#but yes. santa abby. much love.

[rare-prism-s]

YIPPEE

[kayhi808]

What was Thanksgiving like? Does Steve bring Miss Grace? Does mama go Black Friday shopping leaving Abby with Steve and Bucky?

What does Christmas look like? What about decorating the tree? Do they have to juggle the avengers and at the house or mamas family?

OMG does Bucky get to meet mamas and Abby’s family?

Sorry I’m so excited to see the holidays through Abby’s eyes! I love Abby!

Thank you for all these questions! I'm so happy you're interested in this little family. Sadly, you and Abby were pretty much alone. You didn't have family, and Jason's family never accepted you and Abigail. You'd figure after their son passed away, they'd want Abby in their lives more but sadly, they didn't.

You and Abby only had each other, which is why Abby feels so strongly about family. Family is important, but you can't just let anyone be a part of your family. Steve, wanting to be Uncle Steve,was like a sacred promise to Abby. Steve quickly understood the significance of being Abby's Uncle Steve. But as for Christmas....

You, Bucky and Abby return to your apartment after the Christmas Eve party at The Tower for all the employees. Abby, exhausted from playing with the other children & tracking Santa Claus on Director Fury's program, fell asleep on the drive home. You changed her into her PJs and didn't bother waking her up. Nothing was going to wake your baby up.

**********

But something definitely woke you up on Christmas morning! The early morning sun, bright against the fresh fallen snow wasn't the culprit. It was the ear-piercing scream that came from the living room. You feel Bucky shoot out of bed, his body thrown against you, assessing the danger. You grab his arm as he's set fly out of the room to find Abby. You rub circles on his back to calm him, keeping you eyes closed for the 5 seconds of peace you have left. "Incoming."

"WHAT?!"

You hear little feet thundering down the hallway, a body crashing into your door, shoving it open. Abigail Rose, hair tousled from sleep, sees that Bucky is awake, and gives another scream. Running and throwing herself on the bed, crawling her way over to you, "HE WAS HERE! Santa was at my house, Mama! Mama, wakes up!" Abby grabs your shoulder & starts shaking you.

"Are you sure it was him? Maybe you were mistaken." You yawn wide.

"Not! I no mistakes!" Abby frowns at you, "My 'tocking is so full! Can we open my presents?"

You pull her down to pepper her with kisses until she giggles. "Yes, we can open your presents! Maybe Bucky can help you get your robe. It's chilly."

"Oh, yes! Papa helps me!" Bucky had thrown on a hoodie while watching your exchange. He doesn't look so shell-shocked anymore. He sits at the edge of the bed as Abby throws herself on his back.

"You can pass out presents but you can't open them until I say ok," climbing out of bed.

"Ok, Mama."

*******

Bucky insisted that you get a real Christmas tree, promising to get rid of it for you later. You didn't put up a fight because you loved the smell of pine. Last year you had a plastic tree but a real wreath so at least you'd have the fragrance. But an entire tree? YES! Yes, please! It's decorated with a rainbow mix of store bought and home-made decorations that you and Abby made. Many of the decorations are on the bottom half, as high as Abby can reach. You don't mind. You loved it that way.

You enter the living room as Abby is making little piles of gifts & you go to the couch and snuggle up next to Bucky. You enjoy watching Abby concentrating so hard on passing out presents. You glance over at Bucky and you see him watching Abby, admiring the tree with the biggest smile on his face. He looks at you, grabbing your hand and placing a kiss across your knuckles, "I've never been so happy in my entire life." You pull him in for a sweet kiss, until another screech from Abby draws away your attention.

She found her present to Bucky. She runs over, leaning her elbows on his lap, "Papa, dis my gift to yous. I chooses and found it all by myself. Santa no gets you dis one."

Bucky leans in, "Wow! Did you really?" Abby blushes & nods. "I can't wait to open it."

"Do's it now!" Lifting her little fists in the the air, "Do's it now!" She climbs on the couch and stands on the cushions, squeezing between you and Bucky doing little jumps.

Bucky catches your eye over Abby's shoulder & he looks like a little kid as he opens his gift. He quickly gets rid of the wrappings and ribbons, to open the long narrow box. Within it lies a pair of chopsticks, black metal, detailed in gold, like his arm. "Abigail," he softly whispers, taking them out of the box.

Leaning against his shoulder, "We can eat nu-nu soup now! You wikes?? I sawed it & it 'minded me of your pwetty arm." Her little fingers start to trace against his shoulder. It's like she memorized the pattern of the gold detail even under his hoodie, "I love it so much."

Looking at her, "I likes. I likes so much." Bucky pulls her into his arms for a hug. Her chubby arms quickly wrap around his neck, landing a loud kiss to his cheek. Bucky doesn't let her go until she wiggles to be set free. She giggles and jumps off the couch to start on her presents.

Bucky leans his head back on the couch, holding his chopsticks to his chest, going over that moment that just happened. The excitement Abby had from giving him his gift. The obvious care and love she took to select it. His little Abigail.

He feels your fingers carding through his hair, "Are you ok, babe?" He rolls his head towards you, grabbing your hand and dropping a kiss against your knuckles. "I know." You give him a soft smile. He loves your daughter as his own. You glance at Abby dragging her stocking into the middle of the room so she can be the center of attention. "She has no idea how hard she can squeeze your heart."

"Mama! Cans I start?"

You and Bucky start clapping for her, "Yes, baby! Let's see what Santa brought you."

Money had been tight prior to working with the Avengers so you were excited that you could splurge a little more this year. Abby's stocking was filled with Christmas snacks and candies. She wanted Hello Kitty socks and hair ribbons and barrettes. Santa also brought her a Disney Princess dress, Princess Tiana. Legos & storybooks rounded out all of Santa's presents. You got her board games and new clothes.

The winner was Bucky. After all Abby's presents were open, he ran downstairs to his SUV & got Abby's last gift. A bicycle! It had training wheels, a helmet and a basket perched up front. Abby Rose lost her mind! When Bucky goes running at the park or the tracks at The Tower, she can ride along side him.

Later, as you and Bucky were getting breakfast ready, you looked around your apartment. Abby had opened her Legos and got to work setting it up on the living room floor, you realize this was the best Christmas morning you ever had. This was your family and your place never felt so much like a home.

@waywardhunter95 @rebeccapineapple @ordelixx @onceithough @thezombieprostitute @ilovetaquitosmmmm @julvrs @unax @s-a-v-a-n-a-34 @winterslove1917 @mrs-bucky-barnes-73 @mrsnikstan @hisredheadedgoddess28 @itsteambarnes @otterlycanadian @purplecolordeer @buckitostan @littleredwolf @mcucatlady @silas-aeiou @hzdhrtss @florie1 @thecubanator2 @enchantedbarnes @selella @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes @cjand10 @pancake-05 @ozwriterchick @crazyunsexycool @baw1066 @nommingonfood @jvanilly

[cranberryjuice-posts]

“Why do You love abby so much”

Abby is such a complex character. She is surrounded by the WLF with so much respect love and adoration. But she still needs to kill Joel, no matter how much she’s given she still needs to avenge her father.

Abby is willing to do anything for people she loves, love isn’t just romantic to this character it’s familial, platonic and romantic. For example in her flash back with Owen when their still together she jumped off the Ferris wheel to make-sure he was ok. But I think she eventually fell out of love with him. Her passion for hunting down Joel over came whatever she might had felt for him.

I fucking hate Owen (look at my other post I’ll link where I talk abt why I don’t like him) but the parallels between him and Dina are relevant, Dina lost Ellie to revenge, Owen lost Abby to revenge. These characters wanted to make things work but ultimately couldn’t because of revenge.

Abby’s character is one that’s caring, she immediately try’s to help Mel when she got shot she looks out for Owen by ignoring Issacs orders and goes out searching for him, she protects lev when Isaac threatened to shoot him and more.

Another thing I want to add is that Abby fell out of love with Owen, she cared for him like a friend but she knew he still had romantic attraction to her so she kept her distance, when he found Mel I’m 1000% sure she was happy for them and when she found out Mel was pregnant at first she was stand-off ish by just the fact they had agreed to bring Mel whos now pregnant to a dangerous setting like this with the chances of miscarriage high. But I believe she was also happy for them happy owen moved on happy for Mel happy they are going to have a family.

After Abby killed Joel you could see that a sense of burden had been taken off of her compared to earlier flashbacks. She never planed on having Ellie watch she didn’t even know she was there until after Joel was dead and she turned around since she was so tuned out after torturing him.

The boat scene. The boat scene shows us a lot about Abby, you can see on her face she immediately regrets what’s happening since it’s a betrayal to Mel and herself. I’ve previously said that the boat scene was just an escalation of years of her and owens emotions Just crashing down. It was a form of closure so abby could move on just like how she needed closure from killing Joel to move on from her fathers death.

This is so clear in the Santa Barbara scene where she’s happy, her face is glowing she’s smiling she no longer has the effect of her fathers death, her breaking owens heart and she’s finally free to do what she wants with a character that’s like her brother lev

Abby is such a complex character that I’m still figuring out but I love her on so many levels, do I think Abby is queer or likes women yes, I can’t give her an exactly sexuality since it’s never been revealed but yes I do think she’s into women more much more then men

[ellabism]

do you have any fav ellabs fics? I just scrolled down your blog and love all your writing about them (thank you!) and I relate 100% like yes mood I agree.

I trust your taste completely if you’d spare me a crumb I’d love to read whatever is your fav, no worries if you don’t have the time/energy I always have your blog to feed my ellabs need now lol

hi! thanks so much for asking! i don't mind making a list of my personal fav ellabs fics. just buckle up because ive dissected this ao3 tag through and through.

also fair warning a lot of these fics are unfinished and i don't think they're ever going to be finished ): read at your own risk

why does my heart cry?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/52598836/chapters/133047805

a recent ellabs fic on my radar. absolutely love as its currently being updated! give it some love, the author gets inspired by positive comments! this fic also has warnings of r word so read at your own risk.

assumptions

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53457232

NSFW! a really really hot one-shot. really really good. that's all.

are we destined to go full circle?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53028508

another one-shot fic. a really good premise, i love it so much.

i'll touch that fire for you

https://archiveofourown.org/works/49341436/chapters/124510642

modern day ellabs as ex girlfriends. very toxic still in a modern aspect and i love it.

unbroken

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30771995/chapters/75953900

MY ABSOLUTE FAV! i love this fic, though it takes a while for updates, definitely worth the wait!

where stolen roses grow

https://archiveofourown.org/works/47851273/chapters/120635659

REALLY cool concept and new take on how ellie's immunity affects her body. i love this one

paper bag

https://archiveofourown.org/works/45841327/chapters/115369633

a modern ellabs fic. i love the premise for ellie and abby here and how they interact among abby's friend group. i feel like not many fics implements abby's friends. also ellie is an ex prisoner. hot as fuck

we've fallen (so far)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25757314/chapters/62552452

a cool twist on how santa barbara ends up. i really hope the author will come back to this one i love it ):

there is a crack, a crack in everything-that's how the light gets in

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30440616/chapters/75056037

ADORE THIS FIC SO BADLY ITS SO CUTE! fair warning it gets into really deep and heavy things. read at your on discretion. but it has a cute lev and ellie bonding moments and i LIVE FOR THOSE! they're bffs in my mind.

you're the one who saved me

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38285101/chapters/95661985

another twist on the events in santa barbara. really cute fic and i wish it kept going.

the way sorrow tastes

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29521575/chapters/72534786

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this fic. i'd give an arm an a leg for it to get frequent updates again. another fic that has r word content. read at your own discretion.

the good fight

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28929720/chapters/70981443

an actual finished ellabs fic! love this one so bad

retribution

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26692549/chapters/65108920

this fic has a special place in my heart because of the ellie and lev dynamic that's in it. if there's one thing to know about me, is that i love the idea of ellie and lev bonding like siblings. they'd get along so well. another fic i'd give up an arm and a leg for for more updates.

my god damn christmas present

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28408266

HEHE this one is so cute. a modern ellabs take with having a whole family. a cute wholesome little one-shot.

handsy

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25475419

NSFW! another really hot one-shot. had me drooling.

the collector

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25041016/chapters/60645616

NSFW! i love this fic. ellie selling her artowrk and abby being a collector. it gets hot. so so hot.

tail lights

https://archiveofourown.org/works/35929312/chapters/89580607

REALLY GOOD, WELL WRITTEN fic by one of my friends actually. the slow burn is saur good. but unfortunately there will not be a tail lights 2. sorry yall

tiles

https://archiveofourown.org/works/51887800/chapters/131198848

NSFW! really hot one-shot of them having fun at a party.

well, there's my list. i told y'all it would be long.

as i made this list it made me sad realizing how many of these amazing fics are abandoned ): i wish some of these authors will have the energy to get back on these, cause so many people adore them.

i will edit and add more if i forgot any. enjoy, happy reading!

[v1ct0la]

kindergarten - abby tlou2 x reader oneshot [SFW]

Months after landing on Catalina island with Abby and Lev, many of those months spent recovering from your injuries (both mental and physical), you decide to volunteer at the fireflies’ kindergarten. When Abby visits you one afternoon while you’re teaching, you and the kids force her to join in your game of hopscotch…

SFW oneshot

1,719 words (I GOT CARRIED AWAY HAHA SORRY)

TLOU2 au, set on Catalina island after the events of TLOU2

Inspired by the WLF school and someone who headcannoned Abby playing hopscotch (I can’t remember whose blog it was so if you know please tell me so I can tag them!!!)

TWs: description of injuries in the beginning 2 paragraphs - other than that, just pure joy, love, and peace 😊

let me know about any mistakes!

After you, Abby, and Lev reached the island in the spluttering boat, the three of you collapsed onto the rickety Catalina boardwalk. Blood gushed from the stab wound in your side, mixing with the salty brine of the ocean, running in rivulets down to where it dripped off your fingers and splattered onto the wood. You spat the rusty taste of old blood from your mouth, struggling against the pain, and hauled yourself to your knees. Your wound pounded, and you shot your hand up to clamp it down in an attempt to stop the bleeding after your sudden movements. You looked up at Abby, who already was on her feet and staggering to pick up Lev’s limp form.

You stood, swayed with lightheadedness from loss of blood, and stumbled towards the pair. Abby heaved Lev into her arms and started shouting for help, causing the boy to stir through his unconsciousness. After her repeated calls, other voices stirred and began to ring out, but the blood pounding in your ears, muffled it. You couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, could only hope they would help. Heavy footsteps made the boardwalk beneath you shudder and before you properly registered them, the ground beneath you suddenly felt much too far away. 

Your vision swam, your legs buckled, and as you collapsed onto the ground, you heard Abby shriek your name. All you could feel was hands grabbing onto you before you sank into the inky black of unconsciousness. 

* * *

Sunrays filtered through the grimy windows, throwing the cozy classroom into a glittering spectacle of glowing afternoon light. It had been almost a year since you escaped the violence of Santa Barbara, months you had spent recovering with Abby and Lev at your side. Most recently, however, you had asked to take up the position of teacher at the island’s kindergarten. It was a little classroom of about 15 young kids that you absolutely loved. Before you met Lev, you didn’t really like kids - found them sticky and loud. But they had grown on you, always little faces beaming with joy and curiosity, despite the state of the world. 

Today had been as fun as always, albeit long. You had been teaching the kids about various marine animals, and presently, were showing them old images of spotted seals. 

“Okay, now, who call tell me where to find spotted seals?” You asked the children.

A chubby little hand shot up, and you called on the little girl to answer. 

“Spacific Ocean!” She shouts, and you giggle.

“Pacific Ocean,” you say to her, “but yes, good job!”

You hear a knock on the door, and you look up to check the clock. It was nearly 2pm, which meant it was time for a break. You smile at the other teacher through the door’s glass, nodding to let him know you’d take the kids out.

“Alright goobers, it’s break time,” You call out over their little voices, “everyone, line up by the door, double file!”

Outside in the warm sunlight, you guided the children over to the playground. Once you gave them the go-ahead, they all scattered, splitting off to play their little hearts out. You stood off to the side in the shade with your hands propped on your hips, surveying. A cool breeze rustled through the foliage, and you were grateful for the relief it brought you.

A tug on your pants caught your attention, and you looked down. The girl from before, Natalie, was staring up at you with big brown eyes. “Play hopscotch with us pleeeeease?” She asked. You grin at her cuteness and agreed. She grabbed your hand and dragged you off to the chalked concrete where a few other kids were already hopping along. 

It was your turn. Little Natalie clapped and cheered loudly as you jumped forwards and into each square. As you got to the other end, you held your hands out in triumph, and the kids all laughed with you. 

“Reigning champion, are we?” You spun around at the sound of her voice, face already breaking out into a grin.

Abby stood a few feet in front of you, arms crossed. “How long have you been standing there?” You asked, stepping towards her. A sheepish smile and warmth spread across your features in slight embarrassment at yourself. 

“Only long enough to watch your turn” Abby smirked, uncrossing her arms to pull you into a tight embrace. Her chin nestled into the crook of your neck and your breathed in the comforting scent of pine that clung to her short braid.

You missed her long hair, but after Santa Barbara, she was still growing it out again. It sat just beneath her collarbone, and you thought it was perfectly endearing, even though she still opted to have it pulled away in a tight braid. 

“How was your day?” She asked softly, pressing a kiss to your shoulder. 

You pulled back to reply when you were cut off with the shouting off the kids behind you. You turned to them. 

“Miss y/n! It’s your turn again!” one of them whined, and you looked back at Abby with an eyeroll. She untangled herself from your embrace and pushed you away gently.

“Go,” she smirked, “I’ll be right here, watching you.”

“Oh, I don’t think so,” you reply, a grin spreading across your face. Her brows furrowed, and you grabbed her wrist before she could realise what you meant. You spun on your heel, dragging Abby with you.

“No- I’m not- y/n!” Abby protested, trying to pull herself free, but you were on a roll. 

“Oh yes!” You say in a sing-song, “it’s your turn.”

You pulled her forward and pushed her towards the starting square. The little kids had all gathered around the two of you to watch. “Look, it’s Abby’s turn! Look!” a little boy shouted out, much to Abby’s dismay. 

She looked back at you with an exasperated, making your laughter ring out across the playground. “C’mon Abs! Show us what you can do,” you giggle as you speak, egging her on.

She takes a tentative jump forwards, and you clap along with your students. She jumps again, and again, wobbling slightly each time she lands. She looks at you with a confident smile and your heart warms at the sight of her. The sunlight catches softly on her hair, haloing her in gold. 

The Catalina sun has been good to her the past year or so - her freckles are more visible than ever, her hair has lightened considerably, and you loved it. The recovery months had been long and painful - and not just physically. She sat by your and Lev’s beds for the first few weeks, only getting up when she was dragged away for meals by the nurses. Being inside for so long made her look gaunt and drawn, but now she shone with newfound radiance and peace. She was safe, and so were you. 

In a few more jumps, Abby was near the end of the hopscotch. As she leapt for the final square, she made a fatal mistake. She tilted her head to look at you right as she jumped - and lost her footing as she landed. Abby stumbled, falling right on her ass.

You burst into laughter, as did your students, and Abby’s head snapped to you. It was so ridiculous, the way she tumbled and looked absolutely mortified, and the more you replayed it in your head, the more you doubled over. You howled and fell to your knees - you had been so serious all day, and all your pent-up tiredness finally caught up to you. Tears streamed down your cheeks and your midsection started to hurt with your laughter. You watched Abby, who’s back was to you, as she slowly got to her feet.

Her head turned, and she glared at you. That shut you up. Her brows were knit together when she said “Oh, it’s over for you now!” The kids all screamed and laughed and cheered. She grinned evilly and stalked towards you. You jumped to your feet, shrieking and giggling. You spun towards the open field next to the school, and bolted.

You were never very fast, but then again, neither was Abby. Right now, however, you wished you had taken sprinting practice a little more seriously back at the WLF stadium. You could hear her heavy footfall behind you as she got closer and closer. The tall grass of the field whipped at your legs as you laughed and ran as fast as you could. “Get back here!” Abby shouted, which made you squeal loudly.

“Got you!” Abby’s hand caught your arm, and she yanked you back into her. You struggled against her, shouting and laughing, but you were fighting a losing battle. She pulled you to her chest, right as you tried to yank yourself free, and the two of you tumbled.

You both fell into the soft grass, and Abby’s hand shot out around your head to stop herself from crushing you. She had a huge grin on her face and you huffed a breath. “Not so fast anymore, huh,” she puffed. Abby trapped you in, encasing you in her warm body.

“Shut up, I almost escaped,” you smiled up at her.

You could feel your heart beating rapidly in your chest, both from your running and her closeness. She never ceased to make your head spin and your heart flutter, even after the past year the two of you had been dating. 

You tucked away a strand of her honey-coloured hair that had fallen loose from her braid during your scuffle. You watched her piercing eyes as they snapped down to your lips.

You trailed your hands up to cup her face, smiling as you pulled her into a soft kiss. You could feel her smile against your mouth as the two of you connected. It was sweet and slow, full of love. You brought a hand to rest on her forearm, and she trailed a hand to your waist. 

“Ewwwwww!” You heard a little voice call out, and the two of you pulled away from each other with a giggle.

“Oh shut it,” Abby called to the little boy and leaned down to plant a kiss on your forehead.

[gaybladetheslewfoot]

I'm not sure what to title it but I wrote a fic! It's about Art, me, and my husband (who plays Santa) and things get... interesting! WARNINGS!! GRAPHIC CONTENT: contains BDSM, sex, cussing, threesome, (please let me know if there's anything I missed!)

The day started off like any other, I woke up to my loves alarm going off and squeezed him with a playful "no, my daddy", giving him a kiss on his bearded cheek. He squeezed me back and replied "I love you, you know I have to go to work but I'll be off early today remember?" My love had a very special job, he played santa (and was dang good at it). I sat up, "oh yay, okay!" I said letting him go so he could get ready. I gave him a big kiss and he left. I sat up in bed, grabbed my glasses, and cane and went to the kitchen to make breakfast and then put a movie in. I decided on Terrifier and sat in the recliner.

At some point I mustive dozed off because I was awaken by our dog, Abby barking loudly, usually a sign that someone unwelcome is outside. I rubbed my eyes, grabbed my shoes, cane, kneck knife and coat and went out to the laundry room to let her out and see what (or who) was bothering her, expecting the normal; neighbors, cows, a rabbit etc. But what I saw was anything but "normal". A tall, slender, strangely handsome clown was standing in our back yard petting the cows. Seeing him from the back I thought it was someone playing a prank, knowing how much I love Art the Clown and the Terrifier series but as he walked closer to me I began to realize that somehow, no, it was actually Art The Fucking Clown. I'd honestly never been so frightened and horny at the same time in my life, yet.

He stopped a few feet away from me and smiled a big smile and waved, I was still a little in shock but I waved back and said "oh my gosh! Hiiiii!" He brought both his hands up and shook them around while doing what seemed to be a little happy dance. I was so nervous, having had the biggest crush on him since I'd seen the first Terrifier film (and also realizing he likes to murder people for funzies). He held his arms out and I slowly walked into them and he gave me a big hug, still smiling. "It's cold, would you like to come inside?" He shook his head yes excitedly, " "come on!" He clapped his bloody-gloved hands gleefully and followed me into my house. Dramatically but cutely looking over everything he saw until he got to the shelf of clown figurines which made him stop in his tracks and make a big :○ face. He carefully inspected each one, being sure not to break them. "Do you like them?" I asked, he looked and me and smiled big, clapping his hands together. "You can take one with you if you'd like" he jumped up and down and honked the silver bike horn he was holding, clapping his hands again. I laughed at his cuteness "do you wanna come in here? I said gesturing to the bedroom. He shrugged and nodded walking into my bedroom to see my wall of drawings of many well known clowns including himself. His face lit up and he pointed to the wall and then to himself, I laughed and said "yes, that's you!" He smiled big and then he turned and noticed the wall with posters of ASL words and phrases. He looked and me and signed "you know ASL"? I signed "yes", he got the most excited I had seen so far and then got the most serious I'd ever seen, paused a minute, smiled and signed "Noone ever does" he sat on the bed and his smiled faded, his face turning much more somber. I sat next to him and he layed his head on my shoulder, seeming to rub and purr almost like a cat. I held him against me gently as I watched his pale exaggerated features and couldn't help but wonder what he had been through. "Are you okay?" I asked out loud. He sat up and shrugged, "this is the first time someone hasn't treated me differently or ran away just because of how I look" he paused, "you were excited to see me, you came towards me instead of away. Sure it's fun to scare people, I want that sometimes, but I don't like being alone either" you watched him sign. "Alone? Doesn't Vicky keep you company? And your rats?" He rolled his eyes at me "not the kind of company I mean!" He signed with sass, making a cute face at me and tracing his fingers slowly up my arm to my face, holding my face in his hand and looking into my eyes. I looked back at him and felt my heart race, placing my hands around his slim torso, feeling his body through the thin fabric, *something* big pressing against me making the little strength I had in my legs disapate. I needed him, I craved him. He was right against me but still not close enough, his hands on my sides sliding up my shirt while he nibbled my neck. "Art..ahh.. stop.. we have to stop." He pulled back and looked at me, his head drooping immediately like a puppy that just got scolded for chewing the throw pillows. He began signing "sorry". "No" I said, "I want this, I loved it, you've done nothing wrong. But I'm married, and I love my husband very much."

Just then I heard the back door open and my husband call "hi babe!" Art looked at me with wide eyes. "HI baby!" I called "sit on the bed and I'll be right back" I said to Art, grabbing my cane and walking into the kitchen to greet my husband who was still in his santa gear. "Umm Daddy? I've got kind of a big surprise in the bedroom" "okay well let's go see" he said excitingly and walked to the bedroom he opened the door to find Art sitting on floor with my stuffed animals making them dance around. He paused when he noticed us, looked up and waved, smiling. Daddy was silent for a moment and very still before standing straight up and quietly saying to me "um, dear there is a stranger in our bedroom dressed as Art the Clown" "daddy that actually is Art, he's very sweet come on" I said walking in and sitting on the bed. Daddy was still hesitant, "come on, you're going to hurt his feelings. "we've been talking" Art looked up from the stuffed opossum he was playing with and waved and smiled before continuing to play. "H-how have you been having talking? I thought Art didn't speak?" "With ASL babe jeez don't be ableist" i said as Art looked at him and stuck his tongue out with a bratty expression. "Sorry" he said Art made an "it's okay" motion with his hands and smiled, Art looked up at him again and shook his head in disbelief seeming to only just now realize that my husband was dressed as Santa Claus. Art suddenly jumped up and began to flail his hands, smiling wide and pointing at my love in his costume. "Yes I know, Santa!" And Art shook his head excitedly, clapping his hands. I giggled at him cutely gushing over my love. "Daddy... I have to tell you something" "not sure what could be more surprising than this "baby, what is it?" "Well um I nearly kissed Art" I said, Art and I looking at each other. "Well, we've always agreed he's one of the people (or creatures) you could sleep with and it wouldn't count... though I didn't think it would actually be possible" he said with a laugh. "Though" he said unbuttoning his santa coat, if someone is going to make love to Santa's wife, he might as well be a part of it." He threw off his coat, boots and shirt until only his pants, suspenders and hat remained, Art and I watched, intriguingly from the bed. Art looked at me with surprised eyes, I smiled and said "I know". "What were you doing before I got here naughty girl?" He said gabbing my legs and pulling me flat on my back playfully as I giggled "we were just playing, Santa" "hmm you know santa likes to play too" Art clapped his hands with excitement. "Maybe Art wants to play with your slutty little mouth" Art smiled big and looked at me with puppy eyes waiting for my approval. "yes.. please" I moaned, already excited and breathing fast, practically screaming from how bad I NEEDED them both.

Art stepped out of his black clown shoes, unzipped his clown suit and let it fall swiftly to the floor revealing his slender, pale body, he was honestly so beautiful. Daddy popped me on the butt and said "flip over, let your head fall off the bed" daddy knelt on the bed and put my legs on his shoulders as I watched Art make his way around the bed stroking himself with his long grubby fingers, still covered by his filthy gloves. I stared at him wantingly as I felt daddy's warm tip slowly edge its way inside of me (fucking tease). "P-please" I said out of breath "you seem to be talking an awful lot little girl, hmm I don't think Art likes alot of chatter" daddy said sarcastically as Art began to rub his smooth, long cock on my face. I panted and moaned, sticking my tongue out trying to be good but practically going feral inside. Art looked down at me, his eyes nearly black, he positioned himself so one leg was on each side of my head (God he was so fucking tall🥵) taking the back of my head in one hand he positioned his monster of a cock in my mouth, patiently letting me adjust to his size as my eyes welled and I continued to suck, lick, kiss, and stroke him. Just as I'm getting used to his size Daddy decides to put his full length in me, hard, the way he knew I loved, grabbing my hips to use as leverage and thrusting, causing me to moan with Arts cock still deep in my throat. Arts eyes got big, the hand he had in my hair pulled into a gentle fist, he took his cock out of my mouth and started slapping my face with it, stroking in-between slaps, taking the opportunity to shove it in my throat at random and silently laugh when I gasped and nearly gagged. He pulled my hair back as if to say "look at me, bitch" and before I could react his warm cum was filling my mouth. Daddy continued slowly fucking me hard, at this point I was shaking. I swallowed Arts' gift and he patted me on the head with a smile. I let my body fall limp on the bed and daddy pulled out of me slowly, his absence making me whimper and pout. He smacked me on the ass, jerking himself off with the other hand as he knelt over me, "don't complain little girl, do you want back on the naughty list?" He said as Art made a "well do you?" Face and put his hands on his hips. I laughed and said "no Santa" with that daddy came all over my tits, managing to get some on my face as well. I moaned and wiggled a bit, soaking it all in. I took my finger and scraped some off my boob, slowly sucking it off, "thank you Santa" I said in a half silly, half seductive way. Art swiped his hand across his forehead making a "whew" motion and plopped on the bed, cuddling up behind me as I lay next to my love panting. After a few minutes Art tapped my shoulder "yes dear?" I said out loud, still a bit out of breath. He rolled on his side to face me and looked at me with tired puppy-like eyes. I snuggled into him and kissed his chest as I rubbed his back, feeling daddy wrap his arms around my back. This was a dream come true for me, but I wondered about Art, what was his life like outside if this? Was this the first time he was shown kindness? Would he stay with us? Would he kill us? And maybe most importantly did I love him?

[ennabear]

hiya ennabear!! peep the theme :33 absolute loveeee omgg >0<

dyou take nsfw requests? If so, can i ask for loser!abby, whos like, a soft sub (she doesnt really press titles, since she isnt too obedient, but she cannot dominate for the life of her), being very shy and awk with reader since its her first time and she doesnt wanna screw up and do something wrong 😭 ooh im sick shes so precious look at heerrrr

(We are ignoring the boat scene. Owen does not exist. I refuse to acknowledge that tweeg 😡😡)

i genuinly forgot what her short hair era was called .. yaknow, when we find her tied to like, a tree (?? I dont remembed whether or not it was a tree) .. but make it so that the stories set after that 🫂🫂 apologies for not being able to tell you when that was im just very decaffeinated rn and havent had a chance to replay since like last year :P

also, can u make it so that reader is geniuinly js very fluffy and caring and allat?? No demeaning or anything, i want it teeth-rottingly sweet 🥳

thanks in advance! Now back to my deep dark lesbianism-cave-of-shame i go (ФωФ)

--🃏🌀⭐️

HIII NONNIE!!!! i’m posting this separately from the actual fic because when i was writing the authors notes/content warnings i couldn’t stop yapping… i definitely wrote wayyyyy too much for this oops… opened tumblr and my thumbs just couldn’t stop 😭 BUT AWYAOAAOOWYW THANK YEWWW i had to do a bear theme at some point because… well… ennabear……

i do take nsfw reqs!!!!! i’ll write for most nsfw things but if you’re ever too unsure check out my rules!!! I’M SO HAPPY YOU ASKED FOR LOSER!ABBY!!!! i actually love her so much but my loser!abby posts always flop astronomically hard… loser!abby fandom so small we could all fit on a bus…. 🤦🤦

also yes owen slander is 100% allowed here!!! i hate that bitch for not only screwing over abby BUT MEL TOO???? ughhh he gets on my nerves… I CAN’T STAND MENNNNN

i believe the abby era you’re talking about is pillars/santa barbara/catalina abby???? (i hope so because that’s who i wrote it about 😭) i had to do some of my own world building for this because tlou3 isn’t out yet (idek if it was confirmed… but we’ll pretend abby and reader have a happy ending!!!!) so i completely just made up shit about the island, people, environment, etc. (i’ve never even been to california bruhhhh)

writing fluffy smut is my PASSION i gotchu anon 🤝 hope u get some caffeine in your system and a chance to play again!! and if you ever wanna come back out of your dark lesbianism cave of shame, COME BACK INTO MY INBOX!!!!! i love yapping (if you can’t tell)!!!!! TJANK YOU FOR THE REQUEST!!! HAPPY READING!!!!!!

[cljordan-imperium]

Happy STS! Now that the holiday season is underway, how do your OCs feel about the holidays and what do they do to celebrate (or not)?

Hi Toul! <3

I'm going to break this down by storyline and the characters that want to answer.

@theimperiumchronicles

Yes, Christmas is celebrated because 99% of those in the story were originally on Earth. Abriella loves to decorate. There are trees all over the palace in different colors with different themes. Cruz could care less, but helps his sister decorate because it makes her happy. Olly and Deacon are pretty much the same, but also like doing small things out in the garden for the small beings that live out there. Arch helps Olly and Deacon out in the gardens to decorate for the beings there. Most of the others decorate their chambers with something. Phaedra tends to go a bit overboard and Dez and Thinius get roped into helping her. Yael is more subdued, but Deacon and Leandre are helping her to try to find joy.

@the-andromeda-effect

Caliban didn't really celebrate much in the past, but now that Adira is in his life, he's reconsidering. Adira wants to decorate the mansion, and Theron finds this hilarious and is helping her. Of course all four of her bodyguards are helping too. They are becoming partners in crime. Caliban is going to pick out a very special present for her and let her decorate if she wants, because it makes her happy...and he is going to give Theron tons of shit.

@devil-in-the-details-ay

Neither Astaroth nor Yara has ever celebrated Christmas. Now that they are living on Earth, he finds the commercialism of it highly annoying. Yara feels overwhelmed with all of it. They are avoiding humans like the plague right now.

@behindthesemasks

Christmas...Christmas EVERYWHERE!!!! Trees, wreaths, lights, you can see the mansion and grounds from space. Mel has even somehow gotten the gators to hold still with Santa hats for a photo shoot. The team helps because Mel's excitement is infectious and the other LaVeaus are just as into celebrating and decorations. Gifts are not necessarily expensive, but are VERY thought filled. Sometimes they are not even bought, but something made.

@bendingthelaws

In Colt's office, Abby goes overboard with decorating and neither he nor Dimitri say a damn thing about it. As long as Abby is happy, they're happy.

Colin doesn't really celebrate

Aoife hasn't celebrated since her husband was killed.

Most of the other celebrate with friends and/or family. The fire station and police station are both decorated for the holidays, both Christmas and Hanukkah.

@magical-mistakes-vm

Vollrath hates holidays

Elmar and Baldur celebrate with family

Mahala didn't really celebrate because she and her mom were moving so frequently

Balor celebrates Yule every year with his faction of the Coven.

@princess-of-thieves-id

Christmas does not exist in their world

@tapperhet-em

Christmas does not exist in their world

@sehnsuchtrising

Christmas does not exist in their world

[nsfwmiamiart]

Angelo & Australian baddie @abbiecornish dialogue:

Angelo: "Hey Abbie! Should we tell them?"

Abbie: "No, don't do that. Bradley Cooper will be jealous."

Angelo: "But it's fun to tell the world we're in love, you and I."

Abbie: "Okay, what the hell! We can tell them we're in love, right? I mean, who cares if Bradley Cooper gets jealous. He hasn't called me since 2010 when we made 'Limitless.'"

Angelo: "Seriously? Bradley never called you after that movie? Wow, he's such a douche. How much you wanna bet he'll chase you now? Yeah, I bet he'll be in your DMs after he reads this text, begging you to let him hit it."

Abbie: "I need a new sugar daddy anyway. Bradley will have to pay for this coochie now. I have Brad Pitt on the other line and also George Clooney. The price of my coochie just went up."

Angelo: "Don't forget the Lesbian mafia. They will chase your coochie too. Ellen and Portia will make you a much better offer than these Hollywood actors. I encourage you to join the Lesbian mafia of Hollywood; they offer good food and good sex."

Abbie: "Thank you so much, Angelo! I owe you one. What can I do for you in return?"

Angelo: "Just tell them that I'm the best lover you've ever had. That will suffice. Because I'm not lying, I just changed your entire career with one simple text. Am I lying?"

Abbie: "It's true, I can't deny that. You are the best I've ever had. You changed my life with one text. No one can do that, only Angelo can do that. You're my hero!"

Angelo: "You know that I will be in your heart and mind after this text, right?"

Abbie: "What do you mean? I don't understand."

Angelo: "It means that I changed your entire life with one text and then decided to move on with my life and ignore you. This is why I'm telling you that I will be in your heart and your mind from now on. You will always wonder, 'Where is Angelo, that righteous man who changed my life with one text? Where is he? I want to meet him.' But I will refuse to meet you for security reasons. As you can imagine, I'm an AREA 51 gang member, and this virtual meeting never happened. I'm basically a ghost who did you a one-time favor. Get it now?"

Abbie: "So, you're not gonna beat this coochie up? For real? Are you telling me that I will be stuck in a relationship with Bradley Cooper from the Hangover series? And you refuse to sit with us? Why? I want to meet you and even let you hit it. Come on, say yes."

Angelo: "Relax, I'm gonna meet you in the future, don't worry. I love you too, Abbie. We will have fun later on. Right now, you have to go team up with Ellen and Portia's Lesbian mafia in Hollywood. They will take good care of you. Trust me, your Hollywood film career will never be the same again. You will have a lot of gigs now."

Abbie: "Do you have a friend in Hollywood that I could give coochie to? I'm willing to be nice to one of your friends and give him coochie. Who do you think I should give this coochie to?"

Angelo: "I vouch for Mike Judge. Call him, and he will beat the coochie up. He will satisfy you, guaranteed. He is one of my best friends in Hollywood. You can trust him; he will be good to you."

Abbie: "Mike Judge is the creator of the Silicon Valley TV series, right? And also the 90s Beavis and Butt-Head?"

Angelo: "Yeah, that's him. Mike Judge is my bro. I have immense respect for his talent as a director. Silicon Valley is one of my favorite TV series of all time, so well written."

Abbie: "Thank you, Angelo! I will never forget what you did for me."

Angelo: "You're welcome, my dear Abbie! I plan on being good to you in the future. Just don't be on the naughty girl list of Santa. If anyone bothers you or tries to bully you, don't hesitate to call these two women: @zoesaldana and @rosariodawson. They will help you find a community of women to protect you. Zoe and Rosario will become your best friends."

Abbie: "Okay, got it! Zoe and Rosario are my friends."

Angelo: "Since you are an Aussie girl, I know an Australian girl in America. Her name is Iggy Azalea (@thenewclassic). You could hang out with her. I'm sure you will get along with her. Margot Robbie and Iggy Azalea are two Australian women in America. You can join their female gang if you want."

Abbie: "Got it, Iggy Azalea (@thenewclassic) and Margot Robbie. Thanks."

Angelo: "You were born in 1982, and I was born in 1981. You get why I look out for you. We are the same age. I see you struggling. I had to help you. You're a good woman, Abbie. I see you from afar."

Abbie: "Are you in love with me?"

Angelo: "No, I'm not. I just want to fuck you , that's all. Plus, I enjoyed your movie 'Limitless' with Bradley Cooper. That film was dope."

Abbie: "If you're a good boy, I will let you hit it."

Angelo: "Thanks, but not now. I'm busy with way too much coochie. I'll take a rain check for now, maybe later when I find the time. Bye, bye now. Love you, Abbie."

The end of the dialogue.

P.S.:

Mike Judge picture:

[pineapple-cheese-bread]

@abby-wolf Done!

Here we have my two big girls, birthday gifts from my Nan, and also the largest ones I own. (Also, yes, that is a dragon rug. A Christmas gift from my other Nan it is 100% AI art and is kinda funny to look at)

We have these two. The pink one used to be my older sisters, but when she moved out of the room, she just left it for me, so it's mine now.

We have these two lovely ladies, the one on the house was a secret Santa gift someone gave me from my old work and honestly, I can't rember where I got the other one from I may have bought her or she could have been a gift I'm not too sure.

These two, I bought the red one cause she was very pretty and I couldn't just leave her and the rainbow one was a present from my Nan (The one who got me the rug).

These two are pretty old, the one on the Geode I bought, I kept the rope that the price tag was on cause it looked cute, and the other was surprise another gift from my Nan (if I say that assume it's the one who got me the rug)

We have this beautiful lady who was actually from my great-grandmother, I was given her a few weeks after she passed, so she's very special to me.

These three are also very special, from left to right we have Headfirst the first one in my entier collection, Oswald who I got when me and my sister were in Montréal and unamed who I when I went to New Zealand.

SURPRISE! What's this? This isn't a dragon I here you say, no, he's not. This is Harold, an Alebrije I got when my sister and I went to Mexico. I love him so very much. He's just a funky little fella.

And that's all sorry if the photos aren't the best.

Hey, If this post gets one interaction (reblog or like) I will share some of my favourite dragon figures I own.

[readinginthereadyroom]

let’s talk about christopher and santa claus for a minute. 

because the thing is. that kid is a national treasure and possibly magic. because he has santa’s ear. direct line to christmas miracles. 

and the best part is. it’s canon. 

but before we get to that. we need to talk about eddie being scared of santa when he was a kid. about the difference in eddie and christopher’s childhoods.

because eddie’s childhood lacked magic. santa wasn’t a right jolly old elf with a red suit and a belly laugh. just a creepy guy with a fake beard who smelled bad. a stranger he was forced to go see. that scared him so much he got sick. twice.

christopher’s childhood tho. filled with magic. when he was little and not feeling well (maybe around one of his surgeries?) and missing eddie. shannon caves. tries to cheer chris up with a giant tree for the backyard. but we didn't have enough ornaments to cover it, so we just loaded it up with lights and ribbon. I got the sleeping bags out, and we laid under it, just staring up at the branches for hours.

which is the most magical thing I’ve ever heard.

so really it’s no surprise that christopher believes in the magic of christmas. the power of santa. miracles and the christmas spirit. 

because christopher only asked for one thing that christmas. one very specific gift. not toys. not candy. he just wants his dad. w-when you were gone, I asked santa for you to come back, and you did.

which makes me wonder what time of year it was when eddie’s helicopter was shot down. did he arrive home in time for the holidays? with his wrist in a cast and his arm in a sling and propped up by a cane. wounded but alive. home for the holidays. which is all that would matter to little christopher. that dad’s back. dad’s staying. forever.

and since christopher’s wish came true before. since santa came thru before. why wouldn’t it work again? because christopher’s got his dad. a new life, in a new city, with a new best friend. and everything is perfect. everything except the lack of shannon. christopher misses his mom. so he forgoes toys and candy once again. goes with eddie and buck to see santa. I asked him to find mom. will he?

the answer is yes. because she’s already back. has been for a while. eddie’s just been reluctant to let shannon see christopher. because he’s scared she’ll break his heart if she decided to leave again. because eddie doesn’t believe in magic. and I think that includes happily ever afters. 

but christopher believes in magic and wishes. and eddie knows that. and he’ll do everything in his power to keep it that way. cause he loves christopher more than himself. loves that he believes in magic and miracles and santa.

because it allows eddie to believe thru christopher. just for a second. but seconds accumulate. grow. build. into something magical all eddie’s own.

so they get another giant tree. cover it in ribbons and lights. turn the floor into a wrapping paper treasure map for christopher to follow into the front yard. where shannon is waiting. mommy! mommy! I missed you so much. I knew Santa could do it again.

and then so much happens. by the time next christmas rolls around shannon has died and christopher’s survived a tsunami. and eddie has to work thru the holiday. buck too. christmas is ruined. 

we don’t see chris talking about santa this year. or to santa. I think that’s probably on purpose. this year is about the absence of christmas spirit. and how that absence radiates out into their lives. chris storming away. giving eddie the silent treatment. buck saying he’s working too.

missing pieces. lack of communication. absent people.

but you cannot convince me that when the holidays go awry. that christopher won’t turn to his old pal santa to fix this particular problem. that he won’t ask for another christmas miracle. that his family can be together for the holidays. christopher and his dad and his buck. it tracks with christopher’s history.

and the thing is. santa comes thru. via buck. who plans a surpise holiday party at the 118. ropes athena and maddie into gathering their friends and family all together. throws the biggest holiday party in the history of the firefam.

and now I’m thinking the s5 holiday episode would be the perfect time for buddie to go canon. buck and eddie have been getting closer since their begins eps. they’ve both grown as people. tried other relationships. neither of which work out. both of which they choose to end. 

actually, yes. I am into this. and here’s how it happens:

the sniper and the blackout puts things in perspective. which leads to eddie to breaking up with ana. buck realizes where his priorities are and he breaks up with taylor soon after. that’s when the shoulder bumps and playful banter starts to ramp up. they’ve always been in each other’s space and at each other’s homes. now it’s just more. buck and eddie become buck&eddie. 

there’s no big declaration or passionate kiss. 911 doesn’t really do that. what we will get is a buddie hug after a too-close call that lingers a little too long. and eddie doing his sustained eye contact thing. and buck reciprocating with his eye flutter thing. then eddie reaching with his hands. then buck’s blinding smile. then...

END CREDITS. because it’ll hurt so good. 

mid-way thru the next ep we’ll get confirmation in the form of carla. she’ll stumble over buck coming out of eddie’s room. there will be a little light teasing. it’s about time interspereced with domestic fluff. they will keep it to themselves for now. 

and then eddie’s parents guilt trip him into going to texas for the holidays. buck has a christmas eve shift, but has christmas day off. and plans with maddie, chim, albert, and the hans for jee-yun’s first christmas. plus holiday dinner with athena and bobby’s family. he’s not going to be alone. 

doesn’t feel that way tho.

and then there’s a scene at the airport that mirrors the end of s1. only instead of abby leaving it’s eddie and christopher. with buck and eddie both pretending to be okay. neither of them are. 

cue eddie in texas. where everything goes wrong. of course it does. helena and ramon keep making jabs about how eddie’s raising christopher. they will never think he’s enough. even worse they don’t treat christopher like an autonomous person. but a consolation prize. a parenthood do-over.

and eddie’s miserable. christopher’s miserable. they both miss buck.

there’s definitely a firefighter santa involved. a lesson about family being who you chose. christopher won’t stop talking about last christmas at the station. about buck.

which is why. when everything comes to a head over christmas eve dinner. eddie makes an executive decision. books a red-eye flight and bundles him and christopher off to the airport. 

buck’s out on a call when eddie and christopher arrive. it was only a 2 hr flight but it’s still really late. they both conk out on the sofas. and that’s where buck spots them when the trucks pull into the station. he’s doesn’t go all the way over to them. just watches them from afar. like he’s always done. 

until eddie wakes up. sees him watching. reaches his hand out to buck and drags him into their space. physically connects the three of them. kisses his hand. merry christmas buck. 

neither buck or eddie notice that chris is also awake. watching them with a mischieveous smile on his face. because christopher believes in magic. the christmas spirit. santa claus. and apparently santa claus believes in christopher because that man has granted each and every one of his wishes.

dad. mom. family. buck. 

christopher has been slowly building his own family. via christmas miracles and the help of his good friend santa claus. 

outside the window it starts snowing.

and it feels like magic. 

[punkrockmads]

Found Family

Abby Anderson x F! Reader Mini Series

Warnings: Description of nightmare, soft SMUT

Chapter Thirteen; I'm Here

*ONE YEAR OLD*

I'm woken up late at night by a harsh movement, groaning as I open my eyes slowly and look at Abby. She's shifting in her sleep, grinding her teeth with a frown. Her brows are raised. She looks... afraid. I sit up, putting a hand on her chest gently. She's mumbling, but I can't make out what she's saying. "Shh. It's okay." I coo, rubbing below her collarbone lightly as I try to soothe her. That's when tears start slipping from her fluttering eyes.

"Abby." I say, grabbing her hands in mine and squeezing them. "Abby, baby. Wake up." Abby starts whimpering, startling me. I cup her face in my hands. "Abby!" I say louder. Abby jolts awake, almost hitting her forehead against mine as she gasps for air, looking around the room frantically. I reach to turn on the lamp resting on the night table.

"Y/N?" Abby sobs, her gaze meeting mine.

"It's okay." I say, trying to comfort her. "I'm here. You're okay."

Abby pulls me into a hug, sobbing into my shoulder. "Oh, Y/N." She cries. I hold her close, rubbing her back. "I thought you died I- I watched-"

"It's okay." I cut her off, massaging her back and soothing the muscles there with slow circles. "I'm okay. I'm right here with you, baby." I hold her close, rocking her side to side as I let her cry it out, whispering soothing words into her ear as she clings to me. Once she's calmed down enough, she relaxes in my arms, keeping a tight grip on the back of my shirt as the rest of her body goes limp.

"I watched you die." Abby mumbles into my shoulder, sniffling. "I- I couldn't save you."

"I'm right here, honey." I hush, running my fingers through her hair. "Everything's okay." I continue swaying side to side slowly. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

"The Seraphites, they- they caught us and dragged us into the woods." Abby starts, swallowing thickly. I remember running into Seraphites once or twice on my way to Santa Barbara. Some crazy cult. "We were... screaming and fighting but we couldn't escape. I bit one of them and they knocked me out. When- when I opened my eyes, you had a noose around your neck just...dangling there. I tried to get to you, but they had me pinned down. They... fuck." She sighs, unable to continue.

"It's okay, baby." I hush, kissing her cheek. "I'm right here." Abby pulls away, cupping my face in her hands, her calloused fingers brushing against my cheeks. Suddenly, she smashes her lips against mine passionately, making me hum in surprise. I let my eyes close, feeling Abby deepen the kiss.

Abby pulls away, leaving the two of us breathless as she rests her forehead against mine. "Y/N..." She pauses, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles gently. "I want you." I know immediately what she means, a fire growing in the pit of my stomach. I simply respond with a nod, kissing her sweetly. It's not uncommon for Abby to want sex after a nightmare, desperately needing something to pull her back to the safe reality that lies in my arms.

I take it slow, biting Abby's bottom lip and pushing my tongue in her mouth when she moans. Our tongues mesh together smoothly, teeth touching as I slowly guide her back on the bed, straddling her hips. I keep my hands on her waist, waiting for the right moment to let them wander. I focus on the way soft, quiet moans leave her mouth as my tongue works against hers, her hands moving down to cup my ass. I moan when she gives it a light squeeze, laughing at my reaction. I smile, the sound of her laugh assuring me she's finding her way back into reality. I push my thumbs under the hem of her shirt.

I look at her, making sure she's making eye contact before asking permission to take her shirt off. "Can I?" Abby nods, whispering an almost urgent 'yes' as she looks up at me. I smile, kissing her lightly before moving to pull her shirt off. She sits up a little, helping me pull the fabric over her head. Goosebumps form on my skin at the sight of her exposed breasts. I lean down, leaving feather light kisses on the right side of her neck. Abby moans lightly, arching her hips to try to grind against me. "More?" I ask, kissing the base of her throat.

"Please." Abby whispers, her hands moving to my lower back. She tugs at the hem of my shirt, silently asking for me to take it off. I comply, pulling away and taking the shirt off before quickly latching onto her neck again. I soothe the skin there with gentle lips and tongue, listening to Abby's soft breathing. Abby's hands slowly move to my breasts, squeezing them and making me moan into her shoulder.

I kiss a trail down between her collarbones, feeling her gasp beneath me when I kiss just beside her left nipple before gently placing my tongue flat against it. "Y/N!" Abby hisses, a hand moving to the back of my head, locking into my hair and pushing my head closer. I tease her nipple, flicking my tongue over it and sucking lightly as it hardens in my mouth. I roll her other nipple between my fingers, pinching lightly as Abby sighs. I look up at her with a small smile as I switch breasts, my hand moving to her left nipple and my mouth kneads at her right. I feel her legs shift underneath me, adjusting myself slightly so my thigh just barely brushes against her needy center.

"Is this okay?" I ask, pausing briefly to check on Abby. Her face is flushed, mouth open in a small circle as she looks at me with dilated eyes.

"Yes." Abby gasps, feeling my bare knee brush her pussy through her boxers. "Y/N." My name slips past her lips in a small moan. She takes my left hand, moving it towards the hem of her boxers. "Please." She grips my hand as I hook it in the waistband of the dark blue boxers. I move down her body, kissing her toned stomach as I look up at her. She watches with hunger in her eyes as I pull her boxers off, throwing them somewhere in the room before doing the same with my own underwear. I place a gentle kiss right above her vulva. I take Abby's hands, moving them so they rest on my shoulders as I move back up to straddle her thigh. I lean forward, my lips inches away from hers.

"I love you." I mumble, trailing my hand down her stomach to her dripping pussy.

"I love you too." Abby replies before closing the gap and kissing me. As soon as her lips are on mine, I push a finger into her swiftly, causing her to moan into my mouth. I feel my own wetness growing as her walls tighten around my finger, her hips grinding slowly against my hand. I move my finger in and out slowly, listening to Abby's quiet moans as I brush against the spot that drives her crazy. The spot only I know about.

"You're beautiful, Abigail." I hum, kissing her temple. She looks truly angelic... underneath me with red cheeks, her hair splayed out in every direction, panting as she moves her hands back to my breasts. This is my angel. My beautiful angel seeking comfort and finding it in my embrace. "You're soaked for me, baby." Abby's legs shake as she rubs my nipples with the pads of her thumb. I moan against her right temple, speeding up the pace of my thrusts, only slowing down every once in a while to tease at that spot that makes her beg for more every time.

"Y/N." Abby's voice grows slightly louder, but she makes sure she's not loud enough to wake Evangeline or Lev. "More." Abby grinds harder against my hand, my palm hitting her clit at just the right angle. I smile at her, complying as I add a second finger and quicken my pace. Her muscles flex below me. I can feel my own wetness starting to run over my clit, creating a wet sensation that makes me start to grind my hips slowly, riding Abby's thigh. "Fuck." Abby whispers, hands moving to my shoulders as she digs her fingernails into my shoulder blades. I moan, hearing the sound of her wetness on my fingers as her thrusts meet mine. "Y/N, I'm gonna-" She cuts herself off with a small groan.

"It's okay, beautiful." I say, resting my forehead against hers as our sweat mixes together. I continue riding her thigh slowly and gently, focusing on her pleasure over my own. "I got you. Cum for me, Abby." With one last flutter of my fingers, Abby's walls twitch and she shakes as she comes undone, pressing her lips to mine to muffle her moans and grunts. Her lewd noises bring me closer to my own release as I let her ride out her thigh before slowly pulling my fingers out and putting them in my mouth. I taste Abby's sweet cum as I suck it off of my fingers, locking eyes with her as she looks at me breathlessly. I stop grinding my hips, moving to get off of her when she pulls me back down against her thigh.

"Keep going, baby." Abby urges, her eyes filled with a mix of love and lust. I comply, slowly continuing to ride her thigh as I hold onto her shoulders. My wetness soaks her thigh, making my movements smoother and faster. Abby reaches back and grabs my hips, moving me against her.

"Abby!" I seethe, biting my lip as my clit throbs from the friction. I grind faster, the friction being too much and not enough at the same time.

"Those lips are mine to bite." Abby chuckles, taking my bottom lip between her teeth. I squeeze my eyes shut, feeling Abby's hands move to my ass, squeezing as she speeds up my movements. My legs start shaking violently, my release hitting the brim. "Come on, sweet girl." Abby whispers, pressing a kiss to my left cheekbone. "Make a mess on my thigh, baby." I grind into Abby's thigh even harder, finally feeling my release spill over. I gasp, biting Abby's left shoulder to muffle my moans and incoherent slurs as my cum coats Abby's thigh. "Good girl." Abby's whispers make me moan louder, biting down harder into her broad shoulder. Abby guides me through my release before letting me stop. I move to lay beside her, propping my head up with my elbow as I smile down at her. I tuck a few messy locks of blonde hair behind her ear as she gives me a warm grin.

"Good?" I ask, running my fingers through her hair.

"Amazing, baby." Abby sighs, looking so peaceful. "You're amazing. Thank you for that."

I lean down to kiss her softly. "Always." I promise. "Shower?"

Abby chuckles, looking down at her soaked thigh. "Definitely."

[purpleorchid85]

Buddie Fic Rec List (Part 1)

5 Times Eddie & Buck Knew They Were Dating & 1 Time Everyone Else Figured It Out 

by Onlymystory

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24012025

A Diaz By Any Other Name (Should Be A Buckley) 

by CaseyStar

Summary: Evan's lack of confidence in where he fit with the firefam and over how easily Bosko was brought in to take his place, rears it's ugly head when he hears about how Eddie escaped the warehouse when the police arrived.

AO3:https://archiveofourown.org/works/21783802

And They Were Roomates

By cherishingstydia 

Summary: Buck needs a place to live and Eddie has a guest room.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22828072

 And...They Were Zoommates

By emquin

Summary: Buck and Eddie work for the same company but have never met until working from home during the covid-19 pandemic has them using zoom video conferences.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23420866

 Asked, Offered, Given, (He's) Taken by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

Summary: People like to flirt with Buck on calls. It kind of makes Buck uncomfortable. And that makes Eddie frustrated.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24762892

 Be My (Secret Santa) baby

By smartbuckley

Summary:  It's this year's secret santa, and as Buck is about to open his sixth gift, he remembers the previous gifts and his feelings about them.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21809878

 Bi Me A Drink 

by Wolves_of_Innistrad

Summary:  Hen takes the firefam out to a gay bar as a means of getting Eddie and Buck together. Fic contains lots of flirty Bi!Buck, Jealous and handsy Eddie and some extra twists.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21414100

 Breathe You In

By Pline

Summary: Eddie can’t stop staring. This selfie is going to be the death of him. Buck is shirtless, and giving the camera an intense look that leaves Eddie panting. Or Buck sends a picture that tips their relationship into something new.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/25070953

 Bruises and Bitemarks 

By Tarialdrion

Summary: When Chimney invited Buck to see his first live MMA fight, Buck had no idea that the night would end with him on his knees and the most gorgeous man he's ever seen happily devouring his mouth. Life is full of surprises.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24800731

 Buck's Not-At-All-Secret Admirer 

by R_E_R6

Summary: Buck has a 'secret admirer'. Everyone knows it's Eddie, even Buck.

Eddie has a plan though.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22650847

 Calendar Shoot 2.0 

by Araloth

Summary: It’s that time of year again, time for submissions to the annual LAFD sexy firefighter calendar. Buck is eager to try again, only this year he plans on actually taking Eddie up on all his free photography advice…

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21229880

 Check Yes or No 

by rebeccaofsbfarm

Summary: Eddie finds a note in Christopher's backpack and realizes that his son has a girlfriend. When he tells Buck, he has a reaction Eddie didn't anticipate.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24783445

Cruiser Bruiser 

by FandomLife54

Summary: A close call on the side of the freeway has Eddie reevaluating his relationship with Buck, particularly how strained it's become due to Eddie's anger since the lawsuit. Some domestic love and more than a few heart to hearts have Eddie confessing things he should have a long time ago.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24126379

Darling It's Better (Down Where It's Wetter) 

By onlymystory  

Summary: "Who the hell is that?" asks Buck. Like he doesn't know exactly who that is. Like a week ago he wasn't enjoying one of the best fucks of his life with Eddie Diaz. Or the reason for Buck's surprise at the new recruit isn't quite for the reasons everyone thinks.

AO3:  https://archiveofourown.org/works/23197093?view_full_work=true#main

 Dirty Little Secret

By smartbuckley

Summary: Buck and Eddie have been sneaking around together hooking up but it has never been just about sex for Buck and he keeps asking Eddie for it to be more. But Eddie doesn’t want anyone to know, even though he does love Buck (he’s scared) and can’t bring himself to talk about it. Buck gets upset about being Eddie’s dirty secret and cuts off their hookups, it hurts too much to be that close. He won’t let Eddie touch him even platonically. Eddie realizes he needs to do something about it.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21498331#main

 Don’t Hate The Player, Hate The Game

By FancyfulOfLife

Summary: One day one too many firehouse 118 betting pools are going to bite them in the booty. Today just might be that day.

AO3:https://archiveofourown.org/works/22129198

 Don’t Need To Question The Reasons. I’m Yours.

By technicallyi’mawriter

Summary: The one where Buck is his flirty self and Eddie reminds him that he is his and his alone.

AO3:  https://archiveofourown.org/works/24207109#main

Dosed, Again

By ApplepieandCinnamon

Summary: In retrospect, eating cookies that clearly inebriated strangers gave you as a thanks had not been a good idea. Well, you’re always smarter in hindsight. Sleep deprived Eddie Diaz is a danger to society and ends up drugging both himself and his best friend.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24742834

Eddie 'I Get What I Want' Diaz

By EdithBlake

Summary: Buck encounters an ex of his on a call. It puts things into perspective for Eddie.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22488685

 Eddie Hates The New Guy

By EdithBlake

Summary: Rick is Hen's replacement while she is undergoing investigation. Eddie hates him. He especially hates how Rick looks at Buck like he is a piece of meat.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21438241

 Eddie's Not-So-Secret Feelings 

R_E_R6

Summary: 5 times Eddie says sweet things about Buck in Spanish so Buck doesn't find out he's in love with him +1 time Eddie realises Buck speaks Spanish and knew all along. With special guest stars: Eddie's entire family.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21729094

 Eddie Swiped Right On Buck

StaceyBlake

Summary: It's been over a year since Eddie has had sex. He is a bit desperate and downloads Tinder. When Buck's picture shows up on his screen and he swipes right, things take a sexy turn for these best friends.

AO3:https://archiveofourown.org/works/21818059

 Even The Bartender Knows

StaceyBlake

Summary: The Bartender at The Manhole gets a lot of guys coming into his bar who are questioning their sexuality. Helping them through it is kinda part of his job. But when a pretty Blond comes in and starts going on and on about how in love he is with his best friend, only for a man fitting said description of that best friend, walks in a few nights later going on and on about how in love he is with his best friend, well he's never seen that before.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21497890#main

 Feels Like Home

Mansikka

Summary: After a fire devastates Eddie's home, the logical thing for him and Christopher to do is stay with Buck. Though Buck's apartment isn't ideal; would it be such a crazy idea for the three of them to find a place to live in permanently together?

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24840859

 Friends To Make and Walls To Climb

By mansikka 

Summary: Eddie and Christopher just moved to Los Angeles, and they have lots of things to be happy about. Eddie loves his work on the 118, Christopher can get to know his mom again, and maybe Eddie and Shannon will relearn how to be friends. Christopher is also thriving in school, coming home every day with new tales about his new favorite teacher. Eddie needs to meet the incredible Mr. Buckley for himself, to see what all the fuss is about.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27957527

 Grand Guestures

By red_to_black

Summary: Buck didn't think too much of taking the Diaz boys out after a rough shift - until Hen and Chimney point out to him that he used to do the same with Abby. And really, if he was going to have a sexual crisis at the age of twenty seven, did it really have to be about Eddie?

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22208095

 Helping Hands

By Shaniamr

Summary: Everyone wants Buck to heal from the past year, and they think getting laid will help him. Buck doesn't want to revert back to Buck 1.0, but he also doesn't want his friends to worry about him. So Buck enlists the help of his best friend Eddie in fooling his friends. 

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22132669

 It Started With A Bang And A Hostage Situation

By JayJay_884 

Summary: Buck goes to the store one late night to buy food because of Maddie's pregnancy cravings. Whilst at the store, Buck accidentally gets caught in the middle of a robbery and gets knocked out. After waking up in the backroom, Buck finds himself as a hostage with a handsome and caring stranger.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/30733649

 I Hit the Accelerator (But the Car was in Reverse) by exasiswings & letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

Summary:  When Buck is forced to confront the truth about his breakup with Abby, having casual sex with his hot new coworker seems like the best rebound idea. Unfortunately, that hot new coworker turns into his best friend. But best friends can keep having sex with each other, right? There's no way this could possibly go wrong.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21614971

 I Might Have To Tell You

By Ingu

Summary: Christopher gives Buck a list of how to cheer Eddie up while he's gone, and Buck accepts without reading the terms and conditions first.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24803128

 Is This How You Get A Cat?

By Whis

Summary: Buck didn't know he just needed to climb a tree, rescue the kitten, fall down, get a concussion and a huge nail through his hand to get a kitten, no that he was looking for one, although, if he had known Eddie was included in the package he would have done it earlier.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21614971

 Keep It On

By R_E_R6

Summary: When Eddie walks in on Buck, bent over in nothing but a hoodie, their plans for the night immediately change. Buck's outfit though? Well, Eddie requests that it stays the same...for reasons.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26679433

 Kissing Booth Fiasco

By Lilacsheen

Summary: Buck plans on tending a kissing booth on a Halloween bash... but the kicker? He's blindfolded the entire time.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26987998

 Kiss With A Fist 

By florenceandthemachine

Summary: A meet-cute au where Eddie takes Chris to the gym once a week and they box a little together before Eddie spars; usually Chris sits by the ring and reads but one day Eddie finds him laying on a bench, lifting an empty bar while this really cute blond guy spots him and gives him encouragement...

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/25415776

 Lift Me Up

By CaptainSif

Summary: Buck gets stuck in his apartment building's broken elevator with his good-looking neighbor from the sixth floor.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28452156

 I, Hildy

By red_to_black 

Summary: The many ways in which Hildy interfered with Eddie and Buck's life, until they got the picture.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29511051

 Lightly Stabbed 

By  Every_Version_Of_Me

Summary: Buck gets stabbed and takes the time to call Eddie to tell him he can't make it to dinner.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21743812

 Love Language 

By red_to_black

Summary: Eddie's love language is acts of service, and Buck doesn't totally get it.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23403196?view_adult=true

[coeurdastronaute]

Christmas: Day 33

maybe possibly continue the thanksgiving/christmas of clarke and lexa with it being their second christmas together and they do their own thing and attend new years party or maybe do the new years right after the thanksgiving/christmas story

Day 32

Even with the sludge and the general slush that was the busy streets in the winter, the car crunched its way down familiar streets toward the opposite side of town, departing the high rises of the downtown skyline and instead running for the wide open grey sky, plump with snow and the promises of a very, very white Christmas. Dressed in its best holiday attire, the city was brimming with cheer; lights hung from every tree, ornaments from every street light, balconies were glistening with the vast array of different decoration choices, and most importantly, tiny snow men appeared in tiny yards and parks and playgrounds, waving away the old and welcoming that sense of joy that seemed to creep in despite the chill in the air. 

The car was steaming, the heat pumping through the vents at a prodigious rate that made the inhabitants begin the slow process of taking off parts of their layers between stop lights and signs. Outside it was below freezing, but the cab of the vehicle was stifling in the way that only a car can be during the holidays, pumping in good spirits despite all else. 

“Are you really nervous?” 

“No… no. No, no,” Clarke shook her head as she put on the confident air she’d perfected throughout her life. 

“You already know Anya,” Lexa promised, seeing through it instantly, knowing that she had to offer a few extra words of encouragement to make it real, to put some weight behind the faux demeanor. “You’ve known her longer than you’ve known me.” 

“I work with her, but it’s not like we work together. We’re in vastly different departments. I don’t see her other than when we have dinner together.” 

“We’ve been dating for nearly three years. You know her plenty.” 

“I know. And I’m not nervous,” she shrugged. 

Lexa reach across the middle and held her girlfriend’s hand, easing her into it. It wasn’t lost on the lawyer that her girlfriend was nervous to spend the holiday without her family, nor that she was always a little nervous around Anya. For Lexa, there were no other options. She had to make a good impression on the only sister, the only living family member. She dreaded the thought of having to impress just Clarke’s mother or father or friends. She understood the pressure. 

“I’m excited we get to spend the holiday with my family this year,” Lexa decided to try a different tactic, attempting to lighten the mood. “It’s going to be great. And we can teach them how to make proper hot chocolate and such.” 

“I’m excited, too.” 

“Your mom wasn’t too hurt that I’ve stolen you for the holidays?” 

Clarke pulled Lexa’s hand to kiss it before looking out the windows again as the snow flurry picked up once more. 

“She understood. She was just excited we agreed to New Years with them.” 

“I can’t believe she was okay with inviting Anya and the gang up for the party. It was very cool of her.” 

“Well, you know Abby,” Clarke shrugged. “Always trying to be the hippest mom on the block. Plus, Dad really wanted to validate his transforming the shed to a guest house.” 

“House is generous.”

“Don’t tell him that,” she chuckled and agreed. “He worked very hard.” 

“I know,” Lexa grinned. “He sent me all kinds of updates. I think he was trying to separate us when we visit.” 

“Fat chance.” 

“We’re quiet, right?” 

“Very,” Clarke nodded before pondering it a little more. She decided to get that thought of her head immediately. 

“Well, I can safely say that Anya appreciated the gesture of including the whole family together, and they never get to go anywhere or go to adult parties. She’s probably more excited about that than about us coming for Christmas.” 

“My mom loves having kids running around the house. It works out so well. Why haven’t we thought of it sooner?” 

“I had to get you to date me for real, first.” 

“Shut up,” Clarke rolled her eyes, pinching her girlfriend’s bicep. “It wasn’t that hard.” 

“Mhm, keep telling yourself that.” 

“I’m not having this fight with you again.” 

“Yes dear,” Lexa smirked, lolling her head back toward the road as Clarke rolled her eyes once more and sighed, smiling through it despite herself. 

The car made its way across town as the streetlights came on. All of the creatures that would have been stirring quieted. Little faces pushed themselves against the cold glass of the windows and searched the sky for a sight of the sleigh. Christmas Eve settled atop the world with a sense of impending joy and a crackling warmth that kept all of the houses nestled safely on their streets. 

The intersection before her sister’s house, Lexa kissed her girlfriend’s knuckle and tucked her hand closer to herself, satisfied with her life and that she was someone who had many places to be for Christmas. A surge of love flushed itself through her system, and it went away just as unexpectedly, leaving behind a residue of warmth. 

“I love you, you know?” she asked her girlfriend who hummed along with the Christmas music on the radio. 

“Yeah, duh.” 

With a contented smile, Lexa let her head rest against the seat in the car as the warmth blew at the snow that clung to her boots. 

XXXXXXXXXX

Much like her own home for the holidays, the dining table at the Blake household was vibrant and alive, absolutely overflowing with bodies and hands and forks and delicious smelling food steaming at the windows and voices talking over each other to fill their plates and begin the sacred tradition of a Christmas Eve dinner. 

“We do the big dinner tomorrow,” Anya promise as she finished making a plate for her youngest daughter who slapped at the high chair, full of mirth and excitement. “But Chinese has been a Christmas Eve tradition since we were kids.” 

“This is absolutely better than anything I could have imagined,” Clarke promised, angling for a box of lo mein. 

“Our mom burned an entire dinner in some fashion their first Christmas together,” Lexa explained, handing out egg rolls to her niece and nephew and girlfriend. “Before we were even born. And every year, my parents just kept ordering.” 

“When I first got married, I debated the tradition.” 

“But I insisted,” Bellamy grinned from the head of the table. “Because it meant we got to spend the entire day having fun instead of cooking.” 

“And Lexa all but refused to eat anything else.”

“It’s a sacred tradition,” she shrugged, earning a look from her girlfriend. “I’ve been known to be stubborn from time to time.” 

“I didn’t think I’d ever hear you admit it,” Clarke taunted. 

“That’s your Christmas gift.” 

“I wanted to cook this year, but believe it or not, Lexa insisted again that I not change anything for you.” 

“I’m glad you didn’t,” she promised. “I can’t imagine a better dinner.” 

“And after we get to watch Christmas movies,” Madi explained as she worked her fork around her plate, doing her best. She was the spitting image of Lexa, and Clarke felt that aching kind of twinge to see her girlfriend with the mini-versions of herself. “And eat cookies and leave some for Santa and we got carrots for the reindeer.” 

“Oh wow. I better save room.” 

“I always try,” Lexa shook her head. “But all we do is eat for the holidays. There’s never enough room.” 

The frenzy of family slowed as everyone went about the arduous task of eating absolutely delicious food and savoring each other’s company. The baby made a mess, much to Lexa’s enjoyment, while the twins excitedly prattled on about their gifts and Santa and the movies and everything they wanted to do during their winter break. 

Somewhere between all of it, Clarke found herself swept into Lexa’s family, beaming at how happy her girlfriend seemed to be, to be a part of such a moment, to have a certain pride in having someone to share it with. It was as intoxicating as the wine that Anya freely and eagerly shared. 

The holidays at the Griffins were decidedly missing something in the form of tiny people who still had enough magic in them to appreciate the mystery of the time of year, and Clarke hadn’t thought to miss it until dinner on Christmas Eve. 

Lexa gingerly added more to Clarke’s plate, sharing her order of chicken and explaining eagerly how it was the best of all time, pulling Clarke back from her reverie.All Clarke could do was smile and dig into the new traditions. 

XXXXXXXXX

The noise came in the form of tiny feet pounding down the hallway, giggling and excitedly whispering past the room. Lexa shifted in her sleep, stretching slightly to tighten her grasp on her girlfriend. She enjoyed the warmth of the body beside her, she enjoyed her smell mingling with the familiar smell of her sister’s spare room, she even enjoyed the feeling of Clarke’s body relaxing into her own chest as she fought against waking. Lexa kissed bare neck and dug her nose into the shoulder of Clarke’s old flannel shirt. There was something wonderful to wake like that, and she knew it. 

“Merry Christmas,” Clarke whispered, tugging Lexa’s arm impossibly closer. 

“Merry Christmas, beautiful. Are you ready for presents?” 

“You’re worse than the kids.” 

“I never claimed any different. What’d you get me?” 

“Nothing.” 

“Do you want to know what I got you?” Lexa murmured, hand shifting slightly along her girlfriend’s stomach. 

“Kind of,” Clarke grinned but kept her eyes shut, her hips moving slightly against Lexa’s lap. 

The instant her fingertips dipped into sweatpants, the knock echoed against the door as the tiny feet made their way with great speed, back toward the Christmas tree and pile of presents. 

“You’re the one who wants kids,” Clarke reminded her girlfriend as she rolled over to kiss her cheek, earning a huff as the warmth escaped the bed. “Come on. Let’s go see what Santa brought.”

“But… we have a tradition,” Lexa pouted, head hiding in a mess of hair and pillows and sheets. 

“Sex on Christmas isn’t a tradition. It’s coincidence.” 

“Come back to bed. I can give you a quick coincidence.” 

Hopeful and smirking, she stretched across the bed to try to snag a loop in the robe Clarke put on before grasping only at air. 

“Morning Lex, Clarke. Merry Christmas. The heathens are waiting for you to open presents,” Anya called, her voice disappearing as she went down the stairs. “I’m making coffee.” 

“Looks like we have all new traditions this year,” Clarke teased, tugging a defeated girl out of the bed with a heave, though Lexa refused to make it easy. “I’ve been known to coincidence any time on Christmas though.” 

“What a coincidence, me too,” Lexa grinned. 

“Come on. Presents.” 

“We’re staying home next year. I don’t care what anyone says.” 

“Let me quote you on this in about ten months.” 

“Shut up.” 

XXXXXXXXXXX

The table was set, the candles lit, the plates perfectly ordered with properly placed silverware and fancy wine glasses. Despite the uproar of the kids playing with their toys and trails of wrapping paper throughout the house, the dining room ws expertly set and full of mirth and delicious smelling food. Gone were the flannel pajamas, and in its place were velvet dresses and ties, as everyone dressed up for the meal and friends arrived to partake, stretching the house at its seams with bodies and warmth. 

The evening fell quickly, with the lights and candlelight glimmering amidst the voices and happiness of old friends and children itching their collars. 

Clarke understood why Lexa said she liked Christmas Eve dinner the best with her family. It felt like a home in a different way than the giant, conventional feast of acquired family members. Christmas Eve, Clarke imagined, was what Lexa imagined her parents would have loved. Christmas was completely for them, their own developed tradition of a beautiful, dimly lit dinner with their closest friends, the found family that kept them alive for so long. 

When dinner was called, Clarke found her seat beside her girlfriend and smiled before earning a kiss against her temple while Bellamy’s parents started the applause as Anya brought out the main course followed by some friends with sides. 

“I’m going to grab the wine,” Lexa whispered after helping push in Clarke’s chair. 

In just a few minutes, everyone was seated and waiting for the items to start passing, but Clarke noticed the absence of her girl. When she looked around, she caught Lexa leaning against the doorway, just watching, two bottles of wine in her hand. Unsure of how long she’d been there, Clarke watched Lexa watch the family, and she felt the warmth of the season, she felt the burning of her adoration, she fell in love. 

When Lexa caught her eye, she straightened slightly before smiling quite sheepishly and offering a shrug. Clarke just gave her a wink before thanking Anya’s college roommate for passing the potatoes. 

XXXXXXXXXXX

New Year’s was no different than Christmas at the ancestral Griffin household. The trees and lights remained up, festive for the final time of the year, while fancy tables and candles all around, the tables and the food and the people mingled about. It was a full house, with friends and family taking their time getting reacquainted. 

From the moment Anya met Mr. and Mrs. Griffin, Lexa felt a warmth, a certain level of family that she couldn’t remember feeling in her entire life. She adored the Griffins. She loved spending time with Jake, as he fiddled in the garage and they escaped Clarke and her mother. Hell, Lexa even enjoyed helping Abby cook and chatting about the newest restaurants. And it sent her over the moon to see Clarke with Anya, so much that they even got coffee together and often saw each other more than Lexa saw her sister. 

But during the New Year’s Eve party, all of the world’s combined. Anya was sitting in the living room with Clarke’s childhood best friend. Bellamy and Jake were manning the bar, willingly filling the rest with spirits. 

“You’re awfully quiet tonight,” Clarke whispered, wrapping her arms around her girlfriend’s waist, her chin on her shoulder. 

“Just happy.” 

“Normally you get chatty when you’re happy. You okay?” 

“Yeah,” Lexa promised before kissing her girlfriend’s temple. “Just very, very, very happy.” 

“So, do you want to go make out in the garage for like ten minutes or…” 

“Can I steal her?” Raven interrupted, snagging Clarke’s arm. 

They were gone before Lexa could argue. 

Nervously, she toyed  at the box in her pocket, rubbing the velvet between her fingers. She couldn’t concentrate on much else, and she wasn’t sure how she was going to form words. Every time she tried to remember, her mind went blank. 

She refilled her glass of wine and earned a smile from Jake, amused and sympathetic. She watched Clarke and Raven moving through the crowd and felt the warmth and she was almost ready. 

XXXXXXXXXX

“Why do we have to go outside?” Clarke shook her head, tugging on her coat as Raven put hers on as well. “It’s almost midnight, and I have a kiss to give. I’m all booked up.”

“I want to show you my new car before the fireworks anyway.” 

“Did they add some budget to the fireworks this year?” she chuckled, afraid to acknowledge that the fireworks were barely visible from the town square. 

“It’s all anyone’s been talking about for months.”

“You’ve got to get out of this place.” 

“Yeah, I know,” Raven chuckled. 

The Christmas lights remained on every house on the block, completely illuminating the night and twinkling in the leftover feeling of mirth and joy, hoping to prolong the world a bi longer, to embrace the frigid cold and beautiful, pure snow, and cast off the cynicism that was inevitable within two months. It was the night of firsts, the night of new, the night of beginning and ending, all at once, a sadness for what was lot and a reverence for what was to come, the door of possibilities open wider than ever or any other day. And the Christmas lights remained, a beacon on every eave, a galaxy amidst winter’s distress, ushering in time and the striking of clocks. 

The pair walked along the shoveled driveway as Clarke surveyed her home and her old neighborhood. She seemed to remember every branch, exactly as it was, so that even when she was away, her mind knew how they grew, so there was never a change, all remained intact. 

“Shit,” Raven sighed, her breath clouding up in the cold. “I forgot my keys. Just… I’ll be two seconds.” 

“It’s freezing. Can’t I just see it tomorrow?” Clarke sighed. 

“Just hang tight. It’s not midnight yet.” 

Suddenly alone in front of her childhood home, Clarke looked into the windows, watching from a new vantage point the life that was being lived inside. She wondered if Lexa’s habit of voyeurism was rubbing off on her. There hadn’t been a time she remembered taking these moments to look and listen and see, more importantly. But now, Clarke paused and watched, like a movie at the drive in. 

When the door opened again, when the noise from the party grew louder and then dissipated again, Clarke looked to see her girlfriend appear instead of her friend. 

“Thirty seconds left in the year, and I was afraid I was getting stood up,” Lexa smiled, shivering in the cold. 

“I would never. Raven made me come out, but I’ve lost her, it seems.” 

“Sounds like Raven.” 

“Well, you’re here now. Care to usher in a new year with me, Woods?”

Clarke cocked her head to the side as she wrapped her arms around her girlfriend’s neck. Lexa’s arms moved around her waist in the familiar pattern they’d developed. Inside, the noise seemed to die down as the count began for the final seconds of the year. 

“There is absolutely no where else I’d rather be.” 

Clarke couldn’t wait, leaning forward to kiss Lexa one last time and for the first time as time existed beyond them. The cheers and confetti erupted in the house and the fireworks boomed in the distant, barely visible beyond the roofs across the street. 

“Happy New Year,” Clarke whispered, her cheeks blushing with the cold and the kiss. 

“Happy New Year,” Lexa returned, not even opening her eyes but smiling nonetheless. 

“We should go inside.” 

“Just one more minute.”

Even with their foreheads pressed together, Clarke nodded and closed her eyes as well. She felt Lexa’s hands toying with her coat, and she felt her breathing warm the space between them. 

“You okay?” 

“Yeah, yeah, of course,” Lexa nodded again.

“You’re shivering. Let’s go in.” 

“Yeah, yeah,” she nodded again. “Wait. No. I don’t want to go inside yet.” 

“But your--”

Lexa pulled away slightly, but she didn’t move. She furrowed and gulped, afraid to look at her girlfriend’s face. It flashed gold and green and blue and red and gold again with the display. 

“I love you.” 

“I know. I love you too,” Clarke promised. 

“I need you to not say anything for like thirty seconds, okay?” Lexa waited until she earned a nod. “Okay. I love you. I knew I was in love with you the very first Christmas we spent together, and the very first year you kissed me on New Years. I love the life you’ve given me, and I love the person I naturally am when you’re here.” 

Clarke watched the movements happen, she couldn’t quite understand it, despite knowing what it all meant. She watched Lexa dig into her pocket. She watched the little black box appear as Lexa knelt on one knee in front of her. 

“I’ve fallen so entirely in love with you, that I want to spend the rest of my life, my holidays, my new years, my old years. I want it all with you. And I was wondering if you would marry me?” 

Lexa stared back at her girlfriend and gulped again, her heart entirely stopping for the duration of what felt like an entire lifetime. 

But words didn’t come, just Clarke pouncing forward and hugging Lexa’s neck so tightly she thought she might break it right there. But she nodded and nodded and hugged so fiercely she couldn't entirely nod. And when that failed, she kissed her. 

The crowd that formed near the door and windows yelled and clapped, though neither noticed. 

“I love you so much,” Clarke mumbled, unable to breathe or see or talk or do anything other than exist in a state of pure bliss. 

“Good. Be mine forever?” 

“Of course.”

NEXT

[buddie-diaz-world]

After yesterday’s finale and thousands of posts about queer baiting I decided to rewatch 911: seasons 2-3-4 to see the flow of Buck and Eddie’s relationship. There will be a lot of text but please take some time and read this.

Today I finished season 2 and we’re gonna talk about it.

Season 2 is an introduction year: period where we get to know Eddie and Buck as their own people with their issues, internal conflicts and obviously (Louis Tomlinson meme) love interests. The season 2 is also a year when they get to know each other, explore their partnership and learn more about other’s life.

Love Part in Season 2.

About Buck: at first we can clearly see that Buck is trying to get over Abby and he doesn’t move out of her apartment until first half of the season; after that he stays single for some time (hooks up with Taylor) and then there’s Ali that they rescued during the earthquake. As soon as he and Ali become a couple you can clearly see how disgustingly in love (apartment and hospital scenes were…interesting. I was cackling at my husband’s face at that time because we’ve been together for 8 years and we never looked like that) they are. Buck’s face says it all during those scenes, to be honest. Ali herself was the one who initiated this relationship, how worried she was about Buck when his leg got crushed by a fire truck face; she was at the hospital, met Carla and Maddie. Probably the rest of the team during that time. And she left only after Buck was discharged (unlike Chim and Tatiana case *cough-cough*). Even when she was breaking up with him…I teared up. It was a heartbreaking moment.

Now Eddie. He loves Shannon. Since the moment she comes back we can clearly see how much Eddie loves her, then as soon as they get together we get to see a happy and content family. And Eddie…the restaurant scene. He was so happy about the baby (which eventually was a false alarm), he asked Shannon to become a family again. And then how devastated and heartbroken he looked when she first asked for divorce and then died. You don’t look that ruined when you lose someone you don’t care about and the moment at the beach…I don’t have enough words to explain his pain. Yes, he didn’t trust her at first: he doubted whether or not she should see their son. The man got hurt by the person he loves and most importantly Christopher got affected by this. You can’t tell me the kid brushed it off like nothing happened. He asked Santa to bring mommy back two years later after she left. Definitely wished for that before. The only wish this little boy had is to have his family together again. Therefore, after all the pain Eddie and his son (the most important part of his life) been through he had all the rights to be suspicious and cautious. However, eventually he made a decision and chose his family, people he love and cares about the most.

Christopher (is a national treasure). Comparing to seasons 3&4 we don’t see much of Buck and Christopher’s interaction on-screen. The moment after the earthquake (happened off-screen, we say this is when they first met), at the hospital (also happened off-screen), elf scene (very well known around the fandom. love it tbh. yet we don’t see Buck and Christopher interacting) and another one in the firehouse when Chris meet the whole firefam. The rest of the time Christopher is either with his mom, Carla or extended family.

Conclusion. At the beginning of season 2, we can clearly see as Buck and Eddie are slowly adapting to each other: Buck accepting another person into his 118 family unit, yet being cautious that he’s gonna be replaced. Eddie is adapting to a new life: in LA and the one where you won’t get shot (the irony though) for breakfast. After everything he’s been through he’s still cautions and don’t trust easily. Step-by-step we see Buck stepping into Eddie’s life and doing everything he can to help him, make his life easier (bring Carla, warn Bobby about having Chris at the fire station, discussion about Shannon). I know you’d say you wouldn’t do that for just a friend, but guys this is Buck - the man who wears his heart on his sleeve, who will risk everything but help a complete stranger. And Eddie, who he has to work with, the man he wants to be friends with after he stopped being threatened by him obviously (Louis Tomlinson meme), he wants to help him especially when he knows he can. Yes, they are closer with each other than they are with the rest of the firefam, but so are Chim and Hen, Hen and Athena. Yet, comparing to others we don’t see them interacting outside of work: Eddie is usually with his family (later Shannon included) and Buck is with Maddie&Chim, later Ali. Therefore, I am sure neither Eddie nor Buck had any bits of love or affection inside them during this season. They were slowly adapting to their new lives and people around them, exploring their chemistry, learning how to trust each other and becoming friends. Close friends.

@911onfox you better give me some dedicated to moment for all the work I’m doing for you.

[fiddlepickdouglas]

Viva Las Vegas, Pt. 8 - Familiar

Summary: Sunset Curve Alive AU, Willex, is it him?, 2.8k

@trevor-wilson-covington​ is the bestie who makes these lovely edits, we stan supportive friends

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

Alex sat at his drum set, sticks in hand, and began hitting things at random. Watching the cymbals wobble at dramatic angles every time he made a blow, hearing the crash ring in his ears over and over, making the toms sound da-da-dum in a roll, like his frustration could finally sound out something that fit what he meant to get across. His mom had bought him a punching bag last Christmas in a passive aggressive insistence that he needed a quiet thing to hit if he was going to get things out. Sure, he used it, but only when he actually wanted to work out. He made sure she knew so she couldn’t complain to him about wasting her money on such an expensive gift.

He needed the drums specifically. His thoughts and feelings couldn’t always come out of his mouth, but they were definitely sounds. It wasn’t his fault he couldn’t make them with his own tongue. The only time he’d gotten close was when he and Willie had been screaming over the railing of the observation deck at the Stratosphere a few weeks ago.

Today’s tantrum (and preceding argument) was over school. He was a good student, but the way things were going with Sunset Curve, Alex had little desire to continue. What was another year of subjects he already grasped the concept of when he had no plans to use them? It was a circular conversation at this point, like most things he had with his parents lately. Sometimes he could nod and pretend to just accept whatever they said, but other times they got under his skin. They got in like termites, making anything that was stable inside before feel hollow and weak.

A knock sounded at the door and Alex stilled his cymbals before getting up to answer it. It was his younger sister, Abby.

“You have a phone call,” she told him. Her tone was sassy, but Alex smiled a little at hearing it mirror his own. She was learning. He was proud. Messing up her hair as he moved past her, he went over to the phone and grabbed the receiver.

“Hey, what’s up?” he answered, knowing it could only be one of three people on the other end.

“Hey, man.” It was Bobby. “Luke’s been having a rough day. He won’t say that it’s because Julie is heading out to finish her tour soon, but I’m pretty sure that’s what it’s about. Reggie and I are thinking we take him to the pier; hopefully we can distract him.”

“That’s a perfect idea,” Alex said. “I can meet you at your place in about five minutes.”

“Sweet, dude, see ya.”

They hung up and Alex grabbed his fanny pack, slipping outside without saying a word to anyone. If his parents weren’t used to it by now that was their fault.

Less than an hour later, all the guys were on the boardwalk, surrounded by the many games and rides at Santa Monica. Someone else was busking in the corner they usually occupied, playing a saxophone and they each dropped some change in the tin set out before them. Luke was bouncy and energetic for the most part, but relatively quiet. A few thrill rides would break the silence soon enough, though.

They all walked with their arms around each other’s shoulders, forming a wall that forced anyone else to move around them. Alex had made sure Luke was in the middle, sandwiched between him and Reggie, with Bobby on Reggie’s other side. It didn’t last long, thanks to Alex’s long legs getting them all out of sync, but they still liked doing it. Soon it was just Luke and Reggie, letting Bobby and Alex walk slightly ahead on their own.

“We wanna get something to eat first?” Luke suggested.

“And blow chunks on the rides?” Alex responded. “Kinda not in the mood to pay for my own puke, thank you.”

The look of slight horror on Luke’s face made Bobby laugh.

“Thanks, Alex, for that,” Luke was saying.

“Guys, there’s a short line over here!” Reggie was already heading toward one of the rides, eyes bright with excitement. Alex held out a hand so Bobby could go before him, receiving a head shake of denial before he followed him and pulled Luke along behind. It was a two-seater anyway, and even if Alex weren’t trying to give them a nudge, having Reggie scream in front of him was far better than directly into his ears.

He usually didn’t scream on the rides as much, but he took the opportunity this time. It felt great. Willie had unknowingly given him a gift in that simple act of emptying his lungs into the air. Ride after ride, he wanted to lose his voice to all the things he let out. The safety guards didn’t quite feel like Willie’s hands grabbing onto his jacket, but he wanted to pretend. Among all the realities he kept near his chest, it was alright to imagine he still had Willie there - smiling, giggling, hands open to be held.

He’d had a good amount of time to bang it out once they’d gotten home. Alex broke more sticks that day than he ever had in his life. The main reason he stopped was because Abby came to his room crying, both because she was extremely annoyed and could tell something was wrong. Maybe his parents weren’t much for support, but he was grateful for her. He was also glad she was only nine and was still a huge cuddle bug.

After getting dizzy on rides, Luke was finally at full energy again and had moved them onto games. Alex preferred to watch, but Luke and Bobby were competitive while Reggie cheered for both.

“Is this what it was like in the arcade?” Alex asked, elbowing Reggie as he hollered at Bobby trying to throw a basketball in the net.

“You bet!” Reggie turned with a smile. “We went lo-co.” He enunciated the last word. “You got this Bobby!”

Luke had finished his turn and come up with nothing, so he joined the other two.

“Okay, after this, I’m hungry so I say we get hot dogs,” he told them.

“Yes,” Alex agreed, feeling hungry himself.

Suddenly Reggie began cheering, and they turned to see Bobby celebrating as well as he made a final shot into the hoop. The guy working the booth let him choose from their ridiculously large stuffed animals, and he grabbed a giant puppy. Reggie’s excitement overcame him and once Bobby was facing his direction, Reggie butted his forehead against him, leaving Bobby blinking in confusion. Yikes, Alex thought. They were going to take a long time to sort things out.

Luke guided them all to his favorite hot dog vendor and they all sat at a table that was placed along a wall covered in posters. Alex positioned himself facing away from the table. Sometimes they liked to scout venues they hadn’t tried playing at yet, and it had been a while since they had come to the pier to check the wall. The missing person posters had become more numerous in their corner, which was a sad change. Alex saw one for the Viper Room and nearly had the impulse to cross himself reverently for the sake of Rivers Phoenix. 

He unfortunately spotted a familiar face among the missing person posters. Luke’s parents were still hoping he would come back home. He peeked up at the rest of the guys, all bent over their food too far to pay attention, and decided he didn’t need to say anything. The whole thing with the Pattersons was touchy for all of them, but he knew it wasn’t a good idea to bring it up.

Taking a bite into his own hot dog, Alex looked back up and caught the picture beneath Luke. It was a young boy, aged nine, with dark hair growing over his ears.

William was the only name associated with him, but it listed other things like ‘missing since 1988,’ and ‘last seen in Reno, NV’ and a physical description. Alex furrowed his brow and slowly chewed the rest of his bite as he lifted a hand to pat Reggie on the back.

“Hey, you - you don’t think that’s Willie, do you?” he asked quietly, pointing at the poster. Reggie looked over his shoulder at the kid in the picture. He returned a look of sympathy to Alex.

“Alex,” he said softly. “I know you miss him, buddy, but sometimes a kid is just a random kid. We’ve probably seen his poster every time we’ve been here and just never cared. I hope the little dude’s okay, though.” He glanced back at the picture before facing forward again.

“Yeah,” Alex huffed lightly. “You’re probably right.” He flipped himself around to face the rest of the guys at the table and finish his food, ignoring the pit in his chest.

Julie sat by her mom’s side, holding her hand gently and feeling her breathe as she rested soundly. She was going to hate leaving in the morning, but she only had to finish this leg of the tour and then she could be home. They had made plans together to make scrapbooks about her shows, and she wasn’t going to miss it. Her mom always knew how to motivate her, and she was really grateful for that.

One of the nurses entered the room and gave her a sweet smile. She had kind, squinting eyes and her black hair was tied into a bun that had since loosened up.

“Don’t mind me, I’m just making some checks, doing some cleaning, this and that,” she said.

“I don’t mind at all,” Julie assured her. It was hardly the first time she’d been around while one of the nurses was doing their routines. Something about it had become calming, like it let her know that her mom was in good hands.

“She’s so proud of you,” the woman said among her movements.

Looking up, Julie felt her chest straining to hold the weight that had entered. She couldn’t help but take those words as heavy as they could come.

“I’m sure she tells you, but if you weren’t already making a name for yourself the entire hospital would know who you are by now anyway.”

“She talks a lot, huh?” Julie asked solemnly, a hint of a smile pulling the corners of her mouth.

The nurse raised her eyebrows.

“When she’s having a good day, she’s the best to be around.”

Julie nodded.

“That’s my mom,” she said quietly, smiling.

They both were quiet as the nurse continued about her work.

“Do you have any kids?” Julie asked.

The nurse chuckled.

“Quite a few, actually. I have six. Well, seven, but six at home with me.”

“Wow!” Julie couldn’t imagine handling that big of a family.

“Some of them are older than you, but my youngest is ten now. Most of them just go off and do their own thing or take care of each other.”

“Does the seventh have their own family?”

Pausing, the nurse seemed to blink strangely. She took in a deep breath and then went back to the sheet she had been folding.

“No, unfortunately, we lost him,” she said, the warmth she had spoken with earlier a little more withdrawn.

Julie immediately felt bad for asking, and she seemed to freeze at the tension.

“Don’t be sorry,” the nurse said. “I don’t mean he passed away. We don’t know where he is.”

A horrific realization swept over Julie as she realized there was something more terrifying than the death of a loved one. Not knowing where they were or if they were okay - it sounded like hell. A well of pity deepened inside her heart.

“Has it been a long time?” she asked tentatively.

The nurse nodded.

“It’s hard to let go,” she said, almost sounding like she was changing the subject. “But we all figure out something that helps us carry on.” She straightened with her clipboard in hand at Rose’s bedside.

“What did you find?” Julie asked, genuinely hoping it was a good answer.

The nurse’s eyes glistened as she smiled wistfully.

“Never forgetting,” she said. “But I think you’ve already found something that will help you.”

Julie cocked her head to the side, not understanding what she meant.

“My niece is a big fan, by the way,” the woman said, bowing her head down as she exited the room.

A small noise from her mom made Julie turn to see her eyes slowly opening up.

“Hey, mom,” she said softly, leaning closer to her.

Rose smiled and rubbed her thumb over Julie’s hand.

“Sweetie, hi,” she responded in a raspy voice. “You’re gonna play a mini show for that nurse’s niece, too, aren’t you?”

Julie chuckled. Of course she could overhear them.

“I’m thinking about it,” she told her.

Quietly shutting the front door behind him, Alex surveyed his family’s dark front room before tip-toeing up the stairs to his room. Thank goodness his dad wasn’t reading in the living room this time. He was always guaranteed to be caught when that happened. Once he got to his bedroom he took off his hat and fanny pack and was pulling his hoodie over his head when he heard a small knock. Dammit, he’d be so close.

Opening his door, he looked down to see Abby in her pajamas holding something behind her back.

“Abby, god,” he whispered. “I thought you were gonna be mom.”

She shyly shook her head. Her little blonde braids made small shuffling noises as they barely reached past her shoulders.

“What did you want?” Alex asked her.

“I wanted to show you my picture,” she told him quietly.

Any other night he would’ve sent her back to her room to show him in the morning, but her cuteness was a weapon and Alex was oddly weak tonight.

“Come here,” he said, nodding his head to let her inside. He patted the space beside him on his bed. She grinned as she sat cross-legged and held up the picture.

Alex could definitely identify himself, because she always drew him with his fanny pack on. There was also what appeared to be Luke, Reggie, and Bobby.

“Wait, who’s that?” he asked, pointing to a fifth person in the picture.

“It’s your other friend. I don’t know their name. I heard you talking about them.”

Alex sat back and looked at her, not sure if he was mad about it or not. He tried to be cryptic in his conversations over the phone with the guys, especially if they brought up Willie, so how she picked up on anything was almost impressive.

“Do you not like it?” Abby wondered.

Shaking his head, Alex put his arm around her and squeezed her into his side.

“Abby, this is great!” he assured. “I just didn’t know you paid such good attention.”

“I have good hearing, you know,” she stated proudly. Alex chuckled and gave her a light noogie. “Heeeyy!!” She put up her hands to get him off of her.

“Look at this, though!” he said, pointing to the drawing. “You even got that he has long hair!”

“It’s a boy?” she exclaimed, and then clamped her hand over her mouth. “You have a crush on a boy?”

Alex’s jaw hung open a few seconds too long and immediately felt his body begin to shake and all words were caught in his throat.

“I know what that’s like, Alex,” Abby was saying, in her sassy way. It was enough to reboot his brain.

“Wait, how do you know that? You’re nine!” He looked at her like she was his odd sister again.

Abby simply shrugged.

“Not telling you about it,” was all she said. “And your boy sounds cute.”

The emotion that took over was too good to just be relief. Alex pulled her into a tight hug, seriously trying not to cry. They sat like that for a minute until he got afraid of crushing her.

“You’re a stinker,” he told her, rubbing her back and lightly kissing the top of her head. “But I love you.”

“I love you too, Alex,” she said, voice muffled against his chest.

“Alright, now go to bed, okay?” He let go of her and she hopped off the bed and out the door. Seeing it shut behind her, Alex climbed under the sheets and lay on his back, exhaling sharply. She had been kept out of that conversation long enough, he guessed. It barely even had to be one with her. He let a few tears leak out before aggressively wiping them off his face and turning on his side. Man, did he need some shut-eye.