#christmas fan fiction advent calendar

[neyswxrld]

playing sloth

Mayday x reader (gn)

summary: Outdoor pools with Mayday!

warnings: making out in a public pool, a little spicy, 18+

word count: ~630

advent calendar masterlist

a/n: this is the second fic for my advent calendar! i tried something different here and now i really want a hot bath with mayday

p.s. english isn't my mother tongue, sorry for misspellings!

You close your hand around Mayday's and slowly walk down the stairs into the pool.

As soon as your feet hit the warm water, you let out an excited breath before going in deeper, pulling him with you.

When you're deep enough, you let yourself fall a bit, enjoying the warmth around your whole body, and sigh, relaxed.

"Well, it really is warm," he notices, following you willingly.

"You thought I would lie?" you ask him, a playful smile on your lips.

He shakes his head with a soft look in his eyes. "Of course not."

Together, you make your way through the plastic curtain that connects the small pool entry with its main part outside.

As your face hits the cold air outside, you immediately shiver a bit, enjoying the warmth of the pool a little bit more.

The sharp contrast between the hot water and the winter air causes a foggy sight, making everything look magical and steamy.

The water is almost deserted, and only another couple your age enjoys each other's company in a corner opposite the entry.

Smiling, you turn around and let Mayday pull you to his chest.

"You can't say this wasn't a great idea," you say, appreciating his naked skin against yours.

"Didn't say anything else," he grins, coming a little bit closer again.

You put your arms around his neck, curling your fingers around his wet hair at his neck, while placing your legs around his hips.

"Already playing backpack, I see," he murmurs, but smiles. Carefully, Mayday puts his arms around your back too and situates himself somewhere against a wall so he can sit comfortably while you're sitting on his lap.

"Hmmm... I think it's more like playing sloth," you say, shaking your head and grinning at him.

Mayday looks at you with a raised eyebrow. "The mommas carry their babies on their tummies, not on their backs," you explain.

"So, I'm a momma now?" he asks, his eyebrow almost touching his hairline.

"No... But I'm your baby!" you say, almost excited, making him laugh quietly.

"Mh, yeah, sometimes you are just like a giant baby," he agrees, chuckling.

"Hey!" you protest, laying your hands on his cheek now.

"You can't say I'm wrong. Sitting on my lap like that. Like you can't find your own stool," he mocks you with playfully raised eyebrows.

"Fine, then I'll go and find my own chair," you start to pout, trying to push him away from you without much strength.

Mayday laughs, tightens his grip and holds you close to him.

"That was a joke, baby," he says, accentuating the last word.

You try to fight the smile that forms on your lips but fail miserably. "I know, silly," you grin, leaning forward at the same time, placing a sweet kiss on his wet lips.

The familiar tickle of his beard on your face makes you sigh as he deepens the kiss.

Closing your eyes, you pull yourself closer to him, enjoying the warmth of his body and the water, feeling refreshed by the cold air around you.

You share sweet kisses, smell each other's scents, and smile as soon as your tongues touch.

Mayday's hands wander around your body and pull quiet sighs from your lips, but they never go too far. You're in a public pool, after all.

You could have been sitting like that for the whole day, but Mayday decides otherwise.

You don't know if you're disappointed or shocked when you suddenly feel him moving forward and pushing you under the water with his whole body.

Coughing, you emerge again and look at him disapprovingly, trying to get the water out of your nose. "What was that for?"

"Thought we should take a break," he tells you, getting a little bit red around his nose.

TAGLIST:

@isthereanechoinhere96

[aloneinthedork]

I did a thing.

[ctrl-alt-tahu]

December 2nd

I really enjoyed last year's Bionicle Advent Calendar, when I wrote at least a snippet of fanfic every day, but I just don't have the time this year. Most of last year's was written in the slow times at work, and this year there just aren't any slow times. But I wanted to do something again, so you're going to get pictures and probably some descriptive/explanatory text. (Talking endlessly isn't "work" like writing fiction can be. Though, if we're lucky, maybe we'll get SOME ficlets later on.)

Today we're going back to the beginning! Onewa was my first Bionicle, the one who started it all. He wasn't even mine--not fully. My brother and I split him.

We were LEGO fans, solidly entrenched in it ag that point, but we had minimal Technic or interest in it and had passed on Throwbots and Roboriders completely and though we would do the same with Bionicles. The comics were kind of cool, but we were System fans, minifig fans. It just wasn't for us.

But our Mom knew we loved all kinds of LEGO and that we weren't very discriminating about it, so when she was Christmas shopping (this was October 2001), she found a marked-down Onewa in the clearance section and figured two or three dollars was worth a flier.

Onewa had been marked down because he'd been opened and one of his 5-module axles was missing. We stole a 4-module axle somewhere in our System sets and he was good to go. Our entire perspective on Bionicle flipped with him in our hands. What had looked (in our narrow, childhood judgement) as "weird" in the magazines and catalogues now looked really cool and fun in person.

A couple weeks later, we were sold on Bionicle enough that I "bought out" my brother's half and he put the money into buying a Turaga Matau. We also split a mask pack: a brown Pakari (mine) and a medium blue Ruru (my brother's). We were hooked, and we'd remain that way until about 2004: the colour change and the shift to Metru Nui matched a belated growing up, but it would still be a long, slow slide to my true Dark Ages, starting around 2009ish.

Because Onewa was the first and because we didn't really absorb all the media pre-movies, and because the Turaga had less real development as characters before 2004, I never pictured Onewa as the abrasive a-hole we got in LoMN. He was more of a Gandalf mentor type, and he's still kind of there for me. Reconciling him to LoMN has been a fertile ground for fiction for me.

Another big thing that LoMN contrasted with in our games was that Onewa had been the leader of our Turaga! If it was supposed to be clear, before 2004, that Vakama was the team leader, it was lost on us. I don't think we thought the Turaga HAD a leader, and Onewa, wise and strong (and the first one we had), got to be the team leader.

[mael-jeevas]

I thought about all this for a very long time, didn't dare for a long time, but finally came to the conclusion that it was worth trying again.

Three years ago it didn’t work out, alas, for a number of reasons, but I really hope that this time nothing will interfere with my idea.

From the 1st of December, I'm starting the pre-New Year challenge #adventember_23, like Advent + December.

This challenge is something like a Christmas/New Year calendar. Each day in December will be dedicated to one or another topic related to the New Year and Christmas. For this topic you can create any content you wish: arts, comics, fan fiction, original stories, crafts, music (why not). The challenge has no restrictions; everyone chooses for themselves what they are comfortable with and like best.

I will be very grateful for reposts and invite everyone to participate!

[thejokersenigma]

Christmas Fan Fiction Advent Calendar 2017 - Day 22 - Joker x Reader - Christmas Hatred Part 3

Ok, so I had no idea what i was going with this part and its quite out of character and pretty damn fluffy - so... sorry..?

Hope you Enjoy anyway!

MASTERLIST

[Y/N] felt like she ought to get the Joker back for suggesting the whole ice skating fiasco, but she couldn’t think of anything clever to suggest – everything she could think of would be painful for him – but it would also be painful for her as she had to do it as well. Why put herself through it?

So, instead, they ended up wandering quietly through the streets, both cringing away at the carol singers crying out the usual cliché tunes, and wincing at the horribly tacky Christmas displays in the large department store windows.

“I know why I don’t like Christmas.” [Y/N] stated. “But why do you hate it?”

The Joker glanced at her with a raised eyebrow and she suddenly remembered who she was talking to – and how stupid a question that was. “Right – yeah – psychotic murderer. I remember.” She muttered, more to herself than to him

The Joker let out a bark of laughter at it none the less and [Y/N] couldn’t help but smirk.

“So why do you hate it then, doll…” The Joker broached, though he kept his gaze ahead of them.

[Y/N] wondered whether she should answer that or just tell him to keep his nose out of her business. She was silent for a while as she thought this through. “It’s a long story.” She eventually said. “A long, complicated story.” She sighed, shaking her head up at the dark cloudy sky.

“Say no more…” The Joker growled lowly, “I get those.” And he didn’t push the subject any further. [Y/N] almost smiled – few people would just let her drop the subject like that – it was nice. Almost like he understood.

“Ok, doll.” The Joker finally said, stopping in the middle of the street, and pulling her to a halt next to him. “How ‘bout we call this quits – unless of course you want to go sit on Santa’s lap or something?”

“I think that would be excruciatingly painful for both of us.” [Y/N] joked.

“Hasn’t this whole evening been, kitten?” He countered.

“I dunno – I thought you looked quite happy out on that ice.” [Y/N] grinned.

“Only because I was too busy laughing at you, doll, to take notice of anything else.”

[Y/N] scowled at the memory. “Thanks.” She muttered.

There was a moment of awkward silence – at least it was awkward for [Y/N]. “Uh – well then –“ She stuck her hand out to him, “Thanks for the clothes and what not - and – I guess – this.” She said gesturing around.

The Joker looked at her hand then at her with his raised eyebrow again. “Oh, doll, if you think you’re getting away that easily, think again…” He growled.

“What?!” I asked, surprised, “But you just said –“

“I said, we should call this,” He copied her gesture to their surroundings, “quits, not this.” He now gestured between them. “You can’t get rid of me that easily, princess.”

[Y/N] was looking at him in bewilderment when a car suddenly pulled up beside them. “This is us, doll.” The Joker grinned from beneath the shadow of his disguise. [Y/N] looked over at the car with wide eyes, and then to the hand the Joker was offering her.  She didn’t move, her mind desperately flashing for any excuse but all it seem to keep coming up with was a cycle of ‘What?!’ and ‘No!’.

“You know, doll, if you don’t come willingly, there are other ways to make you get in the car….” He drawled. He didn’t reach for his gun this time, clearly not thinking he needed to, but [Y/N] remembered it well and that it was hidden in one of his coat pockets.

She didn’t take his hand – keeping her pride – and instead, marched past him to the car on her own. The same man who had driven them earlier this night suddenly appeared at her side, opening the door for her. She could see no other option and only faltered slightly before she slipped into the car. The Joker had strode to the other side and now slid in next to her.

As soon as he was out of sight in the car, the Joker took his hat off and threw it into the back of the car, then shuffled out of the long overcoat. Suddenly [Y/N] found herself face to face with the full Joker again – makeup and all. It was terrifying, and she immediately tensed at his bright green hair, alabaster skin and bright red lips. She had almost been getting use to the criminal that she had been hanging around with for the last few hours, now she felt a fresh wave of fear run over her.

The Joker didn’t seem to notice her sudden change in behaviour – or if he did – he probably put it down to nerves and her lack of cooperation previously.

[Y/N] wasn’t sure how the Joker had even managed to call the car – she had never seen him on a phone. She also wasn’t sure how the driver knew where to go, as the Joker had never given him any directions either. That didn’t seem to faze the driver who carried on through the night and – by the looks of the slow reduction in the number of lights outside her window - out of the town.

Was it going to be like one of those cheesy crime movies where the killer drives the body out of town to bury it? But [Y/N] wasn’t dead. Yet. And the Joker struck her as someone who would have someone bury his bodies for him.

All these ridiculous ideas and counteractions ricochet in [Y/N]’s head as she stared out the window, trying not to look at the Joker too much, or get too close to him. He suddenly felt like a completely different man to the guy she had spent her evening with.

Both of them were silent the entire drive – which seemed far too long and far too short at the same time – [Y/N] didn’t want to be in this car anymore, but she also didn’t want to stop and have to talk to the Joker again.

When the car did finally pull up, the Joker got out immediately, whilst [Y/N] hesitated once more, until the driver opened her door again and a white hand appeared in front of her face. She faltered only for a moment before she took it this time and was pulled out of the car.

They appeared to be out of the city now - on one of the hills that was a backdrop to Gotham and largely covered in wilderness. Why on Earth were they all the way out here?

The Joker had released her hand now, and had begun to walk up a gravelly track which curved out of sight. [Y/N] glanced back at the driver who was now returning to his seat, before she followed after the criminal. She soon realised the track she was walking up was in fact a driveway. It led up to a large, intimidating, but beautiful log cabin. Log cabin didn’t really seem to suffice for this building though as there wasn’t nothing small or primal about it – it looked like a wooden mansion.

“What is this?”  [Y/N] breathed, gazing up at the pristine logs that made up the walls, the wooden door, and windows complete with shutters. The Joker didn’t say anything – whether he was ignoring her or didn’t hear her, she wasn’t sure – instead he walked up the steps to the porch and opened the front door without the need for key.

[Y/N] paused for a moment, could she make a run for it? This had horror story written all over it. Quiet cabin in the middle of woods, no one else in sight. She could run, but she had no idea where she was or where to go. The Joker knew where she lived after all, so that was a no go. He always probably knew these woods far better than she did. And he had a gun. No, maybe she should run.

Instead, she followed him into the house, trying to remember the guy she had spent the evening with – the guy she had almost kind of liked that guy – and not the criminal striding in front of her.

When [Y/N] stepped through the front door that the Joker had left opened, she stepped into a large open plan living space. On her right was a set of large, cushiony sofas arranged around a huge stone fireplace which already had a roaring fire. Beyond that, the floor was raised and let to a table and chairs that sat in front of a wall of floor to ceiling windows that let in the night from outside. [Y/N] could just make out a stone archway next to this area that must lead to a kitchen.

“Wow.” [Y/N] breathed out, no more than a whisper, as she gazed around in awe. She was fighting the urge to run around and explore the amazing house, the large staircase on her left calling her to it. But instead, she turned her attention back towards the criminal who was walking across the room.

The Joker stopped in the centre of the room and turned to where [Y/N] still stood in the doorway.  “You can come in, doll.” He beckoned. [Y/N] shut the door behind her and stepped warily into the room.

“Is this your house then?” She asked cautiously, not able to make eye contact with the man.

“One of them.” He answered and [Y/N] nodded along with this like it was completely normal to have multiple houses and not just a dingy flat like she had.

“Just you?” She asked, intrigued.

He eyed her for a moment. “Most of the time.” She wasn’t sure what to make of that – did he mean he had his henchmen with him sometimes, or did he mean girls? And why did she care?

She was near the centre of the room where he was still waiting, but [Y/N] didn’t look at him – staring into the fire instead, as though the flames were far more interesting.

“You can’t look at me, can you, doll?” He asked, and his voice sounded like he was grinning.

“I can.” [Y/N] protested, though she didn’t take her eyes from the fire – it was easier when she wasn’t looking at him to remember that he was the same guy from earlier.

“Then do.” He growled, and his tone sent a chill of fear through [Y/N]. She turned towards him, her eyes level with his throat.

“See.” She muttered at his Adam’s apple.

His hand suddenly gripped her chin and lifted her gaze up so she was forced to meet his eyes. [Y/N] caught his gaze for a split second before she dropped her eyes down to anywhere but his eyes.

“Doll…” The Joker growled, and [Y/N] felt his fingers tighten on her chin. She reluctantly raised her eyes again, meeting his vibrant blue ones. “Better.” He grinned devilishly.

She couldn’t help but roll her eyes at this and he cackled at her before he suddenly stopped, as though he’d seen something in her eyes.

“You’re scared of me, aren’t you, doll?” He asked, a twinkle in his eyes.

[Y/N] frowned at him. “Of course, I am! Anyone in their right mind would be! I know who you are!”

“Ah, ah, ah, doll.” He tutted, wagging a free finger at her, “I know when people are truly afraid of me – and you haven’t been for most of the evening…” he growled, “But now you are…”

[Y/N] felt herself swallow thickly. The Joker’s voice was low and gravely, but seemed to be almost seductive to her ears. She was tense in his grip, but his eyes still seemed to be turning her to liquid.

“Why am I here?” She suddenly asked.

The Joker seemed to ponder this for a moment. “Well… Doll… I don’t know about you…” He purred looking her piercingly in the eyes, “But I needed a drink after all that ‘Christmas Spirit’.” He said, with a slow grin. He then released her walked over to what she now realised was a fold-away bar behind the sofas.

“Ok…” [Y/N] said, nodding along with this, “But why back here?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

He turned to her again, “Come on kitten…” He purred, “Did you really want to sit in a heavily festively decorated bar with their cringey music?”

[Y/N] made a face at the idea and the Joker smirked. He handed her a tumbler of an amber alcohol and she took it despite her apprehensions. “Thanks.” She murmured sheepishly, keeping her eyes on the liquid in the glass rather than him as he poured himself one too.

She stood awkwardly in the middle of the room as he walked back towards her, and she twisted from side to side with nerves. He tossed down his drink in one gulp, throwing his head back, then placed the glass on a nearby coffee table. [Y/N] followed suit.

His eyes turned back on her then, where he could now clearly see how wound up she was. “Relax, doll…” He purred, his hands moving towards her. She had to stop herself flinching, but he simply unzipped the coat she still wore, pushing it off her shoulders and then throwing it over the back of the sofa next to them. “That’s better…” He growled, his eyes roaming her up and down and she could feel herself go stiff under his gaze.

His hand moved back towards her then, but this time he reached for her wrist, easily encircling it with his hand. He pulled at her and she had no choice but to follow him as he headed through the house with her in tow, her heart race increasing with each step.

They headed through the dining area to the large windows where he hit a switch on the wall, and the window frames began to fold up one on top of the other, sliding to the left and revealing a veranda in front of them.

He pulled [Y/N] through and took her towards the edge. Her nerves were on high alert now – what was he going to do?!

He pulled her to a stop so they face each other. The wind whipped around them, and she wondered why he’d taken her coat off. He grabbed for her other wrist to stop any attempt at moving away from him. [Y/N] struggled in his grip, beginning to panic.

He growled in annoyance as he wrestled her arms down, his grip like iron cuffs, forcing her to stop. “Kitten…” He snarled through clenched teeth. “Stop fighting me, or you’ll regret it.” [Y/N] believed him and she went limp in his hands, dropping her eyes to her feet in defeat. He was right – she was only going to make it even worse by annoying him.

The Joker made a noise in his throat, and she snapped her eyes back to his. “Better.” He praised, then he did something unexpected, releasing [Y/N] hands and stepping behind her, laying his hands gently, yet firmly, on her upper arms instead.

She felt the muscles under his touch tense. “Now, doll, clearly, you’re not used to the look of me -  but you are used to my voice – so let’s work with that.” He purred in her ear. [Y/N] swallowed against her fear, but he was right - his voice didn’t scare her anymore – if anything it was soothing – it was his appearance that sharply reminded her who he was.

The Joker’s hands began to track up her arm to her neck, lingering there as he leant down and breathed in her scent, making her shiver from more than just the cold. His hands then continued up to her face, over her cheeks until they finally slid over her eyes and remained there.

[Y/N] could feel herself stiffen again. The Joker steered her around, so she now must be facing out over the view from the terrace. “What are you doing?” She asked desperately, her voice shaking.

“Even you, princess, can’t deny there is a certain…beauty… to Christmas lights.” He purred in her ear. “Personally, I don’t like the crowds and noise that come with it…” He growled, and his breath tickled her skin, “So I have this, instead.” He then removed his hands from her eyes and she could suddenly see the view before her.

It was beautiful.

From this distance and height [Y/N] could see nearly the whole of the city of Gotham before her in a stunning panoramic - and all the lights that came with it against the black night.

She could feel her mouth hanging open slightly at the sight and she made no protest when the Joker’s hands dropped to her hips, and then shifted up, his arms encircling her waist and pulling her back against him.

Every fear she had about him seemed to vanish in that perfect moment – like smoke into the night. She was being silly. The Joker had done nothing all night to hurt her, showed no inclination to cause her any harm. In fact, everything he’d done had been surprisingly sweet.

“Maybe Christmas isn’t so bad after all.” [Y/N] murmured, tilting her head to look at the Joker behind her. He gave her a sinful grin and then lowered his head to hers, but it was her that closed the distance between their lips.

[sweetpeapoppy]

🎄 F1 Christmas Advent Calendar 🎄

Been a while since I’ve done this! But I’m feeling festive this year, so I wanted to write some quick little fics. The tag I’ll be using is ‘f1 cac 2022’.

Come drop me a message with the prompt and the ship you’d like! The assumption will be romance/Christmas fluff, but I am willing to fit in what you’d like.

So if you want friendship rather than romance then please say. Same goes if you want something more angsty. Or if you’d like your OT3 to be the focus.

Here are the prompts!

1. Sweet Melody

2. Hot Chocolate

3. Christmas Lights

4. Buying decorations

5. Ugly Sweaters

6. Decorating the Tree

7. Matching PJs

8. Cold Feet

9. Short Straw

10. Toy Shop

11. Honeymoon

12. Exchange

13. Caught in a snowstorm

14. Christmas Market

15. Family board game night

16. Mistletoe

17. First Snow

18. Office Party

19. Going Home

20. First Christmas

21. Delayed

22. Watching Movies

23. Staying Home

24. A&E

25. Christmas Dinner

[smugfacebitchell]

For @ballum-fic-wishes​ advent calendar 2019 - Day 20

This is yet another collab with the fantastic @dingletragedy​ <3 —

Winter is the rattling of the kettle, sugary tea and rich hot chocolates, marshmallow galore, sticky fingers held tight. Its heat, the heat of Callum’s mouth when they share kisses on their lunch break, waiting for their coffee orders, their own little bubble created whenever they’re near. It’s the park at night, all cool, damp leaves and made up constellations, lying on their backs to watch shooting stars flash, fingers dancing in the grass. It’s tacky red tinsel, decorations held close to the heart and days spent assembling that damn Christmas tree.

— The light is soft over Callum’s cheeks.l, they’re are still red with sleep, pillow creases adoring his face. But still, he looks like every dream Ben has ever had. That’s the first thing Ben comes to realise when he nudges the bedroom door open, so gentle that it stays blessedly silent from it’s usual creaking, so tentatively that Callum’s eyes don’t flicker open. The clock has just freaked over to eight am, sun rising up between the trees and pouring dappled, milky reflections through the window, splayed along the expanse of Callum’s back.

Ben clears his throat softly and meanders further into the room, their room. “Hey,” he whispers. The door closes behind him without a click. Callum shifts, eyes flicking open, almost translucent where the light hits, like pale, stained glass. There’s something so delicate about the way he blinks, lashes tangled together with sleep, his brows mused, hair sticking in every which way direction.

"Creep," Callum mumbles when he catches Ben watching him, turning over so he's more fully on his side, rubbing his cheek against his pillow. Ben doesn't reply, just keeps staring at him, until Callum props himself up on one elbow and offers him a small smile.

"Mornin’," Callum replies, his hoarse morning voice cracking over the word, and God, Ben really wishes they could spend the whole day in bed.

Callum’s eyelashes look the softest shade of brown, sweeping steady and slow as he blinks, lips cherry glaze. Here, Ben sees him in curves and gentle fingertips, a vulnerable haze to his tired eyes, so young-looking and innocent with his hair flat and soft smile on his face that pull at Ben’s heart in all the ways he wants it to be pulled.

“I missed you,” Ben says as he settles himself on the bed beside Callum, reaching a hand out to trace his fingers over Callum’s shoulder, and the flurry of fading freckles there. Light, prism, dispersion. His skin is warm.

Callum leans into his touch on instinct, and Ben can’t help the tiny sigh the escapes his lips; it’s everything. The comfort of touch, the whisper of his breath, the depths of his eyes as Callum glances up at him from under his wet lashes. Sunlight dances on one side of his face, pale strips of it that bring a white glow to his temple and the tip of his cheekbone. “You only look Lex to school, you big softie,” Callum mocks. “But, yeah— I missed you too, I suppose.”

“You know, you should try being a bit nicer to me?”

“Oh yeah?” Callum questions, “and whys that?”

“Just—Christmas ain’t it?” Ben answers, but it comes out as more of a whispered-choke. “It’s nice to be nice. I like Christmas, when I’ve got people to share all the magic with. People I love. Nice, ain’t it?”  

“Yeah. Yeah it is.”

“Speaking of,” Ben announces. “We’re gonna have to have a change of plan today, no lazy day for us I’m afraid.”

“Uh—what? Why?” Callum questions, not at all happy at the news.

“Lexi has threatened that if that Christmas tree ain’t up by the time she gets home from school then she’ll be calling social services. And we both know she ain’t the kind of girl to go back on her word.”

“Hm,” Callum says, head lolling onto his shoulder, eyebrow cocked up. “Remind you of someone?”

“Nope, no one at all,” Ben says, smirk pulling at his lips. The sky has almost cleared now, the gap in the curtain showing a bright white filling the sky, a tell-tale sign that snow is brewing. There’s still a fragile strip of burnt amber on the horizon, the last of the sunrise hanging around, too tired to let go completely. The glistening golds and fading pinks paint their room in shadows, yet despite all that, Callum is still the most beautiful view of all.

And then there’s few minutes of silence, of appreciation*, the kind that only comes with early mornings, before Ben decides now is probably the best time to do what he wants to do.

At Ben’s sudden movement, Callum shifts on his side, and focuses on Ben as he picks up a neatly wrapped box from under the bed. Callum frowns as he picks it up and turns it over, a simple Merry Early Christmas written on the tag, and a couple of kisses thrown in for good measure.

“This from you?” he questions, peering up at Ben through his lashes. Ben merely nods in reply, a sight blushing rising up his cheeks, suddenly feeling nervous, so unlike him. But this matters, it always does when it comes to Callum. “You didn’t have to get me anything—you shouldn’t have, Ben.” Ben shrugs, trying to keep that cool he’s so used to showing. “I wanted to,” he states simply, because really, that’s all there is to it.

When it comes to Callum, he wants. Always has. Always will. Callum doesn’t answer him, instead, he merely reaches down to unwrap the box, large hands enveloping it in one. He gets into the box then, pulls out the gift delicately, eyes shining in wonder, clearly surprised.

It’s a bauble; pristine cut with care and decision. But that’s not all it is, on one side are Callum’s initials, just a simple *C.H, yet engraved just as they are on Ben’s heart. And on the other is the year, *2019. The year that changed everything. “Ben—“ he starts, carefully opening the clear box the bauble arrived in, but is quickly interrupted. “It’s the same as all the others. Mine, Lexi’s, Lola’s, Jay’s, Bobby’s—everyone’s.” Ben ensures him. “We’ve all got one and I wanted you to have one too. Because—well, you’re part of this family too, you know? Whether you like it or not.”

“I do like it,” Callum answer immediately, mouth lifting, a tiny quirk as he pulls at the tape holding the box together. He looks up at Ben then, lashes dark and his eyes shining like galaxies. And that makes Ben’s heart jump, as he realises that no explanation of Callum’s eyes could ever be enough.

“Being part of this brilliant little family—and the bauble. I love it, Ben. Thank you so much,” he finishes, smile brighter than the winter sun. “You really shouldn’t have, Ben, but thank you. This is brilliant. You’re brilliant.” Bashfully, and with a hint of smugness, Ben looks down to his hands, cheeks most likely colouring a shade of red he’d be ashamed of, as he mumbles through a smile, “I know. You’re welcome.”

And yeah, he feels a little like he’s got fireworks trapped inside his chest, exploding into little shocks of happiness whenever Callum so much a slooks his way. It’s ridiculous, really.

Their lips brush then, but they’re still just breathing, just feeling the warm air settling around them, feeling the warmth of their limbs tangled together. There’s whispers shared between them, those kind that are only verbalised before the sun rises. Whispers of I can’t wait to spend every Christmas with you*, and We’re a proper family now*, and finally, when their mouths do meet, when Callum dips towards him and tucks Ben’s bottom lip between his own carefully, all is blessedly quiet.

And as the first sprinkle of snow drops from the sky outside, Ben decides that Callum’s kisses are like snowflakes; each one varying and unique, soft and delicate, melting away in an instant, yet seeping into his bones for an eternity.

[cupidford]

The 2017 Advent Calendar by sussexbound

Johnlock Love Letters

(AKA - JL3 Declarations of Love from fan fiction) #1152

[rason-rodd]

Ho, Ho, Ho ! Get Ready for Bat-Christmas! 

Probably one of my most ambitious projects ever. This is the Bat-Advent Calendar!

A small bat-treat is hidden behind each number. All of them Batfam and Christmas related of course. 

Comic Books Moments, Art, Headcanons, Incorrect Quotes, One shot fan fictions ... come everyday to see what each number has to reveal.

Christmas is Coming.

Love,

Cee 

[neyswxrld]

the swamp cactus

Gree x reader (gn)

summary: Buying a Christmas tree with Gree!

warnings:  none

word count: ~600

advent calendar masterlist

a/n: this is the fourteenth fic for my advent calendar!

"What about this one?" Gree asks, pointing at another pretty tree.

"Hm, I don't know," you say, looking at it skeptically.

"Why not? It's pretty, the branches are well-proportioned, and it has a rich green," he says, and you nod. It really is a pretty tree.

"Yeah, you're right... But what about that one?" you ask him, pointing at another one next to it. It's small and... Well, it's small. The needles are very pointed, and it reminds you more of a cactus than a Christmas tree, and the green color makes you think of a swamp. All in all, the tree is ugly. Simply said.

Gree looks at you with a raised eyebrow.

"I thought you wanted the prettiest Christmas tree this year," he says, reminding you of your own words.

"Yeah, I know... But look at all those beautiful trees," you start to explain, and Gree nods as he's looking around.

"All of those trees are going to be bought sooner or later. They're going to find a happy family. Only this little one is going to stay here alone, because it's ugly. And then, after Christmas, it's going to be fire wood and it fell for nothing," you explain, looking up to Gree and squeezing his hand a little bit.

"Well, if you see it that way, every tree fell for nothing. They're standing in living rooms, making a nice decoration, and after that, they still end up as firewood. Besides, that tree looks like a swamp cactus," he more or less explains to you, saying aloud what you've been thinking only seconds ago.

"Yeah, I know, but... But I want the ugly one. It is going to be alone on Christmas," you almost whisper, a little bit embarrassed by your own thinking process. It's just a tree, you're not adopting a pet. You know that. But still...

"So you want to buy the ugliest tree because you have pity?" he tries to understand you, looking a bit confused.

"Yes?" you ask more than say, making some puppy eyes in his direction.

Shaking his head, he sighs before saying, "Okay. If this is what you want."

Almost excited, you nod, trying to grab the tree and take it with you. It's a little unwieldy, but you're happy that Gree decides to help you.

Together, you carry the swamp tree to your home, placing it in a tree stand and waiting for its branches to spread out the whole way.

A few days later, the two of you start to decorate the tree.

First, you put on some fairy lights, followed by red and golden baubles and some other shiny things. The needles pick at your skin more often than not.

Last but not least, it's only the star on top that has to be put on.

Normally, you would take out a ladder, but the tree is small enough that Gree should be able to put it on top without any problems.

Gree thinks otherwise and carefully grabs you by the hips. Squeaking, you grab his hands as tightly as you can, scared of falling down. "Oh!" you call out, startled by his actions.

"What, you don't trust me?" he asks, a bit comically, grabbing you a little bit tighter.

"Of course I trust you," you assure him, slowly letting go of his hands and taking the star. Carefully, you place it on top.

When he puts you down again, you two stand in front of the tree, looking at it skeptically.

"I mean, the baubles don't make it worse," you say, and Gree agrees.

"What an ugly Christmas tree."

TAGLIST:

@isthereanechoinhere96 @trixie2023 @freesia-writes

[cinemaocd]

Appreciation post: Idlesuperstar

This is an @idlesuperstar appreciation post. If you have not checked out Idlesuperstar and you follow me, please do so now and show her some love. She is an epic gif-maker, excellent commentator on film, smashing fic writer, expert on British film, genius fangirl and my best friend on this hellsite and in life in general.

Also she makes her living through sewing, so check out her store as well!

She was recently diagnosed with Covid-19 and is recovering, but she has been through hell. I wanted to make something to cheer her up and I think the best thing I can do is signal boost her blog.

Here is a very short list of some of my favorite Idlesuperstar Tumblr Things

RLT: Roger Livesey Thursday...different stars get different days. We used to be more efficient in actually posting content but we sorta ran out. Here is one of my favorite RLT posts....

My Wonky Scans: Apart from being a stellar gif-maker, writer etc, Idlesuperstar is a collector of film ephemera which she often scans and presents to the world.

Advent Calendars: Many years around Christmas Idlesuperstar posts a gif set every day on a theme (otps, favorite dead not American actors...). Who else does this? It’s so much work and the results are FUCKING brilliant. The most amazing part is that OP often travels at Christmas so she gets this done ahead of time.

Birthday Gifsets: OK, lots of people do birthdays but Idlesuperstar’s birthday gifsets usually have gifs from as many films as possible, are painstakingly created to be as impactful and tidy as possible and usually have salient quotes about the birthday person. The sheer amount of labor that goes into these things boggles my little mind.

AQ Wednesday: Anthony Quayle Wednesday. Idlesuperstar doesn’t even care about Anthony Quayle, but she knew I was OBSESSED with him so she made a series of amazing gifs just for me on Wednesdays because that was always my shittiest day at work. What kind of amazing friend even does that???? Idlesuperstar, that’s who!

Baby Jay Many of the things we love mutually were obsessions planted before we knew one another, but we both became obsessed with Michael Jayston around the same time for slightly different reasons, I think. Anyway, it’s been a joy uncovering Jayston things together. Last year at Christmas she gave me one of my most treasured possessions, an autographed photo of Jay that she personally got signed for me.

Photography: It’s not enough to be brilliant at like five other things, but Idlesuperstar also takes wonderful photos. She travels a lot so I get to live vicariously through her lovely adventures, which often involve classic film.

Fantasy casting: Modern actors in The Looking Glass War (an oft overlooked gem of a John LeCarre novel), Classic Warner Brothers actors in Raiders of the Lost Ark. I love these because they were often the product of a chat or film date. It’s one thing to say, “what if” another to go out and find the gifs and then put it together.

F is for Fake: Film scholarship meets completely bonkers obsessive fandom. A gifset and mini essay about Orson Welles prosthetic noses in every one of his films. Again...WHO DOES THIS???? This series alone should earn Idlesuperstar absolute “lege” status on tumblr.

Fanfiction: For those of you who are perhaps new here, the first fan fiction I ever wrote for tumblr was a lengthy co-authorship with Idlesuperstar on the series “The Life and Death of Sugar Candy.” Idlesuperstar really did so much of the heavy lifting in that. She wrote all of the Clive pieces, a great deal of the Theo pieces, made the mood boards, posted the fics on AO3 and at one point wrote postcards with different handwriting so that we could have a sort of meta new media look at our OTP. Oh she did the postcard thing TWICE!!!  It was fucking YEARS of work. Oh also as an editor she is stellar and as a co-author she always turns in work that is like 99% done. She has spoiled me for working with anyone else. Sometimes, I think “did we really spend like five years of our lives working on a fic series about the interior lives of characters from a decades old movie that like six people will read?” and then I remember, yes, yes we did that. She has also written Spooks fic and John LeCarre fic and probably other stuff I’m forgetting...

[inevitably-johnlocked]

CHRISTMAS FICS 2019 Pt. 2

(PART 1: Bookmarked Fics HERE)

Happy holidays everyone!! Here’s the promised Part 2 list for y’all!!! This one is all the fics I have RECORDED (not necessarily all the fic I have) on my To Read list (which I only started recently so I wouldn’t have to keep copy-pasting stuff from old Tumblr posts), and I would LOVE for y’all to add your own winter holiday themed fic recs onto this list if it’s not already here!! <3 This is the community gift to the community, and the more fics the better! Any holiday / observance welcome!! <3

Happy holidays, guys!! I hope these two lists help get you into the holiday spirit!! <3

--------

MARKED FOR LATER FICS

A Study in Pink Pyjamas by alexxphoenix42 (M, 1,628 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Est. Rel., Pink Pyjamas, Fluff, Cross-Dressing) – Sherlock hasn't been a fan of either Christmas or fancy pyjamas for a number of years, but John has a way of changing his mind about things.

Santa Knows by Itsallfine (T, 1,719 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas Party, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Fluff) – Sherlock and John both get exactly what they want from the Yard's secret Santa exchange. Pure holiday fluff.

He's an Angry Elf by Ewebie (T, 2,168 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Crack, Frosty, The Gingerbread Man) – Sherlock as a bad mall Santa and John as an elf... I make no apologies for this.

Santa Claus Is Going To Town by stravaganza (E, 2,253 w., 1 Ch. || Santa!John / Elf!Sherlock Costumes, Rimming, Rutting, Frottage, Hand Jobs, Oral Sex, Blowjobs, Sex in Costumes, PWP, Humour/Crack, Christmas) – herlock and John are invited to a Christmas party at the Yard. In costume! Sounds legit, right? Riiiight...

Impossible Things by A_Candle_For_Sherlock (G, 2,413 w., 1 Ch. || Est. Rel., Marriage Proposal, Christmas, Fluff) – He'd promised himself he'd do it before Christmas, because otherwise Mummy WILL ask, probably in front of John.

John Likes Christmas by Arcwin (G, 2,638 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Fluff, Kid Sherlock / John, First Kiss, Friends to Lovers, Nostalgia, Sherlock Holmes POV) – John likes Christmas. I fail to see why. This is where we find ourselves on this dreary, December evening in 221B. “Sherlock, but, it’s Christmas!” I sigh. “And what does that have to do with anything?”

The Biscuits May Look Terrible But At Least We’re Satisfied (E, 2,745 w., 1 Ch. ||  Established Relationship, Idiots in Love, Christmas, Fluff & Smut, Christmas Cookies, Jealous Sherlock, Hand Jobs, Blow Jobs, Voice Kink, Dirty Talk) – The whole baking craze had started two days ago when Sherlock had casually mentioned that he hadn’t eaten his mother’s famous homemade Christmas cookies in years. Ordinarily such a comment wouldn’t have stuck with John, he knew Sherlock wasn’t close to his parents, but the touch of wistfulness in Sherlock’s voice had John calling Mrs. Holmes as soon as Sherlock was in the shower. An attempt at a Christmas surprise and a flirtatious client all lead to some loving Christmas smut.

The Case of the Frog Murder and the Disembodied Dog's Head by a_different_equation (T, 2,794 w., 1 Ch. || ACD Canon || Victorian, Period-Typical Homophobia, Christmas, Est. Rel., Hound of Baskervilles, Love Confessions, Angst with Happy Ending, Romance, Fluff and Humour, Miscommunication) – The true story behind the Baskerville case, and its strange and rather queer conclusion via Christmas Cards.

The Old Town by a_different_equation (T, 3,573 w., 1 Ch. || Hans Christian Anderson Fusion || Magical Realism, Christmas, Fairy Tale Elements, Love Stories, Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Museums, Sweet Sherlock) – Once upon a time there were two boys. This is the story how once upon December, they found the missing Christmas Spirit, true love and new beginnings. A Queer fairytale for all seasons.

New Memories by WhouffleLover24 (T, 4,072 w, 1 Ch. || Christmas, Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Holidays) – “We all have memories. This is so you can capture new ones.”

i read your book, you magnificent bastard by a_different_equation (M, 4,145 w., 1 Ch. || Writer Sherlock AU || Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Alternate First Meeting, Epistolary, Love at First Sight, Romantic Comedy, Metafiction, Falling in Love, Sherlock Wears Glasses, Gay John, Matchmaker Mike, Storytelling, Christmas) – In which John Watson, recently returned from the war, buys a book in Mike Stamford's bookshop and Sherlock Holmes is a famous, openly gay, crime fiction writer whose hero is in need of a partner. Part 1 of the Magnificent Bastard!AU series

Knit Two Together by shinychimera (G, 4,726 w., 2 Ch. || Platonics/Friendship, Best Friends, Knitting, Christmas) – Sherlock Holmes can master any skill to which he sets his mind -- why should knitting a jumper for his best friend be any different?

Oh, Holy Night by sussexbound (E, 5,311 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Smut, Hand Jobs, Kissing, Fluff) – Sherlock manoeuvres them towards the bedroom and then lowers John carefully onto the bed. “Take off your shirt and trousers. We should wash the shirt, just to be on the safe side with the poison, and you’ll want the ice directly on the bruise, I assume.” John winces and rolls onto his uninjured side. “You just want me to get my kit off.” “Mmm, well it is Christmas Eve, and I have been a very good boy this year.” John’s eyes widen a little, as a smile teases the corner of his mouth. “True.” Part 6 of Home is Not a Place

Winter Ficlets by 221b_careful_what_you_wish_for (M, 6,239 w., 11 Ch. || Christmas, Fluff & Smut, Jealous John, First Kiss / Time, Marriage Proposal, BJ’s, Suit Porn, Domestic Fluff, Cuddling, Snowball Fight, Winter, Sherlock Cooking, Bed Sharing) – A collection of winter and holiday stand-alone ficlets.

It's Cold Outside by Salambo06 (E, 7,357 w., 1 Ch. || Mutual Pining, Cuddling, Snuggling, Frottage, First Kiss / Time, Bed Sharing, Miscommunications, Love Confessions) – John and Sherlock, Christmas night, the heat broke, add some shared body heat and (not so) accidental erections mixed with some miscommunication and awkwardness and, you guessed it, they’re sharing a bed.

if you like him so much then why don't you marry him by zigostia (T, 7,750 w., 1 Ch. || Teenlock, Oblivious John, Christmas) – Am I going to regret this? SH Not one bit. JW I’m going to regret this. SH

You Don't Need Wings to Fly by Laiquilasse (T, 11,326 w., 11 Ch. || Wonderful Life AU || Bullying, Angels, Suicidal Ideation, Christmas) – John, an angel, is sent from Heaven to help a desperate Sherlock Holmes by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.

2017 by 7PercentSolution, J_Baillier (T, 11,466 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Case Fic, Est. Rel., Angst, Mental Health Issues, Autism, Anxiety, Family) – Sherlock takes on a case that raises unexpected challenges, both professional and personal. Memories of times before John complicate matters. Part 9 of On Pins And Needles

Five Christmases that went wrong and one that didn't by love_in_mind_palace (M, 11,685 w., 6 Ch. || Christmas, Fluff & Smut, Domestics, Est. Rel., 5 and 1′s, Canon Divergence, Tooth-Rotting Fluff) – John isn’t sure about most of the things in his life. Except for the fact that he loves Sherlock, Sherlock loves him back and that after years of bad luck, he is getting the Christmas he always deserved.

Snowed In by Salambo06, WhatIfIAmInsane (E, 15,687 w., 5 Ch. || Christmas, Smut, Unilock, Alternate First Meeting, Anal, Bottomlock, Army!John, BJ’s) – Sherlock had everything planned out for months now. Today he would finally put an end to this case. Even if that meant keeping an eye on his suspect in a crowded, german airport on Christmas Eve. The same crowded airport John was waiting in for his final flight back home from his first deployment to Afghanistan, not at all thrilled by the prospect of spending Christmas with his possibly drunk sister. Although the airport was stuffed to the brim with holiday travelers and tacky decorations, he was enjoying his time alone, mostly. But then, snow began to fall.

Wonderful, Etcetera. by VictoryCandescence (T, 16,955 w., 3 Ch. || Wonderful Life AU || Alternate Timelines, Brotherhood, Homophobia, Suicidal Ideations, Mentions of Drug Use, Friendship) – Sherlock thinks everyone would be better off if he had never existed, including and especially himself. When he finds himself in a world in which his wish has been granted, he begins to think perhaps even he could be wrong – but it takes an unlikely chaperone to make him not only observe, but understand.

On the Table (Eventually John Watson's Favorite Christmas Story) by emmagrant01, numberthescars (E, 18,135 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF, Mild Angst, Fluff, Masturbation, Anal, Rimming, First Kiss / Time, Romance, Christmas) – Set after TRF. Someone's leaving John strange little gifts in the weeks before Christmas. But who could it be?

All I Want For Christmas by Mssmithlove (E, 19,508 w., 1 Ch. || Unilock, Mystrade, Christmas, Holmes Family, Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Pining) – Taking Sherlock's platonic university flatmate home with him for Christmas can be a tricky business. Especially when he wishes their relationship wasn't platonic at all. Part 18 of Happiness Awaits

Home for Christmas by SilentAuror (E, 19,499 w., 1 Ch. || S4 Fix It / Post S4, Doctor John, Christmas, Glasses, Domestic, First Time, Slow Burn, Rosie) – It's been eleven months since Eurus Holmes happened, and just one since John and Rosie moved back into Baker Street at last. With Christmas just around the corner, both Sherlock and John are slightly baffled when Mrs Hudson decides to give them a slow cooker as a "house-warming present"...

Advent Calendar 2017 by Hotaru_Tomoe (E,  41,952 w., 25 Ch. || Not S4 Compliant, Fluff, Humour, Smut, Light Angst, First Kiss/Time, Est. Rel., Hurt/Comfort, Spanking, Christmas Party, Lingerie, Various Universes, Advent Calendar Fic) – My Advent Calendar, 25 one shots from 1st to 25th December, Christmas-ish themed.  Each story has its own rating. Part 23 of The English job

In Bed by Ellipsical (E, 46,922 w., 12 Ch. || Autofellatio, Vibrators, Rimming, Blow Jobs, Coming Out, Liminal Identities, Christmas, Sex Toys, Sexual Fantasy, Fingering, Jealous John, Therapy, Flirting, Texting, Fluff, Sherlock’s Violin, Anal, Est. Rel., Semi-Public Sex, Harry Watson, Communication, Coming in Pants, Spitroasting, Double Penetration, Dirty Talk, Internalized Homophobia, Self-Acceptance, Happy Ending, PTSD John, Coping Mechanisms, Angst, Hurt/Comfort) – It’s almost Christmas, John thinks, and this, this is bullshit. The epilogue to Guilty Secrets. Part 2 of Guilty Secrets

Raison d'être by AmphigoricSymphony and DemonicSymphony (M, 148,721 w., 21 Ch. || S3 Compliant, Sick Fic, Sherlock Whump, Protective John, Major Injury/Illness, Mentions of Past Torture, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Manipulation) – The missing months of His Last Vow, starting from Sherlock dropping in John's arms at 221B and carrying through the months of Hospital he endured. This is a study in emotional and physical trauma, striving to stick as close to the canon plot as possible. At Christmas Dinner, Mycroft asks why they are even celebrating. His mother's answer, 'Sherlock is home from hospital,' leads us to believe Sherlock was in hospital the majority of the time frame of his fall from shock at Baker Street, to nearly Christmas itself. We have no explanation for what John was doing all that time, so this is an effort to fill the gap. Part 2 of the Word Play series, Part 1 of the Reason and Ashes series

Extricate—An Ex Files Special by 7PercentSolution (E, 231,432 w., 41 Ch. || Not Johnlock, Sherlock/Victor Trevor, Unilock, Multiple POV’s, Drug Use, Classical Music, Chemistry, Slow Burn, Serious Injuries, Autism Spectrum, Bullying, Rugby, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Sherlock Whump, Friends to Lovers, Protective Mycroft, Psychological Trauma, Christmas, Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms, Sherlock’s Violin, Sulking, Late Nights, Sexual Identity, Social Awkwardness, Suicide, Homophobia, Clubbing, Big Brother Mycroft) –  When Sherlock met Victor, and what happened next. A backstory that explains why caring truly may not be an advantage. This follows ACD canon and ignores BBC season 4, allowing the two of them to meet while at University.

MFL WIPs

First Christmas by PipMer (T, 4,199+ w., 19/31 Ch. || WIP || Est. Rel., Friendship, Fluff, Humour) – It's Sherlock and John's first Christmas together as a couple. Written as an interconnected set of 221b's for the Sherlock December Ficlet Challenge.

John Watson's Twelve Days of Hiccups by ChrisCalledMeSweetie (E, 8,394+w., 11/12 Ch. || WiP || Hiccups, Experimental Cures, Digital Rectal Massage, Orgasm as a Cure for Hiccups, First Time, Humour, Crack, Friends to Lovers, Christmas) – For John Watson, being afflicted with an intractable case of hiccups was a source of intense irritation. For Sherlock Holmes — his mad scientist of a flatmate — it was a golden opportunity for experimentation.

Your Many Tendencies Series by apliddell (T, 52,222+ w. across 5 works || WiP || Femlock, POC Characters, Enby Character, Sherlock’s Violin, YouTuber John, UST, Mutual Pining, Misunderstandings, Slow Burn, Domesticity, Fluff, Recreational Drug Use, Friends to Lovers, Sherlock’s Past, First Kiss, Love Confessions, John’s Family, Christmas, Anxious Sherlock, Hurt / Comfort, Institutional Racism) – John Watson returns to London after a long absence, somewhat the worse for wear. She meets Sherlock Holmes, and starts feeling excited about life again.

"Merry Christmas" I wrapped it up and sent it with a note saying "I love you" by starrysummernights (E, 135,132+ w., 30/31 Ch. || WIP, chapter missing? || Post S4, Slow Burn, Mary is Not Nice, Christmas, Fluff, Smut, Angst, Parentlock, Past Torture / Rape) – John has moved back into 221B with his daughter Rosie after Mary was killed, but things are not exactly comfortable between him and Sherlock. After everything that has happened, they are trying to become friends again...and maybe something more. What better time than the Christmas season?! Takes place after TLD.

The Good Morrow Series by greywash (E, 216,513 +w. across 5 works || WiP || Post-TRF Divergence, Horny John, Smut, Feelings, Negotiations, Christmas/Advent, Sherlock is a Mess, Relationships, Addiction Issues, PTSD, Therapy, Injury, Aging, Loneliness, Marriage, Family, Friendship, POV Second Person, Travel, Character Studies) – A post-S2 series where everyone has a lot of feels about everything and plausibility is stretched unto breaking. Also: fucking.

------

AGAIN, PLEASE suggest your own or your favourite holiday fics!! The more, the merrier!!! <3

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter - Sunday, December 13th

Giles: “Oh – as usual – dear.”

~~Doomed~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

advent calendar of porn / kinktober in july (Buffy/Spike, E) by lovelyorbent

It's a Wrap (DW crossover, Buffy, T) by spikesgirl58

nature and all of its grand, beautiful forces (Xander, Willow, & Buffy, G) by kickedshins

Walking Shadows (Multiple crossovers, Oz, T) by Gryphonrhi

The Next Slayer (Buffy/Spike, T) by halfbloodjames

Weird, Weird Night (Andrew/Xander, E) by RunSquidling

Miles Apart (Buffy & Willow, G) by littleotter73

A limerick for Harmony in "Pangs" (T) by thenewbuzwuzz

Rock Solid (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by Passion4Spike

Once in a Lifetime (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by bewildered

A Thrill of Hope (the weary world rejoices) (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by kats_meow

Deadman running (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by Tennsters

[Chaptered Fiction]

The Five by Five Job Chapter 2 (Leverage crossover, T) by gnar-slabdash (spaceboy)

Debrief Chapter 1 (Buffy/Spike, G) by Scattyuk

The path to redemption Chapter 3 (Tara/Willow, T) by Aragorn_II_Elessar

Cherub Chapter 10 (Angel, G) by NAOA

Tale as Old as Time Chapter 2 (Cordelia/Doyle, G) by myheadsgonenumb

What You Do Afterwards: Season Two Chapter 44 (Cordelia/Doyle, G) by myheadsgonenumb

My Dark Disquiet Chapter 3 (Tara/Willow, T) by Rutkowski

A Minor Intervention Chapter 7 (HP crossover, Buffy, E) by PseudoLeigha

Hypnopompia Chapter 9 (Faith/Buffy, E) by aliceinwonderbra

Immortal Memory Chapter 7 (Highlander crossover, T) by Vidicon666

Night Shift Chapter 1 (X-Men crossover, Spike/Remy, E) by remylebae

A Perfect Gentleman Chapter 18 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Whiskyandtobacco

Invasion U.S.A. Chapter 5 (HP crossover, Buffy, G) by Buffyworldbuilder

When Spike Knew Chapter 6 (Buffy/Spike, T) by violettathepiratequeen

My Dark Disquiet Chapter 3 (Tara/Willow, T) by Rutkowski

Souls Unbound Chapter 24 (Buffy/Spike, Adult) by Touchstoneaf

Lovers and Lies Complete (Buffy/Spike, R) by Lilachigh

Flesh and blood Complete (Buffy/Spike, R) by Tennsters

Have a Very Spuffy Christmas! Chapter 13 (Buffy/Spike, PG13) by Puppet

Strange Land Chapter 5 (Buffy/Spike, 13+) by Zab Jade

Death Is Buffy's Next Great Adventure Chapter 16 (HP crossover, Buffy, FR15) by Sharie

It Devours Chapter 4 (Marvel crossover, FR7) by lateVMlover

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork: Faith doodles by space-sheep08

Artwork: ripper giles smoking a cig by layersoftweed

Artwork: Tara, Willow, & Dawn by theslayervest

[Reviews & Recaps]

The body first watch by Miriaaaam

Thoughts on a Buffy rewatch: Conclusion of the third season and the transition to the fourth by Overlord1317

[Community Announcements]

December Writing Party Week at West of the Storm

[Fandom Discussions]

Graduation Day Conversations by nightshade

Hands in "Chosen" by Moggin

Willow and the Winter Soltice by Moggin

Was Glory right about the world? by fauxindigo

Where Have You Found BtVS/AtS Collectibles? by IndianaSolo221

Fangs don't fail me now by BtVS fan

Thoughts on the Buffy vs Anya scene? by TypicalPsychology6

Watching S2 E19 "Dead End" and grabbed screenshots of Nathan Reed's Wolfram and Hart inbox and projects screen. Never read through these before by t3ra8y73

Anne by EBeewtf

How Buffy IMDb Episode Ratings Changed In Six Years by khstan

Cavemen vs Astronauts by Grebnesorwolliw

Happy Days and Buffy the Vampire Slayer share a similar arc by barre_chord_reality

Cordelia’s Ghost Phantom Dennis by greenlightroses

Did anyone ever think about how awesome a Groosalugg spin-off could have been? by ProfBlossom

Given that era William/Spike was from, I wouldn't be surprised if one of the reasons he disliked Angel by nonoman12

i actually really like the season 8-12 comics by irlharvey

Am I alone in the fact that I really never “stop” watching this show? Even outside of full rewatches by LunchThreatener

I did some Slayer fan art. Which slayer is your favourite. by louisejanecreations

What do you think would happen if the whole First Evil apocalypse had happened with the slayer befor by TypicalPsychology6

Tabula Rasa is great, just reached this episode by GuitarTest

The spirit of scientific inquiry by sarahwatchesthings

How btvs characters would celebrate Christmas with a s/o by prose-for-hire

Aro Anya Agenda by all-seeing-ifer

peak representation of buffy’s depression by roostercrowedatmidnight

Rewatching BTVS season 3 with my ship goggles by space-sheep08

Buffy and Angel in BtVS S6 and Ats S3 by amazighbuffy

Living with Willow, Fred, and Darla Headcanons by council-of-readers

Cordelia by kingofsilverandgold

In the Freshman, when Buffy experiences a setback by amazighbuffy

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[hazzabeeforlou]

25 Days of Ficmas

Dec 1

As some of you know, I usually try to do advent calendar drabbles in December, but this year I had a bit of inspiration. I ran into this girl in the library (sci-fi section) and we got to talking, and she revealed she’d grown so tired of the ‘same old same old’ books, so I in all my awkwardness suggested smutty One Direction fan fiction. Henceforth I’ve sent her everything I’ve ever read and asked her to sit down with me this holiday season and reveal her 25 favorites, the fics that have touched her heart and stayed with her. Please enjoy. 

Let Our Hearts Collide by @crinkle-eyed-boo

I meet Vanessa in a cafe downtown, a small walk from the library. Twinkle lights hang from the trees and climb along the brick buildings like fluorescent ivy. It’s typical small town Christmas decor, but it still feels magical.

“You mind if we sit outside?” Vanessa pulls out a cigarette, and though I can’t stand smoking I acquiesce. She looks paler than usual out here in the cloudy daylight, her lips stained red, shiny as pulled candy, the kind you reduce to glass before letting it set. She perches on the edge of her chair, postured to the point of oddity. “Let’s start then.” Vanessa pulls out a pristine paper from her handbag. “The one you cried over.” I remind her that this is about her favorite fics not mine. “Well, yes but that’s a benchmark isn’t it, because you just don’t cry.”

Seeming to notice me observing her stillness, Vanessa crosses her legs and starts twirling a strand of hair. “I hate rom coms. Always have. They’re just a quick fix for those addicted to hoping, and when you’ve been around long enough... well.” She takes a drag. “I should have known better than to let this get to me.”

I can’t help but grin. “So it got to you, huh?”

“Ug, Toni.” Vanessa rolls her eyes. “Reading it felt like I had a family again.” Before I can question what she means by this she continues. “Harry’s awkward lying, his noble deceit, his loneliness. It poured off the page and drenched me in feelings. Awful things, feelings,” she hurriedly adds, but her mouth has softened. “There’s some lovely innuedos, and I quite liked Liam’s missing ball. That’s very Christmassy, that. Balls. You know, because—“ she motions to the large spherical objects hanging from the light-adorned tree beside us.

“You know,” she continues, “Every time Harry was going to tell Louis’ family the truth I found myself hoping he wouldn’t. Like if he just marinated in them one more moment he’d truly belong. When they bought him the pajamas? When Louis walked him to his apartment? The fucking ice? Toni, I’m telling you,” she shakes her head as if repremanding herself. “Is that sappy? Have I turned sappy? Fuck.” Vanessa throws a miserable look my way. “And you know what the worst thing is? I didn’t want it to end. It was like not only Harry found a home, but I did too. Made my c—bed seem cold and lonely by comparison.”

“So you do like rom coms then,” I tease, badly hiding my smirk.

Vanessa stubs out her cigarette and sighs. “Don’t tell anyone, but I might go back and read my favorite bits over again when I get... you know. When I need to. You understand.”

And indeed, I do▪️

[thejokersenigma]

Christmas Fan Fiction Advent Calendar 2017 - Day 23 - Joker x Reader - Deadly Voice Christmas Edition

Ok, kids! This is my second to last advent calendar fan fiction! Thats right, tomorrow will be my last one! As a ‘treat’ I’ve decided to throw back to my Deadly Voice Series - this is kind of a Christmassy epilogue of about 6ish months later - though tbh you can read it as a oneshot without too much trouble!

I apologise if they are a bit of out character - I havent written deadly voice in a long time, and it’s currently 1am!

Hope you Enjoy and I’ll see you tomorrow for the last one which you should be able to work out! (Happy Christmas Eve Eve - for those that celebrate Christmas, if not - happy eve?)

MASTERLIST

This was my first Christmas with J. I’d been with him for nearly 6 months now and I still couldn’t quite believe it. My club was thriving like it always had – and even more now thanks to a few odd inputs from J. I didn’t do everything he said – I didn’t want to give him that much power – but some of them were too good for me to turn down.

Our relationship was thriving too. There were a few odd things that J would do that reminded me that he was still the Joker – the insane criminal escapee from Arkham Asylum - but most of the time he treated me like the princess he often called me. I never knew how much I had wanted it till now – I couldn’t imagine not having J around - as hard as it had been to accept that he could possibly like me in the first place – that he could possibly be capable of love.

Because that’s what I was sure it was now – love. He had never said it to me, but I knew I loved him and I kinda hoped he loved me back – and I figured he did – he just wasn’t one to say it.

Something he didn’t seem to love though, was Christmas. Which was understandable – he was a crime lord and a gangster – loving Christmas didn’t really go with that package -  but it did disappoint me just because I adored the festive season.

I didn’t complain though – he had the right to hate the holiday if he wanted to, and I didn’t push him to do anything he didn’t want to – so we compromised, he’d refused to go out and do anything Christmassy, but he’d happily let me snuggle into his chest whilst we watch Christmas movies, and he even helped me decorate the club – after hours when it was empty, of course.

J had one rule for the decorating though. He was allowed as much mistletoe as he deemed fit and was allowed to decide where it went around the club and mansion. I didn’t have any problem with this – though it certainly was distracting to keep finding J’s lips on mine – a distraction I didn’t mind, but it never finished with only a kiss and it sure did waste a lot of my time.

 “Doll…” J drawled in greeting stepping into my office where I sat writing Christmas cards for the staff.

“J…” I mimicked him, glancing up and seeing him prowl towards me. I glanced around – there wasn’t any mistletoe around that I had missed, was there? - I thought I’d made sure there wasn’t any in here. “What…?” I asked warily at the way he was looking at me.

“Oh, nothing, doll…” He purred, perching on the side of my desk and watching me.

This was disconcerting, and I put my pen down, properly facing him. “What do you want, J?” I asked in exasperation at his allusiveness.

He looked around in fake shock, his hand to his red lips. “Can’t a guy just pay his girl a visit at her work, doll?” he asked innocently.

“He can.” I enthused, “But, he usually doesn’t unless he wants something.” I pointed out.

He dropped his charade, now a bored expression on his face. “Alright, princess, you got me.” He surrendered. “We’re going out.” There was no question of if I wanted to, if I had time, if I could leave my work - it was just we were going out.

“Right now?” I asked in surprise.

He shot me a look which clearly said why-would-you-even-ask-that. I rolled my eyes at him. “J, I’m working.” I said, gesturing to cards laid out before me.

He growled, “I’d hardly call that work, doll….” I sighed loudly at his behaviour. As much as I loved his spontaneity, it did get in the way of my work sometimes.

“J, I can’t, I’ve got so much-“

“I’m asking nicely, doll.” He growled, and I stopped. He wasn’t going to play his big bad criminal card, was he? Ridiculous. He did this – depending on his mood - one minute he’d be professing how’d he never hurt me, the next he’d be threatening me if I didn’t do what he wanted. The problem was I still wasn’t wholly sure which side to believe.

I had found a way around this out of pure experimentation, though. I stood up smoothly from my chair and moving around the desk, and stepped behind him, leaning into his back and wrapping my arms over his shoulders and round his necks, pulling him back into me and resting my cheek against his. “Better?” I asked.

He grumbled something but gave a slight nod against my skin. I turned my head and kissed his cheek, but he wasn’t letting me off that easy and turned his head, meeting my lips with his. It didn’t take long for me to get lost in his taste and the movement of his mouth on mine. My last coherent though was whether I was sure there was no mistletoe in the room.

Eventually I pulled away for air and he was smiling sinfully at my flushed face.

“Ok, what do you really want?” I panted, my arms still around his shoulders.

“Like I said, kitten…” He purred, “I want us to go out…Although…” He tapped his chin thoughtfully and leant towards me again, his face inches from my, though this time he made sure his lips didn’t quite touch mine, “Now we’ve started… I wouldn’t mind staying in…” He growled seductively, his breath brushing against my lips and I licked them self-consciously.

“Uh, uh!” I said, coming back to myself and pulling away. “Nope. Not going to happen. You don’t get a reward for being an ass.”

“So, we’re calling it a reward now are we, doll…?” He grinned devilishly. “And just who’s reward would it be?” He asked with a sly look, “Because I’m pretty sure you enjoy it too, princess…”

I could feel myself blush. “That’s not my point.” I said quickly. “Why do you want to go out so badly anyway?” I asked trying to change the subject.

The Joker eyed me for a moment, knowing what I was trying to do, but let it slide anyway. “Because, doll, all this Christmas cheer is slowly driving me insane.” He growled.

I opened my mouth to comment on his general insanity anyway, but he shot me glare that told he knew what I was going to say, and I shouldn’t. I bit my lip to stop myself laughing.

He raised an eyebrow at me, unimpressed – though I knew he didn’t really mean it. I swallowed my humour. “So, you think going out is going to do something about all this ‘suffocating’ Christmas cheer?” I asked disbelievingly.

He suddenly gave me a wide grin as though I had asked exactly the right question. “No, doll… I think causing some trouble is…” He beamed.

Uh oh. Ever since the whole Penguin incidence all those months ago, J had rarely invited me to any of his ‘trouble making sessions’ as I often referred to them. I generally ignored it when he vanished for the night as long as he was there in the morning. I did find myself worrying if he’d come back this time, or if he was getting injured, but I’d tried not to think about what he was doing. That was him and his life and there was nothing I could do to change it.

But I didn’t participate. I’d made it a rule. We’d cause trouble sometimes – low key trouble – but I’d never go as far as a heist or anything that far outside of the law. It was hard to be good around J, he just brought out the rebellious side of you.

I pulled away from his back and swung around to face him, my arms still wrapped around his neck. “Really?” I asked, unenthusiastically, “At Christmas?”

“That’s the whole reason I want to do it, doll.”

I looked at him, really not sure about this. “Can’t you just go cause trouble on your own?” I asked, desperately.

He stood up, my arms still hung around him. “Now, doll…” He said seriously, putting his hands on my hips and pulling me closer. He bent his head, trailing his lips along my jaw, then brushing them lightly against my lips, “What fun would that be, hmm?” He breathed against my mouth. I had closed my eyes at the sensation, but I forced them open again now to try to bring myself back to Earth.

I released my arms from around his neck and stepped back, though he kept a firm hold on my hips. “What is this going to entail?” I asked suspiciously, feeling my resolve crumbling.

He grinned at me, “I was just going to roll with it.” He said with a shrug.

I’m still not sure how we ended up in the giant toy store, but here we were. I had no idea what J planned – despite what he about rolling with, I was almost certain he had some idea why we were here – but he dragged me after him into the huge department-store-sized toy-shop, causing a few people to scream and make a run for the exit behind us.

I tried to tell him before we left that he ought to disguise himself as he had insisted on doing this in the middle of the day, but he had outright refused, “Come on, kitten, now that wouldn’t be any fun!” He had grinned at my attempt of logic. That was always his response when I tried to talk sense into any of his plans – ‘Where was the fun in it?’ Personally, I wasn’t looking at the fun side of it, I was looking at the practical, try-not-to-get-caught, side of it.

But now as people screamed and shouted as they ran past us I couldn’t help thinking this was all going to end in disaster – J might know his capabilities to escape, but did he know how much I was going to weigh him down? I was starting to panic and really wished I hadn’t agreed to this.

The Joker towed me towards the back of the shop. “What about security cameras, J?” I asked, anxiously.

“It’ll be fine, doll.” He muttered back.

“But, J, unlike you – I don’t have a criminal record – and I have the reputation for my business to uphold.” I said desperately, pulling on the hand that was dragging me along.

He glanced back at me, “Fine, I’ll deal with them later.” He relented, “but – for the record doll,” he murmured into my ear, “a bad reputation might do your business some good.” He grinned. Yes, I remembered this suggestion from a few months ago when he tried to convince me to join him on another one of his trouble-making schemes. I had told him then that my club was doing extremely well with my reputation as it was and turned his offer down flat, despite his persuasive methods. So why had I given in this time? I guess because it was Christmas?

J continued to drag me along, but now he had reassured me about the security cameras, I decided I would stop trying to resist him and walk with a bit more confidence behind him.

“What are we doing?” I asked, almost giddy when he finally pulled me to a stop near the back of the shop, next to a huge pile of teddy bears – the adrenaline and excitement of what might happen was starting to build up within me.

“Whatever you want, princess!” J cried recklessly, his madness shining through his wide grin. I couldn’t help laughing – his energy infectious.

So, we did whatever we wanted.

It was nice to let go and be a bit rebellious – even felt healthy. J ran up one of the aisles and grabbed a baseball bat, tossing balls up in the air and cracking them down the aisle so I had to dive behind the end shelves to avoid them. He swung crazily, missing a few, but sending most of them soaring across the store - I’m pretty sure he broke a window.

After he became bored of that, I followed J as he ran off to another row of shelves a few aisles down which was full of dolls. “Did you ever play with dolls, doll?” J asked, turning to me.

I smirked at his joke, but I nodded, watching him with intrigue as to what he was going to do now. He grinned at my answer and scoped up a pristine doll in its casing. “You can do the honours then, kitten.” He grinned, handing over the doll. I took it from him, but frowned at it in confusion.

“What am I supposed to do with it?” I asked lamely.

“What ever you like, doll.” J said lazily, grinning like the mad man he was. I looked at the doll for a while, thinking and studying the packaging and the toy within. It wasn’t exactly like what I used to have when I was younger, but it was similar enough to do. I ripped open the packaging and pulled the doll out and, without hesitation, I wrenched the head of the doll, creating a satisfying pop.

Take that all those bloody girl stereotypes forced down my throat when I was a kid.

The Joker burst into laughter at the result of my fury, soon following my suit and ripping apart other dolls alongside me. I was soon grinning wildly at the sheer freedom of the destruction.

When a pile of headless dolls was left on the floor we ran off to another aisle. As we ran, J grabbed a big barrel of marbles and sent it spinning down an isle on our right. As I ran past, I glanced down the aisle and saw two security guard’s feet sliding out from underneath them as they stepped on the tiny smooth balls. I couldn’t help but laugh at the site, giddy with the adrenaline and recklessness mixing within me.

J took a sharp turn to the left again after another few aisles and I skidded to a halt next to him where he stood before racks on racks of children’s bikes all of varying size and colour. We weren’t alone in this aisle, some children and parents surveying the choice, but they immediately looked up when we had careened around the corner, and as soon as they recognised the familiar pale skin and green hair they fled the opposite direction.

J didn’t take any notice of this, hauling off a bike from one of the racks. “Choose your weapon, doll.” He grinned over at me as he lifted down a tiny tricycle. I grinned back and stared at my options for a while till I grabbed a bright yellow bike with go faster flames. I struggled to lift it off, but managed to wrestle it down and followed after J who truly looked like a clown on the tiny bike, his knees up around his chin.

We cycled down several lanes of shelves until J suddenly he skipped to a stop in front of me near the end of the isle, listening to something. I stopped next to him, watching his intense face, but I couldn’t hear anything. Suddenly there was a thud behind us like something heavy falling to the floor and I glanced behind us where I thought it had come from, but I saw nothing.

That didn’t reassure me.

“Come on, doll.” J was suddenly off his bike and at my side with a wild grin, “We’ve got to go.” He grabbed my hand and tugged me down the aisle. We ran to the front door, but someone had locked and barred it to stop out escape. Shit.

I heard another noise – like something flapping behind us and spun around, searching for something that could make that noise. Nothing again. This was starting to feel like a horror movie and I was glad J was still holding on to me. I could feel everything in me tense and my heart was in my throat, beating rapidly.

“J…?” I asked, scared and gripping his hand tightly, my high from a few seconds ago now long gone.

J didn’t say anything, but reached into the pocket of his jacket and threw something up onto the top of the aisle where I thought I had saw a flash of movement a moment ago. It clanked when it bounced and then emitted a puff of purple smoke which expanded. Before I had time to watch the effect, J had pulled me away back down an aisle, dashing through the now-heavy fog which was settling around.

We wove in and out of isles, clearly trying to avoid someone or something. I was out of breath, but I didn’t dare to falter or slow. Suddenly J pulled me to a stop close to him and pressed tightly to a shelving unit of Lego toys. “Do you still have your gun on you, doll?” He demanded.

I pulled it out of my pocket to show him - I had taken it down from its proud position on the wall of the club where it usually hung, to bring with me – just in case.  “Good girl. We might need it.” He grinned, though he didn’t look as relaxed as he was earlier. The fact that he had asked for the gun didn’t comfort me in the slightest and I checked that it was loaded, and the safety still on.

J peered round the end of the aisle, looking both ways until his gaze stopped on something. “Come on, doll.” He growled, tugging me forward again. We headed for the far-left hand side of the store where people hadn’t realised what was going on in the rest of the store. Over head a large sign read SANTA’S GROTTO.

We approached an area that was sectioned off with a red rope wrapped in golden tinsel, behind which a line of kids wove snake like back and forth, leading into a plastic gingerbread house with a banner over the door declaring it to be ‘Santa’s Grotto’. J pulled me around the back of the building, making sure to stay out of sight this time.

I don’t know how J knew the back of that little plastic house wouldn’t be yet another wall of plastic, but instead it was made of a black background curtain. J led me up to a parting in it and I watched as he peered through to the scene inside. He waited a few moments, whilst I remained silent beside him, my heart still racing and far too loud. He must have seen something he had been waiting for because he suddenly disappeared inside, releasing my hand and leaving me outside without a signal, so I thought it best to remain outside where he had left me.

J reappeared a few minutes later a pile of fabric in his arms.

“What on Earth are you doing?” I hissed.

“Get dressed.” Was all he said, shoving the material at me.

“What are you on about?!” I demanded but took the clothes anyway, looking at the green material in confusion.

“Run with it doll – fun, remember?” He said with a grin, lifting his pile of clothes into the air which looked to be predominantly red.

I didn’t like where this was going.

 It turned out that J had waited until the next child had left their meeting with Santa, and had then snuck in and held both Santa and his helper at gun point requiring them to hand over their costumes or else.

So now me and J were in said costumes, and doing our best to fulfil our roles, however - despite J’s usually smiley personality -  he didn’t seem to be relishing his role.

“You’re supposed to be jolly.” I whispered at him as the next child climbed into his lap. He shot me a dark look at this and I couldn’t help but grin back at him.

He asked the kids the question of what they wanted like I told him to, but his answers were less than enthusiastic and often quite cynical. I had to hold back my giggles – seeing him like that was hilarious and I wish I could take a picture - but I wasn’t sure he’d be particularly happy about that.

We’d probably had about 6 children visit us before the small doorway to the gingerbread house was shrouded in darkness. I felt myself cower away from the sudden looming figure that cast a shadow over the cheerful environment. When I glanced out of the corner of my eye at J, he looked completely unaffected, like he hadn’t even noticed the new presence.

I didn’t know what the dark figure was for a moment, until it stepped into the light and I saw the tipped cowl and the plated armour. The allusive Dark Knight.

I felt my throat close up. It all made sense to me now and I just hoped J’s disguise fooled the bat. Somehow, during our run to the grotto, J had manged to make sure we ran past the dress-up section of the store and had slipped some tacky make-up and false lenses into his pocket. Once dressed, we had rapidly applied it in an attempt to tan his skin as much as we could, and the lenses had now turned his usual icy blue eyes to a warm hazel. I hoped it would be enough as the beard covered most of his face anyway and any trace of green hair was hidden under the white wig which was attached to the Santa hat.

I watched the Batman, barely blinking. His eyes scanned over me, but saw nothing of interest and he moved onto J, who still had a young girl sat on his lap. He was joking with her and hohoho-ing away with the little girl who was thankfully laughing as he bounced her on his knee. He looked nothing like my J.

The Dark knight stopped directly in front of them and J’s smile fell from his face like any normal person. He stopped bouncing the girl and eyed the man in awe. God, he was a good actor. The little girl turned to see where Santa was looking, and her eyes widened in fear at the shadowy figure and she looked like she was about to cry. The Knight lingered only a moment longer before he moved on from the house.

I breathed a sigh of relief and immediately wanted to go to J, but when I met his eyes, they told me not to. We carried on with charade for the next few children who J tried his best with. Finally, he seemed content that he was safe, and he sent the last child packing, ripping the hat and beard from his face as soon as the door had closed on them.

I let out a shaky, quiet laugh and let myself slide onto the floor, my legs too weak to hold me up any longer. “I am never doing that again.” I breathed at the floor, my head in my hands.

The Joker let out a laugh at the site of me having a minor panic attack on the floor and I shot him a death glare. J rubbed at the makeup on his face with the Santa hat still in his hands, removing most of it, though he still had some orange smudges around his jaw and eyes. He shed the rest of the oversized Santa costume, still in his shirt and trousers underneath. Unfortunately for me I had to completely change out of the elf outfit into my own clothes, thanks to it being so tight-fitting and I almost felt sorry for the girl J had robbed it from.

“Why did you hide?” I asked suddenly, standing upright after pulling on my last show. It had been bugging me and I had to ask. J turned to me, halfway through removing the contact lenses in his eyes so he had one brown and one blue iris.

“What, doll?” He asked.

“The Batman.” I clarified, “Don’t you usually play with him - toy with him – try to one up him in a sudden confrontation?” I tried to explain.

“Usually.” He muttered, uninterested.

“So, why didn’t you just then?” I asked, “You had a perfect opportunity!”

“Because you were a few metres away, doll.” He growled as those this was an obvious explanation. I frowned at him and he sighed. “Batsy has one rule only. He can’t bring himself to kill – but he will do everything else – including using you, kitten.” J told me stepping up to me with his mis-matched eyes. I looked into his face and it looked vulnerable like I hadn’t seen it for ages.

“I know I can get hurt doll, and I know I can get away…” He growled darkly, “But I don’t know that I can get you out, and I definitely can’t see you hurt or taken away from me…” He snarled fiercely down at his hands which he clenched into fists around the Santa Hat he still held. I could almost see him picturing it in his mind. It both filled me with love that he felt that much about my welfare, but also hurt me that he was feeling that much pain over me.

I stepped forward, closing the distance between us and reaching for his fists, cupping my hands over them. “Hey.” I said, and I noticed J look up at me, though I kept my eyes on our hands together. “I’m not going anywhere,” I said, lifting my gaze to his. “I promise.” I said looking directly into his odd eyes.

The Joker’s face erupted into a large grin and he dropped the hat, grabbing something from inside. A piece of mistletoe. He held it over our heads and I laughed at him and how ridiculous he was. He grinned sinfully, then tossed the mistletoe behind him, grabbing my face with both hands and brought my lips crushing down on his in an urgent kiss. I opened my mouth in a gasp and he made the most of this, deepening the kiss. He kept one hand on my face, the other slid down my body, pulling me close so I my entire body was pressed up the length of his.

I finally pulled back for air. “Sure you don’t want to do that again, doll?” He grinned.

“Certain.” I said firmly, but the kiss seemed to have swept most of my worries awayI smiled at his grin. “Can we go back to Christmas spirit again, please?” I begged, picking up the Santa hat and handing it back to him. “It seems safer.”

He looked at the hat and then back to me, “How about just normal, kitten? I think I’ve had enough of Santa.” He growled, pushing my hand down.

I smiled. “Deal.” I said, dropping the hat and pulling him back into a kiss.

[vikakurylenko]

Advent Calendar Task 1

 TRADITIONS:

Are you a Grinch, or do you enjoy the holidays?: Vika is rather neutral about the holidays.

On which day do you celebrate Christmas?: January 7.

Is it a religious celebration or non-denominational?: Quietly religious. She is loosely Eastern Orthodox, so she sees Christmas as a religious holiday and practices as such.

Who do you usually spend the holidays with?: Her family, and Anatoly when he so chooses.

What does your typical Christmas dinner include?: Solyanka, kutya, pelmeni, kulebyaka, ragu iz ovoshej, bobal’ki, roasted duck,and pryaniki. Vika’s mother always ensured that, despite living in America, they would have a true Russian feast for Christmas dinner. Vika has continued this traditional food for the family Christmas since her mother disappeared.

Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?: Christmas Day.

Do you still have a stocking?: Yes, it is more so for small gifts and sweets than anything else, but it’s something that she likes to keep up.

Do you still get an Advent Calendar?: Vika was never one to get or use advent calendars.

Do you leave all of your Christmas shopping until last minute, or are you organized?: Vika is very organized about it. She hates to go out and shop when it’s busy and everyone is rushing to find gifts. She also, is not a big fan of shopping in general, so she likes to be efficient with it all.

Do you take charge of the day, or are you the one in the corner sipping Baileys?: Sipping alcohol, but she is the one that usually keeps Christmas celebrations up with her family, so she can’t be in the corner.

Any traditions passed down through the family?: The family does not really have any traditions that have been passed down, other than the Christmas dinner ultimately always being a traditional Russian Christmas dinner.

Any weird things your family does that others don’t?: When they were little, Vika and Maks would have a snowball fight every Christmas morning before the festivities. Their mother thought it was ridiculous, and often tried to scold them for this practice, but Vika always shrugged her mother off. When Maks wasn’t paying attention, Vika would put ice in the center of her snow balls to make them hurt more.

Do you go all-out with decorations, or keep it basic?: Vika keeps it basic, she likes to use dried fruits, and keep it simple, yet elegant.

Post a picture of what your Christmas tree looks like: Here.

Do you ever spend the holidays away from home?: Home is wherever her family is, and as much as she may have interesting relationships with her family members, she makes sure they always are together for the holidays.

Do you like to get a bit tipsy, or is it an alcohol-free zone?: Vika does not get tipsy, but it is certainly not an alcohol free zone.

FAVOURITES/FUN BITS:

Favourite Christmas song: Linus and Lucy by Vince Guaraldi

Least favourite Christmas song: Baby It’s Cold Outside

Favourite Christmas food: Pryaniki.

Least favourite Christmas food: Solyanka, she loves spicy food, but that stuff is just gross.

Favourite Christmas movie: Vika isn’t really one for Christmas movies, but if she had to pick one, it would be Krampus.

Least favourite Christmas movie: It’s A Wonderful Life

Favourite Christmas tradition: Making sure her father and Maks celebrate Christmas together.

Ever re-gifted?: No. Vika either throws it out or gives it to charity.

If you had an unlimited budget, what would you buy for the three most important people in your life?: More than likely alcohol, knives, clothing. She likes her gifts to be practical.

If you could have any gift in the world, unlimited budget, what would it be?: Pearls. Vika loves pearls. She has a stand that were her grandmothers, but a woman can ever have too many pearls.

Weirdest Secret Santa gift ever received: Vika doesn’t partake in Secret Santa gift excahnges.

If you could kiss any fictional character under the mistletoe, who would it be?: Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones. What. A. Man.

If you were forced to wear an ugly sweater to an ugly sweater party, what would it look like?: This.

What’s your go-to outfit for festive fancy dress?: Here.

Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve?: New Years Eve.

White Christmas or snow-free?: White Christmas. Vika loves cold, bitter, snowy winters, and that extends to Christmas. 

MEMORIES: (feel free to write any of these as separate drabbles, and link them in later)

Earliest Christmas memory: The smell of kutya and black tea.

Best Christmas memory: Convincing Maks that in Russia, some people throw kutya up on the ceiling, and it’s good luck if it sticks. While this is a belief, their mother was less than thrilled about it, and Vika loved to give her mother a hard time.

Worst Christmas memory: Her mother’s forcing her to go to mass on Christmas Eve, and eat any of the leftover solyanka.

Best Christmas present ever received, and who was it from: Pearl earrings that belonged to Anatoly’s mother, from Anatoly a few years ago.

Best Christmas present ever sent, and who was it for: The best gift Vika has given was a knife that she gave to Maks when they were kids. Arkady helped her pick it out.

Someone you wish you could bring back for one last Christmas: No one. Christmas if fine the way it is.

Have you ever been stuck somewhere else for Christmas?: No.