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robynlilyblack · 3 years

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Incident with a Time Turner

Part 8: Mistletoe

Sirius x Fem! Potter! Reader

Summary: Sirius and y/n decide to take a break over Christmas, in attempt to relax and regroup, leading to the best Christmas gift either could ask for

Warnings: cursing

a/n: No major plot in this part just fluff fluff fluff before we get into the nitty gritty, the end of this part can be perceived any way you want (you’ll know what I mean)

Masterlist | Series Masterlist | Previous Part | Next Part

Sirius wakes to the sun streaming in through the window, blinking to let his eyes adjust, he looks down to see y/n snuggled into the side his chest. After the events of the quidditch match, the couple fell asleep in each others arms, and continued to do so every night following.

Sirius looks over at the clock across the room, 8.32, he makes no attempt to wake her, they don’t have to check out until 10 so he decides to let her sleep a little longer. Today was the day they were heading back to the cottage, the winter holidays commencing on Monday. They already packed everything up the night before, their clothes for the day laid out on the arm chair across the room.

He didn’t notice at first, but he started to gently play with her hair, he smirked to himself as she subconsciously leaned into his touch. It was times like these he loved, the little moments when he didn’t need to think about anything else, when it was just the two of them, no murderous rat on the loose, no dementors trying to steal his soul, moments were he felt like a real person again.

Y/n slowly woke up to him playing with her hair, she smiled to herself, she usually hated mornings, waking up in general, but waking up next to Sirius everyday made her love them. I wish every morning could be like this

Sirius felt the apples of her cheeks move upwards, he leaned his head forward to see if she was awake, he looked down to see her smiling up at him through her eyelashes.

“Morning” he returns her smile, while y/n soaks up his ruff morning voice

“Mornin’, what time is it?” she asks still a little groggy

“5 to 9, love, we’ve got plenty time” she smiles up at him, just as she was about to try and convince him to let her snooze for another 20 minutes there’s a tap at the window

She lifts her head slightly to see what it is, or rather who, Hedwig. Happy to see her nephew’s owl, she waves her hand opening the window, letting the animal fly in and perch itself at the side of the bed, letter in hand, or more like in beak

“Show off” Sirius scoffs, moving up to sit against the headboard

Y/n spent a good chuck of her time practicing non-verbal magic when she was at Hogwarts and even more during the years between traveling in time and moving into the cottage with Harry. Much like her animagus, she tended to use it for mundane things, causally flexing the ability, like stirring her tea as she read the morning paper.

“Thanks, Wiggy” she takes the letter from the owl “Treats are by the window like usual, go nuts pal” she smiles at the animal as it flies over to pick up a treat, taking a little rest waiting encase y/n wants to send a reply right away.

Y/n sits back against the head board with Sirius, as she opens the letter Sirius speaks “Harry picked a fine owl” he wraps his arm around her casually

“He did, I’m so glad he didn’t get one like Errol or we’d be replacing that window. Honestly I’m thinking of buying them a new one, Ron will need a new pet anyway” they chuckle a little as she unfolds the letter

She reads as Sirius pets Hedwig, who has moved back to sit on the bedside table next to him, he turns back to see her grinning up at him “What?” he can’t help but mirror her expression

Before she can answer, there is a knock at the door, Sirius shifts on instinct, lucky he did as the maid opens the door, half walking in but stopping when she sees y/n sitting up on the bed with her ‘dog’

“Oh, hello dear, I thought this room was empty, I’ll come back later” the older women apologises, as she’s about to leave, her eyes linger a little too long on Hedwig for y/n and Sirius’ liking

The lady leaves, her expression thoughtful like she was putting together a puzzle. As the door closes, y/n leans over to grab her wand muttering a locking spell, as Sirius shifts back.

“Hedwig’s becoming to recognisable” she states, getting up from the bed, walking over to the desk, quickly writing a reply to Harry, before handing it to the owl

Sirius walks into the bathroom to get changed as y/n does the same in the room. As he walks out he catches a glimpse of y/n as she pulls up her jeans. Turning around she trys not to smile a little at the dusting of pink appearing on the man’s cheeks

“Oh, here, I fixed the charm so it’ll shift with you. Don’t want an incident like last week do we” Sirius hands her their bag, trying not to chuckle too much, biting back a smile

“It’s wasn’t funny!” she exclaims but is still smiling “It really hurt” she pouts as she puts the bag on

He loses his composure begging to laugh as he speaks “Aww love” he kisses the side of her head

In truth it was hilarious, Sirius was sure he was never going forget the bird shaped hole she left in the snow out after half plummeting off the awning. The pair shift climbing/flying out the window, making the short hike back to where they hid the bike.

After packing up their stuff Sirius turns to y/n, “Hey, what was in Harrys letter, you looked so happy before we were interrupted”

“Oh!” the girls eyes widen, excitement filling her as she grins at him “Ready to meet your godson again?”

“Y/n, love, calm down” Sirius tries to console her after watching her pace around the kitchen for the last half an hour

Harry was using the floo network to get hone, so he would be arriving any minute. Y/n was anxious, they couldn’t risk putting it in a letter, so she hadn’t told him Sirius would be here

“Love” Sirius holds her wrists getting her to look at him “It’s going to be fine, if anyone should be nervous it’s the escaped convict…well… innocent escaped convict, but still”

She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes as she nods. She hears the fireplace and a light thump from the living room. “Stay here I’ll greet him and then you can come in when I signal”

“Okay love” he gives her a reassuring smile, kissing her forehead before she turns to head into the living room

“Auntie” Harry smiles as he gently places his small travel case down

“Welcome home kid” her nerves fade away as she sees him, walking up to engulf the boy in a warm embrace

As she pulls back she smiles down at him “Don’t freak out okay?” she whispers, Harry tilts his head in confusion but nods in agreement, watching as she walks back to the door, waving for someone to come in

“Harry. This is your godfather, Sirius” she gestures to Sirius, who walks in slowly

Harrys eyes widen a little in shock, his appearance was night and day compared to the one he saw plastered around the Leaky cauldron, Diagon alley and Hogsmeade. He looked more like the photos his aunt had in her albums, only a bit older and now he had a full beard.

Sirius looked over y/n, who currently had her head tilted, biting her lip watching Harrys reaction, he watched as her expression morphed into a smile, turning to look at him. He looks back to the boy who’s now beaming, his heart bursting with the knowledge he gets to spend the Christmas not with his aunt, but Sirius too.

“I’ll leave you too to get reacquainted, soup and sandwiches okay for lunch?” Harry and Sirius nod smiling but still staring at one another

As y/n leaves she gives Sirius’ hand a light squeeze, he pulls his gaze from Harry to turn and give her a light squeeze back, kissing the side of her head, watching he fondly as she walks into the kitchen. His attentions snap back to Harry, who appears to have an eye brow raised, head tilted, Sirius quickly gestures from him to sit, attempting to break the ice, while trying not to make it obvious he’s unequivocally in love with the boy’s aunt

The next week leading up to Christmas was wonderful, everyday feeling like a dream. Harry loved it, he felt whole, having a real family, he hoped every holiday could be like this from now on. He especially loved Sirius’ stories, the man was a natural story teller, explaining all the pranks and mischief he and James got up to when they were younger.

He did slip up though, calling James, Prongs, during one of the stories, leading Harry to question it. Sirius explained it was a nickname, lying about it being because his Patronus was a stag. Y/n helped divert his attention from it by telling him Lily’s Patronus was a doe, proving his parents were true soulmates.

Before Harry showed up, Sirius slept in his room, then when Harry came home, y/n set up the pull-out couch for him, much to his and y/n dismay. They both missed the feeling of lying next to each other, but neither one was brave enough to take the step and bring it up

On Christmas, y/n woke up around 7:30 to make Harry breakfast, she and Sirius had already left their gifts for him under the tree the night before. As she reached the bottom of the stairs she could already see the light coming from the kitchen, the smell of bacon and pancakes beginning to fill the air.

She entered the kitchen, smiling as she saw Sirius still in his pyjamas, peering into the fridge looking for something. Y/n walks over to the kettle, moving to the sink to fill it up placing it on the stove. Sirius turns from his current exploration of the fridge to see her, he smiles before turning back, finally spotting the butter in the very back of the fridge.

“Merry Christmas love” Sirius places the butter down on the kitchen table as he walks over to y/n

“Merry Christmas Siri” she smiles up at him

He leans down to plant a kiss on her cheek but stops before he reaches her, seeing something move above him. Y/n looks at Sirius in confusion before following his gaze to see mistletoe growing above them, he looks back at her, now or never, if she doesn’t kiss back we blame it on the mistletoe

He reaches up to cup her cheek, causing her to look back at him before he gently captures her lips with his own. She returns the kiss right away, her hands finding their way to his chest, as one of his own moves to the back of her head deepening the kiss while the other snakes around her waist.

Their kiss is cut short by a thump in the living room, caused by Harry as he half jumped down the stairs. They pull away, y/n quickly moving to the kettle, while Sirius moves to place their breakfast on the table. Both of them with smiles plastered on their faces as Harry runs in, the boy smiles seeing them looking so happy, even more so as he sees the retreating mistletoe

Harry might have been a bit oblivious sometimes, but from the moment he got home even he could see how much his aunt and godfather loved each other. He saw every stolen glance, every fond smile, how they looked at each other like they were the only people in the entire world. He thought about asking them if they were together outright, but as the days went on he noticed neither seemed brave enough to make the first move.

So, he decided to give them a little push, the twins had showed him a spell for mistletoe as they were planning on trying to prank a couple professors with it, a spell he cast the night before with the hope they would catch each other under it.

“Merry Christmas!” He beams at them

“Merry Christmas kid!” y/n walks over, planting a kiss on his cheek as she gives him a hug, then proceeds to usher him to his seat to eat breakfast before it gets cold

“Merry Christmas Harry” Sirius pats the boy on the back as he takes a seat next to him

While they eat, Sirius and Y/n can’t help but smile. The man was overjoyed that she kissed him back, really kissed him too, while the girl blushed thinking about how he kissed her, he was so gentle but the passion in it was overwhelming, both hoping to Godric it wasn’t going to be a onetime thing.

Once they finished, y/n used magic to clean up the dishes, since she was eager to see Harry’s reaction to his gifts, especially the one Sirius got him. Harry opened hers first, she got him a new pair of quidditch gloves, his favourite chocolate and a camera she got Sirius to help charm so it could fly around taking photos itself.

Harry gave her a huge hug before turning to pick up the gift Sirius got him. As he opened it up, his eyes blew open, excitement filling him as he picked up the firebolt, turning to Sirius with an elated expression, smiling widely.

“Gryffindor isn’t going to win the cup if their seeker had no broom were they” Sirius smirked, pleased with himself as he sees the boys reaction

“You like it?” Y/n asks, giggling a little at Harrys childlike glee as he exclaims “Yes!”

Harry looks between the two of them thinking for a second before asking “Can I go try it out, please auntie y/n?” he looks at Sirius for help convincing her, both turning to look at her for some kind of answer

“I don’t know, we live a bit too close to town, plus that nosy old man down at number 3 is already a bit suspicious of us” she says timidly, looking at Sirius

“I’ll go with him to look out encase grumpy McGee goes for a Christmas walk. Plus, Harry can bring his cloak, it’ll be alright love” he gives her a reassuring smile, squeezing her hand

“Fine, but be back by dinner, molly taught me how to cook over the summer and I’ll be damned if I slave away just for you to take him for pizza while you’re out again” She points at the man, a small smile grazing her face as she scolds him, before he and Harry head up the stairs to get changed

Sirius came down the stairs first, grabbing his coat, readying himself to go out. Y/n hadn’t bothered to get changed yet, still in a t shirt and shorts. She grabbed his scarf, gently wrapping it around his neck while he watched her, after which she leaned up gently pecking his lips, leaving the man pleasantly surprised, and the girl blushing a bit.

Before he could say something or perhaps pull her in for a proper kiss, Harry came down the stairs, all wrapped up, broom in one hand, cloak in the other. Y/n told them both to stay safe, smiling to herself as she watched them walk off into the big fields that neighboured the cottage.

Harry had already gone off to bed when Sirius finished cleaning the plates from dinner. He walked into the living room to see y/n holding a wrapped gift

“It’s not much, but I thought you’d like it” she shyly hands it to him

He takes it as they sit down on the couch together “Thanks love” he says, softly kissing her cheek

“Come on open it” she nudges him, biting her lip in anticipation

“Okay okay” he chuckles, beginning to rip open the wrapping paper, freezing as he lifts out the gift

“I fixed it”

Sirius stares at the jacket, his favourite, good as new, even the rips on the inside had been patched up, the same jacket she was wearing the day he realised he loved her. Merlin, I love her so much, he thinks as he looks over at her

“Thank you” he places his hand to the back of her head, pulling her to him, placing a lingering kiss on her forehead

“Stay here, I’ll be right back” y/n nods as he walks over to their bag pulling out a small box

He hands it to her, relishing in the way her eyes light up with the knowledge he got her something. She opens the box to see a necklace, it was simple, silver chain with a larger citrine pendant in the middle, along with small robin and dog pendants on either side.

“When did you get this” she turns to him, her eyes misty, looking up at him, eyes filled with adoration

“Remember when me and Harry came back that day with pizza?” she nods “Well we went to the jewellers instead...well...Harry went in for me, then got pizza while we waited on them making it”

“I feel terrible for shouting at you both now” she lets out a breathy laugh, Sirius chuckles with her, moving a piece of hair out of her face

“You like it?” He asks, although he already knows the answer based on her expression

“I like it? I love it!” she half launches herself into his side, nuzzling her head into his chest as he wraps his arms around her, placing a kiss on the top of her head

After a while they pull back “We should get to bed, its late” Sirius nods, standing up he walks over to the couch to set it up

Y/n stands, gently taking his wrist, stopping him in his tracks, turning to stare at her eyebrows kitted together

“Come on” she leads him away from the couch, motioning to the stairs, while Sirius just continues to stare at her wide eyed

Fuck, please tell me I haven’t misread this, she thinks biting her lip nervously

“You sure?” is all he can get out, a ghost of a smile grazing his face

As she nods, he moves to let her take his hand in hers, allowing her to lead him upstairs to her bedroom

Taglist - Let me know if you want to be tagged x

@easypeasyweasleywheezes, @depressedsleepysloth @buckybarnes4lyfe

#sirius and reader #sirius black and reader #sirius x reader #siriusblack #sirius #sirius x you #sirius x y/n #incidentwithatimeturner #harrypotter #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter fluff #harry potter #maraduers #golden era #sirius black fanfiction #sirius black fluff

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mrvdocks · 4 years

Text

Plus One

It’s Joyce and Hopper’s wedding. A new member is added to the household, and things get real.

(chapter one)(two)

It’s a Wednesday in February when he returns home and plops down onto the couch. The bar shifts just seemed to get worse. In the span of three minutes, he had to break up a fight, have the bouncer kick out a guy for harassing his manager, and clean a spill a drunk party group had made.

I’m not paid nearly enough for this, he thinks.

A sneeze breaks him from his misery.

“Bless you.” He says with his eyes closed. They shoot open when he realizes you don’t sneeze like that.

He sits up and looks at the moving thing under the pillow. His heart races as he hears some kind of breathing.

Please no, he thinks. We just took care of the plumbing.

He lifts the pillow carefully, expecting to see a pile of rats or mice or worse. Instead, he’s greeted by a sneezing dog.

It’s a Scottish Terrier with big eyes that just seem to interrogate him as to why he interrupted his sneezefest.

“Uhhhhh, where’d you come from?” He scans the apartment, seeing a dog bed at the corner of the lazy boy across from him.

This had to be the work of one person only.

Steve calls out for you, hearing you run out from the bathroom in a hurry and a towel haphazardly wrapped around you.

“What’s the emergency? Oh, I see you’ve met Mickey.”

He’s speechless, looking at you like you’re out of your mind. “Mickey?”

“Yeah, they brought him in today and I felt really bad that they were taking him to the choky tomorrow. I had to save this poor baby. And who can say no to his little eyes?” You singsong the latter half of that sentence in a baby voice, kneeling to ruffle your fingers through Mickey’s fur.

“What if Tony finds out we have a dog? What do we say? We can’t keep him.”

You roll your eyes. “Relax, he’s quiet when he eats the jerky from Tom’s.”

“That’s my jerky!” Steve whines.

“Okay! I’ll get you extra then. Don’t be such a sourpuss.”

Steve glances back to Mickey still staring at him. He puts out a cautious hand, Mickey getting close enough to sniff and then lick.

At least it was nice to have another man in the house.

He runs his hands through Mickey’s surprisingly soft coat, earning a low whimper from the pooch. Mickey lies on his side, clearly loving the scratches Steve is giving him. Steve catches himself smiling, suddenly forgetting the looming threat of eviction for a moment.

He’s wanted a dog since he was six, but his dad would never let him keep one. Not even a goldfish. He thinks maybe if he’d had a dog, he wouldn’t have turned out so cold in his teens. He just wanted to love something and have it love him back.

“Hmm, maybe you’re not so bad.”

Mickey responds by kicking his tiny paws in the air, writhing on the couch.

Steve is so bewitched by the creature he doesn’t even notice when you come back into the room or even left for that matter.

“So, anything from that Sissy girl you were seeing?”

“No,” he pouts, “I mean I think she was scared off by this.” He gestures to himself.

“Oh my god, you’re doing it again.”

“Doing what? I just felt like there wasn’t any long term potential there.”

“You guys went on one date, and you didn’t even kiss! You blue balled her!”

“Okay first of all, who takes their date to their family member’s birthday party and expects a whole relationship to blossom from there? And second, when you’ve been single as long as I have, you just know what you want and what to expect.”

You snicker. “But you don’t know what you want, you have like, the worst standards.”

“Uh, I like to think they’re realistic.”

“Oh yeah? Well, I don’t think it’s fair everyone has to compare to Phoebe Cates.”

“Phoebe was a great product of her time, thank you very much. And, I mean what about Tessa Grey?”

“Tessa Gr - my co-worker?”

Steve nods adamantly. “I would date her. You know if she wasn’t - engaged.”

“Alright we have to unpack that sometime but first why do you always say their names like some sort of serial killer?”

“Because,” he thinks, “they’re firsty-lastys. The same way I’m Steve….”

“Oh please don’t say it.” You cover Mickey’s ears.

“Steve “The Hair” Harrington!”

You groan in response, bringing Mickey to rest on your chest while you put your feet up on Steve’s lap.

“Sounds like someone’s jealous.” He mimics.

“Oh, please. Okay, okay, let’s say for the sake of this being hypothetical, Tessa breaks off her engagement and she shows up here and says, ‘Oh my god, Steve Harrington I would love to have your babies, let’s get married! You can meet my family and eat my famous pasta, wahhhh!’” You flail your hands around for effect, seeing the amusement in his face.

His face screws up, “Geez, am I dating Wario now?”

“That is exactly how she sounds! Plus, you would find something wrong with her and then you’d bail.”

“That is not true.”

“Oh but it is! It’s so true. In fact, anyone as grotesquely tall and hair-obsessed as you cannot be so picky.”

“I’m just trying to make sure I find the -”

“Don’t say it.”

“The one.”

You groan, shoving your face into Mickey’s chest.

“Oh yeah? I don’t see you bringing anyone home. Still not over Danny?”

Your mouth forms an O, you kick his thigh with the heel of your foot.

“For your information, I have been seeing someone.”

This piques his interest. “Who and is he an escaped convict?”

“Okay,” you scoff, rolling your eyes. “I haven’t talked to him but he left his number at the desk so who knows?”

“Hmm, I may be wrong, but I don’t think that was meant for you. You are a receptionist after all.”

“We’ll just have to see, won’t we? But I just have some stuff to take care of beforehand.”

He nods.

“Personal…..maintenance.”

“Yup.”

“Gotta mow the lawn.” You emphasize.

“No yeah, I got you the first time. But come on, let’s be honest here. You’re stalling.”

“For what?”

“Jumping into the unknown. Danny was a huge part of your life so I get what it’s like to lose that connection.”

You laugh sarcastically. “Okay, grandpa are these your words of wisdom? I am totally over Danny. At this point, I can say screw Danny! I have all the time in the world to find someone else!“

You weren’t completely wrong. Danny had been with you since senior year of high school. You thought it would be like one of those fairy tales where the high school sweethearts end up living together in an amazing house surrounded by all these treasures and all that jazz. Nothing could tear you down.

And then junior year of college came and he slept with one of your college friends. You transferred soon after. It was your first relationship, and you just felt like a failure.

You don’t view California so great anymore, instead choosing to uproot yourself and finding the first place you could in New York for cheap.

It worked out fine, you think. It led you to Steve and Robin.

Even though you clowned him for it, you also wanted that special connection. Love that movies taught you but you’d learned the hard way they weren’t going to translate into real life the same way.

“Uh-huh. I mean there’s no shame in it, I was the same way with Nancy.”

“I wasn’t moping around and wallowing in self-pity like you, though.”

“C’mon what was that whole period of just ‘Danny!'” He mimics your voice crying and eating out of an invisible tub of ice cream.

You feign being offended, chucking the couch pillow to him as he catches it and smothers himself with it.

“Your dad’s crazy. Yes, he is.” You pout to Mickey.

Joyce & Jim’s Wedding

Chincoteague, Virginia

March 1-3rd

“I remember during ‘84, Chief Hopper had a special visitor waiting for him in his office to talk to him about the disappearance of her boy. At the time she was just the town’s nut, but I bet no one would guess the wild ride these two would go on to end up here.” The man who Steve tells you was one of Hopper’s officers back home, toasts.

It sat poorly with the guests, including a somewhat already even more pissed off looking Hopper. He seems to get the idea and ends his toast blessing the couple in their late forties.

Jonathan goes up next, greeting the crowd. He’s dressed impeccably, his hair somewhat slicked back and his ring very prominent when the light catches it.

“I would like to thank everyone who came out to help us celebrate. I’m very proud of my mom and at first, I was a little wary about her settling down with someone. Not because I was moody about it but because she’s done so well on her own taking care of me and my siblings. She’s always been both parents to me but Jim,” Jonathan raises his glass.

“I want to thank you for helping us years ago, for believing in us. For being patient with us and sticking with us through thick and thin. My mom lights up every day like a Christmas tree and I think that’s evidence enough for me to happily welcome you into the family. To my mom and Jim!”

“To Joyce and Jim!” The crowd toasts.

The wedding was held in a gazebo near the beach on the East Coast, with Joyce getting married in a white tea-length dress with lacing decorating her collar down to her arms and Jim in a grey suit decorated with one of Joyce’s favorite flowers in his pocket. They’d both changed for the reception, Joyce into a red sheath dress and Jim into a black dress shirt and pants and a blazer matching Joyce’s dress.

You were seated with Jonathan and Nancy and another pair of family friends, talking and catching up with the other nuptials. They both told you the craziest stories about Steve from high school to when they last saw him, all the while he sat mere inches from you and hid behind his hand when something particularly embarrassing came up.

You’d often erupt in fruity laughter, hearing about the time Steve got his Scoops Ahoy uniform stuck in the fridge or when he’d played Dungeons and Dragons for the first time only to lose every time.

“So, how long has this been going on?” Nancy queries, gesturing to you and Steve.

You glance at Steve, lost for words for a moment. “We’re just friends.”

“Yeah, friends,” Steve adds right after you.

“I’ve been rooming with him for the past two years since Robin left.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she concedes. “I always hear you call him Honey over the phone sometimes.”

Your eyes widen. Curse your sarcastic nature.

“Oh no, god no,” You laugh nervously. “I just like to mess with him.”

You drown yourself out with the drink in front of you, leaving Steve to pick up the rest of the conversation.

“We got a dog.” Steve blurts out, trying to fill in for the painfully embarrassing silence.

Jonathan raises his brows, “Really?”

“Yeah, only instead of being the dad of the group back then, I’m a dog dad now.” He reveals.

Nancy and Jonathan laugh, almost as if to help ease both of you back into not being awkward.

“Hey, you guys heard Dustin’s getting married right?” Nancy pouts with her bottom lip drawn out. “He’s so old now.”

“Yeah, Steve loves the little guy.” You blurt. Steve glances at you.

“Last I heard he was starting up some fund for kids with CCD in California,” Jonathan alleges.

“Oh yeah,” Nancy remembers. “The Palm Springs wedding.”

The music begins playing for the guests and Nancy jumps, exclaiming that she loves this song and asks Jonathan to dance with her. They turn to you and Steve and urge you onto the dance floor, but you say you’ll be there in a second.

“What was that?” He whispers in a shrill tone.

“I panicked!”

“They probably think we’re idiots now.”

You cock your head down and glare at him. “These are your friends, Steve. They would never think that. It’s just been a while since you’ve all seen each other they probably understand.”

Steve bounces his leg in response. You put your hand on his thigh, stopping him.

“Look, we are gonna go out onto that dance floor and we are going to find you the best damn lover you’ll ever have.”

He nods rapidly, hooked onto your every word.

You lead him in when a couple leaves, guiding his hand to rest on your lower back and rest your left hand on the lapel of his suit. Your right-hand holds out for his, swaying until you can match the tempo of the music.

“Okay, what about violet in glasses?” You suggest, feeling him turn you to catch a glimpse.

“Too bookish.”

“What’s wrong with bookish?”

“I already have you, don’t I?”

You roll your eyes. “Alright, what about red with the pony?”

“Where?”

“Behind you, rotate.”

He rotates you to the left and makes a face. “Too mean.”

“What? She seems nice.”

“The red makes her seem aggressive.”

You sigh. “Okay, pink with the braid?”

He glances quickly to his right, “Yeah she’s cute.”

“I’ll go and spill my champagne on her and then you just swoop in and dry her off.”

“Is there any way you can do this without assaulting someone?”

“It’s not assault, I’m just very hands-on with this.”

“That sounds like it’s textbook definition.”

“When have you picked up a textbook? Nevermind, you want to try this or not? I haven’t failed you yet.”

He purses his lips, thinking back to the first wedding.

“Don’t. I know exactly what you’re thinking.”

As the song ends you retreat to your table, grab your glass, and start sipping. Steve stays behind, watching you fake stumble and fall against the woman and drench her with the drink. She gasps as the cold beverage hits her, and Steve pulls out one of the fancy napkins from the table.

“Showtime.”

"You think she hates me now?” You say, drawing circles in the sand with your feet.

“You mean because a drunken guest dumped their drink on an expensive dress she was planning on returning?"

You stare at him, unamused.

"I appreciate the try. She just seemed….too hostile.”

“I get it, I mean a guy like you coming up to me and trying to pat my breasts down - I would want to leave too.” You chuckle to yourself.

Steve stands, smacking off the sand on his pants. He takes hold of your shoulders and leans you close to the waves as they crash against your ankle.

“Oh my god, Steve! You know I can’t swim.”

Steve is laughing like crazy, teasing you. He takes hold of your waist in a second, carrying you as far into the ocean as he can while you’re shrieking.

He twirls you as you grip his hands tight, digging your nails into his skin and still screaming to be put down.

“Be careful what you wish for.” He says into your ear and drops you on your ass. The overwhelming cold and seaweed cover your body as you try to stand only to be wiped out by a wave.

Steve is howling in hysterics, clapping like a seal.

“Oh my god, I’m gonna kill you!” You don’t sound too threatening, if anything your wet appearance was akin to that of a wet kitten just meowing in protest.

Steve runs and dodges you, moving in a zig-zag pattern as you try your best to chase him through the water.

“You’ll never catch me!” He fronts.

Anticipating him to move in a pattern, you wait till he moves to the left to start running to the right and knock him down against the sand with a hmph!

“Gotcha!” You exclaim, putting your hands on his chest and completely unaware of the position you’re in.

You’re straddling him, legs on both sides and your face is inches away from his trying to catch your breath. He smells like salt and champagne.

He’s frozen in place too, one of his hands firmly on your lower back.

Your eyes flicker from his to the rest of his face, focusing on the moles decorating his neck. He can smell your perfume still even through the saltwater. It inundates his senses, disorienting him momentarily. Your necklace dangles and touches his chin, taunting him.

This is the moment you’ve been looking for, the one that the movies oh so love to display over and over again. Something in you tells you to do it, to just lean down and see if he tastes like you do.

Instead, he pushes you to the side softly, catching his breath and patting your thigh. “I guess you got me.”

You nod, taking your dress by the ends of it to walk back onto dry land and leave him sitting there. You’d see him back at the hotel anyway.

@mochminnie, @wolfish-willow

#steve harrington imagine #steve harrington x reader #stranger things imagine #joe keery x reader

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shutupandshipit · 4 years

Text

Christmas Preemie - One Shot

Summary: Izuku smoothed a hand over Katsuki belly, smiling as it was kicked at rather viciously. “He’s been moving around a lot, hasn’t he? Wouldn’t it be crazy if he decided to be a Christmas baby.”

Fingers curling in Izuku’s collar, Katsuki brought their noses very, very close. “Don’t even joke about that, shithead. I’m not done baking this loaf yet.”.

....

Or where Izuku makes a joke and forgets to knock on wood.

Pairing: Bakudeku

Rating: T

Check out Coming Home if you haven’t already! It precedes this fic!

Author’s Note: So, I'm sure other places have Christmas Strolls, but I've never seen one outside my hometown. It's literally my favorite part of the entire year, but I haven't gotten to visit it in more than 5 years. I didn't mention the name of the street in the fic, but it is based on the actual Plumas Street and Christmas Stroll that's in my hometown. When you're imagining it, think of what main street for a small town would look like (except we haven't been a small town in many many decades). Also, before anyone mentions it, yes the tortoise from the pat store that's mentioned is an actual thing we saw often. They would tie a balloon to him to keep track or where he went. He was pretty freaking big (medium dog size), and if I remember correctly, he was over 100 years old.

It's Christmas day here in Japan for me, so have another Christmas fic. Anyway, enjoy! Stop by and tell me what your Christmas Stroll/Festival is like! (when there isn't Covid) Blessed Yule! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Whatever you're celebrating, I wish you a happy day!

"Daddy."

The whisper was just soft enough to wake him up, but not loud enough to startle him. Still, Izuku hoped if he pretended not to hear it, it would just end up being a dream. He let his face remain slack, his breathing steady.

A few seconds later before Izuku had even managed to doze off again, the whisper came again, closer this time. “Daddy, wake up.” Weight followed, two small hands pressing into his chest with all their weight.

“Sumi,” Izuku breathed quietly, still refusing to move and believe his daughter had woken him up, “It is very early and Daddy is very tired. Please go back to sleep.”

“But there’s someone outside the door. I can smell them.” The weight disappeared from his chest, but not the edge of the bed.

Groaning, Izuku pushed himself up and peeled his eyes open. Weak blue morning light crawled into the room from beneath the curtains. On the bedside table, blurry red numbers told him that it was only 6:22 AM. Katsuki was still dead asleep beside him, pillow covering his head while his hand lay protectively over his belly.

Sumi bounced anxiously on the edge of the bed, her protheses bare metal all the way down to her toes. She glanced between the door and Izuku. Her wild green locks were wilder than usual from sleep, a brush handle protruding over the top of her head at the back of her hair.

Before Izuku could move to extract it, a knock sounded at the door. Three short, but loud, raps. Both he and Sumi startled, glancing at Katsuki before each other.

With a heavy sigh, Izuku nudged Sumi off the edge of the bed and stood. He was just pulling a shirt over his bare torso when the knocking came again. Louder this time.

Izuku wasn’t someone who normally got agitated easily, but between the early hour and the jetlag, he was less inclined towards solicitude. Jerking open the door, scent flaring out strong and sharp, he growled, “What?” He felt Sumi press against the side of his leg, and glanced down to see her baring her teeth.

The man on the otherside was a burly looking alpha fellow with an overwhelming burning sage scent. Irritation made the scent sharper, less pleasant plant life and more like weed. His arms were crossed over his wide chest, murky brown eyes cut in thin slits. He was taller than Izuku by several inches, but Izuku had no doubts that he could still take the alpha down even without One For All. “Tell your wife to reel in her pheromones. I’ve got three alpha teens in the next room over, and she’s driving them nuts.”

Izuku glanced over his shoulder at the still form of Katsuki before pushing Sumi back into the room and stepping out to square up against the man in front of him. He smiled, sharp and dangerous, channeling every ounce of Katsuki he had stored in his veins. “I’m sorry, can you repeat that? My English isn’t that great. I thought I just heard you say it’s my omega’s fault your boys can’t control themselves.” His English was almost as good as his Japanese after four years with Sumi and Katsuki and Shonetta every other day.

The alpha huffed, glaring down his nose at Izuku. “That’s right. You know you can’t bring omegas in heat to hotels in the U.S.”

“Wow! Amazing! You can’t do that in Japan either, and my omega isn’t in heat.”

“Whatever she is, you need to get her to reel in her fucking pheromones. I’m sure we’re not the only family being bothered.”

“I think,” Izuku started sweetly, “maybe, you need to teach your boys some self control. If they get riled up just from smelling an omega, I think the fault lies with their parents and not a family minding their own business in a separate room.” His smile could have cut glass.

The alpha bristled, face going red. “Why you-”

The door opened behind Izuku, and both alpha’s startled as a disgruntled Katsuki stepped up behind Izuku. “What’s going on? Do you know what fucking time it is, asshole?”

Izuku hadn’t heard Katsuki get up, and assumed Sumi had made the decision to get him. His protheses were attached, metal bare to the morning chill. Katsuki was also shorter than the alpha, but his presence was far more intimidating as he glared at him in all his pregnant glory. At eight months, Katsuki was deep into his pregnancy, and deeply over it as well. He had begun to swell at five months and hadn’t stopped.

“I’m just giving this man some parenting advice,” Izuku said, glancing at the other alpha whose face had drained completely of color.

Katsuki shot narrowed eyes at Izuku. “Yeah, sure sounded like it.”

“You’re Dynamight-”

“Yeah, what of it?” Katsuki groused. His eyes turned back to the alpha, looking him up and down with a critical eye.

Katsuki, pregnant and tired, was not someone a lot of people knew how to deal with. They’d set up the trip to visit Shonetta and Cynthia before they’d had the pregnancy confirmed. Izuku had suggested they move it either one way or the other around the birth to provide his mate with more comfort, but the paperwork had already been in route and tickets purchased. On top of that, Katsuki had been sure he was going to be just as small as when he’d had Katsumi. He had surpassed that stage two months ago.

The alpha seemed to shrink under Katsuki’s steady anger. “I, uh, I’m sure you don’t remember me, but you might remember my daughter? She was kidnapped while we were at the zoo, and you saved her before the guy could throw her into the lion pit.”

After a moment, Katsuki said, “Little red headed omega. Freckles everywhere. Presented very early at seven or something like that. Wouldn’t let any of the alpha heroes near her.”

A smile split across the alpha’s face, and Izuku wasn’t exactly sure what was happening here. “Yes! You were the only one who could get her to calm down enough to come out of the crevice she’d wedged herself in behind the statue.”

Katsuki considered the guy again, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the door frame. “Right, now what were you saying about omegas earlier?”

Sumi pressed between them, eyes still narrowed at the man before them.

Red bloomed in the alpha’s face again, but this time it seemed to be in embarrassment. “Oh, nothing. Nothing at all! Your mate was giving me some parenting advice like he said.” A door opened close by.

“Right.”

Izuku and Sumi glanced down the hall to see an omega girl of about twelve pop out of the door.

“Dad, Danny said- Mr. Dynamight!” She darted out, letting the door slam shut behind her. She gasped. “Katsumi!”

“Katherine!” Sumi shouted in return, wriggling out from between Katsuki and Izuku to jump around with the other girl, hairbrush still in her hair and all. “You’re so much bigger than me now! Do you talk to Ms. Bains anymore?”

While the little girls chattered excitedly with each other, Katsuki pointed at the alpha. “You, come here,” he growled threateningly, palm crackling quietly. Swallowing, the alpha stepped just a hair closer, and Katsuki snapped out a hand to jerk him forward until they were nose to nose. He hissed, “Get your fucking boys under control and stop blaming others for your short-comings. You’ve got a fucking omega daughter, and you’re spouting that rhetoric around her? Get your fucking priorities straight.”

“Y-yes, sir,” the man squeaked.

Katsuki pushed him away. “Great, now that we understand each other.” He turned, slowly making his way back into the room, but returned only a moment later with something clutched in his hand. “Hey, girl!”

Katherine perked up, trotting over to the three adults with Sumi’s hand still clutched in hers. “Yes, sir?”

“Here, something to make your brothers jealous.” Katsuki held out a bandana that their PR agents had specially made when Katsuki and Izuku had publicized their bond. Cut from one corner to the other, one side was green and black with Izuku’s signature bunny motif while the other side was black and orange with ‘X’ graphics. They’d brought a couple of the prototypes to give to Shonetta and Cynthia. “That’s the first like it. I sighed the ‘X’ in the corner, and I’m sure Deku would sign it too if you ask him.”

Katherine turned big brown cow eyes on Izuku, and he smiled as he turned to find a sharpie.

Behind him, he heard Katsumi shout, “I’ve got one too! We can match! We’ve got shirts too! I could send you one when we get home!”

“Would you?” Katherine asked excitedly. Izuku grabbed a pen and paper as well, returning. As he traded everything in his hands for the bandana, she asked, “Dynamight, can I feel your belly, please? I’ve never gotten to feel a baby move before.”

“Go ahead, kid.” If Katsuki Bakugou was anything, he was soft when it came to children and other omegas.

Izuku thought maybe it was something he’d never really completely get about his mate. He knew it had to do with biology, but he thought maybe it had to do with just Katsuki himself. He was gruff around the edges, but he had an ingrained instinct to protect those weaker than him. Then again, Izuku was softer than him when it came to children, so who was really to say.

Katherine stepped forward, pressing reverential fingers to Katsuki’s distended stomach before leaning to press her ear there as well. Sumi followed her lead, chattering all the while as the girls felt and listened. Katherine let out a high, girlish giggle as she pulled back. “He kicked me in the face! What a little bugger.” Still, she pressed her ear right back to where it had been. “You smell good, Dynamight, sir.”

“Well, heck, I hope so. How else am I supposed to keep this one around?” Katsuki jerked a thumb over his shoulder at Izuku who huffed out a laugh in response.

Laughing, Katherine took a few more moments before pulling away. She scribbled a cell number, email address, and physical address before exchanging the notepad for the bandana again. “One day,” she said very seriously, staring up at Katsuki with wonder in her eyes, “I’m going to grow up just as strong as you. I’m going to be a great omega hero like you!”

Her father seemed ready to protest, opening his mouth to say whatever had come to mind, but Izuku put his hand on his shoulder with another sharp smile.

Katsuki’s expression was soft as he patted her on the shoulder. “Hit us up when you’re about to intern in high school, and maybe I’ll be able to work something with Negative. Or if you choose not to be a hero in this sense, you can intern with her wife at the hospital as a nurse or a midwife. There’s a lot of avenues that you could take. Make sure you pick the one that makes you happy.”

Katherine nodded, just a quick bob of her head. “I will.” Before they could part, she wrapped her arms around Katsuki and then did the same to Sumi. When she pulled away, eyes finding her father, they went wide. “Oh no! I forgot. Danny said that the toilet is clogged and it’s leaking all over the bathroom.”

“Ah! What the hell!” The alpha threw his hands into the air, stomping towards the door she’d come out of.

With a giggle, she hurried after him. “Bye, Katsumi! Bye, Mr. Dynamight! Bye, Mr. Deku! Hope to see you again!”

As they disappeared into the room, Katsuki turned to Sumi. “Okay, little monster, time to get ready. Shonetta and Cynthia are supposed to be picking us up soon, and why is there a hairbrush stuck in your hair! Deku!”

Izuku gaped. “It was there when she woke me up! Don’t go blaming me!”

“And yet, I’m still going to.”

…..

-7 months earlier-

“Izuku fucking Midoriya-Bakugou, get your ass in here!”

It wasn't often that Katsuki called Izuku by his full name, and he nearly dropped the plate he'd been holding as Katsuki's enraged voice thundered from the bathroom. He and Sumi, now a stunning nine-year-old and growing bigger every day, caught each other's eyes across the kitchen counter. It had been what felt like years since Katsuki had yelled at him so ferociously.

' Papa's mad !' Sumi signed helpfully, eyes darting to the bathroom door before returning to Izuku.

' Yeah, but the question is how much ?' Izuku signed back one-handed, soapy fingers moving quickly through the air, ' And why ?'

“Fucking Deku!”

Izuku startled again, this time actually dropping the plate as he darted away. Sumi's laughter followed after him, but it did nothing to calm his nerves. “K-Kacchan? What's the matter?” he asked tentatively as he pushed into the bathroom. He paused just inside the door.

Katsuki sat on the edge of the sink, head cradled in his hands, fingers pressed to his eyes. The scent hit him next, sweet caramel and all-spice spiked with the bitter tang of bile and urine. Last was the quiet growling hum Katsuki seemed to be letting slip.

“Kacchan?” Izuku stepped completely into the bathroom and closed the door behind him. Whatever this was, he doubted Katsuki wanted Sumi in on it just yet. “What's the matter?”

“Are you fucking happy?” Katsuki growled, but the edges were softer and fonder than Izuku normally received when Katsuki was angry with him.

That made him wonder; was Katsuki actually angry or just trying to hide something? “A-a-about what? What's going on?” When Katsuki jerked his head toward the toilet, Izuku stepped around him and stopped again.

Right on top of the lid, four pregnancy tests sat. Four pink sticks with four pink plus signs on white faces stared up at him.

He was crying before he'd even fully comprehended the sheer magnitude of what the tests meant. Inhaling a shuddering breath, he whispered, “How long have you thought...”

“A couple weeks. About a month, but I wasn't sure. Didn't want to get anyone's hopes up. Had to check after I puked though.” Katsuki still hadn't lifted his head, and Izuku turned to press between his knees, leaning in to lightly scent the top of his head.

“Kacchan, you really are?” he asked with a hiccup, throat thick and voice choked, “Really? You're not messing with me?”

“Tell me, in what world do you think I'd joke about this?”

A sob slipped passed his lips. “Really? You're really pregnant? Are...” he trailed off, fear coiling in his stomach right alongside the excited butterflies, “Are you mad about it?”

Katsuki released a heavy sigh, and dropped his hands. A smile pulled up the corners of his mouth, and he met Izuku's eyes. "No. No, I'm not, Izuku. Maybe it's just my stupid omega brain, but... I love Katsumi and I loved when she was a baby, and I didn't think it was going to feel the way it did. I didn't think I'd get another chance to feel that again. It's different having a baby and that changed my whole world. And this time..." Reaching out, he gripped Izuku's hips and pulled him close. "This time you'll be here to experience it too."

A torrent of sobs fell from Izuku's mouth, and he covered his face with his hands. Pressing forward, he wrapped his arms around Katsuki's neck to press his face into Katsuki's shoulder instead. "Kacchan, I'm so happy! I can't believe- I didn't think- I'm so happy!"

"Yeah, that's obvious, nerd," Katsuki said fondly, threading his fingers into Izuku's hair to hold him close. "Get it all out now. You're not allowed to be emotional for the next nine months. Got it?"

"That's totally unreasonable." Izuku laughed, breath sticky and wet against his own face. "But I'll try my best." He let out a breath, finally calming as he pulled back. “I can't wait to share these next months with you."

"You won't be saying that soon," Katsuki warned, but his smile ruined the effect. He pulled Izuku back in, this time for a kiss. And even though his mouth still tasted hideous, Izuku couldn’t have been happier.

Sumi burst through the door, eyes wild, hair wilder, hands popping around a phone screaming with Shonetta's voice. "I'm going to have a baby brother?" she screeched, launching herself between Izuku and Katsuki to try and get closer. "Let me touch your belly, Papa! I want to feel Taiyo move!"

"Katsumi!" Katsuki growled warningly as he pulled back to glare down at her, "How many times have I told you to not eavesdrop! Or answer my phone!"

Izuku was laughing though, stepping back to hoist her into his arms. "Sumi, you won't be able to feel them move for a long time. And how long have you had that name picked out? Also, hello, Negative."

Shonetta wasn't paying attention, screaming instead at Katsuki to pick up his phone so she could congratulate him. He didn't comply, ears red and face buried in his hands.

"Since I was three!" Sumi announced, "And I told Papa I wanted a baby brother like the other girls in my class!"

"And I told you not to hold your breath, you little monster," Katsuki growled before groping blindly for the phone. Removing his hand, he glared down at the woman on the screen with red cheeks and curled lips. "You tell anyone, woman, and it'll be the end of you, do you hear me?"

"I've already texted Cynthia."

"You know she's not who I'm talking about."

Izuku could hear the grin in Shonetta's voice rather than see it. "Well, the entire agency is congratulating you. Don't ignore them when they text you."

"Bitch-"

"Katsuki," Izuku reprimanded quickly, but Sumi was already preoccupied as she chattered away at Shonetta.

…..

-Present-

“Katsumi Bakugou-Midoriya, get over here and put your jacket on or I’m going to leave you here, and you’re not going to get to go to the Christmas Stroll at all.”

Izuku popped his head into the little guest room that Shonetta and Cynthia had set up for Sumi to use for the week they’d be in America. There was an air mattress on the floor with a rumpled pink comforter in the middle surrounded by two desks and numerous filing cabinets. Sitting on the edge of the mattress was Sumi, arms crossed over her chest in consternation.

“No! It’ll be too hot!” she shot back, “I can dress myself!”

“Clearly not if I’m having to tell you to put on more clothes because it’s going to be cold!” Katsuki snarled, out of breath as he glared at his daughter. He was gripping the back of a computer chair with one hand while the other pressed to the small of his back, face contorted with as much discomfort as it was irritation. “I’m not asking. This is nonnegotiable, and I’m not in the mood to be arguing with you.”

Sumi turned up her nose, and Izuku got a very sudden and terrifying flashback to Katsuki when they’d been kids. “No. I’m not wearing it.”

Before either could snap back, Izuku stepped into the room with a smile. "Sumi, you know you're not supposed to be arguing with Papa right now." He turned to Katsuki with a smile that softened as that now familiar warmth of seeing Katsuki swollen with pregnancy filled his chest. "Kacchan, please sit down if you're uncomfortable."

"I'm fucking fine," Katsuki snapped, but almost immediately blanched and slowly sank into the computer chair. "Fucking kid." Closing his eyes, he tilted his head back and rubbed a hand over his belly. Once, twice, soothing circles.

When Izuku looked back at his daughter, he found guilt twisting her round face. "Wait here for me, Sumi, and we'll talk about the jacket. I'm going to help Papa outside."

"Okay," she mumbled, ducking her head and tugging at the end of her long braid, "Sorry, Papa."

Izuku gripped Katsuki forearm as he slowly stood back up. "Not your fault, little monster, your brother just has a lot of energy like Dad."

She didn't lift her head, and they both sighed as they made their slow way out of the room, and out to the living room.

"Shouldn't have yelled at her," Katsuki grumbled as he sat down and let Izuku slide and lace up the orthopedic boots from Cynthia on his feet.

"There was a better way to handle the situation, yes, but traveling always makes you irritable. And you've been doing really well handling your anger throughout your entire pregnancy." Task completed, Izuku pressed a kiss to Katsuki's belly and got kicked in the mouth for his trouble. "I'll talk to her, and then maybe you can talk to her about why you were frustrated later."

Katsuki made a sound above him, and Izuku lifted his head to find his husband scrubbing at his eyes. Izuku pressed gentle fingers to Katsuki’s wrist, but it only made Katsuki's breath hitch. "You're so much better at this parenting thing than I am. What would I have done if you hadn't wanted to stay with us?"

Pregnancy hormones. Even eight months in, Izuku was still surprised by how wildly Katsuki's emotions could vacillate in a few moments. Anger to guilt to tears. Tears weren't something Katsuki was predisposed to, so each time Izuku found Katsuki crying over something, he always had to stop and think about his next step. Sometimes Katsuki would cry over something that made sense; pictures of Sumi in the hospital, a news story about children being lost in a villain attack, the anniversary of All Might's death. Sometimes, they didn’t make sense; the time he'd knocked the dish soap onto the floor, doing paperwork at home instead of at the agency because he'd had an appointment that day, watching Winnie the Pooh by himself while Sumi was at school.

Everything about pregnancy fascinated Izuku, and he felt blessed every moment of it he was able to share with his mate.

Standing, Izuku pulled Katsuki into his body, rubbing a hand up and down his spine. "We're a team, love, we've always been a team. This works because we're together. Even if I weren't here, I know you'd be nothing less than amazing."

They remained like that until Katsuki’s shaking slowed. After a moment, he whispered, “Deku.”

“Yes?”

“I want you suck your dick.”

Izuku felt his entire body flush from head to toe at the blunt word choice. He laughed, rubbing at his forehead. “How about we save that for later? I thought you wanted to go to this Christmas Stroll thing Sumi and Shonetta haven’t stopped talking about. Isn’t today the last night?”

Katsuki huffed against Izuku’s chest, fingers stilling where he’d pushed them up beneath Izuku’s shirt. “I would say ‘fuck it’,” he groused, using Izuku to stand back up, “But it’s Sumi’s favorite part of the season. The whole thing’s a fucking annoyance.” Which actually meant Katsuki enjoyed it, Izuku had discovered. “The things I do for that little monster and her godmothers.”

Izuku smoothed a hand over Katsuki belly, smiling as it was kicked at rather viciously. “He’s been moving around a lot, hasn’t he? Wouldn’t it be crazy if he decided to be a Christmas baby.”

Fingers curling in Izuku’s collar, Katsuki brought their noses very, very close. “Don’t even joke about that, shithead. I’m not done baking this loaf yet.” He pressed a quick kiss to Izuku’s lips before hobbling away towards the kitchen where Cynthia and Shonetta were singing Christmas carols at the top of their lungs. “Sumi’s still waiting for you.”

Izuku put on his own shoes before returning to the bedroom. Sumi was still sitting in the same spot he’d left her, scrubbing at her eyes with the sleeve of her long-sleeved t-shirt as she sniffled quietly. "I'm sorry," she whispered miserably.

Sighing, Izuku picked up the coat -barely a sweater really- that Katsuki had been trying to get Sumi to put on and sat down beside her. "Why are you sorry?"

Her shoulders hitched, just like her father’s a moment ago, and mumbled, “Because I’m being a bad girl.”

Running a hand up and down Sumi’s back like he’d done with Katsuki, he asked, “Why do you think you’re being a bad girl?”

“Because I was arguing with Papa and made him start to yell and now he’s mad at me. I don’t want to wear my jacket because it’ll be too hot, but I just get so mad when he starts to yell. I can’t help it.”

“You’re a lot like your Papa, baby. He’s like that too, and it took him a long time to learn not to let that be his first response.” Resting his hand on the side of Sumi’s head, he pulled her into his body, pressing a kiss to her temple. “He’s not mad at you, he just wants to make sure you don’t get sick. Papa shouldn’t have yelled at you, but you shouldn’t have yelled back, okay?”

“Okay.” Sumi hiccupped, tilting her head to rest on his shoulder.

Izuku let the moment stretch until he heard Cynthia’s voice coming down the hallway. “Alright, so here’s what we’re going to do.” Lifting her head, Sumi sat back to meet his eyes, silent and resolute. “I want you to put on your jacket before we go outside, okay. No, no arguments.” He put up a finger when her mouth automatically opened to argue. “You can take it off again in the car. You have to put it back on before you get out of the car. If it’s too hot after ten minutes of being outside, you can take it back off, but I want you to carry it just in case you do get cold. Okay? Is that fair?”

After a moment of puff-cheeked disdain, Sumi huffed and muttered, “Yes.”

…..

When the others had said ‘Christmas Stroll’, Izuku had been expecting houses lit with strings of light and families marveling at them as they passed. Maybe a few groups caroling or selling hot chocolate.

Izuku was not expecting a full-on parade of floats and fire trucks and police cars with people dressed as Santa Clause and elves dancing to Christmas music over loudspeakers. He also wasn’t expecting an entire street to be shut down and blocked off to allow the crowd to walk from one booth or store to another. At either end of the street, live music played. One side seemed to be professional musicians while the other side seemed to be high school students and volunteers. Behind the makeshift stages, Christmas trees towered, dripping in tinsel and sparkling lights and handmade ornaments from the ornament making stalls off to the sides.

Each booth and store shone with lights, boasting their wares. There was a whole booth dedicated to olive oil, another to soaps made out of goat’s milk, another to hero merch that Katsuki wouldn’t let him linger at. There even seemed to be a gift wrapping stall every ten meters or so. The stores were all small family owned businesses of holistic shops, restaurants and one records shop.

Katsumi ran out in front of them in the jacket she’d been so against with Shonetta, laughing as they held hands and darted around other families. Cynthia paced Katsuki, close at his elbow to help at any moment.

“Papa, look!” Sumi shouted, pointing down the road, “The tortoise from Guisser Pets is out again! Oh, Cookie Tree has a booth! Can we please get some cookies and hot chocolate!”

“Sure!” Katsuki called back, “Go pick out what you want, and we’ll catch up in a moment. Do a baker’s dozen!”

Other patrons glanced curiously at him, the Japanese obviously foreign to their ears, but Katsuki didn’t seem to notice as Izuku pressed close against his side. “This is really nice. They do this every year?” Izuku asked.

“Every damn year. The agency usually helps out too,” Katsuki said, eyes scanning over the crowd, “Those idiots should be around here som-”

“KATSUMI!”

Izuku and Katsuki lurched forward on instinct, Cynthia’s hand shooting out to grip Katsuki’s arm, but they stopped as quickly as they’d started. Up ahead, a group of heroes lifted their daughter into the air as she screamed with laughter. “Katsumi! Katsumi! Katsumi!” they chanted, Negative already in the middle of the group not making a lick of difference.

For a solid moment, they stood watching. Then Katsuki strode forward, intent in every step. “Hey, assholes! What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Izuku had heard Katsuki use English before -at the hotel, on the phone with Shonetta, to Katsumi when she got overwhelmed- but it was a shock every time. And every time it made him hot around the collar. He watched completely dumbfounded as Katsuki stopped in front of the group, hands on his hips, and subsequently as they engulfed him into their mist. “Ah, Kat!” they shouted, and Sumi popped from the group to dart to Izuku’s side, “It’s so good to see you! Where have ya been, fucker? Holy shit, you’re huge!”

It was a group of fumbling, laughing and crowing as they absorbed Katsuki into their ranks like he’d never returned to Japan in the first place.

Izuku stood with Cynthia and Katsumi, watching his husband interact with people in a way he never had before. Katsuki’s smile was wide and unrestricted as he wrapped one of the guys in a choke hold and rubbed his knuckles roughly over the man’s crown. As he playfully pushed at the shoulder of a small wolf-eyed woman with sharp canines, large triangle ears and grey bottlebrush tail. As a pair of twins with cotton candy pink hair and thin delicate claws pressed their ears to his belly to listen.

There was an instinctual need to ward off every person standing too close to Katsuki, especially the alphas he could smell in the air, but knew exactly how well that would go over. That didn’t stop him from pumping out pheromones enough to make others attending the stroll pass him wary glances before skirting as far around him as they could. Beneath his hand, Sumi giggled and reached up to grab his arm tightly.

“Calm down, tough guy,” Cynthia told him, hand on his arm as she pushed cinnamon dreads back over her shoulder, “You’re suffocating the crowd. They’re not a danger to your mate or pup.”

Izuku groaned, turning to meet her brown eyes. “I know that logically, but that doesn’t make me want to rip off their hands any less.”

‘ Protect mate. Protect pup. Mate close to birth. Vulnerable. Must protect. Run off threats. Protect .’ The litany of Izuku’s alpha was only interrupted when the group of Katsuki’s ex-coworkers started glancing around.

“Speaking of which, where is baby daddy? You brought him, right? Of course you did. No alpha worth his salt would let a mate as pregnant as you out of their sight. We haven’t met him yet! Let us meet the person who can handle you!” a burly man shouted to a crowing of assents from the rest of the group, “Come on, Kat, where are you hiding him?”

“My mate and husband , you absolute dickhole, is right over there,” Katsuki spat, jerking a thumb over his shoulder, “Can’t you smell him? Or are you as nose blind as you are stpuid?”

The group followed Katsuki’s motion, eyes landing squarely on Izuku. Immediately, his alpha went on high alert while his face flooded with heat at the attention. Their eyes stared at him for several long moments. Eventually, it was the woman with wolf eyes that spoke up first. “Honestly, Kat, I saw the news, but I thought it was a publicity stunt. I didn’t think you had your claws in Japan’s No.1 Hero Deku. Like what is that? Sumi, how could you keep this from us!”

“I didn’t! You just didn’t believe me!” Sumi shouted back, hands still wrapped around Izuku’s forearm as she bodily dragged him towards the group.

“Hey, assholes! He’s been mine since we were kids! And we switch between the top two spots all the time! Hey!” Katsuki’s teeth snapped viciously, a snarl splitting the excited atmosphere as he knocked aside someone’s hand who’d been reaching for Izuku. “Hands off. This is a no touch exhibition, fucking got it?”

“Ah, Kat, you’re too much like a territorial alpha,” the burly man said, setting a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder.

This time, Izuku didn’t stop himself. He slotted himself between the man and Katsuki, and very deliberately picked his hand off Katsuki’s shoulder to give it back to him. “Like Kacchan said, this is a no touch exhibition.” He gave the group his widest and most lethal smile that put his sharp canines in full view. “Please stop touching my mate. I’ve been very patient up until now.”

The heroes roared with laughter, unaffected by either Izuku’s or Katsuki’s displays. The conversation devolved from there. Introductions were properly made. Chatter shot from one side of the circle to another. Santa hats were shoved onto Izuku’s and Katsuki’s heads from the good-natured group. Eventually, Shonetta dispersed the group to continue with their jobs. Sumi took off with the twins as they promised her cookies if she danced with them. Shonetta and Cynthia pulled back, and then it was just Katsuki and Izuku holding hands as they wove slowly through the crowds.

At the end of the street where the professional band was playing a slow sweet Christmas song, Katsuki allowed Izuku to pull him into a crowd of couples of every age and orientation. He wrapped Katsuki up in his arms and swayed them gently to the beat. The twins turned passed them, Sumi held on their feet, and Izuku smiled.

When he pressed a lingering Katsuki’s temple, he muttered, “You’re being gross. Stop.” Despite his words, he leaned into the gentle touch.

“I’m happy. I like it here. I like the whole celebrating together and the lights and how happy everyone else is too.”

“It’s one of the more enjoyable things to look forward to here,” Katsuki agreed.

Giggles rose from around them, and for a moment, Izuku thought it was because they were so tightly bound up in each other that they hadn’t realized the song had changed. Only, the song was still the same slow beat. They pulled apart enough for Katsuki to give the surrounding couples a dirty glare.

They weren’t looking at them particularly, but at their feet.

Sumi swooped in, eyes worried as she whispered, “Papa, did you have an accident?”

“What? No, I didn’t have an accident. I’m twenty-”

“It’s just… your legs are all wet and there’s a puddle under you,” she interrupted.

Katsuki and Izuku reeled away from each other, staring down between their bodies at the puddle beneath their feet. Izuku couldn’t understand how Katsuki hadn’t felt the wet, but he also couldn’t understand how there could be so much liquid and it not smell like urine.

Color drained from Katsuki’s face. “Katsumi, go get Cynthia and ask Shonetta to run to start the car,” he said slowly and deliberately.

“Why? Are you hurt?”

Was he hurt? Izuku was as lost as Sumi seemed to be, but Katsuki didn’t seem lost at all.

“No. Just tell them my water broke, okay, little monster?”

‘ My water broke .’ Izuku was suddenly far less lost, and both fear and excitement thrilled through him at the same time.

“Are you going to be okay?”

Katsuki seemed to struggle to smile. “I sure am, little monster. Just go tell your godmothers that okay. Tell them to be quick.” His fingers tightened exponentially on Izuku’s forearms, and as soon as Sumi darted away, he spat, “You just had to open your fucking mouth, didn’t you, Deku?” Unbidden tears spilled passed his lashes. “I fucking told you I hadn’t finished yet. Now, he’s coming and-”

Izuku cupped Katsuki’s cheeks in his hands, quickly wiping away the tears. “It’s okay, Kacchan. He’s a little early, but it’ll be okay. It’s not ideal, but we’ve got Cynthia and Shonetta, and everything went well when you had Katsumi here. It’ll be alright.”

“I know that,” Katsuki grit out, eyes squeezed shut, “But so many things can go wrong with a preemie. I just want him to come out healthy and happy. What if-”

Izuku tapped Katsuki’s cheek lightly. “Hey, none of that now. No ‘what ifs’. Taiyo is going to be just fine, alright, but we’ve got to get him here first.”

After another few seconds of just breathing and couples staring at them in concern, Katsuki opened his eyes. He was back to himself, the same hero who had faced down more villains than a lot of heroes could even boast about. With steel in his eyes, he muttered, “Get ready. I’m going to end up breaking your fingers tonight. I broke Best Jeanist’s last time.”

Izuku laughed, and then Cynthia was at their sides.

…..

Taiyo came into the world in the early hours of Christmas morning, and was almost immediately whisked away to the preemie ICU. They hadn’t even allowed Katsuki or Izuku to scent him before.

Now, with Katsuki fitfully sleeping under the sedative they’d had to administer to make sure he wouldn’t come after them, Izuku sat in silence. At first, he’d busied himself with making the phone calls he needed to. One to Inko, to Mitsuki and Masaru, to their agencies to inform them of what had happened so they would know that not only would they miss their flight, but also they’d be immediately beginning maternity/paternity leave. The last calls he made were to Ochako and Kirishima.

Hearing their voices, so cheerful and encouraging, made tears slip down his cheeks and words difficult as he explained to them the situation so far.

They both said the same thing. “Don’t worry, Deku, everything is going to be fine. Taiyo is going to be fine.”

He wasn’t so sure the longer he sat there without a baby in his arms. He didn’t even have Sumi there to hold, Shonetta and Cynthia taking her home and telling him to call when he finally had word on Taiyo. So, he sat and fidgeted and stressed and cried at the side of Katsuki’s bed. Eventually, he just crawled in next to him and snuggled close.

What felt like hours later, Katsuki began mumbling and shifting, eyelashes fluttering as the sedatives wore off. “Zuku. Zuku. Izuku,” he panted, eyes struggling to open, “Alpha- where’s my pup?” His fingers curled around Izuku’s already bruised digits again, grip slowly growing stronger as he came out of the drug induced stupor. “Where’s my pup? Alpha!”

Izuku sat up in the bed, quickly reaching to incline the head so Katsuki wouldn’t have to move. After jabbing his thumb into the call button, he settled back against the bed and ran shaky fingers through Katsuki’s sweat sticky spikes. “D-don’t worry. They’re just making sure he’s healthy. I’m sure they’re almost done.”

“I want my baby,” Katsuki whispered weakly, turning his nose into Izuku’s neck. He breathed out shakily, grip calming if only marginally.

“Me too. I called the nurse. I’m sure she has an update.”

When the nurse pushed opened the door, tugging a bassinet in behind her with the doctor in on the other side, it was deathly silent. There was no smile on either of their faces, and Izuku’s stomach dropped at the silence.

He could smell Taiyo. Spearmint and brown sugar. There wasn’t anything off about it, but the expressions on the doctor and nurse’s faces told a different story.

‘ Pup. Scent. Hold. Protect. Need to scent. Pup. ’ Izuku swallowed against his alpha’s rising aggravation.

“I want my baby,” Katsuki said immediately, struggling to push himself up straighter and reaching out his arms towards the bassinet, “Now.”

“Mr. Dynamight, we need to discuss something first-” the doctor started, but Katsuki wasn’t going to let him finish.

He snarled, loud and harsh, all protective omega mother. “Give me my fucking baby before I get out of this bed and hurt someone. You didn’t even let me scent him before you took him. You didn’t let me touch him or feed him. Give me my goddamn baby.”

The nurse and doctor exchanged a glance, but after a moment, the nurse carefully lifted the abnormally silent bundle into her arms and brought him to the bedside. Hesitantly, she passed him over.

Katsuki and Izuku reached for him at the same time, bringing him in close between their two bodies. His eyes were closed, but he snuffled quietly as if he could smell them as well. There was wispy blond hair on the top of his head, and when his eyelids fluttered, there was the barest glimpse of color. Newborn baby blue eyes.

Tears tracked down Izuku’s face as he pressed a kiss to Taiyo’s forehead and then Katsuki’s temple.

“Help me get this stupid gown open,” Katsuki muttered as he shifted Taiyo closer to his chest. Taiyo made a soft barely audible sound, tiny nostrils flaring as Izuku and Katsuki got him flush against Katsuki’s chest. It only took him a moment to latch onto the offered nipple. “Why was that so much easier than with Sumi?”

The doctor cut in before they could continue on ignoring the pair. “Mr. Dynamight, Mr. Deku, please, if I could have a moment of your time. This is very important.”

“More important than me feeding my pup?” Katsuki asked, voice saccharine as he smiled up at the doctor.

The doctor swallowed, but nodded and forged forward. “I need to discuss your options with you. I know that you two are very busy pro-heroes with one child already.”

“What situation are we talking about?” Izuku asked, “You failed to mention what the problem was when you took him from us. I understand that you had to make sure he was healthy, and I appreciate the good work you’ve already done for us, but if something’s wrong, we should have been told immediately. Not hours after the fact.”

Looking chastened and rather aggrieved, the doctor nodded. “Yes, but this is a rather delicate subject. We weren’t sure how, uh…” He cleared his throat, eyes flickering toward Katsuki.

“How I would react? Is that what you were going to say?” Katsuki sneered, mouth cutting a razor sharp line. “You think anything is going to make me not want my pup, is that it? Full offense, but you don’t fucking know anything about me. So tell me what you’re so worried I’m going to react badly over.”

Swallowing again, the doctor cleared his throat. Worry and fear pierced straight through his scent when before Izuku hadn’t even been able to smell the alpha. Katsuki really was marvel. “Your baby was born with a birth defect known as spina bifeda. Do you know what that is?” Katsuki and Izuku didn’t answer, eyes now trained solely on the doctor. Clearing his throat for a second time, he gave a brief explanation before saying, “From the tests we’ve run, we have determined that it’s not a severe case. His brain seems fully functional, no sign of water.”

“But?” Katsuki snapped.

“But... it seems the mobility of his legs is non-existent. As he grows older, the condition may worsen or it may remain the same. What we know for sure at this moment is that he’ll never walk normally. There’s only so much our healers can do, but if the nervous system just didn’t develop correctly…” The doctor trailed off, looking between the two silent heroes. “He is going to need a lot of care, more than two pro-heroes may be able to give him. There are resources-”

“Shut up.” The doctor went silent with a clack of teeth, and Katsuki sighed, running a finger over Taiyo’s chubby cheek. “Not even you’re normal, baby. Sorry, but you’ll fit right in. Between the four of us, we’ve got three legs, six and a half arms, three sets of working ears and four pairs of eyes. Welcome to this dysfunctional family. Merry Christmas, you little heathen.”

Izuku was sure he’d never been more in love with Katsuki than in that moment. Laughing quietly, he asked, “I get everything else, but why six and a half arms? I’ve still got both of mine.”

Katsuki rolled his eyes, not looking up from Taiyo. “Yeah, and one of them barely functions. Hence, half.”

“Okay.” Izuku pressed a kiss to Katsuki’s cheek before turning to look back at the gawking doctor and nurse. “When can we take him home? Also, when can we get on a plane? We eventually have to go back to Japan.”

They could only sputter.

…..

“Katsumi Bakugou-Midoriya, you are not taking your brother on to the jungle gym. He’s too small right now. Bring him to me.”

With a huff, Sumi turned on a heel and returned to Katsuki and Izuku where they were sitting on the park bench with Kirishima and Mina. Their little boy, a few years younger than Sumi, pouted impatiently at the swings while Sumi very carefully unstrapped Taiyo and his papoose from her front.

“I know you want to include your brother in everything, but you have to wait for him to get bigger. It’s going to be a while before he can really play with you, alright?” Katsuki explained patiently, holding Taiyo up so Izuku could remove his papoose and sat him in his lap. Taiyo waved his fists, but had yet to kick out. Just as the doctor had said, Taiyo seemed to have no control over his legs, though he could still feel pain. After returning to Japan, they’d immediately started him on neuro-therapy, but they had no illusions that he’d ever walk normally. Now, they just planned for what they could do for him instead.

Sumi leaned in to press a kiss to Taiyo’s nose, and he crinkled his crimson eyes at her before batting at her with a closed fist. She laughed, dancing back with a whirl of skirts. “I understand. I’ll play with him when we get home then.” Spinning, she tore off across the playground and tackled her friend to the woodchips.

Mina laughed, phone at eye level as she recorded the entire debacle. “Yeah, that’s your guys’ child. Poor, Dai.”

Kirishima sighed, though happily, running a hand through his ever lengthening red hair. “Honestly.” He cut eyes towards the trio as Katsuki began to bounce Taiyo on his knee, the baby babbling nonsense the entire time. Reaching over, he allowed Taiyo to grip at his fingers. “You know, a lot of people are surprised. I keep trying to explain it, but no one ever believes Chako or me.”

“Hah? About what?” Katsuki asked, glancing away from Sumi to throw Kirishima a scowl.

“You know, that you kept Taiyo.”

“Yeah, even after all this time there are people who thought you’d give him up for adoption or something for being disabled,” Mina interjected, leaning around Kirishima to get her eyes on him, “I know you’ve been staying away from the news and stuff while you’re still on leave, but some of the headlines are absolute bonkers. When they ask me about it in interviews, I tell them straight up that everyone’s being an idiot.”

Katsuki rolled his eyes, eyelashes fluttering spectacularly, and Izuku sighed. “That would be kind of hypocritical of us, considering,” Izuku said, glancing at Sumi’s legs, bare metal because she’d refused to put on the synthetic skin or leggings that morning. “But that’s besides the point.”

“I mean,” Kirishima started, mouth skewing, “I don’t think they ever doubted you’d want to keep him, Deku.”

“And I’ll tell those vultures the exact same thing I told the doctor,” Katsuki interjected before Izuku had a chance to speak, “People don’t know fuck all about me.” He dropped his eyes back to the baby in his lap. “Taiyo was the best Christmas present I could have ever gotten. The only people who need to know that are the four of us. Everyone else can shove their opinions.”

Izuku felt heat press against his eyes, and he dropped his forehead against Katsuki’s shoulder as Mina laughed and said, “You’ve gotten soft in your motherhood, Kats.”

Instead of his usual response, Izuku heard Katsuki say, “Yeah, probably.”

Izuku laughed happily against his shoulder, grinning like the in-love fool he was.

#my hero academia #mha #bakudeku #dekubaku #decchan #bakugou katsuki #midoriya izuku #assorted ocs #omegaverse #a/b/o dynamics #alpha!izuku #omega!katsuki #disabled!katsuki #pregnant!katsuki #my writing #coming home #christmas preemie

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shnuggletea · 4 years

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More of the AWARD WINNING FANFICTION! Wooo I don't see myself getting tired of that. Thank you all for voting, reading, reviewing, and just being amazing people in general. Cause even if all you did was read, you still made my day. I write to share and to have you guys come back and say "we love what you're doing there" really makes me want to keep on. My ego is going to get so big guys, I'm not even kidding. Thank you @feudalconnection for hosting and to everyone that took the time to read, nominate, and vote!

Many of you expressed... interest in some loving between the lovely couple. This chapter has my response to that! Get ready for some heat!

Fanfiction HERE

AO3 HERE

Chapter Eleven

"So Kagome, how are things?"

Maten sat across from her, next to Inuyasha who had graced them with his presence for this meal. A rare occurrence and now Maten and his brother sat with them as well. Their table was getting so full.

"I'm fine. How are you? Your bones have healed nicely."

He chuckled and blushed slightly. Her eyes danced to Inuyasha just in time to catch him rolling his eyes. Hiten sat his elbows on the table and rubbed his hands together as if making up a master plan. "Have you been in the basement lately?"

She wasn't really sure what she was allowed to say about that, again glancing at Inuyasha who gave her a small shake of his head. "Yeah, a little."

"Naraku's going to be really gunning for you then. That prick, it's not like you have a choice." Maten growled.

"They still have you going into the basement? Why didn't you tell us, Kagome?"

Shippo's eyes were large and glistening as if saddened not to be in the loop. She quickly patted his head affectionately. "Oh, it's so… boring and gross down there. I didn't think it was a big deal."

The things one has to tell children to keep them appeased. Shippo smiled again and wagged his tail. It was so adorable, she couldn't stop herself from also giving him a fierce hug. Kagome just didn't understand why Inuyasha was frowning so deeply when she looked at him again. Miroku was grinning like the cat that got the canary. But that wasn't really anything new, he always had that face when Inuyasha was upset. A strange Ying-Yang the two of them were.

Miroku was still looking at Inuyasha out of the corner of his eye when he leaned his face onto his palm, his elbow resting on the table. "And Koga has left you alone as well, right? Since becoming my woman?"

Inuyasha cringed as did Maten. The two of them looked at one another for a silent moment but it was full of disdain as if sizing one another up. All of that was then turned onto Miroku, still grinning like a fool while two powerful demons glared down at him.

A distraction was needed big time. "So uh… do you guys celebrate Christmas in here?" That did it, all eyes on Kagome in shock before bursting into laughter. All except Shippo who, sadly, just looked confused. "A simple 'no' would suffice." She muttered.

"What's Chriksmas?"

They sobered at that, Shippo's small voice questioning made them all morose, Kagome the most. But then it made her determined, jumping up from her seat and pumping a fist up towards her chest. "I'm going to make Christmas come this year!"

"How? We all know you're 'magical' but unless you got a unicorn hidden up your ass…" Inuyasha started but then stopped and she realized it was because he was now staring at her butt.

Hopping over her chair, she only stumbled a little bit. "I have my ways! Just you wait and see!"

Storming away, she didn't stop until she was standing before the Warden's office door. She hadn't really thought up of a plan at all but Shippo's confused voice kept playing over and over in her head. Christmas was meant to be spent with loved ones. Full of joy and presents and cake and fried chicken… okay so she seriously doubted she could get all those things but it was worth a try.

The guards in the hall had barely noticed her existence so when they suddenly shifted and tensed, she noticed, only to get grabbed hard by her bicep and dragged away from the door. Even without seeing his wild, white hair, she knew who it was. Cause no one else dared to mess with her lately or as much as Inuyasha did.

"Are you NUTS?! Leave it alone, Kagome!"

"Did you see Shippo's face?!"

He stopped now that they were out of earshot of the Warden's door and the few guards nearby. "Yes. It's the same look on all the younger one's faces when you mention things like Christmas, holidays in general, or birthdays. But it ain't worth whatever the Warden is gonna ask you for in return for some shitty decorations and bullshit gifts!"

Bowing her head, she knew he was right. "It's just… not right."

"There's a lot of shit in here that ain't right, Mate."

She giggled a little, even though she was still sad. "You know, we don't share a cell anymore. We aren't cellmates so I'm not your Mate."

"Aren't you?"

Confused, she pulled her eyes from his chiseled chest to his face, finding him completely serious. They were really close, when had they gotten so close? Had they been like this since he stopped dragging her? She hadn't even noticed or cared. Inuyasha's attention was the only attention she ever wanted but it was rare and fleeting. This was the first time they had been alone since he showed her his weakness almost a month ago.

She studied his eyes, watching the golden color of them as they burned like coals in a fire. And he studied hers, dancing, twitching left and right. It wasn't until the pad of his thumb brushed her cheekbone that her heart picked up its pace, galloping inside her chest. He glanced down, right at her heart, telling her he heard it. It didn't deter or stop him, his claws gently scratching her scalp as he dug his fingers into her hair. Wearing it up, as he suggested, he couldn't get very deep. It forced him to place his paw on top of her strands, seeming irritated about it until he began rubbing the shell of her ear with his thumb.

"You are so… " He started but then stopped. "Koga isn't bothering you anymore, is he?"

With his face an inch or so from hers and his warm breath covering her skin as he spoke, the question felt so strange. Given the reason Koga left her alone was thanks to Miroku stroking her ass daily. "Y… yyeah."

"Good." For some reason, that caused him to drop his touch and step away. "Then the plan is working."

He was a foot away when two demons turned onto the hall they had been sharing, looking over the shell shocked Kagome with little interest and continuing on their way. Inuyasha kept on, not looking back with his hands shoved in his pockets. But she swore she saw him shaking.

oOo

Inuyasha was right, she couldn't go to the Warden for something as silly as Christmas decorations. But she could make some gifts.

No one took note of the silly White as she carefully scoured the yard, the early, cold December air not keeping anyone from their time in the open. She was pretty sure Demons weren't bothered by things like temperature. Kagome had to keep moving or freeze to death, which helped with her cover as she looked for anything worthwhile around the yard, the infirmary, even the shitty 'crafts' room that had more cobwebs than a haunted house. She was pretty sure there were some ghosts inside it too.

The few that looked her way didn't seem to care or find it strange that the yard was littered with teeth. It had freaked her out at first but since no one showed any interest when she picked a few up, Kagome had to assume they were shed naturally or something. They weren't very large, not much longer than the Kanine from a human's mouth. Most showed how little dental hygiene was taken seriously, the teeth porous and decayed straight through in places. But being a demon tooth, they all had survived past some damage and were strong as well as pearly white.

Using the odd things she found around; teeth, beads, pretty rocks, and surgical thread, Kagome felt pretty good about her offerings. They weren't anything special but they were better than nothing!

The 'craft' room also had a few scraps of pretty paper she used to wrap her gifts as well as make a handful of paper cranes. Which gave her an idea.

There were far too many children in the place but she was able to gather them all up. One of the benefits of being 'the doctor' she knew all of them when she made them come for a check-up. A few were still angry for the shots she gave them but they needed to be immunized with the runes making them susceptible to disease. The ones that had been inside since before they could remember, or who had an adult to ask for them, got shots. None of them had a parent in here with them and shivered at the thought.

Luckily, there weren't too many otherwise Kagome wouldn't have gotten approval for the drugs. And she would have probably gone into a depressed spiral if there were a lot of children who had never seen the 'outside' before.

She didn't dare think about the ones that weren't lucky enough to make it into this prison, taken by Shikon instead.

Now, surrounded by blue, their eyes were rapt with fascination as she taught them how to make paper cranes. Bright colored paper that matched their bright hair or eyes or skin. One little girl had pretty dark pink skin with beautiful golden hair. The 'craft' room was nearly overflowing with origami paper and she had to assume they used to use it as some kind of therapy for the more violent inmates.

Even with a few funky, Kagome and the children made long strands of cranes that they ran around to hang anywhere they could. If they didn't get ripped down by a Guard or pissy Demon, then she hoped the decorations would stay up year-round.

They really brightened up the place.

Down to her last strand, she slowly approached Inuyasha's cell, everyone stuck inside thanks to the rain outside. He sat on his bed, as usual, book in his hands. She crept up but she knew he was aware of her, his ears flipping back and dipping to his skull. She had to assume he did that to try and hide the small twitch they did, which he failed, the tips dancing ever so slightly as she carefully made it to the open bars.

Taking her eyes off him for a second, she got up on her toes and tied the bright, rainbow-colored strand to the top of his cell bars, making sure to knot it tight for when the door closed later that night.

When she fell back to her heels, there was no shock that his eyes were on her. She had felt them go to her as soon as she tipped up on her toes. They were wide and quivering. "Merry Christmas, Inuyasha."

Amber orbs shot back to the cranes then pushed back to his book. He said nothing and again she wasn't shocked. Nor offended. In the last eight months, she had learned how Inuyasha worked. And she knew exactly how he felt when he said nothing.

He was happy. And that terrified him.

oOo

It was interesting, now that Kagura had a small bump, how the crowds parted for her. It was as if the other Demons were enamored, the life that grew inside Kagura more than just a baby demon. Kagome could see it in their eyes as Kagura passed.

The baby was treasured.

And not just by its parents, Sesshomaru never showed emotion except when around Kagura now. It melted Kagome's heart, watching as Sess protected Kagura from zero threats, sat her down, and either made her eat or comforted her in some manner. Today, it was to rub her shoulders, sitting her in his lap while the others gossiped around the picnic table.

Using her shirt, Kagome had all the gifts she's made tossed into the 'bowl' she created. It made the frigid air waft up her belly and ribs so she was trying to hurry, tossing the crudely wrapped presents to all those who sat at the table. Kagome was glad the creepy teenager had stopped hanging out with Kagura's group, she didn't make her a gift.

It was seconds later that Jakotsu, Kanna, Kagura, and even Sesshomaru were holding up the strands that held one demon tooth and a few pretty beads around it.

"Oooooooh no one has given me jewelry before! Does it usually look this… dull?" Jakotsu wined but Kagome expected that.

Sesshomaru ignored the noise, looked sternly up at her, but that was how he always looked. "This is truly an amazing gift. I'm surprised you could pull this off in here."

He didn't say any more, putting his on quickly and fixing Kagura's on. The other two looked confused but given Sesshomaru's eagerness, they followed suit.

Crossing the yard, she gave Miroku, Shippo, Maten, and Hiten theirs. She put three teeth on Shippos just in case. The rest of the Demons didn't give a care, not receiving a gift. Which was why she felt the fire on the back of her neck, glancing behind to find Koga glowering at her. He couldn't seriously think she would give him anything after all he did to her and her friends?

Inuyasha was nowhere in sight, a usual occurrence as of late, but she wasn't going to give him his gift in public anyway. She understood his angry distance but that didn't mean she wanted his cruelty when she handed him the gift she worked hard on for weeks. Even if it was faked.

He would be stopping by the infirmary in a couple of days anyway, new moon and all.

After they put them on, Kagome insisted they all put the necklace under their shirts. She didn't know who in here knew the significance but if anyone knew it could spell trouble. Sesshomaru already had his crew hide them but not take them off. So he clearly understood and knew the value. He was an old Demon, that much was obvious. Kagome had no clue how many were as old as him in the prison. Or if the Warden was knowledgeable.

More than a gift, her presents were worth the risk in her mind. Especially if they worked as she hoped they did.

oOo

The hot shower had made her finger burn, getting so cold outside from handing out her presents it was a wonder she didn't get frostbite. As much as she hated the idea, Kagome was pretty sure she'd have to wait until Spring before she could go outside again.

It was still a few days away from Christmas but she knew she was going to freeze, going around handing them out. Freetime was her only chance and with everyone still heading outside, she hadn't had a choice. So she timed it with her shower day, planning to warm up immediately after.

Only getting the luxury three times a week, Kagome shared the shower with many other demons. Kanna stood next to her and Kagura was on the other side. The two didn't take as long as she did tonight, enjoying the steaming water more than usual. It warmed her all the way down to her shaking bones.

"I'm exhausted," Kagura moaned, looking over at Kagome, "you okay if I head out first?"

Kagome had no fears. "Of course! I'll see you tomorrow."

A few moments later and Kanna shut off her stream and wrapped a towel around herself. "I'm off," was all the quiet girl said and it was more than usual.

A female guard stood ideal, bored, while the rest either wrapped a little white towel around themselves tight or just walked around nude. Kagome was the former, covering her body from even female eyes but also caging in the residual warmth of the water on her heated skin. A few laughed oddly as they passed her, dressed again and out the door. It was weird, she was completely alone. Even the guard had left already but Kagome wasn't the one they needed to guard. All those that were in need of watch had left already.

She opened her locker and blinked a few times. Then quickly opened the one next to it. And the next. And then next. But they were all empty.

Her clothes were gone.

No one had gone out in White scrubs, she would have noticed that. Someone took them and did something with them. What, she didn't know but in her freaked out haze, she started searching all over the showers and in the lockers. But her clothes or the clothes of anyone else weren't there.

All she had was her towel.

The keys to the infirmary had been in her pocket so they were also missing. As much as she trusted running around all the other demons in a towel, she trusted the guards even less. They would probably take her infirmary keys away for good. Or make her do something terrible to get them to unlock the door. All of her clothes were in there as well. Kagome was well and screwed.

There was really only one choice and she wasn't sure it was all that good. Going to the door, she took a deep breath and the handle in her hand. Then she pulled with all her might and darted out. Not stopping, not even to look at the guards, Kagome moved as fast as her human legs would take her. It didn't help that she was wet and on her bare feet, it made cutting corners difficult as she slipped around on the tile floor. All the warmth she had gained from her shower was wasted, the jail not that warm to begin with and now she was running through it with nothing to speak of on her body.

She passed Demons, all stopping short of what they were doing to look at her. They were shocked. So was she, but she didn't stop. Especially when a few turned from what they were doing and started to follow her. She took a quick and panicked glance behind herself to see a handful of men creeping behind her. With their speed, they could easily catch her, they were just enjoying the chase.

Skidding around the last corner, she pushed her lungs and legs to their limit, grabbing the bars of the cell to swing herself inside. Inuyasha jumped upright and then to his feet, his book falling to the floor. "What the fuck?!"

"Clothes….stolen….shower…..no keys….." She panted.

Kagome wasn't sure Inuyasha could understand or if he was even listening, his eyes glazed over as he stared up and down her body. He shook his head hard and then shuffled towards the cell door. "And you came here?"

"Where else...could I go….?"

"I don't know, Kanna? Kagura? One of your female friends?! Hell, even Jakostu would have been safer!"

She honestly hadn't even considered it. Partly because she didn't know where their cells were other than on the other side of the prison from the showers. But mostly because Inuyasha was the one she trusted most.

Kagome tried to think of a reply, planning on just being honest when the gaggle of men following her appeared at the door. Inuyasha was the only thing between them and her and Kagome suddenly regretted coming here. It put Inuyasha at great risk.

Standing tall, he didn't hesitate to face the crowd, holding his head up high. He only moved if one of them tried to look around him to her, shifting his weight to keep her blocked from sight as much as possible. She stood still, frozen with worry and fear for her 'Mate' as he stood up for her in a very public manner.

"We saw her first." One growled.

"Doesn't fucking matter, cause I got her first," Inuyasha growled back.

Kagome felt like meat, the first time truly understanding how precarious her well being was here. All it took was some missing clothes and she was up for grabs. It was sickening and terrifying all at once.

A different one chuckled, "Then you should hand her over when you're done."

"Sharing is caring," another one mocked.

Stepping back, Inuyasha grabbed his cell door and slammed it shut in an impressive show of strength. It wobbled a little from the abuse, even with the runes in place, Inuyasha made thick iron shudder from his strength.

The group got the message and backed up. But stayed in eyesight, watching. It made her skin crawl.

Inuyasha stepped up to her, towering over Kagome and she simply looked up. Maybe he expected her to back up or cower but she had absolutely no fear of him even as his eyes glowed red in the dim room. Without saying a word, he pulled off his shirt and handed it to her. Kagome tried to take it without fumbling but Inuyasha's naked chest was before her. So close she could feel the heat of his skin on her arms and cheeks.

And he definitely had the body to support his show of strength.

"Put that on and get in the bed." She nodded, carefully getting her arms and head in while dodging the tucked end of her towel when she pulled it over her torso. "Under the sheets and don't come out."

She had the wet towel off and on the floor when she tiptoed to the bed. Inuyasha growled and took deep breaths behind her before she ducked under the sheet as ordered. When she rolled over to look at him, his eyes were still red and on her. He soon turned and stood by the door instead.

Watching his back, she was happy his hair was up on top of his head because his taut muscles were rolling with tension. It made her warm all over. But not enough, the cold bleeding through the walls. Kagome was cold on a regular evening with all her clothes on. Tonight, she was freezing.

It wasn't long until her shivering body had Inuyasha's attention again. "Goddammit." He fussed before turning on his heel and climbing into the bed next to her. "Face the wall!"

She had been watching him, unable to take her eyes off of him. At his harsh tone, she turned and looked at the white-painted cinder blocks instead. As soon as she settled, Inuyasha's arms surrounded her. There was no control, her body so cold she snuggled as deep as possible into his hold.

The lights went out and she knew the rabble after her was long gone. Warm and relaxed, she took in her situation completely. Inuyasha had one arm under her head between the gap of her neck and the mattress. The other hand rested on her belly, splayed fingers making it cover her from her belly button to her ribs. And she was naked, nothing other than Inuyasha's shirt on her skin. The shirt that he never replaced with another, his bare arms and chest pressing into her. It had their arms skin against skin.

All that and she felt nothing but safe, cocooned in the only person she truly and deeply trusted enough to be like this with. And Kagome didn't just mean inside the prison. Inuyasha was easily the only man she trusted in the world.

But he was still tense and she could tell it was more than just the situation that had him upset. She was about to ask, wiggling a little to get more comfortable when he whispered hard in her ear. "Be still!"

Stopping any and all movements, he sighed heavily and dropped a little of his anger. It probably wasn't going to get any better than this. "I'm sorry, Inuyasha. I know I put you at risk…"

"You're damn right you did. Why the hell did you come here?!"

"Because I…" she hesitated, not sure how he would take what she felt but he had to know it already, "I trust you."

His hold tightened, pressing her harder into his hard body. "I'm still a man dammit." She was very aware of that fact, feeling his manhood press into her backside currently. A very large manhood at that. "Of all the crazy stunts… this has to be the most emasculating thing anyone has ever done to me. You trust me? Great. Do you even see me as a man or just a fucking demon? Cause either one could and wants to do very bad things to you right now and I'm struggling to keep from doing all of it."

A shiver ran up her spine and she was anything but cold. Not with his body pressed to hers and his so-called threats in her ear. "I do think of you as a man…" He scoffed, making her bounce so he then groaned. "I do! Just because I trust you doesn't change that fact…"

"You are naive and stupid, Wench. You shouldn't trust anyone this much!"

Looking down, her human eyes could just make out the shape of his hand as it rested on her stomach. The muscles flexed and jumped with the tiny movements he made, trying to control himself. This was why she trusted him because she knew he wouldn't do a damn thing to her. And even if he did….

"I came to you because I trust you but also… because anything you could do to me would be… wanted."

It took him a second, either out of shock or confusion, but soon the hand on her belly fisted, taking fabric in with it. His claws scratched but didn't break her skin, once again showing the amount of control he possessed.

His head fell to the back of hers hard, pushing and nuzzling at the same time as he cleared away her damp hair and pressed his lips heavily to the back of her neck. She grabbed his hand, squeezing it just as tight as it gripped his shirt on her. A small shift and he had a hand on her shoulder, wrapped around from under her neck, holding her still against him as he continued to layer her neck with kisses. Each was slow and thick, coating her skin with warm wetness. Kagome closed her eyes to it, her spine shaking along with her heart.

Inuyasha made his way back up her neck, his mouth pressing to her lobe and pushing out a hard shiver from her. "This isn't… this isn't what I want for you and me… for us."

She didn't understand but then she did. Releasing her hold on his hand, she waited for him to let her go in return. "I understand."

The hand on her shoulder squeezed hard. "Do you? This is fucked up. So fucked up Kagome! Meeting you like this? When we aren't terrified of one another, we're terrified of what will be done to us!"

"How else would we have ever found one another? I don't believe in fairy tales. I'm not some little girl looking for an asshole on a white horse. I can take care of myself in any situation and I never needed you, Inuyasha…."

"I know that…"

"But I want you." He was silent, and his grip was unchanging. "I want you… as a friend and as more… as someone dear to me. You're a good person, Inuyasha and you deserve more than this life."

Shifting so quickly, she was breathless when Kagome found herself on her back, Inuyasha holding himself over her and his glowing red orbs piercing her. "Why are you saying this?! What are you going to do?!"

She hadn't meant to give herself away but as the days to Kagura's due date slipped away, she was running out of options. Kagome would have no choice if Inuyasha found out beforehand, he would take any means necessary to stop her.

So she reached up, cupping his cheek and he leaned into it, closing his eyes tight. "Nothing. I just think you need to hear it."

He fell back beside her, pulling her in tight to his side again with a heavy sigh. "I should get a Sainthood after this or something."

"You get Sainted after death. How about Knighthood instead?"

He chuckled, pressed a kiss to her temple, and she used his arm and chest as her pillow for the rest of the night. Because, even though friends, it would likely be the only night they had like this ever.

#inuyasha #inuyasha fanfiction #inuyasha fandom #inuyasha x kagome #prison AU #sharing one bed #some heat #award winner #faulkner writing #shnuggletea

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leavaloo · 5 years

Text

Warm My Heart

Small little short story that came to mind! Hope y’all enjoy!

Christmas, family mentions, confessions, Raihan x f!reader fluff~

As snow drifted lazily down onto the ground, the hustle and bustle of Circhester always made your heart giddy. People were putting up lights, snom were building snowmen and happily squeaking at each other, children were running around, laughing at the game they were playing. A smile graced your lips as you sat down on the cold bench, a warm cup of hot chocolate in your hands. The fragrance of it was enough to send you into a half-lidded trance, watching the whole thing unfold. You didn’t even notice a certain someone approaching you.

Of course, to Raihan, you were always beautiful. Something about your laugh, your smile and the passion you put into things was completely memorizing. You were the cutest thing in the world to him, yet in battle, you had the same, primal and feral passion as he did. It was quite the spectacle when the two of you fought on the slip. It was now one of the most recorded matches of all time, especially since it was so close. Now, something about you sitting there, completely serene, the small snowflakes resting on your shoulders just made him nuts.

He cleared his head by shaking it before approaching you, his heart racing. You hadn’t even acknowledged he was there, and he was already a mess. Shit, just what have you done to him? He cleared his throat, but you didn’t seem to notice. So he walked closer, finally getting into eye sight, and you smile went from tranquil to utterly excited. You could almost blind him if you kept that up.

“Raihan! Hey! What are you doing here?!”

He swallowed hard, smiling back at you, unable for you to leave his gaze.

“I figured I’d stop by and see how you were doing, champ. I know you said you didn’t have much family in Galar.”

“Awwwh, how sweet of you~” You teased, giving him a wink and scooting over for him to join you. He hoped his blush wasn’t noticeable.

As he sat down, it was almost like it was instinct for you to lean your head against his shoulder. He was so much taller than you, and his fluffy dragon jacket was on, so he both doubled as a heater and the comfiest pillow of all time. Though it was freezing out, Raihan felt like he was overheating. His stomach dropped when you pulled away and sipped on your hot chocolate.

“I’m surprised you’re over here in Circhester, mister dragon. Isn’t ice super effective against you?”

He chuckled. “Yes, but thankfully, I have super high special defense.”

You just laughed along with him, taking another sip. “Are you going to be staying with your family on Christmas?”

“I am, yeah,” he said with a smile. “They’re all going to be gathering in Hammerlocke.”

“Do you have a big family?” you asked, looking up at him with your little smile you always had.

“I-I do, yeah,” he stuttered. That always made his heart skip a beat.

“How many?”

He thought for a second, starting to count on his fingers. “Two sisters, a brother, my grandparents, parents, a couple of nieces and nephews from my sisters sides, their husbands, yada yada.” He sent a smile your way, but you simply sighed and looked down at your hot chocolate.

“That must be a lot to deal with. My family is small, and they’re all in Sinnoh.”

A moment of silence between the two of you, but eventually, he broke the ice.

“What made you come here?”

You shrugged. “Sinnoh wasn’t quite right for me anymore. Besides, I found a better family here anyways.” You smiled, but your smile seemed forced, and Raihan found himself asking for the impossible.

“You could come be with my family.” He mentally chided himself that he even blurted that out, looking away and waiting for the crushing sting of denial. Why would he even ask such a preposterous thing? It wasn’t like he usually brought girls to family gatherings anyways. How many questions would he be asked about if you were his girlfriend? Too many, and he was only just thinking about it.

“Would that be okay?”

“What?” he asked in bewilderment, his head turning back to you.

“I-I mean, if it’s not too much of a problem... I would like to come.”

You seemed to bury yourself in your hot chocolate, and Raihan so badly wanted to take a picture of your blush. You looked about as red as a cherubi, and he couldn’t help but smile.

“I would love for you to come, but I gotta preface that my family is probably going to ask if you’re my girlfriend.”

“I... wouldn’t really mind that.”

Now it was Raihan’s turn to be flustered, his face lighting up like a red Christmas light. “Did... did you just ask me out, indirectly??”

You started bouncing your leg, getting nervous. This was not at all how you expected this day to go. To have your biggest crush, suddenly right here, asking you to go to his family’s Christmas party, and you suddenly saying you wouldn’t mind being his girlfriend? Yeah, it was no wonder you weren’t looking him in the eyes.

“Y...Yes?” You were barely able to be heard, but soon enough, you felt an arm wrap around your figure and draw you to Raihan’s chest. He buried his nose into your hair, and you could feel his smile against your scalp. He held you tight, and with your head against his chest, you could clearly hear how fast his heart was beating.

“When you’re so cute like that, guess I’ve got no choice to call you mine, huh?”

#raihan #raihan pokemon #gym leader raihan #christmas #christmas imagines #raihan x reader #gym leader raihan x reader #christmas fluff #short stories #warm my heart #fluff #fluff fic

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ddagent · 5 years

Note

Christmas prompt of Brienne and Jaime showing up at a Christmas party in matching outfits and everyone mistakes them for a couple? It can be how they meet or if they know each other the matching is not on purpose (at least not on Briennes part). Thank you for you service! please accept this carafe of hot chocolate as a token of my appreciation.

*sips hot chocolate* This was supposed to be more bantery, but it just came out really, really soft. I hope you enjoy!

The Citadel had announced that winter had arrived only that morning, although, to Brienne, it felt like the Long Night was upon them. Bundled up in a bulky coat and scarf, she walked from the tube station towards Margaery’s home in one of the wealthier suburbs of King’s Landing. Her Sevenmas party was Brienne’s first of the festive season; there would be many, many more before she took the trip home to Tarth for the end of year festivities.

As a handful of revellers, already drunk, spilled onto the street, Brienne stifled a grimace. Here we go.

Brienne entered Margaery’s home; the hostess quickly spotting her. “You came!”

Of course. You’d never let me live it down if I didn’t. “I brought a bottle of wine.”

“Thank you; you’re a sweetheart. Here, let me take your coat. It’s freezing outside, isn’t it?”

It was, but one could clearly mistake Margaery’s home for a Dornish summer judging by the apparel of the other party guests. Short skirts; cocktail dresses: skimpy material with lots of skin on show. Even Margaery was wearing an olive green dress with a split down the side. As Brienne took off her coat, she revealed the Sevenmas jumper she’d bought just the other day. Such was the joy of the Sevenmas jumper: no one would think her out of place.

“So cute!” Margaery smiled at the blue jumper; a knitted image of the Maiden and ‘Happy Sevenmas’ upon the front. “I love it. Oh, Renly and Loras are here. I’ll be right back, Brie!”

She knew from experience that Margaery would not be back, so Brienne made her way into the party alone. There were a few familiar faces; old friends from university, names she recalled from previous parties. But no one she stopped to chat with. That was fine. Brienne would grab a drink, liberate a few sausage rolls and a napkin, and stand in a corner until a respectable hour. She achieved the first part: as well as the wet bar run by a topless Great Giant with a fake beard, there was also cups of hot cider. Brienne even managed to grab a few hors d'oeuvres.

Brienne did not manage to stand in a corner, however, as she quickly bumped into Jaime Lannister. “Oh!” She brushed a few crumbs from his chest. “Sorry.”

“You’re fine. I wasn’t–I was actually looking for the party snacks.”

“Oh, well, here.”

She offered him a green napkin filled with sausage rolls and two mini quiches. He took one and popped it in his mouth. She did the same; eating was a perfectly good excuse for not conversing. They hadn’t talked since the end of the Greyjoy trial. Four months they had spent on either side of that courtroom, only to end up in a bar afterwards with a drunken Jaime admitting the truth about his client, Aerys Targaryen.

He’d quit his job at Lannister, Clegane, and Frey two days later.

“You look good,” Brienne admitted, after she finished her sausage roll. “I like the beard; it’s very festive.”

“Thank you,” he grinned. “I think I should dye it white for the holidays. It would drive my father nuts...not that I’m exactly invited to the festivities anymore.”

Brienne bowed her head. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologise. I’m...happy. I should have left a long time ago. What about you? Any plans?”

She opened her mouth, ready to explain all about her trip to Tarth and her family traditions. But she didn’t say anything. Just stared at Jaime Lannister, his face open, eyes eager, and realised that this was the longest they had ever gone without insulting one another. Brienne had enjoyed their back-and-forth, she wouldn’t deny it, but this...it was almost like they were friends. And it wasn’t unpleasant, not at all. She wanted to tell Jaime about the dawn swim in Shipbreaker Bay on the seventh day; the mock sword fight they held at Evenfall Hall and how she was reigning champion. She wanted to tell him everything, and more strangely is that it seemed like he wanted to hear it.

“Tarth? Do you not have any plans?” She tried to speak again, but nothing came out. A shadow crossed Jaime’s face. “Well, if you don’t have any, maybe we could—”

“Brienne!”

She turned her head sharply from Jaime, only to spot Margaery cutting through the crowd. Her old friend stopped, stared at the pair of them, and grinned. “You two look like a Sevenmas card!”

“Margaery, I don’t—”

“Seriously, you’re wearing matching jumpers!”

It was then that Brienne realised that she and Jaime were actually matching. Her blue Maiden jumper was a perfect companion to his gold Warrior jumper. They were both even wearing shirts underneath (he crimson; she rose). Fuck both of them were even carrying cups of hot cider! It was like they had come off a Sevenmas card, or a festive catalogue. Brienne’s stomach fluttered at how well they fit together.

“Stand together, you two, I want to get a picture.”

“Margaery—”

She expected a protest from Jaime. One never came. “It’s just a picture, Brienne.”

So she and Jaime Lannister stood, wearing matching Sevenmas jumpers, whilst Margaery took a photo for her social media accounts. It was his arm that moved first; reaching around to press her close to his side. Her right arm, trapped between their bodies, escaped to wrap around Jaime, too. As his hand squeezed her hip, Brienne turned to look at him. She expected Jaime to be staring at the camera; white teeth bared for the photo. Instead, he was staring at her; the look he wore warming Brienne more than the cup of hot cider in her hand.

#braime #jaime x brienne #doritosandchampagne #mine: paragraph prompts #ship: braime

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thomasdaniel91 · 2 years

Photo

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johnnydany · 2 years

Photo

Chest Nuts Christmas T-Shirt Chestnuts Matching Couple T-Shirt

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mrs-i-have-too-many-biases · 5 years

Text

Seo Changbin// Sugar and nuts (and a little bit of spice)

Stray Kids Christmas Series

Scenario: (Inspired by ‘the Nutcracker’) Everybody knows the story about Eric and Clara, yet no one seemed to be talking about Changbin and Y/n who were the ones who put up the real fight against those who try to ruin Christmas for decades. What happens when Y/n gets sucked into the world where the palace walls are made of candy canes and the water is sugar sweet? Genre: Fluff/ angst Tropes: Strangers to lovers | The Nutcracker!AU Pairing: Nutcracker!Seo Changbin X Sugar Plum Fairy!Reader Word count: 11,3K (I tried to keep it short as well what is happening to me-) Warning: abandonment, death, themes of depression

You searched for you keys in your purse as you were about to close the café you worked at. You were lucky that it wasn’t the worst job in the world. Yes, some customers were a pain in your ass. Yes, impatient customers could walk off a cliff for your care.

Heavy sighs were let out by you as you made your way to your apartment. Yet again you were on the search for your keys in your purse that seemed to be bottomless. You made a mental note to yourself to tidy up your back in the future as you entered your place. You were greeted by your cat Milo who purred loudly when he saw you. He ran up to you and started to rub himself onto your leg, leaving many white hairs behind. Making you groan slightly. “No, these were my only good pair of jeans.” You whined as you scratched behind your kitten’s ears.

You dropped your bag down on dropped yourself on your couch.

Living along wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Not having a family to go to when you felt lonely was a different story. Your family had left you in an orphan when you were young. Through the years you had finished school and become an adult and there was no one who wanted to adopt you. You had always wondered why your parents gave you away. You went on a long search and eventually found out through one of the caretakers at the orphanage that your parents were both terribly ill and that they needed all the money to take care of each other, they didn’t wanted to pain you with the burden of taking care of them at such a young age. The same caretaker who told you about this, took you to the cemetery where they were buried together. They hadn’t won the battle against the terrible illness and sadly passed away.

Your heart felt heavy since that day, but there was a certain weight lifted of your shoulders, since you understood that your parents didn’t had a better choice. The caretaker made sure that you knew that they wanted the best for you.

Yet you also wondered why nobody wanted to adopt you. Was it really you? You were always well-behaved and kind to others. Eventually you just gave up and let it be. You started to not care anymore and you focussed yourself on what mattered, which was yourself.

Now years later, you had your own apartment. It wasn’t too big but it was spacious enough for you and your cat to live in. You sooner enough realised that there wasn’t any more food left in the fridge. You groaned to yourself once more and got back on your sore feet. You petted your cat and told him you would be right back. Through the cold and the snow you made your way to the convenience store. You grabbed everything you needed like cat food and of course food for yourself. It was the day before Christmas after all. It wasn’t unusual for you anymore to spend Christmas alone. For a short period of your life you had some close friends who you would spend moments like these with, but they also let you eventually, leaving you all alone all over again.

You thanked the cashier and politely wished him a merry Christmas before entering the cold again. You decided to take a different route back home, since it was already dark and you weren’t feeling like getting kidnapped or dragged into a dark alley by someone. You made your way past some stores and you noticed an unfamiliar store with antiques. ‘Must be new.’ You thought to yourself as you looked through the display. You looked at the opening hours and noticed that they were still open, so you decided to make your way in, you hadn’t had anything better to do anyway that night.

You were greeted by a sweet old lady who instantly made your day, just a kind smile was enough. “What can I do for you dear?” She asked as your eyes scanned the store curiously. “Nothing yet ma’am, I would like to take a look around.” You said formally. “Of course child! Go ahead! I will be closing in an hour though, my husband is waiting for me at home with ‘bulgogi’.” She chirped, which made you smile to yourself.

After looking around for fifteen minutes, you noticed a small diamond necklace. The pendant necklace seemed to be a medallion and you jumped slightly when you heard the woman speak up behind you. “This is a very special necklace. It is rumoured to be found in an unknown castle hundreds of years ago in the west. It has been traded with throughout the years and it eventually made its way here to Seoul. And in my store.”

“I would like to buy it.” The words made the woman lighten up and she rushed to the pay desk.

You paid the nice lady and then quickly walked back to your apartment. You gave your cat a treat as soon as you set your bags down. You were curious about the necklace and put it one. “A nice Christmas gift from me to me.” You sang as you admired the jewel hanging around your neck. “Does it look good Milo?” You asked him and giggling when he meowed happily in respond. You saw the decoration box still sitting on the ground. You hadn’t had time to finish decorating your house, because works was claiming all your time. You opened it and carefully got out the nutcracker which you heritage from your parents. You vaguely remembered them gifting you this at your last Christmas together as a family. It was the last thing you got left from them and you cherished it dearly.

You placed it on the electric fireplace so you could look at it. The nutcracker wore a blue attire and had a wooden sword that matched the other wooden materials. It was really pretty and you always loved having it around the Christmas days, but the little wooden man seems a little different this time. It might have been the tiredness getting to your brain, but you could swear that you saw a glistering in the wooden eyes of the figurine.

After you were done finishing up the decoration, you went to take a hot shower that was well-deserved. You were in the shower when you suddenly heard something crash loudly and clatter onto the ground. You shrugged it off and began your night routine. When you entered the living room you noticed Milo staring at you with guilt visible in his eyes. “What did you do?” You asked him carefully and he meowed sadly at you. You looked into the living room and noticed that your nutcracker had been knocked off the fireplace. You rushed to the figurine and it pained your heart to see it broken on the ground. You gathered its arm and the rest of its body and laid it on the table so you could fix him.

You cot a fabric lint and some glue to patch him back up. You wrapped the lint around him as if he had a broken arm, which he did but you know what I mean, to support the ‘healing process. Better known as the time of the glue drying. You left the figurine laying on the coffee table in front of you, so you could keep an eye on it as you sat on the couch with you cat besides you, as you watched a movie. After a while you began to sunk down into the couch and ended up in a laying position with your cat using your chest as pillows. And before the two of you knew it, you fell asleep with the TV still softly playing in the background.

The clock strikes midnight soon after and the sky was clear and the stars were bright. One of the stars popped out of his places and floated his way down to the city with a glistening trail following behind him. The sparkle of light seemed to have a destination and your apartment seemed to be that place. It stopped in front of your window and bumped against it a couple of times, it seemed not to know how to enter your place. It noticed the Christmas lights still being on that were spun around the small Christmas tree you owned. The light formed itself from its star form and transformed into the lights inside. The plan seemed to work

It went back to its magical sparkling form and curiously floated from spot to spot. It looked at Milo questioning, tilting its light body slightly. It rubbed it body over Milo softly, petting him and making the white cat purr in content. The light then hopped from Milo to the nutcracker and touched it lightly, leaving the figurine sparkling. The light then started to notice the medallion around your neck and made its way to it. He did the same thing to your necklace that it did with the nutcracker before floating again. It started to spin around the room frantically, forming a circle light in the air. Until it shot up and shattered into sparks that filled the entire room with a glistering star rain.

You woke up from something clattering against the ground, like earlier that night. But it seemed like it wasn’t Milo since he was still sound asleep on you. You looked around in shock and just guessed that you dreamed it. Suddenly Milo jumped off your chest and started to hiss at the air. You tried to grab him but he seemed terrified almost. You looked at what he was looking at and you noticed a small creature running on the ground. You yelped and ran around the house to look for something to catch it with, since you didn’t wanted rat guts all over your apartment floor. When you found a little box and a paper to trap him in you tried chasing it. Suddenly the creature turned around and started to run towards you and as you panicked you slammed it away from you.

‘What the fuck is happening?’ You asked yourself as you breathed heavily. As you looked around you saw your lights flickering and things shimmering in the corner of your eye. It seemed like glitter had filled the air, but you weren’t sure what was going on. You focused your attention back down to the creature on the ground, it looked up to you with red eyes and stood on his feet out of nowhere. “What the fuck.” You gasped as you rubbed your eyes, not knowing if this was a dream or not.

When you opened your eyes you noticed the red-eyed creature holding something in his hand. You felt a little dizzy and the room started to look bigger and bigger. You looked at the ground and it came closer and closer, you heard Milo meow at you and you turned to him and he seemed to be getting bigger ang bigger as well. Or was it you shrinking? ‘No, it can’t be.’ You tried to convince yourself. The rat in front of you now seemed to be the same size of you and the more you looked at it, you noticed that it carried a sword around its middle.

“Not so though now, are you little girl.” The rat suddenly voiced, making you feel terrified. He whipped out his sword and pointed it against you. “Where is he?” “Who are you talking about.” “Don’t play dumb with me child. I know you’re hiding him somewhere.” “Sir- thing- I don’t know what you’re talking about-“ “I don’t have time for this.” The rat growled before he pulled his sword back and stepped forward to pierce the weapon through you. You thought this would be the end and so did the rat, but when you didn’t feel anything you opened your eyes and you noticed a pink transparent shield-like light in front of you. You looked at the sword that the rat held, he stared at you silently as he had an angry look rested on his face, it was completely bend and it didn’t seem like it had touched you in any way.

He almost seemed frozen in time and after a while you started to believe he was. You was about to move, when suddenly a booming voice scared you.

‘United at last. Those who wear the necklace of bravery shall carry it to the palace and return the necklace to the Sugar plum fairy, who shall lift the curse of evil and bring peace and an end to the never-ending winter era of the kingdom of Maney. The carrier must protect it whilst they return it to their rightful owner.’ The voice spoke loudly through the room, making Milo run away scared.

As soon as the voice faded away everything had its movements back and you quickly stepped out of the way from being pierced to death. The rat growled and grunted as he tried to attack you again, but you got into position and fought back. You threw a hit against its nose and he started to squeak as he grabbed the painful part of his body, trying to rub off the pain. When the pain apparently had faded a little he was about to reattack. He had you in his grip as he used his tail in his advance, he was about to make his move when suddenly, he seemed to be frozen again in time. This time you didn’t see the pink shield protecting you, instead you looked down and saw something pierced through the creature.

Sooner enough it fell down and someone behind him was revealed to you. “Nutcracker?” You asked in confusion. “Hi, Y/n.” He simply said in a deep voice. “Wait you know my name- that shouldn’t concern me right now I remember. What the fuck is going on? Why am I talking to you? Are you alive? What’s happening?” You frantically panted as you still tried to take in the whole situation. “We really don’t have much time, all I know is that you’re chosen and that we need to get going.” The wooden man stresses as he grabbed your hand and was about to take you somewhere as you ran across the floor of your now huge apartment.

“Wait- I don’t know you! I don’t know where you’re taking me and you still didn’t tell me what’s going on?” You yelled in pure frustration. In the mean time you cat had creeped up behind you and started to protect you from the nutcracker. Even though Milo hissed loudly at the nutcracker, the wooden man somehow calmed your cat down and started to purr at the man. You were a little shocked, especially when the nutcracker climbed on top of your cat. “What are you-“ You were cut off by growls and screams that were coming towards you. “Trust me.” A familiar glister was seen in the nutcracker’s eyes, you hesitated for a second, but you also didn’t wanted to die right there and then. So, you took his hand and he smoothly raised you on top of your cat’s back.

You saw the rats coming your way and you held onto Milo’s name tag to stay on him as he wiped out the rats below you. You suddenly heard more screaming and you saw your Christmas tree shaking as the angels and little men climbed down. There were no words to describe this madness as Milo run around, hissing at almost everything he saw. Suddenly he stopped at a wall and wiped out some more bad rats and he bend down, letting you and the nutcracker slide off him. “C’mon, through here!” The nutcracker yelled as he ran towards the mousehole in your wall. “Wait? I have holes? What about Milo-“ “He will be fine! The rats won’t stand a chance!” You took one more look at Milo who actually seemed fine, before you ran after the wooden man into the unknown.

A bright light blurred your vision as you ran after the nutcracker. You tried to protect your eyes from the lights before you bumped into the hard frame of the nutcracker who had stopped moving out of nowhere. You stumbled back and fell down and you felt something sharp stuck on your robe. It was a shard of one of your fallen Christmas baubles. You quickly grabbed it and defended yourself with is when the nutcracker had turned around. “Where have you taken me-“ “Y/n calm down-“ “Tell me-“ You were cut off by yourself as you looked at the view in awe that was in front of you.

There was a frozen lake with a white frame of snow around it. The weather wasn’t cold, even though it seemed like it. The sky was a dark blue shade and the white snow contrasted beautifully with it. The air smelled sweet and you shot a confused look towards the nutcracker because of it. “Welcome in the Kingdom of Maney, where the world is made of deliciousness.” The wooden man said. “Wow, it’s amazing here.” “I know and I will tell you more sooner, but right now we have to hide from those rodents if you want to live.” The nutcracker grabbed you by the hand and lead you to a big tree. He pulled a brand and you heard something unlock. A robe fell down and he helped you climb up. Sooner enough the two of you heard the rats rushing around and yelling that they were on the look for you.

When they were gone you let out a sigh, since you held in your breath when they inspected the tree. They couldn’t see you fortunately. There was a platform made and it was covered with leaves and branches to camouflage the hiding spot.

You sat down with a sigh and stared at the nutcracker, waiting for the answer. “So where are we.” “Like I told you, we’re in the kingdom of Maney.” “The kingdom of what?” “The kingdom of Maney. Maney is a Persian name that means ‘eternity’ or literally “One who stays forever. The kingdom was once named by our great king after he saved it from everything that was evil. He named these grounds ‘Maney’ because of the one he loved the most and he wanted to stay here forever.”

“So what happened to the kingdom?” You asked. “Years ago, maybe even a hundred, the king’s daughter became greedy and ignorant. She was bad for the kingdom’s being since she took everything from the poor. A rumour said that one day a suspicious looking man went to the princess to make a negotiation. His lands were in need of food and he offered her a mysterious and rare bottle that contained magic. The princess was about to agree with the offer but she saw the creatures face. She had insulted it in disgust and it took revenge on her by wiping her out, in that way also taking over the palace and following the kingdom as well. And so we ended up in this icy war.” The nutcracker explained. “This sounds an awful lot like the nutcracker story, with Clara and Eric.” You whispered to yourself. “Funny that you mention them actually, because the so-called Christmas story is real.”

“Wait, in the story wasn’t the curse lifted at the end of the story?” “That’s what the people made out of it, in reality Clara had betrayed Eric, who had just transformed back into his human form. Clara wasn’t as brave as everyone thought and she had made a confidential deal with the rat king, who eventually exposed her to the villagers. They were then never seen again. So, the curse never was lifted.” He said in a sad tone. “Wow, Eric must’ve been devastated.” “He was, he couldn’t believe that she would betray him, only because she wanted to go home. He thought that he had kept her well and safe.” “You seem to know a lot about him.” “Yes, I knew him before he disappeared. Well, I met him briefly one time, but I can’t remember it. Ever since I came to this universe, I can’t remember things well.” He admitted.

“This universe? You’re meaning to tell me that you’re actually not from here?” “Well, I’m not sure where I come from. I just know that I haven’t always been here.” “Have you always been like this? A Nutcracker?” “A Nutcracker? Oh, yeah. I also forgot to introduce myself. My name Is Changbin, the Nutcracker I guess.” He chuckled as he stood up.

“We need to get moving, there is a place where we will be safe. We’ll need the help of my friends to finish this task.” Changbin said, whilst opening a secret opening in the tree. There was a backpack hidden there and he slung it over his shoulder. He helped you onto your feet before pulling you close. “Hold on tight.” He whispered as he had wrapped his arm around you. You clung onto his jacket as you suddenly fell down. Changbin landed safely onto his feet as you, in the meantime had wrapped your legs around his waist, which was actually quite tiny compared to his broad shoulders.

Your heart fluttered a little the action and you tried to get it together as you and Changbin started to travel. “So, can you explain to me why I’m here?” “The medallion you’re wearing is one of the reasons. The medallion choses someone who seems worthy of ‘Peyvand’. The one who is united and brave they say will safe us all. She’s also called the sugar plum fairy, you might now the name form the stories about Clara and Eric.” Changbin explains as the two of you kept walking.

You looked down at your necklace, you knew that there was something about this necklace that was special.

“There were a lot of people who have tried to defeat the rat king, but none of them were worthy enough. We have been living in this icy world ever since.” Changbin added. “Why me?” You asked Changbin, feeling scared. “I never know why someone is chosen, you just are unfortunately dragged into this mess.” Changbin sighed. “What happened to the other’s who have failed?” You asked Changbin carefully. “Do you really want to know?” He asked in responds. “Yes.” “They faded into the distance and never returned to the light of day.” He muttered with a heavy chest.

He turned to you to look for a reaction, but there was non to find. “Y/n, I know-“ “I’m fine with that.” You blurted out shocking Changbin. Through the years of him leading people to the castle he had never met someone like you. “What do you mean?” “I mean, I don’t know if you know me, but I don’t have anything to live for. My job sucks, I have no family. If I die, I wouldn’t care honestly.” You said in all honest. Changbin looked at you with a worried expression on his face. Even though it was stiff because of the wood, you saw the horror in his eyes. “I promise to stay with you through every fight.”

Usually when people promise you to stay with you, you wouldn’t believe them, but a certain tone that laid on Changbin’s voice as he said it fluttered your heart rapidly. It made you a little emotional, but you sucked it up and went on with the unknown journey with Changbin by your side.

As you kept walking, what felt like hours after a while, you started to feel a little overwhelmed. You didn’t know how to find that fairy Changbin had told you about and what you would have to do when you confronted the rat king. Your mind was clouded and your heart was racing. Changbin didn’t seem like the talkative type so you kept your thoughts to yourself. He noticed you breath quicken and assumed that you were cold, since you were walking around in a nightgown and a robe. He took off the fluffy jacket that he was wearing and that you were too familiar with. Changbin was your nutcracker after all.

“Thanks.” You whispered. “No problem. I think we should make a camp for the night, we’ll have to travel some more in the morning, but I bet that you’re tired it has been a long night after all.” He states in his deep voice as he started to walk towards a cave in the distance.

When you arrived Changbin took out a blanket and a pillow for you to sit on and to keep you warm. It was getting night after all. You noticed the longer you stayed in the kingdom or Maney, the colder you got. “Your body is getting used to our universe, I’ll go get some wood to make a fire. Stay here, I’ll be back.” “I can come and help you.” You said whilst standing up. “No, you don’t- “Yes, I do, you’re hurt remember?” Changbin looked at you confused and then remembered his arm. “It’s fine.” He tried to say. “No it’s not, you and I both know that regular paper glue won’t do the job to a ‘figurine’ like you.” “What do you mean a ‘figurine like me’?” Changbin asks with a soft chuckle. “You really think that I have more nutcrackers who are alive- wait no don’t answer that.” You laughed before you and Changbin went on the search for wood. You sooner enough found some dead branches, that turned out to be liquorice.

“Is everything in this world made of candy?” “Almost everything, the people who here live aren’t obviously, but most of the land is. It used to be even more beautiful, but as you can guess the rats have ruined everything.”

Right now you were sitting with Changbin in a cave, a small fire keeping you warm whilst you sat under a blanket with a piece of bread in your hands. “Don’t you want some bread? Aren’t you cold?” You asked him as you handed him the bread. “I’m made of wood, I can’t feel warmth or cold, but thank you.” He said.

Later you started to yawn and you began to lay down on the cold floor. You hugged the blanket tightly and curled yourself into a ball near the fire. Changbin saw and he felt like doing something about it. Usually, when he had to lead the carrier of the medallion, he let him or her be. He wanted to get his job done and be disappointed over and over again, yet you seemed different. The fact that you didn’t mind dying set him to think. He was unconscious when not in this state of being. He was now free to walk around and to think. He had no idea how long he had been like this, a nutcracker, but he was sure that he hadn’t always been a wooden figurine.

Changbin saw you asleep, shivering from the cold floor underneath you. Changbin got on his feet and he carefully snaked his arms under you. You woke up from the sudden movements, but you were too tired to protest. With you in his arms, still the blanket around you, he laid down on his back and laid you on his chest. He was cold as well, but much warmer than the frozen ground. He laid the pillow back under your head before you made yourself comfortable. “I might not be very soft, but I’m a lot warmer than that freezing floor.” Changbin whispered. You hummed in content before you closed your eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning you had woken up early. Leaving Changbin alone in the cave. When you, carefully, went outside you noticed a frozen lake and you were curious so you went to take a look. When Changbin woke up and he didn’t felt you asleep on his chest he shot up and frantically looked for you in the cave, only to hear you squealing outside. He hurried his way outside covering his eyes from the low sun as he looked at you slide around on the icy lake.

“Y/n! Please be careful!” Changbin stressed as he saw you slip over the ice. You were too busy laughing and moving over the ice to hear him. When you saw him you smiled brightly and told him to come and join you. He hesitated at first but your smile did something to him that made him feel like melting and joined you. He carefully stepped onto the ice and slid his way to you. He started laughing as he tried to chase you. The two of you had a great time and eventually took one another’s hands to twirl over the ice. What you both didn’t notice, was a little spy eyeing the both of you.

The white mouse had hidden itself behind a bush, blending beneficially with the snow. It spun its bow and arrow and aimed it to the ice where the two of you were sliding on. Sooner enough the arrow shot through the air and it landed into the ice, cracking it forcefully in process. You and Changbin stopped your movements in shock when you hear something crack and before you knew it the ice broke under Changbin’s feet and he sunk down immediately. You panicked and frantically made your way to him, carefully though so that you wouldn’t fall into the ice-cold water. You saw Changbin frantically waving as he tried to keep himself above water, you grabbed his good hand and tried to keep him above water.

“Save yourself and travel to the east, you will meet my friends and they will help you find the fairy.” Changbin coughed as he tried to swim up. You were struggling to keep him above water and you started to cry in pain. You were cold and battling to keep Changbin as much out of the water as you could. “I’m not leaving you behind!” You yelled as you tried to pull him out, making you squeal in fear as you almost slipped into the water with him. Right now you were on your tummy, still holding onto him as if you were rose and he was jack from the titanic.

“You are the chosen one, you need to keep the medallion save and bring it to the fairy!” He cries in stress as he wanted you to stop crying and just let him be. “I’m not leaving you!” “I’ll be fine Y/n, let go.” “I’m not letting another person leave me like that.” You cried.

Changbin’s strength was quickly weakened by the freezing temperature of the water he was frantically swimming in, sooner enough he lost all of his strength and he let himself sink. You tried to keep him above water, trying to keep hooked on your arm that was under his armpit. He held him tightly, but you too were feeling tired. All of the sudden, your mind had seemed to go blank and you let yourself slide into the water, following Changbin. When you were entirely in the water your medallion started to light up without the two of you knowing.

The murderous mouse watched in shock how the lake lightened up in a bright pink light, a big crash was heard and the ice seemed to crack, even brighter light beams seemed to break through and it blinded the mouse, making him look away from the scene. When it looked back, he saw that the entire ice was ruined and that the light had disappeared as well. He had no idea where you two had gone too, but he wanted to assume that you two were wiped out like he was assigned to do.

In the meantime as the mouse tried to escape from the crime scene, you and Changbin were somehow on the edge of the lake, both laying completely drenched in the snow. Changbin was the one who woke up first, he breathed deeply, but unsteady as he tried to recap what just had happened. He looked around and remembered being under water one second, he didn’t know how he got on land, but the only thing that mattered to him right now was that you were in danger.

You laid next to him, the necklace you wore around your neck was suspiciously glistering, but he shoved that idea to the back of his head as the most important thing to him right now was that you might had water in your lungs. Changbin wasn’t sure what to do. He had never been in a situation like this before, he tried to perform CPR on you, but it didn’t seem to work. He started to bring you in his lap and he was about to weep, he was stressed and he couldn’t lose you. You woke up in his embrace whilst coughing up some water that didn’t belong in your body. When you caught your breath you simply looked up to him and took his hand. “Thank you.” You whispered. “I should be the one thanking you, you saved my life.” Changbin muttered back. “I meant for staying.” “Always.”

You and Changbin dried yourselves up with the blanket you still had laying at the campfire before the two of you got going again.

On the way, there were more traps and people who bothered the two of you on your way. You saw that Changbin was getting annoyed and you tried to calm him down. “This has never happened before, they never attacked us, why would they now?” He asked himself. You couldn’t give him an answer but you knew that it was going to be a hectic day.

You were growing tired and Changbin had noticed. He knew that you both still had about a five-kilometre journey. When he stopped out of nowhere to put down stuff you thought that he wanted to camp for the night, instead he handed you the gear and told you to wear it. You wanted to whine, but you felt bad for him because they must’ve been heavy. When you put the back on and was about to keep on walking, you were stopped by Changbin who stopped right in front of you. “What are you doing?” You asked him whilst chuckling. “Let me carry you, I know you’re tired.” He says. “No-“ “I don’t take no for an answer, you saved my life, I’m going to take care of you now.” “You’ve done that the whole trip, what do you- Changbin!” You squealed at the end when he easily swept you off your feet and onto his back. You were about to protest but he had a tight grip onto your legs as he kept walking. You would sigh and rest your head on his shoulder as he walked for the both of you now.

You had no idea what kind of an effect on him, but it made him wonder how you managed to do it. The years he had spend as a wooden figure, he had never felt this many emotions or this strong. He could physically feel his chest tightening at you contact.

About an hour had passed and you woke up on something soft and comfortable. You thought that you were on your couch in your apartment and that this whole situation was a weird dream, but when you stretched your body you felt something unfamiliar above you. Your head shot up, making you feel dizzy in process. You looked around and saw that you had found yourself in an unfamiliar room. The room was filled with weapon and other fighting equipment. You were very confused and you just wanted Changbin by your side.

You called out his name as you put on your shoes and your robe. You found yourself in a random house and you didn’t know where to go. You decided to make your way down stairs and you could hear people talking. You looked some things that you could easily grab if you needed to defend yourself before you listened to them speaking. “Are you sure?” A male voice asked. “I don’t know, she’s different from the other’s that I have led through this. Besides, the rats were actually attacking this time, the other times they seemed more held back?” You heard Changbin say. “Maybe they were tired of their little game and wanted to spice things up?” A different, yet another male voice said. “If the rats were trying to mess with us, they would’ve plundered us like they usually do. They’re up to something this time.”

You hadn’t noticed but you had accidently revealed yourself to the group of boys as you tried to take a sneak peek at them. When they noticed you staring you yelped quickly and went to grab the sword that was hung on the wall. “Y/n-“ “Stay back! I’m not afraid to use it!” You yelled to a freckled guy. “Y/n it’s okay, these are the friends that I’ve told you about.” Changbin said as he quickly made its way to you. You looked at the other guys in suspicion, they seemed ‘normal’ compared to Changbin, they had a weird vibe to them, but it might just feel like that because you woke up in a stranger’s bed. “So, you’re the famous Y/n Changbin has been talking about.” Another guy says.

You were just so confused and still quite tired at that moment you just looked lost at Changbin. “Go freshen up. You slept in my room by the way, I wouldn’t put you in a stranger’s bed.” “Did you carry me all the way here?” You asked him whilst yawning. “Yeah, you were sleeping the whole way through.” He laughed. “Hold up, you’re telling me that you carried the little princess all the way here?” A guy who looked older than Changbin questioned shocked. “Yes?” You were about to leave and let them and discuss their ‘problem out on their own’, but comment the stranger made you feel addressed by his words.

“She must have told you to carry you, didn’t she? I have a bad feeling about her, she’s been putting you in danger and you can’t see it. We’ve been through this.” “Chan, it’s really not like that-“ Changbin said to the guy who apparently was named ‘Chan’. “Then tell me what-“ “We were getting attacked, by who knows what. We were playing around on the ice and well, we sunk through it. She saved my life. The least I could do after such an exhausting act is carry her here.” Changbin voiced sternly as he stood face to face with Chan.

Chan was left speechless and you walked up the stairs with a smirk on your face.

Later that day you were introduced to the guys and visa versa. They had told you how they had protected this village even before the rats were ruling the kingdom. You knew their names by now and you helped them out with preparing food for later that night. Each of them told you their story about how they became a stray. They are used to wander around places and not settle down to them. They told you as well how they met each other, a couple of guys who ran into each other by coincidence, or was it?

They also told you the story about Clara, how she faked being the princess and the sugar plum fairy. It had caused the kingdom to fallen back into its spell. The kingdom needed a fairy who had a pure heart and genuine feelings to help, care and love those around him or her. “Well, I guess that isn’t me then.” You joked as you took another bite of your food. Everybody, but Changbin laughed at your joke. He on the other hand looked at you in all seriousness. “Don’t say that, you’re great! You saved my life remember? You’re doing this even though you know this could possibly take your life!” Changbin’s words set the other guys to think, whilst it left you speechless. Your heart fluttered at the compliment and you only could hit his chest playfully as you felt a little awkward.

Suddenly a big crash outside was heard and you saw the guys quickly assemble their weapons and got into position to fight whatever was outside. In the meantime, Changbin had led you to his bedroom and told you to stay there and hide until someone was to come and get you. At first you wanted to do as he said, but when you heard the guys growl and grunt as they fought the rats you decided that it was enough. You picked up the first sword you found and stormed downstairs. You stood eye to eye with yet another rat like you did the day before yesterday. This time, the black rat had bright yellow eyes and it growled at you as he saw you holding a defence mechanism.

You swung your sword against the rat’s skin, carving deeply into the creature as you moved it swiftly. The rat was quickly taken out as you moved your way outside. The place where the house of the Stray Kids stayed, seemed to be in a greener area than the snowy ones that you had been traveling though the past few hours.

The rodents were frantically attacking, obviously not having a thought-out strategy that they had prepared. You could hear the guys grunt and you went towards them, as you made your way to the you struggled against some rats and you could hear Changbin call out your name in the distance. You head-bumped one of the rats and punched the other in his nose, making them both yelp out in pain. You took your sword and swung the heavy metal once again.

When they had fallen down in defeat you looked at Changbin who stared at you in shock. “Wow.” Was all Changbin could say before his focus went from you to yet another rodent who tried to make his way to you. Both yours and Changbin’s reflexes were quick and you both pierced the beast at the same time, making it drop to its knees as it breathed his last breaths.

Sooner enough the army of rats were wiped out and you were all panting from exhaustion. “I didn’t know you could fight like that.” Changbin chuckled whilst catching his breath. “There are a lot of things you don’t know about me Binnie.” You laughed. “But you look so sweet, I could never fight someone like you.” “I might look sweet, but I can be spicy.” You teased. “Still, I should call you something like Sugar to keep the sweetness on you, I can’t believe this.” Changbin said dramatically. “I should call you nuts then, because you’re being ridiculous.” You laughed before pushing him playfully.

You didn’t notice the other guys coming towards you, but they noticed Changbin acting different as he was around you. As if the wooden outside finally didn’t define him. “What the fuck happened?” Chan stressed. “They never come here, we live on the ownerless part of the kingdom.” “It’s her, this all never happened before she came her.” Minho sneered. “Guys this isn’t her fault, the rats are up to something, we just don’t know what, but we do need to find out what it is.” Changbin defended you. The guys were still confused, but they obviously wanted you gone.

“Changbin I think that we should get going.” You whispered to him, touching his arm carefully. You felt his tensed body relax at your touch and he agreed. “Remember guys, she’s the chosen one.” Changbin’s words seemed to have an effect on them and you could hear Chan groan before they agreed on coming along on your quest to find that darned fairy.

After hours of traveling, you came closer and closer to the castle. You were all hidden behind a bunch of bushes where you tried to recap your plan. “Y/n, how were you going to defeat the rat king?” Jeongin asks curiously. “I don’t know, doesn’t the fairy has to do that to lift the curse? Where do we find him or her anyways?” You asked in return. “Wait aren’t you-“ Jeongin was cut off by Chan’s hushing and went immediately quiet.

A couple of rats passed by and fortunately they didn’t notice you. They were headed to the palace that was placed on the edge of a cliff. You could overhear the rats talking about the princess being locked away, as soon as you picked the information up you quickly made a plan to safe her and break her out so she could lift the curse and end this madness.

You didn’t know where to go, but the high tower seemed suspicious to you. It would be the perfect place to lock someone away. The windows had bars in front of them, so no one was able to climb out. Felix claimed to see a female silhouette though one of the windows and it gave you enough information to make your way to it and safe whoever was locked up there.

The way inside was quite easy, Changbin joked about throwing a piece of cheese and crackers their way to distract them. You all gave each other a wondering look and before you knew it, were the rats chasing the cheese. You wanted to laugh at their stupidity, but you kept it in and sneaked past the gates with the others.

No one seemed to be inside. And the way to the tower seemed way too easy. You felt suspicious about this, especially when you reached the tower room. You opened the room carefully, and saw the female sitting near the window, her back facing you. “Miss.” You whispered, your sword in your hand ready to be used. When she didn’t react, you removed your hand from your sword and mindlessly walked towards her.

“Y/n, no!” You could hear Chan yell, but when he did you had already touched the female’s shoulder, who suddenly fell apart. A harsh gust of wind hit you all and a bright red light appeared into the room. You heard the guys groan in discomfort. When you had turned around you saw them frozen up with a red glow around them.

“Well, well. I never thought I would get to see the sugar plum fairy with my own eyes.” A sudden shrill voice boomed through the room. In the shadows of the room you saw two red eyes appear, when it walked closer to you an old white rat stood in front of you. It wore a royal cape and a crown on his head. You assumed that this was the rat king, especially on how evil looking he was. “Wait, what do you mean? Y/n isn’t the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Changbin trailed off. “She is little nutcracker, haven’t you seen the amazing power she hold with that necklace on her?” The rat king stated with a smirk.

“Wait, you’re really telling me that you didn’t knew, Changbin?” Chan said dumbfounded. “Well, no! I’m sorry I was too busy traveling and protecting her.” “You got it wrong there Mr Wood. Y/n saved you.” The rat king added with still the same stupid smirk on his face. “No-“ “When in her apartment, she froze my best guard in time, so you could kill him. At the lake, where you were sinking to the bottom of the lake, she sunk into the water with you and used her powers to safe you.” Changbin and you looked at the rat dumbfounded, his words seemed surreal, but he was right.

Changbin remembered the two bright pink lights that only appeared when you were around. He then realised how stupid and ignorant he had been. If he would’ve been more careful you wouldn’t have been in this situation. “Y/n, I’m-“ “It’s a little too late for apologies, isn’t it Changbin? Or should I say prince Changbin, brother of prince Eric?” The rat smirked. Everyone gasped and all of Changbin’s memories seemed to flow back. His brother who had failed his quest and was cursed because of it, dragging his family along with him, causing Changbin to become who he was right now. “N-no it can’t be.” “But it is little nutcracker.” The rat king laughed, he snapped his fairy fingers and it made Changbin flinch in pain. “Don’t hurt him!” You yelled, running towards the rat to defend Changbin, but sooner enough you were hold back by a tight pressure on your throat. The rat didn’t touch you, but he had snapped yet another time, causing magic to perform out his will to stop you. “Don’t interfere little fairy, or you won’t ever see the day of light again.” The rat growled lowly. “I wouldn’t care sewer rat.” You spat back with the little air you had left.

The rat shot his focus towards you and now had his actual hands on you. “You think you’re so tough little fairy, that you’re the bravest of all. Yet you are trembling on the inside, you’re terrified of me. You aren’t worth the medallion, you will fail just like the others before you. You will lose everything you have.” “I can’t lose what I don’t have bastard.” You sneered before your medallion started to shine brightly again and you could hear the magic chain around your neck break and sooner enough you had your hands on the king’s.

Guards who were hiding in the shadow came to light and held you back from the king, them using their swords against you, cutting you in your back as they did. You could hear Changbin yell in pain to you as you were cut in the back, causing you to fall down as well. Held up in front of the rat you held your head up high as you grinned, blood on the corner of you mouth as you did. “Aren’t you a tough little one, let’s see how tough you are without that little necklace of yours.” The rat grinned before he was about to snatch the necklace off your neck.

“Not on my watch.” Changbin growls, he sound of his sword being raised out of it’s case ripped through the air as he swung it towards the rats’ heads. Many of them fell down, the floor sooner enough turning red as well by them. The other rats threw you down harshly before attacking Changbin. The other guys who were free as well ran to help Changbin and the others came to you to help you.

The rat king had enough of the games and he ripped of his cape. He spoke out words that sounded like gibberish, sooner enough the windows broke and the bars around them had fallen down. As soon as they did, the rat tried to push you out and let you fall to your death. Changbin saw and he quickly slammed the rat against the wall. As Changbin had done that, the rat had shot the shards of glass towards you. You held up your arm in reflex and then screamed in pain as most of them carved into your skin. Changbin’s heart ached badly as he heard you scream.

He could also hear Chan call out for him, he looked to his side as he kept fighting the rat to keep him in his place, he quickly caught the dagger and pierced the metal through the skin of the beast. There were tears of worrisome in Changbin’s eyes as he looked the rat deeply into his eyes. The beast only laughed maniacally as it made a simply hand movement that caused the room to be filled with air. The rat disappeared suddenly in the wind and he heard you scream loudly. He looked around and locked eyes with you as he saw you fall down from the tower.

Changbin screamed as well and frantically tried to make his way to you and to grab you. He didn’t hesitate to jump after you. The time seemed to be freezing as the two of you fell down the tower together. He felt your tears against his frame as you fell down under him. He had his hand reached out to you, in the hope he could grab you and save you. You hands were reached out to him scared of losing him because of you. Just before you two touched the ground, Changbin could just barely touch your fingertips.

After that a bright light came from the two of you as you hit the ground, the light spread quickly like a result of an explosion, causing the boys to cover their eyes to not be blinded by the flare. When they guys had hurried their way to you, they saw you laying on your back next to each other. You seemed fine, but the both of you seemed to be glowing with a pink gleam. The two of you opened your eyes and groaned in pain.

“Is it over?” You asked. “I think it is.” Changbin says whilst standing up quickly so he could inspect your back. “It looks pretty bad, it needs medication by instants.” Changbin mutters worried. “Why did you jump?” You asked him in a weak voice, he stopped his movement and turned you around so you were now laying on his lap and facing him.

“I couldn’t let you go just like that. I promised to stay with you through every fight, I wasn’t going to let this one change that.” Changbin says whilst crying. “You’re crazy.” You chuckled weakly. “Please don’t leave me.” Changbin whispered in pain as he saw you in pain. You touched the medallion you were still wearing around your neck after he said that. “This necklace is supposed to take me home, but I feel like my heart already is. I want to stay by your side Bin, I have nothing in my universe. You had been nothing but kind to me, unlike the people from my world. You’re an angel to me and I would be crazy to leave you Changbin. My prince Changbin.” You said as you took his hands in yours, kissing his fingers softly after you spoke.

Yet another bright light came from your necklace, this time a little creature made of light was formed out of the flare. It hopped around and soon rushed in circles around Changbin, making a curtain of bright light around him and lifting him up, causing you to sit up straight. The light became brighter and brighter, another gush of wind was created and blown you away. You held yourself as you tried to adjust your eyes to the brightness. The light then shot up into the sky, making your eyes follow it in curiosity. When you looked back to Changbin, his hard-wooden frame was replaced with a toned, but softer frame. His face seemed softer and his eyes were livelier. He had returned back into his human form, making the other’s gasp.

You tried to stand on your feet but quickly failed, causing Changbin to catch you in his strong arms. “You’re human.” “I told you I hadn’t always been a nutcracker.” He chuckled. He jumped at you hugging him and he quickly, but carefully, hugged you back since he hadn’t felt one in years. “I can finally feel your warmth against mine.” He mumbled in the crook of you neck as he nuzzled himself into it, making you giggle.

“Guys, I love this sweet moment, but I don’t think this is over.” Minho yelled, swords were soon enough heard again and Changbin let you go to help the others. The rat king had returned. He looked scarier than ever. He stood alone in front of you all with nothing but a psychotic smile one his face, his eyes burning bright red as he made lightning fast moves with his hands and attacked you and the others with his magic.

Since you had found out through the rat king that you were the sugar plum fairy, you realised that you were the one who was supposed to stop him. You grabbed a sword from a fallen rat guard and sneakily made your way to the rat king. You ran to him and stabbed the sword all the way through the beast with force as you yelled loudly. After twisting the sword you thought that it finally was over when everything stopped for a moment. Instead, the beast turned around very slowly to your shock and you eyes it speechlessly. It moved at the speed of light and his claws had found your neck. You were in need for air as he ripped the medallion off your neck, causing you to gasp and Changbin to yell out your name terrified.

The rat opened the medallion and sooner enough threw it to the ground and smashed it. “I don’t like happy endings.” It whispered before letting you go. You looked at your hands and you saw yourself fade away. “Y/n! No!” Changbin cried out as he ran towards you. You looked at him and told him calmly that you would be fine. Your hand was reached out to him, but before he could get to you, you had already disappeared out of his world.

He felt like his was shattering apart as he was now left behind with the rat still laughing maniacally. Changbin’s anger build up and he growled and cried out as he turned to the rat, his sword still held in his hands as he impaled the beast one more time with his sword. This time, it seemed to have an effect on the beast.

It crumbled down and fell to the ground, Changbin wasn’t paying attention to it, he was too busy crying his heart out for losing you. You were the cause that he was back to normal. As Changbin cried, a bright light came out of the rat. It seemed to crack open and the rat literally broke down to ashes as the light broke through. The sky turned from its dark blue shade to a lighter tint. The snow quickly melted at the sight of the sun and the trees regained their colour.

“Changbin, thank you.” A familiar voice said, causing Changbin to look up with teary eyes to the man who suddenly stood in front of him. “Who are you?” He asked the old man. “I’m the keeper of the Kingdom of Maney, some call me a wizard, others call me a king. I call myself an old man with a sense of responsibility.” The man said with laughter, “Wait, the curse is lifted?” Jeongin asked. “It is indeed.” The white-haired man said to the younger boy. “Y/n did it.” Chan whispered in disbelief.

“Actually, Changbin did too.” Everybody looked at the man like he was a madman, which he probably was. “What do you mean?” Changbin asked the man. “Y/n wasn’t the only one who was the Sugar Plum Fairy, you were as well, Changbin.” The man stated, making Felix and Hyunjin almost burst out in laughter. “Wait, what-“ “The sugar plum fairy is supposed to be someone who is brave and united. If you can remember Changbin, when you met Y/n in your lively nutcracker form for the first time, my voice boomed through the room about the chosen one.” “That was you- wait, I thought Y/n was the chosen one?” “Y/n was indeed the chosen one, she was chosen to be the protector of the medallion and return it to its rightful owner, which is you. Y/n was indeed worthy of Peyvand, she didn’t hesitate to save you or to give up her own life to save others. You as well didn’t hesitate to jump after her to try and save her, which proved that you were worthy of Peyvand. Together you were united with this worth to save us and lift the curse.”

“Okay, but where did you come from?” Changbin asked still a little confused. “You and the guys know how the rats had taken over the city, their leader had discovered dark magic in one of the sewers they lived in and he practiced it until he had mastered the art and eventually took over my consciousness.”

“Those rats are scarier than we thought.” Hyunjin muttered as he looked around the battlefield. “Wait, but what happened to Y/n?” Changbin asked, his heart racing at the sound of you name. “Our young nutcracker has fallen in love with his other half, hasn’t he?” The man teased, making Changbin’s ears turn red whilst denying. “She’s fine, she might be scarred on her back from the swords for the rest of her life, but she’s healthy and safe back in her own universe.” “Does that mean I won’t ever get to see her again?” Changbin asked him carefully and sad.

The older man didn’t respond immediately. He bend down first to grab the necklace of the ground. He placed it in Changbin’s hands and covered it with his own. The man closed his eyes and Changbin could feel something tingling inside of his hands and he saw little light beams shining through the openings. When he opened his hands the now-repaired necklace was revealed.

“I will give you a choice. In return for your bravery, I can send you to your other half, you will have to life in her world, where you’re not familiar with their habits and way of living. The other choice is, to stay with us and live in the palace where you will be praised and celebrated for the rest of your life, in a familiar world with people who you had already met on your journey. But the choice is up to you.”

You had woken up, the air punched out of your lungs as you had fallen onto your back. You groaned as a sharp pain shot through it. You heard little paws running over the floor and you opened your eyes, the roof and the decoration made you realise where you were. You were back home, or did you never leave?

Whilst inspecting your outfit you realised that you were still wearing your nightgown and robe. The movie wasn’t playing on the tv anymore and it was already daylight by now. You tried to rethink what the hell happened, but you couldn’t remember. You did remember the fighting and the fantasy universe where you stayed in. You remembered Changbin, you wondered what he was up to. You weren’t sure if it was all a dream or not, all you knew by now was that it was Christmas day and that you needed a shower.

When you were done showering the steam had cleared up and worn off the mirror. As you passed by you noticed a scar on your back. It was rather large and weirdly placed. You tried to figure out a different way other than a rat cutting you with its sword on your back to get a scar like that. You just shook it off and went to your regular morning routine. Eventually you were bored out of your mind, so you petted Milo and decided to go on a walk since you hadn’t had anything better to do.

The air was cold and the city was decorated beautifully. You made your way to a lake, which reminded you off the lake where you and Changbin slid on, before you were tried to be killed. The sun was still rising as you enjoyed your view at the lake. The sun’s beaming light made something shimmer in the white snow that caught your attention. You looked towards it and you saw a pink glistering, which made you got up to your feet immediately. You kneeled down to take a better look, it was your medallion. ‘How did it end up here?’ You wondered, it was laid in a part where you hadn’t walked, your footsteps didn’t match the ones of the person who left the necklace there. You took the necklace in your hand and put it on.

As soon as you did you noticed a familiar figure walking closer to you. He smiled at you and you couldn’t help but tear up a little. “Changbin!” You yelled happily as you ran into his arms. “Missed me sugar?” He whispered into your hair as he held you tight. “Is this real, was everything real?” You asked him as you examined his face, cupping his cheeks into your hands. “It is.” He chuckled as you squeezed his face a little too hard, making him pout. “How did you get here?”

Changbin told you about the man who appeared out of the rat. How he gave Changbin a choice to let him join your world and live in the unknown with his better half or to life in a familiar world where he would be celebrated for the rest of his life with his friends by his side. “Why didn’t you stay? It’s isn’t called Maney for nothing.” You gasped. “I promised you to stay by your side through every fight. You told me how you’ve been surviving in this world and I will be there by your side through every step. I’m not leaving you Y/n, I promised you that. I’m here to stay with you, as a villager and prince of the kingdom of Maney, where they stay forever, they stay true to their promises as well.” Changbin whispered as he had wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you close to him.

“What about the kingdom? What about the boys?” You asked him worried and feeling guilty for having him here by your side. “I think they will manage the kingdom perfectly fine. They might be strays, but they are good people. They will rule greatly and keep peace, I’m sure of that. But for now, I missed you my sweet little fighter.” Changbin cooed as he hugged your once again. “I missed you too Binnie.” “You do realise that you’re the first person who I have feelings for right?” Changbin chuckled. “I was aware.” You giggled back as you felt his breath on your neck, tickling it in process. “What were you going to do about it?” He questioned playfully, making you smirk. You wrapped your arms around his neck and leaned in close to connect your lips to his. The snow that was softly floating down from the sky making the moment even more perfect, Changbin pulling you even closer and kissing you deeply.

“I don’t think I have my sense of feeling back yet in my lips, can we do that again to test it?” Changbin joked. “You’re nuts.” You laughed in disbelief. “You love me though,” He smirked, still his hands placed on your lower back as he pushed you closer against him. “I do.” You smiled to him before connecting your lips back to his.

He was there to stay and you were sure that you two would be for the rest of your lives.

Gif isn’t mine.

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creativeusart-svg · 10 months

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hamlets-ghost-zaddy · 5 years

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queen of peace

Part 5/10

Shifty Powers x Reader

“Mother, are you absolutely sure you don’t want to come? Margaret said I had to convince—” you call, taking the stairs two at a time, if only to hear the green chiffon of your skirt fluttering at your ankles. Yet, when your Mary-Janes plunk onto the thin carpet at the bottom, girlish delight is forgotten in favor of your eyes bulging, air stoppering in your throat, and stuttering out: “M-Mother, is that—? Is that the—?”

She perches on her armchair in the sitting room—the tapestry upholstery faded; it’s been in the cottage since Mother’s gran lived here as a little girl—her beaming smile shifting from the tea kettle in her hands to you. It’s the tea kettle; the robin-blue heavy ceramic one that’s been shown in the cookware shop’s place of pride since July. “Look, dear, I decided to spring for it,” she says, her voice floating with lightness, as if reveling in an indulgence long overdue. “Isn’t it the loveliest thing? And, you did mention you wanted something practical for your birthday in a few weeks, so I thought this could be for Christmas and your birthday.”

Yet, the justification doesn’t reach your ears; you’re deaf to the chattering praise of the kettle as Mother holds it to the weak electric light of the overhead chandelier, inviting you to admire it from all angles. Your imagination conjures the scene of Mother creeping to the stronghold box secreted in the workshop, illustrating how she took out your carefully stacked pound notes—freshly and hard-earned from the nurses’ orders—halving it and scurrying off to the cookware shop. Is this your fault for not confiding in her how desperately the money’s needed? She surely knows some it, but you’re so careful to hide the letters from the bank, the reminders on the loans and interest, and she had been so thinly pale and grayly sick in the years since London; you couldn’t risk a relapse. Where would you be, who would you have, if something happened to her?

The thought sobers you, allows you to plaster a smile on, and you offer: “It’s really quite lovely, Mother. It’s just the right dash of color our little house needs.” Admittedly, the old cottage with its threadbare carpets and worn upholstery would take much more ‘dashing’ than a blue tea kettle could offer, but your seeming-approval cheers Mother noticeably. “Are you coming to the Christmas Eve party? Margaret asked me that I positively badger you about it.”

Her smile shrinks marginally. “Oh, I don’t know, darling. Why don’t you go ahead, and I may catch you up in an hour or so?” Carefully, you keep a frown from pulling at your lips at Mother’s blatant lie. She hurries on: “Don’t forget your Christmas packages; I put the tin of cakes on top.” She gestures to a modest pile of boxes on the ottoman, an old tin stuffed with almond-butter cakes, dusted with real powdered sugar, crowning it. That white sugar, an absolute necessity in your family’s sacred holiday almond cake recipe, had cost you dearly. Smilingly, you allow her to load your arms up with packages, sacks, and tins, and shoo you out the door and into the early chill of nightfall. She sends you trudging through the flurries of snow and toward the bright bauble of Margaret’s house.

You try not to brood as you walk, your surly thoughts keeping the nip of the air at bay, but your thoughts revolve continuously back to the neat stack of bank letters folded into your jewelry box and how you’d politely word a begging request to extend the payment deadline—again.

…

Margaret shepherds you into the party with wide-flung arms, a bright grin that stretches her immaculately painted cherry-red lips, and any of her stress or harried anxiety from two days prior—during decorating—has entirely evaporated. She coos over your Christmas dress (the same one as last year, and the year before that, though she’s kind enough not to notice) as she carves a path through the seemingly uninterrupted mass of humanity cluttering her home. American sergeants laugh at the vicar’s jokes—he’s putting in a brief appearance before scampering off to other party invitations—Mrs. Pinchent, your dowdy widow-neighbor, giggles and flirts with a taciturn American colonel; Evie Lowell holds captive a slew of local and soldier boys alike; Mr. Jamison, the busybody bartender at one of Aldbourne’s two feuding pubs, hoots uproariously with a cluster of American captains. Couples attempt to dance in a narrow patch of carpet provided, youngsters dart between legs, and the elderly have claimed chairs to keep an amused eye on it all.

Whatever darkness heavying your mood, you leave behind, outside in the cold of the garden.

“We’re not doing any kind of formal gift-exchange,” Margaret informs. “The idea is you put your packages under the tree, and then you’re supposed to check every once and a while if someone has left something for you. It stretches out the fun and anticipation of the gift-giving!”

“Oh,” you mutter, glancing down at your packages, eyes catching on the card attached to the one at the very top: in your neatest cursive, you wrote, ‘To my dear friend, Shifty.’ Disappointment trickles into your chest; you’d never admit it, but you wanted to watch him open it. You’re not sure why it’s important to you all of a sudden.

After Margaret helps deposit your packages under the tree, merrily ripping into hers and exclaiming over the cape you knitted for her—a lovely, pure white lamb’s wool that you matched to her white muff—she whisks the almond-butter cakes away to put on the serving table. You watch her dissolve into the crowd, fidgeting with your velveteen sleeves as your eyes flick over the profiles and backs of the party-attendants nearest you. You don’t particularly want to mingle with Mrs. Pinchent or Mr. Jamison, but they seem to be your only options at the—

“Look!” exclaims George Luz—you instantly recognize that brash American accent of his, constantly pitched as if auditioning to announce for the Royal Ascot—and you find a delicately carved wooden squirrel under your nose. “He did carve me a squirrel!”

“Huh,” is all you can remark, gently plucking the figurine from George’s hands, inspecting its deep, chestnut color, honeyed and rich. The little squirrel even clutches a nut, its head cocked in inquiry at the viewer and fluffed tail held in trepidation. You manage: “It’s lovely, George.”

Accepting the squirrel back, George glances over it, too, trying mightily not to seem too pleased. “It’s alright; Shift’s talented, that’s for sure. The kid’s got, I don’t know, depth or something.”

As innocuously as possible, you ask, “Did Shifty give it to you just now?”

“Nah,” George replies, pocketing the squirrel. “He gave out all his gifts back at the barracks; said he didn’t want to deal with carrying anything here.” The drop of disappointment through your chest from before builds into a free-fall. “I swear, he’s got some imagination, too; he gave Skip an otter but the funny things, I kind of see why Skip’s an otter, you know?”

Before you can think of a response, before you can sort the slowly dawning horror creeping over you that you gave Shifty a gift, and he most assuredly didn’t give you one, Skip appears at your elbow. He shouts to be heard over the party’s rabble: “You’re here! Good, I’ve had to use every stalling tactic I can think of to get the guys to hold off on charades! Come on, you’re on our team; our secret weapon.”

Your eyebrows jump. He remembered; he was being genuine about the team, you think, befuddled.

Skip’s hand wraps around your elbow and he’s towing you—George Luz trails, snorting over the paper crown balanced precariously on Skip’s head, most likely from the Christmas poppers Margaret adores so. You’re helpless to being dragged away from the tree, and any hope you have of swiping up your gift to Shifty before he can see it; before he can open it and face the unmistakable truth that you’re horribly enamored with him. Before your friendship turns brittle and crumbles because of your own self-sabotaging.

First the kiss, now this. It’s like you don’t want to be happy.

(This, in tandem with the damnable kettle, you decide, might be warrant enough to label this the Worst Christmas Yet.)

…

You had your doubts, given that Skip seems someone inclined to comedic dramatics, but he hadn’t been hyperbolic when he proclaimed he, Penkala, and Malarkey were truly pitiable at charades. “What on Earth are you doing?” Malarkey bursts, exasperated, as Penkala skips around the cleared charades floor, flapping his arms and occasionally squawking. All the charades were—allegedly—Christmas themed, though you pulled a Clark Gable card your last round, and you’re fairly sure Clark Gable has nothing to do with the reason for the season.

“Chicken?” Skip guesses, Penkala shaking his head and squawking again, as if this time, it’d trigger the correct answer.

“A deranged goose?” you offer, Malarkey and Skip snorting, but Penkala waves his hands emphatically, pointing at you. “Oh, a goose?” you guess, when Penkala twiddles his fingers, meaning its part of the phrase. “Um, Christmas goose? Roasted goose? Goose and—”

“Time!” Margaret trumpets, popping to her feet and nearly upsetting the holly and garland crown she wears. Allen Vest had made a whole show of crowning her after the first round of charades ended in her team winning, declaring ‘peace unto the queen of Christmas.’ “How many points did they get, George?”

George had made scorekeeper when it became obvious he couldn’t keep his great trap shut, guessing for teams other than his own and giving out freebie points. “Uh, seven! Wow, Penkala, way to go! You didn’t embarrass yourself!”

Penkala takes a bow as all teams—four teams of four, all composed of Easy Company men, the company all your American friends (because you do suppose they’re your friends) belong to—clap and cheer, Malarkey and Skip whooping. As Penkala flops onto the couch next to you, Skip leans over to whisper in your ear: “Looks like you’re not the star player anymore.” He winks, curling grin mirroring yours, and you shake your head back. Without you, the team would have negative points, if any: you earned eleven points when it was your turn, and had guessed nearly all of the words when the boys were acting.

“Good,” you shoot back. “I was getting tired of carrying this team.”

Skip’s eyebrows quirk and he tilts his chin back to roar his laughter to the ceiling.

Basking in the glow of your joke, you swing your eyes away and around the room, your smile growing stale and then shriveling. In the crowd amassed as spectators to the game, you pick him out easily—looking older, more tired somehow, in his dress browns, despite the cheerful blue and white scarf wrapped, once, twice, four times around his neck, the scarf you knitted him—the sensible gray cap, your other gift, peeking from his trouser pocket. Yet, after the initial yank in your stomach, a yank that makes you feel you’ve been thrown into open space, you forget the gifts for his expression. An expression you don’t comprehend, can’t ascribe any logical reason to, because he’s envious? There’s melancholy written in his frown, confusion in the pinch of his brows as if baffled by his own reaction, but yet, despite himself, he looks envious.

His eyes find yours, across the lounge of jostling elbows and knocking knees, and your chest aches, your lips part, words building in your throat until you’re rendered completely mute. What is it about Shifty, about how he’s looking at you now, that fills you until you’re sure you’ll burst? that drains you until you’ll pop out of existence? that makes you burn and chilled, made significant and trivial—feeling every new contradiction on each inhale and exhale?

“C’mon, girlie, get on up there,” Skip says, close to your ear, nudging your shoulder, urging you from the coach—Shifty had made you forget where you were, what you were doing, and you blink at Skip to chase away the haze in your head—and to the cleared performance patch of the lounge’s carpet. “We’re five points away from winning! You’ve got to go bag this one for us!”

Malarkey, having taken Margaret’s invitation to ‘help yourself!’ to an extreme when it came to the ale keg, leans around Penkaka to plant a good-luck kiss on your cheek. “We’re counting on you, sweetheart; you can do it!”

When you collect yourself, when you dare to steal another glance into the crowd, Shifty has moved, is moving through the archway and out of the lounge, You crane to keep him in your sights. But, there are too many bodies, too many voices clogging the air and rooting you on. He melts into the party as Margaret calls: “Two minutes starts now—go!”

…

Bing Crosby’s new Christmas record, and the drunken rhapsodizing accompanying it, floats out of the kitchen when you slip into the back garden. Easing the door shut behind you and clutching your wool coat tightly to your body, your eyes sweep across the snow, winking and reflecting the lights on in the house. Your breath clouds and you plop down on the stoop next to Shifty—it took you nearly twenty minutes to locate him after the charades game devolved into George and Malarkey leading everyone in carols, another five minutes to track down your coat.

He blinks at you, the redness in his nose and cheeks—luminescent in the light reflected off the snow, a wash of the lamp’s yellow and the winking green and red of the fairy lights—softening him, easing that earlier maturity and tiredness you noticed in the lounge. “Oh, hey,” he offers, adjusting his scarf self-consciously and angling to square his shoulders toward you. “I like your, huh, crown.”

“Oh, thank you,” gusts from your lips as you touch your fingertips the holly and garland crown you wear, bestowed upon you by Margaret after your team won the final round of charades. “I was proclaimed the queen of peace, or something like that.”

Shifty nods, eyes skating over your cheekbones, along your nose, to your lips, and back to the crown. The intensity, the thoughts darkening his expression, remind you of looking into a fishing hole, falsely shallow, secreting hidden pockets inside its murky depth; it makes you fidget with contradictions again, makes your chest expand until it aches and your shoulders hunch, as if collapsing on yourself. You reach to pull the crown off, but he leans forward, hands on yours, stopping you. “No, please; keep it on. It…it suits you.”

Biting your lip and lowering your eyes as your fingers drop to twist in your lap—it suddenly seems far too much to look at him—you manage: “Oh, well, okay.” Pause, and you fuss at the bare fur still on your threadbare coat’s cuffs, trying to marshal your senses and recall why you wanted to come out here, what you had formulated saying. “Um, I was going to, um, make sure you’re all right. I noticed you slipped out and I wanted to make sure …”

You allow your words to trail off.

Shifty hums after a moment, leaning closer to you. You’re not sure if its conscious or not. “That’s kind of you to be worried; you’re a good friend,” he offers, his accent coaxing the words from him. “I…” he pauses and you can feel him choosing his next words: “It’s great seeing everyone so happy and enjoying themselves, but I keep thinking about my family playing charades and other games at home right now. It’s made me sad, I suppose. But…but, it’s more than that…I can’t help but think …”

You’re not sure when you thread his fingers with yours, but you offer a gentle squeeze when he stutters to a stop. You tilt your face so you can monitor his expression through your eyelashes and still hide just how desperately you want him to know you’re there for him; how much you desperately wish you could articulate how you care.

He tries again: “I can’t help thinking about what’s to come. The…the war. Who will get hurt, or, or not come back … who’s celebrating their last Christmas right now.” At your backs, a wave of laughter floats from inside, muffled by the brick walls and door, but you feel its weight slamming into your ears, pressing on your shoulders. You know Shifty does, too: you track how he winces. “I know I ought to enjoy the happiness while I can, but what if…what if it’s my—?”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, Darrell Powers,” falls from your mouth before you’re aware you spoke, gripping his hands urgently and entirely forgetting your carefully designed cover. You hold his eyes, hoping he sees the ferocity of your firm resolve, hoping he understands how greatly you feel and believe every syllable you say. “Don’t you dare talk or think like that. You’re going to come back, you have to—” because I’d be lost without your eyes in my life; your eyes looking at me like that, you think, but bite back. You can’t say it; you won’t. You can’t watch his face pale and widen in horror. Not again.

Yet his worry remains unchanged and you frown, placing a gentle hand on his cheek, trying again: “Shifty, I know you’re staring down the unknown and you’re scared, but it’s okay to be scared. I’d be worried if you weren’t scared honestly.” That earns you a faintly-cracked grin. “But this is one Christmas of many, many more to come, and whenever you want me to tell you that, let me know. I’ll keep saying it until I’m blue in the face, okay?”

His grin turns wobbly, his eyes glassy as you speak, and his nod is uncertain.

Huffing, you tease, “I’m going to need something more than a nod, Shift.”

“Sorry, ma’am,” he manages thickly. He sniffles, takes a choppy breath, and tries to smile. And, God, you want to kiss him; you want to fold yourself into him and be safe from the war, fate, and all that’s to come; you want to cry and laugh and feel multitudes with him. You want, you want, you want—but when has it ever mattered what I wanted?

Instead, you content yourself to wrapping your arm tightly around him, letting him tuck you under his chin, letting his scent of bonfires, boot polish, and summer rain wash over you, letting his arms brace firmly across your back. This is the most you can have from him, you know; this is the most you’d ever ask from him, because what does it matter what you want if you can at least be there for him. Hold him and whisper a thousand assurances, allowing yourself to pretend for a fleeting instant that he really is yours.

tag list: @gottapenny, @wexhappyxfew, @maiden-of-gondor, @mayhem24-7forever, @medievalfangirl

#Shifty Powers #shifty powers x reader #shifty powers image #band of brothers #band of brothers fanfic #band of brothers fic #romance #christmas time pining #band of brothers imagine #My writing #i'll be gone for the weekend so expect an update on tuesday!!

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