#fall winter 17/18

[somerandomdudelmao]

Cass apocalyptic series Masterpost

So...one day I thought "hmmm, what if we had another season about the bad timeline" and then I went to draw it.

Tip jar (my Ko-fi page)

Fanart Edits Fanfics Little interesting details

Do NOT repost/translate without my permission

НЕ распространять/переводить без моего разрешения

_________________ Cover___________________

Ep 1. Master Leonardo becomes Baby Blue once again

Ep 2. Can you carry your uncles?

Ep 3. Raph is dead. The good news is it's fixable

Ep 4. Your brain may be human, but your soul speaks in turtle

Ep 5. Mikey looks sixty, but he's not even forty. Donnie can do something about that

Ep 6. Krangified

Ep 7. How many cool points does your dad have?

Ep 8. You may not be human. You might actually be a turtle

Ep 9. Commander O'Neil

Ep 10. Tiny Tello

Ep 11. The little things

Ep 12. Everything is falling apart

Ep 13. You are in the past, your thoughts are in the future

Ep 14. Donatello

Ep 15. Raphael

Ep 16. And the two they left behind

Ep 17. You've got cuddles and hot water. Both are limitless

Ep 18. So many turtles

Ep 19. Find the Krang, stop the...wait..

Ep 20. The winter is long

————

C.A.S. Animated project - Part 1 Part 2

Quick q&a:

Drawn in Procreate (mostly). Commissions are closed. Tcest dni. This whole comic is about family and platonic relationships. My youtube. Basic round brush. Page size: 1620×2160.

If you use my comic pages in your art (such as voiceovers, edits, etc) please credit me as their author and attach a link to this blog.

Otherwise, I can and will report you for copyright infringement. Thanks:)

[uglyducklingofthe2000s]

Love Me Like You Pt 2 - LN

Summary: Lando has hoped for the attention of a certain Ferrari driver’s little sister to give him attention since his first year in F1. Now he finally has it and he’ll be damned if he loses her because of her brother saying no.

Pairing: Lando Norris x Leclerc!Reader

Part 1

Lando saw the photos first thanks to his PR manager sending them to him that night while he’s in his hotel room with y/n sleeping peacefully beside him, unbeknownst to her brother. Y/n leaving what is very obviously his drivers room, evidenced by the McLaren plastered exterior with his face and name on it. She was either unaware of the marks on her neck or had really genuinely forgot to cover them. But the rumour mill was churning out the truth of what had gone on.

A phone call from Max makes him grimace but answer with the volume as lower as he can make it.

“Hello?”

“You are dating y/n! I knew it! I knew you were dating someone and I knew it was someone you shouldn’t be dating.” Max exclaims through the phone to his friend while Lando withholds his groan since it might disturb the sleeping woman who is going to freak out when she learns of the photos outing their relationship.

Twitter is already crazy over the rumours. His notifications are going off, and he’s only grateful that none of the drivers have started messaging him with demands of answers in what is going on.

“Ok, you shouldn’t be so excited.”

“You’ve had a crush on her for so long. When did it start?”

“Over the winter.” Lando laughs nervously then clearing his throat. “But it only really got serious when the season started back up. Which doesn’t make much sense but it’s the truth.”

“Why are you whispering-is she there?”

“She’s asleep, look can we talk later? I have a feeling I should get some sleep and mentally prepared for being ranger by Charles tomorrow.”

“The race is tomorrow right?”

“Yeah, I’m sure he intends for my race to end easy, even if it’s at the cost of his.” Lando jokes, though he knows Charles would much rather just make sure he beats the McLaren driver outright rather than run him into a wall and potentially ruin his own race.

“Fine, but I want to know more when you can.”

Lando assures his friend that he will before hanging up just as y/n stirs a little before settling as she nuzzles further into his ribs since he’s sitting further up than her. He lets out a sigh while rubbing his finger over the marks he left behind.

No one is hating on her, in fact they’re beyond excited for some confirmation of it being true.

Eventually he falls asleep too and when his alarm goes off in the morning. It’s safe to say he’s greeted by the exotic green eyes that he’s so in love with. And for him it’s love, it’s been love since he saw her at 18 when she was only nearing 17. He just didn’t realise that it was love at first sight that he was feeling when he saw her.

“Good morning, gorgeous.” Lando smiles when he sees her awake, kissing her before she has a chance to speak as his hand comes up to cup her jaw with his thumb gently rubbing cheek. His hand runs down gently caressing her neck as she swallows thickly before pulling back. “Today is going to be a good day, do you know why?”

“Why?” She whispers softly then laughing when he practically attacks her in kisses. “Why? Tell me why.”

“Because…we’ve been caught. Hard launched onto the internet like a rocket.” Lando states and he expected her to have a panicked reaction but he was prepared for it. “But it’s going to be great, we needed to tell everyone and I want to let everyone know that you are definitely mine and not for anyone else to have.”

“But Charles-“

“Will have to get over it.”

Y/n sighs knowing he’s right but having a gut feeling that it’s not that simple.

“Come here, I want to cuddle.” Lando smiles pulling her into himself. “I love you.”

There’s no hitched breath of hesitation, not stop and pause. Nothing negative. Just…

“I love you too…so much.” Y/n laughs then leaning forward to kiss him softly. “But Charles is still going to kill both of us.”

“Yes, but I think we can take him.” Lando shrugs before groaning when his phone goes off, no doubt someone from the team trying to demand he hurries up. “That’s the call to get moving.”

Y/n hums before standing up and moving to shower, thinking she’s beat him but he just joins her.

And they leave the hotel. Together.

It turns out what Lando expected to be a moment of pride and showing her off, especially since she’s dressed in his McLaren hoodie (something he insisted on and forced her to wear), was instead him feeling the protective urge to hide her and shelter her from the fans and media. His grip on her hand is tight and he almost walks to hide her behind him slightly and she seems happy for that to be the case.

Once they’re slightly safer in the paddock, he finds the threat of her brothers awaiting him.

“Y/n…what have you been hiding?” Charles frowns while she laughs nervously and Lando can’t actually stop his smug expression. He’s unapologetic for being in love with y/n and he’s certainly won’t let Charles or Arthur try to intimidate him.

“She’s happy. Don’t ruin it, Charles.” Lando states earning a glare. One that he’s only seen reserved for when Ferrari had fucked up his Monaco home race by calling him to pit when he shouldn’t have been called in last year.

“Charles, please. I am happy and it’s because of Lando. Don’t ruin it.” Y/n pouts making her brother groan and begin speaking French at her while Lando frowns not being able to translate it as she gasps putting her hand to her mouth in a dramatic fashion. “Not fair. Lando is nothing like him and I was 14!”

“Did I just get compared to an ex-boyfriend?” Lando groans, hating the thought of such a thing.

“I’m going to give you time to process and make sure you are thinking properly next time we talk about this.” Y/n frowns making her brother grumble before Lando guides them off to the McLaren unit. “He’ll come around, I promise you.”

“Actually I was expecting for him to hit me with a golf kart or to punch me in a the face.”

“Don’t give him ideas.”

Lando grins at the young woman, loving that she’s not letting her stride be broken by a slightly negative reaction from her brother.

The next couple weeks are filled with slow acceptance from Charles, while it being very public on social media that he doesn’t approve through comments on Lando’s and Y/n’s posts, especially the few that feature their relationship. But the world has come to terms with it.

A lot of the fans are obsessed with the two and as y/n gains her confidence in being seen with him. She is enjoying it more and more.

[breelandwalker]

2023 Witch's Calendar

For all my witches out there, here's a handy list of the 2023 dates for the major holidays, full and new moons, and special events. I've listed my sources at the bottom. Dates and times for all events are calculated for Eastern Standard Time, USA, Northern Hemisphere. Adjust for your location as needed. Enjoy!

WOTY Holidays and Solstices

February 1-2 - Imbolc

March 20 - Spring Equinox / Ostara

May 1 - Beltane

June 21 - Summer Solstice / Midsummer

August 1 - Lughnasadh

September 23- Autumn Equinox / Mabon

October 31 - Samhain

December 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Full Moons

January 6 - Wolf Moon ♋

February 5 - Snow Moon ♌

March 7 - Worm Moon ♍

April 6 - Pink Moon ♎

May 5 - Flower Moon ♏

June 4 - Strawberry Moon ♐

July 3 - Thunder Moon (aka Buck Moon) ♑

August 1 - Sturgeon Moon ♒

August 31 - Blue Moon ♓

September 29- Harvest Moon ♈

October 28 - Hunter's Moon (aka Blood Moon) ♉

November 27 - Frost Moon ♊

December 26 - Cold Moon ♋

Fun Fact: The title of Harvest Moon is given to either the September or October full moon, whichever falls closest to the autumn equinox. In 2023, as in 2022, that month will be September.

New Moons

January 21 ♒

February 20 ♓

March 21 ♈

April 20 ♈

May 19 ♉

June 18 ♊

July 17 ♋

August 16 ♌

September 14 ♍

October 14 ♎

November 13 ♏

December 12 ♐

Special Events

February 20 - 2nd New Moon in lunar month

April 20 - Solar Eclipse

May 5 - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

August 30 - Blue Moon

September 29 - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

October 14 - Solar Eclipe (Annular)

October 28 - Lunar Eclipse (Partial)

Mercury Retrogrades (in case you need them)

Dec 29, 2022 - Jan 18, 2023

April 21 - May 14

August 23 - September 15

Dec 13, 2023 - January 1, 2024

SOURCES:

Moon Info - Full Moon 2023

Calendar-12.com - Moon Phases 2023

Full Moonology - Full Moon Calendar 2023

Moon Calendar - Full Moons and New Moons in 2023

Yearly Horoscope - Mercury Retrograde 2023 Dates and Times

Your Zodiac Sign - 2023 Astrology Calendar

The Pagan Grimoire - The Wheel of the Year: The 8 Festivals in the Wiccan Calendar

=

If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊

EDIT: Updated Jan 6, 2023 to correct full moon signs and include additional celestial events. Enjoy!

[fandom]

TV Shows

So much sci-fi and fantasy—almost like you’re looking for an escape. Weird!

Stranger Things +51

The Owl House +1

Our Flag Means Death

Arcane

House of the Dragon

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir -1

What We Do In The Shadows +39

Supernatural -7

The Witcher +9

Succession

Moon Knight

The Sandman

Heartstopper

Amphibia +6

Doctor Who +2

Obi-Wan Kenobi

KinnPorsche

9-1-1 +7

Hawkeye +52

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles +58

Good Omens -6

Euphoria +45

The Umbrella Academy +3

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Hannibal -13

Gravity Falls +5

Bridgerton -8

Interview with the Vampire

The Mandalorian -25

Danny Phantom -3

Avatar: The Last Airbender -22

Eurovision Song Contest -16

Loki -31

The Book of Boba Fett

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law

Bad Buddy

Don't Hug Me I'm Scared

Supergirl -17

The Untamed -25

Killing Eve +48

Star Wars: The Clone Wars -9

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Breaking Bad

Steven Universe -20

Game Of Thrones +23

Merlin -13

South Park +37

Shadow and Bone -40

Baymax!

Better Call Saul

The Legend of Vox Machina

First Kill

The Boys

The Academy Awards

Ninjago

Riverdale -12

Teen Wolf -10

Derry Girls

Young Justice

Ted Lasso -21

Chucky

9-1-1: Lone Star -13

Druck -53

Young Royals -14

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine +9

Squid Game -44

Ms. Marvel

A League of Their Own

Lego Monkie Kid

Andor

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Criminal Minds -38

Gotham

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power -37

The Wheel Of Time

Cobra Kai -19

Black Sails +17

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series +1

Wandavision -73

Star Trek: The Original Series

Adventure Time -52

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

The Emmy Awards

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier -77

Community -13

Invader Zim -35

The Simpsons -14

Lucifer -48

Ghosts -23

Not Me

Love In The Air

Over The Garden Wall

Bee and PuppyCat

Legacies -13

Infinity Train -60

Abbott Elementary

The Flash

Columbo

Animaniacs -88

Peaky Blinders -18

The number in italics indicates how many spots a title moved up or down from the previous year. Bolded titles weren’t on the list last year.

[jihyoruri]

ofc!!! and thank you so much!!

THINGS IN AESPA!YNS CAMERA ROLL ✮

#01. a video of ningning putting a whole bunch whipped cream in yn’s mouth to the point that yn starts choking on whipped cream

#02. a video that giselle took of jimin walking up to yn who laid on her back on the floor and snatched the blunt out of yn’s mouth.

#03. a video of her practicing her high note in drama

#04. a video that mark took of yn who sat on his bed ( “I actually need to shit so bad” “not in my house bro.”)

#05. a video that yn screen recorded that a fan took of her tripping at a award show with the caption “my fav loser”

#06. a photo of yn holding bada’s bangs up against the dancers will.

#07. a video from when yn was 10 that was taken by paparazzi of her and her siblings golfing.

#08. a video of yn and johnny doing karaoke singing bring me to life.

#09. a video of yn and mark standing in front of an abandoned toilet outside that yn set on fire.

#10. a video ryujin took of yn who sat at her set up playing gta with mark as yn and mark yell and scream while they got shot up trying to make a drug deal (you can hear ryujin’s laughs in the background)

#11. a photo of yn crying while standing beside tiffany from snsd (her ultimate bias)

#12. a video that winter took of yn falling at the skate park

#13. a video of yn covering in my dreams by rv

#14. a photo of yn and karina while they were filming the drama mv.

#15. a video of mark filming his tv as he laughs at yn with her family on the news doing holiday greetings, making fun of the families english accents when they speak in english.

#16. a video of yn trying to play fight with bada.

#17. a video from when yn was 12 and was standing behind her dad with the rest of her family as he did a press conference and she thought it was good idea to throw up a gang sign which resulted with her mom slapping her hand and her siblings laughing quietly.

#18. a photo that giselle took of yn after finding yn passed out on the floor of her bedroom with a bag cheetos on her stomach and a bottle of milkis.

#19. a video that mark took of yn falling down the stairs while bada helps her up.

#20. a video of 9 year old yn pushing her dad in the pool.

#21. a photo of yn kissing yunjin’s cheek.

#22. a video of karina kissing yn while yn tried to film a fake vlog on her phone.

#23. a video that mark took of yn who kept making fun of taeyong’s “BOW BOW BOW.” trend.

#24. a photo of yn and tyler the creator throwing up their middle fingers when she met him when she was like 14.

#25. a photo of yn lifting up her shirt to show fans her South Park belt.

[chosetherose]

Updated as of 6/30

The Eras Tour *Surprise Songs*

Taylor said her goal is to not repeat each show’s surprise songs so I thought it would be fun to track them as the tour goes on! Black strikethrough is included in the main set list. Purple strikethrough are included in the main set list but have been switched up at some show/s. Blue songs Taylor played but might be repeated due to messing up.

Taylor Swift

Tim McGraw (3/17) • Picture to Burn • Teardrops on My Guitar (5/5) • A Place in This World (4/22) • Cold as You (4/23) • The Outside • Tied Together with a Smile • Stay Beautiful• Should’ve Said No (5/19) • Mary’s Song (Oh My My My) • Our Song (3/24) • I’m Only Me When I’m with You (6/30) • Invisible (5/20) • A Perfectly Good Heart

Fearless

Fearless • Fifteen (5/6) • Love Story • Hey Stephen (5/14) • White Horse (3/25) • You Belong With Me • Breathe• Tell Me Why• You’re Not Sorry (4/21) • The Way I Loved You • Forever & Always (5/13) • The Best Day (5/14) • Change • Jump Then Fall (4/2) • Untouchable • Come In With The Rain • Superstar • The Other Side Of The Door (4/28) • You All Over Me (6/3) • Mr. Perfectly Fine (6/16) • We Were Happy • That’s When • Don’t You • Bye Bye Baby • Today was a fairytale (4/22)

Speak Now

Mine (5/7) • Sparks Fly (5/5) • Back To December • Speak Now (4/13, Taylor restarted part of the song but did not confirm it could be played again) • Dear John (6/24) • Mean (4/15) • The Story Of Us (6/17) • Never Grow Up • Enchanted • Better Than Revenge • Innocent• Haunted (6/9) • Last Kiss • Long Live • Ours (3/31) • If This Was A Movie (6/23) • Superman

Red

State Of Grace (3/18) • Red (5/21) • Treacherous (4/13) • I Knew You Were Trouble • All Too Well • 22 • I Almost Do (6/9) • We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together • Stay Stay Stay • The Last Time (6/16) • Holy Ground (5/27) • Sad Beautiful Tragic (3/31) • The Lucky One (4/2) • Everything Has Changed • Starlight • Begin Again (4/23) • The Moment I Knew (6/4) • Come Back… Be Here (5/12) • Girl At Home • Ronan • Better Man (5/19) • Nothing New • Babe • Message In A Bottle • I Bet You Think About Me (4/30) • Forever Winter • Run • The Very First Night • All Too Well – 10 Minute Version

1989

Welcome To New York (5/28) • Blank Space • Style • Out Of The Woods (5/6, Taylor confirmed it might be played again) • All You Had To Do Was Stay • Shake It Off • I Wish You Would (6/2) • Bad Blood • Wildest Dreams • How You Get The Girl (4/30) • This Love (5/13) • I Know Places • Clean (4/1, Taylor confirmed it might be played again, 5/28) • Wonderland (4/21) • You Are In Love • New Romantics

Reputation

…Ready For It? • End Game • I Did Something Bad • Don’t Blame Me • Delicate • Look What You Made Me Do • So It Goes… • Gorgeous (4/29) • Getaway Car (5/26) • King Of My Heart • Dancing With Our Hands Tied • Dress • This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things • Call It What You Want • New Year’s Day

Lover

I Forgot That You Existed • Cruel Summer • Lover • The Man • The Archer • I Think He Knows (5/21) • Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince • Paper Rings (6/23) • Cornelia Street • Death By A Thousand Cuts (4/1, Taylor confirmed it might be played again) • London Boy • Soon You’ll Get Better • False God (5/27) • You Need To Calm Down • Afterglow • Me! • It’s Nice To Have A Friend • Daylight (6/24) • All of the Girls You’ve Loved Before

Folklore

The 1 (replaced IS multiple shows) • Cardigan • The Last Great American Dynasty • Exile with Bon Iver • My Tears Ricochet • Mirrorball (3/17) • Seven (spoken, 6/17) • August • This Is Me Trying (3/18) • Illicit Affairs • Invisible String (replaced by T1 multiple shows) • Mad Woman (4/15) • Epiphany • Betty • Peace • Hoax • The Lakes (6/2)

Evermore

Willow • Champagne Problems • Gold Rush (5/12) • Tis The Damn Season • Tolerate It • No Body, No Crime • Happiness • Dorothea • Coney Island (4/28) • Ivy • Cowboy Like Me (3/25) • Long Story Short • Marjorie • Closure • Evermore (6/30) • Right Where You Left Me •It’s Time To Go

Midnights

On 4/14 Taylor changed the rule: ALL SONGS ON MIDNIGHTS MAY BE REPEATED. I’m adding the dates to the midnights surprise songs but they will remain in black text since they can be repeated.

Lavender Haze • Maroon (5/26) • Anti-Hero • Snow on the Beach (3/24) • You’re on Your Own, Kid (4/14) • Midnight Rain • Question…? (5/20) • Vigilante Shit • Bejeweled • Labyrinth • Karma • Sweet Nothing • Mastermind • The Great War (4/14) • Bigger Than the Whole Sky • Paris • High Infidelity (4/29) • Glitch • Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve (5/7) • Dear Reader • Hits Different (6/4)

Other

I don’t wanna live forever (6/3)

[sasuhinamonth]

SASUHINA MONTH 2024 Prompts and Artist of the Year!!!

Fellas.

It's time!

Welcome to 2024! In June, we'll be hosting SHMonth2024! Thanks all for following along with us during our journey! Your patience and enthusiasm keeps us going, and we appreciate all of you!

As always, let's start with our Artist of the Year for 2024!

Mods of the SasuHina Month Event work hard to not only keep up to date with the happenings of our little part of the fandom, but we also carefully consider all our beautiful SasuHina creators! This year's Artist of the Year is always creating beauty with their works, and we want to shine a light on that!

Everyone, please congratulate Pongalia for her hard work and for being this year's SasuHina Artist of the Year!

Our dear artist always brings awe to everyone who sees her art! As you can see above, she makes the most beautiful, capturing art! Her talent is inspiring, and she's known across the fandom for her beautiful shading!

Please visit her X/Twitter to show her some love! She deserves it for all her hard work and passion!!!!

Now . . .

The time has come.

As a quick reminder, this years theme is Opposites Attract (very fitting for these two, if you ask us). SasuHina Month 2024 is happening in June, so (hopefully) you all will have some time to think and plan!

Thanks all for joining us!

We present to you: The Prompts of SHMonth2024!

Day 1

Beginnings & Ends | Inicios y Finales

New & Old | Nuevo y Viejo

Day 2

Silly & Serious | Bobo y Serio

Fail & Succeed | Fallo y Éxito

Day 3

Shy & Bold | Tímido y Audaz

Few & Many | Poco y Mucho

Day 4

Summer & Winter | Verano e Invierno

Humble & Proud | Humilde y Orgulloso

Day 5

Create & Destroy | Creación y Destrucción

Crying & Laughter | Llanto y Risas

Day 6

Friend & Enemy | Amigo y Enemigo

Empty & Full | Lleno y Vacío

Day 7

Pearl & Onyx | Perla y Ónix

Dawn & Dusk | Amanecer y Atardecer

Day 8

Hidden & Seen | Oculto y Visto

Loud & Quiet | Ruidoso y Callado

Day 9

Kind & Cruel | Amable y Cruel

Past & Future | Pasado y Futuro

Day 10

Angel & Demon | Inicios y Finales

Rain & Shine | Lluvia y Brillo

Day 11

Lost & Found | Perdido y Hallado

Color & Grayscale | Color y Escala de grises

Day 12

Cat & Dog | Perro y Gato

Tea & Coffee | Té y Café

Day 13

Glass & Stone | Vidrio y Piedra

Yin & Yang | Yin y Yang

Day 14

Early & Late | Temprano y Tarde

Far & Near | Lejano y Cerca

Day 15

Sweet & Bitter | Dulce y Amargo

Bright & Dim | Brillante y Opaco

Day 16

Apart & Together | Separados y Juntos

Deep & Shallow | Profundo y Poco profundo

Day 17

Smooth & Rough | Suave y Áspero

Admit & Deny | Admitir y Negar

Day 18

Freeze & Melt | Congelado y Derretido

Water & Fire | Agua y Fuego

Day 19

Love & Hate | Amor y Odio

Fast & Slow | Rápido y Lento

Day 20

Give & Take | Dar y Recibir

Adult & Child | Adulto y Niño

Day 21

Innocent & Guilty | Inocente y Culpable

Doubt & Trust | Dudar y Confiar

Day 22

War & Peace | Guerra y Paz

Yes & No | Sí y No

Day 23

Neat & Messy | Ordenado y Desordenado

Capture & Release | Capturar y Liberar

Day 24

Flowers & Weapons | Flores y Armas

Oblivious & Observant | Inadvertido y Observador

Day 25

Hot & Cold | Caliente y Frío

Rise & Fall | Ascenso y Caída

Day 26

Tall & Short | Alto y Bajo

Single & Married | Soltero y Casado

Day 27

Thoughtful & Selfish | Considerado y Egoísta

Forget & Remember | Olvidar y Recordar

Day 28

Magical & Ordinary | Mágico y Ordinario

Absence & Present | Ausente y Presente

Day 29

Attack & Protect | Atacar y Proteger

Always & Never | Siempre y Nunca

Day 30

Before & After | Antes y Después

Departure and Arrival | Partida y Llegada

[antisocial-mochi267]

JIMIN fic recs Oneshots

Part 2

I made this list for myself and never planned to post it so..(there might be mistakes).. Hope it helps!! And please leave a comment/like/reblog or any reviews guys the writers should receive the appreciation they deserve (I'll be eventually adding more fics here) MINORS STRICTLY DNI

Fluff :-☁️

Angst :-🥀

Smut :-🔥

Crack :-🎃

Personal Favourite :- ✨

1. Blessing and a curse__☁️🎃✨ (college!au, magic!au, S2F2L) @btsmosphere

2. Home is where the heart is__☁️🥀(single mother, idol jm × idol reader) @bangtanfanfiction

3. Sky fell down in front of us__☁️🥀🎃✨(S2F2L,pinning) @army-author

4. Fleeting forevers__☁️ (neighbors!au & dystopian!au S2F2L). @threeletterslife

5. Into the spiritual realm__☁️🥀✨ (spirited away au, mystery, happy ending). @threeletterslife

6. Reset__☁️🥀🔥✨ (short-amnesia kinda jimin, college au, S2F2L). @dovechim

7. Lovely Demons__☁️🥀🔥✨(Fantasy , E2L, Princes of Hell! Jimin × Witch reader au) @kpopfanfictrash

8. Black Swan__☁️🥀✨ (Yandere, Cursed prince Jimin× princess reader, Obsession). @deepdarkdelights

9. Eternal sunlight__☁️🥀🔥✨(College AU, soulmate au, established relationship) @kidguk

10. First snow last kiss__☁️🥀 (architect!reader, exes to lovers). @taeshobipop

11. Porcelain__✨(Yandere, Obsession, Kidnapping, Murder, dark) @deepdarkdelights

12. Blooming days__☁️🥀🔥🎃✨ (Bf2L , college au) @bluekyun

13. Worshipers of the spring__☁️🥀🔥(GOD au) @jimlingss

14. Everything__☁️🥀🔥✨(supposed Arrange marriage AU, childhood friends/fiance's to lovers, coming of age au) @kpopfanfictrash

15. Nothing a Lil green can't fix__☁️🥀🎃✨ (Best friends au, satisfying ending, coming of age, slice of life au, bittersweet) @threeletterslife

16. Taboo attachment__☁️🎃✨ (Demon AU, contract marriage to lovers kinda). @kpopisthereasonihavenolife

17. Equinox__☁️✨(King of spring!Jimin x Queen of Winter!reader, pinning) @crystaljins

18. The tears of a rose__ ☁️🥀🔥🎃✨ ( archaeology major!jimin x business major! female! , adventure, college au, treasure hunt) @ebonyinktea

19. Reducto your ass__☁️🎃✨ (Hogwarts au). @bangtanfanfiction

20. Cry me a galaxy__☁️🥀✨(guardian angel jimin x reader) @army-author

21. I want to be with you __☁️🥀🔥✨(strangers (fan) to friends to lovers, idol jimin) @oddinary4bts

22. Running through the night__☁️🥀🔥🎃✨ (ballet instructor!jimin x art teacher!, fake dating AU, F2L). @sketchguk

23. Autumn leaves__☁️🎃✨(witch!jimin, witch!reader, arranged marriage au) @alilbihh

24. The duality of a man__☁️🎃(college au, project partner). @taesthetes

25. When the ice melts__☁️🥀🎃✨(ex skater jimin ×skater reader, figure skating au). @crystaljins

26. Sugar spice and everything nice__☁️🎃🔥✨(weak sperm jimin x witch! reader, crack smut mostly) @dovechim

27. Florezco__☁️🔥✨(Soft smut and softie jm, kinda learner jm × guide reader) @honeymoonjin

28. Cookies Charades__☁️🎃✨(Roommate to best friends to Lover, college au). @btsmakesmehappy

29. Bakery 1995__☁️🥀🎃✨ (baker!jimin, bakery cafe au, childhood friends-to-lovers ) @artaefact

30. Ephemera__☁️🥀✨(stranger/penpals to lovers kinda, tragedy). @akinnie75

31. Shadows in the graveyard__☁️🎃🔥✨ (supernatural, horror, established relationship, humour, halloween au). @minisugakoobies

32. The mansion__✨(Yandare jimin× married reader, horror, obsessive, supernatural , kidnapping). @darkestcorners

33. Touched by a fallen star__☁️🥀🔥✨(Prince jimin, fantasy, supernatural, slight smut, soulmate au?) @cutaepatootie

34. Fall like moondrops__☁️🥀🎃✨(Post college au, F2L, whipped jimin, pinning) @madbutgloriouspond

35. Hard to say__☁️🎃🔥✨( bestfriend to lovers, highschool au). @floralseokjin

36. Metanoia__☁️🎃✨(kinda Bad boy jimin , Hogwarts au). @taesthetes

37. Firelight__☁️🔥(Established relationship, camping au). @kpopfanfictrash

38. Prey for me__🔥🥀✨(Yandere, Vampire Jimin × human reader , Stalking, Obsession) @deepdarkdelights

39. Potions__☁️🥀🎃✨(Prince Jimin × Healer reader, royal au, pinning) @taleasnewastime

[asklepius2]

I don't like how the birthdays from stardew valley are set up in the real world. Like most of December is in the fall according to the solstice but Sebastian's birthday is winter 10 and we've decided it's December 10th.

Nah, let's give all the characters accurate birthdays in accordance with the seasons.

I'll set it up 2 ways:

1. Taking the earliest dates of each solstice and equinox that defines the seasons and dividing that by 28 (number of days in a stardew valley season) then multiplied that number by the NPC's bday (I'll explain the math later)

2. Taking the average amount of days in-between each IRL season and dividing that by 28

Earliest dates are as follows:

Spring March 19

Summer June 20

Autumn September 21

Winter December 20

The length of each season in this method is

91 days for spring

93 days for summer

90 days for fall

90 days for winter

The average days in between is 91.5 days.

Dividing by 28 we get

3.25 Spring

3.32142857 Summer

3.2142857 Autumn / Winter

3.267857142857143 Average

These numbers are the difference between our real world dates and stardew valley dates

Our season are about 90 days long, their's are 28 days so

1 day for stardew players is about 3 days for us.

Now that we have these numbers let's find out how each day correlates to each villager.

It will be in order of earliest birthday to latest and will follow this format

NPC-Season-ingame Bday-Bday(method 1)-Bday(method 2)

Kent- Spring 4- Apr 1

Lewis- Spring 7- Apr 10

Vincent- Spring 10- Apr 20

Haley- Spring 14- May 3

Pam- Spring 18- May 16

Shane- Spring 20- May 23

Pierre- Spring 26- Jun 11

Emily- Spring 27- Jun 14- Jun 15

Jas- Summer 4- Jul 3

Gus- Summer 8- Jul 16

Maru- Summer 10- Jul 23- Jul 22

Alex- Summer 13- Aug 2- Aug 1

Sam- Summer 17- Aug 15- Aug 14

Demetrius- Summer 19- Aug 22- Aug 21

Dwarf- Summer 22- Sep 1-Aug 30

Willy- Summer 24- Sep 7- Sep 6

Leo- Summer 26- Sep 14- Sep 12

Penny- Autumn 2- Sep 27

Elliott- Autumn 5- Oct 7

Jodi- Autumn 11- Oct 26

Abigail- Autumn 13- Nov 1- Nov 2

Sandy- Autumn 15- Nov 8- Nov 9

Marnie- Autumn 18- Nov 17- Nov 18

Robin- Autumn 21- Nov 27- Nov 28

George- Autumn 24- Dec 7- Dec 8

Krobus- Winter 1- Dec 23

Linus- Winter 3- Dec 29

Caroline- Winter 7- Jan 11

Sebastian- Winter 10- Jan 21

Harvey- Winter 14- Feb 2- Feb 3

Wizard- Winter 17- Feb 12- Feb 13

Evelyn- Winter 20- Feb 22- Feb 23

Leah- Winter 23- Mar 3- Mar 5

Clint- Winter 26- Mar 13- Mar 14

If there is only one date on the NPC that means both dates are the same

I'd like to thank @cloverbug83 for helping with the math.

TL:DR The dates in stardew valley are incorrect and I updated them according to IRL seasons.

[vex91]

Steal your heart

Pairing: Huh Yunjin x Female Reader

Summary: Yunjin and Y/N were known to not be the best duo. Everyone could see how much they couldn't get along no matter what. One day Yunjin finds out through their mutual friend Winter that Y/N is her online friend and crush which changes the way she looks at the girl. Now determined Yunjin decides to make the younger girl fall for her.

Warning(s): Language, cringe stuff

Tags: Highschool AU, crack, fluff, angst, smau

Featuring: Le Sserafim, Yujin and Wonyoung (IVE), Ningning (Aespa), Jungwon (Enhypen)

Start: 07/10/2023

End:

Updates: Thursdays

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

Profiles: Teachers favorites, Y/N's babysitters

1. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!?!

2. Who is she again?

3. I'm in pain

4. Jealousy

5. Delusional

6. GC RIGHT NOW!!!

7. FACT

8. THAT'S BULLYING!!!

9. Grow some balls

10. Plans

11. MENTAL HOSPITAL IS WAITING

12. What did you do?

13. Progress

14. Joining a club

15. Main bosses

16. Party

17.

18.

More to come...

Taglist (Closed): @jisooftme @dream-chasers-things @jeindall777 @eunhhh @sewiouslyz @winieter @awkwardtoafault @pandamiswifey @everydayiloveyves @impossiblesharkcashrebel @aloneinacity

[anjuyn]

Some interesting facts about Sakuma Rei that you might not know about. I have accumulated a lot of interesting observations, so I decided to share a few of them. So.

1. Besides the fact that Rei does not like sunlight, he also does not tolerate cold, because "he freezes to the bone" and water and dampness, because "his hair gets wet and falls on his face."

2. He sometimes forgets to charge his phone on time and it can be difficult to reach him.

3. His eyesight seems to be good enough not to worry in everyday life, but he needs glasses to read.

4. He's scared of the idea of messing with small contact lenses and trying to put them in his eyes.

5. He likes to walk in the garden.

6. He also loves flowers very much and he likes to receive them as a gift :3

7. He is physically strong enough that he can easily lift a person into his arms.

8. Koga is afraid of Rei when he is angry.

9. Rei likes to hug Leon, Koga's dog, in winter because he's warm.

10. He likes being in the company, but not being in the center of it. That's because excessive attention tires him quickly.

11. He had "people he could call friends" abroad.

12. During the second year of study, the local punks created a whole "cult" named after Rei (he did not know about it for a long time, because he was abroad).

13. He doesn't like to read.

14. Nevertheless, he is very well-read.

15. He can perform opera (and also plays at least three musical instruments, plays roles in theater and cinema, understands economics, management, psychology... It's harder to say what he can't do.)

16. He was Koga's idol twice. The first was when Koga saw him on stage and admired his image, and the second was when Koga found old DVDs with a stranger who played guitar amazingly (this stranger was Rei).

17. His broad horizons and deep knowledge in many fields originate from his anxiety and thoughts about his insignificance on a global scale.

18. He does not like being addressed formally, because of this he feels lonely and detached.

19. He didn't see the point in his own existence and openly expressed his suicidal thoughts.

20. He doesn't understand people as well as he seems, and is bad at romantic matters, according to him.

You may already know about this, but I really like these things in it! Maybe one day I'll start writing down everything I learn about him, but that will be too much.

[bvclee]

MASTERLIST

thing for mean girls

HUH Yunjin x Fem!reader → nonidol!yunjin x nonidol!reader, the reader is born in 03.

→ Yunjin always had love challenges, when a girl who were nothing but rude to her appeared she was more than happy, but she wasn't expecting falling in love. It starts during winter break. They're still in school.

statue: ended.

→ english isn't my first language

CONTENT: 'mean' and strong languages, insults, wlw

˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

MASTERLIST:

MIN YN

PROFILES y/n's gfs / yunjin's supporter / others ...

01. mean girl

02. my chance

03. not dating

04. groupchats

05. on a date

06. playing hard to get (mostly written)

07. she did not

08. bffs

09. time for you (half written)

10. wtf yn?

11. girlfriend

12. feel better? (half written)

13. ew no.

14. secretly bff

15. a date w Ning (written)

16. yn, when was this?

17. wasn't the plan

18. having beef

19. three days

20. open the door

21. surprising

22. a bet

23. lost love (mostly written)

24. win her back.

25. omw

26. daerin vs lostold

27. let me love you. (written)

28. like aeri

29. buy her flowers

30. chicken

-

[dhr-advent]

Hello and welcome to the 13th year of D/Hr Advent! 2023 Master list of all fic and art below. There are 24 great pieces waiting for Dramione fans! Happy holidays to all!

1. A Gentleman's Guide to Courtship and Caregiving - fic by ChaosAndCrumpets

2. Powdered Sugar - art by dracodormiensss

3. The Path Carefully Tread - fic by HeyJude19

4. Chaperone Chaos, Mistletoe Madness: A Yule Ball Tale - fic by scullymurphy

5. A Moment of Peace - art by Tiny_Q

6. Most Sincerely Yours - fic by morriganmercy

7. Christmas Lights - art by cocotamarindo

8. O' Little Town of Balsam Grove - fic by inadaze22

9. The Name is Candy Cane - art by ectoheart

10. Seasons of Liberation - fic by Misdemeanor1331

11. Penguins, Pebbles, and Other Reasons to Pursue Unemployment - fic by mightbewriting

12. Endless Winter - art by Roseheira

13. Sounds Worth It - fic by RoseHarperMaxwell

14. Cozy Christmas - art by elivrayn

15. Not What It Looks Like - fic by eveningstruggle

16. From the Journal of Hermione Granger - fic and art by Catmint and Thyme

17. sweet dreams of holly and ribbon - fic by LovesBitca8

18. In Want of a Wife - fic by ambpersand

19. Ten Minutes and Counting - art by jaxxinabox

20. Keep It Like a Secret - fic by PacificRimbaud

21. Best present is…. (Hermione on her knees) - art by Incendiosketches

22. Teach Me How to Fall - fic by sodamnrad

23. Under the Aurora - art by Ivmaruva

24. You Will Finish Decorating Later, Granger - art by Lazy_Dragon_Art

[ohdorothea]

hoax: a web weave - part one (part two)

1. hoax 2. ME! 3. the 1 4. All Too Well 5. Babe 6. Better Man 7. Paper Rings 8. High Infidelity 9. Maroon 10. Dress 11. right where you left me 12. Maroon 13. cowboy like me 14. Hits Different 15. King of My Heart 16. willow 17. Tell Me Why 18. Teardrops On My Guitar 19. I’m Only Me When I’m With You 20. illicit affairs 21. ‘tis the damn season 22. hoax 23. Getaway Car 24. Look What You Made Me 25. Call It What You Want 26. Look What You Made Me Do Music Video 27. Tell Me Why 28. Daylight 29. The Archer 30. Run 31. Better Man 32. Slut! 33. Say Don’t Go 34. Foolish One 35. I Don’t Wanna Live Forever 36. cardigan 37. Tell Me Why 38. hoax 39. Forever Winter 40. Style Music Video 41. It’s Nice To Have a Friend 42. This Love 43. Out of the Woods 44. Hits Different 45. coney island 46. Anti-Hero 47. ME! Music Video 48. The Archer 49. Haunted 50. ivy

51. hoax 52. right where you left me 53. this is me trying 54. Nothing New 55. The Way I Loved You 56. King of My Heart 57. evermore 58. coney island 59. Hits Different 60. exile 61. champagne problems 62. All Too Well 63. betty 64. hoax 65. Death By A Thousand Cuts 66. willow 67. So It Goes… 68. Cruel Summer 69. Tell Me Why 70. Bad Blood 71. Say Don’t Go 72. closure 73. long story short 74. High Infidelity 75. Daylight 76. tolerate it 77. Death By a Thousand Cuts 78. hoax 79. Daylight 80. The Archer 81. I Bet You Think About Me 82. 22 83. Treacherous 84. Wonderland 85. Better Man 86. Message In A Bottle 87. hoax 88. Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve 89. Change 90. ivy 91. Getaway Car 92. State of Grace 93. Maroon 94. The Great War 95. The Story of Us 96. Cornelia Street 97. Wonderland 98. Anti-Hero 99. So It Goes… 100. Dear Reader

101. False God 102. Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince 103. Afterglow 104. evermore 105. my tears ricochet 106. hoax 107. Holy Ground 108. ivy 109. Dancing With Our Hands 110. Look What You Made Me Do111. Wonderland 112. right where you left me 113. Tell Me Why 114. mad woman 115. the lakes 116. The Great War 117. Cold As You 118. I Knew You Were Trouble 119. hoax 120. long story short 121. Don’t Blame Me 122. this is me trying 123. Red 124. Jump Then Fall 125. seven 126. This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things 127. gold rush 128. the last great american dynasty 129. hoax Lyric Video 130. the lakes 131. hoax 132. Is It Over Now? 133. Clean 134. Teardrops On My Guitar 135. Wonderland 136. seven 137. The Outside 138. Tell Me Why 139. illicit affairs 140. Come In With The Rain 141. Dancing With Our Hands Tied 142. Cornelia Street 143. champagne problems 144. The Other Side of the Door 145. Getaway Car 146. champagne problems 147. cardigan Music Video 148. Cruel Summer 149. hoax 150. If You’re Anything Like Me poem

151. mirrorball 152. White Horse 153. False God 154. I Knew You Were Trouble 155. Cornelia Street 156. False God 157. Love Story 158. Style 159. ivy 160. End Game 161. cowboy like me 162. White Horse 163. Ours 164. The Great War 165. False God 166. ivy 167. How You Get The Girl 168. coney island 169. Hits Different 170. Innocent 171. Look What You Made Me Do 172. You’re On Your Own, Kid 173. It’s Nice To Have a Friend 174. White Horse 175. Don’t Blame Me 176. betty 177. hoax 178. …Ready For It? Music Video 179. Hits Different 180. Forever Winter 181. All Too Well (10 Minute Version) 182. Everything Has Changed 183. Dress 184. Cruel Summer 185. Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince 186. Paper Rings 187. Afterglow 188. The Archer 189. Lover 190. Dear John 191. State of Grace 192. Starlight 193. hoax 194. Bejewelled 195. Question…? 196. peace 197. Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince 198. Forever and Always 199. Say Don’t Go 200. Hits Different 201. Bigger Than The Whole Sky 202. Wonderland 203. Lover Music Video

[l0viia]

DOUMA X HUMAN!FEMALE!READER 18+!!!

‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊

╭──────༺♡༻──────╮

*SMUT WARNING MINORS DNI*

╰──────༺♡༻──────╯

‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊

“Remember. Keep your mouths shut and sit still. If any of you disobey my orders I’ll kill you on the spot do you understand?”

“Yes sir” our voices echoed together. I placed my hands neatly on my lap and took a deep breath in. Glancing around the area I viewed the other women here with me.

Sitting in a perfect circle on the grass we faced eachother, all of us dressed in soft colors with our hair down and makeup pressed on lightly.

We are the potential sacrificial brides of a supposed demon. Rumor has it that 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 is collecting women for his concubine in exchange for large sums of money. And this town needs that kind of money to survive the winter.

Although I feel sorry for these girls for being betrayed like this by their “friends and family”, I felt at ease as I knew none of them were going to be taken.

For two months I’ve been tracking this case. Although I haven’t seen that demon himself I knew exactly what kind of women he preferred.

So I asked the victims families about the personalities of the girls and all of them were soft spoken and easy to persuade.

At first this was nothing more than a report. But soon enough I was assigned to terminate this demon as the number of taken women started to grow rapidly.

My mentor Shinobu spent countless days training me to withstand different poisons incase I ran into trouble along the way and ended up getting killed by my target. At least with my sacrifice I could still save these girls.

With that thought I clenched my fists and took in the faces of all these girls. 24. Besides myself 24 young women were being treated as livestock. They were all scared, terrified even. The threat of their lives was at stake no matter if they stayed or fought against their own people.

Taking a few breaths I allow myself to calm down as I remembered what my priorities were. After I finish killing that demon I’ll return all the girls to their families and deal with the men responsible separately.

The sound of bells rung loudly throughout the village signaling the arrival of our guest. Snapping into character I hung my head down shyly and let my hands tremble in my lap.

His footsteps were heavy and a few of the girls shifted uncomfortably. I heard one of the girls sniffle and I immediately snap my head in her direction.

She met my gaze, eyes filled with tears and body shaking violently. She was young, Barley 17 if I remember correctly. She was the youngest out of us all and my biggest threat when it came to this mission.

Everything about her screamed innocence and on-top of that she was incredibly kind. When I first arrived here she was the one who housed me. Both of her parent died when she was younger so she had an available room to spare.

For two months she cooked my meals and showed me all her favorite things in the village. She always talked about her parents, especially her mother. She said she was named after the flowers her father gave her mother when proposing to her. She’s truly an angel.

My eyes widen as sobs left her mouth and I shook my head trying to get her to quiet down. She squeezed her eyes shut letting her cries echo around us.

“What did I tell you?! You ungrateful brat!” The man in charge of the trade kicked the back of her head making her fall to the side.

I resisted the urge to stand up as I watched him repeatedly kick her in the head. Her cries became louder and louder as she tried to crawl away from the man.

I dug my nails into my hands and closed my eyes, trying to remember what was at stake here. This could very much risk the safety of all those girls if I acted now.

Her screams continued on for another minute or so before suddenly stopping.

“How noisy” the blood in my veins ran cold as a heavy presence suffocated the air around me.

Eerie silence engulfed us all and I clenched my jaw in anger. Lifting my head I opened my eyes to look at the unavoidable. There she laid, beautiful head severed from her body.

As I tried to regulate my breathing I snapped my head back at the floor. ‘If they saw the angry expression right now I would risk the safety of this mission. What’s done is done I need to focus. ‘

All of my reasonings went unnoticed in my heart as I fought the urge to attack that demon. ‘Think Y/n. You need to stop’

I took a few deep breaths and tried to do the only thing I knew would work in my favor and let a few tears run down my face, silently crying.

“I’m so sorry sir!! Please excuse us for this inconvenience!” I scowled internally as the man from the village laughed off the dead girl and started to introduce the girls one by one.

When they got to the section where the girl laid dead I watched as he stepped over her corpse without a care in the world.

“Sorry about this again!! That brat just doesn’t appreciate the opportunity she was given! I swear some women just-“

“Iris.” My voice was low but clear enough to be heard. Silence rang throughout the group before I heard the demon laugh lightly.

Upset that I cut him off the ‘boss’ of us girls stomped over to me before hovering his body over mine clearly trying to intimidate me.

Letting a few more tears run down my face I met his gaze. “Her name is Iris. Not ‘brat’ or ‘some woman’. You just killed an innocent woman sir. She was nothing more than a child who was scared.”

Although I was upset, my act was completely fake. The man in front of me seemed to be shaking with anger but he wasn’t my target. That demon is and by the look of things I got his attention.

“What’s with you pieces of shit thinking you can talk to your superiors this way?!” His hand drew back and I played my part by squeezing my eyes shut and flinching.

Expecting to get hit I waited,but the impact never came. “Now now I think that’s enough for tonight” I opened my eyes and finally took in the appearance of this demon.

Blonde hair and tall he stood confidently but relaxed as he gripped the man’s arm tightly. “Y-yes sir! Sorry about that!” Dropping his arm the demon turned around to face me.

His eyes glowed in many colors as he stared at me before he crouched down to my position on the ground. ’upper two’ I paled and shook lightly, finally realizing the amount of danger I was actually in .

“Hi there beautiful~ my name is Douma what’s yours?” He asked with an excited smile.

Shyly I looked away before answering softly. “Y/N sir” laughing loudly he placed his hand on top of my head stroking in lightly.

“We don’t have to be so formal with each-other Y/n! Please just Douma is fine. After all you are my little bride to be!”

At his words my head snapped up quickly as he stood back up from the ground. Offering me a hand he helped me to my feet before quickly lifting me off my feet.

Hugging me to his chest I laid there obediently hanging onto him “Hm~” humming in content he started walking away from the small village before the man yelled out.

“HEY!WHAT ABOUT THE MONEY YOU PROMISED??!” Laughing Douma continued on without a care in the world. The shouts were drawn out after a couple of minutes and yet again the atmosphere was quiet.

Passing by a few more trees we reached what looked like a small cottage. Opening the door he led us inside before shutting the door.

Still holding me in his arms he walked to a small room with nothing more than a bed and some blankets. Sitting us down he held me on his lap and gently stroked the skin on my leg with his thumb.

“So how long have you been training to be a hashira beautiful~” my entire body stiffened and my breath got caught in my throat.

‘Lie’

“I’m sorry?” My voice came out in a confused tone as I furrowed my eyebrows. Smiling down at me he flipped my body around laying me across his lap.

My face flushed and I struggled against his hold when I felt the cold night air hit ass. Hiking my skirt up he stroked my soft skin causing me to hide my face in embarrassment. Out of all the training my mentor could have given me nothing could have prepared me for this.

“I heard a rumor that I had become a target of a possible ambush so I went to go investigate a little. Who would have thought the supposed threat of my life came from such a pretty little thing” laughing, he removed the clothing protecting the rest of my skin.

I hid my face as he continued to say things about how noticeable and cute I was trying to secretly tail him. After tracing his hands in between my thighs he moved his hand up and gently stroked in between my folds.

I flinched and stifled any noises that almost came out as he slipped his fingers up towards my clit and teased me. “You’re being so obedient for me Y/n. Don’t worry I’ll make you feel good” with that he dipped his slender fingers.

I gasped while trying to pull away from him and he shifted our position quickly making it harder for me to move. With my body completely face down on the mattress he hovered over me and continued to pump his fingers into me.

Clenching my teeth I bit back the noises building up in my throat as I felt myself getting needier from his touch.

“You know I can smell your arousal Y/N you shouldn’t try to hide it from me like that~” as much as I wanted to argue with him, he was right. My body just responded to him so well and it wanted nothing more then to let this man use me as he was.

He curled his fingers causing me to accidentally let out a moan. Quickly closing my mouth I put my head down in embarrassment.

“Hm? I’m sorry but is this perhaps unpleasant for you little hashira?” Keeping his fingers at that angle he began to thrust them into me harshly. A string of curses fell out of my mouth as I tried to pull myself away from his fingers all to no avail.

Feeling that knot build up in my stomach I clenched down on his fingers desperately trying to hold it in.

“Oh?~” laughing at me Douma quickened his pace and I Involuntarily moaned loudly while cumming around his hand. Giving me a few more pumps of his fingers he withdrew them causing me to relax against the bed.

“Good job baby~”

His praises went ignored as I laid there Panting while trying to catch my breath. Shifting on top of me I felt him press himself onto me from behind.

He drug his dick along my folds teasingly as I pressed myself back into him, my body begging for some kind of friction. In one quick motion he completely buried himself into me. “A-ah” quickly I bit back my moans, embarrassed at the sudden fullness of my body.

“Ahh this is no fun I want to see your face while you’re making those sounds” pulling out he flipped my body over and pressed himself back in between my legs. Glancing down at me he ripped open my top. Exposed and embarrassed my hand flew up to cover my face.

“There's no point in any of that when you're completely naked love” Grabbing my hands he removed them from my face and pressed his chest into mine. Attaching his lips to mine he forced his tongue into my mouth completely dominating me.

Lifting my legs up by my thighs he forced my knees to my chest as he aligned himself back at my entrance.

He pushed himself into me again, the new position causing me to involuntarily moan into his mouth. Pulling his mouth away from mine he stared at my face as he deepened his thrust. I tried to contain the noises I was producing but failing as he fucked into me.

“Does it feel good darling? It looks like it feels good~” letting my head fall back I became more vocal making him hum in approval.

My walls squeezed his length as he moved in me and my legs shook as I felt myself getting closer to orgasming again. Tightening his grip on my thighs his thrust became more violent.

“You’re doing so- Ngh so well” looking up I watched as Douma face scrunched up in pleasure.

Thrust after thrust he became more forceful and I became more needy. Dragging my nails down his back I let myself feel good.

“Please I need a-ah” I was a stuttering mess. With the embarrassment gone all I could do was beg for him to let me cum.

“Are you asking for permission princess??” Teasingly he slowed his pace causing me to arch against him and whine.

“Y-yes Douma please let me cum already” I felt pathetic as tears formed in my eyes before rolling down my face as I begged.

staring down at me he smirked proudly as he resumed his pace. Moaning,the knot in my stomach built quickly as I let myself cum.

Sobs wreaked my body as Douma became brutal with his thrust chasing his own high. His length hitting parts of me I’ve never felt before.

I laid there unable to move completely overstimulated and let Douma use me as he pleased. Groaning loudly he dug his nails into my skin drawing blood as he chased his own high.

His thrust became out of pace before he snapped his hips and released into me. Holding me in place he pumped me slowly making me take in all of his cum.

My vision fogged up as I felt my consciousness slipping. “Are you worn out already darling?” His words were spoken playfully and I felt myself nodding lightly.

“Mm~” words refused to come out of my mouth as I let myself close my eyes and rest my head head to the side comfortably. His laughs echoed throughout the building and I felt myself get lifted back onto his chest.

Resting my head on him I let myself start slipping into a deep sleep. “Alright princess I’ll let you rest for now. But when you wake up I get to have you all to myself again~”

[goldenseresinretriever]

You Catch More Bees With Honey: Chapter 17

Pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Reader

Part of the San Diego Dogfighters universe

Summary: Bradley Bradshaw, blindsided by a team he trusted like family has been traded to the San Diego Dogfighters. Across the country from the place he calls home, Bradley feels lost and betrayed. Not to mention the familiar faces and ghosts from his past that he now has to face every day at work. Bradley’s caught between wanting to show his former team the mistake they made in double-crossing him and wondering if it’s time to hang up his skates after one final season. You’re living your dream as the PR representative for the Dogfighters. When Coach Maverick made a bid to bring his godson to the team, you hadn’t batted an eye. Bradley was a good teammate, and a good player. Unfortunately, the Bradley that shows up in San Diego is nothing like your research suggested. He’s moody, irritable, aggressive, and angry, throwing a wrench in all your careful planning. What’s caused such a drastic change in him? And can you figure out how to help him before he makes a mistake you can’t fix?

Chapter CW: 18+ ONLY, swearing, dead parents, mentions of major character death, fluff, angst, age gap (28 and 38), enemies to lovers, suggestive language, hockey inaccuracies etc. No use of Y/N.

Word Count: 5.6k

A/N: Merry… Christmas?

Previous Chapter // Series Masterlist // Next Chapter

You can see the Empire State Building out the window of the jet as snow falls like you’re trapped in a snow globe. The city looks picturesque and it takes your breath away as you near the airport. New York City’s regular hustle and bustle is bundled up in a fresh coat of snow and the effect is a transformation into a winter wonderland. It’s not your first time in the city, but the awe of seeing it in the wintertime, especially around Christmas is truly magical. The Dogfighters are in town for the last game of a five-game road trip against the New York Rangers before enjoying three blissful days off for Christmas. The guys are exhausted from being on the road for so long but the upcoming holiday has spirits high. Jake and Javy have been leading a group in singing Christmas carols since it had been announced that they were preparing to land. You and Bradley had joined in at first, but you’re slowly winding down as your attention is grabbed by the sight outside the window. Bradley’s a lot closer with the team ever since his accident in Philadelphia and it warms your heart to see him slowly falling into comfortable camaraderie with them. You still have to drag him to game nights but that’s more due to his desire to spend those evenings alone with you rather than with his teammates that he sees every day.

***

Snow is falling once again as you gaze through the gauzy curtains that are half open as you’re curled on the bed. The Rangers game is tomorrow and you finally have the evening to yourselves after a long day of travel, preparation for tomorrow’s game, and practice for the boys. It’s past midnight and you’re looking forward to a quiet night spent wrapped in Bradley’s arms. You’ve once again shuffled the room assignments and the two of you have the room to yourself. Bradley’s in the bathroom and you sigh as you watch the snow, the lights of the city catching on the flakes as they blow past. The click of the bathroom door makes you turn to look at Bradley. You frown as you see he’s not dressed in his pajamas at all. He’s wearing jeans and a sweater and your frown deepens as he grabs his coat before turning to you, raising an eyebrow in response to your expression.

“Bear, where are you going?” You whine, letting your frustration show through your exhaustion. He chuckles, eyes softening at your expression.

“More like where are we going?” He says, taking your coat out of the closet and holding out a hand for you. “Come on Honey, you wanna go on an adventure with me?” Your lips curl softly into a smile as you think back to the first time he spoke those words to you and nod even as your body screams at you not to leave the bed. You climb out of bed, padding past Bradley, pausing to press a kiss to his cheek on your way to your suitcase, pulling out some clothes, and disappearing into the bathroom.

***

Snow kisses your eyelashes as you blink through the lazy flurries that dust the two of you as you walk hand-in-hand through New York City. Bradley still hasn’t told you where you’re going but you trust him and relax as you watch people walk by. At such a late hour of the night, the streets are mostly deserted but this is the city that never sleeps after all. You’re thankful that you don’t have to worry about your hand being torn from his by bustling crowds. You start to recognize street names and your brow furrows in confusion until the two of you round a corner and your breath catches at the sight.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree comes into view and it’s gorgeous, dressed to the nines with twinkling lights and keeping festive vigil over the ice skating rink below. You feel your heart ache at the beautiful sight and then Bradley’s tugging you forward and you follow, apprehension increasing as you get closer and closer. The lights from the tree reflect off the smooth ice as Bradley leads you to the edge of the rink. You glance over the railing down to the deserted ice, heart hammering in your chest as Bradley covers your hand with his.

“Honey?” His voice is soft and gentle, and you tear your gaze from the smooth surface that houses every last one of your fears as you meet his eyes, knowing that your turbulent heart has to be on full display.

“Bear, what are we doing here?” You ask, even though you think you know. The dread pools in your stomach as you study Bradley’s face for any hint of disappointment at your reaction. He doesn’t say anything at first, just sliding the backpack he’s been carrying off his shoulders, before holding it out where you can see and unzipping it. You peer inside and your breath catches, confusion furrowing your brow as you take in the sight of your old ice skates. You haven’t seen them in years. Truthfully, you thought you’d gotten rid of them. They’d sat abandoned in your closet throughout the rest of your college years and you hadn’t seen them since. You wrack your brain, trying to figure out how they ended up in Bradley’s possession when he answers for you.

“I got them from Mickey. He said he kept them, that he couldn’t bear to see you throw them away. He said he hoped one day you’d be ready to put them on again.” He pauses before cupping your cheek, raising your gaze to his. “That doesn’t have to be tonight.” He clarifies, searching your eyes for every ounce of hurt so that he can snuff it out. “But if you wanted to, we could.”

“We?” Is all you can say, your voice barely above a whisper, wavering in the air.

He takes his hand off your cheek to push aside your skates in the backpack to reveal his own underneath. Your breath catches again as your heart squeezes. On your last adventure with Bradley, he’d unfrozen his past for you to see, to let you in. Now he’s offering you the chance to do the same. “You’ll go with me?” You ask, tentatively and Bradley’s eyes soften.

“Of course, Honey, you don’t have to do this alone. You never have to, not as long as you have me.” Warmth kindles in your chest and you take a shaky breath as you turn the idea over in your head even as Bradley’s sweet words warm you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.

“Okay,” you whisper and you see his eyes widen with surprise, as if he didn’t expect you to say yes.

“Okay?” He echoes and you nod, becoming more sure of yourself. He rezips the backpack, shifting it back onto his shoulder before reaching for your hand and leading you down the steps to the rink. When you get to the bottom, he guides you to sit on the steps before kneeling in front of you and your heart clenches as he once again opens the backpack, fishing out your skates, handling them carefully, almost reverently. You see that despite the fact that it’s been almost a decade since you last wore them, the blades are clean and sharp, showing how much thought Bradley’s put into this. He eases your boots off, gently before sliding the skates onto your feet, lacing them gently, looking up to check with you and ensure that they're not too tight. Once you’re done, he sits down beside you and laces up his own skates. When he’s done, he stands, extending a hand to you. “May I have this dance?” He asks and you see the humor sparkling in his eyes even as his gaze is tentative, giving you a chance to change your mind, back out. You nod, suddenly shy, placing your hand in his and he helps you up.

Despite your long period of retirement, muscle memory takes over and you’re steady on your feet as you follow Bradley to the edge of the rink. He steps onto the ice and turns to look at you expectantly, hand in yours squeezing gently. “You ready, Honey?” You weren’t sure until now but now you know that you are and you nod.

“I’m ready, Bear.” Your breath shakes as you place your skate on the ice and you feel a shock go through your entire body. Bradley’s your steady anchor as your other foot follows and you let go of a breath that you’ve been holding since that day eight years ago. Your breathing is ragged as Bradley takes a step back, pushing off with his skate, leaving you room to follow, gloved hand still clasped in his. You step forward then, pushing off and a broken sound leaves your lips as you glide across the ice behind Bradley. After that first step, you feel like a weight has lifted from your chest and the two of you make a round around the rink, you following after Bradley as he leads you forward. You’re not sure when the tears started falling but the cold air makes them pinch your cheeks with cold. After the first loop, Bradley comes to a stop, turning to face you and you see his eyes soften as he takes in your expression. “Thank you,” you croak, skating up to him and throwing your arms around his neck. “Thank you, Bear.” He holds you just as tight.

“Thank you, Honey, for trusting me.” You sigh as he holds you, letting your tears fall as you mourn. Not only for your mother but for yourself, for everything you used to be and everything you could have been. You don’t regret your choices, though, because they brought you to him, to Bradley. No amount of fame or Olympic medals could compare to the feeling of being in his arms at that very moment.

When you finally break apart, Bradley’s voice is cautious as he asks, “Can I see? Just a little bit and only if you’re comfortable, but I’d love to see you skate.” Your heart warms as you regard him.

“You never looked it up?” You ask, slightly surprised. “I’m sure there are videos out there.” He shakes his head.

“I wanted you to share it with me when you were ready.” He says and you fall in love with him a little bit more in that moment.

“Okay,” you say shyly and he smiles.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” you nod. “Fair warning, I’m probably rusty.”

“I wouldn’t know,” he says with a shrug and you smile at that. You glance at the rink again, trying to figure out what to show him. “Do you need music?” Bradley asks then and you look back at him, considering his question.

“It would be nice, but it’s not like we have access to the speakers.” He holds up a finger, skating back to the edge of the rink where he left his backpack. He pulls out a Bluetooth speaker and you let out a bark of surprised laughter as he comes back holding it. “You really thought of everything, didn’t you?” You ask, surprised as he hands you his phone. You pause with your finger over the search bar, considering what you want to skate to. You haven’t skated in a long time so you’re not about to try anything too intense so a slower song would probably be better. Then a memory surfaces and your fingers fly over the keyboard, typing in a name and then you hand the phone back to Bradley. You skate to the center of the ice as the first notes of the violin come through the speaker.

The song is one from a video that you and your mother used to watch when you were little based on a book you used to love. You were mesmerized by the way the music matched the colors and images in the video so perfectly. This was back when your mother was still competing here and there and she’d surprised you by preparing a routine to the song in the video. You’d watched her skate, mesmerized by how well she captured the essence of the song through her movements, and when you’d been old enough to start making up your routines, it was the first song that you ever choreographed. It was a surprise for your mom’s birthday and you remember her watching you skate it for the first time, tears in your eyes. Tonight you carried her with you as you skated to the song, your movements a combination of her routine and yours. Your skates glide effortlessly across the ice, memory and perhaps your mother’s spirit guiding your movements as you take each spin and turn. When the violin finally comes to an end, you stand, breath coming out in sharp puffs in the cold air as you glance at Bradley to see his eyes shining with tears that cascade down his cheeks. You skate over to join him and he almost drops the speaker as he pulls you into his arms.

“That was beautiful, Honey, it was perfect.”

“It’s one of my mom’s and my favorites. I thought she might like to see it again,” you say and he nods tearily.

“She must be so proud of you,” He says, cupping your cheek with his large palm. “I know I am.” Your eyes well with tears at that and you take Bradley’s hands in yours.

“Skate with me?” You ask him and he goes easily, tucking the Bluetooth speaker in his pocket as he selects another song and the two of you move across the ice in a brand new dance, and you swear you can feel your mom there with you.

***

It’s after three when the two of you finally wrap up, the cold starting to get to you and Bradley rubs your arms to warm you up as the two of you pack up your stuff. You pause then, realizing exactly what the two of you have been doing. “Oh my gosh, Bradley are we trespassing?” He chuckles then, ruffling your hair gently.

“Nope, turns out one of the guys on staff is a Flyers fan.” Your eyes are wide as you gape up at him. “So not only do we have the rink to ourselves, but we’re not breaking any laws.” He grins at you, “I know how much of a stickler for the rules you are,” he teases and you scowl up at him.

“It’s my job to be a stickler, I’ll have you know. I’m sorry I don’t want to have to bail you out of jail with money I decidedly don’t have.” Bradley’s eyes soften at that.

“Well, we can’t have that, now can we.” He says and you roll your eyes, huffing. He wraps his arms around you, pulling you close. You squirm in his grip, still pouting but he lays a smacking kiss to the top of your head.

***

Snow once again flurries outside the window of the hotel, teasing the possibility of a white Christmas as Javy crows from where he’s perched on the table across the room. You hide your fond smile behind your drink, eyes following your friends from where you’re standing by the window. Just a few hours ago, the boys edged out the New York Rangers at the last possible moment, keeping the game from going into overtime, and now they’re celebrating not only the win but the upcoming Christmas holiday. Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve and tomorrow morning you’re headed back to San Diego. You’re full of hope and excited to spend your first Christmas with Bradley. Since you were in Jacksonville before San Diego, the lack of a white Christmas doesn’t seem to bother you, but you know it’s been a point of minor inconvenience for Bradley who’s used to a traditionally cold winter and by extension, Christmas and the idea of the weather being perfect for a day on the beach is upsetting. Maybe next year, the two of you can spend Christmas in Virginia Beach, or even visit his friends in Philly. You’re not picky about where you are. Most years you’ve shelled out for a grossly outrageous priced ticket to wherever Mickey is or he comes to you. This year he’s just across town instead of across the country and you can’t help but be reminded of your college days when the two of you trudged through the Wisconsin snow to the Christmas tree farm and lugged a fresh tree to your apartment, filling the space with the scent of the holidays as you slowly started to heal from your mother’s loss.

“Hey Honey,” Bradley’s low timbre brings you back to the present as he comes to stand next to you, wrapping an arm around your waist and pressing a kiss to your temple. “You okay?” You smile and nod.

“Just thinking about Christmas,” you admit and he smiles at that.

“Any big plans?” He asks, and you giggle.

“Not to beat a very cliche horse, but all I want for Christmas is you,” you whisper and he leans in, lips ghosting over yours.

“Well you already have me, so you’re going to have to choose something else.” He says with a fond smile as he brushes his nose against yours. You pout up at him playfully and he chuckles, but you watch unease dance in his brown eyes, slipping in between the joy like storm clouds over a sunny sky.

“What is it, Bear?” You ask, reaching up to cup his cheek, fingers brushing the stubble there.

“I know… I know we haven’t talked about this,” he starts and your brow furrows in confusion at his nervousness. He swallows hard before he continues. “And I know it may not be what you want, and you may not be ready yet, and it’s fine if you aren’t. You set the pace, Honey, rules or no.” You nod, encouraging him to get to the point as you struggle to keep your mounting anxiety off your face. He reaches into his pocket, before taking your hand in his and pressing a key fob into it. You glance down, examining the car keys curiously before looking back up at him, still confused. “Bridgeport is only two hours from here,” he says and everything falls into place as your throat dries in shock. You haven’t been home in eight years, not since the funeral. You hadn’t even spoken to your father in years until Thanksgiving and now you call him here and there as you slowly begin the process of letting him back into your life. “I’m not saying you have to go home, because that may not even be home for you anymore and that’s okay,” Bradley says softly, voice still tentative like you’re a horse he’s afraid to spook. “But if you’re ready, I want to be there for you, to support you. And if you’re not, then we don’t have to do this. Philly is three hours in the opposite direction, and we’re always welcome at Lucas’s place.” He’s thought of everything, offering you an out like this without the guilt that comes with refusing the rental car.

“What about the team? We’re supposed to go home tomorrow morning, and it’s already so late,” you glance out the window at the night sky.

“I talked to Dare about it and cleared it with her. We can stay as long as we make it back to San Diego in time for our next game after the break.” You consider his words carefully. It’ll be the first year in ages that you haven’t been with Mickey for Christmas but as much as Mickey is your family, so is Bradley. Your family is expanding and you’re ready to welcome him in. And you really do want to let Bradley in. Your heart has been so light today since skating with him last night and all you can think of is how much he’s opened up to you. You owe it to him even if he insists on waiting until you’re comfortable. You’ve waited long enough.

“What if we did both?” You ask tentatively. “We could go to Bridgeport,” you hesitate before continuing, “see my dad, and then we could go to Philly and see your family.” You watch Bradley’s eyes widen in surprise. “I know it’s a lot of driving,” you stammer out, anxiety gripping your heart at the inconvenience this is going to cause, “and it’s the holidays so there’ll be a lot of traffic, but-“

“No buts, let’s do it.” Bradley cuts you off and you look up at him, surprised. “It’ll be perfect,” he assures you. “If you’re really worried about it, we can get started tonight, get out of here early. The car’s downstairs.” You hesitate, looking over at the rest of your team, your own little family as they celebrate together. You make eye contact with Jake where he has his arm around Bugs watching Javy make a fool of himself. He seems to look between the two of you before he detaches himself from Bugs and heads over to where you’re standing on the other side of the room.

“You two heading out?” he asks and Bradley nods, a look of understanding passing between the two men and you look between them, surprised. “Well then be safe and Merry Christmas,” he says with a warm smile before pulling you in for a hug that you return. He hugs Bradley next and your heart warms at the sight. You turn to Bradley when Jake’s out of sight, smiling up at him.

“You told Jake.” It’s not a question. Bradley nods.

“I felt like I should clear it with the captain.” You smile to yourself at the words left unsaid. “Should we go?” You nod and Bradley leads you across the room. You pause to say goodbye to your friends, finally stopping in front of Mickey.

“Are you sure you’re ready? He’s not pressuring you is he?” Mickey asks instantly which tells you that Bradley’s informed him of your plans as well. You shake your head hugging him.

“I know we usually spend Christmas together and I’m going to miss you, but Bradley’s a part of my family now too and I need to do this, with him.” Mickey nods, eyes full of unspoken understanding.

“Merry Christmas, Zam.” He says and as you leave the room, your eyes are damp with unshed tears.

***

Bradley loads the bags in the car and you find yourself once again lulled by the movement of the car and the familiar background of the 80s station on the radio as you fall asleep as he drives. You wake when the car comes to a stop and you blink as your eyes adjust to the street lights. You gasp softly as you peer through the falling snow to look at your childhood home. A wave of emotion washes over you and you feel Bradley’s hand slide into yours. Your eyes are wet as you tentatively open the car door, stepping out into the snow. It falls over you, making the scene before you feel like a dream as you walk up the path to the front door. There are tarps over the plants that usually line the front walk, but you recognize the familiar shape of your mother’s hydrangea bushes and the iris beds that are a burst of violet and blue in the spring announcing her presence in the front of the house the way that her wild laughter used to fill the halls. You linger by the door, taking in the lace curtains in the window that belonged to your mother’s mother. Everything is as you remember it, as if you never left, and you’re almost convinced that if you ring the doorbell, she’ll come running to the door, wrapped in her deep lavender robe and sliding down the hall in her hurry with only one slipper on and her fuzzy socks on full display, hair that matches your own sticking up every which way from sleep. You hear Bradley come up behind you, suitcases in tow. He lays a hand on your shoulder comfortingly and you reach up to take it in yours, lacing the digits as yours tremble with nerves. It’s the middle of the night after all, and you’re turning up completely unannounced after eight years. You fight down the nerves threatening your resolve, reaching a shaking hand to press the doorbell. You hear the faint but familiar chime echo through the house beyond and you shift anxiously as the house remains silent in its wake until you watch lights flick on, announcing your father’s imminent arrival. Your breath catches you spy his familiar silhouette through the curtains, sticking in your throat as the deadbolt turns and then the door swings open, creaking on its hinges as the veil between your two lives tears in two as you take in the sight of your father.

Your heart aches as you realize that he’s aged. His hair is fully gray now, sticking up from sleep, new glasses perched on his nose, and crinkles gracing his skin, joining the laugh lines that had always been deep and your mother’s pride and joy. He’s still wrapped in the same worn plaid robe, with the same pair of shabby brown slippers, a familiar hole still exposing his big toe to the cold winter air that races past him to explore the warmth of the house. You’re not sure what to say as your tears escape down your cheeks, running for him in the way you ache to. You hadn’t thought this far ahead. You’re saved from having to say anything, however, as your dad exclaims your name and lunges forward, slippers slapping against the brick of the porch as he wraps you in his arms and you shatter at the familiar touch. His arms are just as strong as they’ve always been. He still smells of aftershave and the cologne that your mother loved. He’d been wearing it the day he met her and has been wearing it ever since. Sobs wrack your body but he holds you all the same. You’re not sure how long the two of you stand there until he pulls away, cupping your cheeks.

“Sweetheart, what brings you here?” He asks, awe in his voice as he convinces himself that this is real and you’re really here.

You shrug softly, “Merry Christmas?” You laugh nervously and his laugh joins, booming and filling the silent night. Your mother always said her favorite thing about him was his laugh and you understand as you take in the man that raised you, that loved both you and your mother, always content to stand aside while his girls shone. It’s in the details you remind yourself of. Keeping up your grandmother’s curtains, keeping his worn robe and slippers that he could more than afford to replace. Tending your mother’s flowers, that she loved so much but never planted. He planted them for her and tended to them every year knowing how much they made her smile. When you came along, sunflowers lined the backyard, knowing how much you loved them. He used to say he was the baby’s breath in the bouquet of your mother’s irises and your sunflowers but now you think he’s wrong. He’s a sunflower, always turned towards the sun that was your mother, content to bask in her warmth and you can’t help but be reminded of the way Bradley loves you. Love in the quiet, resolute, and strong to support the wild and whimsical you and your mother brought to your respective relationships.

“Well then, come inside, come inside. I’ll get the beds all made up.” He shoos you inside before turning to Bradley, eyes sparkling with amusement. “You must be Bradley. I’ve heard so much about you.” You reach your hand out for Bradley and he takes it as you lead him into your past.

***

The cemetery is quiet in the afternoon air. It’s Christmas Eve and most of the town is busy celebrating amongst the living, the dead treasured in the safety of their hearts. You and Bradley are among the few that wander along the rows. In your hands are clutched a bouquet of irises from your father’s personal collection that he manages to keep alive year-round in a sunroom he’s had built since you were last home. The only change to the house in the last eight years and even though she’d never been in the room, it feels like it’s all hers. You stop in front of the headstone, fumbling to free your hands before Bradley beats you to it, dusting off the snow that covers the top.

“Hello Katarina, it’s nice to finally meet you,” Bradley says, still squatting in front of the headstone so it’s at eye-level for him. “I’ve learned so much about you in the past few months and even more in the past twenty-four hours, and I feel like really I’ve met you. Thank you for raising such an incredible daughter, I’ve heard she’s just like you and if that’s true I think we would have gotten along just great. I’m going to take care of her for you, so you don’t have to worry about her as much. She’s safe with me.” Tears track down your cheeks as he reaches out to take your hand and he stands back up. He takes the flowers from you and lays them on the snow at the base of her headstone. He wraps you in his arms then, standing behind you as you choose your words carefully.

“Hi, Mom. I miss you so much, that much hasn’t changed. But it hurts less now, I feel less alone and I think you know why. Thank you for sending me Bradley, all three of you.” You feel Bradley’s arms tighten around you at the words. “He takes such good care of me, you’d love him as much as I do.” You smile softly before adding, “He reminds me of Dad. I know you probably think so too. I know why you married him.” Bradley’s breath catches behind you. “He feels like home to me too.” You relax into his hold. “And home is so much better than any adventure, don’t you think, Mom?” Your voice is teary as you finish and the two of you linger a little longer until Bradley leads you back to the car.

As the two of you drive in comfortable silence you notice Bradley take a wrong turn. “Wait, Bradley, that’s not-”

“We’re not going back quite yet, Honey.��� He says and your heart flutters as you recognize where he’s going.

The sand slides under your boots as the two of you make your way to the water’s edge. Bradley squats down, pulling off his gloves and tucking them into his pocket as he starts to mold the damp sand at the shore as the waves pull away. You start searching for some small sticks and pebbles. The sandman watches over the freezing ocean as the two of you stand and watch as well.

“I know it’s early, but I wanted to give you your present,” Bradley says, breaking the silence as he digs into his pocket and you smile at him, reaching into your own.

“Looks like great minds think alike,” you say with a smile as pull out a small wrapped package from your pocket.

He chuckles, “Well me first, I must insist.” You grin, sliding the package back into your pocket as Bradley hands you the package. You unwrap it to reveal a simple black box. You raise an eyebrow at him as you open it and your breath catches as your eyes fall on the simple necklace with a bumblebee charm. “I adopted a honeybee,” he explains. “I named her Zam.” He says with a fond smile and your eyes water all over again. “When I was angry my mom always used to say ‘You catch more bees with honey than vinegar,’ and well,” he cups your cheek gently. “I caught myself some Honey,” you let out a watery laugh.

“Oh Bear, it’s perfect!” You exclaim before turning around and looking back over your shoulder at him, handing him the slim silver chain. “Put it on me?” He takes the necklace from you, sweeping your short locks away from your neck, and clasps it around your neck, the bee laying on your collarbone. You turn back to face him, beaming. “How do I look?” You ask and his eyes are full of love.

“You look like everything I’ve ever wanted, Honey.” Your cheeks heat at the compliment and you wrap your arms around his neck, kissing him deeply.

“Thank you, Bradley.” You whisper against his lips as you pull away, digging in your pocket for his gift. You hand him the wrapped bundle and bounce on the balls of your feet as he unwraps it. He looks up at you, surprised, as he regards the gift in his hands. It’s a snow globe, a simple tourist tchotchke holding the Philadelphia skyline. “So you always have a piece of your old home in your new one.” You explain and you watch his eyes soften. “I know it’s not much,” he cuts you off.

“It’s perfect. Plus, you went ice skating with me and brought me to meet your parents. There’s nothing small about that.” He examines the snow globe, a fond look in his eyes. “I love it.” He pulls you close, nuzzling your nose with his as he places playful kisses on your face. “Now let’s get you out of this cold weather.” You giggle as he swings you into his arms and carries you back to the car. Snow starts falling as you walk and you can’t help but feel like you’re in a little snowglobe. You’re wrapped up in snow and love and everything feels perfect. It truly is a merry Christmas.

A/N: The song Zam skates to and the accompanying video is actually from my own childhood and a personal favorite that both I and my mom love so it felt extra special to be able to include that as a part of the story. If you want more information about Bradley’s Gift to Zam, it’s a real necklace from a real project that’s working to save the bees! You can get more information in my post, here!