#best white elephant gifts

[spencereidluver]

E is for Even Guys Like Me?

september 12, 2008

summary: You tell Spencer about the conversation you'd overheard with his mother. He gets embarrassed, and even a little angry.

word count: 1.9k

warnings: the slightest teensiest bit of angst. mostly just a lot of spencer crushing for reader

It had been a little over two weeks since you overheard Spencer’s phone call with his mother. You’d been making it your mission to drop little hints at him about your feelings being the same, but they all seemed to just go over his head. You decided it’d be best to find a moment and tell him directly before it’s too late. 

You were on a case right now, you and Spencer once again staying back in the PD to work on the intellectual side of things. Though a lot of time was spent together, this was not a time for deep conversations. You’d wait on the case before you said anything. You didn’t want to distract the genius. Because, despite what he had told Hotch in your meeting last month, Spencer did most of the work. You were just there on the off chance that he didn’t know something, which was pretty much never.

Three days went by, you had to try your best to not be too flirtatious with Spencer. He got flustered fast. And you weren’t sure how experienced he was, you didn’t want to move too quickly. Though your guys’ carpooling and coffee sharing was normal, it felt different for you now. More meaningful. You caught yourself blushing sometimes when the tall boy would bring in two cups of coffee, one with his name and one with yours. He’d even begun leaving sticky notes on them sometimes, ever since you did the morning of the phone call. You’ve saved them all in your desk, his handwritten script being some of the most effortlessly beautiful things you’ve ever had the pleasure of laying your eyes on.

_____

You’re seated on the jet on the way home from the case. Directly to your left, is Spencer, who is deeply entranced in a book, “A Study in Scarlet,” by Arthur Conan Doyle, the book that he received in last year’s white elephant gift exchange, which took place before you began working at the BAU. Across from you is Emily and Derek, and Hotch and Rossi are at the booth behind her. JJ stayed home for this case as she is pregnant. She is in charge of files until she gives birth and returns from maternity leave. 

The silence in the jet is broken by a head turn from Hotch who clears his throat. “Are you three up for dinner tonight?” He says.

“My treat,” Rossi adds. 

“Well, if Papa Dave is paying, then of course I’ll be there,” Emily says.

“Sure, I’ll go,” you said, glancing over at Spencer who hadn’t even looked up from his book. “I’m sure Spence will come too.” Derek kicked you under the table and gave you a wink. His teasings were the main reason you haven't made any moves on Spencer prior to hearing him speak to his mother about you. 

Almost on beat, Spencer looks up, “Yeah, I’ll be there. I’ll just need a ride if that’s alright,” he said. His eyes met yours.

“I’ll give you a ride, Spence.” Another kick from Derek, this time, you kick him back. Emily catches on to the teasing game of footsies going on under the table and gives you and Derek a cheeky grin. You roll your eyes at the two of them and pull your feet into your lap. Sitting criss-cross now, you pull out your book of crossword puzzles and begin scribbling answers.

_____

You weren’t quite sure how much time had passed. Emily and Derek had fallen asleep, and not a peep had been heard from Rossi or Hotch either. Spencer was still awake and was coming up on the final few pages of his book. He was curled into a small ball against the wall in the corner of the seat, his knees to his chest and feet pointed toward you. His mismatched socks peeked out from beneath his khakis, one pink and one yellow. The shoestring of his left converse was coming untied. Untied! That was the answer to the last line of your puzzle! You subconsciously thank Spencer for his accidental aid to your old woman games, and it’s almost as if he heard it. He looks at his watch, then up at you.

“Hmm, we should be back in Quantico in 17 minutes. Taking to account the wind speed, maybe even 16,” he says. He crinkles his nose and returns to the last pages of his book. You scribble in the final word of your crossword puzzle and begin to pack up. You slide your puzzle book into your small carry on backpack, and begin to clear off the rest of the table. You pick up yours and Emily’s empty coffee mugs and reach around Spencer’s elbows which were rested against the table to grab his. You stack the three mugs together and grab Derek’s plate. Derek was the only person you knew who would eat four pork chops at 3pm, then agree to go to dinner only two hours later. 

Spencer sees you take his mug and looks up at you. He gives you a smile and whispers a soft “thank you.” 

_____

Spencer was seated on the passenger side of your car. His eyes were following the flashing lights as you drove down the city streets in the darkness. It was 7:30pm. A little late for dinner, but it’s when the jet got back. Plus, you were hungry.

The light was hitting Spencer’s face in a way that made him look ethereal. Maybe you shouldn’t have said anything, but you couldn’t help yourself.

“Hey, Spence,” you say, alluding a hum in response. Can I tell you something?”

“Of course,” he looked at you. Somehow, from the repositioning of his head, the lighting somehow hit his face even better. The yellow luminescence shining through the windows made the honey brown of his eyes almost 3-dimensional. It felt as if he was looking inside of you. He was truly breathtaking.

“Okay,” you sigh, “please don’t hate me, but I kind of overheard you and your mom’s conversation…”

“What?”

“Well, just your side. I know I shouldn’t have, but I just couldn’t… I just… I need to-”

Spencer interrupts you. It was dark, but you could tell his cheeks were red. “So you were eavesdropping?”

“Spencer, I’m sorry. I just…”

“How much did you hear?”

“It was only the end. If you would’ve been talking about something personal I would’ve left but-”

“How is me opening up about my feelings for someone not personal?” He seemed a little angry.

“No, it is, and I know I shouldn’t have, but…”

“Yeah, you really shouldn’t have, y/n.”

“Spencer, I…” You looked at the man in the seat beside you. You didn’t want this conversation to upset him. You really wished you hadn’t spoken. You could see the betrayal in his eyes. You felt truly awful.

“You what?” He broke the silence, eyes meeting yours. He stared at you intently. 

You took a moment, trying to find the words to say. You didn’t want to break his trust even more. “Spencer, I like you too.”

His eyes were blown huge. “Huh?” “I like you too. I’ve liked you since I first started working here. I didn’t want to try anything because I didn’t know if you felt the same, or if you even date because I know some people with this job don’t. And-”

You were rambling. You were trying your best to defend yourself. Spencer’s eyes were searching your face. He was profiling you. You were telling the truth.

“I, wow. I didn’t know you felt that way, y/n���”

You reached for his hand. It was cold and shaky. You ran your thumb over the back of it, letting it raise and drop with the veins it crossed. He began shaking even more, so you let go. He snaps his hand to his thigh, and with his other hand, traces the tracks you’d left. He smiles to himself and lets out a large sigh. 

_____

“You guys have a good night,” Rossi says as he climbs into his luxury sedan. The team had just finished a large dinner and were beginning to head their separate ways. 

“Don’t worry, Papa Dave, I’ll get the kid home safe,” Derek says, giving Spencer a playful noogie. 

Spencer agreed to a ride home from Derek at dinner. Maybe it was because their houses were only a few streets away from each others’, or maybe, he still felt a little awkward from your previous conversation with him. You didn’t mind all that much though, after all, you’d finally openly expressed your feelings for him. That was enough for one night.

Rossi carefully backs out of the parking lot, leaving you, Spencer, and Derek still remaining. You stuff your hands in your coat pocket; it’s chilly. You want this night to last forever, yet simultaneously, you hoped it’d end right now. You tilted your head toward your car. Spencer understood.

“Derek,” he says, “are you about ready?”

“Yeah, we can head out whenever you want.”

Spencer ran his hand through his hair before turning around to look at you. He gave you a smile. “I’ll see you Monday, y/n.”

“Bye, Spence,” you say, returning the smile.

_____

“Hey, Derek,” Spencer says as he rubs his fingers over his knuckles. 

“What’s up, kid?” Derek responds. He looks over to meet eyes with him quickly.

“Can I, um… can I ask you a question?” Spencer looks at Derek like a lost puppy.

“Woah, the boy genius asking me a question? What has this world come to?”

“It’s about girls.”

“Oh. I see.” Derek knew of Spencer’s trouble with girls. Despite the darkness, he could see the light in the skinny man’s eyes. “Come at me, big guy.” He gave Spencer a pat on the back.

“How do I like… ask one on a date?”

“Oooh, who’s the special lady? Hmmm?”

“Derek, I’m being serious. Please.” 

Derek could hear Spencer’s plea in his voice. He understood that Spencer was confiding something foreign to him and truly needed the help of an experienced man.

“Well, what does she like? Don’t take her somewhere too extravagant. Maybe a nice dinner or a breakfast date. Start simple and see how it goes.”

“Okay, but like, how?”

“Step one is speaking to her.”

“I have spoken to her… a lot.”

“The main thing, kid, is just to sound confident. Even if you’re not.”

“But what if she says no? Like how do I turn away from that?”

“There’s no reason for her to say no.”

“Yeah, but like… what if she does? What if she thinks I’m weird? Maybe this is a bad idea…” 

Spencer was spiraling. Derek reaches over and puts his arm on Spencer’s shoulder. He turns to him, meeting his eyes.

“Even guys like you are capable of love, kid. Any girl would be lucky to have such a kind and caring man like you, okay? Just go with your gut.”

Derek rounded the turn to Spencer’s road. 

“Thank you, Derek, really. I’ll let you know how it goes.”

“Have a good night, lover boy.”

“You too, Derek.”

_____

next chapter: F is for First Date

other parts: Spencer Reid A-Z Masterlist

view the masterlist in a calendar version! 

_____

a/n: i've spent the most time on this out of any post i have in a while. kinda hit writer's block pretty bad the other day. i'm really hoping i can get the next part out by sunday, but i work all day tomorrow and idk how much time i'll have time to work on it saturday, but i'm trying my best, i promise.

_____

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[wintaerbaer]

ringing in the year (jjk)

summary: Your six-year relationship with Jungkook certainly hasn't been devoid of the occasional mishap. But when Seokjin accidentally winds up with a gift meant for you, Jungkook's proposal may wind up being the biggest blunder of all.

pairing: Jungkook x Reader

rating: generally sfw, sans a handful of swear words

genre: established relationship au, pure fluff, bit of a crack fic

word count: 2.2k

a/n: this was so fun to write, and a bunch of the details were inspired by real life events! thanks to @animeniacss for brainstorming this one with me and sprinting me through it. wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year! <3

MASTERLIST

Jungkook knows he’s messed up several times over the course of your six-year relationship.

There was the time in college when he wanted to cook you dinner and, upon realizing that he didn’t have a corkscrew to open the bottle of wine, tried to pry it open with a screwdriver and sprayed most of it all over the kitchen and himself.

There was the time when he ate suspiciously old-looking dumplings out of the fridge for lunch in spite of Hoseok’s warnings and spent your anniversary date that night going in and out of the bathroom.

And of course, there was the time when he'd insisted that it was fine for you to get frisky in the living room because Jimin wouldn't be back until tomorrow. Only to realize, oh wait, it's Saturday, the second the man himself walked in the door with both Yoongi and Taehyung in tow, all three getting quite the view of you and Jungkook on the area rug.

But this right here, he thinks, has got to be his biggest fuck-up of all, watching Seokjin peel back the wrapping paper on his white elephant gift to reveal a white mug that says, in large black lettering, “WORLD’S BEST WIFE.”

“Awww, Jungkookie,” he coos, raising the mug up above his head to show it off. “You’re proposing?”

He is, in fact, trying to propose, but certainly not to Seokjin. Every New Year’s Eve since sophomore year of college, your friend group has gotten together to party and do a holiday gift exchange that consists of a white elephant round and a general present swap.

Jungkook, wanting to propose amongst your friends and on what you’ve always said is your favorite day each year, had intended to give you the mug and propose later in the night. But, it would seem, he must’ve mixed up the two presents, putting your mug into the white elephant pile instead of the travel mug he had meant to contribute.

“Ah, Y/N,” Seokjin is now sighing, “I’m so sorry you had to find out this way.”

You're giggling, wrapped in a burrito blanket that was courtesy of Hoseok. “It's okay. I understand that your love can't be denied.”

“Actually, hyung,” Jungkook finally gets the courage to pipe up. Is it hot in here? It feels hot in here. He might be sweating. “Can I talk to you in the kitchen for a second?”

“You need to talk now?” Hobi asks, wearing a t-shirt that also happens to be a collage of Seokjin's face–his white elephant offering. “It’s Yoongi’s turn. Let’s finish the white elephant, and then you can talk.”

“But–”

“I want Namjoon’s,” Yoongi says, snatching up the gift and tearing away the paper to unfurl a large black Snuggie. “Oh, fuck yeah.”

“You got a Snuggie?” Jimin jeers in Namjoon’s direction. “Lame.”

“Lame? It’s funny,” Namjoon argues.

“Yeah, if it was 2008.”

“Hey, I’m not complaining.” Yoongi slides his arms into the sleeves, settling into the couch and eyeing the rest of the group warily.

Jimin rolls his eyes at him. “No one is going to steal it, hyung.”

“Nobody better fucking steal it.”

The game actually finishes with no steals. Namjoon opens up your gift (a KFC-scented fire log) and Jimin and Taehyung choose each other’s only to find out that they both bought Bob Ross Chia Pets. With the game over, your group devolves back into party mingling–Yoongi dozing off on the couch in his new Snuggie, Jimin and Taehyung heading immediately to the dining room to get started on their chia projects, and the rest of you trying to decide which party games you’re going to play as the night goes on.

But when Seokjin stands up, declaring that he’s heading to the kitchen to get a drink for his “fun new mug,” Jungkook jumps to follow him, bringing along the slab of granite with twenty dollars taped to it that he’d opened (“I’m renovating my countertops,” Yoongi had explained).

“Hyung,” Jungkook hisses as Seokjin reaches into the fridge for a beer. “I need that mug.”

Seokjin turns, sizing him up in the glow of the refrigerator. “Then you probably should’ve picked it.”

Jungkook huffs in exasperation before stepping in closer, lowering his voice to a harsh whisper. “Listen, I am trying to propose to Y/N tonight.”

“With a white elephant gift that anyone could’ve gotten?” He clicks his tongue, scolding. “That’s just terrible planning, Jungkookie. And proposing with a mug? A little boring.”

Color rises to Jungkook’s face, giving his cheeks a natural blush. “We were watching reruns of The Office when I kissed her for the first time. And it wasn’t supposed to be a white elephant–you know what? It doesn’t matter at this point. I just need the mug back.”

He reaches for the counter, intending to steal the mug away, but Seokjin gets there first, cradling it to his chest with a pout. “No, it’s mine. I opened it, and I’ve already imprinted–”

“We never should’ve let Y/N show you Twilight. Here, look.” He raises the granite sample and money in his hands, offering it up. “I’ll give you Yoongi’s gift and the gift I was supposed to be giving for the game. You’ll get two.”

Seokjin narrows his eyes in suspicion. “What was your original gift?”

“A travel mug that says, ‘Weird to be the same age as old people.’”

He gets a wrinkled nose in response. “Well I like this one better. The other one calls me old. This one says I’m the best wife ever.”

“Oh my God, hyung. You’re not a wife!”

“I’m not old either!”

Jungkook throws his arms up in frustration, practically launching his hunk of stone across the room. “Then what am I supposed to do? You’re really going to ruin my entire proposal?”

“Hmm.” Seokjin lifts a hand to his chin, the other still clutching the mug to his body. “Thirty-two-race drunk Mario Kart?”

“Hyung.”

“What? You want the mug–this is how you can get it.”

Jungkook scrubs a hand over his face, accepts the inevitable. “Okay, fine. I’ll do it.”

“Hooray!” A clap of his hands as Seokjin practically skips from the kitchen. “I’ll get us set up!”

By the time Jungkook drags his feet into the living room, Seokjin has already gathered a crowd, your friends piling onto the couches and armchairs to watch the upcoming event. Surely they’re expecting a slaughter; Seokjin is notoriously a Mario Kart ace.

“You looking to get drunk, babe?” you ask, settling into the spot next to him on the couch. “There are easier, less humiliating ways, you know.”

He pouts, eyebrows squishing together. “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” he grumbles, immediately forgiving you when you press your lips to his.

“For luck,” you say, giving him one more peck before sitting back to watch Seokjin hand him a controller, shot glass, and bottle of soju.

“Pick your character.” He plops onto Jungkook’s other side, selecting his own racer on the screen.

“Peach? Really?” Namjoon teases.

Seokjin shoots him a look. “I don’t wanna hear that from a basic-ass Mario main.”

Jungkook, meanwhile, chooses Donkey Kong, and loads up the first map, Peach and Donkey Kong lining up in their pink and yellow go-karts at the starting line.

“May the best me win,” Seokjin says, a split second before the light goes green.

He does win the race. And the next one and the next one. And Jungkook is three shots in before he even knows what hit him, fingers wrapped tightly around the controller.

“Not too late to back out, Jungkookie,” Seokjin jests, nudging him in the ribs. “At least leave with your pride intact.”

But before Jungkook can even respond, mouth already half-open in indignation, you wrap a soothing hand around his knee, massaging lightly.

“You've got this, Kook. You can do it.”

The sound of your voice puts him at ease almost instantly, and he ignores Seokjin, loading up the next track. This time, he does his best to relax, letting the feel of your palm siphon away his anxiety.

This is for you. He can do this for you.

The race is close, their cartoon avatars neck-and-neck until Jungkook manages to gain an edge at the very last second and blow through the finish line first.

“Holy shit!” Taehyung exclaims. “The Kart King lost?!”

“Calm down, it's one race,” Seokjin says. But he shifts forward on the couch as he takes his shot of soju, clearly miffed. “We have twenty-eight more to go. I like my odds.”

Seokjin wins the next one again, celebrating with a whoop, but Jungkook goes on a run after that, winning three in a row so they're tied. And once the thirty-second race has been driven, Seokjin has won sixteen, Jungkook has won sixteen, and they've each drunk two bottles of soju apiece.

“TIEBREAKER RACE,” Seokjin slurs, swaying on his feet. He's played the last dozen games standing up, claiming it “helps with the turns,” whatever that means.

“I think you two have had enough,” you say, patting Jungkook lovingly on the arm. “Just call it a tie and leave it there.”

He jerks away, stretching his arm out like he thinks you're going to try and take the controller from him. “No, Y/N! I need that mug!”

Your lips pull down into a frown. “What mug?”

“I think Y/N is right, you guys,” Namjoon chimes in. “You both need some water.”

“Everyone shut the fuck up. I'm trying to sleep,” grumbles the Snuggie blob.

“ONE MORE RACE!” Seokjin yells, insistent. “FOR IT ALL! FOR THE MUG!”

“Again, what mug?”

But you don't get an answer. Instead, Jungkook shouts, “FINE! RAINBOW ROAD, ASSHOLE!” and everyone's eyes fixate on the screen, eager to find out who will emerge victorious.

Both characters rip off the starting line, Seokjin quickly obtaining a mushroom power-up that gives him a speed boost and comfortable lead. But after Jungkook lucks out on a green shell throw, causing Seokjin to spin out of control, he takes the lead as the first lap ends.

“C’mon, babe!” you cheer, Jimin and Taehyung joining in in their desire to see the Kart King tumbled from his throne.

Jungkook holds his lead for most of the lap, but Seokjin takes it back after a couple more mushroom boosts and a red shell. The final lap is tight, the lead going back and forth and back and forth until all hope seems lost as Seokjin begins to pull away on the last leg…

Only for him to cut the final turn too closely, allowing Jungkook to bump him right over the side of the track and into space before blasting across the finish line.

The room erupts in cheers, Jungkook leaping to his feet with a shout even as Seokjin falls to the floor with a scream of anguish. You stand as well, trying to give your boyfriend a hug, but you’re shocked when he moves away from you instead, preoccupied with something on the dining table.

He crosses the room–dodging Jimin and Taehyung, who are now flossing over Seokjin’s prone body–to grab the “WORLD’S BEST WIFE” mug and triumphantly raise it in the air before stumbling back to where you stand both perplexed and amused by the scene before you.

“This,” he says, clumsily pressing the mug into your hands, “was supposed to be for you.”

“World’s Best Wife?” you ask, heart hiccuping as you begin to have a suspicion. “Like Michael Scott’s mug?”

“Yes!” The word feels heavy moving off of his tongue, and he suddenly regrets not being sober for this. “Because uhhhh…I have this for you, too. Shit, wait.”

He fumbles around his pockets, panicking until he finds the ring, slips it out of his pants, and drops to his knee with a graceless thud.

“Ow, crap. Y/N.” He takes your hand, and in spite of the absurdity of it all, in spite of the fact that part of the room is now fawning over you while the other part is either sleeping or on the floor, you feel tears pricking your eyes.

Really, you couldn’t think of a more perfect scene.

“Y/N,” he begins again–slowly, like his words need to be corralled, “I love you. So much. And I know I may sometimes be forgetful or foolish or careless–sometimes I might accidentally spray wine all over the kitchen or ruin a proposal because I gave Seokjin the wrong present by mistake–but I just…love you.” He blinks, thoughts drifting away from him as the soju continues to take its toll. “I’m sorry. I’m not sure what I’m saying is even making sense, but…I find I don’t mind having those moments as long as you’re there with me. I’m fine making a fool out of myself if it’ll make you smile or laugh so…” He hoists the ring up just a little higher, eyes hopeful. “Marry me?”

A leaping sensation takes off behind your ribs as you gasp, “Yes, Jungkook. Of course, yes.”

For someone who’s drunk, he surges back up with incredible speed to capture your mouth in a kiss, dragging your body to his and swaying you side-to-side.

“Congratulations, you two,” Yoongi says through the applause of your friends–even Seokjin managing to clap his hands like a seal from the floor. “Now can I please get some fucking sleep?”

a/n: please consider liking, reblogging, or commenting if you enjoyed :)

[darlingdarkly]

New Year, New You

Johnny “Soap” MacTavish x f!reader

Personal Trainer AU

just over 4k words

tw: dark fic, dark content, dubcon, obsessive behavior, E rated, 18+, mature themes

Part 1, 2, of 3? 4? 5? (More parts planned)

You had lucked out at the office white elephant party this year. You drew the shortest straw, which normally was a bad omen, but in this particular situation meant you got to pick the last gift, or steal the gift of your choice, assuming it hadn’t been stolen twice already and when it finally came down to the last present and you ripped open the wrapping on a candle scented as something called “Caramel Cashmere” you knew you’d be taking your pick of the lot.

You surveyed the circle with sharp eyes. Two mugs, a blanket with a kitten surrounded by pink feathers emblazoned on it, a sample tray of exotic meat sausages, a gift basket from Sephora, An assortment of flavored Schnapps nip bottles with a set of shot glasses, a pair of AirPod pros (that had already been stolen twice and were thus, out of the game), two tickets to see some standup comedian named Roy Ramheart at the Holiday Inn over the weekend and lastly a two week trial to the brand new bougie gym that opened up downtown.

You turned slowly in the middle of the circle, shitty candle in hand, eyeing each person and their presents one by one. Sharon was shaking the blanket with the feathers and kitten on it, trying to entice you with it. Mark, the gym rat, was trying to hide the two week gym trial under his crossed arms. Maureen was already unpacking the Airpods and changing the heads to one’s that would be most comfortable to her ears, everyone else looked beyond bored. You did one more rotation before stopping in front of Mark who let out an irritated huff as you held out the large beige candle to him. He snatched the candle from your hand and reluctantly held out the gym brochure.

You grabbed it and opened it, leafing through it as the rest of the office stood and began to chatter about their new gifts with heated exchange, there’d be secret swaps later no doubt. Someone turned the music back up and the circle slowly broke and dispersed into a half drunk crowd of sloppy dancing and idle chatter.

Mark came up to you, obviously upset with your steal of the gym trial. “You could’ve had the Sephora gift basket. Maybe you’d get laid a little more if you indulged in some makeup.” You looked up at him, a winning smirk on your face, unfazed by his nasty jest and looked back down at the flashy brochure. Your office bestie Nancy came over and Mark strode away, annoyed at losing out to you and failing to get under your skin.

“What was that about?” You looked up at her and rolled your eyes as she stared after him. “Sore loser.” She eyed the brochure in your hands. “I see you got Mrs. Magna’s gym trial.” You smiled and popped the trial in your purse. “So it was hers, I had a feeling.” She handed you a little red cup full of spiked punch. “Got it in the mail yesterday, she’s already gotten four of them and I was about to throw it out with the rest of the junk but then I remembered she still needed something for the white elephant thing so I saved it back, good thing too, the other option was a airmall catalog from her last business trip.”

You rolled your eyes, your boss had always been contemptuous at best, and if she held the whole of the office at foot level she held your best friend Nancy, her secretary, in the dirt. You had spent countless hours after work, drinks in hand listening to her vent about being Mrs. Magna’s doormat for forty hours a week.

You sucked down the last of the punch in your cup and regarded the hazy swirling quality the room had taken, it was time to go home. “I’m headed home, Nance. You wanna catch a ride with me?” She looked down at her feet, a look you’ve seen all too often, one that meant she’d be taking it face first again. “Gotta stay and clean up. She’s got an early board meeting in the morning and they’re having it here, so I’ve got to have this place spotless by 6:15.”

“God, does that woman ever give you a break?” She pulled you in for a hug and took your empty cup from your hands, replacing it with your purse. “Get home safe, and text me when you get there, yeah?” You smiled and nodded before turning for the door, pulling out your phone and opening up Uber.”

When you were home and locked up tight you texted Nancy, brushed your teeth and fell into bed, letting the buzz carry you to sleep.

You woke up the next morning, sour taste in your mouth and head throbbing dully. You slowly lurched from the nest of your bed and shambled into the bathroom, wincing at the brightness of the lights as you flicked them on and breathing out shakily as you shut them off again. With the little corner window casting gentle waxy rays into the space you turned on the shower and set about brushing your teeth. Bad taste gone, you climbed under the flow of steamy hot water and let the force of it all wash away your grogginess and began to feel just a bit better.

When you were out and dressed you made a light breakfast and pulled your white elephant gift from your purse. The front showed the shiny new building and the fancy letters at the top read “Baliquinox”. The brochure outlined the extent of the trial, all amenities available for the duration of the trial, including but not limited to the scheduled hot yoga, cycling and something called gravity assisted pilates. The gym also advertised a sauna, a full length Olympic sized pool, an in-house smoothie “artist”, as well as massage therapists and personal trainers on staff.

On the back of the brochure various payment plans were listed for membership packages, starting in the thousands, you immediately flipped the brochure back over to the front, two weeks was all you had, but you were going to make the most of it. If you could come up with a routine that you could do at home then you could give up the luxurities that came with the cushy admission price.

A week later you found yourself in front of the glitzy building, gym bag in hand as you stared at the shiny made up people behind the gleaming doors. Walking into the bustle of people you are met with a long white desk, there’s two people behind the counter, a fit beautiful woman and strong chiseled man, both already occupied with customers. But while the actual humans are occupied there is a row of kiosks set up with a sign above them that claims they can help you.

You walk up to one hesitantly and find that it’s actually a really simple process, you scan the barcode on the back of your brochure, type in some preliminary basic information, your name, address, email and phone number, and your free two week trial has begun. The machine spits out a laminated wristband at you. You tear it at the dotted lines, place it around your wrist and now you’re good to go. The machine wishes you a very productive workout and sends you on your way.

You walk further into the building, following a colored line on the floor that claims it will take you to the locker room. As you follow the line your eyes scan your surroundings, to your left are three glass rooms. One is currently occupied by a spin class, the next some sort of dance exercise class, the thumpy music felt through the floor in your feet but unheard to you outside of the walls, the last was a hot yoga class, you could tell by the mats on the floor and the condensation on the glass but as you were watching the instructor pressed a button on the tablet she was holding and the glass grayed out before your eyes, concealing the room from view.

You passed a room which you guessed held the pool, the sounds of echoing splashes crashed against the walls. Finally you could see the locker rooms before you, a door split off into men’s and women’s, keeping to the right you found yourself in an expansive room filled wall to wall with lockers. You came up to one with a green light on the front and pulled on the door, it opened freely and you began to change. When you had on your workout clothes you put the bag inside and shut the door, as you stepped away the light changed from green to red, signifying it had locked and you left the locker room.

You found the open gym space by following a different line on the floor. The room was split up into sections, one for machines, one for free weights, and one for cardio. Meandering into the cardio section you found a row of Peloton treadmills that stretched the length of the wall while the other side were full with cycle machines. You opted for a run to start with. There were a couple treadmills in use at the front but the ones in back were empty. You picked one by the far wall, stepping up onto it and putting your headphones in. You looked up at yourself in the mirror lined wall, taking in a deep breath before finding a song and picking a speed.

Head down and focused you let your footfalls come to the forefront of your mind, the only thing that mattered, soon the room around you faded and became unimportant. You had just broken out a sweat, head lifting and eyes opening to meet the mirrors of your own on the wall, but that wasn’t all.

Standing behind you, eyes connected with yours was a ruggedly handsome man, he stood behind you a few feet back from the treadmill and when you caught him staring he didn’t look away ashamed, just held your gaze with shockingly pale blue eyes. He wore black athletic shorts and a white shirt with the gym's name across his chest, he definitely worked here, personal trainer maybe, judging by his ripped physique. His lips turned up in a smirk and it was you who finally broke the locked gaze.

You looked down at your phone, shuffled through a few songs before checking the mirror again, he was still there. You were about to turn and speak to him when he turned on foot and headed out of the cardio section and out of sight. You stopped the machine and took a moment to take in your surroundings. There were a few more patrons in the cardio section of the gym but they didn’t seem to notice this interaction between you and the handsome stranger at all and there didn’t seem to be some kind of maintenance going on or equipment around you that was needed, warranting the long stare you’d received from the employee.

You turned back to your machine and after looking once more over your shoulder for any other disturbance you resumed your workout, picking up the pace and settling into a jog. It wasn’t five minutes later that the man was back, this time though he was strolling the area and looking, quite obviously, anywhere but you. You felt heat rising in your cheeks and somehow more exposed than before, you almost regretted this isolated treadmill towards the back of the room.

He had passed the other patrons at this point, there was no reason for him to walk back this way any further other than to speak to you. Still you felt compelled to keep your head down, like somehow you weren’t supposed to be here. He stopped behind you once more and the hair on the back of your neck pricked to points. As you made up the courage to confront him he took the first step, walking up to the side of your machine and tapping the handle arm.

Pulling one earbud out you turned the machine down to a walk, a little annoyed at the interruption but compliant and friendly as you could be. “Yes?” He flashed you a smile and gods was he handsome, tan skin, nice white teeth, he looked like he’d stepped out of a magazine, absolutely a personal trainer, but what did he want with you?

“Hi, m’name’s Johnny. I’m a personal trainer, dinnae think I’ve seen you around before.” His voice is gruff and that accent, Scottish? Maybe. Delicious whatever it is. “I’m new, first day.” He rocked back on his heels slightly, smile never faltering. “Ahh, I see. Ken I’d never seen ye before, would’ve remembered such a pretty face.” Charming as well, you couldn’t help but avert your gaze for a moment, the intensity of his presence a little faltering. When you speak your voice is a bit higher pitched than you’d wish and he knows he’s flustered you just a little.

“Yeah. Yeah, just umm.. just started my workout actually. Didn’t get very far.” You turn to go back to the machine but he reaches out and grabs your wrist and it stops you, your eyes flick back to his baby blues. “Have ye set your goals?” One eyebrow shoots up. “My goals?” That dazzling smile is back, it’s bright, nearly blinding. “Yer workout goals, cannae start yer workout without yer goals, hen. Gotta ken where yer at and where yer goin’.”

You consider this for a moment, a little off guard before stuttering forth an answer. “I’d like to work on my cardio.” It’s a simple enough answer, and seems stupid considering that’s what you were doing before he interrupted you and you thought maybe it was enough for him to leave you be, as handsome as he was you wanted to be polite but you also wanted to get back to it.

“That’s a good start bonnie. But we need to know where yer at still. Follow me.” And then he turns away, obviously expecting you to follow him. You stop the machine and stand idly for a moment, unsure what you’ll do, you probably could just go back to walking and that’d be the end of it, and maybe that’s what you should do, but you think it’d be rude, he was being nice so far and maybe he could help you set some real goals to accomplish, he is after all a personal trainer. It would be stupid to pass up his professional help. You climb off the treadmill and walk towards him, speed walking a little to catch up.

He carts you through the gym, and it feels like you’ve walked the whole length of the building, passed through a few sets of double doors, long since stopped seeing any patrons actually exercising. Now you feel like you’re in the back rooms of the gym, maybe where you’re not supposed to be. But you still follow him, keeping track of where you’ve been and how to get out if you have to, you know, just in case.

He finally opens the door to a room and pushes you in, it’s small but furnished. A single ancient treadmill pushed into one of the corners, a few scales against the far wall, charts explaining how to find your BMI and the nutrition pyramid are tacked to the wall. He shuts the door and the room takes on a warm and stuffy quality.

He starts by measuring your height. There’s a laminated ruler all the way up one wall and he pushes you up against it, kicking your feet until your heels touch the wall. You feel the strength in his hands as they bracket your hips, controlling you with just the minute movements of his wrists, caging you closer to take “the most accurate” measurements.

His breath is in your face, warm and minty as he places a finger at the tippy top of your head to pinpoint your height. You would think he’d have some sort of chart or goal sheet to jot these numbers down but he’s typing them into his phone instead, after all everything was online these days.

When he had your height he motioned for you to step on the scale, something you were a bit hesitant to do. “Don’t be fashed, bonnie. S’all part of the process.” You step up on the scale and after he takes a careful moment to be sure it’s settled he records your weight. You think it all might be over and you can go back to your workout when he says “Open.” You stare at him for a moment, dumbfounded and he waits patiently for you to comply.

“Open?” He grips you by the chin gently and taps his thumb against your lower lip, and your breath hitches at the gentle but intrusive gesture. “Open up.” You slowly part your lips and he smiles, his pretty blue eyes staring at your lips and you’re beyond flustered, thighs shifting uncomfortably. “Wider.” You do as he says, not sure how any of this is necessary but too far gone to stop now. “Good girl.”

He rocks your head from side to side, thoroughly examining your mouth, you feel his thumb apply pressure to your plush lower lip, drawing it down and you feel the saliva in your mouth gathering uncontrollably. The weight of it dips and you're backing away so as to not drool on his hand, your lower lip plopping back in place, but not before a drop of it collects on his thumb.

He looks you, unabashedly in the eye as he lifts his thumb to his lips and pushes the digit with your drool on it into his mouth. Your eyes are as big as saucers but without skipping a beat, and without recording any kind of data on that last test? Measurement? Examination of your mouth, he moves you over onto the treadmill and starts it up. He starts at a low speed and as the tread begins to move under your feet you have no choice but to move along with it.

It’s a walk, no sweat and you look over to see him watching your hips, his eyes flick up to yours and he leans forward and ups the speed. Now you’re at a light jog and you can no longer watch him directly. You hear him walking around the treadmill, alternating between being directly behind you and off to your side. He ups the speed again until you’re full on running, arms pumping as you try to keep up with the tread, you’re breathing quite heavily, chest heaving with each breath.

He turns it up again, just a notch but it’s past your limit and you’re struggling to keep up now, the heels of your feet nearly dangling over the end of the tread, you speak in between breaths, telling him you can’t keep up, it’s too fast. “Just a little more, hen. Keep goin’.” He’s behind you, you hope he’ll catch you if you come flying off the end, and just when you thought you would he comes up and hits the emergency stop and you feel the tread’s speed dwindle beneath your feet. When it stops you stand there, heart beating triple time in your chest, your arms gripping the arm rest until he comes up and makes you place them interlaced behind your head.

He says nothing while you recover, just plugs more data into his phone and when you’re better he looks up at you with cold assessing eyes, the baby blues icing over and chilling you. But then that smile resurfaces and they melt into pools of tropical blue and he speaks.

“Alright, lass. I'll do it.” And he just stands there not explaining until you ask. “Do what?” He laughs and it’s a gorgeous sound that still manages to unnerve you. “I’ll be your personal trainer.” You have a lot of questions and are about to voice them when he pulls you out of the room and has you following him again, talking the whole while.

“We’re gonna stretch your goals a bit. “Working on your cardio” isn’t exactly gonna cut it. We will work on your cardio, because trust me lass, it needs work.” You’re slightly offended at this, but he pushes right on through without soothing it. “But we are gonna get you in shape together. Dinnae worry, Johnny’s got a whole plan mapped out for ye already.” He takes you into a little cove by the front where a bunch of people are seated and drinking smoothies. This must be the smoothie artist you read about in the brochure. He walks up to the counter, bypassing the line and orders something you can hear from the table you sat down at. He’s handed two drinks and brings them over.

Handing one to you he sits across from you and when you don’t try it right off he sets authoritative eyes on you and deadpans in a no nonsense tone. “Drink.” You bring the straw to your lips and suck, which seems to please him and the fruit mixture that floats to your tongue is sweet and refreshing. “Now I want ye to do some homework for me when ye get home tonight. Two… nah. Make it three sets of sit-ups, two sets of toe touches and ten lunges.” You look at him and know that now is the time to tell him, you guess he just didn’t know or didn’t think to ask. “Johnny.” He looks up at you, eyes alight with excitement. “Yes, hen.”

“I’m only gonna be here for two weeks. I’m doing the free trial thing.” He keeps on staring like what you’ve said hasn’t registered and after a moment he adds. “And?” You thought it was clear but it seems you’ll have to go further. “I’m not sure I’ll be committing to coming back.” This is a lie. You know you can’t afford a membership and after your two weeks are up you simply couldn’t keep coming. But this seems to not matter in the slightest as he replies. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, yeah? Til’ then three sets of sit ups, two sets of toe touches and ten lunges.”

You don’t know what to say so you just nod and he smiles and despite yourself you feel almost relieved to see it. “Good. Come in tomorrow at three and we’ll get started on yer first real workout.”

“But I don’t get off work til 4.” He smiles and knocks once on the table with his knuckles. “4:30 it is then. Don’t be late.” With that he stands and walks away, leaving you with a half finished smoothie and conflicting emotions.

Later that night after you found yourself compelled to at least finish the “homework” he’d assigned and after you’d repacked your gym bag with fresh clothes and climbed into bed, the image of him pushing his thumb into his mouth filled your head until you burned in bed like a torch. His pale blue eyes, dark hair, tan skin, all very conventionally attractive aspects of his features but there was more, a more secretive darker part of you that was drawn to the way he picked you out. Took notice of you immediately and coerced you into training under him, even after he knew you might not commit.

The burn of it became too much and you grabbed for the vibrator in your nightstand, coming at the thought of those strong arms hooked around your thighs and those pale blue eyes peering up at you from the junction of your thighs. At 4:30 the next day you found yourself in front of Baliquinox, gym bag in hand and nervous.

[lild00td00t]

Straw Hat Pirates: Love Languages

Luffy

PHYSICAL TOUCH

• With as much as Luffy hugs, wraps around and embraces people he genuinely comes off as a physical touch type to me.

• Loves sitting beside you, if you can’t sit directly beside him he’ll make sure you’re touching in some way, is not AT ALL shy and WILL sit on your lap-

• definitely pulls on your arm or pokes you to get your attention, and holds your hand whenever you travel together

• He loves giving random hugs through the day, doesn’t matter what you’re doing, he’ll find you 👀

• Sitting and reading a book ? That’s cool, Luffy wants to be sitting directly beside you, almost in your lap reading it too. Taking a nap ? Awesome, Luffy will join and wrap around you like a python. Eating ? How kind of you to “share” your food and hold his hand while you eat

Zoro

QUALITY TIME

• Zoro loves getting to have drinks with you, whether it be with the crew or only each other so long as you’re there he’s having a good time.

• Adores having you with him while he trains, he’ll catch you sneaking a peek and trying to play it off like you didn’t, only for him to secretly flex more, or turn away to give you a better look, he knows exactly what he’s doing

• Just having you with him regardless of whatever he’s doing, whether it’s drinking, training or on look out he enjoys you being there

• He enjoys the comfortable silences that you two have sometimes, where he can listen to whatever you’re doing while he’s cleaning his swords, knowing you’re just a few feet away brings him comfort

• It’s a good thing you’re always together too, you make sure he stays with the crew, much to their relief. Unless you’re just as bad as he is at navigation, then you’ll somehow end up in enemy lines in the complete opposite direction of the crew… if that’s the case, then… atleast you’re together, right ?

Ussop

GIFT GIVING

• Most of his gifts are handmade!!

• Listens to you INTENTLY for his next project, he’s always making things and leaving them for you to find, it’s the sweetest

• I feel that Ussop has AMAZING attention to detail in relationships, he’ll notice you talk about something often or buy something more frequently then other things, and from there he has an idea of what to get you

• You’ll wake up to your favorite snack food on your bedside table or a new piece of jewelry you were looking at, he pays VERY close attention

• ALWAYS knows what to get you, he’s like a mind reader, I bet he’s the type of person everyone hopes to get for white elephant gifts besides Nami, they always get the best gifts.

• His are always so sweet and sentimental as well, I imagine he gifts you drawings of yourself as well, his handmade gifts are simply adorable and the sweetest

Sanji

ACTS OF SERVICE

• “ I was born to serve the ladies! “

• And serve he does - need a drink ? A snack ? A comfier blanket ? He’s on it!!

• LOVES making new foods for you to try, whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer more savory meals he’s constantly aiming to please you

• Takes care of the dishes, cleaning, and prep all by himself, won’t let you lift a precious finger in his kitchen, though you can stay and chat with him, it would be extra appreciated!

• He loves being your errand boy, and will gladly see to it that both your errands get done, on top of that he’s ALWAYS the one cooking dinner, as Sanji says, he loves to serve!

Nami

GIFT GIVING

• Nami’s love language was quite obvious to me, which is gift giving.

• the problem with her “gift” giving is…… was it actually purchased or did she use her five finger discount. In other words, did she steal it ? The anwser is: most likely.

• Nami gifts you lavish accessories and clothes, she LOVES matching outfits sometimes. I would imagine since she’s ALWAYS shopping she picks up a few matching things here and there. She expects gifts in return however, and I imagine she isn’t cheap to shop for, but whatever you get her I imagine she’s very appreciative.

• Dates with her would look like lavish shopping trips between the two of you, no Luffy or Zoro to destroy half the town and send everyone fleeing, just you, her, and a pocket full of cash to spend!

Nico Robin

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

• Robin thrives off of words of kindness and encouragement, let her know she’s a great partner or that you enjoy her and she’ll be so grateful for you

• Give her nicknames, please, this woman needs so much kindness after everything she went through

• I feel sometimes Robin needs reassurance, sometimes the names that hurt her in her past come back to haunt her, which is why I feel she would thrive on your encouragement and affirmations

• She definitely returns the favor, praising you for even just the minimal, she will always voice her contentment with you

• Will give you even cuter nicknames, I imagine she’s quite crafty and thinks of some crafty ones as well!

Franky

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

• LOVES when you call him or anything he does ‘super’, he gets so excited that his mannerisms are rubbing off on you

• He’s such a softie, he cries if you start to get sweet with him, he’s ALWAYS the first to cry or get emotional once you compliment or begin to affirm him, he’s just so touched by your words!!

• Always shows his new inventions or ideas to you first. You give him the motivation to make it even better or build it faster, you are indeed his muse and inspiration for most things!

Jimbei

ACTS OF SERVICE

• Like Sanji, he is a doer. He’s always cleaning or finding ways to help the crew out, he’s never idle!

• always offers you a helping hand, especially if you have trouble finding the motivation he will make sure to personally assist you in what you need help with, whether it’s running errands or getting up for the day hes there to encourage you and take on the day with you, even if that means giving you an extra boost to start!

Brook

QUALITY TIME

• ALWAYS goes to you for song inspiration, like Franky, you are his muse!

• Practices his songs or music when you’re together, you get exclusive access to all of Soul Kings unrealized albums.. your friends must be so jealous!!

• Will always share a cup of tea with you in the mornings, it’s the one time you find him to be quiet before he starts his musical practice.

• he loves to sing for you too, not just practice, but he practically serenades you. Before bed he’s outside the door, guitar in hand while Franky sobs in the backround, wailing about how beautiful love is, atleast he has a special way of conveying how he feels!

[ebaylee422]

Decking the Halls

Steve Harrington X Girlfriend!reader

Author’s Note:  Angst to cute sex, I’m not sorry. This is post Season 3, pre Season 4. I just love being angsty. I also really needed to clear my drafts soooo X-mas in March everyone!

Summary: Stockings aren’t the only things being stuffed this Christmas season. Steve has never decorated for Christmas, he’s embarrassed and doesn’t want to ruin your sprit by avoiding you. Don’t worry though, he shows you just how appreciative he is after. 

Characters: Steve Harrington, Girlfriend reader, mentions of shitty parents and the rest of the ST nuggets. Best Friend Robin Buckley!!

Warnings/Tags: Smut (Minors DNI!!!) abandonment issues? as an intro, p in v sex, marking kink, praise kink, fem oral (receiving). breeding?

Word Count: 3k

Part One/?

You had tried everything to get Steve into the Christmas spirit: buying decorations for your apartment, getting matching pj’s, going to watch the lights in Indianapolis,  watching Christmas movies, the Ice-Skating was most regrettable because you fell forward and knocked your teeth hard enough to bleed. Even planning a white elephant with him and his friends, sharing hot cocoa and warmth of your space heater. What you didn’t know is as soon as he left your place he was greeted by his parents' empty house. Decorated from some stupid trendy catalog his mother only glanced at before swiping a credit card. His father, not even home long enough to realize the tinsel monstrosity within the living room. The presents underneath were fake, they stopped being real when his father told him to grow up. That Santa wasn’t real, saying he needed to start giving instead of hoping for some joy from a fat man each holiday season. So that’s exactly what he did, the first Christmas he’d enjoyed in a long time was on Christmas of 83’, when he was with Nancy. They’d gotten each other meaningful gifts, it was the happiest Christmas he thought he’d ever had. Even if he went home unable to look at his pool outside for too long knowing his friend had died. Even if there were disgusting monsters trying to eat his friends when they had the chance. How horrible humans were in comparison, like the Russians nearly beating him to death at Starcourt. Instead of celebrating what he was thankful for, he felt immense guilt every holiday. He’d confided in you once about his survivor's guilt, as you had called it a couple months ago during an intense flashback. You’d comfort him, make sure he wasn’t alone. He didn’t want to be anyone’s burden, Steve knew you were worried about him it would show whenever he ‘had’ to leave for work or Robin’s, or get clothes from his place.

It all came to a standstill when you’d asked him if he would come pick a Christmas Tree with you. Wanting to have it up before the kids came over, finish decking-the-halls you’d told him. Only Steve didn’t know what picking out a Christmas Tree was, sure it’s self explanatory but what if he made a fool of himself. With his pretty rich boy ‘I’ve never had to pick one out’, it seemed too intimate. Sure you’d bared your body-mind-and-soul to him, but wanting to do something so domestic together like picking out a Christmas Tree. For your first Christmas together as a couple, it was scary for him. So instead of being a Scrooge so he could work on his feelings, he faked an illness even going as far as calling out sick today. Keith hadn’t been too happy but chopped it up to Steve sucking too much face on the job and gave him the day anyway. And he was back to square one, an empty ugly house with none of your warmth. People would think his middle name was self-sabotage, especially when that door-bell rang. He got up from his cocoon from the coach with a groan, an aching shooting up to his spine when his socked feet hit the freezing hardwood. Shined and renewed for the inevitable party his parents would throw this Christmas Eve for work friends, where they forgot they even had a son. He stopped dead in his tracks shaking the sleep from his eyes when they were met with yours, holding a tote bag while shaking the light dusty of snow off your figure. It melted into your skin leaving you shiny with the dew, nose and ears kissed pink while your chin and neck were tucked tightly with the collar of your coat and scarf. You smiled at him as he studied your form, like an angel sent just for him. He was bundled up in simple joggers, thick wool socks and heavy blanket around his shoulders worn like a cape tucked around his body, but shirtless still despite it being nearly as cold inside as it is outside. Shaking your body of the remaining snow, laying the tote bag of groceries and sick necessities you’d brought over on the stairs so you could slide out of your heavy snow covered boots.

“Hi baby, how r’ you feeling?” you asked him with a voice full of sticky sweetness and adoration. His face changed in that moment from shock to guilty, you felt the change floating in the air like oil through water.

“What are you doing here?” He asked louder than either of you had expected, causing you to turn his way fully as you began to undo the ties of your coat. 

“I came to check on you, bring you some-”

“Why?” He scoffed, tucking the blanket to cover himself from the breezing air flow of the open hall. You were wearing a red corduroy skirt, with black stocking underneath and a cream sweater that didn’t even compare to how soft your hair was laid across your shoulders. You looked at him like he hung up the stars, even though you were the brightest thing about his life.

“Robin called me worried about you saying you called out because you were sick. So I canceled the tree plans to come check on you because you didn’t call me. I even whipped up some Chicken and Rice soup and scrunched up a couple medicines.”

“You shouldn’t have done that, I’m fine Y/N. You should go get your tree and I’ll see you on Friday like you planned.” he brushed off your kindness,

“Well I wanted to take care of you.” you told him shyly, "You haven't been around as often."

“Okay thanks.” he shook his head, body and tone still uncomfortable and unmatched of your own tenderness.

“Do you not want me here or something?” You scoffed with affection grabbing the bag from the stairs, stepping in front of him giddy with untamable affection.

“No.” He answered quickly and when your face dropped, his own heart went with it when you backed away from him. “No, I mean yes but not right now. I’m just-”

“It’s fine, Steve." You cut him off, turning away and grabbing your stuff. "I get it, I’m sorry I could’ve called.” he stopped you putting out his hand as an olive branch. You took it without hesitation, sniffling away the tears that built up for weeks of you arguing and avoiding each other. 

“Don’t you dare apologize, especially to me.” He took your reddened cheeks in his hands as he pressed a kiss to your temple, “I’m just being an idiot, I’m sorry but I’m not even sick so you doing all this nice shit over-” 

“I know you’re not sick, Steve. You’re a terrible faker.” You said factually, with a teasing tone. Still not looking at him but rather at your wiggling toes against the shiny floor.

“Oh really now? Robin didn’t tell you anything.”

“Well the strange, ‘Steve wanted my shift the same day he always has off’ the one day I could go tree picking with you. Then calling out and claiming illness, and not calling me is pretty obvious.” You let the bag fall again, his shoulders relaxed as you tugged on the length of his blanket. “Are you breaking up with me?” you asked with furrowed brows and a whimper to your voice.

“No!” Steve yelled, “No never no, I-I love you so much. You are my favorite everything Y/N.” He wrapped you both in the blanket tugging you flush against him. “I just have a hard time with the holidays, I don’t really know what to do with myself. I didn’t want to be embarrassed, it was a lot of pressure.” You both held each other silently letting the fear wash over both of you, until you giggled into his neck.

“I love you, Steve. Honestly, just talking to me would’ve saved us both a headache.” He sighed heavy as he wrapped his arms tighter around you, head resting on your chin.

“Jeez, what are we gonna do with me?” he whispered into your scalp, the fluffy hair on his chest tickling your cheek as you were held by his heart.

“I can think of one.” You pursed your lips, closing your eyes with your chin held high awaiting a kiss. He obliged you immediately, cupping your cheeks in his hands to accurately press his lips to yours. His hands were freezing, sending a shiver and gasp involuntarily out of you. Steve took the opportunity to lick into your mouth, tasting-ly. Pulling back before you could reciprocate, you whined gripping his biceps accidentally pushing off his blanket.

"I'm sorry." He whispered, nose brushing against yours.

"I didn't mean to pressure you, you just seem so sad."

"You make me happy."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, you could meet me in an ice cream shop above a secret Russian base. While enjoying strawberry more than chocolate ice cream and you'll still make me happy." 

"Well, if our circumstances of meeting are the worst part of the relationship, I think that's a pretty good incentive to making better more normal memories, yeah?"

"Maybe." He kissed the tip of your still pink nose.

"Maybe, we could go back to my place? It's always freezing here." You added with a shiver making the hairs on your arms stand up.

"Not when you're here. Just stay here a second longer." His lips moved with their own incentive. It didn't take much convincing on either of your parts before you were upstairs in his room. A path of clothes thrown haphazardly off of each other through broken giggles and soft kisses, until your just in under clothes. He holds you to him as he opens the door to his room, and your feet barely touch the floor as he twirls the two of you around. Bringing you down with him as he falls backward on the bed with a thud. Kissing you with fondness, sweet like the honey color of his eyes. You loved him so much it hurt like the side pains after laughing so hard you teared up. Like when you realize that magic might not be real but people were and kindness. Kindness and compassion were the real magic. People found a reason to be with each other, even if it was once a year. Steve never had that. Everything in his life was transactional, Christmas, school, his parents, most other relationships. Those few closet to him probably haven't ever seen this side either. The checkered boy room with little to no traces of living aside from Steve's nightstand with Polaroids of everyone scattered about. A bin in his closet kept hidden away where he'd kept his Scoops Ahoy name tag, a letter from a pen-pal in sixth grade, ticket stubs of every drive in movie. Some more Polaroids for his eyes only you'd given him after you first started dating, and he'd left his shirt in your room. Even as you lay on top of him now, kisses sucked into your neck, his strong hands massaging your sides in worship. You couldn't help what words came out next.

"Come with me." You begged him breathlessly opening your eyes to see his lips swollen and slick, hair haloed and shaggy around his face and sheets. Like melting caramel against the ugly grey and navy bedding.

"Already babe, I haven't even touched you." He mumbled rocking his pelvis into yours, forcing your legs to accommodate him more with a thigh on either side of his hips. You sat up taller straddling him, a pout etched into your face.

"No, I mean. Come home with me, lets live together. I'll get rid of things you can bring whatever you want, I can dip into my tuition nest egg and buy whatever we need for the apartment. Make it yours too, or we can find another one that you like better. I just want you all to myself." He sat up holding onto your waist so you didn't fall, making you squeak with the shift in position. Your heart sank as his eyes were so wide they could've jumped out of his skull.

“What?” he asked as his breath caught in his throat, a pure swell of undoubtable happiness warming him from the tip of his nose down to his sock covered feet.

“It’s just, I wasn’t lying Stevie. I wanna take care of you, you give so much to every-” He kissed you, desperately. Teeth clashing and tongues forming together making you dizzy enough to loose balance upright on your knees. Pulling back to gasp for air, a string of spit connecting you to him. He wiped it away, tucking his head into your chest.

“You’re perfect. I’ll do anything to make you happy.”

“Even picking out a Christmas Tree with me?”

“I will grow you a damn Christmas Tree, even better I’ll get the kids to help me chop down one in my backyard!”

“Stevie! That’s dangerous.”

“Well, sweets. 

Danger.

Is.

My middle name.” He trailed four kisses down your body, stopping just shy of your covered mound. Hooking his fingers under the band of your underwear, biting your hip making you buck up long enough for him to shimmy them off your legs.

“I thought your middle name was Alexander?”

“You won’t your own name once I’m done with you.” He said sultry, kneeling at the foot of the bed. Yanking your ankles to bring you closer to his mouth, spreading your legs wide and over his shoulders. You were beautiful, regardless what you were doing but letting him take care of you. Make you feel good and be vulnerable, made his head spin. Your lips were sticky with arousal, he could smell your sweet nectar begging for him to taste you. Marks still slightly visible from last time, he started there sucking and biting the mailable flesh. 

“Stevie, please-” You cried out, hands trying to find purchase with his. He stopped sucking a bruise, eyes blown wide when he found yours. Locking your hands to your sides,

“Your so sweet, baby. Asking so nicely.” He chastely kissed on your hood, tongue licking underneath to wet and flick at your clit. You groaned and threw you head back, “So sweet, baby. Keep your legs open for me. I have a lot of apologizing to do down here.”

“Stevie, no I want you. Please.” You writhed on the bed trying to keep your legs spread for him, he blew cool air at your entrance causing you to clench around nothing. You body craved to be filled, senses overwhelmed of one thing: Steve, Steve, Steve!

“Just wanna warm you up, we have all the time in the world sweets. Wanna wreck this bed before leaving.” He was antagonizing you, teasing with his pretty words and slightly movements you couldn’t even respond him. He licked a line from your entrance to your clit, groaning at your taste. Hips colliding with the end of his bed to relieve pressure as he sucked your clit into his mouth. Rolling the bud with his tongue, your nail dug into his knuckles as you shook with ecstasy.

“ ‘S so good, Stevie. Don’t stop-” You were so pent up from earlier all it took was a few more rolls of his tongue against you and for you to fall apart. Concentrating on keeping your legs open for him, as he licked you clean. Nudging his nose against your sensitive clit, he let go of one of your hands tangling it in his hair.

“Hold it out of my face, baby. I want one more before I cum inside you.” He coated his fingers with your release, slowly sliding in one as his tongue still fucked into you. You couldn’t help rocking your hips against his face when he added another finger inside you. Scissoring, stretching you and rubbing against your spongy spot. You tugged at his locks when he came back up to suck at your clit again, you didn’t even notice the heat break in your belly until you gushed and clenched around his fingers. You pushed at his forehead from sensitivity, barely able to catch your breath when you pulled him up to kiss you. lips and chins dripping of you. Trailing your nails down his soft tummy following the happy trail underneath his boxers, you met him halfway stroking his thick cock with your slick. Still coating his hand, pre-cum dripping from his tip making the sounds completely pornographic.

“ ‘m not gonna last baby, want you so bad.” He whispered against your lips, breathing heavy with a sheen of sweat layering you both in the smell of sex.

“Need you too, wanted you ages ago.” You sassed, making him laugh against your cheek as he stood. You wrapped your legs around his waist, his cock twitched when it brushed against the inside of your thigh.

“You gotta big mouth on you, sweet girl.”

“You better do something about it, Harrington.” With a roguish grin he ran his length over your clit once before pushing ever so slightly inside. Taking your breaths away, you were the girl and only girl who could take Steve’s fat cock completely. He just has to ease you into it, inch by inch until his hip bone grazed the back of your thighs. Steve stood tall and far enough away you couldn’t kiss him from where you were sprawled out under him. You pulled and squeezed at your breasts still contained by your bra. His cock glistening with your slick as he pulled his hips back, then pushing deeper inside his sack pressed tight against your ass. Steve nearly loss his balance when you clenched around him, putting his hands under your knees. Folding you in half made it feel like he was in your throat, he leaned over you the pressure of his body as he set a ruthless pace set flames in your abdomen. Pounding his cock into you over and over again moaning out praises as he bullied all the way to your cervix. Punching breaths out of you watching as your tits bounced, you had enough pulling him fully on top you. Hands indenting his shoulders as your hips met his, clit pulsing and with need. 

“You feel so good. Shit, shit- I’m cumming, cumming inside.” Steve’s core tighten as he ran two finger over your clit, heat erupted across your body. You milked Steve dry, his warm seed and your three orgasms dripping from each others groin. You pulled him on top of you, comforted by his weight on you as his cock softened inside you. 

“Do you really want too?” You asked in the post orgasm bliss, running a hair through his now tangled locks. “I don’t want to trap you with amazing sex and joy but it’s definitely a perk.” Steve rose onto his elbows, still seated inside you. Brushing the hair out of your face, with softness.

“I’m sure we can wreck this bed a lot more than just cum stains.” Pushing at his chest, he pulled out of you gently. Scurrying to his bathroom where you listened as he turned on the faucet in the shower. Sitting up, he came back with all his glory. Hand raised for you to take, the same olive branch you’d given him at Starcourt. All this time. “I can’t wait to spend Christmas in our home, together.”

You’d never been so excited to spend the holidays with anyone else.

Masterlist 

[babygorewhore]

Let your fantasies unwind

Being a relative of John meant you often visited Hotel Cortez. The infamous James Patrick March left you notes and gifts over the years. But one night, he tells you to come into his room.

Oh my god, I finally had inspiration for murder daddy after months! This is also a reminder I still do write for AHS! I just have two other fandoms that I have so sometimes it takes time! Thank you for your patience!

Warnings! Oral! Unprotected sex! Hints of death!

Being the relative of John brought a heavy amount of shame from the public. Your cousin was a murderer. But the lull of the Hotel Cortez that you visited with his daughter truly hypnotized your desire to stay. You knew the ghosts. Liz, Elizabeth, Sally and the ones who were more malevolent. Your laced sleeves and skirt were fancy compared to your mundane job as a singer but the Hotel drove you to look your best.

But there was another reason you were here. Every time you arrived and drifted to the room where John laid with his family; a note and a small gift was left on his table. With your name on it. And it was always signed. JPM. James Patrick March. The murderer who still roamed the walls but never showed himself to you.

The notes were similar.

“For you. A sweet little gift for a sweet little girl. Yours, JPM.”

“Little mouse, here’s a necklace that reminds you of who’s heart belongs to you…JPM.”

The gifts you collected were necklaces, bracelets and occasionally silver trinkets that were molded animals. An elephant, wolf and then a crown. You kept them safe in your bedroom at home. You sighed to yourself when you once again saw another note.

You wanted to see him. So badly and you didn’t understand why he never made himself known to you. You’d seen portraits and heard descriptions from other people but you wanted to look into his cold dark gaze yourself. He was a mystery ghost.

You were a singer, a good one at that after years of practice and the sheet music he provided among his gifts. Sometimes you just spoke aloud to him. About your troubles. Your family and lack thereof as you sat down.

You opened the elegant envelope and the paper crinkled underneath your fingertips as you read the cursive lettering.

“My sweet little mouse. Looking so petulant and lonely. Give me a song, yes? I want to hear your breathless whimpers as I devour you and make you a part of this hotel…forever.”

Your entire body had chills. Gooseflesh prickled your arms as you glanced around the room. He was still watching you and then you noticed another note that appeared on the floor. You immediately rose off the chair and picked up the material.

“Come to my room. You know exactly which one…discard your clothing. I want to see what’s mine.”

Your breathing quickened but no fear pertained to you as you scurried down the halls and then met the door of his room. It was cracked open and you allowed yourself to step inside without knocking.

James' bedroom was spacious, adorned with newspaper articles about his crimes. Such things he viewed as vile accomplishments. You hugged yourself as you breathed in the chilled air.

But you were obedient as you stepped to his large mattress and took off your clothes. Including your underwear and bra.

This was more nerve wracking than a performance in front of a growing crowd as you laid down on the soft, comfortable bed.

“Hello, my dear.” You jolted to your elbows when you heard a voice, one that was admonished with depth, richness and a dash of danger. “You look absolutely devilish laying there for me.”

His jet black hair was slicked back and his white dress shirt and pants were pressed perfectly. His thin mustache was curled with his soft smirk as his dark eyes swept over your naked body. While his voice was calm, you didn’t mistake the apparent growing erection in his pants.

Your rose lipstick was nothing in comparison to the heat in your face. James circled with predatory determination as he traced the sheets with a ringed finger. Almost touching you but a hair away from your skin. “Oh, how I’ve longed for this moment, my little mouse. Frankly, I couldn’t speak through notes anymore. Do you know what I want from you?”

You shook your head, eyes wide with anticipation as he started to kneel. His long fingers gripped your thighs as he pulled you forward, your cunt glistening in front of his face. “I want to taste you. I want to enjoy what’s been waiting for me…”

His tongue laid flat against your clit as he then focused on kitten licking the underside before he delved inside; before starting all over again repeating the motion. Your fingers clawed at his hair, messily feeling the cast of gel that kept it in place. He moaned against your pussy, clearly enjoying the sensitivity as you bucked and rolled your hips against his sharp face. Your slick coating his entire mouth as he sucked the center.

“James-I-I can’t stop it-“ His only response was to dig his fingers deeper into your flesh as you rode his face.

Your stomach's tension released the overwhelming pressure and white hot pleasure burst through you. You breathed heavily as you calmed from your high that left you twitching with your eyes squeezing shut as he continued before slowly stopping and pulling back.

“Don’t worry, dearest. That was only the first of the letters I didn’t send. We’re just getting started, darling.” James undid his pants and boxers, letting his heavy cock with a red tip move towards you as he flipped you on your stomach.

Your hands were holding your weight as he slipped inside easily, thrusting his hips so hard you had to prevent yourself from falling. His hand wrapped around your neck as his dick reached the spot that caused you to curl, your hair was messy, causing sweat to grow around your head. James' breathing was quick and sharp. He wasn’t making much noise so you grinded against his movements.

“You. Belong. To. Me.” James growled as his grip tightened and you couldn’t breathe enough to respond.

His release coated your cunt and your thighs as he let out a heavy cry and you followed. James cum aided in him slipping out and let him insert three fingers, plugging you up. “No, this doesn’t get to go anywhere but your sweet cunt.”

You shuddered at his filthy words and your gaze cast to the forgotten letter on the floor as you settled on your back. James pulled up his boxers and laid beside you. You didn’t take him as an affectionate man, but his hand found your arm and he traced and leaned in.

His lips were tender as he kissed you and you were almost in shock as you understood you were kissing and fucked a ghost you’d transpired with for years. And it was better than any sort of fantasy that kept your hand busy during lonely nights.

“I never want to leave you, James. I want to stay with you forever.”

James cast you a glance. “Forever, my dear? Once you decide your fate, you can never go back.”

But your resolve was there. “I mean what I say.”

James smiled at you and stroked your cheek as he grabbed a pillow. “Close your eyes, dearest. It’ll be over soon. And we shall spend an eternity together.”

Tagging those who might like @marchsfreakshow @taintandviolent @xxhellfirebunnyxx @icannot3 @ifeeltoofuckingmuch @slvt4jamesmarch @elaine-in-the-membrane

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Family RoR x child reader who is learning some words like airplane but the reader says air pain. From the tik tok. Like it’s funny and this idea came to my head. How would the rest of the family react to child reader mispronouncing the names ? I think is very funny to think about it. Thanks

-It was a joyful day in your family, when you said your first word, ‘Fluff’ as that’s what you called anything that was soft and fluffy, like stuffed animals, blankets, those with luscious hair like Buddha, and anything cute.

-However, that led to rules that certain words were not to be said around you, as you were learning by repeating things, and Adam and Odin both threatened everyone if they taught you a bad word, whoever taught it to you was going to be buried in the backyard.

-You had been gifted picture books with all sorts of things from animals to places to inanimate objects that had a picture of the item then the word and everyone’s been taking turns reading to you, saying the word so you could repeat it and learn.

-Some words you had no issues with, thanks to Buddha and Loki who taught you ‘snacks’ and Jack taught you how to say ‘tea’ and ‘book’ properly, running up to him as he’s drinking tea, holding a book, “Papa- book!” which would always make him smile and he would read to you.

-You were sitting in Ares’ lap with Hermes sitting beside him, a look of concentration but also mild frustration on your face as Hermes was trying not to laugh, “Air plane.” You tried to mimic him, “Air pain!” he chuckled softly as Ares ruffled your hair gently, “You got one word- good job, but ‘plane’.”

-He sounded it out so you could hear the word and you repeated it a few times, getting mad that it didn’t sound the same before you finally got it.

-The two beamed at you and praised you, making you giggle as Ares cuddled you close before Ares grabbed a book about animals so you could practice.

-You pointed out the different animals, “Ef-efa- efalant! Tiger! Horsy! Ducky! Papa Hercy!” you were adorable, still having trouble pronouncing elephant, but what amused them was when you pointed at the lion, calling it ‘Papa Hercules’.

-A little while later you were going to spend time with Loki and Odin, you were standing by Loki in the kitchen as he got you a bowl of Cheerios to munch on.

-He handed it to you, and you beamed, “Fank you!” he grinned and the two of you headed to Odin who smiled, seeing you approach as they were going to read to you.

-You tripped and fell, spilling your cereal everywhere, but you weren’t hurt, popping back up, “Fuck!” the two men turned white, looking horrified as many who were also nearby looked at you in horror.

-Odin kneeled next to you while Loki was picking up your cereal, “Y/N who taught you that?”

-You beamed, not realizing that it was a ‘no-no word’ as you spoke, “Papa Polo! He drop his fancy juice and said it. We say when we drop stuff, right?”

-Loki was doing his best not to laugh, his hands over his mouth, trying to stifle his anger before Odin ruffled your hair gently, “Y/N- that is a no-no word, but you’re not going to get in trouble because you didn’t know.” You looked a bit worried about saying a no-no word but you calmed when he told you that you’re weren’t going to get into trouble.

-Loki could sense the impending storm and he wanted to be witness to the ass beating that was soon to commence.

-Nikola came over and smiled, “Want to come and get ice cream with me?” your excited, sparkling eyes were the only answer he needed as he picked you up as Loki grinned, “Odin and I will read to you when you get back! Bye-bye!” you waved at him and your other family members, not realizing that they were about to hunt down and bury Apollo in the backyard, since you were going for ice cream!

[eclecticqueennerd]

Zoo Date w/ The Boys

Hughie- He would be excited to go to the zoo. He hasn’t been since he was a little boy and went with his dad. I feel like he’d constantly tell you fun facts about the animals you see. “Did you know that Flamingos are born white, and they turn pink because of the type of food they eat? I think I read that somewhere.” You point to the information plaque on the enclosure “It also said it on that sign Hughie.” “Oh… I guess it does.” At the end of the day, on the way home, he’d complain about his feet hurting from all the walking you guys did.

Frenchie- hands down would love it, especially if he took acid before going. Can you imagine the acid kicking in by the time the two of you walked into the aquarium? “Look at this weird fucker, eh?” He would look like a kid on Christmas, making faces at all the fish that swam by and entranced by all the bright colors.

Kimiko- like Frenchie, she would love it. The zoo was a place where she felt normal and didn’t have to worry about using her powers. Her face would constantly light up and the sight of an animal she liked. After riding the Carousel, her smile stayed on until the two of you got back to the hideout.

MM- This man, he loves you, that’s the only reason why he’s here. He lost track of how many times he’s been to the zoo with his daughter Janine, so its lost its magic, but he likes to watch how your eyes brighten when you see the baby elephant running around in front of you. I feel like if you were short and trying to see something cool, he’d use his size to push people out of the way for you to get a chance to see it. I mean MM is a large intimidating man, but for you he’s a big softie. He would buy you a stuffed animal that you were eyeing in the gift shop.

Billy- When you finally convince Billy to take you out to the zoo, he reluctantly goes. While there, this man cannot relax! He’s looking behind his shoulder every few minutes to make sure that you’re not being followed, which you’re in a packed zoo, you’re gonna be followed at some point. “Oi cunt, you better not try anything.” He’d say at a man carrying a baby. “Billy, he’s got a kid.” “Aye the perfect coverup.” God you can’t take this man anywhere…

Ben- absolutely out of the question. He does not do well in crowds. You decided to stay home instead, watching a nature documentary. He’d constantly hmm, and haw in some parts where it was supposed to be interesting, but he really didn’t care. When it got to the mating ritual, Ben would attempt to do some ‘Netflix and Chill’ and you just couldn’t resist his charm.

Homelander- he took you to the zoo because of how well behaved you’d been. While there, he was instantly recognized and swarms of people would form around him, enclosing the two of you in a tight circle. This man knows how to deal with crowds, you not so much. He hears your heart begin to race over all the commotion. He quickly grabs you and the two of you fly off to get an ice cream cone. You were disappointed that your zoo trip was ruined by adoring fans and thought it was time to go back to the tower, until Homelander surprised you. The two of you revisited the zoo after hours. “I thought we were going home.” “No, my best girl needs to be rewarded.” “How’d you manage you get permission for us to be here? I was with you the whole day and I don’t remember you making a phone call.” “Honey, I don’t need permission, I’m the Homelander.”

[masterjedilenawrites]

All I Want for Christmas

Clone x Reader Life Day Exchange 2023

My gift is for the lovely @anxiouspineapple99! Hope you enjoy, and have a wonderful Christmas! 🎁❤️💚

Please go check out the @cloneficgiftexchange blog for all the other contributions to this great event! Fics are being posted all throughout today (12/16). Spread the love for fandom writers/creators by reblogging!

Fives x fem!reader | 2.8k words

Content: fluff, Christmas themes, snuggling for warmth, confessions, friends to lovers

Prompts: "Keep doing that and you'll end up on the naughty list." & "All I want for Christmas is you."

It was a crisp and windy night, though you wouldn't feel the effects of the cold right away. Your eagerness for the evening's activities would fill you with enough warmth for a short while, as would the enjoyable company of your best friend, Fives.

You were surrounded by many friends and clones, a group of you who tried as often as possible to celebrate the year's holidays together. This year, not everyone would be on planet when Christmas Day came around, but you'd all managed to find a night earlier in the month to come together and exchange gifts, share good food, and, as you were about to do now, walk around the neighborhoods to admire the lights.

And while you loved all your friends dearly, it was Fives who you'd been most eager to see. You felt closest to him the most. You seemed to understand each other so well, falling into step right where you'd last left off, as if he hadn't been gone for the past several months. As if there hadn't been whispers that his unit had fallen under attack and may not be coming home this time, leaving you numb with worry. As if you hadn't realized you were in love with him when you heard he would come back after all, safe and sound.

"What the hell is that?" he laughed beside you as you passed by a house that seemed to be quite normal.

"What's what?" You gazed around but could only see the standard set up of dazzling lights and festive lawn ornaments.

Fives wrapped an arm around your shoulders and pointed to two reindeer decorations... that were stacked rather suggestively on top of one another. "That."

You could only momentarily process how close he was, how warm you felt being held like that, before you fell into sync with his laughter. It was a pretty funny thing to come across, especially as Fives began to muse whether the owners of the house set it up that way on purpose or if they were pranked. Either scenario was humorous. He then insisted on taking a photo of you with the indecent display in the background.

Though your laughter over the reindeer had warmed you up, the moment you two spent over it caused you to fall behind the rest of the group. You could no longer see them on the street, nor could you hear their lively sounds of chatter.

"They must have turned that corner up there," Fives said as you two started walking again. He was no longer holding you but was walking alongside you a little closer than before. Or, at least that's what it felt like. Maybe you were just imagining it.

There was a little bit of silence as you passed by the next brightly lit house and admired it. But Fives wasn't one to keep quiet for too long.

"So, what do you want for Christmas?" he asked.

You forced your gaze away from the pretty lights to look at him, noting a flush in his cheeks but deciding it must be the wind.

"What do you mean?"

He chuckled a little. "What do you mean? It's a simple question. What's on your wishlist this year?"

"I just thought... never mind," you shrugged, having thought he wanted to know what to get you, which of course was silly since your group was doing a white elephant exchange this year. "Um, I don't know. There really isn't anything I want, to be honest."

Fives knocked his shoulder into yours, accompanied by a dramatic gasp. "You don't want aaaa-nything? Impossible."

You just smiled and shook your head. "Yeah, not really."

"So you're good? You're perfectly content? Everything in your life is amazing and you're in need of nothing more?"

Of course the answer to his questions was a lot more complicated than the simple "Yep" you responded with. You were content in this moment, walking alongside your best friend, enjoying the festivities of the season in his company. But before this moment, you hadn't really been happy. You'd been worried sick by his absence, impatient to see him again, doubting that he'd be as thrilled to see you. You'd been nothing short of lovesick and you had no idea how to admit such a thing to him now.

"I don't buy it," he said, bumping playfully against you again. "There has to be something."

You finally came up to the corner you assumed your friends had turned down. You took it without thought, knowing it would loop back around to your friend's house. A house that was starting to sound really appealing given that a chill was settling back in.

"Clothes?" Fives asked.

"Huh?"

"Like a nice scarf or a dress or something?" Oh, you realized he was still trying to figure out your Christmas wish list. "Or fuzzy socks?"

"I have plenty of fuzzy socks," you said. And with that thought, you realized your toes were getting rather cold, despite being wrapped in thick socks and boots. That then led to you recognize just how cold you were all over: your nose, your hands, your knees....

"Okay, then how about jewelry? Girls always like jewelry, right?"

You rolled your eyes as you dug your hands deeper into your pockets, searching for warmth. "I don't really need any more jewelry."

You weren't paying much attention to the lights anymore, instead picking up the pace so you could get back to the warmth of your friend's house sooner. Fives didn't seem to care about the lights, either. He was still trying to figure out your supposed Christmas wishlist.

"What about a box of chocolates?"

"I buy enough chocolate as it is."

"A candle?"

"Pretty sure half of the white elephant gifts in there are candles."

"Hm... You like games right?"

"I have enough games."

"Nonsense, you can never have too many games."

"Well, when your friends aren't around to play them with you, you can."

Fives was silent. You looked over to find he was watching you with a sort of sadness in his eyes. No, not sadness... guilt.

"I'm sorry," he said after a beat. "I wish I was around more..."

"No, no," you were quick to jump in, not wanting him to feel that way at all. "It's fine. It is what it is. We all know that."

Fives nodded but didn't seem convinced. He looked away, stared straight ahead, as you passed by the last house and arrived at your friend's. The change of course up to the porch seemed to snap him out of his mindlessness and bring him back into better spirits.

"A puppy!" he declared as you approached the door. Both of you were stomping your shoes against the wood of the porch to dislodge any dirt you'd picked up along the way. "No one in the entire galaxy could say no to a puppy."

You huffed out a laugh of defeat. "Okay, sure, I'll take a puppy for Christmas."

He laughed with you as you opened the front door. You expected a wall of warmth to hit you, accompanied by smells of food and chatter of friends. Instead you were met with dim lights, silence, and a cold that almost rivaled the frigid air you'd just walked in from.

"What the..." Fives joined your confusion in the entry hall, and then snapped his fingers as he realized something. "Kix said he knew someone in this neighborhood. They all must have gone there. We beat them back."

You vaguely recalled passing by a house with loud voices from inside, surely including voices from your friends, but you were too busy trying to warm your hands now to dwell on it further. Fives placed a gentle hand on your back as he scooted past you and down the hall toward the thermostat. He messed with it a bit as you shuffled into the little den off the entry. You were reluctant to remove your coat and scarf when it was still so cold.

"Hm," Fives frowned, joining you a few moments later. He flicked on a lamp on the table beside you. "Heat's not coming on. Something's broken."

"Can you fix it?" You tried not to let your teeth chatter.

"Yeah..." he trailed off and you followed his gaze to the fireplace on the opposite end of the room. His lips quirked, a sign he was going to get up to something. "Or... we could have ourselves a cozy little fire instead!" 

He shuffled around the sofa and started investigating the decorations on top of the mantle.

"What?" you asked as you stepped around the sofa as well.

"Ah ha!" He opened up what had looked to be merely a decoration of an old fashioned truck, but apparently doubled as storage for some matches. In no time, Fives had started a humble fire amongst the wood in the fireplace and was stepping back toward you.

"Take your coat off, get cozy!" he laughed in delight, sitting down on the sofa and patting the cushion next to him.

You reluctantly shrugged off your coat. You could feel little puffs of warm air from the fire but the room overall was still too cold to be comfortable. You let out an involuntary shiver as you joined Fives on the sofa.

"Uh oh," he teased, scooting closer. "Need to cuddle for warmth?"

You knew his offer was in jest, but you couldn't resist the thought, especially when your cheeks were already heating at an alarming rate just by sitting this close. Fuck it, you decided, and promptly slid your arms around his middle and pulled him close.

"Well okay then," he laughed in amusement, wrapping his own arms around you in return. He wasn't angry, which you took as encouragement and buried your frozen nose into the crook of his neck. You felt one of his hands come up to rest on the back of your head, keeping you in place for a wonderful, peaceful moment.

You warmed up fairly quickly, though your fingers still felt numb. Without thinking, you shifted a bit and slid your hands underneath Fives' shirt, seeking the warmth of his skin. His muscles tensed in response.

"Whoa there," he chuckled lowly. "Keep doing that and you'll end up on the naughty list."

The heat from the blush on your cheeks immediately shot through the rest of your body. You were mortified. Fives was your friend, what were you doing?

You detached yourself quickly and mumbled an apology. He was still laughing a bit so you joined in nervously, but not daring to meet his eyes. Not when you were this flustered. He relaxed back onto the sofa and draped an arm along the backside, just beside your head.

"So, um, what do you want for Christmas?" you asked, trying to get past your awkwardness and back to the easygoing state of your friendship, despite the ache deep within your chest that yearned for something more.

"Me? Oh, nothing much."

Now you looked over at him, balking. "Fives!" 

"What?" he grinned.

You swatted at him. "You just gave me shit for not wanting anything!"

"I said I didn't want much, not that I didn't want anything at all."

You huffed. "Okay, then what is this 'nothing much' that you want?"

His smile didn't completely disappear, just settled into something a little softer, more pensive. He cocked his head a bit as he looked at you, considering what to say.

"Would you be mad if I said that all I want for Christmas is you?"

You blinked at first, unable to come up with an other reaction. How could you? How could you process such a confession? Was it even a confession? Or was he just being cheeky?

You forced yourself to clear your throat. "Mad? Confused is more like it."

"Confused?" He smirked for only a second before settling back into that strange and soft look. "What's so confusing?"

"Uh... I mean..." you stammered through an awkward laugh. "What does that even mean? You want me... to do something? To... to... see me? You're seeing me right now..."

Your skin was still alight with a fire that seemed to burn brighter than the one in the fireplace. You were so flustered, and Fives was getting a real kick out of it.

"Calm down, cyare," he laughed, scooting a little closer and taking your hands into his. "I want you, as in, I want to... you know.. be with you."

He was starting to get a little shy himself, though you weren't really paying attention. Your heart was threatening to beat its way out of your chest, so you instead focused on the feeling of Fives' hands wrapped around yours. So warm, so firm. They grounded you just enough for his words to sink in. He wanted to be with you.

Now you felt like you were floating. That nasty knot that had settled into the pit of your stomach, back when you'd thought he wasn't coming home, was finally coming undone. Freeing you from its weight. Letting you soar with hope for a different kind of future with your best friend.

When you finally brought your eyes back up to meet Fives', you could finally see the blush in his own cheeks, the way his eyes searched yours for validation. He'd made himself vulnerable in a way he'd only ever been a handful of times with you. Like when he'd confessed how frustrated he was about the war, how angry it made him sometimes to think about it, how he secretly held dreams of one day escaping and living a normal life somewhere. You thought back to those conversations now, viewing them in a different light. You'd always wondered what his idea of normal was, if it included anyone else... anyone like you. And now you were starting to get an idea that it did.

"I'm sorry if this is sudden," he said quickly and quietly, filling in the silence you didn't mean to leave. "It's just... you know this last mission was... well, it didn't go very well. And it made me reevaluate my life. What I really want. And honestly, I couldn't stop thinking about you."

He gave a bashful smile and you returned it, easing his nerves just a little.

"I was really worried about you," you confessed, giving his hands a reassuring squeeze. "I didn't just want you to come back, I wanted you to come back to me. And I'm so glad you want the same."

You both laughed once more, though more out of relief than nervousness, and ended by resting your foreheads against each other. Fives then let go of your hands so he could bring his arms back around you and pull you close again. You let yourself rest against him with a contented sigh... and then bolted right back up as a thought occurred to you.

"Wait, you said you want me for Christmas?"

"Yeah..." Fives' eyes were wide with alarm.

"Just for Christmas? And that's it?"

The tension immediately left his shoulders as he realized what you were doing. He gave you a look and you used all your willpower to hold back your amusement.

"So when Christmas is all over, you'll be done with me?" you pushed on with the bit. "You won't want me anymore?"

"Ugh, cyare, please," Fives rolled his eyes and tried wrapping his arms around you again.

"I just want to be clear about this." Your voice was breaking, as was his own act to be annoyed. The two of you could never hold it together for very long.

"Of course I'll want you after Christmas is over," he said through a chuckle. "I'll want you for Valentine's and for your birthday and all the solstices..."

"So you only want me on holidays?"

"You're killing me here, you know," he grumbled into your shoulder.

You would've continued with your teasing, but just then the front door opened behind you, letting in your missing friends. Even if you and Fives had tried to act innocent, you wouldn't have been quick enough. Whatever they'd been talking about on their way in immediately changed into a chorus of gasps and cheers.

"Well it's about time!"

"Oh my god!"

"Finally!"

"I knew it!"

You snuggled closer to Fives, in part to hide your embarrassment, but also to escape the wisp of cold air your friends had let in with them. Fives laughed along with the commotion while holding you, and it felt like the most natural thing, being in his arms like this.

"For the record," he later whispered into your ear, when things had died down with your friends enough, "I want you every day for the rest of my life. If you'll have me."

You smiled into his chest and held him closer.

"Of course. You're all I want, too."

Every Character Tag: @dangerousstrawberrypie, @justanothersadperson93, @arctrooper69, @sleepycreativewriter, @techie-bear, @theroguesully

Clone Bois Tag: @kaijusplotch, @rebel-finn, @lucyysthings, @marvel-starwars-nerd, @nekotaetae, @severalseashellsbytheseashore, @lackofhonor, @flowered-bicycles, @foodmoneyandcats, @nahoney22

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[anincompletelist]

rwrb christmas recs! ❤️

hi all! :D i wanted to rec some festive fics for the holidays for fic rec friday this week!

I'm sure that I've missed some and that some are still to be posted, which will be included in the january rec if so! but here are a few that I've particularly enjoyed reading this month -- the holidays can be a difficult time for many of us and fic - both reading and writing it - can be such a wonderful distraction!

I hope all of you are doing well and being kind to yourselves and to one another this season. happy reading, and as always be sure to spread the love with a kudos, comment, or reblog if possible. enjoy, and happy christmas! <3

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fell apart (in the usual way) by @hypnostheory (E, 12k)

Henry is a mess around the holidays, and he's expecting to have a tremendously horrid time without Shaan. Fortunately, Alex has plans to make his Christmas both merry and bright. (Bodyguard!Alex Part 2)

When I Think About You by @clottedcreamfudge (E, 36k, wip)

Dream sharing is absolutely not a thing, even though Alex would very much like it to be. The magic of soulmates, however, means that someone you’ve never met – someone whose soul is tied to yours, in whatever way that manifests – can appear in your dreams, like an extra character who keeps popping up over and over again. They won’t be having the same dream as you, and you won’t actually meet, but whatever you remember from the dream can start to take shape in your waking hours; you can figure things out, bit by bit, dream by dream.

Gonna Give You Something (So You Know What's On My Mind) by @affectionatelyrs (E, 4k+)

With the help of a white elephant gift, Henry learns that maybe the whole being-in-love-with-his-roommate thing isn’t as one-sided as he thought.

Every Day's a Holiday (When I'm Near To You) by bleedingballroomfloor (E, 30k)

I know this is a long shot, but if anyone’s going to Texas/anywhere south for the holidays and is crazy enough to drive there instead of fly, I’m looking for a road trip buddy. We can split gas money and snacks if you pick good ones. DM me if you’re interested. And Henry knows he's about the make the most idiotic decision he's ever made in his life. [Or, Henry impulsively tags along with Alex on a road trip to Texas with absolutely no plan. Surely this won't backfire.]

The Christmas Guest by @omgcmere (E, 17k)

Alex is looking forward to a relaxing winter break catching up with his sister after her semester abroad, but June's gone and ruined everything by inviting her insufferable international student friend to stay with their family for a real American Christmas experience. Henry is irritatingly gorgeous with a completely obnoxious superiority complex, and Alex is prepared to hate every single second he's forced to spend in his presence. As Alex starts to get into the Christmas spirit, however, he finds that maybe there's more to Henry than meets the eye - and maybe, just maybe, this will actually be the best Christmas ever

❤️ and if you finish all of these or don't see something you like, be sure to check out this wonderful collection!

New Traditions: A Red, White & Royal Blue Advent Calendar Event

featuring so many beautiful and lovely works by @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @adreamareads @lizzie-bennetdarcy @whimsymanaged @raysletters @sparklepocalypse @thinkof-england @littlemisskittentoes and more!

❤️ as well as a few rwrb holiday fic roundup posts I've seen floating around:

cricketnationrise's holiday fics / @cricketnationrise chamel's holiday fics / @cha-melodius railmedaddy's holiday fics / @rmd-writes allmylovesatonce's holiday fics / @three-drink-amy clottedcreamfudge's holiday fics / @clottedcreamfudge

❤️ and, last but most definitely not least, a wonderful and thorough rec from @roseharpermaxwell (thank you for all you do!)

RWRB FirstPrince Holiday Recs

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happy reading friends! :D

xx

[yellowkitkieran]

Birdie and Fox (Kieran Tierney)

Masterlist

Word Count: 3.2k

Summary: On Kieran's birthday, you and your best friend spill your guts and admit to the elephant in the room.

“Happy birthday, Kieran.” Alongside the elaborately wrapped boxes, the small black one that fits in the palm of your hand feels insignificant, even with the red bow meticulously tied on the top. Your cheeks are on fire when you hold it out to Kieran, who's smile grows as he carefully plucks it from your hand. 

Harboring a crush on one of your best friends isn't an easy secret. Kieran’s naturally flirtatious personality means you toe the line each day, often pushing the limit between friends and something more. More than once you've convinced yourself that maybe Kieran feels something too. A lingering touch, a stare that catches on you a heartbeat too long, a compliment that leaves you stuttering. But he's Kieran and you're his friend, so surely you're imagining things. 

“Thanks darlin’, you didn't have to get me anything! I told ya before, I dinnae need any gifts. What is it?” Before he even opens it, Kieran wraps a strong arm around your shoulders for a tight hug. Every muscled inch of his side is pressed against your own. The black and white tiled kitchen presses in on you, which is the excuse you give yourself in order to justify leaning into him just a touch. 

“Don't get your hopes up, it's nothing special.” You're acutely aware of his heat, soaking into your bones through your fisherman's sweater. You recover after a few seconds and wrap your arms around his waist to quickly return his hug before stepping out of his embrace. 

“You know I had to get you something though,” you murmur. “Just open it- it's not as elaborate as some of the other things your teammates have gotten you, but hopefully you still like it?” 

Kieran's eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles again and carefully unties the ribbon. “I'll love it cause it's from you.”

“Suck up.”

Kieran curls the freed length of ribbon around his finger with care, like he doesn't want it to get swept away on the wind. Strange for him to want to keep something so small, but it's distinctly Kieran to do so. The little things mean the most to him. 

“You know I'll always love anything you get me. It's enough of a present that you could make it today, I'm glad your supervisor let you have an extra day off.” Kieran bumps you with his hip and laughs that musical laugh that you're borderline obsessed with. You could get more drunk on the sound than you could on top shelf bottles, and you'd enjoy it more, too. 

You roll your eyes, shifting from foot to foot. The anticipation is killing you; Kieran is purposely dragging this out. Is it because he's trying to embarrass you or is it because he simply doesn't want you to leave his side yet? No, he just loves to see you squirm. His head is tilted in that annoyingly adorable way as he watches you try and puzzle him out. Why is it that today of all days you've lost your senses around him this terribly? 

You shake the thoughts from your head and say, “just open it will you? The boss man could call me any second and demand I drop everything to head over.”

Kieran frowns, fingers stilling on the black lid of the box. “You wouldn't go, would you? Because I'd be upset if you left me here with this lot of animals, Birdie.”

“Ugh- Kieran come on!” You shove him, though the brick wall of muscle barely sways an inch. Now your frown mirrors the one on his full lips and you sigh. “Unless you're gonna pay my car note, I'd have to go in if he called, yeah. You can handle these animals-” you gesture out of the kitchen to encompass the few dozen lads, wives and girlfriends who mingle in the living room, “all on your own. You've done it before!”

“I would.” The words tumble out of Kieran in that deep timber that only surfaces when he's utterly serious. “You know I would. I barely get to see you anymore since the season started- your new job keeps you way too busy and I dinnae ken how it doesn't drive you as crazy as it drives me.”

You rub your hand over your arm, sighing through your nose. Honestly, you picked this job because the schedule doesn't line up well with Kieran's. And it does bother you to be apart from him for days at a time when you're so used to seeing him often. It's for the best though. At least that's what you tell yourself. It's become increasingly hard to be in his presence the last few months as your little crush has blossomed into something unbearable. Each time he laughs, your heart stops. When you catch a glimpse of his smile from across the room, you can't think straight for ages after. And his eyes, especially now when they're lit up by the setting sun filtering through the window above the sink, you aren't sure how you'll ever manage to deny him what he wants. 

So you listen to your heart for once instead of your brain and quietly murmur, “I'll try to be around more, Key. I promise.” Because you can't continue to allow your head to overrule what you truly want. Kieran makes you happy- and don't you deserve to be happy?

Seemingly satisfied with that answer for the moment, Kieran nods and moves almost imperceptibly closer to you as he finally pulls the lid from the box. You can't bring yourself to watch as he pulls a silver tie clip out, engraved with the date of his first goal for Arsenal on the front and his initials on the rear. Though simple, it cost you a pretty penny. You hadn't batted an eye however, because it was for Kieran, and for him you would gladly empty your pockets of every last coin. 

“Oh, this is lovely, Birdie. This is- it's perfect.” Kieran's hand closes over the bar and he tucks his closed fist to his chest as one might do with something precious they wish to protect at all costs. “Honestly love, I cannae find the words, it's just…” 

At this point, you feel like you're on fire. Your palms are clammy, and your throat is thick. “It's not that amazing. I mean, it's not the new Playstation Martin got you, that's for sure. It's just a dumb tie clip.” You can't bring yourself to tell him there's more. Hopefully he doesn't notice the thin purple band that's still nestled in the box and you can scurry off to your flat instead of making a bigger fool of yourself. 

“Anyone can buy me a Playstation. That's just money, Birdie.” There's that dumb nickname again- a holdover from when you were younger and he insisted on having codenames. Yours stuck around, even if you rarely used his. ‘Fox’ is saved for special occasions. Not only has the connotations behind such a name become something that's a bit harder to justify now, but you relish the pink that creeps up Kieran's neck when you use it.

You're snapped out of your head when Kieran presses his lips to your cheek. Your gasp is audible, you're positive- but Kieran either doesn't notice or doesn't care. “Thank you, Birdie. This is the best gift someone has ever gotten me.” You open your mouth to say something to brush off the remark when Kieran shakes his head. “It's the thought behind it that matters to me, not the money. Honest, I promise you that I'll cherish it.”

“You mean that, yeah?”

Kieran’s answer comes in the form of him clipping the silver bar onto the collar of his shirt, like he's proud to wear it even if it doesn't go with his outfit even the slightest bit. Seeing him wearing it so openly with that wild smile has you feeling a touch reckless.

Well, if he likes it that much… 

You swallow hard and try to ignore your racing heart. “There's uh… there's more in the box, Key. I um… made you something? It's nothing special, just something small.” You rush to get the words out as he notices the bracelet. It really is simple- nothing more than purple and white embroidery floss braided in a tight, durable weave. It's a technique you learned at sleepaway camp as a child, and something you still indulge in now and again. 

“Oh… you- you made this?” Kieran rubs the bracelet between his thumb and forefinger, the edge of his nail catching on a thread slightly. He smooths it over and hums quietly. 

For the first time in years, you aren't sure what to make of Kieran's reaction. Normally you can read him like an open book but now? You have no idea what's going on inside his head and it terrifies you. 

Kieran clears his throat and blinks rapidly. Then he holds out his wrist and says hoarsely, “can you put it on for me? Please.” 

“Yeah, sure.” Your fingers shake when you take the bracelet from him. You can't meet his eyes and fiddle with the button sewed at the end. “You don't have to wear it Kieran, I understand if-”

“Just put it on Birdie. Please.” 

“Alright…” As much as you try, you can't say no to him. So you take Kieran's hand, turning it over and fastening the bracelet around his wrist. The shade of lavender you chose suits his sun-kissed skin perfectly. You have it on him in seconds, as you thought ahead and made it easy to take on and off. Though you should drop his hand now that your task is complete, you run your thumb over the center of his palm and over his wrist, just below the bracelet. Kieran's pulse races when you press down slightly. Neither of you moves save to meet the other's eyes.

Though the party is in full swing mere steps away, it may as well be just the two of you in the room. The chatter of his teammates and friends fades to background noise. It's just a dumb bracelet, but Kieran looks at you like you've just handed him ten million pounds. Kieran squeezes your hand. You both speak at the same time then, talking over each other. 

“I think-”

“Maybe we should-” 

Kieran's laugh has your stomach in knots. You still haven't let go of his hand. More notably, Kieran has yet to pull away. 

“Kieran! Saka wants to cut the cake- if you're not here in thirty seconds he might eat the whole thing!” 

Martin's shout has the two of you separating as if on fire. You fist your hands in the skirt of your dress, finding anywhere to look other than Kieran's face. Tucked away as you are in the corner of Kieran's kitchen, it's understandable how caught up you'd gotten in him. Martin had simply brought you back to reality. 

“I'll be right there,” Kieran calls back. Then, quieter, Kieran adds, “Can we talk later?”

“You should probably go be with your friends, Fox. And I should go too- I think I need to head to work.” You turn and grab your bag off the counter, but the hand Kieran places on your waist freezes you in place before you can slip out the door past him. 

“You didn't think I was gonna let you get away that easy, did ya? Just stay with me. You and I both know your phone hasn't even gone off. You're just trying to escape because you're scared.” 

Kieran tips his head to meet your downcast eyes. He knows you too well for you to try and lie through your teeth; he would see right through it, so there's no use. “I'd really, really love it if you stayed, Birdie. Don't run off on me.” 

It's the tender, loving kiss that Kieran presses to your forehead that seals it for you. You've gone completely, utterly, wholly head over heels for your handsome Scotsman and there's no use denying it anymore. Somewhere along the way you've started to love him. You've come to terms with it now, because you weren't wrong. There's something there, it's not as one sided as you thought.

You nod, because clearly Kieran isn't leaving this room before you answer him. Your nod of agreement makes him smile, and he places a hand under your chin to have you look up at him properly. “We'll talk in a minute, yeah? I promise.”

That minute turns into an hour, though you don't hold Kieran accountable for it. You are far from his only friend, and it wouldn't be fair for you to monopolize his time. So you occupy yourself by chatting with the lads you know well enough to catch up with, and joking with the others you don't. Kieran keeps you close to him as much as possible, subtly tugging on the sheer sleeve of your dress to direct you to follow him, go there, shift closer to him. You don't mind, mostly because you're certain to bolt if Kieran lets you out of his sight. 

Once people begin to filter out, you make yourself busy with tidying up. Plates, cups and various silverware are stacked in the sink. Abandoned drinks are emptied and crumbs are swept up whilst Kieran plays host. Soon enough the music is turned off and Kieran is grabbing the broom from your hands. “You didn't have to do all this, you know. I was gonna clean up in the morning.”

“I wanted to make myself useful. I can't sit still, you know that!”

“Oh, I know. How about you make us some tea and I'll finish up in here? Because you've done enough for tonight, Birdie.”

The kettle boils long before you are ready to face Kieran again. Your head is a mess of jumbled thoughts that crisscross over one another like a bowl of spaghetti, all intertwined and tangled with no hope of unknowing them. The tea is steeped and cups are poured by the time Kieran joins you in the kitchen, and he grabs his favorite mug and takes a satisfying sip. 

“I've always said you know how to make the best cuppa in London.” Kieran grins whilst you stare into the surface of your own tea. Sensing your clouded mind, he sets one hand on the counter between you, less than an inch from your own. You watch out of the corner of your eye as his pinky moves millimeter by millimeter towards yours until his hand half covers yours. It is as much of an invitation as it is a test. 

You aren't going to be afraid anymore, that's what you told yourself. Today is a day for risks, for jumping in headfirst without knowing how deep the water is. No more second guessing, no more harboring secrets. Enough being scared and holding your cards close to your chest. 

“About earlier,” you start in a voice that is thankfully even, “did you… I mean, it seemed like you were ready to say something before Martin interrupted.”

“Oh, right. I was.” Kieran sets his mug aside and turns towards you. Instinct has you doing the same, your head tipped back slightly to meet those warm brown eyes you would love to sink into. “It's just…” Kieran sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. Picking at his nails has been a nervous habit of his for years, so when you see him indulging said habit, you gently take his hands in yours. If Kieran cannot be steady, then you will be. Where one is not strong, the other becomes their steadfast anchor. 

“Hey, you can tell me. Go on, be a good lad and find your words for me, Fox.”

Kieran's cheeks turn red in a hurry. “No helping matters when you call me that, Birdie! Look, all I'm sayin’ is I really care for you. As in… as in more than a friend. And if you don't, that's fine! We can pretend I dinnae say a word.”

“Kieran, for once in your life just be quiet.” Your free hand rests on the nape of his neck. Even as you're rising up on your tiptoes, Kieran can't keep his mouth shut though. 

“I cannae be quiet, not when you're looking at me like that- heywhatareyou-” 

Kieran finally shuts his damn mouth when your lips meet his. Neither of you wastes any time. Kieran holds your jaw like you're made of glass, tender and soft. You sigh wistfully and press your front to his. Kieran opens for you, allowing your tongue to sweep against his in a dance that feels so practiced, it feels like the hundredth time you've kissed him. The whole thing comes naturally, like you've gone into this knowing exactly what he likes and doesn't like. 

“Strawberry,” you murmur when you break to breathe. “You taste like strawberry.” You begin to giggle with your forehead resting on Kieran’s shoulder. “Why on earth do you taste like berries?! Have you been swiping my lip balm?”

You welcome the tight squeeze Kieran inflicts upon you, as well as the butterflies that seem intent on residing permanently in your stomach. “So what if I have? You would nae want to kiss a lad with rough lips, would you?” 

“Oh, absolutely not. I wouldn't have kissed you if they didn't look so soft!”

“Mhm, exactly. So don't complain and just be happy that I thought of you and your comfort!”

“I'm sure that's exactly what you were thinking when you stole it from my coat pocket. You knew I was gonna kiss you tonight, didja?”

Kieran's shoulder lifts in a shrug. The nonchalance of it has you smiling like a fool. He's so effortlessly pretty that you can't help but admire him. “One way or another that was my plan, darlin’. I wasnae letting you slip away from me.”

Soft kisses are placed on each of your cheeks before Kieran smiles at you again. “So? What do you say?” 

Your fingers pause their tracing on his chest. “What do I say about what? You haven't asked me anything.”

“Come on Birdie, you know what I mean.” Of course you do, but you want to hear him say it. You remain stoically silent, staring up at him with your best confused face as you wait for him to ask you properly. 

“You're really gonna make me say it?”

“Like you haven't been dreaming of asking me anyway. It's a formality but I expect nothing but pampering, Kieran.”

You are distracted by the curve of Kieran’s throat when he tips his head back and laughs. “You're adorable, you know that? Alright, I'll ask you properly sometime soon. But at least promise me that you won't go around snogging other lads in the meantime, yeah?”

Your thumb rubs off the smudge of your lipstick left behind on his lips. “I think that's a promise I can make, Fox. Easiest promise ever.”

[xpau-official]

A white elephant gift exchange would go crazy

Half the people there wouldnt take it serious at all giving some joke gift while others get extremely intense with it

Oh geez. There’s a competition of both the best and worst gifts going on at the same time. Hopefully the danger level is kept low…

[honeytrap26]

White Elephant

Choso Kamo x Reader

summary: The five of you get together for a white elephant gift but Choso is having a hard time finding a white elephant. cw: SFW, fluff, aunote: I know Christmas is long gone and it's 2024…buttttttt I saw this writing prompt and Choso immediately popped into my mind. Enjoy and happy reading! 🐼🖤 wc: 500+ (proofread)

“It’ll be fun, but you boys better put some thought into your gifts. I don't want an earthworm man t-shirt.” she narrows her eyes at Yuji.

“It’s not called earthworm man! It’s called Human Earthworm 4. It’s such a sad movie, you don’t understand it, Nobara.” Yuji wipes away an imaginary tear.

Nobara and Yuji start to bicker about the movie.

Choso taps your shoulder.

“What’s up?” you turn around to look at him.

“What is a white elephant?” Choso scratches his face. You and Megumi look at each other, he shrugs his shoulders and continues to sip on his black coffee.

“Ah that's right you probably wouldn’t know. Its when-”

“Where you have to find a present that you think the other person would like. Last year I got Gojo-san a huge Santa hat for secret Santa!” Yuji explains to Choso.

“So I have to find a white elephant.” Choso nods his head. “That should be easy.”

You all nod in unison.

“White elephant gifts are pretty easy if you know your friends well enough. They come in all shapes and sizes.” Yuji says.

For the next few weeks Choso struggles to find a white elephant. Where would he even find one anyway. He thought it would be as simple as picking one up at the store, but he was wrong.  Choso went to this place called a zoo, he was kicked out by the security guard when he jumped into the animal enclosure trying to find a white elephant. Alas it was the last day for him to find a gift. All of you had already picked out a gift, maybe he wasn’t quick enough, maybe there were only so many of these “white elephants”. Christmas day arrives and the five of you huddle together to start your white elephant gift exchange. You draw a number and pick the gift that was wrapped very messily.

“It’s actually a white elephant plushie…” Nobara covers her face, she looks over to Yuji, “what kind of trick do you think you’re playing here!”

“I-it wasn’t me! I got the Human Earthworm shirt!” he grabs his gift bag.

“You what! I told you to not get that earthworm man shirt” Nobara yells at him.

“It’s Human Earthworm!!” Yuji yells back, Nobara is chasing him around the room. Choso is sitting next to you, clearly embarrassed that he messed up.

“Choso, is this your gift?” you turn and look at him, he nods quickly.

“I’m sorry” his head hangs low, “I wasn’t able to find a white elephant big enough to show you how much I care for you.”

“Wait what?” Megumi chimes in.

“I was not able to find a worthy white elephant to give to my beloved.” he frowns, avoiding eye contact with you.

You snort trying to hold back your laughter and Megumi covers his mouth laughing quietly, his shoulders shaking.

“You’re adorable, I love this gift. Thank you.” you give Choso a kiss on the cheek.

“It’s the best white elephant gift I’ve received.”

Choso’s face turns bright red, he mutters to himself  “Next year I will find a real white elephant.”

[cosmicpearlz]

under the mistletoe

summary: you friends decided enough was enough and had a plan to set you guys up together.

pairing: ajax petropolus x reader

day 2 of ficmas (december 20th, 2022)

…………………………………………………………………………….

you and ajax had a history of being the best friends that nobody could tell if you were dating or simply just friends. from lingering touches to you sitting on his lap at almost every party to pet names and even long hugs that ‘just friends’ don’t do. the friend group was planning on how to get you guys to confess to each other and the upcoming christmas party was definitely the perfect time.

it was an ugly sweater christmas party held at xavier’s house. of course, everyone had to wear an ugly sweater well except wednesday. she had threatened to murder enid when the girl tried to get her to put on the christmas sweater. wednesday didn’t even really want to go but enid had practically begged her to go and to get her to shut up, she reluctantly agreed to go.

“hi guys! sorry i’m late, the traffic was nuts,” you walked in to greet everyone with a smile. upon hearing your voice, ajax snapped his head up at the door completely forgetting the conversation he was in with kent.

“baby! i missed you,” the gorgon stands to meet you and pull you into hug. you felt yourself melt into his arms like you always did. he tended to have the feeling over you.

“you just saw me last week when school went on winter break.”

“a week too long. come, let’s get you some hot chocolate, yeah?” you nodded at the boys words and let him lead you by hand to the kitchen.

“that was a dreadful sight. why must they always be like that?” wednesday muttered to herself and enid nudged her arm to knock it off.

“enid, i’m just pointing out the obvious. it’s quite disgusting.”

“okay, do we know which doorway we’re hanging up the mistletoe on?” bianca quickly glanced at the two of you who were clearly in your own worlds before leaning in to whisper.

“yes. it’s the doorway before you go into the music room. that’s where we’ll do the white elephant game because the tree is in there. but remember, they must be the last to come in!” xavier reminded everyone and wordlessly everyone nodded along. the boy was pretty excited to help his best friend get his girl officially. when you and ajax walked back to the couches in the living room, they acted like nothing happened.

“so, what did we miss?” ajax took his previous seat guiding you to sit on his lap.

“nothing much besides how much fun white elephant was gonna be,” yoko didn’t understand how you guys didn’t even pay attention to anyone else but each other.

“oh yes! i’m so excited because i think i brought the best gift.”

“what’d you bring babe?” you looked at him while shaking your head.

“as if i would tell you,” ajax chuckled and placed a delicate kiss to your cheek.

-

“dinners ready!” xavier’s mom called out to the group of you from the dining room. everyone gets up to go to sit at the table. xavier’s mom decided to give you guys the space and not bother. his dad nowhere to be found, probably at work. xavier stopped relaying on his dad a while ago.

you went to sit next to ajax when xavier swooped in and sat in the seat. immediately following Kent sat in the other seat that was next to him. with furrowed brows, you walked around the table sitting across from him next to wednesday. you were a little upset that you didn’t get to physically sit next to the boy but hide it well. silently the group nodded once more to start the plan.

“so y/n, remember that guy patrick? the one from math class,” yoko smirked watching the way ajax’s jaw clenched. bingo, first indicator of jealousy.

“i mean yeah, what exactly about him?”

“he just was interested in you. i told him i’d mention it to you,” bianca sent you a smile while you suddenly felt uncomfortable.

“oh i’m just not interested in him. i’m sorry.”

“but you are single, right? why not just give it a shot?”

“enid she’s not interested,” ajax was quick to answer for you. he didn’t want to lose the best thing that’s ever happened to him. he’d think he would lose his mind if you were no longer in his life.

“i’m just saying,” enid shrugged her shoulders, “just think about it y/n.”

the rest of the dinner was quiet, the group had gotten you guys right where they wanted you. they could see ajax almost burst out the confession. step two was next.

“so everyone, white elephant is gonna take place in the music. c’mon,” as soon as xavier said that everyone was quick to get up. you’d almost laughed at them practically running to the room.

“you think they have something planned babe?” ajax whispered walking over to you helping you get up.

“honestly, i think they do. i mean i couldn’t sit next to you and the whole patrick situation,” you sighed throwing your hands up.

“are you gonna talk to patrick after break?” the boy was nervous to hear your answer but he needed to know even if his heart was currently thumping.

“what? absolutely not. i’m interested in someone else,” you looked down and smiled thinking about the boy standing right next to you. all ajax could hope was that you return those feelings he felt for you.

the walk to the music room was a short walk. when you got to the doorway, you noticed everyone had gotten quiet all of sudden. some staring and some smirking.

“hey ajax and y/n look up,” kent pointed up at the door. looking up you both found mistletoe neatly tape.

“it’s a christmas tradition. you wouldn’t want to break christmas traditions, right?” xavier faked the innocent smile he had. ajax turned to look at you with slightly warm cheeks.

“we don’t have to do this sweetheart.”

“what if i wanted to?” you gazed at him with a smile. instantly his hands were placed on your cheeks tilting your head more up before locking his lips with yours. finally, after years he’s kissing you. the kiss becomes a little more aggressive as ajax slides one arm around your waist pushing you more into him. you were careful not to mess up his beanie while your heads landed on his face.

“you guys are disgusting. this is unnecessary,” wednesday cold voice made you both step away from each other.

“well? are you guys finally together?! we set this whole thing up even down to talking about patrick,” enid almost couldn’t contain the squeal that came out of her mouth.

“oh so that’s what was going on?”

“yeah ajax, we knew it would make you jealous. got sick of seeing you guys act like a couple but saying you were just friends. so.. now what?” xavier asked his best friend hoping this plan the group had changed everything for the better.

ajax takes one glance at you and tighten the hold on your waist, “i’d say she’s officially my girl now.”

“yup, this sweet boy is officially mine,” you bring a hand to cover the little laugh you let out. you then guided the two of you to the floor where your friends were sitting in a circle and sat down in between his legs.

“okay let’s start the game!”



[thefoolishone666]

Kickin also once said

What is this? I have more? That is right @hiwelcometothemonstersancturary I have had way too much fun with the first, I have decided to drop kick the chicken through much more. Is this a good idea, no. Let's begin!

* Stand back, I know how to do the Wenis!

* Bubba, in reference to doing drunk Mario Party: The main thing is, I LOATHE alcohol, so I would hate every second.

Kickin: Just drink hot sauce. That is the next best thing for it.

* When did I become predictable!?

* (Building a boat on stream) Oh no, Mom is here. I am doing normal adult things, I swear. (Trying to hide the boat behind back)

* I am just saying, it was written in the stars that I would lose my leg. I would have liked to be told that Picky needed some emergency rations on that instead of it just happening, but at that point I am looking a gift horse in the mouth.

* (Watching Dogday play a rhythm game)...Catnap, I think Dogday is broken, he has not blinked once in the past minute.

* (Playing Blades in the Dark) Picky: Did you kill this person!?

Kickin:...Evidence wise no...but as a friend I can tell you that he insulted my hat.

* (Grabing Picky and lightly shaking) ARE YOU STRAWBERRY!?

* Anything that is pure white, is just as equally evil!

(30 seconds later)

...I just remembered Crafty exists...

* We did it! We killed an innocent man!

* (Camera is upside down and he has yet to notice) The fact that Bubba is just grinning while standing in the door has me nervous.

* Hoppy, I know you are mad at me, but letting yourself be juggle combo'ed is a great way to relieve stress.

* Não tenho boca e ainda assim devo gritar, or in English, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

* Picky: Should we do a cooking show intro or...

Kickin, instantly looking at camera: Boys, girls, and everyone in between, welcome to our new cooking show, "WAIT, WE CAN EAT EVERYDAY NOW!?" I am your pirate co host, Kickin, and this is Picky, currently still going through some character development.

* The best way to hide a body is to eat it...but this person is not a chicken, pig, or lamb, and we don't have a lamb in the gang, at least yet.

* The best way to not die is to eat, at least in my opinion...I am not looking at chat cause I know they are already asking if I ate anything yet.

* Poppy: Bubba sent you something from college!

Kickin: Yay! I love that elephant...Oh, Poppy, since you are here, you mind helping me?

Poppy: Sure. What is it?

Kickin: I need you to be a murderer.

* God...if you can hear me...you still owe me 5 bucks.

* Sometimes, life gives you a free drop kick in the groin.

* I will use the scientific method. (Closes eye and starts hits random buttons)

* Only three rules on this ship, remember to eat, remember to sleep, and if someone is neglecting to do 1 or 2, put them in a sleeper hold to force them to eat and/or sleep.

* What are friends but people you eat in a huge panic when food is low?

* In the name of the Father, Catnap, and my other Father. Amen.

* Hello it is I, the hatcher that is Billy.

* I AM THE CHICKEN SANDWICH KING! I am not a cow, so I can't be the burger King.

* I am made of tons of chicken, I can even name them. Nuggets. (Returns to game)

* I want to vote Theo. I have no proof he is the killer, I just want to do it for the bit. And pity revenge.

* Who says I can't be fabulous while firing myself out of a canon?!

* (Refering to how long till he called Angel parent on purpose) Who here wants to take bets on how long until I had an emotional breakdown?

* No joke, there have been days where I sign off the stream, get myself something to drink, and the entire farm will just hear, "SHOOT I NEED TO APOLOGIZE TO PICKY!" or whoever cause I don't pay attention to what leaves my face hole sometimes.

* Guys, sorry to interrupt the party, but I MAY have gotten stabbed and need some help.

* I would to dedicate the unnecessary slaughter of all the underworld's monsters to Dad, cause I am trying to regain what good is in my soul for committing to this...

* If I wear two eyepatches I become a super pirate!

* (Playing A pokemon soul link) Kickin: I got bad and shit news.

Bubba:...What is the bad news?

Kickin: I may have gotten a pokemon killed.

Bubba:...Which one?

Kickin: You know how happy you are when you got your favorite polemon in this...?

* (Singing) I gave my love a chicken...that had no face...

* Bobby is going to come in here one day without me noticing while I am playing Mortal Kombat and just clap when I get brutality, I already feel it.

* Cole, I like you, but why must you be lightening?

* What is Gender, but another thing we don't understand here.

* (Refering to the stack of golden apples he has) But I may need them later...(Eating rotten flesh)

* (Drawing on white board trying to figure out story of game) Then if this connected to this, and this to that...I just wrote a bunch of scribbles.

* You can't make me eat, shut up dad. (Realizes Angel is there) That wasn't towards you, I swear!

* My favorite weapons for stealth are a dagger, a pistol, and 55 pounds of TNT I always keep on hand.

* (Playing Something Wicked from Ultrakill) Why must Playtime help with this game!?

* But hate doesn't taste as good as my leg though!

* Today on, "Playtime ruined my life, now it ticks me off in the smallest of ways," fnaf lore.

* WHO GAVE THE DOG A KNIFE, AND WHERE CAN I MEET THEM!?

* So P3 has Dogday, P4 has Bobby, and P5 has Catnap...I am not bitter I am not in persona yet. You have no proof.

* (Refering to Phoenix Wright) WHERE WERE YOU WHEN WE WERE IN COURT!?

* A man with a knife is just a surgeon with a 100% mortality fate.

* If I get my mind trapped in the VR, make sure to tell dad.

* I already know what you are thinking and you are correct, I did make the dive bell horribly wrong and I am totally fine. (As he tosses a rock in a random direction in rage)

* Kickin: I am just sitting here scared as all hell, meanwhile these two are sitting back like, "Yes, nothing new here."

Catnap: Welcome to your new home in Silent Hills! You get used to your neighbors.

Kickin: It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day with our neighbors.

Crafty and Kickin: Won't you be my, won't you be my...

Kickin: Won't you be, my murderer?

* I think we can all agree Cathulu is out of all of our leagues.

* O que você vai fazer!? Me esfaquear!?

* I will be fine-FODA-ME, ISSO É UM TELEFONE!...(Covers face)...I got scared by a phone...

* Have a good night everyone, I am going to become dinner!