#but they are not having family over and decorating trees or whatever

[yeliuxi]

I venture into Tumblr's fyp. I see posts I've blacklisted because they were tagged christmas or xmas. I click view post. They are all about cnovel characters. I remember why I blacklisted the tag and why I should not click view post. The cycle continues

[aakeysmash]

christmas shopping, matching pajamas and family discounts

college!sukuna masterlist

"Why are we here again?" college!sukuna huffs from next to you for the umpteenth time.

"Stop acting like a little bitch. You asked me that 20 seconds ago, Yuuji is acting better than you," you hiss out, glaring at him. It's true though: the kid is trotting right in front of you two, not a care in the world, while his caretaker is currently dragging his feet on the pavement you're walking on.

"And you still didn't answer, fucker," he barks back, grimacing, kicking a little rock.

"Yes, I fucking did! I told you this morning we were going Christmas shopping! You never listen to me," you start, jutting your lip out and trying to play the victim. You know he hates it when you do it. "Maybe I should tell Yuuji how his big brother hates the idea of going shopping with him," you provoke, whispering so that only you and him know what you're talking about. He scoffs, offended.

"Liar. Don't you fucking dare-"

"Are you two fighting again?" whines Yuuji, turning around and pouting. You and Sukuna glance at each other before shaking your head at the same moment.

"No, we're getting along so well," you force yourself to smile.

"Yeah, she said she's so glad I'm accompanying her. Matter of fact, she said she's going to offer us lunch," Sukuna continues, an evil glint in his eyes when he hears you gasp.

"I did not-"

"Really?! Yippie!" screams Yuuji, coming to hug you violently. You stumble back, gritting your teeth, and reciprocate the hug while narrowing your eyes at the grinning tattooed man in front of you. He knows you're not able to say no to his brother.

When Yuuji runs inside the mall, you push Sukuna's shoulder, mumbling "bitch". He just chuckles, then boldly gets you close by placing one open hand on your lower back. You know he's just going to tease you, so you put both hands on his chest to fight back, trying to put some distance between you two, but the place is crowded and everyone is looking at you. A woman passes by you and looks at you weirdly, so you stop wriggling in his grasp, and he delicately pushes you even closer. You're chest to chest, his breath fanning over your features, grin ever present on his face, enjoying how you look pissed out of your mind. From the outside, it looks like you're hugging each other, when in reality he just puts his mouth on your ear to utter "Never play with me, baby. I know how to drive you mad," then frees you and walks behind Yuuji with his hands in his pockets, not turning back to see if you're following him or not. You're seething.

"Oh my God, Yuuji, look at these!" you swoon over a pair of pajama pants. They're a soft brown, decorated with little green Christmas' trees and little reindeers, a bright red Merry Christmas! on both knees.

"It's a set!" squeals the kid next to you, grabbing the sweater right on top of the piece of cloth you have in your hands. You both notice at the same time that the set comes both in adults' and kids' sizes. "Can we take it?" he asks you looking up, puppy eyes activated. Your heartstrings are pulled so tight you feel like you could implode if you look at his face for a second longer.

"Of course we can, I thought it was obvious," you say excitedly, grabbing his hands and jumping up and down with him in a circle while he laughs, smile on full display and brown eyes squeezed shut happily.

Sukuna, who has kept watching his phone for the majority of the time you've been inside the mall, raises his gaze when he hears your laugh mingled with his brother's. If you had been looking at him in that instant, you would've seen the brief soft glimpse that passed on his whole face when he took in how happy you both looked together. When you turn around, though, he's already schooled his features to appear bored.

"Are we done?" he yawns.

"Would you like to match with us?" you ask him, at the same time. You scowl and he scoffs.

"Hell no, girl. I'm not with whatever stupid shit y'all are doing," he says, trying to act tougher than what he actually feels like. Seeing you being kind to the only person in the world who shares 100% of his genes makes him feel things he doesn't want to acknowledge right now.

"You're a party pooper, 'Kuna," Yuuji mumbles, frowning. "Can we still match? I really want us to match," he adds, shily, looking at you. You're shocked. His cheeks are getting redder the more you gawk at him. "Sorry, you can say no-"

Your kiss on his cheek resonates all around the ally you're currently staying in. "Of course I want to match with you. We don't need your evil brother, Yuuji. Let's go try them on," you sweetly say, taking his hand and walking away from Sukuna, not before flipping him off. Yuuji is so giddy that he follows you like he's walking on clouds, his face slightly hurting from how hard he's cheesing.

Sukuna just stands there, baffled and even a little offended. He stiffens, noticing he still has his phone in his hands. He's so fast with it he's the first to remain shocked by his own actions: he hears the click of his camera and looks at the pic he's just taken, feeling his chest heavier than it's ever been. It's a beautifully taken pic, where you and Yuuji are squinting at each other, hand in hand, laughing. He turns off his screen, shakes his head and catches up to you. You're going to give him a headache if you continue being like this. Or a heart attack. Or both.

"Hello, what can I do for you?" the nice old lady at the checkout says.

"Hi, we'd like to take these two pieces," you kindly respond, handing her the pajamas you and Yuuji just tried on.

"Let me see... oh, we actually have a family discount on this! Is the daddy not going to take anything?" she innocently asks, looking over at your older roommate.

"Yo, I'm not his-"

Your eyes almost fall out of your sockets. "Ah ah ah! Silly us! We forgot his one! Just give me a second," you interrupt a scowling Sukuna, covering his mouth with your hand before he can finish his sentence, dragging him away. Yuuji gives the old lady a confused look, to which she responds with "Young parents these days," shaking her head.

"You're going to take the fucking matching set, Sukuna, and you're going to like it," you seethe, still dragging him away (well, it's more like he's letting you drag him away). You hear how he's trying to talk behind your hand. "Don't piss me off. I'm going to pay less to get more, and you're going to listen to me. Go." You ignore him and he raises one eyebrow, looking you up and down, before biting your fingers. You yelp and let him go, scowling. "I said go! And act like you care about me when we get there, we're a family until the discount tells us so!"

"Okay, ma'am," he grins down to you, wiping his saliva from the corner of his mouth with a slow movement, his gaze lingering a bit too much on the way you're panting.

"Move! Take your size and let's go! Yuuji is waiting for us!" you push him, rushing back to the cashier.

"Oh, you were really fast. I thought you were going to argue with the way you rushed away," she says when she sees you come back, surprised. You nervously chuckle, telling her how you were already planning on buying one for Sukuna, you just forgot. "That would be 20.99$."

While you're swiping your card, you suddenly feel engulfed by heat. Sukuna positions his hands on your waist, giving you a half hug from behind while simultaneously giving his best confident grin to the old lady in front of him.

"Yeah. I just like when she bosses me around a bit, if you know what I mean," he says, sultry, winking at the cashier who is chuckling behind her hand, embarrassed, waving him away.

What the fuck? You initially try not to stiffen, then relax and give her a shy smile, and he squeezes you a bit closer. You melt on his chest, feeling hotter than you've felt all day. He's so comfortable. He brushes his lips near your ear and makes sure you hear the way his raspy voice is all around you. "And I do, baby. I really do."

[jinwoosbabyboo]

𝙷𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚠/ 𝙷𝚒𝚖

Your first year living with your favorite lads man and you get to spend the holidays together. How I imagine they act during this holiday season. [Requested by: 🌻 Anon]

𝚉𝚊𝚢𝚗𝚎

𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘

He’s the boyfriend who stands behind you and guides your hands in whatever food you’re prepping

Still a workaholic up until Thanksgiving day, but will find time to help you cook

Suggests to make more desserts because he can’t control his sweet tooth

makes your plate for you “Eat well my love”

tries to start his meal with a slice of pie ; you have to take it and make him eat some actual food first “Desserts are for after the meal” “Desserts can be a meal” “No”

tidying up behind you so much that you don’t even get the chance to help clean up

would definitely do a video call with you to his parents to wish them happy holidays

if you take him home to your family your parents would fall in love with him immediately

ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤

wants all the holiday sweets and treats

the type of boyfriend who wants to take you to every bakery so you can eat their limited time only holiday sweets

he brings you hot chocolate with marshmallows and a splash of peppermint while you decorate the house

stands by holding the decorations for you

he would definitely still be working during this time but, he would spend every moment he could with you when he’s home

watches Christmas movies with you until you fall asleep and he carries you to bed

hides your gifts in his office at the hospital if you start getting nosy

all over you when you’re baking Christmas cookies, showering you in kisses, arms constantly wrapped around you and sneaking a cookie here and there when you’re not looking

Cozy morning w/ Christmas breakfast before you exchange gifts

ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕐𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕂𝕚𝕤𝕤

Wants to give you that New Years kiss you’ve been talking about

takes you to a secluded rooftop patio where you can see the fireworks and share a kiss “Now we’ll last forever” “There was never a doubt in my mind”

if he’s working he rushes home just to give you that kiss at midnight

𝚁𝚊𝚏𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚕

𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘

100% a backseat chef while you’re cooking “You should probably turn the heat down” “Can you go paint or something?”

clingy af he would be all in your face while you’re trying to cook “Are you going to help or are you just gonna hang on me like a koala” “I am helping im here for moral support”

gets extremely competitive when your family pulls out any game “Im about to flip the table” “Please don’t”

Eats so elegantly your parents are wondering if you’re dating royalty (which you are)

ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤

Bought the biggest tree he can find “This is going to take weeks to decorate” “You should just stay here for the rest of the month then”

arts and crafts everything for decorations, he’s painting ornaments with you, anything you can find that you want as a decoration believe he will be making it for you/with you

complains about the cold like he hasn't experienced it before as you drag him to go ice skating or sledding “It’s too cold why is the sun out and i'm still freezing” “Maybe because thats how winter works Raf” “I hate it here”

wakes you up early as hell to open gifts, loves literally anything you buy him

Christmas movie nights w/ face masks, popcorn snacks, and matching pajamas

heavy on the matching pajamas, bought 12 pairs for 12 days of Christmas

ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕐𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕂𝕚𝕤𝕤

watches the fireworks with you through the studio floor to ceiling windows wrapped in a blanket

doesn’t understand why you want a new years kiss so bad, but he’ll gladly do it of course

sips his champagne and pushes the cold liquid into your mouth as he kisses you now you shared a kiss and a drink right at midnight "I call that a two for one deal" "Stop talking"

𝚇𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚛

𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘

Fighting tooth and nail to keep his ass out the kitchen “Xavier I got it don’t worry” “I can just stir the yams” “No really it’s fine just go relax you had a long day”

You end up letting him slice the turkey and he ends up slicing through the whole damn pan “Why don’t you just set the table….” “Yes ma’am”

not a single leftover because this man ate everything

if you took him home to your family for Thanksgiving your parents are questioning if you starve him “He has a bottomless pit in his stomach” “No I don’t” “Lie again”

ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤

Cold snowy days you two aren’t leaving the bed, he’s curling around you and snoring softly into your boobs

helps you decorate the tree, but asks endless questions “Where do you want this one?” “Just put it anywhere Xav” “Is right here fine?” “Yes right there is fine” “What about this one?” he’s not trying to annoy you he just wants Christmas with you to be perfect

Cookie decorating together, no cooking so it should be safe

late nights ordering in and watching Christmas movies or reading some books that fit the Christmas aesthetic

ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕐𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕂𝕚𝕤𝕤

watches fireworks with you from the balcony with warm eggnog topped with cinnamon

be prepared to stay up late after that midnight kiss because he’s not stopping, both sets of lips will get kissed

𝚂𝚢𝚕𝚞𝚜

𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘

Spending thanksgiving with him and the boy was like a mini family of it’s own

Luke and Kieran helped you prep and you made Sylus help as well “I need to slow cook these greens overnight so start removing the leaf from the stem please” “Are you telling me what to do?” “Yes …. I am …. is there a problem?”

Sylus constantly sends the twins and Mephisto back to the store so he has a reason to be alone with you while you’re cooking

constantly brings up how the chef should be doing this, but you insist that the whole point is to cook together "You know you can just send a menu to the chef" "No it's more home-y this way"

ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤

hands you his black card and takes you store to store telling you to have fun "I can buy anything I want?" "Anything"

takes you to a privately owned resort (He owns it) for a holiday Christmas trip, bringing Luke and Kieran along begrudgingly because you ‘didn’t want to leave your boys behind’

all those pictures and videos you sent him of fun stuff to do around the holidays he makes it happen

you wanna go snowboarding? he’s on it. Skiing? done. glass blowing Christmas ornaments? done.

Watches with the softest smile on his face as you and the twins decorate the big ass tree you picked out “Sylus I need you” “What is it Princess?” “Let me sit on your shoulders so I can get these ornaments on top of the tree” rolls his eyes, but puts you on his shoulders anyway

wraps you up in his arms and a blanket while you four have a Christmas movie night; carries you to bed when you fall asleep

watches Christmas musicals with you as well

living room is overflowing with gifts for you because this man bought you everything you’ve mentioned that you wanted for the past 3 months

his face may look annoyed when you drag him around from store to store and activity to activity, but he’s more than happy to do it as long as he’s with you

ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕐𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕂𝕚𝕤𝕤

Argues with you until 11:59pm just to piss you off “How does good luck factor into this?” “Im not about to argue with you about this” “Too late sweetie you’ve been arguing with me for the last fifteen minutes” “Because you’re being so difficult do you not want-” he’d shut you up with a kiss right at midnight. “I guess this means we’ll last forever now huh?”

[seungcheorry]

it's quite easy to see that seungkwan has something on his mind. the way his fingers play with whatever they're in touch with, the way his eyes linger on an empty spot just a bit, how he hums to your questions instead of answering them-

"what's up?", you snap, staring at him as you finish getting the bed ready so you two can sleep.

"what?", he mumbles.

"you've been zoned out since we left your sister's place. you can't fool me, boo seungkwan."

at that, seungkwan frowns. "i don't wanna fool you."

you throw yourself on the bed, hugging your pillow as you slip under the covers and stare at him.

"so... what is it?"

seungkwan sighs, slowly sitting beside you. he takes his time to take off his watch as he speaks, not looking at you.

"do you think... do you think we could maybe hold the christmas dinner next year? like, here in our place?", his shy tone makes you heart flutter. "like a family...?"

your stomach flips, fingers grabbing your pillow a bit too tightly.

"what are you saying?", you calmly ask him.

"i don't know, like... maybe we could cook? and decorate everything, you know? have our families and friends over. create a new tradition, i don't know", he shrugs, pausing to put his watch on his bedside table and then lay down. "do you think we're there yet? are we ready for it?"

you crawl closer to seungkwan, resting a hand on his cheek and caressing his soft, glowing skin.

"i'm ready for whatever it is that you want, as long as you're beside me", you nod. "say the word and i'll call your sister tomorrow to ask for the recipes. we're gonna hold the most amazing christmas dinner next year."

"it's a huge step for a couple, you know?", seungkwan holds your wrist, guiding your hand to his lips so he can kiss your palm.

"yeah, i know", you nod once again. "i don't mind it, though."

the smile he gives you is enough to light up the whole house, the christmas tree's lights on your living room have nothing on it. and when he whispers a tiny 'i love you' before pulling you closer to his body, you thank santa - or whoever you should - for giving you such an amazin partner.

[archangeldyke-all]

Idea: Isha thinks Santa is real and is horrified of him because she thinks he doesn’t like her because she never celebrated before as well, she was a kid in the mines.

When decorating time rolls around she’s all pouty and sad until you and Sev confront the poor baby.

this is so fucking funny hahahaehhhaheahe

men and minors dni

it's christmas eve.

your family doesn't do the traditional christmas, especially since your family wasn't even a family this time last year.

you and sevika's usual christmas tradition is a nice homemade meal by the fire, maybe exchanging a few gifts, ending the night in your matching mr. and mrs. claus lingerie (just two santa hat and whatever red underwear you can find.)

but now you've got the girls, so you're trying to get a little more festive.

jinx and isha drug home a fallen pine tree branch a few days ago, decorating it with streamers and paper snowflakes they made themselves.

you and sevika splurged on christmas lights, hanging them on your front porch and lining the walls of your home with the multi-colored twinkles. of course, you've both been hoarding gifts for the girls-- anything and everything you could find that you thought they might enjoy you've piled up in the you and sevika's super secret hiding spot (under the bed) waiting to be wrapped tonight when the girls go to sleep.

it's been fun!

isha's been endlessly enchanted by the sparkly lights lining the streets, she squeals each time she sees a rudolph or snowman decoration, and she's obsessed with all the sweet treats that come around with this time of year. hot chocolate, christmas cookies, candy canes-- isha loves it all.

jinx has been having a wonderful time introducing isha to all the fun traditions that come around with the season. she custom made herself and isha matching stockings (she made you, vi, and sevika stockings too-- but none of them were quite as sparkly and fun as isha's.) she's been referring to the little girl as her 'elf'-- isha always bursts into giggles when she does. and when there's fresh snow-- jinx has been bundling the little girl up and dragging her outside to introduce her to the joys of snowballs and snowmen and snow angels.

so, overall, you've all been feeling pretty jolly.

but... you're starting to get a little worried tonight, because isha's been becoming increasingly restless.

you've got the fire going, christmas music playing on the radio, the four of you sharing a plate of cookies and sipping on eggnog in matching flannel jammies.

isha's frowning down at her feet, a worried furrow in her brow.

jinx is fighting off sleep on the couch, sevika's stoking the fire. you reach out and nudge the little girl's shoulder.

"you okay, baby?" you ask. sevika blinks over at the pair of you concern on her face as she looks at isha.

isha blinks up at you with anxious eyes. what is santa? she signs.

you look at your wife, the two of you having a panicked, telepathic conversation.

should we tell her he's not real? sevika's face reads.

you shrug. she's only five, she deserves at least one year of believing, don't you think? you ask with a quirk of your brow.

sevika sighs and gestures for you to speak. you giggle.

"santa's an old man who lives in the north pole, making toys all year with the help of his elves. on christmas eve, when we're all sleeping, he travels across the world using magic and flying reindeer, leaving presents for well-behaved kiddos just like you!" you explain happily.

only, isha looks horrified.

he comes in our house when we're sleeping!? she signs. sevika chuckles. what if he robs us?

"nah, kid, santa's a jolly old man. he's not a thief. he's been doin' this for hundreds of years and he's i've never heard of anyone getting robbed by santa." sevika says.

isha still looks skeptical. okay... but what about the song? he sees me when i'm sleeping and knows when i'm awake? how?

sevika snorts. "you're awfully smart for a five year old." she says, ruffling her hair. "santa's magic kid, 's how it all works." she explains.

isha hums, kicking her feet and digesting the new information. jinx snorts awake, blinking around and trying to pretend she's been awake the whole time.

what if he doesn't like me? isha signs.

your heart breaks a little, and you wrap your arm around her. "why wouldn't santa like you, kiddo? you're a great little girl. way better than jinx-- and jinx never got coal."

"hey!" jinx protests.

isha giggles a bit, then she frowns again, a tear trailing down her cheek. but... he never left me presents before.

your heart shatters. beside you, sevika lets out a heartbroken whimper.

"oh, isha baby..." you coo, pulling the girl into your lap.

"santa's not real, isha." jinx cuts in. you and sevika gasp and glare at her and she chuckles. "what?! it's true. he's made up, he's a fairy tale-- parents use him to trick little kids into behaving well."

isha sighs in relief. so, if i'm bad ms. baby and big mama will still give me presents? she asks.

you burst into giggles, and beside you sevika cackles.

"'course, kiddo. sevika gave me a holiday present the same year i blew her fuckin' arm off-- there's not much you can do that'll stop 'em from spoiling you from now on." jinx says.

well... shit. now you've got tears in your eyes. you didn't know that about sevika, and it only makes you love her more. you reach out and grab her hand, only to find it shaking a little. she must be just as affected by jinx's words as you are.

it takes you a few seconds to make sure your voice won't wobble before you speak. "alright, speaking of-- the two of you gotta go to your room so me and sev can put your gifts out. try to sleep, please." you say.

jinx giggles and pulls isha in her arms, both of them hugging and kissing you and sevika goodnight before wandering to their room.

the second their door clicks closed, you and sevika are in eachother's arms, crying with gratitude for your girls; the best gift you could've fucking asked for.

taglist!

@fyeahnix @lavendersgirl @half-of-a-gay @thesevi0lentdelights @sexysapphicshopowner

@kissyslut @chuucanchuucan @badbye666 @femme-historian @lia-winther

@lavenderbabu @emiliabby @sevikasbeloved @hellorai @my-taintedheart

@glass-apothecary @macaroni676 @artinvain @k3n-dyll @sevsdollette

@ellieslob @xayn-xd @keikuahh @maneskinwh0re @raphaellearp

@iamastar @sevikitty @mascdom @nhaaauyen @annesunshiner

@mirconreadzztuff22 @veoomvroom @lushh-s3vik4s @katyawooga @lesbodietcoke

@strawberrykidneystone @sevikasfan @fict1onallyobsessed @dvrkhcld @sweetybuzz25

@sluttysierraaa @snake-in-a-flower-crown @ruiwonderz @littlemisszaunite

[stove-top96]

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree

Y Batfam x Gn Reader

Synopsis: With your family all in town, they decide it’s finally time to decorate the Christmas tree.

Featuring: platonic Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne

2.1k words

Something I whipped up while I shoulda been studying for bio. All advice is appreciated!! Supposed to be a one-shot but I might make a part two who knows?

9 months, you’ve been here. Sure there have been other holidays like Easter, birthdays, and Halloween, you just “weren’t adjusted enough” to celebrate them with Bruce and his family. it still feels wrong to celebrate Christmas even if you’re “adjusted”. Years Before you haven’t really had anyone to celebrate it with, but you still had the choice to celebrate how you wanted. In all honesty you preferred being alone, away from Dicks clinginess and anger issues. Jason’s protectiveness was insufferable and you always get caught in the middle of his and Bruce’s fights. Tim’s stalking and creepiness is so unsettling. Damian’s intense stares and demand for your attention drive you crazy. Bruce’s overall presence is just way too intense for you to handle.

Sitting in your room, eyes fixed on the book you're reading. There’s a fast knock, and your door swings right after. “Everyone’s at the manor today, so we decided now’s the perfect time to decorate the tree” Dick’s voice filled with excitement. You never got a say in this decision, but then again when have you ever. “You sure it’s not kinda early?” You question, carefully with the wording so you won't get in trouble for having an “attitude” whatever that means. Looking up you can see his grin, he’s clearly excited and you're almost jealous. It'd probably be a lot easier if you felt like them. “It’s already December” he answers dismissing your objection, now there’s no way you’ll be able to get out of decorating this tree. “And when is everyone in the family all here together at the same time” you do see his point, much to your disdain. Jason could never tolerate being in the same room as Bruce, only showing up when he was on longer missions or to whisk you away for the night. Damian had started to take on longer missions as well, although they only took about a week. Dick and Tim had their own teams to run, taking up a good portion of their time. These facts really made you jealous, being stuck here because of their selfishness while they still get to see the world made you hate them even more. “I guess you have a point” you agree, following Dick down the long hallway.

Holding your hand he led you to the living room. You want to pull away, but he’d probably just get upset and cling to you even more this evening. Grinding your teeth you’ll just have to bare it until you get to the living room.

Clearly they’ve planned to do this for a while. boxes of decorations already clutter the big living room, Bruce is currently following Alfred’s instructions on how to set up the tree, Damian and Tim are digging through boxes, and Jason is untangling lights. It’s honestly a very uncharacteristic scene of your “family”. this is probably the closest thing to normal you’ll get tonight, might as well play along hoping no one will bother you too much tomorrow.

Dick makes his way over to some box, labelled ornaments. Still not letting go of your hand you try not to roll your eyes too hard, opting to help him sort through the box. “These all gonna fit?” You mumble to yourself absentmindedly as you unwrap the ornaments, and gently set them on the table. “We’ll make it work.” Jason pipes up, finishing the lights. He motions you over, you assume part of the reason is to help him the other part to get back at Dick for something. Why else would he have such a shit eating smirk? Dick sends Jason a quick scowl in retaliation. God, all your doing is helping him with the lights, it really isn’t that deep.

“Kay Bridie, all you gotta do is wrap them ‘round the back once I pass them to ya.” Bridie is his nickname you know he knows you hate. He's obviously trying to get a rise out of you. Why else would he talk to you like your five. Bruce sends him a warning look, telling him not to push it. You roll eyes and nod your head giving him a response is probably the worst thing you could do right now, it’ll just raise his ego and he’ll tease you for the rest of the evening. As you and Jason pass the lights back and forth, it never really occurred to you just how tall this tree was. Wincing at the thought of how long this will take to decorate, let alone spending it with these people. Like everything else you don't have a choice, so you keep passing the lights forward. “Sure you’ll be able to reach the top?” He knows the answer, once again he’s just trying to get a reaction. “We’ll see” you know you won’t be able to reach, but there’s a chance if you go on your tip toes and reach real hard. “I can always lift you if it’s too hard” Jason’s comment makes the family briefly pause what they are doing, Damian even shoots Jason a glare. Anything’s better than that. So you stand on your tippiest of toes and reach as hard as you can, and you’re actually able to make it to the top. Much to the families relief, if Jason got to carry you like that it’s likely he won't let the others live it down

Dick seems done with unwrapping the Ornaments. Truthfully you’ve never decorated a Christmas tree before, and all though you’d rather be anywhere but here there’s still that inner child who has always dreamed of decorating their own tree. “You gonna help me put them on babybird?” Dick asks, saying no will do more harm than good so you opt for a different excuse “What if I drop one though?” You ask, hoping he’ll take the bait, knowing he'd never fall for it. “We’ll just clean it up then, no big deal.” Like always he doesn’t fall for it, although you admit the excuse was kinda dumb. “If you say so” he has his grin from earlier, as he passes you the colourful ornaments. Looking closer at them it’s clear they’re expensive, rightfully so they’re beautiful with red and gold accents. As you look for the right spot to place them Dick comes up beside you, “don’t think to hard about it babybird, just put them on it’ll all come together” he can sense your growing anxiety and doesn’t want to spoil your mood so early, so he keeps his space and offers words of encouragement. You're thankful at least he somewhat knows when to back off “I don’t know, I’ve never done this before”, you step closer to the tree not really knowing where to put it, so you just place it next to Dick’s. Pride swells in Dick’s chest, “just like that” he encourages smiling to himself. Placing various ornaments on the whole tree you lost track of time, maybe because Dick was giving you some space to enjoy yourself for once. Whatever the case, as you decorated the tree your smile brightened the room, and was appreciated by everyone.

“Why don't you put the star on top this year?” Bruce’s voice calm and content, his lips slightly upwards, which is the closest you’ll ever get to a smile. “I won’t be able to reach the top though” you were barely able to reach with the lights no way you’ll be able to place the star on the very top. “Don’t worry about that” Bruce says, passing you the gold star. it’s beautiful with intricate carved designs, it’s a little heavy. You wonder if it’s made of gold or not? “What do you mea-“ before you can even finish your sentence you're hoisted up into the air by Bruce. You're a little mad he gave you no warning, but you're willing to let it go. Bruce probably won’t mention it again he’d probably just keep the memory for himself, he definitely would never tease you about it. As he holds you near the top of the tree, you secure the star on top. Smiling that bright smile as he brings you down, any earlier feelings of unease washing away as you let yourself get carried away with all the decorating.

“What candles should we light?” Tim approached you, holding three different candles in his arms. Grabbing the first one, dark green in colour it smelt like pine. “That one’s nice” you note passing it back to him. The second a deep red smelled like peppermint and made you feel just a little nauseous. “I’m not into that one” passing it back to Tim who just sets it on the coffee table. Grabbing the last candle a light brown one, it smelt like a warm cozy cinnamon, you figure it’s the one that will make the room feel most welcoming. “I think we should light this one, what about you?” You ask, wanting to make sure he’d be okay with your choice. “I agree.” Tim says, not even bothering to smell the other candles. He leads you away from the tree and towards the mantle, the box still full of decorations beside it. Why is nothing done? What were they all doing while you and Dick were decorating the tree? “I kinda don’t have a vision for the mantle” Tim admits, you're pretty sure he’s lying and just wants this opportunity to be close with you. Although you're kinda getting into this whole decorating thing, it’s even starting to feel a little fun. So you're not as mad as you want to be. “Okay, I guess I can try”. Finding fake greenery, pinecones in the box, even some red ribbon. you're starting to get a vision of what you want to happen. Too tired to get up and do it yourself you start bossing Tim around. It's kinda fun, he’s good at following your instructions, always knowing how exactly you want the ribbon draped over the greenery and the exact spot you want the candle holders. Tim knows what he’s doing, he likes seeing you smile and hearing your voice even if that means you’re bossing him around, he’ll gladly follow any order you give him.

“We must hang up the family's stockings.” Damian states, motioning towards some sort of metal rack he put together. At least he did something. The rack is fixed with 7 hooks, they must have bought a new one to hold your additional stocking. “Sure” you smile “what box are they in” you ask, “that is the issue, someone did not label the box they put them in last year” he grumbles, shooting Dick a glare. You giggle “we’ll find them”. The family pauses for a beat, it had been months since they heard you laugh. Today truly is a day worth celebrating in their eyes. After about 15 minutes of searching you finally found them. “I found them!” You exclaim, and Damian turns around to sort through them with you. The stockings are actually kinda cute, red knitted socks with everyone’s names on them. Your stocking was the exact same. You wonder how far in advance they had yours made? As you and Damian hung the stockings starting with Alfred’s and working your way down, you didn’t expect yours to fit in so well when hung on the hooks but it didn’t bother you, it’d be more weird if yours was out of place.

“It actually looks kinda good” you hate to admit, but the warm lights radiating off the Christmas tree bring a nice ambiance to the room, the colorful ornaments adorned on every branch, and a sparkling star that rests on top. The Cinnamon scented Candles flicker on the mantel, draped with red ribbons and greenery. Each family member's stocking hanging in front of the fireplace waiting to be filled, the crackling fire really completes the look. Taking a step back to really appreciate the room you feel a sense of pride bubbling in your chest. “Why wouldn’t it, we’re the ones who’s decorated it” Damian states matter of factly, clearly also somewhat proud of his work. “I think this is the best it’s ever looked” Dick’s excitement still present from earlier. “You got a point,” Jason agrees, with a small smile on his face. “It’s been a while since I got to relax like this” Tim states, smiling soaking in the view. “Alfred informed me dinner will be ready in about 10 minutes, why don't we start to head over”. Oh god, you’re way too exhausted to deal with a family dinner.

[ennabear]

BAE. i absofrickenlutely NEED you to write something along the lines of decorating sevika with crimis boas and lights and whatever, maybe while she's sleeping idfk- and have her be like 😠 butt because reader is so cute and sev loves them sm, she can't hide her smile OR WHATEVER THE FUCK I SAID U KNOW WHAT I MEAN😭😭

i also made this for you. um. idk. it's not very. crimis sevika, but more crimis if it was sevikamas. imagine her trapped in an ornament ok plu shut ya face now bai luv u o masterful sevika writer

HAIII PLUTOBAE HEHEHE thank you for this idea, you cooked fr!!!! i’m featuring jinx in this because i’m a sucker for the found family trope and also her ass would LOVE to prank sevika LMAOOO 😭 AND THANKS FOR THE ORNAMENTS I’M HANGING THEM ON MY SEVIKAMAS TREE!!!!

one last thing, idk if they celebrate or even know about christmas in zaun so just pretend they do for a sec… thanks guys!!!

potential s2 spoilers under the cut!! read at your own risk!!!

sevika’s been stressed out of her mind. she’s not used to having this much power, but with silco gone it’s necessary. she’s also had no choice but to take jinx under her wing, which she’s not exactly thrilled about, especially now that jinx has taken her own little cub under her wing too. exhausted is an understatement. she’s got no clue how to lead a rebellion, and much less how to parent.

so you feel a little bit mean for what you’re about to do, but your wife deserves some giggles in these hard times, no matter how pissed she’ll initially be. jinx giggles as she tiptoes toward sevika’s slumped over form, her snores echoing through the room. you hope your wife enjoyed her sleep while she could.

jinx pokes her a few times to make sure she’s sound asleep, and if anything it only pushes sevika deeper into her slumber. you coo at your wife, she finally looks so relaxed after these past few weeks. jinx sticks her tongue out and pretends to gag at the affection you show to your wife, but she quickly switches back to excitement when you hand over a long rope of sparkly red tinsel.

she wastes no time in wrapping it around sevika and tying it to the chair with intricate knots. sevika doesn’t wake up as she gets restrained to the chair, not as you lift up her heavy new arm and wrap it in brightly colored lights, not even as jinx sticks a few shiny bows to her head. “ready?” she asks.

“ready.” you laugh, preparing yourself for the way sevika’s gonna bitch and moan when she wakes up. once jinx presses a few buttons, the loudest version of ‘get jinxed’ booms through the room, and you jump back in surprise. it’s so loud you swear the whole building shakes, and sevika’s awake in an instant with her arm rattling to the sound of the bass.

“turn it off, jinx!” she shouts, wiggling against her restraints in an attempt to cover her ears. “JINX?”

as soon as she catches sight of the blue-haired girl clutching her stomach in a fit of laughter, she looks like she’s about to smash the kid to pieces. “JINX!” she shouts over the music, “TURN IT OFF.”

jinx rushes over and shuts the music off before her own eardrums blow out, but quickly returns to giggling hysterically. “merry christmas, sevika. you’ve been jinxed!” she laughs. “you should’ve seen your face! i didn’t think you could look any angrier than you already do!”

“what the fuck is this!?” sevika shouts with that deep growl that you love in her voice. “what the fuck is wrong wi—” and then she sees you. you’re laughing nearly as hard as jinx, and she can’t help but gawk at you. your smile is her favorite thing in the world, and it’s the only thing that’s keeping her going lately, but how could you be so cruel?

taking advantage of sevika’s surprised, annoyed, and offended state, jinx ties a new string of white lights to the back of sevika’s chair and starts running around her in circles. “you’re in on this?” sevika asks you.

“well, yeah.” you admit, stepping closer to her. your wife gasps and blinks at you blankly. “how could you?”

“you were asleep,” jinx cuts in. “that’s what you get for falling asleep on the clock.” sevika sighs at this, closing her eyes to keep herself under control before she can spew insults at jinx. “i’m not ‘on the clock’ you brat. it’s early in the morning, and i wouldn’t be so tired if you knew how to clean up your own messes.”

you settle yourself on sevika’s lap, slinging your legs over her as she tries and fails to wrap you in her arms. “you look cute.” you say. “i don’t look cute. untie me.” she demands. you ignore her, instead picking up a few ornaments and hanging them from the little half-ponytail in her hair. jinx notices this and practically flies over, sticking a few snowflake shaped hair clips in sevika’s hair.

you can’t help but laugh at your wife, she looks exactly like a christmas tree. if trees could scowl and pout, that is. jinx joins you, stepping back to admire her work beside you. sevika’s lips twist into a flat line, her eyebrows so low they’re about to make contact with her eyes. it’s been a while since you’ve felt a true familial love, but this feels real and warm to you. you giggle even harder as a sudden love for your girls floods your heart, and sevika shakes her head at you in disapproval.

jinx shoves a mirror in sevika’s face, and this time her lips slightly twist up in the corners as she tries her hardest not to smile. she’s glowing with the amount of lights on her, and the amount of sparkly ornaments and clips hanging from her pisses her off even more. it’s ridiculous. and hilarious. and she loves you guys so much, no matter how unwilling she is to admit it.

“don’t smile…” you tease. “don’t you dare smile, sevika. don’t do it.” she shakes her head again, refusing to make eye contact with either of you and instead staring at the floor.

“i’m not… smiling.” she says, holding her lips as straight as she can. you sit yourself in her lap again, holding her close as she muffles her not-smile in the crook of your neck. “you love us.” you accuse. she sighs with a defeated giggle, a smile brighter than the lights wrapped around her body finally settling on her face. “i guess you’re right. get over here, you fucker.” she mumbles, gesturing with her head for jinx to join in the group hug.

jinx reluctantly walks over and wraps her arms around sevika as loosely as she can, although you know deep down that they both love each other more than they pretend to. you smile, pressing a kiss to sevika’s head and ruffling jinx’s bright blue hair.

“pull anything like this again, and my arm will chomp your heads off. both of you.” sevika threatens, although she means it in the most loving way possible. “that’s my arm.” jinx corrects, flicking her in the forehead. “and maybe next time you should try falling asleep in a bed.”

[aventurineswife]

aventurine and whatever characters you wanna add with a wife reader and child

aventurine (and other characters) pretend to be santa and deliver presents for their kid on christmas eve :3

their kid will catch them in the act and ask if its really santa (they totally are, dont crush a kid's dreams on santa (i learned the hard way he wasnt real 😔))

-:3 anon

Special Gift from Santa!

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Boothill x Reader, Fluff, Family Moments, Fatherhood, Winter Special, Heartwarming, Romance.

A/N: I can't believe people still think Santa is real 💀... Like damn, i already knew santa wasn't real as a child and was rather a made up character/mascot but still its funny. Thank God, I didn't go through that just to get my heart broken lol 😪 sorry for your loss tho🫂

Christmas Eve aboard your cozy little ship felt magical. The soft hum of the engines blended with the quiet crackle of a small holographic fireplace. Strings of colorful lights flickered, casting warmth across the room. Your child had insisted on hanging their handmade decorations all over the cabin. Their innocent excitement over Santa Claus’s impending arrival filled your heart with joy—and Boothill’s too, though he’d never admit it outright.

“I still think this whole ‘Santa’ thing is ridiculous,” Boothill grumbled under his breath, adjusting the red hat atop his white hair. He was dressed in a mismatched Santa suit you’d cobbled together from spare fabric: a red jacket (barely hiding his mechanical torso), a black belt, and fuzzy white cuffs. “They’re too smart for this kinda stuff.”

You smirked, watching as he held a small sack of presents. “Oh, come on, Boot. They believe in Santa. Just this once, let them have the magic.”

He huffed, shark-like teeth flashing in a reluctant grin. “Fine. But if I get caught, it’s on you.”

You leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. “You’ll do great.”

The ship was quiet except for the sound of Boothill’s spurs softly jingling as he tiptoed into their room. The sack slung over his shoulder shifted slightly as he crouched down by the small Christmas tree you’d set up at the foot of their bed. The dim glow of the tree lights reflected in his black, aim-marked eyes.

He carefully began pulling out the gifts you’d wrapped together: a handmade doll, a small toolkit, and a bundle of colorful space-themed storybooks. Boothill placed them beneath the tree, his mechanical hand moving with a surprising gentleness.

But as he straightened, a small voice broke the silence.

“Santa?”

Boothill froze. Turning slowly, he saw them sitting up in bed, their wide, sleepy eyes sparkling with wonder. They clutched their blanket tightly, staring at him in awe.

For a moment, Boothill panicked internally. Do I tell them? No, I can’t crush their dreams. Play it cool, cowboy.

He straightened his hat, giving them a toothy grin. “Ho ho ho, kiddo,” he said, his gruff voice deepening into a surprisingly convincing Santa impression. “You caught me.”

Their eyes lit up. “It is you! I knew you’d come!” They scrambled out of bed and ran to him, throwing their arms around his legs.

Boothill blinked, momentarily stunned by the hug, then gently patted their head. “Y-Yeah, uh, Santa always keeps his promises.”

They looked up at him, their expression serious. “Are you really Santa? You look kinda… like my dad.”

Boothill crouched down, meeting their gaze. “I get that a lot,” he said, his eyes glinting mischievously. “Your dad’s a real good guy, huh? Maybe that’s why I wanted to visit you special tonight. You’ve been real good this year.”

They beamed, their earlier suspicion forgotten. “Did you see my wish list?”

“Sure did,” Boothill said, reaching into the sack and pulling out one of the gifts. “This one’s from the top of the list, right?”

They gasped, their tiny hands trembling as they accepted the gift. “You’re the best, Santa!”

Once they had fallen asleep again, Boothill returned to the main cabin, his hat slightly askew and a soft smile lingering on his face.

“How’d it go?” you asked, leaning against the doorway.

“Kid bought it,” Boothill said, his tone half-joking but tinged with pride. “Didn’t even flinch when I said I looked like their dad.”

You laughed, wrapping your arms around him. “I told you you’d make a great Santa.”

Boothill shook his head, glancing toward their room. “That little one of ours… they deserve the whole galaxy.”

You smiled, resting your head against his chest. “They’ve already got it, Boot. They’ve got you.”

And for the first time in years, on that quiet Christmas Eve, Boothill felt a warmth in his heart that even revenge couldn’t match.

Snowflakes drifted gently outside the window, their crystalline patterns catching the soft glow of the streetlights. Inside the cozy warmth of their home, the scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air. Aventurine, adorned in an elaborate Santa costume—complete with a fluffy red coat, a crooked white beard, a golden bell tied to his wrist, and a festive Santa mask that concealed his unmistakable features—was crouched beside the glittering Christmas tree. His eyes, barely visible through the mask’s cutouts, gleamed mischievously as he carefully arranged the gifts.

His wife, you, leaned against the doorway, stifling a laugh at the sight. "You look ridiculous," you whispered, your arms crossed playfully.

Aventurine looked up, feigning mock insult. "Ridiculous? My dear, I am a vision of holiday cheer and generosity. This costume cost more than the tree itself. It’s haute couture Santa."

You rolled your eyes, a smile tugging at your lips. "I think it’s wonderful that you’re doing this for our little one. But try not to wake them, alright? They’ll figure it out one day, and I’d rather it not be tonight."

Aventurine gave a dramatic bow. "Fear not, my darling. I am as silent as a card sliding into the slot of a roulette table. Luck favors me, after all."

You sighed fondly and retreated to the bedroom, leaving him to his antics.

As Aventurine carefully placed the final gift under the tree, a soft rustling sound made him freeze. Turning his head slowly, he saw a pair of wide, curious eyes peeking out from the staircase.

"Santa?" the small voice whispered.

Aventurine's heart nearly skipped a beat. His child—a miniature whirlwind of joy and mischief—was clutching their favorite stuffed animal, their little face glowing with wonder in the dim light.

Straightening his hat and beard, Aventurine gave the most convincing "Ho ho ho!" he could muster. "Indeed, it is I, Santa Claus! And who might you be, little one?"

The child’s face lit up as they descended the stairs cautiously. "I’m [Child’s Name]! You… you’re really real?"

Aventurine knelt down, adjusting the mask to keep his disguise intact. "Oh, of course I am! How else would these presents get here? Magic reindeer and all that, you know." He tapped the side of his mask conspiratorially.

They tilted their head, scrutinizing him. "But… you have Papa’s smile."

Aventurine inwardly cursed his expressive features but quickly recovered. "Ah, clever observation! You see, your papa is on my ‘Nice’ list every year. We share a bit of Christmas spirit—it’s why my smile looks so familiar."

The child beamed, satisfied with the explanation. "Did the reindeer really fly you here?"

"Absolutely," Aventurine replied, his tone solemn as he leaned in closer. "And let me tell you a secret—they love carrots and sugar cubes. So, if you leave them out next year, they’ll be extra fast."

The child’s awe was palpable. "I will! But… why are you still here? Don’t you have more presents to deliver?"

Aventurine smiled beneath the mask, feeling a warmth he rarely allowed himself to acknowledge. "I do, but I had to make sure the most special house on my list got the perfect gifts." He gently booped their nose.

The child giggled and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Santa."

Aventurine's chest tightened at the pure innocence of the moment. He hugged them back, careful not to break the illusion.

When the child finally went back to bed, clutching their stuffed animal and wearing a smile bright enough to rival the stars, Aventurine stood and adjusted his costume. You returned quietly, your eyes soft as you took in the scene.

"That was... beautiful," you whispered, wrapping your arms around him.

Aventurine chuckled softly, pulling you close. "Sometimes, the greatest gamble isn’t in the game but in the act of keeping the magic alive."

You kissed his cheek through the mask, feeling the silly fabric against your lips. "Merry Christmas, my gambler."

"And to you, my darling. Now, let’s get some rest. Tomorrow, we’ll have to deal with the chaos of unwrapping."

As the two of you retreated, Aventurine couldn’t help but glance back at the tree, feeling a rare sense of peace. For all his risks, for all his calculations, this moment—this joy—was worth more than any gamble he’d ever won.

I don't know if you guys ever saw that meme but it was something like “I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus” but it's actually the dad dressed up as santa and I kept thinking about it while writing this, maybe I'll write something with that prompt? 🤷‍♀️

[nikfehu]

Just sitting here thinking about Darlin' and Sam spending Christmas together super early in the morning before the sun About Lovely and Vincent joining them because they're no longer apart of the Solaire House and don't want to spend it alone

About Darlin' trying (and failing) to sneak around Sam's house to cover the windows with blackout curtains that David got them so they can spend the whole day with them About the pack and their mates coming over halfway through the day and finding the vamps sitting and talking around a half dead fire place while Darlin' is asleep in Sam's lap and he's running his hand through their hair About Darlin' waking up to Asher and Milo and Vincent and Angel yelling at each other while they play Smash or Mario Kart or whatever and David and Babe and Sam are in the kitchen making dinner, because they'd been asleep all day About Sweetheart and Lovely dragging Darlin' into Sam's study with them to help them get gifts wrapped and let them wake up without decking Asher in their half asleep stupor About everyone crowding in Sam's living room, at some point a tree being put up and hastily decorated and Angel turning off ALL the lights so that the only light in the room is Christmas lights About Darlin' sitting against Sam's side and watching everyone open gifts and laugh and drink boozy eggnog that Sweetheart made at some point and finding themself smile when they finally realize that they've found a family to spend holidays with and being able to be dumb and not have to be on the offensive About everyone stumbling out the door late that night, leaving Darlin' sitting in the living and Sam tidying up dishes and left over pieces of wrapping paper About Darlin' moving to lay their head under the tree that's still set up, staring up at the lights, and Sam joining them soon after About Darlin' worming their way into his side before mumbling a 'thank you' that never gets explained, and Sam just humming and holding them close before slipping a necklace on them with a black ring with his and their initials on it, and Darlin' feels a tear fall as they hold each other tighter, the Christmas lights reflecting off the ring and keeping them company as they fall asleep against each other

[megalony]

Christmas Display

This is my first Christmas imagine of the season for Eddie Diaz, I hope you will all like it. Please let me know what you think.

Requested by the lovely @neonkiwi I hope you like it lovey.

Taglist: @justagirlthatlovedtoread @musicistheway @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 @luula @missdreamofendless @bradleybeachbabe @woderfulkawaii @amberpanda99 @daggersquadphantom @marvel-and-chicago-fan @angryknightstatesmantrash @minjix @lyje @kmc1989 @itsmytimetoodream @noonenuts @hiireadstuff @ashie-babie @classyunknownlover @jayyeahthatsme @sp1ritssz @dumb-fawkin-bitch @oliverstarksbae @gimatida @heart-35 @supernaturalstilinski @kyky9103 @gay4hotmilfs @itshamleth @chaoticnosleepinfluencer @gs29 @wh0reforsmutstuff @mel-vaz @natashamea18 @chrisevansdaughter @alexandra848484 @deena-beena-weena @targaryenluvs @kpoplover-19 @marvelmenarebeautiful @gillybear17

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Eddie Diaz Masterlist

Summary: With it being the Christmas season, Eddie brings his family down to the station to see the illuminations and decorations. It doesn't quite go as planned when the lights have a... bad effect on (Y/n).

Enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angling her head to one side, (Y/n) carefully tiptoed out of the front door and onto the porch. Her arms bound around her middle and her eyes set on her husband as she stepped closer to him.

Once she was on the edge of the porch near the front window, (Y/n) leaned her right side against the wall and crossed one leg over the other.

"Please be careful."

Her voice was soft and quiet, she didn't want to give Eddie a shock if he didn't hear her come outside to watch him.

Her eyes followed Eddie as he took a step down on the ladder, just enough so he could lean down and catch a glimpse of her. The look in his eyes almost reflected the string of lights in his hands and his smile made (Y/n)'s knees go weak. The way he flashed his teeth and winked done at her had (Y/n)'s arms tightening around her waist.

Christmas was always hectic in their home.

They had four kids running round whose favourite holiday was Christmas. They all loved decorating the house. Chris had a thing for decorating the Christmas tree, something he liked (Y/n) to do with him. Andrew liked putting out the teddies and gonks and all the little trinkets that got dotted around the house. A few of which were always forgotten to be put back up in the loft with the rest of the decorations.

Belle absolutely loved collecting snow globes to the point Eddie had cleared one of the cabinets in the living room so she had a space to display her vastly growing collection. And Lou was only two so at the moment she enjoyed running around with whatever decoration she had found and she liked to hand things to Eddie so he could pin or hook them up.

The inside of the house was complete with tinsel, a silver tree in the living room and a smaller trinket tree in the dining room that had more childlike and strange decorations. There were ornaments scattered about, a lot of tea lights and gingerbread teddies and candy decorations. (Y/n) loved that their house looked a lot like a grotto.

With all that being done, Eddie had decided to move onto the outside of the house. They didn't do much in terms of decorating outside. There was a sign on the grass telling Santa to stop by, a few candy cane lights dotted along the path leading to the cars on the drive. And just a strong of multicoloured lights that hung over the guttering above the bay window and the front door.

"Aren't I always? Besides, I'm nearly done." Eddie straightened up to hook the strong of lights onto one of te hooks above the guttering.

(Y/n) had spent a good twenty minutes untangling those lights and carefully winding them up so it was easy for Eddie to string them along the house.

(Y/n) kept her eyes on Eddie as he leaned over the edge of the ladder to hang the last edge of the lights on the corner of the guttering. She held her breath and tightened her arms around her middle when he looked like Eddie was about to topple over the side of the ladder.

He knew just how to lean and balance his weight without falling, but it didn't stop (Y/n) from becoming nervous. She didn't fancy making a trip down to the emergency room today.

The words "All done," passed Eddie's lips before he slid down the ladder and patted his hands over his hips to clean the droplets of water and flecks of dirt from them.

"My hero."

Eddie wasn't sure whether (Y/n) was being sarcastic or just trying to be sweet; her expression was somewhere in between.

His lips curved into a grin and he headed over to her, wasting no time in binding his arms around her waist so he could reel her into his chest and steal a kiss from her. His nose nudged against hers, tilting her head back so he could deepen the kiss and (Y/n) sucked in a deep breath to stop herself going lightheaded when Eddie glided his tongue across her lips.

She felt him smiling against her and his hands gave her hips a squeeze. When they parted, he tilted his forehead down against hers and a hooded look flooded his dark chocolate eyes as he grinned.

"I got those sweets for the kids, you know." He seemed to breathe the words into her mouth before he swooped down for another kiss, tasting the flecks of sugar that were glittering across her plump lips.

It didn't take much to figure out that (Y/n) had found the sweets Eddie had added to the candy bowl in the living room. And he was only teasing, every time Eddie walked past that bowl he would be diving in for a sweet, it was usually the pair of them that ate the sweets more than the kids.

"And you didn't get me any?" The way (Y/n) pouted had Eddie's heart jumping in his chest and he tried not to groan when he felt her fingers gliding up and down the back of his neck and tangling in his hair at the back of his head.

"Hm, I got you your favourites in the cupboard."

Eddie kissed her again, deep enough that he was almost pushing (Y/n) back against the wall.

When they parted, (Y/n) waited patiently near the door while Eddie spun around and moved to grab the ladder. He walked down the garden path along the side of the house and headed through the back gate to put the ladders in the garden. He would put them away in the shed later.

(Y/n) headed inside, leaving the door open behind her as she heard Eddie's boots clattering against the porch as he jogged to catch up with her.

Her eyes danced around the decorations as they walked through the hall and after a moment, (Y/n) reached out and turn the hallway light off. It was just a little too bright with the house lights on. The lights in every room had been turned on by the kids when they wandered around putting up the decorations.

Having all the lights on and some of the LED candles and battery lights on was just a bit too bright and (Y/n) was starting to get a headache.

She veered into the living room, a grin forming on her features when she saw all the kids had gathered in here.

Chris was sat on the floor in front of the coffee table with Andrew, a heaping of green card between them, some glitter, scissors and pens scattered around the table. They looked like they were drawing and cutting out The Grinch decorations and (Y/n) knew they would want to do a window display at some point too.

Sat behind the boys was Belle, the five year old was curled up on the sofa, a string of tinsel around her neck and she was holding the end, swishing it from side to side like it was a fan she was showing off.

(Y/n) weaved around the armchair and sat down on the floor with the boys, smiling brightly when Andrew shuffled over until he could sit between her legs. The six year old leaned back so his back was glued into (Y/n)'s chest and he started to giggle when (Y/n) perched her chin on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him.

She would happily help the boys make some decorations if they wanted, or she would stay quiet and supervise. When Andrew held out a marker pen for her, (Y/n) figured he wanted her to draw on the features of the Grinch faces he was cutting out.

Tilting her head to one side, (Y/n) caught sight of her youngest and she grinned before she looked back down at Andrew.

"Eddie…" The way (Y/n) quietly sang his voice peaked Eddie's attention and he leant his hip against the armchair, looking at his wife.

But when he noticed (Y/n) silently pointing towards the tree, he huffed and folded his arms over his chest. He had been wondering where abouts their two year old was. The little girl was trying to blend in with the decorations, thinking she was stealth and couldn't be seen.

"Lou." The sharp, stern tone to Eddie's voice made the two year old jump and she gasped loudly.

Her head turned to the right and her big doe eyes set on Eddie as her jaw dropped and she froze in place. She was pushing up on her tip toes, both hands stretched out as she tried to take one of the decorations off the tree that hadn't long been put up.

Her eyes stayed locked with Eddie even as he angled his head to one side and rose a brow at her. She seemed to move her hands very, very slowly like she thought Eddie wouldn't notice she was still reaching up for the candy cane decoration.

"No," Eddie drawled in the same warning tone but his eyes widened when Lou reached up and snatched the candy cane like this was a game and she wanted to win.

The toddler screamed excitedly and started running when Eddie hurried towards her with his arms stretched out in front of him. He made a point of stomping his boots against the floor which caused Lou to scream again, in a fit of giggles as she stomped her own feet and seemed to keep her legs straight as she ran.

She clutched the candy cane close to her chest and started to gnaw on the top of the plastic decoration, still giggling and squealing as she left the living room and tried to turn towards the hall.

A very loud squeal pelted past her lips when Eddie's hands slid beneath her arms and he scooped her up from the floor which caused her to kick her legs out in front of her. She wriggled and squirmed in his hold but Eddie kept a tight hold over her and cuddled her into his chest.

"No madam, we don't eat the decorations." Eddie swiftly snatched the toy from her hands before she could sink her teeth into the plastic and take a chunk out of it. At least she had only drooled on the decoration, it wasn't squashed or mangled and could go back on the tree- somewhere higher up so she couldn't reach it.

"No, mine!"

A low whine left her lips when Eddie tucked it into his back pocket so she couldn't try and snatch it back from him and he kissed her cheek to distract her when she whined again like she was about to cry.

"No, it's mummy's and she won't like you trying to pinch the decorations. Have a sweetie from the bowl."

To make his point, Eddie turned around and headed back into the living room and pointed to the candy dish. He couldn't help but frown when he noticed the dish had a rather visible dent in it already. All of his family had seemingly been at the sweets then while he had been busy with the rest of the decorations. He might have to hide this bowl soon if they went through so many sweets each day like this.

He picked out a chewy sweet and handed it to Lou who was still cuddled up with her back against his chest and her legs swinging out in front of her.

While she was satisfied with a sweet, Eddie walked back around to the tree and took the decoration from his pocket. He made a point of hanging it right near the top of the silver tree before he moved over and eased down into the armchair behind (Y/n). He spread his legs so they were curved around (Y/n) and he saw Lou down on his lap, watching her wriggle around to get comfy. He knew in an hour or so she would be fast asleep taking a nap.

His hand began to glide up and down Lou's chest as she wriggled and shimmied from side to side like he was dancing in a world of her own.

And he set his sights down on his wife who was sat in between his legs, still with Andrew on her lap. Eddie loved how (Y/n) was curved around Andrew, her elbows tucked into his sides and her arms around him like she was caging him in as she started to draw some faces onto the green card for him. Her chin was still perched on his shoulder and every now and then she turned to kiss his cheek.

Eddie didn't want to nudge (Y/n) or jolt her and cause her to mark what she was drawing so he settled on gently pressing his knee into her shoulder and nudging up and down her arm to get her attention.

"Any plans next week?" He murmured quietly while he leaned his head to the right and rested his cheek on his hand and his elbow on the armrest.

"I don't think so, why what did you have in mind?"

(Y/n) straightened up and tilted her head back on Eddie's thigh so she could stare up at him. She loved the softness pooling in his eyes and that grin on his face that made him look love-drunk. Eddie looked calm and serene and relaxed, it was a large difference to how he used to be when (Y/n) met him when he was high-strung and always afraid to just sink into the moment and relax.

"The station gets to put on a Christmas display this year, your dad's setting up this interactive thing. Lights, decorations, the whole thing. Thought you could bring the kids down to visit when we set it up."

The 118 had been given the good news that for a few days next week, for the lead up to Christmas, they would get to do a display for the community. All calls would be redirected to other stations so the public could come to the 118 and visit. There would be decorations, a light display, something in the theme of Santa's grotto and they always gave out presents to the kids.

Eddie thought it would be good to bring the kids down to see. Bobby told the team they could bring their kids and families to see the display first before they let the public in.

All the kids would love the display since all four of them were hooked on Christmas, and it meant Eddie would get to spend some time with them and do something fun with them while still technically being on shift.

And it also meant that Bobby would get to see his grandkids and show them around the displays and what they were doing at the station.

"Sounds lovely." (Y/n) pressed a kiss to Eddie's thigh and nodded up at him with a lay grin on her features.

She would gladly bring the kids down to take a look, it would give them something to do in the afternoon one day next week. They all loved going to the station and if it was all decorated they would never want to come home.

It would be fun.

***

A grin spread across Eddie's features when he heard an all too familiar squeal and a few babbling voices nearby.

It looked like his other team were arriving.

He turned on his heels and headed towards the station entrance, peering round just in time to see his family heading his way. Chris had his arm looped through (Y/n)'s elbow, standing close to her side so he didn't have to bother bringing his crutches for the walk down.

Andrew and Belle were a few paces ahead, barrelling towards Eddie with their arms stretched out in his direction. And Lou was bundled up in her pushchair, sitting on the edge of the seat as much as she could with the buckle around her waist. Her legs were swinging back and forth and she was desperately trying to climb out, wanting to rush ahead towards Eddie too.

"Dad!"

"Hi daddy!"

"Hi baby, you all been good?" Eddie leaned down and scooped one of them up in each arm and peppered a few kisses along their cheeks.

Sometimes when he looked at Andrew and Belle, he could see why people got confused and thought they were twins. They were the same height, they both shared (Y/n)'s sparkling eyes and the same cheeky grin. Added with the fact that there was less than two years separating them, it was very easy to mistake them for a pair of twins.

"Yeah, look." Belle leaned back in Eddie's arm and unhooked one arm from around his neck so she could point to what she was wearing.

The five year old had on a woollen red dress with a silver belt around the middle and a layer of white fluff around the collar so she looked like Santa. It was matched with sparkling leggings and her hair was up in a braid. And when Eddie looked down at Andrew, he noticed his boy was wearing a gingerbread jumper, one of his favourites.

"Wow, you both look lovely. Why don't you go find grandad for me, he's hiding somewhere."

Eddie set them both back down to their feet and pointed them in the right direction, towards the gym on the left. He turned back around just in time to have Chris barrell over to him next and bind him in a tight embrace. He tilted his head down to kiss the top of Chris's curls, noting that he too was in a Christmas jumper which was green with an elf on the front.

"Loving the jumper, buddy. Are you ready to see the lights?"

"Yeah, you're showing us round, right?"

"Yeah, don't worry. We're not going on any calls today, we get to stay here and do the display." He ruffled Chris's hair and watched him hurry to go and find the others. A grin lit up Eddie's face when he looked down at Lou who was now whining and stretching her arms out towards him, desperate to get out of the pushchair and move about.

He crouched down in front of her, mumbling "Alright baby, come on." As he unbuckled her and scooped her up.

He loved the dress she was wearing. Bright pink with dark red and white candy canes dotted all around and a sparkly scrunchie in the centre of her head, not that she had a lot of hair at the moment given that she was only two, but it made her look very cute.

When he stood up again, he let his eyes drag up and down (Y/n) who was wearing a red and white striped dress to match the kids theme. Red always looked good on her, in Eddie's humble opinion.

A grin lit up (Y/n)'s face when Eddie's arm secured around her waist and he reeled her into his chest like they had been apart for days, weeks, months. Not just a matter of hours. She instantly looped her arms around his neck and perched her chin on his shoulder, smiling widely even as Eddie leaned down and stole a kiss from her blushing lips.

"Have they been good?"

"Of course; although they've all been ready to come down here since breakfast."

It had been a bit hard to distract all four kids when each of them were eager to come down to the station. Both the boys were very set in their ways in the fact that if they knew they were going somewhere, they wanted to go right that very second. It was why (Y/n) and Eddie usually didn't tell them about big plans until the day before or even that morning, so they wouldn't get too concentrated and focused on that one event.

They had all done some painting, watched tv and then did some board games until it was time to take a slow walk down to the station. (Y/n) was worn out already from keeping them all busy so they wouldn't get upset about having to wait until just after dinner to come down to the station for some Christmas fun.

"Of course they have," Eddie murmured against her lips, stealing another three or four kisses until they both heard the kids footsteps bashing and running around the station floor. "Alright, let's go take a look."

(Y/n) kept herself tucked up into Eddie's side as they headed into the station. She moved the pushchair in the corner so it was out the way of anyone trying to come in and all the interactions that were now set up all around the station floor. They wouldn't need the chair anymore, Lou was hyped up and ready to either run around or be carried like a princess.

When Eddie set the toddler down to her feet, (Y/n) reached beneath the pushchair and found her backpack. It was a tiny fluffy bag with a dog on the back and more importantly, a handle connected to the bag so they could hold onto Lou and stop her from wandering too far.

A soft look welled up in Eddie's eyes as he crouched down and slid Lou's arms into the backpack before he wound the strap around his wrist and smothered his lips against her temple in a sweet kiss.

(Y/n) curved both hands around Eddie's bicep when he stood back up. She pressed into his side and merged her lips with his shoulder as they walked further into the station.

She scanned her eyes around but (Y/n) couldn't help wincing when she heard the Christmas music blasting from the speakers. It was rather loud. The music wasn't doing much for the headache she had been suffering from all morning, but at least it was the good Christmas songs that were clearly coming from someone's playlist.

Her head tilted back and she looked up towards the annex where the kitchen was. There was a projecting light shining onto the glass balcony, reflecting an image of Santa and then switching to snow, and then finally a reindeer. Just looking up there had (Y/n)'s head spinning and she cast her eyes back down again to reevaluate her head.

"Mummy look, we're matching." Belle waved her hand out as if (Y/n) wouldn't be able to spot her in the rather empty station.

She glanced over and her smile widened when she realised what Belle meant. The five year old was wearing her Santa dress, and there was Bobby stood next to her in a pair of black trousers with a Santa jacket on and the hat to match. All he was missing was a white beard.

"Ooh, you found Santa."

"No, it's grandad." Andrew shook his head and took Bobby's hand as if to prove his point. None of the kids really believed in Santa, not even Lou because (Y/n) and Eddie didn't entertain the tradition of pretending presents came from someone else and leaving cookies and milk out for Santa.

It was a novelty of Christmas more than a belief in their household and that was fine with all the kids. It was like the easter bunny, they knew that was just a fun game of sorts.

"Is it?" When they walked over to them, (Y/n) reached one hand out to squeeze her dad's arm and she leaned up to press a quick kiss to his cheek. "This place looks like the North Pole." It was a compliment and (Y/n) loved the proud smile that lit up her dad's face.

They had done wonders in such little time and (Y/n) was glad the station got to show off like this and be open to the public for three whole days. It was so much better than putting in all the effort and only doing this for one day like they had done for Halloween.

"Thank you. Come on then, let's go round the interactions."

Bobby had Andrew and Belle on either side of him while Eddie kept hold of Lou and (Y/n) had Chris one step in front of her. The eldest kept looking over his shoulder to grin at both parents before he turned back around to take everything in.

Chris was enamoured with lights and music. He was hyposensitive, the louder and brighter the better, nothing upset him or got too much for him, he loved all of it. So being here was sensory heaven to him.

"Why aren't you dressed up?" (Y/n) perched her chin back on Eddie's shoulder and leaned up so she could whisper in his ear.

She had caught Chimney and Buck out the corner of her eye and both of them were wearing Christmas shirts and had green elf hats on. Eddie looked like the odd one out simply wearing his work trousers and cotton shirt with the station logo in the corner.

"I've got my jumper and hat waiting in my locker. I'm not dressing up yet so you can make fun of me." There was a light-hearted teasing tone to Eddie's voice that made (Y/n) grin and peck his cheek. He wasn't too eager to dress up at Christmas. Eddie didn't want to be Santa, which Bobby was thankfully doing.

He had agreed to be another elf like Chimney and Buck for when the public started flooding in, but for today he was simply wearing his uniform. He didn't want to dress up yet and have the kids stealing his hat and Hen was offering to do people's make up, Eddie knew the kids would smudge it if he had it on now. And no doubt (Y/n) would smudge his make up purposely.

Eddie preferred to dress up for Halloween, that was a holiday he really enjoyed because he could be a zombie or a vampire or something spooky. Although at Halloween, he had been picked to be the werewolf. The only kids that were scared of him were his own kids. Andrew wouldn't go near him and Lou screamed and wouldn't stop crying, even when Eddie took the wig off. He wasn't doing that again.

As they made a slow walk through the first interaction, Eddie couldn't help but look down to his left.

He felt the way (Y/n) tightened her hands around his bicep until she was practically scratching her nails into his skin and she was pressing her cheek into his arm so much that surely it had to be uncomfortable for her. He tilted his head down until his lips smothered the top of her head.

"You okay, baby?"

"Hm… I think Chris likes this one." (Y/n) nudged her nose against Eddie's arm and managed a smile as she looked at Chris.

He was walking so slow (Y/n) could barely pick up her feet without bumping into him.

This interaction was like a tunnel arch. Black fabric was hanging over their heads in an oval arch and there were tiny lights in the fabric that looked like stars or snow. There were projections of snow falling on either side and a few little moving ornaments on either side and a waving Santa prop. The music differed in this tunnel to the tunes playing in the rest of the station.

In here, it was playing chiming bells loud enough that (Y/n)'s ears were starting to ring, but all the kids were laughing and clapping. Even Lou had a skip in her step as she seemed to hop rather than walk and she was continuously clapping her hands together.

By the time they reached the third interactive display, (Y/n) felt like her head was about to explode. But she did her best to put a smile on her face and try to take in her surroundings and appreciate all the displays. A lot of work had gone into them and (Y/n) would hate for the team to think she didn't care rather than the fact that she wasn't feeling her best self today.

"Here we go, I think you'll like this one the best." Bobby leaned down towards Belle as he opened the door to the makeshift grotto in the centre of the station.

(Y/n) hung back a step and let Eddie head inside first with Lou trotting in front of him since the doorway was rather small. She took a deep breath and leaned forward, looping both her arms around Chris's shoulders so she could kiss his curls and walk in with him.

She loved how he started to laugh and held onto her arms as they walked inside in tandem.

When they walked in, (Y/n) couldn't help but squint and a shudder tore through her system.

God, it was bright.

The inside was blistering white like they were encased in snow. There were plastic sweets and candy canes and lollipops scattered around like sticks and signs. And polysterene balls covered in fluff to look like snowballs. Bells dangled from the ceiling, a projection was aimed at the ceiling to look like snowfall.

But what made (Y/n)'s head split apart was the projector aimed at the far wall right next to the chair she guessed would be used for Santa giving presents to the kids. The projector was displaying elves running in snow and chattering away in an interactive video. (Y/n) couldn't make sense of what they were saying from the way her blood was pounding through her ears and her head felt like it was splitting apart at the seams.

She tried to focus on the kids rather than the display.

Belle clambered up onto the red and gold chair, kneeling in the middle so she could try and reach up for some of the tinsel and fluff pinned to the wall as she babbled something to Bobby who stood beside her.

Andrew was circling around in little zoomies, happily tapping all the decorations and chattering about something.

Chris pulled out of (Y/n)'s arms so he could head over and watch the interactive video. His hands shook at his sides in a happy stim and he stood next to Eddie who had crouched down with Lou in between his thighs. The two year old was squealing and patting her hands on the wall where the elf was shaking a present and asking if any kids wanted a gift from Santa.

"Elf! Elf!" Lou kept bashing her hand on the wall until Eddie gently curved his hand around hers. He pecked her cheek and quietly told her to watch what the elf was doing rather than try to hit him like that.

When (Y/n) looked to the left corner of the grotto, her head tilted at an angle as she watched Andrew. He was fascinated with the tree. It was a white tree with lots of toy trucks and cars hanging as decorations, but each branch was twinkling and lighting up in various colours. The LED lights glimmered in ocean blue, lime green and fire truck red, all in intermittent flashes. Even the stem of the tree was changing colour.

It looked lovely, but it was far too bright and stimulating for (Y/n). The longer she looked at Andrew watching the tree with a round of giggles, the more (Y/n) felt like she was going to be sick.

Her arms encased around her middle and she tried to swallow down a whimper as she closed her eyes.

Her head was getting worse. She needed to go and sit down somewhere without all the stimulants and the kids who were each babbling and screaming and making (Y/n)'s senses overload.

Eddie pressed another kiss to Lou's cheek when she started to giggle uncontrollably. But when he looked to the right over his shoulder, the bright smile on his face started to fade a little. His brows furrowed and his head angled to the side when he watched (Y/n).

She turned around and headed to the door, but she looked like she could barely put one foot in front of the other. She was leaning heavily on the wall when she headed out and Eddie's heart jumped when he watched her stumble.

What was she doing? Did she feel sick?

Pushing up to his feet, Eddie stepped over to Bobby and held out the strap connected to Lou's backpack. "Won't be a minute." He muttered quietly before he jogged over to the door and hurried out after (Y/n).

"Amor, you okay?"

His brows furrowed as he headed over to (Y/n) when she stopped a few feet away from the grotto. She had her back to him, but it looked like she was stooped forward with one hand cradling her temple and the other bound tight around her waist.

Eddie barely had chance to reach out for her before she collapsed. Her body stumbled to the left before her trembling knees caved in and she crashed down to the floor. He winced and his heart jolted at the way her head crashed into the stone floor and he wasted no time in crashing down to his knees in front of her.

"Baby? Baby, talk to me. What's wrong, hm?" Both his hands moved to cup (Y/n)'s face and he tried to gently tilt her head so she was looking up at him.

Her knees were curled towards her stomach and both arms were huddled near her chest, but Eddie couldn't get her to look at him. Her eyes were half-lidded and her head kept angling down like she was trying to tuck her chin down into her chest.

If (Y/n) felt sick or was going to be sick she wouldn't have collapsed like this but she hadn't passed out, she was still conscious.

The whimper she let out broke Eddie's heart but he had to press his chest down into his thighs to try and listen to what she was trying to murmur. He leaned his ear near her lips and furrowed his brows, concentrating hard to work out what she was whispering.

"H-head."

"Head? Your head hurts?" That was as much as Eddie could make out and it confused him.

He moved one hand to try and lift her eyelid to check her pupils, but he reeled back when her eyes suddenly and quickly rolled to the back of her head. Her lips parted like she was about to say something else, but a horrible trembling set in her system and had her body jolting back and forth on her side like a fish out of water.

The way (Y/n)'s arms suddenly snapped forward sent jolts of electric rushing through Eddie's nerves. He watched in panic and intensifying horror as (Y/n)'s elbows pushed out but her forearms and hands bent towards her chest. Every muscle tensed up and pushed out against her skin and her head bent back, pushing her trachea out as she started to violently spasm and shake.

She was having a seizure.

This had never happened before. Eddie had been with (Y/n) for seven years and not once in that time had she ever suffered any kind of seizure. And Bobby had never said that (Y/n) had suffered seizures or problems like this when she was growing up.

"Fuck! Fuck, oh mi amor." Leaning over her a little more, Eddie moved his left hand to her back and tried to rub his hand along her back while he pressed his other hand beneath her neck to feel her pulse and check she was breathing okay.

After a few seconds, he moved his hand and reached around for the radio clipped to the back of his belt. Thank God he didn't take it off and leave the radio in his locker. He doubted anyone would hear him over the music blasting from the speakers and from the interactions.

"Somebody bring me a medic kit outside the Santa interaction. I've got an emergency over here."

He placed the radio down beside him and changed his hands so his right hand was on her shoulder and his left hand was holding her thigh. He didn't grip tight or try and move her at all, he just kept (Y/n) in place so she stayed on her side. He couldn't have her leaning forward and hurting herself or lying on her back and risk choking on her tongue or saliva.

"You're doing so good, baby, keep breathing for me."

After a few seconds, Eddie snapped his head up and his eyes blew wide when the grotto door opened. He looked up at his father in law who stood in the doorway, frozen to the spot with wide bulging eyes and panic written all across his face.

Just as Chris and Lou tried to push past him, Eddie waved his hand in their direction and started clicking his fingers to get the kid's attention.

"Get back in there! All of you inside now. Don't let the kids out here." Eddie could see Chris and Lou freezing behind Bobby. They stopped trying to push past when they heard the gritty, violent tone in their dad's voice that meant business.

Bobby seemed stuck between wanting to rush forward and help and wanting to stay with his grandkids. But he quickly turned around and ushered them all back inside the grotto when he noticed Hen was running over with a medic bag in her hand. She could assist Eddie while Bobby kept the kids occupied and calm in here.

"Oh God," Hen huffed as she crouched down behind (Y/n) and placed the bag to her side so it was between her and Eddie but far enough away that (Y/n) wouldn't smash her head back on it. "Has she suffered with seizures before?"

Hen couldn't remember either Bobby or Eddie commenting that (Y/n) had even a mild form of epilepsy or that she had suffered sporadic seizures at any point in her life.

"Never."

He looked away from Hen to look back down at (Y/n) and he continued gliding his hand up and down her thigh just in case she was still conscious and could hear or sense him.

Hen snapped on a pair of gloves and pressed her fingers against (Y/n)'s throat to check her pulse, but her eyes darted over to Eddie when (Y/n)'s head slammed back and a gurgling noise emmited from her lips.

"Baby…" Eddie voice droned off into thin air as he moved his hand to cup the back of her neck so he could tilt her head forward again. He hated how tightly her jaw was clenched and how her throat was tightening, he could see each muscle pulling tight like an elastic band about to snap. And her trachea was pushing out like she was contorting into a strange shape.

He smoothed his thumb over the side of her neck and narrowed his eyes as he hunched over her, leaning his face closer to hers.

Another strange sound muffled past (Y/n)'s lips that were tightly clenched together as opposed to hanging open like when she first began seizing. And each breath she took started to become wheezy and gurgling which made Eddie's heart rocket up into his throat in panic and anticipation.

But the slither of blood that started to froff past (Y/n)'s mouth with bubbles of spit made Eddie choke on his own breath.

"No, no! Oh mi amor, please!"

A growl vibrated through Eddie's chest as he shifted his hands round to cup either side of (Y/n)'s face until he was practically squashing her cheeks. His thumbs pressed against her lips and parted them so he could peer into her mouth. Just as he suspected. Her jaw muscles were clenching and her teeth were biting down on her tongue. She was biting harsh enough to sink her teeth right into the muscle and blood was steadily pooling in her mouth, froffing down her lips and turning her teeth a stained orange shade.

"Get some diazepam and a tongue clamp." Eddie didn't bother to lift his head as he spoke, his gaze was entirely focused on trying to make sure his wife didn't choke.

He gripped (Y/n)'s chin in his left hand and moved his other hand to try and expertly wriggle his fingers into her mouth to open her jaw. It was hard to try and loosen her jaw and it was something he thankfully had medical training to do, but it was even harder when he had to tilt (Y/n)'s head forward so she didn't start to choke.

As soon as he loosened her jaw a little, blood started to flood down (Y/n)'s teeth and over her jaw onto Eddie's hands. He could see how her tongue was swelling up already so he tried to press his fingers down on her tongue to make sure her airways didn't block.

She was gasping and struggling to take proper breaths as it was.

His eyes locked on Hen as she got a needle filled with diazepam and carefully but swiftly injected it into (Y/n)'s shoulder to try and stop the seizure.

"Come on mi amor, calm down for me. Come on." He coaxed gently with one hand on her neck keeping her head forward and the other hand keeping her mouth prized open. He could feel her jaw twitching, desperate to clench down as her jaw muscles were tensing and desperately contracting.

But after a minute, Eddie breathed in relief when he visibly saw the shaking slowing down and she stopped spasming and writhing so much. And he could feel the tension beginning to loosen in her jaw, although the blood continued to pour from her mouth.

"Good girl." Leaning over, he pressed a few dozen kisses to her temple before he lifted his head when Hen tapped something on his shoulder.

He gratefully took the tongue clamp and carefully wiggled it into her mouth. He winced when (Y/n) jerked and whined when it pressed into her tongue that no doubt would be aching and pulsing with how it was bleeding and starting to swell. And Eddie could already see the deep puncture marks into her tongue as if it had been speared with a fork.

The moment Eddie let go of her jaw, (Y/n)'s mouth pressed shut and her teeth chattered around the plastic clamp in her mouth. Her muscles were still tightening and it was seemingly hard for her to relax. Both arms were pinned into her chest and her legs hadn't loosened from their bent position like she was trying to curl into the fetal position.

"Baby, baby are you back with me?"

Eddie couldn't help the way he winced when (Y/n) screamed. It was a feeble, broken sound but the way she scrunched her eyes closed and contorted her features made tears well up in Eddie's eyes.

He held his breath when (Y/n) pressed her face forward until she was smushing her face into his knees. But the way she coughed and spluttered blood onto his trousers and dribbled blood onto the floor had him shivering.

(Y/n) found enough control to try and flap her tense fist against her mouth, knocking against whatever plastic was pressing down on her tongue and jaw. She didn't want whatever it was. She didn't like it. She couldn't speak. She could hardly breathe without wheezing and sounding like Darth Vader.

She heard Eddie murmur a soft "Okay, okay," as he removed the clamp from her mouth which caused her to gag and spit the horrible taste of blood from her mouth.

Her fingers just managed to loosen enough to grip Eddie's wrist and she yanked on his arm, pulling it towards her chest so she could brush her face against his arm.

"I… hurts. W-… where…?" Each word seemed like a different sentence mushed together, but the sentiment was clear.

(Y/n) didn't know what was happening. She didn't know why she was on the floor or why she was bleeding or why she felt like she had been contorted into a strange shape and crammed into a tiny box.

"It's okay, you're alright now mi amor. Please try and keep this in for a little bit for me, it'll help with the blood I promise."

Eddie sank his teeth down into his lip when (Y/n) whined and gasped as he pressed the clamp back down on her tongue. He couldn't take the risk of moving (Y/n) onto a gurney and transporting her to the hospital while her tongue would still be swelling up and bleeding heavily.

She could started to choke, they couldn't lay her on her side on the gurney and if she laid with her head back she was at risk of swallowing her tongue. Especially if she went back into another seizure.

"How is everything out here?"

Bobby carefully poked his head around the door of the grotto. He had Lou in his right arm with her head looking over the back of his shoulder and his other hand gently cupping the back of her neck. He was stood in the doorway so he was blocking the view from the rest of the kids who knew something was going on with their parents outside.

"I'm gonna have to take her to the hospital." (Y/n) had never had a seizure before, therefore she needed to go and get checked out. They had to get an MRI, do some tests, take bloods and see what had caused this and if it was going to become an apparent condition.

And Eddie needed to check she hadn't bitten right through her tongue and get her some pain meds and get the bleeding under control.

He looked up at his father in law who sighed but nodded. "The kids can stay with me, you take her to get checked out and call me as soon as you can."

They didn't have much other choice. It was either (Y/n) going to the hospital with her husband or her dad because one of them had to go with her and one had to look after the kids. And Bobby knew Eddie would be the best one to calm (Y/n) down and go be with her or else he would only be worrying with the kids. Bobby would keep the kids here at the station and occupy them for the time being until he knew what was going on with his daughter.

***

Tilting her head forward, (Y/n) buried her face in the crook of Eddie's neck and looped her arms around the back of his neck. She pressed up into his chest that rumbled as he chuckled lightly and curled his arms around her waist. It was soothing to feel his hand gliding up and down her back and when he pressed his lips to the side of her head, (Y/n) almost melted.

She felt groggy. They had been here since yesterday afternoon and (Y/n) was desperate to go home, but she couldn't be discharged yet.

Not until she had been prescribed some medication and they had observed her on those meds for at least twelve hours to make sure they were working and had no adverse reactions.

"Feeling any better?" Eddie murmured quietly against her temple and he moved one hand to cradle the side of her face, encouraging her to lean back so he could check her over. Again.

(Y/n) nodded, flexing her fingers against his neck and clicking her jaw into place as if to show that she had full control back over her muscles again. The only issue was her tongue that still felt swollen and she could feel each cut from her teeth. Her tongue was throbbing. She hadn't been able to eat much yet due to the pain and uncomfortableness.

Eddie stroked his thumb across her jaw and gently pressed his thumb into her lower lip until (Y/n) let him see her tongue. He winced at the sight of it. Each tooth had made an imprint and her tongue was double it's usual size. He was surprised she could still breathe clearly and somewhat speak normally with it like that.

"Jesus, baby…" He sighed and tilted forward to attach his lips to her temple, but he pulled back when he heard a few familiar voices and noises coming from the hallway. "Oh, I think your surprise is here."

Adrenaline bubbled up in her chest and her hands tightened around Eddie's neck as she looked over his shoulder with a growing smile. She hadn't been sure what he was talking about earlier when he said he had a surprise. (Y/n) hoped it would have been him taking her home until the doctor told them about waiting for some medication and getting it into her system first.

Now she knew what it was.

It was their family.

As if on cue, the hospital room door swung open so wide it almost collided back into the wall and an all too familiar sight flooded the room.

"Mum!"

"Mummy, we here!"

Her arms unhooked from Eddie's neck so he could push up off the bed and turn round to watch them all flood into the room. And (Y/n) opened her arms in their direction.

Chris got to her first. He flopped on his stomach on the side of the bed and wrapped his arms around her lower waist, burrowing his face into her chest like he was trying to hide his growing smile. Andrew was next, he clambered onto the bed and sat down in between (Y/n)'s crossed legs. He pressed a sloppy kiss to her cheek before he held out an elf teddy to her.

"I got you this, mummy."

"Thank you baby, that's very cute." (Y/n) pecked his cheek and then kissed the top of Chris's head. She gladly took the little green elf she was handed and she made a point of cuddling it to her chest to watch Andrew grin brightly.

"Daddy," Belle wrapped herself around Eddie and clambered up onto his lap when he sat down on the chair next to the bed. She cuddled into his chest, smiling when he wrapped his arms around her and attached his lips to the top of her head.

Eddie had spoken to all the kids on the phone last night before they went to bed, as they had stayed the night with Bobby and Athena. Bobby had been down to the hospital in the evening just to see (Y/n) and check in on the situation and he had been on the phone to Eddie this morning.

The doctor suspected the seizure was due to photo-sensitive epilepsy. They had followed up with an MRI and two different light tests which and an ECG to see if different lights and certain flashing images sparked anything and acted as triggers for (Y/n).

She was going to be put on some low dose seizure medication which could easily be adjusted in time if she started developing more seizures. Eddie was hoping this first one wouldn't be the first of many and that it could be easily controlled.

"It's mummy!"

"Yes it is, girly. Go say hi." Bobby pecked Lou's cheek as he walked into the room with his youngest grandchild perched on his hip with her cheek on his shoulder.

He advanced over towards the bed, murmuring a soft "Hi sweetheart," as he eased Lou onto (Y/n)'s other side and kissed her temple in the process. He moved to sit on the end of the bed near (Y/n)'s ankles as she had Chris under her right arm, Lou under her left and Andrew still sat in between her legs.

"Made you this." Lou stated proudly and thrust a card out at (Y/n), almost poking her eye out in the process.

"Oh, thank you princess." (Y/n) kissed Lou's cheek and cuddled her close, trying not to squish either of the kids beneath her arms so she could try and open the card.

It was a pale blue card with a neatly drawn snowman on the front which had been oddly covered with cotton balls and a large handful of red sparkles had been thrown onto the page with some clear glue. It was clearly made by Lou with hazardous skills, but the thought was lovely and (Y/n) loved the scribbling all over the inside of the card.

She recognised her dad's handwriting which said 'hope you feel better mummy, lots of love.'

"Do you feel better?" Belle spoke quietly as she leaned over on Eddie's lap so she could hand over another card to (Y/n) and a little paper candy cane covered in sparkly silver and red glitter.

"A lot better, baby. Daddy's looked after me." (Y/n) opened the card which had a lovely green gonk on the front made to look like a Christmas tree. She recognised Belle's handwriting which said 'Merry Christmas mummy, feel better!' She could feel tears bubbling over in her eyes at all the little gifts she was receiving.

And when she looked from Chris to her dad, she smiled wider when her dad handed something to Chris which he then gave to (Y/n).

"I made this one." Chris whispered in her ear and started to tap the card which had a Christmas tree on the front with lots of foil and coloured mosaic paper. It looked like a lovely abstract tree that almost looked like it was a stained glass window piece of art.

"They're all beautiful, I feel very loved."

"We're gonna look after you now, not daddy." Andrew spoke with such certainty that Eddie rose a brow and chuckled.

"Oh really? You're taking my job are you?" Eddie glided his hand up and down Belle's arm while he leaned across to nudge Andrew who smiled sheepishly and ducked his head. They all wanted to go home with (Y/n) and look after her. Whenever one parent wasn't well they would all try and bake or make them drinks and watch movies in bed with them.

(Y/n) closed her eyes with a grin when she felt Chris pepper kisses to her cheek which in turn caused Lou to stand up and do the same. She laid all the cards out beside her on the bed and cuddled the kids closer, especially when Belle tried to climb across to join in.

"Wow, I should get ill more often." It was only in jest and it made the kids and her dad laugh, but (Y/n) felt Eddie's hand swat against her thigh as he stood to his feet and leaned over to kiss the top of her head.

"Only if you want to be on bedrest. I don't need a heart attack thank you."

[aliceinborderlandsquidgame]

♧ Xmas Times ♧ Various AIB!Boys x GN!Reader

AU: No-Borderlands - Established Relationships with all of them - SFW - Banda is still red flag - grammar mistakes -

ARISU

Soft boy! He loves this month. Not only because he gets an excuse to buy new lights and re decorate him room and gaming room. He actually decorates the whole aparment.

"Its never too early too set up the tree" Him probably

If you two are living together its going to be a hell of a month in the good way. Arisu LOVES IT. He is going to look out for different activities around the city and take you there. Try the new sweets and even go and buy matching sweaters and socks.

Loves to cuddle with you on the sofa while drinking hot cocoa, corny films ? Yes. Hell yes. He is all up for them even if he knows the ending.

MISTOLETE KISS!! Uses any chance to get you both under one and kiss you. Depends on his mood where he is going to kiss you but nose and lips are his firsts options.

CHISHIYA

This Man never cared over festivities and would actually to and take the xmas turn at the hospital to keep himself away from it.

Quiet insensitive about it and sees it most like a way of corporations to get money.

Plus he never got to experience a good xmas with his family..

Its up to you to take on the decorations and xmas mood!! He Will let you do whatever you want with the aparment as long as it does not touches his home office.

If you two prefer to mostly ignore it then its just another month. But Chishiya Will take xmas off and stay with you.

Gets you a big suprise present and when you do the same for him, he tries his best just how happy he is.

NIRAGI

Maybe you never imagine this, but he loves this month. During his childhood him and his mother would have the best of times setting up the tree and getting decorations, making cookies and singing xmas songs.

So yes, he expects quiet the same now that he is with you.

Like Arisu, he uses this time to buy more lights, the house looks like a dance place during night. Because he cant settle down for one color.

Will make you a cute interactive game that ends with "Happy Xmas, I love you"

Now wont admit it, but please cuddle him. Specially on cold mornings, he loves the natural heat more than having the califaction going on.

Kisses your head all the time and gets you a scarf tras too big For you. He thinks you look adorable.

TATTA

Another soft boy who has no idea what to do. If he is honest he cant really recall a special memory of xmas so he is lost and doing the standar things.

Totally checks the internet to see whats he is supposed to do.

Gets you tons of presents (five at least) because he feels like he is not at home a lot since his work gets more demanding during this month.

Get him a toy car with a controlled and he is the happyest guy alive.

Does not waste a chance on kissing you. Does not care if its on public or at home. Because to him its not only xmas but love season as well!!

BANDA SUNATO

He likes it because red blood goes amazing with white snow.

Really. The only time he leaves the city and goes to the countryside to hunt down peopel in the woods.

Does not care much for presents or decorations.

Just get him a New knife and he is happy, let him use it on you and its even better.

KARUBE

Man he is burned out with his bar. This month is demanding for him. Gets home late and tired. If you caress his hair and tell him sweet nothings he becomes a puppy.

Asks you to help him out decorating the bar (and Arisu) it ends looking amazing and then you make a personal competition to make your aparment with him look even better.

Is amazed how you managed to over due yourself.

Get him hawaii shirts please. Even if its no the time for it. He loves them and hates snow clothes.

The most kisser one.

You bet he adds mistelotes at home and at the bar. And is so ready to jump over you at any moment.

AGUNI

Asks you to help him decorate his flower shop but not too much cause he is worried the flowers Will suffer.

Sings xmas songs softly when he thinks you are not near (you are, you recorder him).

The xmas tree looks healthy and Aguni its so proud of how it looks he cant stop taking pictures of it.

Gets all flustered when you give him presents during the month. And wonders how did you get such a comfortable sweater for him ? Since he is all muscles?

Well he doubles it getting you a big Teddy bear.

[fandom-lover2]

So This Is Christmas

Miko brings Christmas to the base

Word Count - 2395

AN: Merry Christmas!

“Miko, what is that?”

I glanced over lazily to the Groundbridge. Bulkhead and his charge had just stepped through the swirling green marvel of science, and said Cybertronian was, for reasons I was sure we were about to discover, holding a tree.

It was comically small, held by two of his digits like a bushy toothpick. The pine, it appeared to be, still had its roots attached and was losing soil with every step the green titan took.

“A Christmas tree, duh.” Miko answered Jack, like he was an idiot.

To be fair, he often times was. But I also wouldn’t have guessed that either so.

I pulled the lolly pop from my mouth. “Why the hell did you bring it here?”

“Dudes!” Miko exclaimed, spreading her hands out and looking at us like we were the bane of her existence. “It’s Christmas! We have to get into the spirit.”

“Halloween was yesterday.” Raf answered, not looking away from the TV, he and Bumblebee deep into a new video game he got for his birthday.

“And we don’t have anything to decorate it with.” Jack added.

“It’ll be dead by Christmas.” I ended, putting the candy ball back in my mouth.

“You all suck.” Despite that, she still continued up the stairs towards us.

Bulkhead was still holding the tree, looking extremely uncomfortable as he tried to not jostle it too much.

“You can put it down Bulk.” I gestured to a spot in the corner of the base, getting comfortable in my seat again.

“What is wrong with you?” Miko started, marching over to us humans. “It’s gonna be Christmas soon. We gotta get this place ready.”

“For who, Santa?” Jack teased, and Raf snickered. I rolled my eyes at them, looking down at my book again.

“Miko, Raf is flying to Mexico for Christmas, Jack’s mom has the day off and I’m going to Texas. No one is gonna be here to celebrate with-”

I cut myself off, the realization slapping me in the face.

Miko was alone for Christmas. Yes, sure she had her host parents, but they weren’t family. I didn’t even know if they celebrated the holiday. They definitely wouldn’t let her pull a 10 foot tree from Canada and stick it in the living room.

I didn’t know what the Japanese traditions for Christmas were, but I understood the seasonal depression that came with this time of year, especially when you were away from family for it. Even in sunny Nevada, it had nothing to do with the weather bringing down people’s moods.

We were her family. And Primus help us all, we would support her.

Snapping my book shut, I stood up with an unnecessary grunt and placed my half sucked lolly pop back in it’s wrapper. “Alright Meeks, you’re right. It’s gonna be Christmas soon and this place is huge. We gotta get started somewhere.”

I wouldn’t trade anything for the memory of how her eyes lit up.

“Why are you on board?” Jack questioned, side eyeing me as if I’d grown a second head.

“Because I’m not The Grinch.” I shot back, beginning down the stairs behind Miko.

It took about an hour and back-up from Bulkhead but we finally had the tree somewhat standing off to the side of the base, its roots messily sawn off and balancing inside an old empty energon cube, desert sand keeping it lopsidedly upright.

“We’ll have to get some ornaments.” I said, taking a couple steps back to size up the challenge.

“Can I make some?” Miko pleaded.

I shrugged, “Do whatever you want.”

“I don’t think I have enough at my house to cover the whole tree.” Jack chimed in, coming to stand beside us.

“Nice of you to join us after the work is done.” I mumbled to him. “I can bring some from my place to. We don’t decorate anymore.”

“I’m sure I can find some too.” Raf spoke up, having walked with Jack.

The four of us stood, admiring our bare tree when Optimus and Ratchet walked into the main area, both deep in conversation as they read over the data pads in their servos.

“What is that?” Ratchet quired, stopping abruptly.

“Christmas tree.” Raf answered.

“Naked Christmas tree.” Jack added.

“And why is in here?” The medic asked, the disgust dripping from his tone. I could imagine the lecture incoming.

“These humans have no respect, turning this base into a junk yard with all their scrap and human nonsense!”

Had to hand it to Optimus, he did a pretty good job of handling the grumpy bot most days. But once this tree started losing pine needles everywhere, not even he would be able to get Ratchet to chill.

“We’re trying to get into the Christmas spirit.” I supplied.

“What’s Christmas?” Arcee asked, having just emerged from the tunnels as well, having been on inventory duty this morning.

“An old fat guy dressed in red breaks into your house and leaves presents or coal, depending on if you’ve been good or bad.” Jack helpfully explained.

The look of horror on each bot’s face was pure comedy and I was sad I didn’t been filming it.

“And that tree allows him to break in?” Bulkhead questioned.

“Kinda. It tells him we want him to.” Raf pushed his glasses on his nose up again.

“Why would you want him to break in?” We’d finally done it. We had Ratchet questioning our sanity for real.

“Duh! Presents!” Miko smirked at the medic, and I briefly wondered if I’d need to warn her to duck.

I glanced over to Optimus and he was visibly going through a crisis. I guess confessing that we were trying to get someone to break into his super secure base would do that to a team leader.

“We’re just kidding.” I decided to finally intercept. “It’s not real. Those are just stories based on an old legend. Really, we decorate a tree and then exchange gifts. It’s just a time to spend with family and friends, to prepare for winter and bring some joy before the hard months ahead.”

This seemed to relax the bots a bit.

Bumblebee spoke, though I did not understand him.

“Right Bee, it’s just a story. Santa won’t actually break in.” Raf answered the scout.

“Why would you have such a story then?” Ratchet snapped, moving to his work station.

“Human nonsense” was pissing him off again. He should expect this stuff from us by now. Just trying to get through Halloween last week had been a mission. You’d think for his own sanity he’d just accept humans were weird.

“Tradition. Legends. Something to keep the magic alive and keep kids full of wonder and innocence.”

To humans, those notions made sense. To him, it was just a cruel trick of sugarcoating the hard truths because the adults didn’t have the guts to tell it how it was.

“It’s a waste of time.” he grumbled, turning his focus onto his consol.

“We haven’t even begun…”

Jack’s warning had him turning back to us with a raised brow.

------

“Y/n.”

I hummed in reply to Optimus, continuing to look out his passenger side window at the desert night rolling past. Optimus was decided he’d drive me home tonight, rather than me catching a ride with one of the others like usual.

“Are you certain that this… tree will not invite anyone to attempt to enter the base?” The Autobot leader questioned, sounding unsure of himself as he asked this.

I fought the smile, turning in my seat to look at his rearview mirror, which he turned towards me as his way of ‘looking’ at me in this form.

“I promise you Optimus. The tree is just a tradition. Nothing and no one is going to be invited by a lit up tree and try to get in.”

“If you are sure.” The Prime replied.

It was silent for a few more minutes, but I could feel Optimus burning to question me on it.

“Many cultures have different origins of Christmas, how it started, what it means. For the most part nowadays it’s just a holiday where people eat good food with friends and family and exchange gifts as a form of expressing gratitude for the love and support shown during the year. The decorating is just part of the deal, getting everyone in the mood to celebrate.”

I could feel Optimus thinking over what I’d said, making it make sense in his mind as he turned what I’d said into Cybertronian terms and trying to match it to any customs he’d had on his home planet. Apparently he came up empty because he didn’t mention any.

“So, Christmas is a time of leisure?” he questioned finally, summarizing what I’d said.

“Yes. A time to relax and look back at the year passed. One final big holiday to give us a push to make it to the end of year before we begin the new one in January.”

Optimus was quiet for a while, only the steady rumble of his engine and his tires rolling across the road to let me know he was still awake.

“Can you describe more about Christmas?” he finally asked.

Still a data clerk at heart, I smiled.

I began telling Optimus all I knew, what traditions from different cultures I could remember, how my family did the holiday as opposed to other families I’d heard of. I chose to not comment when I noticed Optimus was taking the long long way to my house, wanting me to keep talking as long as possible. I would have stayed up all night talking to him if that’s what he wanted.

Finally, after he’d spent an hour aimlessly driving through town, he pulled to a stop at my house.

“And that’s Christmas.” I ended, taking a deep breath.

Optimus remained quiet for a few moments, then released a deep hum, as if I’d dropped some deep wisdom on him. “Thank you.”

“Don’t worry too much about it.” I leaned over and opened his door, preparing to jump down. “It’s still almost two months away.”

“Plenty of time for Miko to cause all kinds of trouble.”

My laughter echoed down the street as my feet hit the side walk. “Goodnight, Optimus.”

“Goodnight, Little One.”

------

“Merry Christmas!” the four of us cheered, all pulling at the same time.

Four snaps, and four Christmas crackers popped open. We all laughed, opening up our obnoxiously colored cardboard cylinders. We put on the tacky crowns, Raf removing his Santa hat and Miko taking off her antler headband. Jack was wearing tacky plastic glasses with little Santa hats on them. I had an elf’s hat on, and took it off in favor of the crown.

We each wore knitted Christmas sweaters, hand made as a gift from Raf’s mom for ‘his good friends’.

All around us, the base looked like Rudolph threw up. Lights, streamers, tinsel and garland. Who knew Agent Fowler was such a Christmas fanatic?

After he found out about the tree, he’d dropped off crates of supplies. It’d taken hours, and I thought at one point Ratchet might actually act on his threats of violence, but in the end the base was nicely illuminated for the holiday.

Our tree was, to my surprise, still alive and now on the catwalks, lit up and with a crudely drawn (curtesy of Miko) Starscream as the tree topper.

Four different households, plus the military contribution, made up the ornaments. It looked good, if you liked complete and utter chaos. But it had been a fun day decorating it. Optimus had even helped hang a ball or two, lifting Miko so she could place her Star(scream).

Now, the last weekend we had together before Raf and I were set to fly Tuesday, we were having a sleepover and having an early Christmas.

We each took a turn to read the bad jokes, trying not to laugh at how bad they were. Then, we moved on to the games that came with them. And then, dinner.

Mrs. Esquivel and Nurse Darby had provided most of the meal, both happy to contribute to our good time. Agent Fowler had stopped by earlier today to play Santa (yes, he wore the red suit and fake beard and everything. Bulkhead almost swung at the poor guy. Apparently, he’d been having nightmares about Santa coming into the base and leaving coal at his berthroom door) and dropped off enough desserts and treats to last us a lifetime.

The meal was accompanied by laughter, and shared stories of previous failed Christmas stories from different families. The bots stood around, some actually paying attention and asking questions, one pretending he wasn’t.

And finally, to the gift exchange. Somehow, all four of us had gotten stuff for the bots, without actually discussing whether or not we would. Most of them were impractical, and useless (why would Ratchet even want an air freshener Miko?) but they nonetheless showed appreciation, and actually seemed to really enjoy the gifts. Optimus in particular seemed pleased with the mythology and holiday traditions book I got him, questioning when we could begin reading it together.

Miko had gotten Bulk a new CD for their favorite band so they could rock out together. Jack got new, better helmet, so he and Arcee could “go faster”, like they didn’t already. Raf got Bee a poster of a video game they both played often.

The gifts us humans got for each other were stupid, nothing of value or anything we could actually use, but it was fun and they became prized possessions.

After hours of screwing around with our new gifts and playing some Christmas games, I made the popcorn while Jack got the lights and we all cuddled under the blankets, settling in for Home Alone with all the bots seated behind us and invested in the movie.

Slowly, one by one, everyone began to drift off or sneak away to their berthrooms. I could feel the pull of sleep and shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable with Jack on my left shoulder and Raf’s head in my lap.

Then, a gentle servo reached over and caressed my forehead. “Sleep, Little One.”

I looked over to my guardian, a dopey grin on my face. “Goodnight Optimus. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas.”  

[stevieschrodinger]

Part One ThirtyEight

“Hey baby what are you...doing?”

There’s a tree in the lounge. A live one. It’s not that big, maybe four feet tall but...it’s in a bucket filled with dirt.

“Decorating the Christmas tree.”

“Right,” Steve can clearly see the trail of loose soil across the lounge carpet, where Eddie has had to wriggle the bucket back and forth to get it in. It looks like it was probably heavy. It’s also not a Christmas tree, which Steve figures is usually a...fir tree. Or a pine, something like that, anyway. But this tree...it’s just a regular tree.

“I thought we were going to go and pick one up?”

“I found a nice one here,” Eddie tells him, “and I don’t like that they cut them down.”

“Oh...so you’re just going to take that one back out, after?”

“Yeap,” Eddie’s concentrating really hard on getting the decorations on the tree, a task made even more difficult by the narrow, wispy looking branches. Eddie doesn’t actually have any decorations since they’re in the attic, but he’s doing a sound job of improvising; Steve’s pretty sure half his mother’s jewelry box is on there. Steve’s not one hundred percent sure about the sock Eddie has limply draped over one of the branches, though, “Baby, what’s with the sock?”

Eddie tilts his head, frowning, “we put socks on the mantle,” Eddie points to where their stocking hang, Steve took the blue one with the stars, and he likes to think he managed to be tasteful and understated with his decorations. Eddie’s looks like Christmas vomited on it.

“Those are stockings baby, that’s different.”

Eddie shrugs, “I really like socks, they keep my feet warm.”

“I have...no argument against that.”

“I couldn’t find the lights,” Eddie tells him, moving on to more important matters.

“Yeah, they’re in the attic, you want them?”

Eddie’s nose wrinkles as he finally looks over at Steve, “what’s the attic?”

“Uhm. There’s a ladder, it’s the space in the roof, we store stuff up there.”

Eddie blinks, then frowns, “inside the roof? The house roof?” He points up.

“Yeah, want to come and look?”

Eddie nods, getting up to follow Steve, eyes wide and then grinning when Steve pulls the ladder down, “hidden secret,” he says, suitably awed.

Steve laughs, following Eddie up the ladder. It’s dark up there, but when Steve finds the pull for the light, Eddie lets out an impressed, ‘ooooh’. The attic is kind of cluttered, lots of...stuff. Boxes of forgotten things that have been stored up here, some old pieces of furniture, long term storage of his mom’s clothes protected by plastic covers...just all sorts of dusty stuff. “The Christmas stuff is over here,” Steve pretty sure he hasn’t been up here since last Christmas, and he remembers coming up for the lights and decorations...Steve swallows thickly, Eddie was sick, and Steve decorated the tree to try and cheer him up, even though part of him knew it might be useless.

“Okay Stevie love?” Eddie asks as he opens a box.

“Yeah...yeah I’m fine. We can take whatever you want downstairs baby.”

They hunt for a little while, Eddie getting a little tangled in some lights, and Steve having to perform a very small rescue. Eddie keeps hunting through boxes, and Steve lets him, taking the box with the lights down, and then the box with the ornaments in case Eddie wants any of them for his tree.

“Stevie!” Eddie calls, “come and look at this!”

“What you found?” Steve ambles over, Eddie sitting criss cross apple sauce on the dusty floor. He has a thick book open on his lap, a photo album, “holy shit, I haven’t seen that stuff for years.”

“Photographs?”

“Yeah...that’s me,” Steve points. It’s summer, he’s wearing a floppy white hat, a yellow shirt and blue dungarees. Steve figures he might be two or so in the picture, he’s barefoot on the grass and his bare legs are chubby baby legs.

Eddie turns the page, “this you too?”

“Yeah, it’s probably mostly me.” There are a couple of staged family photos in there, but largely it’s just random toddler pictures of Steve.

Eddie sits, staring, and when he gets to the end of the book he flips it and goes right back to the start again, “can we take this with us?” he asks when he’s about half way through his second pass through the photos, “you’re just a little guy,” he adds absently.

Steve snorts a laugh, “sure baby, of course.”

They don’t add very many decorations to the tree, it just can’t hold them. They end up improvising and wrapping the bucket in lights, since the tree can’t handle many of those, either. It looks...charming, by the time they’re finished. Steve struggles vaguely for positive descriptors, but chooses to avoid them entirely and simply tells Eddie, “I really like it. I am absolutely sure no one has a tree like ours.”

Eddie grins, and they head into the kitchen to make dinner together.

They settle in for a film, some inane made for TV movie about the magic of Christmas and the little kids get their puppy at the end or something equally saccharine and painfully acted. Steve doesn’t remember nodding off, but he wakes up slumped over on the couch. Eddie’s not paying attention to him, he’s still looking through the box of photos and albums he chose to bring down from the attic, half watching the movie.

Steve blinks the rest of the way awake just as the children save the magic of Christmas, or whatever it is that’s happening. Steve yawns, joints cracking. Eddie sniffles.

Steve scooches the length of the couch immediately, “baby?”

“I’m okay.”

Eddie isn’t crying, but there’s a tell tale mark on his cheek; Eddie’s tears are a bit of an off color, even now, “what is it?”

Eddie’s attention is drawn back to the books in his lap, he’s found a picture of Steve, maybe eight years old? Grinning proudly, sitting on his new bike. It wasn’t that long after that that his parents lost interest, or at least, it doesn’t feel like it was. The next picture he’s on the couch with his mom, Steve has no idea what the photo was in aid of, they’re both just sat there, but they’re sitting close enough that it’s a bitter reminder of when his relationship with his mom was a good one. He’s never been that close with his dad, not really, the man has always been disinterested...but his mom, that was different. Steve thinks she really loved him, once upon a time.

Eddie has a loose picture in one of those card frames, another staged one, his mom holding baby Steve, swaddled all in white, dads hand resting carefully on her shoulder as he stands behind them. “This is a proper family, right?”

Steve shrugs, “I think family is...not a set thing. As long as you care for each other, then that’s family.”

“But you want kids?”

“I…” Steve considers lying, briefly, but doesn’t see what it’ll achieve. A lie won’t explain to Eddie how he feels, or why he’s changed his mind. A lie won’t tell Eddie how much he loves him. “I thought I did, at one time. But only because it feels like what I should do, find a nice girl, get married, have kids it...felt like something I had to do just because everyone's doing it. But I chose you Eddie, and everything that means, you know?”

Steve closes the book in Eddie’s lap, taking Eddie’s hand instead, they link fingers, the last little bit of Eddie’s webbing is really obvious when their hands are pressed together like this. His collection of rings kind of hide it though, or at least camouflage it, “don’t feel bad, okay? I love you,” Steve tells him.

“I love you too,” Steve senses a ‘but’. Eddie opens his mouth, closes it again. Sighs a little, like he’s thinking. Steve just plays with his rings a little while he waits for Eddie to arrive wherever it is he’s going. Eventually, finally, he just asks, “are you sure? I don’t want you to be sad you chose wrong. You know, later.”

“Nah. I’m sure. No regrets; I'm not choosing wrong."

“Okay,” Eddie leans over for a soft kiss, but Steve senses his melancholy, and doesn’t really know how to dispel it. The only way he can show Eddie he means it is to keep meaning it, and Steve intends too.

Eddie stands, looking out of the window, as Steve gets ready for bed. It's uncharacteristically clear out, so Steve’s fully prepared for everything to be frozen in the morning, “Stevie?”

“Yeah?”

“Santa...isn’t real. Like, he’s a bunch of stories right? Like...Santa’s been around a long time, but he’s not real? Right?”

“Yeah, pretty much. I mean I think there’s like...a saint or something, like historical figures that might be...might have kind of caused the story of Santa but, yeah, Santa’s not real,” Steve climbs into bed, but Eddie’s still there, looking at the sky.

“But reindeer are real. They’re in my book.”

“Yeah,” Steve snuggles into bed, “reindeer are absolutely real.”

Eddie hums, but doesn’t move from the window, watching the sky, “are there any reindeer in Indiana?”

“I...I mean maybe? In like, petting zoos maybe a few? I think they live in cold places though, normally," Steve yawns, "like Canada and stuff I guess."

“Oh...so I won’t see any?”

Finally, it clicks, “Eddie...reindeer can’t fly.”

“What?”

Steve laughs, “come to bed baby. Reindeer are real...but they don’t fly.”

“Oh for fucks sake. I’ve been looking every night all week!” Eddie comes to bed, grumbling, “how am I supposed to know?!”

Part Forty

[archangeldyke-all]

merry chrtismas angel !!!<3

idk if your taking requests today but anything with sevika and reader who celebrate Christmas with isha and jinx and everything is happy and jolly and everyone is alive and well

-💌

merry christmas to all my readers who celebrate!! and if you don't: i hope whatever holiday you partake in is festive and fun and EASY this year (i.e. no family drama ahahhaahha)

men and minors dni

"we might've overdone it..." you consider as you examine the literal mountain of wrapped gifts shoved under your tree. sevika giggles.

"it's their first christmas with us. half of this shit is just stuff for their room." sevika reminds you.

"it's gonna take them all day to get through this stuff."

sevika laughs. "just means we get a day free from having to entertain them."

you laugh and lean against your wife, both of you smiling at the christmas tree. the girls spent the entire evening dressing it up. you're going to be vacuuming glitter out of the carpet for years to come, but it's all worth it for the happy laughs that came from isha and jinx as they covered the tree in tassels and handmade ornaments and garlands.

you and sevika shuffle to bed a few minutes later, exchanging sleepy, happy kisses in each other's arms before falling asleep.

you wake up to squealing.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!"

"wha? wha's happening?" sevika asks as she shoots up in bed beside you.

your bedroom door slams open and isha and jinx both come tumbling in, sprinting up on your bed.

"YOU GOT US SO MANY FUCKING PRESENTS!!" jinx screams as she jumps on your bed. you giggle.

"AAAAAAAAHHH!!" isha squeals, tackling you and sevika back down onto the mattress to wrap you up in a big hug. your heart bursts.

"the sun's not even up yet." sevika whines. you can hear the smile in her voice yet.

"too bad, old lady! get up! it's christmas time!"

you spend the morning making pancakes and watching isha and jinx tear into their presents. sevika hangs off your hips, her chin hooked over your shoulder, a kiss pressed to your throat intermittently.

jinx cries when she opens her customized tool kit-- the handles hand made by a local artisan-- purple and blue swirled together with her name carved in all the tools' handles.

isha stands in pure shock for a full minute when she unwraps her own bike-- all decked out with a basket and pink and blue tassels in the handles. then, she hops on, and rides the bike directly into the christmas tree.

by mid-afternoon, the girls have passed out in a pile of pajama-clad limbs in front of the fire place, exhausted after all the excitement from the morning.

"i'd call that a success." sevika mutters, cheersing her spiked hot coco against yours.

you giggle. "merry christmas, love. you'll be getting your present from me a little later tonight." you tease. sevika laughs.

"what a coincidence. that's when i was gonna give you your present too."

"ugh, you guys are disgusting." jinx mumbles from the floor. you snort and throw a crumbled up ball of wrapping paper at her head. she flips you off, then sighs. "here." she says, reaching out for something under a pile of wrapping paper.

sevika takes it from her hands, a small box wrapped in construction paper; doodles from both isha and jinx decorating it.

sevika carefully unwraps it, refusing to tear the special paper.

tears well up in your eyes the moment sevika pulls out the bedazzled picture frame-- the photo inside taken a few months ago-- all four of you dressed up and smiling bright at the camera.

the treasures and sparkles decorating the frame are clearly all collected by isha-- bottle caps and marbles and anything else shiny she's been able to find.

sevika turns the frame over, and she lets out a choked sob as you both read the note on the back.

none of us expected that this is what our family would be, but now that it's here i wouldn't trade it for the world. thank you. jinx. and isha

isha wakes up with a groan when you and sevika dive off the couch and on top of your girls on the carpet, cuddling them all into your arms as you cry.

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[call-of-daydreams]

Back Story- Price decides that his team, Ghost, Soap and Gaz need a much needed home cooked meal. And who better to cook it than his own missus. Plus with you cooking he knows for sure his men will eat all the food, after all they don't want to see the disappointed look on your face.

Cw: Fluff, "Family" Gathering

Price looked at his wife Y/n, a smile on his face. "Love, I was thinking... this Christmas, I'd like to invite the team to come over for a home-cooked meal. Would that be alright with you?"

You smiled back at him, clearly pleased by the idea. "Of course, dear. I'd love to have them over for Christmas it'll be nice to have some company other than just us."

Price nodded, relieved that you were on board with the idea. "Excellent, I'll let them know. I'm sure they'll appreciate a warm home-cooked meal and some good company on Christmas day."

You nodded "I'll start planning the menu, it'll be nice to cook for a couple extra people this year. Do you know what they like to eat?"

Price chuckled, shaking his head. "I doubt they care. They're just a bunch of hungry soldiers who'll eat anything i put infront of them."

You laughed, imagining the men eagerly devouring whatever food you put on the table. "Well, I'll make sure I cook enough food for a small army then."

Price grinned, obviously amused by the thought. "They'll appreciate that. They'll probably be asking for seconds before they even finish their first plate."

You chuckled, thinking about the men asking for more even with a full plate. "Well, I'll make sure we have plenty extras just incase. And maybe some extra deserts aswell."

Price nodded, clearly looking forward to the Christmas dinner. "That sounds perfect. I'm sure the team will appreciate your cooking, love. And I know I will as well."

~~Christmas day~~

Christmas day had finally arrived, and you were in the kitchen busily preparing the big dinner for the teams dinner. The house smelled like a mix of delicious spices and holiday treats as you finished up the last few dishes in the kitchen while singing along to Christmas music.

After a long couple of hours of cooking, you were finally done. The table was finally set with all kinds of homemade dishes, and the house felt warm and inviting. Price helped put the finishing touches on everything when he heard a knock on the door.

Price smiled at you as he went to answer the door. He opened it to find Ghost, Soap, and Gaz standing on the other side, all wearing smiles and holding gifts in their hands.

"Come on in, lads," Price said, stepping back to let them enter. The men all came into the house, looking around and taking in the festive decorations.

"Wow, the house looks amazing," Soap said, looking around at the Christmas decorations. Gaz and Ghost nodded in agreement, clearly both impressed by your handiwork.

You came out of the kitchen to greet them, a big smile on your face. "I'm so glad you could all make it. Merry Christmas, everyone."

The men all greeted her back, wishing you a Merry Christmas as well. They handed her the gifts they'd brought, each one wrapped neatly and tied with a bow.

You thank them for the gifts, setting them under the Christmas tree in the corner of the room. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. The food is just about ready to be served."

The men all found seats around the dining table, with Ghost sitting on one end and Soap and Gaz sitting on either side of him. Price took a seat next to you, a small twinge of nervousness in his stomach.

You, noticing your husband's slight anxiety, placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Relax, darling. Everything will be fine."

Price nodded and taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "I know, love. I just want everything to go smoothly, that's all."

"You said yourself that these men will eat practically anything."

Price chuckled, his nerves starting to ease a bit. "You're right, you're right. They're basically human garbage disposals, they'll eat almost anything put infront of them."

Gaz and Soap mock-gasped at his comment. "Oi, we're not that bad!" Gaz said, feigning offense.

Price just laughed "Oh please, I've seen you two eat. You'll eat anything that's not nailed down."

Gaz and Soap both shrugged, not denying the accusation. Soap chimed in with a grin. "We just have a good appetite, that's all."

"It's because the Army starves you all, eat. I made it all for you guys."

Soap and Gaz both nodded, their eyes roaming over the spread of homemade food on the table. "We don't need to be told twice, Mrs. Price," Gaz said with a grin. "We'll gladly eat it all for you."

"What about you Ghost? What would you like to be passed to you?" You say with a slight jester to the food on the table.

Ghost looked over the food on the table, his eyes scanning the various dishes. "I'll take a bit of everything, love," he said, a small smile on his lips. "It all looks delicious."

Y/n chuckled, feeling emboldened by his response. "Everything, huh? You have quite the appetite, Ghost."

Ghost shrugged, unashamed of his hunger. "What can I say? I'm a man who knows what he likes."

"Well what are we waiting for, start passing food around. I mainly just want ham and sausage balls but you are all welcome to anything on the table."

The men all smiled at her words, clearly eager to dig in. "You don't have to tell us twice," Soap said, already reaching for the serving platter of ham on the table.

Gaz quickly followed suit, grabbing the platter of sausage balls she'd mentioned. "These look amazing," he said, sniffing at the food appreciatively.

Ghost nodded in agreement, his eyes roaming over the rest of the table. "Everything looks fantastic," he said, his voice low and rough. "You've outdone yourself, Y/n."

Y/n smiled at Ghost's compliment, feeling a sense of pride in her cooking. "I'm glad you all like it. Please, dig in."

The men didn't need any more invitation. They immediately started passing dishes around the table, loading up their plates with a bit of everything.

The room was filled with the sounds of forks and knives clinking against plates, as well as the occasional appreciative moan or sigh of pleasure.

"This is incredible," Soap said, his mouth full of food. "You really are an amazing cook, Y/n."

Gaz nodded in agreement, his fork already spearing another sausage ball. "Agreed. I don't think I've ever had a Christmas meal this good."

Ghost, as usual, said nothing, focused on eating as much as he could. But his face was a clear indication of his enjoyment, his expression one of pure bliss as he savored each bite.

Price sat back in his chair, watching the men devour his wife's cooking with a mixture of pride and amusement. "You see, love? I told you they'd eat everything you put in front of them."

"And you were nervous."

Price chuckled, a trace of embarrassment in his voice. "Yeah, maybe I was a bit worried they wouldn't like your cooking. But I should have known better. You're an amazing cook, after all."

"You eat too, love"

"Of course," Price said, grabbing a plate and starting to load it up with food. He glanced over at the men, all of whom were already on their second or third helpings. "You boys better slow down, or you'll eat us out of house and home."

"Their fine, I made extra"

"Looks like we've got our own personal eating team here," Soap teased between bites. "We can clear a buffet like nobody's business."

Gaz chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Damn right. Give us a challenge and we'll win it. You won't see a single crumb left on these plates."

Ghost just grunted in agreement, his mouth too full to speak. But the fact that he was already on his third helping spoke volumes

The dinner continued on, the men continuing to devour the food as fast as they could. They all praised Y/n's cooking, and even Ghost managed to mutter a compliment or two.

Price sat back in his chair, watching the display with a mixture of amusement and pride. He'd never seen his team eat so much, but he couldn't blame them. His wife's cooking was truly incredible.

As the meal came to an end, Y/n couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She smiled, knowing that she had managed to feed and please a group of hungry soldiers.

[hotchs-bitch]

Cold December Night- Part 1

AN: Here it is, folks! I hope you have as much fun reading this as I did writing it <3 In true T fashion, it's named after a Michael Buble song (yes, a Michael Buble Christmas song. I'm done defending him). Find it on ao3 here, or under the cut!

Happy reading <3

Stockings are hung with care The children sleep with one eye open Well, now there's more than toys at stake 'Cause I'm older now but not done hoping

“No, Marcus! Fuck you!”

Hotch’s gaze darts towards the clock on the wall opposite his desk. 7:28pm. He’s usually the only person in the office at this hour, but he’s certain that he just heard an exclamation from the bullpen.

He straightens up in his seat to go investigate the noise; the motion-sensor lights of his office flicker on, and the bright LED is harsh compared to the warm orange lamplight he’s been working under. How long has it been since he last moved around?

Instead of thinking about that, he stands up with a stifled groan. He isn’t as young as he used to be, and these long nights of doing paperwork hunched over sitting on office chairs is certainly starting to catch up with him.

What else is he supposed to do? Go home and be alone during the holidays? Jack is old enough to have some say in the custody agreement, and he made it clear that he wanted to spend the next few weeks with Haley.

It had hurt, especially when Jack refused to tell his dad why he made the choice. It was like a knife through the heart, but it didn’t compare to the feeling in Aaron’s chest when he spoke to Haley about it.

“He’s afraid you’ll have to work. He doesn’t want to be alone on Christmas,” she had told him, as warm and empathetic as she had ever been, but it didn’t stop Aaron from feeling the knife in his heart as it twisted around.

He didn’t want to think about that, so he worked. He stayed late, worked long hours and took on extra consults, doing whatever he could to avoid his empty apartment that didn’t even have a Christmas tree or any decorations up.

And apparently, he isn’t the only one staying late tonight.

“You’re a piece of shit, do you know that?”

The voice rings out again, and Hotch approaches his office window. His door is wide open, but he can’t see anyone in the bullpen below. When he steps out of his office, he starts following the voice as the tirade continues. Down the steps into the bullpen, towards a cluster of desks tucked out of view of his office.

“We were supposed to go tomorrow. Tomorrow, you asshole. What the hell am I supposed to tell my family? What should I say to my mother?” There’s a brief pause, followed by a scornful laugh. “You wish. Merry fucking Christmas.”

Just as Hotch turns the corner and sees you drop your phone on the desk, he hears a sob. A weak sound, like you aren’t sure you want to make the noise but have to let it out anyway.

Oh, great.

Hotch prided himself on the interpersonal relationships of the BAU, between the other agents and with himself. Maybe he wasn’t exactly friends with the agents on his team, but that was fine. There was still a mutual respect and trust, one that he relied on in the field and did his best to maintain.

Except with you.

He didn’t really know why, truth be told. You had been warm and receptive upon first starting at the BAU, and it had been a nice few weeks. But overnight, for a reason Hotch didn’t understand, a switch had flipped. You started brushing off his greetings, ignoring his offers of coffee when he made a fresh pot, and generally leaving him feeling disrespected.

The exception, and the reason he hadn’t filed any kind of complaint about your behaviour, was fieldwork. The two of you worked like a well-oiled machine, and you never disregarded his theories the way you brushed off his opinions on things as simple as the weather. 

In the field, you could read each other’s minds. But the second your bulletproof vest came off, Hotch felt like he transformed back into someone you couldn’t care less about. Like the unit existed in Cinderella, and he turned into a pumpkin at midnight.

Despite it all, Hotch still tried to respect you and even to get along in the office. He didn’t treat you any differently in or out of the field, but with time and your repeated rebuffs of his attempts at friendliness, the attempts faded away and were replaced with a quiet acceptance that you just didn’t like him. As long as you didn’t disrespect him in the field, he knew it would be fine.

So when he comes across you in the bullpen, tucked away and sobbing into your hands, he has no idea what to do. Should he try to comfort you? Sneak back to his office and pretend he never heard a thing?

The decision is made for him when he shifts slightly and his knee pops audibly, a result of sitting the way he has been for hours.

The sound gets your attention, and you barely turn your head. It isn’t the confrontation he was expecting from you finding him eavesdropping, but your reaction makes more sense when he hears your voice.

It’s ragged, and tired. You sound defeated. “How much did you hear?”

Hotch keeps his voice low, quiet, hoping that his tone can calm you a little. “Not much. Cursing aside, just that you have to go somewhere tomorrow and don’t know what to tell your mother.”

He must be right, because you heave out the sigh of the century. “She’s always right. Do you have any clue how annoying that is? She hates every guy I date, and we fight about it, and then he turns out to be an even bigger douchebag than the guy before him. I was an idiot for thinking she’d be wrong about Marcus.”

That’s one family annoyance Hotch has never had to worry about; his father wasn’t right about a single thing in his life. “Marcus… is that your boyfriend?”

“He was. And then he got arrested for having sex in public.” It takes a half-second for Hotch to put together the pieces, but you fill him in just to be safe. “And it was with someone else. Obviously. He just called me to bail him out, and I told him to go to hell.”

Aaron can’t hold back his wince. “I’m sorry. Are you going to be alright?”

The scornful laugh he heard earlier punches out of you again, and you shake your head. You’re still turned away, but it’s easy to see when you rub your eyes. “We were supposed to visit my family for the holidays. They always make such a big deal out of it, too. I didn’t bring someone two years in a row, and you would have thought the world was ending. They were so happy I was bringing Marcus. They’ve never met him, only heard stories, and they were excited to actually get to know him. Now I have to go there alone, tell my mother she was right about him, and get silently judged by my extended family for a week. I’m in hell.”

If there’s something Aaron can relate to, it’s family judgement. Later, when he thinks back on this moment, he might blame his next sentence on that. He might blame it on the late hour and his recent lack of sleep, or he might blame it on something more subconscious, like how he doesn’t need to be home for Jack this year. No, not that. He doesn’t want to think about that.

Well, it doesn’t matter what he’s going to blame it on, because he still says it. “You could bring someone else.”

“Right, totally. I’ll just finish up this report and head over to Boyfriends-R-Us.” The sarcasm is dripping off of you, a thin layer to shield the vulnerability and hurt in your voice.

Aaron definitely isn’t going to think about this moment later, when he starts playing the blame game with his past self. But if he were to think about it at all, he would recognize the way his stomach clenches when he hears your voice crack, exposing the raw hurt under it. The way he sympathizes with that hurt, and wants to make it go away.

“I could help you out.”

It’s the first time in all the conversation that he sees your entire face; you turn around in your desk chair, giving him an incredulous look. You look vulnerable, upset, and he thinks he can detect a flash of hope in your eyes before you blink.

“What?”

“I can come with you. I’ll pretend to be Marcus–you said no one has met him yet—and you don’t have to tell anybody what happened for a few months, if you like. It’s a win-win.”

If you’re curious about how it’s a win for Aaron too, you don’t question it just yet. Later, when you think back on this moment, you might blame it on that. On your own curiousity, wanting to know why he’s willing to be out of the state on Christmas and why he looks so vulnerable while he waits for you to answer.

It doesn’t really matter what you can blame it on, though; not when you stick out your hand to shake his, think ‘consequences be damned’, and say, “Deal.”

Next part >

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