#my mom wants to buy me art of them kissing for christmas n i was hoping this artist had a shop

[hammity-hammer]

GUYS can someone help me figure out this artist i rly like's tumblr?? they make super fucking sick steddie art that's all like super dramatic lighting & stylized and they did a cool ass like,,,, måneskin inspired eddie i think? I cant remember i just know it was rocker eddie & like they make a lot of super dark art and i'm just trying to find them😭😭😭

[pintsizemama]

Congratulations on 200 followers!! Can I get a brother’s best friend/one bed only situation with either AU Din or Marcus Pike (hell any Pedro character BUT Max Lord)

Thank you and…

Ok, so, first, I’m sorry this took longer than I anticipated. It got away from me and ended up longer than I had planned. And second, I’m going to ignore the shade you tossed at my man Maxwell. lol I hope you enjoy this! I had to include the epic ‘anaconda’ in this, just for you. 😉

The Flight Delay

Summary: Marcus Pike is not only your big brother’s best friend—he’s the man you’ve been in love with most of your life. You and Marcus are flying home for Christmas. Your flight gets canceled due to a blizzard, and you have to get a hotel room at the airport…unfortunately, there’s only one bed.

Pairings: Marcus Pike x female Reader, Marcus Pike x You

Fandom: The Mentalist

Rating: Explicit 18+ ONLY

Word Count: 5,479

Warnings: language, pining, unrequited love (or is it?), self doubt, only one bed, kissing, SMUT, PiV sex, unprotected sex, oral sex (female receiving), vaginal fingering, differences in income...let me know if I missed anything, and I’ll happily add it here!

A/N: So, I did a little research on the Denver International Airport (never been there). I saw they do have a hotel on site and they regularly have art exhibits, so forgive me if there are inaccuracies.

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You walked briskly through the bustling airport. The few days before Christmas were always a hectic time to travel. You glanced over at your traveling companion, Marcus Pike. Marcus was your big brother’s best friend. The two had been friends for over twenty years. You all grew up in Seattle, but Marcus—thanks to his job with the FBI—had moved to Austin several years ago. Then two years ago he moved once more—this time to DC—after his fiancé broke off their engagement.

You were currently finishing up grad school in DC. You and Marcus met up regularly, finding comfort in the company of someone familiar in a new town. About two weeks ago you had gone out to dinner with Marcus and were discussing your holiday plans. Flights were outrageously expensive. You knew there was no way you could swing a plane ticket, so you planned to spend Christmas alone in your small apartment.

Marcus was having none of that. He offered to buy your plane ticket, but you couldn’t let him. It was too extravagant, and you didn’t want him to view you as a child anymore. A grown ass woman should buy her own plane ticket. You thanked him, but declined his generosity. You could tell by the frown on his face he wouldn’t let this go easily.

A few days later he had called you brimming with excitement. He had found a great deal on tickets, but you would need to book them together. The price was well within your budget, and you happily agreed. You were a bit worried about traveling with him—not wanting to overstep or come across as his best friend’s annoying little sister, but Marcus never made you feel out of place, so you pushed your fears aside.

“I’m so glad you were able to make it home,” Marcus said, cutting into your thoughts.

“Me too,” you sighed happily as you reached your gate. “I’ve missed everyone so much.” You both took a seat to wait for boarding.

“How long has it been since you’ve been back for a visit?” He asked.

“Last year,” you answered. “Spring Break. I didn’t get to go back over the summer thanks to my internship, so it’s been too long.” Marcus nodded in agreement. “How long since you’ve been back?”

“Last time I was there was right before I moved to DC,” he replied.

“Marcus Pike!” You scolded gently. “That was over two years ago!”

“I know,” he admitted sheepishly. “My mom has been hounding me ever since. I’ve just been so damn busy…it’s not a good excuse, but it’s true.”

“Well, at least you made it home for Christmas,” you said after a moment. Marcus nodded. Just then they began boarding and you both happily got on the plane. You settled into your seats and before you knew it you were off. The first leg of the journey passed quickly. Marcus was an excellent travel companion. He shared snacks with you, laughed and told stories, let you watch videos on his phone—even letting you use one of his earbuds while he used the other. It felt comfortable and warm and wonderful. You could almost imagine he was your boyfriend—though you firmly reminded yourself he was not.

You had been in love with him for half your life, but you knew he could never feel the same about you. No, you were just his best friend’s bratty little sister…an annoyance…someone he tolerated. There was no way Marcus Pike could have feelings for you. He was perfect. Like the literal definition of perfection. You sighed quietly, yearning for what would never be. Marcus turned towards you at the sound of your sigh.

“You ok, peanut?” He asked, using your favorite nickname. He had called you peanut since you were kids…and you always loved it.

“Yeah,” you assured him. “Just a little tired.” He hummed in understanding.

“If you want to sleep a bit you can use my shoulder,” he offered.

“You’re the sweetest,” you said with a smile. “But I think I’m ok for now. Let’s watch another video.”

“Ok,” he said, returning your smile. A short time later the plane was landing at Denver International Airport. You both grabbed your carry-ons and got off the plane.

“Our next gate isn’t far,” Marcus told you. “We have somer time before our connecting flight leaves. Wanna grab something to eat?”

“Please,” you half begged. “I’m starving.” Marcus chuckled.

“You’re always starving, peanut,” he teased. You grinned back and playfully shoved him. Your voracious appetite had always been something Marcus admired. “I like a girl who isn’t afraid to eat.” You remembered his words vividly. While other men in your past had made you feel self conscious or even guilty for your appetite, Marcus celebrated it. You made your way to the gate for your connecting flight.

“Hmm,” Marcus hummed with a frown, biting his lip.

“What?” You asked.

“Our flight’s delayed,” Marcus nodded towards the board. You looked up and saw in bright red letters: Flight 2516 to Seattle- DELAYED.

“Shit,” you muttered. “Oh, well, gives us more time to eat then.” Marcus laughed.

“Always finding that silver lining, peanut,” he smiled warmly at you. “Let’s get some grub.” You grabbed some food and took your time. Marcus kept checking his phone to see if the flight was still delayed. You decided to order a couple beers and just wait it out. Once you were both done you paid and walked back to your gate.

“Still delayed,” you huffed.

“I wonder what’s going on,” Marcus pondered. “I’m gonna go ask.” You nodded and found a couple seats while Marcus talked to the airline staff. A few minutes later he sat down heavily next to you.

“What’s up?” You asked him.

“Big winter storm,” he answered. “Apparently it’s messing with every flight out of here. They said they should know more in a couple hours.”

“Are we gonna be able to get out of here?” You asked, worry evident in your voice.

“I don’t know,” he replied. “Hopefully. They haven’t canceled any flights yet, so that’s promising.”

“Alright,” you said. “So, we just have to entertain ourselves for a bit.”

“Want to wander around and check out the artwork?” Marcus asked hopefully. You rolled your eyes playfully.

“Sure, Marcus,” you responded. “Let’s go.” He grinned widely and grabbed your hand. You couldn’t help the butterflies in your stomach as he pulled you around the airport pointing out any paintings and sculptures he could find. It was endearing how much he loved art. It was never something you had sought out, but Marcus made you notice things in ways you never had before. You could see the beauty in each piece through his eyes. You were sure you looked like a lovesick fool as you watched him passionately talk about the art world. You were almost back to your gate when an announcement came over the sound system.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are sorry to announce that due to the incoming winter storm ALL flights have been canceled until tomorrow. We are sorry for this inconvenience.”

“What?” You exclaimed. “Shit, Marcus, what are we gonna do?”

“It’s alright, peanut,” he assured you. “There’s a hotel in the airport. We’ll just grab a couple rooms and wait it out.”

“Ok,” you said, nodding to yourself. You hated the anxiety that was creeping through your chest, but you trusted Marcus to take care of things.

“Let’s get over there,” he said, ushering you towards the hotel. “The rooms will book up fast.” When you reached the hotel you groaned at the size of the check in line. Marcus rubbed your lower back soothingly.

“It’s alright, peanut,” he said calmly. “Stay positive.” You shuffled through the line—which was moving much quicker than you expected. Finally you reached the front. The woman behind the counter was extremely nice…especially when she calmly explained they only had one room left.

“Just one?” Marcus said, swallowing thickly.

“Yes, sir,” she said with a chipper smile. “Unfortunately, everyone is stuck, so you both got lucky to get this room!” Marcus nodded and slipped his credit card across the counter. A few minutes later you had your room keys and were in the elevator.

“Are you ok with this, peanut,” he asked you as the elevator ascended to your floor. He fidgeted nervously.

“Yes, Marcus,” you said suppressing a laugh. He looked so adorable when he was nervous. You walked in silence to the room, not sure what to say. Once you entered the hotel room you both stopped dead in your tracks.

“Uh…” you turned to Marcus. There was only one bed in the room…one very large King size bed.

“Shit,” he cursed quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. You recognized that as one of his ticks when he was stressed or embarrassed. “I’m sorry, peanut…I didn’t realize the room was a single.”

“It’s fine,” you brushed off with a wave of your hand. “It’s not like we had a ton of options here.” He smiled, his shoulders relaxing.

“I can take the floor…” he trailed off.

“Don’t be silly,” you said. “That bed is huge. We can share.”

��I don’t want to make you uncomfortable—” Marcus began.

“—I’m not uncomfortable, Marcus,” you cut in. “Really. It’s fine.” You paused a moment and considered something. “Are you uncomfortable?” Marcus shifted on his feet nervously.

“No,” he rushed out. “No, no, not at all. I just…I don’t want to put you in an awkward situation.” You smiled at him and he seemed to relax a bit.

“I’m good,” you assured him. “This is hardly the first time I’ve shared a bed with a man.” His eyes widened considerably. “Though I assume we’ll be wearing more clothing than the other times I did.” Marcus’s mouth opened and closed several times, obviously at a loss for words. Finally he closed his mouth and squared his jaw, an unfamiliar glint in his eye.

“Boys,” he said in a deep, dark voice.

“What?” You asked.

“Boys,” he repeated. “You’ve shared a bed with boys in the past. Not a man. Not until tonight.” You shivered slightly at his words and the look he was giving you. You didn’t know where this Marcus came from, but you wanted to see more of him. You both unpacked what you needed for the night from your carry-ons in silence. You sensed something had shifted between the two of you…the tension more palpable.

“Mind if I shower first?” You asked.

“Go ahead, sweetheart,” he murmured. Your heart jolted at the new endearment. Was Marcus flirting with you?

“Thanks,” you said shakily. “I won’t be long.” You walked into the bathroom and hopped in the shower. You wanted to be quick, knowing Marcus needed to get in here too. As you scrubbed your body you thought about the handsome FBI agent in the next room. You thought about his full, pouty lips. His warm, deep brown eyes. His strong muscular arms. Your pussy throbbed, begging for attention.

“Calm the fuck down,” you practically growled at your lady parts. “I am not getting off with him in the next room.” You finished up and turned the water off. You roughly dried your body, scolding yourself and your out of control libido. You were really keyed up. It had been a long time since you’d been with anyone…and Marcus had always been irresistible to you. You quickly dressed in a t-shirt and sleep shorts.

“All yours,” you said as you exited the bathroom. Marcus stood up from where he had been perched on the end of the bed. His eyes swept over you, lingering on your chest for just a moment longer than normal. You felt heat spread through your body.

“Thanks,” he said, brushing past you to go into the bathroom. You stood there for several long seconds after the door closed, trying to wrap your brain around what was happening. Was Marcus actually interested in you? Or were you reading too much into it? You shook yourself and finally moved. You settled on the bed and turned on the TV.

You flipped through the channels and tried to ignore the sound of running water. Tried to keep yourself from thinking about the very naked Marcus on the other side of the wall. Blocked out the images of him running those large hands over his wet, soapy skin—you groaned in frustration and tossed the remote across the bed.

You lay back, slightly inclined, against the pillows and watched the mindless sitcom that was on the TV. You heard the water shut off, and a couple minutes later Marcus came out—shirtless and wearing gray sweatpants. You swallowed thickly, your body kicking into overdrive. He strutted over to the opposite side of the bed and plopped down.

“What’re you watching,” he asked casually, his arm behind his head and reclining on the pillows. You suppressed a moan at just how sexy he looked.

“I don’t know,” you replied in a calm voice that belied the fluttering in your stomach. “Couldn’t find anything good.” Marcus grabbed the remote and flipped through the channels.

“Oh!” You blurted out excitedly. “Stop!” Marcus stopped and a comforting and familiar tune played through the TV.

“Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name…”

“Cheers?” Marcus asked with a raised eyebrow. You nodded enthusiastically. “Didn’t realize you’re a fan of the show.”

“You’re not?” you asked incredulously.

“Of course I am,” he scoffed. “This show is a classic. I’m just surprised you like it.”

“I mean, how could you not?” You asked, bopping along to the theme song. “I know some of the episodes haven’t stood the test of time, but overall it’s a great show. How could you not adore Coach? Or pull your hair out at Sam and Diane?”

“Ugh,” Marcus groaned. “Don’t get me started on those two. Some people are so blind to what’s right in front of them.” You felt your heart tug. You wished Marcus wasn’t blind to what was right in front of him…though today had you thinking that maybe you had been the one that was a bit blind.

You now knew Marcus was interested in you—even if not for a relationship, he was at least attracted to you. Had he always been, and you had just missed the signs? Regardless, you were done waiting. You knew if you left it up to him to make the first move you’d die waiting. Marcus would never cross any lines with you unless you expressly stated it…and maybe not even then. His friendship with your brother was very important to him. You watched a couple episodes before you had to stifle a yawn.

“We should probably get some sleep,” Marcus said, noticing how tired you looked.

“Good idea,” you agreed. “No telling how early our new flight will be.” Marcus turned off the TV and you both crawled under the covers. You kept a respectable distance…for now. He turned off the lamp.

“Goodnight, peanut,” he said in his deep baritone.

“Goodnight, Marcus,” you responded. You settled into the bed and waited a few minutes, building up the nerve to do what you wanted to do. Finally, you took a deep breath and slid across the distance, settling your back against Marcus’s chest.

“What’re you doing?” Marcus asked, shock—and something else—in his voice.

“Getting more comfortable,” you answered casually. “It’s cold.”

“Aww, I’m sorry, peanut,” Marcus said immediately. His arms came around you and snuggled you closer to his warm body. “That better?”

“Mmhmm,” you sighed contentedly. You were both facing the large window in the room. You realized you had forgotten to close the curtains. You weren’t worried about privacy since you were on a higher floor and your view was more scenic than urban. Besides it was dark out and there was a blizzard blowing through. You highly doubted anyone was outside trying to peep in hotel windows.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it,” you whispered. Marcus lifted his head up and peered at the storm.

“It really is,” he agreed.

“I’ve always loved storms,” you admitted. “Thunderstorms, snowstorms…I just love them.” Marcus chuckled lightly.

“It’s nice until you have to go out in it,” he mused. You nodded in agreement. You lay together in a comfortable silence for a few minutes.

“What if we end up stuck here for Christmas, Marcus?” You asked quietly.

“It’ll be alright,” he assured you. “Besides, I can think of much worse ways to spend the holiday, sweetheart.”

“Oh yeah?” You asked with a smile in your voice. “Being stuck in an airport hotel with me isn’t one of those worse ways?”

“Anywhere with you is a thousand times better than anywhere without you,” he murmured against the top of your head. Your heart slammed into your ribs. If there was ever a time to make your move, it was now. You rolled over onto your back and Marcus leaned up on one elbow, hovering over you slightly.

You reached one hand up and caressed the side of his face. You pulled him down gently and touched your lips to his. He groaned and immediately deepened the kiss. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him against you. He plunged his tongue into your mouth, swallowing your whimpers. When your hips rolled against his, sanity returned, and he pulled back. You chased his mouth with your own.

“Sweetheart,” he murmured, “what are we doing.”

“What I’ve wanted to do for years, Marcus,” you said softly.

“What?” He asked, surprised, his eyebrows raising to his hairline.

“You mean to tell me you never noticed?” You pressed. “You never picked up on any of it? All those years of me following you around, hanging on your every word?” You caressed his face once more. “Marcus, I’ve been crazy about you since we were kids.”

“Really?” He asked as his face lit up.

“Yeah,” you replied. “Why do you think I chose to go to graduate school in DC? There were plenty of other schools I could have gone to…but none of them put me close to you.”

“Fuck, sweetheart,” Marcus groaned and captured your lips in a passionate kiss. He laid himself on top of you as he kissed you deeply; his tongue mimicking what his body desired to do. He made room for himself between your thighs and stroked his hands up and down your body as he ground himself into your core. He trailed kisses down your neck.

“Do you have any idea how fucking long I’ve wanted you, peanut?” He moaned against your neck. “I’ve always been crazy about you, but that summer when you turned 16?” You thought back to that summer. That was when your body developed fully and you looked more woman than girl. “Fuck, baby, you made me crazy. I was so worried your brother was going to figure out all the filthy thoughts I had about you.” He sucked a mark onto your throat. He pulled away and examined his handiwork. “And it hasn’t gotten any easier. All the other women I was with—fuck, even my ex-wife and Teresa—I compared them to you.”

“Oh, Marcus,” you whispered. You ran your hands through the hair at the back of his head. “Fuck me, Marcus, please. We’ve waited long enough. I need you, baby.”

“You’re sure?” He asked again. Sweet Marcus—the King of Consent.

“Yes, Marcus,” you said with a playful eye roll. “I’m sure. Now will you please fuck my brains out?”

“Can’t argue with that,” Marcus laughed before kissing you again. He pulled back long enough to tug your shirt over your head. Your nipples hardened immediately as they were exposed to the cool air of the room. He sucked in his breath when he saw your beautiful bare breasts. “God, you’re gorgeous.” He cupped your breasts and rubbed his thumbs gently across your nipples. He leaned down and took one into his mouth. You moaned and gripped the back of his head. He lavished both breasts, nipping and sucking until you felt dizzy. He trailed kisses down your body and slowly made his way to your panties.

He pulled them down and tossed them over his shoulder. He bit his lip at the sight of your cunt. He settled between your thighs and tentatively licked your clit. Your gasp spurred him on. He lapped gently at your sensitive bud, working you up slowly. Once he was satisfied with how wet you were he worked one thick finger into your tight channel. A few pumps and he added a second. His tongue circled your clit as his fingers thrust gently into you. You writhed beneath him. Marcus definitely knew exactly how to work those hands and that mouth.

“Shit, Marcus, that feels so good,” you panted. The build was slow and delicious. Neither of you were in a hurry, despite the years you had waited to get to this point. The storm outside made you both feel like you were the only people in the world. Isolated in this perfect little bubble. When Marcus added a third finger and gently sucked your clit into his mouth, you felt that familiar pressure build up inside you.

“Don’t stop,” you pleaded. “I’m so close, baby, please don’t stop.” Marcus doubled his efforts, sucking harder and curling his fingers up. “Right there!” You groaned. Your hands fisted in his thick hair. Once last suck and you erupted in ecstasy.

“Oh, god, Marcus!” You whimpered. Your pussy spasmed around his fingers. He helped you ride out your orgasm and gently pulled his fingers from you once you came down. He sucked them clean and you mewled at the action.

“You taste so fucking good, baby,” he groaned. “God, I could eat your pussy for hours.”

“Come here, Marcus,” you whined gently. You reached out for him. He made his way up your body. You wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. “Please fuck me. I can’t wait any longer to have you inside me.”

“Shit,” Marcus said suddenly. “I don’t have a condom.” You raised an eyebrow. “What? I wasn’t exactly thinking I was gonna get lucky on this trip.” You laughed and kissed him again.

“Well, I have an IUD,” you told him, “and it’s been a while since I slept with anyone. Last checkup was clean. So I’m safe if you wanna…you know.”

“Fuck,” Marcus growled. His kiss was feral. He pulled away. “I’m clean, baby. Shit…it’s been so damn long since I had sex without a condom. Fuck, I can’t wait to feel you around me, sweetheart…with nothing separating us.” He pulled his sweatpants down and clumsily kicked them off. You giggled at his struggle.

“Someone’s a little eager,” you teased.

“Fuck yeah, I am,” he said without an ounce of embarrassment. “I’ve wanted to be inside you for half my life. I’m not waiting another fucking second.” He gripped his painfully hard cock and swiped it through your folds. You gasped at the feeling and looked down.

“Jesus, Marcus,” you said in awe. “Who would have thought you were hiding a fucking anaconda in your pants.”

“Huh?” He said, looking up.

“You’re fucking huge,” you said, a tremor in your voice. “Is it even gonna fit?” You were a little nervous. Marcus was easily three to four inches longer than every man you’ve ever been with and at least twice as thick.

“We’ll make it fit, baby, don’t worry,” he assured you. “I’ll go slow. If it’s too much, just let me know.” You swallowed the lump in your throat.

“O—Ok,” you stuttered. He notched his cock at your entrance and the bulbous tip slowly stretched your opening. It popped in as he gently thrust forward. Your breath left you in a rush.

“It’s alright, sweetheart,” Marcus cooed in your ear. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close. “I’m gonna go slow, alright? Just an inch at a time. You tell me what you need me to do, pretty girl.” You nodded and wrapped your arms around him. Marcus was such a thoughtful and attentive lover. The other men—boys—you had been with would have just shoved that monster cock directly into your tight little cunt, your pleasure and comfort be damned. Marcus would never do something like that. You wondered what you had done to deserve a man like him.

True to his word, Marcus slowly inched his way into your body. Just when you thought he had to be all the way in, he would push even deeper. Finally his hips were flush with yours. Fuck, you had never felt so full in your life. He held still, your body adjusting to the stretch of him.

“Ok, Marcus,” you said. “You can move. I’m ok.” When he still held still, buried to the hilt, you nudged him. “Move.”

“Just give me a minute,” he groaned. “I’ve dreamed of this for so long…I just want to savor it a moment.” You smiled and kissed him gently. Your sweet, romantic Marcus. He broke the kiss and pressed his forehead to yours. He slowly withdrew most of the way out before gently plunging back in. You moaned, feeling every ridge and vein of his spectacular cock. He settled into a slow, but deep pace. You wrapped your legs around his waist and arms around his neck, desperate to be as close to him as possible.

“You feel incredible, peanut,” he whispered into your ear. “I always knew your pussy would be perfect. Fuck, so tight and wet and warm. You fit me like a goddamn glove, baby. It’s like you were made for me.”

“I was, Marcus,” you whimpered. He kissed you deeply, pouring all his devotion into that one kiss. No one had ever fucked you like this before. The prolonged eye contact, the sensual kisses, the whispers of adoration…this was making love. Your pussy clenched when you realized it.

“Shit, baby,” Marcus panted. “Can you take more? I need…fuck I need more.”

“Yeah,” you moaned. “I can take it. Give me all you’ve got.” He sat back on his heels and grabbed your hips tightly. He snapped his hips into you roughly. “Fuck!”

“You alright?” He checked.

“Yes!” You assured him. “Please don’t stop.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, baby,” he grinned. He gripped your hips tighter and pounded into you. His cock savagely shredding up against that perfect spot inside you. You felt the coil tighten once more—this time much faster than the first. You knew you wouldn’t last long at this pace. When Marcus released one hip to circle your clit, you were a goner. Your orgasm crashed over you, and you tightened violently around him.

“Marcus!” You cried, your head thrown back in ecstasy.

“Fuck, that’s it,” he growled. “That’s my girl. Fuck, you feel so good…squeezing me so tight. Can I come inside you, peanut?”

“Yes,” you moaned. A few more thrusts and he came with a loud groan, painting your walls, his massive dick throbbing with his release. He collapsed on top of you with a grunt. You clung to him, basking in the feeling of his weight covering you. After a couple minutes he lifted up slightly and kissed you languidly. He pulled away and hurried to the bathroom. You heard the water run and he came back in with a wet washcloth. He gently cleaned the mess between your legs. He tossed the cloth on the nightstand and then scooped you up into his arms.

“What are you doing?” You squealed.

“You need to use the bathroom, peanut,” he told you. “Don’t want a UTI, right?” You giggled.

“I can go to the bathroom by myself Marcus,” you teased.

“I’ll let you pee in private, sweetheart,” he assured you, “just let me carry you there.”

“Ok, Marcus,” you sighed. He really was like a goddamn white knight. He set you down in the bathroom and stepped out to let you take care of business. Once you had washed your hands you opened the door. Marcus was waiting there and swept you into his arms again.

“I can walk, you know,” you laughed.

“Well, then I didn’t do a good enough job, did I sweetheart?” He said with a grin.

“Oh, you were more than adequate, Agent Pike,” you assured him. He lay you down on the bed and snuggled in behind you.

“Yeah?” He asked.

“Mmhmm,” you affirmed. “Best I’ve ever had.”

“Is that so?” He said smugly.

“Don’t go getting a big head,” you warned him. “You already have a giant dick. You don’t need a giant head to go with it.” Marcus laughed and hugged you closer. You lay quietly, watching the snow once more.

“So what does this mean for us, Marcus?” You asked, biting your lip. You weren’t sure if this was a one off…if Marcus just wanted to fuck you or if he wanted more.

“Well, I hope this means you’ll finally be my girlfriend,” Marcus said with a grin.

“Really?” You said, tears brimming in your eyes. You turned slightly to face him.

“Of course, peanut,” he replied, caressing the side of your face and wiping the tears away. “I…this wasn’t just physical for me. I love you. I’ve been in love with you for a long time, sweetheart.”

“Oh, Marcus!” You cried and kissed him deeply. “I love you, too. I’ve tried so hard not to love you. I thought you’d never want me. Every date I went on, every boy I let into my bed…I wished it was you. Since the moment we met…it’s always been you.” You kissed him again.

“I’m so glad this finally happened, peanut,” he sighed.

“Me too,” you happily agreed. He pulled you closer and you both fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

The next morning you were packing your things, getting ready to head down and catch your flight. Marcus had made love to you again when you woke up—and once more in the shower. Your body ached, but in a really pleasant way. Marcus was gathering up the toiletries.

“Where are the tickets?” You asked him.

“Front zipper of my bag,” he called from the bathroom. You opened the pouch and pulled out the paperwork. The tickets from yesterday were there as well as the e-receipt from when Marcus had purchased them. You noticed the price.

“Marcus Pike!” You shouted. “What the hell is this?” He came running into the room.

“What’s wrong, peanut?” He asked, looking for danger. You held up the receipt.

“This!” You snapped with a scowl. “You told me the tickets were only $150…Marcus, they were $600 each!” Marcus rubbed the back of his neck and looked down at his feet.

“I can explain that,” he said sheepishly. You crossed your arms and gave him a stern look. He glanced up and rushed forward when he saw how upset you were. He grasped your upper arms gently. “I’m sorry, baby…I just knew you would never let me pay for the tickets, and I didn’t want you to miss out on Christmas. I didn’t know what else to do. Sometimes you’re too stubborn for your own good, peanut.” You huffed angrily.

“I am not stubborn,” you insisted. “I just didn’t want you to think of me as your friend’s kid sister…you know, too broke to afford a plane ticket.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Marcus cooed, “I never saw you like that. I know what a struggle grad school is. Do you have any idea how proud I am of you? How much I admire you?” You felt your anger melting away.

“Alright,” you said reluctantly. “I guess I’m not mad at you…but you have to let me pay you back.”

“Nuh uh,” Marcus said, shaking his head. “Not gonna happen peanut.”

“Marcus—” you began.

“—Consider it part of your Christmas gift,” he cut in.

“I can’t, Marcus, it’s too much!” you insisted.

“Well, considering this is our first Christmas together, and I don’t have an actual gift yet…let me have this one, alright peanut? Let me spoil my girl.” My girl…you’re heart fluttered wildly.

“Alright, Pike,” you said in a fake stern voice. “I’ll let you have this one.” He kissed you deeply.

“I love you, peanut,” he whispered against your lips.

“I love you too, Marcus,” you returned. You finished packing your stuff and made your way back to the airport. This was going to be the best Christmas you’d had in a long time.

You were Marcus’s girl. Finally.

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[psychedellic-phase]

Ghosts & Icing

A/N: this request is adorable and I hope I did it justice!! I went with the seasons 12-15 gang because then there would be a ton of kiddos and also I love Luke Alvez and he deserves the world :)

TW: None fluff city

wc: 2.0k

Masterlist

“Spence, where does the green skeleton go? Between the pumpkins or next to the gargoyle?” You called up to Spencer, waddling over to the many boxes of Halloween decorations that your husband had accumulated over the years. 

It was barely September 30th, and you were already decorating for his most beloved holiday. You didn’t mind; you loved him and he loved Halloween. So, naturally, you loved Halloween too. Before you met Spencer, you hadn’t even so much as carved a pumpkin each year, and the last time you wore a costume was at a college frat party. Well, if wearing a set of cat ears and drawn on eyeliner whiskers can even be considered a costume. According to Spencer Reid, it is not. But here you were, wearing a shirt covered in jack-o-lanterns and ghosts that barely fit over your protruding belly. Oh how life can change. 

Spencer appeared seemingly out of thin air, looking frazzled, his hair more disheveled than usual, some fake cobwebs tangled in it, and orange lights draped around him like he was a Christmas tree. 

“Don’t touch anything!”

You put your hands up in defeat, “Alright, I’ll let the Halloween king decorate his castle.”

You pottered over the front stoop, sitting on the hard concrete and watching him put fake cobwebs and oversized spiders in the bushes. You leaned back, rubbing your belly softly. It wasn’t that big, only twenty-four weeks, but you felt like you had stolen one of Spencer’s beloved pumpkins and shoved it under your shirt.

When you saw him again he was breathless. Only he could be overexerted from decorating.

“Should I put the tombstone next to the Frankenstein head? Or should I make a mini graveyard in the lawn?”

You grinned, admiring his child-like enthusiasm. He rarely had that anymore. Honestly, after all the real life horror he saw, you were surprised he still liked a jump scare. The second hand fear you felt for him everyday was more than enough; you didn’t need Freddy Krueger to supplement. 

“I think you should do whatever you want, Babe.”

He groaned, “You’re no help!” “You’re the one that told me to not touch anything, Reid.”

He smiled, “You’re right, but now I need you to touch something.”

You wiggled your eyebrows and stood up, making your way to him. You smoothed out his sweaty t-shirt and moved his hair from his eyes, “I’ll touch whatever you want.”

He stifled a laugh, “I-I didn’t mean like that; that job has been done. I meant like you could put the ghosts along the walkway while I set up the orange and purple lights.” As soon as he finished saying it, the box of ghosts were in your hand and he was untangling lights. 

“Hey! You forgot something!”

He stumbled over to you, looking side to side with wide eyes “What? What’d I forget?”

You puckered your lips and he smiled, planting a kiss on them. 

“Thank you, and you better shower before everyone gets here. You stink Reid!”

“So do you, Reid! Love you!” He called after you before making his way back inside to find more decorations. 

“Purple is the color of the seventh chakra, which represents the third eye and clairvoyance, so purple has become closely associated with the holiday as it is very spiritual in nature. Actually, purple has a rather complicated color symbolism because it is the mixture of calm blue and passionate red. The emotions attached to it vary, depending on whether or not it is a blue based purple or a red based purple. Which is actually an interesting conundrum when you look at the color spectrum-” Spencer rambled to the table of children and their parents who were just there to decorate sugar cookies and admire the ghost stickers on the walls.

Matt laughed, “Thanks for that, Reid. But I think Kristy was just complimenting the lights on the mantle.”

Everyone laughed and Spencer flushed a light shade of pink. You came up to him and admired the mess of a kitchen table in front of you.

On one side were the Jareau-LaMontagnes. Henry was old enough to try to make a ghost, but Michael was still too little to sit in his own seat. He was on Will’s lap, patting his hands on orange sprinkles and watching them stick to his little palms. Then he would clap and watch them fall to the ground around him, giggling every time.

“I’m real sorry about the mess, Y/N,” Will said in his sweet southern drawl.

You smiled, “Hey, I said we’d host Halloween cookie day. I’m more than happy to clean it up. Plus, it’s practice for this guy.” You patted your belly and he smiled.

On the opposing side of the table was the ever growing Simmons clan. David and Jake were squeezing green icing out of bags trying to make Frankensteins, and their younger sisters were hogging all the purple and drawing flowers on the cookies shaped like bats. 

The kids weren’t the only ones having fun though. You set up a separate table for the adults. It was kind of like those wine and art nights, but in this case the art was edible.

Penelope got the short end of the stick (in her book at least) and was sitting next to Luke, aka Newbie, “You cannot just hog all the red icing! I swear to GOD Luke Alvez!”

Luke puckered up his face and mocked Penelope, “I swear to GOD Luke Alvez!”

“Oh SHUT UP SHUT UP! Just because you’re all macho and handsome doesn’t mean you get to hog all the icing!”

“Maybe you wouldn’t need the red icing if you hadn’t insisted on making the skull rainbow.”

Penelope groaned and looked across the room at you and Spencer, begging you to help her. The two of you just laughed and you leaned into Spencer’s side. 

“When do you think she’ll finally admit she’s in love with him?”

Spencer laughed, putting his hand on the small of your back, “Never. Garcia is many things, and stubborn is one of them.”

Rossi was next to them, sitting back and not participating in the icing war that was going on in front of him. He just warned them that they better not get any on his brand new Italian silk shirt. 

“It’s handmade, you know, only fifteen were even made. I had to call a guy who knows a guy who knows the maker’s sister to get one.”

JJ rolled her eyes, “Sure Rossi, and this shirt was actually worn by the Queen of England.” 

She gestured to the black shirt she was wearing which clearly said, “Happy Halloween Witches!” 

Dave scoffed, “Listen, Jennifer, I know Liz well. She would never wear something that tried to replace the word ‘bitches’ with ‘witches’. She’s classy.”

JJ laughed, taking another gulp of wine, “Liz? So what… you guys are on a first name basis?”

He shrugged, “Let’s just say, if Philip wasn’t in the picture…”

They were interrupted by Henry coming up to his mom and showing her the ghost cookie he had tried to make, “Do you like it, mom?”

“Wow dude! That is one scary ghost,” she said, taking it from him and licking some stray icing off her fingers.

He grinned proudly, and insisted on showing his favorite Uncle Spencer.

“Uncle Spence! Come look at my ghost!”

Spencer looked over at you, silently asking for permission to leave your side. You smiled and waved your hand, “Go! But please don’t get black icing on the ceiling again. This year, you’ll be the one cleaning it.”

He smiled and sat at the ridiculously small kids chair, looking like a giant, and picked up a few piping bags to make his own creation.

Suddenly Emily and Tara appeared next to you, holding an empty bottle of wine, “We need a refill, Mrs. Reid.”

You still blushed at the use of your married name, no matter how many times you heard it, “Follow me to the wine cellar, ladies!”

The two of them followed behind you as you walked carefully down the steps, “Spencer usually doesn’t let me down here. He says the steps are unsafe.”

“Uh, yeah, if I had known how narrow and steep they were I would’ve just asked you to direct me,” Tara said, looking for the light switch on the wall. She found it and soon the three of you were staring at the dark walls of the basement.

“Okay, maybe I lied. It isn’t so much a wine cellar as it is just a regular, creepy old basement.”

“Full of spiders,” Emily added, swatting at a cobweb on the extremely low ceiling. Spencer had to crouch when he came down here. 

“That’s what you get for buying a house built in 1920, Y/N,” Tara added, as they both began sifting through the stray bottles of wine in a box on the floor.

“I know, but Spencer insisted because it ‘adds character.’”

“Being married to that man, I don’t know how much more character you need,” Emily said, pulling out a bottle of cheap Barefoot red wine, “I bet you miss this.”

You rubbed your belly, “I said I’m bringing a bottle of wine in my hospital bag.”

Tara laughed, “And what did Dr. Reid say to that? ‘Actually, Y/N, you can’t have alcohol in the hospital.’”

“No, no, I bet it was more like, ‘did you know that alcohol is a depressant? It slows down your cognitive functions, thus making it much harder to care for a newborn baby.’”

“Hey! Stop making fun of my husband!” you said, the two women looking as if they’d just seen a ghost, which was rather fitting for the occasion, “Only I get to do that!”

The three of you laughed and they helped you hobble up the stairs, where you were met by a sight you wished you hadn’t seen.

The first person you saw was Matt, white icing all over his red shirt and arms, and Kristy laughing next to him, using a finger to swipe some up and put it in her mouth. Next were the four Simmons children, each with varying amounts and colors of icing and sprinkles all over them. Then you saw Will, who for some reason had a chunk of cookie in his hair, and Michael on his shoulders. JJ was behind them, grabbing Michael’s hands and trying to wipe all the stickiness he had accumulated off of them.

Next was Rossi, who had an unmistakable drop of red icing on the arm of his Italian silk shirt. If he was a cartoon character, he would’ve had steam coming out of his ears. Garcia and Luke were next to him, each looking mortified and blaming the other. Garcia was smacking his arm lightly and Luke was shielding his face.

Then your eyes found the person you always looked for when you entered a room, and Spencer looked the worst of them all. His fluffy hair was matted down in places with green icing, cookie crumbs all over his cheeks and stuck in his scruff. His sweater was once cream colored, but now it was a mixture of green, purple, black, and gray. His hands were covered in icing and sprinkles and he was spinning Henry around in a circle.

You stood there and admired the scene in front of you for a moment, before Tara cleared her throat. 

“What is going on here?”

Everyone stopped, and immediately Henry spoke, “He did it!”

He pointed straight at Spencer, who put his hands up, “Me? What’d I do?”

“Uncle Spencer started a food fight!”

“No, I think it was Garcia,” Rossi said and the room fell into a roar of laughter; Tara and Emily eager to get in on the fun and dip their own hands into some icing.

You admired them all one more time, rubbing your belly softly, before also diving head first into a mess of sprinkles and ghost shaped cookies.

This was your family, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

[knit-wear-it]

Bloom

A/N: Happy Pride! Here’s some Crossbow Canary to celebrate 🏳️‍🌈❤️🏳️‍🌈❤️

They met at a Halloween party. Helena was half-listening to a group of fellow freshmen discussing the politics of TokTok when she noticed her— a petite, athletically-built blonde wearing a yellow hard hat and a slick of red lipstick. It was a shade too dark for her, standing out stark against her pale skin; the mark of a makeup novice. She was laughing with a small group of friends, her smile radiant. She was radiant.

Then, as if she could feel Helena staring, the blonde looked straight at her.

There was a faint flush in the apples of her cheeks as she offered a tremulous but encouraging smile, and Helena practically bolted across the room toward her.

***

Her name was Dinah.

They met again a week later, by accident, at a small martial arts studio off campus. Helena arrived just as Dinah was leaving, her face shiny and blotchy with exertion, her ashy blonde hair plaited back in a sweaty French braid. She wore black Lycra gym-gear beneath her pea coat to stave off the approaching New Jersey winter. Her coat was a vibrant cornflower blue, reminding Helena of the rich pigments Italian Renaissance painters used for Mary Magdalen's robes. Without the dark smear of lipstick, she could see the graceful curve of her prominent Cupid’s bow, giving her face a sweetness that belied the clear-eyed maturity few their age possessed.

“Oh,” Dinah stopped short on the sidewalk, her face lighting up. “Hello,” she grinned.

“Hi,” Helena grinned back at her, suddenly giddy as if she’d eaten a gallon of corn syrup. She could feel excitement fizzing in her veins, propelling her closer like a moth to the flame.

“Do you train here?” Dinah asked, re-shouldering her gym bag.

“They have a Krav Maga class I like,” Helena explained. “You?”

“Jiu Jitsu,” Dinah shrugged, smiling. “My old trainer swore by Krav Maga, but it doesn’t have the same…” she pursed her lips as she took her time to search for the word. “Grace,” she settled on.

“Grace?” Helena smirked. “Are we talking about ballet or fighting?”

Dinah laughed easily. “My first sensei would say they were the same thing.”

“Wow, how many senseis and trainers have you had?” Helena teased. She immediately regretted it when Dinah visibly tensed, her expression abruptly becoming guarded.

“I was fostered at a dojo for a little while when I was a kid,” she explained haltingly, her brown eyes darting off to the side. “And uh, then I was in a group home until I was eighteen and they… let me keep taking karate to give me some, uh, stability I guess.”

Helena’s eyes widened at this revelation, delivered so candidly in passing on the sidewalk—that she’d grown up in foster care; that she was an orphan. She could feel Dinah’s uneasiness, and it inspired a desperate need to comfort or reassure her, a wholly unfamiliar impulse.

“My dad sent me to a Swiss boarding school when I was twelve,” Helena blurted out. “After my mom died. It was kind of like a group home just with, you know, rich kids and archery. And a castle.”

As the words came tumbling out of her mouth, she knew she was being horribly rude by being so flippant about her privilege, but it seemed to lighten Dinah’s mood, her kind smile blooming again.

“Well, just because there was archery doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard to be away from everything you knew,” she said, meeting Helena’s eye meaningfully.

She understood loneliness, Helena realized. She understood the pain and anger of abandonment. Yet she didn’t carry bitterness around in the same way Helena did; bitterness that didn’t taste as bad when Dinah was standing here proving there was a way beyond it. It gave Helena hope—something she wasn’t well acquainted with after repeated tragedies.

A squat city bus puttered past behind them, catching Dinah’s eye. She glanced at Helena apologetically, a sliver of vulnerability slipping into her otherwise confident counternence.

“Maybe I’ll try Krav Maga sometime,” she offered, almost shyly.

“Maybe we could get coffee afterward,” Helena suggested, beaming.

They exchanged numbers before Dinah ran to catch the bus.

***

A week later, they kicked the shit out of each other at the studio and went for coffee. Helena had expected Dinah to pick up the Krav Maga moves quickly since she was well-versed in Karate and Jiu Jitsu. She even indulged in a stupid fantasy about helping her find the right techniques and positions, a blatant ploy to be physically closer to her.

But when they began sparing, Helena quickly realized she was wildly outmatched. Dinah did not need her help—she already knew Krav Maga even if she hadn’t quite mastered it. Then the minute Helena got the upper hand, Dinah gave up on the prescribed moves the instructor gave them, and took Helena down with a few quick karate strikes she couldn’t counter effectively.

Helena’s back hit the mat hard, knocking the wind out of her. Her eyes widening as Dinah pinned her down with a steady hand flat over her heart, the heel of her small hand grazing the top of Helena’s breast through her sports bra.

Dinah released her and sat back, looking smug.

“You cheated!” Helena laughed, accepting a hand to pull herself up to sitting.

“What’s the point of fighting if you aren’t going to win?” Dinah shot her a knowing smirk.

“What happened to grace?” Helena demanded, her eyebrows raising when Dinah faltered but quickly recovered.

“You’re right,” she agreed, her face softening like she’d come to some internal revelation. “It’s not about winning. It’s about the practice, and finding balance.”

“Alright, sensei,” Helena rolled her eyes but she couldn’t stop smiling—another unfamiliar impulse. “You can buy me a coffee to make up for cheating.”

“It’s called mixed martial arts for a reason,” Dinah insisted as they headed for the changing rooms. “I was just mixing in more martial arts”

“Yeah, yeah.”

***

For the rest of the semester they trained and went for coffee at least once a week. They would tell each other which parties they were going to, what events their friends were discussing attending. It went unsaid that they were leaving breadcrumbs for each other, a trail that would lead them back together.

Their social lives began to blend. Helena became friendly with Dinah’s carefully cultivated group of scholastic overachievers and misfits. Meanwhile, the gang of loud, kittenish gay men Helena surrounded herself with fawned over Dinah. They showed her how to do her make-up properly and cheered when she paraded around the dorm in high heels for them like a clumsy newborn colt.

“She is gorgeous,” one of Helena’s friends hissed to her.

But it never went any further than a lingering touch or look as Helena restrained herself from making the first move, but not because she feared rejection. She’d taken a gap year after boarding school, a boozy thirteen months during which she’d travelled across Southeast Asia—Vietnam, Cambodia,Thailand, Bali, Singapore—and then on to Australia. The youthful hedonism that characterized backpacking made it easy not to be shy or ashamed of her attraction to both boys and girls. But she resisted making the first move with Dinah— she wanted Dinah to come to her.

***

Helena stayed at Princeton over the holidays, just like she’d done throughout boarding school. The only place she could feasibly go was Gotham to be with her younger brother, Pino. He was seventeen, and Helena had just enough contact to suspect he was already involved in the ‘family business,’ which she tried not to think about. They mostly kept in touch via Snapchat and Instagram, a selfie and meme-based relationship that removed the painful edges of reality.

Dinah returned to Gotham for Christmas to visit another member of the orphanage she’d grown up in. She wanted to see how they were getting on without her, she said, though she wasn’t looking forward to being back in the city.

But something obviously went wrong while she was away, because once they were back at school she began determinedly avoiding Helena. She made excuses about being busy with classes and other friends needing her attention. Weeks went by and Helena started to feel crazy, like she was missing something obvious, which meant she was either blind or too stupid to be able to see what was happening.

Then out of the blue Dinah showed up at Helena’s dorm, her hair freshly cut in a cute, girlish bob that brushed the collar of her cornflower blue coat, her tawny eyes glowing determinedly.

“Helena,” she breathed, searching Helena’s face. “Will you go out with me?”

***

They went out for dinner, something Helena had never done with a girl before. She’d slept with women, but she struggled with the idea of going on a date with a woman. She was disappointed in herself, that she hadn't evolved beyond worrying about the perception of others when she knew what she wanted.

But those worries were relegated to background noise when Dinah showed up on her doorstep, wearing a candy-apple-red shade of lipstick that suited her perfectly.

“Hey,” she greeted Helena, her smile radiant. Excited.

***

After dinner, Helena walked Dinah back to her dorm. When the moment she’d been waiting months for finally arrived, Dinah tucked a loose piece of Helena’s hair behind her ear, then tentatively laid her palm across the curve of her jaw. Her eyes fell shut as she drew Helena's mouth down to hers.

Her lips were eager and curious, but clumsy. Helena paused to draw back, the thick fringe of her eyelashes brushing Dinah’s nose as she opened her eyes. Dinah’s hand was still resting on her cheek, while Helena’s hands had found Dinah’s waist. Her eyes were heavy and her lips parted, the red lipstick faded.

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Helena said slowly. “But... have you ever kissed someone before?”

Dinah’s face split into a rueful grin, without a trace of shame. “I have now,” she pointed out playfully.

Helena mirrored her grin and gave Dinah’s waist a gentle tug, pulling her closer as their lips met again.

***

They went on more dates, and eventually they found their way into each other’s beds. They got to know each other’s bodies, bringing them closer in a way Helena hadn’t realized was possible. She’d only experienced sex as a blurry, rushed encounter, but with Dinah she was overwhelmed, drunk on how badly she wanted her.

Their friend groups continued to cross pollinate with the queer communities on campus, and they slowly began to build a chosen family together since neither of them had one of their own. Helena was thrilled to see Dinah slowly shed the armour she’d built to protect herself, becoming more open and accepting of her own feelings and desires. But Helena found it harder, in part because she was lying to Dinah by not telling her the full truth of her past.

Her family and their ‘business’ was a dark, shameful secret she had never told another person, and she couldn’t decide how Dinah, with her strong moral compass, would react. It was like an invisible blockade between them, one Helena knew could destroy the delicate fabric of their blossoming relationship if she didn’t resolve it.

About four months after their first official date, it became impossible to keep it inside any longer, especially because the words “I love you” were constantly threatening to spill past her lips. It was only when she couldn’t keep it to herself any longer that she found the courage.

“You can tell me anything, Helena,” Dinah insisted, holding Helena’s hands between hers. They were sitting on a blanket on the quad, the sun shining bright overhead as the first vestiges of spring bloomed around them.

Helena felt physically sick. She’d imagined every way this conversation could go, and she usually settled on Dinah being horrified once she learned the terrible, violent truth.

“It’s about…” she swallowed thickly. “My family. I haven’t been… completely honest with you. My dad. He wasn’t really a businessman. Not in the traditional sense.”

Dinah’s eyebrows raised, but she gave Helena’s hands a reassuring squeeze.

After a few false starts, Helena explained that her family wasn’t like other families. That her father and his brothers and generations of Bertinelli men before them hadn’t had… normal jobs. They were criminals. Successful, powerful criminals whose influence manipulated the very fabric of Gotham society.

Dinah listened, her expression becoming more and more guarded as Helena ploughed ahead. She could see what she was thinking. That Helena’s family was partially responsible for the corruption and crime that plagued Gotham. That the city was a shithole because of men like her father. It was all true, or at least it used to be, before the masked freaks took over and made everything worse.

She explained that a man named Mandragora tried to usurp her father when she was twelve, killing her mother, aunts and uncles, cousins and family friends in a blood feud. She was shipped off to Europe for safe keeping while her brother Pino, just 9 years old at the time, was sent to live with extended family in Central City. Ultimately her father’s associates and friends ran Mandragora out of town, but not before the damage was done. Helena remained in Switzerland, and Pino returned to Gotham, where he was raised by what extended members of the Bertinelli clan.

There was one more piece of information Helena couldn’t bring herself to share, because just thinking about what happened to her father made her blood boil—anger frequently outstripped grief when she thought about what Harley Quinn did to her Papa.

She hunted him. Tortured him. Murdered him.

But she couldn’t say the words. Mobsters were bad enough. Harley Quinn was an entirely different kind of villain, one Helena didn’t want her family — who she loved deeply despite their flaws —associated with if she could help it.

By the time she’d finished, Dinah had taken to playing with an errant daisy springing up from the grass, her attention wholly focused on the little white flower as she worked through her thoughts. When she finally looked up at Helena, she was cautious, still uncertain, but eventually her lips curved into a smile—kind, open, generous, and reassuring.

“I have to tell you something too,” she shrugged helplessly. “I love you, Helena... and you aren’t responsible for the choices your family made. You still loved them and lost them and I know how much that hurt you.”

Helena’s eyes widened, shocked that Dinah was speaking these words to Helena. For Helena.

“I—“ she faltered, searching Dinah’s face. “I love you too.” She sprung up to her knees and pitched forward, grabbing Dinah’s face with both hands and making her shriek with laughter as they fell back on the grass together. “God, I really really love you, Di.”

Dinah laughed again, her eyes closing as Helena urgently kissed her. She felt as if she’d never be able to properly express how much she felt. This was the polar opposite of the grief and anger that plagued her. This was the beginning of something beautiful and powerful and safe.

Dinah would save her from the darkness, she decided.

She was the only one who could.

***

A/N: I know you’re all here for Jarley, but in the same way I wanted you to love Ed, I’m hoping you’ll simp for this ship. I loved writing Dinah through the eyes of someone who sees the best in her since she’s been pretty limited to her own self-punishing point of view and Harley’s warped vision of the world. And it’s a relief to see Dinah begin to grow up now that she’s around people her own age she relates to… Even wearing lipstick is like an indulgent act for her that she’s finally allowing herself to take part in. Yes, Dinah! You deserve love and lipstick and self care! ❤️🎉

[thiswasinevitableid]

winter prompt fill 29, indruck, sfw?

29. i should’ve done my shopping a month ago but now i’m running around last minute and when i enter your store, i’m absolutely frazzled. help me.

(Pinecone is borrowed from harrisonator’s fic “Monster Mash”)

Working at Kepler Petco isn’t the worst thing, even during the holiday shopping hellscape months. It’s not like anyone is getting in fistfights over cases of Fancy Feast. Which is why, on the 22nd of December, Duck is unprepared for the sudden sound of hands on hitting the countertop. 

“I need help.” The guy’s about his age, silver hair going patchy black near the top, pink and white striped sweater around his neck and a massive sweater hanging off his lanky frame. His red glasses barely conceal brown, anxious eyes. 

“Sure, what’re lookin for?”

“Rat treats, the kind that won’t make them ill.”

“Can handle that, right this way.” Duck leaves the counter and leads the guy back to the small mammal section. As they go the man spins a ring on his index finger, flushing under the merciless heating vents. 

“I’m sorry for the dramatic entrance. I have a mountain of things to do today and your store closes first.”

Duck glances at the AKC branded clock on the wall, which shows 12:30 p.m, “We close at five.”

“Yes, I know, but I really cannot overstate how behind I am on my Christmas shopping. Or, well, holiday is more accurate, since Joseph celebrates Hanukkah, which means I’m already late on that.” He sighs, runs a finger with chipped black nails through his hair.

“Big family?” Duck points to the row of snacks, grabs the man a basket from the end of the aisle when he starts piling them into his arms. 

“Lots of friends. We’re having a party tomorrow and I completely forgot about it until today. I know it’s ridiculous to forget about a holiday where you can’t turn around without being slapped with a reminder of it, but my brain doesn’t always work in the way I’d like it to.”

“No judgement here. Once forgot my sisters birthday until the minute my mom asked if I could get some candles for the cake after school.”

“Oh dear.” The man smiles, the expression shifting from odd to shy when Duck meets his eyes, “thank you for your help.”

Five minutes later the guy heads towards the register, then stops, backtracking to the display of rats, mice, and hamsters. Duck joins him in case he has questions, and to steal another look at his singular features. They’re not handsome on the surface, but something about them draws his eye back over and over. He’s just in time to hear the man cooing to a pair of brown rats.

“...so lovely, aren’t you just charming? If I could I’d take you home but space is limited. Oh” he blushes when he sees Duck, “I’m, ah, ready to pay now.”

“One of your friends got rats?” He indicates the pile of treats the man is buying.

“Hmm? Oh, no, these are for Luna and Emperor, my rats. I wanted to get them presents too.”

Duck can’t decide if the fact the guy prioritized spoiling his pets on the day he had to buy a bunch of gifts is adorable or worrying.

“As I said, I came here because you close first. And I, ah, I like spoiling them. It’s nice to know exactly how to cheer another living thing up.”

“I get that. Pinecone, that’s my, uh, my cat, gets more treats a month than I do.”

“Someone ought to buy you a few, then.”  The man murmurs, handing over his debit card. 

Duck, caught up in the mechanics of fighting with the card reader, doesn’t realize he’s being flirted with until the man is no more than a silver head merging into the throng outside. 

He’s lowkey annoyed with himself the rest of the day; he’s been in the market for a cute guy, and while his mystery shopper may not be Ryan Gosling, but Duck wouldn’t mind getting his number. 

Since he opened today, he gets off at three, decides to swing by Crate and Barrel in case the apron he thinks Barclay might like. There’s small hallways dotted through the mall, leading to exits or to backrooms.  As he passes one, he gets a glimpse of silver hair and a vibrant scarf. That’s the only good part of what he sees; the man from earlier is pressed close to the shiny wall, trying and failing to get his breathing order.

“Hey, man, you okay?”

He jolts, registers who’s speaking, and looks at the ground, “N-not really. I, part of the reason put this off so long is I can get incredibly overwhelmed in crowds sometimes, and yes I know that makes coming here three days before Christmas even worse an idea but I thought maybe I could handle it, but I’ve only managed to buy two of the gifts I need because I cannot focus with everything going on and, and I’m sorry, here I wanted to charming around you and now you’ve seen this and-”

“What would help?”

“I, I’d like to go somewhere quiet, but there’s nowhere, even the bathrooms are packed.”

“Do you, uh, want to come sit in my car for a bit? I can run the heater so we don’t freeze.”

“That’s really alright?” The question is so small and vulnerable he wants to tuck it into a shoebox to keep it safe.

“Yeah. C’mon, I’m parked on this end.” 

It’s snowing on and off as they walk to his car, and as he gets it running and turns on the heat his passenger finally pulls his clenched hands from his pockets; one holds a fidget cube, the other a very small, plush moth.

“I tried so hard to prepare for every possible future.” Is what he gets as explanation. The man sets both items in his lap and shuts his eyes, breathing slowly in and out. Duck says nothing, opens his phone and plays two rounds of Plants vs. Zombies before he hears anything at all from beside him. 

“Would you mind turning the radio on, at a low volume?”

“Any requests?” Duck hits the power button.

“No talk radio.”

“Can manage that.” He fiddles around and finds the alternative station. Even it has Christmas songs interspersed with the usual mix. 

“Is your name really Duck?”

He wonders if the guy is omnipotent until he remembers his nametag.

“It’s a nickname.”

“I’m Indrid.” He opens his eyes, “thank you for letting me come here to calm down. I may actually manage to succeed in my quest now. It’s so hard, I actually enjoy being out around the lights, the feeling of so many people being happy or trying to do kind things for each other. But it’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when I’m alone.”

“Would it help if you weren’t?”

“Possibly, but I couldn’t ask you to spend even more time in that mall given you work there.” 

“Got some last minute shoppin to do myself. Besides, if you get stuck on a gift, I’m pretty damn good at comin up with ideas.”

“Thank you.” Indrid smiles, excited, and that settles it: Duck is asking for his number after this.

They brave the crowds and the holiday cheer blaring across the speakers once more. The first stop is a store selling housewares, including a pair of small succulents that Indrid deems worthy of giving a friend as he listens to Duck talk about his part time job at the National Forest, laughing when Duck mentions last weeks run-in with a pissed-off migratory bird. 

The next few stores are no help, and they opt to take advantage of the lull between when people are done with school and when people are done with work to hit up the coffeeshop, Indrid ordering a white chocolate peppermint mocha and promptly getting whipped cream on his nose. Duck is tempted to kiss it off, settles for handing his new friend a napkin while he talks about his recent return to Kepler after traveling around the country in a Winnebago, selling his art at shows. As luck would have it, the store has a shelf devoted to artisan or local coffees, and they’re each able to find one for someone on their list. 

Macy's proves more treacherous, and once five o’ clock hits even Duck is feeling cramped. Indrid is tensing, his replies getting short or far off, and just as Duck is about to offer to dip out again, chilly fingers link with his own.

“Is this alright?”

“Better than alright.” He grins and Indrid holds tighter, breathing in through his nose and out his mouth as Duck guides them into a less crowded corner. The do eventually find some high quality hiking socks that Indrid buys, only letting go of Duck in order to pay. 

They reward themselves with dinner at Johnny Rocket, Duck hopping over to Indrid’s side of the booth to see pictures of Emperor and Luna, and show off the photos he has of Pinecone hiding under his ranger jacket. 

“One more stop, thank goodness.” It’s going on seven and Duck has to say he agrees; he loves being around Indrid, but his feet are killing him and he’s had “Jingle Bells” stuck in his head for an hour. 

Indrid’s last item is at Crate and Barrel, and Duck laughs when the other man goes straight to the aprons. 

“You got good taste, I’m gettin’ one of these too. Barclay said he needed a new one.”

A fine-boned hand freezes mid-reach, “Did you say Barclay?”

“Yeah?”

“I am also buying this for a Barclay. Is your Barclay, by chance, dating someone named Joseph and hosting a party tomorrow?”

“Yep.”

They stare at each other, frozen long enough that another shopper passes between them. Then they double over in sync, Duck wheezing out a laugh while Indrid cackles. 

“Holy shit, we’ve been shoppin for the same folks!”

“Barclay mentioned there’d be new people at the party but I never thought one of them would be such a catch.”

Duck gets his breathing in order, steps across the faux-hardwood and takes Indrid’s hand.

“Hey, Indrid? You wanna be my date to the party tomorrow?”

“Absolutely.”

“....wait, fuck, which one of us is gonna give him the apron?”

“You can, I have another idea for him. Consider it an early present from me.” Indrid tease. 

“Sugar,” Duck slips his hands into Indrid’s back pockets, smiling up at him, “you might just be all the present I need.”

[justasparkwritings]

Merry & Bright: Baby, Please

undefined

Previous: Beacon in the Night

          Jungkook stares out the window of his bedroom, snow falling lightly, the only sound, his breath, slowly in and out. His phone, volume on, twirling absently between his fingers. In the distance, he can hear the other members laughing and yelling, their conversation and dinner prep echoing. The Yoongi’s space is attempting to be filled with their joy, as if laughing twice as hard would make up for his absence. Jungkook knows soon he’ll have to go out, pretend to be fine with the situation, and eat dinner. He’ll play make believe for as long as he can, but somewhere between dinner and the first movie or round of whatever game his hyungs force him to pick, Jungkook’s mind will slip.

           As he slips, his five hyungs will turn to the only thing that loosens him up, making his sadness bite a little bit less… Christmas Karaoke. They’ll queue the tracks, mixing in group songs with power ballads, a few hip hop and R&B tunes to balance the candy-coated sugar coma of the season, and for an hour or two, Jungkook won’t be swallowed in despair. But then, your favorite song will play, an accident, they didn’t know, and you will be the only thing on his mind. The tears will flow, mixing with whatever alcoholic beverage he’s consuming, and Jungkook will disappear into his bedroom, try not to call you, and force himself into an empty slumber.

           Instead, he’s staying on his bed, watching the snow fall in increasingly larger flakes, flurries swirling and sticking softly to the ground, building upon one another to form snowbanks.

           It’s in the middle of his reverie that his phone rings, your photo popping up.

           “Honey,” He says softly, doe eyes staring into yours.

           “Hi,” You sigh, his voice always feels like a warm embrace. It’s familiar and kind, steadfast in its ability to sooth you.

           “You look beautiful,” He smiles, eyes not crinkling at the edges.

           “Thanks, you look ethereal as always,” You smile, faltering as yours refuses to reach past your cheek bones.

           “Ethereal?” His expression is quizzical.

           “Yeah, I feel like it typically describes Jimin, but that hazy snow filter you’ve got going is just making you look so… heavenly,” You shrug.

           “You’re making me blush,” Jungkook’s smile moves closer to his wide eyes, nearly reaching as his cheeks turn a soft shade of crimson.

           “What are you up to?” You ask.

           “Sitting, feeling pathetic,” He says, the hint of a smile disappearing completely. You watch as his expression completely falls.

           “Kook,” You say, sympathetic to his pain.

           “I’m trying not to be so, sad, but it’s too hard,” He runs a hand through his hair, tussling the locks to one side, his undercut on full display.

           “I’m trying too, it just fucking sucks,” You say, instinctively adjusting your ponytail.

           “We had a plan, you know? We had a plan, we had arrangements, we had so much fun last year, and I was just so excited to share this Christmas with you, here,” His words are tumbling out of him, succinctly and organized.

           “I was looking forward to it... I bought a new hat,” You offer.

           “Oh?” He asks, happy for any sliver of joy.

           “Yeah, let me get it,” You stood up quickly, showing Jungkook your mid drift and legging clad legs as you moved through your bedroom to find your new beanie.

           “Aye, what are you wearing?” He asks, staring at the space your face was just in.

           “What? It’s a long sleeve cropped athletic shirt thing,” You answer, eyes narrowing. “Why?”

           “You look so sexy,” He says, a smirk on his lips, lust flickering in his eyes.

           “Jungkook,” You gasp.

           “Y/N,” He says eyebrow cocking.

           “Isn’t my new beanie cute?” You deflect the rising tension by placing your new cashmere beanie on your head. You bobble, showing the plush toggle on top.

           “It’s very cute,” Jungkook laughs.

           “I sent a few things to you,” You say, taking your hat off and sitting back down. “And by a few, I mean two boxes…”

           “Two boxes? How big are these boxes?” Laughter was in his voice as he waits for your response.

           “They’re standard, Jungkook,” You’re a little embarrassed by the amount of humor he’s finding in this admission of your Christmas splurge.

           “Standard? Oh my god, they’re huge!” Jungkook can’t stop laughing.

           “I got carried away, okay?” Your tone is defensive and chaste, a blush in your cheeks.

           “What’s in them?” He asks, the crinkles in his eyes present as his bunny teeth part to laugh again.

           “Goodies,” You say, trying to hide your smile by glaring at him.

           “Mm, what kind of goodies?” Jungkook settles down, taking a deep breath to tuck his laughs away.  

           “Get your mind out of the gutter, Jungkook,” You respond, faux shock laced in your words.

           Jungkook rolls his eyes at your gentle scolding.

           “What’s in the boxes?” He asks again.

           “Well, something for your hyungs,” You tell him.

           “You didn’t have to,” He’s always amazed by your generosity.

           “I know, I wanted to. It’s nothing big... I don’t know if they’ll even like it. They’re all wrapped, with their names on them. And I sent a few gifts for you, one from my aunts, one from my mom, and a few from me,” You rattle off the list, which seems far longer than Jungkook thought it would be.

           “You didn’t have to get me anything,” He says, a soft smile on his lips.

           “Jungkook, it’s Christmas,” You remind him.

           “I know, but they’re just items,” His words are delicate, he knows how you feel about the holiday.

           “I put a lot of thought into them okay?” Your annoyance is clear in the way your lips punctuate okay.

           “Hey, you know I’ll love them,” His eyes are trained on you, watching as you soften.

           “And you know, some cookies that will probably be smashed or stale… and a few, other items,” You shrug, a flirtatious look in your eyes.

           “Other items?” Jungkook raises his eyebrows, smirk on his lips. Had you sent him what he hoped for?

           “Mm, oh and something for your parents and Jung-Hyun.” You nod, signally the end of your list.

           “Jagi, you’re too sweet.”        

           “I know, my thoughtfulness is unparalleled,” You shrug at the compliment.

           “As is your humility,” He chuckles.

           “You love it,” You smirk.

           “I sent you something too,” Jungkook says, leaning back against his headboard.

           “Oh?” You’re not entirely surprised, but Jungkook has a way of getting you the perfect thing that you’d never in a million years pick for yourself. Your favorite cashmere sweater, the Chanel purse you vowed to yourself you’d buy when you made any money (which frankly, you never did), your favorite winter coat, a ring with gems from your birth months, a 14k white gold necklace with his initials, a tribute you were sure was tacky, but always made you feel closer to him… a photo album filled with your most precious memories… The year he created an entire journal full of art, poems, lyrics, that reminded him of you… You wanted for nothing, and Jungkook gave you everything.

           “Yes, it should be there soon,” Jungkook’s smile begins to falter.

           “Mine will be too,” You look down, picking at the piece of paper sat on your desk.

           “You’re not going to surprise me and send you know, yourself?” He whispers, knowing the answer.

           “No, I’m not shipping myself to you,” Your voice is hollow, eyes still downcast.

           “But can you?” His voice is small, fragile, weak.

           “Honey,” You sigh, shaking your head. “I can’t keep having this conversation, it hurts too much. It’s just one holiday. We spent decades without each other, can’t we make it through this?”

           “It’s been months, Y/N. I’ve tried holding back the tears, I’ve tried to sing and deck the halls with everyone, but it doesn’t feel like Christmas. I miss you in my bones,” Jungkook’s free hand clutches his chest, his eyelids becoming heavy as the tears start to form.

           “I feel it too… We’ve never gone this long without seeing each other,” You admit.

          The isolation of being apart from your lover for nearly a year… a year of fear, of anxiety, of sleepless nights and terrors as the world became overwhelmed by a pandemic, and the states were thrust into another round of Black Lives Matter protests coupled with an election that could be deemed as one of, if not the most, important election on American soil. All you wanted was Jungkook. His presence, ever calming, his joy, always contagious, was what your soul craved. You spent hours on video calls and phone calls, which often devolved into video sex, any form of intimacy you could muster to tie you to one another. The promotional work of BE, paired with the success of Dynamite and their Bang Bang Con and ONE concerts, Jungkook had zero ability to even try and find his way to you, or to chart a course for you to find him.

          It wasn’t fucking possible. He knew it, you knew it, and few things had been as devastating as realizing you were going an indefinite amount of time without each other.

           “Who am I going to kiss at midnight? Jimin?” Jungkook scoffs.

           “You’re performing, there’ll be so-

           “No, it won’t be you. I’m not kissing anyone except for you and our children,” Jungkook’s remark is flippant, a call back to a conversation you’d had months ago, wherein he asked where you thought your lives were headed.

           “Jungkook!” You say, eyes wide. You’d vowed to put talk of babies or marriage on the back burner until he had an idea of when he would do military service, before 30 or after. You hadn’t caught baby fever, but with Jungkook you knew it would hit and hit hard.

           “I didn’t know I would hurt this much, if I did, fuck, I would’ve flown you out sooner or come to you-

           “Jungkook you couldn’t have come to me, and there’s no way the government would’ve let me in.” Your tone is stern, moving quickly towards your limit of heartache.

           “I don’t fucking care!” Jungkook’s tears are flowing freely. You wonder if it was possible for anyone to cry us much as the two of you have in the past ten months.

           “I miss you every second of everyday,” Jungkook’s heartache punctuates every word.

           “Write me a song,” You suggest.

           “What?”

           “Write me a song, or five, fuck an entire album. Put your anguish into music, sing for me,” Your eyes are bright with possibilities.

           “I can do that,” He says, the idea sweeping over him like a wave in the pacific.

           “I’ll be here, embroidering and puzzling my sadness away,” You offer a smile. “Might as well put it into something productive.”

           “What if it doesn’t work?” He asks.

           “It won’t, I know it won’t, but can’t we just pretend it will?” You assured.

          “It’s hard to pretend my heart isn’t breaking over and over and over again.” Jungkook wipes his eyes, slightly alarmed at the number of tears he’d produced.

           “Mine is too,” Your words were soft, almost an echo of his hurt.

           “So, just, find a way to come home. Baby, please, just, come home for Christmas.”

Next: Pretend That We’re There

[multifandom-girlie]

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬

Imagine: You have just recently started dating and this year is your first Christmas together.

Pairings: Human!Marcel x Human!Reader

Warnings: none.

There's alot of things that I never thought I'd come across or do, one of them being dating Marcel Gerard another being dating someone who's never celebrated Christmas in his life. He's never had anyone to celebrate it with. So I am determined to give him the best Christmas he's ever had. Starting with all of my traditions. Decorating, Baking, Cooking Christmas dinner, shopping, wrapping presents and all that good stuff.

First on the Agenda was Shopping for food, presents and decorations. I gotta tell you it didn't go great.

*

We were walking around the store looking for tinsel and when we found it, I kid you not Marcel skipped over and hugged every colour and now here we are deciding what ONE colour to get. 

“Okay Marcel, I love Christmas as much as the next girl but we cannot get 17 different coloured tinsel just because you can't decide. Pick ONE colour, they can't all go on the the tree.”

“But baby, I love all those colours.”

“But baby, our tree OR apartment is not big enough for 3 of every colour.”

“Ughhh fine.”

The next store we went to after FINALLY deciding what tinself to get was to get the food.

“Marcel I'm going to give you the options this time. Turkey, Pork or Lamb ?”

“If we get them all we don't to get any vegetables so all of them !”

“Marcel, I am not buying three different meats that half will be wasted off, just because you don't want to eat your vegtables, grow up. Your will eat them !”

“Fine mom.”

“What ?”

“I said Turkey.”

“Thankyou.”

The third store we went too because he wanted to get a gift for Klaus to say thank you for raising him but he had no clue what to get him and was contemplating whether to get him anything at all.

“I don't know what he likes Y/N, I can’t do this !”

“Yes you can Marcel!”

“How ? Help me !”

“Right okay, he likes painting right. Why don't you get him some art supplies ? “

“He has enough.”

“Okay, do you have any really nice, aged bourbon at home that'll he’ll like because he loves bourbon.”

“No it's not enough.”

“It doesn't matter, it's that thought that counts. Then write him a nice letter or card to go with it.”

“Will you help me ?”

“Of course I will.”

*

Next was baking some Christmassy treats. When I tell you it was the easiest and hardest thing I've done in my life, I genuinely mean it.

“Marcel, we are going to make some gingerbread men, Okay.”

“Okie Dokie.”

I giggled and told him what to do. He started picking up a bowl of flour.

“Right Marcel, hold your horses you need to preheat the oven first. To 170 degrees and then put parchment on the tray.”

“Okay now what ?”

“Pick up the sieve.”

“The huh ?”

“The sieve.”

“Uh.”

“Oh god. The grey thing with the metal net in.”

“Oh okay. Then ?”

“Pour the flour in it.”

He started to but it all started falling on the floor.

“NO ! Marcel, over the bowl !”

“You couldn't of specified ?!”

“It has holes in it, baby. It's not Rocket science.”

“Whatever, now what do I put in ?”

“The salt, bicarbonate soda, Ginger and cinnamon and make sure it's in the bowl this time.”

“Haha, very funny.”

“Right now, I've heated up the butter, sugar and syrup for you already and it's cooled down, so pour it in the bowl and mix it in. Which will make the dough.”

“Okie Dokie.”

“Uh baby, what are you doing ?”

“Mixing like you said ?”

“With a teaspoon ?”

“What’s wrong with that ?”

“Nothing, you might find it easier to use a wooden spoon though because of it's size and large surface area.”

“Oh okay, thanks.”

30 minutes later

We had just taken the dough out of the fridge were it was chilling.

“Now, sprinkle a handful of flour into the counter. Not your handful's though, mine.”

“Why yours ?”

“Your hands's are to big. Which means you'll most likely grab too much.”

“Okay.”

“Right roll out the dough but dont't make it too flat. Leave like a 1/4 inch of thickness.”

“Now ?”

“Start cutting the gingerbread men out.”

He opened a draw, which confused me immensley. I had already got everything he needed out, I turned around and saw him trying to use scissors to cut out the men.

“Marcel ?”

“Y/N, I'm concentrating.”

“Marcel, not with the scissors.”

“What ?”

“With the cookie cutter...”

“Ohhhh... right. I was wondering what that was for.”

“Oh god.”

*

Thirdly was cooking the christmas dinner, Luckily enough though he didn't want to help with that so I didn't have to stress about him doing something impossibly stupid like peeling the turkey. Believe me, he asked if I did that.

So let's move on the the next task wrapping the presents.

*

He was currently wrapping the present he had for Klaus, which was his first present to wrap. He wanted me to show him how to do the first so that when It came to wrapping mine, they would be perfect.

“Okay, I've got you a nice box for the bourbon. Don't worry it’a got a mould that will hold it in place and tissue paper. It's going to be secure.”

“Okay, I need to wrap it nicely. Klaus has high standards.”

“They aren't that high, I doubt he cares how pretty it is. But if you insist, I will help. Right I've got some ribbon to tie around the box if you wanna do that ?”

“Okay, here you go.”

“Thankyou.”

2 minutes later

“Done.”

“Good, no-Marcel what the hell is that.”

“A bow.”

“That’s a knot, you idiot. Do you know how to tie bows ?”

“There’s a reason, I never have to do my laces and I always were ties when dressing up.”

“Oh god, okay. I will help you with that another time. For now. I will tie it.”

I put the box underneath the ribbon and made the two ends meet underneath before bringing then up and crossing them over before making them wrap around the top two ends and then tying a bow in the middle. 

“Thankyou, now the book for Elijah.”

“Okay lay the wrapping paper down.”

He did as I asked but he didn't as the same time. He laid the roll on the ground and that was that.

“Oh baby, cut some paper off first.”

“Oh okay, now what ?”

“Now, put the book on the edge.”

“Now ?”

I looked over from the gift I was wrapping to find the book standing up on the paper. I pinched the bridge of my nose, surely he wasn't that stupid.

“Marcel, lay the book flat.”

“But you said on the edge...?”

“Just put it flat !”

“Okay, geez.”

“LAY the book on the edge of the PAPER.”

“Okay.”

“Right, now flip the book on to the other side with the paper and then do it once again. Then get the pencil and Mark where the edge of the book is on the paper.”

“Okay.”

“Now cut down that line. Then do it again but long ways this time.”

“Okay.”

“Mark it and then cut.”

“Right then, put the book in the middle and wrap it.”

He looked at me with confusion.

“You don't know how to wrap either do you ?”

He shook his head.

“Okay. Give it here.”

I placed the book in the middle of the paper and folded the bottom piece half way up the book and taped it in place, then I tucked the paper in at the side which made two triangles, I folded the top two on each side into the middle and then held them in place whilst I did the same with the bottom two and then taped that in place before standing it up and pushing the front piece flat down. The two end pieces then made triangles and I flattened them on top and then finished with the back piece in a triangle and then taping it down. I then grabbed the letter Marcel wrote for Elijah and slipped it in themakeshift pockets in the paper.

“That’s too difficult.”

“Oh God Marcel, I did it slowly.”

“So..”

“Fine, I'll show you one more time.”

*

The last one was making the hot chocolate before bed on Christmas eve.

This one was pretty straight forward.

Not too hard.

Not too bad.

One mistake though and...

It.

Was.

Horrible.

*

I was sat at the island watching Marcel make the hot chocolate and he did everything right except when I was in the toilet, he made the biggest mistake you could make when making hot choclate.

“Why in the hell, did you use hot water ?”

“That’a how you make hot choclate.”

“No! It is not ! You made a good effort. Next time use milk.”

“I've always had hot water never has it been hot milk.”

“How many times have you had hot choclate ?”

“Once.”

“Exactly.”

“Let’a just go to bed, atleast that way I'm in my zone and can do at least one thing right.”

“Mmmm okay.”

He kissed me passionately and the night ended with something he wasn't just good at, he was god like at.

MASTERLIST

[peterthepark]

First Times With Steve (II)

Steve Harrington x Reader

Warnings: F L U F F & some angst

A/N: i highly recommend reading the first installment of this HC before this one! you can find it it here:

- PART ONE

First Time Talking About Marriage:

it’s been a good five years together when steve mentions it to you on christmas morning

there’s snow outside, freshly made hot cocoa on the dining table, while pirate sits by the christmas tree and steve is in the kitchen of your apartment

“so, i was thinking...” he starts, flipping over a pan of pancakes

“oh, well, that’s never a good sign.” you tease, finding satisfaction in the loud groan he makes

“nancy and jonathan’s wedding thing is in a month.”

you’re nodding your head as if he can see you, taking a sip from your cocoa

“when is ours gonna happen? i was thinking early november or maybe even late august. but like next year. sometime soon, hopefully.”

and you SPIT OUT your cocoa everywhere because this has been brought up like once

you have to get up and go to the kitchen because you are not having this conversation from another room

“are you being serious right now?” you stand beside him, helping him put the pancakes on a plate

“yeah, actually. too soon? i love you, Y/N. you know i wanna grow old with you.”

“why are you crying? babes?”

suddenly you’re a mess and you can barely get any words out because holy shit this man wants to marry you

First and Only Wedding:

the wedding is in early november as steve suggested

it’s small, not too many people

the party and robin and everyone from hawkins attends

your parents are there and so are steve’s - even though his relationship with them isn’t that good - he still wanted them present for the day

it’s a beautiful gathering, filled with tears and laughs and memorable stories

you’ve never seen steve so happy

he’s crying as soon as you walk down the aisle

he can’t wait to grow old with you

First Honeymoon:

you and steve go to hawaii

you both wanted to save money first for a house, so you decided to go somewhere new but fairly near

he’s sporting one of those ‘dad’ hawaiian shirts, hair fluffy from the coastal breeze

you guys are literally naked most of the time

steve got this really nice beachhouse from a relative, so you already know that it’s gonna be a fun time

it’s relaxing and peaceful, and you and steve are able to spend quality time together

“you look beautiful today, my wife.”

“why thank you, husband.”

he starts to introduce you as his wife a lot

to random people

to people who don’t give a crap

he is so thankful that you married him

First House:

you move to the city

steve found a great job offer and you as well

so, you find a quaint house near your old apartment

it’s still within driving distance of hawkins which is nice

and even though you both wanted to stay there, you knew that it was time to grow up and move on - but your friendships in hawkins never fade

you’re able to buy this cute house in the suburbs

there’s a big backyard so pirate can run around, and eventually your kids too

steve and you are so overwhelmed with paperwork and moving in on time

“are we seriously homeowners, steve?”

“i mean. that’s a house, right? and it’s ours?”

it takes a while to move in since you want everything perfect

steve helps you with making your dream house

“saw this couch at the mall today. think it’d look nice with our house, so i went ahead and bought it.”

he’s a really good interior designer too?

First Pregnancy:

two months after finally moving in, you’re pregnant

steve is at work when you find out, but you’re sure that you’ll tell him when he gets home

you actually FORGET because when he arrives you’re passed out on the bed

and suddenly, you’re waking up in the middle of the night, and the thought that you’re literally pregnant comes back to you

so you shake your husband awake

“steve, love.”

and he groans, pulling you tighter to him.

“you’re crushing the baby.”

“mmm, i love being your baby.”

and you’re staring at him because you know it’s gonna hit him soon

“steve?”

“wait, what did you say?” and he finally opens his eyes

“im pregnant.”

First Child:

more like children

because you’re literally pregnant with twins

its scares the shit out of you, but steve knows that you’ll be an amazing mom

the birth is smooth but painful

you have a boy and a girl - the complete package

your son: harley harrington is the older twin

your little girl: stella dee harrington is the younger twin

there was one condition that you both had agreed on while picking names

because dustin was the only child of his family, you and steve decided to give one of your kids his name

he’s their big brother, after all

dustin is bawling when he finds out that the ‘dee’ in stella dee harrington stands for him - he loves you guys so much

anyways, children are not as easy as you thought

but steve seems to be great at it

your kids are perfect

stella definitely looks more like you

but HARLEY is literally a carbon copy of steve

they both have good hair

they can’t be separated

and they really love pirate

the harringtons are actually a bunch of dorks

First Argument:

of course, there’s been a few arguments during your marriage

but this one

this one was bad

steve starts coming home late at night

he doesn’t spend as much time with you or your kids anymore

you don’t know what happened but it’s heartbreaking

so you wait for him to come home

it’s midnight and you’re getting really worried

“why are you out so late all of a sudden?”

“Y/N...”

“steve, what’s wrong? you can tell me.”

but he can’t tell you

he tells you everything but not this time

you try to be understanding but you’re getting worried and steve mistakes it for something else

“i would never cheat on you. i can’t believe you’d think that.”

“i never said anything, stevie. you know i wouldn’t - i don’t think like that. im just concerned.”

there’s no yelling or shouting but it’s still as painful because of how distant steve seems

that was the first night in ages that he never told you that he loved you

he leaves the next day to go to hawkins

and you still don’t know why

First Apology:

steve finally opens up to you after a week of being gone

you knew something has gone wrong because of the way he looks: bags under his eyes, smile forced, voice too soft

“baby. come here.”

any bad blood between the two of you has completely dissolved

steve sobs into your embrace, and you feel for him

“do you wanna talk now?”

“it’s my dad. he’s sick.”

oh

“im so sorry, steve.” you kiss his forehead, “is there anything i can do?”

“i need you and the kids. we gotta - we gotta visit hawkins, yeah?”

steve’s relationship with his dad has always been on the rocks

so you know he’s torn

he doesn’t know how to feel

but he has his family to support him

“i’m sorry that i’ve been so selfish and distant. i didn’t want to bring you down with me.”

“i want to be there with you through everything. i made a vow to you, steve harrington.”

First Family Vacation:

it’s france

because steve made that promise to you years ago

your little love lock surrounded by other locks on that bridge of ponts des arts?

it’s still there

harley is making fun of it

“eternally in love? now that’s lame, mom.”

“your dad thought of it. not me.”

“Y/N!”

but stella actually thinks it’s cute

and you tell them how their dad promised to take you back here once they were born

now the kids are gagging because their parents are such SAPS and ROMANTICS

but they also admire that

because it shows them what love really is

they have so much fun

harley can’t stop eating crepes

and stella doesn’t take off the beret (the one you wore on your first trip to france) that you had given her

so cute

so sickening

you’re one big happy family

the harringtons

[wildandsexyjacks]

Mocktails & (Not So) Useless Company Parties

Seungyoun + #11 from this holiday prompt list

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: alcohol consumption

You love your job, you tell yourself over and over again, looking at your own reflection in the mirror of the ladies room. You do what you’ve always wanted to do, what you’re good at, what makes you happy. It pays extremely well too, so really no complaints there either. The real problem is your boss. The old cranky son of a bitch has no life of his own and for some reason, he believes you don’t need one too, which is why he’s making you stay in town for Christmas when in fact you should be back at home eating your mom’s cookies and drinking hot cocoa with tons of marshmallows.

This stupid event is not even that big of a deal, to be honest. It’s just a boring business award ceremony, filled with fancy-dressed people from the entertainment industry drinking mocktails (mocktails!!) and bragging about their achievements this year and YOU are what your boss has to brag about right now. You know your cooking show’s been pretty popular lately, with a lot of celebrities wanting to join in as guests and its rating points only going up every week, so it was obvious he’d want to show you off... But it’s Christmas. Your favorite holiday and you’re spending it in an expensive designer dress with uncomfortable heels, looking pretty and greeting people who don’t give one real fuck about your show or the story behind it, only its numbers.

While you stare in the mirror and hate everything, the giggly pair of girls who got in the bathroom right before you come out of their stalls, so you smile and wait for them to wash their hands and leave. As soon as they close the door, you take a silver flask from where you previously stashed it under the sink and pour it in your drink. After taking a sip, you put the flask back in it’s hiding spot and fix your hair one last time before exiting.

The moment Mr. Yang - executive producer of your show and close friends with the company CEO - said you’d be his date for the year-end events it became obvious you couldn’t be sober for this. However, the CEO’s wish to hold the party at his wife’s art gallery and the fact that she abominated alcohol had you mastering a plan to do it under everyone’s nose.

It was all going very well up until your third visit to the bathroom for refills. Someone storms inside without warning and catches you red-handed.

“Oh, sorry, this isn’t the-.” the guy frowns “Are you okay?”

It’s when you realize you’re probably a bit tipsier than originally intended. You look from him to the mirror again, taking in your reflection one more time: shoes discarded on the floor, flushed cheeks.... you’re obviously looking at least somewhat drunk. With your glass set on the sink and the open flask in your hands, there’s no point in trying to pretend this isn’t exactly what it looks like, so you just mumble a yeah and resume spiking your drink.

His brows furrow even more.

“Don’t you think this is a bit too...? Um, okay.” The man moves forward, grabs your arm and takes the flask from you, then smells it and instantly makes a face “Woah... Would you like some eggnog with your rum?”

You look him dead in the eye.

“This is the ladies’ room.”

“Well, I admit to my mistake.” He closes the flask, and puts it into the inner pocket of his blazer “But you don’t look too good right now so is there something I can help you with before I leave? It’s Y/N, right? You’re representing tvN so we’re both under CJ and it’d be bad form to leave you like this... I also happen to really like your show, even tried the pear risotto at home and no one died after eating.” You laugh, and he smiles, seemingly taking pride in that “Seriously, I’m a big fan.”

That’s funny because you’re looking at the Cho Seungyoun, a.k.a WOODZ, hip-hop and r&b star and variety show king. He looks ridiculously handsome in an all-black suit with his hair pushed back, which makes you vaguely embarrassed of your current state so you try to discreetly fix your appearance.

“You look beautiful, don’t worry, that’s not what I meant.” he leans against the marble sink and crosses his arms in front of his chest “What’s the matter? I mean why are you sneaking booze into a company event?”

You roll your eyes and mirror his posture, sighing.

“I don’t know what I’m doing here, my boss won’t even let me promote my show. I’m only allowed to greet people and smile while he does all the talking. This is so stupid, I should be on a plane to Toronto right now but I’m in this useless party wasting my time instead.”

Seungyoun rubs his chin, pondering his next move. After a while, he nods to himself and glances at you, arching an eyebrow.

“I can’t send you to Toronto but maybe I could help fix the other issue. How quickly can you sober up?” You shrug and bend down to put your shoes back on while he downs your drink, grimacing at the taste “Ugh, awful.” 

You laugh again while checking your make-up, then wash your hands and hold onto the arm he’s offering so you can both exit the bathroom.

And for the next couple of hours, Seungyoun does the absolute most, introducing you to everyone he knows and talking about your show with enthusiasm. He wasn’t lying when he said he was a fan, you notice. He talks in detail about the dishes and the guests from previous episodes and seems truly interested in what you have in store for the next season when you explain it to higher-ups from other CJ subsidiaries. 

It’s a blessing Seungyoun be so charismatic and funny because everyone is too busy falling in love with him to pay attention to the way you lean on him for balance and laugh just a little too much. By the time they start handing out the awards, you’re sober enough to go up on stage with Mr. Yang, who gives a quick speech thanking you and the staff - and you do the same. After that, you’re free for the rest of the night and Seungyoun makes good use of that, tapping your boss on the shoulder as soon as you get up from your seats when the ceremony ends.

“Excuse me, sir, can I borrow her for a moment?”

Busy talking to other executives, Mr. Yang waves his hand, barely looking at him, and you take that as a yes.

“Thanks for saving me.” you say as he offers his arm once again “I had a lot of fun tonight.”

“Don’t mention it. I know it’s hard to believe but I’m actually kind of shy so it was nice to have your company.” he pats your arm, glancing at you “Have you seen the paintings here? They’re pretty awesome.”

You shake your head no, so he takes you to the first open room he can find. The sign by the door says the exhibition is called FLOWERS ON A RIVER, a series of gongbi flower and bird paintings by a chinese artist named Chen Zhifo.

When you go inside, there’s no one else there, the guest using up all their time for networking instead of art appreciation. Seungyoun drags you to study a very long line of flower paintings hanging on the wall, reading their titles and descriptions out loud and making funny comments about the birds.

“You know,” he starts when you reach the last painting “I’ve never been invited to guest on your show even though we’re from the same company...”

He glances quickly at you, pouting and blinking several times, and it makes you laugh. Yes, you both come from sister companies but no one could call that a real connection. Not to mention you didn’t even know he could cook before earlier tonight, anyway.

“My boss picks the guests.” you shrug. “Sorry.”

“I see. Well then maybe I could cook you dinner at my place, say, later this week... and you could put in a good word for me with your boss or something...”

You look up at him, surprised. Maybe you’re still a little drunk, but you muster up the courage to take a step closer and ask him what’s on your mind.

“Are you trying to buy your way into my show or ask me on a date, Seungyoun?”

“Oh, I don’t care, whatever helps me see you again the fastest.” he leans down a little, bringing his face closer to yours while staring at your lips “Which one do you prefer?”

“I think right now I’m gonna go with the date and we can talk about work later.” you decide, wrapping your arms around his neck and standing on your tiptoes to meet him halfway for a kiss.

“Ho ho ho.” Seungyoun mumbles, smiling against your lips.

It’s Christmas and you’re in a stupid useless party, but now you don’t regret it anymore.

-

it’s still christmas where i live so..... happy holidays everyone 💜

also i’m a time management disaster so i missed seungwoo’s birthday because when do i finish anything on time right? but i WILL have the next ysay chapter finished before the weekend so wooseungdans stay tuned xx

[alchemist-shizun]

Love Simon AU - Christmas Special

Read on Ao3!

Merry Christmas to my lovely @softanxiouspatton!! This is my little gift for you, sadly I can't do much else, so I hope you can enjoy this thoroughly, love you 💜

Wtnv taglist: @softanxiouspatton @suffering-is-my-comfort-zone @pushussmollworld @mylifeisadeceit

Word Count: 1,829

Characters: Cecil, Carlos (and a little cameo 👀)

Pairing(s): Cecilos

Warning(s): This is just pure fluff for once

Summary: Simple snowy evening around town for two teens that only wanted hot chocolate and instead got each other flustered every five minutes. Oh, also they're waiting for Christmas to come, sure.

A/N: Please be aware that this is a spinoff from an AU I still have to write. The AU is going to be set in the Love, Simon universe and here Cecil is blind and Carlos is nonbinary (he goes by both masculine and neutral pronouns so if you see me abruptly changing them in the narration it's normal). Other than that this is very very simple and I just wanted to try to do something with this universe since I can't work on the bigger project yet, the events all take place after the ending. (Don't worry no spoilers)

✾

❝And the hair on my neck was rising

A feeling new and surprising

But it wasn't the sound that made my heart pound

No, it was because I found her hand is in mine❞

« Come on! »

« Are you sure this is a good idea? »

« Just trust me, Cecil. »

Carlos was leading his boyfriend by the hand, both of them covered from head to toe in the warmest clothes they owned. Puffs of air left their breaths as they spoke.

« Alright. » Cecil tightened the grip as Carlos notified him of any step or obstacle he had to be mindful of.

They got to the ice rink, placed momentarily in the middle of the town's plaza and paid to get a pair of skates each. After making sure they were tight enough, Carlos climbed onto the rink, ready to help the other up.

« There's a step. »

Cecil heaved a foot, but not high enough to place it on the ice. « Aw. »

« Are the skates too heavy? » Carlos teased.

« Maybe. » there was the hint of a grin on the other's lips.

« Hold on. »

As if it were the most usual thing to do, he gripped at the edge of the rink with one hand to steady himself, while he wrapped an arm around Cecil's waist to lift him up.

« Guess you're very strong. » was everything a particularly flustered boy could comment after being dragged dangerously close by his partner.

Carlos simply giggled.

There were many attempts from the scientist to make the other build confidence and not keep a hand on the rink.

« It's only ice, Cecil. » he repeated over and over. « It's solidified water. »

« I know that. Still unreliable. »

« It's like the ground, but the only difference is that it's ... slippery? »

« That was very scientific of you. »

« It was my latest discovery. » Carlos played along with a faked seriousness. « Will you now let me hold both of your hands? »

« Five more minutes, mom. »

When hopelessness washed over him, Carlos noticed something around them, something that had to do with water but not the ground. With the sky, on the other hand, it did. And it was raining down on them. He gasped as realization struck him.

He removed the other's glove from the hand he had been holding, ignoring the confused sentences. Then, he held Cecil's arm outward, as if he were trying to make him catch what was falling from above.

« Is ... Is it snowing? » a small smile ghosted over his lips.

« Can you feel the snowflakes? »

« Yeah. » the smile grew wider and he instinctively cupped his hands, forgetting about his fear of falling face-first on the ice.

Carlos found the scene endearing, his boyfriend looked determined to gather as much snow as he could, though it melted as soon as it reached his palms, little white spots turned into transparent drops in milliseconds.

« You're adorable. » he gave voice to his thoughts, taking this time both Cecil's hands and tugging forward while he skated backwards.

Cecil almost didn't even realize they were moving around the rink together. And they didn't fall once! Despite maybe one pretty dangerous moment.

They were walking around town again, hands never leaving each other, while looking for the nearest café to get some warm drink.

« Was it so bad? »

« It was terrible. » Cecil commented, then he leaned on the other. « I loved it. »

Carlos placed a kiss on top of his head before walking toward the coffee shop.

Once inside, they got to their seats and waited for their orders to arrive. The snow hadn't gotten any stronger, but was still not determined to stop.

The two were conversing as they had never done anything else in their lives, reaching the topic of the town's Christmas market around the centre.

« Oh, before I forget. » Carlos dug into their bag, taking out a pair of tickets and placing them on the table.

Cecil reached and felt two identical pieces of paper. « What are those for? »

His fingertips trailed over the surface of a ticket. He found braille.

« A science museum? »

« They're a gift. » Cecil looked confused. « It's very advanced and they have reproductions of exposed objects you can touch if you can't see. There are also art museums that are starting to do that, we can go there too if you'd like and if you don't then it's fine, I can- »

« Carlos. » a hand was placed on theirs. « You know I'd gladly listen to you go off about science for the rest of eternity. » his voice grew impossibly softer. « I'd go anywhere with you. »

Carlos didn't even have the chance to respond as another voice flew over them.

« That's about the gayest thing I've ever heard. »

Maureen herself was standing next to their table, a wide grin spread across her face, while Cecil hid behind his hands.

« And you're the one I've ever seen. Wouldn't you agree, Michelle? » loving, darling, sweet and genius Carlos to save the day.

That was an effective way of flustering both of them, whose faces were subtly heating up. Maureen tugged at the girl she was holding hands with, motioning for them to move away.

« Tell your dog I said hi! » Cecil called after her, amused, he did not need any kind of sight to know she didn't even turn to him.

« Whatever. » he heard afterwards, as the steps' sound grew quieter and more distant.

The only other interruption was the waiter placing the cups of hot chocolate in front of the two. After that, silence as they waited for the drink to cool down.

« Actually, » Cecil took a small USB out of his jacket's pocket. « I made something for you, too. » he held his hand out, flash drive right in front of the other's face.

Carlos lit up, despite having no clue of the contents of the USB. « You didn't have to. » they murmured fondly. The thought alone of the gift made him already giddy, maybe the halo of mystery it held was contributing too.

« It's nothing grand, really. » Cecil was looking down, his voice hesitating for a moment. « Remember I have that microphone on my room's desk? » the other nodded. « I used it to tell a story. I pretended I was talking to the citizens of an imaginary town, tried to narrate their lives. So I decided to put you into it too and make ... an original gift, I suppose? »

His partner was smiling so wide they weren't able to respond: Cecil was already about to continue, say that maybe it was kind of weird he had done that.

« This is the best thing I've ever heard! » Carlos encouraged instead. « I'm happy you put me in the story, really. Thank you, Cecil, I'm sure I'll love it. » they promised, reaching for his hand for the billionth time that day, as if Cecil weren't able to practically feel their loving gaze on him.

« I've always wanted to be a radio host cause my voice is one of the only things I'm mostly sure of. » he explained, his eyes falling back to the surface of the table, as a tired flower would bow its head under the weight of the rain.

He felt his hand being held tighter, a suggestion for him to continue.

« So, uncertain of what surrounded me, I made up universes in my mind where the weirdest events made sense. » it was like he was keeping something in his thoughts, something he had wanted to let out for the longest time but hadn't been able to. Deprived of the right time and chance.

« But, » he began, looking oddly right into Carlos's eyes. « But now, thanks to you, I think I can be sure of the outside world too. »

Saying that they melted on the spot was an understatement. Saying that their brain had malfunctioned and short-circuited was part of the truth.

If they could just lean in ... if they could just lean in and place a hundred, a thousand and then another hundred kisses over the boy's face.

« I can't say anything else except I'm honored to be in your life. » so what Carlos did, instead of all that, was pull one of Cecil's hands and place a quick but gentle kiss on top of it. « And you have no idea how grateful I am for you. »

After a couple more of "stop, you will make me cry, I have a reputation", they made it out and back into the centre of town, Christmas lights hanging from all possible locations and houses around them. The quantity would have been enough to shut all the town's electricity at once.

They simply walked around, admired places and wished to buy all the candy they could find without having the possibility to do it.

Reminiscing was mostly what they did, though. Even without telling each other, a place, a sound, a simple memory connected to a song. But when the ferris wheel came into Carlos's sight, words had to be definitely brought up.

They just stood there, without unlinking their arms.

« Hey, look, » they said, pointing upwards at the big lit-up construction moving slowly under the night sky.

« Yeah sure, I can see your point. » Cecil retorted in that tone that sounded obviously sarcastic but also not quite.

Damned slang and the English language.

« Gosh, sorry, I was distracted- »

« By the blinding lights? »

« Cecil, please- » they couldn't contain their laughter any longer.

« Oh, you're amused now, I see. »

« No, you don't. »

Even louder laughter spread out in the semi-quiet road they were walking on.

« I just saw the ferris wheel. »

« Oh. »

« The same blue and white lights. I can barely distinguish people from the cabins from down here. » they focused on the structure, while their senses ignored Cecil shifting and placing himself in front of them.

His hands traveled up to their shoulders until they reached their cheeks. Carlos didn't really mind as they kept talking, it happened that Cecil did that out of the blue, sometimes there was no reason at all.

Despite that, this time, there was.

Cecil surged up slowly, placing a soft kiss on their lips while Carlos's words faded away. He then hugged them as tight as his strength permitted.

« I love you. » he whispered, burying his face in their chest.

« That's one of the only two things  I know. » Carlos was quick to return the embrace, bathing in the essence of the moment. « I love you too. »

[carolinesbookworld]

tagged by @kabeswaters and @swellwriting <3

on a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life right now? 0

describe yourself in a hashtag? very similar to @fortisfiliae #stressedanddepressed

if you could do a love scene with anyone, who would it be? Harrison Osterfield

if your life was a musical, what would the marquee say? prepare for disaster

what’s one thing people don’t know about you? um...idk my boyfriend knows basically everything about me sooooooo

what’s your wake up ritual? wake up, turn off alarm (bc with this at-home learning stuff i’ve been waking up like literally 1 min before my alarm goes off???), text good morning to my bf, snapchat, discord bc moonlit fam talks allll night, tumblr, get out of bed, wash face, get dressed, coffee and breakfast it’s very specific

what’s your go to bed ritual? wash glasses and face bc my skin is soo oily by the end of the day so you best believe my glasses be needing washing everyday, shower, say goodnight to fam, text bf for like 15 mins or until he says goodnight, turn alarm on, plug in phone, go to sleep

what’s your favorite time of day? morning but specifically from 7:30 until 9  

your go to for having a good laugh? FRIENDS as in the show

dream country to visit? Australia bc my dad once got to hold a baby koala there and i wanna do that so bad

what’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had? so my family moved before my sophomore year so me and my bff started trying to surprise each other whenever one of us came to visit and the weekend of my birthday, she skypes me as she’s walking around what i thought was her house and then i start hearing an echo and next thing i know she’s standing in the doorway of my room and that was pretty much the best surprise ever

heels or flats/sneakers? sneakers converse

vintage or new? new but i love vintage aesthetic i just couldn’t live with it

who do you want to write your obituary? karli @swellwriting bc she is my brain twin and i would be mocking her horrible grammar and spelling from my grave and we would both get a good laugh about it in the afterlife

style icon? the mom i babysit for haha she’s like one of my best friends tho which sounds really weird but it’s true

what are three things you cannot live without? books, dogs, days that are exactly 65 degrees

what’s one ingredient you put in everything? um idk chocolate??

what 3 people living or dead would you want to make dinner for? Sarah J. Maas, Eddie Redmayne, my boyfriend bc i haven’t had dinner with him for 47 days

what’s your biggest fear in life? losing the people i love...and spiders

window or aisle seat? window bc aisle makes me anxious that i’m in people’s way

what’s your current tv obsession? the cw’s nancy drew it’s so good please go watch it

favorite app? instagram, discord, or tumblr, depends on my mood

secret talent? um idk i can draw very realistic portraits of people when i take the time to

most adventurous thing you’ve ever done in your life? okay so technically this wasn’t me who did it but i was part of the adventure. when me and my boyfriend were just “friends” ie. liked each other and knew we liked each other but were too scared to admit it. anyway, we had this elaborate plan to shave our youth group leader’s head if we were able to bring in a certain amount of food for the food drive during vbs week. so yeah we spent like three days planning the whole thing out and then decided to go price shopping at walmart with all of our younger siblings bc we needed supervision or something lol to see how many individual things of food we could buy with $20 each we ended up just getting like 20 huge boxes of ramen and then his sister ended up throwing up so we took her home and then went back to church where my car was parked but instead of turning to get to church my boyfriend decides to go straight through the stop light (it was green okay) and spontaneously drive up into the foothills. well we get to the top of the foothills and we’re at the lake and we all get out to look at the city and my boyfriend claims that we need to document this moment so he takes a selfie with all of us and we somehow ended up right next to each other in it and i only found this out like three months ago (this happened back in june) that he only took the picture because he wanted one of us together in case we didn’t start dating lol so sweet and yeah, that was a very long story but i needed context instead of just saying “yeah we drove up a mountain”

how would you define yourself in three words? loyal, anxious, passionate

favorite piece of clothing you own? this dark coral dress that makes my eyes and hair look really pretty

a must have clothing item that everyone should have? a hoodie

a superpower you would want? i want to be able to project my thoughts into someone else’s mind bc i’m so bad at explaining stuff sometimes especially when it comes to how i feel

what’s inspiring you in life right now? ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas, highly recommend

best piece of advice you’ve received? opening up to more than one person is important because if you lose that person then you’ve lost all your support

best advice you’d give your teenage self? the friends who have stuck around this long are the ones you want to hang onto and the ones that you need are the ones you don’t always see

a book everyone should read? The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

what would you like to be remembered for? being a crazy dog mama

how do you define beauty? confidence in yourself and not caring what others think about you

what do you love most about your body? my metabolism

best way to take a rest/decompress? open a window to feel the breeze and listen to Islands by Hey Ocean! which is so calming to me

favorite place to view art? nature or tumblr

if your life was a song, what would the title be? we’re going with a fob/p!atd theme here and calling it “depression screwed me over so i screwed it back and ended up worse off”

if you could master one instrument, what would it be? piano

if you had a tattoo, where would it be? probably on my forearm or by my left hip

dolphins or koalas? koalas did i mention that i want to hold a baby koala

what’s an animal that represents you? great dane puppy ie. very excitable but will also take a four hour nap when tired

best gift you’ve ever received? my best friend made this photo collage for me when i moved that is hanging in my room and it has a bunch of pictures of me and her over the years and i just love it

best gift you’ve given? for christmas i gave my boyfriend a hammock and the bookshelf addition of clue, two things he had no idea i would remember him mentioning and his face was priceless. also i made my mom a cake for her birthday this year and she was so happy and said it made her feel very special <3

what’s your favorite board game? clue or ticket to ride (specifically nordic countries)

what’s your favorite color? currently a pale turquoise

least favorite color? any shade of light brown

diamond or pearls? diamonds

drugstore makeup or designer? drugstore bc i don’t wear makeup enough to validate buying designer, also i don’t really care

pilates or yoga? yoga

coffee or tea? coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee cof-

what’s the weirdest word in the english language? palindrome is wild because it means a word spelled the same way forwards and backwards but it itself is not one such word

dark chocolate or milk chocolate? milk

stairs or elevators? stairs

summer or winter? summer but like, only june

you are stuck on an island, you can pick one food to eat forever without getting tired of it, what would you eat? panera mac n cheese

a dessert you don’t like? red velvet cake which btw is not red-colored chocolate cake as many would have you believe

a skill you’re working on mastering? writing

best thing to happen to you today? i got to put all of my new plants in my windowsill and i named one of them (its name is albert in case you were wondering)

worst thing to happen to you today? idk today’s been pretty good as far as quarantine goes

best compliment you’ve ever received? my boyfriend calls me beautiful all the time and he always reminds me that that is describing looks and personality

favorite smell? coffee or my boyfriend’s sweatshirt for the week after i steal it

hugs or kisses? can i choose both?? depends on my mood mostly but i guess hugs if i just had to pick one

if you made a documentary, would it be about? literally anything relating to the mcu

last piece of content you consumed that made you cry? a court of wings and ruin by sjm

lipstick or lipgloss? lipstick

sweet or savory? sweet

girl crush? literally any female in the teen wolf cast

how do you know you’re in love? hahahaha haha what's love

a song you can listen to on repeat? we fall apart by we as human or uma thurman by fob

if you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be? idk my boyfriend probably, this is something we have discussed in depth

what are you most excited for/about this time in your life? for life to go back to normal

tagging @finnofamerica @woakiees @beskarjedi @outerlacy @swanimagines hahahahaha have funnnnn this took me an hour to answer

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #261

“i hate you for every time you ever bled for me.”

If you have a job, how long is your shift? I'm unemployed. Do you ever wear your hair in a pony tail? It's too short for that. What language did you take up in high school? Latin for one semester, then I took four of German. Do you like sunflowers? It's illegal to live in the South and not lmao. Have you ever held hands with someone in a car? Yeah. Would you rather be called honey or baby? Hunny. What is your favorite card game? Even though I never learned it super well, I used to enjoy Magic: The Gathering and have actually been like dying to play it for months lmao. How many emails were you sent today? None. What was your favorite Christmas gift you got last year? Well I mostly got money life chose I didn't get to use, lol. I honestly don't really remember anything else prominently... sounds bad, but yeah, so is my memory lmao. What have you thought up yet for this year’s list? Well it's only April, but a treadmill or something like that is at the top right now. Do you have any embarrassing usernames? Ha ha, none that I still use. Do you have a backpack in a shape of an animal? No, but I almost got a meerkat one. But it was too small. :'( Have you ever waxed your legs? OW no. My hair is too long and thick. Have you ever taught a little kid to flick people off? lol wow no. Have you ever itched yourself until your skin was raw? I do that remarkably easy, especially on my legs. I literally have long scars from it. Do you always clear your history after using the computer? No. Have you ever had your food stolen by a bird? Ha ha nah. Are you responsible for stuffing someone's stocking? No. Do you make your own smoothies or juices? No. Do you like oatmeal raisin cookies? I absolutely hate raisins. What age do you think is too old to still live with your parents? It greatly depends on a lot of things: the person's health, financial position, etc. Have you ever watched Bob's Burgers? A couple times. It was pretty funny if I remember correctly. Denim, leather or varsity jacket? UUUUGGGGGHHHHH leather. I've wanted one since middle school. ;_; Has a teacher ever caught and read a note you were passing in class? No. I honestly didn't pass notes, but I find it mean as FUCK when teachers do this. Privacy is a goddamn thing that should be respected. I do not support passing notes in class, like you're there to learn, but having it shared in front of all your peers is not the fucking answer. I get heated about this shit. What's your favorite perfume that you own? I only own one that's called "Blush" from rue 21. It smells really nice, though. Do you clean things that are already clean when you're bored? No. I'd rather clean something that isn't already. Do you have an older brother? Yes. What do you do when someone overweight complains about being overweight? Lol I'd probably say "mood," but it depends on our relationship of course. Like there're times to be humorous and light-hearted about it and other times when you don't make it about you. If they're clearly more sad and especially if I don't know them well, I'd say something like "I understand," because I can almost guarantee I do about this. Have either of your parents ever been to jail? No. Have you ever been to jail? No, I'm a good noodle. :) Are your collarbones prominent? No. ;_; You can see them, yeah, but they're not like very obvious. It's one of my biggest motivators to lose weight though because I am dyinnnnggg for dermals there, but I think it would look weird without that contrast. Have you ever in your life worn overalls? When I was a kiddo. Ugly things. Do you own anything tribal print? No. Do you watch any beauty gurus on YouTube? I'm not even very interested in beauty, yet I love Jeffree Star??? Nikkie is cool too. I've found I watch more for personalities than content, in all genres of vids. Do you like Skittles? More like LOVE. Do you have a PillowPet? No. If you do, what kind of PillowPet do you have? N/A Do you have sleep paralysis? Thank the fuck to god no. That shit sounds absolutely terrifying. Is there anyone at home right now you wish wasn't? No. Do you like Placebo? Tbh I can't think of one song by them rn. I know I've heard them, Mom's even got a CD I'm sure I've tried out long ago when I got into her music, but obviously nothing stood out well enough, at least back then. Has anyone ever carried you to bed? As a kid, yeah, usually my dad. Could you happily date someone prettier than you? Yes???? Do you know anyone with cancer? Both my mom and grandmother right now. Are you easily offended? No. Do your parents buy you most anything you want? HI we've always been poor so no. Not just that, but they knew better than to spoil us. Have you ever tried to jump a fence? I have. Do you watch My Strange Addiction? No. How attracted are you to the last person that kissed you? A bit above moderately ig. Have you ever known a white supremacist? HUNNY I live in the South. In regards to who do you think "what if?" Jason as a fucking whole is my absolute "what if." Do you like the smell of a barbecue? Yes, even though I enjoy like almost no food at most of them. Doesn't stop it from smelling good. Has anyone ever called you apathetic or unemotional? I can't even imagine someone calling me that, no. I'm the polar opposite. How much money do you spend in a month on clothes or accessories? None in the average month. What was the last clothing item you wore that doesn't belong to you? A pair of Mom's pants. I didn't have any clean pairs. Do you own anything with your state or providence's name on it? No. Got no interest in sporting anything relating to a boring-ass, bigoted, racist state. How often do you hold back from saying what you are thinking? WOW A LOT!!!!!!!!!!! Do you like the Paranormal Activity movies? Yeah, I do. I mean yeah, they're fake, but what horror movie isn't even though it claims it is, honestly. How do you like your oatmeal? Apples & cinnamon with a bit of sugar. Does it make you feel better when an ex starts dating someone unattractive? No. Appearance doesn't mean shit when it comes to what the heart wants. What's your favorite way to eat peanut butter? In a sandwich w/ grape jam. Do you fall in infatuation easily? Infatuation, I'm not sure. Who has initiated most of your first kisses? Considering almost all previous relationships, usually me as they all knew I needed to go slow. I'd only do it if I was aware they'd wanted to kiss already, though. Do you like bows? Omg yes, cute shit. Has a boyfriend ever made you breakfast? Yes. Jason first went to college to be a chef. Are you more likely to show affection through your words or your actions? Probably words when you consider I'm slow with physically doing that, but I'm honestly really affectionate either way when I'm comfortable with you. Do you like Cheez-Its? VERY MUCH SO omg keep them away from me. Do you ever use coloring books? Not anymore. How do you feel about instrumental music? I have to be in the mood for it. Have you ever been on a trapeze? No. What's the coolest natural event you've ever witnessed? I still don't know to this day what it was, but I THINK it was a star exploding. Scared me, man. Seeing the big lunar eclipse last year was also wicked cool. Do you know how to use chopsticks? HA, I never could. Not with my tremors. Do you buy chocolate after Valentine's Day when it goes on sale? No, I don't need chocolate. Do you think bunnies are cute? I would fight God to give a lop-eared bunny one (1) pet. Do you personally know anyone who is an author? I've had a friend get something published in a magazine before, and during one stay at the psych hospital, I met a published poet. His stuff was really good. Last time (if ever) you were on an airplane, where were you going? Otw home from Illinois. Do you know anyone who is left-handed? Yeah? I'd assume everyone would at least know one... If people could read your mind, what would they usually find? The thought "I'm bored" every five minutes. What's a song that makes you feel happy? "Jump" by Van Halen came to mind first. How did you meet your best friend? YouTube. Do you need money to be happy? To a degree, yes. Money can buy happiness - but again, to a degree. Saying it doesn't is bullshit. What's a good idea you've had recently? Probably just OC ideas, lmao. I've thought of some decently cool stuff recently. what is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cinnamon rolls uggggghhhhhh How many slices of pizza do you usually eat? Two or three if I'm seriously hungry. If you could switch places with someone for a day, who would it be? Is "Mark's girlfriend" even remotely surprising lmao but no seriously she's an amazing and productive person like I WISH. What's the last song you listened to? "Roots" by In This Moment is on rn. Do you like the movie Zootopia? Ye! Do you ever go on Pinterest? Yeah. What's the last kind of chocolate you ate? A Reese's. Tell me a line from the song you're listening to: "I'm stronger than I ever knew - I'm strong because of you." Have you ever participated in a march/protest? No. Have you ever performed in front of a large audience? Yeah, for dance classes and school stuff. What did you eat the last time you went to the movies? Popcorn. I may have gotten sour gummies, too? Idr. Who was the last person to see you cry? Mom. Do you listen to music every day? There are rare days where I don't. I'll be watching too many actual videos. Do you have a hard time making decisions? A STUPID hard time. I'm extremely dependent, including when faced with decisions. I second-guess myself with everything. Do you start the shower water before or after you get in? Before. How many times have you been to a museum? A good number of times. We live pretty close to an art + science one. Are you going to be getting any new pets soon? Most likely not. Would you rather be a Panda or Grizzly bear? A panda so it wouldn't be legal to shoot me lmao. Do the stairs in your house have carpet? We only have one floor. Can you do a twirl like a ballerina? Oh wow, no. Even when I was a dancer, I SUCKED at that. When you were younger, were you ever in a relationship with someone you now realize was way too old for you? No. Is your family dysfunctional? To a degree. How old were you the first time you travelled alone? 22? What's the longest hotel stay you've ever had? I don't know. Not long. We only ever really stayed at one when we had to go to Myrtle Beach for annual dance competitions, and those were only like, a weekend. What architectural style was your childhood home? Uhhh idk. Very normal. Tell me a bit about your last relationship. What was it like dating them? It was great, but also stressful because of distance. What's the largest animal you've seen in the wild? Maybe like a large buck or something. Do any of your friends or family members have strange occupations? Not that I'm aware of. Have you ever been in weather so severe that you feared for your safety? Oh yeah. What political issues are the most important to you personally? Gay rights and the pro-choice stance. Does your neighborhood have a community garden? I've never even heard of such a thing. What small thing makes you automatically distrust someone? Acting secretive or cryptic about who they are as a person. Of all the states/provinces in your country, which one is your favorite? Visually that I've seen a good number of pictures of, Utah. Are there any obscure foods you've eaten that most people have never tried? I very much doubt that. What's the kindest thing a total stranger has done for you? I'm unsure. Have you ever used a meal kit delivery service? Yeah, I did one of those diet things before... but the name is evading me, even though it's super common. Nutrisystem, maybe? Do you have any pets? If so, how old are they? Venus is around five, and Roman is two. Do you have any psychological issues rooted in events from your childhood? My psychiatrist and former therapist predict my discomfort around men, particularly when they're behind me, and extreme fear of rape is rooted in two kids from pre-k that used to chase, randomly hug the hell out of, and try to kiss me. I'd actually entirely forgotten about it until we really started to dig deep, so I guess it's a repressed memory. Do you remember your locker combinations from high school? WOW no, son. What's your favorite DIY crafts youtube channel? I don't watch DIY stuff. What was your high school's mascot? Firebird. Who were your best friends in high school? Hannia, Megan, Maria, Girt, and Dennis were The Crew. Who was your first boyfriend or girlfriend? Aaron was my brief puppy-dog love, but Jason was my first real boyfriend. Would you rather sleep on the top bunk or bottom bunk? Bottom. If I slept on the top, but bottom is getting crushed lmao. As a little kid though when Nicole and I shared a room, I had to have the top bunk until I got a bit older. What insects are you afraid of? BEETLES, CICADAS, AND LARVA GET THE FUCK OUT. Honestly most insects scare me to a degree. Have you ever had a secret admirer that left you notes? I think the aforementioned Aaron did in middle school at least once before we dated. What was your favorite thing to do at sleepovers when you were younger? Swimming in the pool, if they had one. What's one way in which you're still a child? I'm dependent as shit on my mom. What's one way in which you're old? I now say "back in the day" sometimes lmfao. Do you feel old or young? Or do you feel both at different times? Both at different times. Did you ever skip a grade or get held back a grade? No. When you look at your baby pictures, do you recognize yourself? Only once at a certain age. What is your favorite thing to do in the pool? Just kinda swim around and think, or watch nature. Have you ever taken a picture at the perfect moment? I know I have, but they're evading me, gaaaah. What color(s) eyeshadow do you wear the most? I only ever wear black. What’s your favourite brand of peanut butter? Uhhh never really paid much attention to brands. Do you put all your stuff for class in one binder or several? When I was in school, I had one binder with dividers, but I also had specific folders too. What’s your favourite Lunchables meal? The nachos. How many languages can you recite the alphabet in? Two. What’s your favourite flavour of sunflower seeds? I hate those. What’s your favourite flavor of muffin? Chocolate oof. Have you ever had carpal tunnel? I do. I haven't had problems in a couple months, though. Are you one of those people who is really smart but has no common sense? OW FUCK OFF. How old were you when you met your first love? I was just shy of 16. Did you get ice cream from the ice cream truck when you were little? Do they still have an ice cream truck where you live? We occasionally did as a kid, but they definitely don't have that where we live now. Has the last person you kissed met your family? She met my mom, dad, and younger sister. What was the last strong emotion you experienced? Who was responsible for it? Remorse. Myself. Have you ever had to cancel a bank account? Yes. Was the last conversation you had an argument? No. If you knew you had the right person, would you marry them today? I am not in the financial or mental position to get married right now. Where was the last place you got completely wasted? I've never been "wasted." If you could have anyone as your roommate, who would you choose? Sara. Have you ever changed the prices of items at a store? Wow no. Well, MAYBE when I actually worked in stores and I was supposed to, but I don't remember doing that. Do you go for walks often? I never do because of having no area to (my house is along a dangerous curve), and I need to be very careful because of muscle atrophy in my legs. I need to have easy access to a place to sit and recover or else I get very close to collapsing. As mentioned, I desperately want a treadmill. Would your parents disown you if you got pregnant? No, I'm 24 years old. My mom would never in her life do that at any age anyway. How strange do people say you are? Idk?? That's not something I really try to find out because my AvPD would possibly make me cry asldkfjwe. Have you opened food at a grocery store & ate it without or before paying? I would never do that without, but I have before in cases of being very dizzy and knowing I desperately needed food. How artistic are you? I think I'm pretty artistic, but more in concept than actuality... Like I have so so so SOOOOOO many ideas, particularly with drawing, I just don't. Do it. Can you legally drive? Not currently, because my permit has been expired since last year. Did anything dramatic go down yesterday? No. Do you find smoking unattractive? Very. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to be around your ex everyday? No, thankfully. Have you seen someone recently you used to talk to, but don’t anymore? No. Are you comfortable sharing drinks with your friends? No; I don't even share drinks with family. Honestly, have you ever written something on a bathroom stall? No, I hate that shit. When you were a kid did you ever look up “sex” in the dictionary? Actually no. I literally didn't learn anything about it 'til family life in the 5th grade. Is there anything written on the shirt you’re wearing right now? No. Are you shorter or taller than most of your friends? I'm a normal height, really. Honestly, do you double dip? If I'm sharing, no. All you have to do is break the chip. What was the last junk food you ate? I had a little bit of popcorn yesterday.

[mas-ai]

UTAPRI DISNEYLAND HEADCANONS!

Pardon me while I indulge myself, unload my mind and project.

Warnings ahead: Extremely long post, OOC, self-indulgence, shipping mentions, rare pairs (all characters aged up but nothing nsfw is here), Disneyland ‘spoilers’ , mentions of mental illness/causes of mention illness (Reiji, Ichinose, Aine, etc), not a dark post though, fluff, 

Ai:

 Mom mode activated

 Everyone has specific, custom glowsticks so you can find everyone at night no problem

 Also everyone has to wear GPS bracelets that allow Ai to track them in case anyone gets lost

 He downloaded a mental map of the parks 

 Literally never lost, knows where everything is and the fastest way to get there

 Faster than the Disneyland app by 73.2% (ok for real though I had almost no issues with it when i was there??)

 He knows all of the secrets

 All of them

 Blurts out a bunch of random trivia and info he found while researching (which makes him fun to be with!!)

 Then asks why it's important and has to have it explained to him

 Snacks and water every 2 hours

Natsuki:

 The actual child

 Ai insisted on tethering him to a harness+leash after the aquarium fiasco

 Also must have someone keeping an eye on him at all times

 Outprincesses the Princesses

 where's tinkerbell

 more of a fairy than tinkerbell

 goes to bibbidi bobbidi boutique and gets pixie dust (glitter) sprinkled in his hair)

 the BEST character interactions

 insists on eating all the food so he can remake everything when he gets back

 somehow finds his way into the kitchens and poor syo is a victim

 Poses everyone before all the photos

 Must go on the fastest/scariest rides 6 times in a row

 Always has hands up and is laughing in every ride photo

The cutest, most magical expressions in all their pictures

Masato:

 Brought the snacks and water

 Helps Ai give them out on schedule

 Also has bandaids, bug spray, sunscreen, hats, sweaters, spare shoe inserts, spare clothes

 Has 2 bags in bag check and carries around an oversized backpack all day

 LOTS OF BUG SPRAY

 "masato there's not really a lot of bugs here"

 Insists everyone calls the minute that they're done rides if they separate

 Also insists on breaks midday

 Ai agrees

 Really interested in seeing all the shows, parades, etc and making this a learning experience

 Also wants to go on as many tours as possible

 Buys everything for Mai!!!

Video calls with Mai so she can see!!

 Holds Ai's hand during fireworks

Syo:

 we'RE noT taKinG breAkS

 he has this D O W N

 he trained for this

 he made everyone else train for this

 This boy is getting everything done.  Everything.

 Fainted when he realized how much there was to do

 Probably asked for Ai's help to make a schedule so they could get everything done

 Is the first to deviate from the schedule the minute they're through the gates

 Designated FastPass runner

 Coordinated everybody else's outfits

 "do you think we can get on a parade float"

 Boardwalk games!! He wins everything!!

reluctant to leave at mid-day squad

later really glad they left mid-day and is happy to sit by the pool squad

Otoya:

 Absolutely the most excited for the trip until they got there

 Is now overwhelmed

 Really interested in the music

 Seriously he pays attention to everything in the background and hums it the entire time

 He's so inspired for new songs now

 Designated photographer

 All his photos are blurry

CARS LAND!!!!!

 Winds up just running for FastPasses with Syo instead

 (i got kinda shippy with syo/otoya on ideas but ill resist)

Ichinose:

 Pulled more allnighters than necessary (sometimes with Ren) to plan and book everything but nobody knows how much they put into it

 Original daily routines, flights, reservations, packing lists, everything was started by him and Ren (until Ren started to favor sleep after two weeks)

 At first it’s all super simple but then he starts overcomplicating it and when he's in the thick of it he can't stop and has to solve every potential problem

 (no problems wind up happening)

 Reiji discovers him one night and shuts it down (and then took over/shifted some stuff to Ai who would be better suited)

 He and Masato were then in charge of buying items for the trip but Masato started overplanning/over worrying so he took over

 Park bags? Got them. Ponchos? Thank him. Waterproof phone protectors? You got it. Chargers? Lots! Trading pins? Preordered online

 Also really thinks hard about everybody's individual needs and concerns and is worried about everyone not having the best time ever

 This boy is S O  F T 

 He was also in charge of meal plans (until they got to the park and Ranmaru started hearing about all the food and took over)

 This boy has not slept since they first decided they were going and hasn't done a single thing he wanted to do the entire time they're there

 So crowds are a thing and he's now crashing

 Reiji pulls him aside and they wander off to get some drinks and probably to Tom Sawyer's Island (very quiet! beautiful nature views!) and just... be in Disneyland

 Really deep conversations while looking into New Orleans!

They ride the Mark Twain together and drive the boat too!!

 Reiji takes him through all the shops on Main Street and they spend hours in the art gallery

 Also they sit on the disneyland railroad and just go around the park 400 times? (he likes the parts in Splash Mountain, also the show scenes)

 He and Reiji get caught in one of the 'bandit' shows where their train is 'robbed'. He's annoyed at first but has fun.

 Is now just the designated ticket/pass/autograph book holder. Probably safely storing everyone's passports in his luggage too.

Camus:

 Does not appear interested in this adventure. At all.

 Until one night he orders Cecil awake at 3AM to do a bunch of research for him and does not say why

 Nobody finds out until the day of, but he's upgraded EVERYTHING. First class jet, upgraded rooms, premium viewing for shows, etc

 Probably managed to book an entire section of the park (or even an entire park) for the group

 Also he just wanted information on every treat in the area

 He wants to try EVERYTHING

 He knows where all the best sweets are (don’t be fooled a lot of the food/treats are d i s g u s t i n g) and all the specials for the season

 Contacted ahead of time to have special treats made for each of them that represent them and are then delivered during their dinner as a surprise

 Do it right or not at all

 Don't half-ass things

 This means nothing. I care about none of you

 "peasants"

 he's smiling

reluctant to leave at mid-day squad

later really glad they left mid-day and is happy to sit by the pool

Cecil:

 "whats that"

 O H

 NOW HE'S VERY EXCITED

 Marathoned every movie  EVERY movie for months with everyone

 TAKE THIS BOY TO THE PARADES

 ALSO ON THE TEACUPS

 ALSO MUSICAL CHAIRS WITH ALICE AND HATTER

 thinks the princesses are actually princesses

 charms them all

 Was not amused at waking up so early and obeying Camus but learned a lot and is surprisingly well-versed in the park

 Knows where everything is and what everyone is doing at every point in time

 "has anyone seen x it's been 4 hours" yes he knows where they are

 Also Ai would wake up halfway through his planning sessions and stumble across Cecil and they'd wind up planning together

Really cute early morning planning sessions before work

Cecil falls asleep on Ai’s shoulder

 This is when he finds out about Ai

 He changes into full-on rainsuit for water rides 'for ai's sake' and makes ai do it too (ai is confused)

 He and Ai huddle together under an extremely oversized raincoat (or refuse to get on water rides altogether)

 But if they're getting splashed he dramatically sacrifices himself for Ai

reluctant to leave at mid-day squad

later really glad they left mid-day and is happy to sit by the pool nap squad

So inspired by all the lights and costumes

STARISH is now getting led costumes

Also quick-change costumes (tear-away to reveal a second outfit!)

Skipping/running EVERYWHERE

singing the entire time

Ren:

 This boy takes forever to get ready in the morning

But he’s one of the first awake and helps Ai & Masato to parent everyone out of bed

There’s an ongoing joke that the three of them are married

Maybe they are

Did so much more for this trip than anyone realizes

Suggests they split off several times during the day so everybody can enjoy what they want to

Probably winds up taking over photos after seeing Otoya's

 They're much better

 Insists on hiring professional photographer though

 Don't tell anybody but he pulled all-nighters to get things planned out with Ichinose

 Coralls everybody in for the afternoon breaks

 “Time to relax in the pool” initiation squad

“yes you have to shower before we go back”

really glad they left mid-day and is happy to sit by the pool squad

Reiji:

 "we're riding indiana jones ten times in a row kids" take me with you

 haw yee

 This boy has the most flamboyant hats and you can spot him from a mile away

the worst for being tacky

But also at the same time really charming and cute somehow?? 

But don’t tell him!

 Doesn't voice anything he wants to do, wants everyone else to have the best time.

 Insists on surprise kiss pictures with everyone

 Scrapbooks everything at the end of the trip because it was some of the best memories he had with everyone

he probably cries over the pictures because they mean a lot to him

 Ai finds out about the scrapbook and helps out

Is surprised for the following Christmas when everyone pulled together to make matching sweaters & ornaments for the whole group for a group picture for Reiji’s sake

It’s now a tradition

It’s his favourite tradition

Ranmaru:

 Here for the food

 Or so he thinks

 Winds up liking the rides a lot though

 Probably the one everyone hangs onto when they're scared

 super protective of ai on rides

 throws himself over ai on several occasions to prevent him from getting wet

 this is a good boy. ty for protecting the precious robot

 Last to wake up and first to head home but b o y does he have the most fun

 hell to pay the one day masato forgot to pack a banana

masato still feels bad

 (reiji to the rescue to prevent meltdown though)

unintentional cat naps with cecil during the mid-day breaks

either they’re cuddling

or cecil wanted to watch a movie and they wound up falling asleep while ranmaru was playing with cecil’s hair

he didn’t realize he swears

he just missed relaxing with a cat

cecil says nothing

Bonus!

Aine:

 at the bottom of the finding nemo ride

 bye

[tasharii]

Your Colors: Chapter 13

A/N: I love that it's almost like I'm righting this in 'real time' right now. Since this story is set in 2018. I'm sure it won't stay this way for long. But it's kind of fun thinking about it now. Thank you for all your support and comments. They really keep me going through all the annoying editing so please keep them up. Even if it's just a squeal or one kind word XD they all help haha

Summary:  Art was the one good thing between college, work, and the grey minutes in-between. Sometimes, it felt like she wasn’t alive at all. Just drifting. When she joined her new art class, she never expected to start experiencing everything in an entirely new light. All thanks to him. Or: Where Bucky Barnes gets more than he bargained from his new drawing partner.

Pairing: Reader x Bucky Barnes

Word Count: 8K

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Language, fluff, some heavy kissing

Masterlist

Chapter 1  Chapter 2  Chapter 3 Chapter 4  Chapter 5  Chapter 6 Chapter 7  Chapter 8  Chapter 9  Chapter 10 Chapter 11  Chapter 12  Chapter 13  Chapter 14  Chapter 15

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The snow caught in his dark hair like little teardrop pearls. Then swept away with a twirl in the chilling wind, causing his bangs to catch across his eyes. It was cold, and the sun had disappeared behind the skyscrapers early that day. Heavy clouds hung so low that it seemed like the tallest buildings were pillars, barely keeping them afloat. Fingers interlaced tightly with his, Y/N hugged Bucky’s arm, trying to steal as much of his body heat that she could. Smoothly, they weaved their way through the bustling crowd. Chatter filled the air, and he had to bow his head close to her in order to carry any conversation.

Unsurprisingly, the holiday market was brimming with life. Even with it being a Thursday. But it was edging towards Christmas, only 5 days away. Everyone had some last minute shopping to attend to. Despite it being dark, the walkway and vender tents glowed with light. Strings of tealights twinkled above their heads like falling stars. And the giant traditional Christmas tree soared up and up like a glittering beacon in the center of it all, near the ice rink. Laughter filled the air with dancing energy and from far away, Y/N could hear the distinct singing of jolly carolers. It was beautiful.

“I still need to find something for my mom.” Y/N mused, squeezing Bucky’s hand to make sure he heard her. Distracted, he nodded, bright eyes peering around as he took in everything with quick, efficient sweeps. He was always alert when they were out together. Probably attentive even by himself. Especially if there was a lot going on. The more time she spent with him, the more she noticed that he observed everything. In great detail. It made him an excellent artist, but she couldn’t help but wonder why he always needed to keep his guard up.

Shivering as a breeze brushed the back of her neck, she adjusted her scarf higher. It trailed down the front of her coat, long and soft, and fluttered with every step. It was cold enough that Bucky even had a black scarf tucked into his collar, and his nose and ears were chapped pink from the biting wind.

“I wanted to get something else for Becca.” He replied after being silent just a beat too long. Little by little, he guided her closer to a row of cute shops at their left, pulling subtly at her arm.

Once there, she dropped his arm to look at some books, picking a few up and reading their descriptions. Every so often they’d step away from each other to shop around, but he never seemed to be too far from her. Whenever she thought she’d lost track of him, she’d turn, and Bucky would be just a couple people away. Or sometimes right behind her. Most of the time, he was able to disappear and reappear without her even noticing.

After about a half hour, they stopped to linger by a shop with a rainbow of colors across all the makeshift tables. Handmade jewelry and trinkets reflected the shifting lights back up at them. Glass birds on white strings hung from support beams along the tent’s ceiling. Every few seconds a breeze would sweep through and they’d chime merrily. Reaching up, Y/N tapped one of the birds carefully, ringing the bell hanging from it. Then Bucky came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist, hugging her back against him as he looked around. Tall and broad enough to comfortably be able to see with her tucked against his chest.

Surprisingly, Y/N didn’t see anything she wanted, but Bucky pointed to something on the shelf behind the vender. It was a round glass globe that had been hung on a delicately twisted metal stand. In the center of it, there was a vivid green succulent plant. Heat wafted from inside the stall, and the older woman smiled at him, “Good eye. Handblown glass, and you’ll never find two alike. These plants are hard to kill too. Just give it a lot of sun.” She prattled on about the price and how to care for the plant and keep the small glass terrarium clean. Kissing the top of her head, Bucky released her and stepped up to the stall, so he could pay the bubbly lady.

Bored, Y/N peered around the market, tuning the woman out. Beanie falling low on her brow, she pushed it back up out of the way, fixing her hair. The shopkeeper was taking her time, and Bucky humored her. A small, charming smile made his face soft, and he replied to her questions quietly. When he caught Y/N looking, he winked at her and then focused back on the older woman. A goofy, stupid grin stretched across her lips and she looked away, hoping he couldn’t see the hearts that had definitely filled her eyes like a cartoon character.

Snowflakes drifted across the crowd. Everything had a shimmering glow to it from the light catching in the crystals. With every breath, fog swirled from her lips. She cupped her chilled fingers around her mouth and blew hot air against her knitted mittens. Across the market a little blonde girl blew bubbles into the air. Out of the way, in the barely-there space between two shops. The bubbles caught the holiday lights, shifting between jade and scarlet. Wonder radiated from the child so brightly that Y/N could see it even from where she was standing. Amused, she smiled into her hands, rubbing her palms together for friction.

After Bucky paid, the shopkeeper busied herself with carefully boxing the terrarium up, telling him to keep it upright so the succulent didn’t get hurt. It fit in a tall white box, and then she wrapped it in striped candy cane paper.

“Becca like to keep plants?” Y/N asked, stepping out of the way of a couple trying to see what else the woman had on display. Jostled over, she pressed herself close to him and Bucky protectively draped his arm around her shoulders. His attention fell to her, and she raised her eyebrows. A plump woman in a pink coat knocked into them, but she barely felt it with his body shielding her.

Lips pursed, he nodded and took the box from the woman. It was now settled in a pretty red and green bag, “Ya, her dorm room is full of plants, and her desk at Stark’s is near a window. She loves little trinkets like this.” Bucky lightly jostled the bag. Then he guided them away from the center of the market, heading towards the far end near the ice rink.

Y/N hummed, and they stopped by a few more places. After she found something for her mom and grandparents, Bucky bought her a cup of hot chocolate. Everything felt effortless and almost euphoric. She’d finished all her finals, and now had Christmas break to look forward to. Their first date was going blissfully well, and the happy holiday spirit filling up the air around her had her breathing easier.

“Wanna take a break?” Y/N asked, noticing that he was becoming steadily tenser beside her. His eyes kept flickering around the crowd and, despite the pink across his nose, he was looking pale. Tired and agitated.

Surprise made him glance down at her, and Bucky awkwardly chuckled, voice tight, “Ya, it’s just…”

“Overcrowded?” She supplied, and he nodded. Pure relief relaxed the uncomfortable expression making his jaw tight. Despite living in a very populated city, the market seemed to have brought everyone out of the woodworks. And there was a lot of activity spilling from everywhere. It was abhorrently loud, and no one respected anyone’s personal space. At all.

They rounded a corner, trailing away from the venders and admiring the decorations hanging from every tree and bush. Couples walked past them, laughing and flirting. Children ran around the snow-covered park, weaving through the glistening trees. It was easier to hear the music from here, away from the crowd. A live band was set up on the other side of the ice rink, near the base of the Christmas tree. Salt crunched under her boots, and sugar coated her tongue.

Sipping her hot drink, steam curled from her lips and the lid of the cup, “What are you and Becca doing for Christmas?” She asked, as they drifted towards an empty bench. Snow clung to her eyelashes and she sat her heavy bags gratefully down with a sigh. She’d ended up with three, plus her purse swinging low against her hip. Bucky only had the one for Becca and another with a couple books he’d gotten.

After dusting off most of the snow, Y/N sank down with a small groan. It was perfect timing. Her feet had just started to protest about all the walking. From where they were perched, they could see the ice rink. It was nearly as crowded as the market with skaters.

Bucky took a drink from his hot wine, something she’d never been able to enjoy. Bags settled next to his feet, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and tucked her into his side, “We’ll go to dad’s that morning and exchange gifts. She insists on including him, even if he never appreciates any of it.” His words were bitter, like they often were whenever he spoke of his father, “I’ll make breakfast, and stay until she decides she’s had enough. Then she’ll try to buy me dinner, but I always end up picking up the check.” He smirked, and Y/N snorted a small laugh, shaking her head. His eyes trailed across her features, like he was studying her, and his thumb brushed up and down her arm. When he looked at her like that, her heart forgot how to beat right.

A group of carolers swung past, and she grinned as their voices floated up into the sky, pretty. Very pretty. A little boy carried a bucket for donations and enthusiastically rung a golden bell as they went. When they reached them, Y/N dug through her wallet and handed over a few spare ones. Bucky offered out a five and the group smiled at them appreciatively but didn’t miss a beat in their rendition of All I Want for Christmas Is You.

They lingered longer than they would have before, and one of the older gentlemen winked at her. Their song became just for them, and Y/N sank deeper into Bucky’s hold, embarrassed. He just hugged her tighter. The embarrassment only grew as the verses started to strike true in her heart. Cause if she was being honest, she’d already gotten the best Christmas present she could have. A date with Bucky Barnes.

But that was too cheesy to ever admit out loud. Especially to him.

Grinning, Bucky kissed her temple and chuckled at the expression filling her features. He started quietly singing along with them, and the carolers swayed with the music. They formed a halfmoon around their bench and the little boy even piped up, very off-key. A few people stopped to watch the show and she hid her face in Bucky’s coat. She could feel his laughter through his chest and he teasingly rocked her.

As the song wound to a close, she started clapping because they were fantastic. Even if she didn’t appreciate the looks bystanders started to give them. Or the small crowd that gathered around their little bench to watch the show. Applause filled the night around them, and she sat up straighter, smiling shyly as the carolers said their goodbyes. Along with a few good wishes and words of thanks.

As everyone cleared out, Bucky laughed and asked, “What about you? Just flying out to see your family?” Unruffled by the knowing glances and giggles from the dispersing crowd. It took her a second to remember what they’d been talking about before the impromptu show.

Y/N took a long drink of her hot chocolate and met his eyes. They twinkled in the glittering multicolored lights strung along the sidewalk. The metal bench was cold underneath her, but Bucky’s hold kept her warm. Sighing, she licked her lips free of sugar and replied, “Ya, we’ll be staying with my grandparents. Everyone will come over Christmas morning and we’ll open presents. Lots of prying questions and too much food and small talk.” She rolled her eyes, “It’s not a big town, so there’s nothing too exciting to do.”

Bucky was quiet for a minute, thoughtful. He tilted his head back and examined the lamppost to their left, wrapped up in garland, “Must be nice to have a big family like that.” He mused, not looking at her, and she felt a pang of guilt. Realizing that she was complaining about something that he would be grateful to have.

“It is,” She backtracked, squeezing her cup a bit tighter, “They get annoying, but it is nice. Just wish they weren’t so nosy.” She chuckled and gave a half-shrug, “Every year, my grandma asks me when I’m going to bring home a boy for once.” Curious, she gave her cup a small shake to see how much hot coco she had left. Just under half a cup.

Listening to her with the corner of his mouth tilted up, Bucky snorted, “Maybe next year. But I don’t know if they’ll like me much.” He kicked out a foot, knocking some snow off the top of his boot. Then brought up his other and knocked the heels together. Muddy snow and salt clung to the treads of both their shoes. Just a part of winter life. Clumps fell from his shoes and crumpled against the sidewalk.

“They’d love you.” Y/N assured a bit too hastily, and then looked away, blushing, “I’m sure you’d get along with them just fine.” She tucked some of her hair behind her ear.

With a shake of his head, Bucky took a long drink of his wine and sighed, “I dunno, Steve’s usually the golden boy. Can win over any mother.” Bucky grinned ruefully, showing his teeth, “Parents usually hate me. Think I’m a bad influence.” He laughed. His eyes lit up when he remembered something, and he sat his empty red cup aside, “Becca’s dying to meet you. Don’t be surprised if she ambushes us at some point during your break. She’s impossible when she gets curious about something.”

Excited, Y/N shook her head, “I don’t mind.” She smiled softly, “I’d love to meet her too.” Moments like this made her tingly warm all over. The way he was smiling openly with her, and full of energy. Everything felt blissful in the little bubble they had. And she found herself unwilling to share that happiness with anyone else. Despite how thrilled she was about this date, she hadn’t told anyone yet. She wanted to keep it just between them, at least for a little longer.

Bucky noticed something above his head and got a pleased, childlike grin on his face, “C’mon!” He chuckled, abruptly standing up and gathering his bags, along with a couple of her own. Leaving her with her purse and only one shopping back. He tossed their empty cups in a trashcan next to their bench and whirled back to her. Before she could ask any questions, he caught her hand and dragged her along behind him. She had to hold her beanie in place, and somehow keep her bags secure as she tried to keep up with his long legs.

Confused, Y/N glanced around, trying to figure out what he had seen. Then she heard the jingling of sleigh bells. Across the sidewalk, just a few yards away, a polished scarlet and gold carriage slowed to a stop. Impatient snowy white stallions neighed and shook their heads, ready to keep going. Even as the driver waved bye to a pair of little girls, they stomped their hooves against the cement. The children hopped down with the help of their parents and stopped to pet the horses one last time before finally scurrying off.

A gust of wind made her hair fly in her face when they stopped at the side of the carriage. Laughing, she brushed the wild strands out of the way and tucked the beanie back down to keep her ears warm. The driver smiled a crinkled grin down at them, a cup of something warm poured from a silver thermos in his hands. His eyes flickered between them, and he took a hearty drink, steam curling around his white beard, before smacking his lips with a satisfied sigh, “Long or short ride?”

Wallet in hand, Bucky fished out a few bills and offered them to the driver, “We’ll take the long ride.” Y/N didn’t even have a chance to protest. Instead, she cautiously approached one of the two horses, pure white as snow. They had bridals with golden bells keeping them hooked to the carriage. Gently, she brought up a hand and pet the horse’s neck, feeling the heat radiating from it in waves. The mane wasn’t as soft as she’d imagined. More course and damp than anything.

“You really know how to treat a lady.” The driver praised, tipping his black top hat towards her and winking. A sheepish smile tugged at her mouth, and she jerked when the horse’s tail flicked over and whipped against her thigh. He snickered at her surprise, “That means she likes you.” He teased and took the money, tucking it away.

She snorted a laugh and beamed at Bucky when he came up beside her. He laid a hand on the horse’s flank and pet across her back. The driver finished off his drink as they marveled at the beautiful animal. Sighing, he screwed his lid back on his thermos and waved his hand to the back of the carriage. Reluctant, Y/N stepped away and followed a couple steps behind Bucky.

Smoothly, he climbed in first, sitting his bags in the spacious floorboard. Then he took her colorful bag and offered his hand to her. Adjusting the strap of her purse, she placed it across her chest diagonally. Then held onto him, and gripped the edge of the carriage so she could get in. Despite there being stairs on the side, it was still high, and she used his hand for balance as she hefted herself up. There was a small black cover over the top, protecting the leather seats from the snow. And fighting off the chill for the passangers.

Clambering up, the carriage wobbled as she stepped in, and she stumbled. Bucky kept a good hold on her hand and caught her elbow, steadying her. After she sat down, the horses tugged the carriage forward with an abrupt jerk. The cold air stole her breath as glittering trees started to fly past. They headed in the direction of the candy cane archways. White and red arches glowed over the sidewalk, just tall enough for the carriage to pass under.

It really was a winter wonderland.

A cold nose pressed against her skin as he dropped a kiss onto her cheek, “Having fun yet?” His voice was intimate and low, just for her. Soft Christmas music drifted to them along the wind from a portable radio the driver kept up front. Turning her head, she met his curious blue gaze. They were so close like this. Closer than she’d ever dreamed he would ever allow her to be. She hugged his arm to her and tried to hide from the biting wind. Their breath mingled in puffs of white.

“Best date ever.” She admitted and snorted when he gave her a victorious, cheeky grin. It wasn’t even an exaggeration for his benefit. Never in her life could she remember enjoying herself this much with someone she was dating.

“Told you.” Bucky preened, squeezing her knee where he let his arm relax along their thighs. They were pressed from shoulder to thigh, not any spare space left, “I’ll always show my best girl a good time.” He flashed her a toothy smile that had the corners of his eyes crinkling. Dark strands of his hair fluttered wildly in the wind, accenting the blue in his eyes. It was getting long enough that it curled around his chin. Stubble scraped against her skin when he nuzzled her cheek.

“So, I’m your best girl?” Y/N teased, and she knew the deep pink along his cheeks wasn’t just from the cold. Bucky scoffed, pretending to be annoyed with her, and tugged her hat down over her eyes. She swatted at his metal hand and cursed at how hard it was. The impact seemed to vibrate through her bones. Darkness covered her vision as her beanie blinded her. Wiggling in her seat, she tried to free her other arm from where it was trapped against his side.

“Woah! Hey tiger, don’t hurt yourself.” Bucky chided, catching her wrist. She freed her other hand from around his arm and blindly smacked his shoulder. Then shoved her beanie crookedly out of the way, scowling at him. There was barely any real spite behind her glare, and she pressed her lips tightly together to hide her smile. When she went to whack him again, he caught her other wrist too, leaving her defenseless. Hands above her head in his gloved grip, she pouted up at him.

“Let go.” She demanded impudently and then snorted a little laugh, biting her lower lip to try and stifle it.

An odd expression crossed his features for just a second, when he glanced from her face to his hold on her wrist. The hard metal of his fingers was tight against her wrist bone, but it didn’t hurt. Then the emotion passed, and he let go of her, rubbing his hands together in his lap, as if to wipe something away. His smile faltered for only a second before he gave her an even more dazzling one, “Course you’re my best girl.” He admitted with a chuckle, “Definitely the best girl I know, not counting Becca.” He winked. And she wanted to smile, really did, but worry had made her insides cold.

Still, she gave an awkward one and laughed, “Sisters always win.” It was probably nothing. Probably just a stupid bubble of anxiety. But the thought had been bugging her for two weeks now. Since they agreed to go on this date. Ignoring her inner battle, Y/N continued, “I can live with being second best.” Red and green lights shimmered across his face and the rhythmic clopping of horse hooves danced with the whistling wind. Hesitantly, she wrapped her arm back through his right one, and leaned against him.

The carriage was passing beside a frozen creek bed. Ice filled up all the places where water had once been, and snow made it look more like a little hill than a creek. Still, the large rocks lining its sides were pretty in white and a lone snowman stood guard near one of the tiny bridges that crossed over it.

Bucky’s eyes softened, and his expression was sweet when she glanced back up at him, “You two aren’t even in the same ballpark.” He whispered, and his attention flickered to her mouth. That familiar draw had her breath catching in her throat. As his head tilted just a hair closer, she brought her right hand over and gently cupped the top of his left hand. Bucky’s entire body locked up beside her. The metal was hard through the material of their gloves and she heard the quiet hum of his plates shifting and clicking as he tensed.

Just as carefully, he withdrew his hand from under her own. Then, with only a second of hesitation, he smoothly kissed her. If she hadn’t been looking for it, she wouldn’t have even noticed. His mouth was cold, and her heart twisted, confused as to what direction to go. First, her stomach dropped into a dark pit, but then butterflies fluttered awake inside her ribs. Their lips danced together slowly, intimately. He brought his right hand up and held her neck, thumb stroking her jaw. The material of his glove was rough against her chilled skin. Lips warming to life, she hummed happily against his mouth.

Enraptured, Y/N wrapped her arms around his shoulders, wanting to be closer. Wind made his hair tickle her cheek and his teeth nipped her bottom lip. Sweet sparks twirled through her nerves. Their knees knocked together as they twisted to be closer, the buttons of his coat scraped against the zipper of her own. There were too many clothes in the way but losing any wouldn’t be the best idea.

This time, she didn’t even think about it. When Bucky pulled back to take a breath, she caught his scarf in her left hand and tugged him back in. Laughter broke from his mouth and tickled her own as he gave into her. Kissing her harder. Heated, his right hand tangled in her hair, keeping her against him, but his left hung up just above her hip. As if he’d been about to place it there but then caught himself. Instinctively, she caught his hand and drew him closer, so he’d hold her. The hardness of the metal wasn’t unpleasant against her jeans, and she didn’t mind the different way it felt compared to his flesh hand. Firmer but no less gentle. He was always heartbreakingly gentle with her.

Then he froze up again. Instantly, Bucky broke the kiss and let out a shuddering breath. He withdrew his hand, tucking it into his coat pocket. Then he leaned back in to kiss her again, but she turned her head away. His lips missed their mark and kissed her cheek. Immediately, she tried to swallow around the nervous lump forming in her throat, “Bucky,” She paused, unsure of what she even wanted to say. All her thoughts felt scattered and buzzing like honeybees in her skull. The wind felt colder when it nipped at her cheeks and heated mouth.

“Ya?” He asked, sitting back so he could look at her. Eyebrows drawn low, he licked his lips and looked like he was trying to school his expression. Smooth it out. He let his hand drop from her hair and took one of hers up, knee knocking lightly against hers, “What’s wrong?”

Eyes flickering from his, then back down to her muddy boots, she asked, “Why won’t you touch me?” That wasn’t exactly specific, but maybe he’d get the drift. The gifts scattered around their feet had snow sticking to the shiny paper, and she drew her feet back to keep from getting mud on them. An awkward silence grew between them.

Bucky frowned, then gave a weak, playful smile, and shook his head, as if she were ridiculous, “What do you mean? I’m touching you right now.” His eyes were lit with something nervous, and fragile. Smile too tight and stretched wrong. It didn’t match up with his eyes, and she tried to bite back the frustration itching in her throat.

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Y/N stated quietly, and his tight smile winked out. Gone and replaced with a carefully blank mask. Upset, she sighed and let her eyes pointedly drop to where his metal hand was hidden in his pocket, “Ever since our—” She struggled to find a word for that Sunday night, circling her hand in the air like she was trying to grab the right explanation, “Our fight, you keep pulling away when I try to hold your hand.”

This time, he didn’t try to deflect or correct her. Instead, he averted his hard eyes and pursed his lips, “I don’t like it.” He stated so softly and bitterly that she almost didn’t hear him. The words were nearly stolen by the howling wind and jingling bells. His face was hard, and she could practically feel him building up his walls. Brick by brick.

“It never bothered you before.” Y/N pointed out, her fingers prickled with anxiety and she tried to keep her breathing even, “Did I do something wrong?” She used her free hand to tug at her scarf, wrapping the ends around her glove. Needing to fidget with something to try and disperse the nervous energy.

“No.” He snapped, bright eyes glaring up at her, and she winced. Then the anger crumbled into something awkward and frustrated, “No, you didn’t.” He amended, gentler, “It’s got nothing to do with you.” He sat up straighter, glowering down at a distant point on the floor. But not even seeing it. His hand grew tight around her own, nearly hurting, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she squeezed back just as hard. If he could just feel her. Maybe he’d realize how much this was hurting her.

Ducking her head, she tried to get him to look at her. She leaned closer, head near his chest as she tried to catch his eyes, “Then what…?” Her sentence trailed off, open and vulnerable as she gestured with her free hand, imploring.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” The sentence was like a door being slammed into her face. Bucky glanced down at her, eyes as serious and calm as an ocean before a storm. Bit back anger laced his words, but she wasn’t sure if it was really meant for her or himself. The emotions in his eyes had her sitting back, needing to take a breath of fresh air. To try and clear her head.

“Why?” Y/N’s voice grew quieter, crippled by hurt blossoming in her chest. It felt like a knife had opened somewhere soft inside her and was leaking slow moving poison. Her hand fell to her lap, squeezing into a fist. Just keep breathing evenly and it’d be ok. But it felt like everything she was doing was wrong.

“Because…” It was like she was trying to wring information from a rock. He wouldn’t look at her again. Wouldn’t stop biting out every single word. Bucky’s head thunked against the back of the seat, eyes squeezed shut as he let out a slow breath. The air curled white up towards the covering of the carriage. His jaw clenched, and she could just barely make out the humming of his metal arm as he grew tenser.

“Because why?” Y/N hated how she sounded like a child. Like a curious kid too young to understand whatever he was going through. But she wasn’t too young. She could understand. If he’d just give her the chance.

“I just don’t!” It wasn’t a shout, but it had every drop of strength in it like one. Even if he didn’t raise his voice. Immediately, her entire body recoiled. Like she’d been struck.

Within a second, she tugged back her hand and fell deathly quiet. Bucky gaped at her. Like he’d manage to surprise himself too. Then he covered his face with his hands and leaned forward on his knees. Y/N’s heart ached for him. Even as she scooted over until she was pressed to her side of the carriage, and they were no longer touching. Eyes turned out towards the distant buildings, she crossed her arms around herself and tried to keep her breathing steady. It wasn’t that he scared her. Not really.

But he did hurt her.

“Ok.” She murmured, and she wasn’t sure if he’d even heard her. Wasn’t sure if she cared. Wasn’t even sure how she felt about it all. Emotions clashed inside of her like twisting waves. Hurt, frustration, confusion, and even a bit of anger. He didn’t have to talk to her like that.

Bucky let out a harsh breath that had a bit of a frustrated growl in it. She ignored him. Didn’t even look at him.

They’d entered a part of the park with more trees. Spindly bare branches stretched up towards the night sky, snow clinging to every available space. Icicles hung off the tips of the wood, some long and tinted blue in the soft light. There weren’t as many decorations over here, and less people milled around. But it was still a beautiful night. It’d finally stopped snowing, and she hadn’t even noticed.

Silence stretched on for a while. Muscles coiled tight, she ground her teeth and bit her bottom lip. All her conflicting emotions had her close to tears. They hadn’t fought like this before. And she wasn’t even sure who was entirely in the wrong. Maybe she’d pushed too hard. But he shouldn’t take his anger out on her. There was no excuse for it. Especially when he clearly said she hadn’t done anything wrong.

From the corner of her eye, Y/N could see Bucky clenching and unclenching his empty fists. Elbows on his knees, he’d curled in on himself. He stared down at his hands, then peered over at her. She acted like she hadn’t noticed. This time, she wouldn’t be the one to break the quiet.

It was his turn to try. All her trying had led to him biting her head off. She was done.

Noel played over the radio and she bit the inside of her cheek. Thoughts struck out at her like angry vipers. Poisoned her with mutilating insecurities.

“Are you ok?” The question was hesitant, and weak. It didn’t even register at first. She almost laughed because the answer should have been obvious. Yet here Bucky was, asking it anyway. Still raw, she took in a harsh breath to try and steady her voice. To swallow up the tears.

Her gaze flickered to him for just a second. Took in his pinched eyebrows and guilty expression. Glaring, satisfaction sparked inside her when he flinched, then she looked away, “No.” The word was firm but quiet and tasted like acid on her tongue. She tried to count the trees as they passed and noticed that they were drawing closer to the Christmas tree. The driver was being awfully quiet up front, not even humming along with the radio anymore.

Another long minute passed, filled with the jingling of sleigh bells and drumming hooves. The tension between them was palpable and it made her skin itch. Part of her wanted to tell the driver to stop so she could get out and storm off. But that would require standing and gathering her things and trying to walk while her vision was blurry with tears.

It was too much trouble.

“I’m sorry.” Bucky finally continued, “I didn’t mean—” He huffed and sat up straighter, hands waving in the air, “I didn’t mean to snap like that.” He scrubbed at his face and then carded his fingers through his hair. And then stared at her imploringly. Like a man desperate for a lifeline because he was so terribly lost.

Slowly, Y/N met his eyes and nodded. It wasn’t ok, but she understood. She sniffed and wiped at her eyes, voice cracking from the tears she kept holding back, “We don’t have to talk about it. If you don’t want to.” She offered, even though it was the last thing she wanted. Obviously, she wanted to talk about all of it. Why he didn’t want her touching his metal hand. Why he had snapped at her. Why he was so angry and uncomfortable. But if he didn’t want to talk about it, she wouldn’t make him. It wouldn’t do any good to pressure him into it.

Bucky appeared both guilty and relieved. He nodded with her, biting his lip, “I’m just not ready.” He explained, “I think I will be. Soon. To talk about it with you. Just not yet.” He rubbed the back of his neck, staring down at his feet, “It’s kind of embarrassing, but it’s not your fault.”

Nervously, he glanced up at her, pain in his eyes. He studied her expression and relaxed minutely at what he seemed to find there. Then he slowly reached over and cupped her cheek, his thumb brushed under just under her eye. Apologies were written all over his face. When she placed her hand over his, he gently grasped her fingers. She let him hold it and he squeezed, a watery, relieved smile turned up the corner of his mouth.

“You have to tell me these things.” Y/N turned in her seat, drawing up one knee and tucking her muddy boot under her thigh. The position left some space between them and gave her room with her thoughts, without him too close to distract her, “Don’t just get mad at me, or try and hide it from me. Tell me so I can understand.” She stressed, pressing her free hand to her chest.

The guilt made him drop his head, focusing down at their hands. He plucked at the tip of her glove, tugging at the loose black material and she reached up, smoothing his damp bangs from his eyes, wet from snow. He peeked up at her, “There’s a lot of stuff I’m not ready to talk about yet.” The words were bit out and mumbled, but not angry. Only tired and reluctant and she could live with that.

“Like the war.” Y/N offered, hand tracing down his jaw. Then his neck, and back down to his hand in her own. She cupped his larger hand in both of hers, wishing it was skin against skin, but it was too cold out for that.

He nodded, eyes darting down to where they were connected. Bucky’s thumb knocked against her own, like they were having a thumb war, and she pinned his down. That made him smile just a little, “Ya and…”

“You’re arm.” She continued, studying his face even as he focused on trying to pin her thumb back down in return. His eyebrows were drawn low and pain had his lips tight. Even his shoulders drooped, like gravity pulled harder on him than anyone else.

Yet again his head bobbed in confirmation, and he sighed “And some family stuff.” Then he looked at her. The Christmas tree passed behind him, even more enormous now that they were right under it. Bucky tilted his head back and stared up, a little bit of awe relaxing his exhausted features.

Weakly, she managed a smile and joked, “That doesn’t leave much for us to talk about.” When Bucky snorted a tiny laugh, she added, “What ever will we do to pass the time?” He turned back to her and finally managed to pin down her thumb now that she was distracted.

“Make out?” Bucky cracked a full impish grin at that and she shook her head, covering her mouth to suppress a giggle. She dropped her knee so that she could sit closer to him.

“You just want to get in my pants.” Y/N accused, poking his chest and he instantly gaped at her. Free hand against his chest, he shook his head, as if baffled.

“Not true.” He scowled, offended. When she raised her eyebrows in question, he leaned forward and captured her mouth in a searing kiss. It surprised her enough that she let out a small embarrassing sound from the back of her throat. The dominating kiss of teeth and tongue had her entire body hot within the few seconds that it lasted. When he broke away with a soft sigh, she blinked, dazed, and took in the shit eating grin making his eyes twinkle.

“If I just wanted that, I’d have gotten it and been gone forever ago.” He snickered, and it was her turn to gape at him.

Mouth opening and closing like a fish, she finally settled on glaring at him. Puffing out her cheeks in a growl, she let go of his hand and took off her beanie, swatting him with it, “Ass!” She barked, unsure if she wanted to laugh or shove him out of the carriage into the snow.

Bucky squawked and held up his hands in surrender, “Hey! Hey! I said it wasn’t true!” He snatched her beanie from her and held it above her head when she tried to grab it back. Bucky leaned closer to her and the edge of her anger melted away at the sincere expression that made his eyes shine, “I’m here cause I want to be with you. For as long as you’ll put up with me.” He took in a small breath, as if deciding on something difficult, and added, “Because I like the person I am when I’m with you. You make me feel alive again.”

Heart thundering in her ears, Y/N started to say something, but nothing felt right. Every word that came to mind was too cheap. Too imperfect to describe how he made her feel. How she felt right then. Instead, she closed the distance between them and kissed him.

This was easier. Expressing how she felt with her body was effortless. And she knew he understood because he groaned quietly and leaned heavily against her. Like he wanted to meld with her. Until no one could tell them apart. Until their colors mixed up and created something unique and euphoric. This kiss wasn’t burning like the last one. It was slower, and more heartfelt. And she could taste every ounce of affection poured into it. Like sugar on her tongue.

When Bucky pulled away, he didn’t go very far. He let his forehead rest against hers and his nose was cold when it brushed her own. Warm breath fanned against her cheeks when he whispered, “I’m sorry.” The more time they spent together, the easier it seemed to get for him to say that.

“We’re ok.” Y/N replied and brushed a small peck against his mouth, enjoying the little sound it made. Enjoying that she could do that at all. Whenever she wanted.

“Good.” Bucky smiled, and she could feel it against her mouth when he kissed her again.

When their lips parted, she confessed, “This won’t be easy. We’re both pretty fucked up.”

Bucky tensed, and sat back. When she looked at him, he tilted his head, “Both of us?” He raised his eyebrows. Like he didn’t believe her. Releasing her hand, he brought up her beanie, gently tugging it back on her head. Gloved fingers brushed her cheeks as he fixed her hair and got it on straight. Instantly, her ears felt warmer.

Slowly she nodded, and it started to dawn on her that she hadn’t told him much. Not about her ex. Not about all that hurt and the darkness that she’d gone through because of it. But to be fair, he’d never asked, and his reluctance to confide in her didn’t make her comfortable enough to open up in return.

One day. She’d talk about it with him one day soon. And hopefully he would understand. Because if he didn’t, she wasn’t sure where that would leave them. Definitely nowhere good.

When he continued to eye her, expression serious as if he were seeing her in a different light, she smirked, “I’ll show you my scars if you show me yours.” She raised her eyebrows in a challenge and he scowled. Y/N cheekily tacked on, “It’s only fair.”

Bucky rolled his eyes and waved her off, “Fine, fine. Soon. I promise.” He pouted and glanced down at the floorboard before lighting up with a genuine smile, “I know we agreed to not do anything…”

Y/N eyed him suspiciously, “Ok…?”

“But I got you something.” Bucky admitted, digging into his inner coat pocket. She groaned and pressed her hands to her face. Giggles made her shoulders shake and he asked incredulously, “What?”

“Nothing! Nothing it’s just…” Y/N snorted and leaned down, digging through her purse on the ground. From inside, she pulled out a medium sized package wrapped in shinning paper with little penguins scattered on it and topped with a gaudy red bow, “I got you something too.”

Comically, Bucky’s eyes grew very round, and he held up a small red box with a tiny green bow. Then he chuckled, shaking his head at the ridiculousness of it all, “Guess promises are sometimes meant to be broken.”

Grinning, Y/N nodded, “Only for a good cause.” They had agreed to not buy presents for each other. Since their relationship was so up in the air and everything was new. Technically, they still weren’t exclusive, and they were just testing the waters. But she had gotten him something anyway. Strictly a ‘little-more-than-friends’ thing. No pressure. Just something small.

They exchanged gifts and Y/N pointed towards his, “You go first.” She ordered, and Bucky’s lip turned up into a half smile before he tore into the paper. Completely shredding it like you were supposed to open presents. The bow ended up tucked away in one of his shopping bags, along with the crumpled up paper.

“I thought it’d be easier to take with you on your trip.” Y/N offered as she watched Bucky turn the compact black kit in his hands. It was a professional, high quality art kit. Filled with pencils, charcoal, and everything else he’d need to sketch on the road. It had extra inside pockets for any supplies he might want to add, and it was roomy enough for him to fit a 9x12 personal sketchbook inside. Mostly waterproof too.

Bucky smiled up at her, a tender genuine one, “It’s perfect.” He praised. The air around them felt lighter again. The shadow of the argument fading away into the back. Up front, the driver started singing along with Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

“Open it.” She gestured, and he raised his eyebrows before doing just that. Among all the neatly slotted pencils, he found a simple, thin sketchbook. It’d come with the kit. He opened it up and smiled when he found the first page. A simple sketch of mistletoe.

“To my frustrating, annoying, imperfect muse. Merry Christmas.” He read from underneath the drawing. The stupid smile making his eyes dance let her know that he got the joke. It was close to a perfect quote of what he’d written on that drawing he’d given her nearly two months ago. Bucky cooed, “How romantic.” He laughed when she glared at him and zipped the kit back up, “Thank you sweetheart. I love it.” He placed it carefully in a bag and leaned forward, kissing her cheek, “You’re turn.” His breath was hot on her cheek compared to the crisp night air.

Excited, Y/N took a breath and slowly slipped the ribbon off the box. She slipped it into her pocket and pulled the red lid off. A small awed noise escaped her as she took in the beautiful jewelry nestled inside. Among the white fabric, a shining silver hourglass necklace stared up at her. The bottom half was filled with little sparkling beads of sand that matched the color of her birthstone. Above it sat earrings with her birthstone winking up at her, “Their beautiful.” She uttered, carefully removing the necklace.

Bucky took it from her and she turned so he could place it around her neck. It was a little awkward with her scarf, but she combed her hair out of the way. He removed his gloves and the warmth of his fingers made her shiver just as much as the cold metal of his left hand against the nap of her neck. Holding the hourglass charm, she smiled in surprise when she realized the sand spilled to the other half when she tipped it upside down.

“I thought of you when I saw it in the market today.” Bucky admitted, “Couldn’t resist.”

She turned, watching him wiggle his gloves back on, “Thank you.” Her smile felt shy and her heart wouldn’t stop fluttering. Everything inside her was melty warm like liquid sunshine despite the winter weather.

Right then, she wanted to draw them. The carriage and horses. Capture the light in his eyes and the shining lights flickering around them. Inside her head, she could picture it. Could feel the emotions that she’d pour into it.

Bucky’s answering smile made her realize that he was the most handsome man she’d ever seen, “Merry Christmas doll.” He stated, and she leaned forward. Her eyes sparked mischievously when he tilted down to meet her.

Things weren’t perfect, but relationships rarely were. No matter how much Hallmark liked to depict them that way. And that was ok. They’d make it work. Together.

Their lips just barely touched when she tilted her mouth just out of reach and listened as he let out a shuddering breath. Then she whispered, “Merry Christmas sweetheart.” And kissed his cheek.

Their gaze met, and she could see the fond laughter dancing in his eyes. Bucky scoffed, affection rumbling in his chest, “Tease.”

“Ass.”

Y/N squealed with laughter when he wrapped his arms around her and started tickling her.

Next Chapter

Tags: @boy-leave  @wtfholland  @snjms02. @diariesofthebeautyobsessed

[blizzardfluffykpop]

The Star

Summary:Window shopping leads to buying everything they said they liked, but that’s not the best present, it’s you. Or Minhyuk depending on which side you’re on.

Minhyuk X Reader

Not requested

Prompt: 36. Window shopping as a date

Minhyuk, probably the funniest guy on campus

Surprisingly he fell for me first, asked me out while we were in English and the teacher said, “Get into partners, quickly!” He first asked me to pair up with him, and then as we did the project he told me I had the prettiest set of eyes he’s ever seen in his life

Of course I thought he was gorgeous and funny so I complimented him back about his laugh being one of things i look forward to in this class

He blushed and said, “Would you want to go to a date later?” I was shocked, he’s popular on campus and he’s asking me on a date? Okay? You better believe I said yes

He’s hilarious and our dates are always something new, the first date we went on we went to a roller skating place

Most fun I’ve had since I’ve moved out of my parent’s house

I used to go roller skating with my parents all the time when I was little, and it was about his fourth time so when he fell, I was in fits of laughter but then he looked me dead in the eye and said, “I guess you can say I fell head over heels for you”

That shut me up real quick, and I helped him up and gave him a kiss on his cheek, which he placed his hand over, I winked at him and raced around the rink with him, before he had caught up to me and picked me up

We graduated that year to follow our professions, but that didn’t stop us from going on silly dates

It’s first Christmas together since we started dating in March last year, we went and saw all the Christmas lights

We went to the zoo, imitating what the animals did, like his seal impression made me cackle into fits

I bought him two presents so far, but I don’t know what else to get him. I know his personality, but at the same time I don’t know much about his interests, we haven’t gotten to the topic with our busy lives, esp when we were in college and finals coming up was the absolute worst, and we’d see each other and sometimes get coffee together and study

Other than we didn’t talk until they were over and we made it up by going to a cute little cafe, mile away from the campus, and fed each other cute little cupcakes, and shared a milkshake

We talk a lot but not about what we like, how we view the world like politics, religion, art, but not what makes us giddy like I’ve never mentioned that I collect cute little stuffed animals, because it makes me happy

It’s just something that’s never came up, after all our relationship is fairly new, so it’d be nice to get a feel of what he likes

I know how he hates showers, but when he gets in them he has a hard time getting out, which makes me laugh because I’m the same way, but I do take showers every night

I know how he can’t swim, I can only doggy paddle so you know oof

But I can’t tell you what his favorite animal is, what his favorite color is, mostly anything he favorites or I favorite hasn’t been a conversation topic yet

Usually for couples they go the opposite way talking about their favorites then their views, we went the opposite. Which is completely fine, because I could tell if I wanted to be with him because of his views

He enters my apartment with the spare key he has, I won’t be working for the next five days at the school because they’re on break so that means me too, I’m so glad I’m not a high school teacher or I’d be grading papers for way too long, all I have to do is give cute little stickers on their papers, on their little drawings, which honestly is so cute

I smile at him,”Hey!! I just got an idea” I tilt my head wondering what his idea is, and he says, “Well, I was thinking last night”

“That’s dangerous” He shakes his head, “I’m kidding, you always have cute little ideas, so??”

“You know how we know each other's views, and everything about each other basically?” I nod at him, “But we don’t know what each other like, our favorite color-” “(F/c)” He stares at me, before shaking his head, “Okay cool, but you know what I mean” “I do, so what’s your favorite color?” “Red” “Neat”

“So… What’s your big idea?”

“Well we go out and point out the things we like at stores, and then talk about what we like as we walk around?”

“Ahhh window shopping, I would love too” He grins, “Let’s go now” “Let me get dressed in normal human clothes”

“I think you look good in your pajamas”

“Thanks, sweetie, I’ll be back in five” I rush up my stairs and change quickly, go back down stairs after freshening up and put on my shoes and coat, “Let’s go, shall we?”

“We shall”

Which leads us walking through malls, store outlets, anywhere and everywhere we went. I learned what he liked in four hours and would point out stuff and he would go, “Yeah I would totally love that, if it was from you of course” He ruffle my head after that and we’d keep walking and I’d point out things and he points out a cute stuffed animal, “That’s what I would love!” He looks at me giddily, “It’s like you, cute and small” “Just because I’m short doesn’t mean I can’t kick your ass”

“Man I love someone strong like you” I huff, and he came over and kissed the top of my head

When we made it back to his car, we’re exhausted, and he’s like “McDonald’s?” I agree

When he leaves, I head straight to bed, but get up at the crack of dawn and run to the stores that I made mental notes on and get all the things he pointed out, I’m so glad I paid all my bills already, and have coupons, because jeez Louise, he has good taste, and by good taste I mean expensive

Whatever I have left, I get little gifts for the rest of my family and friends, and ship them to their houses

Checking my mail and seeing ads, was a relief nothing else, although a Christmas card would be nice, mom and dad, I sent you two, two cards

I went to the dollar tree because I just wanted to grab some thin mints and go home, when I see this cute little pen that reminds me of him, squishy, funny, fluffy, of course if it matched him completely it’d be sexy too but, you can’t always get what you want (But if you try sometimes-I’ll stop there)

I wrap all the presents at home, in four days it’ll be Christmas and he can open the gifts I got him, I shove them under my little tree I bought a month prior, a fake blue one, but does the trick (Mostly because it was on sale)

Christmas comes and he asks me if I want to come over his or the other way around and I said up to him and he told me to come over, so I pack all the presents for him into my car and put them in a trash bag because it made it easier to carry

I arrive at his apartment, parking in the parking garage, that thankfully I didn’t have to pay for

I pull it out with the Christmas bow wrapped around so it didn’t look like a body bag

I open it with the spare key I have for his apartment and grin at him ,as he wraps his arms around me, I put the bag down and wrap my arms around him

He carries me over to the couch and I drag the bag along. We start unwrapping, and he did the same exact thing I did, he got me a turtle with big eyes and a snake with tiny little eyes, I held them both to me as I continued to unwrap and thank him for everything he got me as he did with me

“You know all these Christmas presents are nice,” He says to me softly as I lean into his chest, after unwrapping all my presents, “you’re the best present I could ask for”

“I’d have to say the same, except you’re more like the star on the top of the tree, shining brightly, making people grin up at you every time they look at you, and always watching over and being a protective hot mess”

He laughs, “You know that makes you a melted mess” “Yeah, I guess so, only for you baby” “I love you, (Y/n)” “Wait-What?” I say shocked, “You heard me right, you don’t have to say it back, I just wanted to let you know”

“Minhyuk, I think I love you too” He kisses my forehead and brings me closer into him, “I’m glad”

“That makes two of us”

[scottfraserphotography]

“The Road to Rock n’ Roll - Guitars” Date: March 14, 2019 © Scott Fraser Photography

Dedicated to Rod Coulter. The first guitarist in my life.

In 1971 legendary guitar player and song writer Alvin Lee wrote the song “I’d Love to Change the World”. I was born in 1970, so it’s before my time. But I did grow up listening to it, thanks to three amazing uncles. In 1994, the Sunset Strip based band, L.A. Guns released a cover of it on their album Vicious Circles. With all respect to Alvin Lee, I prefer Tracii Guns’ version of the song. It’s got an edge to it. It touches my soul. Tracii’s chops, his notes, pure, clean, defined, at times ethereal, and delivered with a punch - I can’t help myself, but smile. I end up air guitaring to it every time. In my head I see his fingers on the fretboard, and his other hand as he strums and picks. I see the body of the guitar, the pick-ups, the dials. In my head while I am listening, Tracii is playing live on stage, and I am front-row right in front of him, soaking up with every sense, the moment.

But let’s back up a bit.

1975 was a seminal year for me. It was the year I decided I wanted to play drums, and it was the year I took an active interest in photography. I was five at the time. Thanks to the music of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, and a couple of photographers named Linda McCartney and  L.A. based photographer Greg Papazian.

Uncle Art was cool enough to allow this little kid, hang out with him and his friends. CHOM FM would play in the background while Art and his friends would flip through rock magazines. Here I was this five year old kid hanging out with a bunch of fifteen to twenty year olds, while they chilled, played cards and listening to music. I loved it, it was my sanctuary. I would sit quietly out of the way, and just listen as they talked about the music playing, and the photographs in the magazines. They would discuss for hours on end the merit of this song, or that song. Who played it better? The meaning of the lyrics, how “deep” a note went, the crunch of the electric guitar. How cool so and so looked in that shot. And they would ask me what I thought, including me in the conversations. They were teens in the mid seventies in Montreal, had long hair, and cool clothes. Leather jackets and denim, like their heroes in the bands they listened to. That bedroom in that little house on the east end of Montreal is where my rock n’ roll journey began.

In the fall of 1975 I would buy my first albums at a local record store. I knew I wanted a Beach Boy album, and I had enough money saved up to buy a second album. I had hoped that Art would come along to advise me as to what to buy because I wanted something that wasn’t my mom and dad’s music. I wanted something like the music I heard on the FM station and like what Art and his friends listened to. I ended up purchasing a K-Tel album with a bunch of different bands playing songs on it. I figured it was the best way to own new music.The first song I fell i love with on that record was “Smoking’ In The Boys Room” by Brownsville Station. I had hoped when I bought the album that I would have new songs to play my drums along to. But it was the guitar playing that caught my attention. The twang, the rhythm and the way it sounded. Yeah, I loved the drums in it as well, but it really did catch my attention because of the guitar. It’s a balls out blues tune done rock n’ roll.

The music photography of the early seventies until the late1980’s would show case some of the best photography ever done. Before the internet and modern social media, bands and musicians used photographs in magazines to define their image and look. The record labels had long ago realized you could sell more records if your band was being showcased in a music magazine. It was also the era of the fanzine as independent writers, journalists and photographers documented the local scene. It was the era as a teen that you hung posters of the bands you loved on your bedroom walls. And many went a step further, like myself, cutting photos out of magazines to pin to on our walls. Punk and Metal came of age, and Generation X grew into teens and young adults. Raised on the photographs, posters and the FM waves we grew into young adults as we searched for our own identities. Static images had been our visual medium of consumption, that is until video came along and killed a radio star.

As a teenager I got five dollars a week allowance, so it would take me three weeks of saving to buy a new album which was anywhere from ten to fifteen dollars. Birthday, christmas or any gift money went towards music. In a month I could save and buy one album and one to two rock magazines. Babysitting and odd jobs were a means to an end. It was an era where a lot of the time that meant I bought an album without hearing more than one song on it. Other times you bought because you had liked the artwork, or photos on the album cover. Or maybe your friends had talked about it, or you had read about it in Circus or Hit Parader magazine.

My friends and I would make agreements as to who bought what album so that we could get together and share them. I’d buy Metallica, Rod would buy Ozzy Osbourne, Jay would buy Def Leppard. My friends and I would trade albums with one another so that each of us, could get a chance to hear new music. You went out and bought the albums for yourself so that you could look at the photos, the artwork, and the credits and if you were lucky, the lyrics while listening to the album play. You went to concerts and bought T-shirts, posters, back patches and tour books and when you got home from the concert, you’d share it all with your friends the following day.

Back to the guitar…

I’m a Randy Rhoads guy. Yes, I appreciate what Jimi Hendrix did. But I prefer the sound, the tones and the classical influence of Randy’s playing. Randy was a metal/hard-rock/classical guitarist. Those iconic photos of him with his Les Paul and Jackson V are forever burned into my memory. That first time I heard Crazy Train by Ozzy off of the Blizzard of Ozz album, I was blown away. In that moment I knew I would never ever play that good, and I was okay with that. I didn’t have to. I knew right then and there, I wanted to either play in bands and with people who could play like that, or somehow be part of the scene. Maybe I would be a roadie, maybe a guitar tech, maybe a lighting guy. I didn’t care what I did, as long as I was part of it. Over the years I played in bands, worked as a lighting tech, help promote shows and gigs, created gig posters, designed album covers and T-shirts, and have done roadie more than I care to admit.

To this day I can’t play guitar to save my life. That is on me. I have owned some beautiful guitars over the years including a 1986 USA made Kramer, but I never put the time and effort in to really learn. There was always something else I wanted to do, and I liked singing, so I would work on vocals. I did however fill my life with guitar players. Starting with Rod Coulter who had been a childhood friend and it has continued to players like Benny Kemp who plays in a rising speed metal band Roadrash. They are my friends, they are people I call Brother and Sister, they are my Rock n’ Roll Family. They have been my mentors and others have been my protege. We’re a family and I am so grateful for that.

At fourty-eight years of age, I still love my music loud. I love my punk more than ever, and am still listening to my metal. I still air guitar along to the songs I love. If I know the words odds are I am going to be singing along. I still think of putting a band together form time to time and recording album, maybe one day I will. These days though, I am happy to be the Photographer. I love photographing musicians and their instruments. I am an editorial music photographer. I’m there to document the moment and in the process make the musicians look good. I am shooting first and foremost for the musicians. I am also an artist, so i want to have something that means something to myself as well as the musician in question.

At this stage in my life my photographs have been published in music magazines, used as album covers, album art work, promo posters and T-shirts. I’d like to think I have my own style, and I thank my mentors for taking the time to teach me how to do what I now do so well. Thank you Mike, Scott, Greg and Frank - my shots wouldn’t be what they are without your tutelage.

Guitars the photographic series, is my tribute to the instruments first created by Leo Fender and Les Paul all those years ago. It’s about the players and the instruments that define rock music. The photographs within the series is for the musicians who play the notes. It may just be “a piece of wood, with six metal strings” but in the hands of a musician who knows how to play, it is tool of magic. It’s my attempt as an artist to create a visual representation of the moment, the energy, the sound being played. To capture in colour and monochrome, the feel of it all, at that moment the music is playing. The use of noise and grain to match the distortion and saturation of the Marshall amps. It is my humble attempt as an artist to say Thank You.

You can look at the photographs without music playing, but it’s better if you have the song turned up.

Playlist: L.A. Guns - I’d Love to Change The World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSog8WmD6uQ

Brownsville Station - Smoking’ In The Boys Room https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K59EMGgrUA

Kiss - Detroit Rock City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZq3i94mSsQ

Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy1V5LHXWbg

Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley (live 1981) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3LvhdFEOqs

April Wine - Don’t Push Me Around https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWiU8rkA_yU

Alvin Lee - Detroit Diesel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXedZ_EsI_4

Savage - Handful of Rain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7EeM2AK1gA

Toccata - Carpimus Noctem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOANxP5ZvuY

Megadeth - Tornado of Souls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcm9qqo_qB0

Joe Satriani - Always With Me, Always With You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI57QHL6ge0

Social Distortion - Prison Bound (live) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIWHlIhvt3Y