#New York City Christmas Light Tours

[limorentalnyc101]

New York Holiday Lights Tour Limos

Experience the magic of the holiday season in New York City with a luxurious Holiday Lights Tour in a limo! Glide through iconic streets, from the sparkling Rockefeller Centre to the dazzling displays along Fifth Avenue, all from the comfort of a chauffeured limousine. Perfect for families, couples, or groups, these tours offer a cozy and elegant way to see the city’s festive lights. Book your…

[enam3l]

Hi Mona!

I love your rockstar!eddie series!

I know request for him are closed for now, but when you decide to open up request again, I wanted to leave this here so that I won't forget.

Rockstar!Eddie coming back home after touring and he's so touch starved and deprived of you. So, when he comes home he ravishes you. He catches himself asking you if he's too rough and you're thinking he's NOT rough ENOUGH because you're just as deprived of him.

I hope have a winter/December and a great new year!

thank you angel! and you know what? because you've all enjoyed our rockstar eddie christmas request week, i'll give you guys one last fic. don't worry if i didn't answer yours. i will do them all i either A. just didn't get round to it or B. want to do it at a certain point cos i need to cover some other plots first

three fucking weeks (rockstar eddie x reader) 3.6k / mega smut from start to finish / fluff

this is for everyone who got involved in the xmas request week because of that, i've hit 700 followers. so here is my biggest smut fic yet before rockstar eddie goes on hiatus for a couple of weeks. this one ends on a cliffhanger! but you might want to refer to here to work it out... maybe then you'll also know what happens in the next fic

you can see all rockstar eddie x reader stories and lore at #enam3ls rockstar eddie or the masterlist! and check out my new series love, lola

 February 1993. 

The last words you'd heard from Eddie were muffled from the other side of a bad telephone line. Although the sound warped by the the airport's tannoy and bustling passengers, you heard his lust filled words clear as day. 

 'The second I get home, I'm going to ruin that pretty little pussy.' 

Three weeks since you'd seen Eddie. Three long arduous weeks since you had felt his touch. Corroded Coffin stowing away in a Joshua Tree music studio, hoping the barren surroundings would inspire new music. The writing process intermittently broken up by a series of gigs at intimate venues around California. Back in New York, the greatest city in the world had become the dullest in Eddie's absence. With damn Steve having swept your best friend off her feet you hadn't even anyone else to occupy your free time. Between your working hours, you'd managed to rearrange the bedroom, paint the living room and spend your months wages in retail therapy. But finally your boy was coming home and you couldn't lie, you were fucking horny. 

Left to your own devices for the best part of a month, no toy compared to Eddie. Your touch incomparable to the sparks he could ignite on your skin with just a featherlight stroke. Vibrator redundant now your body knew the sensation of Eddie's mouth humming against your clit. Dildo a mere cheap imitation of the way Eddie overwhelmingly filled your holes perfectly. By now the flight had landed, it was just a waiting game until he came through that door and you could show him how much you missed him. 

The front door slams open, handle cracking into the wall, sure to leave a dent but Eddie didn't care - he was eager. 

'Sweetheart, I'm homeee!' he sings. 

Bags carelessly discarded on the floor, all he can think about is being back in your arms. 

'Baby? I'm back!!' he shouts again. 

Eddie strips his jacket and kicks off his boots, giving you a chance to reply but to no avail. 

'Y/N? What the fuck, where are you...'

When entering the apartment, he'd been too excited to even realise the lights were off, the entire place seeming desolate. Socked feed pad along the hardwood floors as he moves further into your shared home. Kitchen? Empty. Bathroom? Empty. Study? Empty. It's only as he catches himself from slipping that Eddie notices a trail of petals leading from the front door into the bedroom, where the door sits ajar. Too wrapped up in wanting to see you, he'd failed to notice. Now he realises a soft glow seeping through the cracks. Grinning in anticipation as he pushes the door open. 

'Mother of god,' Eddie gasps as if the wind had been knocked out of his lungs. 

The lights are dimmed low, only aided by candlelight which together illuminates your reclining figure on the bed. His eyes scan your body, drinking in the sight he'd been longing for. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that sight could improve. Your cute toes wiggle in black stockings that travel up your legs and cut off at the meat of your thigh. Even with your legs crossed, Eddie can see a tiny black material that barely covers your pussy. Then your torso is adorned in a black bustier, hooks travelling up to where a deep v cut finished below your sternum; breasts spilling out of the ruffled cups. His cock twitches at the thought of ripping the hooks open. Your neck and collarbones are exposed, soft, delicate skin waiting to be marked by his lips. And then there's your face. Eyes sparkling at him, full of lust and love. Mouth struggling to keep a grin at bay. The face he went to sleep thinking about every night, woke up from dreams about and spent the day with it in mind as he tried to write music. Your arm reaches out, hand beckoning Eddie forward. 

'Hi Eds. I missed you... too much.' 

Your head nods down to his crotch now. Too lost in the vision before him, Eddie hadn't noticed the way his cock had hardened to the point of straining against his jeans. 

'I think you should probably take your clothes off and come and say hello,' you smirk. 

Instantly, he's scrambling. Head barely able to form a coherent thought aside from how he needs to touch you right now. T-shirt flings to one side of the room and socks to another. 

'Sweetheart... I - fuck. You look like a dream. I'm scared I'm still on that fucking flight or delirious in the stupid desert,' Eddie pants as he scrambles with the buckle of his jeans. The second his aching cock springs free you let out an inadvertent moan. As soon as his body is entirely freed of fabric constraints, he's hurling himself onto the bed and crawling up towards you. 

Eddie's lips kiss every inch of you as he moves upwards. His lips need to reacclimatise to the body he knows better than his own. Kisses pressed from the tips of your toes, your kneecaps, covering your thick thighs and then lingering on your poorly concealed cunt. He hisses as he leans in towards your mound, able to smell your arousal. Lips kiss the satin fabric of your thong and the skin it fails to cover. You're unable to stop your hips from involuntarily bucking as soon as he's near the place that's longed for him. Eddie's hands find yours and your fingers intwine, both of you gripping tightly at the other. Desperate to never let the other slip away for such a prolonged period again. Kisses litter up your sternum then across your pushed up cleavage. Once he reaches the plains of your collar and neck, Eddie indulges himself. Lips sucking marks onto the skin that's looking far too bare due to his absence. Teeth nipping gently causing those giggles that make his heart and cock swell. And finally, your faces are level, his hovering above yours. 

The pair of you just stare for a moment. Absorbing the person you'd both been lost without; reacquainting with every freckle, blemish or fleck of colour in each eye. Both of your hands have traveled up to cradle the other's face. Your fingers twirl the curls that frame Eddie's face, pushing them away so you can fully appreciate your pretty boy. 

'My pretty boy, I love you.'

Your noses rub against each other. Even this close, vision slightly obscured, you can see the blush that creeps up on his cheeks at the nickname. 

'I love you too, sweetheart. Gone crazy without you.'

Humming in agreement, you tug at his hair. 

'Feral,' you whine. 

Eddie chuckles in a warm, sexy way that travels to your core. His eyes look down at your body beneath him, admiring again the outfit you'd chosen. Retracting a hand from your face, travelling it down your side before he slides it between your thighs. The string of the thong wet with your arousal as he pulls it from between your lips, then pings it back. The brief contact making you whine. 

'Yep, I think you are feral, my love. Think I oughta do something 'bout that.' 

'Plea-'

Your plea is cut off as Eddie's lips crush into yours. The sweet kisses that had covered your body are gone, replaced by desperate wet ones. It's seconds before the kisses are open mouths, tongues flicking against each other. Hips pressing towards the other, frantically seeking friction. Both of you whine into each others mouth as you begin to hump. You push your hips up, legs spread achingly apart to trap Eddie between. In return, he presses hard against you. Thick length bearing down on your clit, occasionally sliding between your wet pussy. You're both groaning and grinding, transformed once more into hormonal teenagers and whilst it's good, it's not enough. 

'Gotta stop,' Eddie pants, 'this isn't - isn't how I wanna cum with you.'

You're unable to reply because your teeth are sinked into his shoulder to stifle the embarrassing moans scratching to come out. Never in your life have you been this pent up. Eddie tears his crotch away from yours, crawling back down your body. His hands, rough from weeks of constant guitar practice, firmly grip your thighs, keeping them apart. Doing so causes the thong to ping between the lips of your cunt which are now spread. His tongue flickers over his lips at your glistening wetness.

'Baby she's desperate... going to eat your cute little pussy now, 'kay? Missed her taste.'

You've been stifled by the built up desire, unable to produce anything but pathetic whinnies. But now you grab his hair harshly, yanking his head back up before his tongue can touch you. Wide eyed at your hard tug, Eddie looks up. 

'No!' You snap. 'Spin the fuck around and get on top of me. Need to taste you too.'

The sternness in your voice has the ability to scare him in the way every authority figure has previously failed. Careful not to squash you, Eddie turns around, swinging a leg over so he's straddling you and then slowly reverses until his crotch hovers near your face. Usually you'd be on top so now he's far too aware of his weight. But the firm grip on his ass that tugs him down makes him to cave. Instantly Eddie's thick cock is bottoming out in your throat. Tears well in your eyes but you groan, pleased that his taste and smell now dominate your senses. 

The luring natural musk of his skin and the slight salted taste of precum that had beaded on his tip. 

The moment he sinks into your mouth, his teeth sink into the dough of your thigh - the pleasure sudden and overwhelming for him.

'Oh fuck-' Eddie sobs into your skin as you adjust and start to bob your head up and down his length. 

Resting on his knees allows him to thrust in time with your movements, fucking his cock into your warm mouth. Eddie dives his face into your cunt, hand lifting away the thong that prevents him from burying his tongue deep into your folds. Humming at the taste he's been dreaming of for weeks. The vibrations cause you to gargle against his dick. After a few swipes of his tongue, lapping up the pool of arousal that had formed, he finds your clit. Tongue flickering over the enlarged bud, already feeling better than your fingers and vibrator had. Instantly, you spread your legs wider, granting him more access. Now he latches on, suckling at your clit desperately. The pair of you lie there, contorted to suck feverishly at the most sensitive parts of each other's body. It's overwhelmingly intimate and carnal. Something neither of you would've done for any previous lover. 

Now, Eddie lets his hand travel towards your hole that he knows is begging to be filled. Two large fingers plunge inside your cunt and instantly he feels your walls contract against him, eager to maintain the fullness. Your throat contracts in response as you moan at his fingers penetrating you. Eddie continues his assault on your clit as his fingers fuck into you. The pair of you forlorn in pleasure, you whimpering against his cock as he moans against your clit. Mimicking his movements and desperate to reward him, you bring your hand up to his exposed ass. You grab and knead the fat of his asscheek before letting a finger rub gentle circles round the rim. Immediately, Eddie breaks contact with your clit.

'Oh shit, please, baby, please,' he begs. 

Now you're warmed up, he slips in a third finger. As if to encourage you to go further with your own movements against his hole. You want to coo at his begging but your mouth is too full of his perfect cock. Applying firmer pressure as you circle his hole, you feel him ready. Finally you finger slips into his asshole, it's hot and desperate for attention. Walls pulsating against your finger. 

The pair of you mirror the other now. Fingers fucking into the other at the same pace, growing more brutal by the minute. Your mouths sucking and licking at the other's sensitive spot. Knowing both of you will only last a few minutes at this overwhelming pace, Eddie breaks away. 

'Y/N we gotta stop. I'm so close and I need to fuck you. Sweetheart, I gotta be inside you'.   

Eddie pulls himself out of your mouth, allowing you to instantly gasp for the extra air his thickness had been blocking. He moves back so your eyes can meet again, large warm hand cupping your cheek. 

'You okay?'

You nod as you catch your breath. 

'Yeah, Eds. Please, please fuck me. I need to cum,' you beg. Unbothered at the slight patheticness to your tone. 

Eddie removes your thong entirely now. 

'We both know that was doing nothing,' he laughs. 

Without guidance, you're putting your legs over his shoulders; an unsubtle hint that you need him now and you need him deep. He takes his length and lines himself up with your entrance. Then, three weeks of longing are broken as he thrusts into you. Too overwhelmed with wanting to even slowly enter you. Eddie is instantly bottoming out, balls pressed to your asshole as you wail at finally being filled. 

'Oh jesus - yes Eddie!' 

The volume and anguish in your moan takes even him back. He's never heard you be this desperate and it triggers something primal in him. Instantly he's thrusting into you fast and hard. Each unrelenting push jiggling your breasts further out the corset. 

'God I missed - ugh - this tight little pussy,' he grunts. 

You need even more. Your fingers yank at the hooks of the top until it parts and your tits finally spill out. Eddie moans at the sight. Instinctively, he's latching onto your hard nipples, folding your body in half to do so. Now he's sucking at your breast and fucking you deeper and it's still not enough. You're greedy in a way you've never been before. Making their way around his back, one hand finds his head, pushing him close to your breasts as your nails scratch his scalp. The other hand seeks his ass, squeezing it until you retract your touch and then crack your palm hard against his soft cheek. 

Instantly Eddie bolts up from your chest, staring at your eyes, wild. The warm chocolate of his iris, eclipsed by blown out pupils. 

'Did you just fucking spank me, sweetheart?' he chokes out. 

Now he's upright you're no longer able to reach so you seek a new method of showing him how you want it. Your hand now clutches at his throat, Adam's apple bobbing against the stretch of skin between your spread thumb and forefinger. 

'Yes and I'll do it again.'

You sound like a brat and you have no remorse. Three weeks of pent up frustration is now rearing its head. Eddie puts his hand over yours and squeezes it, encouraging you to tighten the grip at his throat. He's continuing to fuck you but his pace has slowed, intrigued by this turn. 

'Sweetheart,' he coos, 'what has gotten into you? I like it.'

With one hand flexing across his throat, your free one takes his and pulls it to your mound. Encouragingly placing it over your clit. Grinning, Eddie's fingers rub firm circles over it as he languidly thrusts into your cunt. Although at a slow pace, his cock plunges deep into you. Hitting the sweetest, most filling spot and then dragging torturously along it. The movements have your hard exterior crumbling and whining under him. 

'You- you were gone... I was... was so fucking horny. Couldn't c-cum,' you're gasping now. Eddie's motions along with the way the chocolate of his eyes appears molten at your confessions. 

'Not with you. Needed you... Eddie. Tried everything.' 

He bends down to give you a deep kiss. Years together and yet he remains in shock that you need him as much as he needs you. He hopes this kiss will wipe away your cute little pout. 

'Couldn't even play with your toys?' he murmurs, intoxicated by how fucked out you look beneath him. You shake your head, hands wrapped around his neck, thumbs stroking his skin. 

'Okay, baby. I'll make you cum, yeah?'

'Please Eds,' you beg. 

The smile that appears from hearing your pleas is heartaching. Then he starts concentrating on thrusting into you again. Speeding up his movements, languid pace abandoned. But it's not enough, the earlier momentum lost. 

'No,' your hands tighten on his throat, 'like before. Harder.'

'It wasn't too hard?'

The nails that dig into his Adam's apple tell him the answer before you do. 

'No. I want you to make me fucking cry.'

'Fuck, fuck baby, yeah okay.'

Instantly Eddie is folding you again, arms braced either side of your head as he towers over. Your knees press up near your shoulders. His pace quickens, fucking you senseless. The drawn out process of this evening has left you dripping. Sounds of wetness filling the room as he plunges back into you each time. 

'Hear that fucking sound, best music I ever heard,' he groans. 

Your hand seeks his ass again and you repeat your earlier actions. Spanking him again. The crack against his skin ringing even louder than the squelch of your cunt. 

'Oh fuck yeah,' Eddie cries, 'again.' 

The spanking repeats, each time you do it, his pace somehow quickens. Your clit is throbbing now, aching for touch again. You hand wedges between your bodies and you whimper as you relieve the ache. 

'Wait,' Eddie's shifting over you, 'from behind, wanna fuck you from behind. Only I get to play with your clit.' 

His voice is strained, you know he's at the edge of cumming. Eddie gets off the bed, standing and tugging your ass towards him once you're on your knees. The moment he slams back into you, your back caves into a deep arch and you both moan. 

'Yes, that's it!' he cries. 

Eddie wraps his arm under you, finding your clit and continuing his assault. Fingers pressing harder and covering a greater expanse than you ever could. The fast circles in time with his cock fucking into you. From behind he goes deeper, pressing against that one spot with growing frequency. 

'More,' you demand. 

He leans forward until his mouth latches onto your shoulder. Like this, he's prevented from pulling out far and instead it feels as if he's humping you. It's dirty and animalistic and it's what you needed. 

'Ed, I'm close.' 

His teeth sink into you now causing you to cry out, giving you exactly what you asked for. 

'Look at you... fuckin mess sweetheart... all cos you couldn't get my cock.' 

The tightness in your abdomen increases and Eddie feels how your cunt clenches round him like a warning. 

'Shit,' you cry 'please please come inside me.' 

Eddie instantly pulls you up so your back is flush against his chest. Fingers still toying your clit that has begun to ache from stimulation. His free arm wraps around you too, hand shaking around your throat to gently grip. Plush lips seek out your neck, pressing encouraging kisses as you near your climax. 

'Don't you worry baby...' he grunts against your neck. 

'Daddy is going to fill you up good.'

The nickname pushes you over

'Eddie,' you cry as you come. Three weeks have of build up, only worsened by tonight's teasing, come shattering down in a climax. 

'Holy fuck y/n,' Eddie chokes. 

He's realised before you and it takes you a moment to clock that you've squirted. Spraying over Eddie's cock and the sheets. He grunts like a feral beast at the sensation. An additional wet warmth showering over him alongside the tight clench of your spasming pussy. He takes a few more drawn out thrusts, sloppy from your cum. 

'Three... weeks... worth!' 

Eddie moans your name as his comes after his final word. You feel the heat squirt up inside you and he suddenly jerks, shooting out another load deep inside. 

'Oh jesus...' Eddie whimpers as he humps at you again, 'there's more.' 

And again another burst paints your insides. Instantly you flop forward, exhausted. A subconscious part of you whispers to make sure his spend stays buried in your cunt. 

Eddie watches as you wriggle back up to the pillows, collapsing with a sigh. Knees bent, keeping your hips angled up. He crawls onto the bed and opens your legs to take in the view. Pussy puffy and blushing and completely full of his cum. 

'Tryna keep me in there?' He chuckles. 

'Yes,' you blush. 

Bringing his forehead to rest against your knee he groans. 

'Fuck sweetheart, don't tell me that. My balls ache from how much I just came but you'll get me hard again.'

The desperate look in his eyes makes you chuckle. You tug him on top of you, his head falling to your chest. Stroking his sweat matted curls, you cradle his face. Littering kisses all over him as he hums in content. 

'I missed you so much Eddie. It physically hurt.'

'I know, Y/N,' he looks up at you smirking, 'could tell. But I missed you too. Missed home.' 

Eddie snuggles into your chest. Exhausted by the sex and blissed out in your arms. This is where he belongs, always. He's certain he'll fall asleep here for the night. The question he was going to ask on his arrival will surely have to wait til tomorrow. But it's okay, he's been waiting since October - so what harm is another day? 

my taglist angels: @whoahoney@lukewearingbeanies @esme-viridian @elysian-chaos @munsonology@mseddiemunson @kreepja

[paradimeshifts7]

All my things, all in one place 🌱 ↴

Twitter | ao3

All my fics, mostly steddie:

Desperado (You better let somebody love you)

Rated E | 164k | Exes to lovers

Twelve years after tire tracks and shattered trust, Wayne's illness brings Eddie back to Hawkins.

Once Bitten (Twice Shy)

Rated E | 22k | Christmas fic

Steve’s relationship with Christmas had always been tenuous, to say the least, but it didn’t help that this was the first Christmas he would be suffering through since his ex-girlfriend had snatched up his self-esteem and taken off running the year before.

He knew it was the intrinsically romantic quality of the holiday season, and nothing more. Just his lonely bones after a year of healing from heartbreak.

But Eddie's arms around him when he needed them most were starting to feel a lot like love.

Silk Chiffon

Rated E | 6k | Library smut

Steve and Eddie visit Robin and Nancy at Emerson, and a casual stroll through the library stacks turns into the best blowjob of Steve's goddamn life.

Tooth and Nail

Rated E | 113k | Punk pop slow burn

Eddie told himself that he was done, because he wouldn’t survive another heartbreak at that boy’s hands. But he really, really needs someone to open for them on tour.

Steve has a fist full of letters by the time he arrives in Los Angeles, but the Eddie Munson he knew is nowhere to be found. Left to make sense of this new version of the friend he once bared his soul to, Steve’s just trying not to fall off the fucking deep end again.

Lover, Come Over

Rated E | 15k | EMT Eddie/Divorcee Steve

Steve Harrington is the last person Eddie expects to see sitting on the curb when he responds to the call, but there he is, looking like absolute hell.

Sometimes, love is right on time.

Apple Pie (Baked Just Right)

Rated M | 4k | Food as a love language

Three times Steve silently says "I love you", and the one time Eddie says it back.

This Little Light of Mine

Rated E | 4k | Dad fic

It begins with a cough.

Just a dry, brittle thing that starts up one Friday morning over rice cereal and apple juice.

One look at Rosie, and Eddie knew she’d pull through just fine. Kids get sick, a simple fact of life. Something Steve, surely, is aware of.

Right?

Star Light, Star Bright

Rated E | 4k | Soulmates, Dreams

Steve swore he never dreamt before the age of sixteen, his nights spent swimming alone through dark, formless slumber until suddenly — he was no longer alone.

At age twenty, he finds himself staring into a pair of familiar eyes.

The Very Thought of You

Rated E | 65k | Jazz AU

The jazz music scene explodes when world-renowned pianist Eddie Munson is spotted getting cozy with a mystery man in New York City. Journalists have managed to link the pretty face to the prestigious Harrington name, an old money family with business all over the globe and a direct link to Diana Harrington, famous jazz starlet. But reports of bad trades and schemes gone wrong are beginning to muddy the waters of this particular love story, and it’s only a matter of time before the real origins of this torrid affair emerge.

The Poem You Make of Me

Rated E | 7k | Touch-starved wlw

“Could I?” She asks, barely a whisper.

“Could you what?”

“Take care of you,” Eddie says, ducking down to press a slow kiss to Stevie’s shoulder, pausing to murmur against her skin. “Make you feel good.”

Soft as Sin (Let Me In)

Rated E | 2k | pwp

Steve Harrington was drunk, although not as drunk as he wanted to be. Definitely not drunk enough to distract him from the fact that Eddie was sleeping no more than six feet away, the curves of his body laid out on the twin bed blurred in the dark. Despite the constant swimming in his head, Steve lay still, having to remind himself to breathe every couple of moments lest he pass out from the sheer apprehension.

Sugar’s Sweet (And So Is He)

Rated E | 42k | Sugar baby Steve/lit professor Eddie

The sugar baby!Steve and lit professor/author!Eddie au, wherein Eddie is a disaster at fine dining, and Steve helps him out.

Among the Wildflowers

Rated E | 28k | Steddie BB ‘23

It was easy, letting go. At least, that’s what Eddie told himself as he watched Hawkins fade to a tiny smudge on the horizon, his whole life packed into the van and Wayne’s old truck as they fled the Indiana tree line for the high mountain valleys of Idaho. Amidst the hot, dry air and sweet sagebrush, Eddie’s mind wandered, crawling back night after night under a blanket of stars to the golden boy he left behind and the chasm in his chest that used to house his heart — whistling and waiting, a near eternal ache.

Home came together slowly, and then all at once when Steve Harrington showed up on his doorstep a year later — haggard and worn, searching for something among the wildflowers.

A tale of death, birth, and the promise of green.

Some Kind of Angel

Rated E | 6k | Accidental subspace

The one where Eddie yells at Steve, and Steve accidentally goes into subspace about it.

Strawberry Fields

Rated E | 19k | Small town romcom

So close to earning his Emmy and the life he's always wanted, Steve sets off with a cameraman to the tiny town of Mt. Harding, hoping to catch a glimpse of a winter solstice phenomenon held secret by locals. It’s not exactly the gig he’s always dreamed of, but he’ll make it work. The only problem is that he has to do it with Eddie Munson.

The Moon Doesn’t Mind

Rated E | 14k | Unconventional omegaverse

Stuck in the Upside Down, Steve and Eddie are forced to reckon with what they’ve become, and what they’ve always been.

Monster. Inhuman. Changed.

In the Garden, Under Your Hand

Rated E | 23k | Community garden au

Thrown into community service after a bad run-in with his dad, Eddie is hardly expecting the next few months to be anything of note. That is, until Steve Harrington emerges from behind a patch of sunflowers at the community garden, claiming to be his supervisor.

The Winner Takes It All

Rated E | 32k | Romcom (My Best Friend’s Wedding AU)

Later, as he was sitting on the toilet, he remembered what Steve had said: February. The wedding was in February. Eddie checked his phone, confirming his suspicion.

“Fuck,” he swore softly, and then again, “Fuck.”

A little over two months until Steve said I do, binding himself to a total stranger. Eddie wasn’t about to let his best friend get snatched up by someone who was likely not good enough for him, let alone someone Eddie had never heard of. Steve was too kind to be taken advantage of like that — too special.

How things had ended up as they had, Eddie couldn’t be sure, but one way or another, he was going to get to the bottom of it.

On the Living Room Floor

Rated T | 1k | Stobin minific

The end of the world happens on a Tuesday.

Kalahari Down

Rated E | 11k | Small town country singer Steve/Rockstar Eddie

When his tour bus breaks down just outside of Hawkins, Indiana, Eddie Munson isn’t expecting the tiny town to offer up anything more than a cheap drink and a few side eyes.

He isn’t expecting Steve.

Tempest Entire

Rated E | 20k | Lighthouse/amnesia

The shape loomed dark and odd in the middle distance, flat on the sand like some dead thing, ominous in its unrecognizability. Through the lash of salt, Eddie squinted, walking toward the shape with morbid curiosity. He felt himself pale as he came closer, a knot of dread drawing tight in his stomach, because it wasn’t a seal or any kind of plant-based lump that lay motionless on the beach.

It was a man.

Impossible Not To

Rated E | 2k | Stommy collab with @tone-mariie

Except for Steve, it had always been more than that.

I’ll Show You Hands Ready to Bleed

Rated E | 5k | Vampire Eddie

It was meant to be a casual offer.

“You could drink some of my blood, I don’t mind.”

But the moment Eddie’s pupils began to narrow at the notion, Steve knew there was going to be nothing casual about what happened next.

Evermore

Rated E | 50k | Magic/fantasy au

The blight spread quickly, ravenous in its hunger as it stretched toward the high seat of the royal city, its evil already well-known to the farmlands where the earth lay dry and cracked — where magic and its ruin had no friend.

Steve knew the labor he put forth on his father’s land would amount to nothing, but still he toiled, knowing not what else to do, the oath he’d sworn a noose around his neck.

That is, until a stranger stumbled into his shed and into his life.

Until Eddie.

Come a Little Closer

Rated E | 10k | ren faire, omegaverse

Waylaid by a surprise rut, Eddie is certain he won’t be able to get through the ren faire without making it tragically weird for everyone involved. Steve is convinced he can get him through it — what are his stupid pheromones for, after all? Everything will be fine. That is, if Steve can keep his own feelings in check.

Dollhouse

Rated E | 9k | lingerie, collab with @glitterfang

Forced to house sit for his parents after being kicked out, Steve is thinking he and Eddie are going to watch a movie. Maybe fool around a bit. What he isn’t expecting is how Eddie in a bit of black lace is going to make him feel.

[ilyasorokinn]

(day two) we went to winter wonderland , ross macdonald

note, again, thank you to @abiiors! check out this masterlist for more! pair, ross macdonald x reader summary, a bucket list thing for y/n is she wants to see new york during christmas. so, before they all fly home for the holidays and their two month break, ross makes a special pitstop. warnings, none :) word count, 730 words

(picture found on pinterest)

You were so ready to go home. After spending almost the entire year on the road, you were ready to just sleep in your own bed for a long period, see your cat, and get back to normal before Ross was gone again.

Lord knows Ross was also ready to go home. After being on tour consistently with not very long breaks, he was ready to go home and never come out.

And while Ross longed to go home, he knew there was one thing on your bucket list that you wanted to do in the States before going home. More than anything in the world, you wanted to see the lights and atmosphere of New York during Christmas.

So, with the help of a few of the others, he booked a flight and a hotel without telling you. When you got to the airport, he lied about your whereabouts and simply told you that there weren't enough flights on the plane so you couldn't ride with everyone else but they managed to get two tickets for you to fly together.

It made no sense, but you went along with it, having no reason to question it further. And the fact that you were flying to New York was simply explained away with the excuse that there weren't enough direct flights. So, you were none the wiser when you landed in New York.

Suddenly, you were confused. Instead of walking towards a gate in the airport, you were walking out of the airport, following Ross like a kid, watching him hail a taxi and load your things inside, "What's going on?" You whispered when he ushered you into the back of the taxi.

"You'll see." He looked almost giddy as he turned to look out the window at the growing silhouette of the city. The taxi pulled up in front of a hotel and while you waited on the sidewalk, holding your bag, Ross paid the driver and grabbed your suitcases.

You were so confused as you texted Polly and , trying to get answers out of them, but they didn't reveal anything. You looked back over at Ross, who smiled, nodding over to the elevator.

Once in your room, you crossed your arms and looked at him, "Okay, tell me what're we doing here?" You demanded.

"Well..." He set your bags down and sat on the bed, patting the spot next to him. You raised a brow but sat down, "This is your big Christmas gift."

"I'm not following."

"You've always wanted to see New York during Christmas, so here we are." He explained, watching with a big smile on your face as you went through every emotion trying to process what he had just said.

Most of what you wanted to see didn't start until after the sun set, so you spent the next day doing Christmas shopping, drinking lots of hot chocolate, and popping in and out of bookstores. When it started to get dark, you grabbed more hot chocolate and found a spot in front of the big Christmas tree.

"...and then Katniss was like "Thank you for your consideration," and she bowed and walked out, and you aren't supposed to do that. You're supposed to wait to be dismissed, but I guess, after you shoot an arrow at someone's head, you'd want to just leave." Ross had no idea what you were talking about, having gotten lost in what you were saying a while ago, but I liked listening to you explain things you loved to him.

You continued talking about the plot of The Hunger Games, only cutting yourself off when the tree lights started to flicker before they flicked all the way on. You watched the lights in awe, whipping out your phone snapping pictures, and taking videos.

Ross watched from his seated position, a big smile on his face. He whipped out his own phone and snapped a picture of you. Your face was just barely visible, but the smile on your face and the brightness in your eyes was seen.

You turned back to him when you got your fill and smiled, sitting down with him, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He wrapped an arm around your shoulders and kissed your head. You looked back at the tree, leaning your head on his shoulder, humming happily when he leaned his head on yours.

-

my taglist: @scooby-doodoo @romanticingheroin @sadqn1 @befrwime @mattymybeloved @zzzhealy @fanaticalfantasist @thefrontofmymind @because-she-goes @imogennjordan @rossgirly

add yourself to my taglist!

[lavendermunson]

christmas tree - eddie munson

day 12 of leia’s christmas tree farm

cw FLUFF. mentions of the loss of a parent (eddie’s mom) rockstar!eddie and hiswife!reader

The first thing Eddie sees when he opens his eyes on a snowy morning it’s you. Your eyes closed a tiny smile on your face. You look so angelic, so peaceful. He feels like the luckiest man in the world – and he is –, he is so happy to have you as his wife. It’s your first Christmas as a married couple.

After you wake up, have breakfast, and get ready to go you make it to the Christmas tree farm. He has been on tour for most of the year, thinking every night of doing this.

“We have a lot of work to do, we need one for Wayne and one for us!” you say, looking at him as

“Sweetheart, I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on you but we have to find the most perfect one for Wayne”

You nod, taking his hand in yours. His fingers intertwined with yours as he followed you around.

Since Eddie has been making a lot of money as a rockstar, touring different cities and selling thousands of copies of his albums he has been making a lot of money. More than he ever imagined, he’s thankful the work he has also makes him feel so full of life.

It’s the first holiday he can start buying more than one gift for everyone. Getting all the kids a new Walkman, finding one of the rare copies of your favorite book, and luckily having it signed by the author.

He has accomplished more than he ever dreamed of, all thanks to his hard work, your support, and Wayne’s. His uncle has been having his back since the day he showed up in his footsteps, loving and caring for Eddie like he has his child.

He has said ‘thank you’ to Wayne millions of times but it’s never enough.

He bought a house for his uncle, not so far from the trailer park. It’s a nice little house, with a functional kitchen, and a brand-new microwave that doesn’t look like it’s going to explode. An oven that works and it’s not only for storage.

Eddie’s favorite part of the house is the big main room with the large windows, where he knows his uncle is going to love the view of the neighborhood. The old man has always loved the snow, he says.

“Yes, let’s do this!”

You know how important it is to find those trees because it’s your first Christmas as a married couple and it’s the first time – in a long time – Wayne is going to have a Christmas tree, next to his fireplace at his new house.

Trying to find the perfect trees, the strong scent of pine lingers on your nose. You touch the lush green needles of the trees, making sure they are strong.

Eddie laughs when you find the perfect trees. Packing them on Wayne’s old truck, the one he will have to say goodbye to because a new truck is Wayne’s Christmas gift.

He knows nothing will ever be enough to repay Wayne's patience and kindness, but this is a great start.

You drop your tree at home and drive quickly to Wayne’s new house. Eddie looks so impatient to start decorating.

When you open the house, Eddie makes his way to the living room to set the tree straight so you can start decorating, you make some hot cocoa for the long evening and get to work.

The new house quickly fills with that fresh pine scent topped with the sweetness of the cocoa, marshmallows, and the spice of the cinnamon.

You get to work, filling the tree with the Christmas lights, and arranging them so the three look full of light. The next thing is the ornaments, the ones Eddie bought in a store in New York.

“It looks good, don’t you think?”

“It needs something else. Wait” you say, making your way to the kitchen and back. You hold an ornament in your hands, showing it to Eddie so he can place it on the tree.

“Is that?”

“A picture of you and Wayne, my mom made it. She used to take a lot of our pictures and I asked her for this one”

Eddie fights back the tears, looking at the picture of him and his uncle. It’s a picture his mom took months before she passed away. It’s his favorite picture only for that reason.

“Sweetheart” he holds you in his arms after placing the ornament in the center of the tree. Its gold frame shines even more than the lights and makes the picture glow. “Thank you”

“It’s nothing” You hug him back, resting your head on his chest and relaxing with the warmth of his body.

A knock on the door makes you both flinch, you feel Eddie shake in your arms.

“He’s going to love it, don’t worry” You rub his arms, with a reassuring smile on your face.

Eddie runs to open the door for his uncle, telling him to close his eyes because he has a surprise for him.

The older man walks with Eddie behind him, the scent of the three hugging him as he gets closer to it.

“Open your eyes,” Eddie says.

When Wayne opens his eyes, he sees the Christmas tree. He gets closer to admiring the ornament with his picture with Eddie, and he feels his tears roll down his eyes, he tries to fight it back but that picture holds so many memories. It gives him so many feelings, nostalgia, and warmth.

“You have a beautiful tree guys, and a beautiful house”

He turns around, looking at both of you. Eddie gets closer to him, placing his hands on his uncle’s shoulders.

“It’s yours, your tree, and your new house. It’s all for you, Wayne”

Eddie’s uncle freezes for a moment, and in the blink of an eye, he hugs him. His arms wrap Eddie tightly and you can hear quiet sobs from both of them.

You try to fight your tears, holding your camera and taking pictures of the moment. It’s a tender hug, you can hear the ‘thank you’s and I love you’ it just makes you smile more.

“Come here, kid”

Wayne calls for you, you join the hug as Eddie lets out all of his feelings. He kisses the top of your head and holds you even more tightly.

He couldn’t be happier, holding the people he loves the most.

reblog to support your creators! comments are appreciated !! ♡ thank you for following my christmas event, your support means so much to me 🎄

[beachy--head]

I didn't plan on writing a Christmas drabble this year, but then @babyjapril posted the most perfect gifset and it inspired this little Japril Christmas movie AU. Hope you'll enjoy, and happy holidays to you all!

___

Christmas in Bozeman, Montana, is always a treat, and even more since April moved away for med school and then for work. Seattle is not that far, and she tries to visit her family as often as she can, but there’s something special about the town during the Christmas season. She absolutely loves spotting the Christmas lights in the streets as she makes her way to her parents’ property, the snowy mountains offering a picture-perfect background for the season.

This year is no exception, meeting all her requirements for a perfect Christmas. At home, the lights in the Kepner’s Christmas tree are sparkling, there are so many wrapped gifts under the stockings that opening them on Christmas morning would surely take hours, and her mother spends most of the time in the kitchen, making treats and baked goods at the speed of light. 

A few hours after she arrives, April finds herself already in the kitchen. As she helps her mother add a layer of white frosting on some cookies freshly out of the oven, Karen Kepner starts listing a few last-minute details about the festivities. “Oh, and you know Robert Avery, who owns the Jefferson grill in the city outskirts? Tall, blue eyes, makes the most perfect cup of coffee? Well, his son is visiting him for the holidays, for the first time in forever, apparently. He’s a doctor too, you know! Lives in New York, or Boston, or somewhere East. So I invited them both for Christmas Eve, because the man shouldn’t have to cook on Christmas, he already does it enough during the year, and he helped your dad once with the tractor, remember? So I thought–”, and at that point, April, used to tune her mother out when she starts rambling, offers a few “yeah” and “is that so?” now and then, and thinks no more of it. 

The next day, she meets Jackson, Robert Avery’s prodigal son. At her mother’s insistence, she plays the part of the perfect tour guide and shows him everything Bozeman has to offer, she takes a few walks with him around town and laughs when he admits he’s not much of an outdoor man, they even sit down once in the cold, watching people skate on the ice rink and sharing stories about surgeries and their respective hospitals (Boston’s Mass Gen seems way more peaceful than Seattle Grace Mercy West) before she dutifully walks him back to the Jefferson Grill. Robert Avery is a sweetheart, so she’s not surprised that his son is as charming, and they hit it off as much as two big city outsiders in a small town can. His laugh when she offers him anecdotes about her years in Bozeman warm her heart, and she finds out she actually looks forward to Christmas Eve, even if it means her sisters taking a dig at her for daring to be a single, twenty-something surgeon living alone a few states away and her mother insisting she eats her weight in stuffing.

Christmas Eve is magical, Robert Avery regaling them with tales from his youth, Jackson complimenting her mother’s cooking skills and having a second helping of everything, her father looking at the whole family with a wide smile, and for a few perfect hours, she truly feels the Christmas cheer she always hopes to find when she comes back home. 

And then her overactive imagination just has to ruin it.

After dinner, everyone gathers around the fireplace, swapping stories she must have heard a hundred times. She loves her family, she really does, but she needs a break, so she goes to the kitchen and sets out to get a head start on the dishes. Jackson volunteers to help out, drying the plates she washes, and they soon talk and laugh like they haven’t just met four short days ago. They only stop when she washes the last of the plates, and she doesn’t know what happens, but his fingers lightly brush her arm as he takes the plate from her hands, and she shivers. His touch is electric, and she raises her head, finding his eyes already on her. His hand find her again, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, and she can’t help but stare at him. 

From the living room, she hears her parents exclaim that it’s time they get a move on or they’re going to be late for midnight mass, another cherished Kepner tradition, and the moment is gone. Jackson snaps out of his trance and steps backwards, shaking his head, and it’s not long before he and his father leave, his eyes avoiding her as he profusely thanks her mother for her generosity. 

So much for a perfect Christmas holiday.

She goes to bed, feeling confused and, she’s adult enough to admit it, disappointed. And because she’s April Kepner, she soon starts to feel extremely annoyed with herself. She always does this, having huge expectations that don’t go well when confronted to reality, and she’s a fool for thinking that this time would be different. That a fancy, handsome surgeon would play his part in the Christmas movie she’s apparently written in her head, and act out cliché moments under the Christmas lights. 

The next morning, waking up before everyone else, she quickly dresses up and goes for a short walk to try to clear her head. Still replaying the moment in the kitchen in her mind, she takes comfort in the fact that she’s due to go back to Seattle in a few days. She’s not going to let her delusional brain ruin what is otherwise a perfect Christmas, thank you very much, and she can easily avoid Jackson Avery until then and not make a fool of herself.

Well, it would be easier to avoid him if he wasn’t standing in her parents’ driveway as she comes back from her walk.

His eyes seem clearer than ever, and she manages a small smile, hoping he’ll credit the cold for her blushing cheeks. She stares at him a few seconds too long before she remembers her manners. 

“Hi, um, did you forget anything yesterday?”

“Actually, I did,” he answers in the low voice he seems to use just for her, and she really wishes her body would stop reacting so strongly to his presence.

The snow starts to fall just then, but she barely registers it, because she can’t tear her gaze away from him. He gets closer to her, shakes his head with a soft smile on his lips, as if he can’t believe what he’s doing, and slowly raises his hand to hold her neck. 

Their lips touch, hesitantly at first, then more insistently, and as they kiss for what seems like hours under the falling snow, she can honestly say that this Christmas is definitely a perfect one.

[pawnshopbleus]

Put Me in a Movie - Chapter Fifteen, Part One

Miguel O'Hara x Fem!Reader

Summary - You’re a famous actress and he’s one of the greatest directors of all time. What happens when you get cast in his new movie? 

Chapter Fourteen

You didn’t mean to yell, but you were so overwhelmed and the words started to tumble out. The day started out very nicely. You woke up in Miguel’s arms, you had breakfast with each other, then, the two of you parted ways. Today was the start of the press tour for your newest film. It was not going to be long. Just a few stops around the United States. It was going to start in Los Angeles and it would end in New York City. Just in time for a very beautiful Christmas in New York City.

All of your bags were packed the previous afternoon. All you had to do was sit in a chair while your team worked their magic. When they were done with you, you looked like a brand new person. Your stylist picked out a stunning black velvet dress that made you look like a million bucks. 

You got picked up in a long stretch limousine that was empty when you got in. The ride was silent and lonely. If only you had someone to ride with you. 

Once you got out of the limo, camera lights flash causing you to be temporarily blinded by the lights. A security guard escorted you to the red carpet where you would strike a few poses before going inside the theater. It was a simple task really, but one thing stopped it. 

In the middle of the red carpet stood Tasia in a beautiful green evening gown. You hated to admit it, but she looked more beautiful than you remembered. She was posing for the camera, a different pose for each click and flash. 

How the hell did she get in here? you thought to yourself. No one on the cast and crew liked her enough to invite her back for the press tour. She must have weaseled her way into the venue with some sort of bribery. That just goes to show that the security was no good at keeping the bad people out. 

Tasia could feel your eyes burning holes into her skin. She turned around and winked at you before walking into the venue. You couldn’t let people see how you were visibly affected by the gesture so you straightened your back and smiled at the cameras. 

Inside the theater was magical. It was as if you were transported into a classy eighties-themed theater. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, mirrors aligned the walls, and retro neon lights weaved their way throughout the theater. 

Miguel wasn’t there yet which was quite concerning. Your boyfriend hates being late to any certain event so when you entered the theater filled with journalists, cast, and crew, you were surprised of his absence. You were also surprised to not see Tasia’s fiery red hair in the midst of all these people. You needed to know why and how she was there. Luckily, as you scanned the area you were able to see a sliver of ginger hair and a green dress enter the bathroom. 

You hastily made your way to the lady's room and looked around. No one was looking at you at the current moment. That was good.

The bathroom was just as nice as the inside of the theater. Stalls that provided efficient privacy, skins that had warm water as well as cold, soap, and paper towels. You weren’t here to marvel at the greatness of the bathroom but on a mission to find the woman who poses a threat to your relationship. 

“I knew you would follow me,” Tasia said as she exited the stall. She let her hands run under the water for twenty seconds, washing the flowery-scented soap off of them. 

“Why are you here?” You got straight to the point. 

“Look, I’m not here to argue with you. I just want to see the film that I was once a part of. The way I acted was wrong and I’d like to apologize.” 

You were stunned. It was as if you had just gotten the wind knocked out of you. Here you were acting all judgemental and all Tasia wanted to do was apologize. To be quite frank, you felt like a bitch.  

“I don’t know what to say,” you let out a breath, “Thank you for the apology but I just want to know why?” 

“Because I was in the wrong. I saw the way Miguel looked at you and it made me jealous. You’re such a great actress and a really nice person. I guess I’ve never met someone so sincere.” Tasia sighed as she stared off into space. 

“But you’re so beautiful. Why did you feel jealous of me?” you asked. 

“Beauty fades, but raw talent is forever. You have both. All I’ve got is a pretty face and rich parents. It got me to where I am today, but I hate it. I want people to like me for me and not just because I’m pretty or the daughter of famous parents. It gets tiring!” Tasia said that with such passion that it almost made you cry. You felt bad for her. She has lived a life many women would kill for, yet she’s so unhappy. That just goes to show that money can't buy you happiness. 

You didn’t ask if you could give her a hug, but you just felt inclined to give her one. Her skin was smooth and hairless. You caught a whiff of her perfume and it smelled like a fresh bouquet of flowers that were just picked from the field. She hugged you closer to her and let out a sigh into your neck. 

“Thank you,” She whispered, “I needed this.”

Chapter Fifteen - Part Two - Comming soon

[archivist-crow]

The Haunted Atlas

Blennerhassett Hotel - Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia

39°15′53″N / 81°33′41″W

The hotel is named after the area's most famous residents, Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, but was not owned by them.

History

The Blennerhassett Hotel was built in 1889 by William N. Chancellor, two-time mayor of Parkersburg who made his fortune in oil and by building ornate hotels and homes after the Civil War. The hotel was the First National Bank of Parkersburg. Reopened as a hotel in 1986 with 104 rooms. The grand hotel has been restored and is the centerpiece of downtown Parkersburg today. It is a Registered National Historic Landmark.

Haunting Activity

The most frequently encountered ghost is that of Chancellor himself, who appears in various locations in the hotel dressed in a fine three-piece gray suit. He is identifable by his distinct cigar smoke smell, and also by the appearance of actual smoke. Chancellor’s portrait in the lobby has been seen mysteriously and suddenly wreathed in fragrant smoke, especially when ghost tour groups gather there to hear stories about the hotel. Cigar smoke is smelled wafting throughout the hotel.

Chancellor has been seen in the hotel's corridors, elevators, and guest rooms, startling visitors. He is especially active on the second floor. Chancellor is believed to play with the buttons in the elevator, causing the doors to open and close repeatedly. In 2003, a guest turned out his light at night and immediately felt a weight at the end of the bed. Turning on the light, he was startled to see Chancellor's form sitting at the end of his bed. The ghost said, "I was here first!" and disappeared. At the time, the hotel was undergoing extensive renovation, and Chancellor’s portrait had been temporarily removed from the library. When the portrait was restored—and the renovation completed—sightings of Chancellor decreased. Apparently, the ghost was stirred up by all the activity.

On the first floor in the bar and lounge now called Spats, apparitions have been seen in the huge mirrors. The mirrors were made from framed door casings of a New York City Victorian apartment. Among the ghosts appearing in the glass are a man dressed in a white tuxedo and carrying a black cane and a sea captain dressed in a dark coat and hat.

Guests have sometimes been startled by the shrieking of an invisible woman. Her voice comes over microphones set up in the ballroom and also emanates in guest rooms. Sometimes she shrieks and sometimes she sounds like she is laughing hysterically. One possible explanation concerns the death of a woman during the days when the hotel was a bank. She was crushed against an outside doorway of the building by a tractor-trailer rig that jumped the curb.

A ghostly maid continually mops the floor in the lobby. Phantom big band music drifts about, and at Christmas-time the voices of children singing "Jingle Bells" can be heard above the hotel's piped-in music.

Other phenomena include poltergeist disturbances such as the unexplained breaking of glasses; electrical malfunctions and oddities; apparitions of unknown persons; and a mysterious "bad" feeling in the Red Room, used for business meetings and social functions.

Text from The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits, Third Edition by Rosemary Ellen Guiley (Checkmark Books - 2007)

[akesdraws-blog]

~°Grinch-meter °~ || Part. 2 ||

It's Christmas Eve morning. I send you all lots of hugs, I hope you are having a great time.

⛄✨⛄✨⛄✨⛄✨⛄✨⛄✨⛄✨⛄

💜Donatello🌡️

°•With a "Grinch-meter" of 75% •°

Our genius boy is the busiest this time of year.

So what makes his meter fill up is...The jobDonnie always has to be repairing many things, from a small rifle that burned out, to a frozen engine at the police station.

At Christmas time it seems that there is always something going wrong, and who will take care of it? That's right, Donatello is the answer.

Donnie's good heart turns out to be a bit annoying for him, because he usually stays late at the police station so that all the vehicles are in optimal conditions, of course, although the boss Vincent gives him a very good salary, nobody takes him away the tiredness that was earned as well.

And when you get to the hideout there's no rest, just more repairs, like changing the wires that got burned by the excess lights Mikey put up, or fixing the movie player because Raph hit it too hard again, even the truck needs to be checked. garbage because Leo heard a strange noise in the engine the night before.

This poor boy genius is exhausted these days, so it's hard for him to enjoy the holidays when he just wants to rest.

❄️How do we reduce that percentage?❄️

☃️Friends⛄

Help him turn off his brain for a while.

At the Christmas holidays many places close early, so take it to the museum.

Donnie will be as happy as a little child with whatever he can see to fill his mind.

He can spend hours and hours walking through every corner of the museum, you will even see him collecting information from some data.

And if you add a box of pop tarts to the tour in the museum you will be the most loved by the genie.

❣️Couple❣️

Two words: Coffee and blanketsTake Donnie away from work, it will be challenging but you can do it.

Once you've done that, give him a nice cup of coffee (decaf, but don't tell him) and cover him with the blanket while you pet his shell.

You won't take him out of the lab so stay seated at his desk so he can only focus on you.

Tiredness will take over Donnie's body to the point where he will fall asleep in your lap. (I hope you didn't drink too much punch, because you'll be Donnie's new pillow and he won't let go of you for a long time)

💙Leonardo🌡️

°•With a "Grinch-meter" of 90% •°

That's right, believe it or not.

What fills the "Grinch-meter" of leo is...The patrols.

Sounds weird, I know, but it's not exactly the patrols that bother him, it's what he sees on patrols.

Christmas parties often result in what he calls "Christmas trouble."

The assaults grow, the robberies abound, the riots are the ones that reign in the streets of New York.

Leo can't force his brothers to go out on patrol because it would turn into an endless wave of fights and it's the last thing he needs, so he's used to doing it alone.

He takes some calls from Chief Vincent as many officers take the day off around this time, which means catching bank robbers, toy robbers, even supermarket robbers, was not a very pretty thing to see.

I could list every fight over a bad gift that I ever heard while passing through the rooftops, the number of drunks who cause accidents whether they are drivers or pedestrians, even the poor delivery guys who get yelled at and complained about being a couple of minutes late, and not Let's forget the fights of couples that for some reason always end on those dates.

Leo always tries to carry the full weight of the city's security, so it will be very difficult for him to just celebrate it and ignore the rest of the problems on the surface.So when he arrives at the lair he usually meditates long hours waiting for the day to end, all the stress ends up making him a real idiot, and nobody wants to be near the leader.

❄️How do we reduce that percentage?❄️

☃️Friends⛄

He steals her radio, leaving only a written apology. (Since you can't yell at a piece of paper)

To avoid scolding from the leader you will have to leave a series of notes for the leader to reach your location.

Why will he look for you? you will ask yourselfWell, for the simple fact that... You took his katanas. (And that does not make him happy at all)

Your notes led him to the train station where they saved April, then to the building where she took a picture of them where she found a chocolate with another note, which then led him to the alleyway where they met Casey, who was conveniently in the place to give him another note, to summarize your notes they took him to various places from the police station to the statue of Lady Liberty.

To end up reaching the roof of a commercial building, the place where you were with the leader's katanas.

And although you expected a scolding from the leader, you actually received a thank you, after all you gave him a fun "Treasure Hunt", and the place where they met was right in front of the famous Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.

Leo always loved seeing that huge tree on the news and now he had the perfect place to see it so he couldn't be too angry.

Even so, he will force you to spend a few hours in the Ja'shi for taking the Katanas and radio from him.

❣️Couple❣️

Leave him some towels in the room, and a note saying you'll see him in the shower.

Once he is there tell him that he should enter the bathtub, and it will be your turn to pamper him.

As Leo sinks into the bathtub, he lights some scented candles and turns off the light, so the bathroom is illuminated only by candlelight and the relaxing scent they emit. (You can add a couple of bubbles to the tub if you want)

Have some tea within Leo's reach for his enjoyment.Wash his shell, massage his muscles, (maybe not that strong but Leo will love the sensation) let the water get lost between the plates of his chest.

Let me tell you about his day, no matter how long it takes, he'll love to know you're listening, but don't get distracted or you'll surely find a Leo asleep up to his nose in the bathtub. (You will have to ask one of the brothers for help so they can take Leo to his room to rest).

☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️

@post-apocalyptic-daydream . @turtle-babe83. @turtlesmakemehappy. @dilucsflame33 . @thelaundrybitch . @scholastic-dragon .

[themculibrary]

New York Masterlist

After All This Time (ao3) - Baamon5evr steve/sam E, 25k

Summary: After 26 years, Steve and Sam run into each other on the streets of Harlem and rekindle their old relationship.

A Lot of Issues (ao3) - linascribbles steve/peggy, sam/riley, past sam/steve T, 66k

Summary: Peggy Carter is a Fashion Editor at Sakaar magazine. She’s used to juggling egos, drama queens and ridiculous assignments from her boss all the time. She's even used to dealing with gorgeous six foot blonds on the regular. But none of that really prepeared her for Steve Rogers, his fumbling charm, or the gorgeous way he blushes.

Steve Rogers is a graphic designer who only models to make ends meet. New York is the perfect city for that, but just as NYC's fashion word is prolific, it is also... bizarre. In his line of work Steve's gotten used to losing significant chunks of his dignity quite often (He has a photo album about it, lovingly curated by the one and only Bucky Barnes), but maybe, just this once, he could avoid making a mess of himself in front of that beautiful model on this shoot. No such luck.

An American Christmas (ao3) - agathaharknness G, 2k

Summary: Kate takes Yelena on a tour through New York during Christmas.

Dem Bums (Are in Love) (ao3) - The Stephanois (orphan_account) steve/bucky M, 6k

Summary: Stevie Rogers was a medical and athletic mystery: a short, half-deaf asthmatic who on any given day looked like he'd taken a detour onto Ebbets Field on his way to the hospital. He couldn't run, couldn't field, and he certainly couldn't hit – so, as the more cynical of their fans put it, he fit right in with the Dodgers.

extraordinary merry christmas (ao3) - spreadsheet loki/mobius T, 1k

Summary: Loki and Mobius settle into a quiet life in New York while Mobius tries to make sense of his old (new?) memories. This is their first Christmas together

he gives his heart to strangers (ao3) - TheRoomWhereItHappened347 mj/peter G, 10k

Summary: Peter loved New York, he really did, but there were many days when he doubted saving its citizens were worth it.

People needed saving but their pride stopped them from thanking him, or JJJ's scathing reports placed perceptions in their heads that weren't true. Thankfully, there were days when some people made all his suffering worth it.

Alternatively: 5 times Peter Parker saves New Yorkers and 1 time they save him.

Independence Day, 1946 (ao3) - mybestgirl past steve/peggy G, 3k

Summary: Independence Day, 1946. Peggy can only avoid talking about him for so long. Especially when he's plastered on practically every flat surface in the city.

i think he knows (ao3) - imposterhuman steve/tony G, 1k

Summary: There was something about New York City, Steve decided, that put a different kind of light behind Tony’s eyes. Maybe it was the constant motion of a city that never rested, maybe it was the air of potential and success in every building. Maybe Tony was a dreamer at heart (Steve knew he was, but he’d never admit it), and saw his own future in the industrial skyline. Whatever it was, Steve would never get tired of seeing it.

Tony was practically skipping, holding his hand tightly as they walked down the street. Steve chuckled fondly at his boyfriend’s excitement. He wasn’t much for New York City himself, but Tony’s happiness made the three and a half hour drive from Boston worth every second.

it's up to you, new york (ao3) - JBS_Forever G, 3k

Summary: “Um, what am I –?” Peter starts, but doesn’t need to go on, because it's clear now what he’s meant to be looking at. There’s a live feed of Twitter posts already pulled up, videos and pictures and text flashing by, each one with the hashtag “WeAreSpiderMan” and moving too quick for him to process.

He blinks, confused. “What – what is this?”

Beside him, Happy breathes out a laugh. “That?” he says, and there’s an amused undercurrent in his voice, knowing and fond, “That’s New York.”

- - -

Or: after Spider-Man's identity is revealed, New York City steps up to support one of their own.

i would do it again (ao3) - moodymelanist steve/bucky T, 1k

Summary: Steve and Bucky have a fall picnic in Central Park.

Make You Stay (ao3) - UlternateFreak harley/peter T, 1k

Summary: Peter and Harley have a talk on the beach of Coney Island.

...

Or, the one where Peter Parker likes to tease an obviously pining Harley Keener.

Need to Talk? Seek Help Now! (ao3) - AuroraWest hinted stephen/loki T, 6k

Summary: Stephen's pretty sure he has post-Blip anxiety. Who doesn't? Maybe that's why he spends every Tuesday volunteering at an animal shelter, walking dogs. It seems to help.

So does his sort-of-friendship with Loki, God of Mischief, who's been living at the Sanctum for months—even though he knows it shouldn't.

Parapraxis (ao3) - CypressSunn sam/bucky E, 14k

Summary: “We get it, Buck, you’re a New Yorker.” It is the last thing Sam would have suspected to transcend both time and brainwashing, but Bucky’s Brooklyn born and bred hatred of the Garden State was alive and well. “Does it really matter what side of the turnpike the flying murder drone was built on?”

root for the home team (you put your roots in my heart) (ao3) - steviepie steve/bucky T, 10k

Summary: Maybe that’s what this is about, Steve realizes. Bucky might be trying to play it off as a treat for him or some sort of undercover date, but really maybe this is just a chance for the older man to relax. Spend some real time with Steve for the first time this entire week. Did he… did he miss him? Maybe that sounds funny considering they share everything together, including a bed, but the concept isn’t one that’s ridiculous. Sometimes Steve misses Bucky when he’s away. It only makes sense Bucky would feel the same.

(alternatively: steve and bucky go to a baseball game. that’s it.)

Run Away (ao3) - proud_papaya wanda/vision, bucky/natasha M, 71k

Summary: She was running away. Again. This time to another city, the biggest city in the world. Little did she know her next door neighbor would happen to change her life.

Skelly Truck Stop Blues (ao3) - fsaoud steve/bucky, steve/peggy T, 5k

Summary: In the summer of 1969, Steve Rogers spends some time in New York City to attend summer classes at an up-and-coming art school. His time there is like the city itself: busy, exciting, and so much more than he ever dreamed it would be. When the time comes for Steve to drive back home to Tulsa he experiences something that makes him reevaluate what he truly wants in life.

Meanwhile, Bucky Barnes comes home once again to a way too quiet apartment that makes him miss his usual source of noise.

Slice of Life (ao3) - aimmyarrowshigh referenced kate/yelena T, 5k

Summary: “I’m not saying you need to decide right now. Or any time soon. But someday, you might want to walk away. And you’re luckier than most of the… superheroes… that I’ve ever known because you know what normal looks like. You know how to be normal. You can go back to normal if it’s what you want. And I know it’s not what you want right now, and I respect that, but I’m glad that it’s an option.”

Or, Clint and Kate challenge each other to prove they're the better New Yorker because they know the best food spots. Truths about superhero life and life in general come out along the way as they eat through the five boroughs.

Take off the Foo Foo (ao3) - Motashu sam/bucky M, 41k

Summary: “Thanks for letting me do this. Come back home.”

Bucky chuckles at his word choice. “You’re not a prisoner, you know.”

Sam grunts, like he wants to argue, but instead he closes his eyes. Poor man’s probably exhausted, between falling asleep late last night, waking up early today, and having to deal with such a sudden life change. Sure, it's not his first rodeo. But it's not something to take for granted how well Sam is cooperating with all of them. Handsome, kind and trusting. Bucky can't take his eyes off him. Sam's practically laid out, all defenses down, almost relaxed in the presence of someone he barely knows.

He admires Sam's strength and courage. He hopes to take a piece for himself. Maybe it’ll do him some good, after this is all over.

“Take a picture, it'll last longer.” Sam opens one eye, but Bucky doesn't look away. He pushes past the flirt, knowing if he entertains it.

Well.

He's an opportunistic man, if anything.

Or, Bucky's old life tracks him down to Chinatown, NYC, and Sam kind of throws a wrench into things.

The King of Queens (ao3) - E_Jay pepper/tony, peter/mj T, 42k

Summary: It happens so gradually that it’s impossible to tell when it starts. His sandwich has been pre-paid. There’s a twenty-dollar bill stashed in his backpack. The elevator in his apartment is finally working.

Or;

Peter Parker’s identity is the worst-kept secret in Queens. Tony is only partially responsible.

The Tombstone (ao3) - nausicaa_of_phaeacia phil/daisy G, 1k

Summary: Coulson visits his grave in NYC.

[daimonclub]

Christmas Markets in England

London Christmas markets Christmas markets in England, the best wonderful Christmas markets in London, and in Bath, Bristol, Chester, Winchester, York, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester The festive period is fast approaching and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to a Christmas market in England? Christmas markets in England mean sparkling lights, gorgeous presents, carol-singers, ice rinks, and mugs of mulled wine, making the winter holiday season a delightful time of year. Every big city has a Christmas Market when the time is right. England’s Christmas Markets are fun, they’re festive and the fragrance of mulled wine on the airwaves keeps the punters coming. Best Christmas markets in London The locations below annually host some of the top Christmas markets in London, which usually stay open until the New Year. Christmas by the River at London Bridge City Christmas By The River at London Bridge City is set against stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, offering wooden huts packed with original presents, handmade crafts and plenty of delicious snacks. Indulge in mouthwatering food from an array of pop-up stalls and admire one of London's most iconic skyline views with a steaming cup of mulled wine. Selfridges Christmas Market The Selfridges Christmas Market returns to Edwards Mews again this Christmas. Enjoy sizzling street food from vendors curated by the founder of Street Feast, Dominic Cools-Lartigue, including waffles dripping with chocolate, Filipino treats and pie and mash. This outdoor market brings fairground rides for kids and adults, personalised wreaths made in front of you and heaps of stalls selling Christmas goodies. Winter Wonderland Christmas market The annual Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is situated in one of the city’s most spectacular parks. You’ll find over 100 illuminated wooden chalets decorated in Bavarian style selling handicrafts and fantastic gifts from around the world, including handmade crafts and beautiful pieces of jewellery. You can also enjoy traditional German street food and mulled wine. Winter Follow the lights to Hyde Park and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Winter Wonderland, one of the biggest Christmas markets in London. You can also get your skates on at the UK's biggest outdoor ice rink, see London sparkle from the Giant Observation Wheel, or sit back and enjoy one of Winter Wonderland's top Christmas shows.

Winterville Christmas Market Leicester Square Christmas market Experience festive fun with Christmas in Leicester Square, which gives the home of blockbuster film premieres a yuletide makeover. Browse the traditional market filled with a wonderful array of crafts and tempting treats. Afterwards, head to the Belgian spiegeltent to enjoy a brilliant lineup of comedy, cabaret and magic shows. Southbank Centre Winter Market See the South Bank's riverside transformed into a wintry wonderland, where global cuisine and an artisan Christmas market come together in one sparkling location for Southbank Centre's Winter Festival. Amble past the traditional wooden chalets lining the banks of the Thames and pick up gorgeous stocking fillers from the Winter Market. Or, tuck into cheese-based food, cocktails and mulled wine surrounded by the glow of neon artworks, as part of the Winter Lights display. Eccleston Yards Christmas Market Explore the buzzy open-air mall which makes up this stunning courtyard. Browse stalls filled with trinkets and unique gifts at Eccleston Yards Christmas Market, which brings festive cheer, new traders and live music to this open space during the countdown to Christmas. Treat the special people in your life to London vouchers for top spots or browse luxury Christmas gifts and experiences in the city. Borough Market Tour the historical arches of Borough Market, decked out with lights, decorations and twinkling ornaments, as you source the finest seasonal foods while listening to choirs and buskers singing jolly tunes. Indulge in An Evening of Cheese (15 Dec), or pick up foodie tips and tricks during three days of Festive Kitchen demonstrations (7-9 Dec). From 16 Nov Greenwich Christmas market Tick items off your Christmas shopping list while browsing Greenwich Market's 150 stalls and shops, selling a range of stocking fillers, fashion items, crafts and original artworks. Make sure to also wander around the ancient maritime neighbourhood of Greenwich, which is decked out with lights and festive goodies. Plus, watch as brightly coloured lanterns parade through the area during the Christmas lights switch on.

Christmas markets in England Christmas under the Canopy at King's Cross Get hands-on at craft workshops at Christmas under the Canopy, a covered market found in King's Cross. Following your creative work, browse the array of stalls to find live jazz, carol singers, food tastings, mulled wine and masterclasses at Canopy Market, which welcomes a number of independent, ethical and sustainable vendors. Kingston Christmas Market Venture over to picturesque Kingston upon Thames, where you can search the riverside town's Ancient Market Place for unique Christmas gifts at the Kingston Christmas Market. The cosy cabins are packed with a range of handmade arts and crafts, beautiful decorations and stocking fillers. Afterwards, enjoy seasonal entertainment while tucking into some specialist street food. Other Best Christmas Markets in England Manchester Christmas Markets Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market Leeds Christkindelmarkt Bath Christmas Market York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair Bristol Christmas Market Chester Christmas Market Winchester Christmas Market Manchester Christmas Markets Manchester is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the country and is known as one of the best markets in Europe. There are more than nine of them scattered throughout the city centre, which makes it a true paradise for Christmas enthusiasts! You’ll find a diverse range of food and drink stalls at all of them, each offering a unique experience. The largest market is in Albert Square, which features a German village packed with food and drink stalls. If you’re visiting Manchester in December, it’s a must do!

Manchester Christmas market Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market In Birmingham, you can find the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany. Anyone looking for some Christmas gifts will find beautiful decorations and handcrafted items to choose from, but the real reason to go is for the fab food and drink. Victoria Square is filled with the most delicious smell of Christmas as stalls sell traditional German food. You can sample authentic bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, and hot chestnuts. You can even get half-metre sausages, if that sounds good to you – and if you’re thirsty there are four pint jugs of beer or sweet little mugs of flavoured gluhwein too. Leeds Christkindelmarkt Leeds Chrsitkindelmarkt is one of the oldest German Christmas markets in England. Throughout the square are wooden stalls selling beautiful toys, jewellery, crafts, decorations, and other items. A jingling carousel ride with lively music and vibrant coloured lights creates a festive mood throughout the entire Christmas village. The fairground style rides for children and its ‘Breakfast with Santa’ experience are among its most popular attractions. This is a ticketed event that happens on Saturday and Sunday. The Bavarian style restaurant Alp Chalet is in the centre of Millennium Square, and during Christmas, families and kids are invited to enjoy a Christmas breakfast with Santa in traditional German style. Bath Christmas Market Bath hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in England every year. During the winter months, Bath isn’t only wonderful due to its gorgeous architecture, but even more beautiful thanks to its festive atmosphere, and the excellent Bath Christmas Market. A day out in Bath is always a good idea, particularly in winter when it’s definitely one of the best festive days out in the Cotswolds. “With over 130 twinkling chalets, soak up the sights and scents of Christmas as you meander through the cobbled streets surrounded by some of the South West’s most talented crafters. Enjoy a festive experience like no other, surrounded by some of Britain’s iconic architecture. Christmas Markets with stalls are spread all over Bath, on its streets and in small squares surrounding Bath Cathedral.

Bath Christmas Market It’s possible to find independent producers selling their products on many stalls. It’s a great place to find all kinds of handcrafted gifts and decorations, as well as some of the best food and mulled wine. Festive streetlights are strung on the town’s most iconic buildings and streets. A major feature of Bath Christmas Market is the Victorian merry-go-round, suitable for children and adults on the horses or in carriages. York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair York’s Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in England. Wooden, alpine-style chalets border York’s pedestrianised city streets, selling locally manufactured crafts, art, food, and drink. Shoppers can enjoy a range of tantalising free samples to try as well as one-of-a-kind presents to purchase. A big, decorated Christmas tree, live entertainment, and beautiful night time illuminations help to create a bright festive mood. Thor’s Tipi, a massive canvas tipi specially created for the Christmas season, is the show-stopper at the Christmas market. Foot-sore customers can relax on soft blankets in front of a roaring log fire and sip mulled wine or creamy hot chocolate and soak up the atmosphere. York Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas days out in Yorkshire! Bristol Christmas Market Bristol Christmas Market in England is more about spending time to appreciate the ambiance and allowing yourself the opportunity to relax or see friends. The Bristol Christmas Market takes place in Broadmead, the city’s Shopping Quarter. It’s a compact but well structured market with a well-planned assortment of booths offering something unique, ensuring you’ll discover the ideal one-of-a-kind Christmas gift. The bar at the heart of the market attracts families with a singing reindeer at the entrance, and while they do serve alcoholic drinks, you can also get a reasonably priced hot chocolate to keep you warm while listening to your favourite festive tunes and watching the frantic last-minute shoppers running past. “Located in the very heart of Bristol City Centre, the Christmas market is home to over 50 unique stalls, as well as entertainment from the likes of Santa and reindeer visits in December. Visitors can enjoy heated seating, delicious drinks and live music in our Jäger Barn Bar, and also try their hand at the much-loved sport of curling for some competitive fun.“

Christmas markets in the UK Chester Christmas Market This mediaeval city in northwest England is notable for its Roman fortifications and walls, as well as Tudor-style timber houses. Then there’s the magical Chester Christmas Market. This is one of the greatest English Christmas markets to visit if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional. Over 70 traditional wooden chalets are situated on the city’s Town Hall Square, with the magnificent Chester Cathedral as a backdrop. Visiting makes for a great day out in Cheshire. Pick up some mulled wine or a tasty hog roast bap after browsing the stalls for handmade crafts, clothing, jewellery, and local produce. Stop by the Real Ale Bar for a Christmas drink or a local cask ale and take a photo in front of the spectacular Christmas tree to really make your Chester Christmas Market experience. Winchester Christmas Market What better way to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit than at Winchester Cathedral? The monumental Gothic cathedral, in the centre of Britain’s former capital city, towers imposingly over the quaint English Christmas Market, which promises tidings of joy. Winchester has one of the best Christmas Markets in Hampshire, if not England. Follow your nose to stalls touting fine food and drink. Mulled wine in hand, then follow your ears to join the gathered crowd singing along with the carolling choir. And, full of golden festive spirit, mooch around the stalls and support local craftspeople and traders whilst you do your Christmas shopping. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4jsR5PXidU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAJYkO3G8VU Read also our other posts on Christmas  ; Christmas markets in America ; Christmas markets in Italy and Germany ; Christmas quotes ; 60 great Christmas quotes ; Christmas tree origin and quotes ;  Christmas short stories ; Ella Gray A Christmas short story ; Traditional Christmas Carols ; Christmas jokes ; Christmas cracker jokes ; Funny Christmas Stories ; Amusing Christmas stories ; Christmas food ; Christmas thoughts ; Christmas story ; Christmas in Italy ; Christmas holidays ; Christmas songs ; Christmas poems ; An Essay on Christmas by Chesterton ; Read the full article

[franklupelchiaro]

The Best Winter Destinations in the United States in 2023

As winter approaches, the United States transforms into a wonderland of diverse landscapes and thrilling activities. Whether you seek powdery slopes, serene hot springs, or sun-drenched beaches, the country has it all. Here’s a guide to the best winter getaways in 2023, offering something for every type of traveler.

Dunton, Colorado:

For a relaxing winter escape, Dunton’s hot springs and wooden lodges offer a serene retreat. Dating back to 1885, the area’s mining history adds a touch of authenticity to the experience, making it an ideal spot to unwind.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada:

Lake Tahoe, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offers a mesmerizing winter scene with its frozen alpine lake surrounded by snow-covered pine trees. Boasting an average snowfall of 400 inches, it’s a top-notch ski destination. Beyond skiing, enjoy activities like ice skating, sleigh riding, and tubing.

Asheville, North Carolina:

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Asheville provides a captivating winter landscape. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, embark on bird watching tours, or enjoy a cozy bar hopping experience in the town.

Sedona, Arizona:

Escape bone-chilling temperatures in Sedona, where milder winters offer a unique desert landscape cloaked in snow. Hike through crimson rock formations, take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view, and explore Tlaquepaque Village.

Minneapolis, Minnesota:

Minneapolis, often overlooked, comes alive with winter festivals like the Great Northern and the USA Pond Hockey Championships. The city’s culinary scene thrives in winter, offering tasty delicacies and hot dishes. Explore the hidden winter wonderland with activities like ice skating and snowmobiling.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming:

Jackson Hole’s picturesque setting, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, makes it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. With an annual snowfall of 458 inches, it’s a paradise for snowy adventures and ecotourism, allowing you to witness impressive wildlife in untouched wilderness.

Vail, Colorado:

Surrounded by alpine slopes, Vail beckons with exciting ski adventures on Vail Mountain. The powdery trails also cater to snowmobiling and snow tubing enthusiasts. Stroll through Beever Creek Village’s classic wooden houses, illuminated with warm lights, and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.

Kauai, Hawaii:

For a warm winter getaway, head to Kauai, Hawaii’s picturesque island with year-round sunshine. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, whale watching, and beach hopping, surrounded by jungle-clad mountains and brilliant blue oceans.

Salt Lake City, Utah:

Nestled in the Wasatch Range, Salt Lake City is a winter haven with storybook houses adorned in white snow. World-class skiing at Deer Valley Resort is a major draw, but if the outdoors isn’t your calling, the city offers diverse alternatives. Indulge in shopping, relax in hot tubs, or savor local cuisine.

New York City:

Experience the vibrant winter vibes of the Big Apple, from Rockefeller’s Christmas tree to open-air holiday markets like Bryant Park Market. Whether you prefer ice skating, cafe hopping, or holiday shopping, New York City offers a mix of indoor and outdoor winter delights.

Burlington, Vermont:

Embrace the freezing winter in Burlington, where European-styled buildings and twinkling lights create a charming atmosphere. Explore Church Street, a four-block pedestrian market, and indulge in the town’s hospitality. Venture out for ski trips to nearby resorts for added winter excitement.

Anna Maria Island, Florida:

Escape to Anna Maria Island for a sun-soaked winter retreat. With powdery beaches, palm-fringed shores, and laid-back beach vibes, it’s the perfect destination for beach hopping, swimming, and witnessing dazzling sunsets.

Originally posted on frankchiaro.net.

[the-al-chemist]

When Stars Ignite Christmas Special

HPHM ROCKSTAR AU

I think the title gives this one away. @kc-needs-coffee, thank you for your insane talent, your integrity, your incredible stories (both real and fictional), your wit, your wisdom, and your warmth. Oh, and your book/film/music/coffee/travel recommendations. This one’s for you. Merry Christmas, you filthy animal.

Note: This story takes place in the Rockstar AU, which as a rule, has a mature tone and subject matter. This specific chapter contains a reference to alcohol. All things considered, that is actually very tame for the Rockstar AU.

They’ve got cars big as bars, they’ve got rivers of gold, but the wind whips right through you, it’s no place for the old

When you first took my hand on that cold Christmas Eve, you promised me Broadway was waiting for me

You were handsome, you were pretty

Queen of New York City

When the band finished playing, they howled out for more…

~ The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale of New York ~

The snow was no longer falling, but a thick sheet of it had settled over the park. Artemis pulled her coat tighter around her as she lit her cigarette, feeling its heat warm her as she inhaled. She blew the smoke out, but did not watch it unfurl through the air, instead paying attention to her surroundings: the tourists playing in the snow or riding in horse-drawn carriages, the thin ice layer covering the large pond and the trees dusted white with frost under the already setting sun. If it were not for the lights and the sounds of taxis and the skyscrapers behind her, she might not have known that she was in a city at all, let alone one of the greatest cities in the world.

Through the crowds of people, she made out a familiar-looking head of red hair in the distance, and a black leather-gloved hand raised to wave at her in greeting. Artemis smiled and stubbed out her cigarette before walking over to the person waving, a red-headed, blue-eyed woman dressed in a black wool coat and with a blanket-like scarf with a checked pattern reminiscent of a chessboard.

“Artemis! It’s great to see you,” said Katriona Cassiopeia, as Artemis approached her on the path.

“You too, KC,” Artemis replied. “Thanks again for inviting me.”

“Don’t be silly, it’s Christmas. The more the merrier. I’m just glad you decided to take us up on the offer.”

The offer had been this: KC and her husband Murphy McNully, Artemis’ bosses and friends, owned a flat to the west of Central Park, and had invited Artemis to stay with them over Christmas while Equinox’s stateside tour was on a short break between locations for the holidays. Considering that the first location on the next leg of the tour was New York City, KC had suggested that it may be the most logical thing to do, and for Artemis herself, it had not only saved her from spending the holidays alone, but had meant that she would be able to do something she had always longed to do: experience New York at Christmas.

“What do you think so far?” asked KC, as they strolled down a tree-lined boulevard together.

“So far, I feel like I’m in a movie. When Harry Met Sally or something.” They walked past a woman feeding pigeons, and Artemis grinned at the sight. “I’m really trying not to get my hopes up too much, though.”

“Why is that?”

“Oh, Charlie just said that I should lower my expectations. Apparently, New York wasn’t for him.”

“That’s because Charlie would rather spend Christmas in a wooden hut in the arse end of nowhere like a lumberjack,” KC rolled her eyes. “Expect away. Christmas in the city is every bit as magical as you’ve been led to believe, you’ll see. Come on.”

They walked around the edge of the pond and reached the edge of the park. KC walked towards an old lamppost, past which a plaza could be seen across the street, as if to leave. Artemis frowned.

“Are we not going to see Central Park?”

“Sure, just not right now. We’ll do that when it’s light,” KC told her. She smiled at Artemis. “Don’t worry, you won’t miss out on anything. I’ve made an itinerary.” She pulled out her phone and read aloud:

“So, tomorrow we have brunch at Sadelle’s, then shopping on Fifth and Madison, followed by Broadway in the evening. The day after that we can come back here to explore, then later I’ve got tickets to The Nutcracker at the Lincoln Centre.”

“As in the ballet?” Artemis wrinkled her nose.

“It’s festive. You’ll love it, trust me. Same goes for the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular, which we will be seeing after dinner tonight, and baseball, obviously.”

“Obviously.”

“Look, if you’re going to be working backstage at Madison Square Gardens, you at least need to see a game there first. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Where were we?” KC returned to her phone. “Oh, yeah. On Christmas Eve, we’ll need to finish getting stuff ready, but we’ll go out in the evening, see some lights and find a bar in the Village where you can dance on the tables like you’re in the cast of Rent.”

“What’s Rent?”

KC sighed and shook her head before typing something on her phone. Artemis craned her neck to see what it was, and noticed that KC had added three words to her list of activities for Artemis’ stay:

Go see Rent.

“Okay,” said Artemis, nodding slowly. “So, that’s what we’ll be doing in the next few days. What about before dinner and the rocket thing? What’s first on the list?”

“First of all? Coffee.”

Artemis laughed. “Dirty and Irish, right?”

“Just the way I like it,” KC’s lips twitched. “And then… Well, how much do you like Christmas trees?”

Once they had coffees to warm their hands, the two of them made their way down Fifth Avenue, stopping to look at a fountain and making a quick detour to look at the illuminated, glittering shop window of Tiffany and Co. Opposite a large cathedral with a gothic frontage that did not match the buildings surrounding it, stood a complex of tall concrete buildings, their facades all lit up with bright Christmas lights.

“Wow,” said Artemis, her eyes wide. KC laughed, not unkindly.

“Oh, you’ve not seen anything yet.”

Together, they crossed the street and entered the complex via a narrow boulevard with a central row of flowerbeds lined with fairy light statues shaped like angels blowing golden horns. At the far end was an ice rink and a Christmas tree, and as they neared it, Artemis’ jaw dropped.

The Christmas tree was taller and bushier than any she had seen in her life, decorated with what looked like a million different baubles and tiny lights. Artemis stared at it in a stunned silence.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” said a voice, interrupting her awe, and Artemis stepped sideways to allow a man in a police uniform to pass her. She watched him join another policeman standing near by, and a moment later, a third joined them.

“How many of them are there?” she asked KC, as a fourth police officer entered the scene. “What are they-”

“Ladies and gentleman,” a fifth officer announced. “We are sorry to interrupt your evening. We are the New York City Police Department, and we’ve got a little surprise planned for you.” He looked around him, smiled, and began to sing:

“Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today…”

At his words, several more people, men and women, some in uniform, others not, some holding instruments, some not, all gathered in the centre of the plaza opposite the Christmas tree. With each line of the song, more instruments and voices joined the choir, including those of the crowd around them, all laughing, swaying, and filming the scene on their phones.

“I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps…”

KC leaned towards Artemis and said something that couldn’t be heard over the sound of the music.

“What?” Artemis shouted back to her.

“If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere…”

“I said,” KC repeated, also with her voice raised, “is this the sort of thing you were expecting?”

“It’s up to you…”

Artemis smiled and shook her head. “It’s better!”

“New York, New York!”

[kokiafans]

KOKIA in flashback - 2008

We have made it to 2008, the year of KOKIA's 10th anniversary! She celebrates this milestone and her new-found independence accordingly with multiple (!) new albums: the anniversary album The VOICE (with a Japanese and European release), the album Fairy Dance which she records in Ireland, and Christmas gift, a Christmas album (with once again a Japanese and European release). We also get the complete collection 1998-1999, gathering all her songs from her Ponyo Canyon era.

She also returns to Europe, this time performing not only in Paris, but also Brussels, Belgium. She draws 1,800 people to her performances in France, expanding her scope there.

At the end of the year, she travels to the United States for her Music Gift project, where she hands out 10,000 copies of the single Music Gift by herself dressed as Santa in New York City, in memoriam of the 9/11 attacks. She includes a new version of remember the kiss on this; Remember the kiss (dedicated to "New" NY).

◆ Lives and events ◆

February 16 ＋0°C snow music festival 08 (Niigata, Tôkamachi, Echigo-Tsumari gathering hall Kinare) ※ Charity event for recovery after the Chûetsu offshore earthquake

February 23-24 KOKIA Live in Naeba Prince white notes Vol.2 (Naeba Prince Hotel Chatelaine)

【KOKIA European Tour 2008】 March 22 - Best-of, Paris, La Mutalité March 23 - VIP, Paris, Café de la Danse March 25 - Intime, Brussels, Le Botanique

【KOKIA The VOICE~10th Anniversary concert】 April 11 - Osaka, Osaka Kōsei Nenkin Kaikan, arts hall April 16 - Tokyo, Tokyo International Forum Hall C

April 21 20th peach blossom viewing festival (Niigata, Kariwamura 2nd gymnasium) ※ 2 performances in 1 day

May 11 Sakae Minami music festival '08 (Aichi, Yaba Park)

June 28 (July 13/August 16/September 14/September 15) Afternoon tea party with KOKIA (Tokyo, Club PASONA Omotesando) ※ Event exclusive for members of the KOKIA fan club, club ancoro. 5 tea parties in total

July 12 KOKIA special concert in Ario Nishiarai (Tokyo, Ario Nishiarai) ※ 2 performances in 1 day

July 26 Gion Kashiwazaki festival fireworks stage ~restoration support concert~ (Minatomachi beachside park, sunset dome)

August 2 SURFSIDE RADIO '08 in Fukuma beach (Fukuoka, Fukuma beach SURF SIDE CLUB) ※ Live recording broadcasted by CROSS FM

August 3 Marinoa City Fukuoka presents FM Fukuoka Summer Special ~Summer Mari '08~! (Marinoa City Fukuoka) ※ Live recording broadcasted by FM FUKUOKA

September 27 Fairy Dance~KOKIA meets Ireland~ (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil) ※ 2 performances in 1 day

September 28 Troubadour LIVE for TENSEI (Tokyo, Katsushika Symphony Hills) ※ charity concert to help Tensei Iwata, who is battling a disease called idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy)

October 4 TOKYO Music Marathon music festival in Tokyo International Forum supported by Victor 80th anniversary (Tokyo International Forum Hall C)

October 13 KOKIA Special Live in Ario Soga (Chiba, Ario Soga) ※ 2 performances in 1 day

November 2 Azabu University festival 2008~KOKIA concert (Kanagawa, Azabu University)

November 8 Ritsumeikan University School Festival UK with JP~2 way love special screening after the presentation, KOKIA LIVE & TALK (Shiga, Ritsumeikan University Biwako Kusatsu Campus)

November 16 KOKIA Christmas gift Concert 2008 (Tokyo, Dai-ichi Seimei Hall) ※ Extra performance on November 20

November 21 My Space cafe presents at Spuma escala party vol.2 (Shibuya Spuma)

November 30 LOVE FM AIR-STAGE World AIDS day Fukuoka (Fukuoka, Tenjin IMS, IMS Plaza) ※ Live performance broadcasted by LOVE FM

December 15 Apple Store Shibuya in-store live (Apple Store Shibuya)

December 23 Uta no Chikara tour '08 ('The power of song') (Fukuoka, Gate's 7)

December 24 ZIP-FM Xmas Square KOKIA LIVE (Aichi, SUNSHINE SAKAE) ※ Live performance broadcast ZIP-FM

December 25 Uta no chikara tour '08 ('The power of song') (Annex Hall of The Museum of Kyoto)

December 26 KOKIA Kokoro no akari live ('light in the heart') (Annex Hall of The Museum of Kyoto)

◆ Releases ◆

February 20 Release of original album The VOICE (Victor Entertainment and others) ※ CD to commemorate her 10th anniversary. Simultaneous relesae in Japan, Europe and Asia.

July 16 Release of concert DVD The VOICE 10th anniversary concert (Victor Entertainment)

September 24 Release of the album Fairy Dance ~KOKIA meet Ireland recorded in Ireland (Victor Entertainment) ※ First album recorded overseas

October 22 Release of the French edition of Christmas gift (Wasabi Records)

October 22 Release of the French edition KOKIA COLLECTION (Wasabi Records) ※ Collection box of 3 albums: Christmas gift, The VOICE and aigakikoeru (listen for the love) (French edition for each). The French release of Christmas gift is ahead of the Japanese release.

November 12 Release of Christmas album Christmas Gift (Victor Entertainment) ※ First Christmas Album

December 3 iTunes Store exclusive distribution of the EP Love Tears (Victor Entertainment) Mini album with 4 songs, including Arigatou... (from KOKIA 2007) ('Thank you...') and Watashi ni dekiru koto ('the things I can do').

◆ Other releases ◆

January 23 Release of the single Tatta hitotsu no omoi ('Only one thought') (Marvelous Entertainment) ※ Opening theme of the animated TV series GUNSLINGER GIRL - IL TEATRINO-

September 17 Release of best-of album KOKIA complete collection 1998-1999 (Ponyo Canyon) ※Album collecting the best of from her Ponyo Canyon era.

◆ Books ◆

April 11 Release of the KOKIA 10th anniversary book KOKIA 10th memorial book ※ Lavish memorial book talking about her 10 years as KOKIA and half her life as Akiko Yoshida. Includes a DVD with bonus footage and her first directed movie, Ojiichan no chuuripu ('Grandpa's tulips').

◆ Other ◆

May 27~ Sang the main song for the 'promise version' of the TV commercial for Mitsuya Cider

Fiscal year of 2008 Winner of the Ningenryoku taishou ('Grand prize of social grace') Won due to the song Watashi ni dekiru koto ('the things I can do'), created to encourage people struck by disaster

December 9 Appearance in the Nippon TV national network series Dare mo shiranai nakeru uta (songs no-one knows that make you cry') ※ Episode introducing and self-accompanied piano performance of Watashi ni dekiru koto ('the things I can do')

December MUSC GIFT project Handed out copies herself in New York of her CD MUSIC GIFT, including Remember the kiss~dedicated to "New" NY, the song that she initially wrote after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and recorded anew in New York with the choir from the New York church

The album The VOICE wins the Domestic World/New Age Award at the ADLIB sponsored ADLIB Awards 2008

◆ Videos with links to watch ◆

Opening theme Tatta hitotsu no omoi ('just one thought') for the 2008 series GUNSLINGER GIRL -IL TEATRINO- 

[fratsweetie]

this was the new york city weekend:

cold and bright on friday and i overslept on account of waking up next to the man i love and cherishing the feeling as if it has not happened hundreds of times before and over lunch i went to bushwick to pick up a chair that didn’t work and the super was drilling in the courtyard so loud it made my room shake and when i logged off i got dressed in my one hundred and one dalmatians overalls, stolen from my sister’s closet, and i went to the whitney solo and i cried at the puerto rican art exhibit thinking about my home languishing so far away and so mad at the white people not understanding and making crass jokes and the tour guide who acted like it is a third world country and everyone is waiting to be saved and i took in the gorgeous gorgeous lights of this beautiful place i live in from the top deck and i walked back to my train and i ran back to my home and changed and met my father and my uncles and my cousin for late late dinner on the upper east side and the old fashioned burned my throat all the way down and my sandwich fell apart in my hands and my dad called me an uber by 11:55 and when i got home the man i love came home too.

then saturday was dreary rainy gray cold all day and it was so hard to get up off the bed but i did and i picked up my laundry and i got us two coffees (cold brew and a double espresso) and two donuts (white frosting and sour cream) and we laughed so hard for hours and watched law and order as if nothing had ever been so enthralling and when we arose at 4pm i began to schlep to manhattan to meet my father and uncles for dinner and i had to stop and buy a hat because my bangs were soaked through and when i found out they were going to a seafood boil restaurant and my allergies precluded me from going there i went to jack’s wife freda like a normie on my own and sat at the dim bar and ate two overpriced eggs and drank two drinks and in the bathroom they played françoise hardy and i went to the met to kill the time and when i was there in the spanish courtyard on the first floor who did i see on the second floor balcony but the man i love and overwhelmed with the joy of coincidence, of finding someone in a city of eight million i was going to let the moment soak in and not say anything and then he yelled my name from above but i was listening to music and i couldn’t hear and two rooms later he sends me a message and when i look up there he is! with his friend and he is wearing the jacket i got him for christmas and he introduces us and his friend is about to leave so he asks me if i want to stay there with him but my father is about to arrive and i have to go and we go to first avenue and get drunk at an old person diner and when i get home the man i love asks if he can come meet me and of course he can.

then magnificent sunday the first real day of spring everyone is in shorts i urge him to leave the bed before his sunday scaries take hold and we plan to get a pre brunch before our actual brunch but both places are full but oh, miracle, we walk to the other end of our neighborhood and we grab an outdoor table at a wonderful restaurant and we sit in the blinding sun and my duck confit is perfectly cooked and we share a cup of coffee because suddenly we are both broke and we walk to his place because he is in too many layers for such a beautiful day and i try to convince him to wear shorts but none of his shoes match and we decide to walk all the way down to prospect park, a beautiful 3 miles in the sunshine, and it feels like everyone is finally out like everyone has awoken from the mild winter and realized life in community is better than any other life and on the steps of the public library life feels so worth living and we sit on a bench and i lay my head on his shoulder and watch the buds on the trees shake and everyone around us bask in joy and i am scared a mole on my leg may be skin cancer and we sit on my (his) jacket on the lawn and listen to whale sounds and start walking back home and i have to lie to a restaurant server to use the bathroom and on the thirty minute ride home i sleep on him and when we are back in our neighborhood we get the first good chinese food we have had in a month and he asks if i will go home with him and watch him play video games and i say no but not because i don’t want to because of course i want to eat up all the time i can possibly get with him i want it forever but because i am being better about not canceling every plan whenever i am presented with the opportunity to be with him and my roommates and i want to watch succession so we do and i eat terrible snacks and i keep falling asleep because i am exhausted from a beautiful weekend and when my head hits my pillow i am out in a second. and it was all so good.

[josiebelladonna]

kinkmas // prologue

kinkmas, titled “black moon” | prologue

pairing: alex skolnick x fem!oc

tags: loneliness at the holiday season, setting the mood, wine-drinking

ao3 link | kinktober/sister piece “eclipse”

minors dni, or so help me ❄️💋❄️💋

“I was hoping you’d make it.”

Alex showed me that sweet little smile as I walked on up to him through the darkness. It was nearly midnight and he had asked me to join him for a little something special. Something “immersive” as he called it, just in time for the world of Christmas. No snow had begun to fall in the Hollywood hills behind us as of yet, but I knew it was coming up there in the meantime. One wouldn’t think of Los Angeles as being all that festive, especially since he toured with the East Coast wing, but he and I were both adamant about it when I had met him back in New York City.

He took out a small, brass key from his pocket and he unlocked the back door to the concert hall for me. When I emerged into the patch of dim light courtesy of the street lamp off to the side there, I noticed the soft reddish sheen to his jacket: a deep red wine shade of velvet for a luxurious evening. Though neither he nor I had a lot of money on hand at the moment, we would make do of it all.

He then held the door for me with a thoughtful look plastered on his handsome face.

I bowed my head and showed him a shy smile as I walked in through the door there. He closed it right behind us and then he turned to me, still with the thoughtful expression on his face.

“What’d you say your name was again?” he asked me: given we were inside, he needn’t have to speak so loudly; his voice was so gentle and warm, like a pouring of wild fresh honey on freshly crisp toast on a cold morning.

“Didn’t. It’s Chris. Short for Christine.”

“Okay,” he said with a slight nod and a little smile to accompany it, “Chris, short for Christine—come with me.” He was so adorable with the way that he talked, almost out of one side of his mouth like he was about to crack me a really bad joke somewhere along the way. He reached behind me and flipped a couple of switches there on the wall by the door, one for the backstage area as well as the actual concert hall itself beyond there.

Alex led me along the backstage area until we reached a spot of brighter light, right before a heavy black curtain with sparkles embedded within, and once he turned to me, I was better able to look into his face and those deep-set soulful eyes of his. Though he was approaching forty, I never would have believed it from the smooth silkiness of his skin. I had the strangest desire to suddenly kiss him on the neck, right underneath his chin, just to feel the softness there, to see if he really was in fact that tender and soft.

He had brushed his shaggy rag mop of jet-black hair, which had grown out to where the ends caressed his shoulders. Though I absolutely went ape shit over his long lush curls as a young buck, he looked rather cute with scruffy hair. He also reminded me of Sweeney Todd with that little sole plume of gray at the front of his head.

I took a glimpse down to his body, to the crushed deep red velvet that encapsulated his slim body, the black vest underneath as well as the white silk button-up shirt. I spotted the delicate little silver Star of David about the size of a dime around his neck, as light as freshly fallen snow.

He turned to me, still with that smile on his face: he had prominent dimples that only made me want to kiss him more. He set his hands on the lapels of his coat and I noticed the fine, narrow light spot on his left ring finger. Recently divorced, and a sight that gave me a whole manner of questions no less.

“Ready?” he asked me.

“Ready.”

He reached to the right and pushed the curtain back, which in turn revealed the concert hall to me. Rows upon rows of seats extended back into the shadows at the far side of the vast room, as if it went on for an eternity. I glanced up to the ceiling and the chandelier right at the center of it all: the color and the shape of the whole thing reminded me of the anatomically correct shape of a human heart. I lowered my gaze to the stage right next to him, big enough for the whole entire performance, the orchestra as it awaited for their turn in the coming nights, and yet we had the time to have the building all to ourselves.

“Ta-da,” he declared.

“Beautiful,” I muttered. “I almost feel like I’m at the North Pole.”

“You should see the snow when it comes down during some songs,” he assured me as he led me out to the middle of the stage, right next to the stools where the bassist and one of the guitarists were directed to. “Especially during ‘Wizards of Winter.’ The snow just comes down in a vortex while I’m soloing.”

I turned my head again, that time for a better look at the four V.I.P. seats right before the stage and the orchestra pit. The plush upholstery of the seats made me yearn for a mug full of hot chocolate with those little marshmallows inside.

Alex knelt down to a cabinet right next to the platform for one of the drum kits and he took out a big green bottle of dark red wine, an old-fashioned corkscrew, and a pair of crystalline glasses. He set them both down atop the cabinet and he undid the cork with a flick of his wrist.

Soft skin and he was very strong as well.

“A little Porto to set the tone for us,” he proclaimed as he poured the wine into the glasses, one right after the other. The wine was in fact the same color as his jacket, and he was eager to hand me the glass.

I cradled the glass in the palm of my hand as I would a glass of brandy in anticipation of his being ready for a little toast of sorts. He returned to me with a slight rosiness to his face and the collar of his shirt undone to show me some skin.

“I notice you have a tan line on your ring finger,” I told him, to which he raised his left hand at me. The thoughtful expression returned to his face and I could only put two and two together.

“Oh, you poor man,” was all I could say, but he shrugged his narrow shoulders at that.

“The fire is alive and well, my little snow bunny,” he vowed to me with a raise of his glass to me.

“I hope this isn’t a rebound,” I confessed to him as I held the glass of wine out before me,

“I promise you, Chris—it isn’t. The feelings have been water under the bridge for quite a while now.” He tipped the glass back onto his full, sensual lips and took a hearty swig. I followed suit: though it wasn’t hot chocolate, it was sweet and lush, and it did feel quite warm within me. The taste of the grapes washed over me, and I held it down to my waist.

He gestured to the seats right at the edge of the stage.

“Have a seat,” he coaxed me.

I doubled back towards the rail where I spotted the walkway down to the aisle down in front, and ultimately, the step up to the small but cozy V.I.P. section. I took my spot in the one closest to the stage all so I could put my feet up in the seat to my right. I swirled the wine in the glass and I watched him.

He was like a dark prince with the way that he moved about before me on that stage, a ghost with the shadows at his back and the great wide unknown right before him, a thief in the night. He sipped on his wine and gazed up at the chandelier in the middle of the ceiling, and I noticed that the bottom of his vest was pushing his silk shirt up his body a bit. The soft white light in the hall washed over him and his milky skin to the point it softened the sharp prominence of his brow and brought those deep blues forth out of the shadows of his face. The plume of gray shone as if it was made of glitter and garland: the black of his curls reminded me of the blackness of night eternal.

He was snowy and ghostly at the same time; and when he closed his eyes and arched his back a bit so as to relax himself a bit more, I caught a little glimpse of his bare waist. Snowy, ghostly, and childlike all at the same time. Young and ancient at the same time. Slim and yet so shapely, and the caress of the wine only made him all the more lush and opulent, even with the presence of humility.

Another sip of wine and then he turned and set it down on the stool next to him.

He picked up the beautiful cherry red acoustic guitar from the rack on the side of the stage next to him and he slung it over his shoulder. Without sparing another moment, he strode over to the very front of the stage, a mere few feet away from me. I nestled down in the seat and I awaited him for his solo performance.

“So, what’s on the menu for tonight, my prince?” I asked him. He showed me a playful little smirk and ran his fingers through his black curls: all the while, I caught a quick glimpse of his silver streak by the roots.

He bowed his head for a brief moment, and then he raised it up at a slow pace so the light could cross over him and nourish every curve and soft smooth contour of his face and neck.

“A desire to leave the world behind,” he announced in a fuller tone of voice. “Christmas is everywhere we turn and to the heart of the deepest shadows, we retreat and find solace from it all.” He turned towards me and he locked eyes with me for a moment: a few feet away from him and I could feel his power.

“An escape,” I followed along.

“An escape while sharing our time together in the universe,” he added. “I am Jewish and I’m by myself on Christmas. I know that you, too, are alone.”

“Indeed, I am,” I confessed to him. He turned to the stool right behind him and took his seat with that red guitar plunked across right his lap.

“I wish to take you for a little ride, my dear,” he told me as he adjusted the seat of the stool. “A ride of the mind through the heart and soul of the holidays. May I take you into the corners of your mind where the holiday cheer meets with the feelings you didn’t know you had. The season, the darkness, every last part of it—everything you can imagine and then some. Allow me to indulge in you, and I shall allow you to indulge in me.”

Those eyes, as deep and hypnotic as the clear night sky that followed a day’s worth of hefty snowfall, gazed right back at me in all of their rich royal blue glory. I sank down into the plush seat and I brought my knees up to my chest as if I would at a roaring fire’s edge.

The tales of Christmas, like I had never witnessed before, as vast as Siberia itself.