#carol overreacts to music

[caroloftheshells]

(eisenberg, the recording angel)

[ghostofskywalker]

Welcome Home

Carol Danvers/Reader

Fictober Day 28 of 31

Words: 760

Summary: After an injury forces you to the sidelines for this mission, you spend all your time wishing your girlfriend would be home soon.

Carol Danvers Masterlist

You stared nervously at your phone, but no messages were coming in. The photo of you and your girlfriend set as your background stared back at you, a feeble attempt to get you to stop worrying about what might be happening out there. 

You never went on missions without her. The two of you were always a package deal, and every single person in the compound knew it. But after a leg injury on your last assignment sidelined you for longer than you’d thought was necessary, you were stuck sitting around in the empty rooms as your friends and allies braved the dangerous world of espionage without you, and you had no idea what was happening. 

You had pitched some kind of strategy role when you started to feel better, but it was shot down. Hell, you would have even served as the getaway driver if someone had given you the keys to the Quinjet. But the fact of the matter was that you were still not truly well enough to put your body in any more high-stress situations, no matter how much you wanted to ignore that. So for now, you had to be content in waiting for the team to return. 

There was nothing good on TV, there was nothing you wanted to do, there wasn’t even any music you wanted to listen to. Nothing in the world could take your mind off the fact that you were waiting for your team (and more importantly, your girlfriend) to return. The feeling was akin to that of watching paint dry, and on more than one occasion you had just stared at the screen of your phone for extended periods of time, hoping that something would flash and catch your attention, but nothing worked. 

Sleep was your greatest ally in this time, but even then you found yourself worrying. The mission wasn’t even a particularly dangerous one, and the most likely scenario was that everyone would return fully intact and exuberantly successful, but it was the fact that you weren’t there that stung. 

As a joke, you tossed a small ball against the wall, trying to get it to bounce back to you. This place might as well have been a prison anyway, your (overreactive) brain said. 

Your eyes widened as they took in the rumble of the hangar bay opening, and you knew that your boredom was about to be over.

If your doctor had seen how fast you pulled your body off the couch and began to sprint (well, as much as you were able) down to where the rest of the team was arriving, you would likely be on the receiving end of a lecture. But you didn’t care; Carol was home, and you wanted to see her. 

The moment you burst through the door into the hangar bay, you locked eyes with her, and immediately the two of you ran towards each other. She was much faster than you were though, because the point where you met was much closer to the door than it was the ship. Her arms wrapped around your body, and you breathed deeply as you returned the hug, never wanting to let go. She smelled slightly sweaty and there was some dirt on her suit, but none of that mattered right now. 

When she finally pulled back from the hug, there was a smirk on her face. “Did you miss me?” 

Playfully, you rolled your eyes. “Oh shut up.” 

Her arms wrapped around you once more as the two of you laughed, and she leaned in for a kiss. It wasn’t graceful or picturesque, but the two of you poured every ounce of emotion you had into it, and you were sure your smile could be felt on her lips. 

When you finally broke apart, you could hear playful teasing from the others. “Alright you two, we get it, you’re happy!” 

“Yeah, get a room!” 

You turned back towards your teammates with a smile on your face and jokingly stuck your tongue out at them. 

“Gladly!” Carol called out as she took your hand and began to lead you inside. 

Slightly confused, you looked over at her. “Don’t you still have stuff to unpack?” 

Carol just shrugged, a scheming smile on her face. “They can handle it. And besides, I’m just following previous instructions.” 

You leaned in to kiss her once more on the cheek before continuing to head inside, the grin on your face a mile wide. This day may have started out terrible, but things were definitely looking up.

- the end -

i no longer have a taglist! if you're interested in being notified when i post, you can follow my library blog @ghostofskywalker-library and turn on notifications!

[palominocorn]

I was raised atheist; my father is a fourth generation nonbeliever (more on this point later).

The sheer level of viciousness I get for not celebrating Christmas is enough to make December absolutely hellish. People who understand and ostensibly have no problem with my atheism, including OTHER (ex-Christian) ATHEISTS, have yelled at me for being a fun-hating ass, tried to trick and coerce me into going to their Christmas mass, gotten directly into my face to scream Christmas carols at me, and more. That's ON TOP OF a month or more of Christmas music blasting everywhere, Christmas decorations in every public space, Christmas displays taking over half of every store, and all the other background Christmas assault that happens for a whole month.

Frankly, this is a massive overreaction to my "impoliteness" of not celebrating a holiday that's, to be clear, from a religion I don't and have never celebrated.

(I'm curious as to whether anon also thinks that gentiles living in Israel and non-Muslims living in Iran should also "be polite" by celebrating local religious holidays. I strongly doubt they do.)

Onto my initial point: I'm from the Eastern Bloc. Religion was banned in my country. There's a lot I can say on this matter, but the TL;DR is that this is about as close as you can get to being culturally atheist. My family is mostly agnostic/atheist, and the social stratum we interacted with was also very secular.

We never celebrated Christmas or Easter. (We put up a tree and gave presents... on New Year's... which is an interesting way to de-Christianize Christmas.) The general moral system... well, that deserves a dissertation all on its own, it's at least partly Christian, but also has gone through a few generations of atheism in interesting ways. Our traditions are, frankly, completely alien to Anglophone Christians. And they HATE me for it.

Any chance we can stop with calling people cultural Christians? It is not possible to be a cultural Christian on the individual level. Societies can be, but not individuals. An individual either identifies as Christian and believes in at least some parts of the religion or they do not. Denominations of Christianity vary, but if someone is following the tenets of their chosen Christian church, they are Christian. If they identify as Christian but rarely go to church, or ignore the beliefs when it suits them, they are a Christian who is very bad at it. If they're not doing any of that, they just occasionally happen to celebrate societally important festivals because it's fun, everyone else is doing it and no one was using it to try and make them attend church, and Jesus was never mentioned once, they are not Christian. And they're guilty of nothing more than going along with important local traditions which last I checked was just polite.

--

...

Uh... nonnie, doing the bare minimum of local traditions while not believing in the thing is what "culturally [religion]" means.

I was raised by a parent who found all organized religion stupid and backward and a parent who actively hates Christianity. I have zero interest in joining the religion. We nonetheless celebrated Christmas as a major holiday and I still do. My family was still all Christian a couple of generations ago.

Sure, I like to make my winter celebrations as un-Christian as possible, and I'm attracted to all the retconning-as-pagan stuff people like to graft onto Christmas now, but realistically, 1. the tree and all that comes out of a Christian context historically (no matter how much people try to make it something else) and 2. I'm contributing to the cultural hegemony of Christmas in the United States.

Am I annoyed to be forever associated with a religion I generally dislike? Sure. But I'm still shaped by the society I'm from.

This is different from using the term for my Jewish friends who helped me decorate the tree but who don't celebrate Christmas on their own or for Japanese people deciding to make Christmas a romance and shopping holiday. That's what joining in because something looks fun looks like.

Saying someone's "culturally Christian" or "culturally Buddhist" or whatever routinely means that they don't identify with that religion. That's kind of the point. If they believed, you'd just call them "Christian" or "Buddhist". No culturally about it.

[princesssarisa]

I'm so happy that on December 11, the complete version of The Muppet Christmas Carol, including the song "When Love is Gone," is going to be added to Disney+.

That song has been missing from the movie for too long! I grew up with it on the original VHS and early DVD releases, and the more recent DVD/Blu-Ray and streaming releases have felt all too incomplete without it. Yes, I know some people consider it a boring song, but that's very much a matter of taste. And I understand why it was cut – its a slow ballad dealing with emotions that little kids can't relate to, and it tests their attention spans. "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz and "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid were both almost cut for similar reasons. Still, any child older than six should understand "Belle and young Scrooge were in love, but now she's leaving him because he's become greedy, and this is why old Scrooge is all alone in the world." Even if they can't relate to it, they should sympathize. And the idea that it's "too sad for kids" is nonsense – if that's the justification, then the scene of the Cratchits mourning Tiny Tim's death should have been cut too!

Not only is the song beautiful, but without it, the scene of Belle and young Scrooge's breakup loses all its emotional impact. The dialogue that precedes it isn't enough, because it cuts the more emotional lines from the scene in the book. Without the song, Rizzo's crying and Gonzo's sniffling afterwards seem like overreactions. But with the song, it makes perfect sense for the Muppets as well as old Scrooge to be moved to tears.

Besides, Meredith Braun (Belle) is a musical theatre actress, whose vocal chops have let her play such roles as Éponine in Les Misérables, Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, Lily in The Secret Garden, and Maria in The Sound of Music. It's a waste to include her in the movie and not let her sing!

[haircoveredwriter]

Some thoughts after watching 11x06 "On the Inside". I'll put it beneath a break because there's more than I thought to my mindless rambling.

Okay so they're going with a straight horror movie intro but skipping the usual 'we're having such a good time out here in the woods...wait, something it out here too'

Both LR and KC do a really good terrified for their lives

Also have to say Virgil really seems to have stepped up since we met him because dude can actually take out walkers now. Good job, sir. Never stop learning.

More of Leah walking around amoungst a group of people and having no real reason to be there or contribute anything to the scene. 🙄

Damn, Hondo! Stop pulling at Frost's nails! I can't rip half mine off at work without feeling like Hershel when Rick chopped his leg. Fingers and toes always make thigs worse.

Chokeholds are illegal, Daryl. Someone needs to have him watch his own earlier seasons.

The conversation beneath the conversation between Daryl and Frost is spot on and super interesting.

Daryl's like 'look...I'm going to have to chop your finger off but it's for a good reason. Gonna save your life and who knows, maybe one of these weirdos has a Govenor closet somewhere and they'll let you take it home with you.'

Plus him taking off the vest was WAY more entralling than it needed to be, but I'm a woman with eyes so don't judge me. 👀😍(Enthralling? yup, that's what we'll go with)

It's a definite sign Daryl's not all team Reapers because he's basically taking off/hiding who he really is to fit in with his crazy ex-girlfriend's new posse.

Though my science schooling is giving how little blood there is from the amputation the side eye. Guess Frost just willed his blood some place else.

Am I crazy or is the music playing while Daryl torutres Frost the same that was playing in 10x07 while Carol tortured the Whisperer? Coincedence??🤔

Evil Monopoly man seems like he enjoys playing games with his people.

If Connie looking in the mirror is not me everyday I wake-up😏

GUYS! There were medical scissors in the medicine cabinet. You know what this means??? Queen Beth is gonna rise from the dead and save Vonnie all while less half a brain. LOL.

whoever belongs to that eye in the hole needs to get checked for jaundice.

Ofc the pencil breaks when Connie TRULY needs it. Fate really has it in for her, screwing her over with one of her most trusted friends.

These Reapers have no idea do they about how to sneak up on a building without being seen. Maybe they need it to be night before their powers activate. Funny Leah is in charge when she's the least believable one there.

Daryl pretending to be a cat hiding behind a plant with that mailbox...no one can see you my friend. You're good.

Carver and Leah remind me of the evil version of Caryl and Daryl.

They obviously have something going on and/or had a thing in Daryl's abscence. All those "Always" remarks sound an awful lot like The Princess Bride's "As you wish".

Yup, Carver is uber jealous of Daryl. Leaver is setting sail ya'll.🚢

Carol strolling in to find Kelly stuck in the mud with her casual "need some help" is perfection. I actually lol'd.

AT is also SUCH and underrated and underutilized actress on this show, I need more Kelly on my screen because she needs to be protected like the sweet cinnamon role she is.

WTH is with this episode, they really out here trying to start a bunch of new ships or something? I'm down for Vonnie.

He's so into you, Connie. Who else is gonna keep talking to you knowing you can't hear them but needing to vocalize how much more important they see you to themselves.

Oh, come on...he's said her name in this ep more times than anyone has in the last season. He's trying to rival Daryl for saying Carol's name in s10.

So in case you're keeping track...we now have Vonnie and Leaver riding the crazy shipping seas.📃

Great... more posturing about who cares about Leah more.🤮 Carver you aren't getting it; Daryl's been phoning it in since Day 1, he's not a threat just wait it out and he'll audios up out of here to go find his fire queen back home.

Leah's even telling Daryl "stop pissing of my secret boyfriend okay?"

Note to everyone: a dancing phone line is the sign to run to the basement and not a sign of an overeager squirrel running across the line for his acorns.

So the jaundice family watched The Ring too many times and think this is how all the cool kids act in horror flicks. All they keep saying is 'hungry'; Connie, Virgil, someone get them a Mars bar and it'll be done.

A+ fight put up by Virgil. He's been taking some classes during the lockdowns to better himself.

The Reapers are HORRIBLE military folk. How do ya'll not see Maggie & co leaving when you have people on the perimeter for the sole purpose of finding runners?! Do not hire them. 1 star on Yelp.

Yup I'm all over Vonnie. That "together" stuff was by far the shippiest thing we've seen all season.

And their reunion hug through the walll .... guuurl.

walker guts trick again: the express version

why do I feel like they could do a mini spin off of just a little war going on between the walkers and those jaundice mo-fos? Then one of the walkers falls for a crawler girl but her family thinks he's from the wrong side of the yellow house and don't like how he thinks he's better because he's taller than all of them.

Kelly found Connie! So happy this storyline ended with the 2 people the arc was truly about; the 2 sisters finding each otherafter years of the show hating siblings.

Now can we finish with Carol's self-hatred stuff and let her heal? We know Daryl is gonna be finished with his "gotta save 'em all" issues soon so it would be fantastic if they could finally be on the same baggage free playing field. Just a thought Kang.

Overall I thought it was a good episode. Only a few things I would nitpick ie. limited Carol, cheesy music during some of the haunted house bits, and the reapers need to go back to basic training and learn some stuff and thangs.

Ofc the spoilers beforehand were blown way out of proportion though I'm not surprised. I didn't go in expecting to see what was foretold and thankfully the spirit Gods prevailed again in defeating the overreaction we go through EVERY episode.

[dietraumerei]

An Ineffable Holiday Day 17: Music

Opening with a little deep cut for any other Britten fans...

“Oh my dear. Thank you so much, it's absolutely lovely,” Aziraphale said happily, just after he set the needle on his new record and the first soft tones of the Procession could be heard. New to him – it was a little pre-Christmas gift from Crowley, a beautiful recording of Britten's Ceremony of Carols.

“Bit medieval,” Crowley sniffed, then gentled. “But yeah, 's nice. Glad you like it, angel.”

“Is he one of yours?” Aziraphale asked. “I don't think we got him.”

Crowley shook his head. “Your lot got Pears – so you had to have him too. Didn't need any kind of Orpheus situation, you know, and anyway irritating the shit out of Wystan wasn't enough to earn him Hell.”

Aziraphale smiled softly. “Oh, good. I'm glad they're together now.” He kissed Crowley softly, reminded of what it meant to be together, to be unafraid.

As Crowley settled into his usual spot, Aziraphale puttered about, putting on the kettle and tidying up a few things here and there, just to give the dust someplace new to settle. He hummed the beats quietly as the songs cycled in and out.

“You ought to sing along. I know you know the words,” Crowley called.

“Can't,” Aziraphale called back from where he was putting books away.

“What? Of course you can. You're an angel, you're not exactly going to be out of tune,” Crowley protested. “No false modesty, it doesn't suit you.”

There was a long silence from behind the bookcase, and Crowley felt something terrible in the pit of his stomach.

“Will you get the kettle dear boy?” Aziraphale finally called. “Teapot just needs filling.”

Crowley turned and took care of it, of course, filling the cheerful old teapot, the glaze crackled and familiar.

“Aziraphale?” he called after a few minutes of quiet. “Aziraphale, I'm sorry.”

“Beg pardon?” Aziraphale emerged, some dust on the tip of his nose but otherwise quite himself. “Oh, no, it's all right. I do apologize, Crowley, I just got distracted.”

Crowley touched his fingertip to Aziraphale's nose, miracling the dust away. “Sure?”

Aziraphale sighed. “Mostly. Sit and have a cup of tea with me?”

“First tell me you're all right,” Crowley said, voice gone tight with worry.

“Love. I'm fine. Nothing has changed about me from an hour ago,” Aziraphale said. He held out his arms and Crowley went in for a hug. Sure he was an anxious, overreacting, absolutely terrible demon, but also, could anyone blame him? He would absolutely believe that Aziraphale had just forgotten to mention something horribly important.

Or that all this good and wonderful life was ready to be ripped away at any moment.

Aziraphale was warm and strong, though, and Crowley breathed deep in his arms, and the fear seemed farther away. Aziraphale's hand rested on the back of his head, wide and warm and solid, and Crowley tried to let his worry drift away. He was all right. Aziraphale was all right, there was no need for this.

“Better?” Aziraphale asked as Crowley pulled away.

“Better,” Crowley promised. “Sit, I'll take care of the tea.”

It wasn't quite clear who was indulging who – maybe their indulgences overlapped just that perfectly – but Aziraphale sat quietly on the sofa until Crowley joined him, and they'd done the tea some justice.

“I can't sing,” Aziraphale finally said, rather bluntly. “And I don't mean that in the way humans say it. I literally cannot sing.”

“Whyever not?” Crowley asked.

“It was taken from me when I was sent to Earth,” Aziraphale explained. “Angelic singing...well. It's not really safe for humans. Or other living things,” he said ruefully. “It wouldn't have been safe for anyone around me, had I forgotten myself and begun to sing. Even humming – I can, a bit. You've heard me. But not melodies, not really.”

“Oh, angel,” Crowley said softly. “I'm so sorry.”

Aziraphale shrugged. “I miss it. I won't lie to you. But it is what it is, and it...doesn't hurt me, not really. I'm not terribly inclined to sing Her praises, you know, and that's what – “ he paused, for of course in that moment the Deo gracias started up, the bright, frantic voices and the rough, violent harp.

Crowley bit his lip.

Aziraphale snorted.

And they both collapsed in giggles, setting teacups aside and arms going around each other.

“Such timing,” Aziraphale muttered, while Crowley just held him and laughed and kissed him when he got the chance.

“Humans've got the praise thing covered,” Crowley decided, and laid his hand against Aziraphale's cheek. “I'm sorry they took your voice from you, love. It's not bloody fair.”

“Who promised you fair?” Aziraphale parried, and smiled sadly, and kissed him. “If that's what I had to pay to come to Earth, I got the better end of the bargain.”

“Shouldn't have to pay anything,” Crowley grumped. He kept his arm around Aziraphale and settled in with his tea once more, after topping the angel up from the teapot.

“Hush, you,” Aziraphale said happily, snuggling – somehow retaining perfect posture – and listening to his new music as he sipped his tea with his sweetheart right there beside him. Any pain from not being able to sing, not being able to be a part of the music, was counterweighted by all of these things.

[spongeguyandlelouchvibridankia]

Mistletoe Mayhem: A Christmas Gift for

@princess-kidatheart17

“Hiiiroooooooooo!”

 Oh boy.

 Something was up.

 Hiro Hamada, SFIT’s resident robotics prodigy/superhero/lovable scamp/”genius boy” turned his chair around to welcome on the unwanted and unexpected visitor, but he didn’t even need to open his eyes to know who it was.

 Good. More time to massage his temples.

 “Oh… Are you… Ok?”, Karmi Khan, SFIT’s resident Bio-Tech prodigy/Big Hero 6 fangirl/lovable tsundere/“Best girl” (oh wait, that’s my nickname for her) found herself exhibiting an unusual emotion, at least, unusual in her relationship with the brunette boy trying not to sigh heavily.

 Hiro sighed heavily, contradicting me. “Karmi, I thought we were beyond petty fights! And I didn’t mean to leave my lunch behind in your lab!”

 Despite its slight surprise, Hiro expected a Karmi visit today. Good news or bad, his new friend (who he may or may not have slight feelings for) had been making daily check ups.

 What he didn’t expect (though he chided himself for that) was Karmi leaping up to him and hushing him with her finger, fear and alarm in her eyes.

 Moving the finger wordlessly, an annoyed Hiro with a raised eyebrow asked a sort of pointless question. “Karmi, are we seriously still doing this?”

 Karmi blushed red faster than light traveling in space and, with an incredibly impressive backflip, closed the door to Hiro’s lab and jumped back to him, her eyes darting around madly.

 Hiro stayed still in his seat, before lifting a perfect 10 sign.

 “Of course we still are seriously doing this! I’ll even do it absurdly, if the need arises!”, Karmi told him off, before wordlessly nodding at the other seat.

 Hiro nodded in approval and Karmi sat down, taking his bag of gummi bears.

 “Hey, I never nodded at that!”, Hiro remarked, with half a smile.

 “General vicinity, Genius Boy.”, Karmi bit back humorously, and she began to stuff a few in.

 Hiro shook his head in adoration and they resumed their conversation.

 “So, let me get this straight: Even though we’ve made up, even though everyone basically knows we’re friends now, and even though we’re smart enough NOW to know that there is something between us, you want to keep it secret?”

 “First of all, we are not dating, if that’s what you’re implying!”, Karmi, with a slightly full mouth, was wuick to correct.

 Pointing at him, she continued. “I may feel slightly sort of very intense feelings for you, but we are NOT dating.”

 Hiro slow clapped, a cocky smile gracing his lips. “And the Nobel prize for best explanation goes to…”

 “Ha, ha! I see you still major in comedy.”, Karmi retorted, but deep down she thought it was funny.

 She didn’t hide it as often these days, she was a lot more open in her adoration, but she had to hide it.

 At least… Here.

 Hiro, standing up and resuming his previous operation of fixing his armor, asked the necessary question. “So, I assume you’re not only here to remind me of what I already know.”

 Standing up as well and already peering over his shoulder (to his half annoyance-amusement), Karmi supplied the answer with a copy of the school paper. “Somehow, I am actually here to inform you of something you really should know.”

 Hiro stared at the paper in front of him before dryly remarking. “Not only do I not bother with print, but why would I care about a celebration of meat loaf in Room 3B?”

 Karmi took the paper back, grunted, and turned it around.

 Hiro’s eyes scanned the words and still looked phased as they reverted to Karmi’s beautiful…

 “Don’t think it. Not yet.”, he thought.

 Anyhow, Hiro was still confused. “A Christmas party is the problem? And here I thought the only Scrooge was Professor Granville.”

 “Actually, she REALLY loves Christmas.”, Karmi corrected, and Hiro couldn’t help but chuckle, raising the smallest smile on the girl.

 “Professor Granville and Christmas? Yeah, I’ll believe it when I see it.”

 He then stood up and crossed his arms, observing her with curiosity. “So, do please enlighten me to the “humbug” in the situation.”

 Karmi sighed, wondering how dense can one admittedly lovable boy be. “Hiro, surely even you know that a Christmas party with mistletoe and your friends is a recepie for disaster.”

 Now, Karmi’s assertion was absolutely true in every way.

 It was her timing that was a little off.

 Hiro began choking on the gummy bear that he extracted from the left over bag while Baymax woke up.

 “I was alerted to your presence when you made choking sounds. Like this!”

 Baymax began impersonating the choking noises quite adaquatley, and now it was Karmi’s turn to lift a perfect 10 sign as Hiro thankfully spat out the sweet.

 “I’m… Fine, Baymax.”

 Hiro did NOT want the inevitable…

 “My diagnosis is different. You appear to also be afflicted with a rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, and hormonal activity retaining to…”

 “IAMSATISFIEDWITHMYCARE!”

 Baymax quickly shut down and Hiro, who had dashed to his robotic friend, was now panting on the marshmallow body.

 THAT was close.

 “Hiding it… You’re right, Hiro. It really is sad.”

 Hiro snapped back, pouting. “Uh, of the three people in this room, who barged in to tell me of the ever present and horrible danger of mistletoe?”

 “Karmi! Karmi did!”, a voice answered from above.

 “Yes! Well said!”, Hiro congratulated, before realizing someone was above them.

 “What the…”, Hiro and Karmi both said at the same time as they looked up and saw…

 “FRED ATTACK!”

 Fred dropped down from the ceiling, suction cups in his hands, and he bowed down exaggeratedly. “A thank you! A thank you!”

 Hiro and Karmi, blushing wildly, stammered and stumbled out unfinished questions. “Why are you… What are you… How did you…”

 “Oh! I was just sticking up on the wall with suction cups to hear your inevitable conversation over mistletoe. GoGo sent me!”, Fred informed with zero hint of awareness.

 Hiro and Karmi both sighed. “GoGo…”

 For some reason, GoGo was sort of fixated on proving that the two had feelings for each other. WHICH THEY DID NOT!

 But still, it was a recurring theme.

 And Fred had been roped in.

 Karmi, however, sensed a hole in the plan, and she grinned smugly as she approached the rich teen, a sight Hiro had to admit he had grown accustomed to.

 “Ah, but Mr. Frederickson, therin lies a problem in your plan!”

 She prodded him on the chest, cocky and sure. “We both clearly don’t want to kiss under the mistletoe, if one assumes you heard the entire conversation!”

 Hiro sat down, cocky too, and the two teens high fived. “She’s got you there, Fred!”

 But now it was Fred’s turn to cockily smile as he left the room. “Oh, that is true… But of course, 4 against 2 is quite the advantage…”

 And as he shut the door, Hiro and Karmi both blushed beet red and looked at each other with fear and alarm.

 They may have only become friends four months ago, but they were very much in synch enough for this statement:

 “We have GOT to stop this kiss.”

           “…Are you ready?”

 Hiro’s palms felt very sticky and sweaty, and he tried to wipe them on his ugly robotics Christmas sweater.

 “…Well, that depends. Do you have everything?”

 Karmi’s mouth felt very dry, and she hoped that her fidgety hands would not be noticed.

 “…I do.”

 Hiro wished the floor could swallow him whole.

 “Well… Let’s go stop your weirdo friends from making us kiss.”

 Karmi wished that she could stop time so she could run away and live on an island with a giraffe named Kenneth, but that wasn’t happening any time soon.

 Hiro gripped the doorknob and Karmi gulped.

 “Yes… Let’s do that…”

 Suddenly overreacting, both teens kicked the door down, revealing the main SFIT hall to be decorated with bowls of holly and somehow endearing yet still a little kitschy ornaments, from the usual bells, reindeer and Santa dolls to the less traditional Kaiju with a Santa hat.

 Blinding lights, cheery Christmas carols belted out from a humongous speaker system and many ugly Christmas sweaters enjoying the not exactly (but let’s not kid ourselves) spiked egg nog.

 Professor Granville would SURELY not like this!

 “Mr. Frederickson, is that festive Kaiju yours by any chance?”, the as ever serious and dry tone of Professor Grace Granville was not music to Fred’s ears, as he and his friends were still hatching their plot.

 Turning around with remarkable speed, Fred smiled sheepishly. “Why, it is! I seem to have…”

 Honey Lemon piped in. “Misplaced it!”

 Fred pointed back at her, grateful and jubilant. “YES! Misplaced it! Nice!”

 He turned around, cocky grin. “As my very helpful friend just informed you, I have misplaced this awesome beat of awesomeness! Don’t worry, I will have him removed immediately, as he is…”

 “Unfit?”, Wasabi offered hopefully.

 “Yep! That was the word I was looking for! Unfit for this great hall of Christmassy Christmas!”

 Fred smiled innocently, as did Wasabi and Honey Lemon (GoGo couldn’t be bothered).

 “Why, yes, Mr. Frederickson, he IS most unfit.”, Granville informed, before suddenly attaching a white beard to the Kaiju’s face.

 As Fred and the others gaped in shock, Granville beamed and danced off in a hurry. “IT’S CHRISTMAS! FUCK YEAH!”

 The foursome blinked in confusion before stating the obvious. “Huh! Who knew?”

 Hiro and Karmi, meanwhile, were hiding behind one of the snack tables.

 The cold floor was not very welcome, but Hiro’s butt would have to live with it as Karmi laid down the game plan.

 “Ok, so we have four obstacles to encounter: Fred, Honey Lemon, Wasabi and GoGo.”

 Hiro set down a small circular device, which, when opened, revealed a 2-D hologram of his friends, now turned enemies.

 Removing the Fred hologram, Hiro threw him onto Karmi’s arms. “Fred is too excitable not to strike first. And knowing him, his plan will involve comic books!”

 Now lying down on his stomach, Karmi repeating the act, Hiro took out Issue 2500 of Big Heroes and opened it on the final page.

 “Thanks to extensive research…”

 “I.E, listening in on Fred in the shower.”, Karmi rubbed in, and Hiro rolled his eyes.

 “Hey, he signs everything in the shower! Easy pickings!”

 Reverting to the plan, Hiro cleared his throat. “Moving on, this issue of Big Heroes end with Mr. Moe, the superhero who uses cuteness as a weapon, accidentally getting a mistletoe kiss from his on and off rival friend Haley Tju.”

 Hiro then pointed at a specific panel, one that is almost directly before the kiss. “And it happens because Fanboy Kaiju, the shipping trash monster, lures Mr. Moe under the mistletoe.”

 Karmi nodded, understanding fully. “You’re more used to Fred, so you should tackle him.”

 Hiro shook his head though, surprising his partner. “That’s what he WANTS! We need to surprise him, not play into his plan!”

 “He’d be expecting us to… No, you know what? I’m not going to even finish that one, he’s not smart enough.”

 Hiro and Karmi shared a small laugh and Karmi inserted the hologram into her folds as Hiro then picked up Honey Lemon.

 “You seem to be closer to her…”

 “Bio-Besties. Not the term I’d choose, but she likes it.”, Karmi admitted, with a small smile. She sort of liked how much Honey Lemon cared.

 Hiro pocketed this one. “Well, then, this one goes to me.”

 Next was Wasabi. “Now, Wasabi is probably going to be the easiest to handle.”

 “So I should have him!”, Karmi demanded, and she made a grab for the hologram, but Hiro kept it at arm’s length.

 “Hey! I already have to deal with Honey Lemon! I want Wasabi!”

 Karmi kept reaching for the hologram, though, grunting in frustration as Hiro stuck his tongue out.

 “Hiro! I should handle him! I actually know his weakness!”

 “Oh, please! Everyone knows it’s dirt! Even Mel, that one moron we fought once knows!”

 “Hurtful!”, Mel called out of nowhere.

 Karmi had to counter and fast, if she wanted to stop Wasabi.

 Luckily, she really did know his weakness.

 “No, Genius Boy! I’m talking about his OTHER weakness!”

 Hiro laid there, dumbfounded. “…What other weakness?”

 Using this for her advantage, Karmi snatched the hologram and send it flying into her folds.

 “Exactly.”, she grinned smugly, but Hiro couldn’t help but laugh at that.

 In an odd way, she had become so endearing to him, that he really didn’t mind.

 Finally, they reached the one they dreaded most.

 “And then there was one…”, Hiro announced morbidly, and a hologram of GoGo popped up.

 Both teens gulped in fear, clearly uneasy. GoGo was not just a physical challenge with her strength and speed, and a mental challenge with her brains: She was also determined to make fun of Hiro and Karmi’s… TOTALLY NOT ROMANTIC relationship.

 She was cunning, she was tough, and she would stop at nothing, efforts be damned.

 Hiro and Karmi exchanged knowing looks, and without a word, silently nodded.

 This would require all hands on deck. The two could only prevail by teaming up on GoGo.

 Slicing her in half, each one received a GoGo, the mission now ready to be taken on.

 Extending his hand, Hiro smiled encouragingly. “Good luck.”

 Karmi took the opportunity to barb with him, but she too was genuine deep down. “I mean, you’re the one who’s gonna need all the luck, but why sweat the small stuff?”

 The two giggled for a moment, before realizing how close they were on the floor to each other.

 Close enough to look into each other’s eyes, feel each other’s breaths…

 Maybe…

 Even…

 K…

 “OK, LET’S GET ON WITH THIS!”, Hiro suddenly shouted out, and he and Karmi, with VERY red faces, stood up and went to their positions.

 Shifting through a sea of slightly tipsy college students and robots “attempting” to do the Macarena, Karmi nearly tripped over a few feet, before finally finding Fred.

 Not that it was hard.

 “JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS, I DON’T KNOW THE WORDS! JINGLE JINGLE JINGLE JINGLE MOTHERFU(BLEEP) JINGLE!”

 The strangest part of Fred singing wildly and flailing all over the place in a Fanboy Kaiju costume, slurring all the words, was that he hadn’t drunk a single thing that night.

 Huh.

 Karmi, however, was a lot more cool and collected, and she grinned to herself as she turned her back to the rich boy and put on a certain hoodie.

 “Karmi Khan, you are a genius! Why, thank you, Karmi! You’re welcome, Karmi!”, Karmi congratulated herself, leading Hiro to radio in “Modest, much?”

 “Says the guy who has an edited recording of Tadashi saying “Noice and Toight” every time you succeed.”

 “…I would like to withdraw my comments from the record. The floor is yours, Ms. Khan.”

 Chuckling to herself, Karmi then took out a pre-recorded sound byte of Hiro, which she played right next to Fred after bumping into him.

 “Sorry, Fred! I’m just such a clumsy weirdo! Also, Karmi is smarter than me!”

 “THAT SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE HIRO! TIME FOR OPERATION “MAKE SHIP SHIP AND ALSO LEARN TO SPEAK PROPERLY OR SOMETHING WHY DOO BUTTERFLIES CALL THEMSELVES BUTTERFLIES IF THEY PREFER MARGARINE?” TO START!”

 “Seriously? What if Fred wasn’t a total car crash of a human being?”, Hiro asked, annoyed.

 As Karmi Naruto ran away from a lumbering Fred, she radioed back with a playful grin “As if you don’t have a bantery recording of me somewhere!”

 Tucking in his deepfaked “Karmi sings “I’m a Barbie Girl” recording, Hiro sheepishly confessed with a “Yeah, probably, kind of, I wouldn’t know…”

 Karmi continued to dash along, pushing students to the side as Fred lumbered down the room, knocking even more.

 “HIRO! WAIT UP! I NEED YOU TO STOP SO I CAN ENFORCE ROMANCE ONTO YOUR LIFE!”

 “Wow, he’s not being subtle about this.” Hiro radioed Karmi as she slid under a table to hide for the moment.

 Karmi agreed, panting as Fred continued running for no reason. “I know, right? Why the heck would GoGo let him in on the plan?”

 What Hiro didn’t know, as he hid in the mini fridge, was that someone was already there…

 Waiting to strike.

 “Well… Maybe because GoGo knew that you’d send Karmi after Fred, so she sent me to follow you?”

 “H’mm… Maybe…”, Hiro said, scratching his chin, before realizing that someone was now… Right behind him…

 Beaming brightly, Honey Lemon waved cheerfully. “Hey, Hiro! Don’t mind me, GoGo just asked me to force a mistletoe kiss between you and Karmi.”

 As Honey Lemon tapped her chin, stating that she considered it “a little immoral, but whatever”, Hiro slowly got out of the mini fridge.

 “Karmi, I am being pursued by Honey Lemon! Fred is a diversion, I repeat FRED IS A DIVERSION!”

 Karmi was startled, the plan not spiraling out of motion, so much so that she stood up and dropped one of the snack tables.

 Food and punch spilled all over the floor, and many students turned around, seeing Karmi in Hiro’s hoodie.

 Karmi had to come up with an excuse, and fast!

 “…Hey?”

 Karmi was a genius, but even she was liable for a total “doi” moment.

 Unexpectedly, the students all suddenly picked up their own Hiro Hoodies, gesturing at them excitedly.

 “Huh. And I thought I was the only one who found it amazing.”

 “What?!”, Hiro, who was being chased by a giggling Honey Lemon with a butterfly net, asked incredulously.

 “NOTHING!”, Karmi shouted back.

 Able to focus now, Karmi started to think. “Fred as a diversion makes sense… And honestly, he should be out of my hair for now, since he’s a total moron…”

 “YEP! THAT’S ME! A TOTAL MORON!”, Fred confirmed as he breakdanced.

 Karmi fist pumped, seeing victory coming in hot. “PERFECT!”

 She took off the hoodie and narrowly dodged flailing elbows as she radioed a now roof climbing Hiro, who hissed like a cat as Honey Lemon jumped up and down to reach him.

 “I’m taking on Wasabi! Fred basically took himself down!”, Karmi informed as she leapt over a pile of presents.

 Peaking down, she moaned. “Aw man, none for me?”

 “Great! I just wish I could take Honey Lemon down!”, Hiro replied as he swung from one sleigh decoration to the next, Honey Lemon still in pursuit.

 Karmi slid between some elves legs. “What even was your plan?”

 Hiro narrowly reached the tree, hissing still as Honey Lemon barked enthusiastically. “I WAS GOING TO SPEAK TO HER NORMALLY! I THOUGHT SHE WAS SANE!”

 “YOU’RE MY OTP, WHAT DO YOU WANT?”

 “WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!?!”

 “Only true pairing.”, Karmi helpfully informed as she finally reached Wasabi, who was holding a vacuum cleaner of sorts and “calming” himself down by talking to himself.

 “Just relax, big guy. Suck your two friends in, make em kiss, and all will be fine…”, Wasabi whispered to himself, not realizing that Karmi was right behind him.

 Hiro, who could see this from the tree, prayed for Karmi. “With how hard this has been, who knows if Karmi can take on Wasabi! I hope she fares better than I have.”

 Karmi suddenly looked back and winked at Hiro, causing his heart to skip a beat.

 Turning back to Wasabi, Karmi tapped him on the shoulder.

 “AAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!”, Wasabi screamed as Karmi waved back.

 “Hey, Wasabi!”, Karmi greeted with a smile and closed eyes.

 Wasabi, calming down, waved back, his green sweater already stained with sweat. “Hey, Karmi!”

 Getting a little fidgety, Wasabi pointed at his device. “Say, I know this is weird, but GoGo be GoGo, you know! Um… Can you, like, let me suck you into this for kissing Hiro reasons?”

 Karmi put a comforting hand on Wasabi’s shoulder, apologetic. “Why, I’d love to, but I’m sort of busy.”

 Wasabi blinked, confused. Had he failed the mission? “Busy? Doing what?”

 Karmi suddenly unveiled what looked like Chris. “Hooking you up with Chris’ good twin who in no way is a criminal, Finn!”

 Wasabi took one look at the dashing man before him, with lovely blond hair and a sparkling smile, and then resumed staring at Karmi.

 “Don’t snitch on me and you’ve got yourself a deal!”

 “Wouldn’t dream of it!”, Karmi vowed, shaking Wasabi’s hand and watching as the two guys had a gay old time (kill me).

 Hiro, however, was less pleased. “HOW DID SHE GET ALL THE EASY ONES?!”

 Honey Lemon, meanwhile, continued to surround the tree. “Hiro… Come out, come out! I only want to ensure your happiness and fuzzy feelings!”

 The mad look on her eyes didn’t ease his soul, however.

 Hanging on to the tree, Hiro sighed. What could he do? Karmi was clearly smarter!

 He was just a…

 “A failure…”

 Karmi, meanwhile, who was still being very smug, was about to radio some more banter when she saw that her friend was seemingly lost.

 This made no sense to Karmi. Sure, she was clearly the real brains of the duo, but Hiro was a genius too!

 This should be easy for him!

 And if Karmi was really being honest, she totally believed Hiro could do anything if he put his mind to it!

 Seeing him like this depressed her. He needed some motivation.

 Perhaps…

 No, no, she couldn’t!

 Not in front of all these people!

 But deep down, Karmi knew that she had to.

 “That’s…”

 She took a deep breath and braced herself.

 “That’s what friends do.”

 And she smiled a little smile as she realized that Hiro really was her friend…

 And she knew that she wanted to go the distance for him.

 Now, usually, a writer for this fandom would most understandably use Tadashi as an inspirational motivator for a moment like this.

 But this time, someone else motivated Hiro.

 “COME ON, HIRO! YOU CAN DO THIS!”

 Looking down, Hiro saw Karmi do something totally unexpected: She was cheering for him.

 Not just cheering, but holding a sign with his name and jumping around like a cheerleader (and Karmi HATED cheerleaders!).

 “Who’s a genius, who’s a boy? Who’s gonna spread some Christmas joy? HIRO! HIIIIIRO!”

 Hiro was shocked at this exhibition of affection.

 But he was also touched.

 Enough to flip down from the tree and finally get Honey Lemon to leave him alone.

 “Karmi, read this slip of paper!”, Hiro ordered, as he slipped her a slip.

 Karmi grabbed the slip and read out loud.

 “Tadashi is gone?”

 Hiro suddenly burst into tears, the water level slowly rising in the party.

 Honey Lemon immediately threw away her butterfly net and hugged Hiro, comforting him. “Oh, Hiro! I am so sorry! But Tadashi isn’t gone!”

 Hiro cried on her shoulder and she patted his back, making him feel a bit better.

 “How can I make you feel better?”, Honey Lemon asked, kissing his forehead.

 Sniffling, Hiro mumbled “If you could leave me and Karmi alone, that would be great.”

 Nodding vibrantly, Honey Lemon ran out of the room. “No problem, Hiro! Just don’t cry!”

 Immediately wiping his tears away, Hiro cockily grinned at Karmi, who raised an impressed eyebrow. “Not bad, Genius Boy!”

 Hiro chuckled and high fived her, before suddenly getting a little shy. “So… You really meant all that before? I thought… I thought you wanted to keep this a secret of sorts.”

 Karmi now was a little red, but she stood up for her feelings.

 Smiling, she grabbed hold of his hand. “…Well… I’ve got your back. We are friends… No?”

 Hiro smiled and shook back. “Yeah… We are…”

 Holding on perhaps a little too long, feeling for once not alone, the two teens smiled before suddenly hearing a squee above them.

 Turning in horror, they saw Fred and laughed.

 “Oh, that’s rich! You’re going to stop us?”, the two geniuses challenged the shipper.

 Fred suddenly began to laugh sort of… Evilly.

 In fact, his whole body shook quite visibly as he laughed, causing Hiro and Karmi to exchange worried glances. “…Fred? You ok, buddy?”

 But Fred wasn’t there.

 Instead, it was…

 “GLOBBY?!”, Hiro and Karmi shouted as the former villain turned friend appeared.

 “YES! IT WAS I, GLOBBY!”, the pink ally pointed at himself.

 Turning again into Fred, he explained. “Fred may be dumb, but not THAT dumb! I was sent as a distraction to lower your guards!”

 “Fred” then grinned and pointed behind them. “Ah! I see Uncle Globby’s shipper squad is already here!”

 Hiro and Karmi gasped and turned around, fully expecting GoGo but instead seeing…

 “AUNT CASS?!”, Hiro screamed, disbelieving the maternal figure behind him, holding very sticky bread mix.

 “FELONY CARL?!”, Karmi screamed, shocked to find the former criminal with open and ready hands.

 “And me!”

 “…Yama?”

 Yama shrugged, smiling. “What can I say? You’re adorable!”

 Hiro and Karmi slowly backed away to the wall, scared out of their wits, as the four figures approached them “maliciously”.

 “Listen, guys, we don’t have to do it this way!”, Hiro nervously tried to convince as he ran out of floor.

 “Really, maybe we can postpone this to Valentines? WAY more romantic! NOT THAT I WANT TO!”, Karmi offered, sweat dripping down her neck.

 “Nope! This is the end of the line, kids! You gonna kiss!”, Globby said, and the four laughed evilly.

 It seemed like all hope was lost as Hiro and Karmi hugged each other in fright.

 That is…

 Until something else unexpected happened.

 Just before Globby could grab them.

 CRASH!

 “Hello!”

 Baymax, dressed as Santa Claus with Mini Max as a reindeer, crashed down the roof and onto the four shippers (the sleigh was made of marshmallow, so no one was hurt).

 “Baymax! Oh, you are the best!”, Hiro and Karmi hugged the robot as the four shippers shrugged and ate the marshmallow sleigh.

 “No one is the best, Hiro. The best is an unmeasurable…”

 “Yeah, great, see ya!”

 Hiro and Karmi decided to make a mad dash for the door, when they suddenly realized something.

 “Hiro, wait! GoGo and Fred are still out there!”

 “I know! Let’s get out before they get us!”

 Karmi blocked the door, and Hiro looked at her, puzzled.

 “Karmi, I’m trying to run away here.”

 “Hiro, think! If GoGo and Fred went to such extremes to make us kiss, they could be hiding somewhere with a portable mistletoe!”

 Hiro turned white. “Oh shit.”

 Karmi gripped his hand and looked at the party, with terrified eyes, as they began to walk in, approaching a closet door.

 “I hate saying this, but we need to stop them first. It’s the only way.”

 Hiro gulped, but smiled. “Ok. We’ll do this…”

 He extended a hand. “Together!”

 Karmi grinned and shook back. “You said it, friend!”

 But as they shook, Hiro suddenly overheard an odd noise.

 Karmi noticed this. “Um… Hello? Earth to Genius Boy? What’s wrong?”

 Hiro shushed her and pointed at the closet.

 Weird, wet noises could be heard, alongside muffled grunts.

 Terrified, the two opened the door slowly, expecting a trap or a monster o even worse, a shipping Obake.

 But instead, they found…

 “GOGO AND FRED?!?!?!?!”

 In the midst of a VERY wet and passionate makeout session were GoGo and Fred, who seemed to have forgotten all about the plan.

 “You are so divine, my knight in shining armor!”

 “You’re such a fucking idiot… Kiss harder.”, GoGo instructed as Fred continued.

 As Karmi giggled uncontrollably, Hiro cleared his throat. “Why, my dear Karmi! I believe we are interrupting something!”

 Fred and GoGo’s eyes widened and as Fred hid under his hat, GoGo, with a very phased expression, surrendered.

 “Don’t tell anyone, and I’ll let you off the hook.”

 Hiro and Karmi nodded, but not before GoGo added “and I WILL kill you if you tell!”

 The rest of the party was surprisingly normal, especially compared to the insanity beforehand.

 Pretty soon, the whole room was empty, save for Hiro and Karmi, who observed their hall of vanquish.

 Karmi sighed, pleased with herself. “I must say, we really nailed it!”

 Hiro, leaning on her, jokingly boasted. “Of course, much of the work was mine!”

 Once, Karmi would have argued with him, and they would have wasted valuable time sniping at each other.

 This time, though, Karmi just shoved him slightly, laughing. “For a genius, you’re a real idiot sometimes!”

 Hiro shoved back, laughing, and it wasn’t long before they rolled around on the floor, laughing and actually feeling free to be themselves.

 To be friends..

 Still giggling on top of each other, the two didn’t even notice where they were…

 Until, that is, Karmi looked up and…

 “…Oh…”

 Hiro, was on the bottom, looked at her quizzically. “What? What did you…”

 Then, he saw it.

 “…Oh…”

 Somehow, they had let their guard down long enough to stand under the very thing they had fought all night long to avoid.

 Karmi looked at Hiro.

 Hiro looked at Karmi.

 Both smiled weakly, embarrassed chuckles abound.

 Finally, pink blushes tinging their cheeks, the two were brave enough to take the step:

 “You know…”, Karmi started, really getting shy now, looking up at him with a soft smile. “…No one is here to see us…”

 “Yeah…”, Hiro agreed, holding his own hands and rocking a little bit. “I mean… It can just be a secret… Between the two of us…”

 “It’s not like it means anything!”

 “Yeah, exactly! It’s just… A totally platonic friends thing!”

 “Yeah! And nothing more!”

 “No dating here!”

 “Nuh uh!”

 …

 Finally, slowly but surely, they edged closer and closer, eyes closed…

 And their lips met in near silence.

 Not a single sound could be heard in the entire room, as Hiro and Karmi made each other feel special and loved for just a few seconds.

 Warmth enveloped them and seconds felt like hours.

 They felt…

 Safe.

 Finishing the kiss, the two teens held hands and looked at each other with short, slightly surprised breaths.

 Slowly, they smiled softly.

 “…Merry Christmas, Hiro.”, Karmi offered, blushing.

 “…Merry Christmas, Karmi.”, Hiro returned.

 And the two went back to their homes, hand in hand the entire way.

[thee-seb-stan]

Middle of nowhere

Author: @thee-seb-stan

Pairing: Sebastian Stan x wife!reader

Warnings: fluff mixed with a poor attempt of crack/humor, implied smut, language (slightly, just a word or two)

Word count: 1.600ish

Summary: It’s been a long and exhausting year for Sebastian, shooting and promoting many of his movies with almost no rest at all. So Y/N decides to surprise him with a small trip over Christmas somewhere quiet. 

A/N: This was written for @jpat82 ‘s ‘J’s Marvelous Holiday Party Challenge‘ and my prompt was number 27 aka “And where do you think you're going?” “To go shovel the driveway again, or fall on my ass, gravity will decide.”. The prompt is bold in my work. Thank you for letting me participate and enjoy! Also, remember that feedback is always appreciated! ♡

→ Go back to my main masterlist ←

“Honey, I love you but I’m not so sure about my safety with you behind the wheel when it’s snowing outside.”

“Oh, shut up, Stan,” you squeezed his thigh as the man, who owned your heart, sat in the passenger seat, blindfolded and slightly terrified.

“Both hands on the wheel, please,” he grabbed your hand, his warm hand being in contrast with how cold your hands usually were, especially in winter.

A small laugh escaped your lips as you watch Sebastian overreact to your driving, knowing he only did it for fun but there was a part of him that was partly scared. Mainly because he knew what kind of driver you were.

It was just a few days ‘till Christmas and Seb couldn’t stop and relax for a moment. The whole year, you two were apart most of the time with Sebastian travelling around the world, shooting a few new films and promoting the ones which were soon to be released, the only contact you had was through Skype or FaceTime, which wasn’t satisfying enough.

So when he came back home to New York, you were already waiting with two plane tickets to Montana where your parents owned a nice cottage in the middle of nothing. The perfect place for you two to relax and get Sebastian’s mind off.  However, Sebastian only knew you were going somewhere, never actually being told where to exactly.

“We’re here,” you smiled and parked the car in the small garage attached to the two-storey wooden house where you were planning on spending at least a week so Seb would relieve some of his stress before the Christmas Eve would come because you had to leave, already having plans on spending that day with Seb’s mom.

“Okay, you can take off the blindfold, honey,” you reassured the brunette who clumsily got out of the car, almost tripping over his feet in the process, and was now standing next to you in front of the front doors.

Without a second, the thin black material was pulled off of his eyes, which were wide with surprise as he took in the house before him.

“What is that?” he couldn’t help but ask while you handed him one of your luggage, already making your way to the doors.

“My grandpa bought it when I was a baby, gave it to my parents as a congratulations gift and now we rarely use the house, mostly because we don’t have much time to hang out in here.”

As you opened the door, a big hall was revealed with doors leading to the kitchen and the living room. The whole place had wooden walls decorated with pictures your family painted over the years, the house was rather old-fashioned than modern, the only modern things were the TV, a notebook and surprisingly good wi-fi.

“Also, when there’s a snowstorm, it becomes impossible to leave, making this a perfect trap,” you added as you turned around to see Seb standing in the doorway, mouth open wide as he took the sign in.

“And did you check the weather to be sure we won’t get stuck?” he asked after a few seconds, putting down your luggage. The black long coat he was wearing was covered with small white dots from the snow falling outside, a few snowflakes decorating his fluffy slightly long hair and beard he grew out over a few months.

You couldn’t help but stare at his beauty, wondering how a girl like you could get this lucky. It was hard for you to wrap your head around it.

The luggage you were carrying fell with a light thud as you walked to Seb, dusting off the snow from his shoulders and giving him a quick peck on his cold lips before you opened his coat and hugged his torso, hiding your arms in his outwear to warm yourself as his arms snuck around your back to bring you closer.

“No,” you mumbled against his chest, “there wasn’t a snowstorm in ages, so…”

→ The next day ←

The living room was filled with a scent of cinnamon and apple, quiet Christmas carols playing in the background as you sat on the couch clad in the red pyjamas with small reindeers all over the pants, leaning against Sebastian as you sipped the hot chocolate, looking at all the flames dancing with each other in the fireplace.

His hand was placed on your tummy underneath your shirt, his soft touch drawing small circles on your skin, raising goosebumps all over your body.

“Remember when you said there wasn’t a snowstorm in ages?” he whispered in your ear before kissing your earlobe.

Both of you looked at the big window, which almost created a glass wall. Everything outside was white, snowflakes falling from the sky, created another layer of snow blanket on the doorstep.

Seb was already outside twice today to shovel the driveway a little so it was possible for you to go from the house to the garage in case you needed to drive away. Unfortunately, with how much snow was coming, it was impossible to drive and none of you wanted to risk it.

It was close to five pm when it started to be dark outside. Seb and you stayed cuddled whole day, he occasionally going to get rid of the snow in the driveway or making you something hot to keep you warm as both of you relaxed and slept through most of the morning and afternoon.

Your husband stopped drawing circles on your skin and gently laid your half-conscious body on the couch, letting you sleep as he rose to put a few logs into the fireplace to keep the room warm. Then, he went to put on his coat, taking the shovel from the corner.

“And where do you think you’re going?”  you mumbled against the pillow, opening your eyes to see Sebastian dressed in his black coat, hand already on the handle.

“To go shovel the driveway again or fall on my ass…gravity will decide,” he smiled at you, showing a bright set of teeth.

“You forgot something,” your voice filled the quiet pause as you rubbed your eyes, looking at your man who immediately walked over to you, bending over and pecking your lips.

“You call this a kiss?”

He couldn’t help but laugh a little at you, lying there underneath a thick blanket, your left ring finger decorated with a small but beautiful silver ring with a small diamond in the middle. Sebastian couldn’t wish for someone other than you, a woman who would do anything for him as he would die for you too. He still didn’t believe how lucky he got with you, to have you by his side, supporting him, loving him.

His lips were warm against yours, but his hand felt cold against your cheek as he cupped your face, your lips melting into each other’s as he slipped his tongue in your mouth, a small moan escaping you as he explored your mouth, your tongues dancing with each other in a passionate dance.

As he pulled away, your mouth chasing his as he stood back up but not before giving you another quick peck on lips.

“That’s what I call a kiss,” you mumbled and smiled, looking up at his tall figure towering over you.

His cheeks became pink with your compliment as he smiled at you, turning around to go shovel the driveway before it was too dark.

It took you not even three minutes before you heard a thud, then shouting and after a few seconds, Sebastian barged back inside, his whole back covered in snow as he took his coat off, running his hands through his hair to get rid of snow there.

A laugh escaped your lips as you watch him. He instantly looked at you, a small crease between his eyebrows.

“Did you know it was drizzling overnight? It’s like an ice rink outside.”

“I know.”

You watched him go over to you, taking the blanket away so he could sit down. He took your ankles and brought your legs over his thighs, massaging your feet covered in thick socks your grandma knitted you.

“And you didn’t care to stop me?” he looked at you, mischief evident in his eyes as they ran over your face with a small grin on his bearded face, “y’know I’ll want something as a reward for busting my ass out there, right?”

As he said the last sentence, his whole body hovered over yours as he kissed your neck quickly, his left hand grabbing your hip underneath the blanket as his right hand secured his weight.

“No,” you signed, enjoying the feeling of his lips on your skin, “wanted to see how good you were at skating.”

“Y’know,” he mumbled between kisses as his head dipped lower, now kissing your collarbones, “I don’t skate at all.”

“Yeah,” a small moan erupted from your lips as he gently bit at your exposed skin, his hand sliding underneath your pyjama shirt, resting on your ribcage.

“I’m gonna need something to calm me down now, my ego is bruised,” Seb said between kissing and nibbling your skin to which you couldn’t hold yourself anymore, this time much louder moan escaping your lips as you tangled in his fluffy hair, allowing him to take you right there on the couch in front of the fireplace in a wooden house in the middle of nowhere with Christmas music in the background.

[appro880]

Tribute to a Queen!

Diahann Carroll, Pioneering Actress on 'Julia' and 'Dynasty,' Dies at 84 

Pioneering and Oscar-nominated actress Diahann Carroll, who broke network television's color line, died Friday after a bout with cancer, her daughter said.

She was 84.

"Carroll was a consummate entertainer and beloved icon whose career spanned nearly seven decades," her daughter, Suzanne Kay, said in a statement. "She paved the way for many and never allowed anyone to limit or define her."

Carroll was the star of "Julia" which ran for 86 episodes on NBC between 1968 and 1971. She played a nurse named Julia Baker who was raising a young son on her own following the death of her serviceman husband in the Vietnam War.

It was a groundbreaking show, marking the first time an African American was cast as the star of a show in a role other than that of a servant.

There had been other black actors on scripted TV before, most notably Ethel Waters as the star of "Bulah," which ran for 78 episodes between 1950 and 1953 on ABC. Waters played a maid in the comedy.

And on "Star Trek," Nichelle Nichols' Lt. Uhura was the Enterprise's chief communications officer, though she was still in a supporting role to William Shatner's Capt. Kirk, Leonard Nimoy's Mr. Spock and DeForest Kelley's Dr. McCoy.

Carroll said she embraced her lead "Julia" character because she stood out as a self-sufficient, confident African American woman.

"There was nothing like this young successful mother on the air," Carroll once told PBS. "And we thought that it might be a very good stepping stone."

The show had some critics who believed it didn't realistically show the daunting social and economic struggles African Americans faced at the time.

“They said it was a fantasy,” Carroll recalled in 1998. “All of this was untrue. Much about the character of Julia I took from my own life, my family.”

But even in the time of her show, Carroll worried out loud if a "superhuman" African American character might obscure the daily struggles faced by the black community.

“For a hundred years we have been prevented from seeing accurate images of ourselves and we’re all overconcerned and overreacting,” she told TV Guide in a December 1968 cover story.

“The needs of the white writer go to the superhuman being. At the moment, we are presenting the white Negro. And he has very little Negro-ness.”

he won a Tony Award, in 1962 for best actress in a musical, for "No Strings."

In 1974, Carroll was nominated for the Oscar for best actress, for her work in "Claudine." The top honor that year went to Ellen Burstyn for "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore."

She was inducted into the TV academy's Hall of Fame in 2011 in honor of her television career that included four Emmy nominations for work in ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" and NBC's "A Different World."

Generation X television fans might know Carroll best for her work on "Dynasty," the long-running prime-time soap opera.

In 74 episodes of the show, Carroll played the glamorous Dominique Deveraux, a half-sister of family patriarch Blake Carrington. Her battles, even physical tussles, with Blake's scheming ex-wife Alexis Carrington, played by Joan Collins, were among the favorite scenes of "Dynasty" fans.

"Diahann Carroll walked this earth for 84 years and broke ground with every footstep. An icon. One of the all-time greats," Oscar-nominated director Ava DuVernay wrote on Twitter. "She blazed trails through dense forests and elegantly left diamonds along the path for the rest of us to follow. Extraordinary life. Thank you, Ms. Carroll."

New York native Carroll was born Carol Diann Johnson in the Bronx on July 17, 1935, and raised in Harlem by her subway conductor father and homemaker mom. She attended New York City's famed High School for the Performing Arts.

Actress Debbie Allen, a star of both the big screen and TV versions of "Fame," about the performing arts high school, said artists will sing Carroll's praises "forever."

"Diahann Carroll you taught us so much," Allen wrote on Twitter. "We are stronger, more beautiful and risk takers because of you. We will forever sing your praises and speak your name."

The 6-foot-tall beauty became a model for Ebony magazine at age 15 before her stage, TV and movie career took off.

She was married four times, to talent manager and music producer Monte Kay, retailer Fred Glusman, editor Robert DeLeon and singer Vic Damone.

Carroll is survived by her daughter, Kay, and grandchildren, August and Sydney.

[myforeverforlife]

A oneshot for @trishmarieco

Jongdae +  9 “I come home to you getting turnt to Wii music in the kitchen.”

Whenever winter rolled around, bringing with it the promise of colder days and holidays, you always looked forward to food the most. Gingerbread cookies, in particular. 

You leaned against the kitchen counter, chin propped up on your hand as you looked over a recipe on your phone. Last year, your batch of cookies had been good, but you were convinced that they could be better. After all, these were treats that you’d be gifting to your co-workers before your break for the holidays. 

“Dae?” you called out. “I don’t know about this one.” 

You heard Jongdae before you saw him, the telltale melody of carols in the air as he hummed to himself. “You say that for every recipe you find. The cookies last year were great, why don’t you make those again?” 

Turning around, you let your back rest against the counter as you crossed your arms across your chest. Jongdae’s posture mirrored your own from where he stood beside the fridge. He raised an eyebrow as a question, truly curious as to why you were putting yourself through so much trouble.

“They were too dry. I don’t want the cookies to be rock-hard.”

Jongdae chuckled, tickled by your explanation. “Babe, they’re gingerbread. I think they’re all gonna end up a little dry anyways.”

“That’s not gonna stop me from trying.” You picked up your phone once more, focused only on the screen as you continued to search. 

A pair of arms settled around your waist, Jongdae coming over to stand beside you as he leaned his chin on your shoulder. “You know, we could always just buy cookies instead of making them.” 

“It’s not the same, I want to make these. It makes me feel like I’m actually good at baking.”

Jongdae pressed a kiss to your cheek, his hair tickling your face. “You are good at baking, babe. Those five pounds I’ve gained in the past year can speak for that.” 

“You’re overreacting,” you told him with a small giggle. “And you need that extra weight anyways, you’re too skinny.” 

“Does that mean I get to eat some of these cookies too?” 

“Only if you run to the store for me.” 

Jongdae groaned before giving you a small squeeze, still holding onto you. “What do you need?” 

“Most of these recipes call for the same ingredients. The only thing I’m missing is decorating gel.” 

“Any specific colors you want?” 

You turned to face him, kissing him in thanks. “It doesn’t matter, you can pick. Thanks, Dae.”

“Of course. Anything for you.” 

You walked him to the door, watching as he pulled on his coat and shoes. Just when you thought he was about to leave, he turned back around, a grin on his face as he came closer. His hands reached for your face, the rough pads of his hands a familiar sensation against your cheeks as he kissed you once more. Compared to the other kisses, which were short and innocent, this one was more lazy and drawn-out. You pulled him closer to you, a hand resting at the nape of his neck and brushing against the ends of his hair. 

When you finally pulled away, out of breath and heart racing, you were glad to see Jongdae looked just as lost for words. His cheeks were flushed pink, a crooked smile on his face as he watched you warmly. “I’ll be back,” he murmured gently, reaching for the door handle.

Nodding, you gave him a small wave. “Drive safely.” 

And with that, Jongdae was gone, the door closing shut behind him. You locked the door and quickly got to work, tying an apron around your waist and getting your materials ready. 

Of course, any baking session wasn’t complete without some music. 

A quick glance through your phone led you to a playlist that you had almost forgotten about, one that you had simply labeled “For A Good Day”. The opening notes of a pop song filtered into the air, instantly putting a spring in your step. 

This wasn’t the first Christmas that you and Jongdae were spending together, but something about the holiday season always managed to make both of you more clingy around each other. More often than not, the temptation of being lazy at home won out over walking outside to see the snow. 

For some reason, Jongdae had been increasingly more affectionate with you than usual. You had teased him about it, saying that he must be trying to make up for doing something bad. Jongdae had only given you that curled smile of his before snuggling beside you. 

You thought about this as you mixed the ingredients together, your hands on auto-pilot as you worked. Maybe Jongdae had been having a hard time at work? You rejected that thought instantly - if he had been, he would have told you. It could just be winter blues, people were known to be more prone to states of melancholy during the colder season. But that didn’t make sense to you either. Jongdae was just as cheerful and transparent about his feelings as ever. You stopped mixing and let out a sigh, hair blowing away from your face for a brief second. 

Choosing to focus on your cookies, you made quick work of putting the dough in the fridge to chill. As you were washing your utensils in the sink, a new song began to play from your phone. 

You laughed as soon as you recognized the tune. A couple of years ago, Chanyeol had shown you a video of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” as a remix to Wii music. At the time, you had rolled your eyes even as Chanyeol danced along. The tune was so catchy though, that you even let him download it onto your phone. You had no doubt that he had added this to your playlist as well. 

The front door opened with a squeak, the sound of shoes stomping against the floor. You heard Jongdae give a small laugh, and he came into the kitchen with crinkling eyes as he giggled at your choice in music. 

“I come home to you getting turnt to Wii music in the kitchen.” 

“You can thank Chanyeol for this. Oh, and Drake.” 

Jongdae snorted in amusement as he held out a bag of groceries to you, cheeks red from running around in the cold. “Your gel, as requested.”

“Thanks, Dae.” Both of you looked through the assorted colors, setting them out onto the counter and imagining what kinds of designs to draw. 

Baking was essentially a long waiting game, and once the dough had chilled long enough, you and Jongdae cut the cookies out and got them into the even. Thankfully, they only needed about 10 minutes.  

Jongdae peered over your shoulder as you got the cookies out, setting them down to cool. “So when do we get to decorate?” 

“Hold your horses, Dae. They’re still too hot, you’re gonna burn your fingers.” 

“Do you always wait this long when you’re baking?” 

“Hey, it’s not my fault you have no patience.” You turned away with a giggle as Jongdae tried his best to refute this, a long-winded comeback falling from his lips. As much as you loved being affectionate with Jongdae the most, teasing him came in a very close second place. 

When you finally announced that it was okay to start decorating, Jongdae’s face lit up with excitement. He reached for a cookie and a tube of green decorating gel, biting down on his tongue in concentration as he tried his best to draw even lines. Groups of colorful gingerbread men and women, even children, began to take shape. The cheerful faces looked back up at you, bright lines of gel giving the impression of tiny shirts, dresses and suits on the baked goods. 

But one cookie had escaped your eye, one that Jongdae had spent extra time on. At first glance, it appeared to be similar to the other cookies: generic smiley-face, winter outfit and all. But on the gingerbread cookie’s left hand, Jongdae had discreetly drawn a tiny line in yellow gel: a ring. A ring that Jongdae had meant to resemble the one hiding away in an old suitcase in the bedroom closet.

He watched as you stacked all of the decorated cookies onto a plate, briefly assessing each one before setting it down. A knowing smirk played at his lips, oh, how he wanted you to notice so badly. 

Oblivious to this, you continued to pile up your cookies, even picking up Jongdae’s special one and placing it with the rest. He almost wanted to point it out to you, but that would ruin his entire plan. Jongdae wasn’t even entirely sure why he had decided to leave such an obvious hint. Part of him wanted to propose to you already, to ask you the question that had been on the tip of his tongue for weeks. 

“Why are you looking at me like that?” 

Jongdae flinched in surprise, his hand slipping from the counter as you cast him a worried glance. “Like what?”

“I don’t know, you tell me. What’s on your mind?” You covered the cookies with plastic wrap, working efficiently as you waited. 

Jongdae pursed his lips as he thought, one foot tapping aimlessly against the floor. “I’ll tell you soon.” 

“But how soon is soon?” You inched closer to him, hoping to coax the answer out of him with your charms. 

“Oh no, that’s not gonna work on me.” Despite his words, Jongdae pulled you close to him in a tight hug, his face only a few inches away from yours. 

“Please, Dae?” you pleaded, a pout forming. 

He groaned, eyes closing shut before opening once more. “I’ll tell you on... Christmas.” 

“You promise?” 

Jongdae thought of the ring once more, his hands coming to run over your fingers. 

“I promise.” 

A/N: when I saw the prompt, that remix was literally the first thing to come to mind 😂 also, I know I said I probably wasn’t gonna be on here, but I finally got this prompt done (woohoo) happy holidays everyone

[caroloftheshells]

wrappèd.... not sure where the ask memes went (thought i had one or two in my drafts) so i will make one here. send me asks w/numbers to snoop on my most played tracks if you want!

and in the meantime, two albums from this year that didn't make it because i didn't find them til october: l'rain i killed your dog, masego masego

[incendiaglacies]

Fic: Gideon’s Christmas Carol

Title: Gideon’s Christmas Carol

A special holiday story in the Roommates verse I have with @agentmarymargaretskitz​

Summary: Gideon is a bit of a Grinch or a Scrooge during the holiday season depending on who you ask. So she gets a special visit by the Christmas spirits to show her the true meaning of the holidays.

Word Count: 5.3K

Read on AO3 (Recommended)

“Lily, you are being ridiculous. Just calm down!”

“I will not! You know perfectly well that it isn’t-”

“Okay, okay,” Felicity sighed as she and Caitlin walked into the living room, “What is going on here?”

“Seriously, we could hear the two of you yelling from our rooms. And we had music on,” Caitlin added.

Gideon huffed and crossed her arms, “Lily is overreacting.”

“Oh, so now I’m overreacting?” Lily demanded. She turned to the other girls, “Gideon decided it’s alright to go to work on Christmas. On Christmas!”

“I didn’t decide anything,” Gideon argued, “Nate called, they just need help to set up the new security protocols. I’ll be in and out.”

“That’s what you always say, and then you get stuck helping fix everyone’s problems and you lose the whole day. And it’s Christmas, Gideon,” Lily insisted.

“Lily, you are Jewish. So is Felicity. The two of you don’t even celebrate Christmas!” Gideon said.

“Yeah, but it’s always us on Christmas,” Caitlin interrupted, “Come on, I know you’re not that big on the holiday-”

“I like it just fine,” Gideon snapped.

“Really?” Felicity snorted, “Look, I may not celebrate it, but even I know you can be a bit of a Grinch sometimes.”

Gideon glared, making Felicity raise her hands in surrender and Caitlin take a step back. Lily stood her ground, “You can’t work on Christmas.”

“Well that’s too bad,” Gideon shrugged, “I am. And you don’t get to make my decisions for me. I do. So good night, and Merry Christmas!”

“You can be such a Scrooge sometimes!” Lily yelled at her as Gideon walked away.

“Well, maybe he had the right idea,” Gideon muttered as she slammed her bedroom door. Sometimes, she really hated the holidays.

--

Gideon woke up suddenly to the sound of shuffling and something falling on the floor. She scrambled to turn on the lamp, “Who is it?” She squinted under the dim glare of the light, trying to make out which of the girls needed something from her room this time. But that didn’t make any sense. “Jonas? How – what are you – I don’t understand.”

“I’m not Jonas,” the little boy said as he climbed onto the bed next to her, “I merely took this form as it is one that tends to calm you.”

“Calm me?” Gideon practically shrieked, “Is this some sort of prank? Did Ray or Cisco put you up to this? Your father will not be happy-” Gideon stopped talking as the little boy’s eyes glowed suddenly. “Oh my god.”

“As I was saying, I am not Jonas. But you can call me that if you like,” he shrugged, “I’m here to tell you that you will be visited by three-”

“Ghosts to teach me about the spirit of Christmas?” Gideon finished flatly, “I’ve read this story. I’ve watched all the possible movie versions. Oh god, this is an insane dream. This is what happens when I have too much sugar before bed. Damn Rip’s cookies! And surely Lily’s uncalled for Scrooge comments isn’t helping matters. And-”

“Are you done?” Jonas interrupted Gideon trying to logic out the entire thing. “Three ghosts. You know the drill. Past, present, future. I’d suggest you change your ways.”

“You’re not real,” Gideon whispered and shook her head. Ghosts were not real. Just something Hollywood invented to get rich off of.

“Doesn’t mean you can’t still learn a thing or two,” Jonas pushed Gideon back under the covers and tucked her in, “Sweet dreams, Gideon. Good night.”

--

Gideon found herself laying on the tiled floor of a hallway. She groaned as she sat up properly, placing a hand to her head. Somewhere in the distance she could hear screaming and laughing.

“You gonna sit around all day or are you going to get up? We have to be places.”

Gideon’s head snapped up and stared at the woman in front of her. “Felicity?” Except it wasn’t Felicity. Her friend had ditched the dark hair and goth make up a long time ago. Her wardrobe now included colours from the entire spectrum, not just black.

“Not quite, but sure, we can go with that,” Felicity smirked at her, “I am the Ghost of Christmas Past yadda yadda yadda. Are you ready?”

“But why are you Felicity?” Gideon asked as she stood up properly.

“Because Felicity made mistakes in her past,” the woman gestured to her outfit, “She grew and changed as a person. But she never forgot what was important. And that is the point of this journey for you. Are you ready?”

“Where are we?” Gideon looked around at the dim lit hallway.

“You tell me. It’s your past.”

Gideon looked closer, this place did seem familiar. She walked over to one of the doors, where there was a name etched onto the template along with others. It was a name she hadn’t seen in a very long time. Not since she changed it.

“We’re at my orphanage,” she whispered.

“Where you first started out,” Felicity confirmed, “Come on.” The so-called ghost took her hand and pushed open the door, leading her in. In the corner was a small little girl sitting on the ground by herself, big fat tears rolling down her cheek.

“Why were you upset?” Felicity asked as she watched the little girl.

Gideon looked at the pathetic tree in the corner. Its branches were almost needleless and it was drooping even with the pitiful amount of ornaments. “Because I was alone,” Gideon choked, “I was supposed to be adopted. I was supposed to have a family that Christmas. But they didn’t want me. They wanted my roommate.”

“And they took her home and you were left alone,” Felicity finished as she stepped closer to the little girl.

“It wasn’t fair,” Gideon muttered childishly. Belatedly, she realized her eyes were also a little damp. Gideon cleared her throat and wiped at her eyes, noticing how Goth Felicity didn’t comment. She hadn’t realized how much her childhood still left her scarred.

“And that was it?” Felicity asked.

“What else was there?” Gideon snapped, “They didn’t want me. Christmas was a time for happy little kids swarming around the tree looking for presents. The orphanage could barely afford us, forget presents. More than that, it – it’s about family. You’re supposed to have a mother who hugs you, a father that teases you. Parents that love you. I didn’t get that.”

“No, but you weren’t always alone,” Felicity reminded her. Just then an older boy with jet black hair ran into the room. He noticed the small girl crying and wrapped her up in a hug, poking her until she giggled.

“Ronnie,” Gideon breathed with a small smile, “He was always my big brother. My protector. Even here. All the other kids used to pick on me, and he made it his mission to look out for me.”

“You always had love in your life, and it only grew Gideon,” Felicity told her kindly. The room around them swirled and re-materialized as another place. A house this time. There was a menorah on the table but also a small Christmas tree in the corner.

Three teenagers came around the corner then. Teenage Ronnie, Lily and Gideon – who happened to be sporting purple hair for the festivities.

“Christmas at the Steins,” Gideon remembered, “They didn’t even celebrate Christmas, but they always put up a little tree and had presents for me and Ronnie.”

“Yeah, and how many times did you try and open them ahead of time?” Felicity asked as she gestured to the teenaged Gideon shaking one of the wrapped boxes and trying to figure out what was inside.

“Well it’s not like it was that difficult,” Gideon defended. Just then, Martin and Clarissa also entered the room.

“Now I know you kids aren’t trying to sneak a peek at your presents,” Clarissa scolded them gently with a smile on her face. The teenagers looked away at that, Gideon especially wore an expression of guilt.

“Sorry, Clarissa,” a young Gideon answered as she put down the box.

“It’s perfectly alright,” Martin waved a hand, “Curiosity is in the nature of a true scientist.”

Lily rolled her eyes, “You always say that, Dad! You’re so cheesy sometimes.”

“Remember when they used to think we were cool?” Clarissa joked with her husband.

“Many eons ago, my dear,” Martin said.

“You guys aren’t that uncool,” Ronnie shrugged forgivingly.

“Oh a glowing recommendation!” Clarissa grasped a hand to her heart with a dramatic flair, “We simply must tell the world!”

“Yes, perhaps we can do so at the dinner tonight with the Jacksons. Do help your mother prepare for that, won’t you?” Martin lectured. The kids begrudgingly agreed, complete with grumblings. Clarissa laughed and hugged all of them before leading them out, everyone trailing along like little ducklings.

Felicity and Gideon stared at the empty room. “What was it you said you wanted?” Felicity mused, “A dad that teases you-”

“And a mother that hugs you,” Gideon admitted quietly.

“And look at that,” Felicity gestured to the room her arms wide, “You had it Gideon. Not every Christmas was sucky, you shouldn’t be out to hate it so much.”

“It’s one Christmas that I’m missing,” Gideon rolled her eyes, “I’ve had good ones and bad ones. It’s just another day. What is the big deal?”

Felicity shook her head, “I’ll let the next one handle you. Just try and focus on the good, Christmas – and Hanukkah! – it’s a time for making new and good memories. With your family. And you’ve always had one.”

Gideon said nothing as she touched the snowflake ornament on the tree. It was a handmade one Gideon had made in school and Clarissa had insisted on putting it up on the tree. She had been so proud of her. They were good memories, Gideon thought to herself as the world dissolved again and she found herself in bed. She groaned and turned over, intent on getting sleep without any more strange dreams.

--

Gideon rolled on to her side, groaning into her pillow. She glanced at her alarm clock and saw it was still in the middle of the night. Enough time to keep sleeping if she liked. She muttered something incoherent and buried her face into her pillow again. Something stroked her hair, the action was soothing, almost putting her back to sleep. Then, Gideon finally realized she was supposed to be in bed alone.

Her eyes flew open and she sat up straight as a board and scooched to the edge of the bed. Lily was sitting on her bed smiling at her and waving.

“What are you doing in here?” Gideon demanded, “Shouldn’t you be asleep? Look, whatever it is, can’t it wait until morning? I have to be at work tomorrow and I’m tired, Lily.”

“Not Lily,” the woman corrected, “But you can-”

“Call you that if I like?” Gideon huffed, “So, you’re another ghost thingy? To show me the error of my ways and see if I can change the path that I’m on, lest I end up forever alone as a spinster out in the woods?”

Lily shrugged, “Something like that. I’m the Ghost of Christmas Present. You ready to go?”

“Go where? Where are we going now?”

“Not too far,” the ghost assured, “Just a few feet really. Into the living room. It’s Christmas night. We don’t want to miss out. Come on now.” Gideon couldn’t say anything as Lily kept waving her hand to gesture Gideon out of bed. She sighed and pulled back the covers, surprised she wasn’t cold. Normally she always needed a sweater first thing in the morning.

Lily opened the door and led Gideon out to the main area of the apartment. “They can’t hear or see you,” Lily informed her, “You’re just here to observe.”

And that’s exactly what Gideon did. She saw Ray sitting on the floor deciding what musical to put in. Cisco was teasing Schrodinger with a ball of yarn. Felicity was fixing up the TV and getting the surround sound speaker system set up while Caitlin and Lily (real Lily, Gideon supposed) were popping popcorn and making hot chocolate.

“I should be home by now,” Gideon looked around for her presence.

“But you’re not,” Ghost Lily told her. She pointed to the window and explained, “There was a snowstorm. You got stuck at the museum and couldn’t make your way home. Christmas with only Nathaniel to keep you company. Sounds like a lot of fun.”

“Shut up,” Gideon snapped, “It’s one Christmas. Besides, they all seem to be doing just fine without me.”

“Do they?” the ghost asked. She nodded over at real Lily who had a somber expression on her face. And then at Ray whose smile kept slipping off his face.

“So? Lily takes everything personally sometimes and Ray – well he’s too sensitive. He cried over a box of puppies once!” Gideon argued. Ghost Lily shrugged and turned her attention to the scene.

“Any word from Gideon?” Caitlin asked. Her tone made it obvious that it wasn’t the first time she had asked the question.

“Nope,” Felicity answered, “Phone lines are down. So is some of the power. Which reminds me, we should get candles ready just in case.” Real Lily sighed and grabbed some spare candles from a drawer and a lighter.

“She’s taking this pretty hard, isn’t she?” Cisco commented offhandedly.

“Ronnie and Jax were supposed to be here too,” Ray reminded him, “But they got caught in the storm. Add no Gideon on top of that. Lily’s just missing most of her family today.” At his words Caitlin rubbed Lily’s shoulders, a comforting smile on her face.

“I told her not to go,” Lily grumbled, “And now there’s a snowstorm and she’s stuck all alone at a stupid museum-”

“I don’t know why she’s so concerned,” Gideon crossed her arms as she listened to the rant, “It’s hardly the first time I’ve had a Christmas alone.” She had spent plenty of holidays by her lonesome when she was a child. Such was an orphan’s life.

“And it’s not fair! She should be here, with us. Safe and warm and surrounded by her family. Nobody should be alone on the holidays. Or with someone they can’t stand,” Lily finished with a shudder as she thought of Gideon being left alone with Nate. Gideon’s eyes softened as she looked at her foster sister. All she ever wanted was for Gideon to accept the Steins as her family. She had been adamant about it when they were both teenagers.

There was a knock at the door and Felicity walked over to answer it. “Rip, what are you doing here? What’s wrong Jonas?” She moved aside to let the two step inside. Both were bundled up warmly and Jonas was holding back tears.

“Sorry, sorry, didn’t want to barge in like this,” Rip apologized profusely.

“Rip, you’re our friend. You’re not barging in on anything,” Caitlin reminded him kindly.

He gave her a small smile, “Yes, well, I was just wondering if you still had my spare key on you? We were going to try and visit Miranda since she’s in town. But the storm got too bad and we couldn’t even get out of the parking lot. Somehow in the midst of all of it, I seem to have misplaced my key. And now we’re locked out.”

“Of course we have it,” Lily headed to a cookie jar and fished it out, “But you can always stay here if you like for a while. The storm’s just going to get worse, possible power cuts in our area. And you shouldn’t be alone for that.”

“I wouldn’t want to-”

“Rip, if you make a single comment about intruding or bothering us, I have full power to rewrite your entire customer database, and do you really want to deal with an angry bride?” Felicity threatened him. Rip raised his hands in surrender and began undoing his scarf and jacket in response before helping his son.

“Well if you insist,” Rip joked. Gideon couldn’t help but laugh at his dry sense of humor, something no one else seemed to have picked up on.

“Hey, little man,” Cisco called to Jonas, “Want to play with Schrodinger and me?” Jonas grinned and ran over to the cat.

“Well at least that can keep him happy for a bit,” Rip muttered. He turned to the girls and explained, “We were going to save his presents for tonight so he could open them with his mother at dinner. But clearly that didn’t happen. He’s been rather put out by it all honestly.”

“Of course he is,” Felicity put a hand to her heart, “I loved opening my Hanukkah presents. I mean with my mom, they weren’t much, but they were something.”

“I loved the Beebo doll I got when I was little,” Lily nodded along.

“When you’re a kid, presents do seem like the best part,” Caitlin agreed, “But when I was little my mom would always work a lot. Sometimes even through Christmas. I always just wanted one holiday with her. It’s a time for family.” Gideon looked down guiltily at that. Out of all the girls, Caitlin was the one who closest understood what Gideon had gone through as a child. Caitlin had a family, but her mother was a real piece of work as Donna Smoak liked to say. The two girls had always agreed that sometimes a found family was better than blood relatives.

Rip nodded as the girls patted Caitlin’s arms in solidarity. Rip looked around the room and frowned, “Not to be rude, but uh, where is Gideon?”

Lily sighed, “Not here.”

“But it’s Christmas,” Rip said.

“Yeah, and she had to go to work,” Lily explained, “Then the storm rolled in and she got stuck there.”

“That’s terrible,” Rip lamented, “Is she alright?”

“We haven’t heard from her in a while,” Felicity admitted as she looked at her cellphone. As if she could will it to ring with news about their friend.

“Alright, found the musical!” Ray announced, “Everyone grab a seat and let’s get started before the power can go out.” The crowd shuffled slowly in as Ray herded them all together. Gideon went to sit on the arm of the couch next to Rip, Ghost Lily standing beside her.

Throughout the movie, Lily fidgeted irritably even as Ray tried to calm her down. Felicity kept staring at her phone, waiting for it to ring. Cisco and Caitlin kept making comments about the mom character and how Gideon was similar, but realized there was no point to it if she wasn’t there. Rip for his part looked rather sullen, though he put on a good show for his son. But Gideon couldn’t help but think he looked like he felt out of place or missing something.

“It’s you,” Ghost Lily answered her unspoken thoughts.

“What?” Gideon asked.

“They’re missing you,” she repeated, “The holidays aren’t about the presents. It’s about giving-”

“I already know all this,” Gideon huffed.

“But you refused to stay. Look, even when families don’t get along they agree to stay crammed together in a tiny little place because that’s what happens during the holidays. But this family – yours. You actually love them. You’re all misfit puzzle pieces that came together. Without you, it’s not complete,” Lily told her.

“I suppose I never really realized I was necessary,” Gideon shrugged as she looked at her friends. They all seemed to be varying levels of upset. “When I was younger I always just felt like my foster families put up with me. I know Lily loves me, the Steins love me. That they wanted me. But I didn’t feel like they needed me. Cisco might make comments about me being a mom, but it was always just teasing.”

“They need you because they love you,” Lily whispered, “That’s the point of family. And family is the point of the holiday season.”

Those were the last words Gideon remembered before the scene dissolved and she fell back into her bed again.

--

The first thing Gideon noticed when she woke up was that she was not in her bed. Her room did not look like this. She walked out into the hallway to see a much smaller apartment floorplan than what she and her roommates lived in. And on the sofa, perusing through a newspaper, was Caitlin. Except not.

“So, Ghost of Christmas Future?” Gideon asked rhetorically.

“Got it in one,” Caitlin smiled. But it was cold, emotionless.

“Why do you look like that? With the hair and the lips?” Gideon gestured to her. Caitlin’s hair looked like when she had gone as Elsa that one Halloween, and her lips were a bright blue.

“I thought this appearance would help sink in the message,” Caitlin stood up and walked next to Gideon, “You know, cold heart on the inside, cold appearance on the outside.”

“My heart is not cold!” Gideon narrowed her eyes.

“Clearly not with that fiery temper,” Caitlin snarked. It was very un-Caitlin like. She was technical and precise, but never cruel.

“Alright then, what am I supposed to learn from this?” Gideon crossed her arms and asked.

“Look around you,” Caitlin gestured with her arms, “This is your future. Maybe in a decade or so.”

“And? It doesn’t look so bad,” Gideon insisted.

“It’s Christmas,” Caitlin reminded her, “And you have no decorations up. Nothing personal or anything. Look at this, missed calls from Lily that you haven’t picked up.”

“I always pick up for Lily,” Gideon looked distraught at that.

“Maybe once you did,” Caitlin shrugged, “But it’s easier to say no as the years go on.”

“So what,” Gideon swallowed the lump in her throat, “They all give up on me? Leave me eventually?” It had happened to her so many times in her childhood. She never thought it would happen again, not with this family. Clearly, she was wrong.

“No,” Caitlin smiled but there was no sincerity, “They’re too stubborn to give up on you. And there’s always a small spark of hope for Lily that you’ll give in one year. But it gets squashed every time.”

“It is one Christmas!” Gideon exploded, “I’m practically always around for everything. Are you seriously telling me if I miss one day, then it’s going to snowball into this?” Gideon gestured at the empty apartment. The ghost had been right, there were no personal artifacts or decorations. Nothing that said Gideon called the place home.

“It’s a possibility,” Caitlin shrugged.

“And what happens if I stay for Christmas?” Gideon asked, “How does my future look then? It can’t be that different.” Caitlin cocked her head to the side and their surroundings merged and changed.

This time they were standing in a house, one Gideon didn’t recognize in the slightest. There were garlands decorating the staircase and a Christmas tree set up in the living room. The fireplace was even roaring and stockings were hung up. Somewhere in the background, Christmas music was playing and Gideon saw her friends playing and laughing with glasses of eggnog like they always did at their holiday parties. Ray was spinning Lily around blindfolded as she held a carrot to put on the snowman. Suddenly he stopped her and pulled her into his arms, kissing her soundly.

“They’re finally together here,” Gideon gasped.

“Seriously guys?” Cisco complained behind them, “You’ve been married for how long and you still act like a couple in the honeymoon phase.”

“Better than Oliver and Felicity going at it like teenagers,” Caitlin nudged him and nodded at the couple. Gideon turned in their direction and saw Felicity hanging on to Oliver as she kissed him under the mistletoe.

“Seriously, there is a limit!” Cisco yelled as Caitlin patted his arm.

“Are they still going at it?”

Gideon turned and saw an older version of herself walking into the room, her arms filled with a box of ornaments.

“Yeah,” Caitlin sighed, “You’d think they know better by now.”

“And where have you been?” Cisco demanded, “What kind of host leaves their own party?”

“The kind that has to find more decorations for the tree and deal with a father quarrelling with his teenage son,” Future Gideon commented, “I can’t believe Rip only just remembered all of this.”

“Well, I’ve been a little busy haven’t I, dear?” Rip answered as he walked into the room as well. Gideon watched in surprise as he leaned over and kissed her future self on the cheek.

“I don’t understand,” Gideon breathed as she watched the scene. The Ghost Caitlin pointedly looked at her future self’s left hand. Then Gideon saw the ring. “We – we’re married?” Caitlin merely nodded.

“Dad! I’m heading out to Mom’s, alright?” a teenage boy came into the room all bundled up in a coat and gave Rip a hug. The young man was as tall as his father now.

“Jonas,” Gideon stared at the teenager, “Well – he’s gotten so big now!”

“Yeah, it’s amazing what a few years and eating properly will do for you,” Ghost Caitlin responded sarcastically. Gideon didn’t respond, she could only watch as Rip begged his son to be safe while driving and Jonas rolled his eyes but agreed.

Then the boy – teenager! – wrapped Future Gideon into a hug. “Be safe and have fun with your mother,” Future Gideon instructed, “And take a hat. Maybe some gloves. Oh, and a scarf!”

“Gideon, seriously?” Jonas laughed at her.

“And that would be the mom in her coming out. Happens every time,” Lily shook her head as Ray laughed along. Both Gideons glared at them for that.

“I will be fine. I promise,” Jonas smiled.

“I know, I just worry,” Future Gideon pouted.

“I know, and I love you for it,” Jonas kissed her on the cheek and placed a hand on her stomach before heading out. Slowly Lily managed to migrate the rest of the group to the kitchen with promises of dinner. Future Gideon made to go with them but Rip stopped her.

“Wait a second. I have a present,” Rip took his wife’s hand and pulled her to the Christmas tree.

“You know we do presents on Christmas day. Not a moment sooner!” she scolded him, “I don’t want you to break tradition for me!”

“Who says it’s for you?” Rip teased. He picked up a gift bag and placed it in her hands. Future Gideon looked at it suspiciously but pulled out the tissue paper at his insisting smile.

“Oh my goodness, Rip,” her eyes welled up in tears as she stared at the present. A little teddy bear. Gideon moved closer to the pair and found it was wearing a shirt with the words ‘Baby’s First Bear’.

“I know technically speaking, next Christmas will be the baby’s first,” Rip said as he placed a hand against Future Gideon’s stomach, “But I really can’t wait. I love you and our child so much already, Gideon.”

“And we love you too,” Future Gideon smiled before kissing him before they both headed for the kitchen.

Gideon wiped away a tear at the sight and turned to Ghost Caitlin. “But this is just a possibility. You don’t know that it will happen. That – that I’ll get this life with – everyone. And be this happy.”

“No,” Caitlin admitted, “It is only a possibility. But what do you think the holidays are about? It’s a magical time. New Year’s Resolutions. The belief kids have in Santa. It’s the belief of a better future, the possibility of it that keeps people going. You had some bad Christmases, it’s true. But that doesn’t mean it should be your norm. You shouldn’t settle for it, otherwise you just close yourself off whether you know it or not. Keep yourself open to just the possibility that you can have this all, that’s what the magic of the holidays is really about, Gideon.”

This time when Gideon woke up in her own room, she knew exactly where she was and what she had to do.

--

“What is all of this?��� Felicity asked as the girls stepped into the living room. Gideon was sitting on the floor surrounded by wires and working on something tech related.

“I thought you’d be at work by now,” Lily frowned.

Gideon waved it off, “No, I called Nate. Told him it could wait until tomorrow. It’s not like we’re opening again for another couple of days anyways.”

“So you’re staying here for Christmas?” Caitlin asked excitedly.

“Yes, I am. There’s no place I’d rather be than with my family for the holidays,” Gideon smiled. The girls grinned and toppled on top of her into a giant hug. “Alright, alright, that’s enough, really,” Gideon laughed.

“So what are you working on out here?” Felicity asked.

“I think most normal people would make breakfast on Christmas day. But since I’ve been banned again-”

“You know what you did,” Caitlin reminded her sternly.

“I decided I’d give you a different present,” Gideon grinned at them. She took her tablet and tapped a few buttons. Suddenly, music started playing from the speakers and the lights on the tree and windows twinkled along with the beat.

“It’s beautiful!” Lily exclaimed as she watched the light show.

“I’m sure it will look better at night. But it was a fun little project to work on,” Gideon said.

“Yeah, I bet,” Felicity let out a low whistle.

“Cisco and Ray are going to love it when they come over tonight,” Caitlin agreed. The girls moved on to the kitchen, laughing and talking as they made breakfast and explicitly told Gideon to stay out of the kitchen. It was all fine with Gideon, she thought she heard something in the hall anyways.

“Rip!” Gideon nearly shouted as she opened the door and saw father and son exiting their apartment.

“Gideon, hello,” Rip greeted, “I would stay, but I promised Jonas we’d leave immediately. We’re going to visit his mother for the day.”

“Right, of course you are. Well, have fun, Jonas,” Gideon smiled at the young boy. Jonas nodded shyly and walked a little down the hall before Rip told him to stop and wait. Gideon fidgeted before taking a step closer to Rip, “I don’t mean to slow you down. I just wanted to wish you Merry Christmas. And all, just that.”

“Well thank you,” Rip smiled, “And the same goes to you.”

“Um, and also,” Gideon hesitated before throwing her arms around him for a hug. Rip stumbled back a bit but returned it fiercely.

“What was that about?” he laughed as he let her go slowly.

Gideon shrugged, “We’re good friends. And the holiday season is about friends and family and spreading holiday cheer, right?”

“Right,” Rip answered bemused. He tucked a strand of her hair back as he smiled, “I think I rather like you during the holiday season.” He hesitated, seeming to want to say more before Jonas yelled at him impatiently. Rip raised an eyebrow, “Well, it seems I have been summoned. We’ll talk later. Enjoy the rest of the day.”

Gideon nodded and waited until they were out of sight before entering her apartment again. She closed the door and leaned back against it, closing her eyes in bliss.

“So, what’s happening there?” Felicity asked as she sipped at her morning coffee. No, not suspicious at all.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Gideon retorted, fighting the blush on her cheeks.

“It looked like it could have been something,” Lily encouraged as Caitlin nodded along.

“Well, you never know,” Gideon shrugged coyly as she took a seat at the table and waited for her family to join her. “The holiday season is a magical time after all. Filled with possibilities.”

[femnet]

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a bit of an ambivalent relationship with the Christmas holiday season. As a small kid I loved the snow, the smells of cooking, and singing carols at church. Traditionally, the kids were not allowed to see the room with the tree before Christmas Eve. Then, a bell would ring and the door would opened and there it was in all its glory, presents underneath (brought by the “Christkind”, because we don’t have Santa in Austria). But when I was four, my budding skepticism prompted me to ask the question – Is all of that real or is it just the parents? And my dad – who either deemed me very mature for my age or just wanted to annoy his freshly-ex-wife – just told me the plain and simple truth. I was devastated. Not because the fairytales were not real, but because I had been lied to, because the adults had not taken me seriously and thus made a fool of me.

So the magic was gone, but there was still singing and food – that is, until I simultaneously discovered atheism and vegetarianism at 15. So now I was just a nuisance to my Catholic, turkey-loving family, a brooding, moody teenager going through a rebellious phase, spoiling the fun for everyone by bringing up pagan rituals and factory farms at dinner. It was not a phase, I am still both a vegetarian and an atheist, but I have toned down my rants lately.

Of course, being a girl, the older I got the more holiday-themed “female” responsibilities were bestowed upon me. My grandmother, my mother and I would spend at least three days decorating the house and the tree, laying out cookies and cooking multiple three-course meals for up to 12 people. And while it was all intended to contribute to the holiday cheer, and we even put on appropriate music, most of these activities would include some amount of bickering among the three of us. Especially as the youngest, any objections or criticisms on my part were called out as “immature”. And when introverted me was just overwhelmed with all the family hubbub, I was being “hysterical”. Some years I would steal away from the war-torn kitchen to help my grandpa with some last-minute shopping and wrapping (which he still claims he cannot do). By the time Christmas Day was actually there, we were all exhausted, annoyed with each other and glad it was finally over.

When I was 20, my grandmother passed away unexpectedly, just a few weeks before Christmas. From then on, the holidays were a truly dark place for all of us. There were no more small children to believe in the stories, so it was unclear who it was all for. But my grandpa refused to go out of town or do anything differently, so my mom and I tried our best to give him the traditional celebration he had always known (again, with the fighting and the hysteria…), only to have all of us just cry our eyes out under the tree.

We did it this way for six years – mainly because of my grandpa, the stern patriarch who was famous for his stubbornness. He raised us both, my mom and me, and – though we would never admit it to each other – we are both just as afraid of his disapproval as we were when we were little kids. But I really noticed the festivities taking a toll on my mental health – I was on edge, anxious, overwhelmed with social interactions and frustrated by the knowledge that I would never be taken seriously in this setting, no matter how old I got. I would always be the daughter, the granddaughter, the niece… Even when I cooked the meal, I would always be sitting at the kids’ table. Our pets were the final straw: One year we had two dogs and a cat fighting under the Christmas tree, because nobody bothered to close the doors. The next year my dog had to go to the vet because somebody fed him bones. And every time I voiced my concerns, I was told that I was just a panicky kid, that I was overreacting.

So after all this time, my mom was finally sick of cooking and crying, and I was sick of having all the responsibilities of an adult but none of the respect. We joined forces, we faced the patriarch and we moved Christmas to the city. After 26 years of celebrating at my grandparents’ house, with all the traditional gender roles, the Catholicism and the turkey, last year we finally did Christmas at my mom’s – and it was epic! There was a tree, presents, singing – but no fighting pets or humans, no huge family feast, no tears, no turkey and no kids’ table. We had veggie quiche, and grandpa liked it!  

[empyrean-major]

EXO, December, 2014 (The Winter’s Tale)

Whenever winter rolled around, bringing with it the promise of colder days and holidays, Hansel always looked forward to food the most. Gingerbread cookies, in particular. 

Hansel leaned against the kitchen counter, chin propped up on his hand as he looked over a recipe on his phone. Last year, his batch of cookies had been good, but he was convinced that they could be better. After all, these were treats that he’d be gifting to his co-workers before his break for the holidays. 

“Nicho?” Hansel called out. “I don’t know about this one.” 

He heard Nicholas before he saw him, the telltale melody of carols in the air as Nicholas hummed to himself. “You say that for every recipe you find. The cookies last year were great, why don’t you make those again?” 

Turning around, Hansel let his back rest against the counter as he crossed his arms across his chest. Nicholas’s posture mirrored Hansel own from where he stood beside the fridge. He raised an eyebrow as a question, truly curious as to why Hansel were putting himself through so much trouble.

“They were too dry. I don’t want the cookies to be rock-hard.”

Nicholas chuckled, tickled by Hansel’s explanation. “Babe, they’re gingerbread. I think they’re all gonna end up a little dry anyways.”

“That’s not gonna stop me from trying.” Hansel picked up his phone once more, focused only on the screen as he continued to search. 

A pair of arms settled around his waist, Nicholas coming over to stand beside him as he leaned his chin on Hansel’s shoulder. “You know, we could always just buy cookies instead of making them.” 

“It’s not the same, I want to make these. It makes me feel like I’m actually good at baking.”

Nicholas pressed a kiss to Hansel’s cheek, his hair tickling Hansel’s face. “You are good at baking, babe. Those five pounds I’ve gained in the past year can speak for that.” 

“You’re overreacting,” Hansel told him with a small giggle. “And you need that extra weight anyways, you’re too skinny.” 

“Does that mean I get to eat some of these cookies too?” 

“Only if you run to the store for me.” 

Nicholas groaned before giving you a small squeeze, still holding onto Hansel. “What do you need?” 

“Most of these recipes call for the same ingredients. The only thing I’m missing is decorating gel.” 

“Any specific colors you want?” 

Hansel turned to face him, kissing him in thanks. “It doesn’t matter, you can pick. Thanks, Nicho.”

“Of course. Anything for you.” 

Hansel walked him to the door, watching as he pulled on his coat and shoes. Just when Hansel thought he was about to leave, he turned back around, a grin on his face as he came closer. Nicholas’ hands reached for Hansel’s face, the rough pads of his hands a familiar sensation against Hansel’s cheeks as he kissed Hansel once more. Compared to the other kisses, which were short and innocent, this one was more lazy and drawn-out. Hansel pulled Nicholas closer to him, a hand resting at the nape of his neck and brushing against the ends of his hair. 

When Hansel finally pulled away, out of breath and heart racing, Hansel were glad to see Nicholas looked just as lost for words. His cheeks were flushed pink, a crooked smile on his face as he watched Hansel warmly. “I’ll be back,” he murmured gently, reaching for the door handle.

Nodding, Hansel gave him a small wave. “Drive safely.” 

And with that, Nicholas was gone, the door closing shut behind him. Hansel locked the door and quickly got to work, tying an apron around his waist and getting his materials ready. 

Of course, any baking session wasn’t complete without some music. 

A quick glance through Hansel’s phone led him to a playlist that he had almost forgotten about, one that he had simply labeled “For A Good Day”. The opening notes of a pop song filtered into the air, instantly putting a spring in his step. 

This is the first Christmas that he and Nicholas were spending together, but something about the holiday season always managed to make both of them more clingy around each other. More often than not, the temptation of being lazy at home won out over walking outside to see the snow. 

For some reason, Nicholas had been increasingly more affectionate with Hansel than usual. Hansel had teased him about it, saying that he must be trying to make up for doing something bad. Nicholas had only given him that curled smile of his before snuggling beside Hansel. 

Hansel thought about this as he mixed the ingredients together, his hands on auto-pilot as he worked. Maybe Nicholas had been having a hard time at work? Hansel rejected that thought instantly - if he had been, he would have told him. It could just be winter blues, people were known to be more prone to states of melancholy during the colder season. But that didn’t make sense to Hansel either. Nicholas was just as cheerful and transparent about his feelings as ever. He stopped mixing and let out a sigh, hair blowing away from his face for a brief second. 

Choosing to focus on his cookies, Hansel made quick work of putting the dough in the fridge to chill. As he was washing his utensils in the sink, a new song began to play from his phone. 

He laughed as soon as he recognized the tune. A couple of years ago, Felix had shown him a video of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” as a remix to Wii music. At the time, Hansel had rolled his eyes even as Jisung danced along. The tune was so catchy though, that he even let them download it onto his phone. Hansel had no doubt that they had added this to his playlist as well. 

The front door opened with a squeak, the sound of shoes stomping against the floor. Hansel heard Nicholas give a small laugh, and he came into the kitchen with crinkling eyes as he giggled at Hansel’s choice in music. 

“I come home to you getting turnt to Wii music in the kitchen.” 

“You can thank Jisung for this. Oh, and Felix.” 

Nicholas snorted in amusement as he held out a bag of groceries to Hansel, cheeks red from running around in the cold. “Your gel, as requested.”

“Thanks, Nicho.” Both of them looked through the assorted colors, setting them out onto the counter and imagining what kinds of designs to draw. 

Baking was essentially a long waiting game, and once the dough had chilled long enough, Hansel and Nicholas cut the cookies out and got them into the even. Thankfully, they only needed about 10 minutes.  

Nicholas peered over your shoulder as Hansel got the cookies out, setting them down to cool. “So when do we get to decorate?” 

“Hold your horses, Nicho. They’re still too hot, you’re gonna burn your fingers.” 

“Do you always wait this long when you’re baking?” 

“Hey, it’s not my fault you have no patience.” Hansel turned away with a giggle as Nicholas tried his best to refute this, a long-winded comeback falling from his lips. As much as Hansel loved being affectionate with Nicholas the most, teasing him came in a very close second place. 

When Hansel finally announced that it was okay to start decorating, Nicholas’s face lit up with excitement. He reached for a cookie and a tube of green decorating gel, biting down on his tongue in concentration as he tried his best to draw even lines. Groups of colorful gingerbread men and women, even children, began to take shape. The cheerful faces looked back up at Hansel, bright lines of gel giving the impression of tiny shirts, dresses and suits on the baked goods. 

But one cookie had escaped Hansel’s eye, one that Nicholas had spent extra time on. At first glance, it appeared to be similar to the other cookies: generic smiley-face, winter outfit and all. But on the gingerbread cookie’s left hand, Nicholas had discreetly drawn a tiny line in yellow gel: a ring. A ring that Nicholas had meant to resemble the one hiding away in an old suitcase in the bedroom closet.

He watched as Hansel stacked all of the decorated cookies onto a plate, briefly assessing each one before setting it down. A knowing smirk played at his lips, oh, how he wanted Hansel to notice so badly. 

Oblivious to this, Hansel continued to pile up his cookies, even picking up Nicholas’s special one and placing it with the rest. He almost wanted to point it out to Hansel, but that would ruin his entire plan. Nicholas wasn’t even entirely sure why he had decided to leave such an obvious hint. Part of him wanted to propose to Hansel already, to ask you the question that had been on the tip of his tongue for weeks. 

“Why are you looking at me like that?” 

Nicholas flinched in surprise, his hand slipping from the counter as Hansel cast him a worried glance. “Like what?”

“I don’t know, you tell me. What’s on your mind?” Hansel covered the cookies with plastic wrap, working efficiently as he waited. 

Nicholas pursed his lips as he thought, one foot tapping aimlessly against the floor. “I’ll tell you soon.” 

“But how soon is soon?” Hansel inched closer to him, hoping to coax the answer out of him with his charms. 

“Oh no, that’s not gonna work on me.” Despite his words, Nicholas pulled Hansel close to him in a tight hug, his face only a few inches away from Hansel’s. 

“Please, Nicho?” Hansel pleaded, a pout forming. 

He groaned, eyes closing shut before opening once more. “I’ll tell you on… Christmas.” 

“You promise?” 

Nicholas thought of the ring once more, his hands coming to run over Hansel’s fingers. 

“I promise.” 

[scoundrels-in-love]

WYWS ep 6

That is a LOT of cash, shady brother of cupid barista.

Yu Beom takes his wrist watch off again, when dealing with what seems to be shady person. I keep wondering, there must be more to this character, they focus too much on these little things about him, for it not to matter. Since this is pre-produced kdrama, I'd like to think they'll explore them, instead of drowning in other things to keep ratings high.

Even Yu Bom seems to be surprised at such an outright admission of guilt. Besides, the subtle shift on the brother's face are really impressive, like you can see something isn't quite right with the gears in his head.

Again with the casual matching, but wait, Hong Joo said TWO younger siblings. He looks way too calm about that, hmm.  Also Jae Chan, that's a bit of overreaction to getting a hug from your bro, ha! All in all, I love these little scenes that make us see them beyond their daily struggle with work or their powers. Make them relatable - make them lovable. (I'd have genuinely died from embarrassment if I was Hong Joo, tho... This is why I hate having guests over!! Also, mom, you're not making things better!!)

This is the face of a woman who is about to wreck ya, boy!! (I love how they both want to impress each other, though. Beyond just trying to save their faces in front of people that aren't their families.) ... At least they know how their bad habits are before they have to live together. :'D (Honestly, how married do you get without being married. 'Cause that casual hand taking!!)

Speaking of the hand taking, I think Jae Chan is more and more opening to the truth he already cares for her, a lot. He already promised to 'try' for her, which was essentially promising to date her, and now he's breaching the physical marking stones as well. In some ways, we don't get to see when he 'falls' for her, only his denial to accept it, but her continuous, unwavering support and the things he learns along their shared path, makes him wish to return it, with more depth.

Returning to work isn't easy for Hong Joo and meanwhile mom's still pissed at Woo Tak, oh my. Meanwhile, I ship Woo Tak with the cute police officer or our cupid barista, tho it's pretty obvious Woo Tak has a bit of bittersweet crush on Hong Joo. Or at least some kind of feelings for her, maybe guilt if some theories are right.

There's evolution in the praying, they can all pray separately and not throw frickin salt and shade around. In fact, it seemed as if they weren't even going to pray at all, before the boss did and they had to pay attention to it. Not that there wasn't shade throwing, though... (But the other prosecutor is not shying away to reveal his actual religion and it just feels like the situation is somehow more honest/accepting, though, of course work itself casts stone in their wheels.)

Hong Joo's boss actually has a point and again, we have a moment where dream creates an action that will reflect itself in a dream. Meanwhile, I have no idea of Jae Chan went swoony and then stepped on Prosecutor Shin's coat on purpose or he just pulled another #me.

Oh nooooooo Yu Beom has the UNFORTUNATE UMBRELLA. Why am I not surprised... Also, damn, that's a very clever setup. Too clever. Oh gosh darn it.

Here comes the carol music and revelation that Yu Beom has some conscience left. The obsessive washing/rubbing of his fingers like he's making the paper balls is good touch, like the paper is replacement for water to rub away dirt he feels from dealing with his clients. Again, I hope we get to see more of his backstory, when all of earlier meeting of Hong Joo and Jae Chan is revealed. In fact, I feel like his shout about prosecutors not being able to give enough evidence is something personal for him, something that shifted his belief in himself and his job.

(Still hurts my soul that Jae Chan still calls him 'hyung'.)

Again, the actor is very good at playing the manic chicken restaurant owner/murder brother. Who is truly a mad genius in his own way and you can see it. Except the liberation of being acquitted once made him really go off the rails and think he can get away with ANY murder. Seriously, why did he stab Woo Tak, so his sister couldn't speak to him??

(I am so calm about Woo Tak getting stabbed 'cause I already know he's going to be alright. But good lord, he is so strong and brave, fighting to the last second. Seriously, I welled up with tears when the dude stepped on his wound. OH GOD.)

Though I really, genuinely have no idea why Hong Joo took the girlk and ran deeper INSIDE, instead of outside where they could scream for help or something of the sort. AND WHEN SHE WAS SPEAKING WHY NOT GET TO THE POINT!! You know how fragmented the dreams are, imagine if he only saw "I am in danger, if you can see this..." I know you're panicking and that it is all awful and horrible... Okay, I have no place to judge you, tbh, but still!! This gives me anxiety. Plus, she wasn't quiet in her speaking at all.

And what will the Cupid Barista think about all she said, I wonder?

Also our girls look way too relieved considering they just saw him stab another unarmed man. I mean, do they know he has a backup? Nope. I mean, still relief, but not ultimate relief.

[smileyisawesomeable]

BECAUSE @pk-hellfire MADE ME Louis was very tired of fake farmers trying to get into his pants. Just because he was a country music millionaire didn't mean he was gonna marry any two-bit hack who thought riding bareback was a sex position. YeeHawmony, Cowboy Mingle, and Wranglr were terrible sites, meant for wannabe riders and people who didn't know how to stick a seed in the ground, let alone grow it. Plus, nobody believed he was The Louis Tomlinson™ and when they did, they only dated him for money. Gay cowboys were hard to come by, and Louis gave up on his dreams of marriage and love, raising his own children along with cows, chickens, and horses. Niall was sick of him whining about his need for a down-home boy, so he went searching all over the internet for a way to find an authentic farmer dating site. Louis was losing hope, and his song writing went as dry as his love life. Zayn, his manager, was worried about Louis's well being, so he joined Niall on late-night searches and calls to obscure dating services. When asked who they wanted to sign up, the reply of the famous star's name made workers hang up. How was Louis supposed to find love as a cowboy in this high-tech world? Finally, 8 months after Louis's last album released, his phone rang. At 2:27 in the morning, three hours before he had to be awake, he found his solution. Niall screamed into his ear, despite being twenty yards away in the guest ranch, wanting him to get on his laptop and search up Farmers Only. He told Niall to fuck off, and go to bed. But because he was so desperate, and somewhat sleep deprived, he picked up his laptop and clicked on Google. Seventeen minutes later, he fell asleep on the keyboard, spelling his name Lou Tinson and submitting his form. Right at 5:30 the rooster crowed, awakening Louis with a start. His laptop slipped out of his arms in his sleep, laying closed on the floor, completely forgotten along with the night's events. A morning of chores, including but not limited to cleaning the pig pen, gathering eggs, brushing horses (2), and checking the cows and fences, made his back ache and had his heart screaming in loneliness. After lunch, Louis had to do house chores, and found his laptop on the floor for a reason he didn't know. Out of curiosity, he opened the lid and stared at the screen in disbelief. There was his blurry picture, and his email, but the wrong name posted on a profile he didn't remember making. He had no idea how to handle the idea that a "fan" had broken into his house, took pictures of him, and posted it without him even waking up. Louis finally snapped to attention, called Zayn and Niall, demanding that they come over immediately to help him, no explanation given, just a plea for help. When they came, Louis begged them to check the cameras he installed after fans found out his address. Niall was confused, but this wasn't exactly unlike his best friend. Zayn was sketched out, running to the living room, flipping the TV on and reviewing last night's video log. Nobody in, nobody out. Nothing. "Lou, what are you so worried about? Your house was dead last night," said the thick, Bradford accent. Louis turned around, opened his laptop, and showed them his crazy screen most likely filled with requests to get muddy. Once Niall saw, he died laughing. He showed Louis and Zayn his phone record, and explained the situation to the perplexed boys. Zayn finally understood and began to laugh with Niall, reading the profile of "Lou Tinson" and laughing at the endearing, yet slightly misspelled, biography. Louis thought they were evil, laughing at him in his sleep deprived haze, but he had to follow along when he realized how badly he'd overreacted. After the boys left, back to their daily lives, Louis continued to clean the house, ignoring his constantly pinging laptop. It seemed every cowboy wanted a taste of the beautiful, yet blurry pictured boy. Finally, his chores were done and his curiosity, for the second time that day, got the very best of him. With a sigh, he lay on his couch, armed with popcorn and a can of coke, ready to laugh at the ridiculous things people had offered him. He turned Netflix on to the cutest Christmas carol he could find, ready for the fast-approaching season. In the time it took for him to get the movie on, his laptop chimed eight times. He stuffed his mouth full of popcorn, and pulled up the minimized tab. There were 63 messages. All from the same person, a Hal Stiles. His photo was just as low-quality as Louis's, biography so similar he could only laugh. Hal loved fishing, biking, riding horses, and he mentioned that he had his own little farm close to Holmes Chapel. Hal seemed perfect for Louis, but 63 messages in the time it took Louis to clean his property? He seemed desperate. REALLY desperate. During this inner monologue, his screen showed two new messages. Louis though it may be best to actually read the messages before making a decision, because his momma raised him right, to never judge a book by its cover. The messages were poorly written, looked like his drunk texts: U r cute nd i like u Ur hair is prety Can u ride horses?? I need a new daddy Jeez, this guy didn't seem to beat around the bush. Hal seemed like a funny guy, though. There was determination in his many texts, and a Louis could only imagine how easy it would be to start a conversation. Before he could stop himself, Louis was sending a message: Are you always this forward or was there a big hoedown last night? A message came almost instantly, giving a phone number. Louis was perplexed but he wanted to see where this was going. He texted the number his "name" and said hi with a smile. Then he waited. Louis never got the message he was hoping for, but instead, two movies and half a beer later, his phone rang with an Hal's number. Immediately, Louis picked up. A young voice screamed in his ear, a dog barked, and a deep voice screamed about the tickle monster. What had he gotten into? Finally, Harry realized that his phone was on, and he was being listened to, because he picked up the phone, with a rush of apologies. It had only been 4 minutes, and the person on the other side was more amused than angered. "You're fine, love! But your name is Hal right?" The deep voice laughed. What an odd day. First his daughter, taking his phone to text weird people, then this. Weird caller with no clue of his actual name. "No, my name is Harry. But, not to be rude, who are you?" Louis was lost. "I'm Louis. I texted you earlier, after you gave me your number, remember?" "Umm, no. I don't give out my cell number normally. My daughter plays on it. I think you have the wrong number?" Hal, or Harry, replied with a confused voice. "Wait," he added, "Are you on Farmers Only?" Then the voice sighed. "Yes, I signed up for it last night. Why?" Lou replied, ready to hang up on this drunken mess. He sat in silence for a few minutes, waiting for a reply. "My daughter. Well, my daughter is special. She loves to sign me up for things. She's only six, but she thinks she can set me up. I caught her messaging someone today and I think it was you." Harry sounded close to tears, sighing between every few words. "When this sunk in, Louis found himself laughing, a sound that made Harry's heart leap. It sounded warm and comforting. "That's fine, mate. I was a little confused at the forwardness of you "needing a new daddy" anyways," Louis finally joked, wiping tears away from laughing too hard. There was an audible gasp on the other side. "Trust me, she's 6. There is no way she would mean it that way!" Luna was as special as the character she was named after, always up to something Harry had to solve eventually, but he wouldn't have it any other way. "Look, Louis. I really didn't mean to get your hopes up because I'm not ready for anything serious, but you seem like a nice guy. How about I make this up to you with drinks? Friday night?" Harry said, ready to make this unfortunate event to the poor bloke on the other side of the line. "Y'know what, Harry? That sounds mighty fine."