#christmas is not a “simple celebratory date” and it is also not a day just to think about gifts/food

[mel-loly]

-Merry Christmas!💗✨

the tags (↓) are more important!!!

[smoochkooks]

—christmas cream(pie) ; (m.)

⟶ pairing: jeon jungkook/reader

⟶ genre: established relationship, smut, fluff

⟶ word count: 3.6k

⟶ summary:  a day before christmas dinner with your boyfriend's parents, you discover another alternative way to use the chocolate cream you’re making. jungkook is more than willing to indulge in your little fantasy.

⟶ warnings: explicit sexual content, food play, finger-sucking, spit kink, dirty talk, oral (f) receiving, slight choking but nothing too extreme, unprotected sex, creampie, jungkook being the sweetest boyfriend on the earth and your emotional support, tooth-rooting domestic fluff:(

a/n: hi!! this is my little christmas present for you. hope you enjoy what my brain came up with yesterday<3 ps. i also dont know what kind of fic title this is.

Christmas secure a top spot on your own self-made list of holidays. You enjoy practically every aspect of it. The food, decorating your house, songs, movies, the whole magical aura of warmth and love – you name it.

But this year though, you're fiddled with anxiety because it's the first time you're going to celebrate with your boyfriend Jungkook and his parents.  

You've been dating for two lovely years, living in a shared apartment for almost six months but somehow you've never spent any major holiday together. Until now, it actually felt like a step bigger than moving in. Choosing to be with your families and celebrate separately was never an issue for both of you.

And foolishly, you thought this year would be no like the other, that you'll kiss your sweet boyfriend goodbye before Christmas Eve and reunite after the whole shenanigans would end. But to your surprise, Jungkook had different plans for you.  

“Y-your parents did what?”  

“They invited us for a Christmas dinner.” he repeated calmy, completely unfazed by the pure shock marring your features.

He was sprawled on the couch, hair messy and falling onto his forehead because he had been avoiding barbershops lately (it wasn’t like you minded it–if anything, it made him look even sexier). He was wearing your favorite pair of sweats that had a soy sauce stain on the left knee and a simple black t-shirt, yet for you he looked like an angel sent from the above and devil reincarnated at the same time. So deliciously domestic and soft it almost made you wanna jump him right here and there, if it wasn't for the more nagging matters that you had yet to discuss with him.  

“But,” you stuttered, brain too consumed by nerves to help you formulate coherent sentences. “I was visiting your parents in Busan over summer.”  

“Yeah, but it's been a while and they really want to see you again,” he said, raising from his spot. He came up to you, his tall, lean body towering over your form. The moment you saw his sparkly doe eyes boring holes into yours, you knew you were approximately twenty seconds from giving in. “Pretty please.” he tried again, palms cupping your flushed cheeks until you had no choice but to agree.  

“Okay.”  

Jungkook grinned in response and leaned to press a chaste kiss onto your lips. “Love you, baby.” He tasted like spicy noodles and soda but you ignored it, mustering a small smile.  

“Love you too.” you said, always meaning those three little words because truly, you could never resist Jeon Jungkook and his charms. He had you wrapped around his finger more than you'd ever admit and you'd simply do anything to make him happy, even if that meant stressing over a Christmas dinner with his parents.  

“They really like you, ___. You have nothing to worry about.” Jungkook murmured upon kissing your nose, and then forehead. “My mom is already so excited to see you. She said she would make an apple pie because you once mentioned you liked it.”

You leaned into his touch, slightly less angry you had been surprised with a revelation like that but at the same time still apprehensive and filled with nerves. “You aren't making this easier, you know?” you asked.  

Jungkook sent you an apologetic smile. “You're amazing, baby. You don't need to convince my parents again that you're the right person for me,” he said, hands finding purchase on your waist and pulling you closer to him. “All you have to do is smile and compliment my mom's cooking skills. And maybe ask dad about fishing. You know he's been crazy about it lately.”

Easier said than done, you thought to yourself. Jungkook was a natural when it came to bewitching people. Your parents adored him because he knew all the right words to make them fall for his charms. He didn’t have to try hard or pretend to be someone else in order to be accepted as their daughter’s partner.  

You, on the other hand, were on a different side of the spectrum. No matter how many times Jungkook reassured you of your worth, you still had a lot of insecurities to deal with. That was just who you were as a person. Maybe it was why you clicked so well together. You needed someone to be your second Sun.

“You got his.” With a final kiss onto the crown of your head, Jungkook left you standing in the middle of the living room, and all you could think about was a fricking apple pie and finding new ways to impress your boyfriend's parents. 

Hence way you're currently in the kitchen, blender in your right hand as you mix the ingredients for the most extra chocolate cake you've ever made, determination written all over your features like you’re competing in the final Bake Off episode.

And why is that? Because your brain couldn't let you sleep peacefully at night if you didn't decide to bake your own cake for Jungkook's mother. It started innocently, slowly getting information out of your boyfriend about his parents' favorite food. Of course, you had to be clever about it, so he wouldn't suspect anything too early into the game. That's why after asking a round of rather specific questions you lured him into a blowjob because you know he usually loses his goddman mind after a good dick sucking.  

Content with your plan, you're now a day before the Christmas dinner, Jungkook's mother's beloved cake almost ready to be put into the oven.

“Babe, I'm home!” you hear Jungkook calling from the corridor. You sent him to do some (un)necessary grocery shopping so you could have a time for yourself to prepare the cake without him looking over your shoulder and analyzing your every move. You really hate when people do that because you’re more likely to screw something when you’re being watched.

“Let me taste it then,” he says, grabby hands reaching for the bowl but you quickly swat them away.  

“I'm here!” you shout back, unplugging the blender once you're satisfied with your chocolate cream.  

“What is the smell?” Jungkook asks, entering the kitchen. “Oh,” he quips, placing grocery bags on the floor. “You made this?”  

“Mhmm,” you hum, dipping a finger into the bowl and then putting it into your mouth. It tastes good, not too sweet but at the same time it still has a strong chocolate flavor. Perfect.

“Wash your hands first.”  

“Wait,” You can almost hear the gears shifting in his brain. His grip on your waist tightens as you desperately try to stifle the laugh babbling in your throat. “This is my mom's favorite cake.” 

Jungkook dramatically salutes you, even though you see him smirking under his breath. Once his hands are all clean and dry, you feel his arms encircling your body from the back. “Is this for me?” he murmurs, obviously referring to the cake.

“Nope. It's for tomorrow's Christmas dinner.” 

That’s why you break into a smile, pulling him for a quick peck. “You can taste my cream now.” you say.  

“Great observation.”

“And you said you were making it for the Christmas dinner,” Jungkook continues, “Which means you did this purposely.” he finishes, twirling your body so you're now facing him.  

“You said she would make me an apple pie so I thought I could reciprocate the kindness and do the same,” An innocent smile tugs at your lips. “Besides, the more food the better.” 

Jungkook snorts. “So here's why you were asking me all those weird questions lately.”

Your eyes widen. “You paid attention to that?”

“Babe, I might be a simple man who enjoys seeing his girlfriend sucking his dick but it doesn't mean I don't listen to you,” he says, sounding slightly offended but you know that deep down he's amused by the whole situation. “You didn't have to do that, you know?”  

You let out a long sigh. “I know but... I just felt so weird. Your parents are so happy to see us, they are doing all those preparations and I couldn't stop thinking about doing something to impress them in return,” you murmur. “So they wouldn't think it preparing a whole celebratory dinner for their son and his girlfriend was actually pointless.” you add in a smaller voice, dropping your head down.   

“Baby,” Jungkook coos, fingers grasping your chin so you could look him in the eye again. “You're an amazing person. My parents know that too. You don't have to prove them your worth. Ever.”  

His words make you relax visibly. You don’t know what you would do if you didn’t have Jungkook by your side. He’s just being himself, showing you his extremely caring side as he usually does when you feel down but somehow you’re more thankful for this now.

You dip your index finger into the cream. Then, making sure his eyes are trained on your face, you bring your finger up and envelop with your lips, purposely sucking on it obscenely. “Mmm,” you nothing but moan. “It’s really good.”

“That sounded awfully sexual.”  

“No, it did not! You're just perverted.” 

“But you love me anyway, don't you?” 

You snort at his stupid remark. Suddenly, a not-so-innocent idea pops in your mind and you wonder who’s actually the one with more inappropriate thoughts running through their head. Jungkook might enjoy teasing you on daily basis, but a girl can have her fun too, right?  

Jungkook's eyes darken seeing your little stunt you’ve decided to pull today. He bites the inside of his cheek, before saying,”’I know what game you’re playing.”  

“I’m not doing anything.” you respond, feigning innocence. Before you can dive for more cream, Jungkook grabs your wrist and stops you.  

Bingo.  

When he takes his two fingers and plunges them into the cream, you know exactly what’s coming next, the adrenaline and excitement pumping through your veins. He brings his fingers up towards your face and you have to fight an urge to stay still, waiting for his instructions like the good girl you obviously are. “Open up, baby.”  

You oblige immediately, mouth falling open and tongue out. He pushes his fingers inside, sweet, chocolate cream filling your taste buds. “Suck.” he says simply, eyes fixated on your lips. You do it without a second thought, swirling your tongue around his digits and making sure to lick every last drop of the substance.  

When he decides he can't take it anymore, he pulls his fingers out of your mouth and before you can even blink, he crashes his lips onto yours; fast, messy and unforgiving, thrusting his tongue inside to play with yours. His motives are clear: you aren’t leaving the kitchen without getting properly fucked.  

“So sweet,” he murmurs against your lips, the hand around your waist pulling you flush against him. “My cute girlfriend thought she could tease me and get away with it.”  

He bites onto your lower lip as to prove his point and you whimper. “It’s not like that,” you manage to say, grinding yourself against the evident bulge in his pants. “I didn’t expect to get away with it.”  

Jungkook's hands travel to the backs of your thighs and he lifts you up effortlessly, placing you on the counter. You’re sure there are traces of flour still on it but you couldn’t care less right now, not when a pair of hands roughly nudges your legs apart so he could stand in between them.

“So you did it purposely,” Jungkook leaves your mouth in favor of tracing kisses down your neck. Careful not to marry your skin with hickeys because you would beat the shit out of him if he did bruise your neck a day before the dinner with his parents. “Naughty girl.” He punctuates his statement with a bite to your earlobe, his next words being whispered directly into your ear. “What should I do with you, then?”  

You whimper, your thighs pressing together just hearing the tone of his voice. You lace your fingers through the locks at the back of his hair and place a kiss against his lips. “Fuck me?” you ask in a saccharine-sweet tone.  

He chuckles in response, fingers grasping your t-shirt and pulling it off you, revealing your bare chest to his hungry eyes. He wastes no time and latches his mouth onto a nipple but as soon as his tongue meets your hardened bud, he retreats. Confused, you watch as he reaches for the bowl once again and dips his fingers into the cream. He then smears it all over your nipples, a proud smirk caught on his lips when he leans back to admire his art work.  

“Kook,” you mewl, too pathetically for your liking and you know how much it’ll stroke his ego. “Please, touch me.” you plea, one of your hands reaching to pull him closer to you.

“Yeah?” His chuckle is almost sinister. “Look at you, all dirty and begging me so nicely. Not that smart with your mouth now, are you?”  

All you manage is a nod and meek “Please,” that quickly morphs into a drawn out moan when he finally dips his head to suck your nipple into his hot mouth. You never could have guessed that the idea of food play would be so arousing to you but here you are, pussy clenching around nothing when your sweet boyfriend licks chocolate cream off your boobs.

When he’s done and satisfied with the result, he grabs your sweatpants and pulls them down along with your underwear in one go, your bare ass meeting with the cold marble of your kitchen counter. Jungkook wastes no time and spreads your legs apart, not giving you a second to shy away from his burning gaze before he dives in to lick a stripe up your slit.  

You cry out in pleasure when his tongue finds your clit and gives it a sharp suck, his hands grabbing your ankles and bending your knees so he could have a full access to your glistening core. You’re absolutely drenched, dripping down your thighs and making a mess on Jungkook's face but he doesn’t mind it a bit, eating you out like a champ you know he is.  

“So wet,” he rasps against your cunt. “Messy girl.”

To make matters worse (or better) he takes his sweet time and lets a glob of his spit mix with your arousal because Jungkook, much like you, enjoys giving a head more than anything in the world and makes it his priority to see you lose it on his tongue. You’re positive you will come like this if he keeps continuing abusing your clit just right. He knows your pussy like the back of his hand. Knows what makes you keen, how to make you eyes roll to the back of your head. It fuels his ego to see you like this; helpless and utterly devoted to the pleasure and you don’t even mind when he brags about it later. How could you if you benefit so much from it?  

Suddenly, he grunts into your cunt and your brows furrow because it’s not the sound you’re used to hearing during sex. You look down to check what’s wrong but he’s already up and in level with your eyes, a sheepish smile adoring his features.  

“Neck cramp,” he explains, his palm massaging the back of his neck. “Eating pussy is easier on the bed.” You can’t help but giggle, replacing his hand with yours and providing him a temporary relief. “I’m sorry. Were you close?” he asks. 

There he is. Your sweet, caring boyfriend who never forgets to ask for consent before railing you into the mattress and always putting your pleasure before his own.  

“Mhmm,” you hum, grasping his t-shirt and lifting it off his body. It should be considered a sin to look like this, you think to yourself. “But I want to come on your cock instead.”  

Jungkook grins, quickly pulling down his pants and underwear. His cock slaps against his stomach, pride swelling in your chest because you know you can make him this hard without your touch. “How do you want it?” he asks, guaranteeing himself a moment of relief when he gives his cock a few pumps, spreading precum all over his length.

“Like that,” you answer, gesturing at your current position on the counter. “Wanna see you.”  

“Anything for my pretty girl.”  

If you weren't already red, you would have blushed at his cute words. The sentiment doesn’t last long though, your face twisting in ecstasy when he lines himself up with your entrance and starts pushing inside, the stretch deliciously burning. “Oh my god, Kook,” you whimper, hand clutching onto his biceps for support. “So big. You feel so good.” He groans, slithering himself deeper. His forehead rests onto yours, few ragged breaths before you murmur, “You can move.”

He sets a punishing pace from the beginning, fucking you hard and fast; wet, slapping noises filling the kitchen. You’re a blubbering mess, moaning incoherently as he splits your pussy open, thrust after thrust. “Yeah, fucking take it,” Jungkook rasps, grabbing your hips even harder, no doubt leaving there marks. “Cream my cock like a good girl.”  

You mewl in response, your eyes focusing on his parted lips. “J-jungkook,” you stutter, head completely deprived of rational thoughts. “Spit in my mouth.” It’s almost a breathless plea on your tongue.  

He curses, his right hand squeezing your cheeks. “Open.” You do it right away, nearly moaning when he purses his lips and spits, eyes almost bulging out of his head when he sees you swallow it greedily. “Dirty fucking girl.” he growls.

“B-but you love it, right?” you whimper, eyes glossy because he's hitting that spot inside your pussy that makes your toes curl. “L-love when I’m like this just for you.”  

“Fuck, yeah I do,” Jungkook says, placing his hand around your throat. He doesn’t apply pressure and simply rests it there, urging you to look directly at him. “I love when my pretty baby becomes a dirty slut for me.” He punctuates his words with a harsh buck of his hips that makes you cry out.

You can't take it anymore. “K-kook,” you whine, grabbing his wrist and urging him to squeeze your throat. “I love you.”  

Despite his hand around your neck and cock abusing your cunt, he breaks into a smile. He leans down to kiss you on your putty lips. You try to keep up with him but there’s no use for that, so you just open your mouth and let him slither his tongue inside. When he pulls away, your lips are wet with saliva. Messy, but you wouldn’t exchange it for anything less. “Love you too, baby.” he groans in a strained voice, dragging his cock fast through your walls.

As if reading your mind, his thumb reaches to rub fast circles on your clit. “’m so close,” you mumble, thighs shaking.

“C'mon, pretty. Wanna see you come around me.” Jungkook murmurs, gone is his dominant aura, it’s now only his gentle voice coaxing you into an earth-shattering orgasm.  

When you come down from your high, you’re swatting his fingers away from your core. Normally you would probably indulge into it more, but oversensitivity seems to be too much to handle for you today. Jungkook thrusts his hips a few more times and follows right after you, groaning your name and spilling himself inside.  

“That was nice.” he comments breathlessly  and you can’t help but chuckle, widing your arms around his neck and pulling him for a well-deserved kiss.  

“I’m too tired to move my legs and somebody needs to finish the cake,” you pout, not an ounce of exaggeration in your statement because that’s utterly true–you’re always too spent after a round of fucking with Jungkook to even go to the bathroom on your own. He gladly carries you there in his arms bridal-style every, single time.

“It's okay, sweetheart. I’ll do it.” he says, making you giggle under your breath triumphantly.  

You might be willing to do everything for you boyfriend but if anything, you’re equal in that department.  

“I’m also pretty sure there’s flour on my ass.”  

Jungkook raises his brow at you. “That I’m not going to clean.”  

“Fine. But next time I'm putting whipped cream on your dick.” you decide.  

When he pulls out of you, his cum spills out of your hole but he's quick to catch the droplets and push them back inside you with his fingers. “You’re a little minx, you know that, right?” he says and then licks his digits clean.  

“You love me anyway.” He grins, leaning to kiss you but he stops mid-way. “What is it?” you ask, raising your brows.

“Since I came inside you, we can call it a creampie, right?”  

Still slightly dazed after sex, you’re not quick enough to realise what he implies before it’s too late. “I mean yes but–oh my god. No, no, no! Stop!”  

“Cream-pie!”  

“I hate you!”  

“And I love you too.”  

After all, you were worrying about the dinner too much, as always.  

Everybody complimented your cake. Jungkook's mother was delighted. His father talked about fishing for almost an hour.

But your sweet boyfriend's smirking face as he ate the cake was telling you were in for a long night of sinning in your bed as soon as you went back home.  

And he obviously didn’t disappoint.  

[elaineiswithyou-blog]

MHA Males Proposal Headcanons

A/N: Denki, Izuku and Bakugou are all aged up and pro heroes

Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Izuku Midoriya, Denki Kaminari, Aizawa, and Kurogiri Bakugou (Art Credit to quirked on instagram)

Bakugou and you have been dating for about 2 and a half years now and Valentine’s day was just around the corner. Normally Bakugou and you would stay inside for Valentine’s day, him cooking you a nice homemade romantic dinner before cuddling up in your bed together and hitting the hay. But this Valentine’s day, Bakugou decided to do a complete 180 on you. This year he took the whole day off instead of taking his usual morning/half day shift. He made you a nice breakfast in bed with bacon, eggs and waffles. He slept in with you and cuddled you until you properly woke up. The two of you then went downtown and, despite how much he hates it, goes to mall and goes shopping with you. Whatever you want he got you. Bakugou does his best to avoid paparazzi and fans, his complete attention being on you and only you. After your fancy shopping spree, Bakugou takes you out to get your favorite lunch. He does his best to control his temper that day, especially towards the paparazzi. After the long day out, Bakugou takes you to the spot you two first meet. He had actually been the one to save you from a villain attack at Ueno Park. The sun had just begun to set as he gently takes your hand and the two of you lock eyes. “Listen Y/N, I know I don’t have the best temper and I don’t always treat you perfectly and how you deserved to be treated because of that but I love you Y/N. You are my everything. You are the best spouse anyone could ask for.” He says as he moves to get on one knee while pulling out a dark blue velvet box and opening it to reveal a giant diamond ring. “Will you marry me?”  Izuku (I couldn’t find any credit for the art image, sorry)

You and Izuku have been dating for a little over a year now and now everyone in the press was wondering when Izuku was gonna actually pop the question. It stressed him out a bit thinking about if it was too soon, when he should do it, where he should do it? Izuku had Saturdays off from his hero job and most days he would spend inside with all his attention on you. He didn’t feel like going out most days because he didn’t want to be bothered by paparazzi and fans, despite how much he adored his fans. Today was different though. It was a hot summer's day and the apartment was so hot it felt like an oven. Izuku decided that maybe the two of you should go out. As he was changing and getting ready, he remembered his engagement sitting inside his bedroom drawer, which he was just glad you hadn’t found while cleaning. He quickly grabbed the ring and headed out the door with you. Izuku took you to a big amusement and the two of you spent the day getting junk food, going on rides and just enjoying each other’s company. Luckily, many fans recognized he wished to be alone and respected his wishes though some little kids did run up to him as soon as they saw his face. Towards the end of the day when you were about to go home, Izuku suggested one last ride, a boat log ride, a simple one like it’s a small world at disneyland. Towards the end of the ride though, Izuku turned to you, knowing the cameras were coming up. “Y/N I love you so much, will you marry me?” He asked keeping it simple as he pulled out the ring box and opened it just in time for the picture. Izuku bought the photos right afterwards to have in the future before looking at the ring on your hand more closely. “The ring looks good on you.” He said quietly once you two got in bed for the night. He gave you a gentle kiss on the head. “Goodnight my future spouse.” He said and smiled at you before both of you went to bed Denki (Credit to KayDeeFox on Twitter)

While Denki is not a top 10 pro hero, that doesn’t mean the media wasn’t interested in his love life, especially considering Denki loved to give his S/O a ton of public affection(Hope you don’t mind PDA with this one). Denki is also super popular and you bet he posts everything on social media and I mean everything. He has gotten in trouble a few times with his agency for leaking private info about upcoming missions and such. So needless to say, Denki is very public about his attraction to you and how much he loves you. It’s sweet if you don’t mind that he can be clingy and whiny when you don’t give him a ton of attention. It’s right around your 1 year anniversary and Denki is head over heels in love with you. So much so that his close friends, mainly Mina and Kirishima, encouraged him to propose to you then. He got your favorite non fast food food and Mina helped him get the dining room set up all fancy while Kirishima and Sero went out and got romantic flowers on Denki’s behalf. The three friends had to be super quick, not knowing when you would get home from work, but none of the decoration/planning looked messy. Denki was a nervous wreck though. He took the roses from Kirishima and Sero and sighed as he waited for you to get home. Luckily it didn’t take you too long to get home. Denki quickly slapped on a happy smile for you and gave you a big hug before handing you the flowers. “You look super hot today, Y/N.” Denki said with a wink as he guided you over to the fancy table. After the two of you talk about your day and problems and had your dinner, Denki took the box out of his pocket, without you seeing it. Denki walked over to you. “I know we’ve only been dating for a year Y/N, but I love you a lot. Will you marry me?” After you accept of course, Mina, Kirishima, Sero, Denki and you all go out to get some celebratory dessert. Aizawa (Credit to lani on Twitter)

Aizawa and you have been dating for a while now, and I mean a while. You and Aizawa started dating 6 years ago. Aizawa has always loved you and he always will but this man has serious commitment issues. This man has had the ring for 3 months but nothing. He hasn’t said a damn word about marriage. He tries to do it on multiple occasions, even Christmas but nothing. Then one random weekend day, Aizawa gets up, makes you nice pancakes and just pops the question. “Would you marry me if I asked you?” You almost choke on your pancakes at the question. Of course you say yes though. Aizawa takes out a little red box and hands it to you. He isn’t trying to not be romantic but again this man has commitment issues and if you reject him now it won’t be a waste of time. The diamond ring is expensive and beautiful. He paid a lot for the ring but didn’t say anything about the cost to you. Once he notices you crying, he rushes over to your side concerned. “Did you not like the ring? Was it not as romantic as you wanted? Do you want to start over?” He asked, rambling about it was ok before you pulled him into a hug and told him you loved it. This man has never had such emotional whiplash before over one simple sentence, from you no less. Aizawa gave you a small smile and held you before helping you put on the ring. “I love you.” Kurogiri

You and Kurogiri have been dating for 3 and a half years, taking things nice and slow, neither of you in a rush to get married or have children or anything like that. This is both your second christmas you have both spent together. The two of you enjoying each others company without worrying about the LOV, because let's face it you two are the only functioning adults in that place.  You both love each other a lot and spend a ton of time with one another. You two just had an amazing christmas dinner with ham and mashed potatoes and wine. Now it was time for gift opening. Kurogiri relaxed with you on the white leather couch as you two spent time opening gifts from the different LOV members and then it was time for his and your gifts to one another. Kurogiri opened your present first and then there was his. A tiny box wrapped it penguins that are ice skating wrapping paper. After you take the wrapping paper off, Kurogiri waits there anxiously. He hasn’t felt that way with you in a while. Once you open up the box, Kurogiri gives you a nervous smile. “Will you marry me?” He asks simply as he took the box and got on one knee. A bit unconventional, which was unusual for the old fashioned traditional lover that Kurogiri was, but it got the point across and you accepted, leaving Kurogiri a blushing and smiling mess

[willowbird]

Aah I need more smiling and laughing Andrew from you now please!!! I'll be happy with anything you want to do with that! 💜💜

We ALL need more smiling and laughing Andrew in our lives. It's just too purr. 😉

I hope you enjoy!

(Also, I’m like -- SUPER sorry this took so long to finish even though it’s just a lil drabble. I hope it was worth the wait!!)

-----

Dan checked her watch for the third time and frowned. "Jesus, where the hell are those two? We're gonna miss our reservation if we have to wait for them much longer."

Their family had been spread to the winds for years at this point, but they still managed to get together once a year for some sort of a reunion. This year they were back in Palmetto the week before Christmas (something they tried to do every other year around the holidays). Half of them had arrived in town last night and the rest only this morning, but they’d spent most of the day itself imposing on Wymack and Abby (who had finally moved in together). 

It had been a good time and though Abby had offered to cook for them, Dan had insisted that the whole team treat Abby and Wymack to dinner at a nice restaurant. Considering how many of them there were, the celebratory nature of the visit, and the general rowdiness of their group, it had been decided that the lot of them would carpool with Neil, Renee, and Kevin as the DDs. 

Renee and Kevin had already driven off with their allotted passengers, so now Dan and Matt were left waiting for Andrew and Neil to finish getting ready or whatever the fuck they were doing. 

“We won’t miss our reservation,” Matt assured with a chuckle, nudging her. “Miss out on the breadsticks? Well, that’s more likely...”

“Fuck that.” Dan was not missing out on breadsticks so that Andrew and Neil could get in a quickie before dinner. With that decided, she whirled on her heel and charged back into the house. She instinctively angled for the hallway that lead down to the guest bedrooms, intending to make as much noise as possible as she tromped down the hallway so as to alert them of her approach. She was less concerned about getting stabbed these days as she was about seeing parts of her friends that she really, really did not need to see. 

Not that Andrew and Neil were grossly all over each other now or anything, but the years seemed to have softened the both of them. It was no longer shocking to see them holding hands or leaning casually against each other. They traded easy, casual kisses in greeting and simple affection just like the rest of the couples -- though there was still this... weight to every interaction between Andrew and Neil that spoke of how hard-earned those simple, casual expressions of affection were for the pair. 

Dan didn’t begrudge them that. On the contrary, it warmed her heart every single time she caught one of those tiny actions of easy love and affection out of the corner of her eye. 

Accidentally walking into the wrong guest room and catching Andrew pinning Neil against the wall, both of them barely dressed, was an entirely other matter and Dan was never going to be able to scrub that image or the sound of the way Neil was fucking moaning out of her damn mind. 

Yeah. She was officially scarred for life. 

So, while she was done waiting for them she was also not willing to add more trauma to her already considerable payload. She took a deep breath and prepared to start shouting and stomping when soft sounds coming from the den caught her attention. Now, if it had only been the little meows and scrabbles of kittens playing that would not have made her pause. After all -- the whole team had spent about four hours straight this afternoon going positively gaga over the adorable little fuzzballs. Nancy, Abby and Wymack’s recent rescue cat turned out to be pregnant when they adopted her -- which they hadn’t realized at the time. Now they had a little bundle of kittens taking up space in the living room. Wymack had already tried to pass them out like candy to the rest of the team but no one had bitten. 

Well, that wasn’t true -- Nicky had wanted to take the whole litter, but Erik had kindly and calmly told him ‘no’ in such an effective way Nicky had dropped the subject with little more than a bit of pouting. 

So if it were just that, she wouldn’t have paused. 

No, it was the quiet murmuring that bubbled over the kitten sounds that drew her attention. Dan cut off her shout before she could utter it and pivoted smoothly, heading instead for the den. She slowed her steps as she approached, holding her breath so the sound of her breathing wouldn’t smother what she could now make out to be words.

“We have plenty of space.”

“Drew, while you aren’t wrong -- I don’t think that five kittens is the best way to start a family.”

“Because you are such an expert.”

“Drew.”

A sigh. “Three then.”

“What, not going to try for four?”

Andrew -- because it had to be Andrew, even though Dan was struggling to compute this particular conversation with Andrew ‘The Monster’ Minyard -- snorted in affront. “And leave just one all by itself? Don’t be stupid.”

Neil, because again -- it had to be Neil -- chuckled. “We are not taking three kittens home with us, Drew.”

There was a long silence and Dan risked peaking around the edge of the doorframe. Andrew Minyard was sitting on the floor with his back against the armchair, mostly facing away from the door and absolutely covered with kittens. One was on his shoulder, two were wrestling between his folded legs, and he was holding the other two against his chest, his face turned down as he nuzzled the little fuzzballs, all while glaring at Neil over the top of their furry heads. Well, Dan assumed he was glaring. She couldn’t actually see enough of his face to gauge his expression, but even covered with kittens this was still Andrew ‘I Wear Fucking Knives Everywhere’ Minyard, so she felt it was a safe enough assumption. 

Then again, she could see most of Neil’s face, and he was looking at Andrew with an expression that Dan had no other description for other than “abject adoration”. So who knew, maybe Andrew was smiling gently and...

Yeah, no probably not.

Neil sighed, and Dan knew that sound. It was the sound of a man too much in love to say ‘no’ to whatever his partner wanted. Of a person too much in love to say ‘no’ to their love’s request, actually -- because she knew that she’d made that sound more than once regarding Matt. 

“Alright, fine. But not three. Two. Two kittens. That way they won’t be alone and might be somewhat manageable.”

Dan thought that Neil was in for a rude awakening if he really thought that any number of cats were ‘manageable’, but she’d let him figure that out for himself. She could tell that Andrew was debating an argument, but he ultimately shrugged -- which she supposed was an agreement. Then he handed one of the kittens in his hands to Neil and gently scooped the one off his shoulder and added it to the squirming fluff-pile in his lap. 

Neil held up the kitten and studied it, then his face broke into a wide, bright smile as the little black poof reached out and batted at his nose with the sweetest little squeak. The sound must have drawn the attention of the other kittens because they suddenly all turned their attention to Neil and launched a less-than-coordinated assault, even the one in Andrew’s hands squirming free to jump onto Neil. Neil barked out a laugh in surprise and jumped, ending up on his back as the kittens overran him and took him for their own. 

With a sound that Dan didn’t really understand, Andrew pushed up to his knees and crawled around to be able to lean over Neil’s head as the kittens tussled and romped all over his partner. This change in angle allowed Dan to see Andrew’s face, and then her brain sort of caught up with her ears and she realized that she did know that sound -- because Andrew was making it again. He was laughing. It wasn’t a big laugh, not bright or rapid or voluminous. It was small, and soft, but there was a rich, deep quality to it that sang with genuine affection as he smiled down at Neil. 

“See? I still say we should take all five. They are already a well-formed strike team.” Andrew. It was Andrew ‘I Eat Strikers For Breakfast’ Minyard saying those words. Smiling softly down at Neil. Chuckling as he reached out and brushed just his thumb over the tiny head of a fuzzy black and gray kitten. 

“Two,” Neil said again, but Dan wondered exactly how firm he was going to be able to remain on that point with the way he was looking up at Andrew. “We can convince Aaron to take the other three then set up play-dates.”

Andrew laughed again, a quiet dance of sound between barely-curved lips. His eyes were still on the kittens. “Aaron would not know what to do with a cat.”

“Neither do I.”

Andrew looked down at Neil then and his expression lost the smile but became... so much more intimate that Dan almost looked away. “No,” he said. “But you have me.”

Dan’s chest tightened and she had to physically lift a hand to cover her mouth. She could feel the imprint of her own smile against her fingertips.

“Yes or no, Drew?”

“Yes.”

Dan turned away as Andrew leaned down to kiss Neil, slipping quietly down the hall to rejoin Matt. Maybe they could afford to be a little late to dinner.

[rhinozilla]

Hey, it's my 18th birthday and I was hoping you don't mind me asking how the 07 celebrate birthdays/deviation days/Julia days? Do any of them have any traditions or anyone in particular they like to spend the day with or something like that? :)

(also, can't wait for the sequel <3)

Happy Birthday!!! <3 I hope it was a good one for you!!!

Turns out I had a lot of thoughts on your ask, so a novel is under the cut.

Whenever someone at the 07 station has a birthday, the rest of the team will go in on buying a big box of that person’s favorite food, be it sweet or savory. Pretty standard stuff. HOWEVER, after the android revolution, all the human officers started going absolutely nuts on celebrating the androids’ activation/deviation day.

Most androids choose between one or the other to observe as their “birthday.” Some androids prefer their deviation day, since that’s the day they started “living.” Others prefer their activation day because that’s technically when they came to life. For instance, Apollo and Connor observe their activation days, while Zeke, Polly, and Gwen prefer their deviation days. As you know, Julia doesn’t like to remember either of those days for her, and she prefers to go under the radar on the celebrations. However, if pressed, she’ll blurt out a random day in September just for an answer to give.

For android birthdays, somebody—usually Tina or Ben—will just buy out the entire inventory of Bert’s Baked Stuffs and set it up as a giant smorgasbord in the break room. As the androids have developed preferences in tastes and food, that buffet has become more personalized over the years. There used to be an android birthday hat—a horrid looking thing made out of a repurposed Christmas reindeer antler headband, complete with flickering lights—but the day before Apollo’s first activation day party at the station, it mysteriously disappeared and was never found again.

After work, those closest to the person will usually take them out for dinner. So for Polly, that’s Wilson, Ember, Fowler, and Gwen. For Zeke, that Gwen, Apollo, and Chris. For Gwen, that’s Ben, Tina, and Polly. For Apollo, that’s Zeke and Julia. For Connor, that’s Hank, Person, and Julia. For Julia, that’s Connor, Hank, and Polly…although last time Gavin tagged along, and that was weird for everybody.

Because Julia isn’t keen on her activation/deviation days, Connor has a designated Julia Day that he uses to celebrate her. It’s some form of a surprise party, either at her apartment with Person and Hank with cake and the usual trappings, or lately it’s been a little more personal, where it’s just been Julia and Connor. He’ll get her flowers and some little gift that he knows she won’t buy for herself. He never thinks it’s enough, but she is always over the moon happy with whatever he comes up with.

Hank allows exactly three minutes on his birthday for Connor to do whatever celebratory thing that he has to get out of his system, and Connor always makes the most of those three minutes. Hank also has a rule that on your birthday, you get to do what you want and nobody can give you any shit about it. This is a rule specifically so that Connor won’t try to badger him into healthy alternative food when he just wants some damn greasy pizza.

Likewise, he tries to get Connor to wear whatever he wants on his birthday with no consequences, but since Connor’s birthday usually lands on a work day, he limits himself to his socks and sometimes his tie. But that criminal that Connor tackled into a dumpster one day was arrested with the knowledge that he was taken down by a grown man wearing bright purple socks with yellow ducks on them.

Connor is pretty simple when it comes to his birthday. He doesn’t want anything special or to be the center of attention. He just wants to spend a quiet evening with his friends, particularly Hank, Person, and Julia, and he’s perfectly content with that.

And since you mentioned that you’re looking forward to the Camaraderie sequel, here is a birthday present for ya. I've finally decided on what the official title of the sequel will be, and that is: “Project Dawn.” Posting date for the first chapter is still TBD, but I'm working on it currently :)

[madpanda75]

“The Romantics” Part Two

Welcome to Part Two! Big decisions are made and someone *cough* *cough* comes between Rafael and the reader. Hope you guys are in the mood for some angst! 

Also here’s a gif of Baby Raúl....just cause ❤️

“Mami, if I smile anymore my face will freeze that way,” Rafael grumbled after the umpteenth photo was taken, trying to blink away the spots he was seeing.

Lucia waved her camera around like a madwoman. “One more pic, Rafi! Por favor! It isn’t everyday your baby becomes a Harvard graduate!”

Rafael gave you an apologetic look, winding his arm around your shoulders as you both posed for another series of photos. Graduation day was chaotic- listening to long droning speeches that were meant to inspire, spending time with family, saying goodbye to friends. It was bittersweet to leave a place you called home for four long years.

While your mom and Lucia were talking, Catalina led you and Rafael away. You had become close with her over the years when you visited Rafael over breaks and weekends away from school. She was like a surrogate grandmother.

“Congratulations. I’m so happy for you both.” She took your hands and joined them. “Even though you both are going down different paths, promise me that you’ll keep in touch. You are so lucky to have each other. It’s rare to find such a kindred spirit in this world. Hold on to that, mis queridos.”

“We promise,” Rafael softly said. You hugged her tightly before she went to join your mom and Lucia, leaving you both alone.

An awkward tension hung in the air. Neither of you knowing exactly what to say to the other person. You took off your cap and tried to fix your hair while Rafael rocked back on his heels, studying his shoes.

“So last night,” you both said simultaneously. He laughed and motioned for you to go first.

“Last night was…” you trailed off, biting your lip.

“Wonderful,” he finished your thought, tucking a loose strand behind your ear. “Have you thought anymore about staying?”  You nodded and Rafael felt his pulse quicken.

“I have and I think I’m going to--”  You were about to tell Rafael the news when someone interrupted by calling out his name. Turning towards the voice, you saw Rafael’s friends, Alex and Eddie. Alongside them stood a young gorgeous woman.

“Hey! I can’t believe you guys came!” Rafael exclaimed and ran to greet his friends. You had met Alex and Eddie last Christmas during winter break, but you were curious as to who the mysterious girl was. A stab of jealousy twisted like a knife in your heart when you saw her jump into Rafael’s arms.

Eddie caught your gaze and walked over to you. “Hey, Y/N! Congratulations!” He pulled you into a bear hug, lifting you off the ground.

“Thanks, Eddie! It’s good to see you. I can’t believe you guys came.” You liked Eddie. He was sweet and down to Earth, unlike Alex. While Alex was Rafael’s closest childhood friend, there was something about him you didn’t trust. He was fake and selfish.

“We wanted to surprise Rafael.” He set you down on the ground and motioned towards where his friends were.

“So who’s the girl that came with you?” You tried to mask your envy when deep down the green-eyed monster reared its ugly head, unleashing its fury.

“That’s Yelina. When Alex and I told her we were coming to see Rafael, she wanted to tag along with us,” he explained.

So that was Yelina. You had only heard about her once during a drunken Saturday night. Rafael mentioned having a massive crush on her when he was a kid then quickly changed the subject. As you watched the raven-haired beauty whisper something to Rafael making him laugh, you couldn’t help but wonder if there was more between them than just a simple crush.

*****

After a celebratory dinner with your mom, you stopped by one of the local bars to meet up with Rafael and his friends. You walked in and instantly regretted the decision to come, spying Yelina practically sitting in Rafael’s lap.

Narrowing your eyes at the couple, you felt like a fool for even being there. Rafael seemed otherwise occupied, he certainly didn’t need you around. Just as you were about to leave, Alex approached you, blocking the exit.

“Hey gorgeous,” he slurred, winding an arm around your waist. “Where do you think you’re going. Let me buy you a drink.”

“No thanks.” You shrugged him off, glancing back at Rafael, watching as Yelina coaxed him into doing another tequila shot. Your stomach lurched as she seductively placed salt on her neck, pushing his head towards her. He licked it off her skin before downing the shot.

“Damn, looks like Rafael is going to finally get his girl,” Alex said with a smirk.

You whipped your head towards him. “Excuse me.”

Alex arched a brow at you. “You didn’t know about Yelina and Rafael?”

“I...I knew...he had a little crush on her,” you stammered, your face beginning to grow hot.

Alex scoffed, “A little crush? God, he was in love with her for years. Following her around like a lost puppy. But she never gave him the time of day until now.” He leaned towards you, his breath reeked of cheap beer. “So about that drink.”

“Actually I need to go.” You made a beeline to the bathroom, tears blinding your vision. Splashing some water on your face, you stared at yourself in the bathroom mirror. “You’re an idiot,” you harshly whispered to your reflection.

Just then Yelina entered. She stopped in her tracks, huffing out a laugh as she looked you over. You paled in comparison to her. Dressed in a tight electric blue dress, she looked like a model that walked off the runway while you opted for a vintage t-shirt, jeans, and your trusty Doc Martens.  

“Y/N, right?” She asked while reapplying her lipstick. You nodded, clenching your fists hard, your nails digging into the meaty part of your palms. It took all your strength not to lash out and give the statuesque woman beside you a black eye. “Funny, Rafael’s never mentioned you before.”

You met her gaze in the mirror, your eyes cold. “What a coincidence, he never really talked about you either.”

“Well there’s history between us. Maybe he didn’t want to make you jealous.” She gave you a tight-lipped smile. “So what’s going on with you guys? Are you two dating?”

Her words stung and the cold mask you wore quickly began to fall. “No we’re just--”

“Friends?” She interjected. “That’s so cute. Well, I better go. Don’t want to keep Rafael waiting.” With a final flip of her hair, Yelina was gone. The smell of her designer perfume hung in the air, stinging your nostrils.You stood there for a moment, glancing at yourself in the mirror one more time before leaving.

Rafael sat at the bar and checked his watch, wondering where you were as he tried to politely push Yelina away. Everytime he heard the door, his head would turn to see if it was you. But he was too late, you were already gone.

*****

“Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. We will begin boarding Flight 5293, non-stop to London in just a few short minutes.”

You quietly sat in the terminal, listening to the roaring plane engines out on the tarmac. Your mom walked up and handed you a cup of coffee. She furrowed her eyebrows in concern as she sat next to you. “Sweetheart, are you sure about this?”

You ran your finger along the rim of the cup, struggling to keep from crying. “I’ve never been more sure.”

By the time you made it home from the bar your decision had changed. You were leaving for Cambridge, even going so far as to call your mom and ask if she wanted to fly out to England early. You couldn’t bare to stay in Boston any longer than necessary.

In a way, you were almost grateful for Yelina. If she hadn’t shown up, you may have made a terrible mistake. You were so caught up in your love for Rafael, you forgot about yourself and your dreams. Sure, you and Rafael may have been happy at Harvard. But what about afterwards in the real world? Were you always going to be the third wheel in your relationship? Always wondering if Rafael settled for you?

It was better that you left and forget about what happened between you. At least that’s what your head said, you just wished someone could explain that to your broken heart.

“Attention Ladies and Gentlemen. We are now boarding for Flight 5293. Please have your ticket ready.”

“That’s us,” your mom said when your group was announced. The two of you made your way to the gate when you heard a familiar voice shout your name.

“Y/N!!!” Rafael ran through the terminal, waving his arms to grab your attention. He stopped at your gate, hunched over, grabbing his knees to support himself, completely out of breath.

Your mom motioned for you to go to him. “Rafi, what’re you doing here?” You asked, completely bewildered.

“I stopped by your apartment and saw Becks. She said you were leaving.” After the debacle at the bar, Rafael had tried to call you. He was worried you had seen him with Yelina and gotten the wrong idea. He had his hands full, trying to ward off her advances. By the end of the night, she had gotten so drunk, it took him, Alex, and Eddie to get her back to his place so she could sleep it off. He woke up early to stop by your apartment only to hear from your roommate that you were gone.

“Yeah, I accepted the offer last night. I’m going to Cambridge.”

Rafael felt the air in his lungs leave his body. He couldn’t believe this was happening. “Don’t you have two more weeks?”

“My mom and I are going to do some sightseeing, a little European vacation before I start school. I hear London’s beautiful this time of year.” You shrugged, mustering every ounce of strength you had to mask your pain.

Rafael gently reached for your hand. “But I thought...”

“You thought wrong.” Your response was like ice as you pulled your hand away. “Maybe you should go back and be with Yelina.”

He vehemently shook his head. “We’re just friends.”

Anger flashed before your eyes. “Do you always do body shots off your friends,” you hissed.

“Nothing happened,” he pleaded for you to understand, reaching for your hands again.

You closed your eyes, knowing if you saw the look on Rafael’s face, you would give in and stay. “It doesn’t matter. I made my decision.”

Tears streamed down Rafael’s face. He felt completely helpless. All he could do was cling to you and try not to whisk you away. “I don’t know what to say,” he whispered in a shaky voice.

“Then don’t say anything,” you whispered back, blinking back your own tears. He ran a hand through your hair, gently tugging on one of your curls. His eyes pierced right through you. He tried to memorize the delicate features of your face, the smell of your jasmine shampoo, the way your hands seemed to fit so perfectly into his own, as if they were destined to be clasped together forever.

You began to soften, giving yourself up to the moment. Leaning forward, you brushed your lips up against his, kissing him one final time. He cupped your face, returning the kiss, desperately trying to make you understand how much he loved you in that simple gesture.

“Final boarding for Flight 5293. All remaining passengers must board. We’ll be closing the gate shortly,” the woman announced over the PA system.

All too soon, you pulled away, brushing a tear away from his cheek. “Bye, Rafi. I’ll keep in touch.”You squeezed his hand before entering the jetway to board your plane.

Rafael walked up to the window and watched your plane pull away, placing his hand up to the glass. “Bye, mi amor. I’ll see you again,” he softly said.

You sat and stared out the window, your seat shaking as the plane began its ascent into the sky. “Bye, Rafi. I love you,” you murmured as the town of Boston became smaller and smaller until all you could see were clouds.  

@glimmerglittergirl @southern-magnolia @delia26 @sass-and-suspenders @obfuscateyummy @eclecticminded @sweetcannolicarisi @thatesqcrush @katmstanton @amirightcounsellor @beltzboys2015-blog @letty-o @sonnysdoll @lyssa1385 @sweetsummertime99 @burningsorr0ws @gibbs274 @izzythefanfreak @riodallas @babypink224221 @livxrafa @esparza-army @ottosuricato @obsessionprofessional

[expectyaytions]

Something Just Like This (part II)

Part A

🌬Winter❄️

“Tall person! Get over here!” She shouted at Sweet Pea over the Christmas music. They were decorating their tree and she needed help with the lights.

“I’m making peppermint Jell-O shots -you know, like you ordered me to.” He shouted from the kitchen, but she could hear his footsteps coming closer.

“I just need help getting the parts I can’t reach.” She handed him the unlit strings.

“So basically you need me to do the whole tree then.” She punched his arm.

“Shut Up - I’m vertically challenged.”

“You mean short.” She was wearing black leggings, a oversized white sweater and a chunky red scarf and currently digging out Christmas balls. “So is Andrews joining us for our Christmas gathering tomorrow?”

She shot him a look.

“No.”

“Was he invited?”

“No.”

“It’s been 3 months! When are you going to tell me what happened?” He whined.

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

“I hate surprises. Just tell me.”

“No.” This time she couldn’t keep a straight face and she laughed.

“It’s not fair! No one knows anything except you. Jughead doesn’t know either! Or Betty!”

“Everyone will find out soon enough.”

“Veeeeee, come on I won’t tell anyone.”

“You said that about Halloween, but Fangs found out.”

“Okay. True, but Fangs tricked it out of me.”

“How exactly did he trick that out of you?”

Sweet Pea just shrugged before bursting out laughing.

“I still can’t believe -“

“It’s not funny anymore.” She smacked his leg from the floor.

“Oh Darling, it will always be funny.” She flipped him off.

-//-//-//-//-

It was the Sunday after Christmas and everyone was back at Veronica’s and Sweet Pea’s for brunch. They had all brought various breakfast goodies and snacks. And spent the late morning swapping Christmas horror stories and sipping eggnog. Fangs was in the middle of telling a story about hows Noah’s niece asked everyone at Christmas Eve dinner where babies came from. “Everyone just kind of went silent until Noah’s grandpa cleared his throat and asked her why she wanted to know. And she said she wanted a little sister. His grandpa then told her what sex was. She was horrified and told her parents they were gross. Everyone was wavering between laughing and being shocked.” Fangs was laughing so hard at his retelling “and then then asked how will Noah have babies if he doesn’t have a wife but a husband? It was an interesting Christmas for sure.”

“Sounds like it.” Betty agreed, “where Noah now?”

“He stayed home for a few more days. His family does this thing for New Years. But I told him I already had plans - right Veronica?”

“You know it!”

“Did you see Andrews while you guys were home?” Sweet Pea asked Jughead and Betty, while looking at Veronica. Her curiosity peaked.

“We stopped by to see Fred, but he wasn’t home. My mom said she thought they might be in Chicago.”

“Did you hear from him Veronica?” Jughead asked her. Veronica had indeed heard from Archie. She knew he wasn’t in Chicago. He was right here in New York celebrating the holidays with his parents and pregnant girlfriend - the one with the peace sign tattoo. He was waiting to tell everyone else. For what she didn’t know. But he wanted to tell her first. So she’d know they were done, for good. So on top of her sadness and anger, she was also harboring his secret.

“Yeah I did. He’s had a good Christmas with Fred and Molly. Says hello to everyone. He’ll be in touch soon.”

“That’s it?” Jughead asked, his teeth gritted. “My best fucking friend of two decades can’t even text me?” Betty put a hand in his knee.

“I’ve invited him and his girlfriend to join us for New Years.”

“Girlfriend?” Betty asked her, making direct eye contact.

“Yup, girlfriend.”

“Wow.” Sweet Pea added and Fangs caught each other’s eye and had a conversation.

There was a bit of an awkward silence, but Veronica clapped her hands and said it was time to exchange gifts. Everyone went to their respective present locations and gathered up gifts. Veronica went to her room, taking the time to exhale through a few tears. She didn’t want to be with Archie, but likes knowing he was always a possibility -well until now. She was alone and she hated it. Dating sucked, it was a lot of rejection, fake smiles and bad kissing. She’d ended up at few guys apartments, desperate to feel a human connection, to feel wanted. But as soon they fell asleep she’d gather her clothes and tiptoe out into the night. She’d hail a cab and feel lonely. The next morning she’d save face and lie to Sweet Pea, or Fangs or Betty - whoever she saw that she was fine. Her eyes flitted to her dresser where she kept two framed photos. One of her high school graduation with Betty, Jughead, Archie and herself in their caps and gowns, arms around each other. The other photo had been taken in May, it was taken at Betty’s graduation. She was in her cap and gown while the other three had their sashes and caps for a photo. Two weeks later Archie told her he thought they were headed in two different directions.

“You okay?” She jumped bringing a hand to her chest.

“Yeah, fine, sorry.” She shook her head away from the photos and looked at Sweet Pea.

“You better have gotten me something good.” She teased starting toward the living room.

“Spoiler alert its a year membership to match.com.” She swatted his arm.

“Better than my gift to you, which is nothing.” He rolled his eyes and he let her get away without asking her more about the Archie Andrews elephant in the room.

“Veronica! You did not!”

“I did! I hope you guys like it!”

“This will be perfect! I need a vacation!” Betty was practically jumping with joy.

“Seriously, France! Skiing in France?!” Fangs was salvaging. “Good thing I got my passport last summer.”

“Same.” Sweet Pea breathed, still shocked at the extravagant gift.

“Only Veronica Lodge wouldn’t let herself be topped at gift giving.”

“It was selfish actually. I really just wanted you guys to go with me somewhere I lived for a getaway. And I invited Toni and Cheryl.”

“Are they coming?” Fangs asked.

“Well, they should be getting the package with details in like ten minutes. I also booked an extra for Noah. But if you don’t-“

“Oh my god, seriously? Veronica Lodge, Marry me?” She laughed.

“I just wanted us to to have a getaway together. Make some memories.”

“Did you invite Archie?” Jughead asked.

“I did. He and Sage can’t come though.” Jughead nodded.

“There’s still something you’re not telling us.” He looked at Veronica for confirmation. She rolled her lips together and nodded. Jughead exhaled in frustration.

“Just leave it Jug.” Betty whispered.

“we’re going skiing in France! And staying at private chalet!” Fangs was squealing into the phone to Noah telling him the good news.”

“And staying for two nights in Paris on each end of the two weeks. Two when we get there and two before we leave.”

“Veronica.” Sweet Pea looked pained, “I can’t accept this. It’s too much.”

“Of course you will! You’re my roommate and friend and you keep me sane.”

-//-//-//-//-

Veronica had rented out a vacant basement space that used to be a club. She hired caterers, a DJ, a bartender and some of her parents party people to help her transform it into a 1940’s-esque speakeasy themed space. She had snacks and drinks ready, she’d open the doors at 10. She’d invited everyone from the office, told all her friends to invite friends and she was hoping for a good turn out. She had reservations at a small, but well known restaurant in SoHo. It was going to be her, Sweet Pea, Fangs, Noah, Toni, Cheryl, Betty, Jughead and unbeknownst to them -Archie and Sage were coming to make their announcement.

They met her apartment - she had rented a limo to take them to dinner and then take them to the club. Sweet Pea greeted everyone at the door as Veronica was still trying to get her make-up right. Noah and Fangs arrived first. She heard them enter and Sweets offered them beers. Betty and Jughead were next, Betty wasted no time barging into Veronica’s room and squealing at how excited she was.

“You’re not even dressed!”

“I’m finishing my makeup. I’m almost done - just need to add my lipstick.”

“Is that the dress you’re wearing?” Veronica turned to see where her friend was pointing.

“Yeah that’s the one.” It was a short royal blue sequin and lace dress. It was simple for Veronica’s usual celebratory dress standards, but she looked forward to how it would shine under the lights of the club.

“I love it. It screams New Years Eve.”

“You look incredible B.” Betty had her hair down in curls and a black jumpsuit. “Very Farrah Fawcett circa Charlie’s Angels.” Veronica capped her lipstick and slid her robe off. She pulled the dress over her legs and up until she slid her arms in the straps she adjusted it and slid on her black stilettos. She grabbed her clutch and her long black jacket and together she and Betty headed to the living room. By that time everyone had arrived and were sipping drinks.

“Hot damn!” Cheryl shouted, Toni wolf-whistled behind her.

“You guys look fabulous!” Fangs announced kissing both of their cheeks. Veronica was nervous about seeing Archie. She was worried about the reactions of Jughead and Betty. She took a deep breath and swallowed a shot Sweet Pea handed to her.

[nuttydefendoryouth]

What is a Ramadan crescent moon tree?

One particular decor element that has taken root – and is quickly gaining ground in the region this year – is the crescent tree.

Chances are you’ve come across it yourself: the artificial tree comes in a number of sizes and colours, with its defining feature being its distinct crescent moon shape.

With its Instagram-friendly appearance, it has blown up online under different names – moon tree, green ramadan eid crecsent moon tree, Ramadan tree and even Eid tree – as more families take to them. A search for #RamadanTree on Instagram turns up more than 1,000 posts, while one for #EidTree yields over 1,500; impressive since three years ago, they didn’t really exist.

So how did it all begin? It all seems to have started in Michigan, in the US, where resident Samar Baydoun Bazzi decided to mark the holy month with some festive cheer. As a mother, she wanted to create a special experience for her daughter, so she began incorporating Islamic-themed art into the home. When that wasn’t enough, she tried a Christmas tree, but that only confused her child further, she told local media.

That is how Bazzi ended up taking things into her own hands – by creating Ramadan trees in the shape of a crescent moon as a tribute to Islam. As the pictures of the trees circulated online, she started getting orders and the trend just picked up from there.

How did trend reach the UAE?

The crescent-shaped tree is making its way across to the UAE, too. Zahirah Marty, founder of brand development agency Think Liquorice, purchased one in 2020 through Amazon, but she found it quite difficult to source one at the time, and options were limited.

Today, however, it's easier, as a number of brands have starting selling them.

Crate & Barrel, which introduced the tree in 2020, saw sales of the crescent tree soar this year. The hugely popular item can be bought item both online and in-store, for Dh400.

Why get a crescent tree?

UAE resident and mum-of-four Taghred Chandab, who bought one before Ramadan from Kibsons, says it worked as a great way to start a conversation with little ones about Islam and Ramadan.

“We like to decorate for Ramadan and Eid, to give the children a sense of excitement around both the holy month and Eid. My youngest is 5 and she has asked over the years if we could have a Christmas tree at Christmas, but as Muslims we didn't feel this was appropriate as it didn't reflect our beliefs.

"She was really excited when the white ramadan eid crecsent moon tree arrived and we explained to her why the moon was important in Islam, particularly around Ramadan and Eid. She feels the spirit now. Sometimes kids need visual aids to understand."

When Marty posted a picture of her tree on social media last year, she received many queries from other parents, also looking for a way to “bring the month to life for their children and make it something tangible and memorable”.

"Growing up, we didn't have anything like this," she tells The National. "There weren't decorations and lights. At best we shared plates of food or dates with neighbours and family and waited for Eid; for a day of family and food. We did a little less that month, and besides the wave of energy at iftar, it was a pretty non-eventful month from a child's perspective.

“I want Ramadan to be a month-long celebration of who we are, and time at home together, and most importantly I want to create new traditions for my family based on our diversity and mixed cultural background, because that’s a part of our identity.

"It is a month to reflect, and reconnect with ourselves, our home, our family, our creator and I want that to be done in a lively and festive space. Having that centrepiece is a symbolic display of that for me."

Marty says she makes setting up the tree an educational and fun experience for her son Noah, who loves it, too. “While we decorate it, we chat about why it’s a moon and not a tree, why we have it out, what fasting means and how he has so much to look forward to with Eid.

“I want Noah to fall in love with his faith, and all that it comes with. We live in a very challenging world, and children today won’t accept things ‘because we say so’. I want my son to view religion as the beautiful part of his world it is from a young age, and creating reasons to celebrate, decorate and bring joy is how I choose to do it. Everything else will follow."

A response to criticism

Despite its popularity, the trend is not without its criticism. A cursory search online will find comments about it copying western traditions, while others believe it can be ostentatious.

“In any area of life there will always be critics, and I respect that as humans we will differ in our opinions," says Marty. "I prefer to focus on my intention to create happy, celebratory moments for my family as a medium of education, and a way of carving out our space with our circumstances.

“If a decorated moon sparks joy in my toddler to look forward to the month of Ramadan, ask me questions, and open his mind and heart to the lessons, stories and memories, then I’ve achieved my goal.”

How to decorate a Ramadan tree:

Some trees come pre-decorated, but if you prefer to decorate the gold ramadan eid crecsent moon tree together with your family, there are options in the UAE.

Marty recommends Daiso as a place where one can get a range of lights in the shapes of mosques, stars and moons. She drapes her family Ramadan tree with lights, camels and even baubles.

“I grew up with a childhood tradition of new Eid pyjamas and either money or gifts. I keep that tradition in our home. The silver ramadan eid crecsent moon tree is a place we have all this sitting until the night before Eid, which adds to the excitement of Eid day,” she says.

Other places where one can get Eid and Ramadan decorations, as well as trees, include Amazon, Kibsons and noon.com.

DEARBORN — Celebrating Ramadan in the U.S. doesn’t come as naturally as it does in Muslim-majority countries. From fasting during long summer days to lackluster holiday cheer and enduring anti-Muslim sentiments, Muslim Americans have to try just a little harder throughout Islam’s holiest month.

Samar Baydoun Bazzi, a 29-year-old Dearborn resident and nursing student, knows that all too well and is trying to change that— one crecsent tree decorations at a time.

Bazzi told The AANews she remembers feeling like the “odd one out” growing up as a Muslim in Michigan, especially after she began wearing the hijab. During Muslim holidays, she rarely would feel any enthusiasm as gatherings were mostly isolated to family and close friends. Her home would only light up with decorations during Christmas.

Although simple Ramadan-related decorations adorn some properties in Dearborn, Bazzi said she wants to bring a little extra Ramadan spirit to a city that’s home to one of the most concentrated Arab and Muslim American communities and one of the largest mosques in the nation.

“People can get more creative,” she said.

The project, now in its fourth year and selling nationwide, began when Bazzi’s daughter, 4-years-old at the time, thought it was Christmas when she put up a tree along with other banners and crafts, in preperation for Ramadan.

That same day, Bazzi said she took the tree apart and rearranged it in the shape of a crescent moon, a widely-recognized symbol in Islam.

“I wanted her to be excited about her own religion and holiday,” she said about her daughter.

Bazzi, who crafts the trees by hand in her basement, said she quickly learned that many Muslim households face the same obstacles and people wished they’d had such trees in their childhoods.

“The parents want their kids to feel like their own holiday is the most amazing time of the year,” Bazzi said. “It’s a time when they’re supposed to be closer to God, to pray and fast; we want them to fall in the love with the whole process.”

Bazzi said her intention was not to blend Anglo-Christian and Pagan traditions with Islamic ones by using a Christmas tree and that she initially only used a tree because that’s what she had available.

“It really makes no difference to me,” she said. “It doesn’t look like a Christmas tree anymore.”

At a time when political tensions are high and bigoted rhetoric is rampant, Bazzi said her goal is to ensure Muslim Americans, especially the youth, can be unabashedly proud and more openly celebrate their faith.

It takes her about five hours to make each tree. The six-foot-and-eight-inch-tall trees are available in white and green and include lights and a hanging star. They’re being sold nationwide, with requests for them coming from around the world.

Bazzi said the Ramadan Trees have garnered enough interest for a wait list to fill up, forcing her to stop accepting orders this year.

She said she hopes to partner with a manufacturer and expand the project into a large-scale business.

For Samar Baydoun Bazzi, the Ramadan Tree grew out of a desire to mark the Islamic holy month with festive cheer.

Growing up as a Muslim in the U.S., Baydoun Bazzi, 29, of Dearborn said she noticed a lack of decorations during the month-long holiday, which Muslims observe by fasting from sunrise to sundown to commemorate the revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad.

“Obviously, Ramadan’s important,” Baydoun Bazzi said. “You gotta pray and fast, and you want to become closer to your creator. But I never as a kid felt like there was any decorations or like a celebration. I wanted something exciting.”

When she became a mother, she decided to take matters into her own hands and create the kind of Ramadan experience she wished for as a child.

She began by decorating her west Dearborn home with Islamic-themed art, like acrylic paintings of Arabic calligraphy and a cardboard model of a mosque.

It wasn’t enough.

So in 2014, she said, she decided to put up a Christmas tree.

It didn't last long.

“Oh, Christmas!” Baydoun Bazzi remembers her daughter Zahraa, then 4 years old, shouting.

“I knew that it was a mistake,” Baydoun Bazzi said of her decision. “So I looked at my tree and decided to take it apart.”

That’s when the Ramadan Tree first took root.

[donald-clemons]

Creative Ways to Promote Your Products with Minor Holidays

Major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving are popular times to promote products in the ecommerce world, and rightly so—they’re widely acknowledged and easy to incorporate into marketing. However, the excitement and spending spirit surrounding each of these holidays only happens once a year. When the buzz dies down and there are months to go before the next big shopping event, what can you do to keep your customers excited?

One way businesses keep up the momentum from major holidays is by utilizing smaller, less-celebrated holidays to keep their brands and products in front of their customers. While some consumers are already excited about these holidays, they’re not necessarily thinking about making purchases from your store at the same time. Below, we’ve curated a few creative ideas for marketing promotions that celebrate minor holidays and events while boosting sales.

1. Add Holiday Copy to Existing PPC Ads

If you’re already running a PPC campaign, promotional copy can add flair to your ad text, making your ads stand out on search results pages. The benefits of adding holiday wording are numerous—not only will it help you achieve more clicks, but a higher click-through-rate means a higher quality score, which in turn means your ad could appear higher on the page. You may even see a decrease in cost per click. Plus, it only requires quick and simple updates.

Consider the two ads below, both of which are for the same company and product. The one on the left is a good ad, but it’s also going to look very similar to all the other ads on the search results page. The ad on the right ties in the Spring Season in a celebratory manner with unique promotional text that will stand out from other car detailing ads on the page, driving visitors to this site over the competition.

2. Run a Sale/Offer with Clever Holiday Ties

Another option is to consider running a sale or offer specifically tailored to a minor holiday. Everyone loves saving money, so sales are a great way to attract customers and boost purchases during any sales slump. Rather than appearing as another business promotion lost in the fray, however, a minor holiday-related promotion will stand out in a memorable way, helping your business with brand recall.

Consider creative ways to tie the promotion into the holiday itself. For example, if you wanted to offer a discount on St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, you could offer 17% off an entire order. Another great example would be tying your products themselves into the holiday. If you sell pet supplies, you could offer 20% off all fish supplies during Shark Week. Just make sure you don’t offer something overly complicated—this will reduce the likelihood of redemption.

3. Hold Contests/Giveaways that Promote Your Brand

Everyone loves a sale, but what consumers love more than discounted goods are free goods. Incorporating free products or giveaways into your minor holiday strategy—whether through entering a contest or simply by submitting an order—is a guaranteed way to drum up interest in your business and drive sales.

Campaigns that involve some creativity on the customer’s side are a great way to generate even more excitement—for instance, asking customers to submit Olympics-themed videos using your products for a chance to win “Gold,” “Silver,” and “Bronze”-level gift baskets. It’s also a fun way to source valuable user-generated content. On the other hand, you can still offer low-stakes/low-effort freebies—such as offering a free chocolate bar with all orders on World Chocolate Day (July 7)—to raise purchase enthusiasm.

4. Create Gift/Holiday-Related Category Pages

Since SEO is a long-term process, it’s a good idea to take time to think through holidays you might be able to capitalize on that your competitors may not be thinking about. For holidays that fit perfectly with your niche, you might consider creating a specific category page with pertinent copy to take advantage of keywords that may have very low competition. This will benefit your user experience as well by giving shoppers a curated list of everything they might be interested in purchasing around a specific holiday.

For example, if your business sells barware, you may consider putting together a category page for Oktoberfest gear to get shoppers excited about your beer steins and mugs. In the example below, Uncommon Goods has created a category page specifically for Mother’s Day gifts so that customers can easily locate products that may be of interest to mother figures in their lives.

5. Incorporate Charitable Giving Into the Holiday

Another great way to promote your business during minor holidays is to set up a way to donate to a charity that ties into the holiday—or your business—in some way. In addition to doing some good for the world, a campaign like this paints your brand in a generous light, which can boost your reputation and provide positive word-of-mouth advertising for your business.

One upcoming minor holiday is Pi Day (3/14), celebrating the mathematical constant pi (3.14) and—because of the word similarities—pie. Businesses hoping to make a charitable event out of this minor holiday could donate a certain percent of sales made that day to a local food bank to fight hunger. In the example below, one business is harnessing the popularity of Earth Day by donating a portion of their sales to The National Parks Foundation.

6. Post Holiday Content on Social Media the Day Of

A final tried-and-true method for promoting your business on minor holidays is to post simple holiday wishes or other holiday-related content on your social media accounts. While more of a brand recall tactic than a sales-related one, scheduling posts like this can still keep your business top-of-mind for consumers as they revel in holiday excitement. They are also relatively quick and easy to put together.

Engagement-related posts are the best way to generate interest on social media, whether through a poll or asking fans to post comments. In the example below, a pet care business asks their followers to post photos of their pets outside on Groundhog Day to see if they saw their shadows. However, you can always stick to a more simple greeting, like “Happy Mardi Gras from [your business]” with an associated image—just remember the more unique, the better.

Additional Pointers

Keep in mind that holiday-related content is more memorable when you can find a way to relate it to your business specifically. If you sell soap but don’t have any shapes or scents related to football, then promoting your business in conjunction with the Super Bowl may not be very fruitful unless you can get REALLY creative. Holiday content is even more memorable when it is unique—people are more likely to ignore simple holiday wishes from every business they see unless they are conveyed in a creative way.

Not sure what minor holidays to include in your strategy? Do a Google search for national holidays and pick whichever one(s) seems the most compelling to you. You can also search for local festivals, competitions, or bizarre holidays related to your product type. Know the date you started your online store? Try celebrating your business’s birthday each year as well.

In Conclusion

It’s important to look ahead and plan for any upcoming holidays that may be applicable to your brand. The easiest way to do so is to sit down at the beginning or end of each quarter and plan ahead for the upcoming few months. From there, you’ll be able to see which holidays could help add a spike in sales for your business.

Creative Ways to Promote Your Products with Minor Holidays published first on https://yousweetluxury.weebly.com/

[losertownnn]

can i get a headcanon where mc is a ballerina and the one time that she invites the RFA+V+Saeran to watch her show she gets injured and is really upset about it? i broke my leg at nutcracker rehearsal the other day and i really need some cheering up from my favorite boys

MC as a Ballerina (RFA boys+V+Saeran)

MC is a really good ballerina and has scored the main role in The Nutcracker (Clara!). It’s opening night and she’s asked her S/O to be there to watch and just so she can have emotional support. It’s their first time seeing her dance so they’re all really excited! But what happens when she gets injured/has a panic attack on stage…?

((A/N: I was in the Christmas spirit and one of my best friends is actually in the Nutcracker right now too so of course I’ll do it! Hope you feel better, anon

((A/N again: I also added panic attacks to this because I had those frequently when I myself was a dancer..hope you don’t mind, nonny!))

Word Count: 2668

Yoosung:

When you asked Yoosung to come to watch your show on opening night, he was really excited!

“AHHHHHH MC WANTS ME TO WATCH HER SHOW I FEEL SO HONORED”

“Um….you’re my boyfriend, Yoosung…of course I want you to.”

For the few weeks leading up to your performance he would remind you how excited he was to see your performance! He’d pepper your face in kisses while you were making dinner and tell you that Chef Yoosung had arrived to take over for you so that you wouldn’t overwork yourself before the big day.

“This isn’t my first rodeo, Yoosung, I’ll be fine.”

When the day finally arrived, Yoosung visited your dressing room while you were getting ready to give you flowers and a kiss as good luck.

While he was waiting for the curtains to finally open and for you to come out on stage his legs started bouncing and your mom had to ask him if he was alright.

Outwardly, he just told her that his foot had fallen asleep and that he was trying to wake it up.

Inwardly, he was just not enjoying how long it was taking MC to come out on stage.

When you finally do come out on stage and begin to dance, Yoosung is absolutely entranced by your intricate and graceful movements as you moved across the stage. You looked like an angel to him.

Throughout the entire thing, Yoosung was amazed at how easily this came to MC and he commented about this to her parents more than once. They responded rather casually, as if this wasn’t their first time seeing their daughter dance as Clara (it was the fifth time).

They were halfway through the Waltz of the Snowflakes when MC went to do an arabesque and did something horribly wrong, instantaneously collapsing to the ground and letting out a yelp.  

Yoosung sprang up from his chair and darted onto the stage before the curtains could close on him.

You were sprawled on the ground and crying and your ankle was bent at an awfully unnatural angle.

Yoosung started crying himself and held and rocked you while you waited for the medics to show up and help you into the ambulance that was waiting outside.

You didn’t even care that your ankle was probably broken, you sat there apologizing to the boy for messing up your performance. He was sobbing because he was so worried for you and just kissed you while telling you over and over that he didn’t mind a bit as long as you could heal up nicely.

“And think about this, MC, you won’t have to go to practice that much anymore so you can play LOLOL with meeee!” (MC laughed at this)

Stayed with you for the entire time that you were in the ambulance and at the hospital. (SUCH A CINNAMON ROLL)

Endless cuddles and games of LOLOL while you’re on the road to recovery.

Zen:

You didn’t even get to finish inviting Zen to the performance before he says yes.

He’s so happy you share the same love for the stage as he has. (He tells you this like every time you bring it up)

For the weeks before the performance he playfully dances with you around his apartment and calls you his darling princess Clara. (to which you either swoon or roll your eyes, depending on whether MC is a happy MC or a grumbly MC LOL)

Flowers. And. Chocolates. And. Cuddles. Every. Day.

He does this to get your confidence up because attention from you always helps him before a show of his

He makes you salads for dinner every night saying that you have to be in good shape healthwise before your big day so that you’ll perform to your best ability! (Though he’s sure that you’ll be amazing no matter what you do)

On the day of he doesn’t come into your dressing room beforehand because even though he likes it when you do it for him, he figures that you might be just a tad bit different and wants you to be able to calm your pesky nerves on your own without the possibility of him making them worse.

When he’s sitting with your parents waiting for you to come out and open the show he can’t stop talking about how amazing you are at dancing.

Your parents are like “but you haven’t even seen her dance yet so how do you even know ???”

Zen tries to hide inside of his suit because he meant to keep that inside of his head.

He’s on the edge of his seat for the entirety of the show. Up until the finale that is….

You totally freeze on stage and stare into the crowd. He can see that you’re starting to shake so he runs backstage to comfort you.

After prodding you with questions for what seems like years (it was only two minutes…) Zen figures out that you had skipped your meals that day because usually that brings you good luck.

WAIT.

HOLD UP.

MC

SKIPPED

HER

MeAlS?!?!??!?!!

Zen goes red and starts lecturing you about how you should always properly take care of yourself before big performances like this and how disappointed he is that you would ever do that to yourself and how he is going to force you to eat a salad when you get home and WATCH you eat it.

You think it’s kind of cute though that he cares so much.

Zen watches all of your meals for a few months after the incident and every time you have a big performance he personally feeds you. (Not that you’re complaining)

Jumin:

When Jumin found out that MC had gotten the part as Clara he bought out the entire balcony section so that your parents, Chairman Han, the RFA and himself could all see you perfectly and watch while sitting in the most comfortable chairs that the theater has to offer.

You only rolled your eyes at this and told him that you had reserved the very front row for them before he went off and bought out the balcony.

Jumin scoffs and says the balcony will be better anyway.

This leads to a stupid argument over which has the better view.

Jumin buys you a lot of presents leading up to the performance and even goes so far as hiring you daily spa specialists to both mentally and physically prepare you for the upcoming performance.

He also has set aside a specific 45 minutes for you to lounge around and spend quality time with you and Jumin’s precious child Elizabeth the 3rd.

Jumin tells the RFA to basically dress to the nines for the performance.

They listened, too…Jaehee wore a sparkly ball gown. They all glared at Jumin when they found out that it was a casual event and during the wait he would sometimes feel all of their eyes on him…not in a good way, either.

While you’re dancing, Jumin has to scold Seven and Yoosung for making fun of the Nutcracker’s outfit.

They were laughing particularly obnoxiously loudly and saying that he looked like he belonged in a Christmas Shoppe window.

It was during this time that the Nutcracker had attempted to pick you up and spin you around.

To keep things short and simple, he dropped you.

And something in you snapped.

Jumin was out of his chair so fast that he looked like a blur of black as he darted down the stairs and towards the stage.

Unfortunately for him, the curtains had already closed by the time he got there, and got a face full of red, velvety, DIRTY curtains.

He was going to have to wash his mouth 20 times after this

Once Jumin actually made it backstage, he shoves his finger in your dance partner’s face aggressively and threatens to sue him

“No, Jumin, it’s fine, things happen…”

“How dare he hurt my love? He will be paying a lot for this.”

The medics examine you and figure out that you broke your wrist.

Jumin is freaked out at first because he knows how much you like to write in your free time, but relaxes when he finds out that you broke your non-dominant wrist.

The fact that he wasn’t very worried sort of pissed you off, though.

It was only an act; he was freaking out internally

He babies you for the entire healing process and every time you have even the smallest of pains he hires a doctor.

He makes sure that you know that he loves you every day in different ways to make you feel better.

707/Luciel/Saeyoung Choi:

This boy is jumping around the living room of his bunker when you originally tell him, saying that you guys will have to eat extra Honey Buddha Chips and drink more Dr Pepper than usual as a celebratory gesture while you’re having your Fast and Furious movie marathon that night.

“Saeyoung, this isn’t the first time I’ve gotten this role, it’s really not a big–”

“Shhh! My goddess 606 will be treated extra sweetly for her achievements. Your protests will not sway God 707.”

When you’re shopping for Christmas decorations for the bunker (he never really celebrated Christmas until you moved in with him) he would always point at the ballerina ornaments and say that it was you.

“Saeyoung, that ballerina is a man….that’s not me.”

“She could be cross dressing, MC, stop raining on my parade!”

Good lord this boy acts like he’s not really that excited, but he hacks every member of the RFA’s computer and makes their background the flyer with the location info and date/time of the performance with a little note edited onto the bottom of it.

‘You will show up unless you want a shipment of 450,000 bars of soap to be delivered to your doorstep.’

On the day of the performance, he notices that you’re acting a little antsier than you usually do and that you had crescent shaped cuts on the palms of your hands.

He calmly™ asks if you’re okay and if you need some anti-anxiety drugs to help you focus.

You tell him that it��s only the pre-show jitters, and that they’ll go away once you actually start dancing.

That isn’t the case.

You dance the entire overture shakily, and once you go off the stage for the set change, your dance teacher has to ask if you’re okay.

You’re NOT.

You tell them like you told Saeyoung that you’re totally fine and that you were only a little cold.

You go back onto the stage and dance the part where the Nutcracker comes to life and fights off the rat king’s evil soldiers until one part that seems to have completely deleted itself from your brain.

You freeze and fall to your knees, shaking so hard that people in the crowd can hear your knees hitting the stage as you shook.

Protective Saeyoung™ has emerged from the depths of his soul and he rushes backstage to help calm you down and holds you as you cry.

He talks to your dance teacher and convinces her to let you try again now that you’ve calmed down.

The dance teacher hesitantly agrees.

When you try again, you dance it perfectly and Saeyoung finds himself falling in love with you all over again.

He treats you to bowl after bowl of ice cream with a side of cuddles for the weeks following that first performance.

He’s always in the audience for your future performances as well. (cutie ;-;)

V/Jihyun Kim: 

He’s really excited to see you dance since he hasn’t been to a ballet since before the surgery.

He takes you to practice everyday and if he can convince you to let him, he stays and watches you practice.

He’s astounded at how good you are at dancing, every move as graceful and delicate as the last.

He gushes about this to all of his friends and everyone who attends his photography events.

He takes a million pictures of you practicing and frames them, hanging them in various rooms of your house.

Loves to massage your feet after a particularly difficult practice and make you some soup to make you feel better.

He cuddles with you every night following up to the actual performance.

While waiting in the audience for you to come out, he gushes to your parents about how much he loves you and how proud he is of you for coming this far.

Your parents absolutely adore him for this and tell him how you’ve worked all your life to get to this point.

This makes him love it even more. 

When you come out on stage holding the nutcracker he almost falls out of his seat when he sees how stunning you look in Clara’s nightdress.

He almost cries at how amazing you’re doing on the stage.

Lowkey gets jealous of the Nutcracker’s dancer because he’s touching his MC.

When you fall while doing a turn he stays in his seat for a moment, not knowing what just happened.

He bolts backstage when your parents poke him in the ribs and tell him that you’ve been injured and will probably be removed from the role of Clara.

When he makes it backstage he’s greeted with your loud sobs and the image of a badly broken ankle. 

He’s instantly on the floor next to you, rocking you back and forth and smoothing your hair back while whispering encouraging words.

He takes you everywhere afterwards and makes sure that you get everything you need while on your way to recovery.

Saeran Choi/Unkown/Ray:

He doesn’t really react in a positive (or negative for that matter) way and just nods before returning to the subject you had been on before you brought your performance up.

Inwardly he’s actually pretty excited because he had never seen a ballet before.

He doesn’t bring it up in the two weeks leading up to the performance, just kind of gives you some extra loving for no reason.

On the day of he starts to get nervous.

He’s read on multiple websites that ballet can be a pretty dangerous form of dance and that you could break many bones if you made just one wrong move.

He’s bouncing his legs while waiting for the curtains to open and Saeyoung teases him about possibly being afraid that MC is just a bad dancer.

Saeran full on slaps his brother in the face.

Saeran feels strangely emotional while watching you glide across the stage. He doesn’t know how such an angel could love someone like him.

He was just about to brag to Saeyoung that he has a scarily talented girlfriend when the Nutcracker tripped on a prop and dropped MC, sending her flying off the end of the stage.

Saeran runs to her so quickly that he’s gasping for breath when he reaches her and cradles her unconscious body in his arms.

Tears are silently rolling down the smol bean’s cheeks. 

He yells at everyone who tries to take MC away from him, saying that he won’t let them take her from him, that he loves her too much to lose her.

By this time MC had just regained consciousness and told Saeran to take her to the hospital. She was pretty certain that she had broken her right femur and left calf.

When they got home from the hospital Saeran would grumble remarks like “You should have been more careful” and “Why did you scare me like that” but he was really just trying not to cry over how scared he had been.

MC loves him so much for that.

There it is! Hope it’s to your liking! If you have any requests please send me an ask and I’ll do it within 3 or 4 days but I’ll most certainly try for the day I receive it!

[dem-obscure-imagines]

Dating Bernard and Being Scott’s Daughter would include...

Bernard x Reader

Dating Bernard and Being Scott’s Daughter would include…

-Bernard knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that dating you was Not An Option. At all.

-You were Santa’s daughter and he was Santa’s head elf. That sort of thing was frowned upon, to say the least.  

-But he couldn’t help noticing the way your eyes tended to linger on him whenever you were at the North Pole.

-He also noticed the way his heart leaped at the sight of you.

-No. He couldn’t have these thoughts about you. He couldn’t.

-And so when Christmas came around, the elves had their celebratory party the day after.

-Somehow, an invitation had wound up on your desk.

-You thought it was a mistake, but it was addressed to you, scrawled in handwriting you could swear was familiar.

-Your mother had taught you how to knit, and so, before the party, you whipped up a sweater.

-You made your way down to the party wearing a simple red dress.

-The moment you walked down the stairs it was like time stopped

-He swallowed thickly and watched, eyelashes fluttering.

-“H-holy night…”

-You would walk right over to him, smiling a smile that made the tips of his pointy ears go red.

-“Merry Christmas, Bernard.”

-“M-merry Christmas, (Y/N).”

-And you would hand him the box and his heart would just about leap out of his chest

-You actually got him a present.

-I mean, of course, he had gotten you something in the hopes you would show up, but you had gotten him something too.

-He loved the sweater.

-It was red and green and said ‘World’s Best Elf’ in big white letters.

-He got all giddy just thinking about the fact that he was your favorite elf.

-Or, as you had declared, the best elf in the world.

-‘Eat your heart out, Legolas’

-Bernard had spent basically all of his free time (which wasn’t very much time, to begin with) making his present for you.

-It was a really ornate beaded necklace

-You asked him to help you put it on, and he gladly obliged, asking you to pull your hair out of the way.

-When you turned around to face him, there was this warm look in your eyes

-And then your hand was against his cheek and he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close.

-And the two of you blame it on the mistletoe.

-But it was the best kiss you had ever had.

-For the next week and a half, neither of you mentioned the kiss, but he brought you cocoa every morning and went to your room to say goodnight every single night.

-You can’t help but feel fuzzy every time you think about him

-You smile every time you cross paths, nodding and offering a casual somewhat sarcastic salute.

-He resists every urge to kiss your cheek on his way by.

-One kiss was great, but if you two get together, Santa will find out.

-You can’t imagine he’d be happy about it.

-After all, you’re his only daughter and Bernard is like…hundreds of years old.

-But to be fair, the two of you are pretty much the only two teenagers in the entire North Pole

-It was really only a matter of time.

-So a few weeks later, when Bernard stops in for his nightly visit and you just grab him by the face and kiss him

-And he doesn’t resist, his hands finding a comfortable spot on your lower back.

-When you pull apart, you stand there with his arms around you and his forehead resting against yours.

-It’s warm and nice and you can feel your heart racing in your chest.

-But you both realize that you have a very big problem on your hands.

-Bernard is in love with Santa’s daughter and you are in love with the head elf.

-At first, the routine doesn’t change.

-He still brings cocoa to your station every morning and still says goodnight, but now he smooches you before bed.

-He calls you ‘Sugar Cookie’ or ‘Sugarplum’

-You take to calling him ‘Legolas’ and ‘Buddy’

-He thinks it’s cute

-Every time he passes you, he makes a habit of sneaking a kiss on the cheek.

-And then Santa catches it one day and asks you about it at supper.

-You admit everything then and there, your face all red.

-He just kind of smiles and shrugs and laughs

-“Well, I think we all knew that was coming.”

-The two of you start cuddling by the fire, his hands fiddling with yours.

-And it’s so warm and comfortable and you rest your head on his shoulder.

-And he knows that in his long, long life, he’s been waiting all along for you.

[khunvegas]

Malec Fanfic Rec!

Malec writing goodies from amazing writers.These are some golden works

4 times Alec almost said I love you, and the one time that he actually did by sufferingbisexual

Alec realized he was in love with Magnus. However when will he be able to actually tell him.

Across the Hall by clato27

“'She looks just like your wife,' Magnus said, offhandedly. His gaze tore back to Alec when he heard the other man choke on the coffee he was drinking. 'Oh, I’m sorry, are you two not married.' 'Uh, no,' Alec said after recovering from his coughing fit. 'Izzy is my sister.'”

Aka, the “I fell in love with the pregnant girl across the hall’s brother” AU.

Addicted To You by @imawriteriwrite

Magnus Bane's the head of his own company. Alec Lightwood is in his last year of law school. They’ve never met but have one thing in common: neither does relationships. Just one night stands. That is until they find themselves matched on a hookup app and suddenly one night is not enough.

Also known as the one where Magnus and Alec meet and think they can have no strings attached sex and not develop feelings.

Alecs Husband by NotEvenThat

Max misses Alec and finally demands that he go with Alec and his friend.. Even if Mom says no.

Amor Aeternus by @lolguess

In a world where the Clave encourages soulbonding you would think Magnus and Alec have it easy.

And Then I Met You by @everydayfandom

Sometimes someone comes along and throws you of your life path. And sometimes that's not such a bad thing.

Bibliophile by @dorkberto

Despite what his sister thinks about his non-existent love life, Alec is not in danger of an oncoming descent into recluse crazy cat owner. For one; Church would eat his competitors for Alec’s undivided attention and two; Alec’s a little hung up over Magnus Bane.

Blue storm by @dorkberto

Ragnor was gone.

 Ragnor was gone

Bright Lights, Small Town by @lecrit

When Magnus gets to Nashville, Indiana to handle his late mother's will, he doesn't expect to be forced to stay there for six months. Six months away from New York and lost in the wildness of the countryside.

It quickly appears that he is going to go through six months of living hell.

The fact that he hates the local veterinarian on sight isn't helping.

Broken Arrows by @gibberish10

Over his parabatai's missing, Alec lashes out at everyone, including Magnus Bane, his warlock lover.

Come Undone by @gibberish10

No one has asked him how he felt, but Alec did.

Complete Me by Maleciseverything

"What one loves in childhood stays in the heart forever." -Mary Jo Putney

Drop It Like It's Hot by @janoda

Alec tries to deal with people behaving differently since the wedding. He hadn't counted on Dylan from Accounting.

Fusion by prfctdaze

Magnus gets the surprise of his life when he walks in to Jade Wolf.

Happy Birthday, Beautiful by @themagnusbane

The thing about having lived for centuries is that birthdays are no longer such a big deal. A pity no one told that to Magnus Bane's party extraordinaire boyfriend: Alec Lightwood.

Hold me tightly by Tchell1

“I thought you had died, Alexander” Magnus finally said as a way of explaining himself “I saw you die”

Hypnotise by highlytrainedfangirl

Alec had a problem. One that was wrapped up in exquisite clothing and dusted in glitter. Alec was quickly realising that being around Magnus was terrible for his composure. Ignoring the fact that he could barely string a sentence together without tripping over his words, he'd discovered a new distraction: magic.

I found God but it wasn't supposed to be by @intangibel

After closing a particularly spectacular legal case Magnus sends Ragnor a celebratory text only to find himself the victim of autocorrect and having to explain to a very handsome angel (Alec) that he isn’t God, no matter how much he wishes he was right now.

In The Cards by Obssesivecompulsivereadr

Magnus wore cardigans and baggy slacks. He owned two cats, and he lived in a home more suitable for an elderly mundane woman for a reason. He was to remain boring and unsuitable for most associations with people. He did not like attention, no matter how positive it might be. He was to seem eccentric and weird. Living a life focused on magic that was supposed to not exist.

Into You by @darrenchristsupastar

Alec has more layers than we may have previously thought

It's Time To Lose Your Virginity, Brother Dearest by @themagnusbane

Magnus Bane is a famous stripper, used to pretty boys falling in love with him after one dance. The feeling is hardly ever mutual. But when he meets the freshly turned twenty-one year old Alec lightwood, he can’t take his eyes off him, and they find themselves in love quicker than they expected.

Looking at him by @jainsel-and-the-ships

Alec Lightwood is in love with his best friend and colleague Jace. Jace is straight and at the moment he's dating this Clary girl. Alec is certain it won't last, as all his friend's previous relationships. Then there's Magnus Bane, another co-worker and a man who sure knows how to make Alec feel embarrassed. Something's going on between Alec and Magnus. Something's going on between Jace and Clary too...

Magic and Rum by NotEvenThat

Shortly after the party, Magnus finds Max in the kitchen.

Make a home out of you by @thealmostrhetoricalquestion

“There is a delicate system in place and you are destroying it, Alexander Lightwood. Unhand my pants.”

“Now there’s a sentence I never thought I’d hear you say. You’re usually encouraging me to put my hands on your pants.”

Morning hair by @lollylokoala

While Magnus was completely aware of the effect Alec had on him, he didn't know that a tiny little detail in Alec's morning look could make his heart skipped a beat.

My Heart Smiles by pseudofoucault333 

Magnus is an interior designer who is dreading going to his yearly Christmas party and Alec a waiter who has dealt with more than enough Christmas cheer to last a lifetime. But when the two set eyes on the other across a crowded restaurant are they going to be destined for more when the festive season is over?

My True Love Gave To Me by @imawriteriwrite

Magnus Bane had a plan, a perfect Christmas Eve just like always. Hang out with his friends, bask in the Christmas Spirit. Then everything went wrong.

Now he's stuck reliving the same day again and again and again. The bright side? Maybe Alec Lightwood isn't as terrible as Magnus always thought.

Never Stand Between Two Mirrors by @oncethrown

Alec has enough on his plate right now. His parents are furious at him, Magnus Bane is making him feel things he's trying so hard not to feel, his wedding is coming up, and his world is breaking apart.What he doesn't need is a fussy mundane version on himself showing up in the Institute basement. What he doesn't need is Magnus telling him that they'll just have to wait for Seelie Magic to suck that version of himself back to his own dimension.But since when does Alec get what he needs?

Alternate Dimension Alec gets trapped in the Shadowhunter reality at some point after the "I know you feel what I feel" scene. The gang desperately tries to stop chaos from ensuing. 

Nothing But A Distraction by @actuallyredorchid

Clary doesn't sneak away when Alec's on the phone, so Alec accepts Magnus' invitation to "go out for a drink".

Off to a bad start by @fangtasticsaphael

"How did you manage to never run into him? He's always helping with stuff and he's even been at the institute about three weeks ago to strengthen the wards against further attacks from Valentine," she replied and looked at her brother incredulously. Alexander scrunched up his nose and shrugged.

"Well, maybe I have better things to do than waiting around to watch some overrated warlock do magic tricks," he commented a little defensively but it was the truth. He always had something to do and even when they were not out demon hunting, he had either paperwork to do or train.

"Pardon me, but I'm not just some overrated warlock. I'm the High Warlock of Brooklyn and that title is well deserved, if I may say so. And I'm appalled that you refer to my magic as petty tricks. You Nephilim always act to high and mighty, yet you're constantly in need of some tricks from overrated warlocks to help you out of some unnecessary dilemma," a foreign voice interjected and Alec whirled around, fingers instinctively curling around his bow to be ready to attack if need be. The owner of the voice was not what Alexander had expected, to be honest.

Oh lover, hold on by @fireblazie

The mask and goggles clatter to the ground. Isabelle makes a choked noise, and Jace whispers, paper-thin, “Alec?”

Magnus stops breathing as Alec’s gaze—cold, dead, and empty—comes to rest impassively on them.

“Who the hell is Alec?”

(Loosely based on Captain America: The Winter Soldier.)

One Show Only by KouriArashi

It's hard to stay in the closet when the guy you had a one-night stand with two nights ago turns out to be your new partner ... but Alec will be damned if he isn't going to give it a try.

People say crazy things by @ohlafraise

“But what I don’t get is why Magnus cares so much about a random shadowhunter,” Jocelyn said.

Simon winced. “Oh, boy.”

Pick up lines by Gracefanfics

Admittly maybe using pick up lines in the middle of your brother's rune party was a bad idea.

Or  A short fic about Alec not having great timing in using pick up lines on Magnus.

Shooting Pool by @malec-is-pretty

Magnus and Alec go on their date and a simple game of pool gets them a little wound up.

Somewhere safe to finally break by onefootintheboilinghotlava

With the war finally over, Magnus had time to be alone and his mind decided to bring up all the things and people he had lost in the war at once. At his own loft, with his two beloved cats sleeping soundly, Magnus broke down......

Tampons and Concealer? By onefootintheboilinghotlava

So Izzy sent Alec to get tampons and concealer...Alec was standing in the drugstore, not even sure where to begin, when a handsome stranger offered to help.

That's your cue by @theleftboobgrabber

“Keep your hands to yourself,” Alec tells Magnus apropos of nothing.

Magnus frowns. “I’m on the other side of the table!” he protests… not that he wasn’t thinking about some light groping per say, but they’re in public, Alec might not be into it and, while he’s good at concealing it, Magnus does have manners. Sometimes.

My take on Magnus and Alec's date.

The Choices of the Chosen by KouriArashi

The day after his 21st birthday, Alec is sent to the demonic court as a gladiator, where he makes both friends and enemies ... along with meeting Magnus Bane, who doesn't seem to fit in either category.

The Only Magic I Believe In (Is The Magic I Receive From Loving You) by @delilahbelle

Or, four gifts Alec gives Magnus. --

“No one’s ever done anything like that for me before.”

Alec’s face softens. “Well, I’m going to do it for as long as I’m alive. So get used to it.”

The Second Kiss by @simonseroticfriendfiction

"So here we are." Magnus said, taking a step closer to Alec.

Alec gulped and took a deep breath in through his nose. "Yeah, here we are." He squeezed his fingers nervously in his fists as he caught Magnus glancing towards his lips. "I-I suppose you want me to kiss you?" He stuttered, voice faltering.

This Christmas (You're Someone Special) by vulturemonem 

Last Christmas, Magnus Bane had his heart broken.

Again, and again, and again.

And he didn't think it would be mended anytime soon. He certainly didn't think he'd be ready to let anybody in. Until a beautiful boy walks into his shop, and steals his breath with shy glances, kind words, and a fantastic coffee machine.

Maybe this Christmas will be better.

Or: In which Camille is awful, Ragnor and Raphael are an old married couple, and Magnus can't help but be enamoured by Alec Lightwood.

This Night Is Not Forever by @isabellebiwoods

Alec Lightwood is a happily settled down man in a loving, caring relationship. But things weren't always that way... and once upon a time, Alec used his Valentine's Day to celebrate the spirit of the night as much as possible.

aka. world inverted legendary lothario alec lightwood

Too Much is Never Enough by Obsessivecompulsivereadr

They are on opposite edges of the same ideal. Alec so young, and Magnus so much older. Alec a blessed acolyte of the Angel, Raziel. Magnus the abandoned son of the Greater Demon, Asmodeus. Magnus with so much more unimportant and irrelevant experience, and Alec with none. They could not be more different if they tried, and yet, they are also the same. A matched set of uncertainty and inability to accept that someone might want them for exactly who they are.

Top Three by @nebulein

So.” Alec flops back onto the bed, sprawled in a lazy heap on his back, sated and boneless. Magnus is already lying on his belly, basking in the afterglow, and he surreptitiously steals closer, burrowing against Alec's side. “Best sex of my life.”

Magnus hums, resting his head on his arms, revelling in the thrill those words send through him.

“Or, well,” Alec hazardously waves an arm around, “easily in the top three.”

Magnus giggles. He has no idea where that came from. It's uncharacteristic for him. Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn is usually much too dignified to giggle. But then Alec turns his head and grins at Magnus, lopsided and loopy but brilliant, oh so brilliant, warming Magnus from the inside out and maybe this is exactly the kind of situation which calls for a giggle, so Magnus will allow it. Just this once.

“How about you?”

Twenty-One-Year-Old Alec Lightwood by Obsessivecompulsivereadr

Alec tries not to want Magnus, but it goes about as well as all those other things Alec’s tried not to want throughout the years. Which is... badly

Warm In Your Light by @actuallyredorchid

It’s far too easy, letting himself be swept away.

(S02E07 missing scene)

We must choose to reach out and touch by Ambros

Magnus holds out his hand, a silver chain running around his middle finger and wrist, and Alec doesn't have the time to process it – to think, doesn't have the time to realise what's going to happen because he has to take it and he does, electricity dancing through their fingers and down his back and he tries not to think about it, holds out his own hand for Jace and feels unbalanced; he knows Jace's touch, remembers it from roughing each other up when they were kids even though he tried to forget it, to turn it into a ghost when he understood, but Magnus' is new and smooth and unassuming and he feels uncomfortable, doesn't know what to do with it.

Who Ya Gonna Call? By @menckenschrestomethy

“You have to—“

“Help you?” Magnus filled in dryly.

 Or: The Six Times Magnus helped someone, and the one time they try to help him

Will you be my best friend? Will you be my last? by @lightwoodlesbians

or the 'you pretended to be my partner bc my ex wouldn't stop talking to me' au

You Are Certainly My Poison of Choice by iktwabrokenbone

So there he was. Midnight, at a party. Preparing himself to do something with a guy. To spend one night getting all of this- this unspeakable desire out of his system. He needed to forget it before he made a mistake and ruined his career, his chances of becoming Head of the New York Institute.  

(Alec's panic attacks were getting worse and worse and maybe if he spent one night with a guy he could get it out of his system, and he could forget being gay and loving Jace. But nothing went that smoothly, so of course Alec's one night stand had to be Magnus Bane, and they had to keep bumping into each other. It wasn't like Alec wanted to understand his emotions, anyway.)

For more Malec Fanfics

[ralphmorgan-blog1]

Caring for older loved ones around the holidays? These 11 tips may help.

The holidays are right around the corner, and for many that means reuniting with family.

It's the perfect time to connect over delicious home-baked pies, laugh during competitive charades, and just generally spread good cheer to one another.

Via istock.

However, many older loved ones may not be able to participate in the holiday fun as easily as they once could.

Going up and down stairs may be more difficult now, and they might not be able to remember everyone they want to give gifts to. Or maybe they can no longer drive, which means getting to a particular destination on their own could be tough. Maybe they avoid going to a family gathering altogether because it just feels too hard.  

And if your loved one hasn't asked for help directly, it can be tough figuring out how to jump in and offer.

If you're just learning that they're developing limitations, the holidays are perhaps the best time to broach the conversation about their current or future care needs. There’s no better moment to make those extra efforts for the people you love.

Here are 11 things you can do around the holidays for your loved ones who might not know they need help.

1. Have a pre-holiday gathering to develop a caregiving plan.

Before your family get-together, touch base with everyone to make a plan about how everyone can best support your older loved one during the holidays; that way you can be sure they aren't left out of the festivities. Who will be picking up mom to bring her to dinner? Who's taking her shopping? Is someone shoveling her snow? Remember that caregiving doesn't need to be a solo effort.

2. Offer to take them holiday shopping.

Image via iStock.

If you've noticed they've had trouble driving lately, you can suggest taking them holiday shopping. After all, you're already going. Plus, it's a fun and meaningful way for you two to spend time together.

3. Bring gifts and family to them.

This is especially helpful if your older loved can't easily leave the house. If that's the case, why not arrange the holiday gathering plans around them so they can still be a part of the action? They can enjoy gifts, food, and fun all from the comfort of their home.

4. Use after-dinner time to maybe start a conversation about next steps.

The kids will likely be off playing, so it's an ideal time to bring up the subject of how you can be helpful to your older loved one. You don't want to ambush them, but the end of the year is a great time to touch base and ask your loved one how they feel the year has gone and what kind of care and support they might need in the new year.

As AARP's Prepare to Care Guide states, "a plan should never be made without the participation, knowledge, and consent of your loved one." By taking an opportunity to begin talking about it over dessert by the fireplace, it'll hopefully feel more like an open-ended conversation.

That said, if the timing doesn't feel right, you shouldn't force the issue. AARP's family caregiving expert Amy Goyer says you might use the holidays as a kick off point to schedule the conversation for a later date when everyone can feel up to speed and on the same page.

5. Help them feel included in the holiday festivities.

via istock.

For older loved ones with Alzheimer's or other memory loss issues, it's easy to just fade into the background, especially if they don't remember past holiday traditions. But the important thing to remember is that holidays are about being together, and no one should be left out. That's why AARP's family caregiving expert Amy Goyer stresses the importance of encouraging them to get involved in any way they want. From singing carols to decorating the Christmas tree, it's the little things that may spark some unexpected joy.

"Understand what’s meaningful for them," says Goyer. "Think about how you can adapt those things to fit their abilities."

6. Make them a unique holiday gift that will remind them how much they mean to you.

Maybe it's a scrapbook filled with photos of your family from past holidays that they can always flip through to remember wonderful moments. Or, perhaps it's a watch or necklace you had engraved. Gifts with a real personal touch are a constant reminder that they have family who loves them.

7. Ask them what fun activities they want to do during the holidays.

This is both a way for you to spend more time with your older loved one and make sure they're going out and doing things. List items could include visiting an obscure museum to something as simple as taking the afternoon to learn a cool new game. As loved ones age, they can begin to feel like they're losing their independence. Giving them the chance to decide what you'll do together can be a fun and empowering experience.

"It’s okay to create new traditions," stresses Goyer.

8. Encourage kids in the family to interview their elders.

Image via iStock.

Considering everyone has a recording device on their phones these days, this is an easy and fun thing to do before or after a holiday meal. Not only does it strengthen the bond between the generations, it also makes your older loved ones feel like their stories still matter. And at the end of it, you'll have their memories captured on tape to cherish for years to come.

9. Take a day or two and just focus on yourself.

This may sound counterintuitive to the season of giving, but if you've been dedicating a lot of time and effort to working out a caregiving plan, you may be burned out. If you don't take some time to recharge, you won't be useful to your older loved ones — or anyone for that matter. Finding that balance between caring for yourself and others is vital to keeping the care going.

10. Look at the holidays as a chance to test out new living situations.

Via Jennifer Martin/AARP.

If it seems like your older loved one can no longer live alone but isn't eager to change up their lifestyle, why not suggest they stay with you or a fellow family member over the holidays? It's an easy way to test out the new situation under ideal, aka celebratory, circumstances.

11. If you live far from your older loved one, figure out how you can help from a distance.

Image via iStock.

You may not be able to be the caregiver on the ground all year long, but that doesn't mean you can't do a lot for them. If you're going to be a point person for care but can't physically be there, make sure you have a local team of support lined up. Whether they're family, friends, or hired help, it's important to know someone can get to your loved one quickly and easily in an emergency.

The transition into caregiving can be difficult, but getting the ball rolling over the holidays might just make it a little easier.

And no matter what steps you choose to take, be sure to keep listening to your loved one throughout. They're a huge part of this new step, and their voice should always matter.

Of course, everyone's situation will be unique, but if you approach the adjustment thoughtfully and with love, it can make all the difference.

More From this publisher : HERE ; This post was curated using : TrendingTraffic

=> *********************************************** Originally Published Here: Caring for older loved ones around the holidays? These 11 tips may help. ************************************ =>

Caring for older loved ones around the holidays? These 11 tips may help. was originally posted by A 18 MOA Top News from around

[eichy815]

The American Misfit’s Guide to Valentine’s Day

Every year, we hear single people complaining about the over-commercialization of Valentine’s Day as a national holiday.  Many bitter Americans are single...and love to bitch about how ridiculous they feel it is to shell out thousands upon thousands of dollars over the course of their lifetimes to buy cards, chocolates, flowers, and expensive dinners for their sweethearts.

As a single person myself, I can identify with the frustration of having to watch copious happy couples parading hand-in-hand in front of the unattached.  I agree that spending tons of money shouldn’t be essential to showing a partner that you love them; yet, Valentine’s Day seems to invoke far more ire when it comes to criticism of this commercialized overspending than it does during Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

I believe at the core of that anger is one’s fear that we may never find someone who fulfills us romantically, sexually, and spiritually.  As each year of a single person’s life passes by, we subconsciously wonder how much of a ticking-clock remains for us in terms of a domestic future.

But I’m a dissident.  I like to stick up my middle finger at social conventions whenever it feels good to do so.  I’m the boy who hates traditional Thanksgiving food so much that I’ll go out of my way to prepare filet mignon or lasagna casserole on Thanksgiving just to thumb my nose at turkey-obsessed members of the American citizenry.  

Obviously, happy couples are going to continue making those restaurant reservations and purchasing those sappy stuffed animals every February 14th.  So, for those of us who remain on “the other side” of the in-a-relationship equation, I encourage you to “take back the holiday” and make it your own.

Here are ten suggestions for reclaiming Valentine’s Day:

BE YOUR OWN FANCY RESTAURANT

If you’re spending the night alone, prepare yourself a special dinner.  For example, this Valentine’s Day, I plan to make a pesto-drizzled baked penne with shrimp as my evening meal.  I also have a Valentine-themed “cookie cake” from my local bakery sitting in my refrigerator.

Many of you will point out how you might not possess the culinary skills with which to cook something special.  No problem.  Order out for something from your favorite restaurant, instead.  I hear that Mexican cuisine incorporates quite a few aphrodisiacs.  Or pizza delivery – whatever works.

HAVE A TV OR DVD MARATHON

Whether you’re into film or television:  comedy, drama, action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, romance...set aside several hours’ worth of viewing.  This will make the night a special occasion for you, despite not necessarily spending it with another person.  TV series or movie franchises are just like visiting with old friends.

I haven’t decided which DVD I’m going to watch on my Valentine’s Night, yet.  But I’m leaning toward Gilmore Girls.

PLEASURE YOURSELF

Yes, I’m going there.

What does nearly every couple (be they opposite-sex or same-sex) look forward to, as a way of culminating Cupid’s special night?  It’s that awesome orgasm – not to mention the fantastic foreplay and “afterplay” surrounding it.  Why do you think chocolates and strawberries (sometimes together) – or seafood – are such a popular part of many celebratory Valentine’s meals?  They’re aphrodisiacs – that’s why!

This is part of the reason why I recommend incorporating some form of aphrodisiac into your special single-person Valentine’s Night dinner.  As it gets dark outside, just pop in an R-rated movie...or go jump on YouTube...or even put on a porn flick – whatever your thing might happen to be.   And let your love flow – even if it’s merely spilling out onto a towel.

CUDDLE-WUDDLE

If you own a stuffed animal, curl up with that inanimate friend while you watch movies or drift off to sleep.  If you’re a pet owner – and if your cat or dog happens to be an affectionate creature – snuggle close to them, instead, as you relax on the couch or in your recliner.

You’re spending the evening alone, relationship-wise...but that doesn’t require you to deprive yourself of companionship.  I anticipate that some of my family’s favorite stuffed monkey beanie-babies will be joining me on the sofa while I’m watching Gilmore Girls.

HIGH ENERGY “FOREPLAY”

Depending on your work schedule and/or educational commitments, you may have to structure your day accordingly.  However, assuming you’re able to carve out some time to do so, a nice brisk walk or an exercise routine at the gym could help you pass the time until your “special events” are due to occur.

You can kill a few doves with one stone.  You’re contributing to your overall personal wellness with exercise.  You’re getting your mind off of the convoluted reverence that everyone else around you places on this calendar date.  You’re giving yourself an excuse to get in your daily shower or bath, afterward.

And no, masturbation doesn’t count.  That’s for the end of the evening, bud.  *wink*

HAVE A TRYST WITH THE SANDMAN

Everyone loves a good nap.  Plan a specific time in the day that you’ll flag just for yourself to have a nice snooze.  And it must be during the day, or it doesn’t count.  Set your alarm clock – or your cell phone alarm – and drift off to dreamland.  

That’s one of the benefits of being single...you can take that gratuitous nap because you don’t have to worry about tending to the needs (often NON-sexual needs) of a partner.

KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY

If you want to feature a constructive activity within your Valentine’s Day itinerary, set aside an hour or two for hanging out with a family member or close friend – specifically, someone else who is also single for the holiday.  Sort of like a mini-“staycation.”

Do you have a grandparent in a nursing home?  Or a niece or nephew with whom you wish you had more excuses to spend time?  Did your sibling or cousin just have a baby, and you want to pop in to make googly-eyes at the little tyke?  You’ll brighten a loved one’s day, while giving some extra meaning to a day that dating/married couples usually reserve for getting horny.

A TOAST...TO INDIVIDUALITY!

At some point in the day (probably once you’re at home, or no longer have to worry about driving anywhere), prepare yourself a nice cocktail or a tasty mixed drink.  Couple it with citrus or fruit juice as a way of giving it an extra Cupid-centric “kick.”

Now if you’re a not a drinker (or if you’re a recovering alcoholic) who prefers to remain sober, you can still dress up a beverage with some pizzazz.  There are plenty of recipes out there for non-alcoholic cocktails.   Not being much of an alcohol-lover myself, I’ll probably break out a glass bottle of Trader Joe’s Sparkling Clementine-flavored Cider.

GIFTS, NOT ARROWS...

No need to pick out a sappy greeting card or a tacky Valentine message for a fellow earth-dwelling soul.  Instead, use this occasion as an opportunity to give a special someone a thoughtful gift.  And by “special someone,” I mean a platonic friend, a member of your family, or a lonely platonic neighbor.  For ideas, please refer to “Eichy’s Rules For Thoughtful Gift-Giving.”

Why go to the trouble of doing this?...especially in the absence of your own mate who’s expecting it.  That’s the whole point!  By giving a frivolous gift to someone who wouldn’t normally be expecting it – coupled with the reality that such an individual is also single – you will create a unique, surprising little memory for someone who otherwise would have assumed his/her day would be uneventful.

HAPPY DISCOUNT-CHOCOLATE DAY!

Short of making special plans for oneself, what is one of the easiest – and most accessible – perks for a single person due to the Valentine’s holiday?  Why, February 15th, of course...also known as “The Day The Stores Price Down Their Valentine Candy Inventory at Half-Price or a Quarter-Price For Efficient Clearance.”

Chocolate-and-peanut butter hearts?  Yes, please!  Cupid-shaped novelty sweets?  Sure...bring them on!  When else will you be able to buy fun treats at a huge steal, price-wise?  Also, most holiday candies will keep in the freezer pretty well – so you can save them for the following summer or fall, to avoid a late-February chocolate overdose.

The single life often brings many dreary memories that some of us subconsciously associate with this saccharine holiday.  One of my fraternity brothers once told me about the year when his then-girlfriend broke up with him...less than two weeks prior to Valentine’s Day.  He ended up taking the present he’d bought for his sudden ex-girlfriend, and he proceeded to give it as a gift to his niece...and, years later, his niece ended up giving it to her dog as a chew toy.

For the more cynical folks among us, it can be tempting to become determined to treat Valentine’s Day as “just another day.”  But why not turn your annoyance into an opportunity?  By completing several (if not all) of the items on this simple list I’ve offered up, you can generate some quaint, fond memories without being dependent on the attention of a lover.