#aeryn writes december challenge

[autumnslance]

Year of the OTP 2023 - Thancred & Aeryn Masterpost

Originally started by a Batman fandom group, Year of the OTP is a challenge to end up with 12 new fics from a series of prompts for one's favorite ship. They've been gracious enough to open it to anyone and everyone, however, so a few of us decided to add our Final Fantasy XIV wolships into the mix.

So here are 12 fics/screenshot sets for my OC Aeryn Striker with that canon rogue, Thancred Waters. Also migrating the stories onto my Ao3, mostly in "Unexpected" and "Despite the Gods We've Outlived", though a few stand alone in my "Aeryn Striker" series.

January - Dual Perspectives (ARR, Pre-relationship) February - Linkpearl (Stormblood, early relationship, long distance) March - Ladyhawke Fairy Tale AU (image set, plot summary) April - Desert Divergence (AU/Canon Divergence, Love Confess) May - Illness (ARR pre-relationship, sick fic/comfort) June - Confession (Shadowbringers Love Confess, poorly timed) July - Stars (Yearning at the start of Shadowbringers) August - Snowstorm (Heavensward pre-relationship comfort) September - I Wrote This For You (A letter of yearning, Endwalker) October - On A Dark & Stormy Night (Dark Fairy Tale AU images) November - Missing Scars (Post-Shadowbringers readjustment) December - Home (post-Endwalker holidays & belonging)

Some of these did get written later, going back and filling in months I'd missed. Life happens! Also original story writing eating up my brain, but I cannot complain about more writing productivity!

This also let me get in at least one long-sitting WIP completed finally ("Snowstorm"; we're not going to talk about how long that's been in drafts...), while others still didn't mesh ("Meeting the Family" is being a rambling monster) but led to entirely new things getting written. And it got me to play with a few AUs, which I normally don't do, aside from the Halloween silliness, which found its way into this set as well.

Thanks again to YOTP for hosting and opening up this little challenge, and here's to a new year of creativity around all our blorbo pairings!

[aerynwrites]

My Prompt List Line-Up!

Since I created this challenge and have been posting about it for a while now, it’s only fair I post my lineup, huh? Well, here you go!

I don’t know if I will even get to all of the prompts/characters I chose but this is a goal I am hoping to achieve! I hope you all enjoy no matter how many I complete <3

Day 2 - Frozen Lake || Cold hands, Scarves, and Snow. (Captain Rex)

Day 3 - Hot Chocolate || Marshmallows, warm hands, and soft smiles. (Echo)

Day 7 - Catching a cold  || Tissues, savory soup, and cuddles. (Mob Boss Boba)

Day 8 - Snowed In || Candles, snow drifts, and quiet. (Crosshair)

Day 10  - Winter Market || Murmuring crowds, rows of stalls, and the smell of food. (Hunter)

Day 12 - Lonely  || Gloomy skies, soft blankets, and a warm fire. (Soldier Boba)

Day 13 - Warm Bath || Bubble bath, soft music, and gentle hands. (Mob Boss Boba)

Day 16 - Mistletoe || Warm lights, smoke, and friends. (Mob boss Boba)

Day 18 - Sunsets || Golden hour, towering pine trees, and warm coats. (Joel Miller)

Day 20 - Hiking || Rough ground, crisp morning air, and sunrises. (Modern! Captain Rex)

Day 21 - Sweaters || Cozy feelings, goosebumps, and comforting hands. (John Wick)

Day 23 - Proposal || Nerves, candles, and a tasty meal. (Arthur Morgan)

Day 25 - Lazy Mornings || Soft blankets, familiar arms, and the morning light. (Cassian Andor)

Day 30 - Fireworks || Loud booms, sparkling light, and a breathtaking kiss. (Mob Boss Boba)

(UNUSED PROMPTS LISTED BELOW THE CUT)

Day 1 - Baking || Vanilla, sprinkles, and chocolate flavored kisses.

Day 5 - Fire Places || Fuzzy socks, soft rugs, and hands intertwined.

Day 6 - Blanket Fort || Fluffy pillows, movies, and snacks

Day 9 - Sledding || biting wind, cold noses, and laughter.

Day 11 - Snowball Fight || Heavy breathing, footprints in the snow, and warm hugs.

Day 14 - Homemade Meal/Cooking || Savory spices, hot meals, and family.

Day 15 - Sleigh Ride || Sleigh bells, foggy breath, and the smell of cedar.

Day 17 - Gingerbread || Icing on their cheek, smell of cinnamon, and playful kisses.

Day 19 - Movie Nights || Laughter, snacks, and cuddles.

Day 22 - Unique Traditions || Smiles, acceptance, and making memories.

Day 24 - Holiday Traffic || Car horns, comforting words, and snow.

Day 26 -Furry Friends || Shining eyes, the pitter - patter of paws, and that fuzzy feeling in your chest.

Day 27 - Roasting Marshmallows || Roaring bonfires, laughter of friends, and gooey marshmallows.

Day 28 - Huddle for Warmth || Warm bodies, steady breaths, and comforting feelings.

Day 29 - Holiday Lights || Holiday music, bright colors, and joy.

Day 31 - Wild Card || write anything you want!

[flightlessangelwings]

Warmth

Aeryn’s Dec Writing Challenge Day 28 - Huddle for Warmth || Warm bodies, steady breaths, and comforting feelings. 

Dialogue prompts: “You���re freezing!” “Is this the part where we kiss?”

Joel Miller x gn!reader

Word count: 2.4k

Warnings: pining, slight canon typical action/violence, briefly fighting infected, two idiots in love, kissing, feelings confession, protective!Joel, huddling for warmth, no use of y/n

Notes: Though this fic is not explicit, my blog remains strictly 18+ so please do not read or interact if you are a minor. Written for Aeryn’s December writing challenge and this prompt is PERFECT for Joel! I really loved writing this one! Feel free to also follow my update blog and turn on post notifs to stay up to date on when I post @flightlessangelwings-updates​

~

“You ready for this?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Joel gave you a soft smile and a reassuring pat on your shoulder, “You’ll be fine. You’re a damn good shot and I’ll be with you every step.”

The warmth from his hand on your shoulder went right to your chest and you felt your heart skip a beat. You smiled back at him as you gave him a short nod in response. Satisfied with that, Joel let you go and turned back to gather the rest of his weapons as you did the same. While you cocked your gun and loaded up your crossbow, you found that you missed the comfort of his touch, and you swallowed hard as you forced yourself not to glance over at him.

Your feelings for Joel had been growing for months now, yet you didn’t say a word. After you arrived in Jackson as part of a traveling group, you decided to stay and settle while your friends moved on. You offered to join in on the partols as your way of thanking Maria and the rest for letting you stay, and Joel took you under his wing and showed you everything he knew. You already knew how to handle yourself, having been on the road for a long time, but Joel helped you perfect your competence with other weapons and gave you new tricks and pointers. 

In the time you spent with him, you fell completely in love with Joel. You were careful to never let it show, but every time he stood near you, your heart raced. Every time he placed his hand over yours to help your aim, your breath caught in your throat. Every time he said your name, you felt like the world spun around you. Even when you just watched how he was with Ellie and the others it only made your feelings for him grow.

Now would be your ultimate test, in more ways than one. It was your first patrol, and you would be completely alone with Joel outside the city walls. You knew you had to stay focused, or else your first patrol would be your last. But you couldn’t ignore the way your heart flipped in your chest when Joel told you he would go with you.

“Sorry your first patrol is on New Year’s Eve… And in the snow,” Joel’s voice broke you out of your thoughts, “But we should be back in time for the party tonight.”

The sincere look in his eyes made your face heat up even in the bitter cold, “I’m ok with it, Joel. It’s gotta be done,” you replied as you strapped your gear to your back and zipped up your jacket, “All ready when you are.”

Joel nodded as he mirrored your actions and tugged on the reins of the horses, “Let’s get going.”

Patrol itself was quiet for the most part. You and Joel rode through an overgrown neighborhood where you both easily took out a handful of runners and clickers, but otherwise it was uneventful. With a deep sigh, you lowered your weapon once you thought you and Joel were alone in what used to be a convenience store. 

“I think that’s the last of them,” you slumped your shoulders in relief as you turned to face him. It was always a comfort to you to see his face, and you gave him a quick scan over to make sure he wasn’t hurt. What you weren’t aware of was that Joel did the same for you before you turned around.

But, the moment of calm didn’t last long, and suddenly Joel shouted, “Look out!”

In a flash of movement, he was in front of you and acted as a shield as he pulled out his machete and attacked a runner head on that came out of nowhere and almost grabbed you. But, Joel didn’t let that happen and he drove his weapon into the infected several times before the body went limp on the ground.

“You alright?” he asked breathlessly as he held onto your arm. He hoped he hid the way his arm trembled slightly as he thought about if anything ever happened to you.

You looked into Joel’s eyes in awe, “Never been better,” you replied just as hushed before you let out another deep breath, “Thank you, Joel.”

He gave you a look you couldn’t quite decipher before he flashed a sad smile, “Anytime,” Joel gave you one last squeeze before he reluctantly let you go, “Let’s get going, the storm looks like it’s getting bad.” 

*

As you followed Joel through the paths, you felt more and more of a chill in the air, and the thin layer of snow on the ground started to thicken with the worsening weather.

When the wind kicked up and you barely saw Joel in front of you, you heard him call your name as he turned his horse around to face you, “It’s getting worse than I thought,” he yelled over the gust of wind, “We gotta get to the checkpoint, quickly!”

“Ok,” was all you could reply. Your throat felt dry from the cold, and you saw your breath with every exhale. Even through your coat and gloves, you felt chilled to the bone and you shivered as you held your reins tight.

Joel picked up speed and you followed suit close behind. The little visibility you had quickly diminished as you both rode through the woods. You trusted Joel to keep you safe, and you followed him without a second thought. He knew these paths like the back of his hand, and you knew he would get you somewhere safe.

“Over here,” Joel shouted over the storm as the outline of a house came into view. 

You breathed hard as the air around you felt thick and the cold felt like it stabbed your throat every time you took a breath. But thankfully, the area around the house was clear and Joel led you into the garage where you both tied your horses and closed and locked the door behind you.

“You alright?” Joel turned to you once the garage door was secure. Again, he put his hands on your shoulders and he looked into your eyes with a concerned look in his.

“I’m ok,” you whispered back.

“Let’s get upstairs,” he replied softly as he led you up a ladder and into a makeshift loft.

The space was simple, but it was a good vantage point down the mountain. If it weren’t for the storm, you’d be able to see Jackson from there, but all you could see was a sheet of snow and fog. There was a small bathroom on one end, an open space with a couch and a desk in the middle, and a small room on the other end that held supplies and food. Joel immediately went to the open book on the desk and made a note in the log before he turned back to you.

You stayed quiet as you looked around and took off your gloves. It was slightly warmer inside, but the bitter air still fought its way in and you still shivered from the cold. You pulled your coat tight around you in an attempt to keep warm, but it barely made a difference.

Your name in Joel’s voice called your attention as he crossed the room towards you, “Looks like we’re stuck here til the storm passes,” he said with a sigh.

You tried to keep your teeth still as you replied, “It’s ok,” your voice was barely audible as you wrung your hands together for warmth.

Joel noticed, however, and he immediately took your hands in his, “Shit,” he breathed, “You’re freezing.”

“M’ fine,” you muttered as you tried to shrug it off, “Don’t worry about me.”

“Too late for that,” he quipped back with half a smile and held your hands tighter, “Come here.”

Joel pulled you toward the couch where he sat you down and wrapped a blanket around your shoulders. Next, he grabbed a large lantern and used a spare match to light it before he set it on the floor in front of you, “It ain’t much, but it should help a bit,” he offered as he slid it as close to you as he deemed was safe.

“What about you?” you asked as you watched the light dance on his face.

“Don’t worry about me,” he shrugged.

“No, Joel,” you protested as you saw his breath when he spoke, “You don’t get to worry about me then turn it around like that,” you paused as you both stared into each other’s eyes for a moment, “Come here.”

Joel sighed as he knew he couldn’t argue with you. He hid it well, but Joel wanted nothing more than to hold you close and keep you safe from anything, yet he didn’t want to take advantage of you or the situation you found yourselves in. But, he also knew you were right, so Joel moved back to the couch and sat close to you. Immediately, you felt the warmth from his leg against yours.

You adjusted the blanket he wrapped around you so that it covered Joel as well, and without realizing it, you both leaned into each other. Your breath caught in your throat when Joel slung an arm around your shoulders and pulled you close against his chest.

“I hope this is ok,” Joel sounded nervous as he spoke softly, “We gotta keep warm somehow.”

“This is fine,” you answered back faster than you meant to as your heart pounded in your chest. What you really wanted to say was that this was more than fine, that you imagined what it would be like to be in his arms for a long time.

For a long time, neither of you said anything. You both watched the small flames from the lantern in silence, and the only sound in the room was your deep breaths. You weren’t sure, but you thought you dozed off for a short time as you rested your head on Joel’s chest. The sound of his heartbeat was a comfort as the wind howled against the walls and the snow coated the ground. 

When you opened your eyes again, you forgot where you were for a moment. You even forgot about the cold as a warm embrace kept you safe and secure. But as you registered the weight of Joel’s arms around your body, you realized you fell asleep against his chest and you shot upright.

“Sorry,” you mumbled as you pulled the blanket that still covered both of you close, “Didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

Joel gave you a bright smile that lit up the room more than the lantern in front of you, “It’s alright,” his voice was soft as his gaze turned towards the window, “Looks like the storm passed, but it’s way too dark to go out right now. I think we’re stuck here til morning.”

You followed his gaze as you tried to look out the window as well. Outside seemed calm and quiet, but it was so dark you barely made out the outline of nearby trees. Just as you opened your mouth to apologize again, Joel beat you to it.

���Sorry you’ll miss your first New Years in Jackson,” Joel ran his hand up and down your arm to try and warm you up again.

“This isn’t so bad,” you whispered as you turned back to meet his eyes, “I’m enjoying the company,” you added with a grin as you felt your skin warm. Whether it was from how Joel held you or the rush of emotions that ran through you, you weren’t sure.

Joel smirked as he looked down shyly, “Me too,” he admitted.

In a bold move, you reached out for his hand that sat in his lap and took it in your own, “Joel, I…”

A flash of light interrupted you and both you and Joel stood up and rushed to the window. With the storm cleared, you both saw a clear outline of Jackson in the distance. The city was completely lit up in the dark of the night. Although they decided against fireworks for safety’s sake, the town decided to turn up every light they had at the stroke of midnight to welcome the new year. You could  only imagine what the middle of town looked like all lit up like that with everyone celebrating. Part of you was sad to miss out, but the other part of you wouldn’t trade this alone time with Joel for anything.

“Must be midnight,” Joel’s voice broke you out of your thoughts as he wrapped an arm around you again, “Happy New Year.”

You turned your gaze away from the window once more and your heart skipped a beat when you caught the look in Joel’s eyes, “Happy New Year, Joel,” you breathed as you rested your hand on his chest. Your breath caught in your throat when you felt how hard his heart pounded under your palm. You wondered if his thoughts mirrored your own, “I’m glad I’m with you,” was all you thought to say.

“Me too,” Joel whispered your name as he brushed his thumb along your cheek as he looked into your eyes. You could tell he asked for permission without the words needed.

“Is this the part where we kiss?” you leaned in closer to him as you hovered your lips over his.

“Only if that’s what you want.”

“More than anything.” Before you talked yourself out of it, you crashed your lips against Joel’s in a heated kiss.

Joel was ready for you and he immediately deepened the kiss and held you tight against his body. You moaned into his mouth as you surrendered yourself to his warmth, and it was better than you could ever have imagined. His kiss did more to warm you than anything else, and though it was freezing outside, you felt a warmth like nothing else from him.

When he finally broke away for air, Joel whispered against your skin, “I’ve wanted to do that for longer than I wanna admit.”

You let out a deep exhale as you clung to his strong arms, “You have no idea.”

He laughed softly as he rested his forehead against yours, “This New Years ain’t so bad after all, huh?”

You joined Joel’s laughter as you placed a light kiss on his nose, “Not at all.” 

[aerynwrites]

I feel so lame for not even finishing my own December writing challenge 😂💀 but I’m honestly having more fun reading what others have written!! So many people are participating with so many different characters and it’s so nice to see 🥺🥰