#me: i need to make this fic as if it's an advent calendar fic!! wouldn't it be cool to write one chapter for each day?

[wehelddarkness]

x

[yelenasdiary]

In the spirit of Christmas I have a request!

Nat is a super powerful and rich CEO of the biggest company in NYC. She’s cold to everyone and absolutely merciless when it comes to business. Everyone is afraid of her and her influence.

Reader is Nat’s low level assistant. Reader has to deal w her cold boss (Nat) and all her needs. Reader is afraid of Nat and afraid of messing up as she’s seen people fired without mercy before.

One day around the holidays Nat catches reader crying or smth about how she can’t afford Christmas for her son (single mom). Maybe reader can’t afford gifts or has to turn the heat off in dead winter to save money. Nat softens up and offers reader and her son to spend Christmas with her in her penthouse. Nat spoils our son and shows a side w other side of cold CEO Nat.

Kinda like devil wears Prada with some protective and hurt/comfort stuff.

THANK YIU SO MUCH!! I know this is super specific so no worries if it doesn’t stay exactly like this!! And happy holidays to you ❤️ I love your work and many blessings in the new year!

☃️ CEO of Christmas ☃️

Pairing: CEO! Natasha Romanoff x Assistant! Reader

Summary: Working for Natasha was never easy and being a low-level assistant for the CEO wasn’t where you thought you’d be after working your hardest for 2 years. After catching you in tears on Christmas Eve, Natasha cold ways start to warm up. 

Slight Angst | Comfort | 1.6K | Reader is a single mum | 

AC: I love how different this request is!! Thank you for sending it! I hope you enjoy it! It’s a little longer than my other Xmas fics but anyways haha, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!

Day 23 | Advent Calendar Masterlist 🎄

"Y/n!" the voice of your CEO startled you as she stormed from her office over to your desk, "Yes Miss Romanoff?" you asked kindly with a warm smile. It was easier to just take her coldness than to demand respect for the way she spoke to those around her. You'd seen people get fired for little reasons that didn't matter to any other CEO that wasn't Natasha Romanoff. "Here's a list of people I have to buy Christmas gifts for. I don't have the time and I pay you, so I need you to go get everything off this list" she explained as she basically slammed the piece of paper on your desk. 

"S-sure" you replied with a slight stutter when your eyes landed on the list, "What would you like me to do if one of these items isn't in stock?" you asked. Natasha frowned as she looked down at you, "Then order it in? it isn't rocket science! Now get going, I need you back within the next hour" she ordered coldly before making her way back to her office. It wasn't the first time you'd had to cover gift shopping for her, almost anytime one of her friends or family had a birthday or even coming up, it was up to you to find the gift Natasha wanted to buy. One time you couldn't buy an item on her list, even asking to get the item ordered in the store manager wasn't able to get stock. Natasha was fuming and took her anger out on you, that entire week you had the to do hours of overtime. 

Lucky for you, you were able to get every item on Natasha's list, even having to have a few items delivered to the office later to avoid being late back. "Where would you like all these, Miss Romanoff?" you kindly asked while standing in the doorway of her office with bags of gifts. "Oh good, you're back. I hope that is everything off the list" she looked up from her computer looking at you in the cold way she looked at everybody. "Yes ma'am, some things I've requested to have delivered to the office later this afternoon. They were in the process of restocking some items" you explained hoping it wouldn't make her made. "I suppose there is a delivery fee" Natasha sighed with an eye roll, "No ma'am, it's all free delivery due to the inconvenience" you assured her. Natasha's attention returned to her computer, "go wrap them neatly" she instructed.

After wrapping all the gifts and making sure you did everything else that Natasha had not so kindly asked you to do, you didn't even realise that everybody else in the office had gone home. 6:30PM read on your watch as tears filled your eyes. Your son was at home with a sitter, you hated working late especially that today was Christmas Eve. Natasha didn't care for the holidays and it showed she didn't have any children of her own. You've been working for her for a little over two years and break downs became the norm for you. Natasha owns the biggest company in New York City, getting a job here isn't easy for anybody and you had never mentioned that you had a son in case she wouldn't hire you. When you first started the money was just enough to get you by and keep a roof over you and your sons head but after two years, you hoped that you would've been promoted by now. 

With your son now being 5 years old and learning the tricks of Santa Claus, you wanted to make Christmas magical for him and spoil him the best you possible could. The winter was too harsh this year and already the two of you have had to suffer without heating just to save money, you've been able to guy him some toys but most of his gifts were clothing that he needed. Socks, underwear, new shoes and clothing that would fit the growing boy. You knew he wouldn't care much for the clothing and be more interested in the few toys Santa would leave him, but you hated how you weren't able to give him more. 

"Why are you crying?" Natasha asked as she walked up behind you with documents that needed sorting before the new year. "S-sorry Miss Romanoff, I…I was just…it doesn't matter" you replied in a whimper knowing she wouldn't care if you even did tell her. To your surprise, Natasha pulled up a chair and sat down, "Well that's a lie, now tell me what's got you so upset. It's Christmas, aren't you supposed to be happy like the rest of the office?" she asked as she watched you wipe your tears. "I guess that's the issue" you looked up at her, "my son is at home on Christmas eve with a sitter while I'm here doing things that could wait" you explained, Natasha's face dropped slightly at the unknown news. 

"You have a son?" 

"I do…he's 5"

"Then what are you doing here? You should have told me; I would've sent you home a lot earlier" Natasha frowned slightly. "I needed this job…I need the money…Especially with the winter being so hard and my sitter is $20 an hour but she's the only sitter that's available for my hours so I need the overtime to cover that…I can't lose this job…" your eyes filled with tears once again. 

"Why would you think I fire you?" She asked almost disheartened by your thoughts. "I've see you fire people for things out of their control before…I didn't think you'd keep around if you knew about my son" your eyes dropped to your feet, "and I'm assuring the father isn't in the picture?" Nat questioned, you shook your head "he's only met him once when he was born and said he couldn't afford a baby and I haven't heard from or seen him since".

There were a few moments of silence before Natasha spoke up, "Go home, be with your son. I'll have a car pick you both up around 8am in the morning, you both can spend Christmas with me at my penthouse", you looked up at Natasha with soft eyes, "Miss Rom-"

"Please, call me Natasha, outside of the office" she smiled softly, "I couldn't intrude on your Christmas like that" you said. Natasha shook her head, "I'm not doing anything for Christmas, I see everybody when we're all together a few days after so there isn't any excuse, you and your son will come spend Christmas with me, that's an order" she playfully winked then hanged you your coat from behind your chair, "now go home" she added. 

Morning came with an excited 5-year-old jumping up and down at his new toys that Santa brought him, his favorite toy was his fire truck with working lights and siren. "Look mommy! Santa got me a fire truck!" He ran up to you with his truck in both hands, showing it off. "That's awesome honey! Are you ready to get dressed so we can go to Miss Romanoff's house shortly?" You smiled before placing a kiss on his forehead. "Can I wear my new hoodie?" he asked, warming your heart. His red hoodie with a fire truck of course. "Of course, come on, let's get ready" you replied, grabbing his outfit. 

Taking the lift up to Natasha's penthouse sent goosebumps all over your body, your son holding your hand with his fire truck in the other, he looks up at you. "Mommy, why are we going to your boss's house?" he asked, "She invited us over for Christmas, honey" You smiled at him just as the lift came to a stop and the doors opened. 

Natasha's penthouse was decked head to toe with Christmas decorations, Christmas music playing softly in the background and a large tree in the center littered with gifts at the bottom. "Wow!" your little boy said as his eyes scanned the penthouse, "Merry Christmas, come on in!" Natasha appeared in a deep red dress with black heels, "Hi Miss Romanoff, Merry Christmas" your son smiled at your boss with his polite manners. "Merry Christmas, please call me Nat" she smiled back at him. 

Your little boy was quick to run over to the rug to play with his new truck as Natasha handed you a glass of wine, "What's his name?" She asked. "Dylan" you smiled softly as you watched him play with his new favorite toy, "Hey Dylan, why don't you see if Santa left any presents under my tree" Natasha caught his attention, but he was nervous and looked at you for an answer. "It's okay honey, Natasha said you could" you assured him. 

Dylan had never seen so many gifts in his life, every gift under the tree had "From Santa" written on it. "You didn't have to go out of your way for this" you turned to Natasha trying to hold back tears from seeing how happy and excited your son was as he opened gift after gift. "I'm not as cold as you think I am, I know the chatter that goes around the office" she replied as she sipped her wine, "Natasha, I didn't mean to often you or anything last night… I'm sorry for being unprofessional but I really do appreciate this". 

"You can make up to me by taking on being my personal assistant. You'll have your own office and not a cubical, less hours and you'll have holidays and birthdays off. I'm going to triple your wage on the condition that some of that money goes into a savings account" Natasha offered in her usual stern tone but with a hint of softness. 

"Natas-"

"You deserve it. You have worked harder than any other assistant I have had, I've seen how hard you work and it's about time I stop being so hard on you" she cut you off knowing what you'd say. "Thank you" you whispered with eyes full of tears, finally your life was changing.

Taglist: @red1culous | @sayah13 | @charl-lally | @when-wolves-howl | @bentleywolf29 | @fxckmiup | @natasha-belova | @blackwidow-3 | @lissaaaa145 | @high--power | @parkerdaramitzzzz | @mmmmokdok | @wackymcstupid | @kiwiana145 | @shin-conan-kun | @nattyolw | @ripofflizzie | @goofy-goonie | @makegoodchoices | @apollo2907 | @wandaroman0ff | @dumb-fawkin-bitch | @lovelyy-moonlight | @santana1437 | @ahintofchaos | @fluffyblanketgecko | @puta1 | @inluvwithfictionalwomen | @tintedrose12 | @jaymieflorissssssss | @tita001 | @youralphawolf72 | @donnietarantino | @randomnessbecausewhynot | @natashamaximoff69 | @hehehehannahthings | @pandaemonium111 | 

[lihhelsing]

Ali's Masterpost

Welcome to my masterpost! Nice to see you ❤️

Where to find me?

twitter and ao3

My Tumblr prompts, microfics and ficlets are here.

On-Going Fics

you're under my skin (burning in my bloodstream)

steddie | rockstar au | explicit | 40k+ | 3/7

Read it Here Steve's not sure why he keeps betting on things with Robin when he knows he's going to lose. Except this time the bet ends up with him getting his nipple pierced and it seems like the guy who's about to run a needle through his skin is hotter than Steve expected and he's having trouble keeping it together. But after a charged first encounter, Steve has no way to get in touch with Eddie and thinks he lost his chance until he runs into him in the most unexpected of places and finds out Eddie is a lot more than Steve initially thought. OR; Eddie gives Steve a piercing and Steve is clueless about his true identity.

If I fall for you, I'll never recover

steddie | supernatural elements | explicit | 30k+ | 7/10

Read it Here Befriending Dustin Henderson and the party come with the added bonus of weekly family dinners at Steve Harrington's house, of all people. Eddie expects him to be a jerk but he is not. He's actually... Nice? It's a shock for him, too All of a sudden, it's like Steve is everywhere. It's like Eddie fits in with them in a way he never did before, and it feels nice, even if Steve is super territorial about the people he cares about. Eddie just didn't think he would ever be one of them. He also didn't think he would care so much about Steve. On some nights he even thinks this crush of his might be something else. Something that dangerously looks like love.

Completed fics under the cut

Steve Harrington's (not so) Secret Advent Calendar

steddie | christmas themed | explicit | 19k | One-Shot

Read It Here What do you mean friends don’t make friends super elaborated Advent Calendars just for the sake of it? Or; Eddie and Steve had been fooling around for a year when Steve decided it was time to make a move and make things official in the form of 24 presents right before Christmas.

To-Do: Eddie Munson

steddie | Modern AU | explicit | 14k | 4/4

Read it Here Steve started sending his to-do lists to famous rockstar Eddie Munson as sort of an inside joke. It wasn't like Eddie would ever look at the DMs from a no-one called Steve Harrington. Right? Or; Steve's been using Eddie Munson's DMs as his personal notes up until the day Eddie actually replies to him.

The World Ends With You

steddie | Apocalypse AU | Explicit | 70k | 13/13 | Steddie BigBang #019

Read it Here After the world ended and the undead creatures were everywhere, Steve Harrington survived by isolating himself. Completely alone in a house, he barely knows what to do when someone breaks in. Injured and alone, Eddie Munson slowly wins Steve’s trust as they navigate surviving together in the middle of the Apocalypse and their relationship grows into something Steve can’t quite understand. But just as he has his share of secrets, Eddie has some of his own and this might be enough to get in the way of whatever they were building together.

Just a Lost Boy (not ready to be found)

steddie | Stripper AU | Explicit | 90k | 12/12

Read it Here Steve desperately needed an out. He couldn't handle his own life anymore, he needed to leave everything he'd ever known behind. And yet, he couldn't. His husband wouldn't let him leave like that. Not when Steve felt like a prize to him, something to be owned. And Steve didn't have the money to leave him because he'd been dumb and trusting and in love. And then, there's Eddie. Who might be just another client but he makes Steve feels things and Steve doesn't want to fucking feel anything right now. He just wants to leave. OR; Stripper Steve meets Eddie at work and Eddie can be precisely what Steve needs. Can offer him the chance of leaving his own life behind, if Steve plays his cards right.

[miumura]

( 🎞️ ) LOVE EASILY CRUMBLES — TAEHYUN SHORT FIC

[ DAY FIVE ] of the advent calendar !

( 🎞️ ) SYNOPSIS . . how easy it is to lose love for a season.

( .𖥔 ݁ ) PAIRING . . classmate!taehyun x classmate!gn-reader

( 🎞️ ) GENRE . . fluff, angst | FT. K + NICHOLAS ( &TEAM )

( .𖥔 ݁ ) WARNINGS . . profanity, miscommunications, someone kinda being a douchebag, taehyun is kinda frustrating ngl bc he holds GRUDGESSS 😪 — WORD COUNT : 1.1K+ ( 1139 )

( 🎞️ ) NOTE . . omg is this the start of soph FINALLY working on smth for txt 😱?? LMAO trust i have been trying for the past months but the ideas never got finished so </3 so im def proud of myself for getting this out n finished for u guys 🤍

"Come on! Ask him out!" K whispered, nudging you in Kang Taehyun's direction.

"I can't do this right now! I'm nervous—seriously, calm down!" You attempted to hold your ground, even pushing back, but the inevitable draw towards your crush seemed unstoppable.

"Stop playing matchmaker at the moment!"

"You need to make a move! You both complement each other so well! You, the energetic one, and him, the quiet one—it's a perfect match, if you ask me!" After a final nudge from K, you found yourself right next to Taehyun, who was seated at his desk, engrossed in a book with earbuds in. Well, fuck.

Sensing your presence, your crush, Kang Taehyun, glanced up, his eyebrow arching in mild surprise. Cursing your nerves, you hastily fished out a folded piece of paper from your pocket. Placing it on his desk, you offered a fleeting smile before dashing away.

You locked eyes with K, shooting him a fierce glare. "K, you're in trouble."

"Hey! I helped you—" K's protest was cut short as you chased him out of the classroom, eliciting a yelp. "I'm sorry!"

Meanwhile, Taehyun observed the scene, a small smile gracing his lips at the commotion. Returning his focus to the piece of paper, he carefully unfolded it.

"Here’s my number: XXX-XXX-XXXX.

Let’s go out?"

Despite his typically reserved and aloof nature, Taehyun found himself smiling, a faint pink tint gracing his cheeks—an unfamiliar but welcome sensation for him.

"And then—holy shit!" You exclaimed, eyes widened as you stared at your phone screen. Your heart raced far faster than usual, but who wouldn't get excited over something like this? "He actually texted me!"

"Who?" Nicholas barely showed any reaction but was still curious about the source of your unexpected excitement. “The quiet loser?”

You playfully hit his arm, causing him to wince and rub the spot. “No need to diss my future boyfriend now.”

“Okay, now you're delusional—and your taste in men is terrible too?”

“Oh fuck off, Nicholas,” you retorted, your eyes fixed on your phone, a smile spreading across your face as you read Taehyun's messages.

Hey YN, it’s Taehyun.

So, where do you wanna go?

You quickly typed up a response, “There’s a lovely spot not too far from here. Beautiful trees and a bench made for two. Oh, and there's a chance of snow today! It could be the perfect moment…unless you're not a fan of snow?”

He read your messages, and at this point, you were practically biting your fingernails, hoping he shared your affection for winter. It was your favorite season, with its enchanting snow and the opportunity to wear layers of cozy clothing.

That sounds wonderful. I love the snow :)

When?

With a sense of relief, you quickly arranged for the date to happen today, and you couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement when Taehyun agreed. "I can't believe I just set up a date."

“I still don’t know what you see in him.”

“Stop being a mood killer, Nicho.”

You were spot on—tonight, snowfall was abundant, and Taehyun faced biting winds that blew the snowflakes into his face. Extending his hand, the snowflakes delicately settled in his palm, melting at his touch. At least the snow was pretty today.

Glancing at the time on his phone—6 PM, precisely on schedule—he approached the location. It was indeed a charming sight. The lights cast a soft glow above the bench, creating an atmosphere purposefully crafted for a romantic encounter for two. A smile graced his face; everything seemed just perfect, tailored to his ideal kind of date.

Sitting down on the bench, he looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of you at any moment. He waited.

And waited.

An hour had passed, and you hadn’t arrived. Taehyun was puzzled; where could you be? He was confident about the time—6 PM and the location you had chosen. His phone suddenly chimed, a notification he hoped was from you, but instead, it was a text from an unknown number.

You really think YN would go on a date with someone like you?

The text hit him like a ton of bricks.

She's popular, you're not. Why would she waste her time on a loser like you?

Doubt crept in, making his heart sink.

He felt a wave of nausea rising, his grip on the phone tightening, his fingers nearly turning numb. Did he raise his hopes for nothing? Did he really think that you were going to be different from the rest? The biting cold made it increasingly hard for him to catch his breath—how he despised the sensations coursing through him.

Nervously, his fingers hovered over your contact, finally pressing the call button. He didn’t know what he was doing, but it just felt like the right thing. Anxiously, he chewed on his lip while waiting on the line, and soon, he heard shuffling in the background. His eyes widened at how quickly you picked up the phone.

"Hey Taehyun?" Your voice sounded surprisingly calm on your end.

"Where are you?" he asked, trying to maintain composure, but the cold and wind were beginning to make him sound shaken up.

“I’m here with Nicholas—why do you ask?”

Taehyun should’ve known.

“So I’ve been waiting out here in the cold for no reason?”

“Huh?”

“The date you wanted to go on, YN. God, can you stop acting oblivious and tell me how you actually feel about me?” Taehyun feels the anger getting to him, his voice already rising.

“But the date is set to 8 PM? Wait, did I not tell you that?”

“That’s just a fucking excuse, isn’t it?”

“No, I thought I told you 8 PM? Oh my god—Taehyun, I’m so sorry. It’s a mistake, I swear!” You felt panicked, re-reading the text message you sent, realizing your mistake.

“Yeah right.” he just couldn’t help but chuckle at his situation.

“Taehyun, you have to believe me—” But he cut you off, “I already know how you feel. Thanks for playing with me—oh, and most important, thanks for ruining winter for me.”

“Wait—” But Taehyun hung up before you could continue. He had too many thoughts swirling in his head to deal with everything at that moment.

Taehyun sat alone on the snow-covered bench, the bitter cold seeping into him as he felt the disappointment and frustration swirl within. His emotions were a chaotic mess, a blend of anger, hurt, and the numbing chill of the winter night. The twinkling lights above seemed to mock his shattered hopes.

As he walked away, his shoulders weighed heavy with a mix of resentment and sorrow. Winter, once his beloved season, was now tarnished by this painful memory.

With a heavy heart, Taehyun knew this winter would forever hold a bitter taste, a season stained by a shattered promise and unfulfilled expectations.

SEND AN ASK / COMMENT TO BE ADDED!

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[neyswxrld]

do you wanna build a snowman?

Wrecker x reader (gn)

summary: Building a snowman with Wrecker!

warnings: mostly fluff, a slight "misunderstanding", some kisses at the end

word count: ~930

advent calendar masterlist

a/n: this is the thirteenth fic for my advent calendar! for my favorite muscle man!

p.s. english isn't my mother tongue, sorry for misspellings! 

"You have never built a snowman?" you ask Wrecker, confused.

"Well, never saw that much snow before," he explains, scratching his neck.

With big eyes, you look him up and down before shaking your head and pulling Wrecker over to your wardrobe.

"We need to change that! Come on, you'll have to wear something warm, and then we can go outside," you tell him, grabbing another pair of pants to put on.

A few minutes later, you're wrapped in the most comfortable and warm clothes, standing in your garden.

"Look, it all starts with a small snowball. You form it, put it on the ground, and then you start rolling it. The snow from the ground sticks to the ball and it'll grow," you explain and show him how to do it right.

Wrecker nods once. He forms another small ball and starts to do what you said.

You roll and roll, watching the ball grow.

When you're satisfied with the size of your first ball, you look up to see how Wrecker is doing. Instead of one, he already had built two huge sections and is about to staple them.

You have absolutely no idea how he did it, but you're surely impressed by their size.

While your basement is so big that you wouldn't be able to lift it, it is barely big enough to be the head of Wrecker's snowman.

"Wow, Wrecker! How did you do that so fast?" you ask with big eyes, and walk over to him.

"I just did what you told me," he grins proudly and is about to make another ball when you stop him.

"Wait! I've got mine left. If you make another one that big, there wouldn't be enough for two snowmen," you tell him and run back to your ball, starting to move it over to him.

The thing is heavy, and with time, you even have problems rolling it.

Luckily, Wrecker comes to your help and starts to help you handle it, getting it closer to his creation.

"Can you lift it, Mesh'la?" he asks, already a mocking grin on his face. He exactly knows that he will be able to play your favorite muscle man, who has to come to your help in a few seconds.

But it's something you love him for, so you'll play along.

"Yeah, yeah. So funny," you roll your eyes, smiling, starting to grip the huge package of snow, trying to lift it up.

Nothing happens. Just like expected.

"Ahww, okay. Come on, big guy. Show me your muscles!" you laugh, stepping aside.

Wrecker nods happily and starts to lift the ball on top of the other two.

"It's huge!" you say, looking up at the snow figure that almost tops Wrecker in height.

"Thank you, Wrecker. Now we have to decorate it!" you say and start explaining to him what you would need.

After some time, you have found all the required things and start to make some stone buttons, while Wrecker puts arms made out of some sticks into the middle section.

Then you start to build a face, put a carrot in the highest snow sphere, and put a small plant pod on its head, so it looks like a little hat. Or, well, maybe it's more like Wrecker is following your instructions because you can't reach the head that well.

Satisfied, Wrecker and you both take a step back and look at your snowman together.

"It looks great!" you smile and lean into his side, enjoying his warmth.

"Yeah, think so, too," Wrecker mumbles, not as enthusiastically as you, and suddenly, you have a feeling that he didn't enjoy the whole process like you did.

Concerned, you turn around to him and look at his face, which has a troubled expression on it.

"Hey, what's up? Are you okay?" you ask, now seriously worried.

"I-... You wanted to build that snowman, but I was too fast and- and needed too much snow. And now you couldn't build your own snowman," Wrecker says, playing with his fingers uncertainly.

You look at him confused before realization hits you, and the corners of your lips start to rise automatically.

"Oh, Wrecker! Stop thinking like that. You wanted to build one, too. And you've never even built one before. Of course, you have priority," you start to explain, stepping in front of him and taking his hands into yours.

"Besides, it's just snow. It won't be the last time we can build a snowman. And on top of that, I think it was really lovely to build one with you together. I'd rather build a hundred of them together with you than a single one on my own," you smile at him, squeezing his hands a little tighter.

Wrecker nods slightly.

"Yeah, it really was fun to do that together," he says and starts to smile, too.

Happily, you come a little bit closer and stand on your toes, leaning into him.

Wrecker's grin grows wider when he sees what you're up to. He leans down a bit and meets you in the middle.

Your lips touch, and in an instant, small butterflies start to rise in your chest. Everything gets warm and you sigh a little bit before leaning in closer, putting your hands on his cold cheeks, and deepening the kiss.

Wrecker puts his strong arms around you and pulls you closer to his chest.

And while you're standing there, sharing sweet kisses, quiet whispers and shy smiles, you almost don't notice how the clouds thicken and the snow starts to fall again.

It definitely won't be the last snowman you'll build together.

TAGLIST:

@isthereanechoinhere96 @trixie2023

[jessicanjpa]

Twilight Advent Calendar 2023 Event

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

Dec. 7 - Choose one Twilight couple (or an AU ship) and tell us about an argument they've had. How did they resolve it in the end?

I was hoping to write something new for today, but I Am Tired. So I'm going to poach a scene from SST, chapter 18, which takes place during World War II. This is the AU Volturi!Jasper fic, so Alice is having an extra bad day, but the Cullens are still in Sweden so the C/E argument is canon.

------

1942

United States

Alice POV

"No... no!"

I moaned in despair when my eyes opened and I found my fingers clenched around the broken shoulders of a human. It was a young man in a camouflage jacket with a big splash of blood soaking the front of it. I licked my lips without even thinking about it, unable to stop the shiver of pleasure that coursed through me at the heavenly taste.

Oh, what did it matter, anyway? He was already dead. Why did anything matter? I bent down for more, gulping the last dredges of hot blood, lapping up the little bit that had spilled down the side of his neck. He ran dry all too quickly. I shook the body in desperation, trying again to get another ounce of blood out of his ruined throat. I finally snapped out of it and lay my victim gently back down on the cold grass. I sat beside him in a tight ball, resting my chin on my drawn-up knees.

I didn't even remember how I had gotten here. I had burst out of the cabin when that horrid vision had struck, and I had run and run... I didn't know where I was. Not that it mattered. I didn't really have anything at the cabin worth going back to.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, looking with pity at the young man whose life I had just ended. Jasper might be doing his best to ruin both our futures, but that didn't give me the right to ruin someone else's. To end someone else... I hugged around my ribs as tight as I could, gasping deep breaths, wishing that Esme were here to comfort me. That Carlisle were here to forgive me. Emmett would tell me it was okay. Rosalie would help me clean up, help me clean myself up. Edward would help me focus my visions and go listen to people's minds to make sure we wouldn't need to move...

But they were all so far away. I had to do everything myself, as usual. But I just didn't feel like it. I sat back down beside the body. Despite the thrill of new strength that always came when I messed up and drank human blood, my body felt heavy and disjointed. Was this what it felt like when humans were tired? I let myself roll over and lie down. I closed my eyes, desperate to see something besides the corpse beside me.

Jasper wasn't doing anything right now. He was just standing still in his quarters, deep in thought. I switched to Emmett and Rosalie, but quickly pulled away to give them their privacy. That was the last thing I wanted to watch right now. But Edward was at the piano, so I eagerly focused my attention there. I watched him for a while, listening to the soothing music he was trying to compose.

I hummed along once the melody began to take shape, pretending I was perched on the back of the piano. Edward would scold me to get down and I would just stick my tongue out at him and we would laugh about it together. But his ideas about the melody kept changing, and that made the music stop and start constantly in my vision, even when he wasn't changing what his fingers did yet. The notes kept mashing together at the wrong times. I tried to stay with him, but the dissonance was too distracting. In the end, I was more agitated than before.

At least Carlisle and Esme would be there for me. They were always so calm, so kind... but this was not my day. They were actually arguing, something I rarely saw.

"I know that," Esme was saying. "But back then you didn't have a family. And bombs weren't falling back then, either. You were never in any danger before."

"Our whole world is in danger now. You know how strongly I feel about contributing when—"

"Contribute, then! We already gave the proceeds of the house to the Red Cross, and I'm sure we can do far more. What about all that artwork you have stashed away?"

"Esme," Carlisle said quietly. "This is important to me."

Esme crossed her arms tightly across her belly, looking back and forth around the room at nothing. "So you're doing this for yourself."

It took me a little while to figure out what they were arguing about: Carlisle wanted to go down into mainland Europe and find a way to do his doctor work near where the fighting was, and Esme was not having it. I had no idea how old Carlisle was, but it sounded like he had done this before, in other wars. He was telling Esme how much it meant to him to heal lots of humans in times when so many were dying and suffering, how this was often the time when groundbreaking advancements were made in the field of medicine, how sometimes the most beautiful thing about the human spirit was found in the middle of war.

Esme said that if he was going, all of them were going, and Carlisle wasn't having that. Esme also seemed worried that Emmett and Rosalie—and maybe even Edward—might do something reckless if they were anywhere near the war, to which Carlisle insisted that the war was everywhere, to which Esme stubbornly pointed out that he could serve the war effort by replacing doctors who had gone to the front lines, but Carlisle was sure it would be easier to slip under the net identity-wise posing as a civilian doctor helping out in a field hospital, and that was really what he wanted to do anyway. Esme pointed out that real soldiers didn't get to pick where they served. It went on and on.

I hated it when they argued. It was rare; they were usually so gentle with each other. Even the way they were hurting each other now was gentle. But I couldn't stop listening; I needed to know if there was any chance they would be coming back to this continent.

There had been so many times I had wanted to go ahead to the Cullens. Again and again I had decided to do it—to go to them first and then meet Jasper when he was ready. But something always stopped me. Things would look different between Jasper and me in the Family Portrait. Sometimes he wouldn't be in it at all, and Diner Day would be gone. Sometimes I would see us arguing when his eyes were still red. Sometimes I couldn't put my finger on why it was wrong; it just felt wrong. And so every time I decided to let it go and trust my visions... to trust our destiny. Maybe going to the family first would make Jasper feel too intimidated to join us. Maybe he would do it but he would be unhappy. Maybe being with the family meant I would somehow miss my only chance to find him. Waiting was hard, but I wasn't willing to risk our future, or ruin it, just so I could have what I wanted in the present.

But now that future was lost, at least as far as I could see. It felt silly and even cruel to be angry at Jasper, when he couldn't possibly have known what he was giving up, but I was. I had been so lonely, and I had waited so long for him to come to his senses and leave that miserable war, and for what? For him to sign up for the vampire army and leave me here, waiting again? Waiting forever? What was I supposed to do now? For the first time in my life, I hadn't any kind of plan, and it was a frightening new place to be. I had always been able to trust our destiny. Even without ever knowing how many years it was going to take, I had always had that happy ending to hold onto—and it really was a happy beginning, so even the waiting was bearable. What was a decade or two of loneliness compared to an eternity of love and happiness? That future had always felt more real to me than the present anyway.

But now nothing felt real.

A dark thought had been pushing its way into my mind ever since Jasper had gone to Italy. What was real, anyway? My future with Jasper had been the most real thing in my whole life. And in the end, it had been so easily lost, as easily as if the wind had changed direction and it had dissolved in a moment's breeze. It had been that fragile, after all. What else wasn't real, or was no more real than that? How many of my visions weren't going to come true? Were never going to come true in the first place?

It wasn't that I doubted my gift. Little confirmations every day reminded me that I had this unusual power to see things. Thing as small as red tulips around the corner and as big as a second world war. The fact that those visions could change and even disappear didn't mean those futures were any less real, or hadn't been.

But the big ones, the ones that had been dropped into my hands to show me my destiny—Jasper's face the minute I had woken up. Diner Day. The Family Portrait. I had never had any tangible confirmation that those things were real, and yet I always clung to them as if everything else was just a mist of lesser possibilities. What if those visions were lost now because they had never been real in the first place? They hadn't come like my smaller visions had come, based on decisions. Maybe they were so different because... I shook my head, unwilling to think it. But it came anyway: maybe I had needed them to be real. Needed something to believe in.

Were Carlisle and Esme really arguing right now? Were they really in their little blue rented house in Sweden at this moment? Did they even exist... anywhere?

Maybe I was just crazy. I had woken up in a hospital gown, after all. For all I knew, I had lived in a mental asylum all my life. Maybe the fact that some of my visions came true wasn't enough to prove that I hadn't seen exactly what I had needed to see when I had woken up alone and afraid. Maybe I was just remembering a long chain of dreams I had had as a human. Maybe Jasper and my family were just characters in a lovely story I had been telling myself all this time, and the world really was just as cold and gray as it felt now. I didn't think I could face a world like that.

Carlisle and Esme's argument was winding down. They were full of murmured apologies now for some of the things they had said. They clung to each other and decided together that for now, they would do nothing. Then they stopped talking and just held each other. Esme's face was pressed into Carlisle's shoulder and Carlisle laid a slow, tender kiss on her hair...

I realized all at once that I was snuggled up to the corpse, pressing my face into its bloodied shoulder, hugging it tight around the chest. I scrambled away with a whimpering cry, swiping at the half-dried blood that stuck to my face like stubborn tears.

Esme, I thought desperately. You have to be real. I NEED you to be real.

And then I was running.

-----

(Anyway, Esme won that argument in the end; Carlisle sat out World War II.)

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲 🌲 🌲 🌲 🌲 🌲

You can find all of the #twilightadvent23 prompts here!

[enchantzz]

FIC RECS 1

A list of fics I have enjoyed reading and/or recommend. Grab your cup of tea or coffee and let yourself get transported into the fictional world of these wonderful fic writers. Thank you everyone for providing much needed distraction and entertainment. Your work is loved and appreciated.

Master List Fic Recs

Middle Earth Stories

Durin’s Garage - Part 3 - by @laurfilijames

The last chapter in the Garage AU series featuring Fili. This hot and steamy fic will make you want your car to break down too.

Day 11: BAM! - by @lathalea

Day 11 story in the Advent Calendar. The fluffiest fic about young Thorin, young Frerin and their baby sister Dis. Your heart will melt reading this!

Naughty Thoughts - by @linasofia

Yes, I was late to the hot party, but being late is not always a bad thing. I could read all 4 chapters in one go and who wouldn't want to know what is going to happen next. This hot and steamy fic may heat you up more than your cup of tea or coffee does when reading it.

Day 12: North and East (snippet)- By @lathalea

Day 12 in the amazing stories Advent Calendar. This is just a snippet of what is going to be a full story, but I’m already so intrigued. I love the way @lathalea writes Thorin, the way she makes him speak. It’s amazing.

8: Sweets - by @blairsanne

The fluffiest young Fili and Kili story. I love stories about young Durin family members and especially the interaction between siblings. If you are having a bad day, this is definitely the story to read. |t will put a smile on your face.

Thorin and Co gift giving headcanons by @huckleberrytea03

A lovely imagine on gift giving in the Hobbit Company. It makes you want to join in the fun.

Other worlds

The Ugly Duckling by @magravenwrites

A two-part story in The Last Kingdom world about love between two outsiders, Sihtric and OC Elsef. It makes you miss the boys and want to re-watch The Last Kingdom again.

The Citryne Chronicles: Winter’s Curse Prologue - by @the-poldarkian

An original story, a planned(!) Book series that follows the lives of 6 Princesses (Gabriella, Syrena, Florina, Yasmin, Tiara and Leigh) and their journeys in a fictional world.

Art & Vampires by me @enchantzz

Shameless self promotion of my stories in the series about a vampire Mitchell (AU - Being Human UK) and a human Amy (my OC), in the world of art, antiques, vampires, witches and other supernatural beings, world travel, history, adventures and slow-burn love stories around the characters. There are also a couple of stand-alone and tie-in Hot!Mitchy 18+ fics about Mitchell and Amy.

Grab you cup of tea or coffee and enjoy reading. Again a big thank you to the wonderful authors 🧡🧡🧡 Your work is appreciated.

[yelenasdiary]

For Advent Calendar:

How about Kate volunteered to help the dog shelter for the winter … and Kate,as we know her, will not leave without a new companion for Lucky and herself ;)

☃️ Yappy howl-idays ☃️

Pairing: Kate Bishop x Reader

Summary: Kate and Lucky help out at the local dog shelter during the holidays  

Fluff | 0.9K | No Warnings |  

AC: Cute idea! Reminds me of the fic I did of Vet! Reader x Kate, I hope you enjoy! 

Day 20 | Advent Calendar Masterlist 🎄

Working at a dog shelter has its highs and lows like any job, every day you try your best to make life easier on the dogs that are waiting for a home and the ones who ran away and are waiting for their families to come collect them. Your boss doesn't exactly understand why you love your job as much as you do but then again, he's just a grumpy old man.

Unlike most shelters, this shelter is more like a pound, dogs do unfortunately have a limit of stay which is around 4 weeks for stray and surrendered dogs and 6 weeks for dogs waiting for their owners to pick them up. Luckily, the state you live in doesn't believe in euthanizing the animals and instead, they are taken to a place where they are trained and then used a either therapy dogs that visit children's hospitals or aged care homes to bring happiness to those who need it. 

This winter has been one of the hardest winters for shelters. Running low on stock and unable to get any delivery due to the snow covering most of the roads and with Christmas just around the corner, the budging was tight. After posting a need for help for donations and extra hands to help through the busiest time of year on social media, is when you met a beautiful brunette with her pup, Lucky. 

"So I wasn't exactly sure if we needed anymore food but I was able to get another 8 bags of dry food, they're in the back of my car" Kate smiled softly as you kneeled to pat Lucky, "thank you, Kate and Lucky!" you smiled, scratching behind his right ear, "you both have been such a great help over these past few weeks, you have no idea just how helpful! We really thought we would have to relocate all your furry friends and close up shop for the rest of the winter but you little cutie and your wonderful ma have saved us!" you added, talking mostly to Lucky. 

"It's the least we could do, we couldn't sit at home knowing that you guys needed the help" Kate replied. You stood up facing Kate, unable to hide the smile on your face, "we really can't thank you enough and I know it isn't much but please, take this" you pulled out an envelope from your back pocket and handed it too Kate. As she opened the Christmas card with a $100 bill almost falling to the floor, you gave Lucky a treat. "I can't take this" Kate looked up at you, "please, we did this because we wanted too and you don't owe us anything" she added in hopes to assure you that their help truly came from the heart. 

"Well, you have no choice, you have to take it" you smiled, refusing to take back the money in the Christmas card. "In that case, I will donate it" Kate took a few steps towards the reception and placed the bill into the donation box. "So Lucky and I will be back tomorrow to help you out with clean up duty" she turned to you and smiled, "wait, how did you know that I would be here tomorrow and beside I wouldn't want to intrude on your Christmas with family" you replied. Kate just smiled and grabbed Lucky's lead, "I know you can't leave the puppers on their own for a day, especially on Christmas" She sent you a wink, "merry Christmas eve, y/n" she added before walking out the door. 

The next morning, you arrived at the shelter with homemade dog treats as a little special treat for the dogs. You liked to spend most of the holiday with the doggos since you couldn't bear the thought of them being alone in their cages. After cleaning up each cell from their toileting business over night, you handed out each of their treats and wished them a Merry Christmas. 

"Merry Christmas Y/n!" Kate came in with a big smile, Lucky on her left-hand wish and a bag of wrapped up gifts in her right hand, "Merry Christmas to you and Lucky!" you turned around and returned the smile, Lucky's tail wagging as you walked up to him, "don't think I forgot about you bud!" you kneeled and gave him a treat of his own, noticing the bandana he had on that said "Santa-Paw's little helper", "Lucky has brought some toys for everybody" Kate spoke as she placed down the pack of gifts. 

"Well, aren't you a wonderful helper" you chuckled before standing back to your feet. Kate helped you hand out the new toys for each dog, a ball and a toy stick to keep them entertained while nobody would be at the shelter overnight, "oh and don't worry, I will help you clean up the shredded pieces in the morning" Kate said after the gifts were handed out. "We also have a little gift for you" she added, handing you a Christmas card. 

"Dear Y/n, 

Lucky and I would like to thank you for allowing us to come and give a little extra joy to the holiday this year, we have loved coming and spending time with our new friends, including you! 

We ruff you a barky Christmas and a happy new year! 

With love, your new friends,

Kate & Lucky! 

*Ruff*"

"That's adorable, thank you!" You smiled at the card. "That's just the card" Kate chuckled, "I was hoping, if you're not busy, if you'd like to" she paused and nervously looked to her feet, "would like to what?" You asked kindly. "Would you like to come on a date with me? And Lucky of course, I mean, it's really his idea. He wants to meet your dog and well, I kind of have to be there?" Kate replied in a nervous rush. 

You couldn't help but chuckle at the woman standing in front of you, "Please tell Lucky that myself and y/d/n would love to go out sometime" you smiled as Kate's cheeks turned red as she looked into your eyes, "great!" she smiled, "how about tomorrow? If you're free of course" she added. "I actually don't have anything planned for Christmas so would you and Lucky like to come over once we're done here?" you asked, this time you were the nervous one. Kate nodded, "We'd love that" she replied.

Taglist: @red1culous | @bentleywolf29 | @kiwiana145  | @lissaaaa145 | @high--power | @parkerdaramitzzzz | @mmmmokdok |  @wackymcstupid | @kiwiana145  | @valiantmugcowboyscissors | @shin-conan-kun | @nattyolw | @ripofflizzie | @goofy-goonie | @makegoodchoices | @musicinourlips | @apollo2907 | @marvelfan98 | @wandaroman0ff | @dumb-fawkin-bitch | @lovelyy-moonlight | @santana1437 | @fluffyblanketgecko | @inluvwithfictionalwomen | @jaymieflorissssssss | @tita001 | @youralphawolf72 | @natashamaximoff69 | @a-dorkier-book-keeper | @hehehehannahthings | 

[neyswxrld]

touching souls

Echo x reader (gn)

summary: Taking a walk in the winter wonderland with Echo!

warnings: just some kisses

word count: ~740

advent calendar masterlist

a/n: this is the twenty-first fic for my advent calendar! i think this might be the one i like the most, lol. and, if you wanna see a tbb era echo as a winter prince in a winter wonderland, you should look at this edit by @isthereanechoinhere96!

You breathe in the fresh air of the snowy white afternoon. White snowflakes make their way toward the earth, almost like feathers. Peaceful and quiet.

It is cold, and your breath comes out in small, white clouds. You are clothed in your warmest clothes, hiding your ears beneath a beanie and your face in a huge scarf.

Nevertheless, the weather is refreshing and stimulating, forming a contrast to your warm and cozy home.

You take another deep breath, looking at the pine woods. Green and black patches shine through the white coat, and your steps crunch as you slowly walk through the snow. In the distance, you can hear some burbling of a restless stream, trying to fight the freezing temperatures.

You come to a halt and almost relieved, you exhale again, following your breath with your eyes. All the stress fades away and a weight you didn't know of, seems to be lifted off your shoulders.

Suddenly, you feel how strong arms wrap around your body from behind. A warm body presses against your back and a head settles on your shoulders.

Happily, you sigh and lean back into Echo's arms.

"Are you okay?" he asks quietly, breaking the silence of the nature, but not in a disturbing way.

"Yeah," you nod, closing your gloved hands above his. "Thanks for bringing me out here, Echo. I didn't notice how much I needed that," you almost whisper, turning your head a little. He is already looking at you. His brown eyes look into yours and for a short moment, you feel like he's touching your soul with his.

There builds a sweet tension between you, and while you're looking at each other, you feel like you're frozen in the moment, but find yourself not wanting to break it.

Nonetheless, you pull your scarf down and give him a small thankful kiss on his lips. Echo smiles and kisses you back lovingly. He always knows what you need the most, and a small trip to the woods on a snowy day is more than you could have ever imagined.

"You're very welcome. I'd do anything to make you feel happy and relaxed," he tells you after you separate again, a look of pure love in his eyes. Your heart stutters for a second.

"Everything?" you ask, teasing.

"Everything," he hums, rearranging his body, so he is standing next to you. He drapes an arm across your shoulders and together, you start walking again. Wanting more of his closeness, you throw your arm around his waist and pull him close, so there isn't any space left between you.

"Even bringing me that delicious cherry pie from Mrs. Brown?" you want to know. Your neighbor and Echo absolutely disliked each other. It started when he first came to your apartment. You don't even know the reasons for their heated relationship because every time you ask Echo, he just shrugs it off, not wanting to talk about it.

"When it makes you happy," he nods. "She likes you. Wouldn't be that bad if I said it's for you. Besides, you would have to give me a piece of cake, too."

You start to giggle quietly and nod before continuing with your ridiculous questions about what he'd do for you.

Together, you straggle across the path, swaying from left to right, smiling and laughing, pulling small promises from each other's lips.

"Hm... So you would also go and buy me a dog?" you ask, smiling, asking another silly question of what he'll do for you, to see how far he would take it, hypothetically. Echo chuckled lightly and shook his head.

"We first would have to have a talk about that a little bit more, and then I would take you with me to buy a dog," he murmurs, shaking his head. "But I wouldn't be disappointed if that won't happen in the next year or two," he adds.

"What? You would wait that long before getting a dog with me?" you ask, looking at him curiously.

"Well, it's a huge responsibility," he explains to you, looking back. You think about it a little bit before shrugging.

"I guess you're right. Besides, you didn't say no, so that counts. And I will remember that for the next two years," you agree, grinning at him mischievously.

Echo shakes his head, smiling.

He didn't lie. He'd do anything to make you happy.

TAGLIST:

@isthereanechoinhere96 @trixie2023 @freesia-writes

[neyswxrld]

love languages

Cody x gn!reader

summary: Buying Christmas presents with Cody!

warnings: reader has self doubts, discussions about love and feelings

word count: ~1380

advent calendar masterlist

a/n: this is the fifteenth fic for my advent calendar!

"Okay. So, I need some stuff for my mother and brother. And I have something for Rex in mind, too, that I should buy today. I still feel so bad about last year. And you wanted to buy stuff for my mother too, and don't forget Rex. And you mentioned-,"

"Stop, stop, Cyare. Everything's okay. I know who I want to buy stuff for, and I'm absolutely sure you won't forget anyone this time," Cody assures you, putting an arm around your waist.

"Urgh, I know. But you told me that last year too, and I still forgot about Rex. He made me such a cool present, and I just then realized that I have nothing for him," you explain again.

Cody and you have had that conversation at least five times since it "happened". And, in the end, nothing has happened, and he was right:

"But you just forgot to really buy him his present. You got it for him afterward, and even if you didn't, he wouldn't have blamed you or taken offense by that," he says, just as always.

"I know, I know. I still feel bad," you sigh. Cody laughs and presses a soft kiss against your temple.

"I'll ask you about all the presents before we go home. Okay?" he suggests, and you bite your lip for a few seconds, thinking about his offer, before you nod. "Okay."

You grab a shopping cart and walk into the store. Together, you walk through different aisles and pick out one present after another. For your mother, you'll get that nice kitchen gadget she goes into raptures about in front of you. Your brother will get some warm socks and a fancy book. You buy different things for your other friends, and you help Cody pick out some suitable presents for his brothers. In the end, you have a present for everyone... except-

"Rex?" Cody tests you, and you freeze in your tracks.

"Oh no! I forgot about him again! How can that happen all the time?" you ask, a little bit too desperate, and sigh before scratching your head.

"Hey, at least we're still here. You can still get him that present," Cody tries to cheer you up a bit, but it doesn't do that much for your dampened mood.

"I'm so sorry, Cody. I forget about him all the time," you say sadly, grabbing his hand again.

"Hey, it's okay. You thought about him regarding that in the first place. And as I said, he wouldn't even mind if you wouldn't give him a present at all," he tells you again, holding up his hand and stroking over your cheek carefully.

Sadly, you let your shoulders sink and look him in the eyes.

"I know that he wouldn't mind," you say quietly. "It... It isn't about Rex."

"Then what is it about?" he asks, still looking into your eyes carefully.

"I-I just... It's... It's about you," you admit. Cody raises his eyebrows in confusion. "Me?"

Suddenly, everything bursts out of you.

"You're such a great boyfriend, Cody. You remember everything about me and you know all my friends by their names. You know important things, like our anniversary or what I'm allergic to. But at the same time, you even remember the smallest, silliest things. What my favorite color is. What my first dog's name was. And that flatters me. It makes me giddy and happy, and every time I notice that you thought about something like that again, I think I fall in love with you even more," you begin, only stopping when Cody grabs your wrist and pulls you out of the crowd and to a small, quiet bench in the store.

You sit down, and Cody takes your hand again, listening to you intently and looking at you. All his attention lies on you, and you feel how there's a quiet voice in your head, whispering. "You're not good enough for him."

"I... I don't remember any of that. Hell, I'm lucky if my phone sends me a message about important dates. It took me so long to tell your brothers apart. I also just know that Rex is coming for Christmas for sure. He's your favorite brother, of course he's with you, or us. And I really don't mind that - in contrast. The more people we are, the happier I am, especially when they're people who are important to you. But it's just like... I want to give Rex presents to show you that I... That I think about him too. That I know what is important to you. But instead, I just keep forgetting. I feel like such a bad partner. Like I'm not enough. You deserve someone who is able to really show you how appreciated you are and how much you mean to them, and how much they care for you. I just-"

Cody interrupts you carefully.

"Hey, Cyare. Everything's okay. I know how much you care. Stop telling yourself you're not enough or that you don't show enough love. That's not true. You're such a caring and loving person. You don't forget as many things as you think. Besides, forgetting about stuff doesn't mean that you don't care," he starts, throwing an arm around your shoulder and pulling you into his side.

"But-," you start, but he doesn't let you talk yourself down again.

"No, listen to me. Who's the one that waits for me every time I come home from a long campaign?" he asks. You don't give a real answer, just stare at him with teary eyes.

"Who's the one to make me my favorite food? Who's the one surprising me with small, sweet gifts throughout our time together? Who's the one who sends me goodnight kisses and answers with morning kisses? Who's the one bringing me to 79s on a regular basis, telling me to have fun and relax a little bit with my brothers? Who's the one who, at the same time, really understands when I just want a quiet evening with some cuddles and a good movie?" he starts to list a few things, pulling you closer with each question. "It's you, Cyare. Do you hear me? It's you," he whispers in the end. Slowly, your eyes start to release some tears, making your cheeks wet.

But instead of crying out of self-doubt or out of fear of not being good enough, you're crying because no one ever touched you like that with their words.

"Those are just a few things that are on my mind at the moment. If you wanted a list with everything about what shows me how much you care, you would need a lot of time and a huge battery on your pad, because I'd still be sitting here in a few days, writing down every single thing about how you show me your love," he sighs quietly, brushing his hand through your hair.

"Our love languages may be different, but that doesn't mean that one of us cares less about the other. Don't think you're not good enough for me ever again," he whispers, placing a small kiss on your temple.

You nod a single time, feeling a little bit relieved.

"Go on, say it," he calls upon you.

"I-I... I'm good enough, a-and I'm showing you how m-much I care," you whisper with a shaky voice.

Cody nods in approval before starting to dry your face a little bit.

You keep sitting on the quiet bench in the store for a while. While you quietly talk to Cody and put your head on his shoulder while you calm down, you repeat that little phrase over and over in your head. You're good enough. You show Cody how much you care. Cody knows how much you love him.

When you're finally calm and the tears are dry again, Cody stands up and reaches out his hand to help you up.

"Now, do you still want to buy that present for my favorite brother, or have you decided otherwise?" he asked, a mocking undertone in his voice. 

"Let's get him that present!" you nod before you take your boyfriend's hand and start to walk through the store again, trying to find the last thing on your list.

TAGLIST:

@isthereanechoinhere96 @trixie2023 @freesia-writes