#reindeer dad [ ic ]

[reindeer-dad]

[roleplayersoul]

"My biggest regret is not being able to do everything with them."

(@reindeer-dad)

Asgore cupped the side of Rudy's cheek. How long had it been since he'd seen Rudolph say something like that? And he'd almost never seen him so... downcast. "Rudy," His eyes were filled with intent, and seriousness, but did not lack his warmth. "You have done all you could do. I... I know just how you feel. But you've shown them, given them, taught them, loved them.

And every ounce of love you've shown, and all the love you have left to give, they'll see that, and they'll pass down that love to their own, too. You don't have to worry about a thing.

I promise."

[hometown-mayor]

How is Rudy? Is he feeling any better?

She just... walks out.

[lainzworld]

@reindeer-dad​ liked for a starter

Noelle gently but quickly walked into Rudy’s hospital room. Her backpack was still on, in her hands a paper bag with tips of flowers peeking out of the top. She set the bag down by a side chair and smiled at Rudy, “Hey dad,” She greeted and set her backpack onto the chair.

The thoughts of the nightmare she had earlier still ran through her head, but she quickly dismissed them and got to work pulling out the rice and veggie stir fry she snuck in her bag, “I made some food tonight! I still have a lot to work on but I think it turned out nice, but I accidentally used too much rice, too much for me and mom”

“So I gave some to Mr. Dreemurr, Kris mentioned once about how little he has in his fridge, like an egg and a pickle jar” She snorted, taking the lid off of the tupperware, “But I think he appreciated it, and gave me a bunch of flowers to repay me,” Noelle figured Asgore didn’t quite have the money to pay her back, but to be fair she took it to him without expecting a payment, so she was happy to receive flowers. She set the food onto the nightstand by the bed, then pulled out the large bouquet of flowers, many of them were golden flowers. She carefully set them onto the bed, “I figured you’d enjoy them, so I took them with me”

[olliesmultimuse]

@reindeer-dad​ sent: (From the starter meme) “Maaaannnn…” Rudy drawled out in concern while inspecting Asgore’s empty refrigerator. "When was the last time you ate something?!"

400 random dialogue prompts (accepting)

Asgore winced a bit at his dear friend’s question. When was the last time he ate something? A soft frown plastered across his face as he murmured out softly, “Must’ve been a while since I last ate something. I’ve been mostly getting takeouts.” He seemed a bit awkward, “My apologies if I’m worrying you right now.”

[undyingguppywarrior]

"Undyne, why's Noelle crying??" The protective reindeer dad had swooped in to pick up a bawling Noelle.

((Here ya go, have a random starter with Undertale @reindeer-dad!))

"Uhhhhhhhh, I have no idea. Could be anything," Undyne said, standing in front of what looked like a school project that had been impaled by a spear. This was the guppy's poor attempt to try and hide it from the adult.

[jackhues]

mmm, icing - mitch marner

notes: i hope you guys like this, second fic for 'it's the most wonderful time of the year', love mitch, and i love this!

likes are good, reblogs are better <3

part of naqia's end of the year celly!

gif not mine

"mitchell marner, don't tell me you put your finger in the icing specifically after i told you not to," you placed your hands on your hips.

slowly, mitch pulled his finger out of the bowl, licking it clean, "okay. i won't tell you."

you narrowed your eyes at his smug expression, unable to help the small smile that creeped up on your own face.

"since someone can't be trusted with this, it's going in the fridge until we need it," you decided, picking up the bowl of icing and placing it in the fridge.

"look what you did, zeus," mitch shook his head at his dog.

"don't blame zeusy for your actions," you defended the dog. "he's nothing but an angel."

"well of course he's an angel, he takes after his dad."

"stop talking."

"gladly."

you rolled your eyes, laughing to yourself as you pulled up a recipe for sugar cookies. it was a rare day off for mitch -- one where he had no training or game -- and you'd decided to try and bake some sugar cookies.

"okay, i need you to get the flour," you listed the ingredients, allowing mitch to move around the kitchen and grab them.

that was one good thing about baking with your boyfriend. he would gladly run around as your little henchman while you mixed together the ingredients.

you made a good team.

as mitch collected the items, you began mixing them together. you hummed along to the christmas music that mitch had turned on.

mitch grabbed one of the spatulas as you mixed the flour, singing loudly.

"but the fire is so delightful," he sung, using the spatula as a microphone. "and since we've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

you rolled together the dough as mitch continued singing and dancing. zeus danced across the floor, excited to be a part of this. mitch laughed, playing with him.

"here, you wanna make the shapes with me?" you asked, holding up the cookie cutters.

"that's not even a question," he answered, taking the reindeer one from your hand.

the two of you made cookies in all different shapes, already planning on how to decorate them. once the last of the dough was used up, you propped the cookies in the oven and turned the timer on.

"mitchell marner, you better not be reaching for the icing," you threatened, fixing the timer.

there was a silent pause, before mitch answered, "what makes you say that?"

you turned around, finding him about to open the fridge door and motioned, "uh... that!"

"oh yeah," he grinned, leaving the fridge and making his way towards you. "it's not what it looks like."

"oh really?" you asked, putting your arms around his neck as he placed his hands on your waist. "then what was that? because it looked like you were trying to get into the fridge while i wasn't looking so that you could eat the icing. the icing that we need to ice the cookies we're baking."

"okay, maybe it's exactly what it looks like," he muttered.

you laughed, burying your head in mitch's neck.

you didn't realize sugar cookies were going to cause this much chaos. but still, you wouldn't trade it for anything.

[marvelobsessed134]

In my heart is a Christmas tree farm

This is part of my 12 days of fics

Pairings: Dad!Steve Rogers x Mom!Reader

Warnings: none

Summary: in which you, Steve, and your two kids get a Christmas tree and pet reindeer

“Ok guys we’re almost there. Are you excited?” You asked your two kids. Your eldest daughter, Margaret and your youngest son, James (Yes he was named after Bucky).

“Yes, Mama! So excited!” Margaret exclaimed. James is still pretty young only 2 years old so he couldn’t really speak but you could tell he was excited. Steve smiled at you from the drivers seat. He loves how you interact with your kids. Makes him fall in love with you all over again.

Finally, you arrived at the Christmas tree farm that also doubled as an activity center with ice skating, a petting zoo, free hot chocolate, and a little train ride for the kids.

Once you got out you made sure the kids had their hats, coats, and gloves on since it was pretty cold. Steve made sure he had the cables to attach the tree to the top of the car.

You decided to look around the tree lot. Margaret pointed to a very large tree. “Honey I don’t think that’s gonna fit in our house.” You chuckled.

She pouted, her blue eyes looking up at yours. She really looks like Steve. “But mommy!!!”

“Mommy’s right, this is not going to fit in our house. Come on, let’s keep looking.” Steve piped up.

You pushed James in the stroller while Steve held Margaret’s hand.

Finally, you found the perfect tree. Steve paid for it and the workers watched in astonishment as he simply picked up the tree over his shoulder like it was nothing. You smiled and blushed at your strong husband.

Once the blonde got the tree on top of the car secured by the cables, the four of you decided to get hot chocolate and pet some reindeer.

You let your son out of the stroller and watched him carefully as he ran with his sister to pet the reindeer.

You and Steve also pet the furry creatures, gushing over how cute they were.

“Mama can we take the reindeer home?” Margaret asked, hugging the deer that was twice her size. You chuckled, “No, honey. They belong here with their family and friends.”

“Aw.” She was disappointed and Steve saw that. So he went to the gift shop and came out with something. “Mar, can you come here for a minute?” Your husband asked.

She walked to him and he pulled out a plush reindeer from behind his back. The little girls eyes lit up and she hugged it tightly before hugging him. “Thank you daddy!”

The captain also got one for James which the little boy loved.

Then, the four of you decided to try ice skating. Of course Steve seemed so perfect at it, the serum might’ve helped. You did pretty good, skating around while holding your son. Your daughter kept falling down and crying, getting frustrated. So the blonde put her on his shoulders as he skated and she was laughing and having a blast.

Later on, you could tell the two kids were tired so you took them back to the car and packed up, driving home.

[froggibus]

In celebration of that shimada brothers 'let's have a baby' how about a shimada brothers + reaper headcannons of how they would be as parents?

How They Are As A Father - Shimadas + Reaper

Genre: headcanons + fluff!

Word Count: 600 (like 200ish each)

CW: mentions of S*jiro, lots of fluff, christmas + halloween tropes, genji is a soccer mom and you can't change my mind

this was such a cute idea and im glad i could bring it to life for you anon! i hope you enjoy <3

————

Hanzo

strives to be better than his father 

very overprotective of you + the baby when your first child is born

calms down over time tho

would do anything for his child

definitely reads them a bedtime story every night (bonus points if he makes it up)

he loves to play outside with them—rain or shine

would teach them self defense 

also would give them the option when they’re older if they want to learn to shoot a bow/use a sword

if they want to do a different activity instead? he still tries to be supportive

films everything

also for some reason i picture him making scrapbooks??

volunteers to be a parent supervisor on all of the field trips

and knows every single one of their teachers

he would definitely go up to the door to trick or treat with them too

and christmas?

you have to stop him from buying the whole toy store

still they end up with way more gifts than originally intended

would make a big deal of Santa coming

like would set up a whole scene after they go to bed—reindeer tracks and everything

also he’s an excellent gift wrapper

would have a distinct wrapping style for himself, Santa etc

10/10 father he loves his kid(s) so much

Genji

also tries to be better than their father

tries to be firm but always caves

definitely the type to accidentally swear/do something he’s not supposed to in front of the kids

“I’ll buy you ice cream if you don’t tell mommy”

they end up getting lots of ice cream

worries sometimes that they’ll be embarrassed that he’s a cyborg so you have to comfort him sometimes

i feel like he would sing them to sleep every night??

is extra about everything

he’s on the PTA and bakes cookies for every event

Halloween? he’s coordinating everyone’s costumes

would definitely use “dad tax” as an excuse to steal some of their candy afterwards tho

also he dresses up as Santa to put gifts under the tree

“babe, the kids have been asleep for hours, you don’t have to wear the costume” “but what if they wake up”

also definitely is a part of the carpool + always talks about ‘that bitch Karen’ 

Reaper

he would be a great father

definitely very sleepy and always takes naps with the kids

is the type to patrol their room if they complain about monsters under the bed

somehow knows exactly what to do too

you’re kind of jealous of it actually

until you see how close he is with them and how cute it is

doesn’t initially want to volunteer for anything at their school/extracurriculars

cannot resist puppy dog eyes though and gets roped into it anyway

the “idk ask your mom” type

plays with the kids for hours 

they will literally be using this man as a jungle gym and he doesn’t even flinch

carries them to bed when they fall asleep in weird places

if some kid was bullying them at school, he would definitely have some strong words for them

“kick them in the shins” “gabriel!”

not a big fan of Halloween but will hold their hands if they get scared

also insists they wear a coat and even when they refuse carries it the whole night for when they inevitable get cold

loves to play in the snow with your kids

absolute snowball fight master 

holds them up so they can decorate the top of the tree

helps them write letters to Santa + gives them letters back covered in white glitter and candy cane stickers

he’s so soft

would move heaven and hell for his kids 

masterlist

[here2bbtstrash]

real magic - teaser (explicit)

❆ genre: smut, fluff, bangin’ your boss, m attempts kidfic

❆ pairing: namjoon x reader

❆ summary: the holiday season has never meant anything to you beyond suffering long hours for minimum wage and awaiting the collapse of capitalism— but this year, you’d be willing to add making out with your DILF coffee shop boss to the list.

❆ teaser word count: 1.4k

❆ teaser contains: the good ol' "moving back to your hometown" hallmark trope, the bittersweet nostalgia of the holidays when you're not a kid anymore, moni being a little shit, sweaty namjoon (YES that's a warning 😩), namjoon in a protect trans kids shirt (oop i told you it was coming!!!!), all wrapped up in a nice lil meet-cute bow 🎁

❆ part of a hyung holiday collab - dropping december 2022!

❆ A/N: ahhhhh i am SO EXCITED about this collab y'all 🫠 hope you're ready for some hot dad namjooooooon~ and i'm beyond stoked for the hyung goodness @nabiolive @gimmethatagustd and @haliiimede are gonna bless us with like we're not WORTHY 😭 be sure to go check out their teasers and show them some love!!! 🤍

With several hours to kill before your job interview and a growing desire to avoid the weird nostalgia of your childhood that seems to lurk in every corner of your parents’ house, you decide to take a walk.

The sky is bright blue and cloudless, and though the air is brisk, it isn’t terribly windy. You tuck in your earbuds as you shut the front door behind you and pick a direction, aimless, letting your mind wander to the soundtrack of your “seasonal depression” playlist.

A whole new crop of families must have moved into your parents’ neighborhood in the years since you moved out, because the streets are more alive with kids than you can ever remember them being, even when you were a kid yourself. Bikes and scooters lay abandoned on the sidewalks between homes, and you can hear the repeated echo of a basketball dribbling on a driveway, punctuated by distant, playful screaming.

Even in the daytime, you can tell these families have spared no expense when it comes to Christmas decor: some homes have every eave outlined in string lights, some have candy cane stakes dug into the perimeter of their perfectly manicured lawns, and some have been seemingly invaded by small armies of inflatable reindeer and snowmen. You can’t help but giggle a little at the inflatable decorations that have been set to turn off during the day, the way the airless material lays limp in the grass, giving the impression of a yard strewn with dead bodies.

But you remember what it looked like when you drove in last night, everything lit up and brought to life.

Your parents definitely didn’t have inflatable lawn decorations when you were a kid, but you’d get so excited every year when your dad would drag the ladder out and spend the day stringing up the simple rainbow lights you did have. You still remember the little spark of joy you’d feel in your chest when the colors would click on after dark, the way you would run outside every night just to see them twinkle, your breath puffing steam clouds in the air, your bare feet freezing on the ice-cold driveway.

It felt like magic then. But somewhere along the way you grew up. And now that feeling’s gone. Even at night, the lights just look like… lights.

Distracted as you are by the music in your ears and thoughts of your childhood that have brought you to a standstill on the sidewalk, you don’t notice what’s happening until it’s too late. 

A blur of red and white is suddenly circling around and between your legs, and you feel something twining over your ankles, then tugging with a force that threatens to knock you off balance. As you lean forward in an attempt to right yourself, the chaos in question slows enough for you to realize it’s a fluffy white dog in a red sweater, who has excitedly tangled you up in his leash.

You manage to find the looped end of the leash and slowly get yourself unwrapped while the dog continues to pant and jump and occasionally yap at you. With your legs freed, you squat down for a proper greeting, laughing to yourself as he lifts up on his hind legs, balancing his paws on your knee to lick an enthusiastic greeting across your cheek.

“Hi, puppy,” you murmur, trying to get him to hold still long enough to read the name on his tag. A voice beats you to it.

“Moni!”

When you glance up to find Moni’s owner jogging up the sidewalk, you have to make a conscious effort to keep your own tongue in your mouth, because good lord, he is fine.

He’s tall, towering over you even once you bring yourself back up to standing, and the black workout tank and athletic shorts he’s wearing do absolutely nothing to hide the thick, well-defined muscles of his arms, chest, and thighs.

Despite his lack of clothing in the cool winter air, you can see his face and neck are slick with sweat, his white-blonde hair damp with it too. There’s even a dark patch that’s soaked his shirt at his sternum, making the firm swell of his pecs that much more apparent. It takes you an extra second to break eye contact with them, but when you do finally manage to drag your gaze up to meet his, you realize his face is just as nice of a view: honey-tan skin, full lips, and cute dimples that pop as he gives a sheepish, appreciative laugh.

“Thank you,” he says, a little breathless; his voice is deep and slightly husky in a way that makes your face grow hot. You blink stupidly at him for a few moments, your mind reeling, and then it occurs to you that you still have his dog’s leash in your hand.

“No problem,” you manage, handing the looped end back over and double-checking to make sure your ankles are still free from their entanglement. Though now that this man is holding the leash, you kind of wish they weren’t.

“Moni’s usually good about not taking off when I stop to do a circuit,” he explains, like you’re the dog owner police. It makes you wonder what kind of Karens must have moved into this neighborhood since you left it. “I don’t know why he ran, maybe he saw a squirrel or something.”

“It’s okay,” you reassure him with a smile, admiring Moni as he stretches and settles into a polite seated pose. “I like his sweater.”

“Thanks,” he laughs again. “C’mon Mon.”

You can’t help focusing on how big this guy’s hands are as he slips his fingers through the end of Moni’s leash, tugging slightly as if to encourage the dog back in the direction he came from.

Moni blinks and stays right where he is.

“You little shit,” his owner huffs under his breath, and you have to bite down on your bottom lip to keep from laughing. You distantly realize you should probably leave them to it and continue on your walk, but this is too entertaining to turn away from now. Your hot neighbor tries one more futile attempt to get Moni to move, then seems to give up entirely.

He stoops down with a low grunt of effort that makes your core flutter as he grabs the fluffy dog and hoists him up in his arms. You try to force yourself to stop noticing the way his biceps flex, the fact that the muscles of his arms are nearly bigger than your head.

“Thanks again,” he says with a final grateful smile, and your only response is to swallow hard and stand there like an idiot as he turns and carries his spoiled dog back home.

When you arrive for your interview, you’re delighted to discover that Indigo Coffee is nothing like your last job. It’s warm and bright, with large picture windows that flood the space in sunlight, and there’s a cozy personal touch to it, the likes of which you’d certainly never see in your former corporate shell of a workplace. The sitting area is dotted with live edge wood tables and mismatched chairs. There are an array of framed paintings on the walls that look handmade in a good way, simple yet bold brush-stroke lines in a deep blue color scheme. And, you realize as your eyes linger, the shop is absolutely overflowing with plants: in simple clay pots lined up along the windows, free-standing between tables, and tucked into bookshelves placed artfully throughout the space. 

You step closer to inspect one as you wait on your interviewer and are pleased to see that it’s real, that they all are— no waxy fake leaves jammed into a thick block of cement, but real greenery sprouted in real dirt, deep brown soil gone soft from what must have been a recent watering. These are plants someone cares for, coaxed and kept alive by someone’s time and patience and love. The thought makes you smile a little despite yourself.

There’s still fucking Christmas music playing, but you figure that’s inescapable this time of year.

“Are you here for the interview?” someone asks over your shoulder. As you turn away from the plant, you wonder if you’re imagining that the voice in question sounds slightly familiar, and then you find yourself once again staring up at a fine-ass man with white-blonde hair and a sweet pair of dimples.

He’s clearly showered since your last encounter, and is now slightly more covered up in a pair of faded jeans and a gray-green flannel thrown over a black shirt emblazoned with bold white lettering: Protect Trans Kids.

“Oh.” Moni’s owner blinks back at you, and the shock on his face is so apparent that a giggle escapes your lips before you can stop it. “Uh, hi again.”

[reindeer-dad]

Go ahead -- ask this old man questions.

[disneytva]

December 2023 Programming Highlights

Friday, Dec. 1 Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Funhouse “Santa’s Crash Landing” (2-23) (10:00-10:30 a.m. EST) When Santa crash lands in Funhouse Forest, Mickey, Minnie and the gang help him deliver presents to Majestica, Halloweenville and Winter Mountain. *Brock Powell (“Mickey Saves Christmas”) guest stars as Santa. TV-Y

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures “Life Day/Raxlo Strikes Back” (10:30-11:00 a.m. EST) “Life Day” – The Jedi help a Wookiee prepare for Life Day.

“Raxlo Strikes Back” – The younglings protect wellagrin eggs from Raxlo. TV-Y Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD The Ghost and Molly McGee “White Christmas/Perfect Day” (2-09) (8:00-8:30 p.m. EST) “White Christmas” – Scratch stresses about getting Molly the perfect gift, while Molly crafts a winter wonderland for the seniors.

“Perfect Day” – Determined to have the perfect day, Molly asks Scratch to cast a time-loop curse so she can fix every mistake when her day keeps going wrong. TV-Y7

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Hailey’s On It “We Wish You a Merry Chaos-mas” (1-20) (8:30-9:00 p.m. EST) When Hailey loses a mini reindeer, causing Christmas to not exist in the future, she must throw the best Oceanside Christmas Festival Ever to save all future Christmases. TV-Y7

Saturday, Dec. 2 Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel Hamster & Gretel “Flake It Till You Make It/Game Changer” (1-29) (10:00-11:00 a.m. EST) “Flake It Till You Make It” – Hamster and Gretel encounter a flaky villain who has the power to turn to flakes.

“Game Changer” – Fred, Kevin, Hiromi and Anthony compete in a video game tournament. TV-Y7

Friday, Dec. 8 Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior Pupstruction “Sunniest Snow Day/When Pups Fly” (1-13) (8:00-8:30 a.m. EST) “Sunniest Snow Day” – Phinny and the crew work to give Bailey some snowy fun on a warm summer day.

“When Pups Fly” – Pupstruction builds a tower tall enough to see over the clouds by thinking outside the box. TV-Y

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior SuperKitties “Missing Hot Dog/Mysterious Magician” (1-24) (10:00-10:30 a.m. EST) “Missing Hot Dog” – When Amara brings a lost puppy to the Purr ‘N’ Play, Bitsy wonders if there will be enough attention for her.

“Mysterious Magician” – The SuperKitties must stop whoever stole Abraca Dan’s magic tricks. TV-Y

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures “Stuck in the Muck/Junkyard Sleepover” (12:30-1:00 p.m. EST) “Stuck in the Muck” – The Jedi respond to a distress call.

“Junkyard Sleepover” – The younglings investigate odd noises in the junkyard. TV-Y

Saturday, Dec. 9 Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior Alice’s Wonderland Bakery “A Hat-Bachi Hanukkah/A Snow-Drop Summer” (2-09) (7:15-7:45 a.m. EST) “A Hat-Bachi Hanukkah” – On Hanukkah, Hattie gets a hat-bachi grill, but he realizes he’s not a natural chef.

“A Snow-Drop Summer” – Alice and her friends get carried away making their own snow and must warm up Wonderland. TV-Y

Original Series – Season One Finale on Disney Channel Hamster & Gretel “Exclamation Strikes Back – Part I/Exclamation Strikes Back – Part II” (1-30) (10:00-11:00 a.m. EST) Professor Exclamation traps Hamster and Gretel and takes away their powers. TV-Y7

Friday, Dec. 15 Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior Firebuds “Annie Spokely/Ingrid on Ice” (2-11) (12:00-12:30 p.m. EST) “Annie Spokely” – The Firebuds get a rescue call from an old western town. *Leisha Hailey (“American Dad!”) guest stars as Annie Spokely, Punkie Johnson (“Saturday Night Live”) as Cousin Fanny, and Ariel Winter (“Modern Family”) as Calamity Train.

“Ingrid on Ice” – The Firebuds help a young ice cream truck sell frozen treats on a cold day. TV-Y

[kristanna-days]

Frozen x Beauty & the Beast Yuletide Exchange (2023)

A Well Deserved Gift (Adam/Belle, E) @biblioscribler/@99goosebumps for @annaofthenorthernlights

Adam has been working so hard to get things done before the end of the term so he'd have an easier time back next semester. Belle has missed having fun with him, but with the first snow about to fall she decides to take matters into her own mittens after he's finished his paperwork.

All I Want for Christmas is You (Rydoff, T) @flowerinherhair/@glassslippers-n-cowboyboots for @annas-hair-donut

Kristoff Bjorgman has just accepted a new job in Alaska as reindeer veterinarian at Nattura reindeer farm. He was expecting to befriend some reindeer, however he was not expecting to become so close to his new boss.

Bundle Up, Scooch In (Kristanna, M)@annas-hair-donut for @smuglemonfics

Anna, a woman Kristoff just met that day, allows him to sleep in her bed so he doesn’t have to go home in the middle of a blizzard. Will he overcome the pain of his past and open himself up to the possibility of true love? Or will he walk away, lonely and cold in the dark? 18th Century, Colonial New Arendelle AU.

Christmas With You Gets Better Every Year (Kristanna) @chibiotaku4life/@xxlovelynovaxx for @flowerinherhair/@glassslippers-n-cowboyboots

Anna and Kristoff meet for a coffee date and surprise gift exchange at their favorite coffee shop. Warm memories are shared as the smell of roasted coffee wafts through the air.

Dried Rose Bookmark (Adam/Belle, E) @thefamilybruno for @biblioscribler/@99goosebumps

For months, Belle has worked as a costume designer at the Little Rose Theater Company in Philadelphia. She loves everything about the theater. Everything except the actor who has become a thorn in her side - Adam Boz.

When Belle inadvertently overhears a heated argument between Adam and his parents, she finds out that Adam will be spending Christmas alone. Unable to ignore the new spark of empathy she feels toward him, Belle thinks that she should try to become Adam's friend.

But when she snoops through Adam's belongings and finds a dried rose pressed in between the pages of a well-loved book, Adam lashes out, causing Belle to run from the theater into the cold winter night.

Will Adam be able to apologize? Or will Belle continue to think of him as a beast for all time?

Once Upon a Yuletide Holiday (Adam/Belle, M) @annaofthenorthernlights for @winter__moon/@true--north

"Anywhere?" Belle looks up at Adam, who nods solemnly, emphasising his promise. They stand in the library as Adam offers Belle a trip for the Christmas season. "Anywhere, my dear. You choose the destination."

The Beauty Who Braved the Blizzard and Healed the Heart (The Prologue) (Belle/Elsa, G) @paigebstorey for @chibiotaku4life/@xxlovelynovaxx

When Adam goes missing in the woods after a sledding accident, Belle ventures out of Arendelle Village to find him. She comes across a palace made of ice, in which she discovers Adam is a prisoner to an enchantress of eternal winter. A bargain is made, and Belle takes her friend’s place, with unexpected consequences…

The River Sings (Elsa & Iduna, Elsamaren, T) @winter__moon/@true--north for @paigebstorey

Princess Elsa is seeking her lost Mother. Voices in her head are leading her North. On the way to Ahtohallan she meets a Northuldra warrior…

We Need a Little Christmas (Kristanna, E) @flowerinherhair/@glassslippers-n-cowboyboots for @annas-hair-donut

Recently divorced and single dad Kristoff is not really feeling in the Christmas spirit, that is, until he meets the bubbly and charming Anna who captures both his and his daughter's hearts and helps to bring them a bit of Christmas spirit

You Are My Shelter from the Storm (Adam/Belle/Gaston) @smuglemon/@smuglemonfics for @thefamilybruno

Belle and Gaston have already arrived at a small cottage in the countryside where their partner, Prince Adam, has promised to meet them when his work in another kingdom is done. However, rather than get to experience the fresh air and nature he loves so much, Gaston finds himself stuck indoors when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Alone together, he and Belle find a way to pass the time…

View the entire collection @ AO3.

Happy Holidays to the Frozen and Beauty & the Beast fandoms!

Stay tuned for Frozen Smut Week - March 17-24.

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[ghosttownwherenoonegoes]

ERI! Even before your fic about cooking for Eddie and Wayne, I had it in my head that they ALWAYS make Christmas cookies. They do not use the kitchen often for proper cooking or baking, but Christmas cookies are a tradition Wayne introduced Eddie to that first year he stayed with him. Something Wayne's Mum had always done with him, a way to bond, and spend time together even if life got hectic leading up to Christmas. A tradition Eddie has always honoured because he knows how much it means to Wayne. So he always keeps that one Sunda, free to spend with Wayne making use of the kitchen. "Sorry, I got plans with my uncle" and after that Sunday he surprises you with the most delicious reindeer shaped cookies, finally telling you what they've been up to. Next year you'll be a part of that. Am I projecting my own Christmas cookie experiences with my Dad on this? Maybe. But I love domestic scenarios like this one🥰❤️

I love the idea of this so MUCH!😍😍😍😍

The kitchen in the trailer is only ever used so much when it’s Christmas! Uncle Wayne and Eddie both book time off so that that Sunday is THEIRS. After about five years, Uncle Wayne’s boss just automatically fills out a leave form so that Uncle Wayne doesn’t have to do it, and all his coworkers know not to touch that day. The Munsons are fiercely, fiercely protective of that one day specifically.

You do not get in between the Munsons.

They don’t let anyone derail their plans. They set it aside months in advance, they get all the ingredients the day before so that everything is fresh, and everything is ready. They shop together, they bake together, they clean together, they decorate together, they eat together. The date and the baking are both in the Munson Doctrine, a most holy and revered book which they add to every year, together.

Uncle Wayne makes Eddie’s favourite cookies and Eddie makes Uncle Wayne’s favourite cookies. Eddie likes them sickly sweet, icing thicker than the actual cookie (he called icing ‘cookie sauce’ when he was a kid and now at twenty, it’s just habit. Plus, and this is a big bonus, it makes his dad smile fondly🥺), and Uncle Wayne likes barely a scraping of icing, he prefers cookie over icing. Crunchy and just a little brown around the edges, too. Says the charcoal is the flavour.

Eddie is pretty sure his Uncle is lying about that, but he never calls him out on it.

So one year, they make three batches instead of two; Eddie’s baking for you. He bakes the cookies but Uncle Wayne decorates; Eddie loves you, so Uncle Wayne loves you, and he wants to contribute as well. Both men do the tongue thing when they’re concentrating, and where Eddie’s nervous to present them to you, Uncle Wayne is as coooooool as a cucumber because he and his boy made them and so you’ll love them.

Next year, you’ll join them, be a proper part of their family.

But until then, this is perfect!❤️

eddie & wayne @hellfirebabe @eddiemunsonshoney @potatos-library @bakerstreethound @gemstone-roses @sweetpeapod @authorlovers @jslittlebirdie @heydreamchild @comfortcharactercraze @mywinterivy @corrodedcoffeen @ourstaturestouchtheskies  @m00nlight101 @3ddi3-daydreamer @pleasantlycrazyworld @samlealea @manyfandomsfanvergent @indouloureux @basicallybats @niceboyeds @becca-alexa  @singularattitudeofasafetypin @knifeskiss @loving-and-dreaming  @hiscrimsonangel

[iknow-thisisallinmyhead]

Ahhhhhh! It's heeeeerrrrreeeeeee!!

The Holiday Lie | December 19th

Agreeing to be a fake date for your best friend is all fun and games until you have to lie to his sister’s face. - 12k - read on ao3

After an hour-long drive out of Harrisburg, the rental pulls to a stop in front of a big, yellow Colonial house. Snow covers the roof, adding to the illusion that a reindeer drawn sleigh has landed there. Multicolored string lights wrap around the large picture windows, off for the day, and a herd of white light reindeer sprawl across the lawn, snouts tucked down in the snow or raised high to the sky.

The house sits in the middle of the block, looking festively picturesque among similarly decorated homes, with a warm and welcoming glow inviting us in. A dalmatian shaped mailbox denotes it to be 118 Crow’s Nest Point, a fact that always cracks me up. I’ve been friends with Buck long enough to have heard about the Crow Incident of 2016- the story changes almost every time it's told but one thing always remains the same: a never ending war between Chimney and all crows he comes across. 

Buck clears his throat, bringing my attention back inside the car. He’s wearing a dopey grin while staring up at his sister’s house, soft and serene in the midmorning light. “Home, sweet home,” he murmurs happily. 

Chris’s dry reply floats up from the back seat. “I thought you never lived here.” 

“True, I have not! But it's always been more of a home than the house I actually grew up in.” With a shrug Buck opens his door, nearly falling out of the cab in his haste. A frigid gust of air blows in, sending a shiver down my collar. Before following my best friend into the icy Pennsylvania morning, I shore up my mental walls in an attempt to prepare for the coming week.

I think back to Thanksgiving night; the blond sitting dejectedly at my kitchen table, wringing his hands on the surface, an untouched slice of pie pushed off to the side. He looked so sad and frustrated; another failed relationship, another missed opportunity for happiness, another piece of evidence that he would be alone forever. He was a storm cloud, dark and gloomy and ready to crack open and unleash a hurricane of negative emotions aimed at himself. I couldn’t let that happen. Couldn’t let him turn inwards and close off to start the assault. And I couldn’t say no. 

I never can when it comes to him.

Leaning back against the seat, I run a hand over my eyes. Seven days, I just have to get through the next seven days. Chris opens his door. I can hear the grin in his voice as he calls, “Coming, Dad?” 

“Coming,” I mutter, unbuckling and getting out.

Buck’s already halfway up the walk, practically galloping with no regard to the ice and slush. His hand is raised, waving at the figures standing in front of a bright blue door. Jee-Yun leaps off of the porch, throwing herself into Uncle Buck’s arms. He catches her, scooping his niece up and twirling; little girl a blur of pink tulle and rainbow sparkles, candy cane striped tights and purple snow boots kicking out as Buck spins around and around.

Maddie pulls her eyes off of the excited and endearing reunion and smiles at me in greeting, reaching out to wrap me in a hug. It takes a beat too long for me to unstiffen and reciprocate the embrace but she holds me tight, rubbing a soothing hand up and down my back. “I’m so happy you and Chris made it this year!” she says pulling back. Her fingers slide to my shoulder where she squeezes once before letting me go. “I’ve been waiting for years for Buck to tell me you two finally got it together and got together! You’ve always made him so happy, Eddie, and I can never thank you enough for that.” 

The words are a sharp lance of guilt to my gut. Her eyes are so sincere as she looks up that I can’t maintain eye contact, dropping my gaze to my boots and the slick step below me. Agreeing to be a fake date for your best friend is all fun and games until you have to lie to his sister’s face. 

“Yeah.” I chuckle awkwardly and step out of her arms, looking over my shoulder at Buck. He’s flat on his back in the snow, lifting his niece up the while making engine noises. Jee’s cackling wildly, arms spread out like a plane. I can’t fight the smile that lifts my lips up at the sight. Turning back to Maddie, I shrug. “He makes me happy, too,” I admit, glad I don’t have to hide this stupid grin that only Buck can pull out of me. It’s all part of the lie I agreed to tell, right? Even if it's not a forced reaction. 

Maybe this week won’t be so bad. For once, I won’t have to pretend that I’m not in love with my best friend. I just have to pretend that he loves me too. And I’ve thought about what it would be like enough, spent far too many hours daydreaming about, that I can probably do it. I think. Maybe. Can I do it without breaking my heart in the process? That’s the real question. Only time will tell.

“Christopher! Look at you!” Maddie squeals.

“Hi, Maddie,” Chris says with a grin. He’s on the step below me, lifting one poison green crutch up as he waves.

“Come here!” Chris happily wraps his arms around her. He’s always been a big hugger, just like his mom and has no problem eagerly reciprocating her embrace. “You’ve gotten so tall!” 

The teen chuckles. “Are you sure you just aren’t getting shorter?” 

Maddie reels back, mouth hanging open in feigned shock. 

“Rude,” she says, wagging a finger at him.

A peal of laughter announces Jee-Yun’s presence as she runs up onto the porch. “Me too, me too!” she calls, skipping around. She’s holding two very wet Hello Kitty mittens in her very pink hands instead of wearing them. “I got tall too! I grew seven inches!” She jumps up, catching a few inches of air before landing back down with a wobble. “I grew seven inches!”

“Close, Sweet Little,” laughs Maddie. “You grew three inches since your last doctor’s visit.” She holds up three fingers, demonstrating how many inches the girl grew. “Now, let’s get you inside so we can warm those poor little hands up.” She reaches for her daughter, but the girl jerks back, stamping a tiny foot on the porch. 

“No, Mama! I grew seven inches!”

Buck snorts, amused by the five year old’s antics. I’m caught off guard by how close he’s gotten without my notice and end up jump a little. He quickly reaches a hand out to steady me, fingers splaying across my lower back and sending a current of electricity up my spine. Even through the thick coat I’m wearing I swear I can feel how warm his hand is, swear I can feel that warmth as it bleeds into me. He turns up the wattage of his smile, a ray of light breaking the clouds on this overcast day. There’s a tight, warm feeling in my chest and I can’t help it. The stupid grin is back. 

“Careful, it’s just me. I’d hate for you to fall and break your neck.” 

“If I fell you’d save me.” I’m sure of it, Buck wouldn’t think twice. He’s built for saving people, he was just born that way. It’s what makes him such a good firefighter. Those bulky arms would be around me before either of us could process what’s happening, before I’d ever be in any danger. That's just who he is. I may or may not have entertained a daydream or two like it over the years since I’ve acknowledged my crush; Buck catching me in his arms, holding me close, eyes darting down to look at my lips… 

He raises an eyebrow at the comment, self-doubt automatically scrolling across his face. The smile falls from his lips, hiding the sun back behind dark clouds. “You would! You’d never let me leave Christopher without a father.” I say dramatically, trying to bring it back, needing it back. But the words aren’t quite true. If I died Chris would still have a-

“You two lovebirds gonna come in or what? I’m not paying to heat the outside, you know?” 

Startling, we rip our gazes away from each other. A blush burns across my face and I have to look away from Maddie too, away from the knowing, amused expression on her face. She’s standing on the threshold with her hands resting on the door jam, pointedly looking around the empty porch. When did Chris go inside? Surely Jee-Yun hadn’t gone quietly. I didn’t even notice as they left us alone. One smile from the taller man and I’m a goner, floating through space with a tether connecting me to Buck and Buck alone, like no one else exists. I sigh internally. 

I’m getting too old for this kind of shit. 

Grinning, Buck pushes past his sister, stepping over the threshold and into the house. So I do what I always do, what I’ve done since we first met; I follow. It’s warm inside, too warm, and I immediately pull off my coat. The Buckely siblings disappear down the hall, but Chimney pops up out of nowhere with a hand outstretched so I pass over the tan, weather proofed material.  He pulls open a closet already over stuffed with colorful winter garb and shoves it in, glancing sheepishly back at me as the coat crumples into a black hole. Sardonically, I wonder if it'll ever be seen again. He slams the door shut, leaning against it like it'll bounce open again if left to its own devices.

“Eddie,” he says nonchalantly. 

“Chimney.” I nod. Overhead, there’s a squeal of delight followed by pounding feet running down the hall. My guess is Jee-Yun has already dragged her uncle up to her room.

“So, how’d you manage to get roped into this?” The shorter man asks with a knowing look in his dark, beady eyes. 

Wait, what? My stomach swoops like it does when you miss a step going downstairs. I didn't even know that could happen when you're standing still. Chimney crosses his arms, waiting for an answer but I’m stunned speechless. He can’t already have figured out that we’re lying, can he? 

“You were better off keeping it a secret, you know.” Shaking his head, he clicks his tongue in disappointment and I can breathe again. “We’re not the kind of family that gives you privacy.” He steps closer. “There’s no privacy, Diaz, you will spill all of your secrets to us.” Lowering his voice to a whisper, he adds. “All of them.”

Knowing it’s a lie, I say, “Oh, I don’t really have any secrets.” Buck’s smile flashes in the back of my mind, big, and full of teeth, and just for me but I wave it off. 

Before I’m able to push him away, Chimney’s got a hand fisted in the collar of my flannel. He drags me closer, pushing up onto his toes to level the distance and stare unblinking into my eyes. I’m starting to think he’s drunk, but it’s not even noon yet. He certainly smells like beer. 

“We all have secrets, Diaz.” 

“Howie, get off of him. I cannot believe you’re tipsy at eleven o’clock on a Monday morning.” Maddie comes to my rescue, pulling her partner off of me with an exasperated sigh. 

I adjust my blue and gray plaid shirt, smoothing out the collar. “Tipsy?”

“Mads, you know we have to pick the holiday special brew before we open today! I think I picked my favorite three: The Sam Adams one is okay but really I don’t think it’s what people want to buy for half off the week before Christmas. I really think we’re better off going with Highland Brewing or, oh, the Nutcracker Ale! That one was top notch!”

“Howie, honey, whatever you want! Just don’t break my new brother-in-law!” The title burns my ears as another lance of guilt pierces my belly. She pinches his cheek before shoving him unceremoniously through the doorway to the dining room. There's a cackle as Chimney very loudly trips and falls, moaning and groaning the whole way down. Sighing, Maddie shakes her head fondly. “I don’t know why I ever think pairing Howie and Hen together is a good idea.” She smiles at me and I feel guilty again. I’m not even doing anything right now and I feel guilty. “Jee kidnapped Uncle Buck and brought him upstairs, and Christopher and Albert are putting on Home Alone in the living room. The Lees should be here within the hour and we're planning on having lunch at the pub. Do you know when you have to check in at the Snowflake?” 

“Check in is at noon. Worst case scenario we can meet you at the pub after.”

“Okay, perfect, you can leave Chris here, if you want, and we’ll bring him over.” I nod at the suggestion. “Now, I’m going to tell you this because Howie is currently unreliable and Buck’s gonna be distracted for a while: I have to drop cupcakes off for the school’s Holiday Bake Sale. I will be gone for a half hour, forty-five minutes tops. And if you really want to prove that you deserve my brother you can get Howie to drink some coffee and sober up some before his parents get here.” She steps forward, coming up to press a kiss into my cheek. Before I can respond, she turns around and picks up a tupperware container filled with sparkly red and silver cupcakes, her keys, and a to-go tumbler of coffee. Then she’s gone; shouting a goodbye to her partner as the door swings shut behind her. 

All alone, my fingers reach up to press against a tingling cheek. This lie is going to be the death of me. 

With nothing better to do, I glance around the entryway. There's a mirror hanging across from me with festive silver tinsel wrapped around its edges. Surrounding the frame are dozens of snapshots taped to the wall: candid family photos, old pictures of Chimney and the Lees and of Maddie and Buck, and various group shots throughout the years. My heart beats uncomfortably when I find my own face staring back at me. 

The first- and oldest- photo is from the first Christmas with Buck. Chris is holding his new game console, a huge grin plastered across his face, while Buck and I are positioned on the couch behind him. It's a familiar picture; one that Tia Peppa took, one that hangs on my fridge at home, one that I have spent far too long staring at since I connected the dots on all these inconvenient feelings- how it ended up on a wall in Pennsylvania I don't know.

Next is one from the grand opening of Kevin’s- the pub Maddie and Chimney launched a few years ago. I don't even remember the moment I'm looking at; Buck and I are sitting at the shiny new bartop, grinning at each other over the beer bottles that we’re toasting. Chimney's in the background, arm curled like he's about to whip his bar rag at us. 

The last one is also from the pub opening, a group shot this time. Everyone important to the publicans are there: Hen and her wife, Karen, who own the nearest café, Bobby and Athena from the Christmas tree farm out on the edge of town, Anne and John Lee, the couple who raised Chimney to name a few I recognize. And then there's me and Buck. Taking in the way my face is forever immortalized on their wall, I can't help but sigh disparagingly.

We’re all grouped in front of the pub, a sash of cherry red satin taped across the doors. The owners are holding a pair of comically large scissors about to cut the ribbon and we’re all crowded around them to be in frame. Buck and I are standing at the back, mostly cut out of the shot given the size of the group. Everyone’s looking at the camera, or at the giant scissors- even Buck is, eyes trained up front towards his sister. But I'm staring right at him, seemingly unaware of anything going on around us. 

I remember how anxious I had been that day, surprised Maddie and Chimney wanted me in the photos, but worried Buck would think it was too much, too clingy, too awkward. Who was I to infiltrate his family unit? Our friendship was only a couple years old at the time and my feelings were just reaching a boiling point I couldn’t keep ignoring. I can see them all plain as day, frozen in time in the way only photos can capture. It's there in the way my whole body seems to curve towards him, the way my head tilts back so I can see him, the way my eyes are shining like they're filled with stars. 

It’s fucking embarrassing. I’m honestly amazed that no one’s ever picked up on it. 

“Diaz!” 

Jumping, I turn just as Hen steps out of the dining room, looking intimidating in a black tracksuit and her signature flashy glasses. She’s always seemed way too cool for a small town like Fire Station, but somehow manages to fit right in. Thankfully, she doesn’t try to hug me, just grins over the lip of a winter themed beer bottle. “Karen and I are so happy to hear you finally pulled your head out your ass and told Buckaroo how you feel! It was so obvious from the way you trailed after him like a lost puppy dog. Not that he was any better.” She pats my shoulder gently and then points up to the same photo I was just looking at. “So obvious.” Shaking her head she snorts, heading off down the hall and muttering about the bathroom. Listening to her walk away, I catch a glimpse of my face in the mirror across from me. Crimson blooms across my cheeks, splotchy and bright.

I sigh. Once upon a time, I bottled my emotions so much that no one could get a read on them. I’m pretty sure the only reason that changed is over six feet tall with curly blond hair and a set of frosty cerulean eyes that make me weak in the knees.

“Edmuuuundoooo!” 

Speak of the devil and he shall appear. The faint call echoes down through the ceiling followed by another loud thump. Sighing, I set off in search of my best friend and his nightmare of a niece. Not that I'd ever call her that within earshot of Buck. He'd never forgive me.

Heading into the living room, I find Albert and Chris set up on the sectional, a bowl of popcorn between them as Catherine O'Hara drags Macauley Caulkin past his siblings and cousins to deposit him on the third floor. Albert looks up, helpfully pointing over to the stairs where the sounds of giggling and thumping, louder than before, are emanating from. 

True to Maddie’s nature, it looks like a holiday bomb exploded in the house, covering the room in festive shrapnel; ribbons and tinsel and tiny villagers galore. Garland and lights twirl through the hand railing and balusters leading to the second floor and wrap around the mantle. Red bows and embroidered stockings dangle above the fireplace, currently cold, and more than one Elf on the Shelf can be spotted perched throughout the room. There’s something off about it all but it doesn't come to me until I'm heading up the steps. There’s no Christmas tree. A week before the holiday and they’ve yet to put one up. Weird, considering the Yuletide vomit covering every surface. 

On the landing, I come face to face with a large, framed photo of a much younger set of Buckley siblings. Buck's no more than sixteen, tall and skinny and gangly with an arm slung proudly around his sister. Maddie’s beaming in a horribly orange graduation gown, clutching a diploma in one hand and a massive bouquet in the other. He looks so young, so innocent and sweet. I wish I'd known him back then, wish I’d been there when all he had in the world was a sister. I wonder how many things would be different and how many things would still be the same. Wonder if more time together would make it easier to give in, to confess, to show him how much I-

“Edmundo saaaaave me!” Buck's call pulls me from my head. A delighted peal of laughter follows it a second later, full of joy and wonder. Trailing after the racket, I find more family photos and pots of poinsettia, fairy lights and holiday cards, and a small fake Christmas tree with a second, smaller village underneath it. Why would there be a tree up here but not one downstairs? They have a fireplace and a five year old, the tree should be by Santa’s preferred entrance, shouldn’t it? 

There’s a door cracked open at the end of the hall, a riot of color within but still it's Buck's blond curls that catch my eye first. He’s face down on a cotton candy pink shag carpet while Jee-Yun balances on his back, pigtails bouncing. Her purple boots are long gone, ditched somewhere in the chaos and her red and white striped feet are walking up and down his spine. Toys are scattered all over the place; falling from the overflowing bins under the windows, spilling from underneath the bed, and dangling haphazardly from the net strung up in the corner of the ceiling. The closet doors are thrown wide and a rainbow is escaping in the form of dresses and tutus, tights and shoes, and even more toys.

It’s an absolute disaster and I hope it was like this before Buck came up. It’s been, like, five minutes, is it even possible to make this much mess in that short amount of time? Considering what I know of the little girl and her frenzied energy, yes, it is possible. 

Jee-Yun loses her balance, tiny feet sliding off Buck’s back until she’s got them on the carpet on either side of his ribs, hands pinwheeling until she’s sure she’s not gonna fall any further. She straightens up and lets out a demonic giggle. “Again, again, again,” she squeals, jumping back onto her uncle. He lets out a groan and I can tell from the way his body jerks that it doesn’t feel good to have forty pounds come crashing down on your spine like that. Jee wiggles around, earning a loud crack from underneath her feet. 

Buck finally sees me standing in the doorway. “Edmundo, save me!” He lets out a couple of fake coughs, reaching a hand towards me but pausing halfway through the gesture and letting it drop to the carpet. With a final cough, he goes boneless, melting into the carpet.  

Jee-Yun’s own brown eyes light up as she clocks me. “Uncle Eddie!” She starts clapping, jumping up and down, up and down on Buck’s back. The blond grimaces, air rushing out of his mouth with every bounce. 

“Okay, Jee-Yun.” I step forward, reaching out to pick her up and salvage my friend’s back. She must have other plans, though, as she bends her knees and catapults herself off Buck and into my arms. Giggling, she wraps her legs around my waist and rests her head on my shoulder, squeezing as tight as her five year old��s arms will allow. 

“Merry Christmas, Uncle Eddie.” 

“Merry Christmas, Jee,” I murmur, squeezing back. 

She gives me one minute of stillness, one minute as she hugs me and whispers she's happy I'm here, before wiggling her way to freedom. As always, my heart constricts at how easily she thinks of me as part of her family. From the moment she was born Maddie started calling me Uncle Eddie, despite my insistence it wasn't necessary. Any type of protest was met with a scoff or an eye roll until I gave in and accepted the title. 

“You’re Buck’s best friend right? You’re not going anywhere. She’s gotta call you something so Uncle Eddie it is.” Her tone brokered no argument. To this day, I will deny that it made me choke up more than I ever did with my sisters' kids.

When Jee-Yun’s back on her feet she darts out of the room and disappears down the hall, leaving a trail of sparkles and laughter as she goes. Two minutes with her and I’m already exhausted. I look down at Buck, still lying on the plush carpet. He rolled over at some point and is propping his head up with a hand as he gazes up at me. He looks dumbstruck, all wide eyes and parted lips. 

I arch an eyebrow. “What?” 

Is it my imagination or does Buck blush at the question? There’s a few splotchy raspberry patches cropping up along the apples of his cheeks. He quickly looks away, though, clearing his throat and getting to his feet. 

“Nothing, just uh-” he starts before clearing his throat again. “Just, uh, thanks for doing this, again. Getting teased every year about always being single is so depressing! I know this is awkward and I-I’m so sorry that I involved you in a lie like this, I just- I just-”

“Hey,” I interrupt, not wanting him to spiral already. We just got here. “I got your back, Buck. Always.” I clap a hand on his shoulder, heart somersaulting through something viscous as I gaze up into the expansive blue of his eyes. There’s only two inches difference, why does he always seem so much taller? “No matter how awkward and weird and inappropriate the request is, remember? We made a deal five years ago and I intend to keep it.” 

Buck reaches up, scratching at the back of his neck and looking away again. Why does he always look away? I never can, not really. His face is slowly getting more and more color; a pretty pink that matches his birthmark. No doubt caused by the unbearably high thermostat setting.

“Five years ago fake dating was not on the table.” 

“No, but honestly? Not the weirdest situation we’ve gotten ourselves into.” I grin, wishing he would meet my gaze. It feels like I spend half my life wishing Buck would look at me, this shouldn’t be any different. But there’s a sinking feeling in my gut that’s telling me this week is going to make everything about us, about our friendship, about Buck-and-Eddie different. 

Just not in the way I’ve spent years hoping for.

There’s a thump in the hall, distracting me from the anxiety crawling along my spine. Someone much bigger than Jee-Yun is making their way down to us. Buck’s eyes are still looking everywhere but me, hand running up and down the back of his neck and head. He looks guilty and sad and it feels like my fault, why does it feel like my fault? I let my lips fall, erasing the smile and stepping back. “Come on,” I say, holding out my hand. “Maybe we can snag some of Chimney’s winter ales before we go check in?” 

Finally, he looks back at me with a smile lifting up the corners of his mouth; small enough that I’m still worried but big enough that I can feel my heart do another somersault. He reaches out to grab my hand and I know it’s just for show, I know it’s just to keep up the ruse, I know that it means nothing, not to him, but it still sends a sharp electrical current up my arm.  

One of these days, Evan Buckley will be the death of me.

We bump into Albert in the hall, wearing what looks like a full cup of coffee down his front. “She’s absolutely insane,” he tells us, shaking his head as he steps into his room. 

There is a crash and a squeal from the floor below and Buck and I turn to each other, eyes wide. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had to wrangle a kindergartener,” I whisper. 

He jostles our hands between us. “We got this.” 

[arithecreatorsstuff]

Things Johnny Cage is No Longer Permitted to do On Base

By order of General Blade, signed off by Major Briggs, Johnathon Carton Cage is no longer permitted to do the following activities on base grounds:

Challenge new arrivals to banana cream pie battles (it was funny once, but only when the Joker was here, and even then it got old after the first 5 times)

Set up ANY communications devices (we cannot keep replacing your iPhone, just have Commander Cage do it from now on)

Organize "team building" exercises. Tanks do not build themselves.

Redecorate the Officer's Club

Hold paintball matches (General Blade is still angry part of her favorite tank is now irrevocably neon pink)

Teach any offworlders slang (Why did you even think teaching Raiden 'yeet' and 'yoink' was a good idea is beyond me)

Create 'performance art' from Sub Zero's ice klones. Grandmaster is still not amused, but the one with the reindeer antlers was cute

Use Grandmaster Hasashi to toast marshmellows

Refer to female members under his command as his 'angels' (you aren't Charlie, and since Commander Cage is under your command, it's downright creepy)

Challenge new members to dance offs. Face it, you CANNOT dance.

Replace Lord Fujin's jelly beans with the really weird ones from that movie (cilantro, soap, earwax, and death are terrible flavors to drop on an unsuspecting Elder God)

Drink with Bo Rai Cho. Seriously, his rice wine is stronger than Asgardian mead, which will also have you doing stupid things. Remember the horse incident?

Build any sort of kombat robot (strapping a knife to the office roomba does count)

Touch the rocket launchers

Talk to Lt. Rambo (his request, he's not a fan in the least)

Attempt any sort of repair on a government vehicle (how did you manage to make a jeep explode while changing a tail light is beyond me)

Make beer

Make wine

Make ANY alcohol

Declare holidays (stop trying to make 'Ninja Mime Day' happen, unless you want several people trying to remove your head)

Enter 'Dad Joke-Offs' with Master Takahashi

Tease the prisoners (you're damned lucky Tasia only kicked you in the junk)

No. More. Dartboards! You are not to be trusted with them. Kabal is still angry about you scoring a bullseye on his left buttcheek