room, Momo and yourself wrapped in a blanket with no worries whatsoever as you took turns reading aloud the many tales. When you were at the last few pages, a blank space was occupying them.

This was where you were going to write your own Christmas Story, with you and Momo as the main characters.

You would never, ever forget this day.

[jbbarnesnnoble]

Love from the Outside (Part Five)

Chapter Title: Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Features: Pure Fluff

Pairing: eventual Bucky/Natasha/Reader

Notes: This story went to me and went “ha, you THOUGHT this would be Bucky/Reader, but guess what! Sunshine is taking a shine to Natasha” so, that happened.

Just one more part to tie everything up with our HEA

Word Count: 1012

Christmas had arrived and for once, all was quiet. Despite Tony’s protests, the team had agreed to a small present exchange in the form of a Secret Santa esque format. Even Sunshine drew a name. She had gotten the present when she went out with Bucky and Steve, the trio catching up on lost time, while the two men did their best to explain some of the things that Sunshine had missed in the time between her disappearance and reappearance.

She had spent the days leading up to the holiday baking cookies and other treats. A spread of desserts and finger foods sat on the table as they gathered around. Someone had turned on A Christmas Story, a film Sunshine had never seen with it being after her time.

“It’s a classic,” Tony said.

“You better not have gotten our daughter a bb gun. She’s barely a toddler,” Pepper said, looking at her husband. Sunshine just shook her head in amusement. Bucky and Natasha sat on either side of her, something that confused her. She figured they would want to sit together but rather than sit in the middle, Natasha had asked her to move over and settled in beside her. Tony and Pepper were cuddled up on a loveseat, Morgan comfortably on Tony’s lap. Steve took an arm chair while Rhodey, Peter, and Wanda sat on another couch. May, Vision, and Pietro sat on the floor while Happy sat in another chair. Clint was still home with his family, not due back until New Year’s Day. Thor was still off world, doing who knows what. Sunshine still hadn’t met him.

“Alright, first present is for Sunshine,” Steve said as he went to pick up a box from the pile. It wasn’t an overly large box. Sunshine carefully peeled off the wrapping, folding it back up as Bucky and Steve chuckled. She always was careful with gift wrap. Her eyes widened as she opened the box and gently pulled the tissue paper back. She lifted a picture frame out of the box, glancing at the envelope under it before looking back at the photo.

“Oh,” she said softly. She recognized where it was taken, but she didn’t know the photo existed. It was from Christmas of 1944, just before everything went to hell, before she lost Bucky, before Steve went on ice. It was of her and Bucky, lost in each other’s eyes as they danced. Music had been playing in the distance, but they had been outside, walking. Bucky had asked her to dance then and there.

“Where? How? Who?” Sunshine asked. She looked around the room. It was clear neither Steve nor Bucky knew about it. Her eyes landed on Natasha as she opened the card.

‘Sunshine,

I found this when I was looking through some older files. Peggy Carter had it. I don’t know who took it, but I knew you would want it.

Always,

Natasha’

Sunshine looked at Natasha before taking her hand and squeezing, tears in her eyes. She smiled at her.

“Thank you,” she said. Natasha simply nodded, squeezing back. Presents were passed out in quick succession. Steve got a new sketchbook and fancy pens and pencils from Tony. Peter got two tickets to some concert from Sam, along with a card that tinged his face pink. Bucky got a scrapbook from Steve, along with another one that was blank and ready for him to fill. Sunshine gave him a questioning look.

“I’ve started scrapbooking...helps with the memories after everything that happened,” he explained. She nodded in understanding. And so it went until one present was left. A gift bag was handed to Natasha. She set the card to the side as she pulled out a notebook with her initials on it. It was beautifully bound. She opened the card to find it was from Sunshine, a simple happy holidays written on the card. It was when she opened the notebook that she was hit with a wave of gratitude and an emotion she couldn’t quite place.

‘Natasha

You mentioned wanting to wipe the red from your ledger. Consider this a new start. During the war I’ve I found it to be helpful to write down my thoughts. Good and bad. You both need to realize that you are not your pasts. You are not the things they made you do. You are not the person you were then. If you live your life determined to wipe away the red, you may forget to truly live. Write things down. The good, the bad, the in between. Anything to remind yourself that you are no longer that person.

Always,

Sunshine’

Always. It had started with a promise Bucky had made Sunshine not long after they were reunited and had crept into things said by all three of them. Bucky and Natasha had both gone on short missions that took no more than a day in the two weeks since Sunshine appeared. Sunshine would never be happy with them until they responded to her command of “come home safe”. Sunshine wasn’t sure how she felt, but what she knew was Natasha was important to Bucky. And if she was being honest, she was the exact sort of woman Sunshine crushed on.

“Thank you,” Natasha said, her voice wavering. This woman, who had only known her a matter of weeks, who wasn’t part of the team, was someone who should hate her. Not only for the fact that Sunshine had once been in her place when it came to Bucky, but for the things she had done before the Avengers, before SHIELD. Yet, once again, this woman was defying her expectations. Natasha knew she was in trouble. Sunshine was quickly buying up space in her heart without even realizing it. Natasha looked at Bucky. She let the mask slip as she looked at Sunshine, adoration in her eyes. She caught the look on Bucky’s face, the slight smile as he looked between the two.

“Merry Christmas,” Bucky said suddenly, drawing a chorus of the same from everyone else.

[timelordthirteen]

A Card for Mr. Gold - Part 3

Mr. Gold/Belle, G

Summary: Mr. Gold receives a card on Christmas Eve.

Chapter Summary: Prior to the events of chapters 1 and 2, Mr. Gold ruminates on the Christmas gifts he's sold at the pawn shop.

Notes: More angst. :( I'm sorry. Set two days before Christmas Eve and the first chapter of this story. For the 31 Days of Fandomas prompt #9 - Shopping.

[AO3]

Two days until Christmas and Gold couldn’t wait for it all to be over.

The emerald ring sparkled in the bright light over his workbench, and he checked the sizing again to be sure before he put it away. He snapped the lid shut on the black velvet box before nestling it in a pile of green tissue paper inside a small, shiny red bag. The strings of the bag were tied with a white ribbon, the ends curled into corkscrews with a quick slide of his scissors. He found himself smiling as he stepped through the curtain into the front of the shop where David Nolan was waiting with a rather pensive look.

“That’s it?” David asked, his fingers tapping on the counter beside the cash register.

Gold inclined his head slightly as he set the bag down between them. “Yes, as promised.”

David blew out a breath and stared at the bag. “This is really happening.”

Gold wasn’t sure if he was being spoken to, and his lips twitched in amusement. “It is if you have the last payment.” Then he flipped open the small notebook he kept by the register and examined the page. “I believe there was two hundred left?”

David’s head shot up and he frowned. “Two? It was four.” He pulled a wad of bills out of his pocket, twenties and fifties held together with a large binder clip he’d probably borrowed from his soon to be fiance Mary Margaret.

Gold shrugged. “My notes say two.”

David leaned back a bit, eyeing Gold. “What are you up to, Gold?”

He huffed, ignoring the fact that he'd lowered the remaining price by two hundred dollars. “Mr. Nolan, it’s nearly Christmas, and I believe you wished to be engaged by then. I suggest you don’t argue with the man helping to make that happen.”

David undid the clip and peeled off two hundred dollars, laying each bill on the counter slowly so it could be counted. He glanced up when he was done, his eyes crinkled at the corners. “Two hundred.”

Gold snatched up the cash, and popped open the register drawer. “Pleasure doing business with you,” he said absently as he laid the money out in the appropriate slots.

David smile. “Thanks, Gold.” His voice was warm and Gold could tell there was a smile in it without looking. “Merry Christmas.”

Then he picked up the small bag, turned, and left the shop.

Gold sighed and leaned on the counter. It was just after four and he was strongly considering closing up early and going home to a glass of scotch and leftover tuna salad. Only the former seemed appealing at the moment.

Bloody Christmas.

He shook his head and retreated to the back room once more, having decided he’d at least finish up his ledger for the day before he left. Sitting at his work table he scanned the columns, which, lately, consisted of rent and holiday gifts. Despite his reputation and general misanthropic ways, he paid a lot of attention to other people. There were always ways to exploit others or bend them to his needs, and as a by product it made him quite good at steering customers towards the item their intended giftee would want.

There had been Leroy, who was seeking something for Astrid, the girl he was sweet on but hadn’t yet asked out on a date. She left the convent over a year ago, and had only recently found employment and a place to live after a short period of being ostracized by half the town. Gold had nudged him away from anything religious as a start, and towards something tasteful for her new apartment, an antique vase with delicate, hand painted cherry blossoms. She’d gazed at it more than once when she’d come to him during her apartment search, and his mouth curved as he imagined her rather ear piercing squeal of delight when she saw it.

Hopefully, it would survive her clumsiness.

Ruby Lucas had needed something for her grandmother and her girlfriend. Necklaces with little charms that had meaning for both her and them fit the bill and budget perfectly. Dr. Whale needed to keep his latest bed mate happy, and Gold was all too keen to encourage the idiot to buy the most ridiculous and expensive yellow diamond earrings. It was inevitable that Whale would philander his way into breaking her heart, and Gold hoped to see her come in his shop in the spring, selling the earrings back to the very shop in which they’d been purchased.

David Nolan wanted to propose to Mary Margaret Blanchard, and had decided that Christmas Eve was the right time. After all, their first kiss had been on Christmas Eve at Granny’s annual party, or so Gold had heard. At first David had been drawn to a princess cut diamond ring, bordered by smaller round diamonds, with tiny stones set all along the band. His intentions were noble, believing that she deserved the best, but not only was such an ostentatious ring more than he could afford, it wasn’t what Mary Margaret would have wanted. After several days of coming in and staring at rings and leaving empty handed, David finally decided he wanted something less traditional. Gold was able to direct him to an emerald solitaire set in a unique platinum band. Mary Margaret had looked at it several times over the years when she’d been in the shop, and once David saw it, he knew it was the one. He said It reminded him of a ring his mother had when he was little. Now it was in a little gift bag and on its way to Mary Margaret’s left hand.

Gold closed the ledger, and leaned back in his chair. He helped so many others find the perfect gift for their loved ones, and yet it had been ages since he’d been on the receiving end of a present. The last one had been -

He let out a short huff and tossed his pen down on the table. Mulling over the gifts others had bought for their loved ones made him wish he had gone home to his excellent scotch and mediocre sandwich. Sighing, he pushed back from the desk and lifted his coat from the rack by the back door. He switched off the lights as he made his way to the front of the shop, and then stepped out into the cold, dry December air.

Shivering, he turned his collar up and fluffed the knit scarf around his neck to block the chill from slipping in the gaps. Less than a block down the street, Belle French was exiting the Dark Star drug store, and he paused beside his black Cadillac, watching her. She waved to Mr. Clark on her way out, and smiled at Leroy as she held the door open for him. Over one arm was the handbag she’d been carrying the last few months, notable for its bold, cobalt colored leather, which matched the shoes she was wearing today.

She always had a kind word for him, and a smile, and for a brief instant he wanted to cross the street and say hello to her, though he’d never done it before. Sure they had talked from time to time, but only in passing. He’d never sought her out in any kind of friendly way, but then he noticed what else she was holding.

In her free hand were two bags, one of which looked like a bright green gift bag, and he felt a small pang in his chest. She had probably purchased a gifts for her friends and family, and Christmas cards to boot. She struck him as the type who would spend an inordinate amount of time wrapping them, making sure the corners were perfect, and decorating them with elaborate bows and ribbons that coordinated expertly with the pattern of the paper. He could see it all in his mind’s eye, and smiled in spite of the ache in his ribs.

Belle had been in his shop just twice since moving to town, but if anyone ever wanted to buy her a gift, he knew exactly what to pick. At that moment, she turned in his direction and raised her hand in a wave. Abruptly, he turned away at the same time, and yanked open the car door.

She had just stepped off the curb when the car’s engine rumbled to life, and he ignored her as he pulled out into the street. He drove passed the houses with their rows of lights, flashing and blinking in all manner of colors, and pulled into the driveway of his three story pink Victorian. It was absent of any decoration or indication that any sort of special day was approaching. It was a dark void in the riot of Christmas that lined Morning Glory Lane and every other street in Storybrooke.

He sneered as he got out of the car, glaring at the blinking rows of light up candy canes on the house across the road. The hell with the whole town, he thought. Maybe he wouldn’t open the shop at all tomorrow. It wasn’t as if anyone would care. Though there was always the chance of someone needing a last minute gift, and he did appreciate a desperate soul.

[tilltheendwilliwrite]

Balance on the Head of a Pin

Chapter Twenty Five

Previous Chapter

Pairing: Loki Laufeyson x OFC  |  Word Count: 7825 Warnings: none

Lauren’s gaze remained on the empty place Loki had once occupied for a few long heartbeats before she finally managed to make her body work again. She shook. Not from fear, but from relief. Though she’d only learned of the bond growing between herself and Loki hours ago, the niggling concern she’d be unable to fulfill the final step when, really, she had no idea how she’d managed the first four, had left her doubting herself.

What if she messed up? What if she never figured out what the magical secret was? What if she failed and Loki never found peace?

She realized now what a stupid thought that had been. It hadn’t been something she had to do, but something she needed to accept. In that single moment of blinding clarity when he’d held her against him, and she’d let go, surrendered to him completely, it had been so clear. There was nowhere in the world she wanted to be more than with him, at his side, forever.

Everything she’d told Sadie, the incredible fairytale romance which she’d somehow become the leading lady in had led her to one realization. She could be happy, whatever came, whatever the future held, as long as she was with Loki. With that thought, she’d fully committed.

On shaky legs, she turned to face the mirror and lifted a trembling hand to her throat. The green stone was incredible. She’d never seen anything like it, not that that surprised her. It flickered with inner fire and was warm to the touch. Such a soothing warmth. It gave her the same feeling of comfort being in Loki’s arms did.

The serpents were beautiful. So realistic, they looked as if the could come alive and bite with those wickedly sharp fangs. Tiny black gems for eyes glittered, and though the torque was gold, it was a multitude of tones. Everything from the shiniest, brightest gold, gleaming like the sun, to the deepest of antique. There were even hints of green and rose glinting from the scales. It was the most exquisitely detailed piece of jewelry she had ever seen.

It was nearly impossible to drag her eyes from it, but she knew she had to. There was a party to oversee and two gods of Asgard to keep an eye on. Plus whatever mischief Loki had gotten up to in the ballroom.

She couldn’t imagine anything needing to be changed, not with how refined his tastes were, but… it wouldn’t hurt to make sure.

The box Sadie mentioned was small and flat, and Lauren lifted off the lid to reveal pink tissue paper. From inside, she pulled out an off-white silk teddy which was, to her mind, not much better than no underwear at all, but - her thoughts turned to later that night and Loki’s face when the dress fell to reveal… this.

Oh, yes. She would definitely wear the teddy.

It was exceptionally low cut in the back, but with her dress, it was a necessity. The silk was seamless, contouring to her body as Lauren drew it up. She slipped her arms through the holes, noting the deep cut to the sides and minor boning in the front which lent support to her breasts.

She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and had to smirk a little. Loki would swallow his tongue when he saw her. At least, she hoped he would. He left her breathless so often, she’d really like to return the favour.

Her dress was hanging on the back of the door, looking elegant and beautiful, and when she touched it, a shiver of pleasure snaked its way through her body. The party had suddenly become even more important to her.

If this were her, for lack of a better term, Asgardian binding day, she would cherish every minute of it. Nothing would spoil tonight. Not her mother or her sisters. Not anything.

She slipped the dress on carefully and smoothed it out. Yes, Sadie was a damn genius, but Loki’s addition of the golden chain across her shoulders and down her spine had also been brilliant.

Tonight she felt regal. She felt like the absolute belle of the ball. When she looked into the mirror again, she wondered at the glow which seemed to radiate from within. Was it her happiness which made her seem so? Or was it something more? She’d have to ask Loki to know for sure.

She quietly opened the door to see Sadie tugging up the side zipper on a strapless sequined red dress that fell only to mid-thigh, showing off her incredible legs and the sky-high white pumps with the sparkle-encrusted heels.

“Wow, Sadie!” Lauren gasped.

“I know right?” she giggled, reaching for the bracelet of diamonds and rubies Marcus had given her as a wedding gift.

Lauren remembered it vividly as she’d helped him pick it out, managed to haggle him a deal and keep him from buying anything gaudy. The tennis bracelet had been a perfect fit for both budget and bride.

Sadie turned to seek assistance, only to have the item slide through her fingers to the floor. “Oh, my god… oh… oh, my god! Is that… did you… how? Y’all were gone all of ten minutes!”

Lauren laughed even as her eyes watered and waved a hand at her face to keep the tears at bay. “I know!”

“Okay, okay, okay.” Sadie fanned her own face. “No cryin’. Neither of us can afford blotchy faces, but what the hell happened?”

Lauren shook her head. “I can’t, or I’ll cry. Just,” she hurried across the room and hugged her friend, “I want you to know him much you mean to me Sadie. Talkin’ about all that’s happened, gettin’ it out, helped put things in perspective.”

“Oh, dang it all, Lu! Why’d you have to go and say that?” Sadie sniffled.

“Because, Sadie, you’re my best friend, and I love you with every bit of my heart.” Lauren held her close as both grew teary-eyed and sniffled.

“Okay! Enough of bein’ sappy old women.” She pushed Lauren back. “My goodness though, Lu. You look like someone lit a firework inside you. You just sparkle!”

Lauren blushed as she crouched to pick up Sadie’s bracelet. “You’re the one who sparkles. Look at that dress.”

Sadie ran her hands down her side. “Well, I bought it before I found out about the baby and figured if it still fit, I was gonna wear it.”

“You look great, really.”

A pout replaced Sadie’s smile. “I’m kinda annoyed.” She turned sideways in the mirror. “No bump.”

“Give it time,” Lauren snickered as she clipped Sadie’s bracelet around her wrist. “I’m sure you’ll be complainin’ about too much bump in no time.”

“I suppose you’re right about that.” Sadie snickered and hurried over to the garment bag, hung up on the inside of Lauren’s closet door. “Now, I know we talked about shoes when y’all were at the store, but after Loki added his embellishments, I thought maybe these might be better.”

Lauren gasped when Sadie turned with the stunning gold shoes in hand. “Sadie! They’re gorgeous! But how?”

She waved a dismissive hand. “A few years back someone,” she rolled her eyes, “insisted she just had to have the gold weddin’ shoe from the Dolce and Gabbana line.” She crouched to set the heavily embellished shoe on the ground in front of Lauren. “Took me ages to finally get them in, and once I did she who shall not be named, lil’ miss prissy pants, decided they were too gaudy for her taste. More like her mama saw the price tag and threw a fit. They’ve been sittin’ in my stockroom takin’ up space ever since.”

“Did you at least keep her deposit?” Lauren asked as she lifted her dress and stepped into the first pump, knowing damn well Sadie was talking about Georgia Dalton.

“Damn right I did. The entire thirty percent and when she bitched about it, I explained, ever so nicely, that her thirty percent was to cover the cost of the shoes sittin’ in my stockroom cause no one else in their right mind would ever pay that kind of price for a pair of shoes.” Sadie fit the second shoe to Lauren’s foot and got back to her fee. “Well, except maybe your mama or Cissy.”

Lauren rotated her foot back and forth, watching the dark gold gleam. “You sure you ain’t gonna catch hell for this?” she asked softly.

“They’ve been collectin’ dust for four long years. It’s time someone wore them, and you just happen to have the same size feet as her, unlike me, or I would have worn them years ago.”

Lauren let go of her dress, sending the hem fluttering to the floor and took a final look at the two of them in the mirror. She ran her hands over the middle of her dress and tried not to bite her lip.

“Lu,” Sadie took her hand, “you look amazin’. No, more than that. You look like a princess like you belong on Loki’s arm. Tonight, no matter what anyone says, you hold your chin up, you stand tall, and you remember the fact that only you were special enough to earn the love of a god.”

“It’s like goin’ to war every time we do this,” Lauren whispered, clenching her shaking fist against her stomach.

“Yeah, Lu. I know, but this time you have two Avengers standin’ at your back. Remember who your friends are. Remember where your real family is at.” Sadie hugged her tight and tugged her toward the balcony doors. “Time to knock the socks off the men!”

Lauren breathed deep and pushed open the door only to have her heart stutter. “Loki.”

He’d changed his attire to that of a formal suit and looked like he’d stepped from the pages of a magazine. Not quite black, the three-piece suit was a dark grey with a sheen to it, the vest buttoned over a crisp white shirt. His tie had threads of gold worked into it which, on closer inspection, mimicked the serpentine pattern her pendant had once held. The pocket square tucket up by his lapel was of the same fabric, and Lauren smiled.

“You look wonderful!” she sighed, taking his offered hands when he made his way over.

“No, my darling. It is you who looks amazing. So radiant. You glow, my heart.” He kissed her cheek before holding her hands out to send an appreciative gaze over her. “Sadie dear, you have my thanks.”

Sadie blushed when Loki bowed to her. “Oh, well, Lu makes it easy. What can I say.”

***

But Loki wasn’t just speaking of the dress, or the hair, or Lauren’s shoes. He was talking about all of it. Every word which had passed the woman’s lips in these last few minutes had been spoken to lift his Lauren up. To raise her from the quagmire of despair and uncertainty her family had tried continuously to drown her in.

Sadie was a true friend, a real sister to his Lauren. In no way would Loki ever be able to repay the petite brunette for all she’d done to continue to bolster Lauren when her spirits flagged.

“Shall we?” he said instead, waving his hand and opening a portal.

“Oh, but Sadie is…” Lauren looked at her friend.

“With child. I am aware. She will be fine, darling.” He held out his hand to the woman practically bouncing on her tall shoes.

“I have no idea how you know that, but I don’t care! I’m so in!” Sadie squealed and gripped his hand tightly.

Loki chuckled. Her enthusiasm was charming. “Let us start with the garden.”

“Garden?” Lauren asked as she stepped through on his arm.

“Oh! That’s a bit of a head rush, ain’t it?” Sadie giggled as they arrived at the edge of the garden.

“It takes getting used to,” Loki said, nodding to Thor who was waiting for them. He cast a critical eye over his brother who had managed to shift his own attire to something resembling formal wear. “One would think you had learned something of fashion from all the parties Stark throws.” He flicked his fingers and corrected things, so Thor no longer looked as if he’d purchased an ill-fitting suit off the rack.

“I’m not even sure why I packed a suitcase at this point,” Lauren snickered.

Thor, meanwhile, had zeroed in on the torque gleaming with the low light of evening.

“My bonded Ástvinur, brother,” Loki smiled proudly.

“Lauren,” Thor whispered, voice hoarse before he walked forward and dropped to a knee at her feet, took up her hand and brought it to his forehead. “I can’t express… you have given me… thank you.”

She gently cupped his cheek, her eyes shining with hard-fought tears. “Please don’t. I can’t keep fixin’ my makeup.”

He chuckled and lurched to his feet to sweep her up in a hug that lifted Lauren into the air. “My sister! You have done it, my sister!” he bellowed, laughing his big booming laugh as he swung them around in a circle.

“Please don’t break my wife,” Loki muttered, arching a brow at his brother.

“Wife!?” Sadie squeaked, her eyes growing round.

“By Asgardian standards, yes. Though we have yet to wed by Midgard law, for all express purposes Lauren is most certainly my wife.” Loki held out his hand to draw her back to his side when Thor released her, only to be grabbed himself and pounded heartily on the back.

“Then you should give it to her,” his brother insisted once he’d let Loki go, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring sternly.

“You know how she feels about that,” Loki huffed.

“What?” Lauren asked.

“She already wears mother’s bracers. You know Frigga would have wanted her to have it,” Thor argued.

“Have what?” Lauren asked.

“But she has no desire to be put in that position,” Loki countered, glaring at Thor.

“Hey!” Lauren smacked Loki in the chest. “Standin’ right here! Stop talkin’ over me like I’m not!”

“Forgive me, darling.” Loki sighed, continuing to glare at Thor whom he was certain was about to get him in trouble. “My brother is referring to this.” He turned his hand over, allowing the circlet of delicately worked gold and precious white stones to appear in his palm.

“Oh!” she gasped and recoiled slightly. “Is that… what I think it is?”

“It was our mother’s. The one she wore most often for daily summons and court appearances,” Thor explained, his eyes bright with excitement.

“Oh, but I…” Lauren trailed off when she looked at Sadie.

“You’ll never know until you try, Lulu,” Sadie encouraged.

She took a deep breath, and Loki held his. Would she accept? Dare she? It was a huge step but, as he’d continuously been telling her, the people of Asgard would love her as their princess.

“Maybe… maybe I could… try it on?” she said, a nervous flush adding pink to her cheeks.

Loki somehow managed to keep his features schooled as he murmured, “You certainly should.” He took the circlet, far stronger than its delicate appearance belied, much like Lauren herself, and placed it down over her brow. It was barely the width of his thumb. Refined. Elegant. Exquisite against the softness of her skin.

“Oh, Lauren,” Sadie sighed, her hand going to her mouth as her eyes watered. “I feel like I should curtsey and call you, your highness!”

Lauren’s eyes grew very round. “No! Don’t be doin’ that, Sadie.” She reached up to take it off, but Loki captured her hands.

“You look lovely, my heart.” A wisp of magic rose to slide the circlet beneath the top layer of her hair, leaving only the band across her forehead visible. “There. It is not so noticeable, but it makes me happy to know you wear it.”

Her cheeks were quite red, and she trembled slightly prompting Loki to send a glance Thor’s way.

“Lady Sadie.” Thor smiled at the woman. “Why don’t you and I take a turn around the garden?” Though it was voiced as a question, he didn’t allow the woman to deny him, simply swept her arm into his and started away.

Loki brought Lauren’s hands to his chest and set them there before gently cupping her cheeks. “What’s wrong, elskan min?”

“It’s just… a lot to get used to. I’m not sure about this whole… princess thing.”

“I know, darling.” He brushed his thumbs over her cheeks. “It is only a pretty piece of jewelry. I can remove it if you wish?”

She sighed. “Thor’s really pushy, ain’t he?”

“That he is,” Loki chuckled softly.

“Sadie said I should try it, that maybe I’d like it if I gave it a chance.”

“Your friend is quite smart.”

“She has her moments.” A small smile curled Lauren’s lips.

“What’s really bothering you, love?”

“Mama’s parties give me anxiety,” she sighed, stepping into him and sliding her hands up his chest to wrap behind his neck as his went around her. She rested her cheek against him. “You didn’t hear what she said earlier, did you?”

“When your father intervened?” She nodded. “No. Why? What did she say?”

“Nothin’. It’s not relevant anymore.” She settled further into him.

Loki couldn’t help but let his hands dip into the edges of her dress, caressing her bare back. “Now I am quite curious. What did she say?”

“Promise me you won’t freak out?”

His hand drifted up her back to the nape of her neck where the tails of the serpents twined together creating the clasp of her torque. “I promise.” It was an easy one to make, knowing she was forever more his.

“She said I shouldn’t be wastin’ my time bein’ a princess when I could be queen.”

“What!” he snarled.

She gave his hair a tug. “You promised.”

He calmed instantly. “Apologies. I was understandably surprised, though, why it still surprises me when people prefer Thor is a mystery. They always prefer Thor.”

“Not me,” she whispered, lifting her head to look at him. “I never have. It’s always been you, Loki.”

“Elskan min,” he growled softly and ducked his head to kiss her lush red lips. He could feel the love swell in her heart, so much stronger now with the jewel pulsing at her throat. Loki slipped his fingers beneath her hair and cupped the base of her skull, holding her tight to him with a firmly splayed hand on the bare skin of her lower back.

He licked her lip and slipped between them to flick his tongue over the tip of hers, press and stroke them together, and when she whimpered that soft, sweet mewl of desire he was coming to know so well, he tilted his head, sealed their mouths together and moaned.

His magic spiralled with it, trickling down to fill her with his power. While she couldn’t use it, it wasn’t about to flow out of her like it had a few days ago in the helicopter. This time it remained, humming inside her, and when he lifted his head to look down at her, her lashes fluttered open to reveal emerald eyes which glimmered with the green of his magic. Gold flecks sparkled in the depths, and she was, quite simply, the most gorgeous creature he’d ever laid eyes on.

“Your beauty knows no end tonight, my heart.” He’d thoroughly wrecked her lipstick, though, and ran his thumb over her lips to fix it before swiping his hand over his mouth to remove what had transferred. While he’d enjoyed the red painted on her lush mouth, he preferred the glossy texture she regularly employed and gave the red a high sheen. Now, they looked like the skin of a ripe apple waiting to be bitten.

“Thank you, peaches.” She straightened his tie, pausing when her gaze landed on the cuffs around her wrists. “Were these really Frigga’s?”

“They were. There were a few key pieces she’d always said would be mine one day. Mine for my Ástvinur should I desire them.” He turned and tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow. “I took them to be petty when I left Asgard. They were mine by right. Left to me by Frigga. Though we were on poor terms when she passed, I do not believe she would have ever struck that wish from her heart. And I wanted them,” he shrugged, “a piece of her to keep close. The comb from earlier was also hers.” It had been laying on Lauren’s dresser, and he’d quickly put it away, not daring to leave it out where Cissy’s sticky fingers could find it.

“I thought them regal before. Now that I know they were hers, I’ll cherish them,” she said, touching one gently.

“We shared a special bond, Frigga and I because of seiðr, the type of magic we do. I know she would have loved you quite fiercely had she lived and shown you off proudly.” She blushed, as he’d expected, making him chuckle as they rounded the first hedgerow.

Lauren gasped staring at the image before her. “Loki… what… how?”

He smiled proudly. “Mother has been on my mind much lately. This is my tribute to her.” He swept his hand out, setting thousands of lights ablaze around the twisting knots of the rose garden. Flowers burst into bloom, filling the air with their fragrance as red and white and deep ocean blue unfurled around them. But in the very center of the intricate paths and raised beds, stood a pool of sparkling blue water toward which he led a speechless Lauren.

“Oh, my gosh, Lauren!” Sadie cried, jumping up and down beside Thor. “Y’all have got to see this!”

Lauren was staring at the tree rising from the water. At the flowers dripping from its branches. The Fortryllende was in full bloom, tall and stately, but it wasn’t the tree Sadie was enthralled with, unaware of its importance.

“Loki… that’s the flower you made for Gran.” Tears sparkled on her lashes.

“It is. Odin’s gift to Frigga. A fitting addition to tonight, seeing as my intended is now my bonded. I will have to give Father a hard time. It certainly didn’t take me one-hundred days to entice my chosen to me.” He snickered, and Thor chuckled. “But I believe Sadie is referring to the creatures swimming among the roots, not the tree itself.”

He led Lauren to the water’s edge. “Look, darling.” Loki crouched and dangled his fingers in the water, calling one closer. It curled its way around his wrist to climb up and sit, wet and dripping, on the back of his hand.

“Oh, my stars!” Lauren squeaked as she crouched down beside him, Sadie and Thor looking on. “It’s a little dragon!”

Loki chuckled and shook his head. “It is a Voktere. They are the keepers of Fortryllende trees, tending the roots and seeing them free of pests and disease. When Odin created the flowers, and in turn the trees, these flocked to them in droves.” He pet the small head of the dragon-like creature. Scaled and reptilian, they had long sinuous bodies, came in a variety of jewel tones and had tails similar to fancy fish with large flowing fins.

When Lauren reached out tentatively, Loki shook his head while urging the creature off his hand. “I am afraid these are all illusion, my darling. One day I will take you to the Fortryllende tree in Frigga’s actual garden and introduce you to the Voktere for real.” He showed her his hand, free of water.

“Loki’s illusions have increased in potency nearly one-hundred fold,” Thor said proudly. “His magic has become something to marvel at, my sister.”

“How much of this is an illusion?” Lauren asked, taking Loki’s offered hands when he rose to help her back to her feet.

“A good portion. A few strategically placed beds contain the roses for scent, but for the rest,” he ran his hand through a hedge and made it waver, “simply a pleasing façade.”

“Y’all must be a riot ‘round Halloween!” Sadie clapped excitedly.

“If one could get him to participate,” Thor nudged Loki’s shoulder.

Loki rolled his eyes and heaved a heavy sigh. “It is such a trite holiday. Everything is either zombies or werewolves or vampires.” He snapped his teeth together and smiled a set of sharp fangs. “What’s so scary about this?”

Heat flared, a delicious shiver of it that raced through him from the heart stone. He snapped his gaze down to Lauren and found pink cheeks and lustful eyes staring at his mouth.

“Perhaps this year I will consider participating.” He grinned and stroke a fang with his tongue.

Lauren swallowed rather hard. “My what big teeth you have,” she whispered, her hand coming up to flutter before landing on his chest.

“I believe those were the next set of teeth over,” he chuckled wickedly, letting his eyes run to gold before returning to green.

“Damn,” Sadie sighed. “Y’all are tryin’ to kill the rest of us.” She fanned her face rapidly.

Thor chuckled and collected her hand to his elbow. “Asgardians have few reservations when it comes to worldly pleasures. We are a sensual people,” he purred to Sadie.

“Thor! Cut it out!” Lauren barked. “Stop flirtin’ with my friend.”

“No, no. Keep goin’. Please,” Sadie giggled.

Lauren shook her head. “Two words, Sadie June. Marcus and baby.”

“Spoilsport,” Sadie pouted.

“You are with child?” Thor grinned big and wide. “How auspicious! A blessing on you, fair Sadie. May your son or daughter be favoured by the gods and successful in their chosen future.” With that said, he leaned down and kissed her square on the mouth.

“What in the blue blazes?”

Lauren turned to see Marcus and Lafayette come through the flower maze. “Marcus!”

Thor lifted his head with a grin. “Ah! The father-to-be!” He set Sadie away from him, made sure she was stable, and practically bounced across the space to take Marcus by the shoulders. “Congratulations, my friend! You and your lovely wife will have a child blessed by Thor!”

It was as Thor was pounding the life out of Marcus in a bone-crushing hug that Lauren turned to Loki. “Huh?” she asked, gesturing between Sadie and Marcus.

Loki gave a long-suffering sigh. “While God of Thunder is his preferred title, Thor is also the God of Fertility.”

Her mouth fell open. “What?”

“There were a few centuries when Father was ready to rip his hair out because of Thor’s appeal to women.” Loki snickered.

“So… the way he handled mama and Marabeth?”

“It’s a gift.”

“And this?” She motioned toward Sadie.

“Exactly what he said it was. He’s blessed her and their child.”

Lauren snorted in obvious amusement, turning her face into his chest. “Does that mean Sadie’s baby is goin’ to be better behaved, or just like Thor is?”

“You know,” Loki bit back a chuckle, “I have no idea. I’ve never been interested enough to find out how a blessing goes.”

“Maybe… maybe we should see how this one goes… before we let him bless any of ours?” she whispered, glancing up at him and biting her lip.

The intense surge of desire which raced through him with that question was strong enough to knock down a mountain, but he contained it, just barely, to bend close to her ear and murmur, “Or, we keep going until he gets it right.”

She jerked back to glare at him. “Just how many babies you think I’m gonna be havin’?”

“As many or as few as you want, my heart.” He skimmed his fingers up her spine, setting the slim chains swinging sensually against her back. “Whatever makes you happy, darling.” She sighed, a smile pulling at her lips when she rested her head against his heart.

Over her head, however, he levelled a hard look at Lafayette who seemed unable to pull his eyes from Lauren’s bare back. He stood next to Thor, mouth agape, while his brother thoroughly disconcerted Sadie’s husband.

“Come, darling. I will show you the rest before more guests arrive.” Loki dropped his hand to lay possessively against her lower back. “Brother, you have quite made your point. Let us continue on while the lady Sadie and her husband catch up.”

“Right, right.” Thor gripped Marcus’s shoulders tightly. “A virile male! It is good!” He slapped the man’s arms heartily, turned and made his way toward them, offering the still stunned Sadie a short bow. “Until later.”

“Huh? Yeah. Dance.” Sadie nodded.

They were nearly back to the terrace, out of earshot of the three they’d left behind when Lauren burst out laughing. “I think that’s the first time in years I’ve seen Sadie tongue-tied!” Though she laughed, her eyes were in constant motion and full of excitement, lighting up in wonder or awe when her gaze alighted on something new which pleased her.

Her happiness simply bubbled out of her.

“It is so rare I meet a woman in the first blush of her pregnancy. It puts a pep in one’s step!” Thor chuckled. “Perhaps I am overzealous, but new life should be celebrated. Too often all we see is death and the aftermath of destruction. It is good to see the renewal as well.”

Lauren came to a stop and turned toward Thor where she pressed up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “Y’all are just a big softy.”

“Complete with a gooey center,” Loki agreed.

“The same one that lies beneath your hard shell,” Lauren quipped, picking up her dress in the front to take the terrace stairs.

Loki took her free hand, ignoring the comment, while Thor cupped her elbow to assist her up the stairs. “There is still time to change anything you dislike,” he assured Lauren, trying not to fidget. Thor threw him a look which clearly said he was being stupid, but he couldn’t help the small niggling feeling that she would hate it.

“If it’s anythin’ like the garden? What wouldn’t I… like… oh, Loki!” she gasped, staring open-mouthed at her surroundings. Her hand left his as she walked further into the room to tilt her head back and stare at the ceiling. “How?” she asked.

He tucked his hands into his pockets and looked up with her. “There’s a cave on Vanaheim. The ceiling is made of such crystal.” The five chandeliers had been replaced by three large stalactites, a multitude of smaller crystals filing in space around them. Thor’s lightning was caught in the center crystal but had jumped to both outer ones as well, creating a soft glow over the room, forming shadows on the walls and floor with the cloudy nature of the smoky crystal.

The light from the windows was beginning to fade, and as it did, the blue sparks he’d set in the sheers became more apparent, floating much like the fireflies had. Lauren’s hand shook where it hovered over her lips as she took in the floor and the forest of trees along the walls.

There was a band setting up in the corner near the rear of the room, and Loki urged Lauren toward the side rooms. “Thor thought a taste of home wouldn’t be out of place tonight.”

She said nothing as she stepped into the first room, dark but for flickering candles and twinkling sky. Sue Ann was puttering, but she only looked up, grinned at Loki, smiled appreciatively at Lauren, and went back to arranging the food.

As he led Lauren away, Thor remained behind. The sound of fingers getting smacked made Loki smirk, but Lauren’s silence was beginning to concern him.

In the next room with the blue-lit bar and ceiling full of vines, she inhaled sharply as she made her way toward the man at the back who swiftly poured her a glass of wine, evidently aware of her preferences.

“Thanks, Mike,” she whispered hoarsely.

“The place looks incredible, miss Lauren. I was mighty impressed. Knew it had to be your doin’.” The man nodded at her and smiled.

“His doin’,” she said pointing at Loki after downing a healthy swallow of wine.

Loki gave a slight shrug and took her hand to lead her to the final room.

There, beneath the branches laden with flowers, under twinkling lights, and reflected by mirrors, she set her glass on a table and burst into tears.

His heart stopped. “No! No, no!” Loki leapt forward to drag her into his arms. “You can’t cry! I’ll fix it! I’ll fix everything! Just tell me what I did wrong?”

“Nothin’!” she sobbed, sliding her arms up to wrap them around his neck.

His heart kicked hard and restarted. “Then why are you crying, love?”

“Because!”

He wanted to laugh, she was so damn adorable but fought it back. “That is not really an answer.”

“It’s p-perfect!” she wailed.

“Then you should be happy, my heart, not soaking me in your tears.”

“You don’t,” she gasped, “understand!”

He stroked her back and shifted them over until he could urge her into a chair and sat with their knees touching. With a flick of his wrist, he produced a square of linen and gently wiped her face. “Help me understand.”

She took the linen to mop her wet cheeks, breathed out a shaky breath, and wiped her nose. “These parties, they’re… they’re like goin’ into battle. No matter how hard I’d try, somehow I’d always fail. Never good enough, that was me. But this,” she looked up at the ceiling, black tracking her cheeks from her makeup, “this is like a fairytale come true. Like walkin’ into another world. I’ve never seen… anythin’ so, so magical.”

Her chin wobbled, and Loki reached out to cup her cheek. “You, my sweet, kind, precious, Lauren have never been a failure. You excel at everything you try your hand at. If your mother or your sisters claimed you were a failure it was out of jealousy or spite. I am certain even tonight they will find something of fault for that is how they are, but it is not you who is the problem. It is them. It always has, and will always be them.”

“It’s easy to hear and easy to say, but harder to believe,” she sighed, leaning into his touch.

“I know. I know, darling.” He pulled her closer and let his forehead rest against hers. “I can only tell you, you are not responsible for them. You are not responsible for their happiness. You are not at fault for their misery. The only one you are responsible for making happy is you.”

“Loki.” She threaded her fingers through his hair while clutching the cloth in her lap.

“And me. I will always strive toward making you happy.”

A fresh tear trickled down her cheek as she shifted from her chair to his lap. “You make me… so happy,” she whispered hoarsely.

He stole the handkerchief back to catch the fresh tears. “That’s good, my sweet, but your tears hurt my heart, even the happy ones. Your eyes should never be wet.” Of course saying so caused a fresh flood of tears to fall from her eyes.

“I love you, Loki. I love you,” she said softly, her hands clinging to his neck.

“I know, pet, as I love you.” He wiped her tears and kissed her, gentle brushes of soft lips tasting of salt but not sorrow, until they slowed to a stop. “No more tears. Not tonight. Tonight, though it is known only to a few, we celebrate our binding.” He touched her torque lightly then encouraged her to her feet where he cupped her face as she grasped his wrists.

Green eyes, now red-rimmed, would not stay so. Neither would her makeup smeared face, but he held her there, remembering this moment, memorizing it, for he vowed silently to never see such pain track across her features again. “You must remember, Lauren, no matter what comes, you are no longer alone. You have me, your Ástvinur, standing proudly at your side. You have the King of Asgard at your elbow, and you have a terrific friend in your Sadie. She is a fierce thing for one so small.”

She giggled at that and breathed in deeply to stave off fresh tears. “She’s like a stick of dynamite. A big explosion in a small package.”

Loki chuckled. “That she is.”

“Alright. Let’s fix me up before anyone sees the mess I’ve made of myself.” She frowned at his shoulder. “And you. I smeared makeup on your collar.”

“An easy fix, darling.” Magic rippled, quickly there and gone, setting them both to rights and vanishing the soiled handkerchief. “There. No one shall be the wiser.” He stepped back to take a long look at her and slowly shook his head in amazement. “You are striking, my heart. A Goddess among men this eve. Come,” he held out his elbow for her, “I am quite desperate to show you off.”

Another giggle escaped her, lifting his heart from the pit it had been wallowing in with her upset. The bright blush he loved adorned her cheeks. Her hand closed lightly around his arm, she retrieved her glass, and he led her from the mirrored room at a pace which showcased her grace.

Hoyt and Magnolia were standing just inside the doors which led to the interior of the house, their mouths agape when he and Lauren appeared.

“Lauren!” Magnolia gasped. “Just look! I can’t believe it.”

“Isn’t it pretty, mama?” Lauren smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Why, I never! How do y’all think Quinn managed it?”

“She didn’t,” Loki snapped. “That wretched woman was making a mockery of things. Hideous, ghastly decorations. Then, when Lauren stepped in to put things to rights, requesting things be changed, she quit! The audacity of it. And the way she spoke to your daughter?” Loki scoffed, “Why, I can assure you she would no longer be in business had she treated Lauren with such disrespect in New York.”

“Loki, it’s fine, peaches.” She patted his arm.

“It most assuredly is not,” he muttered, but gave a long sigh and relented. “After, I humbly offered my services to my love to assist with the disaster left behind. Lauren throws such elegant soirees for Stark. It would have been such a shame to see her reputation sullied by someone else’s misdeeds.” He smiled pleasantly, though it was a touch sharp, having rocked her parents back on their heels.

While he’d noted most of the men were dressed as he was, a dark suit with a red or white accent, Hoyt had forgone the red for blue.

It made Loki wonder just how pissed off it had made Magnolia. She was eyeing Lauren’s outfit rather sharply. While the white dress was likely above reproach, all her gold accents were out of place in Magnolia’s theme.

A theme she’d taken to heart. Her off the shoulder red dress had a heart-shaped neckline and high waisted tulle skirt which flowed to the floor in a simple bell shape. Her elbow length white gloves, necklace and earrings of chunky diamonds, and high swept hair were, to his mind, overdone.

While Magnolia floundered to find words, Hoyt stepped forward and held out his hand. “I thank you kindly for your help, Loki. This is…” Hoyt motioned to the room, “I’ve never seen anythin’ like it.”

Loki grasped the hand and nodded his head. “Much of it is an illusion and will return to what it once was after the party. I may have gone… slightly overboard but it was to assist my radiant Ástvinur, so how could I not.”

Hoyt smiled at Lauren before leaning down to kiss her cheek. “You’re gonna be the star of the party tonight, little girl. You glow in that dress. You make sure and save your daddy a dance, you hear?”

“I’ll save him two,” Lauren said, her smile brighter than the diamonds on her mother when she pressed up to return his kiss.

“Your mother and I are gonna start greetin’ guests.” He nodded to the two of them, gripped Magnolia’s arm firmly, and hustled her away before she could speak.

“Oh, my,” Lauren snickered and sipped her wine. “Mama appears to be at a loss for words. I think that’s a first.”

“Should I put in my request for my dances now?” Loki teased, taking her in his arms. “After all, you’ve promised your father and Thor, and with how stunning you look, there will be men lined up waiting to snatch you away. I’m afraid I am feeling rather uninclined to share, darling.”

She laughed, and the sound was musical, seeming to rise up and echo amongst the crystals on the ceiling. “And what of you? Looking so dapper and handsome,” she pouted prettily. “It’s not as if you have a ring on your finger to ward off all the hussy’s who’ll be tryin’ to steal you from me for a dance.”

A flash of green surrounded his left hand. “You mean like this, my heart?” He smirked wickedly when he held his hand up and ran his thumb over the gold band wrapped in runes.

“You’re so bad,” she snickered. “They’ll all think I married in secret.”

He pulled her closer and breathed wantonly against her ear, “Didn’t you?”

“Ugh, must you, Lauren?” Marabeth muttered.

Loki looked up to glare her way when Lauren stiffened. It wasn’t something her sister would have noticed, but he’d felt the tension return to Lauren’s body. “No Samuel this evening?” he asked, knowing it was nasty and not caring.

“He’ll be arriving late!” Marabeth snapped, marching off with Quinn dogging her heels. At one point she stepped on Marabeth’s dress causing the woman to stop short and glare at Quinn.

“Do you think she knows how incredibly… wide that dress makes her ass appear?” he asked, Lauren.

“Loki!” she scolded, trying not to laugh.

“I am only saying, my heart, that the cut is not as flattering as it could be. Add in that enormous bow, and the garish colour, and I’m afraid she is having a ‘what not to wear’ moment.” The ball was meant to be red and white, not red edging into orange which did absolutely nothing for Marabeth’s complexion. “I’m going to assume she chose it herself. I can’t see Sadie making such an error even if she does dislike your sister.” He stroked his hands down her arms. “Not when she did such an exquisite job picking this for you.”

The click of heels drew his attention as Cissy passed without acknowledging either of them.

“Huh,” Loki grunted as she went by.

“What?” Lauren asked.

“She reminds me of a red Big Bird.”

Lauren barked out a laugh before biting her lip to contain it. “Just how much TV do you watch?”

He shrugged. “Midgardian daytime television is both fascinating and mind-numbing, but it alleviated the boredom I suffered when I was first here. Still, you cannot tell me she does not bear a striking similarity to the large yellow fowl creature on that children’s show. Either that or she forgot half her dress.”

The corset bodice, though it looked much like something which should be worn beneath one’s clothing, was heavily patterned in cut crystals, while the skirt was created of red and black feathers and fell to just above her knees.

“Remind me to introduce you to some better TV when we get back to the tower,” Lauren snickered softly, waving at Sadie as she and her husband made their way toward them.

Loki’s eye was caught by the visage of his brother, head and shoulders taller than the majority of the people, making his way through the growing crowd. There was a distinct scowl on his face, and when their gazes locked, Thor stopped and motioned toward the doors.

“Excuse me, my heart. It appears Thor needs me a moment.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek and slipped away from her side as Sadie arrived. “I’ll be back shortly,” he assured them as he passed, making his way swiftly toward Thor.

“Brother?”

Thor tilted his head toward the door. “Listen.”

Loki frowned but turned his hearing toward the door. His eyes snapped up to the lights coming nearer and immediately snarled something, not for polite company, in the old tongue. “I thought you told them to stay away?”

“I did!” Thor huffed. “What do you want to do? We could make them leave.”

“I could drop them through a portal,” Loki snarled stalking toward the door. People cleared from his path with a swiftness he’d only ever seen Barnes achieve. When they made the door and started down the terrace steps, avoiding the arriving guests who’d stopped to gawk at the incoming helicopter, Loki remembered his earlier foreboding. “There was a murder sitting in the trees tonight.”

“I saw it as well. Father sends a warning,” Thor murmured. “Do you think it was in regards to them?” He nodded toward the helicopter.

Slowly, Loki shook his head as he made his way through the garden. “Had they arrived prior to the binding finishing, I might have said yes. Now… I am not so sure.”

“So? What do you want to do?”

He looked at Thor a smiled. Wicked. Dark. Full of mischief. “Why, invite them to join us. I am certain Lauren won’t mind.”

“Loki? What are you planning?” Thor gripped his shoulder.

“Just a bit of fun, brother.”

“The last time we had just a bit of fun you dressed me up as a girl!”

Loki snorted at the memory. “And look at the fun you had.” He waved a hand, erecting a barrier which protected them from the downdraft of the landing helicopter. “We ate. You drank an ocean’s worth of ale. It was fun!”

“The drinking was fun,” Thor murmured, crossing his arms. “But if I end up in a dress again, I will kick your ass.”

“I’d like to see you try it now… brother,” he purred, knowing it would be much harder than it once was.

When the blades began to slow, Loki dismissed the shield and made his way forward as the door slid open. A slim hand was thrust from the inside, which he took without hesitation, and smiled like the cat who had eaten the canary. Things had just gotten so much more interesting.

Loki helped the woman descend to the ground and bowed over her hand. “Why, Miss Potts. How delightful of you to join us this evening.”

Next Chapter

[anime-matchmaker-blog]

Christmas Lottery

As per tradition, the regulars of the Fukurodani Volleyball Club gathered in the clubroom on the last day of school before winter break, each of them holding a bag or box wrapped nicely or shoddily to add to the existing pile sitting in the corner of the room. Last year, everyone received new kneepads or water bottles so this year, it seemed intuitive to get something college-related.

“It’s like a lottery, except we’re too young for that, so let’s just call it the Super-Secret Christmas Draw!” Bokuto grinned at his teammates huddled into their jackets, inches away from bumping into each other’s shoulders. He was the only one still in a T-shirt and shorts.

“Bokuto-san, please put on a jacket before you catch a cold,” Akaashi said, passing him his jacket. “Who will be the one drawing the names?”

Yukie waved at him. “I’ll do it. I’m the manager, after all. Okay, write your names down and put it in the hat.” She passed out slips of papers and pens for them, remembering to write her own name as well. She shook the hat and reached into it. “I’ll start now.”

“Already?” Bokuto asked. “I have to do the…thing! The…y’know, the captain speech! Or something.”

“Don’t force yourself,” Komi warned him. “We don’t need a speech or anything. This isn’t the end.”

“I know! It kind of feels like it! It’s the end of the year and the beginning of a new one! We gotta do our best at the Spring High and beat Itachiyama once and for all. I’m not graduating until we do.”

Konoha rolled his eyes. “You’re never going to graduate at this rate, then.”

“You’ll never know!” Bokuto replied. “Anyway, let’s do our best and win! Let’s beat Nekoma and Karasuno and whoever else we’ll face! That’s all!”

There was a small pause as the team waited for him to continue, since that was what he always did. Washio commented, “That was a good captain speech.” Onaga nodded in agreement.

“Okay, can we start now? So, I’m going to draw two names and the first name will get the second name’s present. It’s the same system as last year, so without further ado…” Yukie pulled out two slips of paper and unfolded him. “Komi, you’re getting…Washio’s gift.”

“Sweet!” Komi jumped up from the huddle to approach the presents. He examined the pile until he located Washio’s gift, which was in a large gift bag. “What’s inside? Can we open it?”

“Sure. We did that last year,” Bokuto said. Komi grinned, carefully tearing the tape off to open it. He pulled out a volleyball.

“Thanks, man! I needed a new one anyway.” He nodded his thanks to the tall middle blocker. “I would’ve preferred Mikasa though.”

Yukie shook the bag again. “Next up is…Konoha, you’re getting…Saru’s gift.”

Konoha sat back down with Sarukui’s meticulously wrapped box. He tore the wrapping paper off to remove the lid, placing it aside to shove the tissue paper out of the way. He took out a volleyball. “I guess I needed one too. Thanks, Saru.” His fellow wing spiker gave him a thumbs-up. “Are we allowed to swap? I prefer Molten.”

“Go ahead,” Washio said. The two swapped balls, looking pleased with one another.

“Next is…oh, it’s me! I’m getting Akaashi’s gift.” She jumped up to locate her present. Fortunately, the bag was too small for a volleyball, so it had to be something else. “What’s this? Stationary?” she sifted through the tissue paper to take out a notebook, a handful of pens and pencils, erasers and lead, and a pencil case. “Wow, this is a lot! Thank you, Akaashi!”

“You’re welcome.” He bowed his head politely. “I’m sorry if the colors lean toward the masculine side.”

“Don’t worry about it! I never used pink notebooks anyway.” She placed everything back and reached for the hat. “We have…Washio. You’re getting Onaga’s present.”

Washio retrieved the bag and sat down, shaking it. The weight was familiar and the shape reminded him of something. He opened it up, pulling out a volleyball. “I hate to admit it, but I needed a new one too,” he mumbled. “Thank you, Onaga.” The shy first-year ducked his head in response.

“Next up is Saru! You’re getting Komi’s present.”

“Is it a volleyball? I wouldn’t mind it if it is.” Sarukui grabbed the biggest bag from the pile and sat down. He frowned, unable to figure out what was inside. “What did you get?”

He opened it up. The package inside was wrapped, but based on the size, it had to be a bag. “Is this a bag? No, wait…a laptop bag? That’s pretty specific…it should be a bag.”

“Yep, it’s a bag! Well, backpack. It’s pretty small, so it’s like a sports bag,” Komi said. “Hope you like it!”

“Thanks, Komi. It’ll be useful for next year.”

Yukie scrambled the remaining papers inside. “Okay, Onaga, you’re getting…Konoha’s present.” He jumped up to his feet to locate his present. It was a box with the lid taped down and after he pried it free, he took it off and pulled out a volleyball.

“I couldn’t think of anything to get, so I went with the safest option,” Konoha said, scratching the back of his head. “Sorry if you were hoping for something better.”

Onaga shook his head. “No, this is perfect. Thank you, Konoha-san.”

“Yukie,” Bokuto complained. “When am I going to get my present?”

“It’s all the luck of a draw, Bo. Calm down.” She pulled out two more slips. “Now, it’s…Akaashi. You’re getting Bokuto’s gift.”

Akaashi found it easily since all that remained was a lone bag. He sat back down and opened it slowly, Hidden among the tissue paper were slips of paper and he examined them with a frown. The others gathered around him. “Are those food vouchers?” Komi asked. “Where did you get those?”

“Family connections.” Bokuto grinned. “You can never go wrong with food, right? I thought giving a volleyball to you guys would be lame, so I thought of something else. Cool, huh?” he jumped to his feet. “Looks like I’m getting your present, Yukie!”

He grabbed the remaining bag and shook it loudly. He opened it up and tossed the tissue paper aside, peering inside with hopeful eyes. The expression froze on his face when he took out the volleyball inside.

“I thought you guys would need more than one ball for practice,” Yukie explained in a small voice. “If you want, I can buy you something else-“

“Nah, that just ruins the whole thing. Thanks, Yukie. I’ll treasure it.” He held it in his hands, staring intently at it. “Actually…can you sign it? The rest of you too! Just so I know this is the one that’s the most important ball.”

A sharpie went around the huddle and Bokuto took the ball back, smiling at his teammate’s individual signatures. He held it up. “Let’s win at the Spring High,” he said. “Rest up over the break too! Have some happy holidays!”

“Happy holidays!”