#fluffy christmas fic

[topsyturvy-turtely]

winter & christmas fluff by turtely

❄️❄️❄️

Snowflakes

(686w, General Audience, fluff!)

Summary:

The contrast of Sherlock's dark curls and the white snowflakes was beautiful. John's gaze fell onto Sherlock's cheekbones. A snowflake has landed there and slowly started melting at the edges.

Even if John would have wanted to, he could not have looked away.

🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

John's Lover, Santa

(4004w, General Audience, AU: Sherlock is Santa Claus, Fluff and Crack, Crack treated seriously)

Based on this norwegian ad (more info in the notes on ao3)

Summary:

A half naked, half asleep John Watson spies a young, slim, black haired Santa.

A busy, grumpy Santa catches eyes of a rather nice looking naked torso with an even better looking face.

Santa winks and John is left behind, stunned. Will they ever meet again?

---

i would like to add this second fic to @helloliriels crack fic competition. i wrote it last year and published it on wattpad but only today realized this is very much crack, haha xD

tags under the cut <3

tag list! (tell me if you wanna be added or removed💚) @catlock-holmes @justanobsessedpan @fluffbyday-smutbynight @inevitably-johnlocked @hisfavouritejumper @rhasima @forfucksakejohn @ohlooktheresabee @turbulenttrouble @7arantellgrrl @ssmeowl123 @so-youre-unattached-like-me @totallysilvergirl @peanitbear @train-mossman @loki-lock @smulderscobie @timberva @grace-in-the-wilderness @chinike @pansherlock @the-smol-bean-libby-blog @jawnn-watson @whatnext2020 @escapingthereality @missdeliadili @kettykika78 @musingsofmyown @7-percent @speedymoviesbyscience @astudyin221b @francj15 @almosttinycowboy @ladylindaaa @we-r-loonies @mxster-jocale @sherlockcorner @noahspector @our-stars-graveside @jobooksncoffee

[moo-blogging]

A Christmas treat to all my beloved readers: Levi and your daughter.

When your daughter was born, Levi was scared that his missing fingers and scarred face would scare your daughter away. He would always sit at the side of your bed, watching with such dovey eyes but never offered to hold the baby.

You kept encouraging him. You made him hold the baby. And you would spend hours pumping your breast milk just so Levi could feed the baby.

"It's the same, love," Levi would say as he bounced the crying baby in his arms, "just let her drink from you."

"Levi, it's not the same," pouring your warm milk into the feeding bottle, "baby needs her papa to hold her too. It's father and daughter bonding time."

It always warmed your heart when you watched Levi feeding the baby. He had a way with your daughter. The way he held her and the bottle at the right angle, the baby would instantly quiet down and suck in the milk. Her chubby fingers looked to small against Levi's rough ones.

After Levi had burped her, she loved to grab Levi's thumb. Whenever Levi wringgled his thumb, the baby would laugh. And Levi's eyes would soften. His lips would curved upwards.

.

When your baby grew into a toddler, you both had trouble keeping up with her wobbly legs and quick hands. She would run to anywhere and grab anything within reach. After discussions with Levi, it was decided that Levi would be on the floor with your daughter to keep an eye on her. Levi could not walk, but he could move around on the floor and he could react fast enough to grab your daughter who was always running towards the kitchen when you were cooking. Levi spent a lot of time with your active toddler, keeping her within the safe zone and playing toys with her.

Sometimes, you would walk into the exhausted father-daughter duo who was asleep on the floor. Levi sleeping on his side and your toddler slept like a starfish. Love looked like chaos and peace in your house.

.

Levi had never been to school and he felt more nervous than your little daughter in her new red and white uniform. He thought of all the worst things that could happen and had asked your daughter multiple times if she'll be okay in school.

Your daughter, excited to meet new friends, kept reassuring him half heartedly as she wore her little black boots. "I'll tell the teachers if someone picks on me."

"And what if the teachers don't do anything?" Levi passed her her little yellow school bag.

"I'll punch him in the face and come home." Your daughter gave him a thumbs up.

Levi smiled lovingly, "and I'll make sure you'll be alright."

You, who were heavily pregnant with your second kid, stood by the door. "Are you okay going to school alone on your first day?" You asked your daughter.

Your daughter, slinging her bottle over the shoulder nodded, "dada walked me there for 100 times!"

Levi had been walking your daughter to school as a practice because you couldn't walk long distance with your swollen belly. Levi could only do it when the road was less crowded because his wheelchair couldn't pass by. But worry not, Levi had set Falco and Gabi on the way in disguise to watch over your little girl.

But when the door closed, and your daughter set off to her school without looking back, Levi shed a tear.

"I swear she was just a little kitten in my arms yesterday. And now she's skipping to school."

You pulled Levi in, and kissed the top of his head. "You'll forever be her dada, Levi. She loves you."

[0and0its0doctor0]

Somewhere I belong

Aaron Hotchner x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Alcohol and Fluff

Summary: Aaron has a little liquid courage and breaks the rules.

Word count: 598

Prompt: "I think you're bluffing." "Am I?"

This is for the CM Office Party Challange for @imagining-in-the-margins

Things have not been going well for me lately and I know it's been quite a while since I have posted something. I hope you all enjoy this and have happy holidays.

A loud laugh slipped past your painted blood red lips as you looked around the table and down at the shot glass in your hand. The whole team was present and the more time you spent together the more you felt like you belonged on the team. You had just had your year review and you passed with flying colors thankfully. “Alright. Everyone ready?” Derek asked as everyone at the table nodded. There was laughter and giggles as the shot was tossed back. You were starting to feel your head get a little fuzzy and decided maybe it was time to take a little break. “I’ll be right back. Gonna get some fresh air.”

You stood up and smoothed down your tight gold dress that left little to the imagination and hoped to God that you didn’t trip while wearing heels. You hated wearing them but none of your tactical boots went with the dress unfortunately. You let out a breath you didn’t know you had been holding when you made it to the outside patio area of the ballroom where the FBI Christmas party was being held. There were less people outside because it was extremely cold and you felt a chill start to run up your spine because you didn’t bring a jacket. The cold air was kind of a relief though. It helped clear your head from the multiple shots you had just taken.

You jumped when you felt a hand on your lower back and turned around so fast you lost your footing. Two large hands wrapped around your waist to keep you upright and you looked up to see Aaron standing there holding you up. Your mouth suddenly went dry and you were pretty confident your heart skipped a beat. “You good?” He questioned as you stood up straight and nodded. There was a moment of silence where you both stared into each other’s eyes, you were still in his arms as he reached a hand up and lightly brushed a curl out of your face and tucked it behind your ear. His hand cupped your cheek and you leaned into the touch. His thumb brushed along your cheek bone and you felt like your legs were going to give out.

“I’m not quite sure when I am going to have the confidence to do this again. And it’s highly inappropriate. But sometimes you find someone worth breaking the rules for.” He was starting to ramble, and you felt your cheeks start to heat up and turn red. “I have very…strong feelings for you.” As the words left his mouth you were sure your heart stopped beating. His fingertips traced from your cheek and down the side of your neck. They lightly traced down your arm till he was able to intertwine your fingers with his. “I think you’re bluffing.” You managed to whisper out as you blinked away tears. He smiled and leaned down to capture your lips with his in a passionate kiss. When he pulled away, he grinned. “Am I?” he questioned, and you wrapped your arms tightly around him in a hug. When his arms wrapped around you it felt like all your broken pieces were starting to fit back together. “So should I assume you reciprocate those feelings?” He held you tight and you nodded. “More than you could ever know.” He chuckled and kissed the top of your head.

Emily turned to Derek with a grin. “You owe me 20 bucks!” She said as the rest of the team watched Aaron lean down to kiss you again.

[ashwhowrites]

Eddie Munson x reader, maybe they're best friends and have feelings for each other but they don't confess their feelings. Christmas is near, so reader wants to take to opportunity and make a move, maybe she wears cute but sexy clothes and Eddie's in awe, and when they want to exchange presents reader's like I'm your present or smth like that (basically idiots in love, fluff to smut? Please!!)

Merry Christmas season! I hope this is what you wanted and you enjoy it. Thank you for requesting <3 🎄

His gift

Y/N kept her feelings for Eddie hidden for years. It seemed like there was never a moment where she could tell if Eddie felt the same. She was scared to lose him and wanted the reassurance that he felt the same. But he was impossible to read. He only got excited about music and his campaign. Those were the only two things she could tell he loved.

The Christmas season was bittersweet. She loved the lights, the activities, the music, and the traditions. But she couldn't help but hate how romantic it was. She imagined Eddie and her in every couple that she walked across. She rolled her eyes at the couples skating together and cuddled close to the fire. She wanted that and she wanted it with Eddie.

Eddie was used to girls not looking in his direction and he was used to liking girls way out of his league. When he realized he was in love with his best friend, he knew it would never work. She was too good for him and she would never settle down with a lowlife. She wanted the big house and all the kids. He'd never be that guy who can give that. So he figured he'd never try, that way he'd never get hurt.

Y/N was too scared to admit how she felt until she was seconds away from losing him.

Last night, his band performed in some tiny towns a few miles out. As always, she joined the band to support. But she also got a front row to her nightmares. A tall blonde flirting her way into Eddie's mouth. She felt so much relief when Eddie pushed her aside, but what if he did kiss her? Would he have fallen in love with her? Y/N barely dodged the bullet.

Eddie was already coming over to exchange Christmas gifts, and she decided tonight was the night. She wasn't coming close to losing him again without a fight.

She knew she was testing the waters. She thought of sitting him down and telling him how she felt, but Eddie wasn't good with feelings. He always loved to perform his thoughts and feelings, she was going to do the same. She was going to show her feelings for him in a way he'd understand.

And a way he couldn't ignore.

~~~

She paced in her empty house while she waited for him to arrive. She had the house to herself for the weekend and Eddie offered to stay. She just hoped she wouldn't run him out the door.

He arrived with gifts in one hand and his sleepover bag in the other. A bright smile on his face and a silly Santa hat.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" he cheered, Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at the cheeriness he brought. How could she not fall in love with him?

He sat on her couch, the hat on his head as he held the gift in his lap. He eyed the shortness of her robe as she walked over. He was happy her gift was in his lap and hiding his obvious hardness.

He gulped as she grabbed the gift off his lap, a tiny smirk on her face as she saw the tent in his flannel pajama pants.

"Mr. Claus, I have a fear I'm on the naughty list." She said, planting herself slowly on his lap. She flicked the tiny puff ball at the end of his hat. The awe on Eddie's face caused her to giggle. But then she quickly tried to recover. But Eddie couldn't stop the smile that stretched on his lips.

"And why's that?" He asked, playing along as he slowly rubbed her thighs. His heart was racing and his palms were sweaty. He almost felt like he was having a wet dream and would wake up with a wet spot in his boxers.

But she didn't answer, she looked deep into his eyes as she undid her robe. The material fell off her shoulders and landed softly on the floor. Her hands yanked off his hat.

"Jesus Christ," Eddie said in awe, his voice hidden in the back of his throat. He tried to swallow his spit to get rid of the dryness in his throat. He looked into her eyes before trailing down. His eyes took in her breasts which popped out perfectly in the red bra she wore. Small white fluff material trailed over the top, matching how a Santa suit would look. Underneath the bra, slightly above her stomach was a bow that wrapped all around her. Eddie wanted to yank on it with his teeth and watch her unwrap. Her panties matched the bra.

"Nope, definitely the good list in Mr. Claus book," Eddie said, his heart skipped a few beats as she laughed.

"Shh! You're ruining my material!" She teased, she worried that the whole Christmas gimmick would be mocked. But she couldn't help but love that he was having fun with it. That it wasn't all serious, and they could laugh and smile in the middle of it all.

"Sorry!" Eddie apologized, his hands moving up to her hips. Slowly moving her body against his. He sighed in relief as her body rubbed against his cock inside his pajamas.

"What's the next line?" He choked out, he continued to move her hips, her body following along as she moved on his lap.

"How can I get myself on the good list?" She pouted out her lip and Eddie swore he was that close to creaming his pants.

"I've got many ideas," Eddie whined, his head thrown back as she moved her hips faster. Her lips attach to his neck. Her soft lips marked his neck as she trailed up to his jaw.

As she moved closer to his lips, he moved his head back to its original position. Both stared at each other as her hips froze. She flicked her eyes down to his lips. Her plan was working, but she was terrified to seal the deal. His lips were right there.

But Eddie didn't give her the choice. His hand grabbed the back of her head and brought her lips to his. She moaned the second she felt his lips against hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he wrapped his free arm around her waist. His lips were still attached to hers as he turned them around. Her back was against the couch as he settled on top of her.

He moved his hand that was on her head to hold himself up, making sure not to crush her. Not that she'd notice, she was locked in on his lips and how amazing they felt.

Once they needed air, they pulled away. Eddie panted above her, he felt electricity in his fingertips and his whole body buzzed.

"I've always wanted to do that." Eddie said, a smile on his face.

Y/N tried to say something but her brain melted. She was in awe of the way he looked so handsome on top of her. His lips were red and used. Because of her.

"Mhhm too." She said, her eyes were heavy with lust as she watched him. Eddie backed up a bit, his torso coming into view as he took off his shirt. Y/N felt herself clench her thighs, embarrassment traveling through her body when she realized his knee was between them. A huge smirk on his face as he felt her thighs squeeze his knee.

"May I?" He asked, his fingertips touched the top of her panties. His touch left goosebumps on her skin.

"Please." She whined, her head spinning as he slowly trailed her panties down her legs, throwing them to the floor. He quickly yanked off his pants, he didn't bother to take off his boxers, just taking his cock out.

"Condom?" He panted, his hand slowly pumped himself and Y/N couldn't help but whine at the sight. But she planned for this so she reached behind her, yanking the condom out of the couch cushions. Eddie laughed as she proudly handed it over.

"Planned it all, huh?" He teased, he placed the condom on, hissing as his cock twitched.

"Your present after all. I needed all the materials." She shrugged.

Eddie looked down at her thoughtfully as he pushed her thighs apart.

"Ready?" He asked, his tip slowly rubbing against her clit. He watched as her body twitched and her breathing picked up.

"Since like freshmen year." She admitted no time to be embarrassed to admit it. She wanted him and she got him.

But Eddie didn't judge, his dirty mind thought of her this way at the grade of seventh.

He leaned down and placed his lips on hers. He kissed her softly as he slowly pushed himself inside of her. Her hands gripped his biceps as he pushed himself further in. Her body clenched around him, he continued to kiss her lips. One hand on his cock to help push in and the other rubbed her hip. His thumb rubbed her skin softly. He felt her body relax, giving him the chance to push himself in.

She whined, her lips stopped moving as her body melted into the couch. He moved his lips away but kept his face close to hers. He watched every movement on her face as he thrust inside of her.

The way her eyes scrunched. The way her teeth bit down on her bottom lip. Her nails scratched his bicep as he sped up. She was a sight to see and he prayed no one saw her this way.

"Don't wanna kill the moment," Eddie said through harsh breaths, "but I'm so fucking close already." She felt amazing, looked amazing, smelled amazing and his body couldn't handle it long.

"Clit." She whined, she grabbed his hand, and moved it down to her cunt. Eddie took the hint, rubbing her clit in fast circles as he continued to thrust into her. Her breathing picked up and her moans got louder.

"Gonna!" Eddie warned, and seconds later his cum filled the condom. Y/N whined loudly as she felt the warmness of his cum inside of her. He tried to thrust throughout his orgasm, trying his best to keep thrusting for her pleasure but the sensitivity made him shiver.

"Please cum for me, gorgeous." He pleaded, his fingers still working on her clit as he slipped himself out of her. She whined at the loss of his cock but he was quick to replace it with his fingers.

His fingers worked inside of her, and his thumb rubbed her clit perfectly. He moved his head up to kiss her softly. His lips against hers as he whispered, "I love you"

She wasn't sure if it was the words alone, or the mix of it all together, but in seconds she felt her body snap, and a wonderful feeling washed over her body. Her body shook and her head flung back, Eddie's lips now on her neck.

"That's it, good fucking girl." He praised, his voice deep and low. She gasped as he worked her through her orgasm. It was the best thing she ever felt.

Once she softly smacked his hand, he pulled away. His eyes took in her cunt, the way it was soaked and pulsing.

He removed the condom, tying the top as he chucked it in the trash nearby. A mental note to throw out before her dad found it and murdered him.

He moved his eyes back to her, her eyes closed as tried to move. Eddie softly lay next to her, his arms wrapped around her.

"The best gift ever," Eddie said, a soft kiss on her shoulder as she giggled.

"I love you too." She said against his naked chest.

Y/N would like to see a girl try to hit on him now.

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @somethingvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @manyfandomsfanvergentreblogs @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @stusdollface93 @gretavankleep37

[fanficshiddles]

Silly Traditions, One Shot

Summary: Loki thinks Christmas is ridiculous and a waste of time. Until you surprise him with a gift, then he finds that perhaps it's not all that bad after all.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful time. x

-

Loki rolled his eyes from the corner of the room as the Avengers team all began sharing presents between one another. Minus Thor, who had gone back to Asgard for a few days without Loki, as he was in exile so couldn’t return to Asgard yet.

Loki thought that Thor likely would have been the only one to gift him something on this tedious mortal holiday, since he always tried to include him. The team didn’t trust him yet, and he couldn’t really blame them after what he did in New York. Though he was trying, but his mischievous streak kept peeking out, which didn’t help matters much. Even if he meant no harm really, he just enjoyed mischief too much.

While he was beginning to adjust to living in the compound, he hadn’t really warmed up to any of the team yet. Although there was one person he found himself often leaning towards, that he had a soft spot for, who didn’t cringe or seem to be irritated by his mere presence… You.

You’d been living with the team for about a year, so knew them all pretty well by now. Of course, what Loki did was bad, and at first you had been a bit scared of him when he first arrived four months ago as punishment from Odin, to make amends. Though as time went on, you found yourself laughing along at his mischievous antics, you even managed to get some decent conversation out of him. You were the only one, aside from Thor, that included him wherever possible.

What had helped him get into your good books rather quickly was when your cat, Mittens, was stuck up a tree just a few weeks after he’d arrived, you were frantic with worry but the rest of the team were more dog people and said that the cat would get down on her own. You knew your cat though, she was well and truly stuck and she was too high up for you to reach her. Loki had been the only one that helped, he levitated up and carefully brought your precious darling back down into your arms.

You’d been so grateful for that, and Mittens took a shine to Loki straight away too. You often found Loki sitting in the library with Mittens on his lap while he read a book, though you’d made sure to stay hidden as your heart melted at the sight.

Loki couldn’t deal with watching more of the sight of people gushing over such stupid gifts, so he made his way towards the door to go elsewhere. Though he stopped in his tracks when he heard footsteps rushing towards him and he heard you call out his name.

‘Loki!’

He turned slowly towards you, noticing your cheeks were a little flushed as you shifted nervously on front of him.

‘Merry Christmas, Loki.’ You said as you held up a present towards him.

Loki raised his eyebrows in surprise. ‘You got me a gift?’ He couldn’t hide the surprise in his voice, though he really wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

‘Of course. It’s from me and Mittens.’ You smiled brightly up at him.

For the first time in a long time, he felt his heart melt a little at the fact someone else had thought about him in such a way, perhaps not all mortals were so bad after all... Though as he began peeling open the wrapping paper, he shook the thought from his head, it would no doubt be something stupid and meaningless, something that would just get re-gifted or left in the bottom of the cupboard somewhere…

He completely regretted thinking what he did when the present was revealed to him, becoming utterly speechless for once in his life.

‘I… can’t believe you got this for me.’ He gasped out as he lifted up the beautiful personalised dagger. It had an emerald handle with his name carved into it.

‘Do you like it?’ You asked, uncertain, because he was quite difficult to read, though he did seem surprised you weren’t sure if it was a good surprise or a bad one.

‘I love it. I can’t thank you enough.’ He then had a genuine smile, one of the most genuine smiles on him you’d seen.

‘I’m so glad you like it… Though I have to admit, I did get some help from Thor. I don’t really know you that well, but wanted to make sure I got you something that you’d actually use or like. Not something that would just be shoved in a drawer and forgotten somewhere.’ You admitted, still blushing a little.

Loki tilted his head slightly and let out a small chuckle, he was incredibly warmed at the gift and didn’t really know how to react.

‘It is not often that someone can make me so speechless. I am really grateful for this gift, thank you. Truly.’ He picked up your hand and kissed the back of it, making your blush worsen as you felt your skin tingling from his lips.

You were called back by the others, but not before asking Loki a question. ‘Are you joining the Christmas party tonight?’

Loki scrunched his nose up a little. ‘I wasn’t planning to.’

‘Oh, ok…’ You tried not to sound too disappointed, you knew he wasn’t overly fond of things like that.

‘Although… I regret that I do not have a gift for you in return. So, if my presence would make up for that, and perhaps a dance, then I will consider joining?’ Loki asked with a charming smile, his heart quickened slightly at the way your face lit up entirely from his words.

‘It certainly would make up for it.’ You smirked at him.

Loki found himself grinning right back at you. What on earth was coming over him? He mentally face-palmed himself as he retreated from the room.

He found he was a little obsessed with his gift from you. It was perfect for him, and with the personal touch… he just couldn’t believe it.

-

You joined the Christmas party that night, you’d picked out a nice green sequin dress. So looked nice and Christmassy as the lights glistened off all the sequins. As usual for parties, Tony had gone all out. Especially with it being a Christmas party, so there were decorations everywhere. A DJ and plenty of alcohol.

After a few drinks, you felt the disappointment hit you slightly as there was no sign of Loki. You figured he would decide against coming, but you didn’t take it to heart really, as you knew this wasn’t his style. He’d made it clear in the weeks leading up to Christmas that he thought it was a load of rubbish, a pointless holiday with stupid traditions.

Though as you were enjoying your third cocktail, you felt a tingle run down your spine when you heard a smooth, warm voice from behind you call your name. Turning around, you couldn’t hide the big smile that spread across your face as you gazed up at Loki.

He was wearing a black suit with a green and white striped tie. You always thought him handsome, but you found yourself struggling to form any proper thoughts right now.

‘Loki… I’m so glad you decided to come.’ You eventually managed to blurt out under his heated gaze.

‘Is this Christmassy enough, do you think?’ He smirked and motioned to his tie.

‘It’s perfect.’ You giggled a little.

‘I must say, you look beautiful… Especially in that colour.’ He said as he eyed you up and down.

‘Thank you, Loki.’

Your heart was racing just with him being here. You did have a crush on him, and had done for a little while. You thought he would never reciprocate that crush, since he was a God after all. Though you would certainly enjoy whatever you got from tonight when he asked for your hand to dance.

It was a Christmas song that was playing, so it was a fun dance. Loki spun you about and he seemed to actually be enjoying himself. He liked the way you laughed as he twirled you and the way you blushed hard when he slipped his arm around your waist to bring you in close to him.

Even though Loki was the God of mischief and lies, he would be lying to himself if he said he didn’t care about you… and if he said he didn’t find you beautiful. He was beginning to think that perhaps you felt something for him, with giving him such a thoughtful gift and the way you kept blushing around him, plus wearing his colours tonight. So he decided it was now or never to try and make a move.

He swiftly danced you towards the side of the room, even though no one was really paying any attention to the two of you anyway. You wondered what he was up to, but didn’t think much of it.

Until, that was, there was a distinct tingle of magic in the air, you could feel it on your skin as goosebumps rose on your arms and neck. Loki had that usual mischievous glint in his eyes whenever he was up to something, he looked up and stopped dancing.

‘Oh my, look what we’ve landed underneath.’ He mocked a gasp.

You looked up and laughed, there was mistletoe hanging right above the two of you. It was surrounded by a very light green haze, Loki’s signature mark.

‘Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t it tradition for whoever ends up under the mistletoe to… kiss?’ He asked cheekily as he looked back at you with a smirk.

If he thought you were blushing earlier, you certainly were now. Your entire face was on fire as you nodded. ‘It uh… it is.’

‘Well, I wouldn’t want to be the one to break a Christmas tradition… may I?’ Loki asked as he stroked your cheek so softly.

As if you need to ask! You thought as you nodded, a bit over eagerly.

He slid his hand down to your chin, holding you in place as he dipped his head down towards you. You reached up on your tiptoes to meet him halfway as you closed your eyes, when your lips touched you both forgot about everyone else around you, nothing else mattered in that moment but the two of you.

Loki deepened the kiss for a moment, surprising but delighting you. You were on cloud nine.

When you both broke the kiss after a little while, you were glad to see that you weren’t the only one with red cheeks. Loki’s had a hint of red, too.

Loki chuckled and trailed his fingers against your cheek, then he tucked some of your hair behind your ear. ‘Well… perhaps some of your silly mortal traditions aren’t all that bad after all. I especially like this mistletoe tradition.’ He smiled widely at you.

‘Yeah… I think it’s my favourite too.’ You smiled just as widely back at him.

[chamomiletealeaf]

❄️ Baby It's Cold Outside ❄️

When you, a barista at a cozy coffee shop is on the closing shift, a familiar face walks in just as you’re about to get badly snowed in from an unexpected snow storm, leaving you with no choice but to stay the night, a café couch, and the company of Simon Riley.

wc: 4,184

a/n: So sorry this took so long ugh! So much has been happening recently with my birthday last week, Christmas, and some mental health issues. But! I'm doing better! And writing always helps. This was super fun to write and I hope you all enjoy! Happy Holidays everyone! <3

Warnings: None! Avoid reading if you don't want to be smothered with super adorable fluffiness.

“Tonight’s forecast will be a high of 35 and a low of 20. Expect up to five inches of snow tonight. Stay safe, and stay warm. Happy Holidays!” The weather woman on the TV cheerily smiled as she gave the weather report. You listened to the TV as you wiped down a tiny circular table the only two customers just got up from in the little coffee shop you worked in, desperately trying to scrub away a dried coffee stain left due to the lack of a coaster used despite it being provided at the table. 

*spritz spritz*

You spray the table again, sighing as you finally wipe away the chestnut colored ring stain. Five inches of snow tonight meaning less customers, or at least you hoped. You loved your job, but man were you tired. It was a holiday weekend after all. You’ve been working at the little coffee shop on the corner of the city for what seemed like ages now. You enjoyed the ambiance of the place. How comforting and cozy it was no matter what time of year, the warmness of the fairy lights illuminating the room, the ring of the bell above the door when people walk in, the quiet chatter of customers enjoying a little break in their day, the soft clanks of dishes and cups being placed down or picked up, and the slight buzz of the coffee machines whirring. It all became something so familiar to you. Comforting in a way. Sure there was always the occasional rude customer that sometimes made you want to cry in the break room or burst out laughing with your coworkers in the back, but that made your job all the more interesting. What made up for it was the amount of good customers you had. Super kind regulars who always tipped well and shared their lives with you, some even inviting you places with the group they were with. 

But your favorite customer was quite the opposite of the other chatty regulars. You only ever saw him a few months at a time, and you never caught his name, but you always recognized him and remembered his order, always patiently awaiting his return. He was a big, tall man. Intimidating even, with light blonde hair that was always a bit messy as if he had just pulled a hat or mask off. You noticed the slightest sliver of tattooed skin on his left forearm when he would reach over to hand you a tip or to pick up the Earl Grey tea he always got with just a little bit of vanilla creamer in it. You always tried to make his orders look pretty to brighten his day, and for him to know it was special from you, so you always put whatever mini flower from the plants in the café you took such good care of in it. You hoped he would notice that his tea was the only one with the little purple flower in it. He only said a few words but tipped very well and would wait his turn to be served by you which you always thought was strange, since other baristas' lines were free. He never shared anything about himself other than small talk you would make with him, but he seemed happy to engage in your conversations due to the slight upturn of his lips when he listened to you talk. He was stealthy and quiet, like a lone wolf keeping distance from other animals, and the way he lurks in the shadows, observing like a ghost. His tired, soft, sweet, honey brown eyes never left yours as you spoke and you swore you could find the faintest hint of relief, no, comfort in them when he listened to ramble. You sometimes got lost in the way his light brown freckles on his nose, cheeks, and around his eyes looked like constellations and you wondered if any of them actually matched any. I mean, he did look like he was sent from the heavens above where the stars lived anyway. He was just that gorgeous. You wouldn’t be surprised if he was a speck of stardust turned into a human, with him being so pretty and all. He was kind of like a shooting star too. If you look away for a second, you might miss him. But if you do catch a glimpse of him once in a blue moon, you can’t help but feel like the universe is on your side. 

There wasn’t anyone left in the coffee shop but you after the last two customers left. It was close to 8 pm. The shop closed at 10 but considering the outdoor conditions, maybe you would be able to close a little earlier and get home before you wouldn’t have a way out. You finally finish wiping down the tables and pushing in all the chairs and take a second to look outside as you make your way back behind the counter. Gray dark skies darken the little part of the world you’re in and white flurries begin to fall, creating a light blanket of snow muffling the sounds of the earth the way a pair of fuzzy earmuffs might. As you watch the snowflakes fall from the inside of the café, mesmerized by their glistening, you hear the door chime. You snap out of your trance and scurry behind the counter, not looking in the direction of the door trying to make it look like you were working. Still not looking towards the customer, back towards the counter, you turn on the coffee machine and greet whoever walked in.

“Hi, welcome! How are y-”

You turn around and stop in your tracks when you see him. Blonde hair disheveled as always and sullen eyes looking ever so slightly relieved, cheery even with the way you catch the subtle glimpse of what can best be described as a hopeful twinkle in his pretty brown eyes. 

“Hi love.” The sound of his deep Manchester accent floods your body with warmth and you can’t help but smile.

“Well, look who it is. I haven’t seen you around here in ages! Started to think you found another shop.” You giggled, leaning on the counter in front of you subconsciously bringing yourself closer to him. 

“How could I? Could never find service like yours anywhere else. No one could make my tea as good as you can either.”

You look down and smile abashedly, flustered by his kindness and a bit shocked at his talkativeness. You figured it was because of the privacy you two had alone in the café.

“I’m so sorry to show up with the weather like this, but I just got back from work yesterday and I’ve been missing a bit of warmth.”

“Oh don’t apologize! I always have time for you.” You smile at him and you both look at each other for a bit, both getting lost in the other’s gaze.

You snap out of it first, jumping back from the counter to turn to put the kettle on. 

“Come, sit! I’ll make your usual.” You gesture to the bar stool at the counter and he pulls a chair out and watches you make his tea.

“Earl Grey with just a splash of vanilla creamer still, yeah?”

He chuckles and crosses his arms on the counter leaning on them.

“I don’t know how you do it.”

You smile to yourself, back still turned to him as you prepare the loose leaf tea to steep. You’re glad he’s finally opening up to you a bit.

The weather woman on the TV comes back on, gaining both of your attention. You turn your head from the tea kettle to the TV above the counter to the right, leaning back a bit to see and Simon looks too. 

“Well it looks like we’re getting more snow than initially expected tonight. From now until early morning, expect blizzards with over ten inches of snow. Stay safe and warm everyone!”

You and Simon look at each other after the weather woman finishes and the TV goes to a commercial break.

“Damn, I should take this to go then. Don’t wanna keep you open too long. They got no one else helping you close? Would hate to have you drive home in this.” He says.

You panic for a second hearing his plans to leave the shop so you can close and your eyes widen.

“No no! It’s- it’s ok.” You say a bit loudly.

“If anything, I’ll take the subway. I don’t live too far from here.” You reassure him.

He frowns at the thought of you traveling home alone.

“Well, maybe I’ll walk you then. It’s the least I can do to thank you for your hospitality.”

“I’d like the company.” You say with a smile.

You pour his tea into the cup and go to place it in front of him, but pull back at the last second.

“Oh wait! I almost forgot, don’t drink it yet!” You say as you jog over to the flower plant by the coffee machine, picking a tiny purple flower off of it. You bring it over to the cup of tea in front of him and place it in.

“I take care of the plants myself. Don’t worry, they’re clean.” You smile and he looks at the little flower floating around in his tea.

“You know, I only put flowers in your tea.” You giggle, and he looks up.

“Thank you. It’s lovely.” He lets himself smile back at you, heart melting at the way you’re so giddy and happy to serve him and treat him so special that he doesn’t even notice the storm outside, and neither do you. 

You do notice, however, that you never caught the man’s name.

“You know, I never got your name, after all the times you’ve been here.” You say to him.

He takes a sip of his tea, and hesitates for a second, thinking about whether or not to tell you his real name. You don’t know about his job, or who he is at all. No one other than the Task Force does. He wouldn’t want to put you in any danger. He’s already risking enough going out in civilization without his balaclava, figuring that it would attract more attention due to him sticking out being the only one with a mask on. But as he places his cup down on the saucer and looks up at your wide, patient eyes awaiting his answer, what kind of person would he be to let you down and kill the anticipation in your eyes, let alone lie to you? After all you’ve done for him? All the kindness you’ve shown? Maybe just a first name would be ok. After all, anyone could find out his first name from anything really. He opens his mouth then closes it, then opens it again.

“Simon.” He answers. “My name is Simon.”

Your heart flutters and melts like a snowflake falling on salted pavement at the sound of his name coming from his voice. 

“Simon.” You repeat back smiling. “Simon Simon Simon.” You chant in a sing-songy voice, getting used to the name. “That’s pretty. It suits you.” You say, cheeks starting to hurt from the smile plastered over your face.

Simon blushes at the sound of his name falling from your lips, finding himself wanting to hear it more often.

“What’s your’s love?” Simon asks.

You tell him your name and it was his heart’s turn to flutter and melt. He smiles at you and whispers your name to himself, familiarizing himself with it. He’s never felt so warm before, and he was quite shocked with the feeling, almost alarmed at it. He straightens up in his chair to try and stop himself from losing himself in you.

“That’s beautiful.” He smiles again, and takes a sip of his tea again.

A bang on the glass of the window on the other end of the shop grabs both of your attention. You both turn your heads and look outside, forgetting about the storm out there.

“Geez I forgot it was a blizzard out there.” You say worriedly. A gust of wind picked up a fallen tree branch and thrusted it against the window pane which caused the noise. 

Simon notices the worry in your voice and expression and an instinct to comfort and protect you takes over his being. He’s afraid of it. It’s unfamiliar, but he can’t help it, especially not when your pretty face looks anything but happy and the way your baby hairs messily poke out from your ponytail.

“Let me help you clean up. I don’t reckon anyone else coming by tonight. I’ll walk you to the subway.” Simon says, almost too enthusiastically and who are you to say no to those warm, honey brown eyes. 

But as you open your mouth to answer, the power goes out. Causing you to yelp instead of speak, leaving you and Simon in the darkness, both snapping your heads up at the ceiling to try and find where the light bulbs were that just flickered out. 

“Well, closing is gonna be a bit more difficult tonight than expected.” You say.

“Shit.” Simon says. 

There isn’t any light except from the glow of the snow from outside, but you can still make out Simon’s strong features, still looking so handsome, even in the dark. 

“There’s a fireplace by the couch. It’s gas powered so it should work.” You leave from behind the counter, stumbling around to find your way over to it. You feel around the mantle and sigh in relief when you find the switch. You switch the fireplace on illuminating the coffee shop and Simon gets up from his seat to walk over to the window, leaving his tea on the bar top. He looks outside and you make your way over to his side, and look out the window too. 

“The snow is too high to open the door, let alone walk in.” Simon says.

“Simon?” You say in a quiet voice.

He looks down at you, and you never really realized the height difference between you two, considering he’s normally sitting down at a table when you are talking to him.

“Yeah hun?”

“I don’t think either of us are going home tonight.” You say and wrap your arms around yourself due to the sudden chill in the room from the power outage. 

Simon looks out the window again, thinking of how to answer, or what to do next. Then, he laughs to himself, then looks back down at you.

“Unfortunately, I think you might be right love.” He says, and the pet name immediately warms your insides up again. 

You both stand there staring out the window a bit, unsure of what to do next.

“Well.” You say, breaking the silence. “Might as well get comfortable then. Looks like we’re staying the night.” You blush to yourself at the thought of spending the night with Simon. You also think to yourself how you’re asking for a raise when you get out of this mess. You move to sit on the couch in front of the fireplace, and Simon follows, sitting on the opposite side, nervous to get too close to you. You take off your apron and let out your hair, and Simon can’t help but watch you and how your features become more defined with the light and shadows created by the luminosity of the fire. You looked so beautiful and Simon has never felt so safe and happy. It’s weird to him, considering he barely knew you at all, and he’s not used to feeling this way, but he lets himself, just this once. 

“So.” You say, leaning back into the couch, taking off your shoes and pulling up your legs to sit criss crossed. 

“What do you do for work?” You turn and ask him, and his smile fades a bit. He turns his gaze towards the fire and you notice the change in his demeanor and you regret asking. 

“Can’t exactly talk about it.” Simon says, remembering that, right, he had a job. A scary and difficult one. 

“Oh. Sorry.” You apologize, and turn your gaze to the fire as well. 

Simon notices the embarrassment and regret in your voice and he snaps his head back to you.

“Oh no no it’s ok love. Not your fault.”

His reassurance makes you feel a little better and you regain some of your confidence.

“Well, you already know what I do for work.” You joke. 

Simon chuckles at that and leans back in his seat, looking back at the fire, getting more comfortable. 

“That I do.” He says, and he spreads his legs and puts an arm on the ledge of the couch behind him, making you blush since his arm was almost touching you. 

“And you do a damn good job at it.” He smiles.

You look at him looking at the fire and you notice the reflection of the fire in his eyes and how well the warm colors compliment each other. You wished you could stay here like this forever, just looking at him, just being with him, even if you barely knew him at all. There was something so domestic about Simon. Something so… homely.

Even with the fire going, and despite the warmth Simon made the inside of your body feel, the cold air of the dark coffee shop began to prick at your skin once again, causing you to wrap your arms around yourself as you and Simon sat in a comfortable silence staring at the fire as if it were telling you both it’s deepest darkest secret. Simon notices you curl in on yourself and he turns his head towards you.

“Here.” He says after a second, analyzing why you curled up, and he begins to take off his fleece lined cargo jacket. 

“Oh no I’m ok.” You lean away from him a little, not wanting him to sacrifice his comfort for yours.

“You’re shivering love. It’s ok, here, take it.”

You reach out and grab the heavy jacket and place it over your shoulders. It was big, heavy, warm, and smelled like him. Like mahogany teakwood and firewood that once burned but went damp from rainfall, leaving only clouds of smoke as evidence of it ever being set aflame. He smelled earthy, musky, but nice and clean with a hint of raw sweetness like a jasmine flower, and you drowned in it.

“Thank you.” You said shyly, flustered at how intimate wearing his jacket was.

“Looks better on you than it does me.” Simon says, and you giggle. 

You look at each other and smile for the millionth time that night and scooch a little bit closer to him and he does the same. The blaze of the gas fireplace lighting up the little corner of the coffee shop you two sat in with a low orange glow. 

You glanced out the window which reminded you of the storm outside. All of a sudden, you remember something.

“Oh my god!” You gasp and stand up, startling Simon a bit.

“What is it?” Simon asks, a worried expression on his face.

“I completely forgot oh my god.” You say as you throw his jacket off and scurry off the couch to a closet hidden away in a tiny hall for the employees to walk through to get to the break room next to the kitchen. Simon turns his body and watches you run away, hearing your shuffling about in the hallway.

You feel around the closet and finally feel a cardboard shoebox.

“Ah, yes.” You whisper to yourself as you pull the box down and search in the dark through it. You feel what you’re looking for and you smile to yourself, picking it up out of the box and holding it to your chest and you place the shoebox back into place and begin your way in the dark back to the couch.

“Everything alright back there?” Simon asks, body still turned towards you and you emerge from the dark back into the light of the fire, something small and rectangular in your hands. 

“I remembered that we have this for emergencies.” You say, and pull the item away from your chest, presenting it to Simon as you take your place back next to him on the couch, sitting on his jacket. 

I thought this would be helpful so we don’t have to drain the battery on our phones.

In your hands was a tiny, black, battery powered AM/FM radio.

Simon looks at the item in your hands and smiles at how cute you are. You would have no way of knowing Simon’s expertise when it comes to radio and communication especially in a dire situation. He finds your enthusiasm so adorable and he lets you have your moment, especially when you look so proud of yourself.

“Smart.” Simon says with a smirk.

“The batteries should be fully charged, since we never used it before.” You say as you fidget with the tiny box, trying to find the switch to turn it on.

“Who knew we would ever have to us-” The sound of static abruptly interrupts you and you jump a bit.

“Ah, there we go.” You say and adjust the dial on the side to find a signal, and the sound of a weather report slowly fades in, drowning out most of the static.

“Blizzards tonight with winds exceeding 40 mph at the least. Power outages have been reported across the city. It’s unsure when the power will come back but live updates will be provided.” You and Simon stare at the radio in your hands and listen to the report with eager ears.

“You know, it’s funny.” You say, speaking over the radio, gaining Simon’s attention. “One of the first things you said to me was that the reason you came by today was because you needed something warm, which is kinda the exact opposite of what’s happening now.” You say with a chuckle. Simon nods his head with a smile.

“Well, I didn’t exactly mean something warm like the temperature love.” He says, and you blush at his reference to what could only mean you, keeping your gaze on the radio in your hands, trying to ignore his eyes boring into you.

You adjust the knob on the radio and switch it to FM, trying to find some music to ease the tension in the air between you two. After a few adjustments and turns, the static fades into soft jazz music and you light up at the lovely, rich sound of the saxophone and piano through the tinny sound of the old speaker. You place the radio on the coffee table between the couch and the fireplace and wrap Simon’s jacket around yourself again. The warmness of him, the fire, and the relaxing jazz music made your head fuzzy, and you could feel yourself getting tired. You move in closer to Simon and he puts his feet up on the coffee table, crossing one ankle over the other. You feel him hesitate a bit before he places an arm around you, securing you by his side.

“Is this ok?” He whispers to you.

“It’s perfect.” You look up at him and whisper back with a smile. “Even though we don’t know how long we’re gonna be stuck here.” You laugh to yourself at the absurdity of the situation, still finding it hard to believe.

Simon hums in agreement, but he doesn’t mind, and neither do you. Not when you two are together like this. You lean your head on Simon’s chest and he turns his body towards you slightly, making himself more comfortable for you. You two hardly knew each other, only the feeling you both got when you were in each other’s presence, but it still felt like you two didn’t know anyone in the world but each other for your whole lives. You let yourself drift off to sleep against Simon’s chest, wrapped in his jacket with the soft light of the fire and slight staticy jazz music from the mini radio, letting yourself leave the stress and worry of the aftermath of being trapped at work for the next day. Simon lets himself drift off to sleep too. The snow is too piled up for anyone to come in or out, and it’s not like you two are completely stranded, so Simon’s survival instincts could be put off for a while. This was a problem to worry about tomorrow. Because right now, all that mattered was the softness Simon was experiencing inside that he never felt before, even if it terrified him. It just felt right. 

And even though Simon’s heart was cold, harsh, and sometimes unforgiving, matching the conditions of the current weather, the only thing that was cold right now, was the world outside the coffee shop on the corner of your little city.

[softestqueeen]

under the mistletoe

pairing: bruce banner x afab!reader

summary: After a kiss under the mistletoe, you can’t deny the tension between you and your infamous crush Bruce Banner.

warnings: 18+ MDNI!! smut, p in v sex, riding, kissing, breeding, no protection (please in real life wrap it gurl, I’m begging you), mutual pining, fluff, tension

wordcount: 2714 words

a/n: Merry belated Christmas! I wanted to write this earlier but didn’t have enough time. Still, enjoy <3

You were standing in one of the doorways at stark tower, slightly secluded from the rest of the party, talking to you good friend and lab partner Bruce Banner. What you didn’t tell anyone though, was that he wasn’t just a friend to you, but so much more.

To say you had a crush on the shy doctor was putting it lightly.

He was leaning against the doorway, and you were standing just inches from him, the loud christmas music making it harder to understand him. You were holding a martini, while the man in front of you only held a can of coke, scared of losing control under the influence.

You were just about to ask him a question when a certain billionaire appeared next to you.

“I see your having a good time! Oh, and see who is standing under the mistletoe...”, Tony Stark almost sang the word mistletoe with a big smile on his face.

You tilted your head back and looked up, noticing that there was in fact a mistletoe hanging above your heads. Well, that was embarrassing.

You averted your eyes from the leaves hanging above you and turned your attention back to Bruce, who looked just as shocked and unsure as you.

Tonys smile grew even more before he added, “Have fun, you two lovebirds.” And with these words he let the two of you be, only glancing behind him at the two of you to see if you’re kissing or not.

“We don’t have to kiss if you don’t want to.”, you told Bruce with honesty, not wanting to make him uncomfortable. And you were scared that if you kissed him once, you wouldn’t get him out of your head.

“Oh, no it’s alright with me. Only if you want to of course.”, he rushed out the last part.

You were already standing pretty close to each other, so after a short eye contact, you both leaned forward and kissed.

Surprisingly, Bruce had very soft lips and kissed you firmly, with a certain purpose. Even though (to your disappointment) the kiss was short lived, you could tell he was a good kisser. When the two of you pulled away, you just looked into each others’ eyes for a moment.

But of course, the moment couldn’t be perfect, because you could hear Tony whistling even over the noise of the party.

You rolled your eyes and to your surprise, even Bruce had to chuckle a bit.

You continued to talk a bit, but shortly after Natasha interrupted the two of you and whisked you away. She took you to the kitchen, where the music was not as loud, and you could have a normal conversation.

Though you knew that this conversation as not going to be normal.

Natasha looked like a little kid on christmas when she asked you “Did you just kiss Bruce?” The redhead – who was also your best friend – of course knew about your feelings for the doctor and was desperate to hear all the details.

“Yes, I did.”, you answered giddily before adding “It didn’t mean anything though, we were standing under the mistletoe. We didn’t actually notice before Tony pointed it out.”

“Tony, the matchmaker. How was the kiss?”, she asked you cheekily. You already knew that question was going to come up. You couldn’t help the blush that was about to cover your cheeks.

“It felt great, he definitely knew what he was doing. I still don’t think he feels the same.”, you told her. 

Nat just looked at you like you were completely stupid. For her it was clear that that man was head over heels in love with you.

~~

Shortly after Nat pulled you away, Tony joined Bruce with an almost boyish smile on his face.

“You kissed her!”, he told Bruce in a singsongy voice while wiggling his eyebrows.

Bruce just rolled his eyes at the billionaire. “Yes, I did. But only because you practically forced her to kiss me. I don’t feel like she really wanted it. Afterwards she didn’t seem as involved in the conversation anymore. Do you think I overstepped?”

Now it was Tonys turn to roll his eyes. “You know why she was detached from the conversation?”, Bruce only shook his head “Because she is in love with you, dumbass. And she has been for quite some time, so get it together and ask her out or something. The only people who don’t know about your feelings for each other are you two for some reason.”

“Are you really sure?”, Bruce asked one more time. Tony didn’t answer him, just looked at him with a pointed look and walked away.

~~

The two of you had not spoken since the mistletoe incident, but there was definitely a hell of a tension between the two of you. Because even though you didn’t talk to each other, the two of you made eye contact multiple times.

Every time your eyes searched for his, he was already looking at you. At first, he always averted his gaze as fast as he could. But suddenly you could feel a shift. He now held your gaze for a few moments before looked away, making you slightly nervous. What was that shift supposed to mean?

The evening continued with stolen glances and conversations you couldn’t follow, while Nat and Tony sent each other knowing glances.

They’ve been trying to set you and Bruce up for months now, but to no avail. The two of you – even though you had an impressive number of PhDs together – just didn’t realise the other one reciprocated the feelings. Was tonight the night where you finally realised it?

The crowd was slowly starting to thin out, a lot of the guests going home or retreating to their rooms. Most of the Avengers were still hanging around talking, and a few famous actresses and singers were also still there.

You decided to call it a night and bid Nat good night. You went out into the hallway to your room, but when you were about to put your key into the look you heard a familiar voice calling for you.

You pushed the key into the lock before you turned around to see non other than Bruce coming your way with hurried steps. When he was within earshot he asked, “Can we please talk? I need to tell you something.” Your heart skipped a beat. What did he want to say to you? Was it because of the kiss? Even though you were a bit scared of what he would confess, you asked him in.

“Yea, of course. Come in.” Bruce gave you a curt nod and waited patiently for you to open the door and wave him in. You told him to make himself comfortable and he sat down in a chair.

“Is it alright if I get changed before we talk? My heels are killing me”, you asked sheepishly.

“Of course, go on.”, he answered immediately.

You went to your wardrobe and pulled out an oversized sweater and a pair of plait boxer shorts, before disappearing into the bathroom.

While you were in the bathroom Bruces thoughts were running wild. How was he supposed to tell you that he loved you? That that kiss was not just a kiss for him? That he wanted to do more than give you a quick peck. How was he supposed to confess this?

On the other side of the door, you were not doing any better. What did he want to discuss and why was he so nervous? You thought you could talk about everything. You wanted him to know that. Even though your mind was still racing, you tried to calm yourself down and go back into the living space of your small apartment.

Bruce was silent when you entered and you sat down on the couch next to the armchair he was occupying. You looked at him with a shy smile and told him, “Now we can talk. What’s on your mind?”

Bruce was playing with his hands while he was thinking. You noticed it and scooted closer to the arm of the couch. You reached forward, took his hands in yours and shot him a (hopefully) comforting smile.

“You know, you can talk to me about everything. Sometimes it’s good to just let it all out and not overthink it too much.”, you assured him, hoping it would help him to talk about whatever was on his mind.

He seemed hesitant but then suddenly started talking. “I love you. I have- I have loved you almost since the first time I ever saw you. When you came into my lab looking so criminally good and you were so sweet to me. And I’ve had feelings for you ever since and they only have intensified since then. I’ve never had the courage to tell you and honestly, I’m not too sure about myself right now, either. But after you kissed me, it was like something switched inside of me. I knew I had to have you, no matter what. That kiss was better than anything I ever imagined. And you looked so good in your dress, but I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable or force you, you know. And the other guy, you know, also started to like you and – you’ve probably noticed this at our last missions – he gets so calm around you and then I also feel so safe and-“, all of that came out of him like a wave, crashing down over you. You couldn’t believe it, Bruce Banner actually had feelings for you.

“Sorry, I’m rambling. But essentially, I just wanted you to know that I love you and that I could never love someone the way I love you. I just needed you to know that.” He finished his little speech and was about to stand up, but you still held onto his hands, holding him in place. Of course, you were shocked but not unpleasantly so. You felt the same way.

You leaned forward over the armrest and kissed him, hoping you could put all of the words you couldn’t voice into this kiss, so he would understand that you felt just the same.

Bruce didn’t waste any time and immediately kissed you back, letting go of your hands to cup your face and pull you closer to him. You pulled away and got up, leaving Bruce with a puzzled expression.

He quickly relaxed again when you straddled his lap, took his face into your hands and kissed him again. His calloused hands went to your waist and squeezed it, before he let them wander over your body. His hands on your body felt amazing and when you felt his rough hands against your soft skin as he wandered underneath your sweatshirt, you let out a moan, giving Bruce the perfect opportunity to slip his tongue into your mouth.

He kissed you so well, it made you even more excited for what was to come next.

Now having you in his arms felt like a fever dream to Bruce. He would have never thought it possible for you to feel the same as he did.

Both of you had to pull away for a quick breather.

“Do you want to go further, Bruce?”, you asked him, even though you had a pretty good idea of what he would answer.

“Please.”, was the only answer you received before he pulled you in again and joined your lips with his. You could feel his growing erection between you and rocked down on him, making the man beneath you groan.

“Do you want to go to bed?”, you asked him and put your forehead against his, giving him some time to think. But apparently, he didn’t need any.

“No, I can’t wait any longer.”, he answered without skipping a beat. You got up to pull down your shorts and, in the meantime, he opened up his belt and pulled his trousers down to his mid thigh, just wide enough to release his cock.

When you caught sight of him, you couldn’t do anything but stare. He was long and thick, with a slight curve, already leaking from the bright red tip. He was definitely going to be the biggest one you ever had. You didn’t waste anymore time and straddled him again.

You gave his lips a quick peck before you pulled away again to sink down on his cock. You were so wet just from this make out session, still you were sure that this would not be too comfortable.

You took his cock into your hand and gave him a few pumps, coating his cock with his precum. Bruce threw back his head and let out a deep grown.

You stopped stroking him and guided his tip to your entrance. When Bruces cock made contact with your wetness, his head shot back, and he looked at your hand that was guiding him inside of you.

He let out another moan when you started to sink down on him. You pulled away to put steady yourself by putting your hands on his shoulders. The stretch was uncomfortable, but you could already feel the pleasure taking over. With every inch you thought he couldn’t go any deeper and ever time you sank further down on him.

Finally, your ass touched his thighs, and you were completely seated on him. He filled you like you didn’t know was possible. You were both moaning and groaning and by the time he was filling you completely you feel a slight sweat coating your skin. You removed your hands from Bruce’s shoulders for a moment to pull your sweatshirt over your head, leaving you completely naked. Bruce was still fully clothed, only his jacket sat discarded on the floor.

While you were still getting used to the stretch, you started to unbutton Bruce’s shirt and took it off. Your hands roamed his torso and he let out a soft moan as your hands made contact with his chest.

You leaned forward and kissed him again and started to slowly move up and down on him. You put your hands back on his shoulders and Bruce pulled you closer by the waist, so your fronts where touching. The new sensation added to the pleasure, and you started to increase your speed. You were going up and down his thick shaft, his fat tip hitting your g-spot perfectly. You moaned and groaned in each others’ mouths and were clingy to each other, slowly rocking to your orgasms.

You could feel that you were coming closer and by the way Bruces cock was twitching inside you, he wasn’t far either.

“Please, Bruce, cum inside of me. I need to feel you.”, he didn’t answer you, he only nodded and started to fuck into you, meeting your thrusts. You stilled and he took over, drilling his cock into you from beneath you and chasing his release.

“Cum for me and I’ll fill you up. Need to feel you squeezing me with that tight little pussy.” His words tipped you over the edge and you came with a shout, burying your head in his neck, trying to get your breathing under control.

Feeling you spasm around him, made Bruce see stars. He filled you with thick roped of his cum, painting your walls white. He halted inside of you and pulled you onto lap again, holding you down while he filled you up.

He circled his hands around your waist, while you slung yours around his shoulders. For a moment you were just holding each other, bathing in the bliss of finally being together.

After a while Bruce picked you up and laid you on the bed. He went to the bathroom and came back with a washcloth to clean you up. He undressed and joined you under the covers, immediately taking you in his arms and holding you again. He was laying on his back and you had your head on his chest, your arms slang over his torso. Never before had you felt this content.

“Oh, and by the way, Bruce. I love you too. Merry Christmas.”, were your last words, before you finally drifted off into a deep slumber.

a/n: i hope you liked this, if so please leave some notes, likes, reblogs and comments! feedback is very appreciated!

please also consider supporting my ao3: @ softestqueen

taglist: @silvermagnolias @milywatermelon @BigBananaa

[wikiangela]

wip wednesday🎄

tagged by @alliaskisthepossibilityoflove

i wasn't gonna post anything but i wrote quite a lot today and need validation lmao (I think I might be about halfway done but who knows, it always gets away from me haha) today some buckley siblings feels, and hopefully soon ill get to the fluffy christmas part haha

prev snippet

___

"(...) I used to make stuff for Maddie, and then when I was older I would save money to buy her something small and mostly symbolic.” he glances at Eddie. There’s a mix of bittersweet nostalgia and sadness on his face. “She made all my Christmases bearable, and after she left-” he stops abruptly and quietly clears his throat. When he speaks again, he doesn’t finish the sentence. Eddie wants to ask, but he figures Buck will share what he’s comfortable sharing, he doesn’t want to push. “But that was the one thing I wanted so badly, more than anything, more than any cool toys or- or anything,” he chuckles again, “and Maddie tried to give it to me, and she got in trouble for it. So after that, I just never asked again.”

“Buck.” Eddie says softly, wishing he could do anything to make it better, to fucking go back in time and give Buck all the Christmases he ever dreamt about.

“But I always wished-” Buck continues, then glances at Eddie nervously. 

“Wished what?” Eddie’s thumb softly swipes along Buck’s neck and jawline, as far as he can reach. He just wants to comfort him somehow, and at the moment this is the only way he knows how, just a comforting touch, being there, listening.

“That one day, when I grew up,” Buck looks down at his lap again, his voice getting even quieter, “I’d have my own family and I’m gonna do matching Christmas sweaters every single year, and take tons of pictures of us all together, and-” he pauses again, and, with a teary laugh, raises his hand to wipe at his eyes. Eddie wants to wrap him in his arms and hold him. (...) “But it doesn’t matter, I don’t-” Buck shakes his head, and leans away from Eddie’s touch. Eddie aches to keep touching him, to reach out and follow, but he respects that clearly that’s not what Buck wants anymore, that’s fine. “I don’t have my own family yet, so it doesn't matter. Let’s just drop it.” he says, tone decisive, face red, eyes glued to the screen again. 

Eddie frowns. What the hell is Buck talking about? He has a family, right here.

___

no pressure tags: @elvensorceress @gaydiaz @diazass @thebravebitch @silentxxsoul @shortsighted-owl @eddiebabygirldiaz @arthursdent @911onabc @spagheddiediaz @housewifebuck @rogerzsteven @watchyourbuck @honestlydarkprincess @underwater-ninja-13 @eowon @weewootruck @loserdiaz @evanbegins @steadfastsaturnsrings @ladydorian05 @malewifediaz @pirrusstuff @theotherbuckley @911-on-abc @hoodie-buck @wildlife4life @fortheloveofbuddie @nmcggg @diazpatcher @jesuisici33 @lover-of-mine @giddyupbuck @spotsandsocks @exhuastedpigeon @buckaroosheart @hippolotamus @king-buckley @callmenewbie @jeeyuns @disasterbuckdiaz @monsterrae1 @thewolvesof1998 @jamespearce9-1-1 @daffi-990

[escespace]

Comment:

Second time reading this little piece of heaven on the internet. I don't know why I didn't comment before.Deserves more comments

It starts off so well laid out, it introduces the characters without annoying descriptions and just from a couple of dialogues you can already see that the friendship between Arthur and Merlin has the complicity that characterizes them.

They are flirts without even trying! That back and forth between them is the dance that has earned them being one of the most iconic shipps of the beginning of the millennium. I love them so much! And you characterized them so well in this fic that I loved them even more.

The kisses were very them, how did you do it? The first one impressed me and each one described after made me feel in Arthur's position, all longing and dreamy.

["As much as I hate to disrupt this moment of domesticity," Morgana interjects,"we have a meeting to get to, so skip to the goodbye kiss and lets go." ] I don't know what I love more about those lines, the brother-sister relationship it reflects or the not-so-platonic-more-romantic friendship it indicates. There should be more Merthur domestic scenarios in fanfics out there, there will never be enough

Arthur oh Arthur how nice it is that he goes after what he wants, even if he's uncomfortable or unsure. His antics were not only funny but endearing.

He's the main character in a Hallmark romantic comedy that makes you fall in love easily.

Leon is the real deal! There are few friends like him, I mean, he knew before he was told what Arthur was doing, let's face it, and he let it go because it's that incredible.

And what Arthur called "pathetic" about himself I simply described as the kind of love we all wish we could provoke. Simply wonderful fic!

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Merlin (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin) Additional Tags: Christmas Fluff, Mistletoe, Kissing, Love Confessions, Friends to Lovers, a little bit of jealousy Summary:

Merlin kisses Arthur under the mistletoe at a Christmas party, and Arthur finds himself hoping it means something more than it probably does because what else does one do when they're pathetically in love with their best friend?  

Or in which two idiots in love dance around their feelings and keep 'accidentally' ending up under mistletoe.

[wispscribbles]

Everyone who’s sent asks, sorry for the long wait for a reply!! Christmas and New Years always come with a mental dip where I can’t exist - but I’m gonna go on an answering spree one of the next days ❤️❤️ I also have some art lined up, and fics I’m working on (just gotta start existing again 😭)

[lauronk]

hi @freetobeyouandmichi-me love, thanks for the ask!

in my happy little streetlights world, by the time ellie miller is 18 and they’re celebrating christmas, they’ve got four years of figuring out traditions and they’ve got it pretty settled by now:

they do Christmas Eve dinner with tommy and maria and open their gifts to each other

maria (lovingly) coerces everyone into pajama sets for a picture. She got ellie’s size wrong the first year - she got the correct size but ellie likes them a size bigger for extra coziness - but has made sure to get it right every year since

(this is the year maria is pregnant with TJ, which they’d shared before Thanksgiving)

Christmas morning is just ellie and joel. He drinks coffee and she drinks cocoa (with an absurd amount of marshmallows), even when it’s 75 degrees out, because texas y’all

they do stockings first, just little knickknacks and funny gifts (one time they gave each other pet rocks, which they each still have). joel gives ellie scratch offs and then tries to claim a “purchasing fee” when she wins more than $5

The first Christmas joel went a little nuts on gifts (it’s a big deal, their first Christmas, sue him) but it made ellie a little uncomfortable because a) she only had like two things for him, both of which were homemade and b) she’s never really been on the receiving end of so much positive attention at the holidays. So joel makes sure to tone it down in subsequent years even when his brain is screaming at him to spoil the fuck out of her

they do just a couple gifts for each other now. this year it’s just little useful, thoughtful things: guitar strings and good quality art pencils and silly socks.

joel gives ellie the full charcoal art set she mentioned offhand one time over the phone, and ellie gives joel a new toolbox to replace the one that finally bit the dust (and she puts some silly mushroom stickers she found on Etsy on it)

after presents, it’s movie time

ellie gave up two years ago on arguing that Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie and now she watches it without complaint (and loves it, not that she can tell him that)

joel is more tired than he can say of the first two Home Alone movies but those are ellie’s picks, so they watch and he always finds himself laughing when the Wet Bandits step on ornaments and get hit with paint cans

(he says “why the hell’d you take your shoes off?” to ellie a lot and she automatically responds with “why the hell are you dressed like a chicken?”)

they stay in their pajamas all day, the ones maria got them this year, and eat leftovers from yesterdays dinner plus whatever candy they’ve accumulated

ellie always falls asleep by the end of Muppet Christmas Carol, like clockwork, head on a pillow on joel’s lap

ellie’s on break from school till the new year, and joel takes Christmas through New Year’s Day off so he and his employees can have a break. So it’s a week of lazy pajama days, visiting other friends, just enjoying occupying the same space before life starts up in earnest again and it goes back to quick hellos and goodbyes in the morning

anyway I just had a couple thoughts about it 😅

[solitaire-sol]

02. Soft

For: @prongsfoot-microfic Month: December 2023 AO3: Link Notes: Merry (possibly belated) Christmas, and equivalent holidays, to everyone who celebrates them! I just wanted to put out a little Christmas fluff to break my lack-of-posting streak. <3

They’d spent the day out-of-doors, tramping through snow-covered fields and wading through thigh-high drifts like colder, friendlier quicksand, competing to build the most ostentatious snow sculpture before trying to stuff snow down the back of each other’s coats. By the time James and Sirius had returned to the house, the coats in question thoroughly soaked when the snow-stuffing had become an impromptu wrestling match, twilight had already fallen and the village had been illuminated by festive lights and flickering tapers in red and white wax.

Christmas had come to Godric’s Hollow, or at least it was nearly there, and the air was layered with pine and cinnamon over the fresh, clean, cold scent of new-fallen snow. James and Sirius wandered back to James’ house, where the windows were glowing in warm welcome despite the fact that no one was home: James’ parents had gone visiting, as they did every holiday, and James would normally go with them except that Sirius was there, which took priority. James had been apologetic when he’d informed his mother and father, but Euphemia and Fleamont hadn’t seemed at all surprised-- The boys were old enough to look after themselves for a night or two, and the ‘old folks’ had departed with only a few cursory warnings against burning the cottage down.

After the two of them had stamped the snow from their boots, discarding their sodden coats in the mudroom, they'd only had to glance at each other before they were racing for the stairs, elbowing each other mostly-playfully as they clattered up the carpeted steps and separated at the landing: James darted into his room, then into the adjoining bathroom, while a hastily-slammed door from down the hall signalled Sirius' disappearance into the guest bath. Taps were turned, prompting hot water to rush out from pipes charmed to convey the perfect temperature, and the billowing steam fogged up the mirrors in each bathroom. Sirius, still his mother's son, couldn't help but take the time to wash and detangle and mostly dry his hair; so that by the time he made his way back downstairs, James was already in the kitchen, a towel around his shoulders and his hair still damp from the bath as he applied frothy whipped cream to two mugs of hot chocolate with far more care than he showed in Potions.

James looked up as Sirius entered the kitchen, passing him the mug with a cartoonish dog gazing mournfully up on the side; their fingers brushed together, just a little, and something in Sirius was warmed by more than just the hot bath, more than just the heat from the ceramic under his palm. James' mug had an out-of-proportion deer on it in the same cartoony style, both cups were bought as a joke the year before, but they were 'their' mugs and saw plenty of use whenever Sirius came to stay. The mugs were a set, after all, just as Sirius and James made a pair.

Hot chocolate successfully procured, the boys made for the plush sofa in the living room, where Sirius stoked the embers in the fireplace with a flick of his wand as James flung himself onto the couch with reckless disregard for the whipped cream and molten chocolate in his hand.

“Budge up,” Sirius ordered, causing James to grin at the faux-authority in his tone, and there was a good deal of jostling and wriggling before they found something that suited them-- Half-sprawled across the length of the sofa, Sirius' back wedged in the corner of the backrest and the couch's arm, James' back to his front. Long limbs and lean bodies slotted together with zero room to spare, and something that might still have attracted covert stares and curious speculation in the Gryffindor common room could be as easy and as natural as it felt. Sirius reached behind him with his free hand and seized a handful of the thick quilt draped over the sofa’s back, pulling it forward and draping it over James, who picked up the edge and tucked it around them like a two-occupant cocoon.

It might have surprised those curious Housemates to hear the surprisingly gentle cadence of the conversation that followed, which rose and fell according to the whims of the boys now cuddled together on the overstuffed sofa, the twinkling lights of the large evergreen in the corner creating a private constellation in the firelit dimness. Christmas at the Potters' was nothing like Christmas with the Blacks, who acknowledged the holiday in the way they did so many other things: With a deliberation that was at once both slightly ostentatious and severe, all overworked house elves and enormous silver punch-bowls that had once belonged to some storied precursor who’d flavored his glühwein with his enemies' blood. Sirius had years of receiving gifts from his parents, and occasionally they'd even been things he wanted, but there had been nothing like Christmas with James' family, all three in ridiculous jumpers that Euphemia knitted and Fleamont loved and James wore with pride. Their tree, always a superb specimen from the woods around the Hollow, was always all but smothered beneath the tinsel and enchanted tapers and sugared gingerbread, and hidden among the branches were multiple ornaments shaped like the letter 'J,' each in a different style, one for every year of James' life.

When Sirius spent his first Christmas with the Potters, Euphemia presented him with a jumper of his own, and James' gift had been an elaborately wrought letter 'S' to hang next to the other ornaments on the tree. "I'll get you another one next year," James had promised, and Sirius had laughed and called James a sop and pretended to study the weave of his jumper to hide the gratitude in his eyes.

James had been as good as his word-- James always was, when it mattered, and Sirius mattered to him, even if James showed it through deeds and not quite through words. It was evident on that night, in the way that James could be quiet with Sirius, in the way that the boy who always carried himself as if he were centre-stage could drink his hot chocolate and speak only when he felt like it, not when he felt he had to. That these feelings were returned, nebulous and as-yet-undefined as they were, was obvious in the way that Sirius allowed himself to enjoy the sweetness of the hot chocolate and the milky flavour of the cream, childish tastes that he'd never been allowed to develop but which, like so many other things, he was able to experience through James' presence in his life. Sirius had been honed by his family until he'd become as bright and as sharp as a blade; but with James, with James alone, there was no need to bring that blade to bear. James could disarm Sirius without really having to try, perhaps because James so readily showed Sirius the vulnerabilities that James would otherwise never admit he possessed.

When the mugs were emptied and set on the coffee table, when the logs in the fireplace were burning low and neither James nor Sirius felt inclined to stir them to life, the clock on the mantel began to chime. “Midnight,” James observed, relaxing against Sirius and smiling into the firelight, his fingers twisting idly into the fabric of Sirius’ sleeve. “That makes it Christmas Day. Happy Christmas, Padfoot.”

“Happy Christmas, Prongs,” Sirius replied, his voice soft, his eyes softer. Sirius didn’t quite smile, still somewhat unused to the way that James could make him feel-- Like the first day back at Hogwarts with his friends, like Monty and Effie smiling at him over the breakfast table, such times with James were too precious for Sirius to take lightly, and he would never quite master James’ knack for cradling everything in a grin. Even so, if only for a moment, it seemed like the world beyond the front door had faded into a pleasantly indistinct haze, and all that really mattered was that cosy living room and that glowing fire and the quilt that smelt faintly of lavender, the lingering sweetness on his tongue and the warm, solid weight of James against him, as if that was how they were always meant to be. James’ breathing flattened and slowed as he drowsed, ever able to fall asleep with an ease that Sirius sometimes envied, and Sirius let himself follow suit, his murmured words almost lost beneath the steady crackling from the fireplace.

“You mean the world to me.”

[scrollonso]

Before — 3 out of 3? (last part)

Marco's entire body ached as he limped through the dimly lit hallway of the hotel, each step sending jolts of pain through his battered muscles. The aftermath of his crash during the sprint was still fresh, the adrenaline long gone and replaced by a throbbing, relentless agony that the pain meds he was given failed to mask.

He had barely managed to get back to his feet after the crash, gritting his teeth as he was pulles up from the gravel, but now, with the crowds gone and the noise of the track a distant memory, all he wanted was to collapse. But instead of retreating to his own room to nurse his wounds in solitude, he found himself standing outside Marc's door, his knuckles hovering just above the wood.

Marco hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he shouldn’t be here. Marc just had this aura that pulled girls to him, Marco hated that it pulled him in too. This was the last place he should be, especially after everything that had happened between them. But something deeper, something more instinctual had driven him to the Spaniard's door. He wasn’t here for passion, for the fire that had once burned between them. He just needed… something else. He needed to feel safe. Needed to be held.

Finally, with a shaky breath, he knocked.

There was a pause on the other side, followed by the sound of movement. The door opened, and Marc stood there, dressed in a plain t-shirt and sweatpants, his hair slightly tousled as if he’d been resting. His expression shifted from surprise to concern in an instant when he saw the state Marco was in.

“Marco,” Marc said softly, his eyes scanning over Marco’s bruised and exhausted form. It was familiar, a memory was brought to the forefront of his mind. He remembered himself being in Marco's shoes. Begging to be excused from the medical center just to end up in Valentino's hotel. It was idiotic, a horrible idea, one that to this day haunts his dreams. The look on Vale's face when he answered the door was one he'd never forget. Similar to the one he was making now. “Are you okay?”

Marco shook his head, his voice weak when he spoke. "I just… I didn’t know where else to go.”

Without a word, Marc stepped aside, opening the door wider to let Marco in. As soon as the door closed behind him, the weight of everything finally crashed down on Marco. The physical pain, the emotional exhaustion, the loneliness — it all became too much to bear.

“I don’t want to be alone tonight,” Marco admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, his accent thickening as he struggled to find the words in English. God. Why didn't he just go to Pecco. “I’m not here for anything else. I just need…"

Marc’s expression softened, and he nodded, understanding in his eyes. “You don’t have to explain,” he said quietly. “Come here.” He didn't want to be like Valentino, he didn't want Marco to feel the same hurt he did after the older Italian kicked him while he was down. He was better than Vale.

Gently, Marc guided Marco over to the bed, helping him sit down before carefully pulling him into his arms. Marco winced slightly as he settled against Marc’s chest, but once he was there, a sense of relief washed over him. The warmth of Marc’s embrace, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and the feeling of being held close — it was exactly what Marco needed.

Marc held him securely, one hand gently rubbing circles on Marco’s back as the other rested against his shoulder, thumb gently passing over his collarbone as if checking on him. As if he was wordied for him. There was no need for words; the silence between them was enough, filled with unspoken comfort and understanding. For the first time since the crash, Marco allowed himself to relax, to let go of the tension that had been gripping his body since he hit the asphalt.

“Perdonami,” Marco whispered after a while, his voice trembling. He knew this was stupid and it was his fault for putting himself in this situation but he also knew he wanted to be loved more than he wanted to be alive. “I shouldn’t have come here. I don’t want to make things complicated.”

Marc shook his head, tightening his hold on Marco. “Don’t apologize,” he said softly. “You’re not making things complicated. You’re hurt, and you needed someone. I’m glad you came to me.” I'm glad Gemma isn't here. Marc had to stop himself, some things were better left unsaid.

Marco closed his eyes, letting Marc’s words soothe him. He had been so afraid of what this would mean, of the implications of seeking comfort in the arms of someone he had once shared so much with. But now, wrapped in Marc’s embrace, all those fears seemed distant and irrelevant.

They stayed like that for a long time, neither of them speaking, just holding on to each other. Marco’s breathing eventually slowed, his body finally succumbing to the exhaustion and pain, and he drifted off to sleep in Marc’s arms, feeling safe for the first time in what felt like forever.

Marc stayed awake, his gaze fixed on Marco’s peaceful face. He could feel the rise and fall of Marco’s chest against his own, the slow, steady rhythm of his breathing. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, one that Marc knew he had to cherish. Whatever tomorrow might bring, whatever complications or challenges might arise, for now, this was enough. Just being there for Marco, just holding him close, was enough.

Marc stayed still for a long time, listening to Marco’s slow, even breaths. His mind was restless, tangled in the past and the present, in the choices that had led them here. Marco in his arms, vulnerable and broken — this was never how it was supposed to be. But life, Marc had learned, rarely played out the way anyone wanted.

As the minutes stretched on, the weight of Marco against him became heavier, not in a physical sense, but emotionally, crushingly so. What were they doing? Marc’s mind raced with doubts, memories of past mistakes flashing before him like cruel reminders. He wasn’t the right person to be offering comfort. He wasn’t the right person for Marco to rely on.

He stared at the ceiling, the darkness of the room pressing in on him. Marco’s presence, instead of soothing, only amplified the gnawing ache inside him. He hadn’t felt this helpless, this conflicted, since his own worst days. Those days when he’d sought out someone, anyone, who might understand, only to be left to fend for himself in the cold. Marc had learned the hard way that needing someone was a weakness, one that could be exploited and discarded at a moment's notice.

His hand trembled slightly as he brushed it over Marco’s hair, the gesture devoid of the tenderness he’d forced himself to show earlier. It felt wrong, pretending like this, as if he could actually make things better for Marco. He couldn’t even make things better for himself.

The room was suffocating, the silence too heavy, too filled with the unspoken words they were both too afraid to say. Marc swallowed hard, his throat tight. He knew what needed to happen, what he had to do, but the thought of it twisted his insides. He didn’t want to hurt Marco — he cared for him, maybe too much — but this, whatever it was, had to end.

Marco stirred slightly, his body shifting in Marc’s arms, and Marc seized the moment, gently disentangling himself from the other man. He moved slowly, carefully, trying not to wake him, but even so, Marco’s eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding his features as he looked up at Marc.

“Marc?” Marco’s voice was thick with sleep, his accent more pronounced. He looked so lost, so small, and it made Marc’s heart clench painfully.

Marc forced himself to look away, unable to bear the vulnerability in Marco’s eyes. “You should go back to your room,” he said, his voice flat, devoid of the warmth he’d shown earlier.

Marco blinked, the confusion deepening. “What?”

“This was a mistake.” The words tasted bitter on Marc’s tongue, but he knew they had to be said. “You shouldn’t have come here. I can’t be the one you turn to.”

Marco sat up slowly, the exhaustion still evident in every movement. “I thought…” His voice wavered, and he looked away, his expression hardening as he tried to shield himself from the rejection that was slowly sinking in. “I just needed—”

“I know what you needed,” Marc cut in, his tone harsher than he intended. He hated himself for it, but he couldn’t stop now. “But I can’t give it to you. I’m not the one you need, Bezzecchi. Go back to Pecco, or anyone else. Just… not me.”

The hurt in Marco’s eyes was like a knife to Marc’s gut, but he kept his expression neutral, cold even, as he stood up and took a step back, putting distance between them. Marco’s shoulders slumped, and for a moment, Marc thought he might argue, might try to convince him to change his mind. But then Marco just nodded, a resigned, broken nod, as if he’d known all along that this was how it would end.

“I’m sorry,” Marco whispered, his voice barely audible as he stood and made his way to the door. He hesitated for just a second, his hand resting on the doorknob, before he glanced back at Marc, his eyes hollow and filled with something akin to betrayal. “I shouldn’t have come here. I won’t make that mistake again.”

Marc’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond, didn’t say anything to stop Marco as he turned the knob and limped out into the hallway. The door clicked shut behind him, the sound echoing in the now-empty room, and Marc was left alone in the suffocating silence.

He stood there for a long moment, staring at the door, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. The ache in his chest was unbearable, but he forced himself to swallow it down, to bury it deep where it couldn’t hurt him anymore. This was the right thing to do, the only thing he could do. He’d only end up hurting Marco more if he let this go on.

But even as he tried to convince himself, the emptiness inside him grew, gnawing at him like a ravenous beast. He’d driven Marco away, and now he was left with nothing but the cold, hollow feeling that he would carry with him for the rest of the night, and likely beyond.

Marc didn’t bother going back to bed. Instead, he sank down onto the floor, his back against the bedframe, and stared blankly ahead, the weight of his choices pressing down on him like an iron shroud. There was no comfort to be found, no peace, only the suffocating realization that he’d pushed away the one person who might have understood.

But this was his life. This was what he deserved. And he would bear it, just as he had always done, alone.

[slumped-in-the-arms-of-fiction]

Ho ho ho, merry belated Christmas. I come bearing a sweet and fluffy Hellcheer gift.

On the Street Where You Live

Summary: Lonely on Christmas Eve, Chrissy is spurred into action by a note from a stranger.

[hawktims]

what if on the first christmas after tim dies hawk goes to see the rockettes at radio city music hall

[buckera]

Snippet Sunday 🎿

I was tagged by @jamespearce9-1-1 @disasterbuckdiaz and @malewifediaz thank you lovelies 💛

So I thought I'd give you the opening of the fic I have planned for Christmas~ (It's meant to be a sweet oneshot, but the research going into it is already getting out of hand lmao)

The whole thing started with Youtube — as most things do when 12-year-olds are concerned. Christopher shuffled into the living room with determination where Eddie was trying to figure out the settings of his new smart TV and Buck was folding and flipping the instruction manual back and forth, trying to find the beginning of it when Chris shoved his phone under his nose. “Look.” Buck frowned at the screen with intrigue. It was a video of people skiing; more precisely it was a prelude montage shot for an interview with a ski instructor who had Cerebral Palsy. “I wanna go skiing.” Chris announced without leaving much room for argument. Eddie looked back at them, momentarily forgetting the TV and straining his neck to see the video. Christopher, ever the sweetheart, put the video back to its beginning and held it out high enough for Eddie to see. “Huh.” “I wanna go skiing.” Christopher repeated and Eddie looked at Buck and Buck looked at Eddie — and the near silent conversation went as so: “You think this is a good idea?” Eddie hissed, keeping his lips as flat as possible, distorting the words to near incomprehension. “Well, it’s clearly something he wants to try.” Buck followed his lead and tipped his head into Chris’ direction by his side. “But what if he won’t like it? Maybe it’s not worth the risk…” “He loved skateboarding, would this be all that different?” Eddie just stared at him, chewing on his lips thoughtfully. “Come on, Eddie. Did he even see snow before?” “I can hear you, you know.” Chris chimed in with an exasperated huff and Eddie’s shoulders sagged in defeat.

✨no pressure tagging: @spagheddiediaz @daffi-990 @jesuisici33 @jeeyuns @ladydorian05 @steadfastsaturnsrings @eowon @heartshapedvows @nmcggg @rainbow-nerdss @evanbegins