#catnip evergreen

[puriteenism]

i feel like katniss would write the most banger poetry and it would be like 2 lines and then she'd be like this is good. but also maybe she would be scared (mortifying ordeal of being known)

[madison-tourmaline]

I miss you. It hurts. I'm so glad I got to be your friend.

[greenwitchcrafts]

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Known as: compass weed, dew of the sea, elf leaf, guardrobe, incsensier, labonotis, Mary's cloak, polar plant, sea dew, stella maria & star of the sea.

Related plants: A member of the mint family Lamiaceae that includea basil, mint, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, hyssop, thyme, lavender & perilla. As well as other herbs such as catnip, salvia, bee balm, wild dagga, and oriental motherwort. 

Parts used: Leaves, roots, sprigs & essential oils from the flowers.

Habitat and cultivation: This evergreen  shrub is native to the Mediterranean Portugal, and northwestern Spain.

Plant type: Perennial

Region: Zone 6 with occasional winter protection & zones 7-10

Harvest: Anytime but avoid taking more than 1/3 of the plant when you do.

Planting tips: Rosemary has a low germination rate and slow to sprout, try using cuttings or buy from a nursery if you have problems. Keep in full sun with a well drainer container & let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Medicinal information: Over the years rosemary was used to relieve muscle pain, repelling insects, improve memory, boost the immune system & promote hair growth.

Cautions: While safe, ingesting excessive amounts of rosemary can be dangerous and lead to vomiting, coma & pulmonary edema.

ROSEMARY IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR EVERY HERB

Magickal properties

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deities: Faeries, Elves, sea spirits & Virgin Mary

Magickal uses:

•Place in dream pillows to prevent nightmares

• Burn as an incense to purify & remove negativity

• Hang above your doorways to drive away unwanted visitors

• Add to a ritual bath for cleansing & removing hexes

• Use as a substitute for frankincense

• Plant in your garden to attract fae

• Carry a sprig to protect against the evil eye

• Keep under your bed to ensure fidelity & a happy relationship

• Wash your hands with a rosmary infusion before healing magick to increase potency

• Wear in a satchet or amulet to improve memory recall & improved health

• In Italian folk magic, it is cooked with to alleviate sadness  grief

• Rosemary may be used as incense at rituals of death and dying. It may be cast upon the coffin when it is slowly lowered into the burial place. With this we will all remember with love and fondness the one who is passing into another life, and thus we will also remember that we inhabit mortal bodies as we walk through the earth

[drew-mga2022mi6014]

Research | Effects of Plants vs Pests

via Pinterest

Just as certain types of plants promote the presence of pollinators and other friendly critters in a garden, there are those which repel unfriendly threats as well without the use of chemical sprays. This is the main concept behind the different plants that would be chosen as units for combat in my game.

Allium

Allium are a genus of bulbs which include ornamental onions, chives, garlic and shallots. It is regarded by by many gardeners as a broad-spectrum natural pest repellent. Species in the allium family, notably garlic, emit a sulphureous odor that masks the smell of other plants but is undetectable to humans.

These plants are known to be deterrents for aphids, slugs, cabbage worms, and Japanese beetles. These plants are not particularly fussy about soil type, but do well in Sand and Loam, or any soil that is well drained.

Wormwood (Artemesia absinthium)

Wormwood is a handsome evergreen woody perennial with a strong sage-like odor that is purported to repel various pests such as earwigs, caterpillars, white fly, aphids, flies, and moths. The dried leaves themselves can also be used as a means to deter slugs and snails. However, they are susceptible to ground beetles.

Just as with Allium, wormwood prefer Sand and Loam, but will tolerate other soil types without much issue.

Thyme

While the aroma of thyme is favourable to humans, some bugs cannot stand the smell of it. Thyme is a great ground-cover plant that’s ideal at the front of borders and in containers and planters. It’s easy to grow provided it’s planted in a sunny situation and in free-draining soil �� too much moisture will cause it to rot. 

Mosquitos, cabbage loopers, tomato hornworms, and white flies in particular despise the scent of thyme.

Basil

Basil is a handy annual to have on hand that can deter various species of hornworm. Hornworms are notorious for their ability to completely defoliate plants like tomato, potato, tobacco, eggplants, and peppers. These too do well in well-drained soil such as Loam. As well as being a good pest deterrent in the vegetable garden, basil can easily be tucked into flower beds too. In particular, basil is paired with marigold for their colour.

However one downside of basil is that they are incredibly susceptible to slugs, especially as seedlings. It is advisable to avoid planting them after rains or colder conditions.

Marigold

In addition to keeping pests like flies and aphids away, marigolds also carry the benefit of attracting potential pollinators to the garden, such as hoverflies and pollen beetles.

Marigolds also make great decoy plants so are typically used for companion planting. If marigolds are grown near a more valuable plant, the slugs go for the young marigold plants first, which allows some time for other plants to develop and become less prone to slug attacks.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catmint (Nepeta) is a popular garden plant but studies show that it’s the true catmint (catnip) that does a good job of deterring many pests. It is a versatile plant, being able to be grown in a variety of soils, but it much prefers Loam. The main caveat is that whatever soil the plant is grown in, there must be a good drainage system.

Japanese beetles, aphids, Colorado potato beetles, mosquitoes, and the cabbage looper are among the many pests that catnip deters.

Hardy Geraniums

Hardy geraniums tolerate most soils and care little for specifics, although the general rule of thumb is to make sure the soil is loose. They’re very tolerant and will put up with dry or damp soil, sun or shade. They also happen to be a plant that slugs and snails hate, which are put off by their pungent, hairy foliage. Other perennial garden plants that slugs and snails are repelled by, include rosemary, ferns, lavender, foxglove and stachys.

Nasturtium

Nasturtium are a type of climber that are known to mainly repel whiteflies, squash bugs, beetles, and cabbage loopers. While it can survive most climates, they prefer Sand and Loam. They can be used as a trap crop,

Additionally, nasturtiums also attract hoverflies and beneficial wasps, and these critters can control all kinds of bad bugs.

Dill

Dill makes a good plant when grown as a companion to others such as Dahlia. It's often used as a trap crop which can be used to lure away certain pests from other plants. They are best used in repelling earwigs, cabbage moths, and spidermites, and prefer flourishing in moist, free-draining, fertile soils such as Silt and Loam.

The general consensus is that pests are often deterred by highly aromatic herbs and plants. Some other plants that repel pests are lavenders and mints, which contain the same aromatic properties of the other plants listed above.

[irregularnotagoblin]

I wish that I could wear hats (Brian David Gilbert)

RGSS (Brian David Gilbert)

Ruler if Everything (Tally hall)

Evergreen (Richy Mitch and the coal miners)

Glory (radical face)

Uncrush (a small bird)

Labyrinth (miracle musical)

Anchor (Mindy Glenhil)

Running up that hill (Kate bush)

New river (the oh hellos)

O Superman (Laurie Anderson)

This will end (the oh hellos)

Aromantic's lament (Catnip)

Gnaw (Alex G)

Ophelia (the Lumineers)

Be nice to me (the front bottoms)

Lay all your love on me (ABBA)

I don't have a name for it (steam powered giraffe)

Never been in love (will Jay)

19 people you say? No pressure tags

@ladye-zelda, @treasure-goblin, @carry-on-my-wayward-gays, @westerncryptid, @emberflamephoenix, @beckab, @drowsymothcryptid, @justabackroundcharacter, @questioning-blob-of-fog, @pallweople

i only got 11, oh well. Have fun!

Rules: pick a song for each letter of your URL and tag that many people.

Tagged by @sailforvalinor, and thank you this looks like fun!

Remember and Proclaim (Andrew Peterson)

All I Ask of You (Jackie Evancho)

Innocence (Nathan Wagner)

Níl Sé'n Lá (Celtic Woman)

I Still Need a Savior (Billy Sprague)

No Strings (Ed Sheeran)

Take Me Back Road (Tim & the Glory Boys)

How Great is Our God (Chris Tomlin)

Everything Sad is Coming Untrue (Jason Grey)

El-Shaddai (Amy Grant)

Voice of Truth (Casting Crowns)

Endlessly (Amaranthe)

Not Alone (Red)

I'm an Open Road (Paul Brandt)

Never Leave Your Side (Sam Tinnesz)

Good to Be Alive (Skillet)

Hoo boy, can I think of sixteen people?

@griseldabanks @kraytwriter @kingofattolia @catkin-morgs @clawedandcute @nerdychristianfanboy @steampunk-archer @sergeanttomycaptain @smhalltheurlsaretaken @scribblermerlin @authortobenamedlater @stainedleather @mrtobenamedlater @mrgartist @get-loved-nerd @a-fount-of-blessings (Ignore if this is a repeat tag. Unless you want to do it again. Up to you. :)

[renova-is-stuck]

rendering the dangers within the Land of Evergreens and Catnip..

who knows what lurks within...

[prrrsuit]

Current Projects

@thethornofcorellia tagged me the unexplicit way. :)

List all the things you’re currently working on in as much or little detail as you’d like, then tag some friends to see what they’re working on: writing, art, gif sets, whatever.

Writing

Uhrwerkträume (Clockworkdreams), my ongoing attempt to put the theory of the univers as a fractally resonating entity into the form a science-fantasy novel. Set in a fictional world, resembling somewhere in Europe around 1900, the story follows a number of clockmakers and their associates, as they explore the manipulation of time and how said manipulation of time will affect the (human) consciousness as well as the structure of reality itself. I am currently trying a new approach, no longer clinging to the concept of a linear plot or textbook story-telling, and it seems to work very well with the project’s needs.

Music

Catnip Evergreen, during the last semester-break I started recording/mixing some of my songs on the computer. During the semester I did some work on not yet finished songs, but I did not really have the time to get into it deeply. Catnip is also going to perform, for the first time, next week during an open-stage evening/afternoon we are having at our school

I am explicitly tagging @blaukrautsuppe, @igraine-ohnefurcht and @queerpumpkins

[renova-time]

>CA: opened up, I see?

>CA: that's a good sign

>CA: keep it up, Mizu

*caligulasAquarium [CA] sat on green grass in the Land of Evergreens and Catnip, while catSense [CS] went through the bright green Psionic Portal [CA] made

Mewzuki Sugiwa is open fur questions!

[whispersfromwanderers]

Some of my Favourite Herbs and Their Uses (Part I) - Deborah Blake (The Eclectic Witch's Book of Shadows)

Apples: Blossoms, fruit, and wood. Primarily used for love and healing magic, the wood makes a nice wand and the cider is a great "ale" for cakes and ale at the end of a ritual, especially one that takes place in autumn. Apples are particularly witchy because if you slice one crosswise, you will see the shape of a pentacle inside. For simple love magick, try baking an apple pie and adding cinnamon, which is associated with passion.

Basil: Leaves. Used for love, protection, prosperity, and (theoretically) exorcism. (I don’t have any experience with that last one, but you could certainly use it to try banishing negative emotions). Easily used in cooking, like my recipe for prosperity pesto, which I make with walnuts (fertility) instead of pine nuts. As a dried herb, basil also works well when added to sachets or magickal mixes.

Calendula: Flowers. Also known as marigold. Often used by herbalists for its healing properties but is also grown by many folks as an ornamental. In magick, it can be used for healing, love, and to boost physical abilities. I like to use dried flowers in healing sachets, although I also grow them in my garden just because they're pretty.

Catnip: Leaves, flowers. Love, happiness, beauty, sleep, calm, and connection with cats. While more often associated with felines than with humans, catnip (which is a member of the prolific mint family) has healing qualities for people as well. Magickally, you can use it in sachets for sleep, calm, and love, but be prepared to share them with your cats if you have any. It's also useful in cat magick, especially to find a familiar.

Chamomile: Flowers. Peace, sleep, love, prosperity, protection. This is one of my favorite herbs to use in sleep or calming sachets. It is also a traditional healing tea that can be used for either of those purposes, so you can bless and consecrate some chamomile on the night of a full moon and then drink it when you need it.

Cinnamon: Bark. Prosperity, success, passion, love, lust, healing, protection, power, psychic ability, spirituality. Who would have thought that the simple cinnamon in your cupboard would have so many magickal uses? Cinnamon is especially useful in love and prosperity mixtures and can easily be added to food. Actually a spice that comes from the inner bark of an evergreen tree, cinnamon is usually found in its powdered form, but I like to use cinnamon sticks in charm bags, magickal mixes, and even as a miniature wand to stir the Yule wassail.

Dill: Leaves, flowers, and seeds. Love, protection, prosperity. Magickal prosperity pickles? Sure, why not? Dill is a tall plant that is used for both its delicate-looking thin green leaves and then, later in the season, the flowering heads filled with seeds that are used to flavor pickles and other foods. It is easy to grow and can be used fresh or dried. For a boost of prosperity, I toss the fresh herb in my salads in early summer and add it to various magickal mixes later in the year in its dried form. 

Eucalyptus: Leaves. Healing and protection. Eucalyptus is a powerful healing herb, whether you are using dried leaves or essential oil. It has a strong, pungent odor and can be quite powerful, so it is best to use it in small amounts. The oil can be added to healing mixtures or the leaves placed in sachets or poppets intended for healing use. 

Garlic: Bulb. Healing, protection. As anyone who has ever eaten it knows, garlic is a strong-smelling herb that will chase away prospective dates and possibly vampires. But in magickal work, its protective properties will definitely work for your benefit. You can use whole cloves in protection sachets or powdered dry garlic in spell mixtures. (I don’t suggest putting those under your pillow, though.) It is also used for healing and can be added to food if you are doing kitchen witchery. Magickal chicken soup for a cold? You bet! Just remember to focus on its healing potential as you use it. 

Geranium: Flowers, leaves. Love, healing, protection. Geraniums are a pretty and easy-to-grow plant that comes in a range of colors, red and pink being the most common. The plants themselves can act as protection for the home, and the flowers can be picked and added to sachets or other magickal preparations. Rose geranium in particular has very pleasantly scented leaves and makes a lovely essential oil. (Note that geranium essential oil and rose geranium essential oil will have different scents; they are both useful for love and protection work, but rose geranium in particular is known for its calming and healing properties.) 

Ginger: Root. Power, energy, prosperity, success, love (especially the passionate type). Ginger is a fiery herb that lends its heat and power to any spell you use it in. It can be used in the powdered form in magickal mixtures, or pieces of the whole root can be sliced and added to food or charm bags. 

Lavender: Flowers. Love, sleep, happiness, purification, healing, peace. Lavender is a beautiful and strongly scented flower with many magickal uses. If you have a garden, it is lovely to cut fresh flowers and place them on your altar. For most, however, the dried version will have to do. My group often follows the traditional practice of tossing lavender into the Midsummer bonfire as a sacrifice to the Goddess. I also use the herb in sachets for healing and peace and tuck one under my pillow to help me sleep. It makes wonderful incense, and the essential oil is easy to use in magick baths or sprays. 

Lemon: Juice, peel. Purification, cleansing, love, energy. All the citruses (specifically lemon, orange, and grapefruit) have similar magickal properties, but lemon in particular is good for any purification or cleansing work. Add a few drops to your mop water for a magickal boost to your housework, especially if you are doing spring cleaning. The dried peel can be added to sachets and charm bags for love or purification, and the essential oil is perfect for room sprays that are intended to purify your space and boost your energy. 

Lemon Balm: Leaves. Healing, happiness, calm, love. Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and will grow prolifically in a garden. It is known for its ability to attract bees and is sacred to Artemis and Diana. Lemon balm can be made into a magickal tea to boost the mood or calm a troubled spirit, and the leaves or essential oil are particularly helpful in spell mixtures to deal with sleep, anxiety, or depression. 

Mugwort: Leaves. Psychic powers, protection, divination, dreaming, and astral projection. Mugwort’s most common use is in a dream sachet, which, when tucked under one’s pillow, is said to aid in prophetic dreaming. It is also used in incense and drunk in teas to boost the user’s power of divination. While not as dangerous as the hallucinogenic herbs employed by earlier witches, some people can find mugwort overwhelming, and it should be used with caution if you have no previous experience with it. 

Parsley: Leaves. Protection and purification. Parsley isn’t considered to be one of the more powerful magickal herbs, but I like it because it is so easy to add to foods if you are doing kitchen witchery. If you are already making a dish with the magickal intent of protection or purification, why not toss in a little parsley for a magickal boost?

...

[natandwandaseries]

The Cat’s Tree is Completely Flocked: A Nat and Wanda Series Mini Fic

“Why is there a mini undecorated tree in the corner?” Wanda tilts her head, hands on her hips.

Natasha looks up from her book on the couch.

“It’s the decoy tree,” she goes back to reading, as though further explanation is not needed.

“Who are you trying to fool? Santa Claus?”

“Liho,” she flips the page on her book.

“Please explain,” Natasha stands up, snapping her copy of Little Women shut.

“Liho won’t stay off the real tree. She has knocked off three ornaments so far. At this rate, we’ll have half a tree by Christmas.”

“And how do you plan on getting her to only use the decoy tree? It’s not like you can explain to her that that one is her tree.” Wanda nods to the much shorter, though equally full tree.

“I already thought of that. Do you want hot cocoa?” She heads towards the kitchen.

“Yes, and how?”

“The magic of Christmas,”

“Mom,”

“And of Ms. Bisset’s kitchen windowsill garden she left behind,”

“The old owner of Yelena’s apartment?”

“I just dusted the tree. I think Liho will find it any second. Her afternoon nap should be ending,”

Wanda looks down the hall and sees Liho stretch as she exits the library, which explains Nat’s reading in the living room. She wanted to watch this go down. Whatever it is.

Natasha puts down the hot cocoa mix and heads into the living room.

“What-”

“Just wait,”

The kitten begins to head towards the big tree and then pauses, turning to its little sibling. Her eyes expand into black disks and she launches herself at the evergreen, immediately lost in the artificial branches.

“You covered it in catnip.”

“I believe it is called flocking when you do it to a tree. Like fake snow.”

“So you flocked the cat’s tree.” Wanda tries to hold back a laugh, Nat grins.

“Flocked it up big time. Completely and utterly flocked.”

[0risha]

THE FIRST MONTH

» CHAPTER SUMMARY : As an aspiring author in New York, life hasn’t been the easiest. To your surprise, things start to look brighter when you're met with an unexpected offer.

» TAGS : a few curse words, mentions of insecurity

⤻ series m.list  | series playlist | ⤻ the next month

“Take as much time as you need,” Draena drawls. Your brows furrow as you note that she was, indeed, being sarcastic. 

“A-are you gaslighting me,” you scoff over the line. You wait to hear a bubble of laughter from your editor/best friend but it never comes.

“Shut it.” You gulp as her tone turns hard. “What you turned in last night.” You shut your eyes in hopes of drowning out her next line. 

“Was complete shit.” 

“Gosh, you’re so rude.” You turn in your seat, propping up your glasses as your attention moves from your computer screen to your slumbering cat. “What happened to my happy, enthusiastic Rae rae?” you boast, clutching the phone closer to your ear. 

“Well, this so-called final draft made my mood go sour.” 

“Fuck, Rae- I’m trying here.” You coax, internally wincing when you catch the crawling desperation in your voice. Draena must’ve heard it too.

“I know you are babe but when you send me videos of you dancing with Yuka while Erykah Badu’s singing her heart out in the background—” her voice cuts off when you let out a snicker. 

“It’s not funny Y/N!” Draena proclaims but you hear the low laugh she lets out. “Okay, but when you send me videos of that it makes me think otherwise.” 

You hum in feigned contemplation. “But you know…. those are like my interim periods.”

“I’m hanging up on you.”

“Wait, no! Rae rae please- I was kidding,” you plead, frantically.

“Give me a better draft by the 12th an—"

“Rae rae!” Your cat turns to you, telepathically telling you to shut up with her green, narrowed eyes.

“And have a goodnight Y/N, I love you.” 

Beep.

You heave out a sigh. “She definitely doesn’t love me,” you confess to the air. “Yuka baby,” you sing, patting your lap; a signal for her to jump on.

“But you do…. I just know you do.” You coo, rubbing the scruff of Yuka’s white-haired neck as she curls into you.

“Yuka…. why does the world hate me so much?” You take your pair of glasses from your face and throw them on your desk. 

“And my head hurts…..” you whine. “And m’ so hungry.” 

You hear Yuka purr in agreement.

“Ugh, Yuka, back home they had such good ramen.” You sigh wistfully, turning to glare at the microwaveable ramen cup that sat in your trash.

“I miss it.” You divert your gaze from the trash to your office window to watch a trail of rain pellets zig-zag across the glass. Dark, heavy clouds farther up in the background. 

New York’s current weather didn’t help with your somber mood. 

“M’ gonna take you there one day, I promise.” You sniffle, unwanted emotions welling up in your chest. 

“You know who I want you to meet!” You raise an index finger idly in the air. “Want you to meet my brother, he loves cats. Have I told you that, Yuka?” Your mood instantly flips as you remember your older sibling. Though, it drops just the same when you get no response. It wasn’t like you were gonna get one anyway. 

With the piercing silence in your apartment, your mind starts to wander to forbidden thoughts. To straggly blonde hair, dark amber e—

“No!” Yuka jerks up when you do. “I’m not doing this tonight.” You push up from your chair, Yuka mewling in rejection. “Sorry, baby, come cuddle with me in bed.” You take one last guilty glance at your computer before walking to your bedroom. Groaning when your body hits your not so soft mattress. You pat the sheets for signs of Yuka’s body but to no avail. With a roll to the side of your bed, you see her glued to the floor. “You’re so spoiled,” you grunt, taking her in your arms and plopping her next to you. 

“Goodnight Yuka.” You get a nuzzle in response. 

When your eyes close and the rest of the world fades, you end up dreaming of him.

Well, it’s not just him. It’s more of an uncatchable blur of moments together. 

Your entry at the local girl’s volleyball workshop that you had eventually begged your mother to quit because you were terrible at it. 

The teasing words he would throw at you because of your non-ability to even set a ball. How his brother would force him to apologize after seeing the tears that stained your brown, pudgy cheeks.

Unsurprisingly, Aran was too caught up in his little world to even care but they were glee-full memories, nonetheless. 

Although, as if your subconscious was in tune with your wants, your dreams didn’t stray too far, cutting right off before that summer. 

The next morning, you’re pulled out of your sleep by Yuka’s insistent scratching against your chest.

“Damn it, Yuka, don’t scratch my nipple off,” you grunt. When you open your eyes, you’re forced to squint due to the harshness of the sun that filters through your bedroom blinds. 

With a sigh, you roll over to grab your phone, groaning when the bright light hits your sensitive eyes. You didn’t have any texts from Draena, which made you happy and sad at the same time. Usually, if Draena sent texts, they were pleas for a new draft or implied words of motivation that were sometimes laced with venom; the absence of emoticons always a telltale sign. 

However, Draena was the only person that bothered to text you, so it did brighten your day a teensy bit when she did. Aran didn’t text, at all, and if you didn’t know better you would think that he physically couldn’t, but he just took joy in speaking on the phone.

“She’s really mad at me huh, Yuka.” You throw your phone on the pile of sheets when you rise from your bed. Body craning to relieve itself when you elongate it to an upwards stretch. Yuka does the same, her white tail thumping on the wood-like tile floor. 

“Don’t have anything to do today,” you whisper, rubbing your eyes as you drag your body to your cramped bathroom. 

When you reach for your toothbrush, you glance at your reflection in the mirror. A simple glance turns into a long, attentive stare as you try to mentally pick and prod at your appearance. You blink, silently shocked that you weren’t falling into an ether of insecurities. 

While furiously brushing your teeth, careful to avoid harsh circles on your sensitive gums, you stare vacantly at your mirrored face. As if observing for long enough would finally uprise the emotions you had grown accustomed to. 

Droopy eyes, too full lips, not the prettiest nose. 

But they never came.

And as uncanny as it sounded, you didn’t like it. You didn’t like the unfamiliarity of losing such a dear friend. One, that you had carried by your side for years on end.

After placing your toothbrush back in its rightful place, you swished a small amount of evergreen mouthwash in your mouth, letting out a wince after following it down with a swish of cold water. 

You turn to leave, but not before glancing once more at your mirror.

It’d be back soon, it had to.

After feeding Yuka a reasonable amount of catnip and changing her litter box, you plop down on your couch (which was to your dismay, missing a few springs), grab your remote, and flip to a random channel. 

After a couple of minutes into a series about fire emergencies, you found it hard to concentrate, the colors that were supposed to solidify into suitable entertainment only blurred by. You squint, but the effect only works for a second. 

Things were so bad that you couldn’t even watch television?

Though, you weren’t sure what exactly these things were. Yeah, living in this place wasn’t exactly ideal but you were gonna make it big in due time. The heavy-paged outline you’d sent in last month had been placed on the top of the Greatest Upcoming list by your publishing company. 

Perhaps, that was the case; the heavy expectations that had been placed on your already frail shoulders, albeit, you knew exactly what you were signing up for when you’d hit the submit button. You couldn’t help but think that your conflicted emotions were for an entirely different reason. 

It was frustrating not knowing what was going on with yourself. The little things that were supposed to make you happy; eating snacks, listening to your mother’s voicemails, playing with Yuka, all felt like a toll. 

However, this train of thought introduced a new one. 

A rush of impelling air flits through your apartment, before it could find the means to disappear you clamber up to your office. Well, it was more a corner of your apartment that could fit a desk than an office, but it was enough. 

Grabbing your glasses from the desk drawer and placing them right on the bridge of your nose, your fingers fly. They’re set in rhythm, thoughts that fly to your fingertips and transfer. It goes on like this for nearly two hours, your eyes burn and your joints ache but something tells you that if you were to stop now, a feeling like this wouldn’t be so easy to attain again. Rare moments like these felt like euphoria. But it always came with a price; a hook of fear that settled in your skin. The fear of writing something that wasn’t up to par. 

To your utmost dismay, your writing is interrupted by the ringing of your phone, and just like that your impel disappears. With an annoyance-filled groan, you grab the source of the noise. 

Draena.

“What! Rae rae... I can’t believe you, I had the best feeling of motivation, and my fucking fingers wer—”

“Come. Now.” Your eyebrows shoot up as Draena cuts off your impending rant, her voice low and demanding.

“Huh- to NPC, why?” Going to your publishing company was a rare occurrence, you basically worked from home. 

“Urgent news.” Draena clips.

“Why the short answers? Just tell me…” your voice trails off. As much as you hated to admit, you were terrified. What if they booted up your deadline? Or worse… 

“No, they’re not kicking you off the list because of your terrible drafts.” You release a long breath in relief. 

“So what is it?” You gnawed the bottom of your lip in trepidation. 

“You’ll see.” The line cuts.

You roll your eyes. Draena hanging up on you was starting to become an annoying habit.

With a glance at your computer screen, your eyes widen in shock. 

68,000 words.

A new record.

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

Everyone knew about New York, the melting pot of all types of people, food, festivities, and yadda yadda. 

But no one seemed to know how dampening it was. To you at least. 

The difference between being in one of the most active places in the states and having nothing going for you was very...depressing. Though the thoughts of impending success snuck into your gloomy thoughts, it was driven away by impatience. 

When? When were you going to finally catch a break? When were you going to be shrouded by contentment and feel as though moving to the states was the right choice? 

These thoughts compiled onto your mind as you stared at the back of a stranger’s brown and very ugly loafers.

The metro was loud and bustling with life. Though, it didn’t hold much surprise. 

You made sure to keep your head downcast and avoid eye contact with anybody. You were lucky enough to get a seat on the train, but the regret finally started to set in when you felt another person pushing against the left of you. 

With an inaudible sigh, you close your eyes in hopes of getting a few moments of peace before you had to go to your publishing company. Draena did tell you that it wasn’t a serious matter but a gut feeling told you that it was. 

When your stop comes, you squeeze through a plethora of bodies to get out of the doors. 

The walk to your publishing company is short, your gray sweatpants and sweatshirt made it an easier trek. With your heart in your throat, you elongate your neck to stare at the company. It was nothing special, a five-storied building that looked slightly crappy on the inside. However, it was seemingly special to you. It’d housed dozens of authors esteemed with the title of best-seller and you’d be damned if you weren’t one. 

After giving yourself a speech of confidence, you enter the building. The first thing that hits you is the overbearing stench of coffee. The sweet smell of donuts, next. Which leaves you to salivate due to the absence of breakfast. 

“You can have mine if you want to.” A figure towers over yours. Michael. Your eyes flit to his face, then to the donut, he offers on a folded napkin. Your nose scrunches up in distaste. A cruller.

When you see the way his face slightly falls, you smile at him. “Thank you, Michael. I’ll make sure to eat this since I didn’t have any breakfast this morning.” As you grab the donut from his hand and your fingers brush ever so slightly, you catch the way his cheeks flush red. 

Now, you weren’t an egotistical fool but there was no way that Michael didn’t have a thing for you. But there was no way you were going to entertain him. Yeah, he was cute; short-cropped black hair, sharp cheekbones, and nice jade eyes to go with it, he wasn’t your type. It didn’t help that he was only eighteen, four years your junior. The gap wasn’t huge but it just… wasn’t your thing. 

“H-have a nice day.” He chokes out, a nervous smile adorning his pasty cheeks. 

“I will, thanks again.” With a small smile, you turn away to trudge up the stairwell. 

The stairs are rickety and downright scary. Every step you take causes a flash of childish vision in which you end up falling through. The quality of the rails didn’t help either. Renovations, maybe?

You’re pulled from your thoughts as you finally make your way through to the fifth floor. Surprisingly, this floor was tidier than the rest. More expensive printers, offices, and equipment in general. 

“Finally.” Draena cruises towards you, her expression is neutral, conveying no signs of what’s about to come. 

“Hi Rae rae,” you smile, handing her your cruller. “You look nice.” You observe her pencil skirt that fits just right on her curves, and her white button-up that makes her chest look really, really nice.

“Stop ogling my tits, you perv.” You roll your eyes at her crude language as she stuffs her face with the donut. “You look….” She ducks her head to study your attire. “Comfortable.” 

“Putting your rudeness aside.” You wave your arms. “Uh… what am I here for?” You scratch the back of your neck as a source of relief. 

Sensing your nervousness, Draena places her hands on your shoulders. “Everything’s fine, I promise. Just follow me.” She turns.

You blink out of your stupor to follow behind. Your eyes stay downcast. “Stop looking at my ass—”

Your eyes widen in shock as everyone turns to give you a perturbed stare. “W-what! Draena— I was not.” You scramble up to stand side by side with your friend, sending her an icy glare.

She gives you a low chuckle in response. “I know, I know. Just tryna get you to lighten up.” She pats your mass of curls. “Well, I hope ya did, cause we’re here.” She stops in front of the main conference room. 

She pulls your sweaty hands into her own. “You got this! Just don’t say too much because you don’t nee—”

“Huh- you’re not coming with me!” you whisper-yell, eyes moving sporadically in disbelief.

“Nope!” She springs, letting go of your hand and turning you towards the door. “Good luck, babes, call me when you’re done, I can’t wait to see your reaction.” And with that, Draena pushes a very terrified you into the conference room. 

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

“Uh, Miya!” Atsumu turns to the loud reporter. “Any ladies in your life?” 

“Nah and yer crazy if you think there’s gonna be.” He gives an upturning grin as the conference room bursts into a muttering mess.

Next to him, Sakusa grunts, “you’re so damn arrogant.” Atsumu gives him a shrug in return.

“So, any past ladies you’re still willing to pine over?” Atsumu blinks once, twice. The room falls into an eerie silence as his teammates turn to peer at him. 

“Nah,” he clips. “Let’s talk about the game now.” Atsumu coughs. “We should be talking about Mr. Shoyo here, no?” The orange-haired boy flushes in embarrassment as the attention of the room shifts to him. 

When the team heads back to the locker room, the air is filled with exhaustion. The adrenaline finally slithering away as they grab their belongings. 

Meian, their team captain clambers up to Atsumu’s figure and clasps him on the shoulder. “What was that about, Miya?” 

Slowly, Atsumu turns to give him a confused look. “What was what about?” He lies, slinging his bag on his other shoulder. His eyes flicker across the locker room as everyone tries, but fails miserably, to hide their interest in the conversation. 

“Whatever, I know you’re not gonna tell me,” Meian sighs, already used to the boy's nonchalant façade.

With a huff and a series of goodbyes, Atsumu slides out of the locker room and pulls the hood of his jacket on his head. He fishes his phone out of his pocket, thumbs ready to send a pleading text to his Osamu. 

When he does, he sighs wistfully. Silently hoping that his brother would give him at least a dozen of onigiris of his choice, for free. When his phone ringer goes off, he immediately slides accept. A wide smile on his face as he speaks to what he thinks is his brother.

“Sumu! If you’re calling to ask, I’d really like some with grilled salm-”

“Nah, It’s not Osamu.” Atsumu comes to a stop in the MSBY parking lot. 

“A-aran?” His dark amber eyes go wide. It’d been so long, but there was no he’d forget his best friend’s voice. 

“Yeah.” Though his voice is much deeper and gruff, a sense of nostalgia washes over Atsumu.

“What’d you call for? We haven’t talk-”

As Aran’s next words filter through Atsumu's right ear, the setter’s spine grows rigid. A plethora of thoughts enter his mind to merge into a red, blaring question mark. 

“Y/N’s coming back to Japan.”

a/n: yayy, i know this is kinda short and should probably be a prologue instead of chapter one but.... idk. also, i’m really excited to dive more into atsumu’s character. okay, okay other than that. I hope you enjoyed this! I feel as though the header is downright ugly but whatevs ┐( ˘_˘)┌

[greenwitchcrafts]

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris | Thymus serpyllum

Known as: Common thyme & garden thyme

Related plants: There are hundreds of species of thyme. Some members of the genus thymus are aromatic evergreen herbs in the mint family Lamiaceae (Like shown) that include basil, mint, rosemary, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano,hyssop lavender, catnip, bee balm, salvia, wild dagga, oriental motherwort & perilla

Parts used : Leaves

Habitat and cultivation: This shrub is native to southern Europe from the western Mediterranean to southern Italy. It thrives in medium-dry, sandy, loose & well drained soils.

Plant type: Perennial

Region: 2-10 with zones below 5 using both mulch and protections from frost damage.

Harvest: Anytime

Growing tips: This plant does the best in full sun in a well draining container. Like rosemary, it is very hard to grow from seed and therefore should look into cuttings or getting a starter plant from a nursery. I highly recommend lemon thyme.

Medicinal information: Thyme contains the compound thymol, which can help control or neutralize some bacterial, parasitic, fungal, or viral infections and have  anti-inflammatory properties.  been used to strengthen the lungs, purge the body of  phlegm, as a remedy for shortness of breath, to kill worms. It was applied as an ointment to remove “hot swellings” and warts, and to ease pains in the spleen, the loins, and hips.

Cautions: Fresh and dried thyme is generally safe to eat or drink as a refreshing tea. But essential oils are different. They’re highly concentrated and can be toxic in their undiluted form. Ingesting too much thyme in essential oil could cause a risky drop in your blood pressure. 

Magickal properties

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deities: Faeries

Magical uses:

• Place under your pillow to prevent nightmares & to ensure a restful night's sleep

• Wear in your hair to make you seem irresistible

• Plant in your garden to attract faeries

• A little under your tongue is said to allow you to see faery folk more clearly

• Make and infusion in boiled water & add to your bath to help you release the past

• Carry thyme with you to help develop psychic powers

• Smell to steady nerves, invoke courage & attract good health

• Burn to clear negative energies attached to you and renew them

• Hang to bring peace to a sad or angry space

• The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage

[suprsaturatd]

moodboard and embroidery design for an upcoming project! lineart is not mine and sources are under the cut. transcription below.

kitty companionship

flowers and herbs for feline magic

sword lily | gladiolus

native to sub-saharan africa; symbolizes strength, honor, remembrance, faithfulness and death

rock rose | cistus

drought-tolerant and hardy; evergreen shrub native to the mediterranean; symbolizes endurance, strength and determination

valerian | valeriana

associated with feline magic; native to europe, Asia, south and north america; symbolizes health and strength

catnip | nepeta

associated with feline magic; native to europe, asia and africa; symbolizes happiness, fertility and love

information sources:

gladiolus | rock rose | valerian + second | catnip + second

image sources:

cat skull lineart | gladiolus lineart | catnip lineart | rock rose lineart | valerian lineart

moodboard left to right top to bottom: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

[custardisle]

island names

i’ve seen a few people do this already, but as it’s 3 days away and some people are panicking about their island name, so i tried to put one together! if you use it credit isn’t necessary~ i also suggest taking inspiration from fictional places or street names near you!

COLORS blue, azure, cyan, green, lime, gold, yellow, silver, white, black, grey/gray, grayscale/greyscale, monochrome, rainbow, purple, violet, chartreuse, navy, iridescent, orange, pale, pastel, light, dark, neon, rooster, ruby, emerald, sapphire, lavender, scarlet, crimson, periwinkle, magenta, maroon, bronze, copper, teal, ivory, ebony

ANIMALS goat, bear, grizzly, paw, purrfect, kangaroo, cat, kitty, dog, wolf, pig, cow, boar, bird, dove, deer, stag, horse, ferret, rat, sheep, fawn, bee, bumblebee, butterfly, bunny, rabbit, hare, antler, koi, fish, shark, whale, dolphin, crab, snail, teddy, lamb, pelican, penguin

PLANTS azalea, catnip, basil, parsley, pumpkin, twig, rose, blossom, lily, carnation, pansy, bark, branch, twig, pine, sprig, poppy, sprout, daffodil, daisy, buttercup, root, thorn, acorn, thistle, bush, bud, sunflower, forsythia, juniper, holly, allium, angelonia, artemisia, aster, zinnia, mushroom, shroom, fungi, moss, lichen, goldenrod,  reed, cattail,  foxglove, candytuft, geranium, hollyhock, iris, lupine, marigold, orchid, primrose, valerian, snapdragon, tansy, tulip, carnation, bellflower, boneset, carnation, catmint, chive, sage, comfrey, cosmos, maple, acacia, willow

FOOD clementine, tangerine, banana, pudding, berry, fruit, sorbet, milk, cream, zucchini, pumpkin, peach, apricot, apple, cheese, honey, nectar, butter, sweet, sour, spicy, pepper, turnip, beet, beetroot, treat, confection, sugar, sugarcane, jam, jelly, breakfast, lemon, lime

NATURE cloud, stone, rock, rocky, stony, sky/skye, breeze/breezy, marble, granite, county, orchard, farm, mountain, garden, wool, clay, star, moon, lunar, solar, sun, sunbeam, moonbeam, crescent, halfmoon, new moon, full moon, comet, asteroid, meteor, river, stream, pond, lake, sunnyside, evergreen, cosmo, pearl, diamond, evening, forest, coast, meadow, field, jungle, savanna, marsh, reef,  wilderness

MISC candle, bell, piano, whisper, wisp, castle, mystery, mystical, mythical, humming, song, tweet, tarot, horseshoe, theatre, theater, pottery, twinkle, flame, fire, dream, daydream, sanctuary, flutter, haven, harbor, sanctum, ghost, spirit, basket, crown, jewel, gem, fairy, fae, sprite, imp, mansion, manor, shepherd

DESCRIPTORY/CONCEPT tropic, distant, faraway, mystical, mythical, trick, illusion, hope, promise, magical, starry, sunny, dark, light, shining, dreamy, lazy, future, holograph, demonic, angelic, cozy, goth/gothic, musical, glory, cosmic, stellar, perennial, sandy, ashen, florescent, lustrous, dappled, oath, found

SUFFIXES (can replace “island” or be linked with a word!) ville, isle, valley, bloom, village, hill, harbor, ranch, city, tale, fields, park

[rosesloveletters]

5, 23, 25, and 29 please!💕💕💕

Hi Anaya! I hope you are taking care, darling💕 I love you muchly & thank you for your ask!

5: Is there a food you’ve never had but always wanted to try?

This is super niche, but yes, eggplant.

23: Would you fill your house with plants if you had a green thumb?

Of course! I love plants so much🥺 The only one I've currently got in my room is my chinese evergreen; I've got several outdoors: night sky petunias, lavender, sunflowers, lemon balm, catnip, peppermint and basil. I want many more; my dream is to have a sun garden and have all kinds of little plants everywhere💕

25: Do you have a favorite type of art style? (eg: soft looking, no to little color, sketches, crisp and clean, minimalist, pixel art etc.)

I love traditional art the most, preferably pencil drawings with delicate detail. They can be color or grayscale, I am not particular.

29: Do you still like old memes? (tell the truth)

Not really; I am not into memes in a big way.

questions from lovely calm asks to enjoy a nice up of tea to

[cosmiceverafter]

All I Want for Christmas is You

Michael Guerin finds the true meaning of Christmas for the first time in his life.

This ficlet is a Christmas/Holiday gift for the Junkyard; the best group of people I know. I love you all so much!

Happy Holidays Everyone! Enjoy. xo. 

You can read on ao3 as well! 

Christmas was something Michael Guerin had never truly experienced, especially with a family of his very own. Now here he was, sitting in front of an evergreen tree with the love of his existence, a dog that liked watching TV, and a kitten that spent more time in his hat than in anyone’s arms.

“It’s definitely a good one we have here,” Alex said, eyes gleaming with wonder as he looked up. Michael smiled as he looked at Alex marveling at their tree.

Last Christmas, Alex gave Michael his heart, unfortunately, Michael wasn’t ready and gave it away. This year, everything was different.

“I’ll trust you in the tree department because to me…looks a little, I dunno, sparse?”

“Michael, that’s the point. We picked a tree that was forgotten. One left behind. We’re making a stand. No tree left unloved.”

“Wow, you’re passionate about this, babe,” Michael laughed as he picked up Boots who was rubbing against his ankles.

Alex stroked Boots who was now purring in Michael’s arms, “I think for me, I just have never enjoyed Christmas. Getting with my family, well, it wasn’t exactly a treat. And being with you and our little ones here, it’s just special.” Alex smiled, “So yeah, I guess you could say I’m a bit passionate about spending the holiday with my true family for once.”

“You, Alex Manes, are the real gift.” Michael leaned in and kissed the love of his life on the lips gently. It started to grow more intense, as it always did when Boots tapped his chin with his white paw. “Alright, alright.”

Alex laughed and grabbed Boots out of Michael’s arms, “Ready to decorate?”

“So what, we put these little blue balls all over the tree?”

“Well I don’t know about the blue balls, especially for you,” Alex winked with a mischievous gleam, “But yes, Guerin, we put the little ornaments on the tree…but first the lights.”

Michael was actually feeling excited, that is until he had to help string the lights. It took them a few tries when finally Michael used the help of his powers to get it just right.

“I know what you did there, love,” Alex replied as he stood back looking at the tree. “And honestly, I applaud you. Stringing lights is a real bitch.”

“Yea, you humans, and these little mundane traditions. Let your alien lover be of assistance.”

“Does that same offer apply in the bedroom?”

Michael scooted closer and grabbed Alex by his hips, pulling him in, “Darlin’, your wish is my command.” And he dashed them to the bedroom.

***

Decorating a tree was hard work, especially when you made love in between stringing the lights and hanging up a few ornaments here and there. But Michael couldn’t help it, his man looked too damn good and happiness shone through him like the gleaming star at the very top.

The tree was just the beginning of the festivities. Within the next few weeks, their group decided to do several activities with each other, because as Liz had stated, “That was having the Christmas spirit,” whatever the hell that meant.

Pulling Isobel away from her long list of holiday to-do’s had been a real challenge, but deep down, he knew she just wanted to be around them anyway.

That hadn’t stopped her from insisting to take him shopping. He didn’t see what the big deal was. The plan was just to give everyone a tune-up on their car, and he was going to do it, not Sanders. Well, Isobel nixed that idea as quickly as a snap and told him he was going on the top of her list of priorities. Cue major eye-roll.

He had never really seen this side of her around the holidays, especially with Noah now out of the picture; it was quite a sight. Max had quickly declined her many offers and gave Michael a look of good luck. He hadn’t understood, but then... he did. At one point, after she had dragged him around their small town for hours, he muttered “Christmas Nazi” under his breath.

Isobel didn’t find it amusing.

Overall, Michael was still grateful for her. They had lots of laughs, especially when he got her to let loose and have a few festive drinks, including the strong eggnog served at the Wild Pony.

When she jumped on stage, not during karaoke hour, and started singing Santa Baby, he saw Maria staring at her with what didn’t appear as an annoyance for once, but more like admiration sprinkled with something else Michael couldn’t quite place.

Something must have been brewing in the wind of Roswell.

When they all decided to go sledding down Warf’s Hill, Michael didn’t understand the appeal. What was so fun about riding down a mountain of snow in a plastic case?

Well, he changed his mind quickly as the thrill of soaring down the freshly fallen snow whirled and brushed around his face. It was such a rush.

However, the best part came when he decided to add a bit more speed onto Valenti’s sled. The good doctor was screaming bloody murder as he went over a snow jump. As Michael laughed, he caught a look at Alex who knew exactly what he had been up to and was now shaking his head. But Michael saw the hint of laughter in those cheeks of his.

Karma had definitely paid him a visit as he ate ice on the Roswell Skating Rink. Michael was about to curse the entire experience when he got a look at Alex gracefully skating up and down the sides wearing his Santa hat.

He was so beautiful; he always managed to take Michael’s breath away, even here in the cold.

So Michael took the chance of falling again, just to go around one more time holding his man’s strong hand.

It had been worth it.

A few days before Christmas, a few of them went to see a showing of White Christmas at the movie theater. Michael had never seen the movie but was equally touched nonetheless. The music, dancing, and the story spoke out to him, especially as he saw a small tear run down Alex’s cheek.

He gently stroked Alex’s arm and when Alex smiled at him, he knew that all he would ever want for Christmas, was Alex Manes.

***

On Christmas Eve, Alex decided he wanted everyone to join them for a Christmas pot-luck at the cabin.

Michael had to laugh when Isobel instantly bonded with Boots. He seemed to adore her, just like he did with Alex.

Buffy, on the other hand, was getting all the loving from Kyle on the floor. He was such a dog person. Then they both turned their attention to Christmas Vacation, where there were laughter and barking.

The roast they attempted to make was burned and a bit dry, but in the end, no one even cared. They were all together and that was what mattered.

Michael looked around the table and smiled. Max and Liz were clearly whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears—disgustingly so.

Maria and Isobel were in a conversation that seemed more like their usual banter. But if Michael didn’t know any better, he’d say there was a bit of flirting going on, which was what he had assumed was happening at the bar that day. Isobel kept eyeing the mistletoe hanging from the wooden arch in the cabin, and Maria did have that little gleam in her eye. Very curious.

Kyle was in another discussion about Star Trek being practically the same thing as Star Wars, and his love was getting all irritated, which Michael thought was amusing and cute as hell.

Halfway through dinner, Boots had jumped onto his lap as he always did when Michael and Alex were eating. The kitten, when taking a break from his hat, loves to curl up with them. It was a sense of security—one that Michael understood. It was the same feeling he felt when wanting Alex to hold him. To love someone and to be loved in return.

Alex had given Buffy a special dog bone for Christmas, and she seemed beyond happy and content as she munched on through.

Seeing everyone carefree and happy, made Michael’s heart swell. He had never had this. A group of friends that they had chosen to call family. It was a special moment, one he would cherish.

After everyone left, Michael spent the rest of the night kissing Alex all over his beautifully toned body. As they curled up in front of the crackling fire later on, with their four stockings hanging ever so perfectly, Michael knew he never wanted this to end.

He could lie here with Alex Manes for the rest of his life and be happy. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without their “toddlers.” Buffy was curled up in front of Alex as he rubbed her ears, both of them closing their eyes. Boots was, of course, lying again in his hat, but was still within reach.

He fell asleep with love dancing around his curls.

***

When Christmas morning arrived, there was snow falling from the sky.

Alex was humming “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,” as Buffy happily pounced out in the snow; her inner puppy coming out to play. Boots was still eyeing the star at the top of the tree, hoping to just make it up. Before he could make a jump for it, Michael scooped him in his arms. Boots gave a grumpy meow, but soon was purring away as he stroked his soft white and black fur.

They enjoyed their black coffee and cinnamon rolls and went out to play in the snow with Buffy, who they couldn’t seem to get back into the cabin. Boots watched from the window but didn’t seem too bothered. He was busy washing himself looking rather content.

Finally, it was time to exchange gifts.

Buffy had finally come in when Alex had yelled treat! In her stocking, there were new chew toys and an alien stuffed animal that squeaked. She still worked on the bone from the night before; a very happy beagle indeed.

They had gotten Boots his own little cowboy hat to wear from Amazon. He wasn’t a fan, but they were able to get a few pictures to share with the group and get a good laugh. Making it up to him, they gave their little kitten a few catnip toys, a new scratch post with an area he could rest, even though Michael knew to just give up his hat by now, and some delectable chicken stuffed treats. It was purrfect.

Pausing to both laugh, Boots had crawled on top of Buffy and was playing with her ears. Buffy, the saint, didn't seem to mind in the slightest. Until she rolled over and Boots ended up on her belly. The two of them went together like peanut butter and jelly.

When it was time for their exchange, Michael ended up getting Alex a new leather jacket, which was just as much for his enjoyment as it was for Alex’s, a beautifully bound journal so Alex could start writing music again, and a picture of the two of them looking at each other smiling in a wooden frame. Liz had snapped the photo when they were all at the Crashdown Cafe one night.

“It definitely captures how much we love each other, doesn’t it?” Alex said with a warm smile, leaning over to share a kiss.

All of these gifts were fine and everything, but what he had really wanted to get Alex, Isobel quickly said it was too soon for. Well, nothing was too soon when you were with your one true love.

Alex had given him a few new shirts and murmured in his ear to keep them unbuttoned as he stroked his chest. Michael didn’t know if he could carry on opening his gifts, he wanted to open something else, but Alex pressed on. He had also given him several old books that were classics, including A Christmas Carol, one Michael had wanted to read since forever. After all, he too wanted to see what the big deal was.

When Michael leaned in to thank him, Alex pulled away to grab something else. It was a small wooden box in the shape of a cabin.

Michael looked up at him and Alex smiled. He twisted the roof of the house and there, lying in the box, was a key.

“Is this…?”

“Yes,” Alex answered. “Move in with me, Michael.” It wasn’t a question, it was a hopeful statement, one Michael clearly heard in his tone. “You’re practically here every day, and honestly, when you are here...I feel even more at home.”

Alex pointed to Buffy and Boots, “With them, here as well, this is our family. We belong together in this space.”

Michael was unable to form words, he was so moved.

“So what do you say, love?” Now Alex asked. “Will you two move in with us?”

Squeezing Alex’s hand, he leaned in and kissed his lips softly, “Yes, Boots and I would be honored to officially move in.”

Michael knew he needed to go back to that jeweler and get Buffy involved to help ask the question he wanted to ask. The forever-and-always one.

As they kissed, he smiled knowing that all he would ever want for Christmas, and all the days after that, was this. This tiny oasis they created within the wooden walls of this cabin.

So this was Christmas. He finally understood.