#or practice making ornament hooks on them

[maxaroniiiii]

it's them!!

[epicbuddieficrecs]

Weekly Recap | July 22nd-28th 2024

Had a nice week off, sadly it's back to work for me :(

Complete

Made A Difference In My World by I_still_dont_understand_13/ @dangerpronebuddie (Post-S7, Getting Together | 1K | Teen): Maddie's words echo in Buck's mind as he stops practically mid step to stare. He must look like a fool. Best case scenario, a really detailed lawn ornament. But the sight before him would stop even the toughest of men, and Buck is a weak, weak man. It doesn't help that the speakers are blasting Whatta Man. It doesn't help that this year's LAFD shirts are thinner than previous years thanks to budget cuts. It doesn't help that the sun is at the perfect angle to make the man before him practically glisten.

This doesn’t change anything between us, okay? by fraddit/ @fraddit (Post-S7, Unrequited Love, Open Ending | 1K | Teen): Buck and Eddie talk and break each other's hearts, but the love remains.

Workplace Regulations by glorious_spoon/ @glorious-spoon (PWP, Established Buddie | 1,2K | Explicit): "Maybe I should have brought the clipboard. For, like. Plausible deniability." Eddie snickers as Buck maneuvers him back against the shelves, spinning him around in the darkness. "You really think having a clipboard is gonna help if someone catches us fucking in a supply closet?"

my sleep broke on a hug by glorious_spoon/ @glorious-spoon (PWP | 1,3K | Explicit): This is real, though. Buck is snoring faintly, and Eddie's mouth is morning-sour, and they're both sweating where they're pressed against each other because Buck tugged the blanket back up over them last night before Eddie pulled him into his arms. This is real.

Come Home by Tizniz/ @tizniz (Canon Divergent - Post Lawsuit | 1,5K | General): Nearly three years after the lawsuit, after Buck ran away from everyone, from him, Eddie gets a letter written in a familiar scrawl.

held at the end of your tether by teaspoon/ @standback (PWP, Established Buddie | 2K | Explicit): Eddie loves getting Buck to say exactly what he wants and then giving it to him, but the fun part is winding him up first—making him beg for it.

drown in my mind by devirnis/ @devirnis (A/B/O AU, PWP | 2K | Explicit): Buck pads down the hallway and pushes the door to the kitchen open slowly. A fond smile curls up the corners of Buck’s mouth. And then the scent hits him. Sickly sweet, like honey and cough syrup. Normally it’s a scent that has Buck’s heart soaring, but the smell combined with the fact that it looks like Eddie has stress-cleaned the entire house while Buck was on his 48-hour shift has guilt churning violently in his stomach. Eddie’s in heat.

this ecstasy, this forgetfulness of living by glorious_spoon/ @glorious-spoon (PWP, Established Buddie | 2,5K | Explicit): Eddie hooks a hand through the handle of the leash and tugs a little. Playful, it's playful and a little teasing and not forceful at all, but the collar presses into the base of his neck as Eddie reels him in, and something in Buck's mind goes blissfully silent and still.

mixed message by coldbam/ @coldbam (Post-S7, Accidental Sexting, Infidelity | 2K | Explicit): Five minutes later Eddie hears his phone vibrate on the counter, the screen saying it’s another message from Buck. He expects it to be a link to a trail Buck wants to do, or maybe even a detailed grocery list. But… When he opens his message, he’s greeted to—it’s—well, it’s Buck’s dick. * Or Eddie accidentally receives a text meant for Buck's boyfriend.

melting on my lips by devirnis/ @devirnis (PWP, Established Buddie | 3K | Explicit): Eddie doesn’t know how he ended up like this. Scratch that, he does know how he ended up like this. When Buck gets in a certain mood – all teasing smiles, lingering touches, reaching increasingly further and further to make any kind of innuendo – Eddie finds it impossible to resist him. So when Buck had caged him up against the kitchen counter and kissed the living daylights out of him before suggesting they take it to the bedroom and try something new? Yeah, no way was Eddie saying no to that one.

alleyways and payphone calls by glorious_spoon/ @glorious-spoon (PWP, Established Buddie | 3K | Explicit): He doesn't grope Eddie in the elevator mostly because he's pretty sure that if he starts he's not going to stop, and Eddie's got a slightly crazy-eyed look that suggests now is not a good time to count on him being the sensible one.

no need to be brave by teaspoon/ @standback (Post-S5E13, Friends to Lovers | 4K | Explicit): It should be weird, probably, that he’s let Buck take on this role in their lives. And it should be monumental, even earth-shattering, to realize that if anything, Eddie just wants more. He wants to put his mouth on Buck’s birthmark, on his easy grin, at the dip of his throat. He wants to drag Buck into his bed and keep him there. Suddenly, the idea of not seeing Buck for two days makes him want to punch a wall. Again.

The Other Thing by glorious_spoon/ @glorious-spoon (PWP, Friends to Lovers | 4K | Explicit): Eddie is blushing, and it's one of the prettiest sights Buck has ever seen, and he'll blame that completely for the next thing that comes out of his mouth. "Do you want me to do it again?"

I mustache you a question by rainbow_nerds/ @rainbow-nerdss (Post-S7, Getting Together | 5K | Teen): Eddie's life is in shambles. He grows a mustache. It, somehow, fixes everything.

I'll Take "Sounds I Wish I'd Never Heard" For $500, Alex by Kwills91/ @kwills91 (Getting Together, Post-S7 | 5K | Teen): Buck hears the Grindr notification sound on Eddie's phone - several times - and inevitably has a crisis about it.

every time i don't (i almost do) by justhockey (Getting Together | 8K | Teen): Or, five times Eddie almost tells Buck that he loves him, and the one time he finally does.

🔥no one can be born too many times by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Ravi-centric, Post-S7 | 10K | Teen): When Ravi's younger brother shows up at the station unexpected, the 118 gets a better glimpse into his life, and Ravi gets a better perspective on both his families.

Seismic Shift by fraddit/ @fraddit (Post-S2E3: Help Is Not Coming, Canon Compliant | 10K | Teen): Why Buck drove Eddie to pick up Christopher following the earthquake and what happened after that.

🔥 If You Can Make the Music by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Canon Divergent, | 14K | Mature): Spin-off Sequel to Evan Buckley & the Coma-Verse of Madness - Chapter 5 (Seaside): A year after a whirlwind two week love affair with bartender Buck in Galveston, Texas, Eddie Diaz finds himself coincidentally relocating to the area. But when he attempts to reconnect with Buck, he's in for an unfortunate surprise. (Part 3 of Coma-Verse)

🔥shapes and spaces by prettyunhinged (POV Christopher, Getting Together | 14K | Teen): Christopher Diaz has two dads. He's had two dads for almost as long as he can remember. The only problem? His dads haven’t quite worked that out for themselves… yet. or Five times Christopher calls Buck his dad to other people, and the one time he finally gets to say it to Buck.

All The Pieces Last Forever by fruitsdoesnotknow/ @tayf-ghost (Werewolf Eddie, Fae Buck | 19K | Teen): Eddie Diaz is a capable werewolf; he has a son to raise and a pack to take care of and that's enough. Evan Buckley is an unassuming fae, just trying to keep his head down, do his job, and get by each day. It isn't meant to mean anything when they finally meet. Because werewolves and fae don't belong together, right?

🔥 if you have something to say, you should say it right now by andtimestoodstill/ @andtimestoodstill (Canon, S2-S7 , Getting Together | 13K | Teen): Buck turned in his seat to flash Chris a smile. “We’ve arrived at your destination, good sir.” Chris giggled effusively, kicking his feet again. “Thanks for the ride, Buck,” Eddie said, climbing out of the passenger seat. “Say goodbye,” he told Chris. Buck held his fist out for Chris to bump, getting caught off-guard by the way the seven-year-old wrapped both arms around the back of Buck's seat in a hug instead. Chris pulled away, million-watt smile on his face. “Thanks, Buck. It was nice meeting you.” “You too, Chris,” Buck replied, a little breathless. (Or, Six Conversations in Cars) (Part 1 of moment of honesty)

🔥 sit right here and tell you all that comes to me by andtimestoodstill/ @andtimestoodstill (Post-S7, Coming Out | 30K | Mature): Eddie couldn’t look at the sympathetic tilt of Frank’s eyebrows for another second, so he trained his gaze over Frank’s shoulder. Ever since Chris had left, it had felt like the earth had stopped spinning. But as he looked out the window behind Frank, Eddie could see evidence of the world relentlessly marching on. If he stood up to get a better view, Eddie would probably be able to see Buck’s Jeep in the parking lot below. He’d dropped him off forty minutes ago and promised to be there when Eddie was done. (Or, Seven Conversations on Couches) (Part 2 of moment of honesty)

🔥my mind feels like a foreign land by chromatophorica/ @chromatophorica (Canon Divergent - Ghost Whisperer Buck, S2 | 41K | Mature): Buck & Maddie can see spirits; not that Buck ever told anyone he could. As he settles more into firefighting, Buck's quickly realising that ignoring them isn't going to work anymore. Maybe he should've gotten the basics from Grandma after all; then again, he's always been good at winging it.

🔥Second Best by Nejinee/ @nejineeee (A/B/O AU, FWB | 51K | Explicit): Eddie has convinced himself that helping Buck through his heat was perfectly normal behaviour between friends. It didn’t mean anything.

🔥Project: Rocket Kismet - Eddie vs. the Universe by AnnaNSmith/ @annansmith (Post-S4, Sexuality Crisis, Getting Together | 51K | Explicit): Buck and Eddie are straight. Until they aren't...

🔥loves a game, wanna play? by 42hrb/ @exhuastedpigeon (Post-S7, Love Island AU | 57K | Mature): In the aftermath of Chris leaving for the summer, Buck convinces Eddie they should apply for Love Island together.

across the stars by ummrys/ @ummrys (The Martian AU | 76K | Teen): Or, NASA astronaut Evan Buckley is presumed dead and abandoned on Mars. Despite everything, he lives to tell the tale.

🔥 Held Up a Lightning Rod (Wonder Why I'm Struck) by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels/ @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels (Not A Firefighter Eddie, Sugar Baby Buck | 128K | Explicit): When Eddie Diaz stumbles his way into money, he finds himself one of the most eligible bachelors in Los Angeles - to his dismay. He needs a way to get people off his back without confessing his messy marital situation, and Shannon's still not answering his calls, so he caves to a friend's suggestion: hire someone to pretend to be his partner. Enter Evan "Buck" Buckley: sugar baby, fire fighter, and the man about to turn Eddie's world upside down.

🔥 tell me about despair by hattalove/ @hattalove (S5, Eddie Character Study, Angst | 149K | Mature): eddie's not entirely sure he believes in getting help, at least not for himself. there's only so much healing to be had for a body torn apart by bullets, for a mind that's only half there, for a man who's been leaving pieces of himself behind all his life with nothing to take their place. except, as it turns out, falling apart happens in increments, and healing does, too: it happens when you gnaw a hole in your lip trying to keep quiet only to have the words escape; when you realize that the ghost you've been seeing out of the corner of your eye is yourself; when your best friend smiles, and you allow it to take your breath away. it happens through the smallest of things: bird feeders, and cacti, and pasta shapes.

WIP

🔥 Long Death by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Post-S7, Vampire AU | 10/14 | 45K | Explicit): In the summer of 2024, a never before seen form of vampirism breaks out in Los Angeles. Just as Eddie is about to get his son back. Six months later, Buck's life is permanently changed.

drift past the flowers. by dylaesthetics (Post-S6, (Un)requited Love | 13/14 | 41K | Teen): OR Buck and Natalia get engaged, and Eddie flees the state about it. A petty email correspondence ensues.

E & E: A Buddie Drabble Collection by Tizniz (Prompt fic | 106/? | 23K | General): A collection of drabbles for Buck and Eddie.

Weary Memory by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Buck&Bobby, Post-S7 | 1/4 | 2K | Teen): After an argument about the circumstances of Bobby's sudden retirement, Buck and Bobby each find themselves inexplicably experiencing one of the other's difficult childhood memories.

🔥 Any Other Way by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Canon Divergent, S2 | 15/21 | 75K | Mature): In a switcheroo alternate universe, Buck spends young adulthood in the military, while Eddie, who has no idea Christopher exists, spends his twenties messing around, finally enjoying freedom away from his family’s expectations. When they both end up in Los Angeles, at the 118, some things are different, and others will be the same in any universe.

Podfic

🔥[podfic] everything’s growing in our garden by All_I_Ask/ @alliaskisthepossibilityoflove for fleetinghearts/ @shitouttabuck (Pre-Buddie, Post-S7 | 20-30min | Teen): or, eddie’s growing a garden. buck might be the most firmly planted thing in it. 

[cybunii]

YOU NEEDED LOVE, I NEEDED YOU !!

a/n: i got sad and wrote this LOL but people wanted a part two to the other one so i hope this one is just as good !!

pairing: Leon kennedy x Gn!reader

cw: sad leon, maybe ooc?

-

Leon didn't like being alone after he met you. 

He clung to you as soon as he met you, doing everything in his power just to get an ounce of your attention. It's almost like a puppy begging their owner for treats or toys, he needed you, it was simple.

He’d walk to the ends of the earth for you, maybe even haunting you after death.

Even if he was cranky, or didn't understand the little things you did. He still loved you with every single piece of him, his heart belonged to you. 

And that was enough. 

Holidays have always been odd for him, his work never let him off around these days and he's so used to all of the stress that comes with the job. 

He felt almost empty, or maybe useless. 

He put that energy into almost everything he did with you, helping with baking and decorating. Even taking the time to decorate the outside of the house. It made him feel content, at least it made you happy. 

After helping you bake the first time, he was practically hooked. One bite of the desert you made and his fate was sealed, you had baked his heart and served it up for him to eat. 

He didn't think he minded that thought that much, maybe it was self-destructive or obsessive- But he would let you do anything to him, then again cannibalism always had weird hints of romance in those books he picked up. 

Decorating was fun at times, your pushy nature about how certain things needed to be done made you seem cute. 

He didn't understand the hype behind real christmas trees or specific ornaments on them, then again he didn't celebrate christmas growing up. Not that he never wanted to, but Santa and presents were off the table from a very young age. 

The way the ornaments lit up when the lights were plugged in was stunning. 

He decided that was his favorite part, well maybe one of them. Seeing your face break out into a smile once you stepped back from the finished tree may as well be burned into his memory. He wished he could've taken a picture.

-

He knew the holidays would be different this year, he was warned about a dangerous mission about a week ago, and the possibility of him coming back was less than none. 

He didn't like those odds. 

Not that he feared death or his job, but the first thing that came to mind was you. I mean he fought for you, secretly laid on his deathbed a few times, and thought of coming home to you later. 

He could never tell them no though, who was he to go against them? He was at their beck and call, a mindless robot who goes on missions and returns with less and less of his sanity intact. 

You weren't the jealous type, or at least he didn't think you were. He could handle you hating him, but he didn't want to feel the hatred at the moment, coming up with a desperate plan at the last second. 

He used Ada as an escape plan, thinking chasing after a woman on christmas would make you hate him, that way it was easier for him to leave. 

You didn't give a reaction, just staring at him with a blank expression. 

Every silent minute felt like hours, the seconds slowly shattering his heart the longer he stood there. Not like you knew that, he had been trained to keep a straight face, this was nothing.

-

He knew what nothing felt like when he left you. Leaving out the door with nothing to his name, no car, no clothes, and absolutely no money. Only a throwaway phone he used. 

He didn't want to look back at you, even if you showed no reaction, he didn't want to break down crying at the sight of your blank face. 

His only destination was the location they gave him, punching the place in and groaning when its hours away. 

He made it there the next day and to his surprise? 

They no longer needed him, the mission was a success by some other agent who was able to get there quicker and finish the job. They didn't know what he did to get there, and quickly ushered him out, saying they'll call if they ever needed him for something else. 

If leaving you didn't break him, knowing he could've come back to you absolutely crushed him. I mean even to the point of dry heavy sobs in some random hotel that he managed to get a room at, grabbing at the sheets as the tears ran down his red face. 

He never was the type to show his true emotions, always bottling them up until they turned to anger wasn't exactly the best thing for him to do. 

They always led to moments like these, a bottle exploding under the pressure and going everywhere, unable to be fixed or glued back together. 

It took him hours to stop crying, only because nothing else would come out anymore. 

His puffy eyes and disheveled hair made him frown, he never was one to look so pathetic, at least not in these situations.

He just wanted to lay somewhere, letting all of his emotions out and not having to do anything else. He never was the best type to be alone, his thoughts never made it easy.

-

He never did leave the state, coming back to your town with the promise of a small job at some weird office. Didn’t matter to him, it made decent money. 

He was observant of his surroundings at all times, his broken heart controlling his eyes as he walked the town, hoping to even see just a glimpse of you. 

He never did. 

He wondered if you had moved away. 

He hoped you didn't, with enough money he didn't mind going everywhere to find you. There's no limit to what he would've done to find you. 

There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't think of you, or how sorry he was for leaving. He would look out the window at night just staring at the moon, hoping you were too, at least you'd be doing the same thing he was. 

That would be enough for him. 

With the extra money he had, he would just walk around the town for hours. Going to the most popular restaurants and parks. Supposedly those were fun things to do, but he knew he only went there because he went there with you. 

He couldn't even shop without thinking of you, buying the small snacks and not thinking about it until he got home, leaving them sitting in the cabinet for months because his mind tricked him you were still around. 

It was sad, and he knew that. 

It was heartbreaking to know christmas was next week. How had time slipped by him that fast?

He may not have had his own traditions, but he’d never forget what he did with you. Practically burning a hole in his wallet as he bought a real christmas tree, buying the same ornaments and lights, and every single ingredient for the stuff you baked. 

The finished tree never did look as pretty without your smile paired with it.

And the deserts tasted empty, it wasn't like they weren't good- But they could be so much better if you had made them. 

He had bought you something too. 

It may have been corny, and also pathetic- He seemed to like that word, being hard on himself had to be his favorite pastime at this point. 

But he bought you a ring, one you had pointed at on a random day saying you wanted it. It hadn't even been a week since you started dating when you said that, and he remembered it ever since. 

He was definitely using that memory for later. 

But now it sits under the bright, but also dull tree, the lights bouncing off the shiny wrapping paper. He dreamed of giving it to you, maybe even placing it in your mailbox with no return address. 

He decided that was creepy, a good call on his end.

He wasn't a stalker, maybe not in a bad way. 

That’s beside the point. 

He missed you that night, maybe more than any other night. His mind decided to be real nice to him that night, creating a dream of you being together again and being happy, celebrating christmas like old times. 

He may have woken up that next morning and bawled his eyes out, but that was okay.

It felt real to him. 

And that was enough for now. 

-

word count: 1.5k

[anantaru]

✦ ۫ 𑄼ల۫  ۪ DEC 8TH — FAVORITE WINTER ACTIVITIES

featuring: heizou, childe, xiao, albedo, diluc, itto, scaramouche, al-haitham x gn! reader

genre: fluff, crack ૮⍝◠ ·̫ ◠⍝ა | event.

✦ 𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐙𝐎𝐔

decorating the house

for heizou and you it was important to decorate and celebrate a warm and warm-hearted christmas vibe, the atmosphere being filled with both kindness and compassion, symbolizing your love to each other and the new season.

"how does this look?"

heizou held a dainty figurine in his hand, symbolizing an angel, wrapped in a white little garment as he held it on to the drawer next to the big christmas tree, being unsure if it would fit.

"I love it! it fits the white ornaments on our tree."

your glowing face was definitely better than the wintery season itself, the sides of your lips were split in an enticing smile as you walked towards him.

"i love the sound of 'our' tree."

flabbergasted with joy and delight he put the small figurine on the desk so he could place his hands on your waist, drawing you closer.

a kiss, only one, saying more than one thousand words, that threw you off reality, feeling like your feet barely touched the ground anymore.

upon pulling away, you held his cheeks in your palms, continuing, "we should continue to decorate." grabbing the silver ribbons and glitter off the table you tried to pull away from his grasp as he hooked his hand into you.

watching him with a confused expression, you continued, "there‘s still things to do on the tree."

"OUR tree, don't mess it up now."

✦ 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐄

ice fishing

with ajax having an immense advantage surrounding this particular hobby— due to his father and him spending lots of time ice fishing together when he was little, he made it his duty to show you all the little tricks he had up his sleeve.

"wait, hold it like this."

your fingers were desperately cramping around the fishing rod, your hands struggling as he took them in his palm, wiggling you into the right direction.

"see, isn't that better?" his warm breath on your cheeks surely made you experience another familiar feeling, your smile being wide as you drew your eyes to him, thankful. "you're right."

"father and i always came here on the exact same spot, he showed me everything I'm showing you right now."

of course, you knew ajax was a big family person, his family was everything he had with you counting as a member of it as well.

the first time you met his parents you could still remember how excited he was, contentment warmed him from within when you were gradually opening up to them, laughing at each others jokes. He was so proud.

proceeding to let out some line from the fishing rod— so you could set the hook much further, you eagerly listened to the stories ajax would tell you about his childhood.

between the physical cold of the wintry day in snezhnaya, you shared each others company. An icy beauty was roaming, gently, a white sparkle as fine as any crystal would be when it began to snow, making the day very much more beautiful.

✦ 𝐗𝐈𝐀𝐎

sledding

with a puffy winter coat, xiao and you decided to go out sledding, well, not quite.

you actually had that brilliant idea and xiao followed suit, he wanted to make sure nothing was happening and that you weren't going to catch a cold, as if he could prevent that in the first place.

"are you sure you aren't too cold? we can still go back."

there it was again, your laugh echoed through the icy area as you turned around to watch xiao place the sled on the ground, his brows being slightly scrunched together in thought.

"i'm fine, are you ready though?" obviously, teasing him was one of your favorite things to practice, xiao never went sledding before and he was quite fond of the idea to share a new experience with his s/o.

"why shouldn't i be?" embarrassingly shifting his weight from side to side, he crossed his arms over his body, the cold air continuing to color his cheeks in a red hue.

"nothing nothing, we should start the fun!"

sledding every cold season comes and goes, but doing it with your s/o sure leaves its own impression, one that will always be remembered within high esteem.

with the sled down, you could feel the spine chilling wind run across your bodies when you sank onto the ground with xiao following suit.

you were sitting right in between his legs, he wanted it that way even though you had suggested to change positions, xiao still wanted you to sit particularly like that so he could drape his body over yours.

upon sliding down your faces changed with yours glistering in joy and excitement, you were pretty high up the hill, meaning that the sled was far faster than you had expected.

screaming and laughing you snuggled into xiao who held his breath because he didn't know what to do or what to say, nuzzling himself into your body and watching you well up with happiness.

it brought him a ray of happiness as well, seeing you like this.

✦ 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐃𝐎

ice skating

you were moving in tandem with the crystal cold on you, albedo holding your hand as the both of you skated over the frozen lake in mondstadt.

if there was beauty in teyvat, it was here, in this moment, together with every weight lifted off your soul, it felt as if you were floating with him by your side.

"how are you so good at this albedo? you said it's your first time."

it was somehow hilarious how your boyfriend seemed to literally know everything by heart, even hobbies he had never tried nor thought about before.

"it is actually quite simple, the mass of the ice is nearly perfectly constructed to hold the people of mondstadt." yeah, that wasn't what you meant but you decided not to press the conversation any further, more so would he end up telling you all about the mass and construction of ice.

either way, those little quirks surely made you fall in love in the first place, albedo's fluffy hair was engulfed by the icy air, hiding significant features of his handsome face.

with your hand tightly shut around his, you continued to dance around the ice and albedo was barely able to conceal his delight. Of course, he was always itching to learn and experience new things and now, doing that, together with you?

truly the best way to greet the cold season.

✦ 𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐔𝐂

wrapping presents

every year, gifts were an exchange being made by friends and family, naturally diluc and you were quite entranced by the idea of sending various little goodies to your close ones, or at least, you were.

truth is, he could be a bit overwhelmed with it, when it came to gifting someone something he wasn't the most creative one either, really, he was struggling his butt off so he was happy to at least have you by his side.

"jean will love this homemade bread and hand written letter, I'm sure of it."

with that you looped a golden and red string over the packaged gift, placing it to the other already done goodies you had been working on earlier.

your eyes next, fell to diluc who was surprisingly struggling, his fingers were clumsily squeezing the wrapping paper over a dusty notebook.

"who is this gift for?"

curiosity caught the best off you as you rested your head against your palm, watching diluc add an ungodly amount of wrapping paper to the small book.

"kaeya."

how emotionless he let that name out, maybe he was too focused or he didn't want to talk about it. "you're gifting kaeya an old notebook?"

"it was my fathers, he should have it."

the next sight was adorable in your eyes, whenever diluc would get embarrassed his cheeks would flush red, sometimes the color would fade incredibly strong that it rivaled his hair.

"aw, that's so nice of you master diluc."

laughing and smiling, you rose up to wiggle yourself into his lap at last. Your boyfriend of course, let you, adoring nothing more than being close to you as you continued to watch him finish up kaeya's gift:

the gift he told you he wanted to wrap up himself.

✦ 𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇𝐄

building a snowman

"this is stupid."

lets be honest here, you knew scaramouche wasn't fond of the idea of quote on quote playing in the snow, yet you still desperately wanted to build a snowman right in front of your home to uplift everyone's mood on the new developing season.

"come on, don't be a dealbreaker, you promised."

his eyes rolled in the back of his head as you spoke, but he didn't say anything, an annoyed groan was the last word you could perceive as he nearly finished the bottom of the snowman.

you could swore you saw a tiny sprinkle of a smile on him, maybe you were delusional but there was something that made it difficult for scaramouche to simply walk away or complain to you more.

"I'm only doing this for you so you better be thankful."

his focus was completely on you now, crystalized eyes watching you and waiting for some sort of reaction, or answer.

"i know and i‘m grateful for you."

knowing full on well it will make him flustered, you added a small giggle to your words as you brought your attention back to the headless snowman, attempting to grab onto the finished head.

"wait, let me do this." every person needed a harbor, a secure attachment and for scaramouche there was never a person like this, before you.

so even though he still despised the idea of building something as time consuming and stupid as a snowman— which will melt anyways, he wanted to at least try and show you that he was serious about another thing.

with a tiny bit of your help he settled the snowball on top of the body, you came prepared and added a tiny red scarf and a hat with scaramouche holding onto the carrot and two buttons.

in an attempt to give them to you, you turned away, beckoning him to do it himself as he followed with a deep sigh.

he was a bit rough at first so you had to make sure he wouldn't destroy the head of the snowman with his brute strength, but after careful guidance the both of you backed away to watch your craft it its full glory.

"our own creation."

with that, you wiggled your fingers into his. This sentence meant a lot to him, reminding him of a string of pain, with his eyes holding something akin to freedom.

✦ 𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐎

baking cookies

"DON'T TOUCH THIS ITTO IT‘S HOT!"

your screaming fell on deaf ears as itto grabbed onto the hot plate on the kitchen counter, squealing out upon making contact with it and almost throwing all of the cookies on the ground.

"ow, what the fuck?!"

with the way he was smacking the plate away, some of the cookies broke into tiny pieces as you sighed out at what your clumsy boyfriend had just did.

"noooo, we need to do it again now."

you weren't getting frustrated that often with itto's little schemes, in all honesty, you were used to it and quite accustomed to whatever measures you had to take to bath out whatever he would do or let happen.

"i didn't mean to, i swear"! worry was written all across his face with his brows being tightly scrunched together, anxiety wrinkles tickling on his forehead.

"i know, i know, lets do it again."

rubbing your eyes you walked over to your boyfriend who had an expression akin to someone who just saw a ghost as you placed your hands onto his cheeks, playfully squeezing the flesh.

"you need to concentrate."

his lips trembled as happiness threw itself at him like a comet, nodding frantically at your words as a newfound dedication swelled within him.

"okay, lets do this!"

breathing out a long sigh while shaking your head, you grabbed onto the big bowl from beforehand to start over, itto following your every step like a lost puppy who didn't know any better.

with being already familiar with the recipe, it didn't take you long to finish the dough, just a few ingredients being missing before you could go on to prepare them for the oven again.

"you know." he suddenly spoke, taking the sugar off the counter to hand it over to you with a overly confident smirk on his lips.

"what if i *did* do it on purpose to spend more time with you?"

✦ 𝐀𝐋-𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐌

stargazing + winter camping

under the darkened sky, between the clouds, in their usual mesmerizing appearence, the glow of the stars were prancing through the transparent clouds and illuminated the world within.

al-haitham and you were nuzzled together in both heavy winter coats and a couple of blankets, sipping on a cup of tea he had prepared as you gazed away.

it was intimate, but not in a sexual way, simply in a pure, soul blooming way you sadly weren‘t able to experience all the time with the both of you being busy on a daily basis.

"did you hear about the story of teyvat and their three moons?"

his warm hand was seeking you as he looped his arm over your shoulders, drawing you close.

"no, what is it about?" even though he would deny it, al-haitham had a way with words and on how to explain certain things, quite contradicting as the akademiya‘s scribe, yet it made him the perfect story teller in your eyes.

"once there were three moon sisters, named aria, sonnet and canon living in a lunar palace."

"sounds like a fairy tale." raising your brow with a giggle you nudged yourself closer to him with al-haitham‘s eyes glued to the sky.

"it might be, but who knows? the sky is endless."

you could see the stars twinkling in his unique colored eyes. No words have been spoken for a while, the proximity filled with pure calmness as the cold air was signifying the start of a new season.

©2022 anantaru do not copy, share, translate

[vee-crytraps]

Kiss Me More | Ch 4-2 | {Ornament}

Chapter Summary: The optics change. AN: Part 2 because Tumblr has a word limit apparently!

{Trigger warning/Themes Masterlist} First | Previous | Part 4-1

Shoving the empty glasses in your hands, Jason pulled away from you and straightened his suit, leaving you adrift in this sea of rich harpies and creepy business ghouls. Luckily, with your dance card full for the evening, you had a good reason to excuse yourself from the conversations some of them try to start with you on your way over to Tim.

“Hey,” You hook an arm around his the second you get close, your grin faltering when you noticed his unsteady stance. “Woah- hey, Tim.”

“Hm?”

Taking his face in your hands, you furrow your brows and search his gaze. “Don’t tell me you pulled an all nighter at Waynetech. How long has it been since you slept?”

“What can I say? Some of us have actual responsibilities outside of fighting crime,” He mutters, leaning on you regardless.

“Yes, you live a totally fulfilling life guzzling down that speed you call coffee with your eyes practically glued to your monitor.”

“I work hard,” Tim protests, laughing. He doesn’t want to admit that he’s spent his nights pouring over data entries and making notes, but he knows you won’t let him get away with the truth.

“Too hard,” you counter, painted lips pulling into a gentle frown. “Promise me you’ll get some sleep tonight. I’ll beg Bruce to let you out of here a few hours early if you do.”

“I promise I’ll try,” he shrugged, reaching up to adjust a bit of hair that was coming loose from one of your golden barrettes. “Any other demands?”

“Well, while I’m at it,” You tease, grabbing his hands in yours as you walked him back to the dance floor. If he was still here despite looking like a zombie, you knew he wasn’t allowed to leave just yet. The least you can do is keep him awake. “I’m making my rounds. Could you dance with me? It’ll be a short song. Promise.”

You don’t know what to make of the way his gaze flicker from your eyes to your lips.

“Fine,” he says, managing to follow you without making a big show of rolling his eyes. 

You place your hands on his shoulders, and he sets his on your waist. He’s keeping his distance, and you feel like you’re at a middle school dance.

“I actually tested negative for cooties this morning, so, you know if you want to consider holding me closer-“

He pulls you close with a heavy sigh. “You’re such a little czar. I was beginning to wonder when all that spoiling would get to your head.”

“Well, don’t worry. I can’t give Damian a run for his money just yet.”

Tim offers a non committal chuckle and you fall into silence as you sway, your chest brushing his every once in a while. He’s looking everywhere except for you, and you search your brain for a reason for him to be so…uncomfortable around you.

The silence is awkward and goes on for a little too long, before he pipes up.

“I uh…We’ve never danced together before. I’m just realizing.”

“You were always too busy. Bruce and his shareholder buddies usually soak up all of your time at these things. Work, work, work. No wonder you’re so wound up.”

“I…don’t want to work tonight.” Tim admits, his voice a low rumble. “I don’t even want to think about it, to he honest.” He goes quiet for another moment before he can look at you again, his gaze slipping from your eyes, to your lips, to your chest. He’s too tired to catch himself on time, so he clears his throat and meets your gaze once more. “I just want to dance with you. And talk to you. And uh. Look at you.”

“I’m glad someone’s looking,” You laugh. “This dress cost a fortune. And it matches your tie.”

Tim has to fight himself not to pull away just to take another good look at you. And the way your chest strains against your dress with each deep breath. You’re just about giving him an aneurism keeping yourself pressed to him like this.

“So it does,” he agrees, pulling away as the song ends. He treats you like you’re about to burn him, but he tries to be nice about it with a tired smile stretched over his face. You chalk it up to exhaustion and let him pat your cheek before he excuses himself to talk to some of the businessmen clearly hovering near the dance floor.

You don’t see the way he positions himself to watch you as you make your way through the room again, looking past the dress to the woman inside it. And while he isn’t proud of this, he absolutely makes sure to memorize every detail so he can fantasize about you later tonight.

It’s easy to find Dick at these events.

All you have to do is look for the crowd of eager women looking to be charmed. You politely make your way through them, each one making sure to step aside for you- though they noticeably less eager to do so, now that you’re dressed like one of them.

“Hello there,” You greet, watching with a grin as Dick eagerly shoves his glass into a young lady's hand so that he can take both of yours in his.

Dick has a soft spot for you and Damian, often eager to make time for you, doing his best to make sure that you felt welcome. It had caused you to lean on him more than most in your early years as a part of the family, especially since you’d come to know him before your mother had even died.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” He flashes that carefree smile that isn’t supposed to take your breath away, but by god, it totally does. Because how could you ignore those sparking blue eyes and white teeth and cheeks flushed from one too many glasses of champagne.

“I was thinking we could have our dance now,” You laugh, and the women around you eat it up. While you were certainly dressed like the competition, they elected not to see you as a threat- instead opting to revert to treating you like were the Wayne Family purse dog.

They ooh-ed and aww-ed as the handsome, charming Dick Grayson excused himself from the gaggle of gorgeous (mostly) single socialites to spare some time for his little sister. You know what the gossip rags and the magazines will print, that he’s a ‘man written by a woman’ or ‘Golden Retriever coded’. And while Dick isn’t vain, he will almost certainly let it go to his head for the next few days.

Being Bruce’s first kid probably had him starved for compliments. You remember how he used to balance on balconies or swing from chandeliers at these things, when it was your mother’s legs you were tucked behind, instead of Bruce’s.

The women pout and feign jealousy. One of them even dares to pinch your cheek. “Don’t take too long,” she coos to you, completely wasted. “We want our turn with him!” Her drink threatens to splash over the rim of her glass, and you remember Jason’s warning about getting sloppy drunk. It wasn't a good look at all. 

“You’re as popular as ever,” You comment, rubbing your cheek with your free hand as you lead Dick to the dance floor. “Having fun?”

Dick offers a dramatic sigh as he follows you, pulling you close once you reach the center of the dance floor. “When will my public realize there’s more than enough of me to go around?” He teases, immediately resting his chin on your shoulder.

“Oh, the woes of being Bruce Wayne’s super handsome, charming, witty, golden child,” You commiserate, reciting his virtues as if they were burdens. Though there was an undercurrent of the truth. Of the responsibility that comes with being one of the ‘perfect’ kids.

“Yes, yes, yes and yes,” Dick agrees, ticking off imaginary boxes while you dramatically recite his attributes.

“Dad loves showing you off at these things. Even if he’d never admit it,” you observe.

He twirls you, making sure you get another change to show off your impressive dress. He drinks in the view.

“It’s a win-win. I’ll take any opportunity to show off,” he jokes. But only kind of. “If I was any more…what was it? Charming, witty…” He trails off, fishing for the last compliment.

“Handsome,” you supply.

“Super handsome,” he corrects, before continuing. “-you’d probably want to marry me. Again, anyway.”

“Dick,” You resist the urge to shove him, knowing where he was going with this. “I was like, seven years old. A teddy bear officiate and a candy ring hardly implies ‘intent to marry you when I hit 18’-”

“You can’t still be upset about the prenup.” He interjects. “My lawyer just wanted what was best for me.”

“Your lawyer was a stuffed spider. And your terms were bullshit anyway,” you laugh so hard that you stumble into him, but he steadies you. His touch lingers on your forearms, stroking them before his hands rest respectfully on your waist. “You wanted the dollhouse and the furniture." You continue. "I would have been destitute!”

“What’s a dollhouse without any furniture?”

“You’re insufferable!” You scold, laughing as you lightly slap at his chest. Dick can’t help but think about how amazing the pictures are going to look tomorrow, with you, dressed like this in his arms, laughing at his jokes as he twirls you about the dance floor. He makes a note to talk to the photographer about having some printed off.

He wants to remember you just like this, pressed against him with a smile on his face. There’s so much time between you, and he knows it’s not okay- but he won’t feel ashamed about how good it feels to be so close to you. You had sounded so good this morning, mewling for him while he made you come with just his fingers. A part of him had hoped that it would satisfy the part of him that yearns for you. He knows now that it was a long shot. Your influence on him was no small thing, and the scope of it was only now becoming clear to him.

“So when do you plan on tying the knot? Just so Mr. Arachne can get all my assets in order.” He pushes, hoping to get something out of you.

Dick knows it’s a ridiculous question. It’s not the fifties, and you were only 18. Quite freshly, at that. Still, he was desperate for something, anything he could use to peak inside your pretty little mind. “You’re certainly not wanting for admirers.”

In his periphery, he can spot the way several attendees openly gawk at you. Even more glancing sidelong. It’s annoying, but he can’t blame him. Your ass does look incredible in this dress.

“I’d have to get through a second date, first.” You sigh, unaware of Dick’s dilemma as you cycle through your own. His shoulders are so well defined under your hands, his body toned and sculpted under the sharp, well tailored suit. You wet your lips in thought, and it nearly kills him.

“I don’t really know if I’m…wife material.” The admission comes out a little forced.

It’s more than Bruce’s over protective tendencies. It’s everything. It’s your body- that damn near developed overnight. It’s your hormones and your raging shame over your attraction to your adoptive brothers. It’s your position as Bruce’s kid and the exhaustion of beating away the fortune hunters who try and throw their teenage sons at you.

The truth is, while you’ve long wanted to be desired, you have some trouble navigating it. It all seems so sudden- people liked you, wanted to fuck you. Some guy at a party even told he he loved you once, after just one kiss.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Dick says with finality, spinning you around once more. “Of course you’re wife material.”

He pulls you close, his hands slipping down to your hips before he can stop himself. “You’re one of the most intelligent, strong willed and capable women I’ve ever met. Any person would be lucky to have you. “

It seems a bit far fetched to you, when you compare yourself to Barbara and Cass and Steph and fucking Wonder Woman; smart, powerful, bright and super. You appreciate the sentiment all the same.

“Thank you, Dick.” Your smile is soft and genuine as you step back, moving to fix your hair from all of the spinning. Your hairstyle has come undone in your revelry, and that just won’t do for your pictures with Bruce.

“I’ll let you get back to your harem.” You wish you were allowed to spend more time with him at these things. Dancing with him is always so much fun.

“If that’s what you want to call them,” he grins, winking at you. A long beat passes as you both walk to the edge of the crowd, and he brushes some of the hair that has fallen in your face.

He’s looking at you, the way he had this morning.

“What time do you plan on leaving?” His voice drops low, eyes intense as your heart threatens to beat out of your fucking chest.

“Dick,” you mumble, placing a hand on his chest.

“Do you want me to be bold?” He grins down at you, eyes sparkling with mischief. “I can do bold.”

Leaning in, Dick brushes his lips against your ear, the intimate moment lost in the swell of the crowd. “I know I’m supposed to have some fun and charm a couple of the benefactors, but all I can focus on is you, little bird.”

To say that Dick Grayson is a hero without a superpower is total bullshit. He's killing you right now. You feel like the only reason you’re still standing is because your body doesn’t know whether you should melt into a puddle or just drop dead.

His thumb swipes over your cheek, keeping his grip on you for a moment longer before showing some mercy. Breaking your brain has boosted his ego, and he’s grinning as he pulls away.  “See you at home, sis.”

Before you can blink, Dick integrates into the crowd, deciding to talk to several women who are gushing over what they could make of your supposed sweet sibling moment. You can’t bring yourself to wonder if anyone suspects that you know how it feels to have him curl his fingers deep within you. Part 4-1 | Part 4-3

[theycallmeratt]

Dance

Rejoining high society in Baldur's Gate had not gone smoothly, but in the slick way that only patriars could make something go "not smoothly". Like slipping down spiked ice. The process went quickly and slowly scraped away all of Wyll's resolve.

While Wyll was still a human, regular citizens seemed to regard him with the same discomfort as a tiefling—hell-touched, but maybe not his fault. Likely not his fault. He was, after all, the Blade of the Frontiers. And Karlach had taken every opportunity to remind everyone that he saved her. Perhaps, like a tiefling, he was simply paying for an ancestor's mistake.

But here, in high society, where everything was controlled and arranged, "bad blood" was a flaw worth judging. Most of the patriars had never actually met a tiefling, despite hundreds living in their city. Wyll suspected that his peers' frosty attitudes were less about the fact that he made a deal with a devil and more that he’d been caught.

Read more on AO3, or below the cut.

Nevertheless, whenever he returned from helping Karlach in Avernus, he played his part as a dutiful son: attending soirees, debutante balls, war games and gallery openings. He learned to coordinate his hair ornaments so his horns might also look like ornaments, to temper his smile so only his most human teeth showed, to keep his eyelids heavy so in dim light the red might be mistaken for brown. Harder to learn was to watch the dances and not hope to be invited, to accept that people assumed the thoughts he voiced were fiend-tainted and to settle for spending most events seated at his table, nursing a fine wine that tasted exactly as sour and dull as any wine he could get in the Lower City.

Hardest was to do it alone.

"A dance?" asked a voice. Wyll started at the proffered hand. The invitation might mean something… had Wyll not watched the asker and friends giggling over dares, then point to him and elbow each other as they drew straws.

"No thank you," he said.

"But—"

"He said no. You will leave," a low voice growled.

Wyll found himself looking up at Minthara and Astarion. The two least likely people he expected to see here. Coming to his defense. Astarion thought he was a pathetic fool and Minthara hated him even more than her standard Drow misandry. 

"How did you get in here?" Wyll asked.

"We were invited. At least, we should have been," Astarion said, hooking his arm through Minthara's. She immediately unhooked and pushed him a half step away.

"I am a hero of the city," Minthara said. "I am owed a certain amount of respect. If not given it, I will take it."

"You might learn something from her, darling," Astarion said.

"About breaking into parties?"

"About demanding what you are due. You saved this wretched place twice, after all."

"I didn't do it for respect."

"Ugh, I forgot how you you are."

"This conversation is going nowhere," Minthara said. Without looking, she grabbed a passing courtier, looked him over, shoved him back, grabbed another one and said, "Acceptable. Congratulations, boy. You will dance with one of the slayers of the Absolute!"

"Er—" said the courtier.

"He's an amazing dancer," Astarion drawled. "And you know what they say about amazing dancers."

"I don't need—" Wyll started, but Minthara gave him a look that suggested she would blow a blood vessel if a male said no to her.

"Sorry," Wyll whispered to the courtier, joining him in a circle dance. He held his hand up and straight out, ghosting over his partners' palms as they switched and circled, so close he could feel the heat coming off each of them. None of his partners made an attempt to speak to him, although they had no problem laughing and cajoling each other. After far too much time, the loneliest circle dance in the world ended.

Astarion caught him coming off the floor and dragged him back on, his hand cool on Wyll's. "Tell me, do you waltz?"

"Not with my friends!" The waltz was a scandalous dance, newly introduced with far too much contact. Wyll had practiced it alone in his rooms, imagining a kind partner, until he was so flushed he had to take a cold shower.

"Then allow me to expand your horizons. I'll lead," Astarion said, placing his hand politely high on Wyll's waist. "You really should come to the Lower City more. Everyone is asking about you. It's quite annoying. And you never wrote me back about slaying a spotted frilled cockatrice."

"I did! I told you not to try. A cockatrice is dangerous enough. Spotted and frilled? You're going to get yourself killed. Again."

"I suppose you'll just have to help me, then."

Wyll sighed. "I suppose I will."

"It'll be good for you! Look at you, when was the last time you saw some blood?"

"I've been in the blood wars!"

"Not fiend blood. Proper blood, blood you can really sink your teeth into." Wyll groaned. Why did Astarion insist on hinting at the vampire thing in public? "When was the last time you had a good fight?"

Too long. Everything itched. His collar was too tight. His everything filled with a yearning to escape. Magic tickled under his skin. He wanted to blast something, to hold someone. Not Astarion, who would make fun of him, or Minthara, who would stab him. Someone—

Minthara appeared suddenly. "Enough, Astarion. I have found him a new partner. A first son of a dignitary."

She shoved the poor man towards Wyll.

"I'm sorry about my friend," Wyll said.

"I'm sorry she hasn't brought you a daughter," he retorted. Wyll cringed. Minthara was… better, but still not as good as she could be. "Is she using me to insult you?"

"No. That's what third sons are for."

The son-of-a-dignitary laughed, a real open laugh, not the polite titters people had been using to appease the Duke. Wyll relaxed a little. 

"Your hands are… human," said the son-of-a-dignitary. "Linnacker said as much, of course, but with all the rumors going around…"

"Tis a shame when loose tongues flap about, embarrassing themselves," Wyll said, shocked to hear an Astarion sentiment march out of his polite mouth.

"Indeed! Especially after all you've done for the city. Your friend told me of how you single handedly outwitted a devil's contract, using a fiend to gain power, then saving the city twice! And to that, I say good show."

Wyll glanced to Minthara. She raised an eyebrow, clearly not in approval that he wasn't focused on her offering.

"Thank you," he said, and the dance turned into a fine conversation, the first one he'd had in months. The dance even ended with the son-of-a-dignitary waving over his sister, who was a marvelous dancer even though she was only fourteen. They led a line dance through the center of the ballroom. Minthara looked appalled. After, he was approached by another, and another. Some clearly saw him as a curiosity, but one introduced himself as a third-son and another made a brash joke about loose tongues, a clear invitation that Wyll gracefully turned down. By the end of the session he'd collected several calling cards and been invited to a card night at an Upper City lounge.

The life that he should've had, falling neatly into his lap, with only a few helping jabs by two white-haired multi-centurions. He raised a glass to Astarion as he was pulled past by a new friend and into a circle of other guests. 

"—just anyone in," said a pinch-faced woman. "And now listen to what they're saying. Vampires, running wild in the sewers. Tieflings taking over the Lower City! One controls the entire wizard's tower. How can we trust them? The first time a fiend so much as smiles at them, they'll run us through with those horns."

Wyll, who could only wear shirts with very large collars, went still. So did his companion. Astarion, like a shark to blood—no, no, like a vampire to blood, sidled up to the conversation, grinning maniacally.

"The city's gone to shit," said a hatchet-faced man. 

"Certainly the sewers were already there," Astarion said.

"Worse now, with that spawn filth crawling out and demanding we listen to them. I swear, the petitioners line at the courthouse smelt purely of feces. No one cares about your solar allergy and liquid diet. Szarr is dead. What more do they want?"

"Food," Minthara said. "There is a basic hierarchy of needs. Spawn are not immune to it. You might utilize it."

"Fine. They can bother the living after they've proven themselves useful and handled the rats."

Her arm jerked out to the side, luckily, because she caught Astarion right as he took a step forward.

Quickly, Wyll said, "They're victims. They and the tieflings. Don't you have any compassion?"

The pinched woman said, "It's not the burdens we bear, but how loudly we choose to bear them."

"I remember earlier this year, when merchant-master Grinhold came before the council asking for a grant because the almond harvest was poor," Wyll said. Her cousin, if he wasn't mistaken.

"He was advised last year to diversify," Wyll's companion said. "Druid's have been warning of a drought for months."

"That has nothing to do with this topic," snapped the woman.

"I thought we were speaking of burdens we bear and how we ought to be quiet about it," Wyll said. Gods, Astarion had clearly possessed his tongue.

"Some of us have been mighty quiet about it," said the sharp man, giving Wyll a look.

This was everything Wyll had hated about living in the city. Why had he poked these vultures?

"If you're speaking of my—our heroics against the Absolute—"

"Oh, please," snapped the pinched woman. "I've seen a brain before. It's not intimidating, not even giant. And a handful of backwater cultist? Any idiot taken in by that couldn't be a threat."

Wyll was so aghast at her flippancy his words stuck in his throat.

"The only reason the damage was so bad was that no one did anything until it actually summoned mind flayers," scoffed the sharp man. He gave Will a look that made it clear exactly who he was speaking about. 

"And what did you do?" snapped Minthara.

"I was vacationing by the seaside, if you must know. If I had been here—"

"I was vacationing by the seaside as well," Wyll said. "I came here."

The atmosphere felt heavy. Dangerous. They were speaking about honor, now, and history, and other foolish abstracts patriars loved to duel over. Loved to start wars over.

"Do not hold yourself in such high esteem," sneered the pinched woman. "You may be the son of a Duke, but my cousin—Lamora Whimpledimple—has told me about you."

"Oh? Interesting. She came to dinner last week." Wyll smiled warmly. He really did like Lamora. A funny woman who smoked like a damp fire and cackled like a hot one. "Lamora always has the most interesting stories about the most interesting people. Interesting, too, how she never mentioned you."

Astarion's eyes went wide, mouth twisting into a nasty grin. Minthara gave a single curt nod. The music swelled.

"You dare—" choked the pinched woman, before her companion pulled her back.

"Another dance?" Minthara asked Wyll, twisting her wrist. Tucked against her leg she held an open blade, a sickly green sheen on the metal.

"A dance?" he said, giving the smallest shake of his hand in regards to the blade.

With a flick of her wrist it disappeared under the cuff on her arm. "A dance," she repeated, holding out a hand.

Finally, an escape.

"Minthara, you do not need to dance with me," he said as they stepped away.

"I know. That is why I am not."

Then he was back on the floor, away from the conversation, sinking into the music. This dance was dizzying, his partners' palms pressing against his, now too much, too warm and too loud. Everyone wanted to touch him. His palms were wet with sweat, and he tainted the entire floor until he escaped to a balcony, swallowing hard, his collar threatening to choke him.

"I didn't know you had any skill with courtly intrigue," Astarion said, appearing next to him. "You always seemed so… pleasant. I must say, watching you cut with that sharp wit was a delight."

"I am good at many kinds of dances. I hate it," Wyll said. "The words are said and I cannot take them back. Everyone will remember this."

"Remember not to insult you."

"Remember that I would stoop to petty insults. I'm not that kind of person!"

For a moment, everything went quiet, then Astarion's cool, light hand alighted on his shoulder. "Defending yourself isn't being cruel."

"I didn't defend myself. I attacked both of them!"

"Some people will never stop until you show them you are not afraid to hurt them. Cheer up, Wyll. It could have been worse."

"How? Lamora Whimpledimple will hear of this."

"Yes, the woman hiring me to handle her little cockatrice problem. She will hear that you had a verbal spar with her cousin that she doesn't like and think, 'That lovely man who killed that spotted frilled cockatrice? He would never!' and continue hating her cousin. No, worse would be Lamora Whimpledimple getting news that her cousin died in a tragic accident, twitching ungainly on the dancefloor as Drow poison taught some respect."

"Good point. Oh, no, where is Minthara?"

"Stabbing the napkin stacks. She has a theory that she can get her blade all the way to the bottom in one go. Some seamsmith is about to make bank."

Well, it wasn't even midnight. Wyll was in his fanciest dress, he'd made his way around the dance floor half a dozen times, and finally given Lamora Whimpledimple's nasty cousin a piece of his mind. There was only one thing that could make this night better.

Wyll bowed when he approached Minthara and said, "Care to join us?"

"For what?"

"I fancy a final waltz. With a cockatrice."

"Good. No party was ever made worse by introducing blood."

Astarion grinned, flashing fang with abandon as he followed the two of them into the streets and out of town. Under the moonlight, to an orchestra of crickets, ducking under clawed wings, pivoting around the talons of a beast and weaving between two partners, Wyll got one final dance.

And Lamora Whimpledimple, when she came for dinner at the end of that week, didn't mention her cousin at all.

[winchester-girl67]

Love Deliciously

Summary: After an incident on a hunt, the reader tries to boost the boys' morale with a homemade feast and a little Christmas decorating. But Sam leaves for his own romantic endeavours and she catches Dean with himself after months of feeling touch starved for his affection. Something he hasn't given freely lately as his own guilt weighs on him. Nothing a little mistletoe can't fix though.

Requested by Anonymous: "hey love! if your still taking requests, i’d love if you could write a oneshot with gf!reader who is basically horny 24/7 and just wants to make out with dean all the time. like he comes back from a hunt and reader finds him and just wants to be on top of him on the table at the bunker"

Pairing: Dean x reader (established relationship)

Square: Hanging Mistletoe @spnchristmasbingo​ Touch starvation @spnfluffbingo​  

Word Count: 3,546

Rating: mature 18+ MDNI

Warnings: language, smut, p in v, unprotected sex (be smarter than them), male masturbation, sexual frustration, touch starvation, mentions of past temporary death of reader, implied excessive drinking, kissing/cuddling, biting, teasing, a little pining, a little angst, fluff

A/N: Also written for @spnchristmasbingo​ and @spnfluffbingo​. Smut is below *** (minors dni). Enjoy!

_____

Dean hadn't touched you in three months. Your relationship had been in a rut ever since that ghost hunt that left you near dead and Sam in a cast. You tried everything from jumping his bones, to wearing practically non-existent lingerie, to even a can of whip cream and a couple cherries you'd rather not talk about.

Nothing worked. He blamed himself too heavily on this one and you couldn't convince him otherwise. Fortunately, he hadn't tried to break up with you but if your past was any indicator, that was just yet to happen.

So you decided to take a different approach and sat the latest hunt out to decorate the crap out of the bunker. You had coloured lights and garland wrapped around the staircase and a beautiful tree you found in storage set up on top of the war table.

You had a fully decked out turkey dinner prepared with all the fixings and for dessert there were zucchini oatmeal muffins for Sam and pumpkin pie for Dean. Everything still in the oven to keep warm since they would be walking in the door any minute now.

Christmas was always Dean's favourite time of year and last year with the apocalypse looming over your heads, you didn't get to celebrate the way you would've liked. With loads of homemade food and family and board games and hallmark movies and cheap gifts from the gas station down the street.

It wasn't about what you got, it was about the time you spent together. Times were tough lately, for longer than you cared to remember; this was your way of bringing joy back into Sam and Dean's lives if only for one night.

You all needed a break from your worries.

You took a step back and examined your handiwork. The library was almost unrecognizable, hidden in evergreen garlands and lights and patches of holly, glass ornaments and fake candles. All that was missing now was the final touch.

Mistletoe!

You set up the step-stool in the entrance of the library. You had Dean install a hook for the ball of mistletoe a couple years ago, which was still there, but the stool wasn't quite tall enough and you had to really stretch and hold your breath to be able to reach it. It was more than a little troublesome and you let out a long breath once you hooked the ribbon on. You smiled up at the ball of white and green and sunk back down to your heels from your tip-toes.

"Did elves throw up in here or something, Y/N? What is all of this?" You jumped and stumbled off the stool at the sound of Dean's voice.

You hadn't heard him come in. That child-like sense of wonder his eyes usually wore at the sight of Christmas decorations wasn't there.

"How'd the hunt go? Where's Sam?" You asked and shoved the stool under the table in the library.

"Same old shit, different day." Dean huffed and walked into the library.

He dropped his duffle-bag of weapons onto the floor with a loud clunk sound and Sam appeared from the hallway wearing a scowl.

"Really, Y/N?" Sam frowned as his eyes darted from garlands to candles to the ball of mistletoe.

He always was a bit of a grinch. It was the most colourful and bright the bunker had ever been. You went a tad overboard but in a good way. At least you thought so.

"Seriously, Sam? It’s Christmas Eve!”

"Yeah, well... Enjoy 'cuz I'm outta here." Sam said, giving Dean the stink eye.

Great, they were fighting. Again.

"Dido," Dean said, mirroring his little brother's bitch face.

Then both boys practically growled at each other and stormed back down the hallway towards their separate rooms. You hung back in the library to admire your handiwork regrettably, this hadn't gone the way you'd expected. And you couldn't chase after them either, you had to check on the food.

You grudgingly padded down the hall towards the kitchen, starting again when you turned the corner to see Sam was already investigating the smouldering oven.

He glanced back at you when you asked, "Is it burnt?"

"Uh," he gave you a sympathetic look like he finally caught onto what you were trying to do for them. Then your bottom lip quivered and he was quick to add, "No, no. It's not that bad, we -uh, we can salvage it."

Sam shoved his large hands into the oven mitts and pulled out the turkey first. The whole top of it was burnt, but the pie and muffins suspiciously seemed to be okay since they were on the bottom rack.

"I just wanted things to be like before," you said, popping a muffin from the tray to check the bottom of it. Burnt, just like you thought. No doubt the pie would be too. You popped the top of the muffin off and tasted a piece of the edge. "Why are you guys fighting this time?"

"Honestly, Y/N, I don't know." Sam sighed and you offered him a piece of the muffin top, "Did you put zucchini in these?" He asked around the bite he took.

"I knew you probably wouldn't eat the pie, health freak." You quipped and Sam chuckled. "Sorry it's burnt."

"Nah, the top's the best part anyways." He gave you a quick side hug which you returned.

"Sammy, you know I don't really believe you, right?" You knew he knew very well why they were arguing, he just didn't want to tell you.

He pursed his lips, "What gave me away?"

"You never say honestly unless you're lying." You squinted up at him and smirked when his stoic face broke. You knew him too well. "Was it about me?"

"Dean's just protective, Y/N."

"OVER-protective, you mean." You rolled your eyes and set the rest of the muffin top on the counter, "I hope you took my side, I always take yours." Sam didn't answer and instantly you knew he didn't. Your mouth dropped open at the obvious betrayal. It was an unspoken rule that you and Sam always had each other's backs.  "Samuel William Winchester!"

He pointed at you, "Y/N, you were dead-"

He was talking about that hunt. The hunt that put your relationship with his brother in a rut and him in a cast for two months. The ghost hunt.

You threw up your arms in protest, "Only for two whole minutes! That barely counts!"

"You didn't see him," Sam shook his head and avoided your eyes, "If you didn't come back... He's never been in love before-"

"In what?"

Four years of dating Dean and he never once said it... 'I love you'. How hard was that?!

Sam rubbed the back of his head, "Uh-"

"Wait, then why were you guys fighting if you took his side? Traitor," you muttered the last part under your breath.

"Because he's acting like he's gotta death wish," Sam explained.

"So, classic pissed-off-Dean then."

"Exactly! But he's not the only one that hated that day. You scared me, Y/N, you're my best-friend, you're family and it wouldn't be the same around here without you." Sam argued, but you understood where he was coming from.

You felt the same thing every time they did something stupid and almost got themselves killed. 

"It hasn't been the same with me lately." You sighed and hopped up to sit on the metal island.

"Look, I appreciate what you are trying to do here with the food and the decorations-"

"But?" You tilted your head and he gave you his best puppy dog face.

"But, I think you'll have a better chance at getting through to him if I take off for a bit."

"Sam, you don't have to do that. This is your home too and it's plenty big enough for us all." You frowned and furrowed your brow.

"Uh, yeah, but I was gonna go see a friend anyways." He rubbed the back of his head nervously.

"Friend?" You thought for a moment, "Eileen?! Finally! You know she asks me about you all the time."

"Yeah," Sam blushed and cleared his throat, "Good luck, Y/N."

"You too, Sammy." You gave him a wink and he headed for the door, "Remember to be safe. No glove, no love!"

Your incessant teasing only made Sam high-tail it out of there faster than you thought a moose was able to move. You were still giggling at just how red you were able to make him turn when you passed by Dean's bedroom. The room you'd been sharing with him for the past three and a half years now. Number eleven.

When you heard something, a whimpering... -Or a moan?

You rested your ear against the wooden door. Definitely moaning! That was not the type of sound he made when he was having a nightmare either, you should know!

You threw open the door, letting it hit the wall with a bang and Dean jolted up in bed. His brow was sweaty and he was panting when you noticed the tent and his right hand in his sweatpants.

"Y/N! It-it's not what it looks like." He pulled his hand from his pants and you scrunched up your face.

Normally, you wouldn't give a shit if Dean wanted to have a little self-love, but you couldn't get him to kiss you lately. Hell, he didn't even cuddle you unless he was already out cold and rolling over in his sleep. And that's on the nights he even cared to come to bed at all! He spent most of his time passed-out in the Dean cave in front of the TV, surrounded by too many empty beer bottles.

You couldn't believe it, you were jealous of his right hand; that's how fucking pent up and frustrated you were.

"Why won't you touch me anymore, huh?" You asked a stunned Dean who didn't bother to get out of the bed. "Are you trying to push me away? Is that what this is?... You're not even gonna try to deny it?!"

You growled inwardly to yourself and walked away before he had a chance to speak. You didn't even bother to shut the door, you just picked up the pace and sprinted to the library. Then started ripping the garlands down until you spotted the mistletoe. That fucking traditional ball of forced Christmas kissing and cheer was taunting you like a clown with it's thumbs in it's ears.

Admittedly, you were at the end of your rope. The mistletoe looked nothing like a clown nor did it have hands let alone thumbs or ears.

You dragged the step stool out from under the table and in a second, ripped the ball of mistletoe from its perch on the hook and tore the ribbon.

"Y/N, we need to talk."

You turned to find Dean standing in the doorway, slightly hunched over to hide the state he was in. Like it wasn't fucking obvious that he didn't finish. And 'we need to talk'? Was he fucking kidding? He was finally gonna break up with you, like this?! You almost hoped so, so then you could stop driving yourself crazy about him.

"Why don't you just go back to your cartoon porn!" You chucked the ball of mistletoe at him and hit him exactly where you intended to.

"...It's anime-"

"Oh, I'm sorry, anime." You snapped dryly and rolled your eyes.

You hopped off the stool and continued destroying your hours of work decorating. Muttering curses under your breath at how stupid your idea was. You burnt dinner and the fucking decorations did nothing to improve anyones mood.

"Y/N, stop." Dean said, when you stepped on a bulb and felt a little pinch but you ignored it and him. "Stop!" He grabbed you from behind and held on tight as you thrashed against his hold. "Stop, sweetheart."

His hold tightened and he buried his face in your neck when you sobbed. You stopped fighting and sucked in a shaky breath and a hiccup. It took a long minute until you were able to relax slightly and he pressed a kiss to your cheek when you did.

"Here, look." Dean said, pulling his phone from his pocket.

He showed you the video he'd been watching while he was alone in the room with himself. It was of you, two summers ago, at the beach. You were holding his hand and tugging him towards the ocean, turning and laughing at him when he said the water was too cold. He was really just afraid of sharks. Eventually he let go of your hand and stayed on shore while you waded in, up to your knees and splashed him with the salty brine. It was a great weekend.

"I'm sorry," he whispered in your ear and locked his phone as he tossed it on top of the bookcase. "I've been such an idiot. I thought I could do this but I can't. I just- I just love you. Too. Damn. Much."

You turned in his hold, feeling all of him against your backside as you did. "What did you just say?"

You couldn't believe your ears. He never said that, not because he didn't feel it, you saw it in his eyes every time you were alone together, every time things got heated or whenever you brought home pie... but, for him to actually say it was a big deal!

"I love you," he rested his forehead on yours and stared into your eyes.

"So," you squinted and teased your lips against his, "I guess this means you're not gonna break up with me?"

"You'll have to kill me first." He said and kissed your breath away.

His hand cradling the back of your head and tilting your mouth to accept him better. Then his tongue swiped across your lip and you parted your lips to let him in. Savouring the way his muscle slid against yours before you broke the kiss.

"You know you're always the one saying that a hunter's life is short-"

Dean's lips locked with yours again and you felt every inch of your skin burst into flames, "And your point is?"

"We shouldn't be wasting any of the time we do have together," you nuzzled his cheek with your nose and felt him sigh, "Are you done pushing me away?"

"Mhm," he nodded, his face against yours.

His skin was dewey with sweat and you could smell the musk he'd worked up by himself. It made you weak in the knees and if it weren't for his hands on your lower back you'd be a puddle on the floor by now.

You pulled away when he tried to kiss you again, "Promise?"

"I promise," he said and chased your lips.

You let him capture your lips with his and tangled your fingers in his short hair. His big hands slipped lower and cradled your butt in his palms. You squeaked when he squeezed, leaving indents of his fingers no doubt and you pulled his hair until he groaned into your mouth.

"I'm sorry I threw the mistletoe at your balls."

Dean laughed and hummed, "Maybe you can kiss them better."

**************************************

He backed you up against the table, pressing moist heavy kisses all over your neck. It sent tingles through your veins and down to your toes before you felt it settle in your stomach.

All thought was lost.

You laid back on the table, allowing Dean more access to your neck as he placed kisses trailing along your flushed skin and past your collarbone. He pulled the collar of your shirt down and continued kissing between your breasts. His hand pawing at one of your peaks as the other laced together with your hand and held it down against the hardwood of the tabletop. His hardwood pressing against your inner thigh as he slotted himself between your legs.

You turned your head to the side as Dean nibbled at your jaw and pushed up your shirt. You laid next to the initials you all carved into the wood; yours and Dean's forever etched together and encased in a heart. He was romantic in his own way sometimes.

You pushed on Dean's chest until he backed up and allowed you the space to sit up. You tugged off your shirt and jumped off the table to rid Dean of his too. Then you grabbed his waist and turned him around just to shove him back against the table. He fell onto it with a grunt and watched as you pushed your leggings down your legs along with your panties.

"You are so damn perfect," he groaned as you rid yourself of your bra, but he was looking into your big Y/E/C eyes when you met his gaze.

You thought that must've taken quite a bit of will power and chewed on your bottom lip as your own eyes drank in his vulnerable form. He was propped up on muscular arms and his tummy tensed as you dragged your fingertips from his navel to his waist band.

"Fuck, Y/N," Dean groaned though you had barely touched him and he tried to sit up but you pushed him back down. You giggled and slowly pulled his sweatpants down his bowed legs, leaving him as bare as you were. "Get that cute ass of yours up here now."

You weren't particularly fond of his command, especially after three months of lost touches and mixed feelings. So instead, you decided to tease him by kissing the inside of his knee. Then you kissed a little higher, and sunk your teeth in the fleshy part of his thigh. A little love bite that had him growling in an octave lower than natural and he fell back against the tabletop. His head hit with a loud thunk sound and you popped up from between his thighs to see him desperately trying to catch his breath.

"Oh my gosh, Dean! Are you okay?!" You rushed out and climbed on top of him to feel the back of his head.

Dean grabbed your neck and pulled you in for a heated kiss. It was months of pent up carnal desire and he had to break the kiss to pant into your mouth; fitting his lips to yours whenever he felt he had enough breath. It was like he'd just run a marathon and you felt his heart beating through his chest under your palm.

"I swear you're gonna be the death of me, sweetheart." He said and let his head thunk down on the table again, "Y/N, I just want you so bad."

"I want you, too, Dean. So. Bad." You breathed, "It's been way too fucking long."

"I'm sorry, baby. Never again."

You kissed his jaw and kitten licked down his neck as you reached between your misted bodies to line him up with your core. Dean grunted and held his breath as you sunk down slowly, determined to take him all at once. It had been a while and it stung a little with the stretch but soon enough all you felt was pleasure.

You started slowly, grinding into him and teasing him tirelessly and without remorse. It was gratifying to watch him writhe with lust for you as you gave him just enough to keep him on the edge. You thought he never looked like he wanted you more, not just anyone... you. But soon enough you needed more too and you rolled your hips and bounced on him until you were just as out of breath. Dean's hands found your breasts and he pawed at them, his fingers buried into the flesh as he held onto you and you felt him begin to twitch inside you. You wanted to keep up with him and slipped your fingers down to your centre; the touch inspiring a pulse in your nerves.

Dean felt it too and wrapped his arms around your shoulders, pulling your chest flush to his as he took over. He braced his feet on the edge of the table and thrust up into you hard. You whimpered and tried to meet his thrusts, nibbling on his earlobe until he groaned loud and long and the sound sent you over the edge. Your orgasm stretching into his as he thrust a few more times, losing his rhythm and shuddering beneath you. His hands finding your ass and his fingernails imprinting on your cheeks as he held you to him.

Dean groaned again, "Fuck, Y/N, you're amazing."

He kissed your shoulder as he rode out his high and you nuzzled your face into the crook of his neck. You kissed his pulse point, feeling the strong thump in his chest beat against yours like you were at a concert standing next to a bass speaker.

He sighed as he came down, "My beautiful girl."

You wanted to stay with him, on top of him, just like this and you weren't exactly crushing him so you did and you mumbled against his skin, "I love you. Merry Christmas, Dean."

"Merry Christmas, Y/N." He chuckled and panted as he rubbed his hands up and down your back. "I love you, too. Always."

_________________________ Dean/Jensen: @akshi8278 @laycblack @thoughts-and-funnies @mrsjenniferwinchester @crustycheeks @kazsrm67 @sexyvixen7 @lyarr24 @suckitands33  @eliwinchester99 @yvonneeeee @igotmajordaddyissues @djs8891 @leigh70 @globetrotter28

Forever SPN: @hobby27

[lokfeedsthegays]

WUKO WEEK 2024!!! :D!!!!!

Prompt: ANGST + AU

yes this is my miraculous au I’m cringe but I’m free

[CW: violence & implied homophobia]

-

It was personal. That was the first thing Mako thought upon seeing him.

The unfortunate consequences of their situation weren’t secret. Fighting people- usually innocent people, having their minds warped and twisted into near-cartoonish villainy- it was never pleasant. But if he didn’t think too much about it and got it done, it didn’t weigh on him too heavily. And they at least didn’t have the memory intact of him and his friends beating the shit out of them.

Naturally, it was harder to digest if it was someone he knew personally. Even more so someone he liked. Maybe more than liked, but he didn’t have the emotional capacity to process that at the moment.

They were taking a high perch on a building, trying to survey the threat. The threat, this time, being a friend of theirs’. Or what was left of him. How much truth was in akuma victims’ monologues and threats was an ongoing debate- and one Mako didn’t like. He tried not to care. He knew it wasn’t them, so that was all that mattered.

And it was easier to separate the slow-striding figure on the street below from the jovial, theatrical person he knew in his civilian life.

Long, ornate robes flowed on the asphalt, green and gold, his entire body ornamented with at least times the usual amount of jewelry that Wu normally wore, which was saying something. Mako could practically hear the clinking from where he was. His hands, normally soft and gentle, seemed to have gold growing out of them from the knuckles, coalescing and twisting together into hooked claws. Really, gold seemed to have replaced his veins, with branches of it swimming through his skin, which was grayed and pale and sickly-looking. Inhuman.

He had a crown. A pointed, heavy-looking, so ornate it was hard to process crown. And his eyes were like pearls- white and empty.

He scanned the abandoned street, pausing for a moment before continuing on his way. Every step was methodical, almost robotic, and regal to the point of sheer pretension. The only sign of emotion was the seconds of a grimace when he found no-one. Did he want people to be there? To watch him, maybe?

Where the last of his robe left, gold made the trail, making a signature of his presence wherever he went. And it let Mako know that they shouldn’t just go in and kick him. Not if they wanted to be solid gold in less than a second.

Whatever his new name was (Mako didn’t care, he’d still call him Wu), Mako was sure it wouldn’t be the best idea to just jump down and say hi.

“So then what do we do?” Korra huffed after he voiced this out loud, partially to him and partially to herself. Her blue, cat-like eyes narrowed in sheer concentration. She took her metal staff and sat it across her knees, hunching over into a relaxed position.

“There has to be some kind of weak spot. None of the villains are impervious. We just have to find out where it is. I suggest we keep observing- maybe we can find his object and…fish it out or something.”

”He’s covered in jewelry and ornamentation,” Asami piped up, her red cape folding as she leaned back. Her red, spotted outfit complimented Korra’s black suit as they slumped against each other. “We have to figure out which is the one holding the butterfly, but…I don’t know how to do that.”

“We could ask him,” Bolin provided, and Mako resisted a mean glare. Bolin blinked back at him through his green visor.

“No, Bolin, we’re not going down to the supervillain and asking him what his weakness is.”

“Well if we can’t think of anything else, why not?” Bolin said. “Besides, we can’t predict how they are. He might actually tell us. Wu’s a nice guy.”

”So are most of the people who get turned into villains,” Asami reasoned. “It doesn’t mean he’ll be nice now. He’s not in control; we have to be smart about this.”

“It seems like he’s looking for civilians,” Mako said, placing his fingers around his chin. “If we walk up to him like this, no doubt he’ll attack. But maybe one of us could go up undisguised. See if he’ll be calmer. But that’s a backup plan…I’d rather none of us get put in the path of danger.”

”Seems like a good plan to me,” Korra interjected, lowering herself and creeping closer to the edge, trying to get a better look at him. “We can’t just sit up here and watch him.”

”Well…yes we can,” Mako said slowly.

”And what if someone goes up to him and gets in trouble? We’ll just see what he does?”

”Well, no, but I-“

We don’t have time to waste watching him. We gotta do something, and now, before he does anything bad.”

”Well then what do you suggest?” Mako responded, his temper mounting.

”I suggest your first plan. I bet he’d say at least something with you down there. He likes you.”

”When he’s sane he does! I don’t know how he’ll-“

”C’mon, just go. We’ll be here to intervene if he does anything.”

”And get yourselves turned into statues? I’d rather not.”

”You don’t know that!”

Well we also don’t know-!”

”Just GO!” Korra cried, seeming as if she was one word away from smashing her head into the roof. “You’ll be fine. You’re smart and he’s got a big fat crush on you.”

”He does not-“

”Detransform, dude.”

Mako did as he was told, but not without a sour expression the entire time. Magical energy flowed off of him, leaving him vulnerable, and he promptly made his way down the building’s stairs, hurrying through and out the side door, dipping into the alleyway. He slid along the wall until he could peek around the corner, getting a closer look at Wu.

Safe to say, he grew a bit. Maybe there were some kind of insane platforms under that robe, but he was easily taller than Mako now, making him (unfortunately) more imposing. His now-gold plastered hands were curled into almost fists, and his face was locked in a grimace, making him look perpetually agitated.

He scanned the street again with his blank eyes, and Mako ducked out of view, making sure to tell his heartrate to slow the fuck down. Once he got that under control, he composed himself, checked to make sure his Miraculous was intact, then stepped out into the open.

Wu’s gaze immediately locked onto him within the second, piercing and almost wild. Mako suppressed a flinch, and decided to feign innocent surprise, his arms coming up in surrender. He let the moment sit, then squinted.

“…Wu?” he tried, covering the reach as slow recognition.

He prayed Korra was right, and that he wasn’t about to get swiftly and completely incapacitated.

Wu’s eyes narrowed before they widened, and even though his posture barely changed, he somehow seemed a little more relaxed. “Mako,” he breathed. “Finally. I was starting to think people were avoiding me.”

”What happened?” Mako asked, not daring to take a step closer.

“Oh, this?” Wu said, looking down at himself. As if Mako could be talking about anything else. ”A recent development. Does it look nice?”

Wu twisted a bit, showing off the intricate patterns of his robe.

”It’s…a lot,” Mako answered truthfully. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but your usual outfits are a little…tamer.”

Wu chuckled, and Mako took that for the leeway he hoped it was.

”But I mean- what happened to you? To make this happen…”

“Oh, nothing too bad, really,” Wu said, which was clearly a lie. “Just..family issues, mostly. Nothing revolutionary! But I suppose those issues are gone now.” He flexed his hooked fingers, the gold sparking in the sunlight. “Now I’m staking my claim, as it were.”

”What…happened to your family..?”

”My aunt? Hm. Well, she was being my aunt. That’s all. But the problem is solved, and she’s to be made an example of in my new domain.” Wu motioned out around them, and Mako’s expression sank.

“Wu, listen to me,” Mako said, his heart skipping a beat as he tried his luck, “there are people who can help you. You don’t want this, trust me. Are you hearing me?”

Wu smiled and strode closer, and Mako was frozen as Wu stopped right in front of him. Mako had to crane his neck to look up at him, which was absurd, and it only added to the heavy feeling in Mako’s chest.

”I love how you care,” Wu sighed, “but I’m alright. This is a new beginning for me! You’re my friend- you should be happy for me. You should join me on my coronation stroll. You can be made a high member in my court.”

Mako winced, his nose curling. “Wu, people are scared of you right now. You’re not yourself- just- let me help.”

“Mako! Chivalrous as ever, but trust me, everything is fine. Come with me- you’ll be safe, I promise.”

Wu reached out, his warped hand grasping Mako’s wrist. Mako tensed, preparing himself for the worst, but he quickly realized that nothing was happening. So it seemed Wu could control it- which could be beneficial if he played his cards right. Mako scanned his friend for any signs of a telltale object, but nothing stood out.

“But I don’t-“, Mako started to protest, but was cut off when Wu began his stride again, dragging him along the street. He tried to quell his panic, wanting anything but his friends to leap down there hastily. He could handle this- he just needed a bit more time.

”Now, I think we should find a decent point to declare this city’s new ruler. We can go to City Hall- a public assembly should be easy enough to gather with my talents. I’ll probably have to freeze the president, but, you know, necessities.”

“Wu-“

”Oh, and that name. I mean, it was nice while I had it, but that’s not who I am anymore. Someone at your station would call me ‘your highness’ but an exception can be made for you.”

”Wu- spirits- you don’t want to turn the president to gold! Just listen to me-“

The pressure on Mako’s wrist increased, and Wu’s smile dropped in an instant. “You know I love you, but you know you’re not exactly in a position to make requests. I’ll be happy to listen later, but right now I’m trying to do my job.”

“Please! Just- tell me where your object is- we can get you back to normal,” Mako pleaded, brushing off the disbelief at himself for using Bolin’s tactic. “This isn’t going to end well for anyone if you keep going. I know you know that!”

“Mako!” Wu shouted, his tone harshening into something unfamiliar. Mako jolted when he realized his feet were stuck to the ground. He looked down to see reflective gold rooting him to the spot. “You must stop arguing with me. Go with me, or stay here as a statue. Your choice, but that’s as far as my lenience will go.”

Mako clenched his jaw, his eyes darting around the robes, trying to find something significant. Anything significant at all. Transforming wouldn’t get him out of this mess- he had to be smart.

“Wait- I’ll go with you. I will, I’m sorry.” Uttering it made Mako want to hurl, but he needed more information. He hoped his friends could hear him.

”Hmmm. That’s what I thought,” Wu hummed, and the creeping gold quickly receded, letting Mako shake his feet out. “Not to worry. You’ve done a fine job protecting me in the past. It’s high time I return the favor.”

Wu began his stride again, and Mako had to hurry to keep up. He usually walked with a pseudo-haughty demeanor, but this was a full-on parade of privilege. This new Wu had no problem lifting his chin as high as he could without looking ridiculous, and all of his jewelry sparkled as he walked. That, coupled with his sterner than usual expression, remarkably gave off an air that was intimidating.

”So you…want to turn the president to gold?” Mako prompted.

”Yes. How else are people going to know that they have a new ruler?”

There were several leaps in logic there, but Mako would be remiss to point that out.

“My aunt claimed I was in no state to assume a position of power. She’s one to talk, though. She’s hardly the best queen ever. But no matter! She’s taken care of, and I’m proving that I am perfectly capable of commanding authority.” Wu chuckled contently at himself, then he looked down at Mako, his expression falling into a glare. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

Mako swallowed. “Yes- yeah- I agree- yeah.”

As they continued on, Mako couldn’t help but let his gaze drift to the rooftops, a prickling feeling on his neck. And there were certainly people there, but not his friends looking out for him. Instead, it was the force, peering down with equipment and weapons, getting clear looks at them with binoculars.

He wasn’t surprised. The force tended to intervene on many akuma incidents, and now that there was a “hostage” involved, they’d definitely be a little more hands-on. But he didn’t like the risks it posed. Mostly the chance that Wu would get mad and lash out.

Mako wished Korra had let him think through their plan a little longer.

Most likely Wu had already noticed the police. Mako just had to make sure a fight didn’t break out. Hopefully Lin had enough patience to keep her men where it was safe.

“Wu-“

Wu harshly cleared his throat.

Mako stifled any potentially insulting noise. “Your…Highness, um, you’re not planning on hurting anyone, are you? I mean, you need people to rule, after all. Right?”

”Of course I will do my best, Mako, but people must also learn to respect me. If they get in my way, I must silence their protests. It’s only natural.”

No, it wasn’t natural. Especially coming out of Wu’s mouth. Mako at least had to admit to himself that it was one of the things he admired most about Wu. He was pragmatic. He was the last person to make things happen by force, but trying to remind him of that seemed fruitless.

“What happened? When you were transformed…were you arguing with your aunt?”

”Mmh. Not arguing so much as being berated by her. Nothing new, but I’d had a particularly unpleasant day, and she was more grating than usual. The cow kept going on and on about my responsibilities and lack of ability. I suppose I just…had enough of it. Next thing I knew, I had these powers. And she shut up very quickly.” Wu’s hand twitched, and Mako looked at the fingers that bore at least a dozen rings on the gold surface.

Squinting at them, he scanned each of the rings until one pricked a memory at the back of his mind. It was a smoothie date…outing. One of many. Mako remembered the excited grasp of Wu’s hand- he’d grabbed one of Mako’s fingers and dragged his arm up and down. He had that ring on- the duller one, with a dark green gem.

That didn’t definitively mean that it was the object with the butterfly in it, but it was a solid contender.

Luckily, the police didn’t bother them all the way to City Hall. Less luckily, there was a higher concentration of people deeper into the city, and they were less able to flee the scene when a clear supervillain showed up.

The mass of people gave a wide berth to the regal figure strolling through them, forming a sort of natural pathway in the way he was headed. Mako kept his head ducked, partially out of embarrassment, but he didn’t want to instigate too much with the crowd. One wrong move, and everyone in the square could be frozen solid.

As they made their way through, people scrambled to get out of the area. However, branching gold wormed its way through the earth, slithering out to the edges of the square and mounting on itself, forming swift walls. People screamed and tried to haul over as it was rising, but it was too tall too quickly, and they all promptly became caged in.

Mako couldn’t do much but stare in horror, regretting his decisions.

“Now that that’s settled!” Wu said satisfactorily, clasping his hands together, which clinked. He then turned to the stairway of the town hall making his way up. Mako tried to duck into the crowd to lose attention so he could transform, but Wu went ahead and grabbed his wrist, bringing him up with him.

Walking through a crowd and being intimidating was not a crime. But entrapment most certainly was, and now, unfortunately, the police had a blatant excuse to dive in.

Helicopter sounds finally made their way over the clamor of the screaming crowd, and Mako looked up to see a few amassing, and ropes streaming down to release the troops. This, Mako realized, was not the police force at all, but Raiko’s recently commissioned force: the AEF. Akuma Extermination Faction- which was about as friendly as it sounded.

Lin had made the smart play in laying low and getting a read on the situation. But Mako should’ve known to not trust Raiko to do the same.

He also couldn’t trust Raiko to concoct an effective program either, because the moments their boots hit the ground and their guns were pointed, gold shot at them through the concrete, swiftly encasing their boots, then crawling up until all that was left was a screaming statue.

It took a second, but the troops got smart enough to not land, and instead hovered, dangling from their aircrafts, weapons still pointed.

“Release the hostages, or immediate action will be taken,” a stern voice declared from a speaker.

Wu’s brow creased. “Better idea: Raiko! Get out here or your citizens will be nothing more than decorations! We have business to discuss.”

Mako tried a small attempt in wrenching his arm free, but Wu held on tight, and Mako couldn’t hope to brute strength his way out of it when his friend had powers and he didn’t. He’d have to have a discussion with Korra about their planning skills when this whole mess was over. If it was ever going to be over. Mako didn’t like how seemingly everything was suddenly going wrong.

“Stand down- people could get hurt here. Raiko’s forces aren’t coordinated enough!” Mako threw out. He didn’t know what else to do- not yet, anyway.

”Standing down is weakness,” Wu declared, his nose and lip curling. His grip tightened and Mako grunted in pain. Then, louder, “Standing down is out of the question! I’d hurry, if I were you. The odds aren’t in your favor.”

”Well they’re not in your’s, either!”

Mako looked up as his friends, led by Korra, descended onto the top of the steps, nearly crashing down on them. However, Wu ducked out of the way and found himself on the midway point of the stairs. Mako, having been pulled back with him, was now dangling from Wu’s grip, hanging just over the lower stairs, his hand getting redder.

Korra spun her staff, letting it fall behind her in an intimidation position, her suit’s ears flat against her head. “Let him and the rest of these people go. Then we can get right down to brass tacks.”

She held up her hand, brandishing her ring. “This is what you want, right? These were part of the deal?”

Wu stared unblinkingly at the jewelry.

“Well then come and get them. If you win, then who’s to stop you?”

Wu sat in complete stillness and silence for a moment, practically a statue himself. Then, finally, he slumped a little, but a tight smile worked its way onto his face. “No, I don’t think so. I have a proposal of my own.”

Wu dragged Mako forward, showing him off to his friends. Mako tried to tug free, but to no avail. “Give me your jewelry. The longer you take, the more people get frozen. Starting with him.”

Wu shoved him onto his knees, and Mako was immediately locked there, gold replacing his jeans. “Hey! No!” he grunted, his eyes instinctively and desperately searching for a solution.

”Stand down! Last warning!” the speaker-voice called from behind.

”NO! Let him go!” Bolin shouted, lifting his shield. “Right now!”

Gold encased his legs- became his legs. Mako began to feel the imminent panic of not being able to breathe. He uselessly struggled against his constraints, trying to calm his heart rate. “Wu! Please! Listen to me-!”

”That is not my NAME!” he screamed, his hands curling. He lifted his arms, the grand sleeves of his robe billowing out. “Clearly I’m not bluffing! You may stand down now or face the consequences!”

Asami’s yo-yo began spinning into a blur. “I guess we’re doing this the hard way,” she breathed, eyes narrowing in concentration.

”Open fire!”

”Mako!”

”WU-!”

Mako didn’t have the chance to see it all play out. In the moment just before his friends leapt forward to fight, everything went black, and his body went numb.

——

When he came to, it wasn’t from a rescue.

Instead, when he collapsed, his limbs finally free, it was pretty easy to realize that- besides Wu- he was the only one unfrozen in the entire square.

The gold wall had extended upwards, curling in and forming a mass of finger-like spikes, curving inwards in an incomplete sphere. People littered the ground, suspended in various displays of screams and desperation.

His friends were locked in almost picturesque poses. Bolin was on the ground, curling behind his shield. Asami was next to him, her yo-yo outstretched, the winding string made mesmerizingly still. And between them, completing the huddle, was Korra, on one knee and one hand stretched into the sky. Around her hand, black energy of an impending Cataclysm was aloft, not having been able to be put to use.

Mako grunted, trying to suppress his horror. He shifted, his joints popping, and he was able to see Wu- not too far away from him, sitting on the steps. His straight posture and air of authority was gone, replaced with sullenness. He was hunched over, his hands supporting his head.

Mako took a shaky breath. “What are you doing?” he managed to rasp out.

”Oh, just, coming up with a plan. I have to unfreeze them at some point to get their Miraculous. I just want to be prepared,” he sighed.

“And you unfroze me…why?”

”For company. Surely you knew my suspending you forever was a bluff.”

”…Not…really..”

”Well,” Wu started, standing up, “now you know. Welcome to my council.”

Mako looked around, his mouth pinched into a thin line. “Not much of a kingdom, is it?”

”It will be better,” Wu responded quickly.

”Will it?” Mako tilted his head to look up at Wu from his curled position. His back ached when he tried to sit up. ”It’s the ring, isn’t it?”

Wu folded his hands over each other, resting them on his chest.

Mako adjusted with a grunt, turning to sit on the step. When he realized one arm was shaking, he twisted so Wu couldn’t see. “You know whatever your aunt says…doesn’t matter, right?”

”I know that,” Wu snapped, that unnatural aggression surfacing again. “It’s in the past. We shouldn’t discuss it.”

”We should,” Mako insisted, against his better judgment. “I can tell you’re fighting it- or else we wouldn't be having this conversation.”

”We won’t be soon if you keep pushing it.”

”I’m not scared of you, Wu. I could never be scared of you.”

”Excuse me?” Wu’s expression curled, scrunching into something sour and foreign to his face.

”Even if that butterfly’s pushing you to, you don’t want to. Hurt me, I mean. So I’m not scared of you, and I know I can talk you out of this.” Mako knew he was talking out of his ass, but he didn’t have much more than confidence at the moment.

“Watch your tone with me,” he hissed, leaning in and over. “I am not the pathetic boy you knew. I am a king, and you will treat me like such.”

”That’s what you think you are?” Mako huffed. “Pathetic? That’s not at all what you are, Wu.”

”Not anymore.”

“You weren’t before…this either. Wu, you are one of the most creative, caring people I know. If…if your aunt hated that, that’s her problem- not yours.”

”I know that!” Wu said shortly, waving him off, his large sleeve trailing behind the motion. “I don’t wish to talk about this anymore. Quiet, before I force you to be.”

”Let me help you.”

”No. I’m keeping you. My power- with you by my side- that will prove everything she has ever said about me to be foolish. I’m not letting it go just because you said so.”

“With me? What makes me so important?”

Wu’s face tightened, clearly holding in a stream of confession. “You’re not. I just happen to like having you around.”

“I don’t think that’s true.” Mako slowly stood, his mind slowly starting to click the pieces given to him together- like second nature. “I think you were antagonized by your aunt your whole life. I think…although I don’t know particularly why, this time pushed you over the edge. And that’s what the butterfly prayed on. It made that moral outrage you had ugly.”

Mako hobbled over to Wu, his joints still stiff. “But it’s not ugly. Hell, Wu, it’s one of the best things about you. You care, dude. A lot. Don’t let some thing take that away from you.”

Wu’s face relaxed from the enraged mask of insult, to something much more neutral and unreadable.

“Fine,” he hummed. “If you’re so desperate for the waste of space that I was, I can let you make a play for him. But if you lose, you stay with me. Forever, just like this.”

At least it was something. Mako swallowed. “Fine.”

”Very well, then.” Wu held out his glittering hand. “Take the right ring. And you can have him back.”

Mako tentatively stepped forward, his brow furrowed. He shifted his weight between his legs, eyeing the green-gem ring.

Wu would think it was a simple answer. Mako was observant. He knew what he has seen before, and he’d take that to its logical conclusion.

But what did it mean to Wu? His friend had always worn a strong variety of jewelry, each on his person simply for the fact that it was pretty. But he never talked about them like they meant something.

Except for one piece- one he wore only once, and simply because he had to. It was for a political event. One that a foreign prince, who’s tenure in Republic City hinged on his education, would be obligated to go to.

A brooch his aunt had forced him to wear to look presentable.

And there it was, on his robe. Mako forced himself to not look directly at it, and instead feigned scanning the rings. Even if Wu wanted out, the butterfly wasn’t going to let him. If Mako simply pointed at or grabbed the brooch, Wu would fight back and stop him in an instant.

Mako took a deep breath and slid the green-gem ring off of Wu’s finger.

Wu let out a low, pitying note. “I’m afraid that’s the wrong one, Mako.”

“I’m sorry this happened.”

”Excuse me?”

”I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve to be targeted for all this. Not just your aunt, but so many people. It’s unfair.”

”For…this…?”

”For who you are. You- underneath all this…gold- you’re incredibly compassionate, innovative and empathetic. Everyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

”Sweet, but meaningless now.”

”I don’t think so.” In a swift motion, Mako snatched the brooch, ripping the opulent fabric of the robe. Wu screamed, lunging forward in rage. But his surprise made him too slow, and Mako whipped around, throwing the brooch away from the stairs.

It landed against Korra’s hand, right into the Cataclysm.

The brooch dissolved into black dust, and an aura of dark energy surrounded Wu, releasing him. He fell from his tall perch, and Mako caught him- the real him.

Wu opened his eyes. Green. “Mako?” he breathed wistfully. He tilted his head. “Where am I? Am I dead?”

Mako rolled his eyes, sighing fondly.

[rocksanddeadflowers]

What's one hobby you have that you'd recommend other people try?

Oh I have so many this is hard to answer.... I think maybe just simple hand sewing skills? Just because a lot of it is really easy once you get the hang of it, and it's incredibly useful and multi purpose. You can make new stuff or save your old favorite things! I love mending my clothes a lot (saves money in the long run and saves me the heart ache), and there's plenty of different kinds of hand sewing skills you can learn depending on what you need them for. I recently even learned scotch darning to save my favorite sweater!

(Sewing is probably my oldest hobby too? I remember being very little and denied real sewing needles so I made my own out of Christmas ornament hooks and fixed my brother's stuffies with them and made my stuffies clothes. I got my needles not long afterwards.)

I prefer visible mending for most of my things, but I practice making it unnoticeable too. I've fixed bedspreads, clothes, bags, and all sorts of things! I've also made new clothes and other trinkets out of scrap material, and decorated things too! (<- personally obsessed with patch work things lmao.)

Admittedly if you get into sewing as a major hobby a sewing machine is very helpful, but I still prefer hand sewing where I can bc I find the machine to be a little stressful. I usually use mine on bigger projects to save time, but I mainly hand sew.

Also I know you quilt so I dunno if that was the answer you were looking for lol... I don't know much about quilting but it is still sewing, and really cool to me. (Long arms look terrifying to me however.) But yeah knowing how to sew by hand is really helpful and fun! It's relaxing for me when I have the energy to focus and feels fulfilling. Even if it's not a good hobby for everyone, if it's a skill you're capable of learning, it's very useful.

[saturnznct]

making new traditions | kjw

➸ note; hehe day one of 25! hope u all enjoy <3

➸ word count; 1180 words

➸ jaesung; 11 months

dadmas masterlist | nct masterlist

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⋆✦⋆ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

‘I can’t believe we’re already at our first Christmas,’ Jungwoo comments, watching your eleven month old son play with a toddler-sized rainbow keyboard.

‘I know,’ you look up from where you’re organising baubles on the floor, ‘time goes so fast, doesn’t it? I want him to stay little forever.’

‘I don’t know, I quite like seeing him hit all of these milestones.’ Jungwoo shuffles along the floor so that he’s sitting behind Jaesung, spreading his legs so that Jaesung is between them.

‘You’re so clever aren’t you, baby boy? Going to be walking in no time.’

‘Don’t say that,’ you whine, chest aching with both pride and almost a sort of mourning over the loss of the baby he used to be, ‘it already hurts me that he can play that keyboard on his own.’

‘Speaking of,’ Jungwoo sits up slightly, ‘I was thinking, Christmas is going to look a lot different now that we have him. It’s not just us, drinking red wine and watching Nightmare before Christmas. We should make it fun for him. Start some family traditions this year.’

‘That’s a perfect idea,’ your heart warms at the domesticity of it all, picturing all of your future christmases with your baby.

‘Now he can press, what do you say we let him turn the tree lights once we’ve finished decorating? The lights have one of those black buttons, away from the plug socket, so it should be safe for him. He can do it every year.’

‘That’s cute,’ you smile, ‘let’s do it once we get all the baubles on.’

You decorate the tree alone for the most part, Jungwoo supervising Jaesung who is completely immersed in smacking the keyboard aimlessly and shrieking with shrill laughter.

‘All done,’ you announce, hooking the ‘baby’s first Christmas’ ornament onto the branch, ‘Jaesungie, wanna put the star on top of the tree?’

Jaesung, typical fickle toddler, completely loses interest in his toy at the sight of the shining golden star you’re holding. He lunges away from Jungwoo, crawling along the carpet and making his way towards you. You scoop him up in your arms, allowing him to grab the star by the stem. You hold his little hand, partly to help guide him to the top of the tree, and also to prevent him poking himself with the points. Your tree isn’t that tall, only about as tall as Jungwoo, so helping Jaesung put the star on the tree isn’t that difficult.

You and Jungwoo clap and cheer dramatically once the star is secured, making your son giggle and squirm in your arms, thrilled by the praise.

‘Ready to do the lights, Jaesungie?’ Jungwoo takes him from you, setting him down on the floor in front of the black button.

‘Hit it like your keyboard,’ Jungwoo instructs, miming the action.

It takes Jaesung a few moments to understand what is being asked of him, but eventually he copies, successfully hitting the button with enough force that the lights turn on, flooding the room with a multicoloured glow.

‘You like the fairy lights, baby boy?’ You heart clenches at the look of sheer amazement on his face.

‘Well done Jaesungie,’ Jungwoo kisses his cheek, ‘although I think it’s time for bed.’

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⋆✦⋆ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

‘Jungwoo, look what came in the mail while you were at practice,’ you present him with a small parcel, which he takes and begins unwrapping.

‘Did you buy something?’ He asks.

‘For the house,’ you explain, watching as his face lights up when he pulls out the three stockings.

��Oh, cute!’ he exclaims, ‘Jaesungie look, it has your name on!’ 

Jaesang, who’s sitting on his play-mat the floor, reaches his little hands out, grabbing his stocking and looking at it in confusion. 

‘It’s for Santa,’ you explain to him, ‘Santa will come in a few days and fill it with lots of nice things just for you!’

Jaesung giggles, waving his chubby toddler arms around in excitement.

‘We can hang them up on Christmas Eve. That can be another new tradition.’

‘Good idea,’ Jungwoo suddenly feels a rush of excitement towards Christmas Eve. 

And when it comes, the house is abuzz with excitement. Jaesung naturally doesn’t really understand, but yours and Jungwoo’s enthusiasm has him beaming and giggling away.

‘Ah, great timing,’ Jungwoo says from the doorway, just as you’re placing down two mugs of hot chocolate. Jaesung is sitting on his hip, wearing his new pyjamas, red with little reindeers as the pattern. 

‘Hiya Sungie,’ you pinch his side lightly, causing him to squirm around in Jungwoo’s arms, ‘it’s time to put your stocking out, so Santa has somewhere to put your presents.’

He reaches for the closest one to him, grasping it in his little hand. 

‘Put it on the fireplace, right here,’ Jungwoo taps the little peg you’ve attached with his finger, before gently holding Jaesung’s hand, and helping him loop the stocking so that it’s hanging.

‘Yay, clever boy,’ Jungwoo giggles when Jaesung claps for himself, pleased by his accomplishment.

’And now,’ Jungwoo declares, almost like a show announcer, ‘it is time. for. Polar Express!’

Jaesung shrieks and giggles as Jungwoo ‘flies’ Jaesung over to the couch, gently dropping him down so that he is nestled between the pillows and blankets.

‘Ready for the movie?’ You cuddle Jaesung. Jungwoo sits down beside you, pulling you into his arms, so that Jaesung is surrounded by both of you.

You loll your head back against his chest, Jaesung curled up in your lap and resting his own head against your shoulder. A thick winter quilt is thrown over the three of you, keeping you cosy and warm while you watch the film. About three quarters of the way through, you look down to check on Jaesung, who is fast asleep.

‘Woo,’ you murmur, ‘he’s sleeping.’

‘Hm,’ Jungwoo groggily acknowledges, ‘let’s get him to bed.’

Jungwoo follows you as you carry Jaesung into his bedroom, both of you giving him a soft kiss on the forehead before lowering him down into his crib gently.

‘Cold now,’ you whine, having escaped the trapped warmth from the duvet cover.

‘Let’s go get back under the blankets and finish the movie.’

You finish the movie in Jungwoo’s lap, and as the credits roll, he begins drawing shapes on your hip with his fingers.

‘We should do all of this again next year,’ he says, ‘I’ve had fun, doing all of this for him. We should do it again next year, and every year after that. If we get lucky enough to have anymore babies, include them too.’

‘Love you,’ you take his face in your hands, heart clenching at how pretty he looks under the fire and Christmas lights, ‘thank you for looking after us and always thinking about us.’

‘Always,’ he leans down to kiss you, ‘we should get ready for bed. Long day tomorrow.’

’Santa won’t come until we’re asleep,’ you nod, thinking about how you’ll likely be saying that exact line next year when Jaesung is a bit older and more defiant.

Jungwoo laughs, ‘come on, let’s go.’

[saywhatjessie]

Forced Sentimentality

Day three of the Advent calendar! Using this list. Day 3: Beach Trip Fandom: Red White & Royal Blue (novel) - Pairing: FirstPrince .8k[Ao3]

“Oh hey!” Alex said, delightedly staring out their front door. “Someone dropped off a Christmas tree!”

“Oh, yes,” Henry said nervously. “I arranged it with Shaan. I knew you’re probably want to pick out your own for our first Christmas but I have no idea how one does that in America. Forgive me?”

Alex hummed, leaning into his space. “This time. But we’re going to a tree farm next year.”

Henry hummed back and kissed him.

“Mm!” Alex said against his lips pulling back. “But we don’t have any shit! Like ornaments or garland or lights!

“We do have lights,” Henry told him, gesturing to the bag next to the tree. “And I’m sure Shaan included standard baubles.”

“Fuck your standard baubles! That’s not what Christmas is about.” Alex immediately tore away from Henry and started scouring around the Brownstone. 

“No?” Henry asked, watching him.

“No!” Alex said, voice muffled as he buried it in a cupboard. “It’s about embarrassing homemade decorations or half broken mementos you can point and laugh at while being quietly nostalgic about.”

“Okay,” Henry said, continuing to watch bewilderedly. “But we don’t have any of those. Seeing as this is our first Christmas.”

“I know!” Alex shouted. “Which is why I’m searching for random stuff that could be ornaments.”

“Ah,” Henry said, caught up. “Shouldn’t we at least bring the tree inside first?”

Alex paused in his manic scavenger hunt before nodding, accepting Henry’s terms.

The tree was already in a stand but still encased in a net, so it just needed to be shimmied inside before they cut off the string and let it settle. Henry grabbed the bag and started poking around to see what Shaan had provided.

“There are two varieties of lights: white and rainbow.”

“Based,” Alex said, ruffling some branches to make it look fuller.

Henry hummed. “There’s also the baubles as I said in standard white silver and gold. No glitter, though, because Shaan is amazing.”

“We can always depend on that sweet sweet ass.”

Henry rolled his eyes. “He’s also given us a tree topper that looks like the star from Super Mario.”

“No shit?” Alex said, whirling around to peer with Henry. “That’s cool as hell!”

“I do think that Shaan included this to make fun of you in his most professional way.” Henry noted.

“I’m fine with that, I like him when he’s mean.” Alex winked and Henry rolled his eyes again.

“Do you want to put up the lights first before you continue your scavenger hunt for pseudo ornaments?”

Alex groaned. “Fine.”

They put the lights on, Henry using his height to reach the taller parts of the tree while Alex kept everything even and at the correct depth, whatever that meant. They placed the baubles semi-randomly, spreading them evenly over the tree while leaving spaces for whatever Alex and Henry managed to find that could pass as an ornament.

They agreed to save the star for last. It seemed right.

“How about the spider-man keychain Nora made?” Henry asked, holding up a felted charm lovingly stabbed by Nora. “That’s ornament-y.”

“Love it, put it up!” Alex said, his voice coming from the office.

Henry did, giving it a point of honor at the front.

Alex came in with his hands practically overflowing.

“And what do we have here?” Henry asked, amused.

“Well!” Alex started, dumbing everything on the couch. “We’ve got Pop Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who doesn’t have a hook but she can just chill on a branch.”

“Of course,” Henry smiled.

“Then I’ve got this mini version of pride and prejudice that can kind of hang. And a fidget spinner with the union jack for you, duh.”

“Obviously.”

“The costume glasses from when I was Chuckie Finnster for Halloween, some silly bandz I was holding onto for sentimental reasons, and of course,” He grinned. “My VIP badge from the Rio Olympics.”

Henry groaned. “Alex, no.”

“Alex, yes!” Alex grinned. “Come on, baby. From our first meeting!”

“Where I was a prick to you.”

“And I’ve been a prick since.” He shrugged. “We still love each other and all that dumb shit.”

Henry sighed. “Yes, I suppose we do.”

Alex grinned.

They put all the junk on the tree plus some more assorted junk they managed to pull together and, all in all, it did make it look more personal.

“Now for the finishing touch–” Alex picked up the Mario star, grinning. “Lift me up.”

Henry snorted. “Unnecessary.”

“But hot. Come on, pick me up.”

Henry sighed but stooped to grip Alex around the thighs and lift.

“Whoa!”

“You asked for this!”

Alex laughed, wiggling his arse on Henry’s shoulder to get comfortable as he leaned in and placed the star.

Henry let him down slowly, Alex’s body sliding against his. Alex spun in his grip so he landed face to face, his smiling mouth tilted up.

“Merry Christmas, Henry.”

Henry smiled back, leaning down to kiss him. “Merry Christmas, Alex.”

[curtainsuppliesdirect]

What Innovative Curtain Accessories Are Trending This Season?

This season, window treatments are being redefined and home décor is being enhanced with inventive curtain additions. Adjustable curtain tiebacks are a popular choice since they provide for easy elegance and variable decor. Due to their practicality and contemporary style, magnetic tiebacks are likewise becoming more and more popular. With their seamless functionality and remote control or app integration, smart curtain tracks make it simple to open and close curtains with a single touch. Furthermore, new pleating techniques are being created with decorative header tape, which adds a refined touch. These avant-garde gadgets, which prioritize use over style, are ideal for turning any living area into a chic retreat.

Finding Curtain Accessories on the Internet for Any Style The ideal Curtain Accessories Online are now easier to obtain online than ever in the digital age. There are several alternatives available to improve your window treatments, ranging from chic tiebacks to useful gliders. Investing in the appropriate accessories can improve your interior design and completely change your room.

Chic Curtain Rope Tiebacks Curtain Tiebacks Rope are a fashionable accessory this season. Depending on the material and design selected, these adaptable tiebacks contribute a hint of refinement and may be utilized to create a professional or casual look. Rope tiebacks, which come in a variety of hues and textures, are a novel method to draw back curtains while letting natural light into your room. Their versatility in matching any type of curtain fabric and ease of installation make them a favorite among decorators.

The UK's Best Curtain Tiebacks Curtain tiebacks UK offers a large assortment of options that suit different tastes for people looking for high-quality solutions. You can find tiebacks that improve the appearance of your curtains while still serving a utilitarian purpose, regardless of your preference for classic or contemporary styles. Many UK providers place a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, guaranteeing that their tiebacks are not only fashionable but long-lasting.

Curtain Header Tape: A Must Have

Another crucial piece of equipment that shouldn't be disregarded is header tape for curtains. This tape keeps the structure of your curtains intact and makes pleating simple. You can obtain a polished finish that improves the overall appearance of your window treatments by including header tape into your designs. It fits in nicely with both formal and informal styles and is simple to sew into the curtain fabric.

Examining Current Curtain Hardware With cutting-edge options for modern interiors, the market for modern curtain accessories is flourishing. These accessories let homeowners show off their individual taste with a variety of designs ranging from strong statement pieces to minimalist styles. Because of their simple design and practicality, accessories like decorative gliders and magnetic tiebacks are becoming more and more popular. These pieces are perfect for contemporary living areas.

Curtain Accessories UkThere are many different curtain accessories available in the UK for those living there. The alternatives are made to accommodate a variety of demands and tastes, from useful weights to ornamental hooks. You can locate the ideal match for your home from local merchants who frequently provide distinctive products tailored to British tastes.

Blind Curtain Accessories that Are Versatile

For individuals who would like have both curtains and blinds, blind curtain attachments offer more functionality. The perfect integration of your blinds and curtains is ensured by accessories like clips and hooks, which improve both design and functionality. These attachments provide flexible privacy and light control, which makes them a great option for any space.

Smooth Functioning Curtain Track Gliders In conclusion, curtain track gliders are a necessary addition for seamless curtain operation. Through the help of these gliders, curtains may be opened and closed by ease and smoothness as they glide along the track. Buying high-quality gliders guarantees that your curtains will glide smoothly, improving the total performance of your window coverings.

[blindsparts]

What Are the Vital Roman Blind Parts for a Perfect Fit?

A few key components are needed to ensure a flawless fit for Roman blinds. First, as they offer the main decorative and practical components, the cloth slats or panels are essential. Rods or tension wires then create the lift mechanism that enables the blinds to open and close smoothly. Furthermore, the cloth is fastened to the lifting mechanism with the aid of rings or clip attachments. Headrails are also necessary since they support and house the operating mechanism. In order for the Roman blinds to hang firmly and perform well in your room, make sure you have high-quality mounting brackets for a correct installation.

Sections of Vertical Blinds The functioning of vertical blinds is facilitated by a number of essential components. These blinds have vertical slats that are movable to regulate privacy and light. The headrail operates and maintains the slats; cables or wand controls are used to change their position. To ensure stability, brackets secure the headrail to the window frame. It can be easier to choose the right vertical blinds parts for upgrades or replacements if you are aware of these components. Curtain Accents Think about adding Curtains Accessories that will increase your window treatments while also adding flair and practicality. Tiebacks are valuable for keeping curtains drawn, and valances or cornices can be added to the highest of the curtains to give them a decorative touch. Attaching curtains to the rod or rail system also wants curtain hooks and rings. These extras not only make your curtains look better, nonetheless they also make them easier to use and last longer. Acorns and Wood Blinds Acorns are a minor but important part of Wooden Blinds Acorns. These acorn-shaped end pieces are ornamental and serve as extra support in addition to giving the lift cords or rods of the blinds a polished appearance. Your wooden blinds' aesthetic appeal and structural integrity are preserved with their assistance. By being aware of these different components, you can better maintain and improve your window coverings, making sure they work as intended and go with the style of your house.

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What Are the Must-Have Curtains Accessories?

Vital curtain accessories include finials, tiebacks, and curtain rods; these particulars give your window treatments more skill and utility. In order to hang curtains firmly, curtain rods are a necessity. The ornamental tips of curtain rods, called finials, add a final change to your curtains. In order to protected the curtains to the rod and provide smooth undertaking, curtain rings or hooks are also vital. These add-ons enhance the practicality of your curtains in adding to their aesthetic appeal. 

Addition Extra Charm to Your Window Treatments: An Impression of Roman Blind Components, Curtains, Accessories, and More 

Details are important when it comes to window dressing. Every element, from Roman Blind Replacement Parts  to curtain accessories and all in between, is essential to both functionality and aesthetics. We’ll go through the key components and add-ons you’ll need to upgrade your window treatments in this guide.

Replacement parts and parts for Roman blinds

Roman blinds lend an youthful elegance to any room, but in order to keep them operative properly, approximately of the parts may need to be substituted over time. Roman blind parts that are frequently seen are:

To raise and lower the blinds, cords and chains are necessary.

Headrail: Gives the blind support and structure.

When the blind is lifted, Rod Pocket Tape assists in forming the folds.

To maintain the blind’s tautness when lowered, the bottom bar adds weight.

To keep your current blinds looking as good as new, make sure the replacement parts are compatible with them when looking for them.

Curtains Accents

Curtains are more than just bits of fabric draped over your windows—they are a inordinate way to give your room some charm and flair. The general style and performance of your window treatments can be better with curtains and fittings. Essential curtain accessories are as follows:

Curtain rods can be found to match your decor in a variety of materials and finishes.

Tiebacks: Pull open the curtains to let in light and to add some style.

Finials are ornamental ends for curtain rods that give your window treatments flair.

Curtain rings or hooks: necessary for fastening curtains to the rod and guaranteeing seamless motion.

These add-ons enhance the practicality of your curtains in addition to their aesthetic appeal.

Acorns and Wood Blinds

Any room is made more sophisticated and cosy by wooden blinds, and wooden blind acorns are the ideal finishing touch. Acorns, also known as wooden blind pulls, are attached to the blinds’ cords and offer both fashion and utility. Consider the wood type, finish, and design when choosing wooden blinds acorns to ensure a seamless integration between your blinds and overall decor.

Parts for roller blinds

Although roller blinds parts are a stylish and modern way to cover windows, they may eventually need new parts, just like any other blinds. Typical roller blind components consist of:

The chain mechanism makes it possible for the blinds to be raised and lowered with ease.

Brackets: affix the blinds firmly to the window frame.

Bottom Bar End Caps: These add a polished appearance and safeguard the bottom bar’s ends.

To extend the life of your roller blinds, it’s critical to select high-quality parts when replacing them.

Parts of Vertical Blinds

Large windows and sliding doors can benefit greatly from vertical blinds parts, but they too occasionally need maintenance and replacement parts. Typical components for vertical blinds are:

Slats of Vertical Blinds: The separate slats that dangle from the headrail.

Hangers: Use the headrail to secure the slats and regulate their movement.

Structural support and slat alignment are provided by weights and chains.

To preserve the functionality and aesthetics of your current blinds, make sure the parts you purchase for your vertical blinds are compatible with them.

[clancabur]

Arkades

BASICS

Name; Arkades be'Cabur Species; Human (Mandalorian) Age; 250/300+ Gender; Trans male, he/him Sexuality; Demiromantic bisexual Callsign/Alias; Arkades, "Iron Lord", "Old Oak" Class; Warlock Subclass; Shadebinder (Stasis), Dawnblade (Solar) Clan; Cabur Ghost; Kote, she/her

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APPEARANCE

Physical Basics; Lightly tanned skin, jade green eyes, and grey that he keeps combed back. He used to wear it shoulder-length but keeps it shorter now. He's tall and deceptively thin; he looks like a twig, but it's just his height hiding his real muscle definition. Tattoos/Scars; He has a tattoo of a flowering vine that goes all the way down his spine, but other than that, no. The only scars he has are small ones from his life before being Risen. Posture; He has a tendency to settle into something like a military at-rest pose when he's not paying attention, and either crosses his arms or clasps his hands at the small of his back. He doesn't really 'lounge', and tends to keep a rigid pose even when relaxed.

ATTITUDE

Personality; Generally, Arkades is level-headed and practical. He listens and learns before he acts, whether in combat or in a simple chat. He's seen as gentle, and compassionate, and kind- and while he is these things, he is also perfectly capable of being ruthless and cruel if those he loves are threatened. He has a tendency to parent, even if you're older than him, and he's very good at it. Likes; Like most Mandos, he adores children, and adopted two of his own- Odyssey and Janus. He's also fostered a number of New Lights, and he enjoys helping and teaching them. Also like most Mandos, he enjoys fighting and various weapons. He likes reading and learning, as well, and is voracious in his search for new- and especially forbidden- knowledge. Dislikes; He hates people who would harm children, and he hates people with no code of morals or honor. On a simpler note, he despises poorly made tea. Strengths; Since he has a lot of experience with warfare and tactics, he's very good at planning things out. He has a hundred contingencies for any situation, and even if he doesn't have one, he's good at coming up with one on the fly. He's also just plain physically sturdy, and since his armor is made of beskar, he's damned hard to kill. Weaknesses; He doesn't have many, since there's not much trauma to exploit, nor does he have any physical weaknesses. However, if he's somewhere he can't reach his ade (sons), he will get very lonely and morose, and is more susceptible to manipulation. Also, if you can trick him into making an oath or promise, he won't break it even if you reveal your true colors (in most cases; hurt kids and he won't hesitate to end you), because his own code of honor prevents him from breaking his word and dishonoring himself. Motivations; Aside from protecting his family and the nau'ade (New Light, not canon Mando'a), he's motivated by a hunger for knowledge. Literally, he craves learning; the more forbidden and esoteric the better.

KIT

Armor; Mandalorian helmet, Winter's Guile (no ornament), Technologic Robes, Wrath Trail Boots, Rite of Refusal. His coat is a sage green, with the rest of his armor made of brown leather and dark brown or blue-grey cloth. His helmet and any other metal is painted bronze. Weapons; Exit Strategy, a submachine gun. The Fourth Horseman (no ornament), a shotgun. Temptation's Hook, a sword. He's pretty good with most weapons, but he prefers a good, solid shotgun. Ghost Shell; Kote's shell is the Upward Climber shell, though the green is much more faded and the blue is a chipped gold, and it's a sort of dull, rusted bronze instead of grey. Sparrow; Roach-VGH Jumpship; Deep Space Hauler Skills; As a historian and a scientist, Arkades knows the working theory of a number of things, from Hive magic to nuclear physics to local myths. He's not an expert in many things, though. He's good with languages, and picks them up relatively quickly (I as the mun do Not, though, so please go easy on me-). He's fantastic at combat of most types, especially hand-to-hand, fencing, and sharpshooting. He also knows how to take care of kids of any age from most species.

BACKSTORY

I don't have as much penned down in Arkades' backstory as I do for his boys. I know that he's an Iron Lord, and I know that he's Mandalorian. I do not know how a Mandalorian ended up in the Destiny universe, why he remembers being Mandalorian, or how/why he was Risen by a Ghost.

What I do have in terms of backstory is that he was Raised in the early Dark Ages, a few decades before Dice and Janus, joined up with the Iron Lords, adopted his boys, survived the Fall of the Iron Lords (mostly because he stepped back from field work to be a hermit), and ended up at the City teaching New Lights.

I think he probably shows up in Janus' story in the background, but he's more of a support character, so there's no specifics.

[toocutebeads]

Sparkle and Shine: DIY Christmas Jewelry Ideas to Brighten Your Holidays!

'Tis the season for sparkle and shine! Christmas is the perfect time to add a touch of festive flair to your jewelry collection with DIY Christmas jewelry. From beaded bracelets to holiday-themed earrings, there are endless opportunities to get creative and craft one-of-a-kind pieces that will brighten your holidays and make cherished gifts for loved ones. In this article, we'll explore some dazzling DIY Christmas jewelry ideas using Christmas bead kits and other materials, guaranteed to add extra cheer to your festive season.

Festive Beaded Bracelets: Beaded bracelets are a timeless accessory, and they're even more special when adorned with holiday-themed beads. Christmas bead kits offer a wide variety of beads in festive colors like red, green, and gold, as well as adorable holiday charms like snowflakes, reindeer, and Christmas trees. Create your own festive beaded bracelets by stringing together a mix of beads and charms to reflect the holiday spirit. These bracelets make perfect gifts for friends and family or delightful accessories to wear throughout the holiday season.

Holiday Charm Necklaces: For a statement piece that captures the magic of the season, try creating a holiday charm necklace using Christmas bead kits. Start with a chain necklace and add an assortment of holiday-themed charms, such as jingle bells, candy canes, and gingerbread men. Mix and match different charms to create a personalized necklace that celebrates your favorite aspects of the holiday season. Whether you're attending a festive gathering or simply spreading holiday cheer, a charming holiday necklace is sure to make a statement.

Christmas Earrings: Earrings are a fun and easy way to add a festive touch to your holiday ensemble. Create your own Christmas earrings using holiday-themed beads and charms from Christmas bead kits. Consider making simple dangle earrings featuring a single holiday bead or get creative with intricate designs like beaded snowflakes or miniature Christmas wreaths. These DIY earrings are perfect for adding a pop of color and whimsy to your holiday outfits, and they also make delightful gifts for friends and family members.

Sparkling Snowflake Brooches: Capture the beauty of a winter wonderland with DIY snowflake brooches made from sparkling beads. Start by selecting a variety of crystal or glass beads in different shapes and sizes to represent the delicate structure of snowflakes. Use wire or thread to string the beads together in the shape of a snowflake, then attach a pin back to transform it into a brooch. These sparkling snowflake brooches are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday attire or embellishing a cozy winter coat.

Beaded Wine Glass Charms: Add a festive touch to your holiday table with beaded wine glass charms. Using Christmas bead kits, create small beaded charms featuring holiday-themed beads and charms like miniature ornaments, holly berries, and candy canes. Attach the charms to small rings or hooks and place them around the stems of wine glasses to help guests keep track of their drinks during holiday gatherings. Not only are these beaded wine glass charms practical, but they also add a touch of whimsy and charm to your holiday table setting.

Conclusion: This holiday season, unleash your creativity and add a personal touch to your festivities with DIY Christmas jewelry. Whether you're creating beaded bracelets, holiday charm necklaces, Christmas earrings, sparkling snowflake brooches, or beaded wine glass charms, Christmas bead kits offer endless possibilities for crafting beautiful and unique jewelry pieces that capture the magic of the season. Get started on your DIY Christmas jewelry creations today and spread holiday cheer with your dazzling designs!