#He admires her work at the ice festival

[leeksoupforstardew]

you can say WHATEVER about Demetrius. But if you say he is a bad husband to robin

I’m attack you with an iridum quality axe

[sorceresssundries]

Heatwave

Pairing: Gale x Fem Tav

Summary: It is the final social event of the summer season, and Tav has dressed poorly for a festival in the midst of a heatwave. One-shot.

Warnings: Oral Sex, Vaginal Sex, Sweat-licking, Smut.

Word Count: 3.9k

A/N: Another smutty Austen inspired work with a bit of fluff! This time in a universe outside of BG3. There definitely seems to be a weather theme in these one-shots. Maybe they'll fuck in the snow next, who knows?

The Festival of Shieldmeet had dominated conversations throughout the city all summer long. With the event occurring only once every four years, the anticipation had reached a fever pitch, rendering even the sweltering heatwave a minor inconvenience. The idea of postponing or, heaven forbid, cancelling such a revered social event due to something as minor as the weather was simply inconceivable.

The festival was being held in the sprawling grounds belonging to some Lord or Lady who had earned the privilege of hosting. In the heart of a large, manicured, bloom-laden garden stood a bandstand where bards were tuning their instruments, ready to serenade the guests with summer melodies. Alongside it stretched a long table adorned with dishes piled high with the richest Waterdhavian delicacies. Attendants in crisp uniforms weaved through the crowds, bearing trays laden with sparkling drinks in tall glasses, as well as refreshing juices and icy water. There also seemed to be tables scattered around with trays stacked with rolled up flannels sitting in ice, patiently waiting to be scooped up and dabbed at the forehead of the sweltering guests - These seemed to be a welcome addition, as there was scarcely any shade to be found anywhere. 

Tav found herself in a state of utter misery. Seeking solace from the stifling crowds, she had retreated to the embrace of the shade beneath an oak tree bordering the garden, where she fervently fanned herself out of sight. She had naively and desperately assumed that the shade would cool her, but despite the protection from the sun’s direct attention the air was still just as cloying, and squeezed her with suffocating stillness. What she wouldn’t give for even the whisper of a breeze. The sad little paper fan she had acquired was doing very little work for her, just pushing the warmth forwards and heating her even further in her efforts to keep it moving. 

For some inexplicable reason she couldn't recall, she had chosen to don her finest silk gown over a whalebone corset. It hugged her curves with an unforgiving grip, accentuating her form and lifting her breasts. With a smile as wide as her hips, she had admired herself in the mirror before departing. However, that smile faded the moment she stepped out of her cooled carriage and into the searing heat of the midday sun. She had immediately noticed the guests dressed in garments far more suited to the occasion than her own.

What a foolish notion this had been, she mused, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. She had no idea what had driven this madness. Well.. she thought as she peeked out from behind the tree and across at the crowd gathered in the garden, maybe she had a slight idea. 

Gale Dekarios was an exceptionally handsome man who exuded infuriating arrogance, boundless pride, and endless charm. From their first encounter at the spring ball, he had claimed her attention at every subsequent event. She had ‘accidentally’ stepped on his foot during one of their early dances, after he had explained to her his proficiency with magic and his gallant willingness to at least try and teach her some of his simpler spells. He had laughed at her annoyance, apologised profusely, and kissed her hand at the end of the evening. She had been aflame ever since.

Throughout the season, they had fallen into a familiar routine. Their ritual involved stealing glances at one another, offering subtle gestures of acknowledgment, and then both making a concerted effort not to meet eyes again. Yet, inevitably, one of them would find themselves drawn towards the other. It was a dance of restraint, leaving Tav exhilarated each time, despite the exhausting choreography. She was never really sure who was leading the dance, but at this moment, sweating and flustered and hiding behind a tree, Tav decided it probably wasn’t her. 

As each evening would draw to a close, he would always bid her goodnight with a kiss upon her hand, each time lingering longer than the last, and tell her how much he was looking forward to their next meeting. Upon returning home, Tav would often find herself lost in fantasies, imagining his hand tangled in her hair, his lips tracing the curves of her body. More often than not, these night-time reveries ended with her own desperate touch and his name cried out from her lips.

In the privacy of sweet slumber, she would dream of their next encounter, eagerly anticipating another opportunity to engage in their dance and hoping to step on his feet once more.

Maybe she had more magic in her than she realised, as her very thoughts appeared to have summoned him to her hiding place.

“Ah, Miss Taventon. I thought I spotted you retreating all the way out here.” He greeted her with his customary charm. As always, he was a vision to behold, with his dark, mischievously glinting eyes and sweeping brown locks pulled back from his face. Clad in simple yet impeccably tailored attire—a snug waistcoat over a pristine white shirt, adorned with a luxurious silken cravat, and well-fitted breeches. Frustratingly, he looked completely unaffected by the blistering warmth, and Tav thought she must look like a sweating, breathless fool in comparison. She only had time to be embarrassed momentarily, before she realised the precarious nature of their situation.  For the first time, they were properly alone together and Tav blushed at the thought of being found with him behind a tree so far away from the party. There would be a scandal. 

“Mr. Dekarios, a pleasure.” She looked around to try and see if anyone would catch them in their compromising seclusion, but it appeared they were safe for now. “I’m afraid you’ve caught me a little affected by the heat. I was just after a moment of respite.” She began to fan herself more fervently.

“Understandable, I'm sure. For one not versed in magic.” His smugness had returned, and Tav always treated it as a welcome challenge.

“Well, not all of us are as exceptional as you” She batted her eyelashes at him sweetly and took in his cool, handsome appearance. “Let me guess, enchanted clothing?” He bowed his head in confirmation of her appraisal, still looking smug and annoyingly unflustered by the heat. “A shame it could not chill your ego, but alas, I suppose your talent has to end somewhere.” 

His smile in return was genuine. He very much enjoyed her banter. Almost as much as he enjoyed seeing her sweating under the shade of the giant oak tree. 

He raised a hand in mock defeat. “Peace, my lady. I came bearing a gift. In an effort to cool your skin, and perhaps even your temper.” She really was ravishing in this state, he thought, overheated and fiery. He wondered whether she was aware of his true intentions in seeking her out. It was the final event of the summer season, and as such, their elaborate game would have to come to an end. 

As she reached out to accept the cool towel he offered, a surge of boldness seized him. With a swift motion, he closed the distance between them until he was almost pressed against her, and with a tender touch, he placed the cold flannel against the side of her neck. He had hoped it would elicit a reaction from her, at the very least a small gasp of surprise, but she remained silent. She just watched him as the droplets from the towel trailed slow down her neck, caressing her collarbone in the way his fingers ached to, and gathering to rest glistening on the shelf of her breasts which had been pushed up by her corset. 

He had thoughts of ripping it off her. The silk of her dress would tear like tissue in his practised hands, and he would cast the tatters of it into the wind and spend an entire afternoon finding where the pools of her sweat gathered. He ached to know what undergarments she was wearing, what colour, how the material would taste if he pressed his tongue against. It. He hoped it was white cotton, something the scent and taste of her would cling to - so damp with sweat and desire that he would be able to see her dark curls through the material. 

He could feel the cooling enchantment wrapped round him waning as his concentration and resolve were tested. Damn heat. Damn woman. She knew exactly what she was doing. Who wears a silk-wrapped corset in a heatwave? Each bead of sweat and whisper of her heated musk was a siren’s call, and he was determined to drown himself in the ocean of her. 

“I am no expert in fashion, Miss Taventon, but I must question the decision to wear a silk gown in such conditions. Surely linen, or cotton would have been preferable? Or maybe one enjoys the sensations brought on by basking in such stifling heat?” His tone was more frustrated than he meant it to be.

“I thought it would be light and cooling, Saer. Not all of us are gifted with the ability to enchant our clothing.” She narrowed her eyes at him, and wondered if every item he was wearing was enchanted.. She quickly snapped out of her musings “An unfortunate error on my part, I hadn’t taken into account the lack of breeze, or the…” 

“Stickiness?” He said, focusing intently on dabbing her neck and chest with the flannel and not meeting her eyes.

“The humidity. Yes.” 

He took a break from his attentions and discarded the flannel, to take a leisurely sip of his drink. The droplets of condensation cascaded down the glass like tiny beads of sweat. Tav couldn't help but watch, a pang of envy stirring within her as she observed the icy water slip downwards and through his fingers. There was too much electric heat here, strung out in the very air, no amount of cool water would save her. She needed to be swathed by him, to smother the flames until they burnt out into ash. Even then, she was certain there would be embers enough to fan back to roaring flame at just one breathy word from him. She was doomed kindling.

The soft clink of ice against glass filled the air as he drank, his gaze never wavering from hers. With intent, he parted his lips slightly, allowing a single ice cube to slide into his mouth. She couldn't tear her eyes away as he savoured it, rolling it around his mouth with his tongue.

“Most refreshing.” He breathed, after a long, heavy swallow,  “Could I tempt you with a sip?” 

“I..Maybe.. This heat has caused quite a desperate thirst. Although I notice you have only brought one glass. How impolite of you” She dropped her fan to the ground in vexation, stupid thing was not doing anything to help. There was no saving her now.

He smirked and bowed his head slightly. “Not to worry, dear lady.” His eyes darkened and his voice became a heated command. “Open your mouth for me”

At first there was shock, but then without question she did as she was told, like a girl entranced. With a deft movement of his fingers, he plucked another ice cube from his glass and placed it delicately on her waiting tongue. 

Tav saw a chance and took it.

Before he could withdraw his hand, she wrapped her fingers around his wrist, and the surprise in his eyes lit her like a firework. She burned for these moments, for any slip in his resolve, any evidence behind the refinery and politeness that there were things she could do that would shock him. If there was a crack in his armour, she would slip in like water and drown him in sin.

Locking eyes with him, she held his gaze steady as she took control. With a boldness she hadn't known she possessed, she leaned forward and enveloped his fingers in her mouth, sucking gently and letting the ice cube melt against her tongue in a sweet rush of cold. It was a calculated move, a daring play, and as she released his hand, a flicker of satisfaction fluttered in her eyes. The game was afoot, and she was changing the rules. 

She let go of his fingers, and smiled innocently. “How right you are as always, Mr.Dekarios. Most refreshing.” She lilted, still sucking on the remnants of the ice in her mouth. 

He had suddenly lost his footing. The blood that was keeping him focused and leading their little game had suddenly re-routed elsewhere, and he was struggling to compose thoughts. He had no words, so actions would have to do.

He drew closer to her, the space between them shrinking, and he reached out his hand to trace a delicate path from the warmth of her flushed cheek, along the elegant curve of her jaw, down to the hollow of her throat. There, just above the gentle rise and fall of her bosom, he noticed a glistening bead of sweat, which he captured with his fingertip. Bringing it to his lips, he savoured it, and made a noise of growling satisfaction. Her breath hitched beautifully in response.

"It appears you're still uncomfortably warm. I'd hardly be a gentleman if I allowed you to suffer like this." With a languid sip of his drink, he popped another ice cube into his mouth. 

“You are no…”  

He aimed to catch off guard before she could finish. He closed what little gap was left between them and all playfulness burned away in the heat, leaving nothing but desperation. Fuck games, fuck dancing around each other, and fuck that ridiculous silk dress she was wearing. She had won their game, and her prize would be for him to take her the way he had been wanting to for the entire summer. 

His glass fell to the ground with no thought at all, and he grabbed at her waist. Pushing her back against the tree and pinning her there with a leg between her thighs. He finally earned a gasp of surprise from her, as he pushed his lips against her throat, and pressed the ice cube against her pulsing skin with his tongue. 

The noise she made was tantalisingly balanced between relief and desire, and he kept the ice firmly against her as he moved it further down her neck, mimicking the trail of sweat his finger had traced earlier. He delighted in the way her skin prickled as the ice caressed her. She was divine. He wanted to tease her until she lost all of her brazen stares and cutting banter, and all that was left was a puddle of a woman. He wanted to undo her the way he would her clothes, and watch her fall apart under his hands, his tongue, the push of his hips…

"Someone... Will..." Her voice came out in gasping pleas as he continued caressing her with the ice. "Find us..." He needed to remove that damn corset soon; restricted breathing wasn't conducive to the way he wanted to hear her cry out for him— completely unbound. A fleeting desire crossed his mind to restrain her in other ways, at other times. But for now, he simply needed to see how the heat had flushed her body, with as little material between them as possible.

“You think I would allow anyone else to see you like this? I am not a man who shares his treasure.” His cocky little grin made a slight reappearance as he pulled his lips away from her damp skin to meet her eyes and offer some cooling sincerity. “A spell has been cast, no one will see nor hear us. You are safe with me, my dream. Always.”

He lost himself to a moment of softness, and caressed her face with total adoration.

“I have craved the taste of you all summer. The sun itself could not burn me in the way you have. I am a scorch mark, I am the cindered ashes of all restraint. You are my sun. And no one else will gaze upon you the way I will.”

There was no response adequate to match the sudden delicacy of his words, leaving Tav momentarily speechless. In that fleeting moment of enraptured, adoring silence, Gale misunderstood her reaction, his beautiful face falling with concern, fearing he had unwittingly caused her distress.

“Tell me you do not desire me, that this soft heat inflaming you is not at least partly caused by your feelings for me. Tell me I have imagined your eyes searching for me, your playful need for my hands on you as we dance, and I will leave it at this. I will have spent a summer loving you, and it will have been the brightest and warmest of all my seasons.” 

He loved her. The air suddenly felt lighter. He was the breeze she had been craving. 

Her bright smile cracked through the initial shock of his confession, and relief swept over him like a tide. “I know you have a vivid imagination, Mr. Dekarios. But put it away, it is not needed here. I have attended each event only in the hope of being in your presence. It seems we both have had a summer well spent.” She kissed him then; sweetly, lovingly and he laughed enough for the crinkles between his eyes to appear. 

It did not take long for the damned dress to be torn from the skin of her sweat-slicked body. For the corset to be ripped from its bindings. For the softness of her breasts to find their place against his tongue, nipples peaking as though the heat didn’t exist, his hot breath and cool tongue creating a heady mix of magic which made her skin sing. 

Tomorrow, there would be rough marks on her back from the bark of the tree - but for now the slight pain only added to the overwhelming sensations which crawled their way over her body, her sweat mingling with his as he tore off his shirt and pressed himself against her. Caging her against the trunk. His skin was cool against hers, and steam danced between them as though melted steel was being forged by cool water. He was hard, she could feel it. 

His tongue flattened at her skin of her neck and her breasts, and licked away the lust-induced sweat his affection had caused. The fresh, salty taste may as way have been laced with liquor for the effect it was having on him. She tasted of sweet wine with the faint hint of salt. It was subtle, but he needed something richer. His attention moved downwards, and It was not long till he reached that most sacred place, where he had been aching to lose himself in scent and taste. He took his time and inhaled her. Using his nose to caress her sweet spot as he relished in the full-bodied flavour of her. 

As soon as his mouth began lavishing her, she realised he had somehow extended the cooling enchantment to his tongue. Her head was thrown back against the tree in ecstasy, the press of his mouth against her quickly becoming too much for her to handle. There was a brief moment of self-consciousness, where she worried about how the heat of the day would affect her taste. But the worry was soon lost, the thought drowned out by the sound of his appreciation and the realisation that he was stroking himself as he devoured her. 

He was dedicated in his endeavour, although no amount of skin-tingling magic would be able to balm the fire coursing through her veins. She thought she would never cool, that she would be a woman on fire for the rest of her love-fuelled days. The sensation was mesmeric, and she could not remember a sweeter sensation than this man on his knees in front of her, face buried between her legs and using his tongue to caress her with such enthusiasm she felt as though she would fall apart. And fall apart she did. It was euphoric, and her hands gripped his hair fiercely as she crashed over rocks in reckless pleasure.  

When he came back up to meet her he was breathless and lust-drunk, giddy as a school-boy and stoked as a bonfire.  “There has never been a sweeter taste than you, my love.” He kissed her then, languidly, passionately - intent on sharing the riches of his exploration. Tav could taste herself in his kiss. They may as well have been sharing wine between their lips. 

“If you don’t fuck me soon, Gale, I swear I will combust.”

He laughed at this. At the desperation, at the slight annoyance in her voice, at the fact this was the first time she had ever said his given name and she had thrown it at him as a demand to push her against the tree and bury himself inside her. What a woman. 

He needed no further invitation; shedding the confines of his breeches, he pressed himself slowly into her warmth, and she made the most delicious groaning sound he had ever heard. This woman could drive him to madness, and thankfully he was aware that his earlier attentions ensured he need not be overly gentle. Knowing that his endurance would be short-lived, thanks to the fervour he had stoked within himself while bringing her to climax against his tongue, he abandoned all pretense of restraint. Together they were primal, the tension that had been building between them releasing in pure, carnal desire.  

Though a gentleman might have exercised more self-control, such decorum was a luxury he couldn't afford in the presence of such irresistible temptation. Stripped of his clothes, he found himself as vulnerable to the unrelenting heat of the day as Tav, and soon, his focused, determined passion ignited a sheen of sweat upon his skin.

Tav’s payback could not have been any sweeter, as soon as she noticed the sweat trickling down his neck she took her chance and licked it from his bronzed, silken skin. His response was a delicious, low moan and his rhythm faltered into something more urgent, unbound. His grip tightening, one of his hands found its way to rest gently against her throat so he could feel the deep moans rumbling against his palm as he fucked her.

“I love you” She breathed. And that’s all it takes. He is suddenly hurtling over a precipice and into sweet, tight oblivion. 

They both collapse onto the ground, sweaty, burnt-out, euphoric. And they fall into uninhibited laughter as they realise they can hear the band playing a jaunty tune in the distance, and the chatter of the ever-growing crowd is closer than they initially thought.

“You are still hidden from prying eyes, my dream.” Gale offered reassurance as he kissed her head. “And I will conjure up some suitable clothing for you, don’t worry.”

“That is most generous of you Saer, but please - by the Gods, no corset and no silk.”

[lizpottersworld]

. ۫ ꣑ৎ . IS IT NEW YEARS YET? (remus lupin x reader)

summary: after your breakup with remus, the holidays tends to remind you of your past lover and find yourself wishing it was the new year.

pairings: remus lupin x reader, lily evans x mary macdonald

warnings: sexual inneudos, drinking, swearing, angst (kinda), 18+ , fem!receiving & male!receiving implied at the end VERY briefly, mdni !!

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

“i’m sick and tired of this holiday!” you groaned, burying your face in your hands hopelessly. truthfully you looked awful, so tired and exhausted of work and coming home to an empty flat all the time. your girl friends, lily and mary, were currently dancing around their kitchen as they chatted mindlessly to you.

the redhead chuckled at you, pitiful but amused at your love life or lack of it in this case. her shared flat with her girlfriend was obnoxiously dressed in burgundy and green tinsel and other holiday decorations that made you want to vomit. “it’s the best time of the year,” she argued, squealing at her new christmas candle.

“not anymore,” you sighed, moping around for the hundredth time already this month. “December is a prison,” you exaggerate, “just makes me miss him.” you continue, looking up wishfully at mary who tuts at your self-deprecation comments.

flashback

your giggles echoed throughout the flat whilst remus held you up to be in line with the top of the christmas tree who insists on smuggling you with sweet compliments, “you look so pretty, you should be on top of the tree.” he mumbled softly as you adjusted the delicate angel on the top branch. “my very own angel,” he smiled as he placed you down onto the floor flustered incredulously.

“stop it, rem,” you avoided his eyes, trying to cool your blushed cheeks with the cold of your palms whilst remus chuckles at you. his arms snaked around your waist to pull you closer to him, your matching knitted jumper’s from remus’ mum decorated festively on the two of you. his hands splayed over the slither of your stomach from the movement of your jumper, pressing loving kisses into the juncture of your neck.

the beeping of the oven echoed in the room and you gasped, peeling yourself from his embrace to eagerly race into the kitchen with remus behind you. the aroma of cookies engulfed the kitchen that you had spent an hour trying to bake with remus who tried his very best to distract you relentlessly. “decorating time!” you clapped your hands as remus pulled them out the oven for you.

icing and other decorative items scattered the counter as you planned out your gingerbread men. remus stood by your side supportively assisting whatever you wanted him to do. “okay, i think this one should be a snowman!” you told him, working on adding the snowman’s features onto your cookies. remus picks up the icing and dots it on your nose, “hey!” you pout, now having icing on your nose.

remus laughs, “you look adorable, dove.” he adds, trying to smooth talk his innocence, watching in success as you blush again. you copy his actions, slyly putting a blob of ice above his lip from your tiptoes, giggling at his shock. “thats it!” he playfully grabs you by the waist as you protest, pulling you to sit on the counter as he tickles you till your gasping through laughs.

“i surrender!” you relent, moving your legs to accommodate remus into your space. humorous tears brimmed in your waterline from the laughing, “let me get that—“ you grin, using a napkin to wipe it off. he hums in response pulling you into an anchoring sweet kiss, continuously pressing the love onto your lips without a second to breathe.

when he finally pulls away to admire your swollen lips and pink cheeks, you tilt your head to question his sudden motives, “just love you,” he mushes, kissing your lips one final time.

end of flashback

“feeling the christmas blues, huh?” Marlene strutted in the room, already sympathetic of your state, just have gotten back from her shift at the local record store. “thought i’d come and see how you are.” she comments, taking in the dullness of the flat and lack of Christmas decorations.

“well, nothing much happening here.” you frown, reluctantly getting up from the cozy spot on your sofa that you had spent the last two days, “ignore the mess,” you waved a hand as you headed into the kitchen to put some dishes away. Marlene sighs from her position in the door way and you pick your head up to look at her.

“you know, a little birdie told me that he’s feeling the same way,” she carefully begins, already peeking your interest, “been moping around just like our sweet angel here.” Marlene teases, noticing the way you hung onto her every word. you shake your head, returning to your chores.

“i highly doubt it,” you dismissed, “plus, he’s the one who ended it.” you shrugged, confusion still evident in your tone. why would he be mopping and miserable about something he ended? if it was up to you, you would of stayed with the man forever.

“well, Sirius is throwing a Christmas party tonight if you feel up to it?” she bit at her lip, her proposition feeling like a test. you shrugged, “why not?” you replied, smiling as Marlene cheered.

flashback

“rem, we have to get going,” you giggle as he continuously kisses you senseless on your collarbone. the low cut of your evening dress leaving him astray from leaving to go meet your friends, he just couldn’t help himself. he hums as he reluctantly pulls away from his found place in your neck.

“i’m sure they wouldn’t notice if we didn’t show up,” he murmurs, eyes trailing your figure and mesmerising face through the mirror glass. your cheeks blossomed a tinge of pink as you tried to suppress your grin from his wandering adoring eyes.

“we’re not going to ditch our friends just because you can’t control yourself,” you snort, gently smacking his hand away from his dipping hand on your hip, “again.” you add with a shake of your head.

“hey, last time was your fault, someone was very clingy.” he pokes your hip as he kneels down patting his knee for you to put your foot on. “i think you owe me one,” he continued talking, buckling your heel straps with ease like it was his second nature.

you two spent the rest of your evening at the local restaurant with your high-school friends catching up on everyone’s life’s. everything simple and falling into perfect place. back when it was easy and you two were together.

end of flashback

an evening, months later, you stood in-front of the same mirror but this time without a lingering figure of your lover behind you, adjusting the straps to the same dress you wore all that time ago. a frown belittled your face, it almost felt lonely, you didn’t feel just alone as you usually did you felt isolated like you were truly missing a piece of yourself. a piece of yourself that you couldn’t get back.

the door to sirius’ apartment opened swiftly, house music echoing loudly through the flat with laughs along with it. “oh dear y/n/n!” sirius announced with a mischievous grin on his face, clearly loud and tipsy with his miscalculated steps and excited voice. you smile endearingly up at him as he pulled you into a hug of smoke and leather.

he eagerly ushered you in, being greeted by the group of friends currently sat in the sitting room. relief flowed through you with the current no sign of someone you really didn’t want to see, not because you disliked him, because you knew with some alcohol you wouldn’t be able to control yourself around him.

marlene and lily pulled you down onto the couch with a squeal and a delighted smile, “you made it!” Marlene grinned, “thought you might of backed out,” she smirked as lily lightly poked her in the side with a shake of her head.

“you look beautiful, y/n.” lily added, opening the bottle of alcohol to pour you a generous amount of drink. gladly, you downed half of it with a burn of your throat. hell, you were going to need this. “thank you, lils.” you sheepishly replied, looking down at your slightly overdressed dress.

lily smiled and leaned in closer to whisper into your ear, “he’s here, by the way,” she added with a soft smile knowing you were definitely thinking about it, “he’s in the kitchen with the boys, mary and pandora,” she gestured to the archway behind us.

you nodded and with a final swig of your drink you stood up to go say hello to the rest of them in the kitchen. you clutched to the silk of your dress, walking with now ease as your black heels clanked on the ground.

remus, james and sirius stood with a drink in hand at the bar counter laughing and talking aimlessly as mary and pandora added input whilst they poured their own drinks. mary looked up with a glad smile as you sauntered over to the group, she eagerly pulled you into a hug with a kiss on the cheek. “oh you look darling, babe!” she encouraged you as she twirled you by the hand.

you laughed with a shake of your head at the attention from everyone else now in the kitchen, “its nice to see you again, mar.” you kissed her cheek politely as you also hugged pandora who looked just as equally happy to see you.

“the princess has arrived, i see,” james added as you turned around to see the tanned boy standing with a smirk on his face. he smiled before pulling you into his embrace, “nice to see you again, sunny.” he kissed your forehead softly with a ruffle of your hair.

you scold him, “glad to see you haven’t changed, james,” you teased with a grin, still choosing to try and avoid remus’ eyes as long as you possibly can. “but seriously, missed you guys.” you tilted your head with a shrug.

“you look nice, y/n.” a voice cleared from beside you as you faced to meet their brown doe eyes, more scars littering their face then the last time you saw them. you smiled and nodded at him, lost in the reminiscence of the guy you once loved with your whole heart. maybe even still loved, as in present.

“thank you, remus.” you replied, focusing your attention on a ditzy sirius who was giggling and mumbling at the interaction, “how are you already drunk?” you laugh as he slips an arm onto your shoulder pulling you drunkly into his side much to remus’ dismay who’s jaw tenses and posture straightens at the proximity of you and him.

“pads is just a lightweight.” james counters with a smile as sirius clumsily tries to hold onto you whilst he blabbers into your ear about nonsensical chatter. you just nod along with a threatening laugh spilling from your lips, remus watched with care at your happiness. it had been a while since he’d seen you and the last time he did, well, you hadn’t been the happiest during the last remaining week of your relationship.

it was refreshing. made him feel slightly better about how heartbreaking it was to be without you, if you were happy then that made him the happiest man in the whole goddamn world. a true smile from his world made the biggest difference.

Sirius and james staggered off, james supporting the weight of his best-friend as he walked him to the seater in the living room, which in turn left you with remus. you looked back up at him with a simple smile that spoke more volumes than the gesture itself. he smiled back with a nod, i missed you too.

“how have you been, did you get that new job?” remus asked, leaning back onto the counter as he tried to make conversation with you. you beamed up at him, nodding happily at his question.

“mhm! i love it so much, rem,” you gushed, the nickname a mistake but the excitement on your face was truly his only thought at that moment as he also smiled mirroring your energy. you blush at the name but choose to ignore it, maybe he didn’t hear it, “i got the job back in august, and i love it already.”

“i’m happy for you,” he nodded, hand on your shoulder, making you suck in a harsh breath, “i’m so proud of you, dove.” he murmured softly with that smile you loved so much. god he looked so good.

and thats how you ended up in sirius’ hallway closet, yearning no more as you clung desperately to remus as he kissed you senseless. your perfect dress now rumpled and hunched at your sides so he could move his fingers perfectly inside of you leaving you completely breathless. soft whimpers of please echoed through the confined space as you neared heaven slotted in between his arms. all whilst he smirked, delighted to hear you profuse his name as a plea once again.

he was never letting go again, not when an angel had just fallen to her knees in front of him with doe eyes and uneven breaths still fallen from her chest.

[popcornforone]

Little Red Bows

A Dave York Fan Fic

Merry Christmas everyone

Time for some festivities from our favourite stabby murder daddy, David Christopher York. Oooh & it’s rather delicious. Sorry shouldn’t hype it up but I’ve enjoyed writing & editing this one. Daves still number 1 for me.

Synopsis:- Dave admires your special wrapping skills so much so that he can’t wait to open his own Christmas gift.

Word Count:-3100

Warnings:- DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE UNDER 18! DAVE YORK COMES WITH HIS OWN WARNING! Sex, lost of sex, including oral & anal, good play, innuendo, alcohol, swearing, chocking, teasing. Basically if you’ve read any of my Dave fics before you know what’s coming. Also the use of the word Daddy (I know it’s a trigger for some of you). The reader is Daves wife & the kids mum but you are not Carol (unless you want to be)

Thank yous lol so much for reading. Have an amazing festive period.

“Night night molly” he said as he kissed her head. Slowly leaving her bedroom, making sure the night light is glowing purple stars for her. He Silently closes the door. Not even a click. Being an assassin he’s good at that. Can get in & out without a sound. She’s fast asleep not even knowing she’s nodded off. Alice fell asleep much earlier.

Dave makes his way back down stairs & into the kitchen getting some ice from the freezer for his whiskey. As the top come off the bottle her hears you humming. You’re sat on the floor of the little snug area just down from the kitchen, headphones in, crafting away. Dave looks up to see you looking all cute eating a chocolate oranage wrapping up gifts. He gets another glass & pours you a whisky too before he slowly comes to join you. Even with your headphones on you can work out where he’s coming from. You take out the left ear pod & smirk.

“Both asleep?”

“Snug as a bug baby” he says as he leans down & hands you your glass. He goes to move but you grab his shirt. “Forget something did i?” He asks.

“You know it” your eyes widen & soon your lips meet deeply. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve kissed Dave it still feels so good. He’s always desperate for your touch & you are just desperate to be seen by him. He slips his tongue in for a few hungry seconds before pulling back & sighing. He sits on the sofa behind you putting his drink on the table & looks at the scene in front of him.

“How many more gifts to go” he says. In front of you are gift tags, stars, snowflakes, tape ribbons, bows, brown paper, wrapping paper, glitter paper, & lots of different colour pens.

“Tonight & tomorrow morning & we should be done except for whatever you’ve got me Dave but I can’t exactly wrap that up” you say. He rubs your shoulders.

“You do such a good job baby”

“I mean you said I didn’t have to go all out but it’s nice, I get some me time, I get to craft & create & it’s fun”

“Yes & then they get the gift & take off all the hard work you have done”

“You gonna have to open your gifts so slowly now on Christmas Day Dave” you point a gel pen at him as you write the next label.

“True but just look at this…” he hold up a ribbon you’ve curled with tape & attached to a bow. “… I mean yes I have a specific set of skills but this is beautiful.” You laugh “no seriously, these little bows, those ribbon curls, the personalised gift tags, it’s astonishing”

“It’s really not that hard Dave” you smile but are also secretly so proud. It takes a lot to impress Dave & he’s heaping praise on you. Or maybe he just wants his dick sucked. Or both. Probably both. “I could teach you” his hands roam over your shoulders. Yea he wants his dick sucked.

“Really,” he rests his head on your shoulder. “Show me baby.” He kisses your neck & you let out a tiny moan & sigh. You get out the ribbon & the scissors & show him how to curl it. Not that he’s looking at it & not that you care. He’s looking at the at the way your lips move as you speak, how your eyes light up with passion, how that mole on your chin is the most perfect beauty mark that people would pay thousands for & yet you’ve had it since birth.

“& then you cut their throat” you say bluntly. Dave shake his head in shock.

“WHAT!?” You giggle.

“I knew you weren’t listening Dave”

“Did you now” he grabs the scissors out of your hand. “You know I could kill you in 13 different ways with these scissors”

“But you’d never be able to make a pretty bow” you smirk as he pulls you into his lap. He’s hard, he’s very hard. You gulp down a few swigs of your whisky. You place your glass next to his as his hands roam your body.

“I think I’d have other pressing issues instead of bows & glitter” he says. His hands on the outside of your trousers rubbing the material so that it rubs against your clit.

“Dave stop” you moan but enjoying every second.”or at least promise you’ll help me tidy up a little for in the morning after this.”your own hand goes on auto pilot undoing his belt after you turned to face him. The zipper sound louder than the music in your remaining ear pod.

“You got it baby” he sits back on the sofa & man scapes. he’s got thick thighs but an even thicker dick that he just flops out of his boxers as you tie your hair up & gulp some of his whiskey down.”hey that’s…” but your lips meet his to shut him up. Passionate doesn’t cover the ferocity of the kiss.

“Yours baby, just like me Dave, I’m all yours” you trails your hands down his body eventually get to his penis. Leaking precum, erect & ready for pleasure. “Hello big boy” you moan before licking across the top of it, before looking up at Dave & spitting on his shaft. He loves it when you do that. He always tense up when you do it.

“So good to me sweetheart” his hand runs around a your face & he smirk & nods. He watches down as you engulf him. Bobbing. Taking him into your mouth, slowly. Gagging for his enjoyment. “That’s my girl” he thrusts into you & he grabs where you’ve tied your hair up. “You look all sweet but damn you love getting a facial” he keeps your head in place watching your eyes stream as he fucks your mouth. “God I love it when you gag, so fucking hot” he whines. You can see when you look into his eyes, he loves eye contact, he’s intense at everything, that he’s already approaching his peak. His eyes so dilated. The hand not holding your head gripping to the arm of the sofa for dear life. “Fuck sweetheart, fuck fuck fuck I… oooh fuck” hot ropes of cum spill down your throat & your mouth. He quickly lets go of your head & pulls his cock back. Splatters land on your face.”oooh fuck baby” he finishes to make sure your face glistens. He then looks at you, hands in your lap looking up at him pleadingly to mop up your face. He’s still breathless as he looks at you, trying to calm down.

“Dave”

“Hmmm” he then smile coming back to reality. “Kiss first then clean up & then I’ll look after you”

Christmas Eve has now rolled around. You spent the day with the girls baking cakes, cookies & getting some prep done for tomorrow’s Christmas dinner. Dave went & delivered a few gifts & apparently went to get your Christmas present, but you’ve worked it out already. He’s good at secrets on a life & death situation but not when it comes to the surprise 10 day trip to Jamaica he has for you. Also you notice he asked for your passport & a few other travel items. You just don’t know when he’s booked it for.

After Dinner you Dave & the girls sit on the sofa & watch the muppet Christmas Carol as a family, the girls have hot chocolate & marshmallows in them & a big bowl of popcorn. You have an espresso martini & Dave as always has a whiskey. You sit there & laugh & cry & sing along to the film. This is all you really want for Christmas. Gifts & food & excess is nice but just to have a little time where the 4 of you can just be you. For a brief moment in time your just the Yorks. No worrying about if Dave will walk back through the door after a mission, or if you or the girls will be used as bait. It’s just you sitting here doing what all other normal families do this evening. Once the muppets are done you give the girls each their stockings to hang on the fire place. You would usually light the fire but tonight you didn’t.

“We don’t want it to be too hot for Santa when he comes down it do we” you say to the girls.

“Oooh no” says Alice. “His beard might melt off” you & Dave both laugh.

“So when you wake up in the morning girls your stockings will be filled, with all of little Santa gift.” He says as he ties them up. “Now what do you want to leave out for Santa to drink.”

“Milk” says Molly. Dave sighs.

“But everyone will give Santa milk, maybe he’d like something else”

“Chocolate milk” you laugh at that reply Dave trying not to roll his eyes.

“It’s still milk though, why don’t we leave Santa some alcohol” he says “give him a needed boost cos all the milk he will have drank will make him sleepy”

“That’s not what the books say” says Molly. Dave has tried so hard to convince them but neither girls are buying into it.

“I tell you what girls” you say. “Why don’t we leave an empty glass for Santa with a bottle of whiskey next to it & a carton of milk when me & daddy go to bed” Dave raises his eyebrow, not at your suggestion but at the word daddy. He likes it when you moan it just before you cum. “& he can pick what he wants to drink. That way next year you will know what he likes so you can leave the right one out”

“But what if he wants both” even you sigh.

“Well he can have both” you say & the girls run off to the kitchen to get the milk & cookies & carrots they sorted out earlier. You look at Dave as he puts the whiskey down & an empty glass. “I tried baby”

“That’s not what you did” he pauses then wink “daddy appreciates it”

With the girls supposedly asleep you & Dave do some sorting out for tomorrow. The table is laid, the gifts are under the tree & everything is prepped to make Christmas lunch easy. All that’s left to do is for Dave to do his Santa bit & fill up the stocking.

“I’ll go get ready for bed Dave” you say before he heads off to the shed to get the Santa gifts. Easier place for you to both hide all the gifts. The girls will never think in there. As Dave heads to get them you quickly head into the lounge to hide something for him to enjoy.

Dave loves doing this. He’s a serious professional man until it comes to a little bit of festive fun. Leaving some fake shoe marks in the hall way. Eating a cookie. Snapping off parts of the carrots, including dropping an end next to the fire place. He then pours himself a shot of whiskey & downs it, but as he goes to put the drink back down he notices something that the girls didn’t put down. A little red bow. One you had made. He lifts it up with a smile & sees there’s a post it underneath. Your beautiful hand writing make him smile.

Come unwrap your present daddy!

He has never triple checked the house is locked so quickly in his life, he almost forgot to turn the kitchen light off. He’s also trying to be quiet so the girls don’t wake up & the Christmas magic is lost. But it’s not long before he is opening the bedroom door. His jaw hitting the floor instantly.

You are lying face down. Hair in a braid going over your left shoulder. Wearing nothing. A sparkling red bow & some mistletoe stuck on top of your bum. There’s a gift tag tied to your foot. Dave drops to his knees. His mouth instantly sucking the toes on the foot with the gift tag. You moan & then you hear him breathily read out loud, once he has stopped sucking.

“Your gift needs a good stuffing Daddy” he says in his bedroom voice. “Oooh sweetheart fuck sweetheart” you’ve not turned your head but you can hear the clothes hit the floor. “Gonna fuck you so hard you will struggle to stand up to cook Christmas dinner” he snarls.

“Is that a promise Dave” you then hiss as he spanks you hard & your bum lifts up. You then moan as his lips connect. Pulling your cheeks apart & lapping always at both your holes. “Fuck Dave” you can feeling your inner pleasure building up already. His hand moves the bow & mistletoe off you & you then feel his penis drag through the mess he has just made. Your arsehole puckering for him.

“I get the best for Christmas” he says before thrusting his penis into your arse. All the way. Deep enough that his balls bounce against you. “Fuck” he growls & you bury your head into the bed as you moan. “So fucking tight. all your holes”

“They are all yours tonight Dave”

“Seriously?” He’d paused his next thrust upon hearing that. His hands gripping your flesh as you are now on all fours pushing back into him.

“They always are but as a Christmas treat you can go all night for as long as you want”

“You little cum slut” he says & smacks your arse again. You rock back & forth in time. You will have marks on your torso tomorrow from him gripping so hard. He’s thrusting away like he will never have sex again or like he has just gotten out of a mission that could have meant his end & he’s happy to be home to you. “Taking me so well” you put a hand on your clit but Dave smacks your arse hard.

“Fuck”

“No clit touching until I can see it. Want to see how over stimulated you get” he says.

“Then flip me over”

Dave doesn’t need an excuse. He quickly withdraws & turns you so your face up & he laughs.

“The fuck”

You have put a little bow over each nipple & one just above your sex. You giggle impishly back as you suck on a small strawberry candy cane you have.

“Liking your gift so far daddy”

“You’re driving me insane.” The bows are pulled off your skin & he plunges his sopping penis deep inside your moist cunt. Your moaning in seconds, especially when he grips you around the neck. “You’re a naughty girl” he moans. Sloppy thrusting noises filling the room when the two of you aren’t experiencing pleasure.”naughty & nice, nice sopping pussy, naughty girl for touching her clit”

“Fuck Dave” you groan.he squeezing your neck more. His eyes alight with desire & list. You quiver taking him all. Clamping constantly around him. He’s big but tonight he feels bigger.

“gonna fill you up sweetheart, gonna lap up all our cum.” He says before he takes the hand that was around your neck. You gasp for air gives him enough time to take the candy cane you were sucking & for him to suck it as well. Then he strokes the sticky sweet over your clit, rubbing it furiously. Your own eyes close. Pleasure taking over.

“Yes Dave yes yes yes, fuck”

“Like that sweetheart” he says before he slips the Candy cane into your mouth again. You make sloppy noises on purpose to get him to thrust faster. It’s rapid his pace, neither of you are going to last much longer. Dave is giving you his best.”like being so needy for daddy”

“Yes daddy, fuck yes yes yesss”

“CUM FOR DADDY!” He says loud enough that it could wake up the girls. Neither of you care.

“Fuckkkkkk” you spiral down your first orgasm of the night. Everything contracting. Pleasure beyond compare. A warm & wet sensation that’s added to with a snarl of your name as Daves seed spill inside your cunt.

“Fuck” he says with a jolt. His eyes rolling in the back of his head. His body dripping in sweat. His pecks flexing from the spasms of his release. He’s still griping you tight. Panting loudly. You eventually open your eyes to look at your glorious husband, bathed in your own sweaty sticky mess.

“Still just as fucking fabulous” you say as you sit up once he’s pulled his cock out of you & sit next to him, caressing his face before your tongues do their usual make out dance after sex. His saltiness after sex always tastes good & arouses you further.

“I ain’t done yet sweetheart” you then gasp as the hand that what caressing your breasts finds your sex, the thumb on your clit, two fingers inside you. “I need to clean you up first” . His head is between your thighs in seconds as you hold it in place rubbing it for ever more friction as he eats you out.

“Oooh fuck Daddy, Dave yes”

You sit in the lounge as the girls open their stockings on Christmas morning. Dave rubbing your shoulders as you watch the girls open Santas gifts. You both desperately need a shower, certain you both smell of sex.

“Dad” Molly ask “what time did Santa get here last night”

“Well it’s after everyone’s asleep including me & mummy why”

“Well” Molly starts “I head something that sounded like it was hitting my wall at 3am, I went down stairs & saw the gifts where there already, but couldn’t see a raindeer outside”

You blush straight away. Molly had heard you & Dave fucking last night. Dave realised this & then looks at you & puts his hand on you knee.

“Could have been, he’s magic so it could have been his quick get away” Molly seems to bye this. Alice hasn’t been listening she’s too busy trying to solve her rubix cube already. Dave move his hand up to your thigh. “Turns out we did bring the Ho ho ho” he says quietly with a wink & a smirk, before kissing you deeply.

“Dad Mum stop” says Alice.

“Sorry darling” you say. “But Christmas brings out the magic in all of us” you say looking directly at Dave. “Christmas after all is a time for giving & receiving”

[deafeningladyruins]

A Sweet Christmas Baking Day

Art the Clown and his beloved had settled into a comfortable rhythm of life together, finding solace and joy in each other’s presence despite the darkness that surrounded them. As Christmas approached, she decided they should do something special and festive: baking Christmas cookies. She wanted to share this simple yet meaningful tradition with Art, hoping it would bring them even closer. One chilly afternoon, she gathered all the ingredients and set them out on the kitchen counter. She put on her favorite apron and handed Art a matching one, giggling at the sight of him wearing it over his clown costume. Art's eyes twinkled with amusement, his ever-present smile showing a hint of curiosity and excitement.

"Let's make some delicious cookies, Art," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "It'll be fun, I promise."

Art nodded, eager to join in the holiday fun. She walked him through each step, showing him how to measure the flour, sugar, and butter. Art watched intently, his focus unwavering as he carefully followed her instructions. Despite his usually clumsy and chaotic nature, he was surprisingly meticulous in the kitchen, and she found herself smiling at his unexpected skill. They mixed the dough together, Art's gloved hands moving with surprising grace as he kneaded it. She couldn't help but laugh when he playfully dusted her nose with a bit of flour. They rolled out the dough and used cookie cutters in various festive shapes—stars, trees, and gingerbread men. Art's precision made each cookie look perfect, and she marveled at his hidden talents.

"You're a natural, Art," she said, grinning at him. "These cookies are going to be amazing."

Art's silent laugh was infectious, and they continued to work side by side, decorating the cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles. She showed him how to make intricate designs, and he caught on quickly, his creativity shining through in the beautiful patterns he created. As they placed the decorated cookies in the oven, the sweet aroma began to fill the kitchen. They sat together at the table, enjoying the warm, cozy atmosphere they had created. The anticipation of tasting their creations made her heart swell with happiness.

When the cookies were finally done, she took them out of the oven, carefully placing them on a cooling rack. They admired their handiwork, the bright colors and festive shapes bringing a sense of joy and accomplishment. She picked up a star-shaped cookie and offered it to Art.

"Here, try it," she said, her eyes sparkling. "I bet it tastes as good as it looks."

Art took a bite, his eyes lighting up with delight. She watched him, her heart full of affection for the silent clown who had become such an important part of her life. She took a bite of her own cookie, savoring the sweet taste and the warmth of the moment. After enjoying their treats, they decided to relax in the living room. She lit a few candles and turned on some soft Christmas music, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. They cuddled up on the couch, a cozy blanket draped over them as they watched the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree.

Art rested his head on her shoulder, and she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. The gentle rhythm of his breathing and the warmth of his presence made her feel at peace. As they sat there, basking in the quiet joy of the holiday season, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the love they shared.

Art looked up at her, his eyes soft and filled with affection. He reached up and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch tender and reassuring. In that moment, she knew that their love, though unconventional and shrouded in darkness, was real and strong.

As the night wore on, they found themselves drifting off to sleep, still entwined in each other's embrace. The warmth of the fire, the soft glow of the lights, and the sweet taste of their homemade cookies made this Christmas a memory they would cherish forever.

---

Good evening everyone, I had the idea of this writing after I saw the beginning of Terrifier 3 when Art was eating the cookies, hope you guys like it.

[cailinsblog]

A Christmas to Remember | Carlos sainz

Carlos sainz x reader

Masterlist

The streets of Madrid shimmered under the glow of festive lights, the air crisp and filled with the scents of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon. Carlos Sainz and his wife Y/N strolled hand in hand, their breath visible in the chilly air. This Christmas was special—it was their first as a married couple, and they were determined to make every moment unforgettable.

Carlos had been home for a few weeks, finally able to relax after the whirlwind Formula 1 season. For months, he had been counting down the days until he could spend Christmas in his hometown with Y/N. She had been just as excited, eager to soak in the festive spirit and, more importantly, the uninterrupted time with Carlos.

---

Morning Magic

The day began with soft sunlight filtering through their bedroom window. Y/N stirred under the covers, slowly waking to the familiar warmth of Carlos beside her. He was already awake, leaning on one elbow, watching her with a gentle smile.

“Buenos días, mi amor,” he murmured, his voice soft and warm.

Y/N stretched and smiled sleepily. “Good morning. Merry Christmas, Carlos.”

“Merry Christmas,” he whispered, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. “How does breakfast in bed sound?”

“Perfect,” she replied, still half-asleep.

Carlos slipped out of bed and returned shortly with a tray laden with freshly baked croissants, warm hot chocolate, and a small bowl of strawberries. They shared breakfast in bed, laughing as Carlos stole bites from Y/N’s plate, playfully dodging her swats.

“Hey! Those are my strawberries!” she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Carlos grinned. “Sharing is caring, cariño.”

---

Christmas Market Adventures

After breakfast, they bundled up in warm coats, scarves, and gloves, ready to explore the city. Their first stop was the Plaza Mayor, transformed into a bustling Christmas market. Twinkling lights hung from every stall, and a towering Christmas tree stood proudly in the center of the square.

Y/N’s eyes lit up as they wandered through the market, taking in the sights and sounds. They stopped at various stalls, admiring handcrafted ornaments, sampling traditional treats, and marveling at the festive decorations.

“Look at this one,” Y/N said, holding up a delicate glass ornament shaped like a race car. “It’s perfect for you.”

Carlos chuckled. “We definitely need that for our tree.”

They bought the ornament and continued exploring, pausing at a stall selling hot churros. They sat on a nearby bench, sharing the warm, sugary treats and watching the lively crowd.

“This is exactly what I needed,” Carlos said, his voice soft. “No races, no cameras—just us.”

Y/N smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re home. I missed you so much.”

Carlos kissed the top of her head. “I missed you too, mi amor. Being with you is the best part of the holidays.”

---

Ice Skating Shenanigans

Their next stop was the outdoor ice skating rink in Retiro Park. Y/N was excited, but Carlos hesitated as they laced up their skates.

“I’m not sure about this,” he said, eyeing the rink with a mix of apprehension and amusement.

“Oh, come on,” Y/N teased. “You’re a world-class driver, but you’re scared of a little ice?”

Carlos laughed, shaking his head. “It’s not the same, Y/N. But fine—I’ll do it for you.”

They stepped onto the rink, and to Carlos’s surprise, he managed to stay upright. Y/N, more confident on the ice, glided ahead gracefully, laughing as Carlos wobbled behind her.

At one point, Y/N pretended to lose her balance, causing Carlos to rush over to catch her. They both ended up in a heap on the ice, laughing so hard their sides hurt.

“Maybe I’ll stick to driving,” Carlos said, helping her up.

“Maybe,” Y/N replied with a grin. “But you did great, babe.”

---

A Cozy Christmas Dinner

As the sun began to set, they returned home to prepare for a cozy Christmas dinner. They worked together in the kitchen, Carlos taking charge of the main course while Y/N focused on dessert. The aroma of roasted lamb and freshly baked cookies filled their home, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

They set the table with candles and festive decorations, then sat down to enjoy their meal. Between bites, they shared stories and reflected on their favorite moments of the year. It was intimate, heartfelt, and everything they had hoped for.

After dinner, they moved to the living room, where a crackling fire warmed the space. The Christmas tree stood tall in the corner, its ornaments gleaming in the firelight. Carlos poured two glasses of wine, and they settled onto the couch, wrapped in a soft blanket.

---

Under the Mistletoe

As they relaxed, Y/N noticed something hanging above them. “Is that mistletoe?” she asked, pointing to the small sprig Carlos had secretly hung.

Carlos smirked. “It might be.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, playing along. “Well, I guess we have to follow tradition.”

Carlos leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender, lingering kiss. It was soft and sweet, filled with all the love and warmth of the season. When they pulled away, Carlos rested his forehead against hers.

“I love you, Y/N,” he whispered. “Thank you for making this Christmas so special.”

Y/N smiled, her heart full. “I love you too, Carlos. This is perfect—just us and the magic of Christmas.”

---

A Perfect Night

The night ended with them curled up by the fire, sipping hot cocoa and watching their favorite Christmas movies. Outside, snow began to fall gently, blanketing the city in a soft, peaceful glow.

As Y/N rested her head on Carlos’s chest, she felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. This Christmas was everything she had dreamed of—filled with love, laughter, and the man who made her world complete.

Carlos kissed her forehead once more, whispering, “This is a Christmas to remember.”

And in that moment, surrounded by warmth and love, they knew it truly was.

[katskitoshi]

"CERTIFIED SOFT MOMENTS!" with the INAZUMANS from GENSHIN IMPACT.

synopsis: just some soft, sweet moments with some of the inazumans.

characters: ayaka, kuki, gorou, yoimiya, thoma, ayato, kazuha, and tomo (mostly separate) x gn!reader

includes: poly! kazutomo (i love them so you will too), sweet moments with some inazuma men and women!! ♡

--just watching ayaka dance. time seems to stop, the air seeming to cool around the two of you. she giggles nervously before slowly stepping into the water. drawing her fan out, she begins her angelic movements with little snowflakes and ice shards trailing her. your eyes follow her as she moves, love glazing them over. ayaka, your girlfriend, your future wife, seems so perfect in these moments that when your eyes meet, you can't draw them away -- and neither can she.

her dancing stops, but the world doesn't resume nor does the air warm. never breaking eye contact, ayaka slowly approaches you, and she takes your hand in her own. her usual ice-cold fingers feel so warm in your embrace. she leans in, then to your lips. a kiss that resumes time itself, warms the air, and sparks love once again between you.

--kuki, who rarely gets free-time from playing the gang's brain, finally finds comfort and relaxation with you. you take her to a secluded part of an inazuman forrest, where only you and her can exist. a little picnic is set up, all her favorite dishes and desserts presented before her on a soft blanket. when you show her, she's speechless, almost as if she doesn't like. perhaps you did to much? was it not enough? maybe she didn't like-

all the thoughts of what could have made her silent suddenly come to a close when her lips meet yours in a gentle moment. you hadn't even notice she'd taken off her mask. but since she did, you can see the clear smile on her face. "thank you so much for this, love. i guess you can really tell when i need a break." kuki begins to walk to the blanket, lowering herself on it before she pats the area besides her. "aren't you going to join me?"

--it's almost as if gorou is always busy or free, but never when you need him. he loves you dearly and always tries to make time for you but all his soldiers and kokomi work him like a dog. which is totally unfair! but you understand and try to help him out when you can. whether it's with his work, or a nice massage and meal when works done. he loves what you do for him, but gorou can't but feel guilty. he felt like he was the one working you! so, he decided to treat you to a nice night in the city once a festival rolls around.

each stand that catches your eye, he'll let you wander and stare as long as you want. and don't even think about pulling out your mora! gorou is sponsoring the whole night. any food or item you wish for he'll buy and carry for you. once the night is over, he'll drag you outside your little cottage and lay you down on the soft grass. you two can watch the twinkling stars, in silence or in conversation, but at some point gorou just turns to you and stares. the admiration in your eyes as he stares at the stars and the admiration in his eyes as he stares at his star.

--yoimiya who obviously brings you on dates to make, test, and watch her fireworks -- but also loves telling you stories during the process. she'll always bring you your favorite foods with a smile on her face as she drags you to some far off area from the village before gushing on about anything any everything. oh, did you see that butterfly? let her tell you a story she heard the other day about one she saw that was almost as beautiful as you!

just as you reach the mountaintop, the stars start to glimmer especially bright. yoimiya takes your hand and drags you close to the edge where she takes a seat and waits for you to accompany her. she sets the fireworks, and you two relish in the few silent moments before the loud booms start. crackles of [favorite color], red, orange, and pinks all explode against the dark sky.

your eyes focus on the fireworks, but yoimiya's eyes focus on you. she couldn't look away if she wanted too. of course the fireworks are beautiful, but your beauty alone surpasses anything she could make. yoimiya kisses your cheek and smiles before pulling your head to rest on her shoulders. the night quiets around you, the crackles and booms of the fireworks make a lovely melody in the background to aid the picture perfect moment yoimiya and you have created.

--the life of a nobleman's retainer seems to never come to a halt, but thoma will always put work to a pause for you. one day, he'll bring you out to the komore teahouse. taroumaru will greet you with loving barks before he leads you to a secluded room of the teahouse, where thoma awaits you. a shy smile is etched on his lips, and the table before him is covered in an abundance of dishes that makes your mouth water. as you take your seat across him, thoma thanks you for coming and tells you to help yourself.

as the night advances, his initial nervousness melts away. he'll start a conversation on just about anything; the weird odd jobs he's been doing, disputes he's resolved, even little secrets he's never thought to tell anyone! when he's with you, he stops being a retainer or the fixer, he just becomes thoma: your boyfriend. and he loves not having the additional weight of everything else on his shoulders.

--ayato never has free time but he'll sure as hell make some for his lover. perhaps you can join him in his office while he works for a bit? he'll let you rest your head on his lap, and if one of his hands are free, he'll even rub little shapes into your arm, or back, or whatever part of your body you'll let him. if you're not fancy to laying his head in his lap, perhaps you can sit on him instead. he won't mind. and, if that's also not to your liking, he's free to offer you to sit by him and let him rest his hand on your thigh. t

hese moments are sweet in itself, but this is just a little warm up for what he has planned later. once he's done working, he'll pick you up, and use one of his delicate gloved hands to cover your eyes as he leads you somewhere. soon enough, you're off the estate grounds and in the nearby forrest. he removes his hands from over your eyes, and behold: a tea party is set up. some sweets imported from across teyvat lay on the small table with

the finest inazuman tea already steamily brewed. off to the side there's a record player, playing some nice music the set the scene. still holding you, ayato gently places you in the seat across from his own, but does not seat himself. he notices you about to go for a pastry and dabs your hand away.

"allow me, darling." he grabbed the pastry you were going for and tilted your chin up with his other hand. "say, 'ahh~'" and you do, he places it in your mouth and you take a bite. his hand holding the pastry places it on the plate infant of you but he never lets go of your chin.

"ayato..?" "you have something right..." his pointer finger flicks a crumb off her cheek. and then he leans in and licks your lips before kissing you. ayato doesn't stop until you're nearly breathless. he chuckles as a string of saliva connects you before promptly snapping. he lets go and sits on his side on the table. "..there."

--besides for their travels, tomo and kazuha aren't ever that busy. with them, every moment is a soft moment. each mini cooking competition as the two compete for which of their dishes is best. each cuddle session, that started as a stargazing date. each time kazuha would write you a poem or make you a love letter and make tomo jealous. each time tomo would make a meal that puts master chefs and kazuha to shame, or plants and gives you flowers, or grooming and taking care of his cat, mimi. every moment was worth it with these two. even as tomo might not always be there because of each odd job he picks up. or kazuha might just take a moment to run off on his own. but at the end of the day, you all are together, and thats what matters.

[c00kietin]

I can't title things for the life of me so uh please forgive me-- I'll just call this Cookiemas for now! :D

(just to say in advance, I used she/they pronouns for Roxie!)

"When're ya writin' your list to Santa?"

"I'm not writing a list."

Roxie was shocked at Lucia's response. Christmas was just around the corner, and this killer was being as festive as possible for her first holidays. Swapping out their usual pink sweatshirt for a red one (because red is Christmassy!!) and putting a Santa hat on everything in the house- besides Lucia- Roxie was ready to celebrate! However, her friend didn't seem so prepared.

"Why not? Don't you want any presents?!" Roxie widened her eyes. Lucia just rolled hers.

"I can't think of anything I'd particularly like. Besides, Santa isn't even real anyway."

"YES HE IS!!!!" yelled Roxie defiantly. Santa and his gift-giving was basically the first thing they learned about Christmas. She saw him everywhere in the shops!

"Who do ya think gives the presents to everyone?" She crossed her arms.

Lucia sighed. There was no point in telling Roxie the truth. They wouldn't believe her. She instead drew her attention to the abundance of Christmas decorations surrounding the two of them. Toy reindeer, flashy string lights and a rather miserable Christmas tree to name a few were some of the items that suddenly appeared in her house the other day. Not to mention the Santa hats. So many Santa hats....

"I plan on gettin' more stuff for the outside!" Roxie beamed, noticing how Lucia was..."admiring" her work.

"Please don't. I'm not going to have my house stand out here. Or have you forgotten we're criminals?"

"I know that, duh!" they pouted at the stern look she gave them. "Why can't we have any fun 'round 'ere? It gets BORING, ya know!"

"Your definition of fun is different to mine." The woman narrowed her eyes at Roxie. If only they didn't care about Christmas so much. Maybe then she could've had as much peace and quiet as she usually did- which wasn't a lot, but better than what she had now in December.

An abrupt knock on the door interrupted their bickering. Roxie perked up and excitedly ran to the door, staring through the peephole.

Of course it was Luciano.

"Ah, Roxie! Merry Christmas to you." Lucia's twin brother let himself in and flashed his smug grin.

"Happy Christmas to ya too!!" Roxie was glad someone else FINALLY had some interest in the festive spirit besides her.

"Do ya like the Christmassy stuff?" she asked eagerly. Luciano chuckled, entertained by her childish joy.

"It's certainly colourful. I never knew you had the money to afford all this, my friend."

"Oh nah, I just stole-"

"What do you want?" Lucia interrupted Roxie flatly and glared at her brother. He smugly grinned again.

"Only here to deliver you a present to my dear friend- and sister."

"Hey! That's Santa's job to deliver presents!" Roxie frowned. Luciano gave her a confused looked and blinked slowly.

"Well, where is it?" Lucia grew impatient.

"Right here!" He smiled and out from his suit pocket took out three tickets.

Roxie was...underwhelmed, to say the least. She wanted a butcher's knife and juicy steaks for Christmas, not some paper scraps. Paper didn't even taste nice!

"Ice skating?" Lucia raised an eyebrow reading what was printed on the tickets. Her and Luciano used to do it together when they were younger- one of the few fonder memories she had of her childhood. She was significantly more skilled at skating than her brother, who was as stable as a baby giraffe on ice. She couldn't quite remember why they stopped that tradition.

"Ice skatin'? Huh?" Roxie repeated. This still couldn't compare to a pile of steaks.

Luciano tried to explain. "You know, wearing shoes with blades on the bottom-"

"BLADES?! LIKE KNIVES?!"

"...yes, blades and gliding-"

"-or stumbling," Lucia smirked.

The twin grumbled and tried to continue.

"...across an ice rink. I thought it would be nice for the three of us to do something enjoyable together." His face softened.

Roxie was invested as soon as they heard "blades". Although, knowing Lucia, she doubted she'd want them going. She'd probably say it was "too dangerous" or be a real grouch- no, Grinch- about it.

"Why not?" the woman shrugged gently, holding on to two of the tickets. She decided it would likely be better to keep Roxie's on her too to avoid the risk of consumption.

Luciano and Roxie turned to stare in unison and surprise.

"Quit staring at me funny. I'll go get ready." With another roll of the eyes, she got up and left the room.

"It's not on for another few hours-!" her twin called.

"Nah, she just takes a reeeaaally long time to look nice!" giggled Roxie.

"SHUT IT! I CAN HEAR YOU!" you could hear the embarrassment in Lucia's voice as the other two snickered.

~~

[ihavenoideawhatiamdoingjustgay2]

On the second day of Christmas

Summary : Work Christmas

Notes : You have beef with Pantalone? Alcohol, real fluff comes in chapter three, there are more notes on chapter one so pls read that if you haven't already

Chapters : Chapter 1 > Chapter 2 > Chapter 3

Take me to AO3

The pine trees passed your small window quickly, so quickly that you couldn't catch them even if you tried. Your eyes slowed them down by pining on each one, each one that grew colder and colder, untill there were only icicles left.

"Do you enjoy the scenery?" Arlecchino breathed, stroking the back of your hand with her thumb. Her gaze was curious, a bit lowered, nearly hungry, which confused you, half a fatui coat and the rest of your clothes didn't leave much to the imagination.

"It's icicles here and there....nothing much to enjoy, what about you?" you put your legs across the seat, across her legs, leaning into the carriages wall.

"I don't feel much admiration for it, but considering that I have seen it over a million times and that it is moreover work related. It does make sense, doesn't it?"

A rethorical question. You leaned to Arlecchinos side as the carriage rolled in, across the court. The palace was wide, cold, made of ice of course. Arlecchino held your waist as you admired.

"I have forgotten how big it is."

She chuckled. "It is not as if you are here often."

You nod along, barely listening, burying yourself with the craftsmanship. It looked bigger than you remembered. More gleaming, more pretty.

The carriage stopped abruptly and if it weren't for your Husband, you'd have kissed the floor goodnight.

"Thanks."

"Anytime love." She went out first, holding you the door open, helping you with the steps, you jumped into the snow that nearly filled your shoes up.

"What does the Tsaritsa even want of you...or us?"

"It is tradition, second day we celebrate as colleagues, but it pretty much is just there to talk about this years achievements and of course to discuss...the plan."

"The plan?"

"The plan."

She went on. "But your job is only to hang on my arm and look nice," she lifted your chin up and stopped as you stood before the big wooden doors. "does that sound good to you, love?"

You sighed in relief, burying your face within her hand. "And if I hear anything, I'll run to you rigth away?"

"Exactly. I will handle it from then on." The soldiers opened the door for you and she led you through the vast expenses of empty rooms and huge floors, keeping her arm interlocked with yours, keeping you as close and protected as the ball of her eye. "Ok darling, we will enter the room soon, stay by my side."

"I will. You don't need to worry about me.", you kissed her check, the last one for until after the meeting, when she'd tear you into a corner at home and kiss your lips sore. You smiled at the thougth, not dreaming to have it any other way.

She opened the door, slipping into the room as if this was any other room, as if this was just any other house, as if there weren't the most important people of the Fatui in this library. You latched onto her arm, not intending to let go.

Both Capitano and Tartaglia stood in front of a big shelf, while Sandrone was sitting alone on a couch in the next room, her robot behind her as she fumbled around with a new invention. The Rooster was sitting across from her, moving his mouth, you couldn't make put what he was saying. Signora stood with Pantalone at a window, though there conversation seemed to have stopped when you came in. Pierro, too was there, talking with some figure in the shadows, before turning to Signora and Pantalone, talking in hushed tones.

"What a festive atmosphere." You mumbled into your husband's ear.

She leaned down a bit. "Just wait untill they get the spiced wine, then it'll be really fun." She said it with an annoyance, but it made you smile. Tartaglia then catched you with his eyes and excused himself from the conversation, moving towards you two with a steaming cup in his hand, his cheeks had a rosy tint. "It seems they already did."

She greeted the redhead with a nod, ge smiled. "I see, the Knave has come too now, how has your Christmas been?"

His eyes went between the both of you.

"It has gone quite well, the children all liked their gifts and I am thankful for your cooperation."

"So El liked the set of knives?"

"She did."

He smiled, drinking a bit from his cup. "That's great to hear." His gaze swept over to you. "And how did you like your gi-"

He stepped back with a hiss, you looked down and just saw as Arlecchino slipped her heel back down under her coat. You crocked a brow.

"My spouse and I will celebrate on the third day." She stated with a hiss, her eyes were closed. "Also, you reek of alcohol, Tartaglia, get yourself together."

She led you away, to Capitano who skimmed through a book on warfare. He seemed quite surprised when you approached him. "Hello there, Knave."

"Capitano, good evening, how have your holidays been?"

He nodded, putting the book away, taking a small cup with a bit of whine in it. "Quite well, we were able to ambush some of our foes, a few days before the celebrations, of course."

She nodded, then her gaze swept over to Marrioneta. "Excuse me, I need to talk with her real quick." She addressed you both, looked at you while passing by. You nodded at her and she went away, though your gaze lingered. The Captain was already skimming through books again as you decided to look back.

"So..." you gulp. "...for how long have you been with the Fatui?"

His shoulders laughed as if he was laughing. "Very long, I was here before you or your Husband were born."

You counted in your head, though you had the feeling that he was moreover...ancient. "Hmph, interesting."

"What about you?", he put the book back, ctached a new one, about Natlan.

"I was born into it. My mother was a Mirror Maiden, my Father a debt collector."

He nodded. "Have you ever been to Natlan?"

You chuckled. "I just wanted to ask you that question, but no, not yet, the traveling wouldn't become me well." You leaned against the shelf.

"I have been. Though it has been too long for me...I will most likely be back by next year however...business." he talked about 'business' like Arlecchino talked about the Plan, you decided not to dwell on it, esspecially since she was coming back.

Her hand found your waist rigth away, slinging around it, there was content upon her face.

"It all went well?" You asked.

"Very much so, did you two have a productive conversation?"

The Capitain answered with an agreeable "Hmph", before shutting the book. "I have to get to Pierro, I hope that you may have a good new years and wonderful remaining holidays."

"You too."

He passed by and Arlecchinos whole attention turned to you. "I think of him as rather sympathetic."

"I trust that you wouldn't leave me with someone who isn't."

She had her hand stroke your waist and noticed your shiver. "Do you want a drink? There is spiced whine."

You think, then nod. "I'd like that very much, will you get me some? I want to look at some of the books."

"Of course, darling."

Ever the angle, wasn't she? Your angle of death. You smiled, having your fingers cun over hardbook covers, each engraved with silver writing, they all wore blues and blacks, perhabs terquis. The Tsaritsa seemed to have her tastes in that regard.

"They are pretty, aren't they?"

You shock back at the ligth voice, recognizing the figure next to you as...the Regrator. You gulped, feeling nervousity sweel up inside of you. "Uhm...yes. Very."

"But even the most beautiful books are useless if they are empty." He pulled one out, only to reveal empty pages. It made you blink, trying to decifer what he was insinuating.

"You can always fill books."

He tch'd "How do you know that they are good ideas? Profitable ideas? How do you know that they won't ruin the publisher?"

You stepped back, were going to say something, untill you noticed the Jester looking at you. Then you took another breath. "I will look for my Husband. It was nice to see you again, Regrator."

You went away before he could insult you even more. You remembered when you were younger, remembered hiding behind a door, listening to their conversations, not understanding a word and you remembered the running as they heard you. Back then he had just put a finger in front of his mouth as he left, you returned the gesture.

"Arlecchino.", you smile a bit feverish, interlocking your arms, she looked you up and down, then back to where you came from. Where the Regrator was stepping out of.

She sighed, handing you the drink. "I shouldn't have left you alone."

"I'm fine." You promised, sipping a bit. "Let's just...go on with the evening."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arlecchino didn't leave you alone anymore that evening, either leaving you at Tartaglias side or maybe Sandrones, Capitano has gone early and Signora did too.

"Ok, but I will have to admit...this is some good stuff.", he said, while talking about the whine.

You snorted. "The one in Mondstadt is better..." you also have to admit that the man supported you in getting drunk, or atleast tipsy.

He waved it off. "I mean for here. But there isn't...it's good, but other things are not."

You nodded with a dense expression, watching him get up and mumble about "Gnome.", which seemed to have been a cue word for Arlecchino too, who all of a sudden stood behind you.

"We should go home too, dear." She pushed some hair out of your face, observing your drunken blush. Her gaze seemed to soften as she extended an arm and got you up.

"Thankm..." you said, leaning into the fluff of her coat.

"None needed." She kissed your head when you were out the door, standing in the floor, being free to adore. She led your wobbly self down the corridors, ready to take her carriage home, untill her name was called that is.

"Lord Arlecchino! Lord Arlecchino!"

She stopped, turning halfway to the man who was huffing his soul out. "The Tsaritsa...has...a room ready...for you...considering..."

"My appointment in the morning."

He nodded, seeming to have caugth his breath. "And because of your spouses....situation."

You blinked. "Because I'm drunk?", you said it a bit to loud, thanked the gods there was no one here but you.

Arlecchino cleared her throath. "We'll take the room, since they are with me now."

The man nodded, urging you to follow him.

Arlecchino turned to you mid way, observing your hazy gaze, your slured speech and, again, the blush.

"Let's get you to bed, love."

[emsprovisions]

❄️ Day 10 - Haul out the Holly ❄️

🎁 Today's fic is dedicated to @captain-gillian!

Summary: TK and Nancy decide to surprise Tommy by decorating the ambulance for the holidays.

Word count: 897

24 Days of Tarlos Masterpost

TK hops up into the driver’s seat and pulls on his shades while Nancy’s buckling herself into the passenger seat and similarly pulling her own sunglasses on. 

TK turns to her, “Ready?”

“Let’s do this,” Nancy nods. 

She plugs her phone into the ambulance’s sound system and starts blasting the 1987 song, Christmas in Hollis by Run DMC. 

The two paramedics feel way too cool as they drive around town, heading for Starbucks for two venti iced peppermint mochas to get their caffeine fix before heading to the craft store, Michaels. 

They keep their radios on, listening intently for any calls for Medic 126 as they browse the aisles of Christmas and holiday decor at Michaels. TK pushes their cart and Nancy leans into him, sipping from a straw in her mocha and showing him TikToks she has saved for decoration inspo. Something catches her eye and she lights up as she points out an object to TK. 

“We need that garland.” She’s pointing at a felted garland that’s made to look like Santa’s sleigh with eight reindeer. 

“Absolutely,” TK laughs, plucking the decor off the rack and dropping it in their cart. “We need some string lights too, and window clings if we can find any.”

They successfully make it through the store without any calls and by the time they’re paying, their cart is loaded with decorations for the rig. 

TK and Nancy get back in the ambo and drive back to the firehouse, singing along to more Christmas songs, drinking their coffees, and giggling as they plan out where they’re going to put all the decorations. TK smoothly backs them into their bay and they hop out and go around back, climbing into the rig together and shutting the doors.

“You really think Cap is going to be okay with this?” Nancy asks skeptically as she rifles through their shopping bags.

“Nance,” TK laughs. “This was your idea. It’s not like we’re going overboard with it, just sprucing it up for the holidays. Let’s unload everything on the gurney and see if we like all our ideas. We can always return some of it.”

Nancy nods, and together they unload the bags. 

Nancy stopped at Target before work to pick up three mini stockings with their initials for them to hang up on the cabinet doors in the order: TNT.

“Nice,” TK grins, admiring her work. 

“I thought so,” Nancy waggles her eyebrows at TK before getting to work stringing lights around the top of the bus. 

TK works on hanging up the Santa’s sleigh garland on the central bar above the gurney with zip ties. Next, TK sticks window clings to the glass surfaces in the bus. There’s some representation for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and even just some general winter scenes with snow and snowmen.

They hang a few ornaments around cabinet handles and tie bows around the door handle from the inside. They’ve made sure to get decorations that won’t impede their work, and hopefully none of it will annoy Captain Vega. They want it to be a surprise for her after the past couple of years have been so hard. 

When TK and Nancy are satisfied with their work, they grab a pair of matching antler headbands they bought at Michaels–TK actually went overboard on the headbands, and bought himself a few more pairs from Michaels and also plans on ordering some from Amazon for Christmas and Hanukkah. He’s going to keep the collection in his locker and to wear on calls, especially if they have kid patients. 

They hop out of the ambulance and hang a wreath on the outside of the door before stepping back to admire their handiwork. 

The ambulance softly glows from the multicolor Christmas lights, and the whole thing looks festive and cheery, as do the paramedics of the 126 with their reindeer antlers. 

TK looks up at Nancy with a big smile, “Cap is gonna love this.”

“I hope so,” Nancy bites her lip as she looks over the rig. “Are you sure we didn’t go overboard?” 

“We’re spreading holiday cheer, Nance, it can’t get much more wholesome than that,” TK laughs. 

“What is going on down here?” Tommy walks up to the ambulance with her clipboard and a confused smile. “I thought y’all were restocking the bus.”

“Nah,” TK grins. “We were actually adding to the inventory.”

“What is all this?” Tommy looks between her two reindeer and the decorated bus.

“Is it okay?” Nancy asks, worrying at her lip again. “We can take it all down if it’s too much. It’s just I saw some other ambulances on TikTok doing similar and I thought we could surprise you.”

“Nancy,” Tommy laughs, reaching out to squeeze her shoulder. “I love it. It’s perfect.”

“Go look closer, Cap,” TK grins. “Check out everything we did.”

Tommy does move closer, she laughs at the stockings with their initials, “B Crew is going to be jealous of that,” she remarks.

“I got them stockings too,” Nancy admits. “I’ll hang them up when our shift is over.”

“That’s sweet!” Tommy shakes her head. “All of this is so sweet. You guys did a great job.”

“Really?” Nancy’s eyes light up. “You really like it?”

“I really, really needed this. Come here, both of you.” Tommy pulls her team into the biggest hug. “This is the best Christmas gift.”

[honey-and-sims]

Despite having fallen on hard times, Winifred took it upon herself to host a party on Christmas Eve with all their loved ones. Back in the workhouse, they were lucky to afford anything better than porridge for dinner. But now that she had a family of her own she was determined to make it special.

Millie, Beth and Louise could not allow her to do all the cooking alone so they each put on their aprons and happily got to work beside her. They spent most of the afternoon in the kitchen preparing for the dinner, sounds of laughter heard above whisks mixing doughs and icing frantically inside porcelain bowls.

Valerie began helping herself to the wine intended for cooking early on in the day, already causing her to become a little tipsy before they'd even put the ham in the oven. Beth of course was the first one to scold her, but with Ozzy nearby, she wouldn't raise her voice. Instead, she put her hands on her hips with disproving eyes and a scowl of disappointment. It was moments like these where Winifred couldn't help thinking that Beth truly was meant to be someone's mother.

Ozzy remained close while the women worked. He wasn't a shy child by any means and soaked up all the attention he got from everyone telling him how adorable his Christmas outfit was.

At last, nearing the hour of 7 o'clock, with everyone gathered round the table wearing their finest silks, all of their hard work would be enjoyed by all.

They set up the dining table with everything they had prepared - cranberry sauce, a charcuterie board with aged cheese and sausage, potatoes grown right on the Baudelaire's farm, delicious cookies and pies for dessert, warm spiced rum and hot cocoa to drink, and best of all, a perfectly cooked ham that was from a frequent patron of the pub that had been gifted to the McAdam's.

Everyone treasured the food, knowing full well that their meal wouldn't be anywhere near as extravagant without Millie's expertise, which they all took turns admiring. Between the spiced rum, and the thrill of Christmas only hours away, they chatted excitedly between bites throughout the entirety of dinner.

Everyone went back for seconds, some even going for thirds until all of them, even the picky eaters, left the table with their bellies full.

No one could afford to give that many presents this year but not a soul amongst them seemed to mind. They each were completely content to simply enjoy each others company. Even the children, who were eager all the same to receive their new mittens and perfectly ripe oranges. Besides, they both were still too small to actually understand that they hadn't gotten much compared to others.

Lawrence had received new cotton fabric to sew himself up new work shirts and Winifred a plethora of new ink wells and paper from the McAdams. All of them received something hand-knitted from Beth, and from Millie, beautiful cross-stich embroideries to hang in their homes.

It was a terrific haul, and certainly more than anyone could ask for all things considered. However, the most surprising of all was Lawrence's gift to Winifred - two tickets to the theater come Spring - which had, of course, been suggested by Marmee.

After all the gifts had been opened, the night carried on late into the evening. Lawrence even brought out the old music box he had been gifted for Christmas nearly two decades prior and Jackson and Louise began dancing around the living room elegantly. However, drunk on rum and holiday cheer, Lawrence insisted that he and Valerie could do better.

He and Valerie were clumsy, tromping all over the others feet and losing their place in the steps to the dance. All in good fun, Millie and Winifred began cackling as they watched them, unable to contain how humorous it was to watch, while Beth dramatically hung her head in shame.

The children began to grow rather fussy, both Ozzy and Nellie awake far past their bedtimes, and the festivities had to come to an end eventually.

Winifred and Lawrence stood in the doorway, thanking their guests for coming and helping in the kitchen, as well as all their delightful new gifts. Winifred and Lawrence watched them go until they could no longer see their silhouettes in the dark, both ignoring the cold until they could no longer stand it.

The night had been exactly what they needed to forget their worries even if it couldn't last forever. While drifting off to sleep that night, everyone would reflect on what a wonderful Christmas it was, contented to have spent it together.

next / previous / first

[pommpuriinn]

₍^ >ヮ<^₎ .ᐟ.ᐟ 2023 KBS MUSIC BANK GLOBAL FESTIVAL/BEHIND THE SCENES 

‪⋅˚₊‧ synopsis‧₊˚ ⋅ the last event of 2023 for txt and of course they had to end it with a bang

Red carpet outfit | makeup | nails | hair

᧔o᧓ the flashing lights were blinding and the photographers yelling out the members names was nothing new to the group. They kept their smiles on and continued posing until the MC came to ask questions.

᧔o᧓ “Joohyung-ssi how does it feel to finally perform one of your songs with a few of your members?” The MC asked. “I’m so excited! I always wanted to do this. I hope moa are just as excited and please cheer loudly for us.” Joohyung got embarrassed towards the end making everyone chuckle.

᧔o᧓ the MC made them each turn and say something nice to another. Beomgyu looked at Joohyung and even before saying anything the photographers went crazy with snapping pictures of the couple. With the sudden action made both of laugh. Beomgyu cleared his throat before speaking, “Joohyung is the definition of a perfect idol that our group is very proud of.” It was short and sweet which made Joohyung beam at him.

᧔o᧓ Joohyung turned to Yeonjun “um…” Joohyung was getting embarrassed again. “Y-you practice so hard and I admire you a lot for how hard working you are…um yeah.”

“Noona what was that?” Yeonjun laughed while hugging a flustered Joohyung. “I’m sorry, I was put on the spot.” Joohyung covered her face with her hands. “It’s ok noona.” Yeonjun rubbed her back comforting her.

᧔o᧓ Joohyung did go viral from her abs being more defined along with her elegant looks throughout the night. With her pearly white hair color Joohyung was called ice queen all over social media.

Gotta Go outfit | makeup | hair

᧔o᧓ the second those stage lights turned on the whole venue filled with screams. The trio just had a chic aura to them with this performance. Joohyung combined the original feminine dance moves with a masculine touch to them to suit Yeonjun and Beomgyu better in the company opinion. Joohyung would still dance to the original choreo towards the end of the main chorus.

᧔o᧓ Yeonjun and Joohyung got to share the high note with each other which moas erupted with cheer. Soon after the high note Joohyung got on the floor to so you iconic leg move. This performance was definitely the talk of the night and probably the most anticipated one.

The main performance outfit | makeup | hair

᧔o᧓ during ‘CTF’ the camera zoomed in on Joohyung during her part and she gave a flirty wink causing moas to scream. During the performance Joohyung felt her hair get caught on the gems on her jean jacket, so when it was time to take them off for ‘Tinnitus’ the jacket took some of Joohyung’s hair out of her braid. She held in her whimper from the pain and continued on performing.

᧔o᧓ many people praised Joohyung for doing hard choreo in heels, singing live while dancing, and for her amazing facial expressions.

✩┈┈∘*┈୨୧┈*∘┈┈✩

Practice outfit

᧔o᧓ “I miss the memo today.” Joohyung laughed, as she looked at her pink set and the all the members dark fits. The video then cut to the members looking at Joohyung’s abs, “I’m jealous of noona.” Kai pointed at Joohyung’s stomach. “You should come with us to the gym then.” Joohyung teased Kai. “I’m lazy~”

᧔o᧓ Soobin made Joohyung practice with him for his stage with Arin from Oh My Girl. He kept on smiling and laughing at Joohyung straight face while doing such a lively dance. “Noona you have to act cute!” Soobin whined, as he kept on dancing. “Fine.” Joohyung switch to being cute making Soobin burst out laughing.

᧔o᧓ the video shows the new trio practicing for ‘Gotta Go’. “Joohyung how about we do this-” Yeonjun shows what he thinks looks better in the dance. “Let’s try it.” The three continue practicing. Joohyung even practices her singing while dancing causing moas to go crazy on twitter with all the clips of her raw vocals.

᧔o᧓ Joohyung came to support Yeonjun as he was going to film his VCR intro. “It’s looks so good.” Joohyung watched Yeonjun through the tv. Once Yeonjun came back out of breath Joohyung immediately gave him a water bottle and hugged him, “you did so good junie-ah~”

᧔o᧓ it was now Soobin’s turn to perform his duo stage and just before leaving Joohyung stopped him to fixed his hair and outfit one last time. “There, you’re perfect.” She smiled up at him. “Thank you noona.” He just wanted to squeeze her with how endearing she was being.

᧔o᧓ “woah, woah, noona you look so chic!” Taehyun big boba eyes stare at Joohyung’s whole look. “Thanks, I really love it.” Joohyung looked into the mirror while fixing little things about her stage outfit. “Want me to take photos for you?” Yeonjun asked, already getting his phone ready. Joohyung gasped, “will you?” Yeonjun hummed ‘yes’ and already started pointing the camera towards Joohyung. They spent a good 10 minutes takes pictures, some solos pics then duo, and finally many trio ones. Just before leaving to the stage Joohyung started warming up her vocals and singing her parts. “I have to make sure my voice is in good condition before going.” Joohyung did feel a bit of pressure to perform the best she can, especially with this anticipated stage.

᧔o᧓ Joohyung came back to the waiting room squealing with happiness. “We were so good! I couldn’t even hear because of the cheers.” Everyone clapped and explained how good it looked. “I heard it through my ear-ins.” Beomgyu told the camera.

᧔o᧓ the group got a little break before their main group performance since they only had to perform short versions of their individual stages because they pre recorded the day prior. Joohyung mainly just fell asleep on the couch while Taehyun and Yeonjun did mini workouts.

᧔o᧓ the camera showed Soobin watching the ‘Gotta Go’ performance. “Woah they did a good job. Noona look so pretty with her makeup.” He chuckled while fixing his ear-ins and headset mic.

᧔o᧓ finally the members were done with all their performances and the cameraman showed them walking back into their waiting room. “Look there’s a chuck of my hair stuck.” Joohyung showed the camera her white hair strands clinging into the jewels of the jacket. “Did it hurt?” Yeonjun gasped at the sight. “It did! I had to hold in the pain.” Joohyung threw the jacket onto a makeup chair. “I had to suck in the tear that was coming out because of how hard I pulled it.” Joohyung cried, as she threw herself in the couch. 

᧔o᧓ “I think moas will enjoy all of our performances from today and we really enjoy performing all of our songs.” Joohyung did a mini clap, as she spoke. “Everyone did an amazing job today. Well done!” The members clapped before saying ‘fighting!’ 

[hestzhyen]

WSJ 2024 Musings

Please pardon the self-indulgence, kind void. It's the end of the year and I give almost everything that the magazine runs a chance, so I wanna reflect on the 2024 Weekly Shounen Jump "experience". Behold the kind of hobby data I track in spreadsheets (yes I'm a lonely person, please no bully).

Format

Title (start month/year, # of chapters) - thoughts & impressions. Each category sorted from oldest title -> newest

Axed (U19 or Close Enough)

Martial Master Asumi (06/23, 32 chapters) - I liked this and I genuinely don't understand why it didn't succeed. Nito and Nao were a great duo, the sport was lovingly depicted, and the story was unfolding at a great clip while being easy to follow despite me not knowing a damn thing about MMA. Nito was kind of annoying with how hesitant he was, but he was getting a lot better right before the series was cancelled. Chalking this up to Japan's shit taste I guess.

MamaYuyu (09/23, 29 chapters) - REEEEE I LOVED THIS except for the uninspired magic system and harem elements (Minerva best girl by the way). Also had a distinct lack of Mama Yuyu despite her being in the title. The horror aspects of this were amazing though and I hope the author does a spooky series. He really has a talent for depicting the unnerving.

Two on Ice (09/23, 28 chapters) - sports series have to be super gay or super good in premise to get me to read them and this didn't qualify on either point. Not sure what I missed but guess it wasn't much.

Green Green Greens (11/23, 26 chapters) - same as above and lol golf, good luck in a magazine mostly aimed at a school-age demographic (not even the Kuroko no Basuke guy could make it work).

Shadow Eliminators (12/23, 19 chapters) - a really rough start and bad pacing combined with a generic premise killed this from the get-go, I think. It's unfortunate because the author was really cooking by putting a guy in the heroine role (listen, I have my priorities and I won't apologise for them). MC-kun's story was actually interesting too and I would have liked to see it play out longer. At least he and the heroine guy went to the cultural festival together at the end, which is easily construed as romantic when it's just two people. Oh and the ninja girl who talked through a paper bag hand puppet was super cute.

Dear Anemone (02/24, 17 chapters) - fuck you, I liked it. I love dark body horror and this was really interesting despite some jumbled storytelling once the secondary characters were introduced. Probably would have seen more success in a different magazine... or I'm just coping hard. MC-kun was also totally in love with the Best Friend Guy that he admired so much and no one can convince me otherwise.

Kyokuto Necromance (04/24, 18 chapters) - I feel bad for this author. I liked Aliens Area too, and it breaks my heart that he sounded so defeated in his final author's comments when this got cancelled. I hope he tries again because he has good ideas and characters- they just need more time to get off the ground than WSJ typically allows.

Psych House (05/24, 17 chapters) - it was cute and I read it to the end, but it was deservedly cut short for being boring as hell most of the time. I hated the little scientist girl with every fibre of my being too which didn't help since she was a recurring character. I think there were only one or two chapters I actually enjoyed and I kept reading mostly because Nemuru (bucket kid) was a really well-done portrayal of autism. Just read the chapters where MC-chan's friends stalk her and Bucket-kun around town and the one where they go out shopping for pajamas for Bucket-kun. They're the best and only really worthwhile parts of this series (not even MC-chan's drama with her mom was compelling despite the very solid premise).

Yokai Buster Murakami (06/24, 21 chapters) - knew this wasn't for me right away, and seems like a lot of Japanese readers agreed. The jokes in the first three chapters weren't particularly funny or unique so I dropped it pretty fast. Everyone who thought it was "safe" because it was in the last slot as a comedy series probably shouldn't make bets or predictions in 2025.

Finished Series

Boku no Hero Academia (07/14, 430 chapters) - I think this is the last manga of it's kind in WSJ. The end of this series means an end to the mindset of extending a popular series until it runs out of steam (One Piece is a completely different beast in it's own league). All the big hit series in recent times like JJK and KnY were allowed to tell faster, shorter stories and Kagurabachi -the next mega-hit in waiting- is poised to challenge it's predecessor's speed run statistics. But I don't think BnHA overstayed it's welcome despite dropping it a few times due to lack of interest over the years. I have issues with the execution on main themes, how certain powers were handled, and the ending felt too rushed but it really wasn't a bad series at the end of the day. It deserved the popularity and I'll be interested if the author starts up something new. Shout out to Deku and Ochako for not being a horrible couple too- they had some genuine chemistry between them, which is unusual for a WSJ series.

Jujutsu Kaisen (03/18, 271 chapters) - I'm freeeeeee. Only slightly jesting. I feel bad for the author since he was in poor health by the end and clearly just wanted to end it, but I don't miss waiting to see how a fight turned out. JJK did that thing I dislike where characters biff and bam around a battlefield for eons without significant character development, so I read it in bursts instead of weekly until the last arc. The explanations of powers was clunky, some significant plot points weren't sufficiently followed up on for my tastes (mostly around Yuuji and his "brothers")... it was a bit of a mess of a manga but the ideas the author was trying to express were very good. I love how Yuuji got through to Megumi in the end, and what Megumi wished for, how Gojo saw himself, the blatant SatoSugu stuff, the idiot twins dynamic between Yuuji and Nobara- there was a lot of excellence in this series that got hampered by the sub-par battles. I hope Gege can rest and come back if he's still interested in doing so.

Cipher Academy (11/22, 58 chapters) - this ran a little too long to say it was "axed" but it was definitely cut shorter than the author intended. I like Nisioisin for more than his Monogatari Series stuff and I was hoping this would would stay longer, but alas. Iroha was great and I loved the unsexualized, un-haremized(?) female cast that surrounded him. I was too stupid to follow most of the codes and puzzles but that didn't stop me from checking in every week to see what went down. I also have the deepest respect for the various people who translated this series every week because it was absolute hell for them to do it even with some extra time afforded. Doing a good Nisioisin series translation without a book's worth of TL notes is already a feat, never mind trying to translate one involving tons of Japanese-language specific cryptograms and puzzles.

Limbo Series

Mission: Yozakura Family (08/19, 256+ chapters) - I'll admit I've never read this. All I know is that the jokes of it being so middling that it gets forgotten in every type of list are true because I also almost forgot to put it here. Apparently it's ending soon, so I hope the fans of it get a satisfying conclusion.

Undead Unluck (01/20, 236+ chapters) - I read this for a bit, dropped it, and don't remember why so I guess it wasn't worth following after all. Not to say it's bad, just not my speed I guess. Another series that's ending soon so I hope it goes out on a high note for the people who like it.

Kill Blue (04/23, 83+ chapters) - I tried to like this one, I really did. But I think the author would do better to stick to gay sports series that aren't golf. The premise was iffy for me but I was willing to roll with it until everything got bogged down in the haunted house arc and I dropped it out of boredom. The only notable thing this series has done done is daughterzone the middle school girl to the mid-40's(?) MC, which shouldn't be a relief but, y'know. It's not selling too hot so we'll see how long the author can coast off of the mega success of his Magical Gay Basketball series and the general lack of strong competition for spots in WSJ right now.

Nue's Exorcist (05/23, 80+ chapters) - never read this because I'm not into ecchi harem battle manga, but hope it's satisfying the people who do like it. Also not doing stellar in sales but it's not in a lot of danger either.

New Additions Still Running

Super Psychic Policeman Chojo (02/24, 44+ chapters) - I was a fan of Samon the Summoner so I gave this a chance, but it's too skewed towards referential comedy for my tastes. I do love this author's scumbag MCs though. It's not doing great or terrible in sales (for a comedy series) so far, so it's anyone's guess how long it'll last. It won't be overtaking Roboco any time soon though. Hope the Kochikame collab next issue gives it a boost to close the gap a little just because I like the author.

Astro Royale (04/24, 35+ chapters) - I was intrigued and willingly following along with this until chapter 8, at which point I dropped it like a shit-covered brick. The really unfunny transphobic "jokes" about a femme bad guy and dated gender role BS for the sister that was introduced have blacklisted this author for me forever. I don't care how much I liked the rest of the supporting cast, I don't care if the author writes a series that sells a billion copies with a single volume- I'm never going to give him a chance again unless he makes an effort to improve on how he treats women and trans people in his works (as if he'd care, I know). It's another series that isn't doing great in sales but probably isn't going to be axed imminently because it's still selling better than other stuff.

Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi (06/24, 26+ chapters) - please read this, it's got so much heart and soul! It's definitely not a perfect series -the action's nothing to write home about and the story isn't original- but the characters are top-tier and this author knows how to play with reader expectations. It feels like an earnest love letter to the essence of shounen manga that's just about found it's footing with the most recent chapters. Kiyoshi's in the same boat as Astro in terms of sales- not great, but it's being given room to see if it grows or treads water. I hope it grows because this is a joy to read almost every week.

Hima-Ten! (07/24, 24+ chapters) - the best way I can describe this after dropping it at chapter 2 is "ToraDora for people who don't want to read ToraDora in [current year]". Unfortunately I don't want to see ecchi of high school girls, so the panty shot in the second chapter made it clear this series isn't for me. It goes in the bin of "hope it does well for the target audience" titles. It's seeing some modest success, but it's got a long way to go if it wants to reach the same tier as Nisekoi and BokuBen (We Never Learn).

Ichi the Witch (09/24, 16+ chapters) - I trust the Iruma author with my life, and the artist also being a woman helped me believe that this wouldn't be a male power fantasy series despite the premise. So far it's delivered with phenomenal art and characters and a story that's just interesting enough to keep it in my mind. I do appreciate the author and artist's intentional additions of diversity through Desscaras (best girl no contest) and what could be some trans femme and/or gender non-conforming folks in a position of power. Will be looking to see how volume 1 sales fare when it comes out early next year. WSJ wants this to be a hit with the billing it gets already, though, so I hope it meets expectations!

Shinobi Undercover (09/24, 15+ chapters) - I'm honestly not sure how to feel about this series. The MC is fun to follow, and I like the main girl well enough, but it feels like this series isn't sure how to strike a balance between action and romcom plot beats. I think if it doesn't hit it's stride soon it could be in trouble. Happy to be wrong even if I end up dropping it though!

Hakutaku (09/24, 14+ chapters) - this is dead in the water and it kind of deserves to be. It's cute but there's not much else to say about it since it glosses over the interesting bits of game development and goes for emotional and cool moments that it doesn't build up enough to earn. I think the author has a passion for indie game dev but it's just not coming across that well with all the yapfests and skimming the technical bits. Then again, I'm a tech person that gets annoyed when my hobby/career/interest is simplified for non-tech people in ways I don't like, so... maybe I'm just elitist? Either way, I don't see this making it out of the U19 club with how poorly it's been doing in surveys and rankings. RIP hope the author isn't discouraged and I'll see this one out to the end.

Syd Craft: Love is a Mystery (11/24, 6+ chapters) - Bit too early to say how this one's faring, but it seems like a competent romcom. It's not a genre I like most of the time so I won't be reading further than chapter 4 but surely the BokuBen author will have another banger with this. Surely. I do like the MC at least. But it doesn't seem like it will satisfy anyone who wants actual mysteries to solve- it's a series that's firmly planted in the romcom territory while using Sherlock Holmes aesthetics for comedy.

Safe Series

One Piece (07/97, 1134+ chapters) - what is there to say about a legend? It's the face of the magazine and feels like it will be around forever despite Oda saying he wants to end it at some point. I don't have it in me to catch up with it but I respect the hell out of this series for it's popularity and longevity.

Me and Roboco (07/20, 215+ chapters) - I feel like too many jokes are lost in translation to fully appreciate this as someone who really only understands English, sadly. But it has an impressive run for a comedy series and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. If your series gets a Roboco parody, you know you've made it.

Sakamoto Days (11/20, 195+ chapters) - the action never fails to disappoint! Even if the story gets boring at points, there's always some killer art to look forward to. I'm also really digging the current arc so it's good vibes all around for this series right now. Just wish the author could decide on how far he wants to stretch realism when it comes to people's assassin techniques. It's got an anime airing in the 2025 Winter season so I hope that brings in new fans (and has good direction and animation, which is vital to sell those stunning action scenes).

The Elusive Samurai (01/21, 185+ chapters) - I'll admit it, this is a series that I'm not worldly enough to appreciate. Historical fiction is a tough sell to me to begin with and being bombarded with completely unfamiliar names, locations, and events every chapter left me feeling pretty lost. I stuck with it for a while just because I liked AssClass and Neuro so much but I had to admit defeat around chapter 60 or so. Maybe the anime would be easier to digest?

Witch Watch (02/21, 184+ chapters) - dropped it early on since it's a romcom, but it seems cute and is doing well so I hope it stays successful for it's fans. Anime soon!

Blue Box (04/21) - I liked the one-shot and the author deserves all the success from the little I've read of this. Again, not my genre, but glad to see it doing well. Hope the anime is a hit too!

Akane-banashi (02/22, 140+ chapters) - easily would be #1 for me if not for a certain edgy sword manga. The art, the story, the characters- everything comes together perfectly to weave a compelling narrative that is absolutely an odd fit for WSJ, but enriches the magazine for being present. Everyone needs to read this series! It's crazy how consistently amazing it is! You don't have to know a thing about rakugou to get invested and fall in love. The current arc in particular has been 10/10 chapters for months now and I can't recommend it enough!

*Ruri Dragon (06/22, 26+ chapters) - another "not my thing" series- I tried it before it went on hiatus and it's alright, apparently very good for people who like Slice of Life and cozy coming-of-age stories. Glad the author's feeling better and is able to keep going.

Kagurabachi (09/23, 63+ chapters) - ...do I need to say anything? I don't write hundreds of thousands of words for any series but this one. It took over my brain and I've been completely enthralled for months now- it quite literally occupies almost every waking thought. Much like Akane-banashi, all the core elements come together in an incredibly satisfying way that makes it a must-read for fans of the genre it belongs to. The action is stellar, the characters are phenomenal, the story is blisteringly fast but still being competently told for the most part, and the way sensitive topics are handled should be held up as a model for other authors to follow. If you only read one manga in WSJ, you're missing out. But make it Kagurabachi.

*Digital Exclusive (not printed in the physical magazine)

Hiatus x Hiatus

Hunter x Hunter (03/98, 410+ chapters) - I love this series, I really do. Togashi's the only author who can get me to read his novel when I signed up for a manga. I always look forward to it's return and I hope the author's health holds up long enough for him to end it in a way he's happy with. Re-reading the current arc in full when it's finished will be a fun few week's worth of political gamesmanship!

Overall Thoughts

The magazine's in an interesting period of transition right now. Many of the new series launched this year aren't generating a lot of buzz, big and middling series have ended or are ending soon, and the near-future age demographics in Japan pose some serious questions about what WSJ will do to adapt and keep selling.

The magazine is nowhere close to being in dire straits, to be clear. WSJ is more of a publication for all ages that has a lot of appeal to 12-17 year old boys at it's core. But that demographic is shrinking while the aging population grows. I think this is why the magazine is experimenting with more mature series like Kagurabachi and Chainsaw Man from a few years back- they know they can't keep the same raw sales numbers up if they rely on the core demographic as much as they used to.

The dearth of mainstay mega-hits compared to years past is also why some series like Kiyoshi and Astro are being given more grace than if they had ran a few years earlier. Neither series is doing great in terms of volume sales, but they're not obviously unpopular enough to be easy axes for something with more potential. They have breathing room for as long as there needs to be more action/battle manga in the lineup and nothing more promising comes along. They're safer than ever with Undead Unluck and Yokozora ending soon too.

If we're talking mega-hits in the making -JJK and BnHA replacements- then the only clear option right now is Kagurabachi. This isn't to put my favourite series up on a pedestal! It's just that, historically, the WSJ series that get the most attention and recognition are action series. When people think of WSJ "pillars" they think of the battle series even if a romcom is outselling everything but One Piece (happened this month with Blue Box coming in #2 for volume sales of WSJ titles).

I think Ichi the Witch can find success but it's the only one out of everything that's been released this year that I have any significant faith in, to be honest. I want Kiyoshi to do well and keep going, but it's not exactly "hit" material right now and the volume sales reflect that. Everything else is too early to say or already not doing so hot for WSJ standards.

I think this could be an opportunity for experimentation. WSJ has had a pretty consistent lineup of an ecchi series, a romcom, some comedy, a drama/mystery here and there, and a lot of action. Adding pure Slice of Life series like Ruri Dragon and Psych House shows a desire to branch out in my opinion. The success of a pure drama series with a female protagonist in Akane-banashi is also encouraging. I would definitely like to see more genres! Maybe even a proper horror series...?! I'll be looking at the new 2025 serials with a keen eye for any new trends. Maybe in a few years we'll have the "pillars" be something other than only action manga!

Alrighty, that's a wrap. Thank you if you read this and I hope 2025 is good to you. May we all find a new manga series to fall in love with! And may it survive the axe!

[tokyo-daaaamn-ji-gang]

TELL ME EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT SENJU

Everything Everything? That's maybe a lot but sure

She is the leader of brahman and created the gang along with Wakasa, Benkei and Takeomi to beat Mikey.

Her full name is Senju Akashi however she prefers to go by Senju Kawaragi because she likes how mysterious having another name is.

She likes chocolate mint ice cream

Senju values her family a lot and wants them close by. This mainly seems to include her two older brothers, Takeomi and Sanzu.

She doesn't have any friends her own age when she meets Takemichi.

Senju loves festivals/ fayres and used to go to a specific one with Takeomi and Sanzu as a kid.

As a child she was constantly chasing after Mikey, Sanzu and Baji.

She was also raised by Takeomi (and partially her Grandmother since her dad worked a lot).

One time she took Mikey's toy plane to play with, accidentally broke it and then lied saying it was Sanzu who broke it. This caused Sanzu's scars and Senju to live with the guilt for years.

She blamed herself for Draken's death

Senju also hid her true fighting abilities from Takeomi as a way to protect him from corruption.

She spent a lot of time fighting and Benkei and Wakasa's gym and beat all the guys there. It's implied they helped train her.

Sanzu was the one who taught her to fight as a kid

She enjoys shopping

In one timeline she sacrifices her life to save Takemichi's

She's very good at switching her personality from fun to serious (much like Mikey).

In the final timeline she ends up being a youtuber with Sanzu.

In the final battle she takes on the role as 5th division captain of toman but in the good timeline she's the 5th division vice captain.

She gets told to be more girly often

She tried to make friends with Hakkai but he ignored her because she's a girl and Senju assumed he didn't like her.

She tried her best to stop Wakasa and Benkei from killing Taiju. She also had no idea why they were with kmg and looked kinda upset by it.

Senju once kicked Baji because she thought he was a random guy bullying Emma when it turns out they were just practicing martial arts.

Senju is ranked #2 on the worst drivers list

She is also ranked #2 on the best singers list

She is ranked #1 on the big eaters list

She is #3 on longest eyelashes

And is #1 on worst with words

As well as being #2 on the not needy when dating

She is 154cm, 48kg

Her birthday is the 10th of September 1991 (virgo)

A is her blood type

Everyone knows her as the unmatched Senju

Cherry blossom pink is her image colour

She likes to be conspicuous

She dislikes Takeomi when he intrudes

The octopus hold is her special skill

Antonio Inoki is her admired person

She is scared of no one

Her dream is to be a star

While in toman in the good timeline she's part of a group with Kazutora and Peh where they try to take down Mikey, she's the only one who's serious about it though.

She likes reading manga

Because Sanzu is often banned as the 5th division captain she seems to take over his duties a lot.

She hates getting wet

She lives with Takeomi (at least during the brahman arc)

She has a penguin plushie

She also has a lot of training equipment in her house

She has no problems taking Takeomi's card

[celedyn]

All I Want For Winter Veil 2024

<<Bells, Bows, Gifts, Trees by Todrick Hall>>

The lights rise on the stage to a bare fir tree surrounded by an absolute abundance of boxes, each of them neatly labeled with all the accoutrements one could possibly need for a perfectly picturesque Winter’s Veil.

Celedyn struts onto the stage, shopping bags in tow, wearing a voluminous gown of holly green taffeta beneath a matching bodice sculpted to the perfect likeness of his own bare chest, sleeveless to leave his neckline unadorned save a classic string of pearls.

Celedyn sets the bags down and gives a twirl, dress lifting enough for just a peek of gold tulle before he leaps to land seated on a box. He blows a kiss to the audience, mindful to not stamp ruby lipstick on the pristine ivory of his gloves.

Celedyn uses another box as a desk, withdrawing a sheet of parchment titled ‘To Greatfather Winter.’ The page is already filled with line after line in teenty tinty print, and he adds a second and third behind it, tucking them into an envelope.

Celedyn puts that bit of mail aside and starts on the next, plucking up a holiday card to sign. The front shows Celedyn, gift wrapped in nothing more than ribbons and bows. He seals the envelope with a kiss, and flings it out into the crowd.

Celedyn kicks up his heels, hopping back to the floor. From a box he withdraws a sprig of mistletoe… then tosses it away, reaching deeper. He pulls out an entire mistletoe garland, dragging it across the floor to hang above the front of the stage.

Celedyn admires his work, then looks over his shoulder, giving a playful wiggle of his hips. Next, he grabs a pair of Winter’s Veil crackers, crossing his arms and offering the ends to Cerala before giving a pull with a loud pop and spill of glitter.

Celedyn withdraws a toy ring from his own cracker, tucking it onto his gloved finger, pretending to admire it before placing the paper crown atop his platinum hair. He offers a few indulgent poses to the audience before turning his attention to the tree.

Celedyn takes the crown from his head and stands up on his very tip toes, one foot lifted daintily as he slips the crown atop the tree. That’s certainly not enough. The high elf trots over to a large box labeled ORNAMENTS, shoving it across the stage.

Celedyn hangs trinket after trinket, a marvelous mis-matched collection that speaks to a life well lived and a world well traveled, a twinkling display curated from every corner of Azeroth is so many shapes and colors that it’s almost overwhelming.

Celedyn glides over to the place he set his shopping bags and starts withdrawing wrapping supplies. Brightly colored paper, ribbon, gleaming scissors, several rolls of tape, an assortment of bows, tags, glitter, and other little bits of decor.

Celedyn laughs and sweeps it all right back into a box. He reaches into his shopping bag and of COURSE the high elf paid the fee to have it all gift wrapped at the shop. He sets the presents one by one around the tree, arranging them just-so.

Suddenly Gertrude bounds onto the stage, perfectly decked in a pair of plaid pajamas and dragging an elf-sized set in her mouth. Rushed, Celedyn buttons the top right over his gown and scoops her up as he smiles for a S.E.F.I.E.

Celedyn sets the pup down and divides a bowl of popcorn, giving half to Gertrude before he starts threading popped kernels onto a string. He tries to speed things along, stabbing the needle haphazardly into the bowl to string several at once.

Celedyn sighs and pulls out a glass with a layer of frozen cranberries and sprig of rosemary for a miniature winter scene. He tops it with champagne, admiring the way the bubbles create a perfect snow globe cocktail… until the ice dislodges and floats up.

Celedyn flicks the festive little island from his drink and downs it in one pull as he crosses the stage, dragging the popcorn train to add it and a few he previously made to the tree.

Celedyn gets part way through, then simply decides it’s too much, and lugs the tree against a wall. He stares haggardly a moment… then pushes it into a corner, so he only has to decorate a single visible face.

Celedyn dusts off his gloves and moves on to unwind with a bit of fun with the gingerbread house. He pipes dollops of frosting and gets three whole candies pressed to the roof before it collapses under the unreliable structural integrity of moist sugar.

Celedyn gives a withering glare to the gingerbread ruin and sweeps the mess into a nearby box. His eyes shoot wide as he realizes what he has done, reaching in to pull his and Gertrude’s stockings from the box, shaking the frosted crumbs off.

Celedyn holds up the stockings, one peppermint still clinging to them as he looks for a place to hang them, just wanting his hands free. With a huff he drapes them over a tree branch; absentmindedly wiping the residual frosting on his gown.

<<Ringtone by Nokia>>

Celedyn startles as he hears the chiming sound. The high elf reaches into his pocket (of course his gown has pockets) and withdraws his comm, pressing the text-to-speech button.

ㆍHey Celedyn! I wanted to invite you to a chill little Winter’s Veil hangout next weekㆍ

ㆍWe’re not doing anything major, we’re keeping it all low key. Everyone’s just bringing three types of cookies to swap.ㆍ

Celedyn sighs and lets his shoulders slump defeatedly. He lifts his comm to check his schedule, only to find the message continuing on.

ㆍThen after that we’re going to make hot cocoa bombs and then go out to that hill near my place for sledding, then on the way back we’re going to circle the neighborhood for a round of caroling and then my boyfriend is going to have his cart-ㆍ

Celedyn stares at the comm like it is his greatest betrayer, slowly, ever so slowly sinking to his knees as his dress pools around him, lost in a sea of taffeta and tulle.

ㆍall done up like Father Winter’s sleigh, so we’re going to take that to the tree farm, you know the one where they let you cut the tree down by yourself with rudimentary tools and no supervision whatsoever?ㆍ

ㆍOh! And make sure you bring ice skates because they ha—!ㆍ

Celedyn slaps the comm shut and flops back, utterly vanishing from sight as he lets his arm fall. There is nothing, and one almost wonders if the performance has ended and a stagehand will come to sweep him offstage like a luxurious pile of dust.

<<SWEATPANTS by Alaska Thunderfuck>>

Celedyn rises like an abomination from its slab, sitting up to stare dead eyed out at the crowd. His shimmered lips move, matching to the lyrics of the song.

“I don’t wanna party…”

“I don’t wanna dance…”

“I just wanna stay at home…”

“In sweatpants.”

Celedyn slowly, steadily, exhaustedly draws himself to his feet. His eyes wander over the decor strewn about the stage. Audacious. Garish. Harrowing.

Celedyn touches a gloved hand to his face, only to discover the remnants of frosting on the fingers, then looks down to see the smudge on his gown. Betrayal.

Celedyn gazes into the distance as he peels the gloves off, dropping them. He removes his heavy chandelier earrings, basking in the ecstasy of discarded weight. He starts forward, but trips on his gown. The heels are next to go, tossed carelessly upstage.

Celedyn furrows his brow as bare feet step forward, focused on a figure in the audience, his face is a mixture of emotions. Confusion. Tentativeness. Intrigue. Perhaps even… hope? His hands lift, touching his pearls as he considers the possibility…

“SWEATPANTS!”

Celedyn grips his bodice and gives a great pull, tearing the garment open. As the taffeta sags to the floor in a dejected heap, he is born fresh, bare chested, wearing an unassuming pair of heather grey sweatpants slung low and relaxed on his hips.

Celedyn turns his back to the audience and bends over, the unrestrictive, stretchy fabric showing off every comfortable curve of his ass as he casts a sultry look from behind his knee, running his hands up his long, exceptionally cozy leg as he stands.

Celedyn whips around and drops to his knees, enjoying the adequate fleece padding as he crawls forward, his eyes affixed on Fiorenze. His thighs spread as he kneels, raking his nails over sturdy, reliable cloth, then up his chest, into his hair.

Celedyn winks, then kicks a leg up and over to stand once more, giving a flirty little shake of his rear before trotting to the pile of presents.

Celedyn grabs a gift from the pile, tossing it to Fiorenze, but that most certainly isn’t all! The high elf starts tossing box after box into the crowd!

As the gifts are unwrapped, what to their wandering fingers should appear? Sweatpants, obviously! Pink with glittered kisses, green with pugs in winter hats, murlocs frolicking in cocktail glasses, Greatfather winter with a very generous… present.

Somehow, each end every pair is perfectly sized to their recipient. After tossing the last package, Celedyn snatches up the tree skirt and sweeps it up over his head, draping himself in plush velvet as Gertrude prances back onto the stage.

Celedyn scoops the little pug up, tucking her into his arm. He retrieves his champagne bottle, taking a swig directly from it, blows a kiss to the crowd, and shuffles cozily off.

@fio-renze

[joels-darlin]

Dear Diary...

Pairings: pre-outbreak!Joel Miller x reader, CEO!Joel (sort of)

Warnings: Angst, hurt, sadness, Joel has been an ass basically, mentions of Christmas

Summary: Heart break affects people in different ways; some thrive and others fall into the deep pit of darkness. Its been two weeks and after a bunch of sporadic entries we are checking in with diary again.

Word count: 804

Author Note: We seem to be cooking on gas here, the words just keep tumbling from my brain and I have had my fingers on the keyboard at any given opportunity. Probably going to wrap this up in the next chapter and see what else the writing gods can bless me with. It’s not my finest work I’ll be honest but I have enjoyed writing this recently, its been a great method of distraction.

Hope you all enjoy and promise things will get a lot happier <3 Read on AO3!

Chapter 2: Coping

~ ~

Dear Diary,

Each day is different and I feel like I am on the never ending rollercoaster of emotions at the moment. Some days have their ups but more than often they are downs. It all sounds silly, but more time has passed and everything still feels as raw as the day it all unfolded. The heavy ache in my chest is only ever numbed when distracted or sleeping. See it doesn't just hit at night time or even at the weekends, when I am trying to fill the void. It hits as soon as I wake up. When I’m having a sort of positive day. When with friends. Or work. Or eating dinner. It always hits me. A negative force that sweeps in a renders me completely useless and vulnerable.

Everything is a reminder, every place visited. Objects around the house once considered gifts, the commute to work that passes the same coffee shop every single day. All now just painful memories. Will those get easier with time? I don’t know, I guess that’s what we attempt to find out.

In my head I am still trying to figure out the how’s and the why’s: How are you not feeling like this?, Why have you been able to move onto the next one as if I don’t exist? I want to reach out and talk, maybe clear the air, but no Joel you have made that difficult. You can’t just feed someone hope, expectation, more importantly love and then completely vanish into thin air - there are unanswered questions. I need closure, let me heal please. I have considered writing a letter, but honestly, he ain’t even worth my time anymore. I’ll save myself the hassle.

The closest ‘interaction’ I’ve had was running into his brother Tommy. Its not how I imagined the weekly food shop would go but I can’t lie, he was a gentleman. Even bought me a coffee from the Bakery next door whilst we chatted, all about Joel of course. Said he would give his brother a good ‘shakin’ for the way he has treated another human being. It was nice, I felt like I had someone in my corner for once. I hope Tommy stays true to his word, you need to know what you did Joel.

Christmas is around the corner but I do not feel an ounce of joy inside me. The festive spirit this year well and truly dimmed. Gifts have been purchased but lay unwrapped in the bags that frequent the floor of the spare room. It was that feeling; that just maybe this Christmas was going to be an extra bit special compared to others. Many promises of evenings spent venturing round the neighbourhood admiring the pretty lights - hot chocolates in hand. Visits to the local ice rink, markets and even weekends craft fairs. Except in truth he would’ve found a way out; the usual excuses of client meetings, crisis at the office etc. That man wasn’t just fucking his ex-wife, he was married to the job. It’s just painful to think about him doing all those things with someone else and it probably being her. Praying I don't run into them at any point, that would be awkward…yikes.

On top of all the negative scribbles recently one thing that has been keeping me afloat are books. It’s a nice distraction to immerse yourself into a different universe, even if I have been staying up til the early hours saying “just one last chapter” - it never is! I might have found a replacement for the coffee shop, I spend my weekends at the local library or the many bookstores in town; always on the hunt for something new. Which reminds me new shelves are needed soon, the purchases are starting to pile up. A few flyers have been going up around the city advertising a book club, something I might consider. Might be good to get out and meet new people and who knows what can happen. Probably a better experience than being back on those dating apps, I can honestly say I lasted a week. Consider me off the scene for awhile.

Attempting to consistently write in here has been difficult, you can probably see that from the half scribbled entries or even just bullet points on the days I really had to force myself to do this. As good as it is for getting things out of my head, some days I am just numb and want to crawl into bed. I won't neglect you again though diary, I promise. There’s a new year ahead and I am determined to get back to the old me.