#christmas prompt

[wandagcre]

packing presents with wanda | headcanons 🥰

(Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader)

Note: i know christmas is long over for some of you guys, but not for me! here's some pure fluff wanda hcs :p requested by one of my dearest friends, @xxxtwilightaxelxxx 💖

it's funny because you and wanda are interesting during christmas time, the differences between you two and how you prepare is so obvious!

you can't blame wanda, she likes her things... done in orderly fashion.

okay fine, maybe she's a bit (definitely) of a perfectionist...

where as you, you were contented with producing something as long as it was handmade and out of genuine intention

like in wrapping gifts, wanda utilizes her powers. the red tendrils flowing smoothly to do each fold that is done neatly. this way it causes less physical strain on her hands, especially if she had prepared a lot of gifts for everyone

meanwhile wanda checks on you and she cringes a little. yours wasn't worse as any man with careless flaps and poorly put together with a tape, akin to a frankenstein-esque vibe 😭

it could use some... room for improvement 😭 but you're wrapping gifts with such joy in your face and this makes wanda barely able to tell you the truth, if you were doing fine at all

honestly you were struggling real bad. your smile isn't fake, but it was known to you how you were terrible with estimating dimensions of the wrapping paper and how to fold them. it's either less or excessive, no in between, making it wasteful in your resources

it kept going in comfortable silence, seeing the papers and all of the crafts harmoniously flowing in the air as wanda does her work. you're amazed by the sight and you two exchange sweet smiles each time your eyes meet 🥹 it makes wanda's heart (and magic) stutter

wanda is so creative. she even has those string of ribbon inside the sheet of wrap, making the opening of the gift much easier with just a simple pull.

mindlessly cutting another sheet of gift wrapper, you're absorbed with wanda's pleased look on her face. apple of her cheeks were evident and her little dimples and creases showed, as you know she's happy with her work.

"ouch!" you flinched as something stinged in your finger. and wanda hurriedly stops, the materials going down with a thump on the ground and moves closer to you, inspecting where you've been hurt.

"baby, are you sure you still want to wrap presents with me? i can take it from here, you know. i won't mind."

"and miss out on this moment? no way, wands. i can do this!" you give her an affirming nod and looked funny at your gift wrap. "kinda."

it brings out a beautiful laughter from the woman. "silly, let me help you."

it takes a while, completely overlooking the time that passed by, but you can proudly see the vast improvement of your gift wrapping skills. it wasn't as awkward like before. they were no match to wanda's still, but she patiently guided you through it 🥺 her gentle tone really helped!

her hands continue to teach you in folding and lessening the creases. "this is so hard! and i can't imagine you offered to do it by yourself just because i got a tiny paper cut." you sighed at wanda and brought over a ribbon atop your head. "let's just put a ribbon on them and consider it done."

"then it would look like it's part of the raffle and not an actual gift. and are you implying that you're giving yourself away?" she raised her eyebrows, face disapproving the notion.

"you mean: gifting myself away. he-he-he."

once wanda sets the sharps aside, she scrunched her nose in your remark and it ends with extended gift wrapping time and tickles 😭

bonus: some of your early production of messy wraps, wanda couldn't help but redo some of them as it bothered her perfectionist self. you notice it in the morning but you keep it to yourself, finding it funny.

putting them on the back of the car was also entertaining. wanda insists that she can also handle it, not wanting to tire you out (because there's a lot of presents!) and some of them were heavy. in the end, you negotiate with her, going in halfsies and her chipping in that she would carry the heavy and bulky ones. you stand by, seeing her red magic do its thing, the presents floating like they don't weigh anything.

"that's hot." you playfully attempt to do a whistling sound.

wanda is flustered. it's so adorable! "shut up, (y/n/n)."

[devildomwriter]

O Hear the Angel Voices | Raphael x Reader

.7K Words | GN! Religious Reader | CW: Christian themes

Your hands shook nervously backstage as you paced in circles. Raphael watched from the seat and stood up to approach you. He gave your hand a gentle squeeze and wore a concerned frown.

“Are you okay?” He fretted and you nodded.

“J-Just nerves. It’s kind of a big deal,” you stuttered and hugged him. His embrace immediately relaxed you and rubbed your back and nodded.

He handed you your microphone and you waited for your names to be announced.

You had agreed to sing for the Christmas Eve service and you’d asked Raphael to join you as a duet. You hadn’t expected him to agree as he usually didn’t sing in front of others but you supposed church must be an exception.

You smiled to yourself, no one in the audience had any idea they were going to hear a real angel sing of his father. It would be a most wonderful gift for them and they wouldn’t even know.

You straightened your outfit and patted your head and gave you a warm smile. You heard the thunderous applause as the choir finished their first song.

You took a deep breath and Raphael cupped your cheek and nodded to you, “You’ve got this. I’ll be right there too, okay?” He asked and you nodded.

“Yeah…yeah I can do this!”

He grinned, “There’s my ___.”

You blushed and the pastor called your names.

You found your place on stage in the dark and the music gently began to play.

The song you selected was “O Holy Night,” you thought it’d be perfect to sing with a real angel.

The spotlight appeared on you, Raphael remained in the dark until his part would come. He nodded to you again, reassuring you everything was okay and you smiled and pushed back your nerves as you began to sing.

“O Holy night, the stars are shining brightly—“ As soon as you began the nerves melted away and you focused only on the song. You felt Raphael’s comforting presence encouraging you. He beamed with pride as you sang his father’s praises in such a beautiful, sincere voice.

You reached a high note and to your relief, you managed, “Fall on your knees, O hear the Angel voices O night divine, O night when Christ was born, O night divine, O night, O night divine,” you finished your part in relief and Raphael stepped forward.

The light now shown on Raphael solely and the moment he began to sing there was a calm stillness in the whole church.

There wasn’t a peep, not even from the young as they were all mesmerized by his angelic voice.

“O praise His name forever,” he belted and you forgot you were on stage. You forgot about your surroundings entirely and how nervous you had been as you watched him with pure admiration.

Before you knew it, suddenly the spotlight shown on you both and you opened your mouth, the words pouring out as you sang together, gazing into each other’s eyes.

“Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices,” your heart fluttered as your voices perfectly intertwined.

The music slowed and together you sang the last hymn and lowered your microphones, smiling brightly at one another.

The silence slipped away all at once as the applause began. You were shocked back to reality and turned to face the audience. Raphael took hold of your hand and together you gave small bows. The audience rose to their feet, cheering loudly, more so than you’d ever heard, and looked at Raphael. He grinned proudly at your talent and at the audience’s reception.

It gladdened him to see so many humans gathered to share in worship with him. Tonight everyone there had had the blessing of his song placed upon them.

You both left the stage and the clapping continued long after you’d left until the pastor returned to begin service.

You squeezed Raphael’s hand again and giggled excitedly. He picked you up and hugged you tightly, “you were perfect, my angel.” He praised softly and you blushed.

He refrained from further displays of affection as you were surrounded by the choir leaving the stage to find their seats in the pews.

Raphael took your hand and led you to where your family, Luke, and Simeon were sitting, softly they complimented you and you and Raphael sat together, holding hands as you listened to the rest of the service.

This has been the Christmas Raphael knew he’d fallen in love with you and it would be the day you both described as being the exact moment you knew you were in love.

[a-random-pillow]

Happy Holidays! Here are some writing prompts to get you in the spirit it!

~Genral~

First Snow of the season

Skiing/Snow boarding

Escaping the weather

Warming Up

Snowed In/Out

Cookies!

Holiday Feast

Sleigh Ride in the snow

Ice Fishing? You find this fun?

Crafts!

Skating

Family form out of town

How many layers do you need?

Hot tub in the snow

~Christmas/X-mas~

Gift Exchange

Staying up to wait for Santa

Christmas movie binge

First Christmas with the in-laws

Trying to find the perfect gift

Arguing over little things

Putting up the lights

It's not perfect but it's ours

We're both alone for Christmas, let's spend it togther!

Fake Partner for that one time a year you see your family for Christmas.

Decorating the tree!

[do-it-for-the-fandom]

Christmas Decorations

Season 6

Kate stared at the tangled rope of lights in her hands.

It was such a simple task, she hadn't thought twice before taking the lights from Rick's hands when he had asked for her help. But as she zoned out the Christmas-themed chaos around her and focused on the dozens of tiny bulbs in her hands... everything seemed to just hit her.

She had told Castle just last year that when she and her father finally took down the Christmas decorations after her mothers death, it was like some unspoken agreement that they were putting Christmas away forever. She had felt guilty enough last year after joining Castle and his family for dinner. But this? This felt like betrayal, like she was breaking that unspoken promise to her father.

She knew he would never begrudge her for moving on; that wasn't the issue. The issue was that she felt like she was moving on without him, that she was leaving him behind in that dark, cold and lonely cabin while she was immersed in the warmth and light of Castle's child-like wonderment.

That was what had her frozen, staring at the tangled rope of lights in her hands, unable to complete the oh-so-simple task of untangling them.

A knock on the front door yanked her abruptly from her internal spiral. She looked around, searching for Castle among the piles of boxes that contained Christmas decorations.

He popped out from behind the tree, a smile on his face.

"That'll be our special helper," he announced. "Do you mind letting him in?"

Beckett forced a smile, but was grateful for the distraction. "Sure."

She tossed the lights onto the couch, then made her way through the maze of boxes toward the front door. She pulled open the door, eyes narrowed in disbelief.

"Dad?"

Jim stood, just a little uncertain, with a plate of Johanna's famous sugar cookie bars in his hands.

"Hi, Katie," he greeted with a smile. He held the plate up slightly, displaying his efforts to his daughter. "I don't think I did them quite as good as your mother used to," he admitted quietly. "But I thought you might like something a little familiar for your new Christmas tradition."

Kate felt a hand at her lower back, then heard Castle's voice behind her.

"Thanks Jim, these look great." He reached around her and took the plate from her father. "I'll pop them over here."

As soon as her father's hands were free she wrapped her arms around him in a crushing hug. Jim wasn't fazed by her enthusiasm, though, and matched it by squeezing her back just as tight.

"I didn't know you were coming," she said softly as she finally let him go.

"Rick came to me a few days ago," Jim began to explain with a smile. "He told me all about his plan to create new family traditions that included you and that honoured your traditions, too. He wanted to make sure I understood that I am family, too. And that I am always welcome. And that he looked forward to spending time together over the holidays - but only when I was ready."

Kate smiled at her fiancé's thoughtfulness.

"Are you ready?" she asked Jim, knowing that diving back in to a Castle Family Christmas was less like diving into the deep end and more like being pushed in.

"I don't know," Jim admitted, looking around the loft. "All I know is: your mother loved this time of year. She can't be here to celebrate but I can... and I think you and I have both missed out on too much celebration."

"Me too," Kate whispered solemnly.

"So..." Jim tilted his head toward the mess of decorations. "What can I do to help?"

Kate closed the door behind them and led her father further into the loft.

"This is insanity," he commented as they weaved through the boxes.

Kate laughed and shook her head. "This isn't even half of it."

[karniss-bg3]

The landscape is bathed in a crisp, white blanket of freshly fallen snow. Plumes of ash gray smoke curl in thin tendrils from the mouths of tall chimneys unleashing the distinct aroma of burning wood into the air. This scent was overtaken by the smell of freshly baked gingerbread cookies which filled the cozy cabin. A tall evergreen tree towered in the farthest corner of the room, covered in shimmering tinsel and reflective ornaments lending it a dazzling pop of color.

Midwinter had arrived as well as the anticipated day of gift exchange. Tav had thought long and hard about what to give Kar'niss. This is his first solstice celebration after all, the concept was thoroughly new to him. They approached the drider with present in hand, prepared to hand it to him. What will he receive?

***

Inspired by a conversation on the Kar'niss discord server started by @evillittlebirdie, what would your Tav give to Kar'niss for Midwinter? Send your gifts to the ask box and I will have Kar'niss respond. I will also assume Tav explains what the item is if it's something he's not seen before. The usual ask box rules apply. Deadline for submissions is December 24th at 11:59pm PST. Depending on how many are received I'll either answer over the next few days or all on Christmas day in one big chunk. Happy Holidays! 🎄

[madmanwonder]

Prompt

Can we get Anya tricking Loid and Yor under the mistletoe? It would be sweet.

Wholesome, Romance

The blue and red eyes of Loid and Yor Forger aka Agent <Twilight> and <Thorn Princess> were looking up and saw a mistletoe above the entryway to their home.

Baffled and embarrassed to see this above them when neither didn't put it up in the first place and how they knew the meaning behind it.

Loid look at Yor in the corner of his eye. Yor look at Loid in the corner of her eye. Both were blushing and squirming, unable to speak out of embarrassment and uncertaity whether or not do what they wanted to do...

Meanwhile, Anya and Bond was looking at their parents/owner with look of excitement as they waited for them to kiss under the mistletoe.

'Waku Waku!' Anya thought, mind filled with excitement and smugness of her successful plan.

[slytherhys]

12 Days of Christmas - ACOTAR Edition

In the spirit of the Holidays, I will be writing & posting short stories about the ACOTAR characters for the next 12 days. Please note that some will be shorter than others and that this is simply meant to be a fun time for everyone that loves these characters as much as I do!

PS. I'm open to requests.

AO3

7th day of christmas - christmas shopping

Frozen Fingers (Feysand Drabble)

Not even a lifetime of living in the mountains could make Rhys get used to the snow. In fact, he could barely stand it, let alone consider it a normal, acceptable part of his day-to-day life. Still, he found himself enduring it, following Feyre through the streets of Velaris as she skipped from stall to stall, trying to find the perfect solstice gift for everyone.

Rhysand greeted his people as they passed him by, wishing him and Feyre a happy Solstice. He was pleased to know his grumpiness wasn’t showing, even if he was extremely uncomfortable and missed feeling the fingers on his hand.

Feyre darling, he purred down the bond, earning him a glance from Feyre, who was already walking a few feet ahead. Would you mind terribly if I escaped to Rita’s while you’re shopping? At least there he could get something warm to drink. Maybe even escape death via hypothermia. One could hope.

Feyre, however, didn’t seem very pleased. You want to go to the pleasure hall while I shop?

Right. Not the best idea when she said it, was it?

I feel like there’s a wrong answer to that question.

He heard Feyre’s chuckle ringing through the bond. Care to find out?

Not particularly. He kept strolling after her, head swivelling as he took in a stall selling all sorts of fabrics.

I’m nearly done, either way.

Rhys hummed, perking up at that. Earlier today, when he could still feel his toes, Feyre had visited his favourite shop– a small store selling those little unmentionables he so adored seeing adorning her body. He had been able to peep into the dressing room for 2 seconds to check exactly what she had been buying before the vendor had politely, yet sternly kicked him out of her store.

It’s a surprise for later, she had explained down the bond, giggling.

Yes, if Rhysand helped Feyre get the remaining gift, maybe they could rush home.

Whose gift is missing?

Nothing. Not even a sound. Rhysand turned around, searching for Feyre among the throng of people that suddenly seemed to invade every nook and cranny of the plaza. Only seconds ago, she had been right in front of him, talking with one of the sellers up ahead.

Feyre?

Rhysand frowned, walking a bit faster as he tried to not let worry overtake his rational side. Or whatever remained of it. He walked from stall to stall, his concern growing as Feyre remained out of sight.

He took a deep breath, prepared to, quite literally, call out her name… only to find Feyre crossing the plaza, her cheeks and nose rosy from the cold. Her eyes met his, a smirk on his lips as she made her way towards him.

Someone’s ruffled.

“Where did you go?” He asked once he reached her, his eyes tracing her every feature.

Feyre shrugged, a secret smile on her lips. “I was just across the plaza.” She held out a red cup, the rich scent of chocolate dancing in the space between them. “For you.” She said, eyes flickering to his as if she wasn’t entirely sure he’d accept her gift.

Rhysand eyed her warily, a soft smile on his lips as he watched another snowflake fall against the freckles on her nose. “Thank you.” He said softly. Feyre nodded, pressing against him as she held onto his arm. Rhysand tried to pretend he didn't notice the gift bang hanging from her other bag – the one she clearly didn’t want him to see. Rhysand shook his head, chuckling under his breath.

Feyre simply smiled up at him. “Still cold?”

Rhysand felt himself melt under her gaze, unable to not smile back despite the mild heart attack she had given him just a few minutes ago. Nothing could’ve made him look away from her brilliant eyes – not even the fact it had started bloody snowing again. Truly, he could barely feel it.

“No,” He said. “Not anymore.”

[seaside-writings]

I hope this prompt list brings you inspiration wherever it is needed, and like always if you do use these prompts please tag me so I can see what you’ve made!

I hope you all stay blessed and safe throughout your day.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays: Celia ❤💚❄⛄🎄

🎄 “Christmas night, another fight,”

🎄 “When you're still waiting for the snow to fall, it doesn't really feel like Christmas at all,”

🎄 “I took my feet to Oxford Street, trying to right a wrong,” 🎄 “And like some drunken Elvis singing, I go singing out of tune,”

🎄 “Got all kinds of poison in my blood,”

🎄 “They flicker, and they flow,” 🎄 “Just walk away," those windows say but I can't believe she's gone,”

🎄 “Maybe they'll bring her back to me and then all my troubles will be gone,”

🎄 “Light up the fireworks in me,”

🎄 “Up above candles on air flicker,” 🎄 “And I'm up here holding onto all those chandeliers of hope,”

🎄 “Those Christmas lights light up the street,”

🎄 “May all your troubles soon be gone,”

🎄 “Down where the sea and city meet,”

🎄 “Singing how I always loved you, darling and I always will,”

🎄 “Those Christmas lights keep shining on,”

[hayleysprompts]

Christmas Prompts

12 PROMPT LISTS IN 12 DAYS I thought why not do another Christmas prompt list, hope you enjoy it! 1. "This has been such a disaster" 2. "This has been the best Christmas ever" 3. "It wouldn't be Christmas without a family argument" 4. "We got the exact same Christmas present" 5. "Christmas is an emotional time" 6. Decorating for Christmas 7. Buying presents 8. Accidentally finding your presents and pretending you didn't 9. Falling in love with a stranger at Christmas 10. Kissing under the mistletoe

[im-immortal]

Small Miracles for BHF23: Silent Night

Beth Greene is not dead. Though it is not for a lack of trying. After eight long years spent in the CRM's grasp, struggling to find reasons to continue surviving, Beth finally finds her reason: Rick and Daryl are alive, and they are closer than she ever could've guessed. Now she must take advantage of her only opportunity to escape and track them down. Along the way, she revisits all of the places that changed her into who she has become. And she is forced to remember who she truly is at heart despite how unrecognizable she finds herself. But she has an unexpected ally along for the journey. Just the same as her, he is somewhat of a living miracle. Except he's no longer living… he's a walker.

[dandylion240]

Colton: what are you doing here?

Ryan: I was worried about you.

Colton: I'm fine.

Ryan: Alone on Christmas? Why don't you come home with me?

Colton: I said I'm fine.

Ryan: You shouldn't be cooped up in here by yourself on Christmas. You haven't even decorated.

Colton: I worked all weekend (shrugs) I didn't see the point of decorating.

Ryan: well you're in luck. I have everything we need to get you in the holiday spirit.

Colton: why do I have the feeling I dont' have a choice?

Colton: where did you get all these decorations?

Ryan: we have lots of decorations at home.

Colton: won't your dad's miss them?

Ryan: naw we have plenty.

Colton: in other words they let you have them.

Ryan: I asked and they helped me box everything up.

Colton: tell them thank you for me.

Ryan: you could tell them yourself if you come over for dinner.

Colton: is that an invitation?

Ryan: it is.

Colton: you're cute when you're nervous.

Ryan: who says I'm nervous.

Colton: you squeaked

Ryan: did not.

@izayoichan

[gumithegreat]

Hey Phandrow nation! Murry Chrysler! Phant is singing a song to our dear Woodrow, with a little Dryad giving the OK in the back.

“My hands so cold / yet a tale shall be told / for your hands so warm / held mine so bold.

My song of snow / shall bring us one / and yet the snow / had barely begun.”

@paletteprime @bramble-scramble @randomrabbidramblings @hostess-of-horror if you do not wish to be pinged, I’ll remove this and I’m sorry- y’all were the first people I thought of-

[shieldherostuffs]

Christmas Prompt

(Moder AU)

Filo wakes up in the middle of the night during December, and as she walk towards the other side of the apartment to her parents' room, she walks by the balcony.

Where she sees Therese, and Santa, kissing.

So, of course, she runs to Naofumi, who still asleep, shaking him and whisper-shouting "Dad! Dad! Mommy's kissing Santa Claus!"

When Naofumi wakes, she drags him, still hakf-asleep, to see.

Now, Naofumi and Therese have to explain that L’Arc was just 'dressing up' Santa so he could see how good he could act, just in case Santa was tok busy to come because he had to deliver all those presents all over the world.

Filo gets to laugh at L’Arc's exaggerated HoHoHo's until she's put back to bed.

[writingpromptsofhell]

Christmas Prompts

Sharing hot chocolate

Walking into a cafe to see a familiar someone standing behind the counter, your usual already made

Traumatized person A sees a Christmas Tree for the first time and is fascinated

Trauma-filled person breaking an ornament and panicking

Child watching the little train and mimics it

"A present!" "But- sniff I thought Santa wasn't real?" (From across the room) "SANTA??"

A man dressed as Santa Claus drives around town

A "Santa" breaks into Child A's house and their view of Christmas is completely ruined

A new dog owner watching their dog play in the snow for the first time

"It's snowing." "Shit, you know what that means. " [they solemnly nod at each other]

Singing fucked-up versions of Christmas carols

Add on!!

[do-it-for-the-fandom]

30. Silence please

Season 5 Christmas (5x09 ‘fill in’). This did take a very different direction than I intended and I did rewrite to try and get back to that original idea but the past few days I have been mourning and I guess this little moment just needed to come out! 😂 I hope it’s okay.

With his belly full from their Christmas feast, his mind a little hazy from the mulled wine and his heart swelling with love for the woman in his bed, wrapped cosily in his arms, Castle had drifted off to sleep just a little after midnight.

Beckett, however, could not succumb to her need for sleep no matter how hard she tried. The hours ticked by slowly as she listened to her partner's slow, even breaths and felt the steady beating of his heart under her hand on his chest. Usually his calm and comforting presence would have her drifting off with ease, but not tonight. As the digital numbers on Castle's bedside clock changed to 3am, she gave up on the idea of a decent night's sleep and pulled herself out of bed.

If she were home she would put on a movie, bring a blanket and a her pillow out to the couch and fall asleep there. But she was still just a guest here, she didn't quite feel comfortable enough to make herself at home - particularly with Martha and Alexis sleeping soundly upstairs - so instead she just wandered aimlessly around the loft.

Even with all the lights off, the bottom floor of the loft was illuminated by the soft glow of fairy lights from the Christmas tree.

She walked closer to the extravagant display, tentatively touched the bristles of the tree and inhaled the crisp, pine scent of Christmas and allowed the silence of the night to comfort her.

It really was beautiful, even if a little more excessive than she’d ever been used to. Her mother - the true Christmas lover of the Beckett family - would have been completely awestruck by the Christmas Wonderland that was formerly Castle’s loft. Beckett smiled and closed her eyes as she tried to imagine her mother’s face: the wide eyed, slack-jawed expression she would undoubtedly have if she were ever to have seen it.

Sorrow hit her unexpectedly, like an ocean storm wave crashing against a cliff and stealing the air from her lungs. This was yet another chapter of her life that she couldn’t share with her mother.

The longing to see her mother never left her; but lately it had felt heavier than ever before. She wished she had just one more day, that she could show off the life she was building for herself, the man she had found that loved her almost unconditionally. She wanted to her mother to know him, to know his family who had accepted her with open arms. She knew without a doubt that her mother would be overjoyed for her, would be proud of how far she had come over the years, but her heart yearned to actually hear those words again.

“Kate?”

Castle’s voice startled her. She opened her eyes and looked around the dimly lit room until she found him leaning against the door frame of his office. As she stared at him, silent, the curiosity on his face quickly morphed into a look of concern.

He pushed off from the door frame and hurried toward her.

“Are you okay?” he asked as he cupped her face, used the gentle swipe of his thumbs along her cheekbones to clear away tears she hadn’t realised had fallen.

“I’m fine,” she whispered. She wrapped her hand around his forearm, turned her head slightly and pressed her lips to the inside of his wrist. “I hope I didn’t wake you,” she spoke against his skin.

“You didn’t,” he assured her. “I rolled over and you weren’t there anymore. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled herself closer. When he folded his arms around her shoulders she leant her head on his chest and closed her eyes, allowing herself to be comforted by his warm embrace.

“I pushed you too far,” he said quietly after a few moments.

She shook her head vehemently as she pulled away.

“No, Castle, you didn’t.”

She looked into his eyes, could see the pain behind the sea of blue that sparkled in the glow of fairy lights. She knew that he hated to see her so upset, that he wished he could ‘fix it’ for her so she never had to cry another tear.

“I’m exhausted,” she admitted. “And maybe a little overwhelmed by it all, but that’s not on you.”

She combed her fingers through the hair behind his ear, smiled the most reassuring smile she could muster before brushing a delicate kiss to his lips.

“I love you. I love your family. And I’m glad I came tonight because all of it was perfect.” She inhaled a deep, slightly shaky breath, exhaled slowly before continuing. “Unfortunately, for me, this is just a part of it all now. I didn’t want that to ruin your Christmas, that’s why-”

“Stop.” He palmed the back of her head, leant his forehead against hers. “You’re not ruining anything, don’t even think that for a second.”

She nodded, held back the fresh tears that his reassurances had forming in her eyes. It was an odd feeling, being so happy but so sad at the same time.

“I know how important this is to you.”

“Not as important as you are,” he countered without hesitation. “I understand what Christmas has meant to you for all these years and I know that isn’t going to change over one Christmas dinner. But you don’t have to mourn her alone anymore, Kate.”

His hands dropped to her hips and hers fisted the material of his shirt at his sides.

“I know.”

They stood together in silence until her tears dried and her breathing evened out, until her heavy heart calmed and the gentle whispers of enticed her to take her partner’s hand and lead him back to bed.

[madmanwonder]

Send “Christmas Present” for your muses to give a Christmas present to your muses of choice.