#Personalized Photo Fathers Day Gift Ideas

[loforay]

Celebrate Father's Day in a special way with Loforay.com's unique and sentimental gift: the Personalized Photo and Name Gift Clock. Crafted from an original LP record, this clock allows you to customize it with a cherished photo of you and your dad, along with his name. It's a timeless keepsake that combines nostalgia and functionality, serving as a daily reminder of your love and appreciation. Loforay.com's dedication to exceptional craftsmanship ensures high-quality materials and attention to detail, making this personalized clock a meaningful and lasting tribute to your beloved father. Make this Father's Day unforgettable with a gift that truly captures your bond at Loforay.com

[bones4thecats]

When Their S/O Meets Their Sibling(s)

Type of Writing: Random Idea Name: When Their S/O Meets Their Sibling(s) Characters: Trey Clover, Jack Howl, Jamil Viper, and Rook Hunt Idea-Giver: Random Ideas

A/N: I named Rook's siblings after the pieces of a chess-game as a headcanon! (btw they’re french names)

✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅

✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅

🧁 Trey loves his family so much, and he really wanted you to love them just as much as he did, as they’re basically his whole world

🧁 So, when he received a message from his mother stating that they would be dropping by for a couple days for a small break from the family business, much to both his joy and nervousness

🧁 He was nervous that maybe his family wouldn’t like you or you wouldn’t like his family. And if it was the latter, he really didn’t want to break your heart…

🧁 You stood beside him outside of Heartslabyul as he put his phone away, he had read a message from his father saying they had just arrived and were coming to his dorm

🧁 Gripping his hand tightly, your smile made him sigh and kiss the hand holding his with such care and devotion. You really were perfect. How could they not like you?

🧁 As he spoke to his parents as you played with his younger siblings, his sister smiling as you gave her a small rose-spun flower crown as his brother messed around with a little set of toy vehicles you had gotten for Grim to mess with while Yuu busied himself

" I must admit, Trey. I’m surprised how amazing your S/O is handling those two. " " I agree with your mother. They seem so… content with them around. Unlike their last babysitter. I’ve never seen someone so happy to leave. "

🧁 Trey stared at you with his parents and smiled gently, he even had to admit, it was surprising how good you were holding them together. Normally the person watching them would be on the couch rethinking their life-choices, but not you…

🧁 And before his family left after the two days of vacation with their son, hearing his siblings ramble about how amazing you were as they held tiny gifts you had made them, he knew you were the one

🧁 He can’t wait to see your reaction after graduation day

✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅

✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅

🐺 He really wanted you to meet his family. To a beastman of his kind, family is everything. They raised you and gave you a chance at life for crying out loud!

🐺 His family and his are very close, and that is shown multiple times throughout your relationship. The way he would smile gently when looking at the photos on his camera roll that contained his grandparents, parents, and younger siblings made your heart swoon

🐺 Because of how close he was with you and how close he was with his family, he was very happy when the ‘Family Day’ was announced to happen

🐺 He immediately had sent an email to his parents with the note that he wanted them to meet you, who was his new S/O, and hopefully his only one

🐺 When they had arrived, their tails all wagged as they hugged, you just smiled as your family walked away to speak to another one of your close friend’s parents, who were visiting him for the next few days to help with P.E. classes while Vargas was away

🐺 His siblings had gotten bored and pulled you away from their older family members, asking you if you had anything fun to do, much to your enjoyment

" Y/N! Lookie what I made! It’s a drawing of you, grandma, grandpa, papa, mama, and big brother! " " Oh, that looks so cute, sweetie. "

🐺 Jack smiled as you gently held the drawings that his younger sister and brother made of you and his family, and once his mother and grandmother caught a glace, they couldn’t stop complimenting how good you looked alongside their son, much to his embarrassment

" You know, your son did a good job picking an S/O. " " I know. Honestly, I figured he’d go for a meat-head. Oh, how wrong was I? "

🐺 His tail wagged slightly as he overheard his grandfather and father speaking to one another, they really liked you? Now he knew for certain that you were a keeper

✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅

✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅

🐍 Jamil did not want to deal with his sister coming to Night Raven College, since she was known to be quite hard for him to handle, especially with Kalim there

🐍 When his sister did shoot him a text saying that she was just a couple minutes from school grounds and was planning on coming over after the day was over to see her brother, he groaned and asked her not too

🐍 Unfortunately, she was very stubborn, much like her brother. Not that he admits it

🐍 She did send him a small message saying that she wanted to meet his supposed S/O as well, but he had gotten busy keeping Kalim from jumping from his balcony and onto his magic carpet, so he had no chance to actually read the message

" Y/N! It’s so good to finally meet you. Let me just say my brother doesn’t stop talking about you over summer, it’s gotten annoying. "

🐍 Jamil watched with wide eyes and flushed cheeks as his sister and Kalim began discussing how much Jamil talked about you after your first year’s summer, revealing just how much he admired you back then until current day

" Okay! Let’s not keep this going, it seems that Jamil is flustered~ " " Shut up… "

🐍 Najma smiled and pat her brother’s shoulder with a laugh as she grabbed your hand and dragged you around Scarabia as Jamil followed you, her, and Kalim

🐍 He watched as you would smile and try keeping the two energetic people calmer than usual, thank goodness you had just as much patience as him when it comes to this kind of thing

" My older brother always raves about your eyes, saying they looked like the night and day’s sky, comparing the sun to the sparkles your eyes contain. He’s so cheesy! " " Right? I heard him talk about their selflessness with so much happiness that I thought he was another person! " " Alrighty then! Let’s calm ourselves, I don’t want Jamil erupting like a volcano… " " Aw! They care so much about you, brother! How sweet. "

🐍 The blush on his cheeks erupted at how calm you acted with him, you cared about him that much? Normally whoever discusses with his sister just agree that he’s an oddball

🐍 You really are an amazing person, huh?

✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅

✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅

🏹 Rook adores his siblings, both older and younger, very much

🏹 They are fairly similar to him when it comes to personalities, but they are quite different in their own unique ways, his oldest sibling, Leroy (King), for example loves to take photos instead of watch for a while like Rook

🏹 When he received a letter from one of his oldest younger sibling, Chevalier (Knight), saying that they were going to come by and visit him, he smiled and told you immediately, asking if you would care to meet his family

🏹 You just smiled and nodded at his enthusiasm, you knew he cared for his siblings and you very much, so you understood why he wanted you guys to meet badly

🏹 Hugging you from behind as he pressed his hat on your head to protect you from the sun’s strong rays, Rook’s signature smile seemingly was twice as large as he awaited the arrival of his multiple family members

" Rook! "

🏹 Turning around from the bench, Rook laughed with a booming sound as his three younger siblings, Chevalier, Évêque (Bishop), and Pionne (Pawn), jumped into his arms as his older ones, Leroy and Reine (Queen), stood and chuckled

🏹 Reine looked at you and pushed her hair behind her ear as he embraced you. This didn't surprise you, you predicted that all of the Hunt siblings were very affectionate and bold with their actions

" It is a delight to meet you, Y/N! Our brother sends us letters about you constantly! I must admit, it’s sweet to read how kind you are with our unique brother. "

🏹 Hearing that made your heart swoon as Rook nodded and smiled sweetly at his younger siblings, patting their heads as they showed him photos of things they had either caught or had made during the past few days

🏹 He is unique like they say, but he’s your kind of unique, and you wouldn’t change him for the world… despite Grim’s many protests while Yuu holds him back…

🏹 That cat was gonna be the death of you…

[wickedfreakho]

You and Eren just moved into the city. The streets are busy as cars rush by, trying to get absolutely nowhere, buildings stand tall and block out certain areas of sunlight.

It's fairly nice in the heart of the city. You've had a bit of city girl in you, having traveled to the city with your parents from a small town just a few miles away.

Eren on the other hand was from the country and lived on a farm with his parents. He rarely ever visited the city unless it was to get a surprise gift for mother's day or tools that his father needed when it came to harvesting crops.

You both decided to move to the city for better job opportunities, especially since you had plans to travel the world in the future. But for now, you guys had to focus on getting and saving up the money for that.

Eren worked at an environmental justice company that helped brainstorm ideas to fix climate change while fundraising and putting in the action. You worked as a nursing assistant at a local clinic close to your apartment.

You loved your job, your apartment, your life in the city. It was quite enjoyable, especially with Eren around. When you guys both came home from work in the later afternoon, all you guys wanted to do was cuddle and soak in each other presence.

The apartment was modest, nestled in a charming brick building that has seen generations come and go. The apartment wasn't too small or too big, but just right for the both of you. There were still cardboard boxes that needed to be unpacked such as old books, personal documents, photographs and decorative items; but the important things were set up.

Today, the both of you were unpacking the rest of everything so that your apartment could take a sense of home. Eren picked up the heavy cardboard box labeled "books" and carried them over to the large white shelf closest to the balcony of the apartment.

You on the other hand, pushed the box labeled "family photos" over to the same shelf. Eventually, organizing the two to blend the both of your backgrounds and start to create a unique tapestry in this new chapter of your lives.

"Oh I have something to show you by the way" Eren exclaimed all of a sudden, his eye sparkling. Curious, you followed him out to the small balcony that overlooked the city's skyline. Eren unveiled a series of potted plants he's been nurturing overtime. "I thought we could start a small garden here on the balcony..it's not much but it's a start"

Smiling like an idiot in love, you were so touched by the gesture as you stood closer to Eren. You never noticed this, so it was a shocking surprise. "I love it! It's so perfect, thank you Ren." You looked up at him then down to his lips. It's like he read your mind when he pulled you into a gentle kiss.

The softness of his lips against yours lightened your soul. The kiss conveyed all the unspoken words and emotions you shared. It was a kiss filled with warmth and promises. A silent pledge of love as your hearts synced with the rhythm of your shared, intimate moment.

BITCH I ATE THIS SO BADD LMFAOOO anyways it look me a fkn while to find the time to write this but i hope you guys enjoy it a little. lmk if there's any grammar mistakes that need to be fixed even though i proof read.

@ wickedfreakho , pls don't copy, translate, or repost my work without my permission babes <3.

[jencsi]

For the headcanon ask game, I’d love to know more about 13, 15, 17, and 20, for Finn, if you’re so inclined! 💛

Thank you so much :) 13. Finn’s ideals and philosophies- being in the line of work she is, seeking out justice is a big factor for her. Giving a voice to someone who no longer has one was a major point in how she decided to pursue criminology and police work. As a child, she did not handle any unfair loss. She played sports and always accepted outcomes win or lose when they were handled correctly, but being told she couldn’t participate in a sport just because she’s a girl would be something she would not have accepted and would have fought to change. She would work hard to ensure that she was just as qualified as a man to do the job which that drive continued into her adult life. In this tumultuous political climate, we currently have, she would certainly lean more towards left, liberal ideas as that is just a combination of how she was raised and how she has observed the world around her. 

15- pets or feelings about animals- growing up, her parents were both working and unfortunately did not have time for pets. Her mother had a bird feeder in the backyard alongside her garden she tended to. If they stumbled across a stray animal who needed help they would certainly do what they could to help that critter. Fast forward to CSI times when Nick has Sam the german shepherd, when I headcanon them, I know she would adore that dog and do anything to help him, spoil him with toys and treats, play with him, run around the yard to wear them both out. Sam would be her first pet and she would devote her heart to him. 

17- personal sense of style and decor- when she’s not working and forced into business casual/police issued articles of clothing, she dresses very casually (jeans, hoodies, sweaters) unless there is a party or a girl's night out with Sara and Morgan then she would put more effort into styling an outfit. For her home, she fills it with things that have meaning, lots of items from her childhood, her fathers medical books that have lasted all these years, journals, photos, trinkets from her mother that she can’t part with, science related items, articles, sports memorabilia, both from her childhood and from present day, she saves concert ticket stubs, movie tickets, intending to make scrapbooks but they end up just kind of everywhere.  -20- love language/way they show affection- this is perhaps one of my favorite things about her and what I love to write for her after all these years. Finn is an extremely affectionate person. She loves love. Sounds cliche but it was refreshing to see her attempt to connect with so many suitors on the show. She knew her worth and she knew life was short and she was not going to hold her feelings back out of fear. Girl was ready to rock and roll. She will steal the covers, she will cuddle, hold hands, public displays of affection are a must, she will dance and not care who sees, she will give gifts, make plans for date nights, she will go all in for any relationship.

[nedsseveredhead]

Ned's sad about their dead dad rambling under the cut, nothing to worry about just gettin some feelings out

Step mom gave us a box of like..... stuff from their house, since she'll be moving out soon. Just one box between me and my brother. In it was some old toys we'd forgotten about... a talking pikachu i loved more than life, one of my brothers sonic the hedgehog plushies... some old baby photos my dad apparently kept with him almost at all times (more of my brother than of me but thats. fine. we'll unpack that someday). A tiny little pinch jar I'd made for him in what had to have been a first grade art class, considering it came with 'fathers day coupons' with the absolute Worst handwriting youd ever seen. Like... where did he keep that lol. I hadnt even thought of those dumb little art projects in decades. Sure mom kept a few but theyre in like.... bins tucked way away in the basement that only come out when shes feeling sentimental. My dads stuff like that is in a storage unit my step mom doesnt intend on touching till later in the year. So he just... had this somewhere.

i dunno. my dad wasnt an emotional person, not outwardly. The idea of him having all these sentimental little things around is just so... sweet. it and the fact that it all comes to us in a little moving box, while he sits in jar on my mantle.... its kinda getting to me tonight u know?

My brother and I also got two gifts we'd given our dad before. Mine was a 'World Champion Dad mug'. It was sooo cheesy and dumb and honestly kinda impractical; its shaped like a trophy, two handles like a sippy cup. I didn't think he'd actually use it but it was on sale so I got it and presented it all proudly.... and the joy I got when I caught him using it in the morning. Idk so many little memories I keep thinking about that people keep telling me I'm supposed to hold onto to remember fondly but like. they just hurt lol there was so much more we were supposed to do but he had to go and die, and I have no idea how to like interact with people in the day to day about it.

[afterthegreatunknown]

asoue au: gregor doesn't exist.

hector and ike anwhistle joked when they were little about their imaginary older brother name gregor. they picked gregor because it works with their naming scheme: g-h-i. they gave gregor the interest of fossils (mainly trace fossils) and of mycology. they gave him an unpredictable personality; one moment he can be a bully to them, the next moment he's their best friend in the world.

after they got recruited, they joked to other neophytes one day about how their older brother never got recruited properly due to being away at a boarding school in the middle of the hinterlands and is more or less exempted from the training they went through.

only one person got the joke, remembering it was april fools day. so everyone in their generation sincerely believes that gregor anwhistle exists. hector and ike being kids at the time, continue the joke. they show letters gregor wrote them and gifts he sent them. in reality hector wrote them in a messier handwriting style so no one traces it back to him, and ike used his allowance to buy items that gregor would send the two they would like or of gregor's own interests.

(beatrice being around the same age as her second cousins, accept the idea that gregor is an anwhistle she never met, for she doesn't visits the anwhistles that often per-recruitment; though once in awhile beatrice thinks otherwise. jacques and kit are more certain on the idea that gregor doesn't exist, but memory is a funny thing; they want to give the benefit of the doubt that they met gregor once but forgotten him after he went to boarding school.)

when their associates decided that they need to meet gregor properly, hector and ike and realize maybe the joke is going far. but they didn't stop, instead of taking steps to delay said proper meeting, saying that gregor is very busy, but he would try to contact them through means that isn't letters. hector called in phone booths, or made recordings in a deeper voice than usual, with an accent that their father uses. ike took photos of himself in elevated shoes (for gregor is 'taller' than hector and ike) from behind, or obscure his face by any means possible, in clothes that ike (and hector) would never wear.

the joke nearly blew up in their face, when beatrice, kit, and jacques ran into ike, scouting a location for another photo shoot. the three pushed ike to introduce gregor. luckily for ike, it was evening and hector was around; hector put on his gregor voice and the gregor shoes and clothes to become gregor; hector also wore a mask around his face, the excuse being to lower the chance of getting sick.

and the three bought it completely. their meeting of gregor spread to their other associates (sans josephine; she was the one who got the joke back then, and while she didn't support hector and ike continuous joking, didn't stop them either). soon, the others were meeting gregor in the same circumstances: in the evening, with gregor wearing a mask with ike or hector present (on occasion ike takes over to avoid suspicions, though he talks very little due to poorly copying hector's gregor voice and thus tries not to let anyone know).

the visits were heard by their parents, as well as other older volunteers. with the joke now known to older generation, hector and ike feared the lecture of the century, as well the order of telling everyone the truth.

but as it turns out, they couldn't.

their parents and the others older volunteers learned someone in their generation created a plan. a dangerous plan to stop the other side, and end the schism after all. their plan? create a deadly fungus.

and mycology is after all, an interest of gregor.

so the joke continued on, much to hector and ike's dismay. they didn't like gregor being the figurehead of the project with other scientists working with him, with beatrice and bertrand joining in later in creating the antidote. they didn't like how gregor became more unpredictable, wanting the project to succeed despite it being so dangerous that kit wrote to gregor to warn him with a thin threat in her letter.

it's a letter hector tried to response too, but he never got past drafts of letters and scripts to make a recording on or make as a proper phone call. it's a letter ike tried to response too in person, but he could never face kit when in his gregor clothes and shoes.

both hector and ike felt that maybe things would be better if gregor was better off dead.

so imagine their surprise and horror when anwhistle aquatic was burnt to the ground, with all but one body being account for: gregor. as such, during gregor's funeral, there was no casket to be bury. just a blurry photo of him from behind shown.

hector and ike after leaving the funeral, thought they could finally be a peace. both are now away from the city; hector is now living in the village of fowl devotee, while ike is married to josephine at last and lives over lake lachrymose with her in a house that is theirs.

but they aren't at peace. the guilt of their joke having a life on its own, a life that was killed by outsiders, haunts them. both hector and ike wonder at times if karma, if it exists, will get to them.

(ike being the first brother to go by the leeches as hector thinking maybe.)

(hector's not-so-chance reunion with kit and widdershins out at sea has hector thinking very likely)

(hector's no-way-in-hell survival of the great unknown has hector thinking yes, especially when considering who he survived with.)

[libraryofloveletters]

holiday extravaganza 2023!

hi besties!! those of you that have been around for a while now that the holidays are my favourite time of the year; christmas, new years, and my birthday. 

so in honour of my favourite season, I bring to you; the holiday extravaganza 2023.   

it's a bit different this year, I've picked out prompts and drivers/players that are attached to each. they are meant to be blurbs so they vary in length but aren't very long :) - I hope you guys enjoy these as much I did! - as always, thank you to @diorleclerc the beautiful banner :)

running from: December 20th to December 29th. // 4-5 blurbs a day :)

tagged under: holiday extravaganza blurbs 23

December 20th

Sebastian Vettel - The Right Way To Do It 

Sebastian is the most meticulous person you've ever met in your life, and yes, that also translates to Christmas tree decorating.

Rodri - Don’t Fall

It was safe to say the man who comes from sunshine had yet to ice skate in his life. You made it your mission to change that; he was in Manchester,  after all.

Carlos Sainz Jr - Always You 

The infamous Sainz Christmas party. Every year your parents dragged you along and you only went to see one person. Your motives for going haven’t strayed despite growing up.

John Stones - Sing It With Me

John’s Christmas parties were famous for being crazy and unhinged, much like their host himself; because who else would end up drunk on a table, singing Christmas carols?

Jack Grealish - Made For You

His favourite time of the year; when you suggested the idea of matching pjs, Jack was all over it.

December 21st

Aaron Ramdale - Messy 

Aaron can’t help himself when he comes home from training and finds you baking Christmas cookies.

Mick Schumacher - Say Cheese  

Angie, much like her human father, hated to sit still for photos. Imagine the struggle to get both Schumachers to sit for a holiday card.

Paulo Dybala - Sweet Like Candy 

You had started making holiday treat bags for your class with the help of your boyfriend, who seems to be puzzled by the long curved candy you put in the bags.

Charles Leclerc - Stuff It

Charles goes a bit over board seeing that it’s your first Christmas with him, as his girlfriend that is. He revives an old tradition you two had as children.

Max Verstappen - Gimme A Smooch 

He was never one to indulge in things like mistletoe but since he begun to date you, he didn’t have much of a choice. 

December 22nd

Lewis Hamilton - The Art Of Wrapping

As he does every year, the house is filled with shopping bags and Lewis struggles to wrap all of his gifts. This year, he has a secret weapon; you.

Christian Pulisic - A Solid Foundation 

You and Christian have a contest to see who can build the best gingerbread house. Safe to say, you both went a little overboard

Kevin Magnussen - Something Doesn’t Taste Right 

Your husband convinces you that he knows how to make eggnog, no need to buy it from the store. His father’s recipe is the best of the best.. that’s if Kevin can figure it out.

Yuki Tsunoda - A Sweet Treat

Over your years at Alpha Tauri, you developed a habit with your driver; a sweet treat left behind as a peace offering when something went wrong. This time, Yuki was the one leaving the sweet treat.

Fernando Alonso - Wrapped Up 

Yet again, Fernando has forgotten to buy his Christmas gifts but there’s only one person that he cares to get something for.

December 23rd

Pierre Gasly - The Christmas Market 

You were missing home quite a bit and Pierre decides to indulge in one of your favourite holiday traditions.

Jenson Button - Jingle Bells 

The kids are convinced that they hear the bells on Santa’s sleigh, and Jenson is the exact same way. 

Darwin Nunez - Burnt 

Darwin suggests you host a dinner party at your place for a few of his teammates before you all head out for the holidays. He seems to have underestimate how much work goes into said party.

Son Heung-Min - Rudolph, The Red Nose Reindeer 

The winter fair was in town and Sonny decides that you two should go pay the reindeers a visit, because that’s what Santa would want.

December 24th

Jude Bellingham - A Visit To Santa

Jude decides now that you two are back home in England to take his brother to do the one thing they always did as kids; visit Santa.

Virgil Van Dijk - Holiday Oopsies

A snowstorm hits Liverpool and Virgil decides it would be good to take the kids to the park. Even with a warning from you, someone ends up in the hospital on Christmas Eve.

Daniel Ricciardo - Holiday Tunes

He insists on making a playlist for the holiday party, picking the worst possible songs on the planet.

Ibrahima ‘Ibou’ Konate - Movie Stars 

Ibou decides it would be a good idea for you two to make a vlog over the holiday break, just so he can keep his teammates updated.

Ruben Dias - The Lights Shining Down On You 

The people of Manchester love Christmas, just as much as you do. Ruben makes it his mission to ensure that you get to see every single Christmas display there is to see.  

December 25th

Antonie Griezmann - Glues Sticks and Pom Poms 

Every year since moving to Atletico, his girls have helped him to make Christmas cards for his teammates; this year was no different. The three of them covered in glitter, glue and pom poms.

Dominik Szoboszlai - I Spy With My Little Eye

This Christmas was different. Dom made you work for your gift rather than giving it to you; following the clues through the neighbourhood to your final gift.

Erling Haaland - Moo-rry Christmas

Erling insists that Santa has to get cookies and milk for his journey to Norway. Now where you got that milk? Erling the Farmer was on the job.

Trent Alexander Arnold - Christmas With The Robertsons 

Andy and Rachel have a holiday date night and call their two favourite people in the world to come babysit for them; auntie y/n and uncle trenty.

Andrew ‘Andy’ Robertson - Bumps and Bruises 

You convince your boyfriend that it’d be perfectly safe to go down the massive hill.. except it wasn’t.

December 26th

Jordan Henderson - Chocolate Doors 

Jordan buys your children a Christmas advent calendar, but they don't exactly understand the concept.

Jobe Bellingham - Must Watch 

His training took over most of his time so now that he was on break, you insisted you two do nothing but laze.

Yassine Bounou - The Mystery Gift

The Sevilla players have a tradition of playing secret Santa amongst themselves. You're a bit confused when a gift ends up on your desk.

Achraf Hakimi - Unwrapped

Kylian invites a few friends over to celebrate Christmas with him and his family. You can't quite remember what happened the night before you know you don't remember the events leading up to this morning.

December 27th 

Sergio Ramos - Christmas Cookies 

The kids insist Santa must get cookies when he drops off his present. Sergio make sure they know that Santa stopped by during night.

Pato O’Ward - Roll Over

Home for the holidays and cooped up inside due to the rain, both puppies and Pato go a little stir crazy.

Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez - Work Place Friendly 

RedBull hosts their annual holiday party, everyone sprawled out through the factory and you two ? Well.. that was a different story.

Thiago Alcantara - A Countdown To Midnight

Thiago insists on a new way to do the new years kiss, because waiting hours for one kiss wasn’t good enough.

Richarlison - A Brazilian Christmas

Rich stays in London for the holidays but he’s feeling bit home sick. You try your best to work with what you’ve got to cheer him up. 

December 28th

Kylian Mbappe - Ho Ho Ho 

When Santa’s elves weren’t at the workshop, his niece and nephew were a bit disappoint. Uncle Kyky finds a way to cheer them up, even if it earns him a few teasing comments from you.

Kostas Tsimikas - Mountains of Snow

Kostas insists that you two should go out into the snow and make a snowman. When you say no, he uses his skills of persuasion to get you to change your mind.

Mark Webber - Snowed In 

It wasn't even his idea to go to Switzerland, and now he was stuck on New Year's Eve, in the worst place on the planet; the airport.

Esteban Ocon - Behind The Curtains 

A school boy crush on his teammate; all it takes is a few sips of liquor and a photo booth to reveal his true feelings.

Lucas Paquetá - Box It Up 

As long as it takes to put up, it comes down in half the time. Lucas doesn't understand the delicate process of re-packing your ornaments.

December 29th

Giovanni ‘Gio’ Reyna - I’m Not Wearing This 

Gio tells your aunt that he loves the sweaters she knits.  So when he's gifted one, you make sure that he wears it.

Joe Gomez - Stuck 

You and Joe take a week off before Christmas hectic-ness to go up to the cabin and relax. The last thing you expected what to get snowed in.

Marcus Rashford - The Time For Giving 

The last place you expected to bump into him was the exact place you seem to find him.

Kimi Raikkonen - New Years At Home

From partying to parents; you and Kimi celebrate your first new years with your baby girl.

Lance Stroll - Choo Choo Trains 

Uncle Lance promised his nephew a toy train and when he remembers, he scrabbles last minute to find something.

[delilaahh9]

Fictober Day 19! 🤎

My Muse - Luke Hughes

(With Jack Hughes)

October 18th, 2023

6:03pm

The start of Luke’s rookie year had been going great which helped a lot with nerves, even tho the season has just barely started he feels like a bit of pressure has been taken off of him, which allows him to go out more, do fun things and best of all, spend time with his girlfriend.

They have an upcoming roadie, so spending time with y/n is something that he has been doing frequently. He also recently bought a Polaroid camera, with a plan to make a scrapbook for her on there 2 year anniversary, which he will be away for.

Now, they sit on the beach in sweatpants and sweatshirts because of how cold it is in jersey, but it’s there favourite spot.

She seems very interested in the water, but the sky looks pretty so he pulls out the camera and takes a picture, earning her attention.

“What’s with all the photos lu” she chuckles and walks over to him.

“Your my muse” he smiles as she sits next to him.

“Your muse?” She says questioningly.

“My muse” he says again and pulls her closer to his chest, placing a kiss on the top of her head.

November 3rd, 2023

3:13 pm

Luke had been gone for 3 days already and won’t be back for 3 more, y/n hung out with her friends a lot, but she was alone in her apartment (not including Charlie (Luke’s dog but she takes him when he’s away) and she didn’t have Luke to keep her company, she also missed his scent, his warmth, so when he texted her about 15 minutes ago telling her to go to his apartment with Charlie, because he had a surprise for them.

So she put him in her car and drove the 10 minutes down the road, luckily they don’t live in the sketchy part of Hoboken anymore, so the drive was a lot less nerve wracking.

She smiled at the door lady she knows now because of how often she’s here.

“Afternoon y/n” she says with a smile and nod at her and the dog “Charlie”.

“How are you doing dolly” she asks with a big smile.

“I’m good, how about you, how are the boys doing? Playing well?” she asks.

“They’re good, they won the last 2 games, playing again tonight. Jack and Luke are probably picking at each other but they are brothers” she laughs.

“Well you tell them I said to stay out of trouble”

“Will do, bye Dolly”

“Bye Hun”

She reached his door and unlocks it, letting Charlie off the leash while spotting a blue gift bag on the counter.

The first thing she picked up out of the bag was the card, she read the cute note then placed it on the counter and looked thought the bag.

She picked up a teal box and almost dropped it when she read Tiffany & co.

“oh my goodness Charlie what did your father do” she sighs and sits down on the stool opening the box to reveal a gold necklace with a heart pendant that’s pink.

“oh Luke” she almost felt like tearing up.

Placing down the necklace, y/n picked the next thing out of the bag which is a scrapbook titled My muse.

there is so many pictures with dates and locations, if she thought she was gonna cry then, she definitely is now.

It’s almost like he knew, because she placed the book back down and he started to face time her. “Hey Baby- why are you crying” he says with worry laced in his voice.

“You’re the sweetest person I’ve ever met Luke, but I hate that you spent money on me” she says through a mix of laugh and tears.

“5 dollars!” She hears Jack shout In the back and watched Luke roll his eyes.

“He bet $5 that you would say something about me buying you the necklace. Do you like it?”

“Like it? I love it” she cheers and hold it.

“I’m glad, oh Ma wants to make sure you are coming to thanksgiving”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world - oh did Jack give you my gift!” She asks now sitting on the couch with Charlie in her lap.

“oh shit I forgot about that” she heard him say.

A minute later Jack appears next to Luke and hands him the box. She had no idea if Jack was the most responsible for the gift and worried if it would make it to the Florida let alone to the prudential centre before they left.

“Oh goodness what did you get me” he asks and props up his phone so he can open it.

Inside the box was a hockey puck jelly cat, some Nike socks, a cupcake she had Jack pick up earlier and a new pair of Jordans.

“Jesus Christ y/n, oh my god I love you” He exclaims.

“Hey didn’t you get me and Quinn those for our birthdays?” Jack asks.

“And you still choose to wear those fuckinh air forces- but no, those were different- you know Jack.. did you bring your A1’s with you” she jokes, his face freezes when he realizes he didn’t have them. “Don’t touch my shoes y/n- why are you in our place a-”

“Anyway!” Luke interrupts. “We have to get ready for the game, which I hope you watch. I love you y/n . And Charlie!” He says with a sweet smile.

“Bye lu, Farwell Jackson”

[icga-blog]

I didn't manage to finish writing it to Christmas, but here is a draft of a secret santa among the SLTs

Gifts:

Harper → Spider (South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby team shirt)

Spider → Sasha (Aesop gift card)

Sasha → Malakai (keychain made by aborigines)

Malakai → Harper (two DM QUAD, by Glaminatrix Cosmetics)

Darren → Amerie (Brightening Body Lotion, by Frank Body)

Amerie → Ant (blue NeeDoh cube)

Ant → Cash (a cap without a logo)

Cash → Quinni (small jellyfish plush toys filled with sand)

Quinni → Missy (small photo album with first pages filled)

Missy → Darren (Sunburst Gift Set, by Natio)

Harper had no idea how they’d gotten so worked up over the Secret Santa draw that the gift exchange ended up happening on Christmas Eve, but she couldn’t say she was particularly upset. Harper hadn’t been a particularly Christmassy person since she’d found out Santa wasn’t real when she was eight years old.

Her father hadn’t been a particularly Christmassy person either. Every year he seemed to swear he’d make her Christmas special, and he’d spend a good portion of December sober enough to scrape together enough money for some pretty cool Christmas presents. The closer the holiday got, though, the weaker his resolve became. Harper had always been lucky that Amerie’s mother would reach out to help even when she didn’t have any sort of confirmation of her suspicions about Justin McLean.

Amerie was a Christmassy person, but Amerie was an every-holidays person. Every-excuse-for-a-party person, really. Christmas at her house (or rather, at the beach where her family always spent Christmas) was a special event, one that Harper enjoyed for what it was, but not necessarily because of the magic of Christmas. Darren was a bit the same: they’d hated big family gatherings before he came out, and they couldn’t say they enjoyed them any more after that. There was something fun about showing up in a gorgeous dress and shocking your misogynistic uncles and homophobic aunts for the first thirty minutes, but after that it got snooty, and there was no amount of self-confidence in the world that would stop some of the comments from stinging.

Cash was, surprisingly, more like Amerie in this regard. He begged them to decorate the apartment for Christmas and bought Darude a red-and-white striped tie. He asked Harper maybe fifteen times what she wanted for Christmas, had been gathering packages behind the small Christmas tree (which he'd gotten from God knows where) for almost a month, and before the presents had even started he was already cooking Christmas food.

(“I don’t remember what it was like spending Christmas with my mom, but in the group homes it was the time of year when we got the most donations.” Harper heard, through the thin wall that separated the two bedrooms, Cash tell Darren, “I remember being so happy all December long, because we had so much food that it was easy to steal some if the caregivers didn’t give us any, and so many toys that everyone got some, and so many clothes that I could pass on everything that didn’t fit and still have a lot. Then on Christmas Day our social workers would go around giving out the gifts that the donors had bought based on our letters, and it was the one day of the year that I got something just because I wanted it. I guess that kind of thing makes a day special forever.” She let him spread Christmas spirit around the apartment after that.)

It was also Cash who offered up the apartment to host the Original SLUTs’ first Secret Santa. Most of the actual organizing, however, fell to Amerie, until Quinni got stressed enough by the mess to take over and get things back on track. Which meant: names drawn on December 17th and gifts delivered a mere week later, on Christmas Eve.

Harper thought she was going to go crazy, running around Sydney’s shopping districts looking for a gift for Spider, of all people, while everyone else in town was doing last-minute Christmas shopping. She lived to tell the tale almost entirely due to Ant’s involuntary assistance. Which was more than she could say for Cash, who despite having already bought and wrapped his present, was cleaning the living room for the third time and looking closer and closer to an aneurysm.

"Can you please stop pacing in circles?" She asked, throwing herself on the couch "It's making me dizzy."

“Sorry,” He replied, sitting on the arm of the couch and taking his phone out of his pocket for what felt like the 5th time in the last 3 minutes. It would never cease to unnerve Harper how immediately Cash followed orders if they were spoken in the right tone. "Everyone will be there in a little while…"

“In an hour, at least. No one will be on time,” Darren said, just halfway outside their bedroom door. “Come here and tie this for me?”

Cash put his phone back in his pocket and went to his room. Darren didn't need any tone of voice to convince Cash to do futile things, which was only not unnerving because the opposite was also true. Besides, Harper had watched Cash win every serious argument the two had so far, only to partially give in to the other's whims right after. It was kind of unlike any other romantic relationship Harper had ever seen. And before the incest map went public, she’d seen plenty of them. Whatever it was about Darren and Cash that made them different, it was simultaneously something Harper admired and something she never wanted to have. She never wanted to find someone she’d do anything for, who she’d give every part of herself she could get her hands on.

It was cute when it was them, though.

The sound of the bedroom door opening again snapped her out of her overly single reverie. Darren was wearing a red crop top with a bow in the back and black shorts so short Harper was sure if they turned around she could see the flesh of their ass. The contrast in style between Cash’s clothes (in this case, black Adidas pants and a red T-shirt one size too big) and Darren’s clothes always made her laugh, even after months of seeing them wear clothes that only theoretically matched.

They tossed a Frank Body bag onto the coffee table, where Cash’s gifts (something stuffed inside a Toymates bag, which limited the number of people he could have taken them from) and Harper’s gifts (in a white plastic bag with the Mick Simmons Sport logo on the front, which also gave away his Secret Santa, in a way) already sat. From the look on Darren’s face, they were very pleased with their choice of gift.

The only thing Harper was pleased with was her choice of drink (Green Apple liqueur). Amerie would bring Gin, and Quinni agreed to bring a bottle of Sprite instead of a few cans. Even if her gift was terrible, at least she would have something to enjoy tonight. From downstairs came the tortured sound of someone knocking on the warehouse door, signaling that the official start time for the party (and with it Quinni) had arrived. Harper took this as a sign that she should finally change out of her navy blue sweats for something more festive, and went to her room to get ready.

[maochira]

Hello. It's been awhile since you heard from me but I enjoyed reading your works. I was wondering if you ever read Sakamoto Days. This ask is related to one of the chapters. Can you write about the father trio and Snuffy going to the mall to buy their adoptive reader a gift that they want for so long and it came out but limited. The four of them need to think of a plan to get that gift for the reader and will have to fight off against parents and grandparents who are also getting that gift. It will be like going to war on a Black Friday. Sorry if this might be complicated. Feel free to ignore this request.

Omg haven't heard from you in so long 😭 Hello!! I haven't read Sakamoto Days but this scenario sounds very fun!! I'm putting this into the NEL assistant series because in the father figure series they'd be separately and you requested them together soooo <3 (I'm still tagging people from the father figure taglist tho)

Requests open! - NEL assistant masterlist

Tags: gn!reader, reader's presents are limited edition Sanrio plushies because I love Sanrio, thanks to @mikeophone16 for giving me one of the ideas for Lavinho!!, does this count as a crackfic?

-your birthday is coming up, and the four of them have decided separately that they want to get you one of the new limited edition Sanrio plushies. Coincidentally, they met in front of the store before it opened

-realizing they all had the same idea, they come up with a new plan together. They decide they're not only going to get you a plushie of your favourite character, but instead, they want to get all of the plushies released in this series

-they already know it's gonna be hell to actually get all of the plushies because people are already waiting to get into the store although it's an hour before opening time

-their new plan is that each of them will get two plushies. Noa will get Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll, Chris will get MyMelody and Kuromi, Lavinho will get Pompompurin and Pochacco and Snuffy will get Batz-Maru and Keroppi (A/N: If your favourite character isn't in this, replace any character with your fav!)

-there are so many other people trying to get into the store right as it opens, there's no way the coaches can get in first so each of them is trying to come up with a strategy on how they can get to the plushies quickly

-sure, all four of them can run much faster than the average person, but if there's a crowd even that won't help them much

-as soon as the store opens, it's just pure chaos and they forget about their plans. They try to get to the plushie section as quickly as possible

-Chris gets stopped midway by fans and starts taking photos with them. Then more and more fans approach him and ask for photos, and he totally forgets about the plushies

-after like 10 minutes he suddenly remembers he's actually on a mission so in the middle of a photo he runs away and tries to get to the plushie section as quick as possible

-Lavinho thinks he figured out a way to get to the plushie section quicker, but then he ends up at the opposite side of the store and has to walk all the way back

-then he sees one of those security worker uniforms somewhere and he gets a silly idea and puts it on to pretend he works there so he can get to the plushies quicker

-Snuffy sees a child who lost their parents so he helps the kid get back to them before he continues his task to get the plushies

-but then Snuffy gets stuck in a conversation with the child's parents because they're super chatty and don't stop thanking him for getting their child back. Then they continue talking and talking and Snuffy can't get away because he doesn't want to seem impolite

-Noa was literally the only one who didn't get stopped in any way so when the others arrive at the plushie section he already got all of them. Not only the ones he was supposed to get, but he also got all eight plushies

Taglist (sign-up link): @astruosie @kaineedstherapy12 @zyuuuu @yerinsshi @gojosorrygeto @luvcalico @truegoist @vanitasbrainrot @toruden @mafuyudonutt @weichspuelertrinker @kermitslefteyeball11 @futuristicxie @bluelock4life @https-archangel @ririgards @depressed-bitchy-demon @userwithlotsoftime @yellowelectroslime @nikokii @chaosinanutshell

[mackonestevie]

[nonbinary, she/they] Welcome to Aurora Bay, [STEPHANIE 'STEVIE' MACKONE]! I couldn’t help but notice you look an awful lot like [KAITLYN DEVER]. You must be the [TWENTY-EIGHT] year old [DELIVERY TEAM MEMBER AT FIRED UP PIZZERIA]. Word is you’re [CONVIVIAL] but can also be a bit [NEUROTIC] and your favorite song is [YUCK BY CHARLI XCX]. I also heard you’ll be staying in [OCEAN CREST APARTMENTS]. I’m sure you’ll love it! 

@aurorabayaesthetic

Full Name: Stephanie Antoinette Stevie Mackone (Mac-cone-knee)

Pronouns and Gender: she/they + nonbinary

Birthday: March 8th (age 28)

Hometown: Provo, Utah

Current Residence: Ocean Crest Apartments

Length of Stay: 1 Year

Occupation: Pizza Delivery Team Member

Sexuality: boy we wish we knew

FAMILY

Mother: Viktoryia Mackone (50)

Father: Kristoff Mackone (55)

Siblings: One (1) half-sibling, name unknown (10)

PERSONALITY

Born on the promise to be something bigger, Stevie is known to be very one-track minded and brazen. Often the first to put herself in harm’s way, she has been called ‘feral’ by some and 'fierce’ by others. As someone without much true-world experience, she is constantly going above and beyond to prove herself as a normal person.

+ : Determined, Scrappy, Convivial - : Volatile, Puritanical, Moody

BIOGRAPHY

tw: themes of religious extremism/cult-like worship, emotional abuse, homelessness

Folded hands. Head down. If they saw where you were now, running around a brand-new city making the most of life without the fear of the outside world – it’s a fantasy that keeps Stevie Mackone up in the early hours of morning, a broken record that repeats over and over.

Growing up, they vividly remember the framed photos of religious figures lining every room of her dilapidated childhood home in Utah. How they were dusted daily with intimate worship, before the family retired for the night for their prayer session. See, the Mackone family had a vision. A belief, that their child would one day be some sort of divine entity. Every prayer, however, came unanswered: their child was just a normal kid with normal wants and dreams, hoping to one day see what outside of their commune walls.

When Stevie was considered an initial disappointment, her parents tried many times for a second child, but it was never meant to be. They tried to adopt, thinking they could get lucky with another, but were denied twice. As Stevie grew older, the window started closing: only a few more years for something, anything, to manifest into a sign that they were special.

Until something special did happen. Their mother became pregnant; an unexpected joy for them, but a nightmare for Stevie. They had no use for the child who couldn’t make their dreams come true, so a week before her twenty-fifth birthday, they gave her a gift early: a backpack of clothes, a box of food, and well wishes to survive in another town just as she always wanted – alone.

For years, Stevie spent her time navigating different cities, backpacking and hitch-hiking until she'd eventually end up in Aurora Bay. Mystified by the idea that there could be a second chance outside of those walls, they chose not to waste anymore time: to live life to the utmost, no matter what that looked like.

Currently working as a pizza delivery biker (can't drive!) Stevie thinks every minute of life is freaking awesome -- though there is always a setback or two that creeps up their neck in the middle of the night.

BONUS ROUND

stevie is like an instagram reel: years behind on all relevant trends but still acting like they're brand-new discoveries worth posting about

just got her driver's permit but doesn't have a car to practice in

her yellow huffy bike is in fact not hers

takes a lot of jokes literally

has a habit of putting temporary tattoos on their body in order to look hella cool but is too chickenshit to try the real thing

extremely superstitious and hates ghosts

somehow survived hitch hiking for like 2 years

WANTED CONNECTION

anyone stevie could have met in their years-long travels!

a roommate bc who can afford a place in this economy

flingz and thingz bc everything has to be 100 with her

friends

bad influences

neighbors

people who order pizza a lot

someone who modifies her bike? idk are you a smartie

literally every messy thing in the world pls

CURRENT CONNECTIONS

roommate of @drewohara and @andyacostas

next-door neighbor to @thebellamyxcalvert

pals/eventual driving pupil of @jokangmin

co-worker of @sleeaze

former situationship of @atlasnolan

drinking / party buddies with @carter-harris

friends with @cricketcampbell , @thegillyxliang , @roxdelrosario

abandoned by family buddies with @shilohsharma

acquaintances with @emersonxcassidy , @vanessagable , @heyits-asher , @macaulaymontgomery , @darcyxanthonyx (people stevie has threaded with, tbd on connects! )

------------------------------------------------------------

CONNECTIONS TREE.

friendly.

childhood friends idk maybe you had a neighbor cult / co-workers / former co-workers from any of their many jobs / ride or dies / pseudo-siblings / long-lost biological half-siblings / friends / good influences / beach buddies / new friends / maybe someone who helps them learn their passion???

romantic

ex-flings / friends with benefits / one time hook ups / tinder matches (if she can learn how to use a dating app) / unrequited crush (can be either way) / flirtationships

antagonistic.

literally enemies for no reason other than vibes / actual enemies / former (best) friends / former friends / exes on bad terms / frenemies / rivals / maybe they messed up ur pizza a lot / negative influence

[nffandomxo]

What’s a soulmate?- Part 6

Overview- It’s Ella’s birthday! Ella is finally 21, she has a very busy full packed day that’s full of surprises. Good and bad.

Warnings- Smut (female touching)

Notes- hey guys, so this part/day is split up into 3 parts. I was gonna post it all as one but I reckon it would be too much, so enjoy anyways. This part doesn’t really contain any Negan but the second and third does.

Part 6

The week had flew by. Ella had spent a lot of 1-1 time with Hazel, going on shopping trips, the park, baby sensory groups and she had even looked at an apartment that was on the same complex as Rosita’s. She’d been to visit her father a few times and he seemed to be doing a lot better. They were able to go for a little walk to the hospital gardens and he was playing with Hazel a lot more than usual. Unfortunately, he still couldn’t leave the hospital but she kept holding on to hope that he’d get better soon.

Ella and Negan spoke every day on FaceTime. They’d both been too busy to see each other in person but they’d already made plans for Saturday.

Ella’s interactions with Shane were fairly minimal, she’d seen him on Wednesday when she dropped Hazel off before class and then when she’d picked her up. He’d made dinner for her on Wednesday night which was a nice gesture but he didn’t push for her to stay. She liked that side of him.

On Friday she’d performed with the band again. This time she was a lot more relaxed and enjoyed it a lot more than the first time. It was probably done to the fact that she had no major stress’s. When it turned 12am the band had started singing happy birthday to her- without her knowing the plan. She ended up having her first legal drink in the bar but only one as she didn’t want to be hungover for her busy day ahead.

When she got home she’d crashed as she knew that she had to be up early as Shane had asked to take her for breakfast as a birthday treat.

“Happy birthday too you, happy birthday too you, happy birthday dear Ella, happy birthday too you.” Rosita and Siddiq came into Ella’s bedroom to wake her up with a little surprise. Rosita was holding a gift bag and Siddiq had a little cake with a candle in the top.

Ella shifted awake and yawned as she sat up. It was a very abrupt way of waking up, but she appreciated the gesture from her friends. Rosita sat on the edge of the bed and Siddiq moved around to the side that Ella was sat on so she could blow the candle out.

“Make a wish” Siddiq smiled as he held the cake In front of her. Ella took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she made a wish and blew the candle out.

“What did you wish for.” Rosita smirked and playfully nudged her shoulder. Siddiq put the cake on the bedside table before he sat at the end of the bed.

Ella laughed and rolled her eyes, “if I tell you, it won’t come true.” All three of them laughed, she really did have the bestest friends. “Thank you for this guys, I really, really appreciate it.” She lent over and gave Rosita a big hug before going to Siddiq and doing the same.

“Now, open your presents.” Rosita excitedly gave Ella the gift bag. She was definitely eggar to give her the gifts. Ella pulled out the first thing which was a personalised bottle of vodka that had her face on and said ‘Ella’s 21’. It made Ella laugh looking at the photo which was from her 18th birthday. She had a plastic crown on and was standing on the top of one of their friends car holding two bottles off champagne. It was funny to see that again, during the party at princesses house, one of their friends had shown up in his dads sports car and they had all decided it would be funny to have a mini photo shoot with the car. The guy had the idea to have Ella sit on the bonnet with the champagne but she took it way to far and stood on the top… and then ended up falling off it. That was the same night that her and Shane’s relationship turned into something physical.

“My god Ro, you had to pick that photo didn’t you.” She laughed and shook her head as she reached in the bag for the next thing. It was a little jewellery box and inside was a heart shaped locket. In one half was a photo of her parents and in the other was a photo of Hazel. Ella’s eyes filled with tears as she looked over at the special necklace. “Guys… I.. I don’t know what to say.” A tear fell down her face and she quickly wiped it away.

“Here let me put it on you.” Rosita held her hand out for the necklace. Ella passed it over before turning slightly so her friend could place the necklace on her neck.

“This is honestly so amazing.” Ella was crying once again as she held the necklace on her chest. Rosita and Siddiq gave her a supportive hug and smiled. “Yous are the bestest friends I could have asked for.”

The rest of the bag was filled with mini alcohol bottles, candy and chocolate bars, including some British snacks that she’d talked about in the past. The whole bunch of gifts were extremely thoughtful, they weren’t just through together quickly.

“I’ll go put this cake away while you two do whatever girls do in the morning.” Siddiq laughed a little as he stood up. He grabbed the cake and made his way out of the room leaving Rosita and Ella alone.

Ella glanced at the time on her phone to see that it was 9am. She needed to have a shower and get ready for the day. The plan was to go have breakfast with Shane and Hazel, see her father, come back home to change and then go on her first official date with Negan.

“So, what’s your plans for today? anything exciting?” Rosita smirked as she made herself comfortable against the headboard of Ella’s double bed. Ella climbed out of the bed so she could start planning an outfit together, “breakfast with Hazel, then I’m gonna go see my dad then later I have that date with Negan.” She shrugged as she pulled out a black slim fit dress and held it up to Rosita “what about this for my date?”

Rosita pulled a disapproving look with a shake of her head “no, too boring.” Ella laughed a little. It was nice having a brutally honest friend, especially living with her. Ella looked through her wardrobe again and pulled out a yellow marble print, satin dress and repeated the same motion. “Nah, too fairy tale. You need something sexy… hold on, I’ve got the perfect thing.” Rosita quickly left the room to grab something. Ella picked out a casual baby blue summer dress for the day and laid it on her bed.

When Rosita return, she held out a stunning, red, corset ruched, dress. It was definitely her style. She’d always looked good in red but since having Hazel, she didn’t feel great about the shape of her body so she tend to wear more flowy outfits. “That is beautiful.”

“This is sexy” Rosita laughed and placed it on Ella’s bed. “Add some gold earrings, hair up, a bronzed makeup look with a red lip and that man would be crawling all over you.” Ella rolled her eyes with a smirk. She was probably right, Negan complimented her every day, even when she was just wearing casual stuff so for him to see her actually make an effort would probably be a big thing.

“Thank you Ro… well I’m gonna go get showered. We will probably pop down to demimonde later anyways.” Ella shrugged and grabbed a few things that she would need for her shower.

“Ugh I hate that I’m pregnant right now and can’t celebrate with you.” Rosita pouted as she gave Ella another quick hug. “I’ll see you later.”

Once she left the room, Ella took the time to grab an ‘everything shower’ she washed her hair, body and shaved too. She wanted to look and feel extra fresh for her date. Truth be told, she’d never actually had a proper first date before. When she was with Shane they’d basically slept together, decided they liked each other and continued to be around each other. They’d go out to reasturaunts and took a few trips with each other but it wasn’t the same as being asked to actually go on a date.

After her shower she dried her hair and let her natural curls fall. She didn’t see the point in doing too much makeup as she’d have to redo it later anyways, so she just did her normal skin care and added a bit of blush and bronzer to add some natural colour to her cheeks.

Once she was ready, she sent a text to Shane to let him know and decided to wait in the lobby for him to arrive. Surprisingly, she was actually excited to go for breakfast. Maybe not the fact that he was there, more so that she got to spend the morning with Hazel and with the way Shane was being at the minute, she was kinda excited to see him. Her opinion on them being together still hadn’t changed, but co parenting couldn’t actually work out for them.

A beep was heard from outside causing Ella to jump a little. Once she noticed that it was Shane’s car, she made her way over and climbed into the front passenger seat.

“Happy birthday mama” Shane lent over the seat and gave her a soft kiss against her cheek. She didn’t know how to respond. Awkwardly smiling she shifted in the seat to put her belt on.

“Thank you, how has she been?” Ella turned to see Hazel through the little mirror- asleep in her car seat.

Shane started driving again and nodded his head slightly “she’s been okay, a her teeth are starting to cut through, hopefully this is the end of the first teething stage now.” Hazel had been teething for a few weeks now, she was usually a really good baby but lately she’s been crying a lot, not sleeping and overall not herself.

“Well that’s a relief.” Ella let out a relieved sigh. She glanced out of the window then back to Shane. She’d realised she hadn’t actually asked where they were going for breakfast. “So where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.” Shane smirked as he placed his hand on her thigh, squeezing it gently in his grasp. Surprisingly, the gesture didn’t make her uncomfortable, maybe it was because she had known him for so long, it just felt natural.

Ella didn’t respond, just nodded. She strangely trusted Shane’s decision. Usually she hated surprises, there was so much anxiety that filled a surprise and she was one for needing control and a straight forward plan. But lately, so many unexpected things started to happen, that she was embracing the changes in her life and the fact that she can’t always have control over what happens.

After about 15 minutes of driving, Shane pulled up to a little cafe that overlooked the river. They’d been there a few times after going for a hike or spending a hot summers day at the river.

“You wanna grab Hazel and I’ll grab the pushchair?” Shane suggested as he turned the car off and unbuckled his belt. Ella simply just nodded and smiled. Unbuckling her belt, she grabbed her bag from beside her before making her way over to hazel’s side.

Once she had got her out of the car seat, she’d woken up. Ella saw her outfit and tipped her head to the side with a smile. She was wearing a t-shirt that said ‘it’s my mama’s first birthday with me’ paired with a pink skirt, white frilly socks and a pink bow on her headband. “Don’t you look absolutely beautiful…. I love the top.” She glanced to Shane with a big smile.

“Look at the back.” Shane nodded his head slightly when he closed the trunk of the car. Ella carefully turned Hazel around to see that the back said ‘Hazel-Grace Walsh 07/20/24 mama’s 21st birthday’.

The top had already made her emotional, but seeing the personalisation on the back, caused tears to fill her eyes. Especially having Hazels full name on the back. Grace was Ella’s mother’s name and Shane actually came up with the idea to double barrel her name.

Ella held Hazel close for a few seconds before lowering her in the pram. She was full on crying at this point as she got emotional over everything and the fact that her mother wasn’t here to celebrate her special birthday.

“It wasn’t supposed to make you cry Elly” Shane laughed nervously as he tried to comfort her with a hug. Ella embraced the warmth of his body holding on to her and tried to gather her thoughts and calm herself down.

“I know, I know… it’s just… it was really thoughtful Shane, especially using her full name, it’s like a reminder that my mum is still here with me, y’know.” Ella looked up at Shane, whilst they still had their arms around each other. One of His hands settled in over the side of her cheek to wipe away the tears that were falling from her eyes. Oh no, there goes the intimate feelings. The love she had for him was spinning around her head. She carefully stepped back from his touch and half smiled- trying to ignore them feelings. “We should probably get inside.”

Ella pushed the pram inside the small cafe and followed Shane out to the back. It was a really nice day so she didn’t mind being outside, especially seeing the river that ran along the edge and hearing the water trickle down the little waterfalls. When they made it outside, she noticed that there was a table set out with a ‘happy birthday balloon’, a big bouquet of flowers, a badge and a few little presents.

Ella stopped in her tracks and looked from the table to Shane, “did you do this?”

Shane let out an awkward laugh as reached his arm behind his neck, “yeah.. I was here before I came to pick you up, figured that I should do something nice for your 21st birthday. Kinda a big one” this was so unlike Shane, he was never one for big gestures or surprises. First Hazels shirt and now this set up. He hurried around to the side of the table for her and pulled out the chair “here. Sit” he smiled slightly.

Ella bit her bottom lip as she sat down on the chair, “you’re gonna make me cry again Shane Walsh.”

He chuckled softly whilst moving Hazels pushchair so it was situated between them both at the end of the table. Sitting down, Shane pushed a medium size box toward Ella. “I kinda struggled on what to get you… I hope you like it.”

Ella lifted the lid of the baby pink box then removed the tissue paper to reveal a matching t-shirt that said “Hazel-Grace’s mama is 21 today” with a photo of them both on it. She laughed a little and held it up to see it more. “I love it, thank you. I’m gonna put it on right now.” Ella pulled the shirt over her head so that it sat over her dress. “I’m gonna wear this all day.”

Shane laughed with a smirk “now I wish I got one. New fashion statement.” He gave her a wink before giving her the rest of her presents. He’d gotten her a few of her favourite skincare products, a new phone case and some new sunglasses which she immediately put on. Shed completely forgot to bring her usual sunglasses so he’d bought her these at the perfect time. “Thank you Shane, I love them all… and you got some of my favourite skincare products, you secretly do pay attention to me.” She winked with a little laugh.

“Yep, I do listen, I may not show it half the time but I do listen.” He let out a slight sigh as he spoke. Ella wondered what was going around in his head. Was this him regretting the past?

The waitress came over with a smile. “Hey guys, Happy birthday. Are you ready to order?”

“Thank you, I’ll take the waffles and bacon with a side of fruit please, and an iced caramel latte please.” Ella smiled as she looked up from the menu before passing it over to her.

“I’ll take a black coffee, and the pancakes with bacon, eggs and sausage. Thanks.” Shane closed over the menus and passed it over to the waitress. Hazel started to fuss in her pushchair so Ella carefully pulled her out so she could sit on her knee and look around.

“No worries guys that should be with you soon. Oh look at you too with the matching shirts, that’s adorable, is dad not one for matching.” The waitress smiled as she made conversation with Ella.

“Daddy’s boring isn’t he, Hazel-Grace.” Ella spoke in a soft tone toward her daughter. Hazel smiled brightly as her mother interacted with her. “I think if I ever see Shane wearing anything remotely similar or the same as us, I’d have a heart attack.” She spoke to the waitress.

Shane chuckled a little with a smirk. She’d tried to convince him once to wear a shirt that had the same print on as her dress and he wouldn’t do it.

“Well I think you guys look awesome, and your little girl is absolutely beautiful.” The waitress complimented their daughter which made them both very happy.

“She takes after her daddy’s good looks, don’t you think?” Still smirking, shane winked at the waitress causing Ella to role her eyes with a sigh. That was his pathetic attempt at flirting and to Ella, it just confirmed that he wasn’t serious about her after all.

The waitress tipped her head to the side as she looked at Hazel and Ella then back to Shane. “I don’t know… she kinda looks a lot like her mom.”

Shane’s face dropped, Ella laughed and smirked at her comment. That definitely busted her ego. “She does doesn’t she. See Shane, I told you.” She shrugged her shoulders. He’d always said that Hazel was his double but others had always mentioned how much she actually looked like Ella.

“Would you guys like a high chair for her? I can go grab one.” The waitress politely offered.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I’m sure she’d like so see her surroundings, she’s very nosy… she gets that from her father.” Ella joked with the waitress as they both laughed. Shane definitely wasn’t impressed with Ella, but she didn’t care. He may have done something nice for her, but flirting with their waitress in front of her irritated her.

The waitress walked off and returned with the high chair for Hazel. “Here you go guys, your order shouldn’t be too long.” The waitress left to go back inside and Ella put Hazel into the high chair, making sure it’s secure before she sat back down.

There was an awkward silence that came over the two of them. Shane wasn’t happy with Ella’s smart remark and Ella wasn’t happy with Shane’s flirting. That bothered her more. Why was she feeling so annoyed about him flirting? They weren’t together, she had no plans to get back with him and plus she was going on a date with Negan.

After a few minutes of silence, Ella pulled out her phone and put the camera up. “Move in closer.” She lifted the camera up so she could get all three of them into the frame. Shane huffed before putting on a little smile. She took a few pictures of them and luckily Hazel was smiling and laughing. Ella flicked through them and found the one she liked the best “I like this one.” She passed the phone over to Shane.

A bigger smile appeared on his face and he nodded, “that is a great one. Hazel looks really happy.” He reached over to hold onto one of hazels hands.

“She’s one of the happiest babys I know.” Ella admired her daughter, she was always so happy and smiley, she was the very best of her and Shane.

The waitress came back out with their drinks and placed them In front of the pair. “I saw you guys taking photos, would you like me to take one of you’s? This looks like a really happy moment. Maybe you guys could stand here so the rivers in the background” she gestured to the spot.

“That would be great, thanks.” Shane passed the waitress his phone and moved around to pick Hazel up. Ella stood up and walked over to the area. Even if they weren’t together, this would be a great memory for Hazel to have when she’s older.

Shane held Hazel in one arm and put his other around Ella’s waist, pulling her close to him. The waitress snapped a few photos of them. They really did look like a happy family. Shane looked down at Ella and smiled. When she caught him out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at him still smiling. Their eyes locked on each others. Her heart ached, she’d be lying if she said she didn’t miss these family moments. Hazel was still so young and it was a shame that she wouldn’t ever remember her parents being together. Ella remembers the love that her parents had for each other and she wanted that for her daughter. But she also remembered their love story. Her father was married before he found her mother, but that led on to him being away from his other daughters.

Hazel started giggling which led Ella out of her day dream. Shane kissed Ella’s cheek for the last photo causing her to laugh. “What was that for?” She questioned him, curious about the gesture. That was the second kiss on the cheek he had given her today. However, this time, it felt natural. It felt like it was supposed to happen.

Shane shrugged with a wink, he was looking very attractive to Ella in that moment. He was always a good looking guy, but something about the way he was being with her was dragging her in. Especially holding their daughter and interacting with her. There’s nothing hotter than a man who’s a good father.

“You guys are such a cute couple, how long have you been together?” The waitress handed the phone back to Shane with a smile.

Ellas face blushed with embarrassment. Did they still look happy? Shane was about to talk but Ella cut him off when they went to speak at the same time “oh we’re.. we’re not.. it’s complicated” she gave an awkward half smile as she sat back down. Shane put hazel back into the high chair before he took a seat.

“We’ve known each other for 5 years, she was always getting into trouble and I was the one to get her outta the shit, then, on her 18th birthday, so 3 years ago today actually, I catch this one throwing up her guts on Main Street, absolutely wasted while trying to walk home, I knew she couldn’t go back to her fathers house like that so I took her back to my place, I tried to sleep on the couch but ended up sitting with her in the bathroom holding her hair all night… then she basically moved herself in.” Shane replayed the night that their love story began. Part of Ella was extremely embarrassed with him giving a complete stranger the details but another part of her was actually really sad. She actually forgot that today would technically be their anniversary.

“In my defence, my friends stupidly gave me tequila shots and when I knew I was too drunk I attempted to go home.” Ella laughed a little as she pinched the bridge on her nose.

The waitress tipped her head to the side as she listened to what they had to say, “that’s really sweet, I hope whatever is complicating the situation gets sorted out soon. You guys are a Really cute couple… I’d love to hear more but my boss would probably shout at me. I’ll be out with your food soon guys.” She walked back into the restaurant and Ella lightly kicked Shane under the table.

“Hey! What was that for?” His forehead wrinkled, he let out a little snicker.

“You’ve just completely embarrassed me infront of a stranger.” Ella wasn’t particularly proud of her past self but it also made her realise her mistakes and change her ways.

“Well I left out the part where you started touching me up once you felt better that ended in your mouth around my dick.” Shane smirked with a wink. Ella’s face flushed with redness, biting down on her bottom lip, she laughed a little with a shake of her head.

“Fair enough, but come on, you knew I had a crush on you so the minute I turned 18 and knew that you wouldn’t get in trouble, I had to make a move.” Ella had made flirty remarks to Shane whenever she’d see him, he knew how she felt about him and deep down he felt the same. Even though she was still young for him, she was a lot more mature mentally- apart from the occasional ‘bad girl’ moments.

Thinking about their past was really hard for Ella and the situation she was in. If Shane continued to be the man he had been this week, she would happily try and work on things with him. He did make her happy at times, he was the father of her child after all and her first ever serious relationship. Then there was Negan, a chance at a fresh start, a man who was yet to break her heart.

“It would have been wrong for me to say or do anything before you turned 18, still felt wrong fucking you the day you turned 18 but at that point we were both consenting adults.” With a shrug of his shoulders, he reached down to grab his coffee and took a big sip.

Taking a sip of her caramel iced latte, Ella nodded. She didn’t really know how to respond, her head was filled with too many thoughts. Does she give this another go? Should she cancel her date with Negan? Explain that they should just be friends?

“I love you Shane, you know that right? Dispute everything that’s happened I do love you, and I appreciate the things you’ve done for me and Hazel.” That was the truth, he’d taken her in when her father ended up in hospital and loosing the apartment. He looked after her in his own way. He was a good dad to Hazel.

“Elly no matter what you’re apart of me. You’re my daughter’s mom and I love you so much, I just made some really bad decisions, I was still stuck in the body of a teenage boy thinkin I could get whatever girl I wanted. But the only girl I want now is you.” He reached for Ella’s hand to give it a supportive squeeze. “I know that I don’t deserve you. I don’t expect you to forget about what I’ve done, but let me prove to you that I’m worth your love.”

Before she could respond, the waitress and a few more staff members came out with their food. Ella’s waffles had a candle and sparklers sticking out of it and they began to sing happy birthday to her. Usually, she’d feel really embarrassed by something like that but she was thankful that they saved her from the awkward moment. Once they were done she blew the candle out and smiled. “Thank you, that was a really lovely gesture.”

The waitress nodded with a smile before going back into the restaurant. Ella gave some of the fruit to Hazel, letting her hold and chop on it whilst they ate their meals. They didn’t really talk while they were eating, the moment was kind of awkward. After they’d finished they’d laughed over the mess that Hazel had made. She had strawberries all over her face and hands but she was enjoying herself so that’s all that matters.

“So I… I do actually have another gift for you. It’s probably the most important one.” Shane pulled out a big black box, wrapped in a pale pink bow.

“Shane, you don’t have to get me anything more. The shirt was special enough.” She was truthful, the shirt was amazing and held a memory that she’d have forever. She took the gift and opened it up carefully. Pulling back the tissue paper revealed a rose gold, sparkly photo frame with an edited picture of Ella and Grace holding Hazel. She couldn’t contain her emotions anymore. She was so happy and sad at the same time. She thought the shirt was thoughtful, this was a whole other level. Hazel would never have the chance to meet to Grace so to see a photo of what it would be like if she was alive, really hit the emotional button.

Tears streamed down her face, she couldn’t hold it in anymore. Never in a hundred years, would she think Shane would be this thoughtful. “I had a bit of help from your dad, he found the photo of your mom and then I had a friend sort the edit out … do you like it?” Shane reached over to rub her arm supportively, seeing that she was emotional over the whole thing.

“I love it Shane, I… I have no words to describe how much this means to me.” Her hands grasped at the side of the frame as she admired the photo that included her mother. “Id never think I’d ever see my mum and Hazel in the same photo… ever.” She bought the back of her hand up to her eyes to wipe away her tears before she walked over to Shane’s side of the table. Shane shifted in his seat as she walked over, her arms wrapped around his neck for a loving hug and Shane held onto her waist, pulling her into his embrace. Ella sat down on his lap, her legs to the side, arms still wrapped around his neck.

“You deserve a lot more than a photo Elly… you deserve more than this… than me.” Shane let out a little sigh as he looked down. it was clear that he was also emotional about the situation. Ella’s hand slipped over the side of his face to urge him to look at her. Their faces slowly moved toward each other, his hot breath against her skin, the smell of coffee from the both of them. Her lips softly pressed a kiss against his. It wasn’t rough, it wasn’t a peck. It was actually quite passionate. It felt special and completely natural. They kissed a few more times before Hazel started shouting and babbling, they pulled away, still keeping their heads together as they laughed at their daughter’s interruption. “I think someone’s jealous that mommys getting the attention of Daddy and not little Miss Hazel”a smirk tugged at Shane’s lips as he lent back to see that hazel was looking at them both. Ella swivelled her body around so that she was facing Hazel, but still sitting on Shane’s lap.

“She is a very jealous baby.” Ella reached out to pick Hazel out of her highchair and sat her on her lap so both Ella and Shane could interact with her. Ella took a deep breath before talking “I think… I think we should give this another shot.. me, you and Hazel. Like it should have been.” 

Shane’s brows raised in shock. He thought it was some kind of joke or something, he’d been trying so hard to get back together with Ella but she kept pushing her away. But Ella could see that he was genuinely trying. This didn’t feel like all the other times. “Are you serious? Please don’t joke about this.” He let out a hesitant laugh.

 Ella reached up to place her spare hand against his cheek, gently caressing her thumb against his skin where there was still some light bruising from the punch she’d gave him, nearly a week ago. “I’m serious Shane, there was no doubt in my mind that I loved you… I just questioned if you really loved me and after seeing everything you’ve done today and the effort you put in to the gifts… I realised I was just being insincere I suppose. But you need to promise me that what you said about Andrea is the truth. You’re not seeing her are you? Or anyone else?” 

“Ella, I promise, I’m not seeing Andrea or anyone else. I haven’t seen Andrea in like 3 weeks apart from around the station, even then I haven’t spoken to her.” Shane kept his arms snug around Ella and Hazel. She believed him. 

“And I don’t want you around Lori alone. If I’m around or Rick is around then okay, I get it… but never alone or the lemonade will be all over you next time.” Ella gave him a serious look, Shane couldn’t help but laugh at the feistiness of his, now, girlfriend. “I mean it Shane… it’s still gonna take a while for me to trust you, I wanna trust you so bad but that means you respect my wishes… and I’m not moving back home.. not yet.” 

Shane sighed and nodded slightly. “I promise I won’t be around Lori on my own. But come on, you’re not gonna move back home? It’s Hazels home, she has her own room, we have memories there. You practically redecorated the whole house when you moved in anyways.” He laughed a little. When she officially moved in with Shane, his house was very simple and not very homely, so she had added a few more accessories and redecorating the living room for a more family friendly environment. 

“I know Shane but honestly? I have bad memories there too.. I’m not saying it’s gonna be forever but for a few weeks, until we get back on track with us. I’ll stay on the weekends when you’re supposed to have Hazel, that will give us time to re connect.” Ella was trying to be smart with this, she needed to know that this was definitely what she wanted and right now wasn’t the time to be moving straight back in with him. 

Shane accepted the defeat with a little nod of his head. Ella gave his lips a quick peck and stood up from his lap with Hazel still in her arms. “I’ll go pay for this, do you wanna put the stuff together and then if you’ve got time we can walk down the river?” Shane suggested as he stood up and pulled his wallet out. Ella nodded with a smile and cleaned up Hazels face that was covered in the fresh fruit. Once she was clean, she put her back in her pushchair so she could put all her gifts into one of the gift bags. 

“Babe, can you give me a hand with the flowers?” Ella called out once Shane had finished paying. He popped his wallet back into his jeans then grabbed the boxed bouquet of flowers he had got for Ella. 

“I’ll go put your stuff in the car and then I’ll meet you by the water.” Shane grabbed the gift bags from Ella’s hand, giving her a quick kiss before he made his way back to the car. 

Ella pushed Hazels pushchair down the decked ramp onto the little trail that ran along the river. She had never expected to be celebrating her 21st birthday this way. However, she wouldn’t have ur any other way, she had the perfect wake up call from her best friends, then she was surprised with the most amazing gifts, she was on the path to amending her relationship with Shane and now she’s admiring the river with her little family. It was perfect. A few minutes after, Shane came back and they spent some time walking and looking at the sensory. Hazel had fell asleep and the day was going by pretty quickly. 

Once they’d got back in the car, Shane started to drive Ella and Hazel to the hospital so she could see her father. Ella picked up her phone to see a message from Negan. Her face dropped as she remembered about the new man in her life. Guilt rushed over her as she read the message.

‘Hey beautiful, still on for tonight?’ 

Her face turned a bright shade of red. Shane glanced over to her and rested his hand against her thigh. “Everything okay babe?” He focused back on the road but left his hand, gently caressing her leg. 

“Yeah… it’s erm, just Daryl, wishing me a happy birthday.” She lied. She couldn’t tell him that its Negan asking if their date was still going ahead. She needed to come up with an excuse, and fast. 

‘Hey, actually I’m not feeling to great, rain check?’ 

That will do right? She can always just avoid making any future plans. She sent the message and put her phone away to avoid his message back. 

“Did you have fun this morning?” Shane glanced at her once they stopped at a red light. It was a little bit of a drive to the hospital, so him talking would probably be a good thing to distract her. 

“The best, thank you.” Her hands wrapped around his as she lifted it up to her lips to press a gentle kiss against the back of his hand. Once she dropped it he went back to gently caressing her thigh up and down, slowly getting higher each time until his hand was now under the skirt of her dress. She bit down into her lower lip, enjoying the feeling but also feeling nervous at the same time. His hand slowly grasped onto her inner thigh, sending a hot sensation straight to her core. Her legs involuntarily opened slightly as his fingers very nearly touched her delicate parts. He was definitely turning her on but she didn’t think this was an appropriate time. “Shane.. what are you doing?” A smirk pressed against his cheeks. 

“I just think you should have already had a birthday orgasm… so let me give you one… then note later.” He certainly knew how to turn her on. His fingers ran gently over her panties, feeling that she was already wet from his teasing. A soft moan fell from her lips as she gripped onto his wrist to pull him away “Fuck you are horny aren’t you baby girl. So wet already.” 

“Shane.. hazels in the back.” She glanced over her shoulder to see that their daughter was still sleeping. 

Shane shrugged and looked in the mirror. “She’s still sleeping.. I guess that means you’ve got to be quiet about it… come on I’ve played with your pussy while we’ve drove before, you loved it.” There had been a few times that they’d fooled around while Shane was driving, even in his cop car once. He was on patrol and she gave him one of the best blowjobs he’d ever had. 

“Fine…” she let out a sigh and looked over to Shane who was smirking. He pushed his hand against her opposite leg to urge them apart before he started teasing his fingers against her panties. Tugging against them, she lifted her body slightly so he could pull them down her legs, once they were off, he slid them into his pocket before he continued to run his fingers through her folds. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy this. Something about the potential danger of being caught or seen turned her on even more. 

“Get them legs up, you know how I like it.” Shane tapped a little slap against her clit, causing a shiver to run down her spine. Obeying, she slid her shoes off and propped her legs onto the sides of the seat so her legs were fully spread open for him. “Fuck that’s a perfect view.” His fingers rubbed gently against her clit, causing sharp moans to fall from her lips. He certainly did know how to pleasure her. Sex was probably one of her favorite things about him. She liked to be submissive, she liked to be degraded half the time. The rougher, the better. 

“S-Shane… fuck.” Ella’s head flung back as his speed increased against her clit causing her juices to coat her pussy. His long, thick digit, slid through her folds and teased her entrance. Slowly he inserted one finger, pushing it in and out slowly, starting to loosen her walls so he could add another. “More.. please”

“That’s it baby, so fucking tight.” Shane’s speed increased slightly as she started to loosen up, her juices coating his fingers while he drove down the motor way. “Do you want daddy to add another finger?”  Ella bit her lip as she nodded and moaned out. He slowly added a second finger. Her body shook in reaction to the stretch, he started slowly before building up his pace. Moaning his name caused him to speed up his actions. Hitting her g-spot over and over.

“Please… please don’t stop, I’m gonna cum.” Ella’s hands gripped onto his arm as her orgasm built up. She was so close, his fingers pulled out of her tight pussy and rubbed her clit roughly. “Right there… please can I cum.” She begged him as his fingers went back inside her. 

“Rub your clit baby girl.” She nodded and did as he requested. As he fingered her hard she rubbed her clit causing her first orgasm to soak his fingers. “That’s it baby.. can’t wait for you to get home later. You’ve got me so fucking hard. I’m gonna fuck that pussy until you can’t walk,” His fingers pulled out of her body, covered in her orgasm. “Wow, that was a big one.” Shane winked and grabbed some tissues from the glove box, wiping his fingers with one before putting it into a rubish bag. 

Ella laughed a little as she breathed heavily- coming down from her high. “That was a lot.” Once he legs fell back to the ground and she grabbed some tissues to clean herself up. “Can I have my panties now please.” She let out a little laugh as she held her hand out. 

“Nah… I think you can sit there without them for the rest of the journey.” Shane winked teasingly. He looked down at the gas meter and sighed “I forgot to put gas in, we’re gonna have to go into the one at the top of this road.” 

“You’re an ass.” Ella rolled her eyes in response to his comment. She shifted awkwardly and pulled her dress over her knees as they drove into the gas station. “Do you want me to go in for you while you fill up?”

“Nah I got it, you want anything?” Shane unbuckled his belt and grabbed his wallet from the center of the car where his phone and wallet were placed. 

“A can of the pomegranate Arizona pleaseee.” Ella smiled brightly as he leaned over to kiss her lips a few times. “Shane… I love you.” She really did love him. Everything that happened in the past just seemed to disappear. 

“I love you too.” He gave her one last kiss before going to fill up the tank. While he was doing that, she decided she was going to send herself the photos that the waitress had taken on Shane’s phone. She grabbed it from the middle and unlocked it. His password was Hazels date of birth so that was easy. Going into his camera roll she flicked through the photos, stopping on the one of him kissing her cheek. She’d decided that’s the one she was making her Home Screen. As she went to send them to herself, a message popped up at the top of his phone. 

‘Thanks for last night, I had a really good time, I missed you being inside me.’ 

Ella’s heart sank as she read the message. He’d promised her that he wasn’t seeing or sleeping with anyone, so why did he get this message. She felt like crying, screaming and punching Shane again. She felt stupid for letting one kind gesture from him cloud her judgement about what he’s been like in the past. Ella told herself that she wouldn’t let him hurt her again, yet here they were. 

[rabbitcruiser]

Siblings Day

It would be difficult to contest the fact that the bond between siblings is extra-special! Especially because many of them have spent most of their entire lives together. Many people can’t even remember a time when their siblings weren’t part of their lives. Some of them even shared a womb at the same time, if they were born as multiples!

Sibling bonds are often life-long relationships, usually lasting from cradle to grave. Since siblings are most likely from the same generation, these are often the longest relationships of a person’s life–much longer than a mother’s and father’s relationship.

Siblings Day is a way of honouring the special bond that happens within families, as brothers and sisters share life together from childhood into adulthood and even into old age.

It’s time to celebrate Siblings Day!

How to Celebrate Siblings Day

Depending on the circumstances, celebrating Siblings Day might be a fun, enjoyable event, or it might come with some bittersweet memories. Either way, it’s an important day to recognize and remember, so put these ideas into practice or come up with other creative ways to acknowledge the day:

Take a look at these preposterous sibling-themed items!

Is your sibling a pain? The kind of person who would use their last breath on earth to let you know that your haircut looks stupid?

Well then, we’ve found the perfect gifts for you: products that are both funny and functional.

Spend Time With a Sibling

One of the most important activities on this day is to acknowledge and appreciate a brother or sister (or both!) Siblings Day can be celebrated by making a phone call to a sibling, sending a card or gift, making a dinner invitation, or simply going for a walk in the park.

For those who have siblings who have passed away, this might be a nice time to visit a place that holds happy memories from younger days. It might be necessary to take time to be sad, if needed, and also take time to remember and be thankful.

Reminisce Through Old Photos

Many people have lots of old photos that they haven’t looked at in quite some time. Whether they were taken on film long ago and are now sitting in a shoebox somewhere, or they have been digitized and are easily accessible online, Siblings Day is a fun day to enjoy the nostalgia of those photos.

Share them with others in the family who might also have enjoyable memories. Siblings Day might even be the right time to put together a scrapbook to hold photos, memories and stories of beloved brothers and sisters.

Make Use of The Siblings Day Foundation Resources

As part of their work, the Siblings Day charitable organization provides different types of help related to siblings, whether due to grief and loss or the need for connection. Some of the services offered by the organization include:

Sibling-2-Sibling Support Groups. Offered to those who need help with grief recovery due to the loss of a sibling, this support service engages the help of professionals such as social workers and psychologists.

Lost Sibling Registry. For those who have lost touch with a sibling for some reason or another, this registry helps to match up missing brothers and sisters with each other.

Adopt-a-Sibling Program. Providing resources that helps facilitate the adoption of siblings.

Teach Children to Appreciate Their Siblings

It’s never too early to get a start on teaching children to love and care for their brothers and sisters.

For parents of little ones who want to celebrate Siblings Day, it’s fun to dress siblings in matching outfits and have a photo shoot. Older kids can write letters or stories that include the things they appreciate each other–these can then be put into a memory box to read when the kids grow up!

Kids can also read (or have read to them) books about siblings that encourage them to get along. These might include The Evil Princess vs. the Brave Knight by Jennifer L. Holm; Lola Reads to Leo, by Anna McQuinn; The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon, by Matthew Burges; or anything from the Charlie and Lola series by Lauren Child.

Listen to Music about Brothers and Sisters

Creating and sharing a playlist in honor of the relationship between siblings is a fun way to celebrate National Siblings Day. For those who have local siblings, get together and listen to songs that have special nostalgia within the family. For those who have faraway siblings or siblings who have passed away, listening to songs that are reminiscent of times together can be therapeutic.

Put some of these songs onto a playlist on Spotify or another music hosting site, or come up with your own list of songs:

He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother (1969) The Hollies

My Big Sister (2008) Barenaked Ladies

Brother Sister (2010) Beta Radio

When We Grow Up (1973) Diana Ross

Sister to a Brother (2011) Rob Finlay

My Sister Says the Saddest Things (2010) Grimes

Sister Christian (1983) Night Ranger

Watch a Film About Siblings

Whether watching along with a brother/sister or alone, these films feature the relationships between siblings:

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). A comedy musical film about a group of backwoods brothers who are all looking to get married.

Sabrina (1954). Two brothers compete for the attention of a beautiful woman, Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn).

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986). The stories of three grown siblings whose lives intertwine from one Thanksgiving to another.

The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989). This rom-com features two brothers (played by actual brothers, Beau and Jeff Bridges) who try to eke out a living as lounge pianists.

My Sister’s Keeper (2009). A heart-wrenching story about a girl with cancer and her sister who donates her tissue to keep her alive, with Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin.

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993) A touching story about a young man (Johnny Depp) who tries to keep his family together, including taking care of his younger brother (Leo DiCaprio) who has mental health struggles.

History of Siblings Day

Siblings Day was created by Claudia Evart, a freelance paralegal professional from Manhattan, New York, USA. Evart was inspired to start Siblings Day after she had the tragic experience of losing both her brother and her sister in separate accidents at an early age. The date of Siblings Day is very important to its founder as it marks the birthday of her sister, Lisette.

In an effort to promote the day, Evart began the Siblings Day Foundation as a charitable organization in 1995. Since then, the founder has dedicated herself to convincing American government officials to recognize the day. Her success in this effort has included 49 state governors, many congressmen and congresswomen, as well as US presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton.

Mostly, however, Evart wants the public all over the world to recognize the day and use it to appreciate their own brothers and sisters. The Siblings Day Foundation also offers resources for people who need help with their sibling relationships.

In addition to the United States, Siblings Day is celebrated in many countries, including Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Nigeria, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and many more.

Sometimes called Brothers and Sisters Day, this is a day of celebration and recognition for siblings around the world, whether they have passed on or are still living.

Source

[ootori-sibs]

An Ootori Family Christmas

Part three. I keep misplacing Ootoris. Help. D-slur warning.

After some very concerning dreams about goths with great bone structure and far too many lesbians, Tamaki woke up on Christmas morning.

It was nice and warm, clearly the heating had been on for a while. Tamaki sat up, stretching, yawning, rubbing his eyes and fixing in hair in what he knew was an unnaturally photogenic way. His eyes flitted to the corner of the room, just as he thought, a camera. Of course Kyoya would take this opportunity to make more candid photo books. The man was a marketing genius, and Tamaki only found it a little creepy. It wasn't like he didn't love the attention.

He had made sure to clarify what to wear for Christmas morning, so he had prepared his perfect, festive red, gold and white silk two piece pajama set, and his perfect fluffy white slippers. He combed his hair, adding some of the gold glitter spray that Haruhi had got him for Christmas- the hosts had done a little Christmas gift exchange themselves a few days prior, and Tamaki was absolutely obsessed with his gifts. In fact, he applied the lipgloss Hikaru had got, it was mulled wine flavour, what a genius idea. Haruhi had been the one to stipulate that their gift exchange had a commoner’s budget, but obviously most of them got a second, better gift for everyone. Kaoru had gotten Tamaki a little glass rose brooch, and he pinned it to the lapels of his pajama shirt now. Honey had gotten him a little kuma-kun necklace, which obviously Tamaki was wearing alongside the white lace choker Mori had gotten him, a surprisingly lacy gift from the stoic man. Tamaki had to make a note not to read into it, Mori got everyone but Honey something with lace, after all. Kyoya himself, had gotten Tamaki a calculator on a keychain, it was white, with a sakura print. He found it rather sweet, if a little sarcastic of a gift.

Tamaki met up with his father on the walk to the dining room. Yuzuru sighed heavily and gave a weak smile, “how was last night, Tamaki?”

“Well, it was… certainly an entertaining night.” Tamaki smiled, trying not to show any concern.

Yuzuru just chuckled, shaking his head, “you can be honest if you want, I don't think I prepared you as well as I'd thought.”

“You think??” Tamaki sighed, relaxing a bit, “you couldn't have started with ‘so Kyoya is actually normal in comparison and the dyke you hate is his cousin’?”

“Woah!” Tamaki's father looked startled, throwing his hands up, “I might be 52, but I really don't think that's a word we can use, Tamaki.”

Tamaki blinked, “what? Isn't that what she is though?”

“I mean… she's a lesbian?” Yuzuru shrugged, “I'm not sure if that word is correct though…I think it might be an insult?”

She deserves to be insulted, was what Tamaki thought, but he didn't say it. He just nodded, staying quiet for a moment, before asking. “What's up with 90% of the Ootoris being men?”

Yuzuru shrugged, “I have no idea, there's like four female Ootoris still alive, five if you could Rokuro's wife.” He pauses, “I mean damn, I really have no idea why they keep having boys. I mean, Yoshio was the fourth of seven boys, so it's clearly a genetic issue it-”

Interrupting him, Tamaki asked, “the fourth of seven? But Kyoya only has three uncles?” He didn't understand what his father was talking about, he hadn't even mentioned Hina in that number. Could you get dementia at 52?

“Oh, it's a long story,” Yuzuru chuckled, sighing, “and not really appropriate for Christmas, let's just say that two of them are no longer with us, and one of them isn't a boy anymore.”

Oh! Tamaki blinked in surprise, “his aunt Hina…is…”

Yuzuru just nodded, “mhm, I mean, she did have the best doctors, I think Yoshio did her surgery personally…which might be illegal now I think about it…” he shakes his head, chuckling, “as if the Ootoris give a damn about the law. Come on, breakfast is waiting.”

Tamaki stood there for a moment, staring after his father. It seemed everything he learnt about the Ootoris was against his will.

Breakfast was a traditional grilled mackerel, a hijiki salad, and a bowl of rice with a raw yolk. Tamaki sat down, quite happy to have a nice, refreshing breakfast, although a little disappointed he wasn't getting the kind of Christmas breakfast his mother used to make. He was used to that particular flavour of disappointment by now, but the Christmas special stung a little more.

It was a very quiet breakfast, and they didn't wait for everyone. The Ootoris were all silently, groggily making their way through their breakfast, the moment they finished the food the maids would place a hot cup of coffee in front of them. Tamaki was almost amused, it seemed like not being a morning person was genetic. It took almost an hour and a half for every Ootori to drag themselves downstairs and finish eating. Eventually they became a little more talkative once they'd had a few sips of coffee, and the room was filled with well wishes- mostly of the business and reproductive variety. The latter mostly reserved for Fiyumi, although Yuuichi, Akito and even their uncle Akira received wishes for them to find a girl and then reproduce. Tamaki's father, on the other hand, received tongue-in-cheek well wishes to not reproduce, which Tamaki found particularly difficult not to take offence to.

The well-wishing on the business front was responded to in kind, then proceeded by bragging. The small moment of semi-normalcy quickly became an excuse for the Ootoris to wield their financial genius over each other. Even Kyoya got involved- apparently he'd been managing investments of some kind? Tamaki had no idea. He watched his father attempt to brag as well. Yuzuru had just as much to brag about, even more than some of the Ootoris, he just couldn't seem to get the hang of the specific way in which they bragged; through admissions of tiny mistakes, and of jokes of how they could've done better and many “but that's nothing to you, I imagine”s.

Luckily, by some godforsaken Christmas miracle, Doctor Ootori decided to help Yuzuru with his bragging. Primarily by pointing out the business endeavours their companies had done together, and asking Yuzuru how other sectors of the company were fairing, despite clearly already knowing the answers. Tamaki was grateful on his father's behalf, although it was clear that Yuzuru was grateful all by himself.

After everyone had woken up a bit, they all began to stand up, and Tamaki followed suit, excited to get the gifting part of Christmas. His excitement was curbed slightly when he saw everyone putting coats and jackets on over their pajamas…also a few of them were wearing boots, he hadn't paid it any mind, but he was beginning to think that white slippers were a bad idea.

“Where's your coat?” His father asked as they followed the Ootoris down the hallway. “I told you to bring a coat.”

Tamaki blinked, dumbfounded, “you told me to bring a coat to the mansion, not to bring it to breakfast.”

“Ah…good point.” Yuzuru sighed, taking his coat off and tossing it over Tamaki's shoulders, “stay with Kyoya, I'll go and grab your coat.” With that, he jogged off, towards the guest room Tamaki had stayed in.

Wrapping the large beige trenchcoat around him, Tamaki sighed, only taking a few steps to catch up with Kyoya, who was in the middle of a conversation with his aunt Hina. Oh, they were discussing the club's themes, specifically the two times Kyoya had worn dresses. Tamaki was tempted to say something, but he wasn't really sure what to say. He didn't know if Hina would be offended about any of the things he had to say about cross dressing…all things considered.

So he stayed quiet as they went out the back door, and as they walked along the garden path, Tamaki was absolutely silently cursing his decision to wear fluffy white slippers. In his own defense, why the hell were they outside?

Rin sidled up next to him, dressed in what looked like an outfit straight out of the Christmas carol, complete with stupid little sleep hat. Tamaki would laugh, but it was actually kind of adorable. They glanced at him, with a deadpan expression, “Souh-senpai, do you have a family graveyard at the main Souh mansion?”

Tamaki's blood ran cold, and he stared at Rin with wide eyes for a moment longer than was probably polite. A family graveyard? Was that where they were going? Was that not too creepy for Christmas? Why were they even going?? He let out the breath he was holding, and turned to look at Kyoya, no longer caring if he interrupted the conversation he and Hina were having. “Kyoya…” he began, voice shaking.

He saw the way Kyoya's shoulders tensed up before he even glanced back, already looking tired of Tamaki's nonsense, but in Tamaki's very reasonable opinion, Kyoya’s family were the nonsense ones in this situation. “Yes Tamaki, we're going to the family graveyard, no there won't be ghosts, yes we have to go, it's tradition, no it's not scary, no one's going to perform any black magic, we're going to pay our respects, then we can go and open presents. Happy?”

…Tamaki nodded.

How was Kyoya so good at shutting him down? He didn't even feel scared now, just a little annoyed by how weird his best friend's family had turned out to be. Tamaki understood paying your respects to the dead, of course he did. Visiting a graveyard first thing Christmas morning? That was pure and utter insanity.

Eventually, Tamaki's father caught up to them at the gate to the graveyard, and they swapped coats. Yuzuru saw the expression on Tamaki's face and sighed, “yes, I know it's fucking weird, but it makes them happy…or about as happy as you can get a sober Ootori.” He shrugs, and Tamaki has to fight the urge to chuckle, which Yuzuru notices and grins, nodding. “I know, I know, look, just put up with this, and we can have a lovely rest of Christmas, okay?”

“Okay,” Tamaki nodded, a little more encouraged now. He did still have some reservations, so he took a deep breath before stepping foot into the graveyard, wishing he'd brought his rosary.

“Ahh…” Doctor Ootori took a deep breath as he stepped into the graveyard, closing his eyes for just a moment. He looked right at home in the graveyard, with his grey pinstriped suit, and the red ribbon wrapped around his cane. He smiled, a little more relaxed than Tamaki had seen ever before. “You know the drill, I'll recite a poem or two, pay your respects to whomever you respect and…vise versa.” He took his place before a very old looking stone plinth, carved into the shape of some sort of large bird, its wings splayed. Placing a book on said plinth, he began to read from it, using his finger to follow the line.

No one really seemed to be paying attention, though. A few of the adults were crowded around a grave or two, and Kyoya, his siblings, and Rin were laying flowers, candy canes and a tiny bottle of wine at a grave that Tamaki could only assume was Kyoya's mother. Hina and Benio were both at a specific grave as well, probably Benio's other mother. Even Tamaki's father had gone to the gravestone that most of the adults were crowded around. Although Rokuro was stood by the wall, looking irritate and texting someone, probably his wife.

Tamaki decided he didn't know any of these dead people, so why would he pay much attention to their graves…however he did pay his respects to Haruhi’s dead mom when he went to her house… So he sighed, and made his way over to stand beside Kyoya, glancing down at the grave.

[Kokomi Ootori

13th of February 1954

~

22nd of September 1989

Beloved Wife and Mother

“Death will be a coronation, and your grounds my crown,” ]

“Wow,” Tamaki began, doing his best to be respectful, “where's that quote from?”

All five of them glanced at him, but it was Fiyumi who spoke up, voice soft, but not too sad. “One of her poems, it was one she wrote on her and father's honeymoon actually. Father thought it was an appropriate quote for her tombstone.”

Tamaki thought it was a bit confusing, if he was honest. If death was a coronation, what was she being crowned queen of? Hell? He understood the woman was goth, he just didn't think Doctor Ootori had thought that quote the whole way through.

Nodding, Tamaki responded softly, “oh, I'm sure she was a very creative woman.” He meant it, of course, Tamaki knew when praise was due. Although he didn't particularly like her style, from what he'd seen of this quote, what he was hearing of the poem Doctor Ootori was reading, and the huge oil painting of her in the foyer. She was his level of dramatic, sure, and he respected the hell out of that. Her style, however… was halfway between morbid and tacky. Tamaki just couldn't condone that sort of thing, but he refused to offend the dead.

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a headless gingerbread man. Tamaki wasn't sure where the head was, but based on what he knew of Kyoya's mother, he didn't think it would matter much. He gently laid it down by her grave, and could feel six sets of eyes on him. He stood back up and looked at them, smiling politely.

Yuuichi nodded approvingly, and Akito, though rolling his eyes, gave Tamaki an appreciative smirk. Rin and Kyoya didn't say much, but both of them sort of shared a glance, Rin raising their eyebrow, and Kyoya responding to them with a micro-shrug. Tamaki had no clue what that was about, but he was fairly certain it meant they approved?

Fiyumi was the only one who's reaction Tamaki genuinely struggled to parse, which was new. She was just staring at the gingerbread man for a few moments, her hair falling in front of her face. Yuuichi noticed this, and reached out, putting a hand on her arm. Fiyumi pulled away, and turned to smile at Tamaki, “that was sweet of you, Tamaki. You really didn't need to do that.”

“But I felt it was only right if I paid respects to your mother. This is her house as well, after all.” He felt more eyes on him for just a moment as he said that, and bit back a shudder.

It was Kyoya who responded to that, glancing towards the gate, “they've left without us. We should try to catch up.”

They reconvened in the biggest lounge, where there was suddenly many, many boxes under the tree. They took turns opening their gifts from everyone, going in order of reverse age. Meaning that, by the time Tamaki, Kyoya, Rin, and Kyoya's older siblings got to the lounge, there was a trio of small children already tearing into boxes.

Tamaki assumed these were the triplets who were mentioned yesterday. He quickly learnt that their names were Ichiro, Jiro, and Saburo, although he absolutely could not tell the difference. They were identical, all with the same grey eyes, black bowlcuts, and had even been dressed in the same Christmas sweaters. The main difference was that Saburo, at least, had glasses. When Tamaki walked in, all three of the triplets turned to stare at him, their little grey eyes felt like they were boring into his soul. Thankfully, the moment they saw Rin, their eyes lit up with actual life, even if it was the same sadistic glee he'd seen in Kyoya's many times. They beamed at Rin, and greeted him in sync... Tamaki silently vowed to never call the twins creepy ever again. Also he was absolutely going to be telling them about this.

Thankfully, Tamaki's father had bought every gift as one from both of them, other than, of course, the gifts for the Ootoris Tamaki actually knew. So when the triplets each opened a box containing those little Rolls-Royces for children, Tamaki had to stifle his laughter as Rokuro glared absolute daggers at Yuzuru.

Next up on the age list, was Rin. For whom Tamaki’s father had bought a custom velvet and leather coat, with gold chains and pearl detailing. Rin lifted it out of the box, both eyebrows raising in some sort of surprise, “this is ideal, thank you Mr Souh.” He then glanced at Tamaki, and gave a tiny genuine smile, before glancing away. Tamaki felt a little fuzzy at that, making the previously deadpan teen smile was a great feeling, even if Tamaki hadn't actually done anything.

Then came Kyoya's turn to open his gifts…he got quite a lot, multiple from the same person even. Things like alligator skin notebooks, pens with opal in it, new cufflinks, rare books, and one hand embroidered handkerchief. Tamaki's father had bought Kyoya a set of top of the line hidden cameras- they even came with microphones. Naturally, Tamaki could help the sense of dread that ran through his spine when he saw the excitement in Kyoya's eyes. He thanked Yuzuru gratuitously, then gave Tamaki a look that said he was now obligated to one-up the man. Tamaki returned that look with a grin, and a gesture to the box he'd provided.

Kyoya paused, examining the box for a moment, before carefully unwrapping it, not tearing the paper. Tamaki watched, with bated breath, as Kyoya pulled out a black, white, and purple corset vest, custom designed and made by the twin's mother, although Tamaki had absolutely given his own opinion on the matter. It was measured to Kyoya's exact measurements, so Tamaki already knew it would fit. Kyoya raised an eyebrow, admiring it for a moment before chuckling lightly. “Interesting choice of gift, Tamaki. What are you trying to say?”

Unable to hold it in, Tamaki burst into laughter, baffling most of the Ootoris for the first time that day. It was a much needed change of pace. “I remembered you telling Haruhi that you'd love a corset, but only women's corsets ever fit you, and those require a chest. So I had one custom made for your figure, in the masculine style.”

“You're so dramatic, moron.” Kyoya chuckled fondly, gently putting the corset back into the box. He sighed, and grabbed the next box, opening that one.

Next, it was Tamaki's own turn. It seemed that each household had gotten him a collective present, other than the main Ootori household, who'd each gotten him one. So Tamaki had 10 gifts to open in total. Yuuma had gotten him a bit of a generic gift; a pair of gold and diamond cufflinks, although it was in the shape of a rose, so he'd clearly consulted Kyoya on it a little. Doctor Ootori had gotten Tamaki; a golden, light up statue of the Eiffel Tower, about two feet tall… Tamaki was a little taken aback by that, and he wasn't sure whether to be offended or touched. He noticed that the top of the tower had a hinge, so it must open. He reached for it, but the doctor cut in.

“Oh, that's just where the batteries go.” Doctor Ootori informed him with a polite smile, and softer eyes than Tamaki was used to, so he didn't bother to tell the doctor that he could see that the chord for the lamp plugged in at the bottom.

Next was the gift from Hina and Benio. Tamaki was wary about that, but he found a beautifully ornate prop rapier, and couldn't help but smile. Hina decided she wanted to explain this gift, and spoke up, “Kyoya described you as sort of clinging to a Prince type character. So I figured you'd need a sword to match.”

Tamaki smiled at that, admiring his new blade, “oh I adored it, thank you very much.” He chuckled, swinging it a little before one of the maids gently took it from his hands, after the doctor had waved his hand to have the sword removed. Tamaki figured it was his own bad, there were three small children here, to be fair. It was a prop sword but still a sword. He chuckled awkwardly, then reached for the gift from Rokuro and his family.

[suginami-division]

The day of a certain professor's birthday was coming to an end as there were only approximately four hours left. The man in question, Maki Umemoto, sighed as he returned to his apartment. Despite it being a Friday, he was forced to stay late at work due to getting ready for class on Monday. The semester technically hadn't started yet, but he was stuck in meetings almost all day with other teachers and the school president. He had only just gotten back home.

Walking up to his apartment door, he stopped as he spotted several items sitting by the entrance. Blinking, he kneeled down and picked each item up, carefully balancing them from big to small. Unlocking his apartment door, he quickly opened it, walked inside and closed it again before setting the items on a nearby counter. Looking at them, he opened the first gift and looked at was inside.

https://500px.com/photo/1107422117/a-stationary-set-for-maki-from-masa-by-maro-kaso

It was a stationary set, along with some sushi rolls that, surprisingly, hadn't gone bad. Surprised, the professor popped one in his mouth, and nodded, satisfied at the taste. Looking, he saw a letter attached to it, which read:

Dear Maki-sensei,

On this special occasion marking your birth, I wish you a year filled with joy and tranquility. Your dedication to learning and your unwavering spirit in challenging norms are traits I truly admire. Our conversations have been enlightening, and I cherish the richness of your perspectives. Your bravery in questioning and pursuing the truth reflects your integrity and strong character.

As a small gesture of my gratitude, I've included a custom stationery set. I hope it proves useful in your academic efforts and brings you serenity as you record your thoughts and ideas. May the light of wisdom continually illuminate your journey. I eagerly anticipate our future discussions and the growth they foster.

With faith and fellowship,

Father Masa Judice

"Huh," Maki said, "Well, I'm glad to see my Masa-san hasn't ruined our acquaintanceship."

Moving onto the next gift, it was a lot smaller than the stationary set. Opening the wrapper, Maki's eyes grew big at what was inside.

https://500px.com/photo/1107423055/openart-image_sputf8xs_1737170163041_raw-by-maro-kaso

"A... a tablet." Maki said, looking at it. It even had his name written on it, albeit in Katakana. Looking at the back, he noticed a letter, also addressed to him. It read:

Dear Maki-san,

On this special day marking your birthday, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for your remarkable intellect and unwavering commitment to learning. You truly represent the essence of progress and the ceaseless quest for wisdom. To honor your significant contributions and to aid your academic pursuits, I am excited to present you with a customized tablet accompanied by a stylus.

This gadget stands as a testament to the blend of tradition and modernity—an aspect I know you hold in high regard. We find ourselves in a time where technology propels us forward. I encourage you to utilize this device to continue to expand your horizons and challenge existing norms. May the year ahead be filled with personal growth, exciting discoveries, and transformative experiences. Embrace the journey that awaits.

Warm regards,

Eiji Noguchi

Smiling at the letter from his friend, Maki made a note to tell Eiji just how his kids were doing later on. Turning to the last gift, Maki looked as it was just a simple letter, which read:

Dear Maki-san,

I can't help but think about the extraordinary individual you are. Your intelligence, kindness, and steadfast commitment to your work are traits I genuinely respect. You embody a unique blend of brilliance and warmth that sets you apart in a remarkable way. You motivate me in ways I never imagined possible. Your thirst for knowledge and your dedication to your students serve as a powerful reminder of the limitless potential we all hold.

It is truly a privilege to witness your journey and to learn from the way you lead. As you embrace this special day, I hope the coming year brings you abundant growth, happiness, and fulfillment. May you continue to radiate positivity in all your pursuits and find joy in the small, beautiful moments life offers.

Happy Birthday, Maki-san. You are valued beyond what words can convey.

Warm regards,

Your Secret Admirer

“Work never ends, it seems…” Maki utters when he sees the pile of gifts at his front door.

After a long day at his job, Maki found himself having to haul in even more gifts into his apartment. At this point, Maki could live entirely off all the gifts he had received from everyone for at least a week. The thought makes him chuckle, imagining his younger half-brother doing the same whenever his birthday rolls around.

The first stationery set was an expected sight. Given his occupation, many gifts were effectively free re-supplies for his office. Pens, sticky notes, and other little stationery all needed for the papers Maki would inevitably have to mark up by the end of the spring term. The sushi, however, was a surprise. Maki could have almost mistaken the wrapped rice as more stationary if it weren’t the unmistakable smell of seafood. The letter threw Maki for a bit of surprise however, not expecting to see the Ginza’s priest signed at the bottom. After reading such heartfelt and frankly, flustering words complimenting the history professor, Maki felt like he had experienced whiplash knowing that someone he had quarreled pretty consistently with thought so highly of him. 

“Huh… Well, I’m glad to see my debates with him haven’t soured our relationship.” The history professor hums, before adding in, “Maybe I should accept his invitation and give my thanks sometime.”

The next gift, being a tablet, surprised Maki yet again. Such an expensive gift is rather unexpected, although once Maki read over the letter and got to the second half of the text that practically screamed a certain tech executive’s launch speeches he instantly recognized Eiji’s work. Maki wanted to fuss about receiving such a gift, but he resigned to accept it and show his gratitude with an update on his kids’ educational progress. It was hard to argue with someone so genuinely kind.

One last letter laid among the pile of other miscellaneous packages and post cards all scattered all over Maki’s dining area. The envelope looked a little familiar… And reading the letter proved that his gut was right. His secret admirer seemed to know his birthday and wrote a letter to congratulate him. Much to the disdain of Maki, who was now red-faced and light headed from how fast his heart was racing.

It took some time, but once Maki felt he had regained his composure, he started to really think. Who could his admirer be? It was hard to imagine the AV actress Rinko saying the words written in either letter Maki had gotten from this admirer. And… Honestly, it was hard for Maki to think about anyone in his day to day life liking him in such a way. He never bothered to really put effort into caring about what his colleagues thought of him. He definitely shut down any of his students' feelings as soon as they uttered a hint of inappropriate admiration. And he’s done his best to stay distant around parents and guardians of the students he would tutor on the side for, as to avoid the problems that would inevitably come from it. So really, who could it be?

Still, Maki’s eyes kept reading the last sentence over and over again. It was embarrassing how much those words meant to him. He hasn’t heard anyone in his life give that sort of reassurance to him, at least in words. It was a little sad how much Maki wished to hear this person say this to him in person…

“What do I do…” Maki mutters, taking a cautious glance at his phone, before deciding against reaching out to anyone about it. He should try and think on it first… Perhaps a quick shower and some sleep will help Maki figure out this puzzle.

GRAAAAAHHHHHH THEY'RE BACK. MAKI GOGOGOGOGO FIGURE IT OUT AHHHHHHHbut also thank you for the gift lol

[seeyatellite]

It can suck being the son of a narcissist. It can really suck if he clings to an idealized version of father/son relationship models and forces his interests like they’re meant to be absorbed through osmosis.

My father clung to the idea of me being mechanically gifted like him. He constantly forced car stuff on me, scale models I never touched, sports swag like Red Wings clothes and pennants when I couldn’t care less about competition and even stuck tools in my hands then forced me to pose for a camera so he could share “proof of fathering” for his chosen community. He posted a Hotrod Hotline forum entry with his ‘33 Plymouth, calling it a “father-son” project and taking photo credit for a silly metal art project I was curious about when he got a new welder.

I never had anything to do with that car. Same with working on Mom’s Jeep Cherokee when she gave it to me and he fixed it up. He just stuck a sander in my hands and took a picture, then I went back to whatever.

It worked for him. He convinced some friends, online forums and eventually facebook that I shared his mechanical goals and aptitudes. I don’t… and I’ll never care to… but a prolific mechanical engineer with an artistic, perhaps feminine son has been communicated as unacceptable for him and he’s convinced people who don’t want to bother noticing my disinterest.

They prefer hearing Dad’s explanations of it all, because he casts all the responsibility for all issues onto me while protecting him and they’ve never witnessed his behaviors. They’ve also never seen me posting any celebratory content about my involvement in his hobbies and relied heavily on photo tags from him and family. They’ll never hear such an “ungrateful” perspective.

He did materially provide and financially support. He also verbally, mentally, emotionally and sometimes physically abused in the shadows and never bothered to teach life skills or even touch on the concept of sex and sensuality.

Abandonment trauma is a thing and it runs deep.

So yeah… I often hesitate to share my work and feel a little ashamed of some passions for bodily expression, sensuality, nude art and dance… which I’m overcoming.

I’m also unlearning Dad’s educated personal relationship skills and communication tactics. Therapy is magic… and photography, art and music are therapy. So is self-acceptance, self-expression and healthy intimacy but I’ll try not to bore you all with much of that beyond my poetry.

Speaking of which, here’s some poetry I wrote between 15 and 17 years old. I wish I’d saved more and I’m grateful Mom saved enough for me to share some.

A few of these were written while I stayed in Children’s Home of Detroit’s Warren campus. I was there for 217 days, during which time Dad dismissed responsibility for his decisions and negotiated for disability income after his insurance coverage limit was reached.

I’ll never deny my responsibility here. I did something stupid and violent at 15 which placed me there. I also continued expressing myself and my heart through the arts of poetry and drawing… some of the sketches for Dad, still clinging to a hope that I could impress my father into expressing true love instead of using the word as manipulation.