#amerrymaywardholiday

[playitaagain]

This is where you’ll be able to find all of my fics for a merry mayward holiday 2020! This is going to be considered a series, where all the fics will take place in the same universe though they take place out of order. There will be some fics (which will be indicated) that will be a continuation of a previous fic. 

I hope you all enjoy and have a happy holiday! 

December 1: Mistletoe  December 2: Baking Cookies December 3: Snow December 4: Snowperson (A Continuation of December 3rd) December 5: Fire Place  (A Continuation of December 3rd and 4th) December 6: Hot Coco  (A Continuation of December 3rd, 4th and 5th) December 7: Cider  (A Continuation of December 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th) December 8: Eggnog December 9: Ginger Bread December 10: Holiday Movie Marathon December 11: Snowball Fight December 12: First Holiday Together December 13: Snow Angel December 14: Sick Day December 15: Meal Prep/Holiday Dinner December 16: Family Visits December 17: Holiday Shopping December 18: Ice Skating December 19: Decorating December 20: Secret Santa/Yankee Swap December 21: Christmas Tree December 22: Candy Cane December 23: Caroling December 24: Snow Storm December 25: Presents

Bonus! Headcanons

Want to read them in chronological order? Though they all take place in the same universe, they aren’t written in chronological order. This list below puts them in a timeline for you. Arrows indicate the fic is a direct continue of the previous on. No arrows indicates it happened in the same years but their is a bit of time between 

Junior Year of Highschool (first Christmas after the treasure hunt) Candy Cane (22nd)

Pope’s sophomore year of college Mistletoe (1st) --> Secret Santa (20th) 

Pope’s junior year of college Holiday Shopping (17th) Snow (3rd) --> Snowperson (4th) --> Fire Place (5th) --> Hot Coco (6th) --> Cider (7th)

Pope’s senior year of college (First year JJ lives in Boston and they share an apartment) Eggnog (8th) Ice Skating (18) Snow Storm (24th)

JJ and Pope are 25 Snow Angel (13th)

JJ and Pope are 26, two years after Pope graduated from graduate school. This the the first year in their first house together and second Christmas married.  Christmas Tree (21st) First Holiday Together (12th) Holiday Movie Marathon (10th) Decorating (19th)

JJ and Pope are 27 Sick Day (14th) Ginger Bread (9th)

JJ and Pope are 30 Snow Ball Fight (11th)

JJ and Pope are 32 Meal Prep/Holiday Dinner (15th)

JJ and Pope are 33 Baking Cookies (2nd) Caroling (23rd) JJ and Pope are 36 Presents (25)

JJ and Pope are 47 Family Visits (16th)

[noprxmises]

Pope flipped through the pages of his book as the early morning light filtered in through the curtains. Last night’s snow is a distant memory; all that’s left of it now a couple of puddles and the distorted faces of the melted snowmen left on the lawn.

Pope smiled as he recalled JJ building the two snowmen with a little snow-dog. A perfect representation of their little family.

A quiet groan from upstairs snapped Pope out of his reverie. He listened as JJ’s sock-clad feet hit the ground, and he shuffled down the stairs still half asleep. JJ peeked around the corner, tired eyes searching for Pope, and a languid smile graced his features when they finally landed on his boyfriend.

Pope’s heart did somersaults at the sight of a sleep-soft JJ. He set his book aside and opened his arms for the boy. JJ shuffled toward him and collapsed on the couch, landing with his head in Pope’s lap.

“What are you doing up so early, baby?” Pope ran soothing fingers through JJ’s hair and chuckled fondly at the blush that covered JJ’s face at the pet name. He would never get tired of a shy, embarrassed JJ.

“Was cold. M’personal heater decided to ditch me,” JJ mumbled with a playful smile.

“Oh really? They sound really unprofessional. Sounds like you need an upgrade.”

“Mmm I don’t know. I think I’ll give him one more chance.”

“Well that’s awfully charitable of you, kind sir.”

JJ’s giggles danced through the room, so carefree and captivating that Pope was sure even the birds stopped their songs to listen.

He leaned down to press a kiss to JJ’s forehead and frowned at the warmth he felt there. “JJ, you’re burning up,” Pope sat JJ up in his lap gently. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Throat hurts a little... but ‘s fine,” JJ leaned heavily into Pope as his eyes fluttered shut.

“Hey, stay awake for me, sweetheart. At least until we get some medicine in you. Then you can sleep.”

JJ’s dazed blue eyes stared up at Pope from where his head was resting on his shoulder. “Will you stay?” He asked quietly like he was afraid Pope might say no.

“‘Course I will. Next to you is my favorite place to be. Even when you’re sick.” Pope pecked his nose.

“Sap.” He heard JJ mumble as he walked into the kitchen to get the medicine and a water bottle, but he didn’t miss the wonder in the boy’s voice at the prospect of someone caring enough to stay.

“Here. Drink at least half of this, then I’ll let you sleep all day.” Pope held the water up to JJ’s lips before handing him the pills to take.

“Don’t need t’ worry so much ‘bout me, Dr. Spock.” JJ gave a lopsided grin. “But thank you. For caring. And for staying.”

Pope placed a gentle kiss on JJ’s cheek and pulled him to lay down on his chest. “You don’t need to thank me. I’ll always care, and I’ll always stay. You can’t get rid of me now.”

“Good thing, because I lost my gift receipt.” JJ quipped.

Pope let out a loud laugh at that. “Oh my god, good night you dork. I love you.”

“I love you more.” JJ said earnestly. “Even if you did let me freeze to death in our bed this morning.”

[dreamypope]

so I decided to stop my stupid “i’m not motivated to write” excuses and finally write something for @playitaagain‘s Merry Mayward Holiday celebration!

checked the prompts. saw that today’s the day for a holiday movie marathon. started writing immediately.

no real promises but i’m really trying to write AND post a few things in the coming days :)

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

Pope has a plan. Well, he has more of a pla -credit to Phoebe from Friends- when he really thinks about it. He isn’t even sure if he’d go as far as that. That might be too nice for what he has up his sleeve which is literally just to get JJ under the mistletoe. He doesn’t know how or when, but he does know that’s his end goal. The problem is that he has no idea how to do that. 

Kiara isn’t much help either. She looks at him with a shocked expression for only a moment before muttering,”it makes sense,” and helping him brainstorm some ideas. They all suck though, but Pope is too nice to tell her that, especially because she’s excited now. She’s invested and corners Pope every chance she can get, hanging mistletoe everywhere that somehow Pope never finds himself under with JJ. 

(He ended up under it when Kiara once. It was a bit awkward considering their history and he made a show of kissing her on the cheek when he noticed the displeased look on JJ’s face. Well, he hopes it was a displeased look.)

“I think the Christmas party is the perfect time,” Kiara instructs after multiple failed attempts. It’s the first Christmas with John B and Sarah in two years and the Pogues are having a small get together on Christmas Eve. Kiara offered to bring food, JJ drinks and Pope the music in celebration of their friends being home. Pope had been hoping it would be just them without the pressure of the Pogues but he was out of options and Christmas season would be over before he knew it. 

Which is how he finds himself shifting nervously in the living room of the Chateau, eyes glancing up every so often. He eagerly avoids all of his other friends, but somehow that ends with him missing JJ each and every time, even with that aid of Kiara who keeps sending JJ into the kitchen for drink refills that Pope is pretty sure she’s just dumping out the window at this point unless her tolerance is why higher than it had been only a few days ago. 

He practically stands in the doorway for two hour before he finally gives up, his bladder making him turn toward the hall. He gives the mistletoe one last disappointed glance, trying to figure out if he’d have the guts to just kiss JJ any time soon when he all but runs into JJ. 

The problem now is that his bladder is threatening him and suddenly all of his drinks tonight seem to catch up to him. He doesn’t even spare JJ a glance as he shifts past him, swears he sees a fluttering of disappointment in blue eyes but can’t focus on that as he nearly runs toward the hall, slamming the door shut behind him. 

Kiara is there to greet him as he steps out, slapping him upside the head. Pope frowns, about the complan when she points toward the kitchen at a very disappointed looking JJ, who is currently glaring at the mistletoe hanging in the doorway between the kitchen and the living area. 

“I had to-“ but Kiara doesn’t let him finish, gives him a good shove to the door that has him stumbling into the door frame. He shoots her a glare over his shoulder, trying to right himself only for his head to come into contact with a particularly pointy chin as he goes to stand at full height again. 

“Oh, fuck,” JJ groans and Pope freezes, eyes wide as he meets JJ’s blue. The other is rubbing at his chin to sooth the obvious ache. “I think I just bit my tongue.”

“Shit! I’m sorry.” Pope’s voice is too loud suddenly as he scrambles to press his fingers to JJ’s jaw, gentle as he probes the skin so he can examine for any blemishes against the pale exterior. He doesn’t find any as he turns his gaze back to JJ’s. 

And yes. He freezes again, breath catching when he notices how close they’re actually standing. Pope can feel the puff of warm air against his lips, fingers slipping from JJ’s jaw. JJ catches his hand though, guides those warm finger back toward his cheek as Pope’s fingers twitch from his touch, seeming to move on their own when JJ’s fingers move from his and slide down his arm, brush against his side until they’re splayed across the small of his back, tugging him closer.   

The glance at his lips is all Pope needs as he leans forward, smiling when JJ meets him halfway. Pope’s free hand tangles into JJ’s messy blond hair, shifting to deepen the kiss as JJ pulls him closer, lets his tongue glide across Pope’s bottom lip until Pope finally opens his mouth, lets JJ’s slide his tongue in. 

The cough in the kitchen startles Pope though, teeth moving to snap together but meeting the soft flesh of JJ’s tongue that had just been sliding between his teeth. JJ jerks back with a gasp and a groan of pain. “Shit! I’m so sorry,” Pope finds himself again.

“I’m not,” John B comments, obviously the owner of the cough that had startled Pope out of the moment. 

“Asshole,” JJ mutters, frowning in obvious pain. “You’ll fucking pay for that, JB.” There is no malice in his voice though, because his eyes haven’t left Pope’s the whole time. 

“Do you need ice?” Pope finally asks, lost in JJ’s gaze. It’s like the room had dissolved away again and JJ is the only one here. 

“I think you can just kiss it better,” JJ smiles, cheeky and warm and Pope can tell it doesn’t hurt much anymore, but it’s the least he can do. 

“I think I can do that,” he mutters, heat radiating from his cheeks as he leans forward to connect their lips again.

[playitaagain]

This universe means so much so me that I decided to make some extra bonus headcanons for everyone. I’ve really worked hard to tie everything together and I’ve come up with so many headcanons. These are just a few. 

Masterlist

JJ realizes he has a little crush on Pope during the treasure hunt. It only progresses after he moves in with the Heywards. 

Mama Heyward makes sure he’s included in all their Christmas traditions. 

Pope got a full ride to college including room and board. 

JJ and Pope get together the Christmas they are 19/20 (depending on birthdays) which is Pope’s sophomore year of college. 

It’s the first Christmas John B and Sarah come back goldless. 

JJ had already planned on moving out to live with Pope. He’s been working two jobs (mechanic and bartender) since he graduated high school. He sometimes picks up shifts at Heywards store when he needs an extra hand. He usually works 60-80 hours a week. 

He visits Pope out at school every other month. Pope goes home the months that JJ doesn’t visit. JJ works so they don't have as much time together but Pope doesn’t mind so long as he gets to hold JJ when they sleep. 

JJ moves to Boston Pope’s senior years of college. They move into a small one bedroom apartment with all used furniture.

Pope works part time during graduate school at the bookstore down the street. JJ cuts back and works between 40-60 at the mechanic a few blocks over. It's enough for them to pay rent and save for a house. 

Pope graduates and gets a job at a morgue in a local hospital.  

JJ proposes at the graduation. Pope proposes at the graduation party that night. 

They get married a year later. 

They buy a house a year after that in a suburb of Boston close to the ocean. 

They put themselves on the adoption list when they’re 26 which is right after they move into their home. 

They have four dropped adoptions in two years until they finally get Ellie as a baby. They’re 29 when they adopt her. 

During this time they become foster parents in hopes it will make the adoption process easier. 

Ellie is 4 when they get Ben. They’re thankful they’re foster parents because they have to foster Ben during legal issues with his parents. He’s 1 and a half when they foster him. They adopt him a year later. 

When Ellie and Ben are in college JJ and Pope get a call about a kid. He was found with his mother’s fingers around his throat. They never planned on fostering, only did it because they knew Ben was their son and would help with the adoption process. They can’t say no though. 

The boy, Teddy, is 12 and scared. 

JJ ends up going back to school to take classes to learn more about helping these kids. 

They end up fostering multiple victims of child abuse of all ages.

JJ accidentally graduates from college at age 55, six years after he took his first class. His advisor tells him he’s done enough classes to have a degree in psychology that has a focus in social work. He even has enough classes to get a masters in a year. It’s the same year he retires from the garage. 

The Heywards and the Pogues all fly in for his graduation and make a big deal of it.

Pope makes the biggest deal. He is so proud. JJ is doing so much good and it’s everything Pope knew he could do, was meant to do. 

Ellie and Ben are insanely proud of their dad. 

JJ ends up getting his masters a year later. He doesn’t work in the field but uses his skills to take care of countless kids they foster, to help as much as he can. 

They don’t use any of the money from the state for fostering. They put all of it into an account and each kid they foster and the kids get access when they’re 18. They don’t keep a dime. 

They end up moving into a bigger home by the beach so they can take in more kids. 

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

Pope lets JJ sleep, curled up against his chest as he shivers. The chill outside is more than JJ has ever experienced and the lack of functioning heat in the room (it’s either too hot or too cold) has Pope tugging another blanket over them, finger moving to run through JJ’s messy blond hair. 

The breeze from his window (stupid old building), has him pulling JJ’s closer, both arms moving to wrap around JJ’s waist, nose nuzzled into blond hair as he enjoys the warmth next to him. It won’t last long. JJ will be leaving tomorrow night, driving straight through in order to be at work the next day. It's why JJ is still sleeping now, having arrived around 1am after leaving straight from his half day at work. 

Pope cherishes the moment as JJ stirs in his arms, Pope loosening his grip enough so JJ can press closer, cold feet running along Pope’s calf and causing a chills to run up his spine. JJ doesn’t seem to notice though as his tired blue eyes flutter open only to meet Pope’s dark brown. 

“Mornin’,” JJ mumbles, morning breath and all as he leans forward to press a kiss to Pope’s lips. Pope doesn’t mind though, lets out a sigh at the contact and sinks into the contact, letting his fingers dance across JJ’s spine. 

But JJ’s lips stop moving, still pressed against Pope’s at the distraction that’s taken him away from the moment. Pope’s eyes flutter opened, blue not looking at him anymore but past his head toward the window, shade barely opened. It seems to be open just enough though as JJ finally pulls away, shifting up so he has a hand on either side of Pope’s head, brown eyes now coming face to face JJ’s bare chest. 

“Uh, JJ?” Pope questions, tipping his head back to see if he can figure out what JJ is looking at. 

“Holy shit,” JJ mutters, eyes wide as he pushes the curtain aside. It’s then Pope catches a glimpse of the snow. It isn’t the first time he’s seen it, having snowed about two weeks ago, but it’s still just as magical. He’d normally be mesmerized by the snow right now but he can’t take his eyes off JJ’s face, completely awed by the white fluffy snow falling outside. 

It’s the first time JJ’s seen snow fall. 

“Wanna go outside?” Pope prompts after a moment, breath catching at the shine in JJ’s blue eyes when they turn to look at Pope’s. He looks like a little kid again, not the man who works 60-80 hours a week to save for a place for the two of them and squeezes in a trip every two months on his off weekend from the bar. 

“Fuck yes!” JJ nearly falls out of bed in his haste, sheets a mess as he fumbles toward his overnight bag and digs around for clothes. He doesn’t have much, Pope knows, but Mama Heyward’s sent him along with a winter coat, gloves, and a hat as his Christmas present and Pope tugs out a new scarf to wind around his neck. Pope barely even has time to pull on his warm pants when JJ grabs his hand to drag him outside. 

Pope chuckles as he manages to zip his coat up as JJ pushes the door open, stepping just outside. Pope watches as he takes in a deep breath, eyes turned toward the shy in awe. He moves to stick his tongue out, catching snowflakes on it as they falls around him. 

Pope pulls him from the moment with a snowball to his back, watching as JJ turns to face him in shocks. It’s replaced quickly by his smirk, eyes twinkling with mischief, “oh, you’re on.” 

Pope gathers snow as he starts running for cover.

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

JJ holds a finger up to his lips, indicating for Ellie to quiet as he balls up snow. The giggling is pretty obvious though and he finds himself with a snowball hitting him squarely in the chest. JJ pretends to look offended, like he doesn’t have a snowball in his hand ready to throw at Pope. 

“We were supposed to sneak up on Papa,” he teases, watching as their little girl nearly tumbled to the ground with laughter, her little cheeks red and eyes bright. 

JJ gives her one more moment before he chucks the snowball at Pope, arm instantly going around Ellie’s so he can run off behind a tree. 

“Daddy!” Ellie squeals, loud enough to make JJ go deaf. He doesn’t mind though as he places her on the ground, making a serious face as he rests a hand lightly on each little shoulder, his hands nearly enveloping her. 

“Now, it’s us against papa, okay? No mercy,” JJ instructs. She’s still giggling and JJ’s breath catches at her happiness. It has his own heart puttering in his chest. He never thought he could love someone as much as Pope until he met their little girl. She was the light of his life and all that cheesy shit he didn’t believe. Well, he believes it now. He believes it every time he looks at that happy smile, something so rare in his own childhood, something he vowed to protect. 

“But I don’t wanna hurt papa,” she says innocently. She has a certain affinity for her Papa and JJ doesn’t blame her. While JJ was learning as he went, it was like Pope already knew. That man was meant to be a father and JJ could never hate him for just knowing. JJ never had an example but Pope was always patient with him and JJ’s learned to be patient with himself. 

“It won’t hurt. Your papa and I had snowball fights all the time when we were younger.”

“Fighting bad!” JJ chuckles at her passionate outburst, something that Pope has been adamant about after their own childhood. 

“Not fighting. We’re just playing,” JJ corrects, watching her process this new information. She may not be Pope’s biological daughter but she never missed a thing. She was smarter than JJ at this point and she was only 3. JJ was always impressed by her. 

“Snowball,” she instructs suddenly, holding her hand out expectantly. JJ holds in his chuckle as he tries to give her a serious look, pressing the snow together and placing it into her small hand. 

She completely misses when she throws. It barely goes a few feet. 

Pope seems to notice the struggle and covertly moves forward when she is distracted by another snowball, this time JJ working with her to create the ball. 

This one barely touches him but Pope makes a big show of falling down, moaning and groaning as he collapses into the snow. “I’ve been hit! I’ve been hit!” he calls as he attempts to get back up, only to hold his chest and collapse back again. 

“Papa!” She’s off before JJ can even blink, hurrying over to help her father off the ground. “I’m sorry.” How did they end up with such a good one?

“You’re such a sweet girl,” Pope smiles, sitting up as he pulls her into his lap. And yeah, JJ’s heart is fluttering like crazy. This is probably his favorite sight in the world. “I promise it didn’t hurt. You  just have such a good arm. I think you could pitch one day.” She practically glows at his compliment, worry instantly gone now that she knows her father isn’t actually injured. 

“Daddy showed me how to make snowball!” She cheers, nearly hitting Pope’s chin when she throws her hands up in excitement. 

“Really? I think we should show me by getting daddy,” Pope smiles and Ellie shouts in her excitement as she goes to ball up another batch of snow. 

Oh how the tables turn. 

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

A continuation of December 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th.

“Are they like snobby?” JJ asks, fingers twitching nervously as he tugs on his coat. He’s nervous about meeting Pope’s friends. “I’ve seen the cars at this place. It’s fucking kook land.” And yeah, he had a point but Pope’s friends were good people. 

Pope can’t help but notice he put on a nicer shirt though, one that wasn’t littered with rips along the collar. It’s button down too and Pope wonders if he packed nicer clothes just in case he met Pope’s friends at some point during the weekend. 

“Do you really think I would hang out with a bunch of kooks?” Pope asks, eyebrow raised. JJ gives him a sheepish look and a shrug, but his attention is drawn away instantly when he notices the sign with the specials for brunch. 

“Apple cider? That sounds good,” JJ doesn’t bother to check in as he walks straight through the entrance and Pope recognizes the same girl as yesterday. She looks panicked until she recognizes Pope and lets out a sigh when he gives her his card and tells her to do a guest pass as well. 

“J, slow down,” Pope calls after him, grabbing his hand once he caught up. JJ likes the unlimited choices in the cafeteria and always gets over excited for their meals even if the food is subpar. “We should find the table first so we aren’t dragging our coats around.”

“But I want-“ JJ starts, pointing to the table with the apple cider, one of the specials today. 

“I promise you’ll get some,” Pope smiles because he just can’t help it. He forgets that JJ never got much of a childhood. It’s like he’s making up for it in their moments together, shows Pope how comfortable JJ is with him that he’d trust Pope to see this side of him, fun and childish without judgement. 

JJ pouts but follows Pope around, instantly lighting up when he notices a group of people waving to them. Pope waves back, noticing two chairs in the middle of the group for both him and JJ. 

“Hey, guys,” Pope greets, tugging his jacket off and hanging it on the chair. JJ follows suit, standing close to him as he glances around the table of five. “This is JJ. JJ, this is everyone,” Pope introduces, going through the list of names and making sure to point out each person. 

“I’m so excited to finally meet you!” Stacy cheers, chair nearly toppling down as she throws her arms around JJ. JJ instantly freezes, eyes wide as he looks to Pope for help. Pope wraps his fingers around JJ’s arm, lets his thumb brush back and forth as he watches the panic start to fade from his features. 

“Yeah, uh- it’s nice to meet you too,” JJ says awkwardly as Stacy finally pulls away, JJ instantly shifting closer to Pope so no one is able to hug him again. Pope grabs his hand in a comforting gesture. 

“Pope has told us so much about you. It’s so cute,” Stacy smiles and Pope rolls his eyes, indicating for JJ to take a seat so they can chat a bit before they eat. “He gets this dreamy look and you can just tell he loves you so much.” Stacy is gushing now, her own look dreamy as she leans on her elbow, chin pressed to her palm with a far off look. “I hope someone looks at me like that,” she sighs. 

“Oh, uh-“ JJ’s cheeks are pink as he glances at Pope, embarrassment written across his features. Pope simply shrugs in answer, a shy smile pulling up his lips. He didn’t think Stacy would blab so much but he doesn’t really care. He’s told JJ the same things time and time again, maybe without the dreamy look bit. Pope wasn’t embarrassed by his love for this perfect man sitting next to him. “Yeah, he’s pretty good himself.”

Pope can’t help the laugh that leaves his lips, giving JJ a nudge with his shoulder as the group joins in on the laughter. It instantly breaks the tension and JJ leans closer, touching from shoulder to shoe as he chats with Stacy next to him. 

JJ forgets about the apple cider as he gets lost in conversation with Stacy but Pope makes sure to grab him one when he goes up to grab them food. JJ graces him with a wide smile and a hand squeeze before he goes back to his conversation.

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

A continuation of December 3rd

Pope watches as JJ runs around the open field, nearly tripping when his sneaker gets stuck in a particularly deep pile of snow. He doesn’t let it slow him down though as he takes a full on nose dive into a particularly icy looking pile of snow with seemingly no worry in the world. 

Pope is worried though and he hurries over to make sure JJ is fine. The other simply pops up, snow thick on his blue hat and nose standing out red. He has a smile on his face, which tells Pope that he’s fine. But Pope isn’t fine though, not when JJ’s mischievous blue eyes meet his dark ones and suddenly Pope finds his back in the snow and JJ pressing kisses across his cheek and over his nose, warming his cold skin under his touch. Pope can’t help the laugh that leaves his lips, loud and echoing and happy as JJ keeps pressing kisses to his cold skin, touching every place not covered by scarf or hat. 

He stops suddenly though, same as just that morning, before he scurries off Pope, leaving him confused as he pushes himself off the ground only to find JJ admiring a snowperson across the way. “Look at this! We have to make one!” JJ’s excitement is intoxicating as Pope watches him drop to his knees and start balling up some snow. 

It doesn’t seem to work though. The snow falls through his fingers time and time again. Pope watches the way JJ’s shoulders sink in disappointment, looking defeated as snow falls through his fingers again. “Oh, fuck,” he mutters, tossing snow that nearly hits Pope. 

Pope takes that as he cue to help, dropping to his knees next to JJ as he starts pressing a ball of snow together, JJ’s lack of patients showing when Pope’s doesn’t simply fall through his fingers in his inpatients. “You have to give it a sec,” Pope comments. JJ had been too excited and tried to roll the snowperson before he even had an initial ball formed. 

JJ nods, moving to press the snow together until it finally forms a neat ball, a proud look lights up his features as he shows Pope. He looks like a kid showing their parents an A they got in school. It makes Pope’s heart happy. “You do the middle one and I’ll do the bottom.” Pope nods in agreement and they both start to roll the snow around until two relatively round balls have formed, JJ’s a little more misshapen than Pope’s. 

JJ leaves Pope to put the second snowball onto the first while he goes to do the head, rolling it around faster than the previous one now that he has a better idea of what to do. Pope is attempting to shape the bottom two snowballs a bit more when JJ dumps the smaller snowball on top, cracking it in the process. He simply shrugs and puts it back together with a bit of extra snow. 

“Do they have carrots in the cafeteria?” 

Pope gives him a confused look but JJ points to his nose, tipping Pope off. “Not long ones, but I’m sure we can figure something out.” 

“Great! Lets go!” JJ grabs Pope’s hand before he can protest, brainstorming what they can use for not only the nose, but the eyes, mouth and buttons as well. Pope can’t help but laugh happily as JJ pulls him to the cafeteria, both dripping wet from the snow, but happier than they’ve both been since the last visit.

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

Pope shakes the snow from his coat, stomping his boots before he slips them off, sticking his feet into the warm slippers by the door. The coat is discarded on his labeled hook - Papa - followed by the outrageously colored scarf around his neck and matching hat, gifted to him by their little girl only last Christmas. 

The smell of warm spices and molasses hits him as he steps further into the small house, smile tugging up his lips as the excited chatter of their little girl echoes into the living room. It’s quickly followed by the frustrated groan of their son, so much like JJ’s even without genetics shared between them. 

“What do we have here?” Pope smiles, leaning against the door frame. The kitchen is an absolute mess. There is flour covering every surface, bits of gingerbread dough glops sticking on cabinets and hanging off the edge of the counter. Pope even spots a few pieces in every head of hair in the room, the dark brown a stark contrast to JJ’s blond hair.

Their faces are covered too. JJ has frosting smeared across his nose and cheek, specks of brown covering his pale skin and flour lines across his face, running from forehead to chin, suspiciously shaped like small fingers. Their little girl has the white flour covering his dark curls, gingerbread dough stuck to her cheek and nose, one placed strategically on her nose accompanied by a few dollops of frosting. Their little boy is a complete and utter mess. He looks like he just about fell in the bowl of dough, gunked in his light tresses, pale skin practically smudge with brown dough and frosting. He doesn’t seem to mind though as his tongue sticks out between his lips in concentration as he holds a bag of frosting in his little fingers to draw crooked lines on his gingerbread person. 

“We’re baking cookies!” Ellie cheers, splattering frosting on the ceiling when she throws her arms up in excitement. Pope eyes it wearily, wondering why he left his husband alone with the kids in the first place. He should have known they’d make a mess when he suggested it on his way out the door to do some Christmas shopping. JJ’s always been a wild card in the kitchen and this was no exception. 

“”Ookies!” Joey shouts, the cookie in his hand flying across the room and smashing against the wall. Pope doesn’t understand how someone who isn’t genetically related to JJ could have so many of the same mannerisms. The innocent look on his face is the exact same as the one gracing his husband’s features when Pope turns his gaze toward him. 

“It looks like you’re making more than cookies,” Pope comments, finally stepping into the room. JJ, crouching behind the two occupied chairs, stands up to full hit, clapping his hands together to rid of some of the excess flour on his fingers. It doesn’t work as the normally powdery substance seems to have cakes onto his skin. 

“I’ll clean it up,” JJ promises, but Pope doesn’t miss the quick movement of his hand, fingers reaching into flour before they flick at Pope’s face, covering his cheeks with the white substance. Pope stands in shock for only a moment, the room waiting for his reaction with baited breath. 

“Oh, you’re dead,” Pope smiles and finds himself a handful of flour as he dumps it on JJ’s head, arms wrapping around Ellie’s waist to pull her up and against his chest. She squeals in excitement, as flour covers her back, face pressed happily against Pope’s neck. 

“No using our kids as shields!” JJ laughs, picking up Joey to do just that with a laugh. The little boy has a handful of frosting that Pope finds flung at his face and he can’t help but laugh as the fight continues until the oven timer chimes and the whole family is trying to catch their breath. 

Pope can’t help the laugh that leaves his lips as he places Ellie in the ground, fingers brushing her hair back as she hugs at his waist, craving the closeness from her Papa like usual. JJ doesn’t put Joey down on account of the three year olds dropping eyes, face pressed to JJ’s neck and fingers tangled in JJ’s locks in a comforting grip. 

“I think we can decorate these with Papa after we get cleaned up,” JJ smiles, using his free arm to pull the oven open and place a tray of mishaps cookies on the stove top. 

“I’ll take care of those. Go clean up Joey and put him down for a nap.” JJ nods in agreement, stepping closer to press his lips to Pope’s in a late welcome home gesture. Pope smiles at the taste of frosting, pulling back with a hum and a wide grin from JJ. 

“I’ll be back down to clean up in a bit,” JJ promises, taking a nearly sleeping Joey upstairs for a nice bath. 

“Daddy! You said I could eat one when Papa got home!” Ellie calls after him. JJ stops in the door with a chuckle, turning toward their daughter with a nod. 

“I’m sure Papa will help you pick a good one. Make sure to find one for me too. I’ll try it after I give Joey a bath.” 

Ellie cheers in her excitement, scurrying over to the table to exam each cookie for just the perfect one. Pope exchanges a smile with JJ, heart filled with more happiness than he ever thought possible.

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

JJ blinks out at the ice, a frown pulling down his lips when he notices someone falling across the way. He imagines that will be him in only a matter of minutes and he isn’t very excited. He used to be the one out there first, ready to take risks, but he’s mellowed since he moved in with the Heywards, fell in love with Pope, had something to live for. Plus, before it never hurt when he fell because nothing was worse than his abuse but now he hasn’t been hit in five years and hasn’t gotten more than a paper cut or a small bruise at work. 

“When did you learn how to skate?” JJ asks when Pope pats his knee to indicate he’s done lacing up his skates as he pushes himself to stand on the thin skates. Well, Pope is already better than him. 

“I went with everyone last year. I sucked at it and haven’t been since,” Pope explains, like it’s nothing. Why would he want to do something he’s not good at? Pope liked being good at things. 

“Then why the hell are we here?” JJ asks, eyeing Pope’s outstretched hand. He doesn’t plan on taking it so instead Pope tucks a hand under his elbow and yanks him off the bench, making him tumble into his chest. 

“You said you wanted to experience every winter activity,” Pope explains. JJ is clinging to him now, arms around his waist as he takes most of his weight. JJ’s feet are wobbling a bit which is ridiculous. This shouldn’t be that hard. He can balance on a surfboard so he should be able to balance on a pair of ice skates. 

“I did not say that,” JJ mutters, but he knows he did. He can vaguely remember after his first visit during the winter saying just that. 

“Sure, sure, yeah,” Pope rolls his eyes, moving to extract JJ’s arms from around his waist. “If you hold me like that, we are both going down. Now come on. If you fall, I’ll make sure to kiss everywhere that hurts when we get home.” 

“Everywhere?” JJ pouts, instead grabbing Pope’s hands to steady himself. He’s actually better now that he has his weight distributed right. He isn’t wobbling as much. 

“Yeah, everywhere,” Pope giggles, leading JJ toward the ice. He steps on first, one hand on the edge and the other held in JJ’s so he can help him onto the ice. 

JJ falls the second both feet are on the ice but he simply shoots Pope a cheeky grin, who catches on easily. 

“You said everywhere,” JJ grins and Pope is laughing as he helps him off the ground, shaking his head at how ridiculous his boyfriend can be. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I know,” Pope smiles, pausing to press a kiss to JJ’s cheek. 

“Hey, I didn’t hurt my cheek,” JJ teases.

“I’m just practicing for later,” Pope shoots back, tugging JJ along the edge. 

He falls quite a few more times, even taking Pope with him a bit, but Pope keeps his promise and kisses each bump and bruise and JJ returns the favor. 

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

The money burns a hole in JJ’s pocket. He’s been saving all year so he can buy Pope the perfect gift. Or preferably gifts. He’s even been brainstorming, everything he sees or even thinks of, noting it in his phone and hoping Pope doesn’t try to catch a peek at any point. He’s even asked Mama Heyward for some tips even though she insisted Pope will love anything he got. 

He doesn’t get much time off, especially around the holiday, but he manages to snag a weekday to get his shopping done and takes a special trip to the mainland so he can walk around the mall and window shop in hopes of finding more for Pope. 

It’s more crowded than he thought. He was hoping a weekday would ease some of the crowd, but he still has to push his way into some of the more popular stores and it has his anxiety spiking in such a way he had to utilize the techniques his therapist taught him. 

It’s nearly two hours later when he realizes this isn’t working. He has two small bags with nothing significant in them and he can’t find his big ticket item anywhere. He’s pretty sure he’s gone into every store but the crowds are a bit overwhelming and he ends up going home before it’s even lunch time. He’s resigned when he gets back to the Heywards (home for nearly four years now) and explains to Mama Heyward that there were too many people and he couldn’t find what he wanted. The list on his phone didn’t even have any checks on it. 

“When do you have another day off?” She asks, making him a quick sandwich. She’s just run back from the shop when he caught her.

“I have the morning off next week but I have to be at the bar by 4 for my shift,” he explains. The garage is closed that day, the same as every year so the owner can celebrate his anniversary with his wife. It’s sweet and gives JJ half a day. It’s the most he’ll have till Christmas in three weeks. 

“Why don’t I take the morning and I’ll come with you?” She suggests. 

“What about the shop?” He doesn’t work as much as he used to but he still drops in every once and a while to pick up a shift when he can. He wouldn’t want to take her from her work.

“I think my husband can take care of it for a few hours,” she insists and her smile is so warm and welcome. It makes JJ’s wonder how he got so lucky to be taken in by a family this wonderful. 

“Are you sure?” 

“I wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t.” And it’s her I’m not taking no for an answer tone so JJ accepts that he isn’t getting out of this and then he realizes he doesn’t want to get out of this. He’s never Christmas shopped before unless you count the little shop in town that he bought one or two things from when he first started dating Pope a year ago. 

“That’d actually be great,” JJ agrees, thankful that he caught her because he feels better now. He’s still tired though and thinks a nap might be in his future. 

“Wonderful! I’ll let him know I’ll be late next week and I can get some of my shopping done as well,” she smiles, placing the sandwich in front of him. “Now, if I tell you to look anyway, I mean it. I don’t want you peeking if I find something for you.” 

JJ blushes at her words. The first Christmas he spent with them, the Heywards got him a few little things. They’ve expanded his presents since and he finds he gets more each year no matter how much he insists they don’t have to. They simply tell him he was part of the family and deserved presents. 

“Thank you,” JJ smiles. “And I promise I won’t peek.” Because Mama Heyward will simply give him a look if he says he doesn’t need presents like she does every time. It doesn’t make sense to argue anymore because he knows he’ll never win. 

“Perfect! I’ll see you for dinner, honey,” she leans down to press a kiss to his cheek as he munches into his peanut butter sandwich. “You’re helping tonight. No questions. If you’re planning on moving out next year you’ll need to know how to cook.”

“I’ll be down when you get home,” he calls as she leaves, locking the door behind her. JJ smiles as he pulls out his phone, FaceTiming Pope so he can fall asleep to the sound of his voice. 

He ends up finding everything with Mama Heyward who somehow knows where everything is. She gives him approving looks with each of his ideas so he figures he has a few good ones. 

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

The red and white tinsel twist around the tree, creating a candy cane effect. JJ watches as Mama Heyward expertly places ornaments on the tree, letting Heyward and Pope place a select few under her watchful eye. The angel has already been placed on top by Heyward while Mama Heyward fretted about the small ladder he had to climb on to place the angel there. 

“JJ, dear, can you place that ornament on the tree?” Mama Heyward tugs JJ out of his own musings, barely catching a glance at the reference ornament before she’s turning her attention back to the tinsel around the tree, tugging it a bit to block a particularly bare spot. 

“Oh, yeah,” JJ mutters. He’s mostly been hiding away on the couch while he lets the Heywards decorate for the holiday, attempting to stay out of the way so as not to disturb their holiday traditions. 

He pushes himself off the couch though, nabbing the ornament in question and moving across the room to hand it to Mama Heyward. “Here you go,” he comments, eyes averting away from the tree. He feels a bit out of place, like he’s intruding in this family moment. 

“Oh, no, you can find a nice little place for it,” she smiles, but JJ can see the pointed look she gives to a bare spot of the tree. The shock from her statement must show on his face because Mama Heyward’s smile softens around the edges as she reaches a hand to cup his cheek, thumb gentle as it brushes soothingly over his smooth skin. This same action months ago would have had him jumping away but he’s gotten much better with this casual touching since he moved in with them at the end of the summer. “Honey, I think you can claim that ornament for yourself. That is why I bought it.”

“But I’m not-“ she cuts him off before he can continue. 

“Don’t give me that. You’re part of this family and you’ll be decorating the tree with all of us. We all have a few ornaments from the years so I went out and bought a few for you to add to our tree.” 

Mama Heyward is brushing the tears away before JJ can even realize he’s crying. He feels comfort in her arms as she pulls him in, hand soothing down his wild blond hair while the other rubs his back. JJ can’t help but wrap his arms around her, hold her tight. He couldn’t be more thankful for this family, for taking him out of the environment that would have had his flinching away in fear months ago. 

“Are you sure?” He whispers and he can feel her nods again his shoulder. 

“Of course,” she whispers back. JJ is blushing a bit in embarrassment as he pulls away, wiping at the tears on his cheeks. He’s thankful Heyward and Pope have gone about to do their own thing even if he knows they heard the whole conversation. He doesn’t really mind. 

JJ lets out a breath as he moves to place the ornament delicately on the tree, careful when the branch bends with the weight. He tucks it back a bit further in so it’s cradled by the branches below and pulls back to admire it for a moment. 

“Now!” Mama Heyward catches his attention, one hand holding another ornament out to him while the other holds a box of candy canes. “I think we need a snack.” 

The candy canes are held out to each family member. JJ follows the lead as he takes two from the box, watching as each places a candy cane on a branch while tugging the other open to eat. He catches Pope’s eyes across the room as he pulls away the plastic, a shy smile pulling up his lips. 

He thinks this might be the best Christmas he’s ever had. 

[playitaagain]

Thank you everyone who read and participated. I know it’s been a hard year so I hope this little special could bring some joy to you this holiday season. I really appreciate everyone who participated. You’re all such amazing and talented authors. Thank you and happy holidays! 

@noprxmises​ @halfkook​ @dreamypope​

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

JJ sneezes and wow, it really hurts his head. He doesn’t let on though as he tugs on his winter coat, rubbing at his itchy nose with a gloved finger before he pulls the door open. 

“I still think you should stay home. You aren’t bad now but working will only wear you down more,” Pope says from the couch, leaning his head back so he can look at the door. JJ shoots him a tired glare because he isn’t missing work. They’re doing their Christmas party today at lunch and he doesn’t want to miss it. 

“I’m fine,” JJ groans, his voice nasally as it betrays him. He doesn’t care though as he sniffs, stalking over to the box of tissues angrily to pull them out of the tissues and stuff them in a heap in his pocket. “I’m going to the Christmas party.” 

Pope just gives him a look as he walks out the door. 

The told you so comes the next day when Pope gives him that look again, “How was the Christmas party?” And Pope has that tone. He’s saying I told you so without actually saying it. 

“It was fucking fantastic,” JJ grumbles. It comes out a bit sarcastic but JJ doesn’t mean it that way. He was fucking fun. The food was good. They had homemade eggnog that tasted better than that shit Pope likes from the store and the yankee swap led to his newly acquired date night idea. Of course, date night would have to wait till the fucking cold was gone. 

Pope sighs at his admission, all signs of I told you so gone from his face as he reached forward to place a hand across JJ’s forehead. “Did you already call in sick?” Pope asks. It wouldn’t be the first time Pope’s called in sick for him and he’s thankful that Pope picks the phone up with a sigh when JJ shakes his head in answer. 

The conversation is a short one, the muffled sound of the manager on the other end. Pope hums and agrees and wishes him a merry Christmas before he hangs up. “He said that he assumed you’d stay home because you had to leave right after the party. Why didn’t you tell me you were that bad?” There is no malice in Pope’s voice, only worry as he sits on the couch next to JJ. He hadn’t come home from his shift last night till after JJ was sound asleep and JJ had crawled to the couch at the first fit of coughs this morning, closing the bedroom door firmly so that it would drown out the sound. 

“I didn’t wanna worry you,” JJ mutters, using the blanket to wipe at his runny nose. Pope frowns at this action, grabbing the box of tissues and handing him one. He places the dox next to JJ on the couch, making sure it’s easy access. 

“I was already worried.” 

“I know!” JJ hates that his voice cracks before he bends forward in a fit of coughing. That definitely didn’t make his head feel any better. He continues anyway as Pope runs his back soothingly. “I knew you would worry and want to come home.”

“That’s because I love you and wanna make sure you’re fine. I like taking care of you JJ,” Pope explains, brushing sweaty hair from JJ’s forehead. He stops JJ before he can object. “Now, lets get you in the shower and then I’ll make you something to eat and start the chicken noodle soup for lunch.”

JJ perks up at the mention of soup. “Is it your mom’s?” She has the best chicken noodle soup. JJ doesn’t know what she puts in it but he intends on finding out one day. 

(She has mentioned sharing her secret when they get married because he’ll officially be part of the family. He figures he’ll know the secret pretty soon if the box in his dresser in anything to go by.)

“Yes it is,” Pope smiles, a light laugh leaving his lips at the excitement on JJ’s face. He’s sure he looks like a mess but Pope leans forward to kiss his cheek anyway and JJ practically melts at the touch. “Now let's get you showered so I can take care of you properly.” 

JJ can’t help that his heart swells with love as Pope takes care of him the rest of the day, even calling in sick when JJ’s fever spikes before work so he can take care of him. 

[playitaagain]

Masterlist

A continuation of December 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

JJ is shivering when they get back to the dorm room, clothes completely soaked through and fingers like ice each time he reaches out to Pope. Pope helps him peel off his wet clothes, teeth chatter as he curls in on himself, bare arms across his chest and goosebumps across his shoulders and back. 

He’s in just his boxers when Pope helps him into the bed, wondering how he got so much snow in his coat (it’s forming a puddle on the floor right now). The comforter is pulled up over his legs and Pope rummages in his draw for the warmest sweatshirt he can find before he pulls it over JJ’s head, blond strands cold against his fingers as Pope brushes them out of his face. 

“I’m going to go get some hot chocolate from the cafe and be right back. We can warm you up a bit more before a shower,” Pope says, tugging his own scarf up and over his nose before he heads out the door. He would have put JJ right into a warm shower, but he had wined about sharing a shower to the point Pope gave up and just wrapped him in blankets. It was nightly rush hour for the bathrooms and no way was Pope showering with JJ in the communal bathroom while everyone else is in there. 

The cafe is only two buildings over and Pope hurries across the slushy path before he tugs the door open, greeting a few friends sitting at one of the tables in the corner. It’s their usual spot and Pope is normally in the chair by the window. It looks like they’ve left it open even though they know he won’t be joining them this weekend, homework long done after staying up countless nights to get ahead so he could be with JJ the whole weekend. 

“Pope!” Stacy calls, waving him over. Pope nods, holding a single finger up to indicate one minute so he can place his order. When he does, he makes his way to the table, glancing down to see what subject they’re working on. 

“That paper was rough,” Pope comments, watching the table laughing in agreement. 

“It’s total BS. Just fucking busy work,” Stacy complains, glancing over at Ben. He nods in agreement, a fond look on his face as he watches Stacy. “What are you up to though? Having fun with that boy of yours you keep hiding away.” She’s teasing and Pope simply shakes his head at her. It’s true. They haven’t met JJ yet, but it isn’t because Pope doesn’t want them to meet. It’s just that JJ barely gets two full days when he visits and Pope is selfish. He wants JJ all to himself. 

“We played in the snow a bit. Actually, it's the first time he’s seen snow fall this morning so I’m getting hot chocolate to warm us up.” He pauses for a moment before offering, “How about lunch tomorrow? You guys can meet him then?”

“I don’t see why we can’t make lunch,” Beth smiles, glancing at Stacy. The two have been dying to meet JJ because they claim Pope gets all dreaming looking when he talks about him. They want to meet the person who makes Pope so happy. 

The call of his order catches his attention and he nods toward the barista to indicate he heard and turns back to his friends. “Great. We can meet at 11 and catch bruch. I’ll see you then!” 

The group calls after him as he grabs the hot chocolates, making a quick getaway as he waves at the group and hurries through the snow to get back to JJ. 

The other is still shivering when he pushes the door open, placing the hot chocolates on his desk and tugging off his coat. He ends up changing into a dry pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt before he hands both hot chocolates to JJ, fingers still cold as they brush, and he climbs onto the bed. 

The second Pope takes his own hot chocolate, JJ is curling up against his chest, legs tangled and cheek still cold as he presses into Pope’s neck. It has a chill running down Pope’s spine and he’s quick to wrap his free arm around JJ’s back, rubbing it up and down his arm in an attempt to warm him a bit. 

“We’re going to meet my friends tomorrow for lunch,” Pope comments, taking a sip of his hot chocolate. It’s still hot and ends up burning the tip of his tongue. 

“I finally get to meet the friends,” JJ teases, but Pope knows him, can hear the insecure tone in his voice. He had been so selfish he hadn’t realized how much it might hurt JJ in the process. He’s so stupid. 

“You know I only didn’t introduce you earlier because I wanted all your time to myself, right? I was being a bit selfish. I didn’t want to share,” Pope tells him, catching JJ’s blue eyes. He can see the relief on his face at the words, feels his shoulder relax under his hand. 

“Yeah, I know.” He may know, but sometimes Pope realizes that he needs to remind him. JJ can get into his own head and he can’t let that happen. 

“Good,” Pope smiles, pressing a kiss to JJ’s lips. “Now what movie do you want to watch.” JJ’s face lights up as he starts to list all the movies he wants to watch, shooting down any of Pope’s suggestions.