#cocoa's cranky christmas

[manicplank]

okay, I'm sorry for that question but..I'm just curious, what do u think about sugary spire? :D

and also, winter headcanons maybe? (i loved that one with summer and "i love you" reaction, so, why not? only if that's okay with u of course)

Also, have a nice day! <)

It's ok! To be honest, I'm not sure which question you're apologizing for. I don't have a problem with any of your questions (:

I'm not the biggest fan of AUs in general. Not much of a fan of Sugary Spire either. (not hating on it, I like the idea but just not into it).

Anyways,

Winter headcanons!

Peppino: Can't stand the cold, either. He has a better tolerance to cold than heat, though. Will bundle up with every piece of clothing he owns just to stay warm. Definitely gets seasonal depression, this poor old man can't catch a break.

Gustavo: Is neutral about the cold. A bit of a cool breeze makes him happy, but negative temperatures make him bitter. However, warm weather means soup and hot cocoa season! He also gets to wear all of his favorite sweaters! And he LOVES Christmas!

Mr. Stick: Absolutely DESPISES the cold. No matter what he wears, he's freezing. He can't last more than 5 minutes without getting frostbite. He prefers to stay inside in the heat. The cold makes him a but cranky.

Pepperman: Doesn't like the cold. Anything below 40°F (sorry, I'm american, and I don't know celcius) will make him fatigued. Plants don't do too well in the cold, and he is no exception. He would rather light himself on fire than go out in the cold. Has tried to build snowmans of himself, only to nearly die from frostbite.

The Vigilante: Not too keen of the winter. The cold makes his body more solid and harder to move. Lower temperatures means he has to work harder on the farm to keep things going smoothly. But, much like Gustavo, he's a fan of hot soup and cocoa.

The Noise: While he doesn't like being in the cold, he loves sleeping in it. Other than that, he absolutely hates winter. There's a reason he had the NTV tower built in the desert. He probably gets seasonal depression. Tries to hibernate by sleeping surrounded by blankets and snacks. Fails.

Noisette: Another hater of the cold. But she does like winter activities. Ice skating, playing in the snow, and Christmas!! She finally gets to wear all of her favorite sweaters. She also enjoys staying in and snuggling up in thick, fuzzy blankets. Unfortunately, The Noise is hogging most of them. This doesn't stop her from taking them.

Fake Peppino: No! No cold! No like! He does not like the cold at all! It makes him feel icky! He thought snow was pretty until he stepped in it. It was cold, too! He will refuse to go outside until it gets warmer. Frogs do not like the cold!

Pizzaface: Likes the cold. His gears run smoothly without overheating. He likes to throw dangerously giant snowballs at people. Sometimes, it results in casualties. He doesn't care. He thinks it's funny.

Pizzahead: He tolerates the cold. It sucks sometimes, but there's also a lot of good and fun things that come with it. He likes having snowball fights, building snowmen, build igloos, ice skating, and all sorts of fun things. He just can't stay in it too long, or he'll freeze solid.

Pillar John: Not too keen on the cold. It doesn't really phase him much since he's made of rocks, but he's still not a big fan. He's been a victim of Pizzaface's giant snowballs. That's how he got some of his cracks.

Gerome: Couldn't care less. The cold doesn't bother him since he's also made of stone. In fact, it makes good sleeping weather. He doesn't understand why some people hate it. Of course, he's immune to freezing to death, soooo...

[fellow-travelers-fic-recs]

Hi there! Could you recommend a well written fic with a...happier ending? :) Where after a while they make different decisions (especially Hawk) and somehow manage to fix things. Alive. I saw a summary where the author fixes things, but Skippy kind of has the same fate only later and in a different way... and, well... it's ok if it's not all fluff but I would prefer not to cry out my eyes at the end. But if you say it still worth it, I believe you.. :) Thank you!

As you know, happy endings in this fandom (or at least within canon) are hard to come by. But we’ve suffered enough, haven't we? I hope these feel good fics hit the mark and hopefully work towards offsetting the extensive therapy that loving this show undoubtedly requires. Happy reading!

✨ Be sure to show the authors some love and appreciation with kudos and comments on the fics you enjoyed!

#angst with a happy ending ❤️‍🩹 A Joy, Hard Learned by @partialresonance // partialresonance [E, 12K] Tim and Hawk get snowed in together. Later, Tim comes back from the war a changed man.

The dynamics between Tim and Hawk are on another level, which just adds to the heat on this already scorching hot, emotional smut. That said, it’s only one layer of this fic. The building angst with the happy ending that follows, absolutely stellar! Not to mention, the cozy winter atmosphere. What else do you need?  Grab yourself a nice cup of cocoa and settle in by the fire with this one!

❤️‍🩹 Anywhere With You by @kayleebye // kayleebye [T, 3K] Hawk shows up at Tim's door with news after breaking-up with him several weeks ago. Tim isn't interested in hearing anything from Hawk, but one sentence changes everything. Will Hawk and Tim finally have a chance at happiness?

This one I haven’t read yet, but it’s got a lot of what you’re looking for… true love, angst and a happy ending fix-it all wrapped up in a snug little 3K word package. Give it a shot!

#fluff ❤️‍🩹 A Package of Sunshine by @bluebellsinburbank // ConsumingLove(Bluebellstar) [T, 1K] Hawk and Tim have a day at the beach.

This should be called A Ray of Sunshine, because that’s exactly what it feels like. It’s so refreshing to have these fluffy moments, a snapshot into a happier time between these two. And delightful banter with Marcus and Frankie in tow… We love to see! 

#fix-it, #time travel, #canon divergence ❤️‍🩹 Cheek to Cheek by Iviviendo* [NR, 1K] A special guest arrives unannounced at the Laughlin house on Christmas Day in 1953.

A fluffy little Christmas fix-it, light and cozy. I felt like I was right there at the dinner table, laughing and singing along with the rest of the family. Even Tim’s grandma is pleasant and cheerful, a welcome change from the cranky Grandma Gaffney we see in the book.

❤️‍🩹 Everything, Everything by tinypurpleghost* [E, 4.8K] Hawk wakes up in 1968 and everything is different.

A sprinkle of angst with a heavy dose of heart-warming fluff, along with some wonderfully tender (and super hot) smut. Short and sweet, this time travel fix-it will be the perfect balm to mend your broken heart.

❤️‍🩹 the pawn in every lover's game by hyperfixfic* [G, 8K] Lucy decides to face Hawk after Mr. Laughlin slipped a letter under Hawk’s apartment door instead of ignoring the problems of her marriage. And there are many.

This one is more book-inspired, and Lucy-focused, which is something of a rarity. Love to see it! 

❤️‍🩹 Sands of Time (Turn Backwards) by @brouill3r // brouiller [NR, 7K WIP Ch.3/?] 1987 Hawkins Fuller is full of regrets for the life he's lived, though Tim once told him he regrets nothing. Hawk so wishes he could say the same.

In the still night air of a hotel room, clutching a cracked paperweight to his chest like it's carved of the finest gold, Hawk gets his wish.

Or, a time-travel fix-it fic that nobody asked for.

This has me glued to the edge of my seat. The pacing of the first chapter pulls you right in, adding to the tension in with its punctuated rhythm--absolutely perfect for the mindset of Hawk trying to come to grips with what is happening around him. 

❤️‍🩹 Again, only better by@madsmeetsmisha // madsmeetsmisha [M, 11K WIP Ch. 4/9] Hawk had no idea what was really going on here. All he knew was that he was back in 1954 and a completely distraught Tim was standing outside his door. And he also knew that he certainly wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

*DING DING DING… Haven’t read this yet, but by the summary and tags, this sounds like it might check all (or most) of your boxes… Tags: fix-it, someone dies from AIDS but not Tim, second changes, all the fluff we need to get over this

❤️‍🩹 Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps It’s Real by drabbleswabbles* [NR, 24K Ch. 9/?] And then it happened. The metallic screech of the gate, the shuffle of men stepping out beyond the prison walls. And suddenly there he was. His hair was shorter than he’d ever seen it. And his glasses were different. But it was him. Their eyes met. Tim stared at him in wide-eyed shock before recognition melted his features into a confused outrage.

Basically a fix-it in which Hawk finds himself back in the early 70s.

I haven’t had the chance to dive into this one, but it’s at the top of my list, along with so many other readers who can’t stop singing its praises. I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as they do.

❤️‍🩹 The Twelfth of Never by ghostandwitness* [M, 973 WIP Ch. 1/?] What if Hawk didn’t prevent Tim from passing the security clearance?

A retelling of Hawk and Tim’s story where their affair is continued through Tim’s employment at State, for those of us who want a different ending (but of course, not without a hard time getting there-After all it's Hawk and Tim).

I feel like this one might be flying under the radar, but it deserves all the fanfare. So far, this one is fantastic, and while it’s still currently a WIP, and can’t guarantee it will be exactly what you’re looking for, I can confidently say it will be enjoyed. 

❤️‍🩹 But If You Don’t Dear, Confess by@bluebellsinburbank // ConsumingLove(Bluebellstar) [G, 3K] "Have you ever considered yourself to be in love with another male?"

And that was the question, wasn't it?

Giving gifts, receiving gifts, walking like a gay man - like that could even be quantified; sex and sodomy. Those things were nothing, a mere drop in the ocean compared to that one question.

Had he ever been in love with another man?

For a moment, he almost expected to think of Kenny. That sweet boy who loved beautiful things, who'd followed Hawk into a war none of them had any place being.

But Kenny was the furthest thing from his mind. No, his mind was alive with memories of his Skippy.

Or, Tim Laughlin is a little harder to get out of Hawk's head, and the choice between yes and no isn't as easy to make.

This is part 1 of a series that follows Hawk and Tim as they run away to Italy together, after Hawk fails the polygraph on purpose. Each fic is a standalone, so if you’re uneasy about getting too attached to a WIP, this might be for you!

*Authors: If you have a tumblr (or other socials) you'd like linked, let me know and I'll add it. Also, if anyone doesn't want their socials linked here, please let me know and I'll gladly remove it.

[cheerscoops]

Steve Harrington x Reader || 3k

If you had known exactly what the amazing job opportunity your photography professor had offered you was, you probably wouldn’t have accepted it. He made it sound so appealing though. It paid above minimum wage, and it was only nights and weekends, so it wouldn’t interfere with any of the classes you were taking. It seemed almost too good to be true.

Of course, that’s because it was too good to be true. You’d unknowingly accepted a job as the photographer in Santa’s Village down at the Starcourt Mall. When you saw the bright red and green elf costume that you were going to be required to wear, you contemplated bailing, but as a broke college student, you decided you couldn’t afford to turn down the best paying job you could find over something as trivial as a jingle bell hat with fake elf ears.

You adjusted your name tag as you entered the staff room for Santa’s Village employees. If there was one saving grace of the job, it was that you got to choose your own elf name. You’d settled on Noelle. Simple, sweet, and Christmas-y enough to be a decent name for an elf without being obnoxious about it. The other two “elves” that you’d be working with were already there and wrapped up in conversation. Their name tags read “Jingle” and “Jangle,” so you figured they must have known each other prior to this and chosen their names together. Jangle said something that made Jingle laugh, and she shoved his shoulder in response.

Just as you were about to introduce yourself, a woman dressed up as Mrs. Claus entered the room and commanded your attention.

“Alright everybody. Listen up,” she said as she looked down at the clipboard in her hands. “Our first shift is starting in about five minutes, and I’ve got a lot of information to cover before that happens. We’ve got a few ground rules to cover, and then I’ll hand out job assignments. First and foremost, we only refer to each other as our character names out there. I don’t care if you use your real names in the break room, but we are creating Christmas magic, and we don’t want to break that illusion for the kids. Keep your language clean and your faces looking happy. I don’t care what’s going on out there. You’ve gotta keep smiling. None of you will be in the photographs, but you’re still a part of the experience, and no one likes a cranky elf. Save it for your breaks. We all take a break at the same time. Weekends like today are four hours from the start of the shift, an hour for lunch, and then another four hours on the floor. Week night shifts are six hours on the floor with a break somewhere in the middle. Santa chooses when that happens.

“Now, for your job assignments. Noelle, you’re the one with photography experience, right?”

You nod.

“Good. You’ll be our camera elf. You snap a couple pictures while Santa is talking to the kids, and then you get a posed shot at the end. Super simple. Jangle, you’re in charge of walking the kids over to Santa and helping them on and off his lap if needed. Jingle, you hand every child a candy cane and a tiny stuffed reindeer before you reunite them with their parents at my table. I take care of getting them to buy photos and all payments. The first day we’re open is usually pretty slow, but it will get busier the closer we get to Christmas. Take a minute to prepare your happy faces, and then meet me out there.”

With that, Mrs. Claus turned and exited the staff room.

“I don’t know what I was expecting from Joyce as our boss, but it definitely wasn’t a no nonsense control freak. Who spit her Christmas cocoa?” Jingle said, earning a laugh from Jangle. Satisfied with his response, she turned towards you.

“I’m Robin, and this is Steve,” she said. She waited for you to introduce yourself before speaking again. “Please never call us by our elf names if we aren’t on the floor. I hate them more than anything in the world.”

“You’re the one who picked them,” Steve replied. “This is totally your fault.”

“Only because you wanted to call yourself Hermey. What kind of name is that?”

“Hey! Don’t disrespect the first elf dentist like that. He probably did wonders for the world of elf tooth decay.”

At first, you weren’t sure how to take their bantering, but you soon learned that this was just the way they were with each other. In addition to the bantering, they seemed to speak in a silent language of eyebrow raises and weird looks throughout the morning half of your shift. During lunch, they practically sat on top of each other and shared Robin’s sandwich since Steve had neglected to bring his own food. There was a familiarity between the two of them that led you to believe that they were intimately involved in some way. They definitely made a cute couple.

And maybe knowing that Steve had a girlfriend that he was obviously very committed to would help to keep you from developing a crush on him because, by the end of your first week working alongside him, it was obvious to you that you’d be a goner otherwise. When the kids didn’t want to smile for their pictures, he made funny faces at them from behind the camera and told corny jokes to get them to laugh. Even though he hated the hat that they were forced to wear as a part of their uniform, he never complained in front of the kids, and he always had a smile on his face. He always asked the kids what their names were if he didn’t overhear their parents saying them, and he whispered their names to Santa just so you could see the kids’ faces light up when Santa already knew who they were. Those were some of your best candid shots.

You could pinpoint the exact moment that sealed it for you. It was towards the end of your shift on Sunday. The mall was closing in half an hour, and Mrs. Claus had already closed the line for pictures with Santa to make sure that everyone who had already been waiting got to have the full experience with the big guy. When it was finally the last little girl in line's turn, she started to have one of the worst meltdowns you'd seen so far that week.

Meltdowns weren't exactly uncommon. Sometimes, the kids were just tired from waiting in line for so long and desperately needed a nap. Other times, their parents had dressed them in fancy clothes to get a decent Christmas card photo that were too itchy or too warm, and the kids wanted nothing more than to be wearing literally anything else at that moment. And then, there were times when they were afraid of Santa and needed a little extra encouragement to make their way over to him. Even when he was in the Santa get up, Hopper was a pretty intimidating guy, and you couldn’t really blame the kids who were afraid to go up to him before they saw the kindness in his smile. You weren't sure which one was the case for this little girl, but she was wailing, clinging to her mother's leg, and refusing to get any closer to Santa than she already was.

“Tiffany, sweetie, what’s wrong?” the woman asked as she tried to coax her daughter forward. “You were so excited to see Santa just a minute ago. Don’t you want to show him your pretty dress and tell him what you want for Christmas?”

“Don’t wanna!” the little girl cried as she gripped her mother’s leg even tighter.

“I am so sorry about this,” the woman said to no one in particular. “She’s not usually like this. She loved meeting him last year. I honestly have no idea what happened.”

The woman was about to scoop up her daughter to leave, but Steve stepped in and crouched down to get on the little girl’s level.

“Hey there,” he said softly, trying not to scare her. “Do you wanna tell Jangle what’s wrong? Maybe I can help.”

The little girl’s eyes darted between Steve and Santa before she went back to hiding behind her mother’s legs.

“Does Santa make you nervous?” he asked.

The little girl nodded.

“Santa used to make me really nervous, too.”

“Really?” she asked, her eyes going wide.

“Oh yeah. The first time I met him, I was shaking so much that the jingle bells on my shoes and hat were going nuts. But you wanna know a secret? Santa is maybe the nicest guy in the whole world, and he gives the best hugs. And I know that nothing bad is gonna happen if you go see him. I’ll be right there the whole time if you need a buddy.”

“You promise?”

“I pinky promise.”

He held out his pinky to her, and she linked her own finger with his before cautiously stepping away from her mother. 

Most kids walked up to Santa on their own, or their parents carried them over if they were too little to walk on their own. However, this time, Steve took the girl's hand in his and slowly walked her over to Santa. You watched as he leaned in and whispered the girl's name to Hopper before moving to help her up onto his lap. For a moment, the girl clung to Steve in the tightest of hugs, and your heart melted as you snapped a couple candids of the moment.

Once she was securely on Santa's lap, Steve made his way back over to his position next to you and the girl's mom, and the rest of the interaction went smoothly. But, in the back of your mind, you were trying to push down the way your heart fluttered when you thought about him.

As soon as your shift ended, Robin ran ahead to take off her elf uniform in the locker room as soon as humanly possible. Hopper and Joyce were in deep conversation about the days numbers which left you and Steve to make the walk back to the locker room together.

"You were amazing with that last kid," you said, trying to fill the silence.

"That? I was just winging it. I have no idea what I'm doing," he replied.

"No, really. I never could've diffused that meltdown as easily as you did. She loved you. All of the kids do."

"It was nothing. You're the one with the actual skills here. Capturing everyone's memories."

"I just point and click," you said with a shrug.

"For the posed pictures maybe. But the candids? That's art. That one family who picked up their pictures yesterday couldn't stop gushing about the one you got of their kid kissing Santa's cheek. If I'd tried to do that, it probably would have been blurry or my thumb would have been in the picture. You're really talented."

You could feel a blush starting to warm your cheeks.

"Well, maybe we should just agree that we're both skilled in different and equally impressive ways."

"I guess I can agree to that."

Just then, Robin came bursting out of the locker room and told Steve to hurry up and get changed so they could leave, and you were instantly reminded that Steve had a girlfriend, and you couldn't flirt with him. The last thing you wanted to do was come between them and end up in an uncomfortable work situation. You were going to respect boundaries even if it killed you.

But after that moment, you could have sworn that Steve was flirting with you. The two of you shared smiles over particularly adorable children and weird looks when the more spoiled ones appeared. Whenever he ran over to steal a candy cane from Robin, he always brought one over for you as well. He joked around with you in your minimal downtime, and the two of you had made a game out of seeing who could flick the jingle bell on the other's hat the most without getting caught. You would have loved it if you didn't feel so guilty about it.

After a week of feeling like a bad person for enjoying all of the attention Steve was giving you, you couldn’t take it anymore. Steve seemed like the type of guy who would flirt with everyone without realizing it, but that didn’t mean that you should be flirting back.

You waited until the end of your shift before pulling Robin aside in the locker room.

“Can we talk?” you asked.

“Sure. What’s up?”

“I think I owe you an apology.”

“Is this about the candy canes that Steve keeps stealing for the two of you? Because I’m not really mad about that. I just like messing with him.”

“No. I mean, maybe a little bit? I don’t know,” you started. Talking to Robin about this had seemed so much easier when you were psyching yourself up to do it, but now that you were in the moment, you could barely find the words to speak.

“It’s just that I think Steve has been flirting with me, and I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t flirting back, and -”

“So he was flirting with you? I wondered if that’s what he was trying to do, but I swear I can’t tell the difference between his flirting and a train wreck half the time.”

“Yeah, I think he was. And that’s really not fair to you, you know?”

“I mean, yeah, I’d prefer it if he didn’t do it while we’re supposed to be working, but it doesn’t bother me if that’s what he wants to do.”

“So you’re not mad at me?”

“Why would I be mad at you?”

“Well, I’ve tried not to make a habit out of flirting with unavailable guys, and he’s your boyfriend, isn’t he?”

You weren’t sure what you had expected her response to be, but it definitely wasn’t her doubling over in a laugh so powerful that she had to take a seat on one of the locker room benches.

“I’m sorry,” Robin said after she’d finally caught her breath. “I shouldn’t be laughing at you. But you seriously thought Steve and I were together?”

“Yes? I mean, you two are always all over each other. I figured you had to be together with how close you are.”

“He’s my best friend, and neither of us are very good with the whole personal space thing, but that’s all there is to it. We are Platonic with a capital P.”

“So, I’m not actually coming between you guys?”

Robin stood up and put her hands on your shoulders.

“I can’t emphasize this enough, but I would rather make out with my chain-smoking great aunt Bertha than even think about kissing Steve. If you want to flirt with him, feel free to do so. It doesn’t bother me at all.”

With that, Robin picked up her bag and exited the room. Instantly, a wave of relief washed over you. You still felt a little bad about flirting with him when you thought he had a girlfriend, but the guilt was slowly disappearing now that you knew you weren’t a homewrecker.

Once you’d changed back into your regular clothes, you exited the locker room to find Steve and Robin waiting for you. As soon as she saw you, Robin pushed Steve towards you and shouted that she’d be waiting by the car before running off and leaving the two of you alone.

“Well, that’s Robin for you,” Steve said with a laugh.

“She’s really not subtle about anything, is she?” you asked.

“Not even a little bit.” Steve shoved his hands in his front pockets and smiled at you. “So, you really thought that Robin and I were a couple?”

“I can’t believe she told you that.”

“She’s my best friend. Obviously, she wasn’t going to keep that a secret.”

“In my defense, you two fully act like you’re together.”

“Well, we aren’t.” He took another step towards you. “So, I’m going to be completely honest with you. I kind of have a policy about not dating people I work with. Keeps the job less complicated, you know?”

“So, you weren’t flirting with me?” If dying of embarrassment was possible, you were pretty sure that you would have dropped dead on the spot.

“Oh, I was definitely flirting with you. I was just going to wait to ask you out until after our last shift.”

Once again, you could feel your face heating up because of this man. You were going to have to work on that if you planned on surviving the rest of your shifts together.

“So, does this mean you’re still going to steal me candy canes in the middle of our shifts? Because I’ve gotten pretty used to that, and I would hate it if my mistake kept that from happening.”

“I think I can make it happen. I’ve got a hook up with the girl who passes out the candy canes. I’m pretty sure I can convince her to look the other way every once in a while since she’s very obviously into me,” he said with a smirk.

“You’re never going to let me live this down, are you?”

“Never.”

“Well, in that case, I would like to preemptively accept your future offer of a date to dispel any notion that I still think you two are a couple.”

“I’ll start planning something for after the holidays then.” “Can’t wait.”

The end of this job couldn’t come soon enough.

[mintmechs]

some assorted tails hcs

• his favorite drink is hot cocoa! he really likes trying new hot cocoa powder mixes and making his own when winter comes along, stirring his mug with a peppermint candy cane more often in the holidays. other than that he enjoys coffee very much • favorite holiday is christmas. he gets so excited about it every year as early as november, he'll be decorating everything on the 1st. he counts down the days eagerly and encourages his friends to do the same... he loves the toy trains that go around the tree he'll sit and stare at it as it loops in circles (he made it himself) • cozy fox. a sweater, scarf and big puffy jacket lover, he's gotta be bundled up for the snow! • can type scarily fast on any device, many of his replies are immediate • i like to think that tails got so used to being called buddy, bud, pal, etc. by sonic that it rubbed off on him when talking to others • he'll dance and sing only when he's alone, he gets embarrassed about it! he likes to do those 80s dance training videos • does not like being woken up at all he's very very cranky about it, it's a gamble for your life to rouse him unnecessarily! he literally opened fire on eggman for waking him up in sonic x and i find that hilarious i wish i was exaggerating. this kid needs his snormimis • mint chocolate truther • one last thing about mint is that while he loves them (and the flavor) i don't think he'd like the texture of bubblegum too much. bad texture and it gets stuck in his fangs and fur and it's very annoying • tails being tails (being 8 years old) finds most puns and jokes absolutely hilarious he'll laugh so honestly and double over and slap his knee and wheeze • he laughs at 90% of sonic's jokes like it's the best joke he's ever heard, while the other 10% he rolls his eyes and goes NOOO that was so lame! (but he still laughs). he'll try to come up with puns to get back at him, studying how he makes jokes and trying to emulate them every now and then... the humor rubs off on him • he is EXCELLENT at the art of nonverbal code communication. with one silent sly glance he can be very precise in what he conveys, but you need to be close to him so that this works • knows how to play the piano! he's a beginner at it, he taught sonic how to play some simple tunes • i like to think he kept his gadgets from tails adventure and they're still very precious to him, since they were some of his first inventions ever. his old laboratory he probably donated to the inhabitants of cocoa island to use as a shelter or something like that • he's terrifyingly good at water balloon fights. he chucks those like they're bombs i'm just obsessed with bomb-chucking tails i think this is the least i can do to honor that era • always always always moving his tail around! it's a good way to burn off energy even while he's standing completely still! but if he's particularly nervous he can wring them or find some intricate hands-on task (putting together a trinket or taking it apart, etc.) to occupy himself with and slow himself down • he has quite the competitive spirit! once again it rubbed off from his big bro can you blame him

[nathfiset]

How to enjoy the holidays with a baby and children

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How to enjoy the holidays with a baby and children

 The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and happiness, filled with family gatherings, festive decorations, and delicious food.However, for parents with young children, it can also be a time of stress and chaos. The thought of managing a baby and other children during this busy time can be overwhelming, but fear not!With a little bit of preparation and a positive attitude, you can not only survive but also truly enjoy the holidays with your little ones.In this article, we will explore some practical tips and advice on how to make the most of the holiday season with a baby and children in tow. From managing expectations to creating special traditions, we will cover all aspects to help you create lasting memories with your family.So, put on your favorite holiday playlist, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let's dive into how to enjoy the holidays with a baby and children. 

Create a festive atmosphere at home.

 To fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, it is essential to create a festive atmosphere at home. Start by adorning your living space with colorful and decorative accents such as twinkling lights, wreaths, and garlands.You can also incorporate festive fragrances through scented candles or diffusers to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Consider playing cheerful holiday music in the background to enhance the ambiance.Additionally, engaging in festive activities like baking cookies, decorating the Christmas tree, or watching holiday movies as a family can further enhance the joyful atmosphere in your home.By intentionally creating a festive environment, you can ensure that the holiday season is truly magical for you and your loved ones. 

Plan activities for the family.

 One of the keys to enjoying the holidays with a baby and children is to plan engaging and memorable activities for the entire family.Take advantage of the festive season by researching local events and attractions that cater specifically to families. Look for holiday markets, light displays, or community performances that offer entertainment for all age groups.Additionally, consider organizing family-friendly activities at home such as crafting ornaments, writing letters to Santa, or having a family game night with holiday-themed games. Planning and participating in these activities not only brings the family closer together but also creates lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. 

Keep a consistent schedule.

 Maintaining a consistent schedule is essential when it comes to enjoying the holidays with a baby and children.With the excitement and busyness of the season, it's easy for routines to be disrupted, leading to tired and potentially cranky little ones. By sticking to a regular schedule as much as possible, you can help ensure that everyone gets the rest they need and minimize meltdowns.This means maintaining consistent bedtimes and nap times, as well as meal and snack times. While it's tempting to let things slide during the holidays, prioritizing your family's well-being by adhering to a schedule will ultimately make the festivities more enjoyable for everyone. 

Involve children in preparations.

 One way to enhance the holiday experience for both parents and children is to involve the little ones in preparations.Assign age-appropriate tasks to children, such as helping decorate the tree, setting the table, or choosing holiday recipes to try. Not only does this foster a sense of responsibility and accomplishment in children, but it also creates valuable bonding moments and allows them to feel included in the festivities.Additionally, involving children in preparations can help alleviate some of the workload for parents, making the holiday season more enjoyable and less overwhelming for everyone involved.By allowing children to contribute and participate in the holiday preparations, you can create lasting memories and instill in them a sense of joy and excitement for the season. 

Prioritize self-care and rest.

 During the holiday season, it is crucial for parents to prioritize self-care and rest. The demands of celebrating with a b abyand children can be overwhelming, and neglecting one's own well-being can lead to increased stress and exhaustion. Taking time for self-care activities, such as taking a relaxing bath, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone, can help recharge and rejuvenate parents. It is also essential to ensure sufficient rest by setting aside designated quiet times or nap times for both children and parents. By prioritizing self-care and rest, parents can maintain their physical and mental well-being, allowing them to better enjoy the holiday festivities with their little ones. 

Embrace imperfections and chaos.

 In the midst of the holiday chaos, it is important for parents to remember to embrace imperfections and chaos. Despite our best efforts to create a picture-perfect holiday experience, unexpected mishaps and moments of chaos are bound to happen, especially with young children. Instead of becoming stressed or overwhelmed by these imperfections, try to approach them with a sense of humor and flexibility. Remember that the true joy of the holidays comes from being present with our loved ones, regardless of the perfectly coordinated decorations or flawless meals. Embracing the imperfections and chaos allows us to fully enjoy the genuine moments of laughter, love, and connection that make the holiday season truly special. So, take a deep breath, let go of perfection, and embrace the beautiful messiness that comes with celebrating the holidays with a baby and children. 

Practice gratitude and mindfulness.

 As we navigate the holiday season with little ones in tow, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, forgetting to take a moment for ourselves. This is where the power of gratitude and mindfulness can truly shine. Practicing gratitude involves intentionally acknowledging and appreciating the small joys and blessings in our lives, even amidst the chaos. Take a moment to reflect on the laughter of your children, the warmth of a cozy home, or the delicious scent of holiday treats. Mindfulness, on the other hand, involves being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. Engage your senses as you decorate the tree, savor holiday meals, or engage in family activities. By cultivating gratitude and mindfulness, we can find a sense of peace and purpose during this busy time, allowing us to truly enjoy the magic of the holidays with our precious little ones. 

Set realistic expectations.

 When it comes to enjoying the holidays with a baby and children, it is important to set realistic expectations. While we may envision picture-perfect moments and seamless family gatherings, the reality is often a bit messier. Babies may have unpredictable nap schedules, children may become overwhelmed or have meltdowns, and things may not go exactly as planned. By setting realistic expectations, we can alleviate unnecessary stress and embrace the imperfections that come with the holiday season. Remember that creating lasting memories is more important than striving for perfection. Flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor will go a long way in making the holidays enjoyable for both parents and children. So, take a step back, breathe, and embrace the joy and chaos that comes with celebrating the holidays with your little ones. 

Don't be afraid to ask for help.

 During the hectic holiday season, it can be overwhelming for parents to handle the demands of caring for a baby and children while also trying to create a memorable and enjoyable experience. In these moments, it is crucial to remember that it is okay to ask for help. Whether it's reaching out to family members, friends, or even hiring a babysitter, seeking assistance can provide much-needed support and allow you to prioritize self-care. By delegating tasks and sharing responsibilities, you can alleviate some of the stress and ensure that you have the energy and mental space to fully embrace the holiday spirit with your loved ones. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a wise decision that can contribute to a more joyful and fulfilling holiday season for both you and your family. 

Enjoy the magic of childhood.

 As parents, we have the unique opportunity to witness and participate in the magic of childhood during the holiday season. It's a time when children's eyes light up with wonder and excitement, and their imaginations run wild with possibilities. Embracing this magic means allowing ourselves to let go of the stress and responsibilities of adulthood, even if just for a moment, and fully immerse ourselves in the joyous spirit of the holidays. Whether it's engaging in playful activities, creating cherished traditions, or simply taking the time to listen and connect with our children, we can experience the pure delight that comes with seeing the world through their innocent and hopeful eyes. By prioritizing these moments of joy and wonder, we not only create lasting memories for our children but also rediscover the magic of the holiday season ourselves. In conclusion, while the holidays may seem daunting with a baby and children, it is possible to enjoy them with some planning and preparation. Remember to prioritize self-care, communicate and set realistic expectations with loved ones, and make use of helpful resources such as online shopping and childcare services. By keeping a positive attitude and focusing on creating cherished memories with your family, the holidays can be a joyful and memorable time for all. Wishing you a happy and stress-free holiday season! 

FAQ

 What are some tips for creating a baby-friendly holiday environment that ensures both safety and enjoyment for the whole family? - Baby-proof the holiday environment by removing any potential hazards such as breakable decorations or sharp objects. - Create a quiet and comfortable space for your baby to retreat to if they become overwhelmed. - Stick to your baby's routine as much as possible to minimize disruptions to sleep and eating patterns. - Bring familiar items from home such as their favorite toys or blankets to provide a sense of comfort. - Plan activities that are suitable for all ages, such as gentle walks or visits to baby-friendly attractions. - Ensure everyone in the family is aware of basic baby safety measures, such as not leaving small objects within reach or being cautious around stairs. - Don't forget to carve out some time for self-care and relaxation, as a happy and rested parent will contribute to a positive holiday experience for the whole family. How can parents manage the stress and exhaustion that often come with holiday preparations and activities while still being present and engaged with their children? Parents can manage the stress and exhaustion of holiday preparations by prioritizing self-care. This can involve setting realistic expectations, delegating tasks, and asking for help when needed. It's also important to plan and organize in advance, creating a schedule or checklist to stay on track. Taking breaks, practicing relaxation techniques, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce stress. Additionally, parents can involve their children in holiday activities, making it a fun and bonding experience. Setting aside dedicated time for quality interactions, such as reading together or playing games, ensures that parents remain present and engaged despite the holiday hustle. What are some age-appropriate holiday activities and traditions that can be enjoyed by both babies and older children? Some age-appropriate holiday activities and traditions that can be enjoyed by both babies and older children include decorating the Christmas tree together, making homemade ornaments, singing holiday songs, going on a neighborhood light tour, baking and decorating cookies, reading holiday-themed books, watching holiday movies, and participating in a gift exchange. These activities allow for shared experiences and can be adapted to suit the different developmental stages and interests of both babies and older children. How can parents balance their own desire for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season with the needs and routines of their baby or young children? Parents can balance their own desire for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season with the needs and routines of their baby or young children by planning ahead and prioritizing their child's well-being. This can involve scheduling activities and events around their child's routine, such as nap times and mealtimes. It is important to communicate with family and friends about the needs of the child and to set boundaries if necessary. Additionally, parents can involve their child in age-appropriate holiday activities, ensuring that they are included in the festivities while still maintaining their routine and comfort. What are some strategies for managing the expectations and potential conflicts that may arise when combining different family traditions and holiday celebrations with a baby or young children? Open communication, flexibility, and compromise are key strategies for managing expectations and potential conflicts when combining different family traditions and holiday celebrations with a baby or young children. It is important to have honest discussions with all family members involved to ensure everyone's needs and desires are considered. Finding common ground and creating new traditions that incorporate elements from both sides can help foster a sense of unity. Flexibility is important, as schedules and traditions may need to be adjusted to accommodate the needs of young children. Lastly, compromising and being willing to make concessions can help minimize conflicts and create a harmonious holiday experience for everyone involved. 

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[flirting-with-psychology]

Survey 327 Bold what applies to you;

I have been watching a lot more television lately. I usually just let my hair dry after washing it. I’ve been considering getting a new tattoo soon. I’ve been thinking about my future a lot more lately. I love going to thrift stores and garage sales. I have never smoked a cigarette. I love goofy cartoons like Spongebob and Adventure Time. I am generally good with kids. I got to sleep in today :). I text at least one of my parents just about every day. I’ve been trying to broaden my taste in music lately. Sometimes I like to eat dry cereal, without milk or anything. I’m pretty good at keeping secrets. I’ve been reading a lot more books lately. Sometimes I can literally spend all day online. I want to start working out, but it just seems like I have no motivation; I need a workout partner. I would much rather date a clean shaven guy over one who lets his beard grow out. I sometimes think about the hidden meaning behind movies, instead of just the obvious storyline. When I feel sick, I don’t like to be touched or bothered. I could really go for some pasta right now. I love looking at Christmas lights and decorations. I’ve made a few new friends recently. I get cranky when I am hungry. I find it easier to dress cute in the winter than in the summer. I usually just go barefoot when I’m hanging out around my house. I still have a basic phone, while all my friends have cool iPhones and such. When I hear about a celebrity’s nude picture being posted online, I sometimes look it up. Whenever I make a survey, I enjoy reading other people’s responses to my questions. I would love to go skydiving or bungee jumping. I would love to have some kind of fruit tree in my yard. I find other cultures interesting. I still have some of my toys from when I was little. I’ve been procrastinating on something, and I really just need to get it over with. I love when it gets cold out, so I can cuddle up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa. I love 50’s pinup style. I really don’t like talking on the phone, I’d much rather just text the person. I wish I had that one friend that I could tell everything to. I don’t feel like going to a bar is my kind of thing, I’d much rather just hang out with a few friends at home. I dislike some foods, not because of the flavor, but because of the texture, or how it looks. I get sunburnt fairly easily. I love giving and getting surprises. I’ve been spending a lot of time away from home lately. I don’t really enjoy muffins, they are so dry! I don’t really like sour foods or candy. One of my good friends recently had a baby.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

430 of 2023

Survey 327 Bold what applies to you;

I have been watching a lot more television lately. I usually just let my hair dry after washing it. I’ve been considering getting a new tattoo soon. I’ve been thinking about my future a lot more lately. I love going to thrift stores and garage sales. I have never smoked a cigarette. I love goofy cartoons like Spongebob and Adventure Time. I am generally good with kids. I got to sleep in today :). I text at least one of my parents just about every day. I’ve been trying to broaden my taste in music lately. Sometimes I like to eat dry cereal, without milk or anything. I’m pretty good at keeping secrets. I’ve been reading a lot more books lately. Sometimes I can literally spend all day online. I want to start working out, but it just seems like I have no motivation; I need a workout partner. I would much rather date a clean shaven guy over one who lets his beard grow out. I sometimes think about the hidden meaning behind movies, instead of just the obvious storyline. When I feel sick, I don’t like to be touched or bothered. I could really go for some pasta right now. I love looking at Christmas lights and decorations. I’ve made a few new friends recently. I get cranky when I am hungry. I find it easier to dress cute in the winter than in the summer. I usually just go barefoot when I’m hanging out around my house. I still have a basic phone, while all my friends have cool iPhones and such. When I hear about a celebrity’s nude picture being posted online, I sometimes look it up. Whenever I make a survey, I enjoy reading other people’s responses to my questions. I would love to go skydiving or bungee jumping. I would love to have some kind of fruit tree in my yard. I find other cultures interesting. I still have some of my toys from when I was little. I’ve been procrastinating on something, and I really just need to get it over with. I love when it gets cold out, so I can cuddle up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa. I love 50’s pinup style. I really don’t like talking on the phone, I’d much rather just text the person. I wish I had that one friend that I could tell everything to. I don’t feel like going to a bar is my kind of thing, I’d much rather just hang out with a few friends at home. I dislike some foods, not because of the flavor, but because of the texture, or how it looks. I get sunburnt fairly easily. I love giving and getting surprises. I’ve been spending a lot of time away from home lately. I don’t really enjoy muffins, they are so dry! I don’t really like sour foods or candy. One of my good friends recently had a baby.

[writerbeemedina]

The Naughty List Is Worse Than You Think 📜

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

The Naughty List ain’t no joke. You think you got something to fear getting your name marked on the Big Man’s list? Ha! Here in the North Pole, one slip up could ruin your life. Oh, you thinks I’m punking you, eh? Sit down, hot cocoa on the house. Now, you listen to ol’ Jingle Slacks, and you listen good.

You ever hear of Goody-Two-Shoes from the Gift-Wrapping Department? He was nothing but a regular elf until one afternoon, when a particular case of the munchies convinced him to sneak one extra sugar cookie during snack break.

“It’s just one wee cookie, what harm could it do?” he prolly thunk to himself as he committed the crime. Aw, he thought wrong — real wrong; after all, some poor fella lost his cookie, and it didn’t take long for that fella, Ginger Snap, to get cranky real fast.

It was quite a tantrum that elf threw, and of course them nosy prowling meddlers loved to elvesdrop. Them meddling elves even competed on who could reach the Elf Resources first, because ain’t no way any elf worth their ringy-dingy shoes would miss out on the opportunity to snitch to ol’ Santa about how some greedy gobbler snatched some poor coworker’s cookie.

Then, faster than a marshmallow melts in cocoa did ol’ Goody — well, they call him Gluttony now — get his name marked on the Naughty List for breaking Clause 5: No elf shall commit acts of gluttony.

Boy did that fella fall from grace after that incident; the tavern is his temple now, and eggnog is his sustenance.

Oh, and poor Powder Puff. She was living her best life as the chairelf of the Toy-Making Department, not a problem in the world . . . until she dozed off at her desk.

Rumors say it was because she was out rocking around the Christmas tree late the night prior. Others say it was because she done drunk one too many cups of cheer and was paying the price.

Whatever she did, she ended up a-snoozing through a meeting that she herself scheduled about transferring another elf from the Painting Branch to the Carpenter Branch.

When that elf walked in and saw their boss drooling all over her papers, they ran straight for the Elf Resources faster than Rudolph ran to town.

Afterward, poor Powder Puff — well, they call her Cuddly Puff now — got her name scribbled on the Naughty List in red ink for breaking Clause 7: No elf shall commit acts of sloth during work hours.

As punishment, her status was revoked, and she got transferred to Waste Duty out in the reindeer stables. If that weren’t enough, her salary was replaced with coal for one solid year.

Then there’s Cinnamon Sugar from the Letter Department. Yikes is all I can say for that lass. See, her weasel-like curiosity got the best of her one December night. You know what she did? She snooped inside some presents for her and her colleagues before Christmas morning. When Cinnamon learned that her rival, Peppermint Lolly, was getting a brand new s’mores-making machine instead of her, you bet your fanny she saw red — or rather, green.

See, she did something very naughty that day. She swapped her gift — a hand-knitted scarf — for Peppermint’s gadget. Of course, that landed her with a big fat X across her name on the Nice List for breaking Clause 4: No elf shall be possessed with or commit acts of envy. Tsk tsk.

On top of having to write “I must never be jealous” on paper fifty thousand times, nobody was allowed to give Cinnamon — well, they call her Sin-amon now — any gift under any circumstances — whether it be Christmas, birthday, housewarming, babyshower, or any other occasion — for four years in a row.

So, you get the picture now? The kids, they get off easy compared to us elves here . . . too easy.

[wild-lavender-rose]

Mistletoe Kisses

Part of the 2021 Cocoa Kiss Collection

Pairing: John Watson x reader

Category: One-shot

Summary: You, Watson and Sherlock have a debate regarding where you should put the mistletoe. 

Warning: Implied mature romantic situation (nothing explicit).

     “Why don’t we put it up in the doorway?”

     Sherlock groaned. “Because I don’t want it up in the doorway, I don’t want to find you and John snogging every time I come into my bloody flat.”

     “That’s our bloody flat, Sherlock.” John’s hand slipped around your waist like he always did when he was protecting you, be it from a crazed gunman or a cranky Sherlock.

     You and John both knew that you didn’t need any protecting at all, but with John it was instinctual and you never minded. In fact, you kind of loved it. It was nice to have someone care enough to want to keep you safe.

     “Oh, come on, Sherlock,” you held up the source of contention, a small sprig of mistletoe John had surprised you with this morning. “It’s Christmas Eve, we’ll only have it up until New Years.”

     “You act as though that makes it better.” Sherlock collapsed into his armchair and crossed his arms. “We will not be putting up mistletoe inside this flat and that’s final.”

     “Technically don’t we own two-thirds of it?” John pointed between you and him, throwing Sherlock a look.

     Sherlock glared back. “Why don’t you two grow up and get your own flat?”

     “We all know that you’d be lost without us, Sherlock.” You looked around the cluttered flat once more. “What about in the kitchen?”

     “No.”

     “Next to the fireplace?”

     “Definitely not.”

     “What about by the tree?”

     Sherlock’s brow furrowed. “We don’t have a tree.”

     “Well maybe if we did then I wouldn’t be so desperate to put up some semblance of Christmas!” You groaned and turned on your heel, slipping out of John’s embrace in the process.

     “Where are you going?” John called.

     “To put up the mistletoe in our bedroom.”

     “…I wouldn’t mind that.”

     You smiled. “I didn’t think you would. And tell Sherlock that he better play his violin quite loudly if he doesn’t want to overhear us tonight!”

     “Bah humbug!” Sherlock replied.

     “And a Merry Christmas to you too!” You yelled.

                                                      # # # # #

     John came into your shared bedroom just as you finished adjusting the mistletoe over the bed, offering his hand as you clambered down off the bed to inspect your work. “You know, you are really good with him.” He muttered, inspecting the mistletoe as well.

     You grimaced. “About as good as you are.”

     John hummed, contemplating this for a moment. Then he pulled you into his arms. “Come here,”

     Your breath caught as he kissed you deeply, the kind of kiss that caused you to relax and press against him for more. You were slightly dizzy when the kiss broke. “Whatever was that for?”

     “Nothing, just…” John smiled at you, looking as though he were memorizing every inch of your face. “Just you.”

     You smiled back, happiness and warmth flooding your entire being. “Merry Christmas.” You whispered.

     “Merry Christmas, sweetie.” He whispered back.

Fanfic Masterlist

[spinningwebsandtales]

Imagine Spending Christmas Eve Indoors With Frank Castle

(A/N:) This was a request from a friend who wanted a Christmas Frank Castle Imagine. I know Christmas is over but I was planning all along of returning at the beginning of the new year so close enough. So I thought it would be good to return with this one and I’ll probably post another one too since I’ve been gone so long! So happy reading lovelies! ~Countess

Frank Castle X FemReader

Warnings: Mentions of blood and violence. But it’s Frank do ya expect any less?

Time with Frank was always a curveball, you didn’t know if he would arrived bloody (whether it was his own or someone else's), unscathed, or cranky. Fortunately for you, you had gotten used to his various states and now as it was Christmas Eve you were really looking forward to spending the evening indoors cuddled on the couch watching movies and eating Christmas treats. Surely since it was the time of the year where peace on Earth was ever more obtainable he would arrive in perfect condition. Well in as perfect condition of a man scarred with bullet and knife wounds can be. You rolled your eyes thinking of all the moments you had doctored him with a sewing needle with only a few bottles of rubbing alcohol and Frank a bottle of Jack. Now as you slid down the hallway in festive fuzzy socks you were getting worried about him as the sun had gone down an hour ago. Maybe he forgot? But that wasn’t like Frank Castle. If the man had anything it was a memory and the tendency to hold a grudge. You snickered to yourself when the doorbell rang. You didn’t run to the door and almost slip and fall because of your socks. Nope not you.

“Frank are you ready for the best Christmas Eve,” you paused finally looking at his state of being, “ever?”

There stood Frank covered in snow with a bloody nose and a gash in his shoulder.

“Frank! Seriously on Christmas Eve?!”

“Sorry babe,” he said nasally thanks to his busted up nose, “y’know I can’t just let certain things slide.”

“You’re lucky your nose is already broken cause I have half a mind to break it myself.” You turned from him leaving him to set his bags by the door while you went to go get the first aid kit and some bandages.

Frank now sat on the floor his skin lit up by the various Christmas lights while you kneeled beside him working on patching his wounds. You definitely hadn’t wanted to start your night out like this, but with a vigilante boyfriend, there was certain things that you were going to have to live with. Placing one last piece of tape across his nose you leaned back to check your work. Nodding in approval before gathering up all your supplies when Frank leaned over kissing your cheek in thanks.

“Go get everything put up and I’ll get things ready in here.”

You relented warning him not to break anything or mess up your work. Once he promised you left to go put everything back in your medicine cabinet. Once you finished you decided to help Frank get things around when you walked back in he had shocked you by having snacks already on the coffee table and hot cocoa in mugs.

“Merry Christmas,” Frank took you into an embrace resting your head against his chest.

“Merry Christmas Frank,” you melted happy to have him around. Since he had lost his family he never enjoyed the holidays anymore. You wanted to change that for him if not tonight then over time. That’s why you were so frustrated with him for fighting on Christmas when you wanted to spend time with him, though you understood that this was who he is. He had made a promise with himself and his late family and you couldn’t begrudge him. Now as you curled up against his body on the couch watching The Santa Clause with the tree glimmering brightly by the living room window while snow fell outside you felt like it was the perfect Christmas. While everyone hustled and bustled outside as busy as can be you were sitting inside where it was warm wrapped in the arms of the man you loved. You couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate such a day. Frank also decided at that moment that he rather be nowhere else himself. This Christmas would be one you and he remembered for many years to come.

[braindeadmaggot]

For the SFW ship ask thingy: Chopper x Bepo

SFW version (get the template here)

1. Who is the grumpiest in the morning?

BEPO - well, technically neither but Bepo can get pretty cranky when he wakes up sweaty 🥵 Chopper is the same but because of his smaller stature, he doesn't get overheated like Bepo.

2. Who worries more when the other is sick/hurt?

CHOPPER - Absolutely Chopper. 10,000% everyday. You have an itch in your throat? He's got the lozenges. Got some stiffness in your shoulder? He's there with the menthol balm to massage it away. Feeling a bit dizzy and lightheaded? He's got a bowl of mixed nuts and dry fruit for you to bring up your blood sugar. If that doesn't work he'll perform the Semont Maneuver on you to reset the crystals in your ears (< I do this often for my mom because she has chronic vertigo)

3. Who plays pranks on the other?

BEPO - it's not very often but on the days they're both feeling playful and they're just goofing off, Bepo will hide behind doors and around corners and jump scare Chopper. Chopper tries to do it back but it ends up being soooooo cute, Bepo can't help but snuggle him to death. Sometimes Chopper will try out one of Usopp's pranks on Bepo but it's usually a failure but Bepo pretends like it worked because c'mon.

4. Who is always the first to suggest cuddling on the sofa?

CHOPPER - whether it's "watch this show with me" or "let's play video games" or "we had so much fun playing in the snow, let's enjoy our hot cocoa on the sofa together" Chopper is always DTS (Down TO Snug) 🤗

5. Who insists on creating nicknames for the other?

NEITHER - They just use their names but they will call each other usually dude, bro, and man, but they also say buddy, guy, friend and pal just as often (think the Canadians in South Park since they're both Canadian ya know 🤣 unless Oda-sensei reveals Bepo to be Russian in our world, then he'll call Chopper his comrade)

6. Who says ‘I love you’ first?

CHOPPER - He says this on December 25th because Bepo is the only one to give him both birthday AND Christmas gifts and all of them were really cool and amazing and exactly what he needed. Bepo is very thoughtful and Chopper was so moved that he just blurted it out. Bepo was flabbergasted at first because it was in front of all their friends too and he couldn't help but say it back due to the pressure. The perfect bro-mance 🤝

7. Who’s the messiest one?

BEPO - Chopper's medical background forces him to be super tidy and sterile. He puts everything back where it belongs in its special place and cleans up after himself right away. Bepo on the other hand is an artist and while he is organized with his supplies, he creates a huge mess while he works and usually lets crap lie around for a few days before actually picking it up (Captain Procrastinate)

8. Who feels the most uncomfortable about PDA?

BEPO - Bepo is very bashful and when he sees Chopper being cute he can't help but blush his face off 😳 So when Chopper gives him treats, thanks him wholeheartedly and (especially) says 'I love you', he panics and becomes an utter mess. He's completely smitten and his friends never let him live it down.

9. Who’s the funniest drunk?

CHOPPER - VERY low tolerance. Even though he eats a full fat, high protein, heavy carb meal before drinking, it still absorbs into his blood way too quickly and he's already scream singing karaoke and dancing with his shirt off 🕺 before he's finished his first beer ()

10. Who texts the most?

CHOPPER - MEMES. All the memes. And TikTok. Any medical pun he can find, he sends to Bepo. But sometimes he's a little too helpful and essentially MANSPLAINS every joke until it's not funny anymore but while most of Chopper's friends silently hate that (they're in a group chat, he's basically Boyle from B99) Bepo appreciates it because then he doesn't have to web search it.

11. Who has the most embarrassing taste in music?

BOTH - They both listen to dubstep, nightcore, teen pop and country rap 🤠 (except Old Town Road, that's actually really good. But Cotton Eye Joe?? NO!!!) anything that they can dance to and fun to sing at karaoke night (though everyone hates them for it, they're too cute to boo) (btw I like Cotton Eye Joe lol)

12. Who reads the most?

BOTH - Chopper reads more than Bepo but they're both reading and studying to advance their careers. Chopper is a pre-med student working on becoming a family medicine physician (Like Doctor Mike!) and Bepo is an art curator and is always brushing up on his history (lol puns), he specializes in cartography and map restoration. He draws webtoons for fun (they're about ant/arctic animals 🐺⚪🐻🦌🐧)

13. Who’s better with kids?

CHOPPER - as a family medicine physician, he'll need to work with a lot of kids and babies so he gets a lot of practice dealing with kids at his big brother's day care (can you guess who that is?) Kids make Bepo nervous but they like him all the same. They love that he's big and strong and want to climb on him, which makes his even more nervous because he doesn't want to get sued for child endangerment (Bepo also has a big brother, he's a school bus driver 🚌 [can you guess who it is???])

14. Who’s the one that fixes things around the house?

BEPO - he took shop class in high school and learned a lot there, plus he sometimes helps his big bro to do maintenance on the school buses. He's a pretty handy fella.

15. Who cooks and who cleans up?

BOTH - They both cook (they both are bad at it, but it's edible and nutritious) and they both clean up. Chopper likes to get the tidying up finished quickly or he can't relax, so Bepo pitches in without argument. They're both surprisingly really good at making desserts (they both have big sweet teeth 🧁🍧)

[fellow-travelers-fic-recs]

Feel Good Fics

A collection of fics with various tropes like angst with a happy ending, fluff, time travel and canon divergence to suit the requests in this ask.

✨ Be sure to show the authors plenty of love and appreciation with kudos and comments on the fics you enjoyed!

#angst with a happy ending ❤️‍🩹 A Joy, Hard Learned by @partialresonance // partialresonance [E, 12K] Tim and Hawk get snowed in together. Later, Tim comes back from the war a changed man.

The dynamics between Tim and Hawk are on another level, which just adds to the heat on this already scorching hot, emotional smut. That said, it’s only one layer of this fic. The building angst with the happy ending that follows, absolutely stellar! Not to mention, the cozy winter atmosphere. What else do you need?  Grab yourself a nice cup of cocoa and settle in by the fire with this one!

❤️‍🩹 Anywhere With You by @kayleebye // kayleebye [T, 3K] Hawk shows up at Tim’s door with news after breaking-up with him several weeks ago. Tim isn’t interested in hearing anything from Hawk, but one sentence changes everything. Will Hawk and Tim finally have a chance at happiness?

This one I haven’t read yet, but it’s got a lot of what you’re looking for… true love, angst and a happy ending fix-it all wrapped up in a snug little 3K word package. Give it a shot!

#fluff ❤️‍🩹 A Package of Sunshine by @bluebellsinburbank // ConsumingLove(Bluebellstar) [T, 1K] Hawk and Tim have a day at the beach.

This should be called A Ray of Sunshine, because that’s exactly what it feels like. It’s so refreshing to have these fluffy moments, a snapshot into a happier time between these two. And delightful banter with Marcus and Frankie in tow… We love to see!

#fix-it, #time travel, #canon divergence ❤️‍🩹 Cheek to Cheek by Iviviendo* [NR, 1K] A special guest arrives unannounced at the Laughlin house on Christmas Day in 1953.

A fluffy little Christmas fix-it, light and cozy. I felt like I was right there at the dinner table, laughing and singing along with the rest of the family. Even Tim’s grandma is pleasant and cheerful, a welcome change from the cranky Grandma Gaffney we see in the book.

❤️‍🩹 Everything, Everything by tinypurpleghost* [E, 4.8K] Hawk wakes up in 1968 and everything is different.

A sprinkle of angst with a heavy dose of heart-warming fluff, along with some wonderfully tender (and super hot) smut. Short and sweet, this time travel fix-it will be the perfect balm to mend your broken heart.

❤️‍🩹 the pawn in every lover’s game by hyperfixfic* [G, 8K] Lucy decides to face Hawk after Mr. Laughlin slipped a letter under Hawk’s apartment door instead of ignoring the problems of her marriage. And there are many.

This one is more book-inspired, and Lucy-focused, which is something of a rarity. Love to see it! 

❤️‍🩹 Sands of Time (Turn Backwards) by @brouill3r // brouiller [NR, 7K WIP Ch.3/?] 1987 Hawkins Fuller is full of regrets for the life he’s lived, though Tim once told him he regrets nothing. Hawk so wishes he could say the same.

In the still night air of a hotel room, clutching a cracked paperweight to his chest like it’s carved of the finest gold, Hawk gets his wish.

Or, a time-travel fix-it fic that nobody asked for.

This has me glued to the edge of my seat. The pacing of the first chapter pulls you right in, adding to the tension in with its punctuated rhythm–absolutely perfect for the mindset of Hawk trying to come to grips with what is happening around him. 

❤️‍🩹 Again, only better by@madsmeetsmisha // madsmeetsmisha [M, 11K WIP Ch. 4/9] Hawk had no idea what was really going on here. All he knew was that he was back in 1954 and a completely distraught Tim was standing outside his door. And he also knew that he certainly wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

*DING DING DING… Haven’t read this yet, but by the summary and tags, this sounds like it might check all (or most) of your boxes… Tags: fix-it, someone dies from AIDS but not Tim, second changes, all the fluff we need to get over this

❤️‍🩹 Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps It’s Real by drabbleswabbles* [NR, 24K Ch. 9/?] And then it happened. The metallic screech of the gate, the shuffle of men stepping out beyond the prison walls. And suddenly there he was. His hair was shorter than he’d ever seen it. And his glasses were different. But it was him. Their eyes met. Tim stared at him in wide-eyed shock before recognition melted his features into a confused outrage.

Basically a fix-it in which Hawk finds himself back in the early 70s.

I haven’t had the chance to dive into this one, but it’s at the top of my list, along with so many other readers who can’t stop singing its praises. I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as they do.

❤️‍🩹 The Twelfth of Never by ghostandwitness* [M, 973 WIP Ch. 1/?] What if Hawk didn’t prevent Tim from passing the security clearance?

A retelling of Hawk and Tim’s story where their affair is continued through Tim’s employment at State, for those of us who want a different ending (but of course, not without a hard time getting there-After all it’s Hawk and Tim).

I feel like this one might be flying under the radar, but it deserves all the fanfare. So far, this one is fantastic, and while it’s still currently a WIP, and can’t guarantee it will be exactly what you’re looking for, I can confidently say it will be enjoyed. 

❤️‍🩹 But If You Don’t Dear, Confess by@bluebellsinburbank // ConsumingLove(Bluebellstar) [G, 3K] “Have you ever considered yourself to be in love with another male?”

And that was the question, wasn’t it?

Giving gifts, receiving gifts, walking like a gay man - like that could even be quantified; sex and sodomy. Those things were nothing, a mere drop in the ocean compared to that one question.

Had he ever been in love with another man?

For a moment, he almost expected to think of Kenny. That sweet boy who loved beautiful things, who’d followed Hawk into a war none of them had any place being.

But Kenny was the furthest thing from his mind. No, his mind was alive with memories of his Skippy.

Or, Tim Laughlin is a little harder to get out of Hawk’s head, and the choice between yes and no isn’t as easy to make.

This is part 1 of a series that follows Hawk and Tim as they run away to Italy together, after Hawk fails the polygraph on purpose. Each fic is a standalone, so if you’re uneasy about getting too attached to a WIP, this might be for you!

*Authors: If you have a tumblr (or other socials) you’d like linked, let me know and I’ll add it. Also, if anyone doesn’t want their socials linked here, please let me know and I’ll gladly remove it.

[prurientpuddlejumper]

Secret Santa

For @thatesqcrush​​​’s Holiday Bingo!

Warnings: MANY. NSFW. Sexual assault (explicit about the immediate aftermath), trauma, angst, insecurity, eventually fluff. 

Today my brain really wanted emotionally fragile traumatized Barba who has a crush on reader but doesn’t know if they’ll ever see him as anything but broken now. Also it’s Christmas. 

Follow-ups: Te Quiero, Just Hold Me

Rafael Barba x Reader

3,000 words

Your ideal boyfriend would feed you chocolate like grapes in one of those ancient Greek paintings.

It was just an offhand remark you’d made at the bar one night in response to Rollins’s tipsy line of questioning about the perfect man. ADA Barba didn’t usually go out to socialize with the SVU squad, but he knew you were going to be there, so he went, too.

And not just any chocolate—no. Real, seventy-percent dark chocolate, single-origin beans. You preferred the fruity undertones of Madagascar cocoa, but were interested in exploring.

That was why Barba was carrying a box of expensive chocolate under his arm that night as he walked toward the 16th Precinct. He only agreed to participate in the SVU’s Secret Santa hoping he might get you, and was thrilled when he did. After a little trading. He knew Sonny would want Rollins, so it was easy to shuffle a few names around without making his own intentions obvious.

He bought a sampler box of fair-trade cocoas from around the world. The tag included a joke about feeding them to you, if you wanted. This year, Barba promised himself, he was going to admit his feelings for you.

Maybe it was foolish. You could have anyone. Why would you choose the cranky old lawyer? But he saw the approving way your eyes caught on him sometimes, when you didn’t think he was looking. The eternal pessimist in him said you just enjoyed his colorful ties, but it was enough to give him hope. The starved optimist whispered promises in his ear that this Christmas, he wouldn’t have to be alone.

Maybe this was the year he would fall asleep with a warm body tangled pleasantly around his as snow fell over the city.

That was what he was thinking about when it happened. The theoretical conversation with you distracted him from his surroundings, turning his cheeks pink from more than the early December chill. He didn’t hear the footsteps behind him until there was a sharp pain at the back of his head.

The box of chocolates slipped from his hands as he hit the ground, and rolled into the gutter. The flirtatious tag soaked with half-frozen slush until the ink blurred and ran.

***

When Barba didn’t make it to the Secret Santa exchange, you worried. But only a little. Olivia was sure he was just running late. Barba was always getting caught up with something or other, either being dragged into a meeting, or simply letting his social life slide in favor of working late.

When Liv’s call went to voicemail, you really started to worry. At least enough to call his office and find out he left for the night over an hour ago.

That nagging worry was confirmed the more you tried to find him, and turned into terror as it became an investigation. The ADA was missing. Security camera footage from a local bodega showed him being struck over the head with a bat and dragged into a van by three suspects.

One of them was identified as Jeremy Jones, a man whom Barba had tried to convict for a series of brutal rapes against closeted gay men. Ultimately, he was charged with manslaughter for the death of one of his victims. He served only half of a paltry six-year sentence and was released on good behavior that week. Apparently, Jones held a particular grudge against the openly bi prosecutor who tried to convict him of a hate crime. And he had made a few friends in prison.

The manhunt lasted three days, and the entire time you felt sick. Every hour—every minute—you didn’t find him was another minute god knows what was happening to Barba. If he was even still alive.

Only one of Jones’s victims had died, you tried to calm yourself. Of a heart attack. Barba was strong. But Jones wasn’t acting alone this time.

You felt sick.

After three days and a shootout with the NYPD, you found where Jones and his gang were hiding out.

You were the first one to discover the basement door, to kick it open.

You found Barba handcuffed to a bed, naked and beaten. His wrist was a horrible red-purple bruise where the metal dug in. His eyes were glassy and unfocused, though he seemed to be conscious. You radioed in for help and rushed to him, holding his head up, praying he was responsive. He yelped at the touch, recoiling from it. The cuffs rattled on the metal headboard.

“It’s OK. Shh. Rafael. It’s me,” you soothed, sitting at the corner of the bed beside him. “It’s the NYPD. We got them. You’re safe now. OK? They’re gone. The paramedics are already on the way.”

His eyes cleared, focused on you for just a moment. He seemed to recognize you—to understand what was happening. His mouth opened and almost made words, but only a dry rattle came out. His lips were swollen, and cracked with dehydration. Tears started rolling down his face, then. Dark, coppery dried blood covered the inside of his legs, pooled on the mattress, and bright red fresh blood streamed down over it.

He’d been missing for three days. Three whole days.

It was bad. He was in bad shape. You prayed the paramedics would get there soon. For the quick-witted prosecutor to be rendered unable to speak, his hair disheveled and plastered to his head with blood and fluids… For anyone to have done this to him… You tried to stay calm to help him be calm, but you were boiling over with rage and guilt.

It was your fault for not finding him sooner. For not being a better detective. For not worrying the second he was late.

Heavy footsteps pounded down the basement stairs and every muscle in his exhausted body went rigid. His free hand clung to you, nails digging into the skin of your palm.

“It’s just the paramedics.” You covered his hand with your own, squeezing. “They’re going to help you. I’ll be right here. You’re going to be OK, do you understand?”—his eyes were so blank and unfocused you weren’t sure that he did—“We found you, and… and you’re going to be OK now. We’re going to fix this.” Your voice was shaking.

It was a good thing the paramedics came in and took over before you started crying. The way his hand tightly held yours, not wanting to let go, wrenched your heart, and you needed to take a few minutes before you could be a detective again.

***

Barba was in the hospital for a week before being released. You went to see him, but were told he wasn’t taking visitors.

A week before Christmas, he reported to work.

A whole group from the 16th Precinct went down to 1 Hogan Place to welcome him back. He looked at home in his office, where he was supposed to be. His suit was as sharp (and loud) as ever. His hair was made without a strand out of place. You were relieved to see he was himself again. But his eyes were still haunted, and he flinched when Sonny knocked too loudly on the door frame.

He gave a weary smile, thanked everyone for their support, and sent everyone away except Liv.

Including you.

Your heart sank at the blow-off. You knew he’d weaseled half the precinct into trading Secret Santas until he got you. That had to mean you were special to him, the same way he was special to you.

Barba meant… more than you’d like to admit. It started so small you barely noticed it—that you were more inclined to go to events if Barba was also going. That you were always on his side during controversial cases, and even when you disagreed, you were more inclined to hear out his opinion than if he were anyone else. Then Rollins had a few tequila shots and started talking boys, and how the perfect man didn’t exist.

When you thought about the perfect man, only one person came to mind.

And you hadn’t had a chance to talk to him.

You knew he was going through something difficult, but that was why you wanted to be there for him. You wanted so badly to be part of his inner circle, like Liv—one of the people he leaned on instead of sending away.

You tried his office again the next day, by yourself. He avoided you, claiming he was busy with backlogged paperwork. The day after that, he legitimately wasn’t there—at the hospital for a follow-up—but never returned the message you left with Carmen.

On Christmas Eve, you tried again during lunch break. The lights were on in his office, but Carmen said he wasn’t there, sympathy in her eyes. He was there. You both knew it. He just didn’t want to see you. That night, you left him in peace. He would be spending Nochebuena with his mother, and you had plans of your own.

But on Christmas morning, you knew he wouldn’t be working all day. Neither were you.

You sent him a text and said you were coming over. He never responded, but an hour later, you knocked on his apartment door, anyway.

Footsteps slowly approached the door. A shadow fell over the peephole, and you grinned nervously, giving a little wave. The deadbolt slid open, then the door chain, and finally it opened to a tense lawyer, well dressed even on his day off in a cashmere sweater and chinos. Dark circles ringed his eyes from lack of sleep.

“Detective. H-hey. It’s not a good time. I’m… busy.” The flush in his cheeks rose, and he seemed eager to retreat back inside.

“You owe me a Christmas present!” you blurted out. It was juvenile. You knew the moment you opened your mouth it sounded like something a toddler would say, but at least it stopped him from closing the door on you.

He blinked. His chin tipped up just slightly in that haughty way that always preceded a cutting bit of sarcasm. “…Excuse me, I what?”

“It’s Christmas. You were my Secret Santa. So you owe me a gift.”

Realization dawned over him, along with the memory of everything that had happened the night he was meant to give you your present. His face fell.

“I… I’m sorry. I lost it.”

His eyes took on a dull, far away look, and you instantly regretted bringing it up. Of course that would be a painful memory. Fuck.

“It’s OK!” you took a step toward him, and he took one quickly back. Shit, you shouldn’t have done that, you scolded yourself. His face grew hotter, and he seemed humiliated with himself. “I-I mean… for the gift. All I want is to talk to you. For a minute. That would be plenty of a gift, if you could spare it. I just want to know how you’re doing.”

“I wish everyone would stop asking me that,” he snapped.

“Well, I haven’t had the chance yet. It feels like you’ve been avoiding me. I just wanted to know if… if we’re OK.”

He paused. He didn’t answer immediately, but his expression softened. “I… I haven’t been…” He sighed, and ran his fingers through his hair. His jaw kept working, lips reshaping themselves of the cusp of words, as if he were trying to continue, but couldn’t find the right ones. The words that would make sense, and explain everything—that would click together like a jigsaw puzzle and make everything better.

“I just thought that we were… friends. And… I was worried about you… And now I’m worried you’re pushing me away. I know we’re not as close as you and Olivia… but…” Your head hung low. “Did I do something wrong?”

Barba turned away. He wrapped a hand over his face, fingers shielding his eyes from you. “I know you were the one who found me,” he groaned miserably. “I didn’t want you to see me like that. You of all people… Because now you’ll never be able to look at me without part of you always seeing me… like that. Like a victim.”

“That’s not true.”

“It is, and you know it!” he snarled, surprising you with the sudden rise in volume.

He was seething, hurting, and you wanted to reassure him that you would never see him as less because of what was done to him. You laid a hand on his arm to comfort him, and he jerked away.

“Stop that! See? You’re doing it. Treating me like I’m… broken.” His whole body seemed to deflate, to shrink into itself. “It’s too late,” he croaked, a wistful smile cruelly turning the corner of his lip. “I’m never going to be whole in your eyes now.”

“Of course you are,” you said gently.

He gave a sharp, nasal huff. “Not like—ugh, never mind.”

“Not like what?”

His eyes met yours—green and turbulent as the ocean. There was a harrowed desperation in the creases of his forehead, the little wrinkles under his eyes deepening. “Like someone you could… Forget it!” He looked away, blinking rapidly.

“Barba… did you want to… Do you like…?”

You had a hopeful spark, an idea of what he was trying to say, what was bothering him, but you were afraid to say it and be proven wrong. You searched his face, inching closer. He looked horrified, like you were calling him out rather than hoping for it to be true—rifling through the sock drawer of his emotions.

No. You had to be the open one. He had too much to worry about already. You had to take the risk with your feelings.

“What I mean is… Please stop me if I’m out of line, but, Barba… no, Rafael… I like you. I’ve wanted to tell you for a while, but I kept hoping you’d say it first, in case I was imagining things and you didn’t feel the same way. Then you disappeared, and…” Your breath caught in a tightening throat. “I thought I’d lost you forever. When we found you alive… Whatever you think changed with how I see you, all I was thinking was how happy I was you were alive. And that I’d get another chance to tell you how much I care about you.” Tears were rolling down your cheeks by the end, drying your eyes on your sleeves to no avail.

He had turned completely toward you at some point during your confession, no longer half-hiding his face. Some of the remaining distance between you had disappeared, too. His hands softly came up to press your upper arms. Even through your puffy winter coat, you could feel how big and strong they were. His haunted green eyes searched you closely, looking for any sign you weren’t serious. That this wasn’t real. That maybe it was just pity. But you could swear there was a hint in them, too, of a stunned, timid sort of hope. 

You swallowed, meeting his deep gaze. “And I really want to kiss you now… if that would be alright.”

“I… I’d like that.”

Though he trembled slightly, his breathing was soft and steady as you leaned toward him. The kiss was gentle and easy, starting with foreheads touching, noses brushing against each other. Then lips, delicately ghosting over each other. His were still healing, tender where they were split. You let him close the final micron of distance, pressing the warm fullness of his lips against yours. His hand caressed the side of your face, and his thumb delicately brushed the hair at your temple.

“Can we go slow?” he breathed as he pulled away, though not far. He kept his hand on your face, the other about your waist. “I know I just said I’m not broken…”

“But you need time. I understand. Trust me.”

The corners of his eyes wrinkled in a melancholy smile as he stroked the side of your face longingly.

“I’m comfortable with whatever pace you want to set. Whether it’s holding hands, or… just talking. So long as I can keep spending time with you. I missed you. That’s all I need to be happy—just getting to be around my favorite counselor.”

He leaned in and kissed your forehead. “You know… you’re my favorite detective.”

“Oh yeah?” you challenged, grinning. “What about Liv?”

“She’s a lieutenant.”

“Ack! Got me on a technicality!”

“There’s no such thing as a technicality in law,” Barba smirked, playfully smug.

You snorted. Cheeky bastard.

“Can I kiss you again?”

“Rafael, you can kiss me as many times as you like.”

His mouth melded against yours more confidently this time. More insistent, and yet more vulnerable, a soft groan reverberating in his throat. Just once, his lips parted yours, and his tongue darted out, tasting the opening of your lips before retreating shyly back. You let him lead, and didn’t push for more. You meant it when you said just being near him, part of his world, was enough.

He invited you inside.

If this was to make up for your gift, he owed you more than just a minute of conversation, he said, smiling. For the rest of the day, Barba turned his tidy, tiny Manhattan flat into a cozy winter refuge, complete with hot cocoa (spiked with spiced rum, of course), warm throw blankets, and an endless marathon of holiday movies to watch while snuggling on the couch.

It was the best Christmas you could remember, especially when, before the sun had even begun to set, Barba fell asleep holding you. The worry lines carved into his face smoothed out as he breathed steadily. He looked so peaceful, you didn’t mind being trapped on the couch until he woke up.

Maybe, you thought, those dark circles could start to fade.

[2ynjns]

coldest winter night || lee felix

day 21 of 31 days of christmas with ydale

pairings: felix x reader

genre: ANGST ANGST ANGST

warnings: the story is through felix’s point of view :), anything that said “I” would be felix’s pov and “you” would be you.

i finished cooking your favorite pasta, you always requested me to cook this for you no matter what the occasion was. carbonara is still your favorite and i hope you’re eating well these days, though i’m not there anymore to tell you to eat your meals. 

but i figured it would be the best to serve us your favorite pasta on christmas night.

i filled your bowl full of pasta. since it’s your favorite, you’d always tell me to fill your bowl ‘til it’s overflowing, you would even tell me to fill your seconds. and i loved watching you eat and slurp the noodles until you’re full. i loved the way you’d compliment my cooking everytime.

i also bought your favorite lime soda. everytime you’d feel cranky, i would just buy you your lime soda and your favorite chocolate and you would show your adorable smile again.

didn’t you also loved playing with snow? yeah, winter is your least favorite season yet you still loved playing in the snow with me. you knew how much i loved winter so you convinced yourself to like winter, it worked though. you’d always tell me to wake up early so we can make hot cocoas and play with snow right after.

i remember how much you would shiver because of the cold weather. how about now? do you feel warm? i hope you’re keeping yourself warm and away from the cold, i don’t want you to shiver again unlike last time when you wore a thin layer of jacket and i had to buy you a hoodie. but it’s okay, as long as you’re feeling well and warm, i’m more than happy to buy you five more hoodies.

don’t tell me you’re also craving sugar cookies again? i told you too much sugar is bad for you, but it’s okay. since you like them, i baked some sugar cookies last night. they’re the shape of different christmas objects just like how you usually like them. During the holidays, you usually don’t eat sugar cookies unless they’re a christmas tree shaped or even reindeer shaped cookies.

you’d also overbuy on gifts and items especially for yourself and me. you’d always use the holidays seasons as an excuse to spend your money on everything your eyes would catch. i would always stop you from doing so but you’d always give me your best puppy eyes and pout and i would end up buying it for you.

i miss you so much. i regret not taking advantage of the time we had together, especially during the holidays. the hugs that we would give each other whenever we’re both cold or just craving for affection. i also miss whenever we want to cuddle under the sheets while watching “the grinch”. you’d always tease me how i sound like the singer from the grinch. watching the movie everyday for two weeks was not totally that bad since i’d be cuddling with you.

i miss you and i love you so much, y/n. why didn’t i cherish all the memories and time? why didn’t you tell me everything and hid every single detail about you? didn’t you tell me that we shouldn’t keep secrets from each other? then, why did you?

how am i? that’s the question i always ask myself.

here i am trying to be okay. sitting in front of the dining table with your plate full of pasta and champagne glass full of soda across from my plate. candle lit up, and the christmas music playing in the background, the fireplace lit up as well, keeping the room warm from the icy cold windows.

it’s cold here, perhaps because it’s snowing outside, but really because you’re not here to celebrate christmas with me. my heart lost its warmth when i lost you. please come back. please keep me warm from this cold winter night.

today was supposed to be our fourth christmas together, but you left. but it’s okay, it was meant for you to leave anyways. 

i hope you’re having a great christmas there. i hope you’re eating well and warm. don’t forget to wear the ring i gave you during our third christmas, the last time we saw each other. i love you so much, please don’t forget me.

merry christmas in heaven, y/n. i love you.

[braveskyered]

Dames Special - Winter Holidays 2

It is highly recommended that you read Knights before reading this, otherwise you may miss some context.

SPOILER WARNING!

This reveals heavy spoilers for Knights, if you have not read Knights up to Part 14 and onward, please turn away now. Otherwise, read at your own risk.

SPOILER WARNING!

-

Lance misses his nephew.

He remembered the day he took Arthur in with open arms, taking the time to help him through his trauma of being thrown away from the failures that called themselves his parents. To help distract Arthur, Lance had started showing him the trade of repairing cars and his general work at his repair shop. He couldn’t help but smile slightly at the warm memory of Arthur happily working alongside him once he started to become more confident.

He took a drink.

“Still no luck in finding him?”

The sound of the mug slamming down on the table is his answer.

“…I’ll get you some water, sir.”

Lance is thankful that the bartender knew how to read the mood.

He should’ve known what was happening. That Arthur was unhappy, that he was suffering, that he was being abused and blamed for something that wasn’t even his fault. That boy had a rough life. From the unhappy childhood, his parents going through that awful divorce, to living with his uncle, and now…

Lance knew for a fact that he had failed Arthur as his uncle.

Eight months ago, Arthur, his nephew, his boy, had disappeared from Tempo. Lance was the last person to see him.

“Lance, please,” Arthur had set Galahad’s cage aide on a nearby table and looked at him in the eye, “I need this. I just, I just want to be able to think about things without anyone saying anything. I just need some time away from here. I just…” His breath hitched, “I need a break, Lance. Please. I’ll even call you once I reach my destination.”

Lance never did get that phone call.

He looked up at the TV hanging from the corner of the bar that was channeled to the local news station. Things that happen in Tempo are usually pretty uneventful, but now, as of late…

Two More Bodies in Serial Suicides – Reported to Have Similar Nightmares

It has disturbed Lance to think that Arthur could be among the dead, but from what the police had told him, his nephew has not been identified among the victims. He turned away from the TV and took another sip of the beer he had been drinking. Hopefully that bartender will be back with the water soon.

I’ll be home for Christmas… You can plan on me…

The sound of Christmas music started playing once the news ran its piece, which caused Lance to actually notice the décor around the bar itself. Honestly, it didn’t improve his mood one bit. If anything, Lance would rather have a Christmas like the one he had last year compared to this.

While last year’s Christmas wasn’t the best, it still had Arthur in it, even though it was mainly him going through treatments and physical therapy after the loss of his arm.

“Your water, sir.”

The bartender finally came back with the water, which Lance welcomed.

Please have snow and mistletoe, and presents by the tree…

Lance didn’t recall hearing this version before. Slow lyrics, gentles tunes without a beat, was it supposed to sound this sad? Well, if one were to consider the origins of the song, I’ll Be Home for Christmas…

Christmas Eve will find me, where love light gleams… I’ll be home for Christmas…

“If only in my dreams.”

Lance didn’t sing along to it, but the words did resonate with him. Tomorrow, this would be the first Christmas without his nephew ever since he took the boy in. A part of him held on to the vain hope that Arthur would come home, but with him being missing for eight months now, the chances of him being found are almost second to none according to what the police had told him.

He paid his tab and started to walk his way home.

When he returned to Kingsmen Mechanics, Lance looked over the parking lot, expecting to see his nephew waiting for him at the entrance, holding a gift or even just waiving to him.

But Arthur is nowhere to be seen.

He clenched his fists and furrowed his brow. Ever since Arthur left, things in Tempo have gone straight to hell in more ways than one. The demon that ruined Arthur and the fragile bonds the boy had, that made everyone except Lance and probably Vivi turn against him, that caused the series of events that made everything from bad to worse… and most, if not everyone in Tempo, know what happened.

Lance shoved the imagery of what happened to the Peppers out of his mind. Although they’ve lived to tell the tale, Joe and Lokia Pepper obviously didn’t deserve what happened to them, but a part of Lance felt that it was well deserved, as sickening as the thought is. The Yukino family didn’t suffer as much, but their reputations did take a nosedive of sorts. Not even the cranky old lady that managed to seal Lewis in his home on the outskirts were exempt.

The townspeople are suffering from awful nightmares. Nightmares of such painful degree that some of the more desperate would rather end their own lives instead of trying to seek out help, or maybe to escape from it. Those that keep going are disgusted with what the Yukino and Pepper families have done, which involved kickstarting the series of events that made their lives so hellish

Oddly, Lance himself never had the nightmares. Instead it’s just the sad dreams of seeing his nephew crying. Sometimes Arthur would be a little boy crying over a scraped knee or something minor, a young teenager upset about being abandoned by his parents, a young adult trying to keep it together while enduring so much undeserved punishment, or just Arthur in general wanting to end it all.

Throughout all these dreams, Lance is unable do anything to comfort him. He couldn’t protect Arthur, let alone hold him or even just say that everything will be okay.

And it’s not.

In contrast, business at Kingsmen Mechanics had been somewhat booming ever since Arthur left, but Lance would give up his shop in a heartbeat if it meant getting his nephew back. But until then, he will keep the place going. Other than making the bed, cleaning the dust off of Galahad’s long empty cage, and cleaning up some stray parts from the desk and placing them in boxes to keep them from getting lost, Lance kept his nephew’s room exactly how he left it.

Should Arthur ever be found, he will have a place to return to. However, if by some chance Arthur is found in peace elsewhere, Lance will most likely just pack his bags and join him just so he can be there for his nephew.

Eventually, Lance reached the front door of his shop that doubled as his home. Reaching for the key in his pocket, his eyes trailed over to the mailbox. He didn’t remember the last time he checked the mail earlier this week, so after unlocking the door, he looked through his mailbox and found a few envelopes. The first one that appeared in his sight happened to be a utility bill much to Lance’s annoyance.

Shivering, Lance entered the shop and locked the door behind him and checked to see if the closed sign is on. Nodding to himself, he moved further inside to reach the kitchen. A mug of hot cocoa will probably do him some good to warm up.

After Lance set the kettle of water on the stove to get it to boil, he looked through the thick stack of mail that had accumulated on the kitchen table, not counting the few he had collected just earlier. One of his employees had the grace to sort through the mail for him. A pile for bills, a separate one for solicitations, and anything that didn’t fit either were in its own category.

Sorting through the mail, Lance carefully looked through the bills and saw that all the medical bills for Arthur had been paid off somehow. He didn’t know why, but he figured that Arthur had something to do with it when he saw a patent on one design of the prosthetic arm he made in another envelope. The bills that are linked to the utilities of both his home and Kingsmen Mechanics show that the automatic payments are still going on, so Lance kept them for record’s sake after writing the dates on the envelopes themselves.

The solicitations were just basic things. Roof repair, gardening (why that’s there when his property is almost nothing but sand and cacti is beyond him), suggestions for hospice care even though he’s nowhere near ready to kick the bucket, and then one about some local election for some event he didn’t care about.

The final pile only had three envelopes. Two of them were Christmas cards from some friends of his out of state, while the last one is… odd. He flipped the envelope back and forth. It has the shop’s name and address written by hand, but no return address to be seen. He looked back at the address, and upon looking at it more carefully, he saw that the “i” in the “Kingsmen” had been dotted with a tiny star.

He immediately ripped open the envelope and started to read with shaky hands.

-

Hey, Lance,

I hope you’re doing okay.

I’m sorry for leaving, but I didn’t have much of a choice. Even though I’m sure you want to, but please don’t look for me.

It took a lot of self-convincing for me to do this, but I want to let you know that I’m all right. I have my own place to live and I even found a job to keep the roof over my head, so you don’t need to worry about me. I’m safe at where I am. I’m okay. Galahad is fine, too.

I won’t be able to get a reply from you, but I hope that this will be enough to put you at ease at the very least.

Merry Christmas, Uncle Lance.

- Arthur Kingsmen

- - - - - - -

“…Ah! There we go.”

She smiled in satisfaction once she saw the concoction before her reach the desired consistency. Dipping the ladle into the pot, she scooped out the liquid and poured it into a small group of mugs before adding the whip cream and marshmallows.

“They’re ready, Dad!”

“Wonderful,” her father, Tom, stepped into view and placed all of the mugs on a tray, “You always make the best hot chocolate, Elaine.”

“You’re the one who taught me how to make it,” Elaine laughed before realizing, “Oh, leave two of them behind.”

“True, but you have that kind of touch that I don’t. And sure,” Tom chuckled, did as Elaine asked and started to walk away, “You mother said the turkey should be ready in the next ten minutes.”

“Okay, thanks.”

After making sure the stove is off, Elaine took the two mugs and walked into the living room.

Elaine is currently in Mama Vivienne’s home celebrating Christmas with her family. Even though the Knights family never considered themselves religious, they still celebrated the occasion as a time of togetherness and maybe exchanging a gift or two. Although not everyone came, her parents, aunt and uncle, and her cousin with her own little family, were enough in her opinion. Less drama that way, she thinks.

It’s a shame Nana Niniane couldn’t stay for very long, but she had her reasons, Elaine figures.

She wondered if Eleanor should’ve have stayed home, since her cousin is currently pregnant with her second child. At least Eleanor has her husband with her should anything happen.

Instead of approaching any of her family members, Elaine instead walked over to where her boyfriend is. She saw him sitting on one of the old sofas, looking out the window behind him that showed the world outside with a lost expression.

The two of them have been dating for about three or four months now. Then again, calling it dating would be a bit of a stretch. It’s more of Elaine gradually asking Arthur to join her in little activities and making him feel included as per Mama Vivienne’s suggestions. That boy needs to get out of his apartment every once in a while, to get some sunshine, she once said.

“Hey, Arthur,” Elaine gently announced herself to catch his attention, feeling a little bad at having startled him, “I made you some hot chocolate.”

Arthur looked at her before directing his gaze at the mug held out to him. He just stared with a blank look before finally blinking in realization.

“Thank you,” he said as he accepted the mug from her, “You didn’t have to do this.”

“I wanted to,” Elaine said as she sat down next to him, “It’s snowing pretty hard out, isn’t it?”

“It’s definitely something I’m not quite used to seeing yet,” Arthur shivered as he rubbed at his left shoulder with his free hand, “Or feeling, I should say.”

Elaine hummed in acknowledgement as she sipped at her hot cocoa. She knew that Arthur used to live in Texas, which isn’t exactly known to have heavy snow, let alone snow in general. She felt a pang of pity when she realized that Arthur is bundled up a bit more warmly that she is. A turtleneck sweater and a somewhat thicker vest just to stay warm.

“Are the phantom pains bothering you?”

“Not really, the medication your grandmother helped me get is doing wonders. It’s just so cold.”

“Well, that hot chocolate ought to warm you right up,” Elaine smirked with amusement, “Drink it before it gets cold.”

Seeing Arthur grin is such a treasure in Elaine’s opinion. She wished she had a camera with her to capture the moment.

“It’s good,” Arthur said softly as he looked into the mug, “I think this is the best I’ve ever had. I just wish my uncle could have this with us.”

Elaine was about to straighten herself with pride before noticing the melancholy in Arthur’s voice and hearing the mention of his family.

“It’s funny,” he looked out the window again, “This would be my first Christmas without him. I guess I now understand why I’ll Be Home for Christmas is so sad.”

“We could call him,” Elaine gently suggested, “Wish him a Merry Christmas. Or a Happy Holidays.”

“I would, but I can’t,” Arthur smiled sadly and shivered, “If I did, they’ll find me. I don’t want to get dragged back there. Not even my uncle could stop them.”

…

Just how horrible was the person that did such emotional damage to this kind man? So much that he couldn’t allow himself to even get into contact with his family?

“I hope my letter got to him.”

Elaine chose to remain quiet.

I hope so, too.

- - - - - - -

P. S. – If all goes well, I might be able to write to you more often. Don’t tell anyone about these letters, okay?

-

Lance reread the words again. And again.

This is definitely Arthur’s handwriting. The little details that Arthur left on both the envelope and the letter itself proved it. To think that his nephew remembered the little code that Lance had taught him. Dotting the occasional “I” with a small star, the curve of the T’s and the K’s…

The note is genuine in what it’s saying.

In a sense, a part of Arthur did come home for Christmas.

But for Arthur himself to be here…

“If only in my dreams…”

Lance could only shed tears as he gingerly picked up the letter like it was Arthur himself.

[lakecountylibrary]

Beth’s 2020 Reading Roundup

Life in 2020 got real interesting---book sales went up and yet, many found it increasingly difficult to make it through their piles of books. Despite everything, I managed to meet my 2020 Goodreads goal of 40 books (with a heavy end of the year Holiday collection).

Most Moving: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead is a premier author and creative mind. His books tell the stories that people need to read. The Nickel Boys will, at turns, enrage you and warm your heart. Whitehead engages the reader's mind in ways that stay with you long after you've finished the last page.

Best nonfiction: The Rural Diaries by Hilarie Burton Morgan

For someone who enjoys nature but has no interest in farming, this book was a sweet tale of a non-Hollywood life.

People are people and good people are good people, whether they have millions of dollars or $2 in their checking account. The Morgans are good and they are real. Hilarie Burton Morgan's book reveals their hardships, their journeys, their reality---which could be any one of our realities (except maybe without the Rudds and Ackles--but we can wish).

I love the little breaks with family tidbits or recipes. I could envision her home remodels. I loved the included photos (that cabin is the best and those Highland cattle--yes!) A great & hopeful memoir of what hard work, love, loss, resiliency and joy can bring to a life.

Best surprise book: Primer by Jennifer Muro

I'm not a graphic novel reader but I loved this volume. It's bright, colorful and features a creative superhero!  

Best ?really people? Fiction: Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel

This book is a “plucked from the headlines” take on the Gypsy Rose/DeeDee Blanchard true life story. It is fictional and, although based on true life experiences, I'd be concerned if these characters were at all relatable to the reader because...they are unbalanced. That's putting it nicely.

There are major twists and the writing is well-done. You will question the mental health of society after this one, though, so be prepared.

Add to your Christmas read list for 2021:

Christmas in Winter Hill  by Melody Carlson

Christmas Ever After  by Karen Shaler

A Christmas Date by Camilla Isley

Mistletoe and Mr. Right  by Sarah Morgenthaler

Cocoa's Cranky Christmas  by Jodie Shepherd  (for the kiddos)

See more of Beth’s recs