#DIY high end gift

[tapeskingdom]

Gold black leopard washi tape

https://tapeskingdom.etsy.com/listing/1342127583

[zepskies]

'Twas the Night...

Pairing: Dean Winchester x Reader

Summary: Dean listens, sometimes when you least expect it. This year, Christmas begins to become something new for both of you.    

AN: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone! This is my @spnfanficpond Secret Santa gift for @eldritchlibertine! The idea is based on this request from @whichwitchwanda (a story prompted from the header image).

Word Count: 2.4K

Tags/Warnings: Fluff and more fluff! Christmas feels. ❤️

A door burst open, and your eyes raised from the page. You nearly dropped your book into your lap when you saw it—the wide, bristled top of an evergreen tree trying to shove its way through the door of the bunker.

Or rather, it only seemed that way.

All the way up at the top of the rod iron staircase, grumbled cursing and muttering and arguing filtered down to you in the common room, where you were leaning back in your seat with an old copy of Wuthering Heights. You sat up, an incredulous smirk beginning to curve your lips.

“Dean, it’s not gonna fit.” That was Sam, obviously. You’d recognize his testy bitching anywhere.

“You kiddin’ me? All that work I spent sawing this thing outta the ground, I’m gonna damn well make it fit. Come on, put your big boy pants on.”

The equally familiar gruff, grousing tone of your man’s voice almost made you snort. You set down the book on the table and debated whether you were going to get up and try to help, or let them hash it out. You were surprised they hadn’t called out for you yet.

After a few more seconds of listening to their frustrated huffing and puffing, you shook your head and got up. You reached the top of the stairs, and their sounds of irritated, breathless struggle became even clearer.

“Dean,” Sam protested.

“Shut up. I’ve almost got it…”

“You’re gonna break the damn frame—”

“Something tells me you didn’t get this thing at Home Depot,” you remarked.

There was a pause, and Dean called your name questioningly. He also sounded a bit embarrassed.

“Yep, I’m here, Chevy Chase,” you said, laughing as you grabbed the branches that were stuck in the doorway. You bent them at the angle the guys needed to get the whole thing inside, and all too quickly you had to step out of the way as Sam and Dean broke through the doorway with the rest of the tree.

Sam caught himself on the wall, while Dean threw a hand out to grasp at the railing of the stairs. You grabbed Dean’s arm to help steady him. Once he had his feet planted, he slung an arm around your waist and looked down on you with a satisfied smile—one that he then aimed at Sam.

“See? Told you it would fit.”

“Where did you even get this thing?” you asked. You eyed Dean in curiosity, even as you were helping him stream the lights around this seven-foot monstrosity. You’d also taken great delight in putting on some holiday music. Now, Frank Sinatra’s “White Christmas” was playing from a Bluetooth speaker on the War Room table.

Dean shot you a distracted smile as he worked in concentration, bringing a string of lights around the part of the tree that was closest to the wall. He handed off the other end to you, and you wrapped the line of multicolored lights around.

“Eh, there’s a nice bit of forest a few miles out of town,” he said. Your brows raised high. You’d suspected, of course, but you still shook your head with a smile.  

“You know you need a permit for that, right?” you said.

“I tried to tell him,” said Sam. He was on his way up the stairs, heading out back to the car to get the box of ornaments he and Dean bought at Walmart this morning along with the pretty multicolored lights, all while you were still sleeping.

Dean rolled his eyes at his brother, but just kept focused on his task. Once he started something, he had to finish it, you noticed. And when he got into something, he was Mr. DIY, putting in his all. You liked watching the crunch between his brows, the set of his lips, the sureness of his hands while he mentally calculated what they were going to accomplish next.

Most of all, you liked the look of self-satisfaction when he was done, and happy with his finished product. It didn’t matter if he was tuning up the Impala, making a home-cooked meal for the three of you, or decorating a wild tree. That face was the same. 

“Illegally obtained tree aside,” you said, not bothering to temper your smile, “I thought you guys didn’t really celebrate Christmas. Or any holidays, for that matter.”

Dean gave you a small grin, though again, he seemed a little embarrassed. He freed one of his hands to scratch at the back of his head.

“Yeah, well…weren’t you the one who was talking about the Christmases you had growing up?” he said.

You blinked, your mouth gently falling open in surprise. That had been a couple weeks ago, when the first snow of December began to fall over Lebanon. Late that night, after settling into bed together, you’d turned towards him in his arms. Maybe it was the turn of the season making you nostalgic, but somehow the conversation drifted into you making a confession, about what you missed the most about your family.

Your parents had passed on, and your sister was distant. She had her own family and her own life, and she wanted to keep it far away from the things you hunted. You couldn’t blame her, even if the thought of her always pierced your heart.

Beyond than that, what you missed was the house where you grew up, small but cozy and lived in. You missed the smell of pine and cinnamon that filled the living room every day of December. You missed the nights you and your sister curled up by the fire late at night playing imaginary games, long after your parents’ had put you guys to bed. You missed your mother’s cooking, and helping her bake molasses cookies on Christmas Eve.

You missed togetherness, the feeling of warmth and safety.

You tilted your head at Dean.

“Yeah, but…” you trailed, not willing to finish the thought as another suspicion grew in your mind.

“Just thought we could do some of that this year for you, that’s all,” he said. And he shrugged, as if it wasn’t a big deal. His hands were busy untangling some lights. “Matter of fact, we could all use the time off.”

You couldn’t help but pause. Your breathing shallowed, and no matter how much you fought it, tears stung in your eyes. You bit your lip to try and hold it all at bay. When Dean glanced up at you, he had to do a double take. It made you smile, despite your slightly blurring vision.

“Hey, what—”

You dropped your end of the lights and went to him. You raised up on your toes so you could wrap your arms around his neck in a warm hug. Dean uttered a surprised huff, but his arms came around your waist and gathered you closer. He soon realized he was still holding onto the tangle of lights, and he hung them on a nearby tree branch for now. His smile overtook his surprise and crinkled the corners of his eyes.

“I love you. You know that right?” Your voice was muffled in his neck, but he heard you well enough. He chuckled and slipped a soothing hand up and down your back.

“I do know, actually,” he said, his voice warm and teasing.

A giggle escaped you. You tugged on his short hair in retaliation, making him chuckle.

“Hey,” he warned, but it had heat of a different kind. His hand began venturing down to your ass, but before he could do some retaliating of his own, a door swung open and Sam came down the stairs hefting a couple different boxes of ornaments.

He raised a brow, though he smiled at the way you and his brother were entwined. You half pulled away to nod at Sam, sniffling at quickly wiping at your face. Dean dried some of the wetness from the corner of your eye with a curled finger. You glanced up at him and couldn’t help blushing, smiling, despite your embarrassment.

Dean still had an arm wrapped around your waist as you peered over at the boxes Sam set down near the tree. One of them caught your attention and made your eyes widen.

“Oh my God. They’re Scooby Doo themed!”

The rest of the afternoon was spent decorating the tree with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby echoing throughout the common room. After you made a trip to the grocery store, soon the smell of cinnamon, brown sugar and rich molasses joined the scent of pine throughout the entire bunker.

It was a Christmas Eve well spent. The night was filled with a rewatch marathon of Home Alone and Christmas Vacation. You agreed to Dean throwing in Elf into the mix, as long as you got to watch Love Actually,and The Holiday with Jude Law. Dean complained more than Sam about your girly chick-flicks, but he became just as invested in Colin Firth pouring his heart out in mangled Portuguese to Aurelia as you were, if less teary-eyed.

When The Holiday came around though, he was half asleep as he laid sprawled across your lap and the couch. Your nails gently massaging his scalp nearly did him in, along with Sam’s heavy-ass pour of eggnog. It was tradition, at this point.

By the end of the movie marathon, you were the one snoozing from your corner of the couch, your hand still in Dean’s hair.

He carried you to bed that night, your eyelids heavy as you teetered back and forth between slumber and the waking world. At least you were already in your pajamas. All he had to do was tuck you under the sheets on your side of the bed, then slip in behind you afterwards.

His arm draped around your waist, and you curled towards him, half on instinct as you let out a deep breath. Dean smiled as you settled against his chest. Your soft snores soon greeted his ears. Only then did he let himself rest…

Just not for long.

You woke earlier than you planned to in the morning, mainly because your man pillow was no longer beside you. You reached out a hand and found Dean’s side of the bed empty and cold, the covers pulled back. With a frown, you opened bleary eyes and checked your phone. It was around the ungodly hour of 5:30 a.m.

What the hell was Dean doing up at the crack of dawn?

Unless… You paused as your memory served you a grim reminder. Unless he’d had a rough night, kept up by memories and dreams he didn’t always want to talk to you about. It wouldn’t be the first time he came back to bed after a few hours with the heady smell of bourbon on him.

You got up with a sigh, rolling your neck as you did so. You just wanted to check on him. Maybe you could even persuade him to come back to bed.

You threw on a sweater over your pajamas and some fluffy slippers Sam bought you for your birthday—all to shield you from the bunker’s chilly air and ice-cold floors. You’d have to remind Dean to check on the heater.

You padded out of the bedroom and down the long hall…and became distracted by the Christmas tree in the common room. It really was beautiful all lit up. The lights softly flashed in green, red, purple, and gold. Traditional red and gold ornaments hung beside the Scooby Doo themed ones, with Fred and Daphne front and center, along with the rest of the gang scattered throughout.

And then you found Dean.

“Damn it…friggin’ piece of shit ribbon…” 

Dean’s muttering drew your attention to his hunched figure kneeling at the base of the tree. Your head tilted in wonder as your face broke out into a smile. What the hell is he doing? You tried to be light on your feet as you approached him from behind. Peering over his shoulder, you could almost see what he was trying do with some shiny red wrapping paper and a big golden bow.

Your heart swelled. Had he really gotten you and Sam something for Christmas too? He didn’t need to get you anything…

Dean’s hunter reflexes must’ve been tingling though, because suddenly he sat up straighter and looked over his shoulder. His eyes widened when he saw you standing there in your pajamas, arms crossed over your robe.

He actually jolted, muttering a curse as he tried to cover up what he was doing.

“What’cha doin’, babe?” you asked. Your eyes gleamed with amusement.

Dean tried to get up, but his foot slipped on a stray ribbon. He careened back onto his ass and knocked into the tree. Not only did its branches poke into his face and arm, making him wince, but he managed to displace a couple of ornaments, sending them tumbling to the floor by his hand. He grunted and raised up onto his forearms. For the pièce de résistance, that lovely golden bow landed right in his lap.

With raised brows, you took in the sight of your man—all bedraggled and looking sheepish (and adorable) as hell. Your hand went up to cover your mouth, but you were unable to quiet the giggle that bubbled up and escaped your lips.

Dean cleared his throat. “Hey.”

You glanced down at the bow, almost perfectly placed in his lap.

“Hey,” you replied, your lips curving into a smile.

You lowered down to kneel in front of him, and you took his face in your gentle hands before you leaned in for a sweet, sensuous kiss. Dean breathed into it. Your eyes shut along with his as you savored the moment, and him.

When you parted, your smile remained as you fingered the shiny edge of the bow. Dean began to smirk as well, despite how warm his face had gotten. His big hands found their way to your hips, welcoming you when you took a comfortable seat over his thighs.

You whispered against his lips, “I already know which present I’m gonna unwrap first.” 

AN: Lol there we go, a cheeky ending for you! Let me know if you liked this! ❤️💚

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[strawberrygummiess]

the nutcracker.

everyone x gender neutral!reader chapter one: the party |chapter two 3.5k words cross-posted on ao3 "The Nutcracker's face looks familiar, despite not fitting the description of any of your friends. You keep staring at its face, trying to determine who it looks like, but you keep coming up empty. You purse your lips, running through the people you’ve met in Twisted Wonderland. You even hold the Nutcracker up, spinning it across the room to compare it to your guests,"

When the excitement of Winter Break came to a head you were hit with a wave of homesickness unable to be quelled by any of your usual coping mechanisms. At first, you attributed it to the seasonal depression, and then the inevitable loneliness of an empty campus, soon it became apparent that you were missing your traditions for this time of year.

So, the weekend before students left for break, you decided to hold a Christmas party.

You expect prep work: making Ramshackle as presentable as possible in its current state, prepping enough food to keep Grim satisfied for at least an hour (without donations, there was no way you could afford to feed the partygoers and Grim all night, but you knew they’d understand), and scrambling enough craft supplies together to make DIY Christmas decorations.

At first, you only mentioned it to your freshmen. It would be a casual get-together where you could share your culture with them, cook them a meal, and exchange gifts with one another before they went off to break. Hosting a group of five and a Grim wasn’t impossible, if maybe a little tight on the bank.

Until the news spread across campus.

It was Deuce who let it slip first. During a study session, he mentioned your party absentmindedly to Trey and Cater. And from there it was only a matter of time before Riddle knew. You were ready to be annoyed, already trying to stretch your budget to accommodate your guests, but seeing Deuce’s remorseful face, you couldn’t be mad for very long. “A few more guests, especially as polite as they were, wouldn’t be too bad,” you thought, already brewing up a plan to put Trey to work. A group of eight and a Grim could work if you were smart about where your funds went.

Sebek was next to ruin your plans. You brought the freshmen together, begging them not to let anyone else know about your party unless they planned on contributing to the cause. From there you spied Sebek’s puckered face, torn between the urge to defend himself or to stay quiet to avoid your lecture. You were hoping to be wrong about your suspicions, but when Lilia approached you happily about attending your party, you knew it was too late to rescind the invite, lest you face Malleus’ wrath.

You don’t know when Epel and Jack told their respective housewardens, however, they made it very clear they were offended by your lack of direct invitation (although Leona continued to emphasize that he wasn’t going regardless). By then you were hoping that would be the end of unexpected guests, and you could progress with prepping for triple the amount of your original guest list.

One cannot utter the word “party” without Kalim hearing it. Honestly, you were surprised he hadn’t heard earlier. That day Kalim volunteered (and voluntold Jamil) his help and support. And while you were nervous about how out-of-control your get-together had gotten, you were excited to have an appropriate amount of food to feed your guests.

You knew Azul was annoyed about being out of the loop for so long, complaining it was bad for business to be “so behind the times” even if he regarded you with such an extreme level of politeness. Any explanation you tried to throw in was quickly waved away with a proposal to work your party for a small sum. If you couldn’t afford to host five students, you absolutely could not afford to pay Azul’s high prices. And you were keen on keeping your house for the entire winter break. Eventually, you convinced him that the party would be a prime networking opportunity, persuading him to just attend normally.

If there was anyone you could count on not attending your party, it was Idia. While you were scrounging together supplies at Sam’s, Ortho asked about the party. After explaining how your intimate get-together had spiraled out of control, Ortho had excitedly confirmed his arrival, much to Idia’s displeasure. You supposed you had jumped the gun too early on counting him out.

Finally, you added everyone to a group chat and announced the party. “The cat’s out of the bag!” You opened sarcastically. Everyone had invited themselves over at this point, you were only fulfilling formalities (and trying to prevent guests from arriving several hours too early). “6 PM, Friday the 20th. Try not to be late.”

--

While most students were readying to leave for winter break, you were stuck prepping Ramshackle for a party quadruple the size you originally planned for. What was originally a homey set of décor and menu, now looked exponentially sadder than you were comfortable presenting. You weren’t sure what to make Grim do, scared he’d light your kitchen on fire or destroy even more of your already pathetic Charlie Brown-style Christmas tree. Luckily, the ghosts of Ramshackle were handling most of the decorating while you cleaned the floors. But you know he couldn’t stay in the same spot on your couch, snoozing away until dinner is served.

“Okay Grim,” You start, approaching him with a rag in hand, “I need to finish cooking, or else our party guests won’t have anything to eat-“

“Or me!”

“Yes, or you,” You roll your eyes. “So, I need you to please finish tidying up the house before our guests arrive. Please,” You hand him your dirty wag and wave him off, quickly running to the kitchen to check on the food you started. It was 5 pm when your first guests arrived. Flustered, you rushed to let the members of Heartslabyul in.

“I think you misread the time!” You said, taking dishes from Trey’s hands to place in the kitchen. “The party doesn’t start for another hour!”

“We figured you needed the help,” Ace grinned, taking in the half-decorated room and Grim’s lazy figure, still curled up in a ball with the cleaning rag laid on top of him as a makeshift blanket. “And we were right. Without us, you won’t get anything done, Prefect,”

Before you can argue, everyone is helping. Trey has taken over your kitchen, Deuce and Cater are assisting the Ghosts with finishing the decor, and Riddle and Ace are adding magical touches to your twig/Christmas tree.

Once it’s closer to the party start time, more people begin to arrive. Jamil and Kalim show up at 5:30. Jamil runs to the kitchen as soon as you open the door, leaving Kalim to shower you with an abundance of gifts, hugs, and happy kisses on your cheeks. Vil, Epel, and Rook show up at 5:50, each with a hostess gift in hand. Azul and Jade show up at 6 on the dot, claiming Floyd is waiting to be fashionably late. They too, hand you a gift, but you find yourself reluctant to take it.

Jack arrives on his own, annoyed at Leona and Ruggie’s tardiness. You playfully remind him that he’s arrived 30 minutes after the start time, and he wags his tail in embarrassment before entering. Floyd waltzes in closely behind him, wrapping you in a hug so tight you squeak in surprise. Diasomnia arrives shortly after, Silver apologizing profusely for their tardiness while Lilia attempts to shove Tupperware into your hands. Sebek quickly grabs the offensive concoction and throws it onto your lawn, much to your annoyance. Malleus is practically buzzing with excitement as he enters Ramshackle.

The last of your guests arrive at 7. Leona and Ruggie stroll in (Ruggie is carrying the now empty Tupperware inside, keen on taking leftovers home) handing you a hostess gift more expensive than useful to you. Idia is tumbling in after him, being shoved by Ortho. You breathe a sigh of relief as you get ready to serve

The chattering fills your living room. You’ve long scrapped the idea of a “formal” dinner setting, your dining room table too small to house twenty-three people, and a gluttonous cat, opting to feed everyone “buffet-style” instead. Dishes were set on any clear surface area, from the coffee table to your kitchen counter. Some of them are yours, most donated by Jamil and Trey. And all of them were quickly being eaten by Grim.

“C’mon Grim!” Ace whined, swatting away the mischievous cat’s paw from his plate. Deuce juggled a cup and plate in one hand, and an irate cat in the other, looking to you for support. “Don’t be greedy!”

Grim hisses in frustration. “I’m hungry and you took the last samosa! I wanted that! It’s so yummy and warm,” Grim leaps from his place in Deuce’s arms, forcing him to spill his drink on the floor, and runs to you, pressing his face into your leg, feigning affection.

“Hench-human,” He purrs circling and nuzzling your legs. “Please ask Jamil to make me more samosas!”

“No.”

“But it’s Christmas!”

You rolled your eyes, nudging him out of the way. “Let me clean that up, Deuce. If you guys could just keep Grim from eating anything else,” You quickly excused yourself from the buffet line, moving into the kitchen.

Trey was nursing a cup, leaning against the kitchen counter watching the oven. Jamil stood beside him, engaging in polite conversation. Trey waved at you when you walked in.

“I thought the kitchen was closed,” you remarked, opening a cabinet to grab a towel. “What are you cooking?”

“I figured I’d make a ‘Christmas cake’” Trey said. “It’s a Yule log- well it will be a Yule log. Right now, it’s just a sponge cake.”

“I’m taking my holiday break,” Jamil says flatly, sipping from his cup. “Kalim is occupied with dinner and the Pop Music Club. I can afford to be away from the party for a few minutes,”

“Well, if you haven’t eaten yet, you both better be sure to grab yourself a plate, Grim is halfway through the buffet, with no signs of stopping,” You wave them goodbye, quickly exiting before they can request food from you.

When you return to the buffet line, Ace, Deuce, and Grim are gone. You huff in annoyance before quickly cleaning the puddle Deuce left behind. If you worked quickly, it wouldn’t leave a sticky patch on your floor.

“Child of Man, you shouldn’t clean a mess you didn’t make,”

“If I don’t, Tsunotaro, no one will,” You look up at Malleus with a grin. He still looks elated, positively glowing with happiness. “How are you enjoying yourself? Party to your liking?”

“Absolutely delightful. I even find myself enjoying the company of the more… audacious students,”

Leona.

“Well, I hope you continue to enjoy yourself. Sorry- I’m a bit stretched thin tonight. I’ll see you again, promise,” you finish cleaning the puddle and extend your hand, pinkie outstretched. He linked his with yours, and you shake on it, before quickly excusing yourself to talk to more guests.

You find Leona on your couch, languidly lounging across the entire sofa. Ruggie is perched in the small space he left, packing leftovers. He makes little quips to Leona, occasionally prompting a few grunts of acknowledgment. Vil is in one of your loveseats, tsking at everything Leona says and does, judgmental stare lasering in on the indolent lion. Rook sat idly on the arm of the loveseat, observing the scene unfold in front of him.

“Ah, bonsoir Mon Filou,” Rook greets you, prompting the group to acknowledge you. “We are having a wonderful time. Come sit with us!” Vil gestures for Leona to sit up, and to your surprise, he does. Ruggie snickers, teasingly signaling you to sit down where Leona’s head was.

“It’s okay, I’m making rounds- “Leona promptly plops back down. “Besides I think I need to find Grim. Everyone’s been enjoying themselves too much,”

“I know I am. I’ve got a ton of delicious food to take back home!”

(You try to ignore how the leftovers were supposed to be for you.)

“It’s a delightful party. You’ve done a great job on short notice- “Another grunt of approval comes from Leona. “But if you’re looking for Grim, I think I saw him bothering Riddle,” Vil says, gesturing to the other end of the room. You turn, spying the Octotrio, Riddle, and Grim huddled in a corner. You thank Vil and quickly excuse yourself to diffuse the situation. “And if you see Epel, send him over! Last I saw him he was stuffing his face with all carbs no vegetables!”

Grim is quick to yowl when he sees you, struggling in Floyd’s grip. Riddle gives you a helpless glance, silently begging you to save him.

“Ah, Prefect, perfect that you’ve come by,” Azul turns to face you with a polite smile. Floyd quickly drops Grim, and before you can grab him, he runs between your legs. You notice Riddle inching away from the group, also looking for a quick exit.

“Shrimpy!” Floyd exaggerates the “y”, quickly grabbing you now that his hands are empty. “Let’s see if you squeak again if I squeeze this much!”  On cue, Floyd envelopes you in a bear hug, pressing your chest into his. His fists lock in the middle of your back and push, increasing the pressure until you hear a series of cracks emanating from your body.

“Okay! Uncle! Floyd!” You squirm around in his hold, trying to escape the pressure on your back. You eye Azul and Jade, hoping they’ll call Floyd off, but they only giggle at your pain. Riddle is long gone at this point.

“Alright that’s enough Floyd,” Azul gently pushes Floyd off you, and you grimace at the soreness on your back. The bruise on your back was bound to be painful. “We need the Prefect in perfect health,”

“Or not. If you’re feeling sore, we could always finish hosting for you,” Jade runs a hand up your back. What was supposed to be a soothing gesture only burns in pain when he reaches the sore spot. “For a small fee, of course,”

“You must be enjoying yourselves if you feel like you need to invest in the party,” you say rubbing the sore spot. “But I’ll pass. Everyone’s going to want to leave for break early tomorrow morning, I can’t imagine people will be staying for much longer,”

Jade tsks, before smiling again. “We’ll be here all break, do stop by for tea. You can teach us more about Christmas,”

You give him a nod, leaving quickly before they try to coerce you into a shady deal, or before Floyd gives you another squeeze.

--

It was shocking how well Grim could hide.

Every time you greeted a guest, you’d ask if they had seen him. Usually, it was the buffet line. But he was nowhere to be found every time. You thought by now he’d be unafraid of Floyd (and Idia, who unhappily sulked in a corner waiting to find an opportunity to sneak away). Originally, you thought it was nice to be away from his chaos, but the longer he was away, the more likely he was creating chaos somewhere else on campus.

You were leaning against the wall, scanning the room for your plump cat. Kalim was on his third cup of cocoa, Jamil tiredly rubbing his temples. The freshmen stacked various objects on Silver’s sleeping body, while Lilia doodled on his face. Idia was still glowering in the corner, but now Azul was hovering above him, trying to engage in conversation. Even if Grim was causing trouble elsewhere, you could at least call your Christmas party a success.

Your reverie is interrupted by the front door slamming open. Grim is sitting smugly, tail waving contently. Behind him stands the headmaster, decked in red and holding a sack.

“Hench-human! I brought you Christmas!”

Crowley enters the room, blabbering about his “infinite generosity!” before slinging the sack over the coffee table with a large crack. Great.

Grim is circling through your legs again, purring and rubbing against your legs, clearly proud of himself. “Crowley brought us all gifts. I told him he had to play Sanda. He said he has something special for everyone,” He chirps, nuzzling his head into your calf. “I had to keep running around so you wouldn’t spoil the surprise,” You’re so touched by his affection that you don’t even correct him.

Your guests seem unsurprised by Crowley’s entrance. Floyd quickly dives into the sack, looking for his gift, while Cater snaps pictures of your shocked face. You hear him exchange words with Ace, who cannot contain his cackles.

“I’m totally gonna print these,” Cater shoves his phone in Ace’s face. “They look totes’ adorbs, don’t you think Acey?” You ignore their gleeful laughs and shove your way forward.

“You guys were running me around on purpose?”

“You were hellbent on finding him,” Leona yawns. You were surprised he was still awake, completely unmoving from his position on the couch. “Personally, I wouldn’t’ve cared where the furball went,”

“So- “You shove Leona’s torso and move to sit on the couch facing Crowley. He immediately lays his head on your lap and closes his eyes, ready to nap for the rest of the party. “You guys knew Crowley was coming as Santa? …Do you even know who Santa is?”

“Nope!” Grim begins to swat at Leona’s ears, fighting for a seat on your lap. “But he’s Christmas, right? He brings everyone presents and then that’s when Christmas starts!”

“Well, not exactly,” Crowley begins handing gifts around. When he hands you a lumpy, chalky, substance, labeled: “Leona”, you laugh. “Santa brings gifts for kids on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day you open the gifts with your friends and family. But Christmas happens regardless of if Santa visits,”

Crowley shoves one last gift into your face, wrapped in brown parchment paper, labeled: “Prefect”. It’s strangely oblong (and noticeably not a check) and awkwardly shaped, messily kept together by twine. If Grim told you he wrapped it himself, you’d believe him.

“This is for you,” Crowley shakes the present in your face. “I want to see how grateful you are when you see it, so open it right away,”

You roll your eyes and unwrap the gift, untying the twine and ripping the paper. Underneath is a nutcracker. It’s a picture-perfect nutcracker, clad in a striking red military uniform, topped with silver hair. He holds a scepter in one hand, sword holstered on the opposite hip. Gold embellishments decorate the statue, almost glistening when held in certain lights. It was beautiful and ornate.

“Oh wow,” you say, turning it around in your hands. It feels high quality and expensive, and you’re surprised Crowley would even gift something of this nature to you. “Thank you, this is really beautiful,”

Crowley clasps his hands together in delight. “See, my generosity knows no bounds, does it not, Prefect? How wonderful to see your delighted face,” He continues to ramble on, but you tune him out and continue to observe the nutcracker.

Its face looks familiar, despite not fitting the description of any of your friends. You keep staring at its face, trying to determine who it looks like, but you keep coming up empty. You purse your lips, running through the people you’ve met in Twisted Wonderland. You even hold the Nutcracker up, spinning it across the room to compare it to your guests.

“What are you doing, Prefect?” Riddle asks, quirking his brow at your behavior. You ignore him and shake your head, moving the nutcracker to the next victim (choosing to ignore his comment about breaking a ridiculous rule) comparing its face to Jack.

“Who does this look like, Grim?” You ask moving the doll around the room again. You reach up to scratch behind his ears to get his attention. He’s settled on your shoulders after losing the battle for your lap.

“Hmm… Trein! Or uh… that one guy we met at Noble Bell,”

You give him a sideways glance. “Is it because he has gray hair? Why not Silver then?”

“Because this guy looks serious! And old,”

You shake your head and chuckle. Maybe it just had a familiar face.

--

It was a nightmare trying to get everyone out of your dorm (including Crowley, who insisted on calling the rest of the staff to your party. Thankfully, they all declined his offer). By the time you cleaned everything up and forced everyone out, it was well into the early morning. You had originally promised to see everyone out in the morning, but now that you were getting ready for bed, you regretted making that promise.

You flopped on your bed immediately, groaning into the sheets as your body sank into the too-soft mattress. You had to sleep on your stomach, the bruise from Floyd’s “hug” still fresh in your skin. The sheets were cold underneath your comforter, a welcome change from the warm living room. You sigh in relief, glancing at the nutcracker on your mantle before closing your eyes, and drifting into a deep sleep.

The Nutcracker, eyes once focused in front of him, glances at your sleeping form. He straightens his back and stays alert, awaiting any danger that would come forth.

[astroismypassion]

✨PART OF FORTUNE IN SIGNS AND HOUSES SERIES: 7TH HOUSE✨

Credit: Tumblr blog @astroismypassion

ARIES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aries and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via project management, team leadership, startup environment, via creating and managing marketing campaigns in collaboration with other businesses or influencers. You feel abundant when you take on responsibilities where you can direct and inspire others, focusing on building strong, dynamic partnerships.

TAURUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Taurus and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via selling luxury items, such as high-end jewellery, fashion or home décor, via message therapy, work in fields related to nutrition and fitness, where you can help others achieve and maintain a healthy and stable lifestyle. You feel abundant when you incorporate aesthetics and a sense of beauty into your work.

GEMINI PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Gemini and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via using your persuasive communication skills to excel in sales, marketing or advertising roles. You find abundance in work in public relations, via entering a business partnership where you can complement your partner’s skills. You have an excellent ability to communicate and negotiate with others. You find wealth when you work closely with clients on a one-on-one basis.

CANCER PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Cancer and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via offering babysitting, nannying or after-school care. You may also find abundance in selling handmade items (candles, home decor or personalized gifts). You feel abundant when you work in nursing, patient care, daycare, work in hospitality industry. You feel abundant when you pay attention to your gut feelings when making decisions.

LEO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Leo and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via becoming a motivational speaker or event host. You may also earn money via being a stylist for others, personal stylist, personal shopper or providing makeup artist services for people that go to events. You may also do really pretty nails.

VIRGO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Virgo and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via working as a freelance writer, editor or proofreader. You may also offer consulting services in area of business strategy, health, wellness, nutrition and financial planning. Offer tutoring services in subjects you are knowledgeable about.

LIBRA PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via teaching an instrument or vocal lessons if you have musical skills. Share your knowledge in painting, drawing and crafts. You can start a TikTok account focused on topics of fashion, DIY, lifestyle, make up, clothing, sharing your recipes.

SCORPIO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Scorpio and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via joint ventures, such as turnaround projects or startups in emerging industries or engaging in joint venture that involves a profound change or transformation, via family law, criminal law, forensic science, via work in crisis management or trauma recovery, investment banking or wealth management, work as a financial analyst or alternative healing methods (reiki, acupuncture, hypnotherapy).

SAGITTARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Sagittarius and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via writing books, articles, blogs on philosophical topics, travel experiences or cultural insights. You feel the most abundant when you are optimistic, enthusiastic and when you have direct and honest communication. You could find wealth through work in journalism, especially in roles that involve travel or reporting on cultural events and global news, work in diplomacy or international relations.

CAPRICORN PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Capricorn and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via investment banking, financial planning, property management, real estate development, specializing in corporate law, contract law or real estate law. You could also make money as a mediator or arbitrator, helping to resolve disputes and negotiate contracts. You feel most abundant when you define clear, achievable goals, when you are being focused with persistent effort.

AQUARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aquarius and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via holistic therapy, energy healing, managing public relations for progressive companies or causes, via co-authoring books, developing new products. You feel abundant when you continuously seek out and embrace new ideas, technologies, ways of thinking, when you are being innovative and when you utilize technology to enhance your work and when you stay up-to-date with the latest technology.

PISCES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Pisces and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via creative problem-solving abilities, running a boutique hotel, bed and breakfast or wellness retreat, nutritional coaching, meditation coaching, organizing cultural events, such as art exhibitions, music festivals or theatre productions or visual arts.

Credit: Tumblr blog @astroismypassion

[rollinouttahere-writes]

After that one, I got another thought―

Platonic Yandere! Strawhats with Y/n likes to make DIY gifts? Like little bracelets with supportive and reassuring words, paper stars of different colors, handmade stickers and this kind of stuff?And one day , Y/n out of boredom made DIY gifts for each of crewmembers?

I swear, I even made samples.

Nami - Yellow paper ring with words "Best navigator"

Usopp - Paper bracelet with his name and with words "1# Sniper"

Chopper - Yellow with pink glitter paper medal with words "Best doctor"

Sanji - Another yellow paper medal but with golden glitter and with words "Best cook"

Zoro - Green thick paper bracelet with words "Best swordsmen"

Robin - Purple handmade paper bracelet with "Best archeologist"

Luffy - Red thick bracelet with words "The King of the Pirates"

This is super cute!

Nami loves her ring and only takes it off to keep it safe. She may have a preference towards high end clothing and accessories, but if anyone so much as looks at her ring funny, she's throwing hands with them. She'll buy you something in exchange, and she doesn't even add it to your debt to her!

Usopp, for all of his personal hype, is extremely caught off guard by this. Yeah, he tries to play it off that of course he's deserving of such a title, but he's self aware enough to know that he's got a long ways to go before he can live up to this. It takes a few tries, but he makes you a bracelet too. It says '#1 Usopp Pirate'.

Chopper is full on ugly crying from the medal. He loves it and hangs it up in the infirmary. As much as he wants to wear it, he's afraid that he would break it during a fight. He makes one for you too! It isn't perfect, and will be shedding glitter for its entire existence, but it's the thought that counts. He's very proud of it, so you better compliment the hell out of it.

Sanji is dead, you killed him. He's a crying lump on the floor while cradling the medal to his chest like it's his firstborn child. Once he recovers, you can expect to be fawned over (even more so than usual). You're getting all your favorite foods for the foreseeable future. He wears it constantly, only ever choosing to take it off when he bathes so the water doesn't damage it. He goes out of his way to make sure Zoro can see it while talking about how you made it for him.

Zoro looks at it, looks at you, back at it, then asks if you wanted him to give it to Mihawk or something because he knows he isn't the best swordsman yet. He's hesitant to take it even when you insist it's for him, but eventually caves when you suggest he can hold onto it until he can become the best swordsman. You never see him wearing it and question if he even kept it, but that changes when you see him fish it out of his pocket to look at when he thought no one was watching.

Robin smiles at the gift, but can't help but ask just how many archaeologists you know. She's just teasing though and absolutely cherishes it. You never see her without it after this. She makes you a very ornate bracelet herself that honestly makes yours look like it was made by a small child, but she still thinks the one you made is better regardless.

Luffy will never shut up about this. He wants everyone to see it and tells all of them that you made it. The bracelet is on the same level as his hat in terms of not wanting anything to happen to it... Which is unfortunate because he breaks it almost immediately. He is inconsolable, pitifully clutching whatever was left of it after he snapped it by stretching his arm. He doesn't emotionally recover from this tragedy until you make him a ribbon that can be added onto his hat saying the same thing. He makes you a bracelet too (with help), and while it may be the most misshapen thing you've ever seen, you can't help but wear your '#1 nakama' bracelet with pride.

[acrossthewavesoftime]

I am, for Reasons that Be, not in a very Christmassy mood presently, but over the last couple of days, some things have happened that are so kitschy almost that they could be straight out of some Christmas movie:

I was standing at some traffic lights that had already been red for at least five minutes in a city I've not been to before with a train to catch. Just to the right of me was a parked police car with several police in it, so I was absolutely not going to risk at least a stern talking-to or at worst a fine and some obnoxious paperwork when I had places to be on time. Annoyed, I waited, as the man waiting next to me, a pretty 'business' looking 40-something with a small silver trolley suitcase, started talking to me. We tried to make light of the annoyance of waiting when suddenly, he, still suitcase in hand, assumed the pose of an Olympic athlete in the starting block and started a countdown: "anytime now!" Amused, I joined in, pulling off a bit of a comedic spectacle for another two minutes when the pedestrian crossing traffic lights finally switched to green. He excitedly waved me goodbye, laughing still.

Given the reliability (cough) of Deutsche Bahn paired with an ominous date, I was not too hopeful for my travels on Friday the 13th. Especially not when I met - let's call her Laura - at the station. Laura is unmissable because she will always give me a big wave when she sees me first, and looks very much like I would imagine a modern take on a fairy godmother from a folk tale to look like with her reddish hair, bright smile and high-vis vest, never travelling without a minimum of one knitting project in her bag, the yarn perching on top of my suitcase as we chat on the train and she works on another sock. 'Historically' speaking, Laura and I only ever seem to be on the same train when there are significant delays involved; this is how we got to talk to each other for the first time, venting as we stood next to each other in the cold, waiting for delayed trains or the emergency railway replacement service to at last show up. On Friday, we chatted as we usually do, and recalling a prior delay during which we had been comrades-in-suffering, Laura said to me, smiling as brightly as ever: "Let's hope all goes well for you today!", accompanied by making the obligatory joking 'knock on wood'-gesture against her temple. And it worked. After several annoying experiences in the past months, including drunk football fans nigh demolishing the train, a regional railway standstill and general delays, my travels were eventless and wonderfully comfortable that day. No delays to speak of, and with the usually rare available storage space for my suitcase next to my seat on every train. I have learned that she enjoys home-made bread, so perhaps, knowing her schedule, I should bring her some as an offering next time I take the same train as her.

Last month, I needed silk scarves to DIY a late 1790s headdress for a costumed event. I did the sensible thing and tried to find some on a common German platfom for small ads, and found a white one with stripes I really liked. Sadly, the lady selling it as part of liquidating unused paraphenalia from a silk-painting hobby, did not get back to me in time. Messaging me later, I bought the scarf, figuring that I could still use it alongside the one I ended up using instead, for future events. Opening the envelope she sent me, I found not only the scarf I ordered, but a very narrow, and very long table runner as well. Naturally, I thanked the lady and told her that her little extra gift was just what I could use, explaining my costuming hobby and that I would dye the table runner to make into a sash to wear over my muslin gown. She replied by saying that "it's Christmas, and surprising someone with a gift is wonderful!", adding on the accuracy of her own prediction on what I could use without knowing anything more than my postal address: "One can read minds..."

[bloodsuckerproxy]

Introducing...The Jacksons!

The family for my STNAF OC Lenny (find more about him here)

I knew when I made Lenny I wanted him to have a very different upbringing to Friend. I knew he was going to come from low-income and he's personally based off the type of people I grew up around and as. We also don't see this family type often enough and I wanted to show that :3

As always, STNAF belongs to @stnaf-vn and please check the game out!!!!

About the Family

Lil Frankie

28

5'9"

Protective, Cold, Selfless, Tomboy

Frankie was thought to be a boy during Ruby's pregnancy and so they were going to name her after Frank. Turns out she was a girl and they stuck with the name, opting for Frankie instead

She comes off as rude and cold, but she actually is just no nonsense and wants to keep her family/friends safe

Currently a bodyguard and does boxing on the side

Very salty she is shorter than Lenny

Daddy's girl

Frank

45

6'1"

Caring, Clumsy, Artistic, Sweet

Frank is like literally the embodiment of Goofy. He does his best but always seems to get hurt or break something. He means well though!!

Was a young dad (17) but did his best for his kids, including going back to school so he could get a better job once Lil Frankie was a couple years old

Currently a mechanic. Likes to make trash sculptures on the side

Very DIY. Taught Lenny everything about fixing things and making something out of nothing

Loves Ruby dearly. Will always find a way to gift her something. Knows her fave lipstick shades

Rebecca "Ruby"

45

5'9"

Assertive, Chatty, Caring, Motherly

Ruby was also 17 when her and Frank had Lil Frankie. She finished high school and worked through cosmotology school after the pregnancy

Currently a hair stylist and nail tech

Practiced doing hair and nails on Lenny since he liked spending time with her

She adores how sweet (and slightly stupid) Frank is and that's why they ended up falling in love. They are high school sweethearts fr <3

Will always welcome people into her home even if she can't offer anything more than a roof over their head or an ear to listen. Very selfless

Comes off as very gossipy but she will die with your secrets if you ask her to

Lenny

24

6'2"

Carefree, Open Minded, Optimistic, Punk

Takes after his dad in personality but is a total momma's boy

Ruby: Ruby taught him about fashion, makeup, nails, etc. and often practiced on him since he liked being pampered. He loves his mom a lot and her open minded nature made him the man he is today

Frank: Frank and Lenny don't need to say much to be together. They are very similar people and even though Frank's silly stories never seem to make sense, Lenny always listens. They love to make trash sculptures together or go dumpster diving

Lil Frankie: Frankie always had to look out for Lenny since he was a bit of a naive kid, but also when he got more into fashion. She would protect him despite the fact he could defend himself from bullies. He loves his big sister and he loves to annoy her (she pretends to hate it but she loves him back lol)

Anyways I wanna draw more STNAF once I have time fr fr :3

[yuurei20]

Idia Info Compilation Part 7: Idia and Cats

Idia likes cats extremely, up to and including Lucius. This may even include cat beast-people, as he says “Lions are supposedly part of the Felidae family, but Leona’s about as docile as an angry lawnmower."

He also says "Oooh, I wanna widdle kitty cat to hug and kiss…”

He tries to pet Grim, mistaking him for a cat. Grim, having been watching a horror movie with the player and Ace, subsequently tells everyone that there is an evil spirit on campus, leading Ortho to confiscate Idia’s lab wear.

Idia’s love of furry creatures does not end with cats. In the Harveston event he is thrilled to find a raccoon, rabbit, squirrels and a deer in what he describes as a “paradise”, until they discover a packet of dried fruit in his pocket and proceed to chase him down the mountain.

He also says that while "dogs themselves are okay", he "can't deal with dog people.” Despite his impatience with video game interruptions, Idia says that tests and games are alike: "You get that same dopamine rush when you score high," implying he may perform well in classes.

When asked if he had a favorite stuffed animal as a child Idia responds that, no—he has always preferred his own handmade robots since he was young. He enjoys cup ramen, gifting a box of special, limited-time cup ramen to Deuce for his birthday.

Idia’s favorite food sometimes gets translated as “junk food”, but he specifies that he prefers a sub-genre of snacks that doesn’t seem to exist in English: “chi-iku-type dagashi”, which this YouTuber has translated as “educational confectionary”.

It is where you take different gelatins and things and mix them to create candy versions of things like sushi, hamburgers, etc., in miniature form. I am sure they exist in other places, too! NA translates them as "DIY candy kits", which is also accurate.

Idia is also invested in movies, designing his dorm’s section of the Halloween Event at Night Raven College to be an homage to a B movie called “Creepy Hollow”, that no one knows but he defends passionately to anyone who will listen.

Concerning his online games, we learn in the Phantom Bride event that Idia uses the handle “Gloomurai” online. His closest online friend is a person who uses the handle “Muscle Red”.

Idia turns down an opportunity to spend time with Ortho in favor of Muscle Red. While hinted at elsewhere in the game, it is also in the Phantom Bride event that we learn that Muscle Red is Lilia, but neither student is aware of the other’s true identity.

Idia seems to keep private rankings of different students, which include but are not limited to his “Night Raven College’s most cheerful character” tier list (Kalim ranks first) and the “Turbo Sus Vice Housewardens to Be Avoided at All Costs Rankings” (topped by Rook and Trey).

Idia describes Cater as having a sunny disposition that “is relentlessly smothering”, while Cater advises Malleus against going to Idia for technological help as “he’d probably run if you tried to talk to him”.

Silver says Idia always gets “so flustered” around him (he wakes up to Idia watching him as he slept). Idia describes Silver as “seriously handsome” and “like a prince”. During Phantom Bride Idia describes Vil as “a legit pro”, saying “Leona and Malleus’ faces are mega-striking”.

He describes Riddle as “the traditional prince who’s straight-laced due to his royal upbringing, but who occasionally shows some awkward tenderness”, Epel as “the dainty second prince players just want to protect. His rare, intense expressions are dark yet compelling!”

And he describes Rook as “the prince from a neighboring kingdom who’s revealed to have been secretly protecting the MC, immediately granting him best boy status!”. Otherwise, however, he describes the school’s house wardens as “difficult”.

[sleeplesssmoll]

Can you imagine everyone in the suitcase getting together to prepare the Foundation Kids’ first Christmas 🥹🥹🥹

The gift exchanging and the cuteness would be the most wholesome thing! Little Santa hats for all! Honestly this became a long list of HCs and not all of them are related to Christmas. It'll be Crew member and Vertin interactions because it'd be a lot to do it both ways for every single character. My ears are open for anyone who wants to share their HCs!

Regulus (actually Apple) gives a Vertin a set of high quality paint brushes. She also gives her also a weird rotund plushy with this face

• _ •

This is the real one Regulus picked but she and Apple work as a pair. She says it's face reminded her of Vertin. Vertin will keep this new friend among her growing collection of oddities from her crew members. She keeps everything they give her, even if it's just a pretty marble.

Joshua gives her a DIY woodworking book and then brings up his bookshelf being broken (hidden agenda!) At first the others are like "wth?" but Vertin seems to love it. You know the little game pieces we see throughout the game to represent the characters? Vertin makes something similar with her new skill and they use them when developing strategies. Jessica and Sonetto like to help her paint them. Druvis gives her tips (since she's a wandmaker she has more experience). Also, Vertin does fix his shelf eventually and made a few adjustments so it won't break again.

I see Vertin as the type who can figure out those God awful assembly instructions with 70 different letters and numbers labeling everything. For tech stuff, Regulus and Joshua have them covered. They try not to ask X if they can help it because despite being a genuis he always adds an unnecessary feature. No I don't need my camera have a "brew coffee" function!

None of the "fix-it" people above can put together a proper meal though.

Madam Z is invited but couldn't make it (Constantine at it again). She sends Vertin a very elegant coat with a water proof enchantment to keep her both warm and dry. She she noticed Vertin's grown a bit taller and she'll most likely need a new coat.

Tooth Fairy also couldn't make it (helping Madam Z so she can get leave the office sooner and they can celebrate with wine). She sends Vertin a jar of candies and a finely crafted pocket knife. Why a pocket knife? No one knows for sure. Despite no one getting it at first, whenever they have a package they can't open, a freshly picked fruit from the garden, etc. they ask Vertin if she has her knife. Of course she does. She's Suitcase Dad lol. Tooth Fairy was predicting the future.

Sotheby will give her candies that are actually healing potions! It's one of her newest creations! They're more convenient than carrying potion bottles. There are a few...side effects but nothing too major. Vertin is extremely grateful for this and carries a few in her pocket at all times in case someone gets hurt. This usually ends up being herself (in combat) or Sotheby tripping and scraping her knees, palm, etc. She'll hesitate to take the candy herself (because what if someone else needs it later?), even when she's barely standing but heaven forbid one of her people gets a boo-boo or a bruise. It's frustrating as it is endearing.

Sonetto gives her a tin of her favorite brand of tea and a thermal blanket. Vertin's the type of person with a cooler body temperature. In winter, her hands are freezing! This worries Pupnetto even though the Foundation trains them to endure cold temperatures. However, most of the other members end up snuggling in the heated blanket, including Sonetto herself (she is slowly unlearning the Foundation's way of suffering pointlessly) but she will share it with Vertin when she does. Vertin doesn’t mind. Honestly, Sonetto is hot blooded (the opposite of her) so having her nearby makes it warmer anyway.

And Sonetto's always at her side. She doesn't worry about the cold.

Druvis gives Vertin a wand with her arcanum built into it. It's shaped like a pistol, similar to Schneider's but it's nonlethal. The "bullets" are infused with the slime from Druvis's thorns and can hinder enemy movements (inflict petrify status). This way she can "protect" Vertin even if they're apart. With more eyes on the Suitcase than ever, she believes Vertin needs to take extra precautions. Vertin takes very good care of the gun (though she's never had to use it in real combat yet) and when they do co-op missions with other departments it garners a lot of attention from the soldiers.

Druvis is not accepting requests at this time.

Blonney gives her an ugly Christmas sweater but her gag gift backfires when Vertin looks cute. Stupid yes, but cute. Also the fabric is very soft and Vertin seems very cozy inside.

Later, Blonney gives her the real gift. She was too shy to give it to her in front of the others but there's a hand written card thanking her everything she's done for her and Jessica. There's money in the card of course. Jen also gives her a little short story she wrote. Not a horror one, but a sweet one about a curious kitten going on misadventures and making friends. Vertin can immediately tell its based on the shenanigans she gets into with her crew members. Blonney doesn't stick around long (blushing too hard) but Vertin is moved by this. The crew members are represented by their Udimos!

Jessica gives Vertin a doll (think chibi) she made that looks like the Timekeeper and it has removable accessories. For Christmas, the chibi Vertin is wearing a Santa suit. Sometimes the doll goes missing from her shelf if she's gone for more than a day (work related reasons). 98% of the time it's with Sonetto who crumbles like a guilty puppy if Vertin asks about its whereabouts. The separation anxiety is real. Vertin recognizes this and eventually says it looks happier in Sonetto's room. She asks Sonetto to please take good care of her (the doll). Vertin also makes more effort to "call" home or send a message with arcanum tech after this event.

She's not used to having people wait for her at home, but one day in the near future she will be.

[rivetgoth]

how do you afford looking nice and living in la

Serious answer? Every single item in the outfits I post is thrifted, second hand, I've owned for 5-10+ years, DIY, a gift, borrowed, received as compensation for work (modeling, prop building, etc), or something I spent a small amount of money on (I can count on one hand the amount of things I've spent, like, over $100 on and it was all stuff like nice shoes or leather gear, the majority of "bigger" purchases tends to be like $25 band shirts at concerts or a pair of good jeans on sale, or like $10 for a new collar once every few months at the most) but then wear nearly every day until it disintegrates. Most of my outfits are creatively recycled from the same handful of clothing and accessories acquired in these ways over years of dressing like this. 😘🖤

I just try really hard to be frugal honestly so I can afford to do what I love, which is concerts and clubbing and buying the occasional cool accessory. I don't travel or go on trips frequently or ever, I don't really collect anything, I go out to eat super rarely, I've never bought a high end makeup product in my life (my favorite eyeliner comes from CVS), I do my hair at home, my biggest appearance expenses tend to be my tattoos which I save for and are a "permanent" or "one time" purchase (and so worth the cost lol), I use GoodRX for my hormones, I don't buy drinks out (you can buy a bottle of rum for less than the cost of one drink at any club you'll ever go to, bring it with you, take a shot or two in the car before an event, and it'll last you a few weeks at least— you've saved a couple hundred by the end of the month on alcohol alone), I shop at ALDI and Food 4 Less for groceries, I stick to very simple, barebones skincare and haircare routines, and I split cost of living expenses with my partner. XX

[vex-bittys]

Bittybones Chapter 8: Organics and Botanicals (part 4)

Apparently, my bittybones really enjoy trashy reality television. Corvus the Kara bitty, Egg the Softbones, Buttons, Yanberry, and Phantom stared enraptured as stupid humans (basically all humans) said and did stupid things in crystal clear HD with surround sound. I'm not one to look a gift distraction in the mouth, so I proceeded with my idea for the Good Boy Points, or G.

I started by digging a collection of small Mason jars out of the cupboard from my brief stint as a person who thinks she can make her own sauces, pickles, and preserves. Canning one's own food is an art form in which I possess zero talent, and I ended up wasting a significant amount of time, money, and produce with very little to show for it aside from burned fingers. I've learned my lesson though: just get store bought. My standards aren't all that high anyway (you did adopt that shirtless asshole…).

Since I still had the jars, I decided to turn my DIY failure into a DIY opportunity! I dug out another box stuffed full of forgotten craft projects that had also surpassed my limited talents. Choosing seven equally sized jars, I got to work decorating. These would be excellent banks for the Good Boy Points, and nobody would judge my sub-par construction (that's what you think)!

I adorned each jar with a name tag, leaving the lids off because I don't have the tools to make a slot in them, and I wouldn't know how to use the tools even if I did. I wrapped the mouth of each container with a different color of dyed suede cord: red for Red (your favorite!), teal for Brassy, blue for Buttons, purple for Yanberry, black for Corvus, pastel pink for Egg, and yellow for Phantom. 

All I had left to do was make the actual Good Boy Points. I wanted my boys to have something tangible to show for their good deeds. I took some thin sheets of balsa wood that, once upon a time, I tried to use to make (rickety) bitty furniture for Red. My carpentry career ended in a tragic bitty bed collapse (i almost dusted). Now I punched out tiny circles with a hole punch, catching Buttons’ and Berry’s attention.

I showed the pair of curious bittys the shimmery paints that I wanted to use on my wooden counterfeit currency, and they immediately volunteered to help with the painting. Soon, the three of us had created an assembly line, churning out quite a substantial supply of bronze, silver, and gold “coins.” Sure, Buttons and Berry ended up partially gilded, but we accomplished our task… just in time for lunch!

I may be bad at crafts (and building furniture and dating and paying attention to your precious edgy bitty), but I can whip up an ooey, gooey delicious grilled cheese sandwich in a matter of minutes. I even graciously added ham to one of the sandwiches for my little meat maulers. I handed out bitty-sized cubes of toasted bread and melted cheese without ham to Corvus, Egg, and Buttons and ones with ham to Berry and Phantom. With a deep, calming breath, I entered the bedroom to deliver lunch to the inmates.

Red snatched his mini sandwich out of my hands then turned his back on me to eat it. I gave his head a little scratch anyway, and he growled halfheartedly. Brassy accepted his sandwich with a bit more manners (kiss ass), but he still pouted while he munched. I turned back to Red only to see two cheesy pieces of bread somehow stuck to the ceiling of his bitty house while Red himself held the ham between his jaws and shook it like a rabid dog (woof).

The introduction of Good Boy Points could not happen soon enough, so I collected Red, Brassy, and the ruined bread and headed for the living room. An irate Red demanded the remains of his lunch (it's mine!), and I reluctantly returned it to him, expecting it to end up on the living room ceiling. He ate it thankfully, but refused to let go of my hand when I tried to set him down next to his bitty brothers.

As soon as Brassy noticed Red's clinginess, he latched onto the hand that held him with his arms and legs. I resigned myself to my fate and allowed each of them to perch on one of my shoulders. Red promptly wrapped himself in my hair (i didn't want to fall) and glared balefully at the world around him.

I sat down cross legged on the floor and introduced my newly invented reward system to the boys with the reality show playing, forgotten now, in the background. The bittybones crowded around to check out their individual jars, and I explained that all good behavior would earn the bitty a Good Boy Point or G for short. No good deeds or bad behavior meant no G, though no G would be removed from a jar once awarded.

By this point, the two bittys who had stubbornly demanded to be held (me!)(And me) changed their minds in lieu of investigating the pile of freshly painted Good Boy Points. I continued my planned speech about the G, telling my potential good boys that their points could be redeemed for treats at the bitty shop or grocery store, specially requested items if I could find them, or the greatest reward of all: special one-on-one activities with me!

(sign me up!)

Yanberry happily exclaimed that he couldn't wait to redeem his G for a flamethrower, which led to a discussion about things my boys would not be buying with their points. They were not allowed to “draw me like one of their French girls” (i asked) especially since the only bitty with that much artistic talent only wanted a flamethrower. They would also not be joining me or watching me during showers or baths (I asked that one). I made a blanket rule forbidding all perverted, sexual, or dangerous uses of G which made Red, Brassy, and Berry sulk. 

I concluded my presentation by placing the first official Good Boy Points in Buttons’ and Berry’s jars since they had helped me with the project. I then awarded a G to each of my bittys for behaving during my explanation. Red tried to argue that he saw Phantom winking at me, and I had to point out that I did not consider winking to be bad behavior (it's a gateway bad behavior!). 

I very politely neglected to point out that I do, however, consider stealing to be bad behavior, and me and my five well behaved bittys had all pretended not see Red and Brassy stuffing quick handfuls of G into their pockets like the tiniest of kleptomaniacs.

(how dare you accuse us of such crimes)

I guess they didn't realize that the paint on some of the Good Boy Points hadn't completely dried yet.

It's hard to feign innocence when the gold, silver, and bronze evidence is sparkling on their sticky little palms.

(shit)

-

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[tapeskingdom]

abstract art pattern Gold foiled washi tape

https://tapeskingdom.etsy.com/listing/1342126231

[je-brille-dans-la-nuit]

Watching TOS: Jim Kirk's Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Week

Can't a guy catch a break?

The city on the edge of forever - YEESS

Love a time travel with an ethics dilemma intertwined in a personal one!!!

Jim manipulating Spock in the most blatant way possible, basically saying "Excuse me. I sometimes expect too much of you." like come on! and Spock still taking the bait

The clothes, the living together, Spock building his diy computer and being bitchy about it all the while

The music everytime Jim talks with Edith is SO MUCH

The ending is very fucking horrible, oh Jim 😭😭😭

This episode delivers!

GUARDIAN: As correct as possible for you. Your science knowledge is obviously primitive. SPOCK: Really. KIRK: Annoyed, Spock?

I'm snickering

You? At his side like you've always been and always will be

Gifted insight indeed!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my heart

Captain. Even when he doesn't say it, he does.

I'm WEAK

KIRK: Spock, I believe I'm in love with Edith Keeler. SPOCK: Jim, Edith Keeler must die.

Why is he so dramatic over a woman he met a week ago i can'ttttt + everytime Spock calls him Jim it's something awful 😭

Side note: in the episode McCoy says he's "a surgeon, not a psychiatrist". But in Court Martial he's said to be "an expert in space psychology". I realize psychiatry =/= psychology, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

.

Operation - Annihilate!

I liked the episode but the ending left me very frustrated.

Look, when you decide to kill part of your main character's family, you're saying the stakes are HIGH in this episode. And for the most part, we see just that.

Shatner and Nimoy's acting is very very good I love it

I love Jim like that, I can totally buy the limited show of emotion at his brother and sister-in-law's death bc that's his thing, we've seen him do it: he stays focused, he's all tense but still efficient, in control. Even when Bones has to remind him,

KIRK: Help them. I don't care what it takes or costs. You've got to help them. MCCOY: Jim, aren't you forgetting something? There are over a million colonists on that planet down there, just as much your responsibility. They need your help, too.

That was good! That was high stakes both for Jim and his mission as captain!

Spock being attacked and in danger of dying adding to the urgency of the situation, yeah, that's great

Looove Spock in this, "Pain is a thing of the mind" and all that!!

"I am a Vulcan, I am a Vulcan. there is no pain." OH SPOCK

"I need you Spock, but we can't take any chances." Oh Jim

MCCOY: Captain, I understand your concern. Your affection for Spock, the fact that your nephew is the last survivor of your brother's family. KIRK: No, no, Bones. There's more than two lives at stake here. I cannot let it spread beyond this colony, even if it means destroying a million people down there.

The way Jim, Spock and Bones look at one another when Spock decides to sacrifice himself (well Jim had decided to sacrifice him anw) - when he gets out and Jim grabs him -

SOMEONE HUG JIM FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

And then... Jim ready to SNAP it was so dramatic and funny when he goes BoOones

Now to the thing I liked the least:

In the last minutes, Jim is so relieved to have Spock back, the banter is fun but... No word of his nephew?? I suppose he's healed but why is there 0 talk or emotional scene about it? Why is the emotion only about Spock?

Why did they choose to end this episode in such a light-hearted way? There's no emotional pay-off to Jim's family being decimated! It is driving me crazy!! You'd think it was a pretty important plot point!!

[lilyofthevalleyys]

ok so here’s how i think the marauders, skittles and valkyries would gift presents (because christmas is coming soon :D)

James - DIY presents that may or may not turn out to be a wreck, but they are very thoughtful. He also spends a long time writing and decorating heartfelt letters (the first time Reg received one he cried (and Sirius too))

Sirius - will also DIY presents with James, but his turns out to be a disaster and so instead he buys and personalises gifts that he knows will be used often and lights up every time he sees them use it

Remus - basically like Molly Weasley. He knits sweaters for them all according to how he knows they will like. And he often throws small quotes on the sleeves and little designs

Peter - he bakes all sorts of goodies for them and package them and he’ll write things on the wrapping as well, maybe a fun memory they shared or a drawing of it.

-

Regulus - he will buy things. Expensive things because (unlike me) he’s rich af. However, they are thoughtful things that he heard they needed, such as high quality drawing supplies for Pandora’s art and several quality notebooks for Lily’s journaling.

Pandora - DIY the prettiest things ever, like dreamcatchers, little knick knacks and keychains of things she drew/painted. Her wrapping skills are the best out of all of them as she can wrap the oddly shaped items very well. When they did the ‘wrap the gift nothing like what it is’ challenge, she easily won.

Barty - he also tries his hand at DIY every year, but fails every time and procrastinates them. In the end, he gets them gag/prank gifts that are terribly wrapped. The others all love it though, as much as they tease him about it, and they’ll keep whatever it is.

Evan - like Regulus, he keeps track of what the others say they want and gets them that. So often he buys the more household-like items, such as blankets, pillows, plants, so on and so forth.

Dorcas - She gets them personalised things. Whether it’s books, clothes, keychains etc, she will get them personalised somehow or another. She has several contacts as well, and sometimes she will get a signed copy of a book Regulus, Remus, Lily or Evan wants. And the personalised items are special of course, and the others love them.

-

Lily - also keeps a list of what the others would like. Similar to Sirius, she gives the most practical gifts, one that others will use often, such as a fitness watch for James or a motorcycle helmet for Sirius. She also gets Pandora to help her wrap gifts every time, but refuses to let Pandora wrap her own gift. So under the tree (which has piles and piles of gifts), there will be neatly wrapped gifts in the same wrapping paper, and one slightly badly wrapped gift that everyone knows is Pandora’s.

Marlene - will get gag/prank gifts with Barty, and give them first as a joke. Then she’ll bring out actual gifts, mostly things that she knows will be of use. She gets food most of the time, but the food she chooses are amazing and everyone likes them.

Mary - she gets clothing most of the time, things she knows will suit them and they will like, eg sunglasses, shoes, jackets etc. They are easily the fanciest things some of them own. But of course, they will wear it.

[senjuushi]

You can choose whichever Antiques you'd like for this one!

Taking them to a store (Walmart style or a department store with a bit of everything), giving them a hundred dollars, and telling them that they can buy whatever they like within that price limit.

Who takes advantage of it and what do they buy?

Enfield — He happily buys food, medical supplies, and other necessities. Although he can't see it as anything other than a normal supply errand, he's at least content to find useful things to buy for both of you. And to try to show how competent and helpful he is.

Snider — He'll buy anything that he thinks can be used as a weapon, and is openly irritated about the lack of actual military supplies in the department store. He's also trying to make a "point" about why the whole idea is stupid, so his choices are intended to piss you off.

George — His purchases are mostly food (will you cook burgers for him???), and he doesn't have the slightest second thought about spending the full amount. However, there's at least one surprisingly sweet gift for you mixed in with the junk food and impulse buys.

Kentucky — He mostly gets various craft and DIY supplies, fully intending to make gifts for you later. There might be an accessory for himself included too, though— one that he asks your opinion about before buying it, just to make sure Master likes his style.

Pennsylvania — He feels kind of bad about spending your money (he really doesn't need to be spoiled...), so he tries to buy things that will be useful to both of you. It's mostly practical items and things he knows you like, and he spends far under the full amount given.

Charleville — He's both deeply insecure about being too "high-maintenance" and unsure of what he should want, in the first place, so his purchases end up being little more than a piece of flattering clothing and some sweet wine. He gives most of the money back.

Chassepot — The main thing he gets is a showy, "romantic" gift for you, but if you pay close attention, you'll notice him smuggling a couple of bags full of cheap alcohol (an emergency emotional control measure) past you when he thinks you aren't looking.

Tabatiere — All he gets are cigarettes and some nice things to cook with, like new utensils or food he knows you like. He's deeply uncomfortable with the amount of money you gave him, so he's trying to make sure you get something out of this too.

Dreyse — A mixture of whatever practical supplies he needs (such as non-perishable food or exercise equipment) and Herme management tools, such as a belt that takes some coordination to remove. He'll also give you a good portion of the money back, in the end.

Jitte — His main purchase is nice sake for the two of you to share! Depending on what's available, he might also get Japanese candy, a little potted plant, or an interesting novel, but he's thanking you profusely for being so nice to him, regardless. Master is so kind!

Karl — He gets a fair amount of nice chocolate, and that's it. The rest of the money goes back to you. It's partially a dignity thing and partially just that he doesn't want to look needy, but he can't make himself spend very much. A small treat is plenty, really.

Lorenz — There's not much in a department store that interests him, so his selection ends up being an eclectic selection of objects that he intends to experiment with somehow. He'd also get a book or two if there's anything available that seems worth his intellect.

Cutlery — He spends the full amount, and it's all food. Specifically, non-perishable food that he can hide in his room and hold onto for the next few months. He tries not to let you see exactly what he's getting, and is concerningly protective over the bags when you leave.

[mayweneverdie]

Silly rains fall hcs!!!! Please!!!

SILLY RAINS FALL HCS!!!

I’m a bit rusty w/ rf, but i must deliver

Cw: possible slight ooc for lack of experience writing him

Notes: some lean canon time, some modern, less silly than anticipated, took some inspo from tempting andromeda for some of these

—

Very good cook

Makes a lot of meals his late wife use to make, and adds his whole heart and soul into it

He finds it more happy than sad to be cooking something his wife loved to make

Definitely an average fish enjoyer

I can imagine him getting a gift from young ef thats fishing related in a modern setting

Maybe a bobblehead sort of thing

I think a dog person, but still loves cats

Probably has a stray or dog that hangs around the reservation that he kinda claimed as his own, but doesn’t own it in a way

Tosses the dog a piece of meat when no one’s looking

Generally enjoys how dogs are more energetic than cats

Won’t deny holding a cat on his lap though

Makes sure his son eats first

Of course if ef refuses to eat, he’ll push for him to have a bite

But won’t starve himself for the night if ef ends up not eating

During ef’s high school years, he’d pack his lunch and throw in an extra sandwich or something for Paytah

Loves that ef has Paytah so a treat is in order

I think in modern era, his youtube search would be two things: restoration videos and video essays

Second one is a bit of a stretch but it makes sense in my mind

Very much a diy-er

Not in the way of making random center pieces from mason jars and twine

But like upholstery and such

Which ties in with the restoration videos

Generally comes out good

Makes the worse dad jokes

“Two guys walk into a bar, the third guy ducks.”

The jokes themselves aren’t always that funny, but there’s just a certain way he tells them that makes you giggle

—

Im sorry for these being kinda short 😿