#choices 12 days of ficmas

[sissylittlefeather]

12 Days of Ficmas

Day 3: The Sound of Your Cry

A/N: @vsangel-sparkle I hope you like this! It was tough to write. This song is such a heartbreaker! But I think it turned out pretty well. Hope you agree!

Warnings: 18+ minors DNI, angst/smut, oral sex, p in v sex, unprotected sex, ejaculation, infidelity

Word count: ~800

His lips are so soft on your fingertips as he kisses them before moving to your neck. You moan softly as he presses kisses to you. This isn't the first time you've found yourself with Elvis like this. In fact, it's been going on for quite some time. You know you're the other woman. You'd have to be an idiot not to know he has a girl back home that he's set to marry. But you love him so much that you don't care. So here in LA you make him yours as often as he'll let you.

And that's how you find yourself here again with him wrapped around you, praying that it never ends. Now he's kissing the supple skin of your breasts, pulling one nipple into his mouth as his hand roams down to your hip and squeezes.

“You're so beautiful, baby.” He murmurs against your skin. You know what he means by that. It's his coded way of telling you that he loves you. You want to respond that you love him with your whole heart, but you'd hate to put him on the spot like that, so instead you just moan softly as his kisses move down your body. He gets to your hip and gives you a little love bite, earning a small yelp from you. He chuckles and moves over to your center, dragging his tongue up your slit.

“I love those little noises, baby. Lemme hear you.” He buries his face in your pussy, pushing his tongue into you and then moving it up to your sensitive bud to circle it. You whimper and moan and make all the little sounds he can't get enough of. Truth be told, he loves you more than the girl he's supposed to marry, but he'll take that secret to the grave. His nuptial arrangement is unavoidable, and it's not that he doesn't love her. He just loves you more.

You lose yourself in the sensation of his mouth on you, the overwhelming pleasure sending you over into an abyss of ecstasy easily. He licks you through your climax and you shudder and pulse and grind into his face. When you finish, he wipes his mouth with his hand and kisses back up your body. He settles himself between your legs and teases you for a bit before pushing into you slowly. You groan as he presses more hot kisses to your neck as he starts to slide in and out of you, slow and sensual.

He tells himself that what he's doing is fucking you, but he knows it's not true. He's making love to you in the only way he can: with his heart and soul so invested it almost hurts. And he knows. He knows that this has to be the last time. So he kisses you and touches you and inhales your scent a little more than normal, hoping you don't notice that something's different.

Of course you do and it almost breaks you, but you can't let him know that, so instead you roll your hips and whimper and moan just like you have every other time. You both start to sweat, your skin sticking to his when it touches, like even your bodies don't want to let go. Eventually, he pulls out and pumps his cock, spilling himself on your stomach. He sighs, wishing just this once that he'd been able to finish inside you, but it's a risk he knows he can't take. Once he's got you cleaned up with a towel, he rolls over and pulls you into his arms, kissing your forehead. You fall asleep against his chest when you feel his breathing even out and know he's asleep too.

*****

He kneels next to the bed and looks at you as you sleep. The clock reads 4:53am and the sky is gray with the beginning hints of sunrise. He pushes your hair out of your face and kisses your cheek and then your lips. You stir a little and he inhales sharply. It's vital that you don't wake up. He couldn't leave you if you did and he has to leave you. He doesn't have a choice. His heart feels like it's in a vice and there are tears in his eyes when he leans in close and whispers.

“I love you, baby. I always will.”

Then, he forces himself to stand up and walk out. It might be the hardest thing he's ever done, but there's nothing else left for him to do. He pulls the door closed behind himself and looks up at the sky, cursing fate for the cruel twist that led him to you. Now he has to miss you forever.

As soon as the latch clicks and you know he's gone, you open your eyes. You whisper into the semi-darkness.

“I love you too, Elvis.”

******

The End

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Taglist:

@ccab @atleastpleasetelephone @aliypop @18lkpeters @dkayfixates @tacozebra051 @your-nanas-house @joshuntildawn13 @lookingforrainbows @60svintage @littlehoneyposts @epthedream69 @louisejoy86 @rjmartin11 @from-memphis-with-love @deltafalax @cinnamoroll-things @burnthheparaphilia @jhoneybees @cattcb @everythingelvispresley @returntopresley @searchingforgravity @msamarican @angschrof @lustnhim @polksaladava @librababe99 @hooked-on-elvis @theelvisprincess @makethemorning @peaceloveelvis @mrspresley69 @pxpresley

[fluentmoviequoter]

Haley's Holiday

Day 6 of 12 Days of Ficmas

Pairing: Dick Grayson x fem!reader

Summary: You plan to spend the holidays with Dick and Haley in Blüdhaven, but his brothers have the same idea.

Word Count: 1.1k+ words

Warnings: fluff, more fluff, Haley, Dick's brothers get a warning.

A/N: Not necessarily Titans!Dick, I just think Brenton Thwaites is adorable. Sorry this is so short, but I wanted to write some fluff for Dick and give Haley some well-deserved lovin'. ALSO, I have an idea for a New Year's fic (part 2) that I kinda set up in this, so please let me know if you're interested!

You’ve been counting down the days, hours, minutes, seconds, and even your heartbeat until you get off work for the Christmas break. With each tick of the clock, you get a little more joyful and eager for Christmas. Since your fiance, the one and only Dick Grayson invited you to spend Christmas with him and, of course, Haley in Blüdhaven, you agreed immediately. Now, with two minutes to go, you’re waiting to lock your computer and run into his arms.

You rap your knuckles on the door twice, and before you even notice the door has opened, you’re wrapped in Dick’s arms as Haley circles your feet, ready for your attention. 

“Merry Christmas,” you say, tilting your chin up to kiss Dick.

He happily returns your affection, chuckling as Haley begins barking. You pull out of Dick’s arms and bend down, petting Haley with both hands as you compliment her on her good looks, excellent behavior, and adorable Nightwing-themed Christmas sweater. You glance up at Dick with the last comment, but he shrugs, smiling as he turns to put your coat and bag away. 

Once Haley has received her fair share of attention and curled up on her bed for a winter’s nap, you follow Dick into the kitchen and see your favorite hot chocolate mix and all of the ingredients needed for any and all cookies you may want to make. Looking through the cookie ingredients, you hear Christmas music fill the room before Dick spins you into his arms, swaying to the music as your hands rest on his chest.

“Want to start with chocolate chip or gingerbread?” Dick asks, spinning you quickly.

You choose your favorite, smiling as Dick joins you at the counter, staying right by your side as you prepare the dough. He makes shapes with the dough, even if he knows it won’t hold its shape because you laugh, and it’s his favorite sound in the world. After the cookies are in the oven and the timer has been set, you’re back in Dick’s arms as Haley stumbles tiredly into the kitchen and sits by your feet.

“Can I be��right here every Christmas?” you ask.

“Oh, you have to. There’s no choice anymore, right, Haley?”

Haley barks once, her tail thumping against the floor as she looks up at you. A single knock sounds on the door, and Haley’s ears perk while Dick walks to the door, gesturing for you to stay in the kitchen.

“Jason,” Dick says, more as a question than a greeting.

Jason, the bloodhound of Dick’s brothers, smells the cookies and lets himself in wordlessly. He stops when he sees you standing in the kitchen, though.

“I was going to ask if I could stay for Christmas,” he says, “but I don’t want to intrude.”

“Not an intrusion,” you assure him, smiling as you silence the timer. “The more the merrier, right?”

Dick shakes his head fervently behind Jason, but Jason smiles his gratitude before plopping down in Dick’s chair, pulling out a book as Haley climbs in his lap. Dick then joins you in the kitchen as you take the cookies out.

“You can tell my brothers no. It can just be us, as planned,” he whispers, rubbing you back.

“They’re your family, Dickie. Jason might not have anywhere to go,” you argue.

“Bruce invited all of us!”

“You said no.” You lean against the counter, crossing your arms as Dick stands in front of you.

“Because I have you!”

“And Jason doesn’t.”

Dick sighs, reaching over your shoulder to eat a stray chocolate chip before he tangles his fingers in your hair and kisses you. Until someone else knocks on the door.

Dick opens the door, and you can hear him groan. “Tim, come on in.”

“Thanks! I brought some- oh, hey,” Tim interrupts himself when he sees you and walks to the kitchen. “I didn’t know everyone was coming over here.”

“They’re not supposed to be,” Dick mutters, pinching the bridge of his nose. You pat his shoulder and lead Tim to the kitchen to put his goodies beside the cookies.

“So much for Haley’s holiday, huh?” Dick asks Haley.

“Say the word and we’re gone,” Jason offers, not looking up from his book.

“You’re family man, you’re always welcome. I was looking forward to a quiet Christmas with my girls, but this’ll be great too.”

Jason snorts before a fourth guest knocks on the door; Haley barks once before silencing when Jason’s large hand covers her back.

“Grayson,” Damian begins as soon as Dick opens the door. “I know you are alone, so I brought Alfred’s soufflé that you like.”

“I’m not alone, but come in, join the party. Thanks for the souffle, baby bird, it’s my favorite.”

Damian slows as he sees the number of people in Dick’s apartment. When he sees you and Tim in the kitchen, the crease between his brow disappears, and he joins you in the kitchen, discussing the cookies you are making and his recent school trip.

“Still think ‘it’ll be great’?” Jason teases.

“Is Duke coming?” Dick asks, ignoring his prodding.

“Nah, Bruce took him to some family member’s house. Wanted him to be with them.”

“Should we have gone to the manor?” Dick asks, a hint of regret in his voice.

“Deep down, Bruce wants us to be happy and understands that we need a break from the manor. I think.”

When the fifth round of knocking begins, everyone silences and turns to look at the door. You wave a hand at Dick and walk to the door, listening to all of Dick’s brothers stand, ready to fight if necessary.

“Mr. Wayne,” you greet, surprised to see the billionaire father figure of your fiance at the door. “Come on in.”

Bruce looks around as he enters, shaking his head gently before holding up several large gift bags. “I brought presents if you don’t mind one more.”

“Of course not,” you and Dick say together.

The oven timer dings again, and you return to the kitchen alone, setting the cookies on a cooling rack before Dick joins you, turning off the oven for you.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this? A quiet week with just me, you, and Haley is still an option. Haley’s holiday.”

“Dick, they are your family and they’re going to be mine. It’s Christmas. This is what Christmas is all about,” you insist, gently gripping his bicep.

Dick nods and leans down to kiss you, laughing against you as Haley squeezes between your legs and sits on your feet. 

“Everyday is Haley’s holiday,” you point out.

“Spend New Year’s alone?” Dick suggests, his forehead leaned against yours.

“Not likely,” Tim calls.

“Tt. You have the best view of the fireworks from here, Grayson,” Damian adds. 

“We could take Haley to Metropolis for the week,” Dick whispers to you.

“We’ll decide after Christmas,” you tell him, pecking his cheek quickly. “For now, Haley’s holiday, complete with family, is just beginning.”

[echoric]

'right before my eyes'

Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Major Character Death Word Count: 4,009 Zombie Apocalypse AU; Hurt/Comfort

Summary:

“Attention. Attention. This is not a drill. There has been an outbreak of an aggressive new viral disease. It can be spread through contact with bodily fluids such as blood, sweat, tears, saliva, and reproductive fluids. Commanding officers are required to provide the choice to your men to bring their families to shelter at the base or to receive an honorable discharge and leave base. There are 24 hours until a complete lock down of this base. God save us all.” - aka a zombie apocalypse au for the flyboys (+ bradley) 12 Days of Ficmas DAY 7!!

[clairenovaking]

hi! and welcome to liz's 12 days of ficmas 2024!

so last year i had a ton of fun writing 12 different prompts that were sent by you- i decided to change it up a bit this year and offer you some prompts to choose from since i have so many ideas and not enough time to write them! just send me a message with your choice of prompt from the list below and i'll dedicate the story to you on one of the 12 days of ficmas (december 14th - december 25th).

The prompts:

inspired by euguene by sufjan stevens [a jackson au tessjoel story about estrangement and growing together and lemon yogurt] - TAKEN

tess finding nina barrett’s (my town doctor oc) sister and brother-in-law while out on a raid and bringing them back to the settlement [subsequent nina angst, set within girls verse, still heavily tess/joel] - TAKEN

tessjoel the proposal au [tess is in need of a greencard when her canadian citizenship is revealed- joel, her overly loyal assistant, offers to marry her. their pretend relationship is tested when they head to his grandmother's 90th birthday party in cedar park, texas.] - TAKEN

the tlou2 dance scene, but in girls verse, and the subsequent fallout between tess x joel x ellie x and the girls - TAKEN

joel teaching ellie how to play 'seven nation army' on guitar, therefore ensuring tess will forever be annoyed since ellie Will Not Play Anything Else

tess and ben sibling backstory in the qz leading up to his murder [minor tessjoel] - TAKEN

beginnings of modern day au girls verse [tessjoelsarah in college] - TAKEN

tessjoel beauty and the beast au

abby deciding to infiltrate jackson and date ellie in order to ruin her life / kill joel [tess lives au, heavily tessjoel / tessjoelellie] - TAKEN

how joel finds moose in girls verse aka the millers get a dog

tylerkate + kate making tyler experience an nyc christmas - TAKEN

bathena + mistletoe - TAKEN

if you have any questions about any particular prompt and what it entails please feel free to message me to ask! if you want to claim a prompt just sent me a message or ask- just include the prompt number and your ao3 handle so i can gift it to you when i post! there's no number for how many you can claim, so feel free to take multiple if you so choose :)

i'm so excited to spend the holiday season with you all once again, it's my favorite time of the year!!

[intheticklecloset]

Redeemed (Junjou Romantica)

Summary: After a fight, Usagi is overly apologetic and Misaki is beginning to feel guilty. But then Usagi gives him a coupon book for personal favors, and he gets an idea...

A/N: This is a fic I wrote for the one and only @otomiya-tickles several months ago. It was originally going to be part of the 12 Days of Ficmas last year, but when that didn't happen I decided to write it just as a special gift. I've finally decided to share it with the rest of you as well. (This was also the first fic I wrote after...certain events.) Hope you enjoy. <3

Word Count: 2,642

~~~

This coupon book was ridiculous, but it had been given to him with good intentions and a sincere apology behind it, so Misaki sighed resignedly and flipped open to the first ticket, beginning to read.

One free massage. One day without interruption. Wow, really? One fancy dinner of choice. One shopping trip. One…

The list went on and on, each page more intriguing and confusing than the last. Misaki felt his heart warming. He appreciated that Usagi seemed genuinely remorseful for what he’d done the other night – forcing himself on him so much the younger boy cried for an hour straight, feeling violated and unsafe in their shared home – but this almost felt…too much.

Then he flipped to the last five pages of the small coupon book, wrinkling his brow when he saw that they were blank. It took him a few moments to notice the small text at the bottom of the page:

Write-in. Whatever you want, I’ll do it for you, Misaki. I love you.

Misaki’s heart officially melted.

It was almost too bad that Usagi was out of the apartment right now. He felt as though he could go to the man this instant, wrap him in a hug, whisper that he’d been forgiven. Really, he’d been forgiven before the coupon book was even handed to him – his partner’s profuse apologies upon seeing his tears had been enough, even if they hadn’t felt enough in the moment. But now he felt their roles had been reversed, that he needed to go and comfort his boyfriend this time.

Well, he could cook them a nice dinner and they could have that conversation later. For now, Misaki put the coupon book back in his pocket and flopped sideways on the couch, curling up comfortably, mind swimming with possibilities.

Of course he would use the write-in space – it was too good to pass up. But what could he ask for that hadn’t already been offered to him in a different coupon? He could always ask for another full day of no interruptions if he wanted. That was truly beneficial to him on several levels and appealed to him the most out of everything he saw. An opportunity to get his work done without being snatched away for a spontaneous makeout session or tickling? That would be amazing.

Wait.

Misaki’s eyes flew wide open. No. No way. I get enough of that already – I can’t ask him to—

But he was already searching for a pen, heart hammering in his chest.

After all the apologies and all the thoughtful coupons, truly, this was the least he could do to meet Usagi halfway. Pen now in hand, he clicked it open and shakily began to write in his first request.

*

The door to their apartment clicked open. Misaki glanced up from where he was making dinner at the stove and smiled shyly. “Welcome back.”

Usagi hung up his coat and removed his gloves, maintaining uncertain eye contact with him the entire time. “Thank you.”

Things hadn’t felt this awkward between them in a long time, and Misaki was determined not to let it last. “Did you have a good day?”

“I did.” The older man approached the kitchen cautiously, like he was afraid of spooking his partner. “Did you?”

Misaki smiled genuinely then, remembering the coupons, thinking of the one in his pocket he intended to hand his boyfriend after dinner. “Yes.”

Usagi nodded. “Good.”

There was a beat of silence, then the younger man couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “Aren’t you going to kiss me hello?”

Usagi blinked, then seemed to relax, sauntering around the counter to meet him and pull him gently into his arms, kissing his lips tenderly, with none of the harsh determination he usually exhibited. “Hello, my love.”

“Mmn.” Misaki groaned, pulling away when he heard the contents of his pot about to boil over. “All right, that’s enough. Go sit down; I’ll bring you a plate.”

The older man opened his mouth – probably to protest that he could do it himself – then seemed to think better of it and did as he was told for a change. Misaki smiled to himself, turning off the burner and stirring up the last of their dinner before reaching for two plates out of the cupboards overhead. Usagi was kind of cute when he was being docile, though he knew that once that coupon was out of his pocket and in his boyfriend’s hands, that would end quickly.

Dinner was uneventful, if a bit strained on Usagi’s part. Clearly he was still feeling badly for how he’d behaved before; his conversations were empty of their usual teasing cadence and flirting comments. He was polite, interested, and tame.

Misaki couldn’t wait to get him back on track.

When they’d finished eating, Misaki glanced at the clock. Half an hour, he decided. That’s what they say for swimming, right? I’ll wait half an hour and then give him the coupon.

In the meantime they migrated to the living room after putting the leftovers away for tomorrow. Usagi seemed relieved when his boyfriend sat beside him on the sofa, cuddling into his side like he did when he wanted comfort or affection.

“How did you like your coupons?” Usagi asked him after a while, voice soft.

Misaki tensed at first – thinking of the one in his pocket – then remembered that wasn’t one of those that Usagi offered and relaxed again, humming contentedly. “They were really thoughtful. I appreciate it, Usagi-san.”

“Any that caught your eye?”

“One day without interruption?” Misaki said, voice teasing. “Can you really do that?”

“For you, I can do anything.”

At this, the younger boy lifted his head and looked at his boyfriend, surprised to see how serious Usagi was about this. He felt himself melt again, though this time it came with a pang of guilt. He was definitely feeling too badly about what had happened for too long. He glanced at the clock. Forget the half hour – he had to do this now.

Misaki shifted, throwing a leg over Usagi’s lap. The older man looked surprised in the split second it took the brunette to lean down and kiss him. After a long moment strong hands wrapped around him, pulling him closer, holding him almost reverently.

“I’m sorry, Misaki,” he murmured for what felt like the hundredth time since that night a few days ago. “I know I can be pushy, but I never meant to hurt you—”

“I forgive you, Usagi-san,” Misaki whispered into another kiss, reaching into his back pocket. “In fact, I’d…I’d like to redeem one of those coupons now, if I can.”

Usagi pulled back, eyes darting to the paper in his boyfriend’s hands. “Of course. Whatever you want, my love. My Misaki.”

Misaki whimpered at the endearment, blushing as he held out the coupon. Usagi took it and angled it until he could read it.

“Oh, one of the write-ins?” he mused, then fully took in what the words said and what they meant. He blinked. He glanced at his partner. “Oh?”

“Don’t ‘oh’ me!” Misaki protested, shoving at his chest lightly, feeling heat rising in his cheeks.

“Are you trying to tell me something?”

“N-No! I mean…” The brunette hesitated, certain he wouldn’t even be allowed an explanation before he was attacked, but surprisingly, Usagi was sitting there patiently, watching him, waiting for him to speak. Misaki whimpered again, averting his eyes. “I don’t…don’t entirely hate it, you know? Just…maybe we can have a safe word this time?”

Usagi’s curious look gradually shifted into a sly grin that made Misaki’s heart race. He tossed the coupon aside and pulled him in closer, earning a squeak in response. “What word would that be, my little tickle toy?”

That did it. Misaki covered his face with both hands and flopped into Usagi’s chest, groaning. “Don’t call me that! It’s embarrassing!”

“Answer me, Misaki.”

He whined. “I-I don’t know…why not the same one we use in the bedroom?”

“Because I want a different one for this.”

Of course he did! “Fine! You pick one, then.”

At this, Usagi gripped his waist tightly and got to his feet, hoisting him over his shoulder and beginning to trek upstairs. “You’re the one who will be laughing himself silly. You decide.”

Misaki’s eyes widened. He knew – he knew they’d be doing this now, but still! He gripped Usagi’s sweater and yelped, “W-Wait!”

“You wrote it,” the older man said matter-of-factly, swinging their bedroom door shut behind them, plunging them into darkness without bothering to turn on the light. “You wanted this.” He tossed Misaki onto the bed, making the smaller boy squeal and start giggling already even though he hadn’t been touched yet. Usagi loomed over him, and the brunette could tell he was smirking even though he couldn’t see him perfectly. “Choose a safe word, Misaki.”

“P-Purple,” Misaki stammered, not at all sure why that was the only word that came to mind in the heat of this moment. He shrank back on the bed, arms glued to his sides preemptively.

Usagi chuckled. “Purple it is.”

“Eeek!” Misaki cried when his boyfriend pried his legs open to sit between them, leaving his thighs vulnerable to the first tickles, which came swiftly once their word had been established. “Ehehehehehe wahahahahahait! Wait, I d-dihihihihidn’t have tihihihime to gehehehehet reheheheheady!”

“Did you need time?” Usagi teased, amused by his partner’s weak attempts to swat at his hands. “Would it really have helped you?”

“Shuhuhuhuhuhut up!”

“So, tell me, my love. What inspired you to use one of your write-in coupons for this?”

Misaki desperately wanted to cover his face despite it already being dark in here. “I tohohohold you alreheheheheady!”

“Explain it to me again.”

“Jeheheheheherk!” Misaki whined, bucking his hips with a near scream when Usagi moved up to pinch his hipbones in warning. “Okahahahahay, okay! I l-lihihihihike it, kihihihihind of! A lihihihihittle bit!”

Usagi hummed. “Like it how?”

It took a moment for the younger man to process what the question meant in his ticklish haze, though thankfully his partner had moved up to his sides instead of his death spot. “Nohohohohot like thahahahat, you pehehehervert! Just for fuhuhuhuhuhun!”

“All right,” Usagi chuckled, shoving his hands under Misaki’s clothes to get to the bare skin beneath. “But don’t think that means I won’t try this in the bedroom, too. Just to experiment.”

Misaki couldn’t even bring himself to protest or fight back; he was too lost to his giggles already. It had only been a few days, but he didn’t realize until now how much he’d desperately missed Usagi being on top of him, making him squirm and let out involuntary noises that embarrassed him beyond belief.

And really, after how tense and awkward things had been between them since that night, seeing the outline of his boyfriend’s happy grin made all of this worth it.

“Tickle, tickle, tickle,” Usagi teased, fingers scribbling and scratching at his sides and tummy. “Look at you squirm, Misaki~ Does it tickle here? What about here?” He darted up to his underarms without warning, earning a loud shriek and even harder giggles, legs kicking the air but doing him no good with the way they were positioned. “I’ve missed your laugh, my love. It’s been a while since I’ve tickled you, hasn’t it? Were you missing it, Misaki?”

“Stahahahahahahap!” Misaki pleaded, tossing his body this way and that, going nowhere fast and feeling a little thrill from the knowledge. “Quit teheheheheheasing me!”

Usagi leaned down to bite his earlobe playfully, fingers digging harder into his armpits while his body pinned the smaller boy to the bed so he could hardly move at all. “Never.”

“Ahahahahahahahaha! Usahahahahahagi-sahahahahahan!” Misaki cackled, throwing his head back with waves of mirth, the reality of his situation sinking in more and more the longer he felt those strong, singing, unbearable sensations wrack his body. “Plehehehehehehease!”

“Please what? Use your words.”

“Jeheheheherk! It tihihihihihihickles! Please, it tihihihickles so bahahahahad!”

“Does it?~”

“Mohohohohove somewhere ehehehehehelse!” Misaki begged, frantically trying to dislodge his boyfriend’s fingers from his underarms. “Plehehehehease, new spohohohohohot!”

“Oh? Would you prefer if I tickled you…here?” Usagi’s fingers moved down to his ribs, pressing and digging into each one, clawing and raking and drilling in rapid succession that left Misaki near breathless with hysterical giggling. “You do seem to like it here, don’t you, tickle toy?”

Misaki cursed, surprising and pleasing Usagi immensely. “Stahahahahahap with that crahahahap! Don’t call me thahahahahahat!”

“Tickle toy,” Usagi chuckled darkly, still pinning him in place with his body. “You just want to laugh so loud for me, don’t you? Laugh and squirm and kick and beg me to stop? Hmm, tickle toy?”

Misaki dissolved into silent laughter at the incessant teasing, shaking his head, mirthful tears springing to his eyes. “Plehehehehehease!” he wheezed, barely able to catch his breath. “Dohohohohon’t!”

Usagi seemed to sense he needed a moment, so he sat back up and slowed his tickling to a light tracing along his body, up and down his chest, digging in randomly just to watch the brunette jolt and giggle helplessly.

“You’re mehehehean, Usagi-sahahan.”

“I rather think you like it.” The older man went back down to his thighs, pinching in tandem with his teasing intonation of, “Mi-sa-ki.”

Misaki tossed his head back, spewing even more giggles, wiping a tear from his cheek. “Mehehehean.”

Usagi grinned at him, gently pushing his legs down flat on the mattress so he could straddle them, unbuttoning his boyfriend’s jeans. “Relax,” he said when he got a wide-eyed, horrified look from the younger man. “I’m not doing anything like that. Just getting easier access.”

Misaki’s eyes only went wider at that comment. He smiled wobbily, knowing full well what was coming next. “Wait!”

“Nope.”

“But it tickles so bad—!”

“I know.”

“No! Wahahahahahait!” Misaki squealed, then screamed full-on when Usagi’s thumbs pressed into those super sensitive spots along his hips where they met his thighs. He arched his back and yelled his ticklish agony into the air, and not for the first time he wished he had a way to cover himself up, this time to muffle what had to sound like him being murdered horrifically. “AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA NOHOHOHOHOHOHO!! NOT THAHAHAHAHAHAHAT, USAGI-SAHAHAHAHAHAN!!”

“But I love hearing you scream and laugh like this,” Usagi replied reasonably, drilling his thumbs in deep, adoring the way Misaki’s body thrashed beneath him at the simple touch, shrieks and curses and loud, desperate laughter filling the air around them.

“STOPSTOPSTOHOHOHOHOHOHOP IT PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEASE!! PLEASE USAGI-SAHAHAHAHAHAN!! NAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

Usagi chuckled, shifting just slightly downward toward the ultimate prize, smirking when Misaki’s laughter when silent a second time, wheezes and gasps for breath replacing the ear-piercing noises he’d been letting out moments before. He didn’t stay there long, thankfully, lightening his touch and scribbling gently over his belly, swirling into his navel a few times as Misaki panted for air, his giggles having turned whiny and exhausted.

“Purple?” the older man asked, checking in. It was clear he was trying not to go too far again, and for that reason alone, Misaki felt like he could withstand a little more, his love for his partner swelling up inside him twice as much as usual.

“No,” he replied breathlessly, even going so far as to pull his own shirt up further, exposing more of his bare torso for Usagi to tickle. “Not yet.”

Usagi looked both elated and touched. He leaned over him again, kissing him so hard Misaki saw stars. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Misaki replied just before being sent back into a world of ticklish bliss, giggling and squirming uselessly on their shared mattress, loving the feeling of Usagi’s hands on him, making him melt, making him submit as he always did.

It was good to have him back.

[winter-dayz]

Anonymous

Pairing: Hwang Yeji x Reader Secret Santa Genre: Fluff Words: 856

Masterlist | 12 Days of Ficmas Masterpost

Taglist:  @soobin-chois

You had absolutely no idea what you were going to get Yeji for Christmas. You had hoped to get literally anyone else for your work’s game of Secret Santa, but there you were walking around the mall looking for a gift for the girl you’d been crushing on for months now.

Feeling the pressure of finding the perfect gift for Yeji, you wandered through the bustling mall, desperately trying to come up with ideas. Your mind raced with thoughts of what might impress her and make her finally notice your feelings.

You decided to stop by a trendy boutique, thinking that a sweater or scarf might be a safe bet. The store was filled with stylish options but nothing seemed quite right. You mulled over the choices, uncertain about how your fashion tastes compared to hers.

After some contemplation, you decided to take a different approach. You remembered Yeji mentioning her love for music and how she enjoyed discovering new artists. This sparked an idea, and you headed to a nearby music store. As you browsed through the CDs and vinyl records, you stumbled upon an album from one of her favorite bands.

Passing by a jewelry store, you noticed a dainty necklace in the window. You couldn’t help but picture Yeji in it and the next thing you knew, you were exiting the store with another gift in hand.

🎄

Suddenly, you were thankful you’d gotten another gift at the mall the other day. As you worked on a last minute project at your desk, you overheard how Yeji had received the vinyl album from a friend the other day and she absolutely loved it.

Which was good and bad because it meant you actually did do a great job at shopping, but also sucked because it meant that it was no longer a viable gift option. The office Christmas party was later that night, and although the necklace was lovely, you worried it wasn’t enough.

On your lunch break, you found a nearby store and wasted thirty minutes of precious eating time on trying to find a replacement gift. You aimlessly wandered the store, searching for anything that would be good enough.

Just as you were prepared to give up and leave, you came across a set of stuffed alpacas that just somehow made sense.

🎄

You sat in the parking lot of your work, trying to neatly wrap the gifts inside the tight confines of your car. You’d clasped the necklace around one of the alpacas and settled for using a gift bag and tissue. You wrote a quick, sweet, anonymous message on the card.

It took you another twenty minutes to work up the nerve to go inside.

As you entered the office Christmas party, you couldn't help but feel a mix of nervous excitement. The festive atmosphere enveloped the room with colorful decorations and holiday music. Spotting the beautifully adorned Christmas tree, you carefully placed your gift underneath, making sure it blended in with the others.

You kept an eye out for Yeji, too nervous to talk to her yet. When they announced it was time to open gifts, you felt like you could throw up in anticipation. It was finally her turn; you held your breath, hoping the alpaca and necklace combo would bring a smile to her face.

Yeji opened the gift, and a look of delighted surprise crossed her face as she pulled out the alpacas. She giggled about how cute they were, holding one under each arm. The small, fluffy creatures seemed to captivate her, and you couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. Then, her gaze shifted to the necklace, and her eyes widened in appreciation. You noticed a hint of a blush on her cheeks, and your heart skipped a beat.

The party continued with laughter, music, and festivities. You found yourself engaged in conversations, trying to act casual, all the while stealing glances at Yeji from across the room. The knowledge that you had managed to find something that she appreciated filled you with a warm sense of accomplishment. You watched with adoration as she carried around one of the alpacas tucked under her arm.

🎄

When the night drew to a close, you debated whether to reveal yourself as her Secret Santa. However, the anonymity added an extra layer of excitement to the whole experience. You decided to cherish the moment, savoring the fact that you had made her Christmas a little brighter without her knowing.

You paused as you were about to enter your car, noticing a note tucked into the driver’s window. You plucked it from its temporary home and opened it up.

“Thank you for the gifts, Y/N. I know you were trying to keep it anonymous, but I couldn’t pretend like I didn’t recognize your handwriting. Merry Christmas and call me - ♥️ ###-####”

Your heart pounded inside your chest, and you glanced around. Across the parking lot, Yeji smiled brightly as she entered her car. She waved slightly and then drove off. You stood shocked for a moment longer before getting in your own car and heading home.

[drake-walker-appreciation]

Drake Walker Appreciation Week 2023 - Master List

DWAW Revisited lol! Well over half the links in our master list broke. I have spent most of tonight tracking them down and repairing them. I am posting a new ML because somehow the old one was done in the old editor and was almost impossible to edit without losing my mind. I also found a couple of things that were missed originally because Tumblr likes to eat tags.

Happy National Drake Day everyone! Especially you, Walker, you grumpy marshmallow, you 🙃

First off, big thank you to everyone who participated in DWAW 2023 We have had a lot of great submissions - both new and old - and we are so grateful for everyone who took the time to put content together for this event, shared and tagged us!

Also, big shoutout to @choicesficwriterscreations@choices-february2023@choicesprompts@choicesholidays@maxwell-beaumont-appreciation for the signal boosts! 😘

And now, without further ado, here is the masterlist you’ve all been waiting for:

Day 1: Head Canons and Appreciation:

Drake Walker HC and Appreciation by @angelasscribbles

Drake Walker HCs by @karahalloway

Drake Walker Appreciation by @karahalloway

Some Drake Moments by @katedrakeohd

Drake HC’s by @persephone13

Drake Quote by @storyofmychoices

False Truth Ch. 1 by @twinkleallnight

Day 2: Throwbacks

Find all the wonderful throwbacks here.

False Truth 2 by @twinkleallnight

Day 3: The Early Years

Polo by @karahalloway

A Savage Love Snippet by @angelasscribbles

12 Days of Ficmas by @twinkleallnight

Day 4: Friends and Family

Hinge: Bringing Her Home to Mother by @angelasscribbles

Complicated:Alexandria by @angelasscribbles

Camping was Intense by @karahalloway

Thanksgiving by @karahalloway

Familia by @petiteboheme

Drake’s Birthday Bash Fanart by @twinkleallnight

Day 5: Romance

First Date by @bebepac

If Only…For the Night by @bebepac

Drake Pairings by @angelasscribbles

Drake Pairings and boards by @harleybeaumont

Drake Pairings by @karahalloway

A Fervid Fixation Chapter 5 by @angelasscribbles

American Girl Chapter 4 by @angelasscribbles

Drake Pairing by @nestledonthaveone

I Don’t Like You by @angelasscribbles

Marshmallow by @twinkleallnight

My OTP by @twinkleallnight

Day 6: As a Husband and Father

Drake’s Perfect Day by @angelasscribbles

Nevrakis Walker Christmas by @twinkleallnight

Day 7: Visuals

Moodboard by @persephone13

Riley and Drake on his Motorcycle art by @rosefuckinggenius, submission by @angelasscribbles

Drake Visuals by @angelasscribbles

Whiskey Wednesday by @bebepac

Drake and Ava by @petiteboheme

DWAW Visuals by @karahalloway

DWAW Visuals by @aussiegurl1234

A Drake Walker Mood with Music by @marshmallowsandfire

Video Edit by @twinkleallnight

Edits and Fanart by @twinkleallnight

Face Claim by @katedrakeohd

If we have accidentally forgotten anyone, please let us know!

[whoknowsyourfuture]

It's before midnight, it counts. Day 4 of 12 days of Ficmas!

Summary:

Elias is not as subtle as he thinks he is. And this time, when another Entity takes notice of his manipulations, well. It's avatar knows quite a bit about belonging to a fear god through no choice of your own, and if they can't stop the Beholding, they'll at least put a kink or ten in Elias's plans.

Chapter Summary:

And now back to archiving! With 100% fewer worms than last time.

[god-save-the-keen]

A complicated day

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x F!MC

Book: Open Heart 2

Warning: None

Words: 1589

Note: English it's not my native language so be patient with me 😌

Here is my collaboration for 12 days of Fictmas! Hope you all enjoy it! Thanks for hosting this again @leelee10898 and @emichelle! ❤️

Writers: @texaskitten30 @zaffrenotes @alj4890 @burnsoslow @kat-tia801 @darley1101 @msjr0119 @annekebbphotography @plumeriavibes @ofpixelsandscribbles @camillemontespan @ao719 @cocomaxley @cordoniansgonewild @twinkleallnight @the-soot-sprite @cordoniantrash @axwalker @innerpostmentality @lucy-268 @janezillow @katedrakeohd

Readers: @mom2000aggie @sfb123 @bbrandy2002 @debramcg1106 @desireepow-1986 @speedyoperarascalparty @hopefulmoonobject @drariellevalentine

Permanent tagg list: @eileendannie @desireepow-1986 @dawn-1994 @darley1101 @blackcatkita @flyawayboo @drakewalker04 @choicesficwriterscreations @mrawxs

Bryce Lahela x MC tagg list: @anotherbeingsworld

Open Heart tagg list: @mskaneko @x-kyne-x

"What are your plans for the holidays?" Casey asked as they walked to his place after a double shift. Her small hand was in his and her thin fingers were tangled with his as her thumb caressed distractedly his skin.

"Well, Keiki's coming back for the break so I guess we'll stay at my place."

"You aren't going to Hawaii?"

"Nah. I might have talked with my parents a couple of times and I might have put a stop to my resentment towards them, but that doesn't change what they did. Especially after all that Keiki told us."

"So, are you going to be the two of you here, alone?"

"Trust me, Cass, I've had worst holidays." His hand squeezed hers reassuring. "What about you?"

"I was thinking of going home… I haven't seen my family since I moved here."

"I bet you miss them. Like I'm going to miss you." He added with a playful wink.

"Maybe not. I'd like for you and Keiki to come with me."

"You really can't stay away from me, can't you Valentine?" Bryce shot a cocky smirk in her way as she rolled her eyes although the corners of her lips rose up a little. She stopped walking and tugged his hand, making him turn towards her.

"Hey, I mean it. I want to spend the holidays with you and Keiki as well."

"Are you sure?" He took a small piece of falling hair and put it behind her ear, gently brushing her skin and she nodded, smiling at the sweet gesture.

"Of course I'm sure! Talk with Keiki about it and let me know what she thinks." They started to walk again as Bryce's arm sneaked around her waist.

"Your family will be okay with that?"

"I may kinda tell them about you already."

Her cheeks redden a bit. "And there's a chance that they want to meet you."

"Did you tell them how great I am?" Bryce smiled confidently, his finger softly squeezing her waist as she giggled.

"Oh yeah, I told them to make the door hole bigger for your ego." She playfully nudged his side and he chuckled. "And… How you stayed with me during the attack and how worried you were about me. And how important you are for me."

"You are important for me too." He kissed the side of her head as their feet continued walking almost at their own.

The weeks passed and, after talking with Keiki about it, they organized the trip. The plan was easy. Or at least, it should have been. They had planned everything with Casey, the plane tickets, going for Keiki at her school, the presents, the luggage, everything was ready. But, sometimes, things don't work out the way it was expected.

"So, we finish our shift in one hour, you go for Keiki, I grab my luggage, go to your place and do the online check in, then we take an Uber from there to the airport." Casey closed her locker stretching her back a bit. "Should be easy."

"Ready to meet the parents-in-law, Lahela?" Jackie asked, smirked mockingly from her own locker.

"You kidding? Parents love me. Especially if they have good taste as their daughter." In that instant, all the beepers started to blare.

"E.R. A burning building." They all headed to the emergency entrar, a few ambulances already at the door. Casey ran toward an unconscious man with his face burnt as Bryce followed a bed in which a woman laid with an iron rod going through her leg. He washed his hands and prepared, once the patient was asleep, his hand started to move around the wound stable and firm as he slowly and with the assistant of a nurse pulled out the long iron tube.

"Suction." His voice commendatory and his eyes glued in the patient. The nearest nurse immediately reacted but the blood kept coming. Two hours and half, he was leaving the patient room after talking with the family and rushing to the ER once more. Before anyone had noticed, another four hours had passed and the hectic rhythm had finally calmed down.

"Okay, I'm not going to lie, that was a little set back--"

"A little? Going to Keiki's and back is four hours, the airport it's forty minutes away and we still need the luggages and do the check in and the plane leaves in seven hours!" Casey said incredulously, as they rushed to the parking lot to Bryce's car.

"--But we still can work with it!" He said so confident that Casey almost relaxed as his cell vibrated. "It's Keiki."

'Rushing late?' Keiki wrote with an annoying emoji.

'You think?' He answered with the same face. 'On our way.' He sat behind the wheel as Casey took the passage seat, they headed straight for Keiki's school, making one stop to take away coffee as Bryce asked her more about her family. He already knew that she had a big brother, two small nieces, a few cousins and a pretty good relationship with her parents. He knew that she missed them and talked to them at least once a week.

"Finally!" Keiki dropped her luggage in the backseat. "Hi Cass!"

"She gets a full 'Hi Cass' and I only received annoying emojis and complaints?" Keiki rolled her eyes and hugged her big brother and Bryce bearhugged her back. "That's better."

"Okay, we still have five hours until the flight, with a little luck we may have time to take a break before that."

"Casey?" Bryce looked surprised at his sister's shy tone.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for including me. You didn't have to."

"Not including you never was even an option Kei, it is my absolute pleasure!" She turned her head to watch the teenager in the backseat, grinning. "They will love you."

"What about me?" Bryce asked playfully, giving her his best puppy eyes.

"You are the one dating me so you are in a tough spot, Lahela."

"Ouch."

"Nervous, Bryce?" Keiki said in what was supposed to be an innocent tone.

"Please." He shrugged cockily.

"Hey, the road is pretty clear! Maybe we have time after all!" Casey pointed, cheerfully, watching through the window until her face falled down. "Oh no! I jinx it!" A police officer was standing in the, now closed, road swerving cars to the right.

"We still have time." Bryce took her hand and laced his finger with hers as the car slowed down, until stopped at the end of a long line of cars. "Don't worry gorgeous." She squeezed his hand back, leaning her back in the seat as her head fell back, sighing and closing her eyes for a moment.

"You are right. And there's nothing we can do about it." After three hours of frustration waiting, they finally pulled over in Casey's apartment so she could grab her luggage.

"So, did you bought it?" Keiki leaned in the space between the two front seats, talking conspiracy low and watching to the building front door.

"Yeah, I retired it before work, I still have it with me." Bryce took a small velvet box and opened. Inside a white gold heart locket sparkles as he hands it to Keiki. "What do you think?"

"It's perfect for her. She is going to love it." Bryce smiled. It was not only the first time that they spent a holiday together or the first time that he brought her something, it was also the first time he brought a gift to someone this special for him. And he was ready to put all his feelings for her out.

"Thanks for giving me your opinion about it, Kei."

"I know you would be lost without me." She said smoothly.

"Don't push it, kid."

"She's coming." Bryce shoved the box back in his pocket and rushed outside the car to help her. They went to his place, parked in the building parking lot in a space that Bryce had rented for those days, and dash to his apartment.

"You grab your luggage and meanwhile I call an Uber."

"Perfect." He went towards his bedroom and, checking that Casey couldn't see him, placed the box in the bottom of the suitcase, covering it with clothes and finally closing it. Bryce was convinced that if anyone ask him how they made it to the plane, he wouldn't know the answer, he knew they had ran through the airport, like the McCallister family in 'Home Alone', that the check in had been the most slow one he ever made in his entire life and the judging looks as they embarked after delayed the plane for twenty minutes.

Keiki took the window seat, immediately putting her headphones over her head as Bryce sat in the middle with Casey at his left. She scratched her back and rolled her shoulders, yawing.

"Cass, are you okay? Today was..."

"... Awful?" He chuckled.

"That's one way to put it."

"You are here so I'm more than okay."

"You flatter me, Valentine."

"Yeah, well… After all, there's a reason why you are the first guy I take home for the holidays." She leaned her head on the side of his arm, closing her eyes as her hand found his and gently took it.

"You want to know a little secret?" He asked close to her ear.

"Shoot."

"You are the first I spend the holidays with. Ever." Her eyes kept close but her smile brightened up her whole face, showing, without words, how happy she was.

❣️

[leelee10898]

Choices 12 days of fictmas 2020 Masterlist

Day 1

12 days of Drakemas by @the-soot-sprite

All I want for Christmas by: @lucy-268

12 days of fictmas by: @msjr0119

Simple little Christmas by: @ofpixelsandscribbles

Day 2

12 days of Drakemas by: @the-soot-sprite

The one ive been missing by: @kat-tia801

12 days of fictmas by: @alj4890

Wine and fire by: @camillemontespan

Day 3

The heart of nerve by:@glaimtruelovealways

12 days of Drakemas by:The-soot-sprite

Day 4

Merry Squishmas by: @ao719 & @cocomaxley

The seas within me by: @cordoniantrash

12 days of Drakemas by: @the-soot-sprite

Up in flames by: @emichelle

Day 5

Undeniable miracle by:@axwalker

Mistletoe by:@plumeriavibes

Fight tonight by: @burnsoslow

12 days of Drakemas (jingle bells) by:@the-soot-sprite

Day 6

Only thing I need by: @kat-tia801

Undeniable miracle stranded. by:@axwalker

12 days of Drakemas (last Christmas)by: @the-soot-sprite

Day 7

A miss match Christmas: Matched for disaster by: @leelee10898

Christmas in the country by:@annekebbphotography

12 days of Drakemas (jolly old saint Nicholas) by: @the-soot-sprite

Day 8

12 days of Drakemas (sleigh ride) by: @The-soot-sprite

Nutty Christmas by: @cordoniansgonewild

My kind of present by:@ofpixelsandscribbles

On the 8th day if Christmas by: @innerpostmentality

Day 9

12 days of Drakemas by:The-soot-sprite

Once upon a merry birthday pt 1 by: @katedrakeohd

Once upon a merry birthday pt 2 by:@katedrakeohd

Let your heart be light by: @burnsoslow

9th day if Christmas by: @alj4890

Day 10

Merry Christmas, happy holidays by:@plumeriavibes

12 days of drakemas (silent night)by: The-soot-sprite

Lonely hearts club by: @janezillow

Day 11

Dad King by:@plumeriavibes

12 days of Drakemas by: The-soot-sprite

Jingle bell rock by: @annekebbphotography

Day 12

12th day of Drakemas by:The-soot-sprite

You make it feel like Christmas by:@lucy-268

Sojourn: holiday hijinks by: @zaffrenotes

Santa comes to town by: @twinkleallnight

[alj4890]

12 Days of Ficmas

Day 2

(Thomas Hunt x OC*Amanda) in a Choices Red Carpet Diaries Christmas one shot.

A/N I always love these two and their awkward ways of admitting they want more than friendship. What better way to do so than at a holiday party that is nothing but chaotic? This fic grew longer and longer as I worked on it. I blame my daydreaming and my lack of self-control. Woooo 2020! LOL!

12 Days of Ficmas writers and readers list

@texaskitten30​ @leelee10898​ @emichelle​ @zaffrenotes​ @burnsoslow​ @kat-tia801​ @darley1101​ @msjr0119​ @annekebbphotography​ @god-save-the-keen​ @plumeriavibes @ofpixelsandscribbles​ @camillemontespan @ao719 @cocomaxley @cordoniansgonewild @twinkleallnight @the-soot-sprite @cordoniantrash @axwalker @innerpostmentality @lucy-268 @janezillow @katedrakeohd  @mom2000aggie @sfb123 @bbrandy2002 @debramcg1106 @desireepow-1986 @speedyoperarascalparty @hopefulmoonobject

Thomas Hunt List

@krsnlove @lxaah11 @alleksa16 @penguininapinktuxedo @blackcoffee85 @stopforamoment   @annekebbphotography @hopelessromantic1352 . @sunflowergirl05 @greywitchyshots @lilyoffandoms @moodyvalentinestories @emceesynonymroll @my-heart-beats-for-ya @aworldoffandoms @ab1901 @flyawayboo @i-bloody-love-drake-walker . @trappedinfanfiction @kate-mckenzie @everythingmarvelsherlockspn @trappedinfandoms

Song Inspiration: Underneath the Mistletoe by Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldridge

Masterlist

Mistletoe Madness

November 28th...

"Well," Ryan began as soon as he entered Thomas's suite. "He did it again."

"Again? How delayed will we be this time?" Thomas demanded.

"We're looking at another six weeks." The former heartthrob movie star recently turned executive producer poured them both a drink. "Given the holidays approaching, I suspect it will be closer to nine weeks."

Thomas grumbled about never again agreeing to producing another person's film.

If he had not witnessed the young director's raw talent firsthand, he would have never joined this venture. With Ryan Summers urging him on to support the next generation, he had somehow ended up spending the last few months in New York City and basically babysitting a twenty-two year old recent film graduate.

"Austin swears this will be the last time." Ryan explained.

Thomas took a healthy gulp of scotch.  "Are we certain he isn't in over his head?"

"You've seen the dailies." Ryan rubbed a hand down his face. "What do you think?"

Thomas slumped in his chair. "It is going to be a critically acclaimed film that sweeps the Oscars."

Ryan finished off his drink and stood up. "Don't worry. There is nothing like Christmas in New York."

"Except in my home." Thomas grumbled.

"Have no fear." Ryan's charming smile flashed. "I intend on hosting my annual Christmas party."

Thomas didn't bother to repress his shudder. "You mean that garish monstrosity that you refer to as an intimate gathering?"

"Can I help it that everyone loves me?"

"I believe you could." Thomas grumbled.

"Look on the bright side." Ryan reminded him. "Most of the people who love me are nearly three thousand miles away in California. This might actually be my most intimate gathering yet."

"True." Thomas rubbed the back of his neck. "I suppose one night of revelry won't kill me."

"There's that Christmas fortitude." Ryan set his empty glass down. "I'll let you know when the plans are finalized."

On his way out the door, he sent an image with a couple of phrases to a few groups in his contact list.

Christmas Party: Where? 80 Fifth Avenue at 14th Street, 17th Floor PH, New York, NY When? 7p.m., December 17. Why? You already know the answer. RSVP? Only if you want to come inside.

Within seconds of sending it, his phone began to chime nonstop with friends and acquaintances saying they would fly in just for his party.

******************

December 14th...

"Oof!" Amanda tried to keep from falling over. "I'm so sor--"

"My fau--Amanda!" Ryan grasped her arms. "What are you doing in New York?"

"Some of Cordonia's nobles were invited for a World Tourism forum." She explained. "What about you?" Her teasing smile formed. "Why are you not in sunny California?"

He chuckled and linked his arm with hers, guiding her toward a nearby coffee shop. "I'm currently here as a producer."

"I had heard that you were stepping behind the camera for a change."

"Producing seemed the easiest." He shook his head with a laugh. "I never knew I could be so wrong."

After placing their orders and finding a table in a secluded corner, he asked how long she would be in New York.

"I was supposed to leave with everyone yesterday." She picked at her chocolate croissant. "But I decided to stay a few more days and do some Christmas shopping."

"So it’s just you?" He asked.

"Just me." She smiled at him. "I don't have anyone complaining about the cold weather or my tendency to linger near Christmas decorations."

"Speaking of Christmas decorations," he held his phone up, "Did you receive my party invitation?"

"I did. I didn't RSVP because I wasn’t sure how long I would stay here."

"Then allow me to RSVP for you." He quickly added her to the list. "Can't have one of my favorite duchesses alone this weekend."

She chuckled. "Who else is coming?"

"The usual." He flashed a smile. "You know most of them. One in particular."

Her eyebrow lifted. "Now I am curious."

"Thomas has been here with me." He explained. "We are both producers--"

"I know." She said softly.

"You do?" His smile grew mischievous. "Just how close did you two become when he filmed in Cordonia last spring?"

She squirmed in her chair. "We became friends."

"Friends or friends?"

"Ryan..." She could feel a headache forming at his prodding.

"Sorry." He relaxed back in his chair. "I know it is none of my business. Just because I am friends with both parties doesn't mean that I have a right to know if they moved out of that friendship phase of--"

"Thomas was right." Amanda playfully threw her napkin at him. "You really don't stop talking."

"Well," he shrugged. "I mean there are ways I enjoy being forced to shut up." He winked at her. "But I don't think you want to go down that road, at least not with me."

"You are impossible." She shook her head in resignation.

"I know." Ryan straightened in his chair when he noticed the time. "I have a meeting with one of the caterers." He flashed a smile as he stood up. "Want to come along and keep me company?"

"I should try and finish my shopping." She glanced down at the different bags of Tiffany blue, Gucci white, and Cartier red. "Especially now that I have to find something to wear for your party."

"Come with me and then I will help you find whatever you want." He took her bags before she could give an answer. "I could use someone else's opinion on appetizers."

"I suppose I have to say yes, since you're holding my purchases hostage."

He chuckled at her teasing while offering his arm. "Come with me, duchess, if you ever want to see these again."

Slipping her arm through his, they set off down Fifth Avenue.

*****************

Later that night...

Thomas wrapped a towel around his waist as he stepped out of the shower. He rolled his shoulders in an attempt to work the many knots of stress that persisted after fourteen hours of filming.

I should have remained in the director's chair.

The need to take control was growing stronger than ever. It was a wonder that he had not broken the arms off of the chair he sat in as he attempted to keep his mouth shut. The ridiculously young director had made numerous decisions he wanted to change.

But it isn't my vision we are going for.

As he rubbed a towel through his hair, he heard the familiar ping of notifications on his phone.

He picked it up, smiling at seeing Amanda's name as part of an alert.

It disappeared when he saw the following images.

She was in New York. With Ryan.

And it looked like they were more than friends.

"Why didn't she tell me she was here?" He muttered to himself.

He swiped through the images of smiling Ryan sitting on a couch at Versace while Amanda twirled in a dress for him.

He then saw an image of the two walking out of a coffee shop, arm in arm.

Thomas tossed his phone on the bed as he hurried to dress. Frustration built within him at the thought that Ryan might feel something for her.

After months of debating how to broach the subject of dating, he couldn't believe that he might have missed his opportunity with her.

He was pulled from his thoughts by a knock at his door.

Eyes narrowed when he saw who it was through the peephole.

"Ready?" Ryan asked as he walked in. "I was able to get us a table at Cote for..." He trailed off when Thomas turned his back on him. "What's wrong? No to Korean barbecue or did Austin flounder again?"

"No."

"Still struggling with his directing decisions?" Ryan asked.

"No. In a way. But no." Thomas bit out.

He knew he was being unreasonable. Ryan couldn't possibly know how he felt about the duchess since he had not bothered to share that with anyone.

Still, it should have been him running around New York with her instead of his flirtatious, playboy friend.

Wondering just how serious Ryan was about Amanda, he decided to casually get some information out of him.

"How did the party planning go?"

"Better than I expected." Ryan's smile reappeared. "Everything is set. Music, food, drinks, and decorations will be on theme this year."

"Ah." Thomas mumbled. "And the theme is?"

"You'll see." Ryan winked. "You won't believe who I ran into today."

Finally. "Who?"

"Amanda Bridgerton. There was some type of forum she had to attend last week and she decided to remain here on her own for some extra days of fun and shopping." Ryan replied.

"Is she coming to your party?" Thomas asked.

"It took some of my powers of persuasion, but I got her to agree."

"She should have let me know she was here." Thomas cleared his throat. "It would have been nice to see her."

"I asked her about that when she said she knew you were in New York." Ryan cocked his head to the side as he studied his friend. "She said she didn't want to bother you while you worked."

"Amanda isn't a bother." Thomas felt a little better at hearing that.

It does sound like the thoughtful thing she would normally do.

"That's what I told her." Ryan replied, checking the time again. "If you don't hurry, we’ll be late in meeting her for dinner."

Thomas's head jerked up. "We're having dinner with Amanda?'

"Why wouldn't we?" Ryan slowly smiled. "Once I told her that you would welcome a distraction from producing, she readily agreed to dinner."

The pictures then were like any other from gossip magazines. Completely innocent.

Ryan noticed an expression of relief form on Thomas's face.

He leaned forward in his chair. "Just how close were you two in Cordonia?"

Thomas's flush told the actor all he needed to know.

"We became friends." He muttered on his way back into the bathroom.

"Friends, huh?" Ryan rubbed his hands together. "I guess that's why Amanda is still single."

*****************

Cote NYC, an hour later...

"There she is." Ryan pointed towards a table to the right of the restaurant.

Amanda was studying the menu and didn't notice them walking in.

Thomas felt that same jolt to his heart that he had each time he saw her. Knowing she would be here with him, with no distractions, made him decide to test the proverbial waters.

The moment she looked up, her eyes immediately went to Thomas.

Her smile was filled with warmth and a touch of shyness when she stood up to greet him.

His lips grazed her cheek as he took her hands.

Even in the dim light, he could see her blush.

Ryan glanced from one to the other and cleared his throat. After a second, louder clearing to get their attention failed, he spoke up.

"I'm here too."

Amanda pulled her hands out of Thomas's grasp.

"Haven't I seen you somewhere before?" She teased.

Ryan dramatically clutched his chest. "Did our day out together mean nothing to you?"

She shook her head at his foolishness. "I might have enjoyed it, if you hadn't made me try on so many dresses."

She sat back down and felt a thrill go through her body when Thomas slid in next to her.

He draped his arm along the back of their booth and turned more towards her as they talked.

Ryan observed the two closely, a slight smirk on his lips at discovering that there was a definite attraction between the two.

His party's mistletoe theme would go a long way in helping these two.

*****************

Towards the end of dinner, both men received a cryptic text from Austin.

Ryan lifted an eyebrow. "Do you understand what he is talking about?"

"Unfortunately, I do." Thomas slipped his phone back in his pocket. "We better go in case he decides to try and dangle a camera from the Empire State building.

Ryan motioned to the waiter for the check.

Amanda tried to not be too disappointed. She hadn't realized how much she had missed being around Thomas until she had him sit next to her. The dinner had been the best she had had in a long time.

And it had nothing to do with the food.

His attention had settled on her and remained. It was a wonder she had not become tongue tied under his steady, dark gaze. His fingers grazed her shoulder every so often each time he settled his arm along the back of their seat.

If only they could have been alone without anyone disturbing them.

"Where are you staying?" Thomas asked.

"The Ritz-Carlton." Amanda wrote her suite number down for him. "Twenty-first floor."

He slipped it into his pocket before giving her his hotel and room information.

"We aren't too far away from you." He smiled softly at her. "Perhaps after we calm Austin down, we can plan on meeting up."

"I would love that." She took his hand as he helped her out of the booth.

"If nothing else, you two can meet up at my annual Christmas party." Ryan added.

Thomas and Amanda both stared at him as if seeing him for the first time.

"That's true." She mumbled.

"It is a small gathering still. Isn't it?" Thomas asked.

Ryan shrugged as he led the way out.

"Do you know how big it will be?" Thomas whispered.

"No." Amanda's eyes narrowed. "But if I had to judge by the caterer's face when Ryan wrote down how many he was expecting, small is not going to be associated at all with his party."

***************

Dec. 17, Manhattan Penthouse, Fifth Avenue...

"I can't believe that we have been trapped with Austin the past few days." Thomas grumbled.

"Neither can I." Ryan slung an arm around his friend's shoulders and gave a gentle shake. "Cheer up. We now have two weeks or so of freedom from the boy wonder."

"There is that." Thomas eyed the growing number of people coming in. "Aren't you supposed to greet your guests?"

"Nah. Everyone knows who I am." Ryan replied. "But I will go mingle."

Once he disappeared into the crowd, Thomas lifted his eyes to the ceiling. Every five feet or less, a sprig of mistletoe dangled with lights and tinsel. The plant was hung from the main bar to every inch of the ballroom. There were even a set over the bathroom doorways.

Between the open bar and whatever alcoholic concoction Ryan's Christmas punch was made of, this holiday party would soon turn into a different sort of gathering.

Thomas wanted no part of an almost drunken orgy.

The only reason he had come was so that he could see Amanda. The long hours working with Austin had offered nothing except a quick phone call to apologize that he couldn't meet up with her. The few texts they exchanged were filled with understanding and a hope to see each other soon.

He hoped to find her in this crowd that was quickly getting larger and entice her away. Go someplace quiet where he could talk to her about taking that next step that would change everything.

That shouldn't be too difficult, he thought as he began to walk around.

But Thomas had made one mistake.

He was walking a path covered in mistletoe.

**************

An hour later...

"There you are!" Ryan greeted Amanda with a kiss on her cheek. "I was afraid you weren't coming."

"It was a long line for the elevator." She looked around at the crowded room. "Looks like you invited everyone."

"Not everyone." Ryan handed her a cup of punch. "I forgot to invite my financial advisor. One of the guys that serves coffee. Probably a couple of others."

Not paying attention, Amanda took a big gulp of the punch. She struggled to get a deep breath as she felt the alcohol burn a path down her throat to settle with the sensation of a small fire forming in her stomach.

"What," she wheezed, "is in this?"

"Old Summers family secret." He nudged her cup up to take another swallow. "The first is the hardest. The ones that follow make everything bright."

"Don’t you mean right?" She took a tentative sip and realized he was right. The fire was gone, leaving her with an aftermath of warm giddiness. Finishing off her cup, she smiled while admiring his decorations. "It really does make everything bright."

He chuckled while pouring her another one. "Enjoy duchess. I have to go talk to the couple that just walked in." Ryan gestured toward the back of the ballroom. "I saw Thomas over there earlier."

Before she could say anything, he disappeared.

Smiling from not only the Christmas punch but also at the thought of spending time with the man she secretly loved, Amanda began to weave her way through, pausing only long enough to greet those she knew.

***************

"For the love of--" Thomas suffered through another overly eager kiss.

This particular wannabe celebrity told him she was a popular YouTube personality.

It took all of his willpower to keep from telling her that he truly didn't care about her type of fame nor anything about her. He untangled himself from her arms and picked up his pace.

Being blocked in by Ryan's guests on one side and tables on the other, he had yet to escape the long line of mistletoe.

"Dammit!" He was grabbed once more.

"Is that any way to greet me, Thomas?" A sultry actress cooed.

"Good evening, Ava." He grasped her arms. "If you will excuse me--"

"You're under the mistletoe." She gripped the lapels of his blazer. "You know what that means?"

"Unfortunately, I do." He grumbled. Closing his eyes, he subjected himself to the kiss she pressed to his lips.

When Thomas was finally released, he first took pleasure in the disappointed expression on Ava's face from his lack of response.

Then his heart dropped at the person who stood a few feet away, staring at him.

Amanda turned away when Thomas locked eyes on her. Her mind jumped from one wild thought to another.

Thank God I didn't tell him how I felt! What if I had and then he had been forced to point out which woman he preferred? I need to leave. No! Then he'll suspect! I have to stay. Smile. Drink, dance, and be merry. Act like my heart didn't drop at the sight of Thomas being kissed by a woman I can't ever compete with.

She knew she couldn't run away so she remained in place. With a neutral expression on her face, she watched him out of the corner of her eye walk over to her.

"Amanda, I--that display you--I--" Thomas stuttered.

She turned toward him with a friendly smile firmly on her lips. "Thomas," she began with a slight, carefree laugh, "what can one do when caught under the mistletoe?"

Thomas blinked, taken aback when she casually shrugged the incident away.

Her heart was thudding as if she had sprinted. Pretending to not be affected by everything was too hard with his attention on her. She needed a temporary escape.

She called upon the things her friends in Cordonia depended on when upset.

Olivia would tell her to face the situation head on.

Not something I want to do.

Drake would go to the bar.

I've already had too much Christmas punch.

Hana would suggest desserts.

The table is too far away.

Maxwell would suggest to dance one’s troubles away.

Hmm. I could do that.

Her eyes scanned some of the men that stood nearby. Catching Ryan's eye, she nodded toward the dance floor with a silent plea.

He smiled at her. Coming over to do as she wanted, he noticed Thomas and glanced curiously back and forth at the two.

"Duchess?" He held his hand out. "Care to dance?"

"I would love to." She turned to a shocked Thomas. "Would you mind holding my drink?"

When his fingers grazed hers, she looked up at his face. Her carefully guarded expression flickered revealing her angry frustration.

"Feel free to use my cocktail napkin." She snapped.

"Your napkin?" Thomas repeated. "Why?"

"That shade of lipstick isn't really your color." She lowered her eyes and stubbornly ignored his attempt to explain.

She grabbed Ryan's hand and pulled him to the dance floor.

Ryan immediately twirled her as the upbeat tempo began. Taking both her hands to pull her toward him, he lifted an eyebrow in silent question.

She shook her head. "Don't ask. Please."

His gaze momentarily softened to pity. "Then hold on tight." He broke out some swing dance moves in the hopes of getting her to smile.

Her laughter at the numerous twirls he spun her in with dramatic dips made him smile.

"You know?" He said, once she was upright. "The only way I was able to get Thomas to agree to come tonight was telling him that you would be here."

"Ryan." She muttered.

"Amanda." He countered with a flirty grin on his face.

She couldn't help but smile back. "How do you make it impossible to ignore you?"

"Part of my charm." He admitted, twirling her into his embrace right as the song came to an end. "Now go forth and be kissed by someone you like."

She looked about at the number of couples kissing on the dance floor. She then lifted her eyes to the ceiling, sighing in relief that they had danced in a mistletoe free zone.

"I don't know if I should be thrilled for the one you prefer or insulted at how happy you are not to be under the mistletoe with me." Ryan narrowed his eyes playfully.

She laughed and rose up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "Does that help?"

"Not really." He winked at her. "You just gave me a brotherly peck. I now have to find someone to bolster my flagging confidence."

She watched him dance away in search for a more kissable partner.

Amanda jumped when she felt someone grasp her hand.

Ignoring her surprise, Thomas pulled her off the dance floor.

"Thomas!" She tried to make him stop. "Where are we going?"

"Out." He stopped long enough to retrieve their coats.

"What about Ryan's party?" She couldn't stop her bitterness from spilling out. "Aren't there more people you hope to find under the mistletoe?"

"I never want to see that damn plant again." He snapped, gripping her hand as they stepped into the elevator.

They kept their eyes forward, trying to ignore the couples that joined them. Kisses were given as each seemed to still be in a haze from all the mistletoe..

They escaped and stepped out onto the sidewalk, each breathing a little easier.

Their eyes met.

"I should pro--"

"Walk with me--"

They closed their mouths and simply stared at one another.

"Will you go for a walk with me?" Thomas asked. "There is something I need to discuss with you."

Amanda hoped but honestly doubted that what he wanted to talk about was the subject she had intended to talk to him about.

Feelings are such a nuisance, she thought to herself.

With a brief nod, she began to walk towards Central Park. Once inside, she quickened her pace, hoping to burn up her frustration enough to calmly hear whatever it was he wished to say.

Without a word, Thomas kept up with her. When she started to slip on an icy patch on the walkway, he swept her into his arms.

Her breath hitched as her body slid directly against his.

Their noses bumped against one another’s.

Thomas tightened his arms around her refusing to lose this one chance to have her undivided attention. He had argued with himself about cutting in the entrie time she danced with Ryan. That ridiculous party would be the last time he allowed anything to keep him from finding out if she felt as strongly as he did.

"What," her voice cracked, "what did you want to talk about?"

His lips curved somewhat at seeing she was just as affected by being close to him as he was her. "Us."

Her eyes dropped down to his lips. "Us?"

His eyes drifted down her face, pausing at her mouth. "Yes."

"Oh." She breathed the word as his head slowly dropped toward hers.

He gently captured her lips in a tender kiss.

Thomas had felt nothing with those other kisses he had been given at the party. The spark from that touch of her lips warmed him to his toes. And yet, the mere brush of her gloved hand through his hair as he moved to kiss her again caused his skin to burn.

The kiss deepened, drawing an audible gasp from both at the sensation of the other's lips.

When they parted, their eyes met.

"Thomas, I--"

"I want to--"

Amanda bit her bottom lip. "You first."

Thomas smiled softly. "I'm in love with you."

"I love you too." She smiled against his lips when he kissed her again.

A thought popped into her mind, causing her to jerk away.

"Amanda, what--"

"I better never catch you in a room that has both beautiful actresses and mistletoe." She warned him.

He chuckled while cuddling her close. "You're the only one I will ever willingly stand under mistletoe for."

Amanda sweetly sighed at that as she pressed another kiss to his lips.

When his lips drifted down her cheek, she spoke up again.

"There was a corner at Ryan's party where one sprig of mistletoe wasn't being stepped under."

"Really?" He lifted his head. "That is a pity."

"Isn't it?" Her arms looped around his neck. "All alone. Without a purpose."

"I suppose we could go back and fulfill its one mission in life." He rested his forehead against hers. "Or..."

"Or?"

"We go somewhere private and pretend the entire room is covered in mistletoe."

"Private, hmm?" Amanda stepped out of Thomas's arms. "I think I would like to try this pretending."

He wrapped his arm around her as they walked out of the park. "If you follow my lead, I think you will enjoy yourself immensely."

[fluentmoviequoter]

White Boulder Christmas

Day 5 of 12 Days of Ficmas

Pairing: Stu Redman x fem!reader

Summary: You experience your first white Christmas in the Boulder Free Zone.

Word Count: 2.5k+ words

Warnings: spoilers for The Stand (the book & the miniseries), fluff, angst, vague description of injuries.

A/N: The Stand is one of my favorite books of all time and I think about Stu a concerning amount, so I am very excited to try writing for him! He may be OOC but I'm planning to keep writing for him so I can improve. I used Gary Sinise's portrayal of him in the 1994 miniseries because he was amazing (I could talk about the 1994 adaptation and the book all day so if anyone has requests, feedback, or comments please please please send them to me!!)!

The last 200 miles into Boulder are the hardest. You thought the trip would be easier once you crossed the state line into Colorado. It isn’t. You haven’t seen another person in days, you’re tired, and the dreams are getting more intense. As the sun sets on a state you always wanted to visit - granted, it seemed more enjoyable before the virus, but it’s still beautiful - you break into a jog as you see the flickering lights of civilization. The town is tiny, and the only reason you know where you are is the small sign reading “Kiowa Creek Church.” Trying the doorknob of what used to be the municipal police station, you sigh as it opens easily. You thoroughly check the building before setting your backpack down, leaning it against a cell door to keep it open, and collapsing onto one of the cots.

“Boulder, here I come,” you whisper to the dilapidated ceiling before drifting to sleep, visions of corn fields and black crows invading your mind.

✯✯✯✯✯

When you wake up, there’s a wet nose pressed to the pulse point under your jaw. You jerk away from the unexpected and unwelcome touch, raising your hand to your neck. As you turn your body, you see a dog wagging its tail as it looks up at you. Your eyes widen as your hand falls into your lap before you squeal and lean forward to hug the dog.

“Kojak!” a deep voice yells outside.

“Is that you?” you ask the dog, scratching behind its ears as you stand. “Are you Kojak?”

When he hears his name, Kojak’s tail wags harder as he walks beside you, sitting at your feet as you gather your things.

“C’mon, Kojak,” you summon, snapping as he trots to your side to walk beside you.

The main door is barely open, proof that Kojak pushed inside to find you. Opening it the rest of the way, Kojak bounds out before you, stopping on the porch and looking between you and a man standing in the middle of the dirt road separating the buildings of Kiowa, Colorado.

“You find him yet?” another man, taller and younger than the first, asks, turning the corner.

“Kojak here found me,” you interrupt, waving shyly.

The younger man smiles a crooked grin that makes your heart drop as you forget why you’re in this deserted town in the first place.

“Well, then perhaps I owe him a thanks. I’m Stu Redman, this is Glen Bateman, and you’ve met Kojak,” he introduces, climbing the first step as he extends his hand to you.

You place your hand in his, shaking it as you introduce yourself. “Where are you going?” you ask, your hand still in Stu’s.

“Boulder. You?” Glen answers.

“Boulder,” you inform with a firm nod. “Not that I really had much of a choice.”

Stu smiles again and says, “Did any of us? I’ll assume you’ve met her then?”

“And him,” you add.

Stu drops your hand and steps off the stairs, gesturing with his head for you to join him.

“We have room for one more, right, Glen?”

You look down at Kojak, squatting to pet him again so Glen doesn’t think there is any pressure to say yes.

“Would it matter what I said, East Texas?” Glen replies; you’re thankful you can hear the teasing in his voice.

“East Texas?” you parrot, looking up at Stu.

“Born and raised in Arnette. Seems to have stuck.”

“Just like Kojak seems to be stuck to you,” Glen says. “What’d you do? Feed him?”

“No, he found me. I was asleep. I’m just glad to see another dog!” you exclaim cheerfully.

“Just the dog?” Stu clarifies, his brows raised playfully.

“Just the dog,” you agree, shaking your head as you smile.

“Well, then, who’s ready to get to Boulder?” Glen asks, pulling his backpack straps over his shoulder.

“Me,” you and Stu say together.

He slips his hand into yours to help you stand up, and you instantly know that the last 100 miles will be the easiest yet because you’re not alone.

✯✯✯✯✯

✯✯✯✯✯

Stu turns to you, and you look away, harshly wiping the tears from your face. He steps to you, gently grabbing your wrists and pulling your hands away. He drops his head to catch your eyes, but you refuse to look at him.

“I won’t say bye,” you mumble, fresh tears rolling down your cheeks.

“I’m not asking you to. I’m just giving you a hug to hold me over until we see each other again when I get back. Can you do that?”

“Only if you promise to come back.” You finally look up at him, and he releases your wrists to cup your face.

“I can’t make that promise.”

“And I can’t keep fighting without you.”

“I promise to do everything I can to come back to you. That’s all I can do for now.”

You bite your bottom lip and nod, your face in his hands. “I love you,” you whisper.

Stu’s eyes are glassy, but his smile is anything but sad as he looks at you. “That goes right back to you, ma’am,” he replies, leaning his forehead against yours after kissing it. “Wait for me?”

“Forever.”

You can’t stay with the other girls and wave them off because you know you’ll end up chasing him. Stu likewise doesn’t turn around when Larry does, instead keeping his eyes on the horizon as he promises himself and anyone else listening that he will do everything he has to do to get back to you. After he finishes the fight, he'll return to you, even if he can barely stand and has to fall into your arms.

✯✯✯✯✯

“Teddy, can you put me on the volunteer rotation for December?” you ask after a free-zone meeting. “It’s been the same people since we got here, and it’s almost Christmas, they deserve a break.”

Teddy smiles as he scribbles your name on a piece of paper before slipping it back into his pocket. “Absolutely. And thank you, they’ll really appreciate that.”

When you get a call the next day asking you to take a security post at the border of the Boulder Free Zone, you jump on the opportunity to help (and try to get your mind off Stu). The women in town are busy trying to do something small for Christmas but are worried that the scouts won’t be back in time, so there’s a debate as to whether or not it should be delayed until they return. In the anonymous vote, you chose to wait because you can’t imagine celebrating anything without knowing where Stu is. For tonight, though, you focus on your surroundings, not Stu’s crooked smile or East Texas accent. Or the moment he told you that he loves you.

Because of the low number of volunteers, the shifts are long. You’re five hours into a twelve-hour night shift when the first snowflake lands on your nose. You look up to the sky, unfamiliar with snow, especially in December. Within twenty minutes, snow is powdering the ground and continues falling, getting heavier each minute. 

“A white Christmas,” you say quietly to yourself. 

Then you laugh. Although your first white Christmas is in the Boulder Free Zone, surrounded by fear, fighting, and uncertainty, those little snowflakes are piling hope into your heart that everything will turn out fine.

Shaking your head, you return your attention to the night to protect your new family and temporary home, but you keep smiling as the temperature drops and the once-hopeless world turns white just in time for Christmas.

As the first rays of sunlight peek over the horizon, barely visible through the snow clouds, you hear an engine rumbling in the distance. The radio has been silent all night because no one else heard anything. As the noise gets louder, you’re positive someone is racing toward the Boulder Free Zone. You raise your rifle, looking through the scope to aim where the road twists around the hill. As the truck approaches the curve, it suddenly stops, and the engine dies. The night goes quiet, the sound of two doors closing the only proof you didn’t imagine the truck. When the first figure enters your sight on the scope, you drop your gun and run toward him.

“Tom!” you yell, fumbling to get your radio out of your pocket.

Tom looks up and says your name twice, first as a question, then an exclamation of joy. He drops his voice again to say, “He hurt his leg real bad.”

You look to your left and see the one man you’ve been waiting for since the moment he left. 

“You waited,” Stu says, smiling as you rush to him and wrap your arms around his waist.

His arms loop over your shoulders and grip you tightly, pulling you against him like he’s melting into you.

“Let me radio for help,” you say into his chest. 

Pulling back, you call Teddy and tell him that Stu and Tom are back before requesting a truck. He doesn’t answer with a yes or no, but the radio is full of cheers, yells, and crying, so you assume someone is on the way. Turning back to Stu, you let him lean against you and look down at his leg.

“Are you alright?” you ask quietly.

“I’m great now,” he answers, meeting your eyes when you look up.

“M-o-o-n, that spells great,” Tom says beside you.

“Is it just you two?” you whisper to Stu.

He nods, tightening his grip on you slightly.

“They saved our lives,” you add.

“It’s not just us,” Tom calls, “there’s one more. Laws, yes!”

You glance up at Stu, who furrows his brows. He catches on quickly and whistles. You look past him as Kojak runs around the corner and straight to you.

“Kojak!” you cheer, reaching down with the hand not supporting Stu. “I’m so happy to see you, buddy!”

“You didn’t get that excited about me,” Stu grumbles.

You look up at him and begin to say something, but the sound of a truck approaching cuts you off. The headlights on Teddy’s truck fall on you as he parks, helping Stu into the passenger seat while you, Tom, and Kojak get in the back. You can’t see much of him, but you watch Stu the entire drive to the hospital, holding Kojak as you smile, glad to have your boys back.

Once you get Tom home and settled, you and Kojak return to the hospital, checking on Fran before taking your seats in Stu’s room, Kojak on the end of his bed and you at the window, watching the snowfall. When Stu wakes up, he smiles at Kojak before looking around the room. 

“First time seeing snow?” he asks.

You turn when you hear his voice, smiling as you walk to his side. “No. But it is my first white Christmas,” you answer, slipping your hand into his. “I’ve always dreamed of a white Christmas. Dreams change though.”

“Meaning?”

“I would trade a white Christmas for a Christmas with you,” you admit shyly.

He kisses your knuckles before shifting in the bed, inviting you to sit beside him. You watch the snow and each other as you talk about your Christmas traditions pre-Captain Trips. The doctor comes in to check on him several times and gives you updates on Fran as well. When he finds out he can be released in a day or so, he starts walking through the hospital on his crutches, taking you and Kojak with him, determined to walk on his own by Christmas.

✯✯✯✯✯

December 22, three days before Christmas, you and Stu are walking out of the hospital with no crutches needed. He suddenly pulls his hand from yours, and as you turn around to ask him what’s wrong, a snowball hits you in the middle of the chest. Your jaw drops as you look at Stu, two more snowballs in his hands.

“After everything I’ve done for you,” you call dramatically, kneeling to make a snowball.

“You love me,” Stu yells.

“Luckily for you,” you reply as you throw a snowball, hitting him in the shoulder.

As you exchange snowballs, laughing and yelling with more joy than you thought was possible to feel given the previous year, you’re glad Christmas is on schedule. The people around you need it more than ever.

“Ow!” Stu yells, falling backward into a snowbank.

You drop your snowballs and run to his side, kneeling beside his uninjured leg. “Did you hurt your leg again?” you ask.

He raises a hand to your bicep and rolls over, pushing you into the snow as he hovers above you, smiling.

“You’re okay?” you ask, breathless. Stu nods, and you release a sigh before shaking your head at him. “You scared me.”

His eyes are locked on yours as he whispers, “I missed you.”

“I missed you too. More than I can say.”

He leans down and kisses you, smiling against your lips as he slips his gloved hand between your head and the snowbank beneath you. Your hands rise to his shoulders as you pull yourself toward him, shivering against him. He breaks away, pressing a quick kiss to your forehead before standing and helping you up, your hand secure in his as he walks you home.

There’s a small Christmas tree in your front window, and Stu smiles when he sees it. Kojak meets you at the door, circling your legs as you take your coats, hats, and mittens off. 

“Stu?” you ask as he stands, wiping his hands after starting a fire. “Thank you for coming back to me.”

“I couldn’t leave you. Especially now that I know you’re celebrating your first white Christmas,” he responds, walking to stand in front of you, the Christmas tree on one side and the warmth of the fire on the other.

“So, what now? I mean, what happens after Christmas? Are you going home, East Texas?”

He cups your face, just as he had before leaving, and smiles when you lean into his touch, his warmth. “I don’t care where I go,” he answers, “As long as you’re by my side for this Christmas, and every Christmas after.”

“Even if they’re not white?”

“Say you want them all white and we’ll go wherever you want, ma’am.”

“I want to go wherever you are,” you state, wrapping your fingers around his wrists.

He drops his hands and grabs your waist, pulling you in to kiss you. He whispers against your lips, “We’ll figure it out after Christmas.”

You nod against him, waiting until you break apart to say, “I love you.”

“I’ve loved you since I laid eyes on you, and I will love you until there is no such thing as a white Christmas.”

You smile, ready to say more, but his actions speak louder as he pulls you in again, Kojak curling up at your feet as the snow grows heavier and Boulder turns white, just in time for your first Christmas with Stu.

[zaffrenotes]

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Pairing: Liam x Katrina Rating/Warnings: G – all sweet fluff Author’s Note: * All main characters belong to Pixelberry, I’m just borrowing them * Time jump in the Serendipity AU series, where Liam is a regular college kid who falls for Katrina (roughly one year after they meet) * Forgive any typos/faulty translations in Korean, I haven’t slept and I just need to whoosh this document off my screen already, lol * This is my submission for The 12 Days of Ficmas, hosted by @leelee10898​ * Word Count: +/- 4500 because I cannot shut.up. about these adorable dorks in this AU

Contributors: @hopefulmoonobject​ @allaboutchoices​ @zaffrenotes​ @cordoniantrash​ @burnsoslow​ @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore​ @msjr0119​ @texaskitten30​ @janezillow​ @the-soot-sprite​ @mskaneko​ @blackcatkita​ @darley1101​ @thecordoniandiaries​ @speedyoperarascalparty​ @ao719​ @leelee10898​ @cocomaxley​ @theroyalweisme​ @alj4890​ @bbrandy2002​ @cordoniansgonewild​ @god-save-the-keen​ @debramcg1106​ @emichelle​ @annekebbphotography​ @brightpinkpeppercorn​ @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria

Readers: @dangerouseggseagleartisan​ @innerpostmentality​ @beardedoafdonutwagon​ @desiree-0816​

Katrina let out a weary sigh as she crossed another name off one of the sheets of paper fanned out across the dining table, shooting a look at her sister. Josephine leaned up against the wall by the window, staring out at the city below them, a wistful look in her eyes. “Jos,” she said, pulling another card from the box, “you said you were going to help with this.”

“Who even sends holiday cards anymore?” Josephine replied, her eyes still focused on something outside.

“My parents do,” Liam chimed in, glancing up from the couch. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, smiling softly as he watched Katrina get up from her seat to fill a large mug with coffee, walking across the apartment to swap it for the empty mug on the coffee table. He mouthed a ‘thank you’ to her and she winked at him as she went back to the kitchen to pour a cup for herself.

“Exactly,” Josephine sighed. “Only old people write cards.”

“Well if you think I’m sending e-cards or snaps or tik-tokking holiday greetings, you’re mistaken,” Katrina scoffed. “So get your ass back to the table and help. All you have to do is stick labels on the envelopes, I’m the one writing.”

Josephine rolled her eyes and slowly pushed herself away from the wall, chewing on her bottom lip as Frank Sinatra’s voice crooned out from the small Bluetooth speaker on the table.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas / Just like the ones I used to know

Katrina’s shoulders dropped, and she held the coffee pot mid-air, her heart aching for a few beats. Memories of holidays with Josie and their parents came flooding forward, and she looked around the apartment with her meager decorations – a small tree in one corner was strung up with lights but no ornaments, and garlands framed doorways but there were no stockings on the mantel.

She looked out at the window and understood why her sister seemed more melancholy than usual; it wasn’t white outside. There had been a few days where it snowed, but the New York City streets were cleared with general efficiency and anything left on the sidewalks quickly turned to muck from the exhaust and soot. Ol’ Blue Eyes with his velvet voice singing about white Christmases past only reminded them of what they used to have.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas / with every Christmas card I write

Katrina set the carafe down on the counter and walked to the window, talking to Josephine with a quiet voice. “I can’t control the weather, but you know I’d make it snow for you if I could, Jos.”

“I wish we could’ve had one more Christmas at the house,” Josephine whimpered.

“Me too kid, me too,” Katrina replied, tilting her head to her sister’s shoulder, wrapping one arm around her for a side hug. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and a freak blizzard will roll in next week.” She leaned against Josephine, and her sister responded with a tiny smile. “Help me with the cards?”

Josephine nodded and shrugged Katrina off her shoulder. “Yeah, yeah okay.” She took a seat at the table and started putting return address stickers on the corners of the envelopes, while Katrina finished making her coffee in the kitchen.

Katrina walked over to Liam, cradling the mug between her hands, and sat on the couch as he flipped through flashcards. Feeling her weight on the cushion next to him, his arm stretched out to pull her close to him, and without taking his eyes off the cards, he craned his head to her and kissed her temple. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her take a slow sip from her coffee mug before setting it down on the table. She leaned into him and he grinned at the sensation of her next to him. “What was that about?” he whispered, clicking his tongue at himself when he flipped the card over in his hand and set it in a pile to his left.

“We’re both a little bummed over the lack of winter wonderland weather this year,” Katrina whispered back. “Back in Boston, there would probably be a foot of snow on the ground with more on the way. I don’t even think they’ve mentioned snow in the forecast for next week.”

“Sorry sweetheart, I’d make it snow for you both if I could,” he replied, letting his shoulders drop. He squeezed Katrina’s shoulder three times with the hand still wrapped around her.

“How’s studying for your last final going?” she asked, peering at the notecards and papers laid out over the coffee table.

“Decent, I’ve got about two hours until the exam, and then I’ll be done.” Liam paused and looked down at Katrina, taking in the sad expression on her face. He set the flashcards down and turned to face her. “Hey, Trina.”

“Hey, Liam,” she smiled softly, though she was already starting to blink back tears.

“I’ll come back here after the final and we’ll all go to dinner, and I’m not leaving for two days.”

Katrina bit her bottom lip before looking up at Liam, his warm brown eyes full of care and concern. Faint lines across his forehead formed as he searched her eyes for an answer. “I know, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to miss you.”

Liam pulled Katrina in for a hug, wrapping his arms around her petite frame and pressed her to his chest. “Tell you what, let me pack tomorrow, and I’ll bring my things over here if you’ll put up with a third roommate for 48 hours…how does that sound? I’m sure Drake will like having a dorm to himself anyway.”

“Sounds like a plan,” she muttered against his chest.

Liam rubbed Katrina’s back and looked over at Josephine, who’d taken on a robotic motion of addressing envelopes. He had a plan of his own to put into action, and little time to make it happen.

.:.

“How on earth can we pack anything if you’re not telling us where we’re going?” Katrina sat on the floor of her bedroom, clothes and shoes scattered around her, with an open suitcase at her feet. Liam simply grinned down at her from the bed.

“You’ll need warm clothes, nothing super fancy or formal, but maybe an outfit or two to go out. Nice enough for church service, okay?”

Katrina groaned with frustration, causing Liam to chuckle. She pelted him in the chest with a pair of balled up socks. “Not. Helping!”

Liam sat up in the bed and took in the explosion of clothing around his girlfriend. “Those black dress pants over there,” he replied, motioning to a pair of slacks to her left. “Jeans, flannel shirts, comfy sweaters, thermal or two… uh, that ruffly green skirt with the black blouse, or the velvet pencil skirt with the sparkly sweater.” He felt the back of his neck warm as she smirked up at him, remembering the first time she wore each of those outfits for a date, and the memories they made together. “Boots. It’ll be cold, might be wet too.”

“That…helps a little,” she grinned, pulling items of clothing and tossing them at the open suitcase.

“NABI!” Josephine called out from her room. “Where is your dork of a boyfriend kidnapping us to? I don’t know what else to pack!”

Liam closed his eyes and laughed, shaking his head. “I heard that!”

“Cool, don’t care, dork!”

Katrina smiled and made her way up from the floor. “I’ll be back in a minute,” she said over her shoulder, before heading down the hallway.

While Liam waited, he exchanged texts with Leo on his phone.

Leo: Eleanor’s getting the house ready. Finally found a friend to give me a lift. You’re going WAY out of the way for this girl and her sister, Little Brother. Liam: I told you before she’s worth the effort. They both are. They need this, and it’s time this happened. Leo: Five bucks says Eleanor tells K to call her mom Liam: not funny Leo: who said I was kidding? Text you the parking spot when I park, see you Friday!

.:.

Bundled up at JFK, Liam, Katrina, and Josephine wheeled their suitcases into the airport towards an airline counter to check in. Josephine stifled a yawn as they made their way between other travelers, a sea of wool and down coats and luggage mixed with tired cries of small children. “Okay Rys,” Josephine began. “Unless you plan on knocking us out right now, where the hell are you taking us?”

“Identification, please.” A uniformed woman behind the counter smiled at the three of them. Josephine narrowed her eyes at Liam as she pulled her ID from her wallet, and Katrina and Liam slid their IDs on the counter as well. The agent started typing their names into the computer. “Liam Rys, and…Katrina and Josephine Bailey, yes? Checking any bags today?”

“Three, yes,” Liam replied.

The agent continued typing, and a printer spat out tags for their luggage. Liam moved each one onto the scale as the agent attached the tags before adding them to the conveyor belt behind her. A different printer hummed and spat out boarding passes, and she handed everything to Liam. “Your flight to Grand Rapids is on time, gate listed here,” she instructed, circling something on one of the passes. He glanced over to see Katrina and Josephine gawking at him with wide eyes, before Katrina elbowed her sister. “Here are your receipts for your checked luggage, and thank you for choosing us for your travel needs today. I hope you have a pleasant journey!”

They stepped aside and Liam started walking towards the security line. “Liam. Liam!” Katrina called out, walking faster to match his pace. “We’re going to Michigan?”

“More than that, actually,” he replied, handing them their boarding passes. Katrina tucked hers into a jacket pocket, while Josephine stared at hers for a moment before tucking hers into her jeans pocket. “I’m taking you both to my home.”

“What?”

Liam turned to see Katrina had stopped walking, and he walked back to her. “Surprise?” he forced a nervous smile at her. “You’ve said you always wanted to visit my hometown, and now you get to do just that.”

“But, your…home…” Katrina spoke slowly and calmly, though her mind was swimming. “Where your parents are.”

“They’re excited to meet you, Love.” Worry crept up Liam’s neck, and he started to wonder if this surprise was about to go horribly wrong.

“Your. Parents?” Katrina squeaked. “I’m going to meet your parents?”

“And Leo. It would be difficult to avoid them all at the house.”

“Oh my god dude, Nabi’s gonna kill you,” Josephine laughed. “You’re so dead. Nice timing not telling us until after they’d taken our suitcases, too.” She held up her phone and Liam could hear her taking pictures. “Ohh the looks on your faces right now!”

“Jos! Zip it!” Katrina hissed. “And stop taking my damn picture!” She turned back to look at Liam, a mixture of fear and anger in her eyes turning them nearly black. “You just…decided to surprise me and my sister with a getaway to meet your family? For Christmas?” The color had returned to her face – all too quickly, as anger started coursing through her veins. “You just decided to spring the ‘meet the parents’ thing on me, no time to prep or…I-I don’t even have a gift for them!”

Liam smiled softly at Katrina and took her hands in his, giving them a light squeeze. “They’re going to love you, Trina.” He let go of one of her hands and cupped her cheek, thankful to feel her lean into his hand. “We can pick up a gift for them when we land, if you like, but they’re not expecting anything.” He brushed the pad of his thumb against her cheekbone. “This was my poor attempt at granting a Christmas wish for the two of you the best way I knew how.”

“What Christmas wish?” Josephine asked.

“My parents told me it snowed two days ago, and another storm is coming in the next day or so. Plenty of pretty, white snow on the ground for you both.”

“You…” Katrina trailed off, realization setting in to their conversation a couple of days ago. She looked over to her sister, whose eyes were glossy with tears, and noticed Josephine’s chin quiver before she cast her eyes skyward and frantically blinked the tears away. “But, the tickets? And th—”

“Dad called in a favor from a friend of a friend, we traded in some miles, so they didn’t cost anything,” Liam answered. “Am I forgiven for the surprise parents part?”

Katrina’s brows pinched together and the corners of her lips turned down in a tiny frown of affection. She stepped closer and hugged Liam, wrapping her arms tightly around his chest, made even broader by the puffy jacket he was wearing. Tilting her chin up to face him, she smiled and shook her head. “Yes, you’re forgiven. But now I’m going to keep you awake during the flight with a million questions, and I need to stop at one of the gift shops!”

“Let’s get through security first,” he chuckled, motioning for them to resume walking.

.:.

Liam, Katrina, and Josephine lugged their suitcases behind them as they left the baggage claim area of the airport in Grand Rapids, Liam pulling the baseball hat down on his head as the cold air bit at his face when they stepped outside. He checked the text message on his phone from Leo and memorized the lot where he’d left the truck, taking the lead to show Katrina and Josephine where to go.

Upon reaching the family truck, Liam made quick work of warming up the engine and let Katrina and Josephine get settled inside while he loaded their larger suitcases in the truck bed, covering their things with a heavy tarp for the drive. He climbed into the driver’s seat and removed his jacket, noticing that Katrina held a bottle of wine in her hands, a festive red ribbon tied to the neck. “Where’d you find that?” He rubbed his hands in front of a vent to take the chill away.

“There was a basket of snacks and stuff in the back, and this was included,” she replied, handing the bottle over to him. “Look at the note.”

Liam flipped over the gift tag tied above the ribbon and smiled – See? I still do nice things! Sure to win points with Eleanor, Love Leo. “It’s one of my mother’s favorite wines,” he said, looking over to Katrina. “I guess Leo wants you to make a good impression too.” He twisted around in his seat to look at the other items Josephine pulled from the basket next to her – bottled water, thermos, small bags of trail mix, chocolates, and chips. “Okay, this is uncharacteristically nice of him to leave snacks for the ride.”

“Where is he? I thought someone was picking us up from the airport,” Katrina asked, settling into her seat.

“He dropped the truck off so I could drive us there, friend followed him to the airport to give him a ride back.”

“Just how far do you live from here?” Josephine inquired, pulling open a bag of chips.

“Uh, about…three hours north,” Liam answered, pulling out of the parking spot.

“Three hours?!”

“It’ll pass by like nothing, trust me,” he answered, moving his hands as he turned the steering wheel. “And what’d I tell you? Snow, everywhere,” he added, motioning to the snow piled high around the light posts in the lot.

The drive north passed by with ease, once they left the city limits. Liam smiled to himself as he navigated the two lane highway home, eyes darting to catch Katrina and her sister reacting to snow-covered trees lining either side of the highway, passing in a white blur of branches. Josephine’s face seemed to light up the longer he drove, quietly taking in the scenery. He chatted quietly with Katrina, pointing out spots he used to visit with Leo or his friends in high school, recounting stories with her and reaching over to hold her hand every few minutes.

They nodded off halfway into the drive, and he turned the music down to let them sleep as he continued driving. A mixture of excitement and nervousness sent his stomach rolling as he drove, anxious to return home and introduce his parents to the young woman that etched her name all over his heart. Liam didn’t expect to fall for Katrina as fast as he did, but that was part of her magic – she didn’t have to try with him. She’d simply been her caring, sassy, sometimes clumsy self, and he’d fallen for her within hours of meeting her. He knew that Leo would like her, as would his mother; their father would take a bit more time, but he knew she would find a way to win him over sooner or later.

Liam stretched his hand over to where Katrina’s rested in her lap, curling his fingers into her palm. He squeezed gently three times, and instinctively she returned the gesture, squeezing back three times. Her head turned to him and she slowly blinked her eyes open. “We’re nearly there – these are the woods before the house, but I didn’t want you to miss this view.” His voice was low and soothing as she yawned and stretched her arms to wake up. He smiled at her and pulled his hand away to tap at his phone attached to the console, turning the volume knob a few clicks to the right as Bing Crosby began to sing a familiar song. Katrina let out a dreamy sigh and smiled, reaching her arm behind her seat to tap at Josephine’s knee.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas // Just like the ones I used to know // Where the tree tops glisten, and // Children listen to hear // sleigh bells in the snow

“Jos, Jos wake up,” she urged. “Look out the window.”

Josephine groaned at being woken up before cutting herself off. Liam glanced in the mirror to see her sit upright, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she took in the sight around them.

The sky was a bright, piercing shade of blue, and the tree-lined road glimmered in the sunlight. Dark branches balanced precarious levels of snow, bits of it falling and drifting to the ground with every gust of wind. Even the road was covered with a heavy layer of snow, packed down just enough to make out the path of tire tracks but little else to indicate a road even existed. “You live here?” Josephine whispered, a note of reverence in her voice.

“Just about,” Liam replied. “We live near the lake, so there’s lots of water and woods to admire.” He turned off the road to a smaller path, navigating the truck through the tracks laid out before him.

“This is beautiful, Liam,” Katrina murmured quietly.

“Wait about five minutes, you’ll say that again,” he grinned. He kept stealing glances to watch Katrina as she fixed her hair and primped a bit to make a good first impression, her eyes going wide as he turned the car and his home came into view.

A single-story farmhouse stood before them, quaint country décor on the covered porch. Red shutters and plaid cushions on rocking chairs stood out against the natural wood. A smile spread across Liam’s face as he pulled the truck to the side path, noticing his parents as they opened the front door, smiling wider when their golden retriever squeezed between their legs and followed the car through the covered portion of the porch as he slowed the truck to a stop.

Liam pulled the key from the ignition and silence fell inside the vehicle, followed by Katrina letting out a nervous breath. She looked over at Liam’s parents, already on the porch – his mother was petite like her, dark hair pulled back from her face. Liam had his mother’s eyes and smile. His father stood next to him and Katrina noted the same stoic expression on his face; it was one Liam used often when he studied, when he was deep in thought. She felt Liam reach for her hand, giving her three light squeezes. “You ready, Love?”

Katrina turned her head and looked over to Liam, excitement and love in his eyes, and she couldn’t help but smile at him. “Ready,” she replied, wrapping her other hand around the bottle of wine. “Let’s do this.”

“Leave the bags, I’ll bring them into the house later,” he said, exiting the car.

Katrina and Josephine hopped out of the truck, small grins on their faces as their feet crunched into the snow, and the trio made their way to the house and up the steps. Liam held the screen door open for them and Katrina smiled nervously at Liam’s parents, and the broad shouldered blonde man that could only be his brother Leo. Liam stretched his arms out and wrapped his mother in a warm embrace, and the Rys family exchanged hugs and smiles with one another.

“Mom, Dad, Leo,” Liam grinned as Leo clapped his shoulder. “I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Katrina Bailey, and her sister Josephine. Trina, Josie, this is my brother Leo, and my parents, Eleanor and Constantine.”

Josephine waved a silent hello to Liam’s family, and Katrina stepped forward to look at Liam’s father. “Mr. Rys, it’s an honor to meet you, and thank you so much for inviting my sister and I to stay with you and your family.” He nodded quietly in acceptance of Katrina’s greeting and shook her hand. She smiled and turned to Liam’s mother, handing her the bottle of wine. “Mrs. Rys, neoleul-wihan seonmul. Ulileul dangsin-ui jib-eulo chodaehae jusyeoseo gamsahabnida.” A gift for you. Thank you for inviting us to your home.

Katrina let out a tiny yelp as Eleanor Rys pulled her in for a hug. “Oh honey, it’s our pleasure to have you here,” she replied, patting Katrina’s back warmly. “Now get inside where it’s warm, and you two make yourselves at home.”

After a harried few minutes of wrangling coats and giggling as their dog pounced on Katrina for kisses, they made their way into the living room while Liam’s parents went to the kitchen to serve tea and warm apple cider. Katrina looked around the cozy living room, lit up from the afternoon light filtering through the large bay windows, letting out a bewildered gasp at the sight before her. Liam bumped into her while he was chatting with Leo. “What happened to the tree?” he asked his brother. Presents were stacked along a wall off to the side; while the bay windows had garlands and strings of lights hanging from the top ledge, the tree itself was bare, save for tiny white lights. “I thought you said they decorated!”

“They did,” Leo whispered. “Then you put your little surprise together and Eleanor wanted to…she’ll explain,” he added, ticking his head in the direction of the kitchen.

Eleanor walked in with a teapot and cookies on a tray, Constantine following her with a tray of mugs and warm cider. “Liam mentioned you two hadn’t gotten around to trimming your tree in New York.” Katrina nodded in response. “I thought you might like to do that with us, and look through some of Liam’s handmade ornaments in the process.”

“Yes please!” Josephine giggled.

“That would be wonderful, Mrs. Rys,” Katrina added.

“You can call me Eleanor, dear,” she replied, offering Katrina a cup of tea. “Costas, how about some music?”

Constantine grinned and set his tray down on the coffee table. “On it, my darling.” He walked over to an impressive shelf of vinyl albums, perusing them for something to set the mood.

Eleanor led Katrina closer to the tree and they started going through a box of ornaments, while Liam played with the dog, smiling on at them. Josephine admired a group of photographs on the wall as Leo got comfy on one of the couches, taking a few cookies off the plate. Soon the room filled with mellow holiday jazz, and Katrina’s heart swelled with happiness. She smiled as she began decorating the tree with Liam’s mother, and Josephine joined them, reveling in Eleanor’s stories of the popsicle stick and clothespin ornaments Liam and Leo gave her over the years when they were younger.

While Liam and Leo brought their suitcases and bags inside from the truck, Katrina opened a box to grab more ornaments and gasped as she lifted the lid. Inside were a dozen delicate red glass apples. “Ah, the boys gave those to me a few years ago, there’s a green set as well,” Eleanor explained.

“I have something else to give you as well, once Liam gets back with our luggage,” Katrina replied. She handed the box of ornaments to her sister and walked over to the front door to bring in the suitcases. Pulling her carry-on suitcase off to the side, she rolled the numbers on the lock and zipped it open, removing a small white box before zipping it shut again. She went back to join Eleanor by the tree, handing her the box. “Just a little something I bought at the gift shop, after Liam finally dropped the surprise on us,” she giggled bashfully. She felt Liam’s strong hands on her shoulders as he joined them, and he pressed a chilly cheek to hers as he leaned down to rest his chin on her shoulder, letting his hands drop to wrap around her waist.

Eleanor smiled at Katrina and opened the box, drawing back one hand to her mouth after pulling back the tissue paper. She carefully pulled the loop of gold string up to pull it free from the box. “Costas, Leo, look at this!”

“Oh, that’s nice, good eye Katrina,” Leo replied, smiling at Katrina and Liam.

“Well that’s a very thoughtful gift,” Constantine added, smiling warmly at Katrina.

Liam pressed his lips to Katrina’s cheek. “And you were worried you weren’t gonna make a good impression,” he whispered in her ear. “You didn’t even need Leo’s gift wine!”

Eleanor stood up and circled the tree, looking for a spot to hang the ornament Katrina had given her. With a grin, she hung it on a branch near the top, admiring the way it twinkled against the lights. “New York” in glittery gold letters read across the shiny red apple, and Katrina smiled to herself as she took in the scene around her.

She was decorating a tree, her sister was smiling again, and she was in the arms of the man she’d fallen in love with, with his family in their home for the holiday. It was all she ever wanted for Christmas. She tapped Liam’s nose with her finger three times, smiling softly as she tightened his arms around her three times in response. Katrina didn’t want to get ahead of herself, but she certainly liked the feeling of home where she was standing.

---

Perma/TRR Liam/Serendipity Series tags (if not tagged above): @cora-nova​ @gibbles82​ @lolablackwrites​ @smalltalk88​ @aworldoffandoms​ @blackcoffee85​ @burnsoslow​ @client-327​ @custaroonie​ @dcbbw​ @iplaydrake​ @kingliam2019​ @lovemychoices​ @missevabean​ @rainbowsinthestorm​ @superharrietsuper​ @hustacks​ @lodberg​ @ooo-barff-ooo​

[cordoniantrash]

Noël Dernier

Hello and welcome! This is my submission to day 8 of the The 12 Days of Ficmas, hosted by @leelee10898​​, with the prompt Last Christmas. Set sometime in the future, inspired by a line by Liam during a diamond scene in TRR 1. Huge thanks to @thequeennefertipi​​, who betaed and patiently held my hand through this. ​Spelling and grammatical errors are mine. 

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Liam x MC

Rating: G

Warning: none

Words: 2121

Contributors: @hopefulmoonobject @allaboutchoices @zaffrenotes @cordoniantrash @burnsoslow @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @msjr0119 @texaskitten30 @janezillow @the-soot-sprite @mskaneko @blackcatkita @darley1101 @thecordoniandiaries @speedyoperarascalparty @ao719 @leelee10898 @cocomaxley @theroyalweisme​ @alj4890​ @bbrandy2002​ @cordoniansgonewild​ @god-save-the-keen​ @debramcg1106 @emichelle​ @annekebbphotography​ @brightpinkpeppercorn​ @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria​

Readers: @dangerouseggseagleartisan​​ @innerpostmentality​​ @beardedoafdonutwagon​​ @desiree-0816​​

my taglist:

@cora-nova​, @thequeennefertipi​ @captain-kingliamsqueen​ @feralhuman-hsskkk​ @mirandatwodots​ @princesskennarys​  @emceesynonymroll​ @kingliam2019​ @bobasheebaby​ @princess-geek​  @fbloveschoices​ @dcbbw​ @los-cafeteros​   @whovianwriter​ @vaticanwaltz​ @typicalweirdbookworm​ @cheyismaxi​ @lilaccatholic​ @supercoolperson0808​ @twinkle-320​ @mkatschoicesblog​

It was the night before Christmas. Fairy lights twinkled merrily on many a window and the wind coming from the sea brought along a welcome chill in the air. Up the hill, the Royal Palace glittered: a bejewelled spectacle for the masses to marvel at. Inside the palace, the halls echoed with the combined sounds of many running feet, snatches of conversations and the tinkling of laughter.

The throne room was exquisitely decorated for the occasion. The room, made to look like a snowy landscape was decorated with centrepieces that glint in the light, fountains of champagne, silken curtains hanging on the walls and a string quartet that was stationed near one wall. The staff were at their designated places with the King and Queen and the little prince standing by the thrones, poised and ready to welcome their guests and start the gala.

Liam heard a sigh beside him. He turned and met his wife’s eyes. Cassie smirked and tilted her head towards a squirming Lucas. Sharing a fond look with Cassie, Liam knelt down and helped loosen up his son’s bow tie.

“Better?”

Lucas nodded then added, “How much longer, Dad?”

“Not too long now, dear.”

Lucas pouted, “Promise?”

Liam smiled. “Promise.”

He straightened up and took in the room one more time. Everything was in place. Liam felt a hand slip into his own. He turned and kissed Cassie’s hand, sharing another smile before they turned forward again. A beat passed.

The doors opened.

The guests entered, the music started, and the gala began.

As the nobles and other guests formed a line to greet the monarchs, Liam noticed a familiar face among the throng. It took a few minutes for the memories to resurface but recognition finally came along with wistfulness and a dawning sense of embarrassment.

It was Eira Blanchard in all her blonde-haired, eye-greyed glory, wearing an elegant green dress that showed off her slender frame. The diplomat’s daughter. A reminder of his life before Cassandra.

Beside him, his wife whispered, “Are you all right, love?”

Liam turned toward her and answered yes with a reassuring smile. He turned towards the line once more, physically there while his mind wandered off to the past and to a different party in another Christmas Eve.

−

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart…

−

Seven years ago, Paris, France…

He found her inside the embassy’s sitting room. Sheathed in ivory, she seemed to glow amidst the dark wood that decorated the room. These last few days saw him trying to gather the courage to confess his feelings. To put into words just how much their time together meant to him. How she meant to him. 

As he walked into the room, taking care to make a noise to alert her of his presence, his mind wandered to his brother and friends and their reactions to what he was planning. He knew that they did not really think well of her. Leo thought her to be too self-constrained and Olivia thinks she’s too haughty. Maxwell added that she was too quiet while Drake thinks she’s boring. But Liam saw more than what was present in the surface. She was intelligent, ambitious yes, pragmatic too. But she was also kind and… and just perfect. She was the only one outside of his intimate circle that treated him as an equal. As a peer whose opinions matter. 

Someone who matters just as much as the Crown Prince. 

He knows that she saw him as more than just the quiet, dutiful spare. 

At the sound of him entering the room, Eira turned, the skirt of her gown following her graceful movements. For a moment he felt dazed. Here was someone who was fit to be a queen, with the world at her feet. She certainly deserves nothing less, and although he can’t give it to her, being just the second son, he can and will give her his heart anyway. If she’ll have it. 

Liam was shaken out of his thoughts when the first noble reached them. The night dragged on; the line moved steadily forward, bringing closer to where he and his family stood. He glanced at Cassandra, a question his eyes. She shook her head and smiled, taking a moment to squeeze his hand before turning to the next guest and engaging in small talk.

It all happened in a blur. One moment, Liam was talking to an ambassador, the next he was faced with wide grey eyes and an avalanche of memories. Ears burning, he nodded as she sank into a curtsy, ever the proper lady.  

She spoke, voice cool, light and airy; just like the snow that fell on the windowpanes that night, all those years ago. He responded with the proper replies, face blank and voice betraying nothing. Both of them adhering to the script that they had been taught with all their lives.

Beside him, he could hear Cassandra making small talk, being an excellent hostess, despite the fact that they had been standing there for nearly an hour. Instinctively, he put his hand on the small of her back, the gesture meaning to provide her with support. It ended up being a reassurance for him.

Everything will be all right…

----

Grey eyes flickered, looking between husband and wife and briefly meeting warm brown before looking down as she sank into another curtsy, this time taking her leave. The royal couple, tonight being the incarnation of poise and hospitality, waved her on with more pleasantries before turning and welcoming another guest.

She walked away, as she had done that day, as she had done time and time again. Forever chasing and never quite reaching. Her heart clenched, her chest tightening slightly. She looked back, despite herself. He was talking softly with his wife, one hand on the small of her back, the other holding his son. His queen smiled, her hands resting on her little bump.

He looks happy. 

Happier than he had been that night, or during the days she knew him. It was what he deserves, really. A home by the sea surrounded by family.

And yet…

Eira shook her head. Grabbing a flute of champagne, she wandered around the party feeling cold and empty amidst the revelry. Christmas had always been a melancholy time. Has been for years. Memories falling in place in her mind, recreating the way snow fell on the windowpanes in her apartment. Her biggest what-if being replayed in her mind, haunting her wherever she goes.

Seven years ago…

His confession still rang inside her mind. Last night had been more than she had hoped for. Eira could barely recall being as happy as she had been in that study, with the heat of the fire behind her and the warm brown of Liam’s eyes in front of her. Unbidden, words of acceptance spilt from her lips, her joy too much for one heart. He had taken her in his arms and spun her around, laughter and smiles shared between them. She could still see how his eyes lit up, could still feel the ghost of his lips on her forehead. His warm lips on hers. Soft, gentle and quivering into a smile. 

In the cold light of the morning, the envelope lay on her desk. The acceptance letter cool in her hands. Her life-long dreams finally in her grasp. Eira looked out the window. He sent her a bouquet of lilies. She laid it next to her vase full of poppies.

She knows what to do. What she must do. 

Eira could feel her heart break.

−

But the very next day, you gave it away

−

He avoided her like the plague throughout the night. It had started when she caught his eye as he was talking to a group of diplomats. Liam recognised the look in her eyes. Determination. For what, he did not know. A part of him does not want to know. He kept flitting in and out of groups keeping an eye out for Eira and ducking out whenever she came close. He felt silly doing it. It probably looked silly, judging by the confused looks that Cassandra kept on shooting him whenever he made his excuses.

Lucas, on the other hand, loved it. His son had taken to skipping away with him, giggling all the way. Liam always felt lighter during those moments. But it was nearly midnight and Lucas was already in bed, tucked in, safe and snug and so so loved.

Midnight saw him standing on the balcony. He had just finished a rather tedious conversation with some of the representatives in the foreign ministry and had needed a breather.

As he leaned his hands on the railings, he could hear snatches of conversations as voices from the ballroom carried to the balcony. He looked up. Spotlights moved in patterns across the sky, masking the stars. He allowed his posture to slip, his shoulders to release tension.

Just one more hour, he reminded himself. Then he and Cassie can finally make their excuses and retire for the night. Silently he went through a list in his mind. He had already asked the staff to draw a hot bath and requested a tray of her latest cravings to the kitchens. He just had to make sure to light the candles in the bathroom when they get back to their rooms and pamper his wife.

There was a shuffling noise on the other side of the balcony. Liam tensed. The hairs at the back of his neck stood up.

“Your Majesty.”

Eira Blanchard stood at the other side of the balcony, shadows blending into her green gown.

----

“My lady.” He inclined his head towards her. She returned his gesture before taking a few steps in his direction. Eira took in his appearance as she came closer. His hair was shorter, his stance more solid. More grounded. His eyes had hints of crinkles, a sure sign of someone always smiling.

Time’s been kind to you…

She also noticed the way his eyes flicked toward the door, his suddenly blank expression and the way he tensed. Her mind flashed back to the way he carried himself around his wife. She felt a weight drop to her stomach. But she still managed to straighten her back and arrange her face into something that resembles a smile. Taking a deep breath, she forged ahead.

“He looks like you…” she trailed off, unsure why she suddenly brought up this subject.

Liam’s stoic façade broke as confusion sank in. Eira could feel the corners of her lips twitch into a genuine smile. At least some things don’t change.

“Your son,” she clarified.

“Oh… uh—that’s kind of you to say,” Liam said, hands twitching. Eira looked down at her glass. She cast about for another way to keep the conversation going.

“Oh! I—ah, I’d like to offer congratulations as well.”

Liam’s smile was wider this time. “Thank you, Eira. I heard congratulations are in order for you as well. Your work in Africa was all Cassie could talk about last month.”

Eira flushed. “Thank you,” she murmured behind a growing smile. “It seems that I have a fan.”

Liam chuckled, his shoulders relaxing, eyes lighting up.

“She’s very passionate about these causes,” he said, visibly brightening up, “she’s already spearheaded several initiatives…”

Eira watched as Liam positively gushed about his wife, adoration clear on his voice and tone. Eira’s smile turned a touch melancholic. Something within her heart unclenched.

“It sounds like you’ve built a good life here,” she mused during a lull in the conversation.

“Seems that way, yes.”

“Are you hoping for another boy?” she asked, catching sight of the Queen as she made her rounds.

“A girl actually, although Lucas and Cassie are insisting it’s going to be another boy.”

“Hmm. I’m not sure the world could take another Liam.”

Liam laughed, the sound prompting her giggles as well.

----

Their laughter faded. A movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention. Liam turned and saw Cassandra in the middle of laughing with Hana and Maxwell. Still chuckling, she looked around and caught his eye. Cassie smiled and waved. Liam grinned and winked, his heart full.

“You should go,” Eira said softly.

“What about you?”

She shrugged and answered, “I think I’ll enjoy the sights for a little longer before I head out.”

“Of course.” Liam nodded.

Their eyes met. He offered her a soft smile. She answered with another, wistfulness tugging at its edges. He nodded to her once.

“Take care, Eira.” He murmured.

“You too, Liam.”

With one final smile, he turned and made his way back inside.

−

This year, to save me from tears

I’ll give it to someone special

−

A/N: lemme know what you guys think!

[winter-dayz]

Home

Pairing: Kim Seokjin x Reader Meeting the Family Genre: Fluff Words: 823

Masterlist | 12 Days of Ficmas Masterpost

Taglist:  @soobin-chois

The holidays were not your first choice for your boyfriend meeting your family. You had tried to arrange a weekend for your parents to meet him on several occasions, and unfortunately, plans had constantly fallen through.

Now the poor boy would have to survive meeting not only your parents, but also your siblings, their significant others, and your mom’s parents.

Seokjin insisted he could handle it, that he’d even be able to charm them all. And you didn’t doubt it; you were sure they’d all love him. But you were worried they might do or say something to embarrass you.

🎄

You took a deep breath as you both walked up the path to your parents’ home. The air nipped at your sweaty palms, and you tried to wipe away the nerves on the sides of your dress. Seokjin caught up to you, carrying a bag full of gifts in one arm. He slid his free hand into yours and flashed a reassuring smile.

The door opened right as you both approached, and you felt both elatement and impending doom all at once. You’d never been so eager for an event to end as quickly as you did in that moment, while simultaneously so happy to finally be with all the people you love the most and never want it to end.

Your sister ushered you into her arms impatiently, wrapping you up in a tight hug, her husband greeting you just behind her. You were thankful she was the one you saw first; she was a safe first meeting. You’d had her back when her now-husband was just meeting everyone, and you knew she’d have your’s and Seokjin’s.

She led you both to the living room where most of the others were sitting around and talking. You made your rounds, giving hugs and greetings. You introduced Seokjin to everyone with a bright smile, and it seemed to be going really well.

Your grandparents were warm and inviting as they spoke with you both, asking all of the standard questions: how you met, how long you’ve been dating, and what you’re hoping for in the future. Surprisingly, these questions helped relax the nerves that had been bubbling all week.

Seokjin seemed at ease and comfortable speaking with your mom’s parents. He had always been very respectful, but it made you all fuzzy to see him with people who were important to you.

Your brother was a bit more playful when speaking with him, making a few jokes and trying to break the ice. They seemed to fall into conversation quickly enough though, and your sister’s husband slipped into the chatter as well.

Your sister took the opportunity to question you for juicy details, your sister-in-law listening and giggling along as well. The room felt lively, and you felt a bit silly for all the nerves and worrying you had done.

Eventually the nerves resurfaced, however, when your parents finally emerged from the kitchen. You knew deep down that there was no reason for the anxiety, that your parents would absolutely love Seokjin, but you couldn’t stop the fear of the worst from churning the acid in your stomach.

He excused himself from the conversation your siblings had all roped him into, joining your side again and taking the initiative to introduce himself to the people who brought you into this world.

Once again, the meeting went incredibly smoothly, both sides exchanging happy smiles and listening with genuine interest. Your dad couldn’t help slipping in a few embarrassing stories, but with the reactions Seokjin was giving, you really couldn’t find a reason to care.

🎄

Later in the evening, you watched with hearts in your eyes as Seokjin continued to bond and blend in nicely with your family. He participated enthusiastically when board games were pulled out and engaged in thoughtful conversations with your grandparents before they retired for the night.

As the night began winding down, you sat with your head on his shoulder, still chatting happily with your sister and brother-in-law. She confirmed what you already knew would happen when she informed you that he had definitely charmed the entire family.

You idly played with his fingers as they wished you goodnight. Seokjin pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead. From the corner of your eye, you noticed a flash. When you glanced over, your sister was sneaking away with a smirk on her face. You rolled your eyes but texted her to send you the picture.

🎄

The rest of the weekend went as amazing as the first night had. Your parents recruited him to help with some of the meals, which he did so eagerly. Your family had integrated him so much that you hardly saw him the rest of the visit.

However, when you returned to your shared home, he made sure to make up for lost time and lack of privacy. It was like a bonus Christmas gift.

[drake-walker-appreciation]

Drake Walker Appreciation Week 2023 - Master List

Happy National Drake Day everyone! Especially you, Walker, you grumpy marshmallow, you 🙃

First off, big thank you to everyone who participated in DWAW 2023! We have had a lot of great submissions - both new and old - and we are so grateful for everyone who took the time to put content together for this event, shared and tagged us!

Also, big shoutout to @choicesficwriterscreations @choices-february2023 @choicesprompts @choicesholidays @maxwell-beaumont-appreciation for the signal boosts! 😘

And now, without further ado, here is the masterlist you've all been waiting for:

Day 1: Head Canons and Appreciation:

Drake Walker HC and Appreciation by @angelasscribbles

Drake Walker HCs by @karahalloway

Drake Walker Appreciation by @karahalloway

Some Drake Moments by @katedrakeohd

Drake HC's by @persephone13

Drake Quote by @storyofmychoices

Day 2: Throwbacks

Find all the wonderful throwbacks here.

Day 3: The Early Years

Polo by @karahalloway

A Savage Love Snippet by @angelasscribbles

12 Days of Ficmas by @twinkleallnight

Day 4: Friends and Family

Hinge: Bringing Her Home to Mother by @angelasscribbles

Complicated: Alexandria by @angelasscribbles

Camping was Intense by @karahalloway

Thanksgiving by @karahalloway

Familia by @petiteboheme

Drake's Birthday Bash Fanart by @twinkleallnight

Day 5: Romance

First Date by @bebepac

If Only...For the Night by @bebepac

Drake Pairings by @angelasscribbles

Drake Pairings and boards by @harleybeaumont

Drake Pairings by @karahalloway

A Fervid Fixation Chapter 5 by @angelasscribbles

American Girl Chapter 4 by @angelasscribbles

Drake Pairing by @nestledonthaveone

I Don't Like You by @angelasscribbles

Marshmallow by @twinkleallnight

My OTP by @twinkleallnight

Day 6: As a Husband and Father

Drake's Perfect Day by @angelasscribbles

Nevrakis Walker Christmas by @twinkleallnight

Day 7: Visuals

Moodboard by @persephone13

Riley and Drake on his Motorcycle art by @rosefuckinggenius, submission by @angelasscribbles

Drake Visuals by @angelasscribbles

Whiskey Wednesday by @bebepac

Drake and Ava by @petiteboheme

DWAW Visuals by @karahalloway

DWAW Visuals by @aussiegurl1234

A Drake Walker Mood with Music by @marshmallowsandfire

Video Edit by @twinkleallnight

Edits and Fanart by @twinkleallnight

If we have accidentally forgotten anyone, please let us know!