#new year's eve fluff at that

[hairmetal666]

Steve has a problem. Not a big problem--not an Upside Down-sized problem--but still. A problem. In the form of Eddie Munson. And not the person Eddie Munson, who is second only to Robin in the hierarchy of Steve's heart, but his feelings in regard to one Eddie Munson. Namely, his enormous, devastating, gay crush on the guy.

And he knows, okay, he knows Eddie is gay, but that doesn't mean he wants Steve. Eddie is probably into other metalheads or dnd nerds. What could Steve, with his sports and his polo shirts, possibly have to offer?

He's coping, though. Or, at least, he thought he was until the Family Video phone rings and Jonathan invites them to the New Year's Eve party he and Argyle are throwing at their new apartment.

"We have to make a no-date pact." He tells Robin as soon as the phone is back in the cradle.

"Or you could just ask Eddie."

"You could just ask Nancy." He raises an eyebrow.

She lets out a slow breath. "Yeah, okay. No-date pact. I'm down."

It's just as easy to get Nancy and Eddie on board. Nancy just laughs and says "yeah, like I'd bring a date to the party my ex-boyfriend is hosting with his new boyfriend. How you do you even start to explain that dynamic?"

And Eddie snorts right in Steve's face (it's not cute, it's not), says, "Right, cause my dating pool in Hawkins, Indiana is just ripe with guys who want to ring in the New Year with me."

Steve wants to say that he would be that guy, happily, giddily, but he can't risk blowing up his second most important friendship like that, not when Eddie's never given a fraction of a hint that he wants Steve too.

But that's his problem solved, right? The four of them aren't bringing dates. Easy-peasy.

Unfortunately, Steve's life hasn't ever worked out like that, and the party turns out to not be only their little end of the world crew and a handful of people Jon knows from his grocery store job, but an actual motherfucking party.

It takes almost ten minutes for him and Robin to navigate through the sea of strangers to find Jon and Argyle handing out solo cups in the kitchen.

"Who are all these people?" He shouts over the pounding music, nothing like Steve's ever heard.

"Argyle got a job at the record store down the street," Jon yells.

"Co-workers." Argyle nods. "And a few of their friends."

"A few, right."

"The more the merrier. Right, my dude?"

"Sure." Steve takes a cup. "You seen Eddie around?"

"Living room, last time I looked." Jonathan answers.

"See you around?" Robin asks.

"At least meet up for the ball drop," Argyle answers.

They push their way into the cramped living room, and Steve searches for that familiar cloud of hair, the ripped black jeans. It takes a minute just for the sheer amount of bodies pressed into the small space, and when he sees him Eddie's--

He's standing against a wall, next to the stereo (of course), but there's someone with him. Someone who is tall and leanly muscled in a way that Steve isn't. Someone with long hair pushed back from his forehead. Someone with facial piercings in places Steve didn't even know you could pierce and tattoos and a chain hanging from his worn blue jeans and a bandana in his back pocket, just like Eddie.

And Eddie he's--he's gazing up at this dude with clear stars in his brown doe eyes, body angling towards the other man like he can't help but push more into his orbit.

Steve turns hard, Robin colliding with his side. "Steve, what the--oh."

"I hate New Year's Eve," Steve sighs, trying to ignore the sick feeling in his stomach. It's always been the kind of holiday that is high on expectation and low on follow-through.

"C'mon, I think I spotted Nance over by the bedroom."

He lets Robin guide him across the room, steadfastly not looking back at where Eddie is very obviously finding himself a date. It's okay, Steve reasons. It's okay because that was obviously the kind of guy Eddie would be into it. He knew he had, like, no chance. He shouldn't be disappointed. He shouldn't.

The evening slips away in the shove of people, in the solo cup that manages to always be full in his hand, and he tries as hard as he can to ignore the way Robin and Nancy start sharing the same space.

So much for the no-date pact. He would laugh if a sort of deep loneliness wasn't seeping into his bones.

There's a girl, though, across the room. She's in a short dress and glances at Steve from under hooded eyelids. He could make a move; could have someone to kiss at midnight; have someone just for the night. But then--his heart makes a pathetic patter--Eddie.

Eddie who is practically in that stranger's lap.

He goes out for a cigarette.

When he comes back inside, it's five minutes til midnight and Nancy and Robin are dancing slow and sweet to a song that is neither.

He's happy for them, almost incandescent with it, but the loneliness sinks deeper, reaches marrow, especially after he fails to find Eddie in the crowd.

Steve thinks it might be time to give the whole failed endeavor up for good, but Jonathan and Argyle, both in tiny 1987 novelty top hats, appear at his side.

"Stevie-boy!" Argyle bellows. He lifts Steve at the waist, twirling him, and Steve laughs despite himself.

"Keeping busy?" He asks.

Jonathan pounds him on the back, just a little too hard.

A guest yells from deep in the apartment, "one minute to midnight!" and the music turns off, the TV tuned to Dick Clark and turned up.

Nancy and Robin find their way over, Robin mouthing "sorry," on her way. He pulls her into a side-hug; he'll never begrudge her any happiness, even on his worst day.

From across the room, there's a crash, a short yelp, and then a familiar head of fuzzy brown curls makes its way to them.

"Sorry, sorry." Eddie apologizes as he shoves through the other guests.

"Hi, guys!" He beams at them, cheeks flushed. Steve looks away so he doesn't have to think about how beautiful Eddie is; about how he's not the one who made him blush so pretty.

The countdown on the screen reaches 30 seconds, and the party goers start chanting.

"What happened to--?" Steve can't help but asking.

"Psh, that dude? He's a punk. Plus, I couldn't imagine ringing in 1987 without you guys by my side."

Steve blushes and rolls his eyes. "Sap." He knocks his hip into Eddie's.

"You love it," Eddie wraps him in a loose hold.

The count is down to 10, the ball almost dropped, Jonathan and Argyle and Nancy and Robin making soft eyes at each other.

"What's going on in that head of yours, sweetheart?" Eddie knocks his head gently against Steve's.

"It's nothing."

"You're pouting." Eddie mimics him with a poked out lip.

The count is down to 5.

"Fuck, I just--I wanted to have someone to kiss at midnight, you know?"

The ball drops, the year changes over, the room cheers. His coupled up friends cling to each other in soft, joyous kisses.

Eddie's eyes flick to their friends, to the guests, all kissing and embracing and celebrating, then back to Steve.

With two careful fingers, Eddie lifts Steve's chin, makes it so he can't look away.

"Fuck it," Eddie says. He leans forward, kisses Steve with soft authority.

And Steve just--he just fucking--crumbles into it. He makes a soft noise, curls his fists into Eddie's t-shirt.

Eddie's hands work their way into his hair, pulling him closer. Steve goes eagerly, crushes their bodies together.

They kiss and they kiss, and it's already so far from a friendly New Year's kiss, but then Eddie's tongue swipes into Steve's mouth, and the kiss breaks.

"Um," Eddie says.

Steve can't respond because all his focus is on not giving into the weakness in his knees and collapsing to the floor.

"I've wanted you to do that all night," Steve says.

"Oh." Eddie's face blossoms into a slow smile. "Me too. A lot longer than that, actually."

It's Steve's turn to smile, and he does, so hard it hurts his cheeks. "Me too."

Eddie presses their foreheads together. "Happy New Year, Stevie."

Someone starts singing Auld Lang Syne loudly and off-key, but they're quickly drowned out by a chorus of accompanying voices.

"Happy New Year, Ed."

Steve pulls him in for another kiss. 1987 is already shaping up to be the best year of his life.

[starry-eyes-love]

Love Never Fails:  A New Year’s Eve Kiss

Series Masterlist Main Masterlist

Pairing:  Joel Miller x F!Reader AU (no outbreak)

Summary | You have had a crush on Joel Miller, you know your father’s best friend, for a long time.  You’re now 20 (and Joel’s 35) and you’re home for the holidays. Tonight is New Year’s Eve and you decided to go to Bill and Frank’s New Year’s Eve party wearing a sexy black dress. You have one goal in mind, you want to kiss the man that you’ve had a crush on since you were 16. And you finally get your New Year’s kiss at midnight. Happy New Year!

Warnings | 18+, Minors DNI. Language, fluff, sexual tension, references to sexual encounters, slight grinding up against a wall, kissing, alcohol consumption…that’s it.

Word Count: 2.0K

A/N:  Welcome to my new series titled Love Never Fails, this one is the origin story of how the couple seen in my other series titled Marriage Dynamics became a couple. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

His hands were shaking and he felt his heart race. This is a bad fucking idea man, ya need to stop this before it goes too far, Joel thought. But the truth was, he wanted it to go too far. He wanted an excuse to taste you, to feel your soft lips against his. You were every forbidden fantasy from his goddamn dreams, sent from Heaven and Hell together to test him. You were like a siren, someone who called to him, to his soul. And he knew that with just one kiss you’d be his forever. So that's why he needed to stop this before it went any further.

It was New Year's Eve, and you were at a New Year's Eve party that was hosted by Frank and Bill, two of your father’s closest friends. Frank and Bill always had a tradition of giving you a small gift each time they threw parties. Your father always fussed and stated that you didn’t deserve any type of gift from them, but Frank didn’t care, he gave you a gift anyways.  Tonight was no exception. This time though the gift came early during Christmas. Frank had wrapped up and gave you a form fitting black dress that accented and hugged your curves just right. When you opened it in front of your father you almost gave your father a heart attack at seeing what the dress looked like. Frank encouraged you to try the dress on and when you came out to show everyone, Joel almost choked on his drink at the sight of seeing you wear it. When you asked Joel in private if he liked the dress, all he said was “fuck woman” and then excused himself to the bathroom. Frank bought the dress knowing what type of effect it would have on Joel, considering that Frank knew you had the biggest crush on Joel Miller. The only problem was that Joel was your father’s best friend, and you had babysat Joel’s daughter, Sarah, from the time you were 12 until you graduated high school two years ago.

Now tonight you were back in the dress over at Frank and Bill’s party, with your hair done up nicely, and a small amount of natural looking makeup on your face.  As you slowly approached Joel upstairs alone, he considered leaving and not sticking around to talk with you. Joel was trying to stay clear of you all night, unsure of how he would be able to keep his hands off of you.  Joel, being your father’s best friend, was seriously struggling in not fucking his best friend’s 20 year old daughter up against the wall tonight. God, this was torture for him, especially seeing you slowly saunter down the hall towards him, holding out a glass of alcohol for him to take. Seeing you like this tonight, in that tight dress with your hair done up nicely, made him feel like he had died and had gone to heaven. Or more like probably going to Hell considering all of the dirty thoughts that he was having tonight of what he wanted to do with you while you were wearing that dress.

“Evenin’ darlin,’” Joel said in a low Southern drawl as you approached him. 

“Hi, Mr. Miller” you said, smiling ever so slightly, handing him a glass of champagne.

Joel accepted the glass graciously from you while also gently brushing up against your fingers as he took it from you. He saw the slight blush that instantly hit your cheeks at the feeling of touching him. After a moment of holding his glass, and slowly looking you up and down, he said, “How many times do I have to tell ya to call me Joel?”

“I was always taught to be respectful to men, Mr. Miller. Don’t want you getting the wrong idea that I’m not a good girl or anything” you answered him in a sultry tone.

Yeah right. Ya ain’t a good girl wearing something like that, swaying that nice tight ass back and forth. God, how I’d love to grab that ass of yours and---Jesus Joel, get it together man, Joel scolded himself internally for thinking those dirty thoughts about his best friend’s daughter.  But when he glanced at your face he noticed that you also must have been having some dirty thoughts of your own because now you were pressing your thighs closely together, shifting your weight slightly back and forth in an attempt to relieve an ache deep inside of your core. Joel also watched you slowly look him up and down, and then stare at the prominent bulge that was forming in his pants at the thought of pushing you up against the wall. “If ya knew what calling me Mr. Miller did to me darlin’, ya wouldn't think it was respectful” he said to you.

Your breath hitched in your throat at his admission. Joel looked wrecked right now, and you assumed you looked no better. All night the electricity or sexual tension between the two of you was intense. You didn’t know what you wanted fully from this man before you tonight, you just knew that you craved him, and wanted to kiss him.  That was why you wore the dress that you did, you were hoping to ignite something primal in him that maybe with the mixture of a little alcohol would get him to relax and open up to you more, or at least open up to the possibility of kissing you at midnight. You were so lost in your own head that you didn’t realize that your back was now up against the wall behind you, and that one of Joel’s arms was now resting on the wall beside your head.  Joel was so impossibly close that you could smell the whiskey on his breath and the spicy hint of cinnamon flavor gum that he was chewing. 

“Ya know, that’s a pretty dress. But why’d you wear it tonight?” Joel asked while slowly nudging his leg in between your legs, looking you up and down with hungry eyes.

“It’s New Years” you said, swallowing hard at your reasoning.

“New Years” he repeated to you and tsked at the same time, not believing the reasoning you were giving him. “Darlin’, that dress ain’t something that should be worn to a party of your dad’s friends. What are ya doin’, trying to give Bill another heart attack?”

“No,” you said, breathless. 

Joel shifted his weight a little closer as he slowly ran his nose up the side of your cheek while he whispered in your ear “then tell me darlin’, who’s attention are you tryin’ to get in that dress?”

“F-fuck, y-you,” you said. “I’m tryin’ to get your attention.”  You found yourself giving out a soft moan when Joel slowly nipped your pulse point on your neck, a sensitive spot you had that usually turned you on even more.  

“Well, ya got my attention darlin’. I can’t fucking think straight with you in that dress. So distracting” he said, switching to the other side of your neck and giving that side the same attention as the previous one. 

“Joel, how much alcohol have you had tonight?” you said, not wanting him to stop. But you needed to make sure that he wasn’t totally intoxicated where he wouldn’t remember what he was doing, or who he was doing it with.

Joel paused and pulled back to look at you intently.  He tsked once again and said, “aw, look at you darlin’. All grown up and asking a grown man how much he’s had to drink-”

“I just want to make sure you’re not too drunk where you won’t remember this or who I am in the morning” you said, looking him stern in the eyes.   

Joel downed the glass of champagne that you had handed him and placed it on the table next to you.  He then placed both of his hands on the wall, one on each side of your head, while slotting his hips tight against your core. “Well, for your information, I’ve only had a total of 2 drinks all night, that includes counting the one I just downed. For the record little girl, I can clearly see who the fuck is in front of me” he growled while slowly grinding his hips into you.

“Ah-well Mr. Miller, I- shit- I’m- I’m just t-trying to be a good, ahh, a good girl and make sure you- fuck” you said as you felt Joel grab your hips and rotate them slightly, snapping his hips forward where you could feel that prominent bulge in his jeans grind deliciously against your core. God it felt good to feel him there, you thought.

Joel wasn’t a good man, that was for sure. A good man wouldn’t have his best friend’s daughter pinned up against the wall and grinding himself hard into her.  He kept trying to slow his heart rate down, and stop his actions that he was doing. Joel tried closing his eyes to will his body to calm down, but as soon as he heard you let out the softest moan, it caused him to grip your hips harder. He wasn’t drunk, hell he didn’t even feel tipsy. Yet here he was, grinding into you like he was a horny teenager who was two seconds away from unzipping himself and fucking you hard against the wall. You were trouble, with a capital T.  And the worst thing about it, you both knew it.

As you both stood there in silence, just enjoying the feel of one another, you heard people begin the last minute countdown to midnight downstairs. You pushed your head back against the wall with a little thud and said “shit” out loud. Joel slowly opened his eyes at hearing this and stared at you after stopping his movement. He was trying to figure out what you wanted, what you needed from him. After a moment you looked him in the eyes and whispered “please Joel.”  You wanted Joel to kiss you so bad, and for him to continue what he was doing, but you didn’t know how to ask him for it.  

Joel kept staring at you after you gave him that quiet plea. When 30 seconds was left of the countdown, he gently cupped your cheek and then said “please what honey? Come on, use your words f’me.” 

With a shaky breath you closed your eyes as you heard the countdown downstairs go from “5,4,3,2,1.” When you heard people say “Happy New Year” you softly whispered “kiss me Joel, please. I wanna feel you.” 

With that admittance you felt Joel crash his lips onto yours to finally give you what you both needed. You two have been teasing each other over the phone for the last few weeks leading up to Christmas, and then continuing that teasing for the week you’ve been here. Joel had no intention of deepening the kiss with you tonight, but when he felt you gently skim his lower lip with your tongue, caution went completely out the window and he granted you access into his mouth.  The next thing he knew his hand was in your hair and your legs were wrapped around his waist as he was slowly grinding and rocking his hips back and forth into you while you both made out with each other, with your back tightly placed against the wall. 

The two of you heard cheering below as you both softly moaned into each other’s mouths from the friction of your hips, and the intensity of your kiss. A lot has happened in the past year of your life, most of it being the dramatic change with the relationship you had with your family, along with your feelings for Joel. You didn’t know what the future would bring with you two, and honestly right now you didn’t care.  All you knew was for the first time in a long time you felt safe in the arms of a man who was 15 years older than you. A man who was also your father’s best friend, and someone you were finally able to kiss after all these years of secretly wanting him. Truly, this was going to be the best New Year possible, and one that you’d never forget.

Happy New Years!

Taglist: @punkshort @shotgun-shelby @strawbunnyx @orcasoul @pedritoferg @chiogarza @jesfreedark @untamedheart81 @rainbow12346 @nandan11 @swiftpascal @eliza-8 @joeldjarin @vickie5446 @nastiasnow @staywildflowahchild @ratoonstown @l3laze @its-always-420-on-the-moon @kirsteng42 

[lees-chaotic-brain]

i want to tell megumi hes the loml

Yes! Omg this is literally so cute I'm in love. @kasumitenbaz i'm willing to bet you'll like this :)

CW: None! fluff, mentions of past trauma I guess, comedic mentions of nudity, crack

Collab Guide | Collab Masterlist | JJK Masterlist | Blog Navigation

After everything that happened since you joined Jujutsu Tech, you finally had time to relax and enjoy spending time with Megumi. After all, it was New Year’s eve and there was nowhere you would rather be than cuddled up with your boyfriend in his dorm. 

Watching the snow fall outside his window, you contemplated the events of the past year, all the trauma and fear you had endured and overcome together.

Suddenly becoming emotional, you turned in his arms and buried your face in the crook of his neck.

“Mmph?”

Your sleepy boyfriend inquisitively lifted his head from the pillow and readjusted so the position was more comfortable for you.

“What’s up?”

You snuggle closer to him and smile against his neck.

“I was just thinking about how grateful I am that we can just cuddle like this together. That we made it through, and now we’re stronger than ever.”

Megumi was silent for a moment before responding.

“What made you think about that all of a sudden?”

You can feel the deep rumble of his voice against your cheek.

“I’m not sure. I guess I was just reminiscing about everything that happened this year. And I don’t know, I’m just really happy right now.”

You squirm in his grasp until you manage to pull away far enough to give him a cheesy grin.

His eyes soften as he tucks you firmly against him.

“‘M grateful too.”

He mumbles, before burying his face in your hair and tightening his hold on you. 

“Now stop being all cheesy and philosophical and let me nap. You know that Itadori, Nobara, and Gojo are going to make us stay up all night celebrating with them.”

You chuckle, and comply, letting him use you as his own personal teddy bear for a few minutes before you speak again.

“Hey Megs?”

“Hmm?”

He makes a vague grumpy sound.

“You know that you’re the love of my life, right?”

Silence. 

“Megs?”

Still no response.

“Did you hear me? I said that you were-”

“I heard you the first time!”

He bursts out, effectively cutting you off.

“Hey, what's wrong?”

You forcibly pry him off you to take a look at his face, and to your delight and his mortification, his face is cherry red.

“Babe! Are you blushing?!”

“NO.”

He denies it and covers his face with a pillow.

“Of course I’m not. But you can’t just say stuff like that out of the blue! Give me a little warning at least.”

Giggling you yank the pillow out of his grasp and cup his flaming cheeks in your hands.

“Don’t hide your face from me.”

You exaggeratedly plant loud kisses on each side of his crimson face and coo at him.

“Aw, look at how cute my boyfriend is. He’s getting all red just because I told him he’s the love of my life-”

“STOP.”

He grabs you and shoves your face against his chest, cutting your voice off. Tangling his legs with yours, he pulls you up a bit so he can press his face into the crook of his neck. Inhaling deeply, he takes deep calming breaths and enjoys your unique mix of scents that makes him feel at home.

You sit quietly, sensing that he needed a moment to process what you had just said. Sure enough, after about thirty seconds he speaks.

“You know, you’re the love of my life too.”

You can’t stop the massive grin that spreads across your face.

“Megs I-”

“WAKEY WAKEY!!”

Gojo, Nobara, and Itadori burst into the room screaming. Nobara flips on the lights, Gojo tears the blankets off the two of you, and Itadori bangs pots together.

“IT’S TIME TO WATCH FIREWORKS AND CELEBRATE!!!”

Spluttering, your boyfriend gives everyone in the room (other than you) death stares as he tries to protect you from the cold that seeped in in the absence of your blanket.

“Get out! What is wrong with you guys? What-What if we were naked?!”

He blurted, unable to come up with anything else. The room fell into silence.

Then everyone (including you this time) burst into laughter.

“Seriously Megs???”

You wheeze out between peals of laughter.

“What if we were naked?!”

He just sullenly retrieved the blankets and burrowed under them, yanking you under with him.

As he valiantly fought off the three lunatics from ripping the two of you out of your blanket cocoon, you couldn’t help but laugh.

Yes, he truly was the love of your life.

[bitchiswild]

New Year Anticipation

Karina x F! Reader

Warnings: none

Word Count: 824

A/n: Happy New Year’s Eve/ Happy New Year!🎉🍾🎇 GO PARTY PEOPLE AND DRINKKKKKKKKKKKKK🥂🍾 unless you’re underage then drink Apple juice 😌

˚ ༘ ೀ⋆.˚

"Will you be here for New Year's Eve?" I inquired eagerly, anticipation lacing my words as I looked at my girlfriend while FaceTimed her.

"Absolutely, darling. My flight lands at 10 PM, and then I'll rush to you, ready to plant the biggest kiss on you," Karina replied, her grin widening.

Her words filled me with a delightful giggle, and I gazed at her, my heart swelling with affection. "I miss you, you know. Can't wait for you to be home again," I confessed, my longing evident in my tone.

Karina's eyes mirrored my longing, a silent desire to hold me close evident in her gaze. "I miss you too, baby. Just two more days," she promised, her recent trip to Japan for promotions keeping her away until New Year's Eve.

A yawn escaped me, and Karina, noticing the time, urged gently, "You should get some rest, honey. I'll call you tomorrow." But I resisted, unwilling to let go of our conversation just yet.

Amused by my reluctance to sleep, Karina chuckled softly. "I promise I'll call as soon as you text me. Go on, get some sleep. I love you," she insisted, her affectionate tone urging me to surrender to slumber.

"I love you too," I replied, my heart feeling full and content as I bid her goodnight, eagerly awaiting her return.

˚ ༘ ೀ⋆.˚

On the bustling eve of New Year's, Karina's updates became my lifeline. Her messages painted a vivid picture of her journey, filled with delays and traffic snarls, yet her determination and excitement radiated through every word. Each notification from her felt like a surge of hope amidst the rising anxiety that gripped me.

As the day progressed, the clock seemed to tick in slow motion. Every passing minute weighed heavily on my anticipation, the bustling crowd around me an inconsequential blur as my attention remained fixated on my phone, awaiting Karina's next update.

11:50 PM crept upon me, the air crackling with the energy of the impending countdown. With every passing second, my heart raced faster, a mixture of anticipation and worry knotting in my stomach. The grand celebration loomed, yet the absence of Karina felt palpable, casting a shadow over the festivities.

Despite the excitement enveloping the crowd, I stood amidst them, a solitary figure, glancing anxiously between the clock and the sea of faces. My heart longed for her presence, her warmth, and her promise of a fervent embrace.

With each passing second, hope and apprehension waged a silent battle within me. The countdown to the New Year felt more poignant, a mix of eagerness for the future and the ache of the present moment.

Yet, amidst the fervor of the impending celebration, there lingered a fervent desire for Karina's arrival—a longing that intensified as the clock's hands inched closer to midnight, each second feeling like an eternity.

In the midst of the jubilant crowd, I searched desperately for any sign of Karina. The countdown was nearing its climax, the atmosphere electric with anticipation. My heart raced with a blend of nerves and hope, my eyes flickering between the clock and the bustling crowd.

Then, amid the cacophony of cheers and the final countdown echoing around me, I heard it—a fervent cry of my name cutting through the chaos. My pulse quickened, and I turned just in time to see Karina, her eyes ablaze with determination and love, pushing through the crowd toward me.

"Y/n!" Her voice soared above the uproar, resonating in my ears like a melody in the chaos.

With seconds slipping away, our gazes locked in a magnetic pull, the world around us fading into the background. In that heart-stopping moment, with just a single second left on the countdown, Karina surged forward, her determination turning into a sprint.

As the crowd's fervor reached its peak, she reached me, her arms enveloping me in a whirlwind of emotion. Time seemed to stand still as she pressed her lips to mine, a passionate and electrifying kiss that spoke volumes of the longing and love we'd held during her absence.

Amidst the eruption of cheers and the dazzling display of fireworks, our embrace intensified, locking out the outside world. In that kiss, there was a symphony of emotions—love, longing, and the unspoken promise of a new beginning. It was as if the arrival of the New Year heralded a fresh chapter in our story, ignited by the fervor of a long-awaited reunion.

In the midst of the lively celebrations, Karina's whispered words, filled with tenderness, reached me. "Happy New Year, my love," she murmured, her eyes reflecting affection and longing.

"Happy New Year," I replied, my heart swelling with happiness at her presence. Without a moment's hesitation, Karina drew me close, sealing the moment with another deeply passionate kiss—a sweet, fervent celebration of our reunion amidst the New Year's festivities.

˚ ༘ ೀ⋆.˚

[daisybell17]

New Years with Loki hc’s:

He would be so confused on why this was such a big deal to many midgardians…its a new year…so what?

Besides his confusion, he loved new years eve parties, and with you it just makes it 100x better

His first new years eve party was hosted by Tony Stark so of course it did not disappoint

He wore a nice black suit with hints of green silks inside his coat jacket. You on the other hand wore a tight fitting dress, also having hints of green through glitter spread around the dress

Loki could not keep his eye off you

The night was filled with great conversation, food, drinks and celebration of the year that passed by and the year to come

Loki kept hearing about “resolutions” and of course when it came to Midgardian things he did not understand, he would ask you

“Why is everyone asking me my “resolutions”? From Stark to the spider boy to even the arrow guy…what is a resolution darling?”

“Well a new years resolution is something people make as a sort of change in their life, sometimes they’re big, sometimes small. It’s just something people make as the new year comes, since its like a restart of everything”

“That sounds…odd, why do people wait till new years to make a change, just do it now”

“I cant really answer that honey, everyone is different, plus I have my own resolution”

His eyebrows raised at your response “You do? Enlighten me my dear”

“Yea one of my new years resolution is to spend more time reading, hopefully finishing books i have been putting of. I guess mine is small but it is some improvement…you should make something!” You encouraged him as to bring in the new years spirit

“Me? Improvement? Make a resolution? Darling I don’t need one. I’m perfect. duh” He snickered

You laughed at his response “You know there isn’t such thing as perfection, thats what makes life beautiful, its always changing and you find the beauty in it…plus, even perfection such as yourself can always self improve somewhere”

“That defeat the whole purpose of perfect, I don’t need some resolution…i am PERFECT darling!” He kisses your cheek as he finished his stance

“Okay! Whatever you say honey”

The night goes on as normal but of course your words linger Loki’s mind…and he took a minute to do some reflection…i mean he knew he was perfect, but even perfection has room for self-improvement…hmmm..

As the final 10 minutes of the year approached, your tipsy self found Loki and fell onto him

“Woah! Darling you ok?” He says as he holds you up

“YUP JUST TIPSY! …its a-almost n-new years…i need to be sober for our kisssssss”

“Kiss? I can kiss you right now you know”

“nOOOO new years eve kiss! I need water…NOW”

Loki rushes to get you water to get you back to being sober and by the time you gathered yourself and your thoughts, there was about 3 minutes to go

“OKAY IM GOOD! so basically a new years kiss is when we kiss once the clock hits 0! so basically…an i love you kiss, happy new year! Ya get it?”

Loki nods…he would kiss you any day at any time but he knew to wait, this was special to you as he could tell

As everyone gathered and the clock counted down, you and Loki stood together side by side

“10….9…8…7!”

Loki watches as everyone was here, celebrating the past and the future, all in the present moment…

“6…5…4...3!”

As the last 3 seconds ticked by, he took one good look at you. He knew how the past year had been for you…filled with so much good, too much bad in his opinion but amazing moment you both shared…and he couldn’t wait to see what the future brought for you in your own right, but for where you both will be and the memories to be created…he couldn’t wait

“2…1! Happy New Year!” Everyone cheered, screams of happiness filled the room and hugs and love was spread all around

You looked up at Loki and awaited for him to kiss you, which he did once you gave that glance that drove him insane

As the kiss went on, Loki felt nothing but happiness…how lucky is he to be with someone like you? What a lucky god he is….

Pulling away, you hugged Loki and watched as the fireworks went of and your friends greeting one another, you and Loki also greeting back

The excitement slowly died down and many went back to partying and drinking…Loki looked at you “Darling…I have a resolution”

You looked at him happily “You do?! You wanna share or keep it to yourself?”

“No no…you should know…My new years resolution is to make us happier…build us closer to our future…and of course…love you more and more each day…”

Looking at Loki, your eyes welled up in happy tears and you kissed him once more “Oh i’m so lucky to be with you…my love, I love you so much”

“I am just as lucky as you…I love you too…happy new year” He says with a smile as he held you close

[miakate-writes]

New Year's Eve/Day romance prompts 🥂🪩

(a/n: i hope everyone has had a great year and if you haven't then i hope 2024 is better <;3)

New Year's Eve 🥂

the classic "hold my drink"

"fancy a dance?"

finding somewhere quite to sit if one of them gets overwhelmed

being a unit when people are having a conversation ("where are A and B?" "have you two got any plans for the new year") even if they're not married :)))

looking after the other when they get a little too tipsy

kissing at midnight :)

New Year's Day 🪩

"cleaning up bottles with you on New Year's Day"

having a little two-person clean-up team whether the party was hosted at their house or not

when they finally go to bed they end up sleeping in for hours and staying in bed watching new year's episodes of all their favourite shows

making new year's resolutions with each other and trying to hold each other accountable

(HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE, THANK YOU FOR THE AMAZING SUPPORT YOU'VE GIVEN ME THIS YEAR AND I HOPE WE CAN CONTINUE IT NEXT YEAR <3)

[stevesbipanic]

Wayne always worked on holiday nights. If it was an important day he'd spend the day with Eddie before heading off to work. Christmas dinner was always Christmas lunch, Easter was a chocolate bar for breakfast, Thanksgiving was a turkey dinner half off at the dinner the next day, but new year's was just another day. Holiday pay kept them warm through the winter and that's what was important.

Eddie had never really cared for the day. Growing up his parents used the day as another excuse for a party filled with booze and needles and Eddie hiding in his room under the covers hoping no-one comes in. The only thing he liked were the fireworks, he could see the ones they set off in the park from a crack in his wall and he loved their big booms and bright colours, they helped distract him from the yelling downstairs.

Steve hated new year's eve. It was the only holiday his parents were home and it wasn't for Steve. They missed birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, his own fucking graduation but every year without fail they'd swoop in and throw a new year's party with all their uptight guests. Steve had to stand around for an hour, being pulled around by his parents stuffed into a too stuff suit and smile through them lying about his life.

All of this changed on the last day of 1986.

The plant Wayne worked at was closed for an inspection on December 31st, the workers were sent home with a small holiday bonus.

Eddie woke up to his uncle whistling happily and the news that he wouldn't be alone this year.

Steve woke up to the opposite, a voicemail waiting for him down in the kitchen, the Harrington's weren't coming home this year.

As the clock struck midnight in 1986 three men sat together on the roof of a rundown trailer and watched the fireworks.

Wayne soon left the boys their privacy, happy to have both his kids here with him.

Steve held Eddie's hand as he watched the sparkling lights dance in the sky, he'd never been allowed out to watch them before.

Eddie, for once, didn't need the fireworks to keep him distracted from a broken family downstairs or another lonely night. The dazzling lights and loud booms were nothing compared to the bright smile on Steve's face or the steady beat of his heart.

"I think I was wrong, Stevie, '86 wasn't my year, but I've got a good feeling about '87"

"I think '87 is gonna be our year, Eds"

Eddie smiled and leant in slowly, a soft kiss shared between them.

"Yeah, our year, sweetheart."

[neontoad]

“There is nothing in this life that makes it…”

Chuuya rolls his eyes and takes a drag of his cigarette, turning a deaf ear to Dazai’s yapping. He leans his back against the crane frame and squints his eyes at the lights of boats peppering Yokohama Bay like stars. Their little hiding point on the top of the port crane provides a perfect view of the vast and mighty sea they both adore but still… The night is cold and not particularly pleasant. Especially with Dazai babbling away about the meaninglessness of life, a pesky mosquito clad in black he has the misfortune to call his almost-friend. 

Pathetic. 

Still, even that is better than spending New Year’s Eve alone. 

He glances at his watch. Just a few more minutes until midnight. Until the date changes — and nothing else, really.

New Year is not a big deal.

Then why does it feel like it should be?

“If I were to jump off- oh!”

The genuine surprise in Dazai’s voice makes Chuuya’s head snap. He has to do a double take — Dazai looks ridiculous and almost human with his eyes crossed as he’s looking at a… large snowflake resting on the tip of his nose.

The snowflake melts almost instantly, leaving just a wet spot behind.

In unison, the boys raise their heads as they watch thousands of snowflakes descend on the city in an intricate waltz, the first snow deciding to grace the city in the last moments of the old year. 

Chuuya’s wristwatch beeps. 

And… it all changes.

As the snow continues to fall, Chuuya can’t get enough of the way little snowflakes stay on Dazai’s eyelashes, diamonds on the dark backdrop dissolving into nothing and quickly replaced by new, somehow even shinier ones. Dazai keeps grunting and trying to sweep the snow off the top of his head, and Chuuya has to resist the urge to grab his wrist and let the snowflakes linger on the dark brown strands for a bit longer. On the other hand… there is something precious in such fleeting, momentary beauty. 

The stray snowflakes on Dazai’s fringe twinkle under the crane lights, and it’s such a mesmerising sight, that Chuuya feels like his gravity is reduced to nothing as he floats in the galaxy of shimmering stars, lost in the shine so bright, he never wants to be found.  

Chuuya is brought back to reality when Dazai, ridiculously red-faced, lightly punches his shoulder and hands him a wrinkled plastic cup of o-toso sake. Their fingers brush when Chuuya takes the cup from Dazai’s hand, and he can swear that Dazai’s usually cold fingers are almost scorching hot — the fire Chuuya’d gladly embrace.

They clink their cups and Chuuya’s heart skips a beat at Dazai’s faint, sincere smile. 

“Happy New Year, Chuuya.”

“Happy New Year… Osamu.”

[lokisbiiiitch1993]

Happy New Year

[thegildedbee]

chapter six of six: completed fic! :-)

Chapter 6 As the year, the day, and the hour merge into one moment as they draw to a close, John and Sherlock have returned to 221B, re-aligning the stories they had set in motion earlier that day and that had been rewritten out from under them. Enveloped within the walls of the home they've created together, they ring in the new year, rearranging what has been, what is now, and what will be.

@totallysilvergirl, @mydogwatson, @calaisreno, @elwinglyre, @keirgreeneye, @helloliriels,@blogstandbygo [and, no worries, let me know if you'd prefer not to have me add to the clutter in your stream!] ....................................

[the-24-7-lawlu-library]

Poll Vote Fluff

Sorry everyone for being late. Was fighting a mean headache. I hope you all had a great weekend and wish you a wonderful week <3

A Legend about True Love by Katia_Anyway (G)

The Prince of the Kingdom, Luffy, has spent his whole life locked up in the Castle, his Grandfather the King insisting that the world outside was too dangerous. But the Prince is curious and adventurous, he wants to go explore, even if that means having to sneak out alone. But once outside, he gets lost, and needs the help of a very beautiful Witch named Trafalgar Law.

No Stranger to Crazy by Purplehairedwonder (G)

The Straw Hats arrive on an island to discover not only that the Hearts are already there, but there is also a winter festival happening. Law doesn’t have the best memories with winter islands or festivals, so Luffy is determined to make some good ones with him.

You can calm me down by Sakuya_Serenity_Kira (G)

After Luffy has beaten Kaido devastatingly, his fighting spirit is unbroken. He wants, he needs more. In this intoxication, he loses control of his new abilities. Can someone stop him? But who? And how? After all, Luffy is now. . . a god.

A Sinner's Pledge by bimarian (T)

This one little incident this morning just reminded him of the promise that he wanted to make and of the letter that he said he would have to eventually write. The Surgeon takes a moment to glance between his sleeping fiancé and the papers on his lap before he finally writes a greeting on the scented paper. ‘Hey, Ace-ya.’  In which Luffy wakes up from a nightmare—and Law finally writes a letter to make one little promise to Ace.

Midnight by Chenziee (T)

Luffy really wanted to celebrate the end of the year with his friends and family but with his arm injured, strict orders of no partying, and his roommate on his heels, it got really damn hard to sneak out.

Are You Bananas by Plume8now (G)

Usopp gives Luffy an idea, and now, Luffy can't get it off his mind. Of course, he won't wait until tomorrow to do it. And nothing can stop Monkey D. Luffy.

The Mysterious Case of the Hiccups. by ClementineJuicebox, SailorHeichou (G)

-hic- The first hiccup that started it all.

Show me what love is all about by aloas (T)

If Law didn’t know how useless Luffy is when it comes to making plans, he would be complimenting Luffy’s mastermind for always knowing just the right way or the right time to catch Law unguarded. But Law knows that is not the case. So, he curses at the universe. Or fate. Or whatever deity out there that is constantly plotting for Luffy to find Law. (Or the one where Law learns a thing or two about love.)

Answer the Question by Heart_Core (T)

Law’s birthday celebration hadn’t gone the way Luffy expected too, but he was grateful nonetheless.

Our Hearts, Made Whole in Each Other by Purplehairedwonder (G)

Luffy cupped Law’s cheek with his hand, softly grazing his thumb over a yellowing bruise. “Torao is so pretty,” he said quietly, a note of awe in his voice. Law flushed. “Torao’s heart is beating so fast.” “Yeah,” Law agreed, swallowing. “It is.” Luffy’s, despite a few flutters, was beating steadily in Law’s chest. Law, on the other hand, felt pinned to the spot, one hand holding Kikoku and the other in Luffy’s grip. “You should stay.” Law blinked. “What?” “You should stay,” Luffy repeated. “On the Sunny. With me." Written for 10 Days of LawLu 2023 Day 10: Confessions.

Always See the Daylight by Purplehairedwonder (G)

“Why did you want to see my room?” Law asked, both curious and a bit apprehensive at what the response might be. “Because it’s yours!” Luffy said immediately, sitting up quickly. Luffy looked as though the answer had been obvious. For Law, however, that explained exactly nothing. “What—” Luffy looked around, his expression softening in a way that made Law fidgety. “It’s very Torao,” he decided. Written for LawLu Week 2022. Day 5 Prompt: Captain's quarters

Coming Home (To Breathe Again, To Start Again) by Purplehairedwonder (G)

Law had a… complicated relationship with the concept of home. But here on the beach of Wano with Luffy looking at him with such fondness that Law wanted to squirm, he thought that maybe home could be another person.

-Mod Raiya

[aesopsharpmybeloved]

Kisses at Midnight

It's been a week since Aesop's sweetheart confessed her feelings to him, and it has already been the best week he's had in years. Now it's New Year's Eve, and he absolutely knows how he wants to spend it.

I would be lost without my amazing consultant and partner in crime @tea-withjamandbread ❤❤❤

Unfortunately, I haven't managed to finish this for actual New Year's Eve, but oh well. Also, it's rather obvious that I'm on smut withdrawal, I need to write something spicy next 😁

Kisses at Midnight (10.7k)

tw: sexual content (briefly mentioned a few times), more mentions of the fact that humans need to pee than normally present in fiction

Aesop Sharp slowly woke up, but kept his eyes closed. He was lying in his comfortable bed, a soft, warm, and deliciously smelling body in his arms, and he did not want to open his eyes and realise that he was embracing a pillow and his still half-asleep mind was only playing tricks on him. No, he was comfortable right where he was, his arms and one leg trapping the woman he hoped he was truly holding. Each and every second, he became more convinced she was actually there with him; he smelled the sweet mix of her perfume and natural scent, heard an extra heartbeat, felt the soft fanning of her warm breath on his lips. It was only when a small hand connected with his weathered face did he allow himself to finally look. 

And there she was, right there, nestled within his hold. Her cheeks were flushed and eyes still small with sleep, but she was smiling at him so softly, it almost took his breath away. His fingers smoothed over the fabric of her nightgown where they rested upon her back. He was doing his best to be respectful, making sure his hands didn’t stray over to her more intimate areas. The two of them only began their clandestine romantic relationship a short time ago after all, and they were of the unsaid understanding to take things slow, properly get to know each other.

Aesop wanted to build up their trust even further, wanted her to feel comfortable with him in close proximity, wanted her to not only get used to his touch, but also crave it. As far as he knew, this was the first time she’s ever been in any kind of romantic affair, and with a grown man no less, and he therefore had the amazing privilege, as well as the huge responsibility to guide her through the new experience and make sure it was a good and happy one. Her innocence was so endearing, and with each blush to her cheeks, every flutter of her eyelashes, he felt the cynicism he held for love as a way to protect his heart melt away. Aesop was so grateful she gave him a chance, as it was something he didn’t even hope was possible, and he was going to make it worth her time.

However, he couldn’t deny that just the knowledge of the two of them lying together in the intimate embrace, their warm bodies separated by nothing but two nightshirts, made his body yearn, and he had to be careful about the placement of his hips. The last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable because of his anatomy and her closeness resulting in a rather obvious morning arousal.

“G’ mornin’,” he murmured, his voice slightly hoarse with sleep, making her smile once more. He only just so managed to shift his hips before she huddled closer to him in a chase of his lips. Her mouth tasted sweeter than any sugary confection Aesop ever had, and he found his hand unconsciously coming up to caress at the soft skin of her cheek, his calloused fingertips a stark contrast to it. 

They only slept locked in a embrace for a few times now, but Aesop found that he was already hopelessly addicted to it. It’s been so long he last held a loved one throughout the night. More than a decade, actually. He forgot how nice it was entirely, how warm and comfortable it was to wake up like so. 

“A Knut for your thoughts?” she offered after they parted for air, her head once again resting upon his pillow, their noses nearly touching still. He gave her a grin, hand once more going down to rest upon her side, but not before taking the time to slide over her neck, shoulder, teasing at her ribs. “Hm, nothing of great importance, really. Except it kind of is. I was just thinking that I’ll have to make a portkey that would bring you from your dorm to my bed every night after term resumes, as I don’t think I’ll be able to fall asleep without you here…” Her resulting blush made his grin even wider.

“Any plans for today? Or am I free to just roll around the bed with you the entire day? Because trust me, nothing could possibly make me happier,” Aesop teased. Both of them knew it wasn’t possible, as both had work that needed completing over the break, not to mention the young woman was also studying for her NEWTs, but the fantasy was one Aaesop very much enjoyed indulging in. If anything, they’d be able to stay in bed rather than attending breakfast, and Aesop would simply get a house elf to bring them something, uncaring whether the little creatures thought he suddenly had appetite of two. 

“Today is New Year’s Eve, actually,” she said quietly. Aesop’s eyes widened in surprise. Ever since her confession on Christmas Eve and their following time spent together, time, as in days and dates, became nothing but an arbitrary term for him. She could’ve told him it was the middle of July even as everything was covered by snow outside, and he would’ve probably believed her. The more he thought about it however, the more it made sense. It’s been a week since he was first allowed to finally kiss her after more than a year of craving nothing else, and they’d welcome in the new year in slightly over a dozen hours. 

A part of him just knew that 1893 would really be a good year.

Still, he couldn’t keep himself from wanting her affirmation. “Merlin… Another year. I’ll be even more old for you than I already am…” he said quietly, prompting her to give him a frankly adorable little frown. “Aesop,” his sweetheart whispered, “we talked about this.” She pushed on his chest, making him roll onto his back, before crawling halfway over his body. Their chests pressed against one another, and Aesop couldn’t hold back a quiet, low groan at the feeling of the plush flesh of her breasts against him. She kissed him passionately then, bolder than ever before, and the professor’s brain once again turned off, unable to comprehend anything other than the gorgeous woman in his arms drinking off his lips.

“If I understand it correctly, wizards and witches age more slowly. Isn’t Minister Spavin, what, 135 years old?” she asked after she pulled back to breathe. Aesop was quiet for a while before chuckling soundlessly: “he’ll turn 138 this year. I expect there will be some truly grand party for his 140th birthday. However, despite the fact that he is a jolly good minister in my opinion, I’d like to ask you to not talk about him immediately after you’ve just kissed me.”

His sweetheart followed his example and chuckled. Once, twice, three times before descending into a fit of giggles, one in which Aesop gladly joined her, his hands stroking over her back and waist. “Sorry,” he said once their laughter quieted down, “you’re right that we do live far longer than muggles, and it is not that uncommon for there to be an age difference larger than ten years between partners, but…” he took a deep breath, closing his eyes, “I still feel like you deserve someone better. Someone younger, or at least someone who doesn’t look their age like I do… Or, at the very least, someone who’s not as crippled and scarred like me.”

A hand on his cheek prompted him to look at her. “There is nobody better for me. No matter how young anyone is, how young they appear, or if they’ve got one good leg or two of them, they wouldn’t be better for me than you… Because they wouldn’t be you. It’s you I love, and everything that makes you the person you are, and that makes you the perfect man for me.”

Aesop was glad she allowed him to gather her in a tight embrace, so it was easier for him to hide his glistening eyes. However, he knew she could very much feel the slight shudder of his breath as he found himself deeply touched and overwhelmed in the best way possible. His young sweetheart made no comment about his state, and only held him close, stroking his hair and the nape of his neck. “Let me repeat your earlier question,”she said instead between small kisses she was currently delivering upon every piece of his skin she could reach, “any plans for today?”

The former Auror took a deep breath, thankful for the change of topic as her earlier words truly shifted something inside him, his heart was still beating wildly, and he found himself wanting to say: ‘So what that it’s New Year’s Eve? Let’s stay right here, in the nightshirt-donning soft warmth of each other’s arms and forget there’s anything else in the world!’ However, that felt hardly fair towards her. “Hm…” he mused out loud, “I don’t have anything set in stone… but a spot of breakfast would be nice. Here, ideally…” His young lover chuckled when his arms tightened around her once more. “Then there’s a staff meeting,” he continued, “an ‘official’ one, with the Headmaster and everything. Pretty much just him congratulating us on ‘all the great work we’ve been doing’ and claiming that ‘he’s sure the next semester will be even better’. Not that he’s got any idea what he’s saying, Dinah could be teaching the Unforgivables to First years, and he probably wouldn’t even notice.”

She listened on with a grin on her face. It was not the first time Aesop went into a little tirade about the snobby Headmaster, and it surely wouldn’t be the last. In any case, they amused her greatly. “After that,” Aesop continued on normally, “my schedule is once more free.”

“If there’s an ‘official’ meeting, is there an ‘unofficial’ one too?” she asked then, grinning still. “Of course there is,” the potions master confirmed, “after Abraham, professor Ronen that is, is done with the fireworks at midnight, Heads of houses make sure their students are in their respective common rooms, and we meet up again. It’s nothing big, and not everyone attends, just a few drinks with the colleagues. However…” he breathed in, I think I’m going to miss this one… If you don’t mind me sticking by you after midnight, that is.”

“I very much don’t mind that. Is there some place from where we can watch the fireworks in private?” the Ravenclaw asked. It made a smile appear on Aesop’s face: “You know as well as I there are many places in Hogwarts where barely anyone ever goes. I’ll think something out.”

He squeezed her once more, this time not having to watch out for the placement of his hips, but now a small squeak escaped her mouth. It made him look at her for any signs of discomfort. She didn’t look alarmed or uncomfortable, more sheepish and embarrassed. “I meant it when I said that I don’t mind you sticking with me after midnight, but please, release me for now, I have to excuse myself for a pinch” Aesop chuckled and loosened his arms. He watched with a smile as she darted off in the direction of the door to his chambers, her nightgown flowing behind her dramatically. 

Aesop thought about the evening awaiting them, and thought of the places from which one could watch the fireworks privately. There was the Quidditch pitch, of course, or perhaps the castle walls around Hogwarts? Or… His eyes widened and a grin appeared on his face. Now that might be an idea!

He too went to use the loo after she came back, smiling smugly to himself and his brilliant thinking. 

They ate their breakfast the same way they did in the past few days - nestled in his bed in a display of pure bohemian decadence, the victorian propriety be damned. He gladly cleaned the orange jam from the corner of her mouth using his lips, and she seemed happy plopping small grilled tomatoes into his mouth, his tongue unable to resist teasing at her fingers every once in a while. Aesop felt like a young man again, brazen and bold, and he just couldn’t get enough of the close proximity, of the physical contact, of her soft laughter and even softer words. He was certain that if he saw anyone else behaving the way the two of them behaved in these past few days, he’d consider them terribly sappy, if not straight up obnoxious, but he supposed this was what an early relationship was about, the inability to have enough of one another.

Much, much sooner than he would’ve liked, it was time for Aesop to join his colleagues and employer, and the couple had to part ways. The sound of her undressing and changing into her regular clothes behind him was like a sweet siren’s call, but the professor remained a gentleman and didn’t turn around or even peek until she said she was decent. 

Aesop very much looked forward to the two of them taking things further, because how could he not, but he had to admit this careful dancing around one another, this soft drum tremble, the delicious carnal tension in the air was very enjoyable as well. They had so much to look forward to together, and the sweetest fruit is the one that takes the longest to ripen. Ever since that first night, his sleeping brain spared him of any lust filled dreams that could result in a very embarrassing situation had she been resting beside him, so all that remained in him were the memories of them, and the rippling of sweet anticipation under his skin.

After she left, proclaiming that she’s going to check up on her things in the Room of Requirement before going to spend some time studying in the Library, and he too began changing into his normal ensemble, a moment of uncertainty overcame him once more - would she find him as desirable as he found her? He gazed at his half bare form in the mirror. She did seem to appreciate his face, his hair, his physique, but under all of his clothes, he was far from perfect. His body was littered by old scars, some of them going all the way to his own Hogwarts years and many a duel fought and won at Crossed wands. Not to mention he was rather hirsute. She could have perhaps seen hints of the thick hair covering his chest at the collar of his nightshirt, but she never once commented on it. And, of course, there was his leg. She claimed she wasn’t bothered by it, and Aesop knew she was sincere, but… it was, after all, something that bothered him every day…

He sighed.

Now was certainly not the time to think of such things yet.

No, no he had more pressing matters at hand currently…

Aesop made his way through the faculty tower, his step quite light despite his ever present limp. The pain was there, but it was easier to ignore it when his mind was full of plans for the evening. Before he knew it, the potions master was standing in front of the door to the staff room. He pushed the door open to reveal his colleagues, all of them looking up upon hearing him enter. The professors sat all around the room, some greeting him with a few words, while others merely gave him a nod and a smile. He looked around the room: “The esteemed Headmaster is not here yet?” Mirabel Garlick, who was sitting the closest to the door calmly blew on her tea: “Not yet. You know he and Matilda always arrive last. Bai and Abraham aren’t here yet as well. I think they’re casting silencing charms on the beasts’ enclosures, making sure the poor creatures don’t get a fright during the fireworks.” He merely hummed in answer and made his way over to a large plush armchair in front of the fireplace. Dinah was already sitting there, also sipping on her tea.

“Hello, dear,” she greeted with a nod, not looking up from the orange flames, “I hear Abe’s gotten that aged Firewhisky for this year, it should be a nice evening.”

Aesop’s hand unconsciously came to rub at his neck a little awkwardly: “Actually… I don’t think I’ll join you tonight…” His dear friend looked at him in surprise, which quickly turned into suspicion. The former auror schooled his face into a mask of indifference, and he hoped it wouldn’t fail him. “Truly? Why is that? If I know one thing you love, it’s tearing Phineas’ speeches to shreds over a glass of something strong.” Aesop blinked: “It’s not the one and only thing I love, and I’ve no doubt today’s speech will be just as full of shit as it was last year, but… Well, I’m just not feeling up to par today.”

“Would you like me to check you over?” came from his other side, and he almost jumped. It would seem Noreen Blainey snuck up to him while he was talking. Or was she already standing there when he arrived? Was he losing his touch? “That’s quite alright, Noreen,” he said in a measured tone, “I’m sure it’s just some small cold or something. This winter’s certainly colder than the ones these past few years ago.” The nurse huffed: “Which is why I keep reminding you lot to place heating charms on your garments and have a pepper-up ready. Shouldn’t you have one as well, considering you brewed them?”

Aesop sighed. ”It’s in my chambers, of course. However, I am very much not walking all the way there to fetch it, then back here, and then back there again. I’m sure I can survive Black’s blubbering without it, and then once he’s done, I’ll retire to my rooms, take it, maybe top it with a Cough potion for good measure, and sleep it off.”

“Does that mean you’ll miss the fireworks?” asked Dinah, sounding more than a little surprised, as she knew very well that Aesop enjoyed fireworks immensely. “This must be more serious than you make it out to be if you’re willing to miss the fireworks in favour of going to bed! Not to mention Abraham’s going to be very disappointed.” It felt as if every staff member present was looking at him. Damn it, Aesop needed to get out of this mess before his plan was revealed. The attention of his other colleagues didn’t help much.

“Just… leave it be, alright? I’m rather tired, and I don’t feel well, and I’d be quite glad if you respected my decision to retire to my chambers earlier tonight. I am of course sorry not to be able to see Abe’s spellwork, but I trust one of you would be willing enough to provide me with a nice memory for me to look at afterwards.” 

That seemed to do the trick, and the eyes previously on him were directed towards other things now, much to Aesop’s happiness. That is, all pairs except one. Dinah’s dark eyes still observed him curiously: “Are you sure you’ll be alright?” she asked, “shall I stop by later to check up on you?” The potions master gave her a little smile: “No need, Di, I’ll be most likely asleep already. And you of all people know best that it's quite difficult to wake me up.” The DADA teacher still looked at him slightly suspiciously, but said nothing more. Aesop knew he’d have to apologise to Abraham for not sticking around for his show, but he felt that he was doing so for more than a good reason. If he told his friends of this reason, he was actually half certain they’d support his decision, but… but he wasn’t prepared to let them know just yet. Especially since it was this fresh. 

Dinah and Abraham were some of the best people Aesop ever met, but he couldn’t risk them doing or saying anything that would cause his sweetheart distress (despite their best intentions surely), or Merlin forbid scare her off. After all she and Aesop went through, Aesop wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle it.

—-

The former Auror managed to complete making the necessary arrangements for the night quite swiftly, and yet, before he even noticed, it was lunchtime. He slowly made his way through the corridors, content his leg was indeed quite agreeable today. It would seem the extra warmth of his bed when his lover was present in it did it some good. Slightly illogical, perhaps, but Aesop liked to believe so. Just as he was about to open the door to the Library, the sweetest voice rang through the air: “Are you not going for lunch, professor Sharp?” 

He turned his head. His sweetheart was standing behind him, obviously having just emerged from the second entrance to the Library, noticing him. They were alone in the Central Hall, but it was better to be safe than sorry, so they needed to play their roles of a mentor and his student and nothing more. It was something they agreed upon the very first evening. Their relationship wasn’t truly forbidden per se, but Aesop had no doubt some people would frown upon it.

“Ah, Miss (L/N),” he said cooly, his eyes warm and betraying his otherwise aloof expression, “I find myself in dire need of Puffskein fur for Cough potion. My throat is quite sore, I’m afraid, and I do believe the shops in Hogsmeade are closed for today, so I was just about to refresh my memory on how to extract it properly without hurting the creatures. Now that I think of it - you are quite formidable with beasts, aren’t you? Professor Howin has nothing but good things to say about you.”

The girl was smiling softly, looking perfectly innocent: “I have handled a few Puffskeins, yes. Can I assist you in any way, professor?”

“I would greatly appreciate that Miss. If you would be so kind and meet me after supper close to the den by the road leading to Hogsmeade? I trust you know which one I mean?” Aesop climbed back up the stairs until he was once more towering over the Ravenclaw. He made sure to keep his proper distance, even though every part of him screamed to touch her, to reach out and take a hold of her hand at the very least.

“Certainly, sir, I’ll be there.” He allowed himself a small smile at her, one that could be perceived as perfectly friendly, but the professor knew she would understand its true meaning: “Oh, and make sure not to overeat in the evening, in case you’ll be forced to give the creatures something of a chase. I’m sure there’ll be food enough at the celebrations tonight.”

“Yes, professor Sharp,” she grinned toothily, “shall we go for lunch then?”

“Lead the way, Miss.”

—-

“Where are you taking me?” his young lover asked as Aesop led her through the darkened corridors of Hogwarts by the hand. It almost seemed like they were going in the entirely opposite direction from the flying class lawn where the fireworks would be set off in about two hours. The few students remaining at Hogwarts over the holidays as well as the teachers were already congregating there, and from what the young woman saw earlier, it would seem there would indeed be some refreshments there as well as some music while everyone waited for the new year to roll around.

As the two lovers stepped onto the rickety wooden bridge the Ravenclaw never quite trusted and preferred to fly over, she was certain that wherever they were going, it wasn’t to see the Hogwarts’ New Year’s festivities. And indeed, as soon as they stepped out from the bounds of Hogwarts, the change in the energy around them palpable, Aesop looked her deep in the eyes, his own two dark orbs reflecting the pale moonlight above. 

“Do you trust me?” he asked with a little smile. The young woman was instantly won over by that smile, and found herself nodding despite the question not yet having reached her mind fully. Which is why the sudden pull of side-by-side apparition knocked the wind out of her lungs, and when her two feet touched the ground again, she actually stumbled, her head spinning.

A pair of strong arms caught her before she hit the ground, and set her straight. “I’m sorry,” Aesop’s baritone cut through the vertigo, and she blinked rapidly, trying to see him in the faint lights from somewhere behind her. He looked genuinely apologetic. “I’m so sorry dear, I should have perhaps warned you better…” And with that, he once more enclosed her in his embrace and she couldn’t find it in herself to be too cross with him, not when she felt so safe and so home all of a sudden. She closed her eyes and waited for the dizziness to pass.

“W-where are we?” she asked, opening one eye to see if the surroundings would once more begin spinning around her. Aesop slowly released her, grinning: “Why don’t you take a look?” 

And so she did. It was dark, and the snow they were standing in was up to their calves, but then she noticed the lights again, and she saw the dark waters of Black lake reflecting the moon above. They were in Keenbridge, or rather, they were some 150 metres from where the little hamlet began.

“I know it’s not the Hogwarts fireworks”, Aesop said slowly, suddenly self conscious about the plan. He should’ve made sure it was alright with her before unexpectedly apparating the two of them all the way here, what was he thinking?! “But… Well, they have very beautiful fireworks here too. And while they’re not as large, the lights reflect off the water and it’s nearly twice as spectacular… don’t tell professor Ronen I said that. And, well… The only places for us to be alone while watching the show in the castle, they weren’t exactly… romantic. And here they’ve got a lovely inn with vacant rooms, good drinks… And very few people know us here, we won’t have to sneak around or hide, and I…” he caught his breath, “I’m so sorry, dear, I thought- hmm!” Aesop wasn’t able to finish his awkward little speech as the object of his undying affections jumped into his arms once more and stole a breathtaking kiss of his lips, one that made his head spin more than any amount of apparating ever could.

“It was never about the fireworks, Aesop,” she said quietly when their mouths finally parted, both of their faces hot, and their hearts beating in crescendo. Aesop smiled softly, and closed his eyes. Their foreheads pressed together briefly before he once more took her hand: “Come. Let’s get to the inn so we can warm up.”

The two of them set off towards the village, their heavy winter clothing protecting them from the cold, but also making them way more difficult to recognise. The young woman stepped closer to brace him, so that Aesop had an easier time walking through the thick snow towards the path. The hamlets around Hogwarts looked more magical than ever during the winter months, and even during her particularly turbulent fifth year, when the Highlands were riddled by bandits, goblins and poachers (now severely less so, thanks to the work of her and her friends, followed by Aesop’s appeal on more competent Aurors being placed around the area), the tiny villages held a sense of peace and serenity when covered by snow. Christmas decorations still adorned the houses, and there were people congregating on the streets, sitting in front of their houses, or generally roaming the hamlet. Children were running around, squealing as they played some sort of game together, and everyone seemed to be eagerly waiting to welcome the new year. The young woman was happy not to see one Fatimah Lawang among the people present. As if Aesop read her mind, he gave her a covert grin: “She goes to see her family over the holidays.” The two of them talked about the shop owner on previous occasions, both of them being rather frustrated with the woman. The inn and the alehouse under it were flowing with life, patrons laughing, chattering, some singing. A few people it seemed were already quite tipsy from their consumption of alcoholic beverages.  Nobody seemed to pay the two of them too much mind as they walked through the village green. They entered the alehouse and approached the bar. A beautiful plump woman, maybe forty or so, with a large smile and happy eyes stood behind it, cheerfully chatting with two younger men, both of them obviously a little drunk. 

“Speaking of which, Susie dear, you still haven’t given me your ‘yes’!” one of them slurred, making the witch giggle. “Why would I? What would I even do with a young buck like yourself!” A fit of laughter broke out. Clearing his throat, Aesop got ‘Susie’s’ attention. She turned to him, her smile still present. “Good evening. I wrote to you about a room?” he said. “Oi, see that, Sue? An old geezer like him with a young bird like her, and they’re having themselves a very happy new year!” the young man hollered, his voice getting sly on the words ‘very happy’, “and you won’t give me even a chance!”

Aesop tensed at the man’s words, prompting his lover to grab his hand gently, stroking it with her fingers in an attempt to calm him down. “Pardon Charles here please, he’s something of a loud mouthed idiot even when he’s sober. Mind, that doesn’t happen all that often,” Susie said, casting a reproachful look at ‘Charles’ who was happily sipping on whatever it was in his tankard. “Your room is ready, up the stairs and first door to the right” she continued, the smile returning to her face, “there’s some food and champagne, just like you asked for in your letter. I started a fire in the hearth, so you two should be perfectly warm, and a tub is in the adjacent room, should you want a bath. Feel free to check out whenever, it’s not like we’re expecting anyone tomorrow.”

Aesop thanked the innkeeper and put a few Galleons on the bar for her. The couple slowly ascended the stairs, the sound of Susie and Charles bickering and talking loudly among themselves following them until they entered the rented room. It must’ve been enchanted, the young woman thought, as she could no longer hear the sounds coming from the pub underneath them, but only the faint noises from outside. 

Their room was quite small, but looked very cosy with the simple pastoral wooden furniture consisting of a large bed with nice smelling white sheets and brown tartan duvet, a small nightstand, vanity dresser, and a table upon which a variety of bite-sized foods were just waiting for them to dig in. Some pastries, tiny servings of regular meals, there was even fresh fruit, like grapes and strawberries. And, of course, there was a cauldron containing ice and a nice-looking bottle of champagne, small droplets of condensation rolling down the cold bottle. Next to the cauldron sat a pair of decorated crystal champagne flutes, which looked almost out of place in the otherwise simple room. As Susie promised, the room was nicely warm and the two of them immediately took off their cloaks.

The Ravenclaw could see the village green from the window on one side of the room, and there was even a door leading to a small balcony. Overall, it was a neat little abode, and most importantly, it was for just the two of them.

“Lovely place,” The girl commented with a smile, turning to face him. “Yeah…” Aesop replied, “this might be the first time I see the place properly.” Her questioning look prompted him to give her a wry grin: “I stayed here a few times, in this room as well, when I was younger. I could have been around twenty back then, training to become an Auror, and you know how young men are,” Aesop nodded his head towards the door slightly apprehensively. “After a few pints of ale, and perhaps some other beverages, I’d be entirely unfit to apparate, or, Merlin forbid, use a broom to go back home. Besides, I didn’t want my mother to see me like that, so I didn’t Floo over either, and instead stayed here. Suzanne was just helping her parents here back then, fresh out of Hogwarts. She’s one of the good ones, conveniently forgetting every drunken love confession said to her during the evenings.”

His young lover grinned at him mischievously: “Oh? Have you confessed your love to her as well, when you were twenty?” A strange look came over Aesop’s face momentarily: “Not me. But… Someone I knew.” He shook his head then, seemingly trying to chase his thoughts away to once more focus solely on his sweetheart. 

During the past few years, the two of them talked a lot about all kinds of things, including their respective traumatic experiences, but neither of them were able to talk of it in full as of yet. There were moments during which Aesop trailed off and locked up, his walls falling back into place. And the Ravenclaw, well, when things got too hard, when her eyes filled with tears and her breath caught in her throat, the professor changed the subject to calm her down and distract her. She hoped that one day the two of them would be ready to tell the other everything, to finally bring down all of those walls together, and use the leftover imaginary bricks to build a strong foundation for their shared future.

Till then, however, the last thing she wanted was for Aesop to spiral down into sorrow, especially on a night as beautiful as this. So she did the first thing that came to mind and gently took a hold of his face. She brought him down until their cheeks pressed together, until the comforting scent of his soft hair reached her nose, until she felt his arms moving around her on their own accord. 

“I can see now why you only wanted me to eat light supper. Puffskein chasing indeed.,” she said in a light tone, caressing his hair. “Didn’t want to spoil the surprise. And while the food here could never compare to the frankly incredible treats the house elves prepare during the holidays, I dare say it’s rather fantastic as well.”

The couple shared a quite late second dinner then, trying the various foods traditional for Hogmanay. Haggis left the young woman feeling a bit undecided, but stovies, cock-a-leekie soup, and the bite-sized venison pies were a big hit with her. Aesop of course couldn’t complain, all of these were meals he grew up with and liked a lot. However, there weren’t many meals he disliked - being an Auror teaches one to appreciate any and all food available. Therefore it felt simply so much better, watching his sweetheart, who grew up in an upper-class muggle household, enjoying the food of ordinary folk up here so much. Shortbread she decided would go fantastic with tea, and she was positively beaming at the cranachan. Before she could take a bit of the black bun cakes prepared, however, Aesop stopped her. 

“Keep this one for last. We’ll use it for first-footing,” he said with a smile. 

“For what?” 

The potions master smiled even more: “First-footing. It’s a Scottish tradition, muggle one. First person to enter a house after midnight is to bring good luck to the household, as well as some gift, which is then shared. Black buns are one of the possible gifts. Conveniently, it’s believed that tall, dark haired men are the luckiest when it comes to this tradition.” 

His sweetheart chuckled heartily. Her parents weren’t too interested in traditions like these - they believed them to be an anachronism, silly habits that were a thing of the past. They were modern, intelligent people, after all, they had no time for some ‘spiritual nonsense’. She was fairly certain the only reason they attended church was because everyone else did, and they didn’t want to stand out. She personally, however, found various traditions fascinating, and after coming to Hogwarts, she spent some time looking up all the various wizarding traditions… However, in her thirst for knowledge of the wizarding world and its traditions, she may have foregone studying up on the muggle ones.

“You’re going to have to explain more traditions to me,” she said finally, prompting her lover to reach over and peck her on the lips quickly. He then blindly fished his pocket watch out from his breast pocket and looked at it. 

“Quarter to midnight,” he announced, “why don’t you take the flutes, I’ll take the bottle and we’ll get ready outside?” His lover immediately set out to comply, carefully grabbing the two glasses and making her way over to the balcony. Aesop held the door for her and they slipped out onto the chilly December air. There was a small table and not much else. As soon as the girl carefully deposited the glasses there, she felt something warm being draped over her shoulders. It turned out to be a thick blanket, obviously enhanced with a heating charm, and she gladly snuggled into the warm material, but not before insisting her lover share it with her.

They watched the people excitedly flutter about, looking at their own pocket watches almost every other minute. As midnight neared closer and closer, mothers began gathering their children to lead them back to the rest of the family. Violins and pipes were played below the couple, in the open-air pub. In the next few days, the village would no doubt return to being the quaint quiet place the young woman knew, but for now, it was bursting with life almost as much as Hogsmeade on a weekend.

“Fifteen seconds till midnight, fowk!” came from somewhere beneath them, and the general tension in the air seemed to have intensified by a hundred. There was giggling and excited talking, and then - 

“Ten! Nine! Eight!” the people on the village green chanted. Aesop had the champagne bottle ready in his hands, his fingers teasing over the cork while his sweetheart, slightly trembling with excitement next to him, kept her eyes trained on the sight below. “Three! Two! One! HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

The hamlett exploded into loud cheering, laughing, and singing. Women were getting spun around and kissed, many pops of champagne bottles being opened could be heard, and one of them sounded right next to the young woman. She only just noticed the cork flying off somewhere into the distance before their flutes floated in front of them, ready to be filled. Aesop poured both of them a fair amount of the sparkling shimmering liquid, then lowered the bottle on the table.

His partner was looking at him with nothing but love in her eyes. His free hand found hers, and he squeezed it. A slightly nervous look flew over him and he cleared his throat: “I-... I’m not actually very good at toasts.” The girl gave him a smile and chuckled breathlessly. How does ‘to us’ sound?” she asked, her eyes sparkling more than their wine. “To us… sounds perfect,” Aesop replied, his voice hoarse with emotion. “To us,” his sweetheart repeated, lightly clinking her glass against his own. 

Both only managed to have a small sip of the champagne before hurriedly putting their flutes back on the table in order to kiss one another deeply, ardently, the blanket slipping down their bodies and on the wooden floor of the balcony. They were standing out in the cold, the air nipping at their ears, but wrapped in each other’s embrace they felt so warm, they might as well have been standing on a tropical island. The auror thirstily drank the wine off his sweetheart’s lips, his tongue eagerly exploring her mouth, when suddenly the entire sky lit up. And while the first bang of the fireworks cut through the air like a knife through butter, the two lovers did not separate just yet. 

The fireworks setting off around them were exactly what kissing the professor was like, in the girl’s opinion, and she happily accepted the attack on her lips. However, once the time came for the two of them to take a breath, she finally saw the colourful explosions in the sky and couldn’t keep the smile off her face. The smile was rather addictive, Aesop found. And as much as he too appreciated the beauty of fireworks, at that moment it occurred to him that they never looked as beautiful as they did right now, reflected in her large eyes.

It was not the Hogwarts fireworks, but it was utmostly beautiful nonetheless, the lights and colours truly mirrored the dark waters of the Black lake, and it was as if the entire world turned into an impressionist painting. The former Auror wrapped a strong arm around his lover’s shoulders holding her against his side tenderly, as colourful sparks filled their entire visions, forming into various shapes and dissipating slowly only to be replaced by different ones.

And then, as the cracks and booms got lesser and lesser, he whispered into her ear: “Take out your wand.”

Her look was curious, but she didn’t hesitate. Slowly, he moved to stand behind her, his strong chest pressing securely against her back, grabbing her wrist in his hand and pointing it at the sky. “Repeat after me: ‘Lucentia Fulguris’,” he whispered again, his breath scorching hot upon the cold skin, prompting her to shiver slightly. “Lucentia Fulguris,” she repeated. “Good, good. I’ll move your hand now. Say it again,” Aesop said and held her wrist tighter.

And as the girl began to speak, the professor began moving her hand in an intricate pattern: “Lucentia Fulguris!” A long golden stream shot out of her wand and flew upwards, higher into the sky. Just as it got directly above the entire village, it exploded into a brilliant storm of sparkles of gold and white. She never saw a firework like that before, and it was simply incredible. Some sparks turned into long wines that slowly descended upon them, while others simply shimmered around in the sky. Fireflies like lights began buzzing through the air, charming not only the young woman, but also the people below them, the children especially.

Finally, all of the sparks began flying upwards, back to the original spot, forming a large ball of pure shimmering light until it exploded once more, bird-like shapes made of pure flame flying away from it in all directions for a bit before dissolving in the dark sky. 

The hamlet erupted into renewed cheering and clapping. It seemed that nobody knew who cast the spell, and nobody really cared, the girl supposed. The main thing was that it was a beautiful display of magic, one more wonderful than all of her own ancient magic in her opinion. Aesop’s hand left her wrist, and his arm joined the other around her waist instead, careful not to squeeze her too tightly.

“That was beautiful, Aesop,” she whispered, not wanting to break this delicate moment. A pair of lips pressed against her temple. “Thank you,” he replied, holding her still. She turned her head towards him again, her eyes closed and lips parted in clear invitation. She didn't need to ask Aesop twice. They continued to kiss for a few moments, before Aesop remembered where they were. While the people on the streets had long since begun their journeys home, and the only folks remaining were audibly tipsy, the former auror decided not to risk it. After all, some people in the village did know him, and some knew his lover as well. No use making a spectacle out of the two of them, when the entire point of their little trip today was having some privacy. 

“Come, we should head inside,” he whispered.

She nodded, collecting the blanket from the floor, and made way to the door. Aesop only just managed to stop her by taking hold of her arms tightly and suspending her where she stood. She startled slightly, her hand twitching for her wand again. Was something wrong? Did Aesop see someone in their room from the window? 

“W-what’s wrong? Aesop?” she breathed, panic setting in. “You can’t go in first,” Aesop replied, “First-foot, remember?”

Several seconds passed, but then a small chuckle escaped her mouth, and soon she was giggling. “Merlin’s bloody beard!” she threw her head back. It landed on his shoulder and their eyes connected: “I was worried there was some danger, like an intruder in our room or something!” Aesop’s cheeks flushed. He supposed he could’ve just told her to wait instead of fully grabbing her to keep her from moving. 

“I didn’t know you were this serious about the traditions,” she teased then, giving him a mischievous smirk, prompting his face to warm up further. “I’m not… not usually…” he was visibly getting a bit flustered, “I know it’s quite silly actually, but I… I honestly need all the good luck I can get. I have to be the luckiest man alive for a woman like yourself to stay with me...” His sweetheart’s eyes softened and so did her smile. She lifted his face by the chin: “Alright, Mr Tall Dark-haired man, why don’t you go and bring us both some good luck?”

Aesop smiled at her gratefully, before going around her. He stepped back into the room, and then extended his hand to her. She took it, letting him pull her after him. “I bring you this little bun as a gift,” he proclaimed slightly dramatically with a mischievous grin, fishing out the small pastry wrapped in a handkerchief out of his pocket. He offered it to his companion, and she didn’t hesitate in biting into the sugary treat. The mix of raisins, currants, almonds and various spices began a symphony of taste in her mouth, and she closed her eyes in order to be able to savour it fully. “Ad now, as a little reward for having brought good luck to the household, I’ll have myself a quick bite of something to eat,” facetiousness coloured Aesop’s voice, and he quickly dipped his head in order to capture the rest of the dessert into his mouth, their lips touching briefly. The girl hurriedly put her hand in front of her mouth as laughter broke through her. She finally swallowed her bite: “Merlin’s beard, you’re on fire today, Aesop,” she said between chuckles. 

“Just… excited, that’s all. Happy…” he replied sheepishly after swallowing his half of the pastry. “So am I… I love you,” said his sweetheart sincerely before pulling him in for another kiss, this one dessert-free. The former auror pulled her with him as he began backing up. He sat on the edge of the bed, and she wasted no time in doing the same.

A few deep, lengthy kisses soon led to ones more passionate and fervent. Tongues slid against each other in a sensual dance, teeth chased after tender skin, hands were getting tangled in hair and used to map out the other's form. Somehow, and they barely even knew how, given the fact they were rather preoccupied with their urgent snogging, the young woman ended up in his lap, her best efforts to mess his hair up as much as possible, resulting in her rocking upon him ever so slightly.

Suddenly, Aesop dipped his head down, uneven teeth closing up upon her pulse point, and a surprised moan rolled from her kiss-swollen lips. Aesop stopped. He looked up at her and in a moment of clarity so absolute, she might as well have been naked in front of him, he noticed the obvious signs their fiery interaction had left a mark. Her pupils were dilated, eyes clouded over, her cheeks darkly flushed, her breathing laboured. The sight caused his already stirring shaft to begin filling up slowly. Her eyes widened and he got nervous. Blast it. All of his effort to not press his hips against her in his sleep, and he goes messes things up when fully awake.

"Uh, I’m s-sorry, dear, I-... Um, that's-"

"Do I arouse you?" She breathed out, a small smile dancing upon her lips, her pupils getting so large, her iris was barely visible in the low light. Her cheeks got even darker with both excitement and slight embarrassment.

Seeing she wasn't disgusted, afraid or uncomfortable, Aesop gave a breathless chuckle, then another, then another. "Do you truly not know the answer to that question? Or do you just want me to say it?" he asked in a hoarse whisper. As if to emphasise his question, his cock gave another throb, making him struggle to stifle a groan. His young lover said nothing, but blinked at him slowly, biting her lower lips unconsciously.

"Yes. Very much so," he finally said, "you are an attractive woman, my sweet, one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful one I've ever seen. If I didn't get aroused by having you sitting in my lap like this… Well, I'd be pretty certain I'm dead."

His young lover beamed at him, and once more connected their lips, prompting another chuckle from the potions master.

Their eyes met then, and Aesop couldn't not smile at her. Slowly, he helped her move so rather than sitting in his lap, she was straddling his healthy leg. They didn't need to speak about it - this wasn't the right time, the right place. While both of them were in love with each other for quite some time, this was still a big step they weren't ready for. They both knew it, and didn't need to say it out loud. 

However, they now knew that their bodies craved, and that the spark between them could absolutely turn into a Fiendfyre if left to burn. 

Aesop embraced his sweetheart tightly, putting her head on his shoulder while his large hands stroked her back. They let their bodies calm down gradually, just like the hamlet around them got quieter and quieter. And then, when the last customer drunkenly rolled out of the tavern below them, slurring some old Scottish song, the lovers' previous passion was replaced by calm tenderness.

"I haven't brought my nightgown," she said quietly. Aesop grinned: "how could you have brought it? You didn't know we'd be going here. Worry not, though. I brought you my nightshirt to sleep in. It's... Not as pretty as yours, doesn't have the lovely lace and such, but it's soft, and it's warm. Want to go change now, and we can finish our champagne and talk some more?"

She smiled and nodded at him, before slowly rising off the bed.

The young woman entered the adjacent room - it was a small bathroom, with a fairly large clawfoot bathtub with a bronze finish that took up most of the room, a basin stood upon a wooden cabinet with a pitcher of water next to it, and a few more empty cabinets. There was no water closet, and she cringed at the mere thought of having to make use of a chamber pot while with Aesop, so if she needed to use the loo, she’d have to find a privy outside most likely… . Ah, well, you win some, you lose some, she thought as she began disrobing.

The warmth of the other room didn’t quite reach the bathroom, and gooseflesh appeared on her body. While she undressed, she observed the large tub. In her mind’s eye, she was able to perfectly picture lounging about in there, submerged in the hot water, her back leaning against Aesop’s strong chest. She knew his chest was hairy, she saw a few strands peek out from under his sleeping shirts, but she didn't know just how hairy he truly was. And she was looking forward to finding out one of these days…

She pulled on the shirt he lent her, and felt near instant comfort. It truly felt very soft and warm, just like he said, but she was also suddenly enveloped by his scent. The young woman gathered the fabric by the collar (which was hanging rather low) into her hands and brought it to her nose, inhaling deeply. At that moment she knew Aesop would not be getting his shirt back, no no, it would conveniently disappear in the morning. 

She realised perfectly that once term resumed, she might not be able to fall asleep within his arms every single night. The thought positively scared her, as she became pretty much addicted to feeling his warmth next to her while she slept, feeling his chest move as he breathed evenly, feeling his heart thumping beneath her ear. She even found his occasional snoring endearing, something she thought was rather mental, actually. Therefore, sleeping in his shirt on the nights she wasn’t able to warm up his bed, while not ideal, was the next best thing.

She took a look at herself in the mirror. She was getting positively lost in the large nightshirt, and had to actually grab some of it into her hands not to trip over the hem. She exited the bathroom to find him lounging on the bed, now also donning his sleepwear, seemingly deep in thought, all the while popping a strawberry into his mouth every now and then. He smiled at first when he saw her emerge, but then his eyes dropped to her body clad in his sleepwear and he looked like he forgot to breathe for a moment. The girl felt strangely exposed to him, despite the fact he saw her in her own nightgown several times already. Well, the cleavage on her own wasn’t quite this low, but still. She blushed, but walked towards him to sit on the bed. 

Carefully, she arranged the nightshirt to cover her while she put both feet up and crossed her legs. Aesop mirrored her, but not before offering her a strawberry, which she accepted with a smile, letting him plop it into her mouth. Their champagne floated through the air towards them, and it just now occurred to her that they left it outside earlier, and Aesop obviously had to go back for it. Before she could take a hold of the flute to sip on the sparkling wine, the potions master dropped another strawberry into it. 

“So,” the girl said quietly after they clinked their glasses again and drank, “what other holidays do you celebrate, which traditions do you keep?” She was genuinely curious, as the idea of no-nonsense serious former Auror doing little muggle rituals for good luck, and carefully keeping to traditions was incredibly endearing. Of course, she’s long since known that Aesop wasn’t always serious. He had this sense of dry humour, occasionally darker, and made her laugh many times with his little jabs and jokes, but she knew he could get slightly mischievous too. Every once in a while, an almost boyish sparkle found its way into his eyes, along with a toothy grin that betrayed his age, making him appear all youthful and cocky, and seeing this expression on his distinguished face always gave her a little inner shiver, and made her heart throb for him.

Of course, throb it did almost every time he smiled, no matter how.

And it seemed that unlike the entire previous year she longed for him, he finally started noticing the effect he had on her, as his smile in answer to her question got even wider. He motioned for her to move and lean back against the headboard of the bed, soon joining her in the new position, his free arm curling around her. She rested her head on his shoulder, smiling unconsciously at the warmth she instantly felt, the feeling so familiar despite the two of them only having revealed their feelings to each other the week prior.

Aesop talked about the various traditions and little holidays he’d keep and celebrate, occasionally even talking about his muggle father and witch mother, and how things used to be when he was a young lad, long before stepping a foot into Hogwarts. There were pauses, and the young woman could tell that some parts were difficult for him to talk about, so she always used her hand to gently stroke at his good leg to let him know that he didn’t have to tell her if he felt uncomfortable. A few times he took her up on the way out, more often however, he just took a deep breath and talked, seeming considerably more relaxed after he got the words off his chest. 

She too talked a bit more about her upbringing. Aesop already knew a fair amount, of course from their regular chats over tea, but never before did she really speak up about how she felt about things her parents did and said. It was, after all, easier to talk about how one’s father goes to this and that London club for gentlemen, than talking about how it was to feel like one is not appreciated for the kind of person they are by their own parents. And the professor caressed her back gently, holding her through it. The bottle became emptier and emptier as the night dragged on, and the two lovers’ eyes started getting heavy, their speech becoming very slightly slurred under the effects of alcohol. Luckily, the champagne also worked in making their at first serious conversation turn into a more lighthearted one, and they were once more smiling by the time Aesop said: “Hmm… gettin’ really late… really early, actually. Shall we get some shut eye?”

The two were huddled together more than when they started talking, now more lying down than sitting, sharing their body warmth and the same breath. The girl didn’t say anything, only murmuring in agreement, drinking the last few drops of her glass’ contents, before using her wand, which she put on the nightstand earlier, to float the glass away on the table. It landed a bit too harshly, making her wince, but it luckily didn’t break.

“And that, my dear,” Aesop chuckled, “is why a good innkeeper knows to confiscate the wands of people who had a little bit too much to drink. A completely sloshed bugger handling an object that could very easily light things on fire or outright explode them is not a clever combination apparently.” The potions master actually got up from the bed to take care of his own glass, before walking to the door.

“Where are you going?” his sweetheart asked confusedly. He chuckled, and awkwardly rubbed at his neck: “That’s a lot of champagne we drank. I don’t want to wake up in two hours or so…” Realisation widened her eyes, and she actually chuckled: “That’s a clever idea actually… Where- where exactly is it?” “Don’t worry, you won’t have to go outside into the cold. There’s a shared closet at the end of the hall. It’s enchanted, so the… contents are immediately vanished away.”

The young woman waited for her lover to return, once more using the opportunity to bring the nightshirt he lent her to her nose and inhale his scent. After a few minutes, he stumbled back into the room with a little grin. “I am happy to report that both the hallway and the closet are free of any drunks on the verge of passing out. At least they are now, seeing as I’m back here,” he snorted with amusement before sitting back on the bed. “You best hurry,” said the professor then, “I meant it, I find myself very close to falling asleep, and I’d be much happier to do that with you in my arms.”

The Ravenclaw smiled at his sentiment and kissed him quickly, before also making her way to the john. The inn was eerily quiet now, everybody obviously having gone to bed at least two hours ago. After she was finished and her hands were washed, she quickly walked back, both the hallways and the netty being quite chilly. Entering the room, she immediately noticed Aesop wasn’t lying when he said he was on the brink of passing out. He was resting against the headboard again, his eyes closing, but when he noticed her, his lips spread into a lazy smile, and his right hand went to pat the spot on the bed next to him.

The girl didn’t need to be asked twice. She didn’t even bother going around the bed to lie down, and instead almost jumped onto the bed, forcing quiet chuckles out of the professor, even as she crawled into his arms. “Oh, sweetheart,” he said then, his voice slightly raspy, “have you any idea what you’re doing to my poor heart? Looking like this, all pretty and perfect, jumping into bed after me… Makes it a bit difficult for me to keep my head out of the gutter.” She bit at her lip a bit, their earlier impromptu… romp upon the sheets making her body wake up. She felt a mix of emotions - shyness and slight embarrassment, but there was no doubt that she desired. Craved. That she’d… explore this newfound heady feeling later, but for now, she was just glad to be once again held by him. 

The potions master seemed to agree with her unspoken debate as he gently cradled her close to him, making sure his hands were resting upon her back respectably, and there was a gap between their lower halves. He used his healthy leg to get the blanket folded at the foot of the bed higher up, so that he could wrap the warm material around the two of them. Then, with a wave of his hand, the room was plunged into near darkness, the only light coming from the flames in the fireplace.

“I'm sorry,” he whispered after a few seconds. “Hm?” murmured the girl, sleep already claiming her fast, “what for?” “My comments and such. I don't want to make you uncomfortable. It's been more than a decade since I last… courted someone… Now that I think about it, though, it's been even longer. Properly courted, that is. I’m more than a little rusty. So, please, if I ever say or do anything that’s outside of your comfort zone, feel free to smack me on the head, I promise this old dog is still able to be taught,” one of the professor’s hands caressed her face and hair gently, his thumb mapping out her features. “I’m not uncomfortable…” she replied, her voice just as quiet, “this is all… entirely new to me. I’m feeling things I have never felt before with anyone, and it’s amazing, brilliant, and slightly overwhelming. And knowing that we both… desire the other… it’s such a foreign new concept to me… one that doesn’t frighten me or make me uncomfortable, but…” “It’s a big thing,” he finished, “a big thing that should not be rushed. We’ll both know when the time is right.” “And until then… until then we’ll learn how this thing goes. Together,” she offered, smiling despite only being able to see him a little bit. But she could see the flash of his teeth in a grin unmistakably. It just made sense - she was new to this absolutely, while his own romances were a thing of the distant past. But together, they’d be able to learn and see what worked best for them. And while neither said it, there was a shared knowledge that they’d do their very best to take the love between them, and work upon it, stoke its already brightly burning flames, and slowly explore the other from the inside out. They’d make it work. 

They kissed tenderly, arms holding onto the other, hearts beating at the same rhythm. Aesop’s baritone broke the silence of their room as he slowly began singing Auld Lang Syne. His voice was quiet and soft, nearly hypnotic, and it soon lulled his darling into peaceful slumber, and when his fatigue won, and he fell into the land of dreams, he did so knowing that this was meant to be.

They were meant to be.

Hello and thank you for reading! You can also check this story and all of my other stories over on AO3

I'm insanely grateful for feedback ❤

[elmundodeflor]

If there's anything Levi Ackerman's learnt, is that things never go as expected.

He was born in a place where every day he was put up to challenge. He had lost his mom and friends.

He found it ironic— some kind of tragedy one almost wants to laugh at. Each time he thought he could finally sit back, get comfortable, relax, life showed him how wrong he was for it.

"Farlan and Isabel, right?", Hanji's voice makes him startle. Their words turn to drawings in the air— figments of ice that spiral through the night. "Were they your siblings?"

Levi shrugs it off. It's been a year since that day, but the memories still make his chest hurt. Like a wound that has yet to get closed.

"None of your business.", he says. Hanji looks at him through the corner of their eye, then lets out a soft giggle. He never understood them; — how they could still be light-hearted in a world so heavy. He was harsh and closed-off. They could have gotten offended at him for his distance— shouted at him for being this cold. But they hadn't. They hadn't and, instead, they could only graze him bright smiles in turn.

"You know...", they speak. They're in the headquarters' rooftop, watching the snow. It's New Years Eve; the first one where they can see the yard turn this pristine shade of white. "My father used to tell me that, upon celebrations, our big, big family table didn't start where he sat, nor ended where I was sitting."

Levi raises a brow. He can see their hair, poking out of their hat, dusted off with snowflakes. The slightest tinge of pink that burns on the bridge of their nose.

Hanji continues.

"He said that the table kept going, and going, and going, until it wrapped around the world and appeared right behind him.", they say. "That everyone we knew was sitting there besides us. Grandpa, my mom... even Farlan and Isabel could be there, too!"

Levi scoffs. He can frame the picture in his mind, actually; vivid, and wild, and colorful. He didn't know Hanji's family, but he imagines them, as well; all with their same brown eyes and glasses. The table's filled with food; warm rice, roast-beef, potatoe soup. He can taste the sweet and spice on his tongue, smell the veil of smoke that comes from the kitchen. His mom sits next to him, graceful as she's always been. She wears a white shirt, a silver necklace ducked underneath.

He turns to her and smiles; a small tug at his lips that resembles hers. He's dying to tell her something, to ask her questions, to introduce her to Hanji.

"It's nice, I guess...", they say, once more. They're leaning on the railings, staring over at the skies. "Dad used to say that, in order to meet everyone again, we had to pretend that we were little kids. That it was important for us to believe in magic..."

Levi stays silent; his eyes closed when the wirlwind blows. He had always expected for miracles, back when Kuchel would return home late. He had always hoped for some force to make her warm again. To fill the tiny holes that'd crack his heart.

Now, little there's left of that child he once was. But he can play pretend, as Hanji's father would say. He can see, instead of just look.

Farlan and Isabel bicker over who'll take the spot next to him. There's a bouquet of flowers, front and center, surrounded by dry leafs and candles. He can hear Erwin's voice, as he pours up some wine for him. He can watch over at his squad, who he's proud of, all passing down the plates and drinks.

It's a sight he grows fond of. An image that's warm and makes him bubble up with joy. He feels less alone, now that he's allowed himself to believe. That he's let kid-Levi have this one wish turn true.

"Hey", Hanji elbows him, almost as if to wake him from his daydream.

He blinks at them, still dizzy, and his breaths swirl into white clouds. Now, they'll go downstairs to have dinner with everyone else, and there won't be roast beef or potatoe soup. The table won't have fresh flowers. There probably won't even be wine. Still, he thinks, Erwin will be there. And Mike. And Nanaba. And his squad, too.

They'll light candles, and there will be a trail of smoke coming from the kitchen. And so, when the clock hits twelve and everyone cheers, he swears, he'll believe in magic. He'll be a child all over. He'll see, and not just look.

He'll sit next to his mother, and ask her the questions he'd been dying to. He'll let Farlan and Isabel take turns on the chair besides him. He'll have champagne with Hanji's dad.

It's okay with him, really— that he'll only get to have this, a small portion of them, for the rest of his life. He's finally come to terms with one's own, human fatality. Erwin's the big brother he's never had, Hanji has that same grace of his mother's.

"Beep-boop", they wave a hand in front of him. "Earth calling Levi?"

He rolls his eyes at them.

"What is it now?"

They pout, then drag him by the sleeves of his parka.

"Have you even been listening? We have to get going!"

Levi stares at them, — at how their glasses have almost frosted. Petra tells Oluo that his cravat's ridiculous. Moblit's rushing over with the food. There's the clink of porcelain and the smell of bread. It all floats up to the roof, where they both have been, then fades off with the snow.

He's aware, this year there won't be dessert, or champagne, or his mother, either. But he has this, instead— these people he considers family. A big, big group of misfits that somehow fit together.

He feels less alone, now that he's allowed himself to believe, that love can take shape in such cruel world. This is what kid-Levi would have wanted, he tells himself. The warmth. The company.

"Let's go, then.", he says, and Hanji laughs at him, dragging him further down the stairs.

Truth is, spending New Years like this— being a Scout— comes as a complete surprise to him. That this isn't at all how he expected things to be.

Then again, he figures, however, he's alright with it. This, — Hanji, the family he's found, being a Scout, even—, is the one choice he won't ever regret.

[bloody-bee-tea]

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, may it be filled with everything we hope and wish for <3

Suguru hasn’t stopped staring at Satoru since the moment he sat down on his bed and even though Satoru loves having his entire attention on him, he can’t deny that it’s starting to make him uncomfortable.

“What?” he snaps out when Suguru simply won’t look away. “Do I have something on my face?”

“No,” Suguru gives back and finally looks away to sit down next to Satoru.

“Then what is it? You’ve seen me before, so quit your staring,” Satoru says, more biting than is really necessary and he knows he could have played it off as a joke, could have made this into a funny thing like he so often does but something about Suguru’s stare is getting to him.

“I just thought you’d be out by now,” Suguru says with a shrug and now it’s Satoru’s turn to stare at him.

“Out? Where would I go?”

“It’s the New Year’s Eve,” Suguru mutters. “Out partying I guess. I mean, even Shoko went out.”

“So?”

“So why didn’t you?”

“Why didn’t you?” Satoru shoots back, because sure, partying might seem right up Satoru’s alley—except for the alcohol—but Suguru hasn’t gone out either.

Satoru doesn’t understand why he’s the one being interrogated like that.

“I don’t like the huge parties,” Suguru says with a sigh, slinging his arms around his legs and resting his chin on his knee. “But you do.”

Satoru opens his mouth to say the obvious reason why he stayed here, at the school, but he snaps his mouth shut before a word can come out.

Satoru never knows what will be too much when it comes to Suguru, never knows when he’ll be too much for him and he’s scared to find out, scared to lose him.

But he promised himself that he would be honest about his feelings should he find him in his dorm and so he kinda has to say it now.

“But you don’t,” he gives back, mimicking Suguru’s position but he makes sure to sit close enough to press their shoulders together. “You don’t like going out. You once said that it’s all too much during big events, right? So I thought I’d keep you company here.”

It’s not really what Satoru wanted to say, what he wanted to confess, but he guesses this is better than nothing and most definitely a start.

Satoru still feels Suguru freeze at his side, just for a moment, but with how close they are sitting it’s hard to miss and his heart beats fast in his chest. If even this can make Suguru react like that, Satoru doesn’t even want to know how he’s going to act should he ever find the courage to tell him about his feelings.

“I see,” Suguru breathes out and then leans more heavily against Satoru. “Thank you, then,” he goes on, tilting his head slightly so Satoru can see the smile curling his mouth and warmth floods Satoru along with an acute sense of relief. It wasn’t too much.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” he grumbles out, which makes Suguru laugh for real and thankfully things go back to normal, after that.

They get some take out food, they get snacks, they watch movies and play games and egg each other on, just like they always do, at least right until it’s getting close to midnight.

Because then Suguru gets pensive again.

“You—didn’t have many New Year’s celebrations away from your family, right?” he eventually asks, just when Satoru was about to demand to know what was going on again.

“Right,” Satoru slowly answers, because he doesn’t know what Suguru is aiming for.

“So you don’t know the most prominent tradition, correct?”

Satoru narrows his eyes at Suguru, wrecks his brain in the meantime to figure out what Suguru might mean, but he can’t come up with anything.

“Isn’t it just this? I thought all the traditions go into Christmas.”

“Yeah, thought so,” Suguru breathes out, keeping a close eye on the watch.

Less than three minutes.

“Suguru, what are you talking about?” Satoru demands to know, but Suguru doesn’t answer him, simply wrings his hands in his lap, avoiding eye contact with Satoru. “Is it—something bad?” Satoru eventually asks, when it’s clear that he’s not going to get an answer from Suguru, which makes him flinch.

“No?” Even Suguru doesn’t sound sure of his answer.

“Sounds convincing,” Satoru grumbles, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Fine, keep your secrets. I’ll just ask Shoko tomorrow, maybe she can explain to me what’s going on then.”

“No!” Suguru blurts out, before he seems to get himself back under control. “Just—don’t ask her,” he adds and hides his face in his hands. “She’s going to laugh at me so hard.”

Satoru isn’t sure if he was meant to hear that last part, but it only makes things more confusing to him and he doesn’t like it.

“I can—do you want me to leave?” Satoru asks because it’s the only thing he can think of to offer.

Midnight is right around the corner—maybe half a minute left—but if he leaves right now Suguru can celebrate the New Year alone and doesn’t have to worry about any strange traditions.

Satoru wouldn’t like it, but he’d do it, for Suguru.

“Absolutely not,” Suguru decidedly says, a new resolve to his voice and he doesn’t hesitate to reach out to snatch Satoru’s sleeve in his hand. “Don’t leave.” He quickly eyes the clock. “But also don’t punch me in the face, I guess?” he whispers and then every conscious thought leaves Satoru’s brain because Suguru is leaning forward, his eyes fluttering shut.

Satoru has never been kissed before but he has consumed enough media to know what’s going to happen. It doesn’t help him though, because Suguru being this close—and moving closer still—freezes him right to the spot.

It feels as if the world around explodes around Satoru when Suguru’s lips meet his—it surely has nothing to do with the fireworks going off everywhere—but it’s also enough to finally make Satoru remember himself and he manages to kiss back before Suguru moves away again.

“Happy New Year,” Suguru breathes out as he moves away and Satoru’s heart plummets in his chest.

“This is—the tradition?” he croaks out, beyond disappointed and actually kind of hurt, but he somehow manages to plaster a smile to his face. “Interesting.” It’s the only thing he can think of to say at the moment and he doesn’t miss the way Suguru avoids looking at him.

“It’s—yes.”

So it doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t mean anything at all to Suguru, even though it means the world to Satoru. Great. That’s just great.

“But it’s not—” Suguru cuts himself off, a look of pure frustration on his face. “But that’s not really it, Satoru,” he finally says, meeting Satoru’s eyes again.

Satoru knows that look; it’s the one Suguru always wears right before they go into a fight and Satoru wonders what could possibly put that look on his face right now.

“It is the tradition, yes,” Suguru repeats, as he reaches out for Satoru’s hand again. Instead of reaching for the sleeve, though, he tangles their fingers together. “But I also just wanted to do that. I have wanted to do that for a while, actually, you know.”

“You—wanted to kiss me,” Satoru unsurely gives back, though he doesn’t fail to squeeze Suguru’s hand.

“Yes.” Suguru takes a deep breath before he goes on. “I wanted to do that way before, because I’m in love with you. I’m just—a coward, I guess.”

Relieved laughter bubbles up in Satoru’s throat though he chokes it back. Suguru is going to misunderstand if he should laugh now, he just knows it, and Satoru can’t have that.

“Just like I am,” Satoru gives back and shuffles closer to Suguru. “I wanted to keep you company, because I’d rather spend every minute of every day with you than going out to party. Because I’m in love with you, too.”

His words clearly catch Suguru off guard because he keeps blinking at him in shock.

“I didn’t really expect that,” Suguru finally admits and he lets out a little laugh. “I was prepared for you to tell me to fuck off.”

“Same,” Satoru easily gives back, dropping his head to Suguru’s shoulder. “I was prepared for you to avoid me. I thought it would all be too much.”

“It’s never too much,” Suguru tells him as he takes his hand back. Before Satoru can mourn the loss, Suguru brings his arms up around Satoru and hugs him close. “It’s never enough, with you.”

Satoru slings his arms around Suguru’s middle in turn and squeezes him tightly.

“Happy New Year, Suguru,” Satoru whispers, his lips brushing against Suguru’s throat and he goes warm all over when he feels Suguru pressing a kiss to his head.

“Happy New Year, Satoru.”

And it really can’t be anything but, with a start like this.

[agusrkive]

under the New Year’s Eve mistletoe

Coldest Winter (Levi Ackerman)

summary: a soldier’s heart and a man’s will is tested when war breaks out leaving him stranded and finds himself far away from the life he only once dreamed of the moment he met you.

There is no glory in battle worth the blood it costs, for war does not determine who is right— only who is left.

ELD. 848 PL.

December 24, 1942

under command/ FADM Erwin Smith

Sgt. Annie Leonhart wounded

Sgt. Pieck Finger wounded

Sgt. Marco Bott wounded

T/Sgt. Connie Springer wounded

1st Sgt. Armin Arlert wounded

1st Sgt. Jean Kirschtein wounded

1st Sgt. Bertolt Hoover wounded

M/Sgt. Miche Zacharius wounded

T/Sgt. Colt Grice killed in action

1st Sgt. Porco Galliard killed in action

1st Sgt. Marcel Galliard killed in action

1st Sgt. Reiner Braun missing in action

1st Sgt. Logan Magath missing in action

M/Sgt. Zeke Jaëger missing in action

M/Sgt. Levi Ackerman missing in action

December 31, 1942

to my dearest,

I wrote this letter to you on the 14th of July, Year 1942. It is with a heavy heart I bring this news to you. Today, the platoon had decided to send our unit to the north of Kolberg, Germany for the next operation. It seems like the war won’t be stopping anytime soon and by the time you have received this, it will be around late December. I miss you and not a single day goes by that my thoughts weren’t plagued by you.

I missed you and think of you even at times I shouldn’t. I have you in mind all the time and I haven’t forgotten about the promise I made to you.

I might not be able to come home soon, but I will come home to you and run with my feet if I have to. Right now, it must be the eve of the 31st of December when you’re reading this.

Please, don’t worry about me and I’ll do the same. There’s a lot of things for me to say that the tip of my pen won’t be able to suffice and before I forget to tell you, there’s an odd spot at your place where I seem to have grown fond of, especially with my last visit a year ago. At the backdoor where the scenery of nature can be witnessed, there’s something that I would like to do. I won’t go into details, but I hope when the next winter comes, I’ll be there by your side. Then we’ll settle the rest of things under the mistletoe.

The world is cruel and full of danger, but it’s merciful enough to have led me to you.

- L.A

[bchanslvr]

New Year's Day [hp x gn!reader]

word count — 669

warnings — one kiss, sickly sweet fluff & not proof read.

summary — new year's day with harry.

a/n — yeah i know i'm late but i wanna start the year with my bf <3

Gosh Harry hated parties. Everyone was always staring, even when they thought they were slick with it, Harry could always see right through it.

He hated the people, the clothing, the intrusive conversations, the spotlight surrounding him, everything about it was stupid and he just wanted to go home.

But no you insisted on going to this New Year's Eve party, and that was the only reason he was here.

He was so goddamn lucky to have found you. An honest, and incredibly beautiful person from the inside out that loves him so much. Even through his flaws and scars.

He didn't know how he scored you but ever since he felt your unconditional love, nothing in the world mattered more than coming home to you dancing around the kitchen listening to a mainstream song as you cooked dinner.

You grounded him. From the distraction of all that outside of your home.

So that's why he willingly put aside every thought to be here with you on the floor tonight.

To be honest you were pretty neutral with parties. You only came tonight as an excuse to wear your most lavish clothes, and because some friends invited you and how could you say no?

And well, it gave you a chance to boast about your husband. Because who wouldn't when God gave him a beautiful face and the body of a prince.

Eventually came late night as people finally started leaving in their bougie cars and or lifts. You got the cue and managed to drag Harry home after 10 whole minutes of people saying goodbye to him.

Once you got home you rid yourself of any jewels and shoes before dashing for the bathroom to change into the comfort of your night clothes.

You wanted to shower but it was almost midnight and you were exhausted, so you opted for a morning shower once you woke up.

You swiftly did your night routine before collapsing onto your shared bed. Harry following a few minutes after.

You pulled the blanket over your bodies, and layed your head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around your waist. His face resting on your soft hair.

He kissed the crown of your head as you drifted off to sleep in his arms. Yet he still layed there, wide awake and staring at the ceiling.

Thinking.

"Love?" He asked softly as you let out a sleepy "mhm".

"I love you so much. I know I don't say it often but I really do. Do you know how lucky I am going into another year with you? The light of my life."

Your sleep faded as you kept listening to his words. Usually you would slap him on the arm telling him to go back to sleep if he woke you in the middle of night, but not this time.

You clang onto every word that left his lips. Soft in the heart as you pulled him closer to you in an embrace.

"Harry. You don't have to say 'I love you' because I know you do in your actions. Every single day I'm grateful to have a person like you to call as my husband. You're so selfless in everything you do. I don't know how I deserve you but God am I glad because I don't think I can let you go after everything that we've been through so far. "

"Y/N..." He whispered as tears pricked his eyes. Never ever in his life did he think he'd find someone so kind and loving like you.

All those nights as a kid as he stared out the window in his dorm wishing for love never went to waste.

He held you impossibly tighter as fireworks went off in the background as New Year's Day came.

You both lay there, lost in a trance of pure love.

"I love you Harry. Always will. I can't wait to spend another year with you." You say, turning around to gently kiss him on the lips.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

harry taglist - again i have no one to tag right now except the people i already know like my works because i made a new taglist which is in my navigation so if you'd like to be tagged in future works check it out! anyways @ronsbadidea @ladyvesuvia @heythereangels @hmupotter @toms-diary