#fic: mistletoe on the clock

[amywritesthings]

mistletoe (on the clock.) / nanami x you

pairing: nanami kento x f!reader word count: 1.7k summary: It's your annual holiday party at the office. You and your coworker Nanami Kento end up in a precarious yuletide predicament. tags: mistletoe, holiday office party, explicit language, sexual tension, hair pulling, kissing, make corporate speak horny in this house

part of the twelve days of amymas 2023 !!!

Office holiday parties shouldn’t be mandatory.

Eight, sometimes bordering up to twelve, hours under fluorescent lights was more than enough anguish — add four extra mandatory 'fun' hours and you see why half of your colleagues spend their nights bar hopping to cope.

However, if these annual holiday parties weren't mandatory, most of your colleagues would never bother showing up in the first place.

You sure as hell wouldn’t.

(And you're pretty sure the tall blonde you spy from across the room wouldn’t, either.)

It’s only your first year with the company, but it’s already one year too many.

You'd taken a few gap years between college to figure your shit out, travel a little, but you still ended up in the grand corporate scheme.

The nine-to-five lifestyle is nothing less than soul sucking. Commuting back and forth is such a pain. 

By the time you make it back to your tiny one-bedroom flat, the night is too cold to enjoy anything beyond your warm bed.

But... there are perks to the job, sometimes.

Free lunches are great.

Business connections don't hurt.

Not to mention you've grown fond of one person who makes your commute a little tolerable:

Tall. Blonde. High cheekbones. Voice as smooth as honey.

Nanami Kento.

Stoic on the outside yet considerably kind on the inside, Nanami has equal parts ruined and consumed your days.

The sheer sight of him in his tailored suits without a strand of hair out of place can make you weak in the knees, so you make it a point to always talk to him sitting down.

And he seems to like you, for what it’s worth.

Nanami always makes sure to bring you tea and water in the morning to stay hydrated.

He stops by your cubicle to tell you there's free catering in the break room if you missed the memo.

No matter how late you end up staying, he always makes it a point to never let you walk to the train station alone.

It’s sweet.

It’s more than what anyone else has ever done for you in your life, so naturally?

You're into him.

Bad.

Of course, that means you’re too chicken to invite him over for dinner.

God knows you can’t cook a decent course to save your life, but you’d order in — it’s only one string away from officially asking him on a date, masked as a favor repaid.

('Tis the damn season; it may be your time to take a little leap of faith if he's going to be standing there all alone for this insufferable party.)

Emboldened by the spiked eggnog in your system, you decide to jump:

You make a beeline through the crowds of laughing colleagues, all varying stages of intoxicated, straight to him.

In truth, you're eager to blend as a wallflower beside him.

Nanami almost instantly catches you in the crowd, but he makes no motion to meet you in the middle.

He moves a pace to the right, silently offering you the corner to hide in.

You have to be brave.

You have to make the first real move.

(Attractiveness aside, it's just Kento. He must be at the end of his social battery, too.)

“Hey,” you greet.

“Hello,” he replies, smooth as butter.

“Having the time of your life over here?” you joke, pressing your back into the wall.

He hums in a noncommittal fashion. “At the very least, this party is much more tame than the one they threw last year.”

“Is it?”

Kento nods. “Someone overserved. Shirts flew. Marriages shattered.” His strong brow furrows. “Though I wanted to ask, even though I've been here longer: has Mr. Hiro always been a happy drunk? I recall differently.”

“No, that’s a fairly new development. His wife finally finalized the divorce last week,” you gossip under your breath. “I had to field the call myself.”

“Oh?” Nanami asks, turning a sharp chin your way. “Ugly?”

“Very.”

“To call and finalize over the phone at the office is—”

“Ballsy.”

A sly smile tugs at the corner of his lip. “I was going to say a choice, but sure.” 

Nanami clinks his ceramic ‘work hard, play harder ’ slogan mug to yours — a past gag gift from that Gojo Satoru friend of his, you’re sure — and pushes his body from the wall. 

“Do you need a refill?”

You nod, holding up your empty eggnog mug.

"Thanks."

"How spiked do you want it?"

"Blackout levels," you joke. It earns you an even larger smile, albeit shortly lived.

He plucks the handle from you easily enough, but you notice how his eyes flutter above your heads and… stay there.

Weird.

Unable to help yourself, you lift your chin to see the captivating problem for yourself:

Hovering over the two of you this entire time has been a pesky little bundle of leaves, tied together with a tiny red bow.

Shit.

Mistletoe.

(Were these things even allowed in the office? Surely hanging one constituted breaking at least four different Human Resources violations in one swift sweep.)

You open your mouth to make a joke, but—

“Has that been there?” Nanami asks, and you can feel your face grow hot.

“I— Maybe?” You clear your throat. “Did you stand under it on purpose?”

(Way to go, moron.)

Nanami considers, then shakes his head.

“I had no intention of kissing anyone in our office, I assure you,” he replies, and you feel yourself deflate a little. “Though I guess this is an opportune moment.”

Oh?

You pretend to look unbothered, arms crossed over your chest.

It takes you biting your tongue to avoid asking outright.

“What do you mean, opportune?” you ask instead.

Blink and you’ll miss it: Nanami smiles, albeit barely, before turning his chin back to the mistletoe in question.

“I would prefer taking a woman out to dinner before kissing her, but I suppose if you were interested, then we could be a little unconventional. It’s likely the swift kick in my ass I needed.”

Your brows slide to your hairline as you regard him in equal parts confusion and hope.

“Wait, you…” 

Words.

You have to remember how to speak.

The whole point of this job was to be suave, but you’re failing miserably at it at the moment.

“You were interested in going to dinner with…”

“You?” Nanami finishes, and he angles his larger frame towards you. “Was it never obvious?”

Obvious?

Now you really felt like a fish out of water.

Nothing about Nanami Kento was obvious.

You could barely get a read on him, even if he did all of those really nice things for you—

Oh.

The realization hits you like a subway train, leaving you breathless.

The blonde stares down at you, patiently waiting for an answer.

You blurt. "Do you still want dinner after?"

"I don't think many places are open at this hour, but if you're not hungover tomorrow, I could call."

"I'm not picky," you reply. "I love takeout."

"We're not getting takeout on our first outing," Nanami snorts.

"Like I said, very-much not picky."

A moment passes.

You both stare at one another, waiting for the right timing to...

Well, do anything.

He wants to take you out to dinner.

Nanami fucking Kento wants to take you out— 

And kiss you.

Actually, that part is more important right now.

"So the... unconventional part."

"The mistletoe," he adds.

"Right. Is that still on the table?"

"Do you want it to be on the table?"

"Is that a serious question?" you counter, before leaning in a little closer. "Okay, but what if someone sees?"

Nanami shrugs a shoulder, resting his bare forearm against the wall you lean against. His button-down shirt is rolled up to the elbow, making your mouth water.

His body shields you from the rest of the people in the office. 

One quick peck and none of the drunks on this floor would be any wiser.

“Are you that concerned?” he asks.

When his featherlight touch raises your chin to meet his gaze, he makes your decision right there and then.

You’ve wanted Nanami for so damn long.

Now the opportunity is presented to you like a holiday gift, and you’re not one to be ungrateful.

“Not anymore,” you admit, wrapping your fingers around his speckled yellow and black tie.

Like two magnets, you pull him in by the tie and he drags you in by the chin, connecting your lips in a searing kiss.

Nanami is warm, stronger than you anticipated. You melt against his lips as they gingerly move against yours.

You want him to push you against this wall.

You want to what he'd do if you dropped to your knees the way you’ve imagined doing every single time he’s sitting at his desk with those goddamn dress slacks bunched against his thighs.

You want so much in so little time that you bite his lower lip, causing the blonde to groan with need.

He slides his fingers along your jawline, snaking up past your ear and into your hair.

His fingers curl around the strands, tugging playfully.

Then, abruptly, he pulls away.

No.

Too soon.

You could topple over with how quickly you chase him, but he stops you with his index finger pressed to your lips.

“Nanami!” 

A voice calls him, slurred and hiccupped, from the other side of the room.

You freeze, unable to do anything but stare into his brown eyes. 

“Get your ass over here!”

“Group photo,” Nanami reluctantly murmurs to you, and your shoulders sag. “Before everyone starts digging out the hard liquor.”

Still, he leans back in to drop a gentle peck to the tip of your nose.

When he pulls away, he drops the arm against the wall to hold his palm out to you — an invitation.

“Let’s circle back after.”

He doesn’t need to tell you twice.

You take his hand and never look back.

.

[sparklingblu]

A Christmas Carol

Ft. Sakura, Yunjin and Kazuha (and a slither of Irene)

~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~

This is my christmas fic. Not really jolly but well..

The first snow of December fell lazily, like the sky itself had decided to procrastinate. Arbor's edge, a town that always felt too small and too big at the same time, was cloaked in a thin blanket of white. The streetlamps casted ghastly glows on the street jostling with cheerful people but to you, it felt more like a reminder that the holiday season was here, whether you wanted it or not.

You sat in the corner booth of a diner you were too lazy to memorize the name, nursing a cup of coffee that had long since gone lukewarm. The spoon scraped the bottom of the cup as you stir it mindlessly, having nothing better to do with your hands. Christmas music droned softly through the speakers - some old crooner crooning about snow and mistletoes. You hated mistletoes. Maybe you hated the way it made you remember her.

"Pie?" the waitress asked, her voice chipier in a way that made your teeth ache. Her name tag read Heather, and there was a spring of plastic holly pinned to her apron. Her smile was the kind that stretched too wide, like she's worried her friendliness wouldn't show.

You shook your head. "Just the coffee"

She hestiated for a second then jingled off back to the counter, her fake earrings chiming faintly. The lines on your face seemed to be etched deeper in the black surface of the coffee, swirling like a vortex from your stirs.

Outside, the street was alive with people bundled in scarves and parkas, carrying their holiday groceries and laughing at things you couldn't hear. The light strung along the buildings blinked in unison, a rhythm you found unnervingly cheerful. You sighed and turned your attention back to the window where frost patterns crept across the glass like a map to nowhere.

The coffee had gone cold, but you kept sipping it, more out of habit than need. It's a silent rebellion against the idea that you should leave and go home, where an old friend called emptiness awaited. You knew the routine too well: the dead silence of the apartment, the hum of the fridges compensating for the lack of conversation.

Somewhere behind the counter, Heather laughed like a blissful hyena at someone's joke. Mixed with the clinks of dishes, it's enough to make you feel more like a ghost than a person.

You glanced at the clock on the wall. 9:14 PM. Too early to call it a night but too late to do anything useful. The snow outside was starting to pick up, accumulating in thick layers that turns sidewalks into slick ribbons of slush. People were retreating into their homes, the streets emptying except for the occasional cars that passed by, their headlights cutting through the dark.

The bell above the diner's door jingled but you barely glanced up. Another customer. Someone you probably didn't know. Someone passing through. But the change their presence brought is unmistakable. You felt a shift in the air, like the pressure had dropped. The way it does before a storm.

"Pretty cold, huh?" Heather's voice rang out, too bright for her own good. You caught a glimpse of the new arrival from the corner of your eyes: a woman in a red velvet dress with white fur trim along the neckline and the hem. Like someone who just returns from a Christmas themed costume party. It's a wonder how she's able to withstand the cold in such a short dress.

You didn't mean to stare but something about her caught you. Maybe it was the way she strides without a hint of jolly christmas spirit - unlike most people this time of the year. Or it's the primal instinct of a male to indulge in the presence of a female. Either way, your eyes were fixed.

She slid into the booth and sat perfectly still, like she belonged here. She must know you had been staring because she returns your gaze with an intensity no less than yours. And you were breathtaken.

There could be two reasons for this. Actually, three.

The other party is monstrously ugly.

The other party is otherworldly beautiful.

You have gotten so drunk that you have started hallucinating.

Considering coffee was the only thing you had had the whole day, the second option is valid for this matter. Her face is angelic in a way angels could never be. From her dark irises to the curve of her chin, everything screams God's favorite. Maybe someone upstairs have decided to brought a blessing to your miserable holiday.

"Ethan Collaway" she said, voice soft but unyielding.

Your heart dropped. You had never met her. You were sure of it.

"Do I know you?" you asked, trying to keep your voice steady.

The woman tilts her head slightly, as if she's amused by your question. "Not yet"

You blinked, trying to make sense of her words. She leaned back in her seat, folding her arms like she's disappointed by your confusion.

"Not yet?" you repeated. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means" she smiled faintly. "that we are about to get very well acquainted. But there's no need to rush. Finish your coffee first"

You glanced down at the cup, now completely cold. "I think I'm done"

She raised an eyebrow, her expression hovering between pity and amusement. "Suit yourself. But you will regret wasting the small comforts later. You always do"

You shifted uneasily at her words. "Okay" you said. "Who are you? How do you know my name?"

"I know more than your name, Ethan" she leans forward now, resting her elbows on the table. Her eyes locked onto yours, and for a moment everything seemed to fade away - the hum of conversation, the clink of dishes, even Heather's festive laughter faded away, leaving only you and her in isolation.

"I know the weigh you carry" she continued, voice impossibly steady. "I know you sit in that apartment of yours, staring at walls that have nothing to say. Trying to fill the void in your heart with alcohol when you know there's only one person who can do the job. And I know you yearn for a second chance. An opportunity to set things right again" she pauses, breathe in. "But it's too late, isn't it? People regrets only when things are broken and can't be repaired. And when you hear laughter, like the kind outside this window" - she gestured towards the frost covered glass - "you tell yourself it's just noise. But deep down, you wonder what it feels like to laugh like that again. To feel loved.

You swallowed, your throat suddenly dry. "Listen. I don't know what game you're trying to play but-"

"No games" she interrupted. "Just the truth. And here's another: tonight is the first step. A choice, really. Stay as you are - alone and bitter - or take a chance on something different"

Your laugh came out shriller than you intended, the kind of defensiveness that only comes when someone hits a nerve. "Different? You speak like you're the Ghost of Christmas Past or something"

She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Close. But I prefer Irene"

Before you can respond, the bell above the diner chimed again. You turned instinctively, expecting to see a customer. Instead, the room seemed to shift again, the air growing colder despite the warmth of the heater. When you looked back at the woman, she weren't there anymore.

She was standing beside you now, so close that her voice seemed to pierce right into your ears.

"Pay attention, Ethan" she warned, voice commanding. "The clock is ticking"

And just like that, the lights flickered, and everything went dark.

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

The diner completely dissolved into blackness so complete it felt like falling into a void. For a moment, the only sound you could hear is the faint hum of your own pulse, racing so fast as if to catch up with reality.

Then a light appeared - small at first but quickly growing into a warm glow that engulfed everything. You blinked, trying to shield your eyes. But the action is not needed. Because this light didn't sting. It was different - soft and familiar.

When your vision cleared, you found yourself in an apartment. The smell of stale air filled your nose, mixed with the faint, phantom trace of something like jasmine. Or lavender. Something entirely hers.

This was your apartment, unmistakably. But it's a stark contrast to the mess it was now. The walls were bright with fresh paint. Not a trace of cobwebs or dust. The stacks of books were stacked neatly on a table. Everything was so neat. So in order. So her.

"It's funny" the woman, now known as Irene, mused behind you. "How this place had looked habitable. Like an actual home"

Reluctantly, you moved to a familiar spot by the couch - that spot you'd always leave your shoes no matter how much she grumbled about it. You looked up and there it was: The past you and Sakura.

She was standing at the kitchen counter, her hair falling in loose strands around her shoulders, a soft grin on her lips. She wore one of your oversized sweaters, sleeves too long for her hands but she didn't seem to mind it. She was holding a mug of something - probably tea - and she was laughing. At you.

"No, no, Ethan" she was saying in the familiar voice you had missed so much it hit you square in the chest when you heard it again. "You don't just pour the milk first. That's sacrilege. It's tea making 101"

You were standing across from her, arms crossed in mock defiant. "It tastes the same either way. You are just being picky"

She gasped, feigning outrage. "Picky? That's rich coming from a guy who needs his peanut butter spread to the edge on every sandwich"

You grinned then, leaning against the counter. "Details matter"

"And yet, you still don't understand tea", she teased, sipping from her mug. The light in her eyes shone brighter when she smiles - its warmth never failing to pull you in, no matter how bad your day was.

"See how she spoke so softly" Irene said behind the present you. "Even your stubbornness seemed smaller when she spoke"

The scene shifted like a film cutting to the next reel. Now, it was the couch - your couch, where the cushions were sunken just slightly on her sides. She was curled up against you, a book opened in her lap - probably Edgar Allan Poe - that neither of you were reading. Her fingers traced invisible patterns on your forearm, and your head rested lightly against hers.

"I think this is my favorite spot" she muttered, her fingers pausing their journey across your skin.

"Here?" you asked, shifting slightly to look at her.

"Here. There. Anywhere. With you" she answered, her eyes meeting yours like a silent dare for you to argue.

You didn't. Instead, you leaned in, pressing your forehead lightly against hers. A small gesture, but it mattered the world to you.

"Do you ever think about the future" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

You hesitated, your hand brushing her cheek. "The future as in....?"

"As in us" she said, pulling back just enough to search your face. "Where we'll go. What we'll be"

"I think" you answered carefully, slowly. "that whenever we end up, I'll be fine as long as it's with you"

A laugh bubbled out of her, her cheeks tinted rosy with a blush. "That's too smooth. Did you practice that in the mirror?"

"No" you said, smiling despite yourself. "Now I'm glad I didn't screw it up"

She kissed you then - not hurried or desperate, but softly, like she was trying to memorize the shape of your lips against her. It's the kind of kiss that lingered forever long after it ceased.

The memory faded then, just as quickly as it had come. But your mind continued to play out the scene.

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

Fragment 1

"Mhmm, babe. Ugh, don't stop" Sakura's slender frame writhed beneath you as your cock entered and re-entered her wet slit in a steady rhythm. The old couch sunk and creak with each thrust you made, adding to the symphony of her beautiful moans. Unlike the soft, tender girl she mostly was, Sakura was vocal at sex - never failing to express her gratitude when your huge cock stretched her out. The neighbors next doors must be accustomed to the sound by now. You doubt these walls are thick enough to silence her pleas not to stop. You couldn't care less. Not now.

"Fuck. You are stretching me out so good. Don't stop babe. Oh My God" Sakura cried out as you gave her a particularly hard thrust, your tip kissing her cunt. And more curses and moans followed as you continued to hammer her cunt relentlessly. "Fuck. Fuck. Don't stop" she begs, her nails digging into your back. "Fuck me harder babe. Stretch my tight pussy with your huge cock"

See. This is what you loved about her. She's an angel, really but when you two got up close and personal, that angel is banished, fallen from grace. Instead, a demon possessed her. The kind that can't get enough of your huge cock stirring up her insides over and over. Always begging for more. Never satisfied. No matter how much you breed her.

Her walls clenched around you, milking your shaft as you took her over and over. You were as desperate as her for this. Because the feeling of her warm wet hole twitching around you was like nothing else. And she would say the same way about how good you filled her up. She already did, actually.

"You are so fucking tight, Sakura" you grunted as Sakura's pussy continued to squeeze you like a vice. "I'm going to ruin this little cunt. You are gonna be so full when I'm done with you"

"Yes, yea. Fuck me harder" Sakura screamed, her perky tits bouncing in your face. Unable to resist the sight, you lean down, putting one of her stiff nipples into your mouth. A jolt resonated through her body as you bite down gently, kneading the soft flesh between your teeth. "Make me your dirty little slut"

Who would think the girl who said nothing but sweet words to you would be begging to be your slut? But it's no longer a surprise, rrally. You have learned enough about Sakura's versatility. Forever your angel. Occasionally your slut.

"Fuck. You are going to make me cum" Sakura cried between each breath you took away with your brutal thrusts. Sweat had accumulated on her skin from the relentless pounding she took, dripping in clear streaks. Her eyes, dilated and hazy, did a better job than her words to speak about the onslaught of pleasure she's under.

Sakura's pussy is no easy hole to stretch but your hips kept bucking, as though driven by a supernatural force. You didn't care about how sore you must be the next morning nor how she wouldn't be able to walk for days after you were done. All you care about was this: the collision between your pelvises each time you make contact . The action itself more romantic to you than any tender gesture. This is connection- you two becoming one.

"i'm cumming. I'm cumming. I'm cummingggg" Sakura repeated the words like a mantra as she creamed on your cock, her back curving gracefully as her legs trembled. The way her walls pulsated around you as her juice gushed out was enough to send you over the edge. Soon, you were following her in the flight of bliss, pumping spurt after spurt of your warm load into her welcoming cunt.

It took a few more slow thrusts before you finally extracted your shaft out of Sakura's now spent hole. Your cum dripped out of her in a white streak as soon as the stuffing is removed. It stained the couch. Just like countless other times.

You studied Sakura's face, which now wore a peaceful, dormant mask. Her chest rised and fell steadily with her breath and her eyelids were heavy with exhaustion. Still, she doesn't fail to give you that warm smile that looked out of place in her current state. "You came a lot" she panted, then "I love you"

You didn't know if it's possible to replace lust with love right after sex but in that moment, you seemed to. "I love you too, Sakura. Always"

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

You blinked, coming back to your senses and turned to Irene, your throat tight. "Why are you showing me this?"

Irene's expression was unreadable. "Because she gave you something too good for you. Something you don't know how to hold. And you have been letting it slip through your fingers ever since"

You clenched your fists, the pain in your chest unbearble. "What do you want me to do? Go back? Fix it? It's too late. She's gone"

"Gone" she agreed, her voice soft. "But not forgotten. Maybe that's the problem"

Once again, the world blurred away into a swirl of white and green. When it settled again, you are standing on a path, flanked on both sides by tall, snow-dusted pines. The air was crisp, just the right amount of cold to be cozy. Snow fell steadily, softening the edges around everything - the lmapposts, the branches, the footprints trailing along the path.

And then you saw them.

You and Sakura.

She was walking slightly ahead, bundled in a red scarf and a cream coat that rebelled against the snowflakes. Her breath misted in the air as she turned to you - her younger self - her cheeks pink from the cold.

"Ethan, you are walking like a tortoise" she called, wearing that same warm smile. "It's not that slippery"

"Maybe I just don't want to catch up" younger you replied, voice light though his hands were fidgeting in the coat pockets.

Sakura rolled her eyes but she slowed down just enough to fall into steps beside you. The way she glanced at you then - curious expectant - was so small a gesture but it carried a familiarity that you could feel even now, watching from the sidelines.

"You've been so quiet all night" she nudged him with her elbow. "Something's wrong?"

The younger you hesitated, breath hitching. He stopped walking, snow crunching under his boots as he turned to face her.

"Okay" he answered, exhaling a cloud of white. "I have something to tell you. And it's probably the stupidest thing ever. But please bear with me for a moment....alright?"

Sakura blinked, surprised but her smile didn't falter. "Okay....?" she answered, drawing out each syllable carefully.

He reached into his pockets, pulling out a small, crumpled spring of mistletoe. He held it awkwardly in his hands, trying to keep them from trembling as he offered the mistletoe to Sakura.

"This" he began, swallowing hard. "is how I planned to say this. But I'm gonna do it anyway" You exhaled, meeting her gaze. "I love you, Sakura"

Everything was still for a moment. The world silent except for the steady rhythm of falling snowflakes. Then Sakura's eyes widened, breath hitching.

"Look. I know this is stupid. I totally get it if you don't-"

"No" Skaura interrupted. Then she smiled. She smiled? "You are an idiot"

"What?" the younger you blinked, puzzled.

"You are an idiot" she repeated, her smile growing wider. "You do realize you are supposed to hold that mistletoe above my head, right?"

"So...does it mean-"

He was unable to finish his question because he was instantly silenced by Sakura's lips that muffled his next words. The kiss was gentle at first but it quickly deepened into something fervorous - like their whole lives had been leading up to this moment and they were finally claiming what's rightfully theirs.

Your heart felt like it's being pierced through and through but you didn't tear your gaze away. You can still feel the cold bite of the air, the softness of her lips, the phantom warmth that lingered long after.

"Can't you see what you were destined for?" Irene asked but you can't formulate an answer, your throat tight with emotions. "You gave your heart to her that night. And she returned it with hers. For a while, at least"

You turned away from the scene, your voice thick. "And then I fucked everything up"

Irene didn't reply, only watching as the younger you and Sakura pulled apart, bursting out in laughter.

"You made a promise to her that night" Irene finally said. "One you let yourself forget"

The words lingered in the frozen air as the memory began to blur, snow swirling around you in a sudden, dizzying storm. Soon, everything is enveloped by a torrent of white.

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

When your eyes came back into focus, you found yourself back in your apartment. Your breath caught in your throar. It was the old spit again - the couch - but this time, it was alive with a different kind of atmosphere. The heater hummed faintly, filling the silence and the warm light of a bedside lamp illuminated the small, familiar place. It's nothing unfamiliar.

Except that it wasn't Sakura's voice or presence that filled the room.

On the couch, sprawled out with heavy limbs is none other than yourself. The past you. Your shirt was half undone, and a woman who wasn't Sakura lied beside you, her sleek black dress painting an image of a vixen in the dim light. She leaned into you, her lips brushing against your jaw as you tilted your head back, your smile faint but unmistakable.

The present you stepped closer, stomach twisting in horror at the piece of memory you had tried to bury for so long. No. Not this.

"Please..." you begged, already knowing what's about to unfold. "Take me somewhere else"

But Irene stood firm behind you, her gaze unyielding. "This is what you must see"

The woman reached for a glass of wine on the table, tilting it ever so slightly as she swirled it with practiced ease. The way the liquid slosh around was almost hypnotic. "You are so tense" she commented as she runs her palm across your bare chest. "Sakura doesn't take care of you like this, does she?"

The past you flinched, sheathing your smile but you didn't pull away. "It's complicated" you muttered, running a hand through your hair.

"Is it?" the woman replied, her tone sharp. "Or are you too scared to admit I'm better than her?"

She leaned in, so close that her breath tickled your neck. "You just can't get enough of me, can you?" She blew a puff of hot air into your ears, the sensation unexpected but not unwelcomed. "You are never satisfied...."

You glanced at her, putting on a smile to hide your internal conflict. "It's not that simple"

"Isn't it?" she asked, tilting her head so that her hair fell over your shoulder in a pool of midnight silk. "You deserve someone better, Ethan. Someone who knows exactly what you need..."

Your gaze dropped to your laps. "That wouldn't be fair. She's....she's good to me"

The woman's lips curved into sly smile as she set down the glass back on the table. "Good isn't always enough, is it?" her voice dropped to a whisper, words brushing against your ear. "Don't you want more, Ethan? Don't you want me?"

"Don't..." you swallowed hard, resolve wavering as she shifted closer, her legs brushing against yours.

"Tell me" A kiss on your neck, leaving a crimson mark of her lipstick. "Who's better at this?" Another to your jaw. "Riding you. Blowing you. Being your good little....slut?" The last one was a soft brush to your ears that left you drunk in blissful sensations. More. You needed more.

"I can't..." the past you began, voice barely audible.

"Shhh, it's okay" she brought a finger to your lips, silencing you. "It's ok, Ethan. She doesn't have to know"

The present you clenched your fist, gritting your teeth. "Stop this. I fucked up, alright? I don't need to see it again"

"You traded your morals for momentary pleasure. And in doing so, you killed what you had with her"

You looked away, no longer able to comprehend the rewind of your mistakes. You have seen enough. Enough to make you feel like putting a bullet right through your head. But the human's mind worked in mysterious ways. Because it always fails to erase the memories people want to forget the most.

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Fragment 2

Her name was Yunjin. You remembered now. No, that's a lie. You have always remembered. She was a new hire in your company and things started off innocently enough. But to argue, most affairs usually do.

If confidence have a living embodiment, it would be Yunjin. She was sharp angles and quick wit, wearing ambition like a second skin. It's all evident in the way her heels clicked with purpose as she moved through the office.

It all began with a project, one where you and her were on the same team. Despite the endless nights of meetings and paperwork, Yunjin never seemed to falter, always keeping her cool. You admired that about her. And it should have stopped there. Pure innocent admiration.

Her communication skills were no less remarkable. She was easy to talk to, quick to joke, know exactly how to lighten the mood when the pressure becomes too much. Maybe that's what made you finally crumble.

On that fateful evening, you found yourself alone in the conference room after most of the office had emptied out. You were nursing a cup of tea, papers and stationary strewn across the table.

As if on cue, Yunjin entered the moment you lifted the hem of the cup to your lips like she wanted to ensure you couldn't interrupt her greetings.

"You look like you are about to collapse" she commented, leaning back in a chair close to yours with a smirk. She was in her usual office attire - white top and black overcoat paired with a pencil skirt of the same color so that when she crossed her thighs, her pale skin inevitably stood out.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence" you replied, setting the cup back down on the table.

She laughed, a low throaty sound. "Ethan. You are the reason this project just didn't crush and burn, you know?"

You let out an awkward chuckle, caught off guard by the sudden compliment. "It was a team effort"

"Sure" she said, leaning in - her top hanging just loosely enough to reveal a hint of clevage and you swalllow at the sight. It was wrong. But you are only human afterall. "But not everyone could've done what you did"

She inched even more closer and you told yourself that the hand she had come to place on your arm was nothing more than a gesture of companionship. But you couldn't deny the way it made something inside you stir. It's not love. Far from it. But it's equally intoxicating.

You cleared your throat, trying to find your footing. "You are giving me too much credit. It's a team effort"

"Humble, too. I like that" You shivered at the feel of her other hand that had come to rest on your leg. She's doing nothing more than simply placing her smooth palms on the fabric of your trousers. Yet, you can already felt your mamba growing rigid - her touch electric. A few more minutes of this and your boxers wouldn't be able to hide your erection.

You tried to focus on anything else - the clock on the wall, the stack of papers on your desk - but it was impossible to ignore the way she leaned forward, the curve of her collarbone catching the light.

"You know" she said, her tone playful. "You don't give yourself enough credit. You take care of everyone else but who take care of you?"

Sakura. That's who. But at that moment, you are at a lost for words. You tried to say her name out loud but the deep vortex of Yunjin's irises had pulled you in and every rational thought you had had been thrown out of the window.

You didn't know how it happened. When it happened. Everything passed by in a whirlwind of need and lust. The moment you came back to your senses, Yunjin was sprawled out on the long wooden table of the conference room. Everything on it has been shoved down to the floor. By you or her, you couldn't remember. You were looming right above her and you could only wish the table is strong enough to support both of your weights.

Your whole body was bare save for the unbuttoned shirt that hanged loosely on your frame. Yunjin's no different. Her overcoat had been casted away and her top was gone, revealing her perky tits. Your eyes wondered from the bent of her throat, down the planes of of her bare chest, all the way to her toned midriff, finally coming to rest on the nirvana between her legs, barred only by flimsy panties.

You felt your cock throbbing already - a sign of desperateness. All that occupied your mind was how Yunjin would feel around you when you finally penetrated her. She wouldn't fit around you like a glove instantly like Sakura does. But you didn't doubt you can mold this new hole to the shape of your cock. You have all the required qualities.

"Are you just gonna watch?" Yunjin reminded, shifting her body just a tad bit slightly to get comfortable on the hard surface. She didn't need to told you twice, your body is already aching enough for hers.

She let out the faintest of moans when you spread open her thighs, your eyes glinting with a predatory hunger - the kind only Yunjin can satisfy.

"You're mine now" The words of a mad man, fueled by lust. "And I'm gonna fuck you until you can't walk straight"

Yunjin moaned, arching her back as you ground your cock against her clothed pussy. You could already feel the moistness of her juice seeping through the fabric and the dark spot on her panties grew even bigger when you gave your tip a couple of rub on it.

"Words mean nothing" Yunjin replied, crossing her arms behind your neck as you leaned in even closer. "Prove it. Show me how well you can stretch out my tight little pussy"

There, it would have been easy to blame it all on Yunjin, that she was the one who initiated the act and made you think of nothing but about pounding her to oblivion. But that wouldn't be fair because there was still a silver of semblance left in you even then. It's microscopic and easily clouded by lust. But right at that moment you were about to cross the boundary of no return, a tiny voice remined you of her - of Sakura. It told you how much she put her trust in you. How she expected you to do the same thing. That you were betraying her trust by doing what you were going to do next. You should have stopped then. You could have.

But you couldn't.

With a grunt, you tore Yunjin's panties away, baring her dripping cunt to your hungry gaze. There was no time for foreplay. Foreplay is for slow romantic sex, which this isn't.

You slammed your cock into her tight heat with one brutal thrust and her walls opened up willingly. There's no doubt this bitch had taken poundings before. Not a chance she's a virgin with a hole this used. But still, somehow someway, it retained its tightness - so tight it almost seemed natural.

"Fuck you are so tight" you groaned, pulling back and slamming back in, earning a jolt through her body. "I'm going to fuck your brains out. Until your hole become so loose it needs a cock to stuff it shut"

Yunjin screamed, her nails digging into your back as you pounded into her over and over. The table creaked beneath you, threatening to give way under the force of your thrusts.

"Yes, yes! Fuck me harder" she cried, wrapping her legs around your waist. "Ruin me with your big fat cock. Make me forget my own name"

You obliged, slamming into her pussy with wild abandon. The room filled with the sounds of skin against skin and the wet squelch of her cunt as you fucked her hard and fast. But it's not all about the way she's milking your shaft with her walls. It's also the vision - the sight before you. Yunjin can and will get anything she want. There's no doubt. The way she hold herself - so calm and composed is enough to make others drip with envy. But right now, under the onslaught of your beastly thrust that rapidly violated her hole, moaning and groaning words of submission, she is no longer the confident woman. Instead, it's a desperate whore that craved your cock whose pussy is being claimed.

"Fuck. You are probably the biggest cock I have ever take" Yunjin praised, though it's hard to say with her rolled-up eyes. "You are gonna have to exclude me from the meeting tomorrow. I don't think I can -"

Yunjin was instantly silenced as all ten fingers of yours closed around her throat, depriving her of oxygen. But she deserved it. With the way she acted like your cock's the best thing in the world.

"What were you saying?" you asked. Yunjin could only make incoherent sounds as her mouth stayed agape like a fish on land. This wouldn't be painful to her. You know that much. Actually, it will turn on this slut even more.

Sakura could never. You thought. Despite her taste for rough sex, Sakura couldn't go this extreme. One time, you slapped her face in the heat of the moment and that girl actually got all teary.

No. Why were you comparing? Why were you even thinking about her?

"Tell me bitch" You asked again. No answer. Just more ragged breaths. As if to compensate for her silence, Yunjin's walls clenched around you even more, trying to answer with their tightness that she, indeed, was enjoying this. Yunjin stayed true to her words: "Words mean nothing". She's trying to prove herself through action.

Just when you thought Yunjin was going to pass out from the lack of air, her body tensed up as she creamed herself on your cock. The climax was unexpected as she wasn't given any chance to warn you. But you welcomed it gladly with more bucks of your hips as you prolong her bliss as long as possible.

Finally, Yunjin came down from her high and you released your hold on her neck, leaving a faint red mark that told the story of your dominance.

"I'm not done yet. You know that, right?" Your reminder wasn't needed. Yunjin had recovered in seconds, now getting on all fours as she leveled her face with your cock.

"Let me clean you up" she said before diving down on your cock. Soon, you found out her pussy isn't the only hole she can utilize to full potential. The warmth that enveloped your length brought you a different kind of pleasure. You tilt your head back, exhaling as you relish in the feeling of her tongue tracing every inch. How many heads had she given? You have no idea. But anyone could guess the number's easily a double digit if they were in your shoes.

She slurped on the cock like it's the tastiest thing in the world. Maybe it's the taste of her own juice on your shaft. Or maybe, she's just a cock depraved whore. Either way, you got the same treatment.

She didn't take you all the way - keeping half of you in her mouth while her hands stroked what her mouth couldn't reach. And there was no combination more lethal as each pair of stroke and lick send a shockwave through your core that have your toes curling.

"Mhmm" Yunjin licked her lips as she released you from her mouth. She looked up at you with dazed eyes as her hand keeps pumping your cock, spreading her drool from base to shaft. "Look how much you are twitching. You're gonna cum?"

She's wasting her words on a question you both knew the answer to. But you couldn't deny it was extremely hot. Who doesn't like a pretty girl worshipping their cocks?

Your simple nod was enough to let her proceed, as she took you back into the heat of her mouth. This time, she didn't make use of her hands. Instead, she impaled herself on your cock - taking it all the way down her throat. A loud gag escaped as it breached her gag reflex until her nose was pressed against your pelvis.

"Fuck" you cursed. She was bent down all the way in this position, her back curved and ass raised. And you didn't miss the chance to grab a feel of her buttocks, earning a moan that resonated through your mamba. A string of glag glag glag bounced around the room as Yunjin continued to fuck her throat on your cock over and over. A puddle of her drool has formed on the table. You made a mental note to clean it up. There's not much reasonable excuses for a pool of drool.

Sakura could never. There's the thought again. Don't be mistaken. Sakura blows your cock very well. To be honest, she loves it as much as you do. Especially, when you filled her mouth with your cum. But her throat wasn't meant for brutal use like Yunjin's was.

Does it matter? No. Stop thinking about Sakura.

The familiar knot unraveled in your stomach. You could no longer hold back as you pumped spurts after spurts of your thick load down Yunjin's throat. And she took it very welll, keeping your cock stuffed down her throat as she held it there like a good girl.

She finally released your cock with a loud pop, strings of saliva still connecting it to her mouth. "Thanks for the big load" Yunjin said while she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "You really needed that, huh?"

Do you? Now no longer clouded by the mist of lust, doubts started to fill the gaps where the past passion had been. Wrong. This is all wrong. What have you done? How are you gonna face Sakura again?

This is a one time thing. Yes. A mistake made by unmonitored desires. It can't be undone. But it can be stopped. No one have to know. Sakura doesn't have to know. You will forget it over a couple shots. You wouldl be better next time.

But you weren't.

And in the end, you only had yourself to blame.

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You grounded yourself back to reality. No use crying over spilled milk. You have lived with regret your whole life. What use is it to worsen the pain?

You were still in the apartment, though now it was empty, the furniture gone, the walls stripped bare.

Irene stood a few feet away, silent as ever, watching you with that same unflinching gaze.

You staggered back, running a hand through your hair. "You didn't need to show me that" you said. "I know what I did"

Irene tilted her head slightly, a gesture bordering on pity. "Knowing is not the same as understanding" she said, her voice a distant echo.

You shook your head, clenching your fists to the side. "There's nothing to understand. I regret it, ok? Isn't that enough?"

"Is it?" Irene asked, stepping closer. "Or do you regret being caught more than the act itself? Do you regret the pain you caused her or do you regret the pain it left in you?"

Her words hit too close to home and you turned away, staring at the faded imprint of a picture frame that once hung on the wall - a reminder of what this place had once been. You could still hear the echo of Sakura's laughter that had resonated in this room.

"This is what you traded for a moment of weakness" Irene's voice appeared once more. "An emptiness that echoes in your heart, in your life. And you know very well it's your own fault. Yet, you let it spiral"

You swallowed hard, trying to find your next words. With difficulty, you managed to speak through your tight vocal cords. "It doesn't matter" you said, voice trembling. "I can't change it. I can't undo what I did"

"No" Irene agreed. "But you can confront it. You can stop running from the truth, no matter how ugly it is"

You turned back to her, searching for something in her otherworldly features - absolution, maybe, an answer to all of this. But all you found was her cold, unyielding gaze.

"What now?" you asked quietly.

Irene extended a hand, and the apartment faded around you, replaced by the faint flicker of something new.

"Now" she said. "we see the consequences of your actions"

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The world crumbled and rebuilt around you in the form of a late autumn evening. The air was crisp but heavy, carrying the scent of leaves and the distant promise of winter. A stark contrast to the snow-draped beauty of the Christmas night when you first confessed to Sakura.

Now, autumn loomed like an unwelcome guest. The trees lining the path were skeleteal, their branches gnarled and reaching out to the gray sky like twisted hands. The ground was a mess of fallen golden leaves.

Sakura stood across the past you, her arms crossed against the chill, though it was obvious it wasn't the cold that's making her shiver. Her scarf - a pastel pink you had bought her for Christmas long ago - coiled around her neck elegantly.

"Say it" she demanded, her voice trembling. "Say it Ethan"

"Kkura, I-"

"Don't lie to me!" she snapped, her sharp voice cutting through the still autumn evening. The brittle leaves crunched as she shifted her weight. "Just...don't. Please"

She looked at you for a fleeting moment, and for a heartbeat, she resembled the Sakura from that snowy christmas - the one whom you had poured your heart out to, the one who had said 'yes'. But now, the light in her eyes was a gone, replaced by a storm of pain and anger.

"Let me hear it from you" she whispered, her voice on the edge of breaking. "Don't make me piece it together from hints and whispers. Please"

You dropped your gaze, deeming yourself no longer worthy to hold hers. The autumn wind picks up and the leaves swirl as if to mock your silence.

"It was a mistake" you muttered, voice barely audible.

"A mistake?" she repeated, her laugh bitter and wounded. "You don't acidentally cheat on someone Ethan. You don't just trip and fall into someone's bed"

You were once again remined of the pine-lined path, her standing there with snowflakes in her hair, her laughter so carefree like she's the happiest person on earth. Now, that warmth was nothing but lost, extinguished by you.

"It didn't mean anything" you pleaded, voice desperate. "I swear it didn't mean anything ,Kkura"

She shook her head, the motion quick, like she was trying to expel you from her memory. "Do you even understand what you have done? What you have taken from me?"

"I-"

"No. Let me tell you" she interrupted, her tone gaining strength as her eyes glistened. "You have taken every moment I trusted you, every second I thought was safe with you, and you have crushed them Ethan. What did I do wrong? What part of me wasn't enough?"

"Stop" you whispered, voice trembling. "Just stop"

"No" she said firmly, leaves crunching beneath her boots as she steps closer. "You don't get to ask me for anything after this. Not now. Not ever"

You looked at her then, really looked. And the pain in her face tore through your heart like a thousand daggers.

"Sakura, please" you begged, scrambling for scraps. "I regret all of it, ok? I regret everything. Please, I-"

She let out a hollow laugh, one that seemed to make the dying branches overhead shattered. "Funny how regret comes too late"

Sakura took a step back, her shoulders stiff, her hands trembling as she wrapped the scarf tighter around her neck. She hesitated for a moment, before looking at you straight in the eyes.

"Merry Christmas, Ethan" she said coldly, the words laced with brutal finality. "I hope it was worth it"

And then she walked away, her form growing smaller in the dying twilight until she had been reduced to nothing but a distant dream. The rustle of the wind reflected the hollow of your own regret.

The present you watched, unable to cry, unable to make a sound. Because you knew it was your very own actions which have lead to this. Do criminals cry over the unspeakable deeds they have commited?

"There" Irene's voice appeared once more. "Winter held promise. Autumn held loss. And you let it all fall away"

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You didn't even notice the shift in scenery this time - your mind too exhausted with emotions. What Irene wanted to show you, you didn't care anymore. You had seen enough. Seeing more will bring nothing but pain.

But you stared at the new scene before you like a lifeless ghost.

It was your apartment, again. You wanted to burn the place down at this point. Maybe the pain will crumbled to ashes that way. Anything to escape the ever nagging regret.

It was Christmas time - the fist Christmas without Sakura. The scent of her baked cookies and the hum of hers to Last Christmas was nowhere to be found, though the song played on lazily from an unattended television nearby. The sound of traffic beyond the windows seem more melodic.

The you of that very moment? On the bed, tangled in sheets but there's nothign cozy about that. You looked like a corpse, still and unmoving - lost in thought. Your bare body does nothing to aid cancel out the vision.

But you weren't alone. No. Though you actually were, deep down, your physical self weren't. The woman lying next to you is unfamiliar in ways that only someone you're totally ignorant of would be. Her name escaped you, though it had been exchanged over shots at the bar you didn't even like. She was asleep, her bare shoulder peaking out the tangle of sheets.

You searched her face for a few moments, trying to find something firm in those beautiful features but only finding emptiness. You sat up, swinging your numb legs last night had taken a toll on and ran your fingers through your nest of hair. The room smelled faintly of her perfume - too strong for your taste. Nothing like the clean, subtle one Sakura always wore.

Sakura.

You pressed your palms to your face, trying to ground yourself - make peace with reality and escaped the past - but the pain has d rooted deep inside, growing deeper each day. And your worst enemy had become yourself.

"Does it feel better?" Irene asked, studying the confusion flashing across your eyes. "To indulge in the pleasure of the flesh - a momentary escape from reality. But it never fills the void, does it? It only digs it deeper"

You didn't answer. Not because you have no words but because you are too tired. Too tired with yourself.

"Look, Ethan. This is your present. A hollow bed. A hollow life"

Just then, the girl in your bed stirred and shifted and you caught a clear view of her face, though curtained by her silky locks. It's not Yunjin, no. You had parted ways long ago. This one will soon follow the same fate. Your head pounded and so did your heart. There, you are reminded again.

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Fragment 3

The thing about one-night stands is they are supposed to last for a night and then forgotten. But that title wouldn't suit Kazuha because this was the third night you found yourself with this beauty. Maybe, this is a new addiction apart from the countless shots you had downed in the bar. Or maybe, it's the way she sucked your cock so well on your very own bed.

"Mmph...does it...feel...good...." Kazuha asked through slurps and licks as she feasts on your cock - tongue swirling around your slit before poking your tip to the inner wall of her cheeks, making it bulge. Her face there - ruined so perfectly with mascara running down her eyes and drool spilling from her lips only served to earns a grunt from you. Not to mention her bare body, ass raised to show off her thick cheeks.

"Mhmm...I think I'm doing good" Kazuha deciphered the answer herself as she released your cock from her warm hole. "Look at all this precum. You like my pretty mouth on your cock that bad, huh?"

The answer was unnecessary and Kazuha proceed to plant kisses along your throbbing shaft before coming back up to collect the precum from your leaking slit, all the while maintaning eye contact.

"Can't wait to taste your thick load" she muttered dreamily as she swallowed you again. The pleasure that flooded your brain was phenomenal and you had to try not to buck your hips. Kazuha had already demanded to be the one in charge. And you didn't want to left cockblocked.

Kazuha seemed to sense your desperateness because she took more than half of your shaft into her mouth, cheeks hollowing as she sucked the life out of you.

"Kazuha...fuck. Don't stop" you mumbled, your body in absolute bliss. And she didn't plan to. Because she liked choking on your cock as much as you loved fucking her pretty little mouth.

She went deep, lodging your meat into her throat. She held it there, eyes unblinking as she watched your distorted face of a victim of lust. The tightness and the warmth was like nothing, squeezing your shaft in all the right ways. Kazuha was born to be a cocksucker. No doubt.

She finally drew back, gliding her lips up across your meat until it came off with a pop, a string of drool still clinging to your slit.

"Now are you gonna fuck my face or what?" she asked, and that instantly became your favorite question in this hollow life.

"Gladly" you answered as you held her hair in a makeshift pony tail, lowering it gently until your tip has disappeaered into her moist lips. Her eyes gleamed, a silent challenge. And you are not the one to back down from challenege.

You immediately starts dunking her head on your cock again and again and again, obscene gags escaping her throat as your tip speared into her oral hole. A couple strands of her raven locks ame undone, falling and sticking with drool to her face.

"You like it, hmm? You like me using your throat like a fleshlight, you cocksucking bitch" you asked as Kazuha can only respond in more gags and chokes. Her eyes water, the tears mixed with the mascara flowing in tiny rivers across her cheeks - an absolute vision of a slut. Did she wear it on purpose so that it paint her when you fuck her face?

Her throat is brusied by now, no matter how strong of a throat of steel she possesed, no girl came out of this kind of pounding unscathed. But she didn't seem to care because she took it like a champ as you use her mouth like your very own sextoy. Afterall, this is what she asked for.

You let her go for a moment, pulling her face off your cock in one swift pull. She gasped, drool spilling in waterfalls as she huffed like a bitch in heat.

"You really didn't hold back, huh." she asked, voice raw from the brutal thrusts. "I bet you are addicted to my throat. Wouldn't be surprised if you can no longer cum from your hands alone"

"You talked too much for a cock drunk whore" you complimented her as you tighten the grip on her hair, making her scalp burn. "Now, suck me off until I feed you that load you so desperately crave"

"Mhmm, with pleasure" No more words were needed after that as Kazuha dived back down on your cock, devouring it like the cock hungry beast she is. It's messy and sloppy. She no longer choked on your cock but the way she's slobbering all over the upper half of your length was more than enough to make you levitate.

Her hands cockscrewed what her mouth couldn't reach while she bobbed her head up and down as she fucked her face on your cock. If her face was messy then, it was even messier now - a filthy canvas of drool and tears and mascara. The picture of a pretty woman so degraded finally made you break.

Kazuha moaned around your cock as you erupted in her mouth, sending shots after shots of your hot thick load down her throat. And she didn't let up, sucking you through your bliss with undiminishing fervour.

After what felt like an endless ride of bliss, she finally pulled you out of her mouth but not before giving your spent rod a couple licks.

"Didn't I do good, daddy?" she asked, the name sending a shiver down your spine.

But as soon as the bliss is over, the regret came. Sakura. You never knew how much power she held over you. How badly you needed her. Kazuha's blowjob was mind numbing but not enough to numb the ever-growing pain in your heart. But if sex could make you forget it for just a moment, you will gladly took it.

Kazuha wriggled her ass in a suggestive rhythm, oblivious to your inner thoughts. "Daddy, can you fuck my ass next?"

Anything to block out the pain.

Really, anything would be ok.

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You blinked, and suddenly, you were back to the present - the diner. It was still the same place, same scent of coffee and grease lingering in the air but the weight in your heart felt heavier, like it might crush you entirely.

Irene was back in her initia position across you in her booth, studying you with those cold eyes tht betray no feelings.

"You've seen it" she said, shifting in her seat and her christmas-themed dress didn't look so awkward to you anymore. "What you've lost. What you've become"

You tighten your fists on the table. "I know okay? I fucked up really bad. And I'm suffering the consequences. Happy?"

She raised any eyebrow. "Do you? Because knowing is not the same as doing"

You looked away, your gaze landing on the window. The streets were deprived of life now and the snow fell as relentlessly as ever, enveloping the world in white. You wished you could see the beauty in it once more.

"What am I supposed to do?" you asked, your voice low. "I can't just undo everything"

"No" Irene agreed, leaning forward. "But you can decide what you will do next"

Your jaw tightened. "And what am I supposed to do? She's gone. She hates me. There'a no coming back from that"

Irene'a gaze softened just slighty. "Sakura's wounds might not be yours to heal, Ethan. Some damage can't be undone. But your life - your choices - they are all yours. You can keep running from them, hiding youself in regret and pain or you can face them"

Somewhere distant, Heather's hyena laugh erupted again though this time, you envied her. When was the last time you can laugh like that?

"And what does that even look like?" you asked, throat tightened.

Irene gestured to the diner around her. "That's not for me to tell you. But you have already knew the answer, don't you? You always have"

You stared at her, a realization sinking deep into your heart. "You are saying I should go for her"

Irene tilted her head. "I'm saying you need to stop running from yourself. Whether that means going to Sakura or not....it's up to you. But if you don't, you will stay here" She gestured vaguely, encompassing more than just the diner. "A hollowed out version of yourself. Is this what you want?"

You studied your reflection in the murky surface of the cold cup of coffee. You had seemed to age in minutes. Was it the weight of revisiting the memories you had locked up for so long?

"No" you whispered. "This ia not what I want"

Irene leaned back, gaze unwavering. "Then decide, Ethan. You can't rewrite the past, but you can write the next chapter"

For a long moment, you were silent, staring out of the window at the dark, snowy Christmas night.

When you looked up, the ghost was gone.

The diner had grown quiet, save for the ocassional clinking of utensils. The clock indicated 11 sharp. Time had flown in a blink.

Just as you decided to leave, the bell on the dier doll rang again, welcoming a new arrival. You didn't want to look up. Enough hocus pocus for one night. But you did anyway. And you are not sure if you should be glad or regret that you did.

"Sakura?"

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

Happy Holdiays Everyone.

[sweetieviktor]

"it's the tradition", feat. viktor.

summary: it's christmas in runeterra and couples are sharing kisses under the mistletoe.

word count: 1.000. (yes! exactly 1k im happy with it :]

content warning: just fluff as always! :DD (written with s1 viktor in mind!!!

author notes: ITS 5AM AND IVE WRITTEN 2 FICS IN A DAY, maybe im going to die but fuck it we ball. love viktor and love xmas, i wish i could use sweaters but in brazil december is sooo hot but yeah, here it is a lil something for the holidays. hope u like it!! :)))

whenever some holiday approaches, piltover academy is adorned in it's colour by students. it's december and the halls are decorated with reds and greens all the way, bringing joy to those who look up and see the fairy lights blinking slowly to them. christmas is coming, and so is winter.

everyone is using their thickest coats, but there's still some people who are cold, even if they are holding hot drinks to warm up both their hands and their body, or if they are rubbing their arms, creating some friction that could maybe help it, or sharing kisses under the mistletoe meticulously placed on the tree near the entrance of the academy, which have all kind of things hanging on it. some letters addressed to santa, little brilliant baubles made in all type of materials you could think of, red bows and colorful lights, all made by it's students.

you wanted to spend your day like this, enjoying over your partner's warmth under the mistletoe. well, life isn't fair. he was already working and you needed to work too, but maybe you could bring him some sweet milk and cookies on your lunch break, right?

so once the clock hitted midday, you walked to the cafeteria, the same one you and viktor got out on your first date, and ordered enough cookies for both of you. the women on the other side of the counter packed them to you, putting the little bag on your right hand, while you carried the cup of sweet milk on the other. finally, you got out, hands full, hoping that you could bring him some of the christmas spirit when leaving those in the lab.

when you made it to the academy again, it was even more crowded than earlier, students going in and out, chatting and joking around, throwing snowballs at each other and playing in the snow. and again, the couples kissing under the mistletoe. and all you could think of was him. oh, how you missed his kisses. so you hurried up, the flashy holiday themed colors in the halls blending together in an indistinguishable blur.

once you reached his lab, you knocked on the door, anxiously waiting for an answer. you could feel how your heart thumped against your ribs, maybe it's the nervousness or just because you runned all the way to come here in time. “come in,” was all you could hear from inside.

you turned the door knob, pushing it so you could enter the lab. he was hunched over his desk, but once he looked past his shoulder, realizing you were the one who got in, his golden eyes immediately lighted up, just like the fairy lights, but shined even brighter when he seemed the baked goods you carried, then turning again to his work, “just wait a bit, i will finish this, ehh- hopefully soon.”

you came from behind him, leaving both the bag and the cup over his desk, “i know these are your favorites,” you put your hand on his shoulder, “and it's my break now, but soon i need to get back to work,” his hand stopped, no longer making calculations. he looked up at you, then at the papers in front of him, thinking if he should or not give in.

sighing, he let the pencil over the papers. you knew he would keep working if you didn't say it. “i guess i could give myself a break, then,” the corners of his mouth quirking up while he reached for the bag, opening it and letting the smell of the cookies bathe the place, bringing coziness alongside it. he shoved his hand on the bag, picking one up and biting onto it, humming softly when it melted on his tongue, then bringing the almost half cookie to your lips, only to put away and eat it himself.

he was laughing loudly, keeping a hand over his mouth, to prevent any crumbs from coming out. “you ain't fair,” you huffed, crossing your arms over your chest. you knew he was just joking, but you wanted to eat too, “i brought those so we both could eat. together!”

“i know, i know!”, he said, getting the cup of sweet milk and taking a sip of it, “but it's fun to tease you. can't help it,” he shrugged, looking at your pouty expression turning into one of anger. picking another cookie, he proceeded to feed you first, your frown immediately disappearing. he was trying to not laugh again, but he couldn't contain it, as he did so, soon the frown came back to your face.

“stop making fun of me and let me eat, for jannas's sake,” you also couldn't keep your smile from growing, it was such a good atmosphere that, even if you were mad at him for stealing your cookie and laughing at you, you couldn't be mad for longer than thirty seconds.

you were laughing with him, happy with how your lunch was going, eating and talking, so busy with everything that you didn't see him fidgeting, looking for something inside his jacket pocket. once there was no more food nor milk, he cleaned his hands, bringing one over you both, holding something up. a mistletoe.

you scoffed, running your hand over your face, “really, viktor?”, you were astonished, he truly got one of those just he could have an excuse to kiss you?

“well, it's the tradition, isn't it?”, he grinned, placing his free hand on your waist, bringing you closer, “any person who's under the mistletoe must kiss, it's correct?”

“yes, absolutely correct,” you put both hands on each side of his face, kissing his lips softly, tasting the sugar on his mouth. “but you taste like milk and cookies,” you kissed him again, just to make sure you got it right, “maybe next year i will bring you more of these, so we could kiss under the mistletoe again.”

“oh, christmas may be my favorite holiday now.”

[lemoncrushh]

Mistletoe & Holly

Summary: Harry finally reveals to his friend Holly how he feels about her on her birthday...which just happens to be Christmas.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 4833

A/N: As promised, this is one of my two holiday fics from the past. Originally written and posted in 2021. In Harry's POV.

Holly’s birthday was the 25th of December. “Freaking Christmas Day”, as she'd put it when we'd become friends years ago.

"I was born on freaking Christmas Day, Harry! Like baby Jesus. Can you believe it?"

Her mum had been told she couldn't have children, but 'lo and behold one day after having a horrible upset stomach and a case of indigestion, she went to the doctor only to find out she was pregnant. Holly'd laughed about it then when she told me, making light of the fact that she'd been a miracle baby. I couldn't help but think she was indeed a miracle.

To say I'd had a crush on her would be an understatement. I reckon in those early days it was just a crush, as I followed her around like a dumb lovestruck puppy. But I didn’t really know what love was yet; I just thought she was pretty, and she was cool because she had the entire second floor of her parents’ house to herself. She sat behind me in class, and I’d let her copy off my papers, or she’d let me do the same, even though neither of us got the best marks.

It wasn’t until the second year that I realised my feelings for her were more than mere infatuation. She started dating…other guys…and I didn’t like it. Especially when she would tell me about them. I found myself jealous, and I didn’t like that either. I would sulk, wishing I could turn back the clock to when it was just her and me. But the truth was, there never had been a her and me. We were never a thing and were never gonna be. I’d missed my chance. I was in the friend zone.

Still, every year I would celebrate her birthday with her. I thought it was a shame that she had to share her birthday with the biggest holiday of the year, so we’d do it a week before, a tradition I came up with myself.

“You need to have your day, Holly,” I insisted. “A day that’s just for you.”

“Okay,” she agreed, giving me that grin she’d use when she was humouring me. “What do you suggest we do to celebrate?”

I shrugged. “I’ll think of something. Just leave it to me.”

That first year I’ll admit was a little lame. It was too late to plan a party, not that I would have known whom to invite anyway. I baked her a cake (okay, my mum helped me a little), and I brought it to her house. The look on her face when she’d opened the door was totally worth it. She beamed at me with her big eyes and lovely crooked-tooth smile, and I could have kissed her had I not been holding that massive cake in my hands. Okay, maybe not.

We sat on the floor with our backs against the sofa whilst we ate cake and watched Star Wars - her choice. Somewhere around the middle of the movie, I gave her my other gift, a stuffed bear wearing a beanie. Yes, I know, cheesy. But I was a kid. She kept it on her bed for a long time, so I guess she didn’t hate it.

The next year I was able to plan a party, and a lot of kids came. But the downside was that Holly had a semi-boyfriend, a prat named Duncan who kept trying to get her alone. I came close to getting him to eat one of the cookies I'd brought, knowing he was allergic to nuts, but Holly quickly slapped it out of his hand, giving me a look. I lied and told her I hadn’t known of his allergy, and spent the rest of the party in the kitchen with her mum and dad, claiming I had a headache.

That wasn't the last time I had to walk around with my tail between my legs. After the X-Factor and becoming part of One Direction, we continued to stay in touch. But I'd forgotten about my pact with Holly until it was almost too late, and the guys and I were making plans for Louis's birthday.

"You should come," I told Holly on the phone. "We'll make it a joint thing. A massive celebration."

“Are you sure?” she asked, and I could detect the tone of hesitation.

“Of course. It’ll be fun.”

The party itself had been fun, but what I had neglected to do was try to make it extra special for Holly, seeing as most everyone else was there for Louis. After my bandmate had blown out his candles, and we roasted him for a bit, I brought out the cake for Holly, a round one with white icing and holly and berries on the top. While she put on her best smile, I could tell she was disappointed that no one made a big deal, barely singing an encore of “Happy Birthday” as they stood digging their forks into Louis’s cake.

Each year, I tried to one-up myself, hoping I’d make her birthday more enjoyable than the last - or at least better than that one. I made it a point never to combine her day with Louis’s again as the entire idea was based on her having her own day.

A few years later, however, I did the worst thing I possibly could. Niall and I had gotten into the liquor before the festivities had started, long before Holly even arrived. To this day I don’t really know why I did it, but I blame it on the nerves. I’d had it in the back of my mind that I was finally going to tell Holly how I felt about her. She’d had another boyfriend earlier that year, Eric, and I’d hated him. I mean, gritting-my-teeth-every-time-he-appeared and keeping-my-hands-in-fists-in-case-he-breathed-wrong hated him. He was a dickhead and just...completely wrong for Holly. She deserved much better. She deserved to be with someone who treated her like a queen. She deserved to be with me.

So when she and Eric had broken up before Halloween, I was so relieved and elated, I wanted to throw her the best birthday party ever. I was going to tell her everything in my heart. And up to then, I hadn’t told a soul. 

That is, until Niall handed me a drink. I wasn’t sure what was in it, but it tasted amazing. The more I drank, the more I liked it. I was feeling pretty good, making jokes and having fun until I found myself telling Niall my plan. 

“Shit, good luck, mate,” he said, slapping me on the back. “Just...what if she turns you down?”

Before that moment, I hadn’t even considered that Holly wouldn’t love me back. I mean, certainly there was no guarantee that she would fall into my arms as soon as I confessed. She might have some reservations, even, what with us being such good friends and all. But what if she actually said she had no feelings for me at all and told me to get lost? Suddenly, I felt a sourness in my stomach, and not from the liquor.

To make matters worse, as if on cue, the door opened and in stepped Holly. For a second my face lit up, all doubts I’d just had a second earlier now dissolving at the sight of her in her black dress and red lipstick. Straightening my shirt, I stood back, waiting until her other friends gave her welcoming hugs to make my move.

And that’s when I saw him.

Fucking Eric was stood right behind her.

In less than two seconds, I strode across the room, my eyes shooting daggers at the wanker.

“Hey, Harry!” Holly beamed at me, but I barely noticed. “Looks like a great party.”

“What’s he doing here?” I growled, my hands in fists ready to take a punch if needed. Eric merely raised his eyebrows, as though he already knew he was unwelcome.

“Oh, I hope you don’t mind,” Holly said meekly. “I invited him.”

“You’re back together?”

Holly shrugged, a pink blush to her cheeks as she looked over her shoulder at him. “Maybe. We’ve been talking…”

Eric gave a grin so smug that I felt my arm swing back, but someone grabbed it. Turning my head, I saw Niall who shook his at me. Just then I heard a squeal to my left as another one of Holly’s friends ran up to greet the birthday girl. As they embraced, I suddenly felt the room close in on me, so I pushed through the crowd back to wherever Niall was keeping that good tasting concoction.

I don’t remember much else about that night except some girl whose name I’ve forgotten. Niall tells me I “played disciple”, following her wherever she went until she agreed to join me in a spare room. I’m not sure what I was doing, or how far I actually got with her, but apparently Holly walked in on us. She’s never told me what she saw, and I’m not sure if that’s more for her benefit or mine.

But yeah. Not my finest hour.

As the years went by, Holly and I remained friends, keeping in touch mostly through her private social media accounts, occasionally reaching out or getting together when our paths crossed. I heard of her new boyfriends, one I even met in person whom I considered to be a proper lad. Holly asked about my relationships as well, never sounding jealous or snarky, only supportive. I reckoned we’d both matured, particularly from my end. Eventually my romantic feelings for her evaporated to more of a warm, mutual understanding. Or at least that’s what I told myself.

This year, Holly decided to have her party at her place. She’d recently purchased her own place, her first “big girl flat” she called it, and was excited to show it off. She let me know that I needn’t plan anything, that she had it all under control.

Slamming the car door behind me, I looked up at her building, the windows and balcony trimmed in clear lights, a wreath decorating the center of the railing. I thought of all the previous Decembers I’d spent with Holly, celebrating her birthday, and suddenly felt a sense of loneliness. I hadn’t been dating anyone in what seemed like a long time as I tried to recall if she currently had a boyfriend.

The large, red, square box under my arm, I wiped my brow with the back of my other gloved hand, feeling the first fall of snow. Trudging up the steps, I rang the buzzer for Holly’s flat, an unmistakable smile twitching my lips when I heard her voice welcoming me in.

“Oh, I’ve missed you, my love,” she cooed softly into my ear as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I tried my best to keep my adolescent desires at bay as I innocently inhaled the scent of her perfume. “You need to come around more often.”

“And when’s the last time you came to see me, hmm?” I teased.

Her mouth in a straight line, Holly considered my comment. “You know, we can’t all afford to follow you around on tour for a year.”

“Have I been gone that long?”

“Longer,” Holly chided, taking my coat and setting my present on the credenza behind her, next to the other shiny wrapped gifts.

I chuckled. “Impossible. I saw you last birthday.”

“Fair enough. Just don’t make it a habit.”

“Too late, darling.”

I caught the gleam in Holly’s eye just before I felt a hand slap my shoulder, making me turn.

“Harry, lad! Wonderful to see you!”

“You as well, Richard, how are you?” I greeted Holly’s dad who guided me into the next room. My gaze searching for Holly, I caught her hanging my coat just before the doorbell rang again and Richard poured me a bourbon.

I sat in Holly’s living room, chatting with Richard and Megan, Holly’s mum, and few of Holly’s friends - some I’d known for years and some I’d just met. Holly, being the gracious hostess, greeted each person to arrive, so it was a while before she finally joined us. I noticed how she pushed her hair behind her right ear; I noticed how she sipped her cocktail; I noticed how she threw her head back laughing at something funny that was said. I noticed everything.

But more importantly, I noticed how no one had claimed the spot next to her, taking her hand or sliding their arm around her shoulder, chatting like she was their better half.

Holly was single. Just like me.

“Harry,” she suddenly addressed me as she rose from her chair with a smile, “let me show you the rest of the flat.”

Setting my glass on the table, I eagerly stood up. Then Holly surprised me by turning toward the other guests.

“You lot can sit tight and talk amongst yourselves for a bit, can’t you? I need some alone time with my old friend.”

“Of course, love!” Megan cheered, waving us away. “Take your time.”

With a smirk on my face and a thump in my chest, I began to follow Holly out of the room just in time to hear Richard’s remark that I was sure was not meant for me to hear.

“Old friend, my arse!” he quipped. “Girl’s been mad about him since-”

“Shhh!” Megan interrupted. “Quiet, Richard, they’ll hear you!”

“Harry, are you coming?” Holly’s voice called, making me realise I’d stopped just outside the doorway.

“Yeah. Sorry.”

“I’ll show you the kitchen last because it’s closest to the den,” she explained. “And that way we can circle back around.”

“Alright,” I nodded sheepishly as she stopped at the end of the hall with a smile. However, instead of gesturing toward the room ahead of her, she pointed at the lovely french doors beside where we stood.

“This is probably my favourite part of this flat,” she said wistfully. “It was the selling point for me.”

I knew the doors must open to the balcony I’d seen outside when I’d arrived before she grabbed the handles and pushed them open. A gust of wind blew in, causing her hair to lift and flow behind her, like she was Elsa in Frozen.

“Sorry,” she muttered, “I know it’s horribly frigid out there. I just wanted you to see.”

“It’s very lovely,” I grinned, stepping up next to her.

“I can’t wait to have morning tea out here,” she added, grabbing my arm. “But I’m afraid that will have to wait until spring.”

In what felt like slow motion, Holly squeezed my arm against her chest, and I felt the warmth of her even through my jumper. I couldn’t help but smile as she pressed her nose to my shoulder before releasing her hold and pulling the doors shut.

“Brrrr,” she shook. “Perhaps that was a bad idea.”

I chuckled as I followed her to the open doorway to our left.

“Toilet,” she confirmed with a shrug. “Nothing fancy. And this is my bedroom.”

The room at the end of the hall was open to reveal a large bed, decorated in loads of blankets and massive amounts of pillows, all in shades of blue and grey. As I stepped into the room, the familiar scent that I only associated with Holly filled my nostrils. Everything felt very serene, as though I’d been there before, and I never wanted to leave.

“I tried to make it as calming as possible,” I heard her speak behind me. “Like my own personal sanctuary.”

“I reckon you succeeded,” I nodded. “It’s beautiful, Holly.”

“Thanks,” she beamed. “Okay, now for the kitchen.”

Holly surprised me again by holding out her hand, which I took gratefully. Passing by the french doors again, I noticed something I hadn’t before - a small sprig of a plant hanging just above the doors.

“Hey, is that…” I pointed.

I caught the pink in Holly’s cheeks before she giggled and nodded. “Mistletoe. I just thought it was cute, and kinda funny.”

“Alright then,” I smirked, recalling Richard’s previous hushed words.

“Mum and Dad may want to use it later,” she shrugged before turning the corner where I swore I heard her murmur, “or someone else.”

Pulling me into the kitchen, she stopped only to emphatically announce her pleasure in having more counter space than she’d ever had in her life. I smiled at her animated enthusiasm, happy for her that she finally owned her own place.

As she gestured to the exit to the left, I followed her back into the living room where a resounding game of charades was being played. I laughed as I watched Holly’s friend Gina try her best to mime the clue whilst Richard called out absurd answers.

“It might be time for Dad to put down the bourbon,” I heard Holly chuckle to my left just before Megan called out the correct answer and the room cheered.

“Ah, the birthday girl’s returned!” announced another of Holly’s friends. “I say it’s time to open the gifts!”

I felt Holly’s hand push the back of my arm, guiding me to the party. I took the chair I’d sat in earlier, across from Holly’s as I awaited the presents ritual. I was suddenly reminded of what I’d gotten her when Richard and Megan brought in the gifts collected on the credenza, setting them at Holly’s feet. My ridiculous red box sat in the back of the pile, like a caboose of confession.

I considered that she might take it lightly and even joke about it, the way she probably would have had she had a significant other. I supposed that was my own initial idea when I’d made the purchases and put it together. But now...after seeing her again, and all the feelings flooding back...I knew I’d been kidding myself.

Now everyone was going to watch her open it and see the awkward reaction she was bound to have. Good one, Styles.

One by one, I sat in silence and watched Holly open each gift, all earning oohs and ahs. When she finally reached for mine, I knew I was doomed.

“I hope you don’t mind,” she said to the entire room, though her eyes were focused on me. “I saved this one for last.”

I could feel the stares without shifting my eyes. Licking my lips, I awaited the inevitable. When she tore off the wrapping and lifted the lid to the box, however, I got a different reaction from what I’d expected. Instead of looking confused and awkward, Holly laughed gleefully, throwing a hand over her mouth just as she snorted. Though I tried my best to laugh along with her, I was extremely perplexed.

“Oh my God,” she shrieked, lifting the bouquet of mistletoe. “That’s so funny, Harry! How did you know?”

Giving a light-hearted shrug, I muttered, “Just thought it was cute and funny.”

Gina, sat to Holly’s left, took the mistletoe from her hands and lifted it above Holly’s head. “Alright, who’s ready to kiss the birthday girl?”

Feeling a sudden wave of embarrassment, I was glad when Gina took it upon herself to give Holly a kiss on the check. And even more relieved when Marcus, her friend sat to her right pointed at the box.

“Looks like there’s more, Hol,” he said.

As Gina claimed the mistletoe, Holly reached inside the box for the second item - a monogrammed photo album I’d had made especially for her.

“Oh this is lovely!” she breathed, setting the box on the floor to balance the album in her lap. “Oh and look! There’s mistletoe and holly on it. How clever, H!”

When she opened it, I saw how wide her eyes got, realising what was inside.

“This...this is all you and me.”

“All of your birthdays,” I confirmed, “at least since I’ve known you. Except for the one that I ruined. And few other...fun moments.”

I heard a few awws and a “that’s so lovely, Harry” from Megan, but all I could focus on was Holly as she scanned each and every photo.

“How did you...find all these?” she asked. As she lifted her head, I noticed the wetness in her eyes.

I shrugged. “Most of them I already had. I’ve just been...collecting them.”

“I had no idea we’d taken so many pictures,” she sniffed. “Thank you, Harry, this is really special.”

“You’re welcome,” I nodded, relieved that she hadn’t thought more of it than a mere gesture of friendship.

Shutting the book, Holly reached forward for the box, noticing one more thing was inside.

“Oh, there’s more?” she asked with raised brows.

At the bottom of the box was another smaller box. When Holly lifted the lid, she gasped.

When Holly and I were fourteen, I’d given her a friendship bracelet. She’d worn it every single day for two years until one day she’d gotten it soiled. That birthday, I’d given her a new one. Though she’d argued with me that she didn’t want to replace the original, she was ultimately happy that I had.

That birthday that I’d ruined - the one where I nearly punched Eric and fooled around with some girl I don’t remember - my gift had been a silver charm bracelet. My idea had been to tell her that it was to officially replace that friendship bracelet, which I knew was long gone. But I hadn’t gotten the chance to see her open it because I’d been drunk and preoccupied.

I’d never seen Holly wearing that bracelet, either.

This year…

“Wow, Harry, I…” she began, more tears forming in her eyes as she lifted the gold braided bracelet in her hand, “I dunno what to say. This is...way more than you’ve ever given me.”

“That’s so gorgeous,” oohed Gina as she leant over to see Holly slip it onto her wrist.

“It’s to...replace that old one,” I explained.

“Which one?” Holly asked.

“The one that I never got to give you,” I admitted. “The one that is probably tainted because I was such an asshole that night and got wasted at your party.”

“Oh,” Holly mouthed. I could see the recognition in her face. She knew exactly what I was referring to.

“I regret that night, terribly, love,” I added, pressing a hand to my chest.

“Oh my God, what happened?” inquired Gina.

“I’d rather not talk about it,” muttered Holly, closing the box and returning it to the floor.

“I ruined her birthday,” I said before I even realised what I was doing. “Because I couldn’t just admit to her how I felt about her.”

Jaws dropped all around the room as Holly stared at me.

“Good on ya, mate!” I heard Richard say. “I always suspected!”

“Richard!” Megan scoffed in a loud whisper.

“Well, I did!”

The room seemed to fall away as I saw Holly rise from her chair and sprint down the hall. It wasn’t the reaction I’d expected, but it wasn’t a surprising one. Hastily, I followed her, wondering what the bloody hell I was going to say next. Hopefully I hadn’t just ruined a second birthday.

I found her stood next to the balcony doors, her hands on the knobs like she was debating whether or not to open them. I cleared my throat to let her know I was there, as I heard her whimper.

“Holly,” I managed to say, my mouth as dry as a desert. “Are you...okay?”

I saw her shoulders drop before she nodded. “I’m fine.”

Stepping closer, I could tell she was wiping her eyes.

“You don’t seem fine. I made a fool of myself and humiliated you in the process. I’m so sorry, Holly.”

“No, Harry,” she said. “I’m the fool.”

Turning to face me, she threw up her hands. “I had no idea.”

“That’s my fault,” I admitted. “I’m shit at communication. And I was afraid of rejection.”

“Since when?”

“Since...forever.”

With a tiny, quiet laugh, Holly shook her head. “Me too.”

“What?”

“Not only am I shit at communication, Harry,” she confessed, “but I suck at giving hints apparently.”

“No, I suck at taking them,” I giggled. “‘Cause I don’t recall any hints that you felt...any way about me.”

“See?” she threw up her hands again. “God, Harry, can you even imagine the feeling of being gutted when you’re crushing on your best friend and you walk in on him getting head from some other girl?”

Her words were like a knife right through my heart as I slowly closed my eyes and sighed. “I’m so very sorry, Hol.”

“The worst of it was that I had only invited Eric to the party to make you jealous.”

“What?” I asked again, my eyes popping open in disbelief.

“I was convinced you would never like me back the way I wanted you to. So because I knew you hated Eric, I reckoned you might take more notice if I got back together with him.”

“Holly, what the fuck?” I ran my hand down my face.

“I know,” she muttered. “Not my proudest moment.”

“Can we just erase that night out of our lives?” I suggested.

With a tight smile, Holly looked down at her new bracelet, tracing the plaits. “Maybe.”

“So, what do we do now?” I inquired.

“I don’t know that either,” she admitted. “This was rather sudden. To be honest, Harry, I’d thought I’d gotten over you. And then you-”

Her words were interrupted by my sudden kiss. Soft and tender, it was a quick kiss, though I could feel her sigh against me.

“What was that for?” she breathed.

With a smirk, I raised my brows and pointed at the ceiling. “Mistletoe.”

“Oh.”

“You were saying?”

“I…” she began, a dreamy look in her eyes, “don’t remember.”

I pulled her into my arms then and kissed her with purpose, doing my best to replace all the time that we’d lost. I knew it would take years to even get close, but I was willing to try.

I felt Holly’s hand slide down my arm and grab my hand before she pulled back. With swollen lips and a look in her eyes I’d ever seen before, she led me toward her bedroom, closing the door behind us.

With only a lamp lighting the room, I joined her on the bed, kicking off my shoes. We made out like teenagers - as though the years had not made any difference in how we felt or what we wanted. The only real difference was that I was no longer afraid to let it be known.

My head spinning and my heart pounding, I suddenly felt Holly press a hand against my chest.

“Harry? Let’s not make this a bad fanfiction, okay?”

I chuckled in disbelief. “What?”

“You know, the friends-to-lovers trope, where we finally have sex and at the end, we just assume everything ended splendidly like a fairy tale.”

“Well, love, I was kinda hoping it will,” I stated honestly.

Holly tilted her head, her soft hair falling against the pillow and her shoulder, her expression both innocent and seductive. I had to bite my lip.

“I think you know what I mean.”

“Okay,” I grinned. “So how should it end, then?”

“Well…,” she sighed, the vibration against my chest causing me to take a breath. “It seems rather silly to say we should take it slow given that…”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“But how about we ease into it? See what happens.” She ran her delicate hands up my biceps, her suggestion nearly being blanketed by her touch.

“That seems like a good idea,” I agreed as I leant forward and kissed her inviting lips again. She hummed low as I separated our kiss, taking a moment before opening her eyes. Then grasping at a curl near my ear, her eyes danced as she wrapped it around her finger.

“How does one tell her best friend that she loves him?” she suddenly asked.

A wide grin spreading across my face, I let my fingers trace the side of her beautiful face.

“I reckon you just did, my love.”

I kissed her deeply then, her fingers tangling tighter in my hair. Mistletoe or not, I knew in that moment that I could continue to kiss her forever, if she let me. When I felt her leg slide against my hip, however, and she gasped against my mouth, I knew we should return to our original vow.

“We should probably get back to the party,” I admitted.

“Hmm, yeah,” Holly nodded with a sigh. “Let’s do that before my dad calls out a search crew.”

I laughed against her neck, feeling her giggle rise from her throat. Giving it a few more pecks, I finally lifted my head to look at her pretty, glowing face.

“Happy Birthday, Holly.”

“Happy Christmas, Harry.”

MASTERLIST | KO-FI | FEEDBACK

[cringevalue]

I keep a fanfiction spreadsheet, I have no shame, and I need to yap about my stats.

I am no longer tracking the time I spend on AO3 because it has gotten too complicated tracking between different devices and listening to podfics / TTS. That being said, I read 35 fics this month, 126 chapters, and 443,876 words.

My top fandom was Stranger Things (obviously), being all 35 (with one crossover) fics and my top ship was Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson with 27 fics. My top five reoccurring characters (according to how fics were tagged) were Eddie Munson in 19 fics, Steve Harrington in 19 fics, Robin Buckley in 13 fics, Dustin Henderson in 8 fics, and Wayne Munson in 8 fics.

The tags I read the most were Eddie Munson Lives in 8 fics, Canon Divergence in 6 fics, and multiple tags were tied in third place.

The most words I read in a day was 53,193 on December 13th and the longest fic I read was The Eddie Munson Hallucination Crisis by FerYerHealth at 63,086 words.

All of this information and every fic I've read this month can be found on my spreadsheet!

Every Stranger Things fic I read on AO3 this month is linked under the cut (fics i read on tumblr can be found here!)

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

And All That Could Have Been by HateMeDestroyMe

Mature - 50.4k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Broken Hearts, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Professional Athlete Steve Harrington, Business Owner Eddie Munson, Long lost love, Eddie Is A Single Father, Daddy's GIrl, Mistletoe, Rekindled old flames, Suicidal Thoughts

When Steve left Hawkins to go to college in 1986, he broke Eddie's heart. So, Eddie sought comfort with his best friend. That was how he'd become a single father. Now, 15 years later, Steve comes home after a shoulder injury brings his professional baseball career to a grinding halt. But he gets more than he bargained for when he keeps running into Eddie all over town.

Rogue Organ by Battered_child

Mature - 2.9k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Sicktember, Sickfic, Steve Harrington Whump, Eddie Munson Loves Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington Loves Eddie Munson, Established Relationship, Platonic Soulmates Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington, Hospitals, Vomiting, Nausea, Appendicitis, Good Uncle Wayne Munson

As the minutes and hours slowly crept by, Steve began to feel off. He wasn't quite sure what was wrong exactly, he just knew he didn't feel quite right. Nevertheless he continued on with his shift, watching the minutes tick by on the clock. Or Steve starts to feel sick and Eddie takes charge looking after his boyfriend

Bows & All by GodsDoggy

Explicit - 3.3k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - PWP without Porn, Christmas Smut, Bottom Steve Harrington, Dom Eddie Munson, Top Eddie Munson, Trans Male Character, Trans Steve Harrington, Masturbation, Dirty Talk, Breeding Kink, Squirting, Multiple Orgasms, Creampie, Face-Sitting, Oral Sex, Daddy Kink, Overstimulation, Praise Kink, Steve Harrington Has a Praise Kink, Plugs

“What can I say?” Steve smiles. “I’m a man of my word.” Eddie snorts. “Clearly.” He looks down between them, admiring the ribbons that decorate Steve's inner thighs. “Bows and all, huh?” Steve laughs, a little breathless in his needy state. “Bows and all.”

As Long As I Get to Keep You by MysteriousMidnight

Explicit - 8k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Based on Fan Art, Rockstar Eddie, photographer steve, Playgirl Photoshoot, silver fox steve, Younger Eddie, Age Difference, Smut, Fluff and Smut, Blow Jobs, Hand Jobs, Handcuffs, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, Rimming, Getting Together, minor daddy kink, like blink and you miss it, some kink talk, Bondage, BDSM, just a little bit though, Nothing Hardcore, Eddie gets tied up and blind-folded, Steve Harrington Has Bad Parents, Some Plot, Mostly porn though, Light Praise Kink, Top Steve Harrington, Bottom Eddie Munson, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Gay Eddie Munson

“I- I think I’m ready.” Steve tilts his head. “You sure? There’s no rush, I promise.” Eddie nods, fidgeting nervously with the robe belt. “Yeah.” He takes a deep breath, then lets the robe fall to the floor. And it’s.. less scary than he thought. Maybe because it’s just Steve here, and he trusts Steve completely. ~*~*~ OR: Rockstar Eddie agrees to do a Playgirl photoshoot. Steve is the photographer. They do a little more than just picture-taking.

All Still Breathing by FarahsAmboolents (@farahsamboolents on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 23.1k - Eddie Munson & Wayne Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Eddie Munson Lives, hospital fic, Wayne Munson centric, Protective Wayne Munson, Supportive Wayne Munson, Queer Wayne Munson, Queer Eddie Munson, i guess this counts as a character study?, no ships yet but there's Steddie if you squint, Steve Harrington gets a hero moment, Wayne Munson is vaguely faceblind, that didn't quite happen on purpose it just sorta happened, so many long pauses, Wayne spends most of this fic being very confused, Everybody Lives, pov fic, Hurt Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson Graduates High School

Still, Wayne found himself making his way to the hospital after the quake, both hoping to see his nephew come for help and hoping that he wouldn’t have to. He wound up volunteering at the front desk out of helplessness; he sat behind the triage nurse, wrote down the names of the patients that she barked at him and where she had directed them. It was not unlike his job at the motel as a night auditor, except that he was handing out little paper wristlets instead of keys. __ A Wayne Munson centric fic set at the hospital after the "earthquake". Things slowly turn around for the better.

why can't this be love by ssoftcell (@ssoftcell on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 15.5k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - 5+1 Things, Pining, First Kiss, Slow Burn, Brief Sexuality Crisis, Gratuitous Mention of Eddie Munson's Bat Tattoo, it happens like twice but still, Post-Season/Series 04, Fix-It of Sorts, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington Friendship, she's a great friend, gareth makes an appearance, so does mechanic eddie (if you squint)

Let it be known that Steve Harrington hates cliches. But let it also be known that, despite himself, the feeling of kissing Eddie after all this time is something akin to fireworks behind his eyes, sparklers buzzing beneath his skin and through his veins like pure adrenaline. It’s a high he’ll never be able to top, no matter how hard he tries. Alternatively: Five times Steve and Eddie almost kiss, and the one time they do.

the boys of summer by steveharringtoned

Not Rated - 19.9k - Steve Harrington & Everyone - Graphic Depictions Of Violence - Fix-It, Stranger Things 4 Fix-It, Eddie Munson Lives, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Steve Harrington-centric, Good Uncle Wayne Munson, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Stranger Things 4 Vol. 2 Rewrite, Not Beta Read, Canon-Typical Violence, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism

“Steve,” Wayne echoes. “This is my home. Eddie’s my boy.” And then he ruffles his hair with one large hand, coarse from years of working with them, in an action that reminds Steve of Hopper. “I’m gonna go down there and get my boy back. You’re gonna be my tour guide.” He holds his hand out for the final gun Steve has stashed, which he gives over reluctantly. He finds Wayne remarkably difficult to argue with—wonders if Eddie found the same. “Tour guides don’t need guns. You point at somethin’, I shoot it. Got it, Steve?” (Steve knows Eddie’s alive. Wayne’s the only one who believes him. So they team up to save him.)

four puffs of farrah fawcett spray (and a mouthful of UD pollen) by oaseas (@metaldeads on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 17.4k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Crack Treated Seriously, Angst, Temporary Character Death, Steve Harrington Has Powers, Hurt/Comfort, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Getting Together, First Kiss, Steve Harrington Has Bad Parents, Pining Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington Friendship, Not Beta Read, Steve Harrington-centric, Alternate Universe - Tangled (2010) Fusion, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Follows S2 through to 4

Steve cops a faceful of Upside Down flower pollen in the tunnels, hours after Billy Hargrove tries to punch Steve's brain out the back of his head. Beyond the general hubbub of UD bullshit, Steve thinks he's made it out pretty much unscathed. Months later, he makes a discovery. Turns out, he's much more intact than he'd thought. As in, his skin is baby smooth. Even the scar on his knee from his ill-advised ‘77 summer of skateboarding has disappeared. OR: Steve Harrington can take a hit. He can take many hits. In fact, thanks to the Upside Down, there isn't a hit Steve can't take.

You're The One I've Waited For by Foreverlong

Teen and Up - 12k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Mutual Pining, Fluff and Angst, Protective Gareth (Stranger Things), Disabled Eddie Munson, Guitars as a love language, implied/referenced suicidal ideation, Very Minor, Reference to past blood and injury, Steve Harrington is a Sweetheart, POV Alternating

There’s something to be said for people seeing you at your worst and sticking with you regardless. All of those people - okay, not the band - have seen him at his worst. Dead is probably him at his worst. Bloodied and torn open is not a good look on anyone. He feels sick thinking about it. But they saw it. Steve saw it, then he tried to fix it. Steve gave him CPR; no one wants to know they’ve had CPR performed on them, it’s a window into something that he really doesn’t want to think about. But it was Steve, and somehow that feels big in a way he can’t put his finger on. And then Steve got him out of that hellhole, and Steve kept him alive in the car all the way to the hospital, and Steve screamed at a nurse until they brought a gurney, and Steve, Steve, Steve. It always comes back to Steve. Or: Steve wants Eddie to have the perfect Thanksgiving. He ends up giving him so much more.

I'm The First In Line by FarahsAmboolents (@farahsamboolents on tumblr)

Mature - 53.1k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Platonic Soulmates Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Robin and Steve decide to be beards, Slow Burn, Disabled Character, Disabled Eddie Munson, this fic contains an obnoxious amount of ABBA, Slow Romance, Period-Typical Homophobia, Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson Has a Crush on Steve Harrington, they're a pair of dinguses who don't get the memo, Steve Harrington Has a Bisexual Awakening, Firefighter Steve Harrington, fireman steve harrington, actually now that i'm in the thick of it there's less ABBA than i planned

“Look,” said Robin, exchanging a glance with Steve, “My dad is like, super against me dating, so we didn’t even wanna think about it, okay? But we have a mutual friend from Family Video, she’s not around much but sometimes she’s there, and she was hanging out at my place once with Steve and me,” “Dorothy,” supplied Steve, and he smiled at Eddie for some reason. Was he was supposed to know this Dorothy - maybe she used to be one of his clients? “Yes, Dorothy,” said Robin, “Anyway my dad was saying how I wasn’t allowed to date, and Dorothy was like, well if she can’t date now how’s she gonna know what to do when things go wrong when she goes to college after her gap year and she’s in the big city on her own? And so my dad said fine, and then Steve asked me out, like, the next day.” ____ Steve needs some space for his queer awakening, so he and Robin decide to be beards. Eddie doesn't get the hint. *This is a sequel, but previous fic isn't necessary to understand. Context is provided.

Backbone by GhostHost (@sp0o0kylights on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 14.3k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Steve Harrington Has Migraines, Eddie Munson Has a Crush on Steve Harrington, The Party Vs Eddie, Dustin Henderson is a Little Shit, Protective Steve Harrington, Drug Use, Hurt/Comfort, Sick Fic, Eddie Munson Takes Care of Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington is the Parties collective older brother

Steve this, Steve *that*—Eddie’s had enough of his newest sheepies’ hero worship of the guy, and it all comes to a head when they’re distracted at the most sacred of events: Hellfire. Apparently his majesty is under the weather—time to storm the castle and end their serfdom. (Jokes on Eddie, because one look at sickly, pathetic Harrington has him ripping up his Munson doctrine faster than you can say ‘m’lord)

Non Denominational Winter Party For Friends (Who Know) Of The Upside Down by FarahsAmboolents (@farahsamboolents on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 8.5k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington - No Archive Warnings Apply - Gay Murray Bauman, murray bauman being a good investigator, Murray Bauman POV, Beards (Relationships), Fake/Pretend Relationship, Eddie Munson is a Little Shit, Good Sibling Jonathan Byers, murray has a single instance of research gone wrong and the crowd goes wild

It was written mostly in large bubble letters, reading: ‘you are invited to a NON-DENOMINATIONAL WINTER PARTY’. Below it, in messy handwriting, said ‘for friends of the UPSIDE DOWN’. Between the words friends and of was a proofreader’s caret, and in much nicer handwriting, someone had added the words ‘who know’, with a set of aggressive underlines. “Your brother clearly wasn’t consulted when making the invites.” He said. Either that, or Joyce had a serious case of mom brain when it came to her younger son’s skill. He could even see remnants of the word CHRISTMAS where it had clearly been erased in favour of NON-DENOMINATIONAL. ___ Murray goes to a party with The Party. Author shamelessly uses The PI Character for expositional purposes. (Part of a series. Context is provided in author’s notes if you want to read as a one-shot.)

the one we stay for. the one we come back for by flowercrowngods (@flowercrowngods on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 5k - Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington & The Party, Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Eventual Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, but this is not a steddie fic primarily, Steve Harrington Has Seizures, Seizures, Hurt Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington Needs a HugThe Party Loves Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington hurts so prettily, Eddie Munson is a Sweetheart, Brotherly Steve Harrington, Trauma, they're all kids they don't know how to talk about their trauma, but they're getting there, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Post-Season/Series 03, Post-Battle of Starcourt (Stranger Things), Found Family

Two days after Starcourt, concussed and beaten, Steve has a seizure. As a consequence of getting his head smashed in one too many times, he loses more than his car. He has to give up on the one thing he felt like he was good for: driving his friends around and making sure they're safe while he's behind the wheel. He isolates himself from his friends and the world he has no place or purpose in anymore, and it takes a year before people realise it. An intervention is in order. You know, once the world has been saved.

clinging to life by llovebug

Mature - 3.8k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - Graphic Depictions Of Violence - Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Suicide Attempt, Overdosing, Seizures, Vomiting, Hurt Eddie Munson, Protective Steve Harrington, Men Crying, Sad Eddie Munson, Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Drugs, Steve Harrington Needs a Hug, Eddie Munson Needs a Hug, Medical Inaccuracies, Depression

Eddie recovers from nearly dying in the upside down. He thought he'd be okay. But he wasn't. He shuts everyone out until it becomes too much to handle. Steve makes it just in time to prevent Eddie from almost leaving them a second time.

Never Thought by estrellami (@estrellami-1 on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 9.7k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson & Wayne Munson, Steve Harrington & The Party, Corroded Coffin & Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington & Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - actually how do i tag this, Fluff, Minor Angst, Bat Eddie Munson, I freaking LOVE that that’s a tag, Freak’s name is Arthur because I cracked up at him having a ‘proper’ name like that, he’s my child and I love him

Eddie died in the Upside Down. But… what if he didn’t? Aka 10k of bat!Eddie and turning him back into a human.

is it ever gonna change (am i gonna feel this way forever?) by jewishrat420 (@jewishrat420 on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 12.1k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Steve Harrington is in Love With Eddie Munson, eddie munson is in love with steve harrington, DM Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson Needs a Hug, Eddie Munson Needs Therapy, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Never Been Kissed Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson Has a Crush on Steve Harrington, Love Confessions, Getting Together, more celestial imagery it's all i'm good for, Kissing, Making Out, Crying, Crying While Kissing, Anxiety Attacks, Panic Attacks, OCD, Eddie Munson Has OCD, Eddie Munson Has Anxiety, smoking weed, references to drinking, references to intrusive thoughts, slight descriptions of gore, very VERY slight germophobia, fic is written from both steve and eddie's perspectives, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Fluff and Hurt/Comfort, Cuddling & Snuggling, Literal Sleeping Together, Steve Harrington's Love Language is Physical Touch, Eddie Munson's Love Language is Physical Touch, quality time as a love language, weed as a love language tbh, Jargyle if you squint, Ronance if you squint, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington Are Best Friends, Steve and Robin Are Platonic Soulmates, First Kiss, Jewish Eddie Munson, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, POV Multiple

Steve notices things. Recently, he’s been picking up on it more. Eddie makes these little movements, minute utterances under his breath, like he’s reassuring himself of something. The seemingly incessant tap tap tapping of his fingers, too exact to be strumming a rhythm in the seam of his jeans but too calculated to be mindless. His pointer finger taps the table. Once, twice, three…Five times. Five times before he moves onto his middle. Then his ring, then his pinky, then back to the pointer. Interesting. or Eddie’s got these habits that Steve desperately wants to understand.

The Eddie Munson Hallucination Crisis by FerYerHealth (@fanficferyerhealth on tumblr)

Mature - 63k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Ghost Eddie Munson, Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Light Angst, Gay Eddie Munson, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Attempt at Humor, Recreational Drug Use, Steve Harrington Needs a Hug, Getting Together, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington Are Best Friends, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington Friendship, The Upside Down (Stranger Things), Eddie Munson in the Upside Down, Family Video, Shenanigans, Steve has a big empty house, Robin has loving and supportive parents

Eddie was concerned, but not 100% sure that he died. He had to be dead if he got stuck in the Upsidedown. Except. Sometimes he got out. Sometimes he flickered about topside and enjoyed his new favorite hobby: Haunting Steve Harrington. Steve was concerned that he lost his mind. He kept hearing things. Seeing things. Smelling things. And by "things" of course, he meant Eddie Munson. It's enough to drive him up a wall. Or at least out of the closet. With help from Robin, of course. The Party was concerned. Steve's behavior of late, was... weird. He started talking to himself. Max saw him breaking into Eddie's trailer in the middle of the night. Lucas noticed some pretty questionable hickeys when they played basketball. Except how could he be hooking up with someone when Steve never left the house? One thing became clear: it was time for an intervention.

Three Queer Boys by lovelylover (@lovely--lover on tumblr)

Not Rated - 2.9k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson, Will Byers & Eddie Munson, Will Byers & Steve Harrington - Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings - Will Byers Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, not like a full crush but, Eddie Munson Lives, Established Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, steve and eddie live together, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Gay Eddie Munson, Gay Will Byers, Will Byers Needs a Hug, And He Gets One!, steve eddie and will r a trio, Fluff and Angst, slight angst

Dustin smiled a wide grin and opened the door to the room they were playing in, where Will saw one of the prettiest men he had ever seen. His hair was curly with bangs cut bluntly over his forehead, not reaching over his eyebrows, though. He was wearing the same Hellfire shirt as everyone else in the group, but he had the sleeves rolled up to reveal tattoos on his forearm. Everything about him just seemed so… mustic. But not in a gross way, in a hot-leader-of-a-band type of way. And when he smiled and stood up to walk over to WIll, he could feel his chest tightening and processed thoughts escape his mind. OR Will goes to play in the Hellfire club, he has a slight crush on Eddie, they become friends and Will has complicated feelings to sort out !

Spaghetti-O's by mackmcellister

Teen and Up - 2.1k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - steddie, Abortion, Discussion of Abortion, background lumax, steve and eddie are basically maxs big brothers, This passes the Bechdel Test, mention of suicide but its a joke so i think its okay, steve and eddie are dating i promise, Drabble, no beta we die like billy hargrove, Angst, Hurt/Comfort

Max Mayfeild shows up on his doorstep at 6pm on a Tuesday with a plastic bag from Meijer and tears on her cheeks. “I fucked up, Eddie.” or, the Steddie abortion fic.

Cruising by Anonymous

Explicit - 3.3k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con, Underage Sex - Heavy Angst, no dialogue in the first chapter, Eddie Munson Needs a Hug, evil author, Hurt/Comfort, Eddie’s bandana changes, implied grooming, Eddie was groomed, Sexual Assault, Rape, Eddie adapts his kinks to his trauma, Drug Use, Smoking, Self-blaming, Victim Blaming, Eddie relocates his own shoulder, I promise Steddie in the second chapter, First chapter is all hurt, no beta we die like billy, Grant is unnamed Freak, Eddie gets raped 3 times, Gang Rape, More tags to be added, There’s a gun, Chapter 3 is dialogue heavy, Steve is a good boyfriend, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington Friendship, Robin Buckley & Eddie Munson Friendship

Eddie’s habit of fucking around has gotten him into trouble many times. Three incidents leave him more and more tired and traumatized than the last.

where the light won't find you by griesly (@griesly on tumblr)

Explicit - 24.8k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Alternate Universe - No Upside Down (Stranger Things), Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Extremely Dubious Consent, Monster Eddie Munson, Haunted Houses, Generally spooky vibes, Eldritch Horrors, Liminal Spaces, Isolation, missing time, Oneirophrenia, Gaslighting, Manipulation, Implied Somnophilia, Praise Kink, Monsterfucking, Human/Monster Romance, Monsterfucker Steve Harrington, Tentacles, background rovickie, Background Pregnancy, Ambiguous/Open Ending, Kind Of, Tentacle Sex, potentially ableist language, speedrunning a sexuality crisis

From the moment Steve sees the little house on Cornwallis Lane, he knows it's the only one for him. What he doesn't know - at first - is that what's inhabiting the house feels exactly the same about him. I strongly recommend checking out the end notes for a discussion of the ableist language and dubious consent if you feel those might be an issue for you, though they are slightly spoilery.

apple blossom by honeyglooms

[Stranger Things / Marmalade crossover] - Teen and Up - 2.1k - Baron Lamram / Eddie Munson - Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings - Meeting the Parents, Good Uncle Wayne Munson, Established Relationship, Gay Baron Lamram, Gay Eddie Munson, Alternate Universe, 1990s, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Drug Addiction, Eddie Munson Backstory, Love Confessions

Baron knows the best way to an uncle/father figure's heart is a good turnover. Well, he sure hopes so. He’s got his fingers crossed. Maybe he should pray on it.

honestly, just let yourself go by limerental (@limerental on tumblr)

Explicit - 7.3k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Eddie Munson Lives, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Porn with Feelings, Omorashi, Wetting, Desperation Play, Urination, Bodily Fluids, Bladder Control, Undernegotiated Kink, Light Sadism, Adolescent Sexuality, Fuckbuddies, Developing Relationship, Piss Kink WIth Plot, But Still No Plot, oh also some, Crossdressing, Feminization, Light Bondage, Semi-Public Sex, Praise Kink, Dom/sub Undertones, They just don't have the vocab for it, Implied subdrop

"So, you want me to pee on you?" Steve asked. "No," said Eddie. "I mean, yeah sure, but not really. And also, yeah, hell fucking yeah, but no, not quite." "Crystal clear, dude. Really cleared that one up."

Made with Love (and Yarn) by SolarMorrigan (@solarmorrigan on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 10k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Crocheting, Gift Giving, Fluff, Gay Panic, Getting Together, Friends to Lovers

El teaches Steve how to crochet. Steve finds himself getting surprisingly into his new hobby. He crochets Eddie a scarf. Things sort of spiral from there.

took you for a working boy by pukner

Mature - 43.8k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings - Mutual Pining, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Misunderstandings, Coming Out, Gay Eddie Munson, Lesbian Robin Buckley, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Bisexual Disaster Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington Friendship, Good Friend Robin Buckley, Post-Concussion Syndrome, Gender Issues, Gender Identity, Genderqueer Character, Babygirl Steve Harrington, except literally, Eddie is a radio host, for some reason, Hawkins is basically nightvale, and Eddie's Cecil Palmer, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Eddie Munson Lives, Steve Harrington Has A Crisis, and then Outsources His Crisis, Eddie Munson Has a Crush on Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, Good Uncle Wayne Munson, Everyone Thinks They're Together, Genderqueer Steve Harrington, Nonbinary Steve Harrington

"Do you--Harrington, do you know other gay people?" "One," Steve says, and then, after a moment, "and a half." "And a half?" Eddie boggles at him, "What does that mean?" "He's figuring it out!" says Steve, defensively, "Taking his time, y'know? Whatever, the point is. It's cool you're gay, man."

Eddie comes out to Steve, and Steve's heartbroken about it for some reason. Eddie thinks Steve's dating Robin. Everyone else thinks Steve and Eddie have been dating this whole time. Robin doesn't get paid enough for this shit. Also, Hawkins has been cracked open like a badly-baked cake, and everyone's settled into the most mundane apocalypse possible. Eddie Munson starts a radio programme about it. Meanwhile, Steve gets his nails painted, and outsources a crisis he isn't having.

Like a Mythical Virgin by ArtaxLivs (@artaxlivs on tumblr)

Mature - 1.3k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Crack, Unicorns, Virginity, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Virgin Eddie Munson, Mentions of Blood, Mike Wheeler is a Little Shit

"Are you a virgin?" Mike asked like the total little dickhead he is.

Hold My Hand (Hold It Tight) by MerthurAllure (Kirbymatsu) (@apple-juice-dreams on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 2.3k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Alternate Universe - No Upside Down (Stranger Things), Canon Era, Modern Era, You Decide, Meet-Cute, Dentists, Accidental Subspace, Subdrop, Hurt/Comfort, Holding Hands, Corroded Coffin Concert (Stranger Things), Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson Has a Crush on Steve Harrington, First Kiss, Sub Eddie Week 2024 (Stranger Things)

Something strange happens when Eddie goes to the dentist and gets his teeth cleaned by the most gorgeous man he’s ever seen. Somehow it ends up being a good thing.

punched in the teeth by love by spacenarwhal

Not Rated - 1.9k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings - Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Future Fic, Eddie Munson Lives, Crack Treated Seriously, Anesthesia, Wisdom Teeth, Established Relationship, Aging, Fluff and Humor

After all these years together, Steve has seen Eddie under the influence of a lot of things. Weed. Alcohol. Whatever the government doctors had him on back in 1986. He’s known Eddie running on nothing but fumes and Yoohoo mixed with crushed caffeine tablets, and on the tail end of a week long insomnia jag. None of that prepares him for this version of Eddie, cheeks stuffed with soggy gauze, eyes glazed over and comically wide as he stares at Steve. Hard. Blinks. Then he starts to cry.

Wisdom by TiannaMortis (@tiannasfanfic on tumblr)

General Audiences - 2.1k - Eddie Munson / Reader - No Archive Warnings Apply - Eddie Munson Lives, Eddie Munson is a Sweetheart, Wisdom Teeth, Best Friends, Feelings, Fluff, Fluff and Humor, Humor, Medical Procedures, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Friendship/Love

You finally get your wisdom teeth taken out and your best friend, Eddie Munson, is there to take care of you afterwards.

You Ahh Sooooo Byuootifuh by StarsHideYourFires (@starshideurfics on tumblr)

Teen and Up - 2.7k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - No Archive Warnings Apply - Modern AU, Wisdom Teeth, Post-Surgery Confusion, Established Relationship, Married Life, Caretaking, minor hurt/lots of comfort, Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, even when he's already locked that down, Eddie Munson Takes Care of Steve Harrington, super minor breeding kink, but we all know, Steve Harrington Has a Breeding Kink

Hey, you’ve got Robin. Or I guess you don’t, really. If this is important text me, but you can leave a message and I’ll get back to you eventually. Unless you’re my mom, then probably sooner! BEEP. “Rob-biiiiihhnnn! Where are you? There’s a hah guy shtanding ow-side my room, and I don’ know where I am. I need you here, Robbie. Yuhv gotta hehp me! I’m gonna say somethin’ shtupid and ‘mbarrass mysel’ in front of the hod guy. Robin, come save meeeeeeee!” Steve gets his wisdom teeth out and has trouble coming out of general anesthesia, much to Eddie’s amusement.

Cabin Fever by These_bones_remember_death

Mature - 6.5k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death - Cannibalism, Eddie Munson Goes Insane, Angst, Not Canon Compliant, Hurt No Comfort, Eddie Munson is Not Okay, Steve Harrington is Not Okay, Snowed In, But it's not sexy, Finished this as a treat for my birthday, Future Fic, eddie munson has trauma, Fluff and Angst, light body horror, Mentioned Cannibalism, Semi-Graphic Description of Death, inspired by an episode of Dan Vs., Starvation, Robin Buckley needs a hug after this, Eddie Munson Needs a Hug, Steve Harrington Needs a Hug, Eddie Munson Has Anxiety, Accidental Death

Would you believe me if I told you this was inspired by an episode of Dan Vs. Eddie and Steve just wanted to get away for a nice winter vacation in the Harrington family cabin. But things don't go as planned when a freak storm sets in and freezes everything, trapping them there. Resources can only last so long when you're snowed in.

our teeth and lungs are lined with the scum of it by jewishrat420 (@jewishrat420 on tumblr)

Explicit - 830 - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death - Vore, Blood, Cannibalism, POV Eddie Munson, POV Steve Harrington, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat, Steve Harrington is a Sweetheart, yeah i'm using that tag. it fits, idk how to tag this one man read the warnings, Traumatized Eddie Munson, eddie munson's love language is eating people, steve harrington's love language is letting himself be eaten, Blood and Gore, Gore

Eddie loves Steve.

Death Embraces You as I Kiss Your Skin by steviewashere (@steviewashere on tumblr)

Mature - 1.7k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death - Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Vecna is Defeated (Stranger Things), Aftermath, Dead Eddie Munson, Grieving Steve Harrington, Secret Relationship, Angst and Tragedy, Mild Cannibalism, (Not Really Steve Just Licks Some of Eddie's Blood of His Finger?), Blood and Injury, Canonical Character Death, Character Death, Religious Imagery & Symbolism, (minor) - Freeform, Loving Something that Death Can Touch, Breaking Obtuse Promises, Steve Asks That Eddie Doesn't Forgive Him, Unhappy Ending

"He breaks that promise. Because of course he does. The axe falls from his grip. Heavily to the ground. His hand burns from the tightness he held onto the handle. Palm a dull red, fingers aching. His body trembles, knees weak and legs like splintering tree trunks, ready to land sideways on the dusty, dirt ground. At his feet is Eddie's mangled, bleeding, cold corpse. Eyes glazed and far away. Mouth agape, lips parted enough for mumbles to fall through. Hair fanned around his head like the saint halo depicted on Saint Francis' portraits. Blood. There's so much blood." OR Eddie Dies Still and Steve Grieves the Love of his Life

Stream My Darlings!! by DutchsPretties (@dutchs-toybox on tumblr)

Explicit - 3.1k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death, Rape/Non-Con - Suicide, Self-Harm, Anger, Rage, Rape, Rape Aftermath, Sex Cam Worker Billy Hargrove, Rape/Non-con Elements, Anal Sex, Stalking, Murder, Blood, Blood and Gore, Blood and Violence, Blood and Injury, Bullying, Sexual Harassment, Harassment, Masturbation, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat, Short, Crying

Uh oh, someone found the Eddie Munson tape! I hope he'll be ok... Oh no! Someone found Billy Hargrove's address! I hope he'll be safe...

Welcome Home (To My Arms) by patheticbabiemunson (@patheticbabiemunson on tumblr)

Explicit - 6.4k - Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson - Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings - Eddie Munson as Kas the Betrayer (Dungeons & Dragons), Monster Eddie Munson, Monster Fucker Steve Harrington, Porn with Feelings, Porn With Plot, barely any plot, slight degradation, Slight Dumbification, Anal Sex, Desperation, Pathetic Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson Lives, Eddie Munson Needs a Hug, Protective Steve Harrington, Vampire Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson Has a Big Dick, Monstercock Munson, Belly Bulge, Feral Behavior, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort

Eddie’s back, Eddie’s different, and Eddie was looking for a different welcome committee. ~~ based wholly on @/StaceTanicPanic ‘s beautiful Kas!Eddie art on Twitter, please send her lots of love because I adore her <3

[starsfic]

Summaries:

After Pomni makes the mistake of liking a murder mystery adventure, the next adventure sees her cast as the detective... with Gummigoo as her assistant.

24 Hours before she puts on a weird headset, PI Penny Raph is asked to look into three disappearances, the latest surrounding C&A.

Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen are work husbands with a ticking clock. To get them to admit their feelings, someone hangs up mistletoe. Smut.

Sean Skyes and the Frankies find themselves working together to murder the last Skyes brother.

A ski trip with your boyfriend, alongside your brother and his girlfriend, can be fun and sexy... unless you go with his family. Erlang is more annoyed about the two sniffing around Wukong.

Caine is an AI. He plays games like one. Then Pomni, to be nice, invites him to the board game night.

Art School AU: Tang Sanzang submits to the urge to knock Xiangliu out. Thankfully, he has a wonderful husband.

To get rid of the suitors, Penelope agrees to crowning Telemachus king. In the Underworld, Odysseus learns that a new king has conquered Ithaca.

Chimera recently buy an old bar and find that one of the regulars regularly drunkenly confesses to murdering his husband.

Hanahaki is a disease that you can recover from by getting over your love. Unfortunately, some are not willing to heal, especially if their love is Sun Wukong.

In a world where you are forced to love your soulmate, Sun Wukong ends up traveling with a group to figure out a way to break soulmate bonds and be free of his obsessive soulmate, Azure Lion.

[veethefreeelf]

JAY B Fic Recs

M - Mature (minors DNI) / F - Fluff / A - Angst / HpE - Happy Ending

None of these works are mine, I tagged all the authors, make sure to go to the authors page, like and reblog their works

The Back-Up - one-shot, 12K - by @inyournightmares97 - full Masterlist -> A / F / HpE - not mature but suggestive

The Leading Lady - one-shot, 11.6K - by @inyournightmares97 again because they have amazing works -> F / HpE

Chocolate Eyes - one-shot, 19.5K - by... you guessed it @inyournightmares97 because they write Jaebeom beautifully -> A / F / HpE

DREAMIN' - one-shot, 15K - by yes, again, @inyournightmares97 -> A / F / HpE

Illecebrous - one-shot, 2.9K - by @flurrys-creativity - full Masterlist -> M / F / HpE

Mistletoes & Christmas sweaters - one-shot, 4.2K - by @flurrys-creativity again, just do yourself a favor and read all their works -> M / F / HpE

Moonlight Café - two-shot, 15.9K - by @milfgyuu - full Masterlist -> M / A / F / HpE

Wet - one-shot, 8.2K - by @spacequokka - full Masterlist -> M / F / HpE

Out of this World - one-shot, 11K - by @kpopchangedme - full Masterlist -> M / A / F / HpE

mistletoe? oh no! - one-shot, 6.9K - by @wonderlustlucas - full Masterlist -> A / F / HpE

Bad Habit Series by @jae-daddy - full Masterlist - please go through their masterlist, their Jaebeom works are unbelievably good -> M / A / F / HpE

Please mini Series by @jae-daddy again because I ALREADY TOLD YOU THEY ARE AMAZING -> M / A / F / HpE

Vermillion Series (Ongoing) by @flowered-mp3 - full Masterlist -> M / A / F / HpE

Far From Home Series by @red-exo - full Masterlist -> M / A / F / HpE

to kill an empire Series by @ahgaseda - full Masterlist -> M / A / F / HpE

Fragrances & Lost Fragrances Series by @jj-ktae - full Masterlist -> minor M / A / F / HpE

Erotica Series by @jj-ktae again because their stories are absolutely brilliant -> M / A / F / HpE

HOLIC Series by @taexual - full Masterlist -> M / A / F / HpE

What I Wouldn't Give mini Series by @flowerbeom - full Masterlist -> M / A / F / HpE

Tension - one-shot, 6.6K - by @flowerbeom again because they are a brilliant writer -> M / minor A / F / HpE

Dating Lessons - two-shot, 18.4K - by @parkhabits - full Masterlist -> M / A / F / HpE

Five Minutes - one-shot, 7.2K - by @parkhabits again because they are an amazing GOT7 writer

Worth Fighting For - one-shot, 5.7K - by @prettywordsyouleft - full Masterlist -> minor M / A / F / HpE

Poets and Parties - one-shot, 5K - by @kpopfanfictrash - full Masterlist -> M / A / F / HpE

Check Your Messages - one-shot - by @kwrittink - full Masterlist -> M / minor A / F / HpE

Taming The Brat Series by @deliriousscenarios - full Masterlist - THIS one is my favorite ever. I've re-read this more times than I can count -> M / A / F / HpE

Before Sunset - one-shot - by @mintjoonlep - full Masterlist -> M / F / HpE

INDEFINITELY Series by @noona-clock - full Masterlist -> A / F / HpE

hypnotic - two-shot, 23.7K - by @tuanhood - full Masterlist - this one is one of my absolute favorites as well -> M / A / F / HpE

[fluentmoviequoter]

Christmas on the Clock

Day 12 of 12 Days of Ficmas

Summary: Deacon gets called into work on Christmas Eve, and you (his neighbor) watch his kids until he gets back with a special Christmas gift.

Warnings: fluff, canon typical danger and action, Annie's fate is up to you (I personally imagined the story as if she hadn't recovered in season 1 but I think divorce would work too)

Word Count: 3k+ words

A/N: I cannot believe it's the end of the 12 fics already! I hope you've enjoyed them and thank you for reading!! I've tried my hand at a few new characters this month and appreciate the feedback and encouragement more than you know. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

(PS check out this post if you'd like to participate the in the unofficial after party!)

Matthew, Lila, and Samuel are Deacon’s pride and joy… and some of the cutest kids you’ve ever seen. As Christmas grows nearer, you’ve seen more of them around Deacon’s house, and they never fail to put a smile on your face. Deacon moved in next door to you a few years ago after some familial issues that you never pried about. Deacon has his kids with him most of the time, is a good dad and neighbor, and is certainly not hard to look at, so you have no complaints. Being so close puts you in the perfect position to offer to watch his kids if he ever had to leave suddenly, an occurrence which isn’t unusual in his line of work. It took some persuading, but Deacon eventually took you up on the offer, and you watch the kids occasionally and pick them up from school several times a month. Every time he comes to pick them up or you walk them home, he tries to pay you, not understanding that time in his presence and with his amazing family is the only compensation you will ever need.

As you exit your car, back from a Christmas shopping trip, you hear someone yell your name. Your smile appears when you see Lila racing across your front yard. She crashes against your torso, wrapping her arms tightly around you before tilting her head back to give you a gap-toothed smile.

“Hey, Lila,” you greet, happily returning her hug.

“Sorry about that,” Deacon apologizes as he approaches.

You shake your head at him and smile, a hand still resting on Lila’s back.

“What did you buy?” Lila asks, looking at the bags in your car.

“Just some boring Christmas stuff, nothing you’d be interested in.”

“Any toys, like trucks?” Matthew asks, appearing beside Deacon.

“Or Nerf guns?” Samuel adds.

“Hmm,” you hum, pretending to think. “I think there might be, but I can’t remember. I know I bought a turkey, and some new ornaments, some mistletoe… and, yes, I remember, I bought a few toys. But they have to be wrapped first, right?”

Deacon’s eyebrows raise at the word ‘mistletoe.' Though you notice, you keep your eyes on his kids to minimize the heat crawling up your neck at his attention.

“We should let you get back to that wrapping then. Right, kids?” Deacon interjects.

You nod at him, giving Lila one more hug before waving them off with wishes of a Merry Christmas and promising to bring them treats if you bake anything.

Looking over his shoulder, Deacon mouths, “Thank you.”

You smile, responding with a silent, “Anytime."

✯✯✯✯✯

Deacon’s phone ringing tears his attention away from his Christmas dance with Lila. He groans when he sees Hondo’s name on his phone.

“Sergeant Kay,” he answers, apologizing to Lila with furrowed brows.

“I’m so sorry to do this on Christmas, I know you’re with the kids, but we need you down here. Now,” Hondo explains. “There’s a hostage situation with kids in a mall.”

Looking at his own kids, Deacon nods. “I’ll be right there.”

He hangs up and grabs his keys. “I have to go to work for a little bit.”

“But it’s Christmas Eve,” Matthew says, setting his homemade Christmas ornament aside.

“I know, buddy. But I’ll be back as soon as I can, okay?” he asks, kneeling and brushing Matthew’s hair aside.

Matthew nods, and Samuel hugs Deacon.

“What about us?” Lila inquires.

“I’m going to ask you favorite neighbor to keep you company.”

Lila perks up at the idea of you coming over to spend time with her, if only slightly. Her dad is leaving on Christmas Eve, after all, and she’s distantly aware of the fact that he may not come home for Christmas or at all. That’s a lot for a little girl to think about so close to the happiest day of the year.

“Can we finish Rudolph when you get home?” Samuel asks.

“Absolutely. We’ll make hot chocolate, and we can all sit together to finish Rudolph,” Deacon assures. “It is Christmas.”

✯✯✯✯✯

You answer the phone after the second ring, slightly breathless from hanging garland.

“Hey,” Deacon greets. “I know it’s Christmas Eve but I just got called in and-“

You cut him off and say, “I’ll be right over.”

“Thank you,” he breathes out.

You hang up and grab the small bag you keep in your closet for times like this. After the first emergency call, you’d had to take the kids to your house while you gathered some things, unsure how long you’d be with them. Since then, you’ve narrowed it down to a few must-haves that fit in a small backpack. You’re always ready to run when Deacon calls.

Lila is standing in the doorway when you walk onto Deacon’s porch.

“Daddy has to go to work but he said he’ll be back to watch Rudolph with us,” she states.

You lock eyes with Deacon over her head and see his sadness and disappointment.

“Of course, he will,” you agree.

“Sometimes his work takes longer than he thinks. Christmas is tomorrow.”

You set your bag beside the door and kneel, eye-to-eye with Lila as you say, “But we have Christmas magic this time, right? Your dad will be home for Christmas, even if I have to go get him with my own sleigh.”

Lila smiles and grabs your hand, turning to hug Deacon before he leaves. She hears her brothers trying to pick a board game to play with you and releases both you and her dad to go help them. Deacon stops beside you, looking between you and his kids.

“Thank you,” he says again.

“It’s not a problem, Deacon. I’m always happy to do it.”

He nods and picks up his keys, but you place a hand on his bicep to stop him in the doorway.

“Be careful,” you whisper as he leaves.

He nods and smiles, his hand rising to rest over yours. “Always. Merry Christmas.”

✯✯✯✯✯

“There’s at least 50 hostages. A mall Santa, couple kids, parents, plus the few employees still there,” Hondo explains.

“I thought all stores closed early on Christmas Eve,” Street grumbles.

“Welcome to the age of greed and capitalism,” Luca states. When everyone turns to look at him, he asks, “A little too much like Buck, wasn’t it?”

Hondo shrugs and answers, “Stay liquid.”

When Black Betty reaches the side of the mall, Hondo and Deacon approach the first responders and check the thermal imaging they had captured to attempt a headcount.

“I’m getting everyone home for Christmas, but we’re breaching early,” Hondo announces.

His promise means something, even if it’s an impossible guarantee. Getting home for Christmas is the only thing on everyone’s mind.

“The hostages are gathered in the center of the mall, where Santa’s village is set up. We breach the south entry, come from the west and get our suspects down,” Hondo continues.

“Flashbang?” Luca asks.

Hondo gives an affirmative while Deacon looks at the layout.

“Hondo, I agree with approaching for the west, but I have an idea,” Deacon says.

“Let’s hear it.”

“What if we walk in the front door? It should be unlocked, they won’t expect it, and it’s far enough to the west they won’t see us or hear us.”

Hondo looks at the thermal blueprint and nods. “Change of plans. Enter west, travel east, flashbang and get our suspects on the ground before Santa can say ‘Ho, ho, ho’! Everyone clear?”

“Yes, sir!” 20 David agrees.

As they approach the main entry, the automatic doors slide open, not a sound from within audible. Hondo nods at Deacon before Street sends a tap from the back, signaling that the team is ready for entry. Deacon takes a deep breath and remembers his promise, home for Rudolph.

✯✯✯✯✯

The sun sets as you finish playing Candy Land with Lila and Matthew. Samuel has opted to be on a team with you, coloring until you ask for his help. As the night grows darker, Lila’s eyes keep going to the front door, waiting for her dad to return.

“Do you guys want to watch a movie?” you ask.

“We’re waiting to finish Rudolph with Dad,” Matthew answers.

“I see,” you reply with a nod. “Then what about a book? I have lots of Christmas books at my house.”

“Like what?” Samuel asks.

“Let’s see… How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Eloise at Christmastime, Frosty the Snowman, Olive the Other Reindeer.”

“Who’s Eloise?” Lila interjects.

“She’s a little girl, a lot like you actually, who spends Christmas in a grand hotel with her nanny, her turtle, her dog, and a lot of friends.”

“I like the Grinch,” Matthew adds.

“Maybe we could read both?” you offer.

The kids nod before yawning, and your heart sinks a little (but doesn’t shrink; you’re not to Grinch levels of despair just yet) as you realize Deacon won’t be home before they fall asleep. He always lets you know when he’s out of harm’s way and when he’s on the way home, but you haven’t gotten either of those texts yet. Matthew, Lila, and Samuel promise to stay where they are while you run across Deacon’s lawn and into your house, gathering the bag of gifts, a case of baking supplies, and the stack of Christmas books before returning.

“You look like Santa,” Samuel says, laughing as he points at the big bag tossed over your shoulder.

“It is Christmas,” you reply, smiling as Lila and Matthew join the laughter.

✯✯✯✯✯

No one expected the suspects to be patrolling the entrances, so when Hondo sees the first, 20 David falls back into a store to regroup.

“We’re flashbang-ing anyway, why not go early?” Luca poses.

“It’s not a terrible idea,” Hondo sighs.

“What if Street and I go around to the other side and we get ‘em from both sides?” Deacon suggests.

“That’s a better idea,” Hondo says. “Sorry, Luca. Radio when you’re in position.”

As Deacon and Street move silently through the empty, dark hallways of the mall, passing a toy store, Deacon thinks about all the presents his kids will be getting tomorrow and how they’ve never asked for more than they needed. He misses them, so he needs to stay focused and get the job done to go home to you and the kids. When he envisions getting home, it never involves you leaving to go back to your place next door. Thinking of home, you’re always there, and Deacon finally realizes why.

✯✯✯✯✯

“The end,” you finish quietly, closing the fourth finished book as the Kay children rest peacefully in their dad’s bed.

It was the only spot where they could all lie down to listen to the stories, so you hadn’t argued. Besides, Deacon could carry them to bed if he needed to. You’ve grown worried for him, checking your phone every few minutes to see if he’s provided an update. Closing the door gently behind you, you enter the kitchen and begin baking. Quiet Christmas music fills Deacon’s kitchen and living room as you arrange your gifts to the Kays beneath their tree and place cookie dough on a baking sheet. Your phone vibrates, and you practically dive for it, praying for a Christmas miracle.

✯✯✯✯✯

 Street and Luca coordinate their flashbangs so both sides of the crowd are disoriented. Screams and threats tangle with each other in the smoke, but Tan, Chris, and Deacon get the three suspects to the ground and remove their weapons quickly. Deacon sees the children in Santa’s village as he hauls the handcuffed man to his feet.

“What kind of a monster does this on Christmas Eve?” he grumbles.

“It’s just another day, man,” the criminal in his hold argues.

“No, it’s not. Especially not to them,” Deacon snaps, gesturing toward the terrified children clinging to their parents.

As he passes the man off to another officer to be transported to his home for the holidays, county jail, a small hand tugs on Deacon’s pants. He looks toward the hand, surprised to see a girl not much younger than Lila looking up at him with wide eyes.

He bends his knees, squatting in before her as he removes his helmet. “Hi,” he says.

“Hi. Thank you for saving us,” she says quietly.

“Not a problem, it’s actually my job.”

“Like a superhero?”

“Sort of like a superhero.”

“I asked for a superhero costume for Christmas.”

Deacon looks over at the young couple watching the girl and nods at them. They return it, expressing their gratitude with hands joined over their hearts.

“Well, after seeing how brave you were today, I’m sure you’ll get one.”

“Merry Christmas,” the girl says before running to her parents.

“Merry Christmas,” he calls, standing.

“Get out of here, you have your own kids to wish merry Christmases to,” Hondo demands, slapping Deacon’s shoulder.

“Thanks. Merry Christmas, guys!” he tells his team, rushing outside to get home.

If he’s lucky, he’ll make it before midnight.

✯✯✯✯✯

The phone vibration was just a random notification. You’ve made two batches of cookies, rearranged the gifts, and paced the living room twelve times since then, waiting to hear something.

“I need to calm down,” you tell yourself, returning to the kitchen to frost some cookies.

✯✯✯✯✯

Deacon turns into his driveway, smiling when he sees you turned all his Christmas lights on. He's unsure whether or not it was because of his children nagging you. Grabbing a gift bag from the passenger seat, Deacon exits his car and walks into his house, met by Christmas music, the smell of cookies, and the sight of you in his kitchen. He decides that you fit perfectly, even if he’s not sure where.

You’re humming along to the music playing from your phone, oblivious to his entry. A gift bag lands on the counter before a pair of strong arms wrap around your waist.

You turn quickly, your eyes wide until you see the big brown eyes you’ve grown to love.

“You scared me,” you accuse quietly, setting the piping bag of icing to the side.

“Sorry.”

He doesn’t look or sound very sorry, but his arms are still around you, so don't care.

“I brought you something,” he says after looking at you for a moment.

“Oh, you didn’t have to get me anything.”

He looks pointedly at the pile of gifts under the tree that was not there when he left.

“Most of those are for Lila, Matthew, and Samuel,” you point out.

“Well then we’ll be even,” he says, passing you the bag.

You tear your eyes away from his as you pull a small snow globe from the bag. Inside is a replica of the park down the street.

“The place we met?” you ask, your voice low.

Deacon smiles. “It’s got a lot of good memories. There’s more.”

You carefully set the snow globe aside, looking at it until you feel the card in the bag. Deacon takes the empty bag, his arms returning to hold you as you read the note. It’s more of a list of occasions and things he likes about you or is thankful for.

“What is this?” you ask.

“An opening to tell you that I’m falling in love with you,” he whispers.

“Are you sure?”

His eyes widen as his smile grows. “This isn’t a spur of the moment decision; I ordered that snow globe a few weeks ago because I finally realized and am ready to admit it. It’s time to move on, and I want to do that with you. Only if you want that, too, of course.”

You turn away from him, feeling his grip on your waist falter as you set the card down. Turning back, you lean into his arms and wrap your arms around him.

“I want to be with you every day for the rest of my life, Deacon. I’m falling in love with you,” you whisper in his ear.

You pull back to say more, but his lips meet yours, and the words die on your tongue. You can show him instead, you suppose. He kisses you, and it feels like home. Everything that Christmas is supposed to be is in Deacon’s kiss, his hold on you, how you feel like you’re home in his arms. It’s perfect, and you want it to last forever, but no good things do.

Your phone timer buzzes, and you reluctantly pull away to turn it off. As you lean back in for more, Deacon chuckles.

“What was that for?” he asks.

“The other batch of frosting is ready to be used.”

He looks over at the cookies cooling by the oven. The human shapes represent his family: he is the bigger one, Samuel and Matthew are shorter, and Lila has a built-in skirt shape.

“Where’s your cookie?” he asks.

“I might have eaten it.”

He laughs again, and you press your face against his neck.

“I needed to make sure they turned out okay,” you argue halfheartedly, losing yourself in the feeling of his hands on your back.

"That's where the mistletoe went," he muses as he looks up.

"Couldn't leave it at my empty place," you point out.

"No, that wouldn't do," he agrees playfully before kissing you again.

✯✯✯✯✯

Christmas morning, as Lila, Matthew, and Samuel open their gifts with both you and their dad, they are happier than Whoville after Christmas is returned. Deacon tells you several times that you bought them too much stuff, and you disagree every time.

He leans in to give you another kiss as gratitude for his gifts. Lila sees and giggles, and you send her a quick wink, smiling as she walks to you, hugging you and thanking you for the great gifts. After all the presents have been opened, Deacon ends up at the bottom of a dogpile while Rudolph plays on the television screen. You’re tucked beside him, like part of the family, and he realizes where exactly you fit: in his house, life, and his arms.

You are the luckiest recipient of all the perfect gifts unwrapped because you got a happily ever after wrapped in an LAPD SWAT uniform.

[angelicaether]

Aether's End Of Year Fic Round Up

It's not quite the end of the year but I don't foresee any current work being wrapped up before the first so I'm posting this now ^^ I have written kind of a ridiculous amount this year so I'm going to go by month! Fics with pink titles are 18+! Thanks for all the kudos and comments and support, I appreciate it so much and I hope to write even more next year <33

January- Mistletoe Miracle - (Asher/David) New Phone Who's This? - (Azmidi/Sweetie)

February- The Muzzle Fic - (Angel/David) March- Cereal Bowls - (Morgan/Seer) April- Overworked - (Milo/Sweetheart) May- Hot Boi Spring Back: Alpha Edition - (Angel/David) June- Offscreen Romanticism - (Amanda/Christian) Sleep Over - (Angel/David) Sleepless in Dahlia - (Angel/David) July- After Glow - (Angel/David) Wedding Jitters - (Angel & Baaabe) Rituals - (Milo/Sweetheart) End of the Road - (Bestie/Blake) At Your Altar - (AU Angel/David) September- Clocking Out - (Freelancer/Gavin) Hot for Teacher - (Dear/Lasko) Toxic Ties - (Brachium/Vega) October- Kinktober 2024 - (26/31) Wanna Try Out Some Freaky Positions? - (Angel/David) What's Better Than Birthday Sex? - (Milo/Sweetheart) Roses & Rosaries - (AU Angel/David) November- Honey Basil - (AU Anton/Huxley)

[n-evermores]

#6 𝚆𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚁𝚎𝚍

【１２　Ｄａｙｓ　ｏｆ　Ａｌｄｅｎ　Ｐａｒｋｅｒ】

#6 In my collection of Alden Parker Christmas, New Years, and winter reader fics. You can find the others here.

Pairing: Alden Parker x F!Reader Summary: You've been pining after Parker for a while and this Christmas you decide to confess your feelings no matter the cost. Word Count: 1530+ Warnings: Age gap, the ending is left open A/N: I honestly do not like how I wrote this one, but it's been sitting in my drafts for a while. If I don't post it now, I'll never post it.

❆❆❆

It was the fourth Christmas since Parker joined NCIS as team leader. The first Christmas you were just simply attracted to him, nothing more. You would admire him as he spoke, laughing at his corny jokes. But he was hardly on your mind when he wasn’t standing there in front of you.

The second Christmas was a little different. The second Christmas your attraction turned into a silly schoolgirl crush, and not only did you admire Parker from afar, but the littlest of things also reminded you of him, even when he wasn’t around. 

The third Christmas your crush had turned into real feelings. You were in love with him. You wanted to tell him, but the thought of ruining your team dynamic by making things awkward made you reconsider. You didn’t think Parker felt the same about you. He didn’t think of you any differently than he thought of Kasie or Knight. You were just a young woman on his team and nothing more. Parker didn’t seem like the type of man to chase after younger women anyway. Every woman you’ve seen him with was closer to his age, and you didn’t want to make a complete fool of yourself by confessing your love to him.

But even so, you would always have that sweet moment under the mistletoe. It was the annual NCIS Christmas party, and someone hung a mistletoe in the most inconvenient place. You and Parker found yourself standing beneath it:

You glanced up to see the mistletoe above you and your cheeks flushed. “Parker, we should probably move.” You said suddenly and he looked at you in confusion before following your gaze to the mistletoe.

“Oh.” He said before taking a sip of his drink. He cleared his throat before giving a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders, “I hear it’s bad luck to ignore it.”

“Oh really?” The corner of your eyes crinkled in his direction, and you quickly hid behind a sip of your own drink. “Says who?”

“I’m not sure. But we better not take any chances.” He reached out to grab your arm gently before leaning in to place a chaste, gentle kiss against your cheek. Your breath hitched and your heart stilled inside your chest. It was as if time stood still and all you could think about was the feeling of his beard scratching against your face and the smell of his cologne. He pulled back and chuckled, “Merry Christmas.” He said before moving onto the next person, not even looking back at you. 

 It was intoxicating, but it was nothing more than an innocent moment to him that was long forgotten by now─ all while it meant everything to you. 

The fourth Christmas with Parker was right around the corner and your feelings lingered, if not more intense than they were just a year ago. Your unrequited feelings were embarrassing and the only person who knew about them was Kasie. She was ever observant and clocked it just after witnessing the kiss beneath the mistletoe the year before. She observed how smitten you looked as Parker walked away from you, the way your eyes lingered on him with a yearning only read about in romance novels. Kasie promised to never tell a soul about your feelings, and she kept that promise thus far. 

This Christmas it felt different. Parker nearly died. You could still recall how you felt after the team rescued Jess from the water and found Parker in the engine room. He was lifeless, lying there in a pool of blood and you remember feeling as if the world had come crashing down on you and your legs buckled beneath you. Luckily Nick was there to catch you before you fell as Jimmy and Kasie did chest compressions and calling out to him desperately. The moment you heard him take a breath you cried tears of joy. You still couldn’t bring yourself to confess your feelings. Although you nearly did in the hospital room after he woke up:

Everyone had left and it was just you standing there looking over at Parker in the hospital bed. You exhaled a shaky breath before reaching out for him. You thought he had fallen asleep again, so you touched his face gently, brushing your thumb over the curve of his cheekbone. Tears slid down your cheeks and you sucked in a breath when his hazel eyes opened to meet yours. 

“I’m sorry. I was just–”

“Don’t cry over me.” He scoffed, trying to cheer you up, but you just shook your head. 

“I thought I–we lost you.”

“I’m fine.” He said, his eyes locking with yours. He looked confused, perhaps a little curious, but you could tell his wheels were turning. You wondered if he felt it when you touched his face. Either he didn’t process it, or he was too polite to comment on it. But either way, you wanted to tell him how much you loved him, but instead you just patted his shoulder awkwardly, “I’ll let you rest.” You said before he could even respond, and you turned to leave the hospital room. 

His near death haunted you daily and you dreamed about it often. Life was so short and neither of you were promised tomorrow. This Christmas you were going to tell Parker the truth. You didn’t feel as embarrassed about it and if anything, you were more hopeful than you were last Christmas. 

You had so many moments with him, so many special moments that made you wonder if there was perhaps something more on his end, but you also were afraid you were over thinking things. There was this one time when you received bad news and you tried to hide your tears at work, but he noticed you crying alone in the storage room:

The door swung open, and you quickly turned away from the door to hide your face. You batted at your tears, trying to keep them away but they wouldn’t stop falling down your face. 

“Hey, hey, it’s okay.” His voice soothed you gently as he reached out for you. He seized your face in his hands and titled your head to face him. You looked at him through tears, his image blurry, but you could still make out the look of concern writ across his face.

“You’ve been down all day. What’s going on?” He asked, his eyes searching yours, but you couldn’t bring yourself to respond. 

“You can tell me anything. You know I’m always here for you.” He assured you in a gentle voice.

You spilled everything and afterward he pulled you into his arms, holding you so tightly you could feel his heart beating against yours. Time stood still once again and all you could hear was his and your breathing as he squeezed your body tightly inside the storage closet. 

 You could still feel the way his fingers curled into your hair as he cradled your head in his hands. Did he do this with Kasie or Knight? No, he did not. Kasie was the one who usually initiated hugs with him and not the other way around. Parker wasn’t really one to hug anyone actually. But he had hugged you, a lot. He always initiated those hugs, and every hug was just a little longer and a little tighter than the previous one. 

But then again, it could all be your imagination running wild with you and simple wishful thinking. But even so, you had to do this. You looked at yourself in the mirror. You wore a red dress. It was one of your favorites and you had to admit it looked good on you. You quickly ran your fingers through your hair before tearing yourself from the mirror. You couldn’t believe what you were about to do. You turned your brain off the entire drive to Parker’s apartment and before you knew it you were standing in front of his door, knocking softly. 

I can’t believe I’m doing this. Ran through your head endlessly as you waited and just when you were about to chicken out and quickly make a run for it, the door swung open. 

“Hey...what are you doing here?” Parker stood in the doorway wearing a turtleneck and blazer and looked so good it was completely unfair. 

You swallowed, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “Parker…”

He gave you a once over, his eyes taking in the red dress, “What are you doing here? It’s Christmas Eve, shouldn’t you be with your family?”

“I don’t want to be with my family right now.” You said, your words coming out rushed, “I want to be with you.” Your heart pounded inside your chest as you waited for his response, but he just stared at you dumbfounded by your admission. 

“I don’t understand–”

“I love you. I’ve loved you for a few Christmases now, and I just couldn’t let one more pass without telling you.”

[thegamingcatmom]

Hey! I hope your day's been good!

It's August, and i'm questioning why this idea spawns now of all times...anywho

Here's a chaotic out of season seasonal idea.

For the Sisters fic:

Out of season, imagine it's like autumn:

Kate hanging up Christmas decorations cause she hatched another plan.

Grabbing onto MC as she tries to walk past her through the door way, stopping her in her tracks.

K:"Nuh, uh, MC can't cross until you've paid the tax"

MC visibly confused???

Kate points upwards, where mistletoe hangs above them.

MC: "wha- but???it's??? October??? Why are there Christmas decorations around???"

K:"Christmas came a little earlier this year"

Leaning in close to MC's face

Kate just holds her there, and MC can't escape the hold Kate has her in

Either MC who really wants to pass gives in

Or

Kate eventually just steals a kiss after seeing MC not giving in

Or OR

Tanya, who was very confused on what the heck Kate was doing again (why??? Was there suddenly christmas decorations all around???) seeing what her sister was doing at a distance, she sees Kate holding onto MC and notices the mistletoe above and just rushes forward and pulls them apart (no way is she letting her sister steal another kiss from MC)

Irina coming from her room or somewhere else, maybe outside coming in? At the commotion,

Annoyed at the fact that their home was suddenly looking like Santa's workshop in OCTOBER

Just the idea of using mistletoe in some other time of year that's not wintery time as like a toll booth fare to get across a door way seems amusing.

NOW if it was in season!

The reasoning Kate would give would be that it's tradition or something,

Except if it was in the wintery season closer to Christmas, I'm imaging Kate wearing a gimmicky Santa's elf hat with like a short pole like fishing rod attached to it, on the end of the pole a string and on the string? Mistletoe, and she just annoys the heck out of MC with it, and because she's getting to MC, she's also annoying Tanya by association as well,

but what are the chances Tanya also tries to use mistletoe to her advantage 👀

Dunno, doubt it'd go as smoothly, MC sees Tanya by the doorway? Change of plans she'll go the other way. She didn't have to go to the bathroom anyway...

Tanya? Upset, her day is absolutely ruined, but she will try again standing in doorways. MC might walk through following her around the house, and she'll have to pass her eventually.

Also, Tanya or Kate tries to get themself and MC into matching ugly Christmas sweaters. (Kate doing it outta sheer ability to annoy Tanya, Tanya doing it just wanting to go for like a matching couples outfit)

Kate being annoying, singing once November 1st rolls around, literally once the clock strikes midnight after Halloween,Mariah Carey's all I want for Christmas is you at MC

Irina is very annoyed at her sister's antics.

(Would be funny if she's like, they want MC so bad? Christmas Eve Irina stealthily grabs MC and puts her in a big wrapped box labeled for her sisters on Christmas day, best gift ever after the panic they have of seeing MC not in bed but realizing her heartbeat is still in the house)

Celebrating the holidays?

Baking, somehow convinced again by Carmen again

Or

Perhaps cause Tanya wants to hear the sounds MC might make again👀

Like with the cupcakes.

Pulling out the tray of cookies bare handed cause they forgot to act somewhat normal

MC,"How??? Did you not burn your hands???"

Has to fake that "oh gosh, that did hurt!" As MC drags their hand to run it under cold water, some ounce of concern showing,

And they're just like 🫠 at this rare display of concern for them

Merry not Christmas!

It's August

-📚

I-

LISTEN-

All of this is- 😭😭😭

But, LISTEN-

My mind immediately went to the gutter like-

MC: *sits on the couch, reading a book and munching on the christmas cookies Carmen´s made her*

Kate: *come swaggering into the room*

MC: *doesn´t bother looking, keeps on reading and munching*

Kate: *sits herself in the armchair across from MC*

MC: *still doesn´t bother looking*

Kate: "..."

Kate: *cough*

MC: *still reading and munching*

Kate: "..."

Kate: *cough cough*

MC: "..."

MC, already aware she´s probs gonna regret this: *...looks up-*

...

MC: *immediately regrets it*

Kate: 🎅🏻+😏

Kate, wearing a Santa Clause costume, beard and all: "So...have you been a good girl this year, lil spitfire?"

MC: "..."

Kate: *pats her lap*

Kate: "Why don´t you come over here and take a seat? Let Santa know what you wish for this year...?"

MC: "..."

Kate: *pats her lap more aggressively, smirking under that beard*

MC: "..."

MC: *very slowly puts her book and cookie down, gets up, walks over to Kate*

Kate: *starting to lose some of her cockiness cause wait, is that actually happening rn or-*

MC: *has come to stand right in front of Kate*

The visible part of Kate: 👁️👁️

Kate, under that beard: 👄

MC: *slowly leans down*

Kate: 👁️👁️

MC: *hand reaches for Kate´s face*

Kate: 👁️👁️

MC: *hand tangles in that beard all sexily*

Kate: 👁️👁️

MC: *starts pulling*

Kate: 👁️👄👁️

MC: *pulling some more*

Kate: 👁️👄👁️

MC: *lets go*

Kate, who hasn´t expected to go blind today: "Mmpf!"

MC: 😏

Also MC: "Huh...wishes do come true, after all."

Kate, whole face covered by the fake-beard: "Hmpf??"

MC, already on her way back to the couch: "Sweet.Silence."

Kate, beneath her fake-beard: 😑

Irina, who has heard it all but refuses to show face cause she got a reputation to uphold: 😏

.

Okay but Irina absolutely done af with seeing christmas deco all around when it´s not even TIME yet is just too accurate. 😭

Irina isn´t one for the festive season anyway because it reminds her that she´s still missing her special someone. (Her family is great, but it´s different.) She cba about all that deco, tbh. She´ll gladly leave that stuff to Carmen. Or, hell, even Kate.

...As long as she doesn´t have to suffer those blinking lights in fucking October (or any other month that isn´t December), she´s good.

.

And you can bet your ass Tanya would separate the two lovebirds SO damn fast, like-

Nuhu.

Yall (*looks solely at Kate*) know the rules.

2 meters social distance, at least.

...

Make that 4 meters. Just to be safe.

And no eye contact either.

.

But also-

Now I can´t not imagine MC keeping a spray bottle with her at all times for safety measures. Yknow, like, whenever Kate or Tanya get a bit too touchy-feely for her liking, she´s just gonna-

MC: "Bad supernatural creature, very bad. What did we say about dry-humping the human?"

Tanya & Kate: 🥺

.

Let this be a lesson to yall:

Never take your eyes off the two menaces. As long as you can see what they´re doing, you´re all good. (Probably.)

Like with spiders: The true horror starts when they´re suddenly gone. 💀

.

Not Tanya zooming from doorway to doorway to get herself some christmas smooching though. 😭

Like, I imagine they got multiple bathrooms. At least 2.

So it´s just MC and Tanya kinda going back and forth in a weird kind of Catch (game), except MC´s never stood a chance with that super speed. She hasn´t even made it up the stairs when she catches Tanya casually leaning against the wall, right next to the bathroom she´s planned on using. The door´s open. There´s a mistletoe. And Tanya´s grinning like the cat that got the cream.

God dammit.

Back down the stairs MC goes-

(I think yall know how this ends.)

.

I love that idea with the matching outfits! Tanya would absolutely see it as a sign of true luv, couple goals and all, LMAO. Kate would have that shit-eating grin going all day, eagerly awaiting her family´s comments on their matching sweaters.

Meanwhile, MC:

It´s either that or running around naked. What was MC to do? 🤷🏻‍♀️

(We´ve been over this. MC will not start running around naked.)

Oh, but also: The sisters would totally see it as a way to lay claim as well ofc. Not that MC´s aware. To her, it´s just a stupid christmas tradition this weird ass family seems to follow.

...She decides not to question why no other family member joined in on their supposed "tradition", as Tanya called it.

.

NOT IRINA WRAPPING MC UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS PRESENT. BOW AND ALL. 😭😭😭

The thing is...I can actually see this happening, LMAO.

Like, Irina is just so done with that screeching (Kate´s singing). And desperate times call for desperate measures...

She´s gonna snatch MC, get that tape, wrap it around her all nice and tight. A bit too tight. What-

(Yes, Irina could get used to that.)

...

Needless to say, it took a while before Irina was allowed anywhere near wrapping paper again.

(As if that would stop her. Puh-leeze.)

Also: Thanks for getting that damn song stuck in my head. In August. 💀

.

Okay-

The cookie part is my absolute FAVORITE.

Like-

We all know they suck at humaning.

Like, they legit forget they´re supposed to act normal around MC. (Also because they´re too busy being smitten with her.)

So, them just going ahead and grabbing something that should be boiling hot like it´s no big deal is just-

Way too accurate. Honestly. Are they even trying?

.

Tanya: *grabs the boiling hot sauce pan with both hands instead of using the handle like a normal fucking person*

MC: *has to take a double-take*

MC: "OMG!!"

Tanya: *nearly drops the pot in her haste to eliminate the enemy she, for some reason, can´t see yet*

Also Tanya: *falling into a protective stance in front of MC as she frantically scans her surroundings*

Tanya, not at all questioning how a human was able to detect a threat before she did - a vampire with super hearing: "What is it?! What did you see, love?!"

MC, not at all questioning any of it because she´s become used to that weird af behavior: "YOUR HANDS!"

MC, in a reaction that is entirely instinctive: *jumps forward, grabs those hands that more resemble claws rn, turns them over-*

...

Also MC: *notices there isn’t even the faintest sign of a burn*

MC: "...What? How-"

Tanya: *too busy noticing her hands in MC´s hands to take note of anything else*

MC: *malfunctioning*

Tanya: *malfunctioning as well but for different reasons*

Kate: *walks in on them holding hands*

Also Kate, immediate meltdown: "Whoa whoa whoa! What´s going on here?!"

MC: *turns to Kate all crazy-eyed*

MC: "HER HANDS!"

Kate, who hasn´t expected that answer at all: "...Yeah, got two of them."

MC, trying her damnest to get the message across: "...THEY LOOK NORMAL."

Kate, starting to get scared but also weirdly turned on by those crazy eyes: "...Uh-"

MC: 👁️👁️

Kate, on the outside: 👀

Kate, on the inside: 🫠

Tanya, still not registering anything besides her hands in MC´s hands: 🫠

MC, willing to try one last time: "...WHY DO THEY LOOK NORMAL?!"

Kate: "..."

MC: *heavy breathing*

Tanya: 🫠

Kate: *leans against the stove as she tries to come up with an answer (smt she never struggled with before, wth is this human doing to her), resting her hand on the still searing surface in order to seem more natural in all that...slouching*

MC: *stares at the hand*

Kate: "I mean, listen-"

MC: *keeps staring*

Kate: "You´re really cute when you look like you wanna brutally murder someone, but-"

MC: *keeps staring*

Kate: "...Scratch that. You´re always cute. But that´s not the point-"

MC: *keeps staring*

Kate: "The point is-"

MC: *moves towards Kate at a snail´s pace, still staring at the hand*

Kate: *immediately shuts her mouth because things are finally starting to get interesting*

MC: *lets go of Tanya´s hands*

Tanya, who gradually snaps out of it: 🫠...🤨...❓🥺❓

Kate: *silence*

MC, who has reached Kate by now: *slowly reaches for Kate´s hand*

Kate: 👁️👄👁️

Tanya: ❓😠❓

MC: *takes Kate´s hand, most tenderly*

Kate: 👁️👄👁️

Tanya: ❓😡❓

MC: *slowly turns it around*

Kate: 👁️👄👁️

Tanya: ❓😡❓

MC: *stares*

Kate: 👁️👄👁️

Tanya: ❓😡❓

MC: *stares some more*

Kate: 👁️👄👁️

Tanya: ❓😡❓

MC: *finally looks up*

Kate: 👁️👄👁️

Tanya: ❓😡❓

MC, whispering: "...How?"

Kate: *no idea wtf is going on but she´ll happily play along if it gets her some PDA*

Also Kate, whispering: "...I don´t know."

Tanya: ❓😡❓

...

MC: "..."

Kate: "..."

Tanya, the third wheel: ❓😤❓

MC, out of nowhere, damn near sending the two menaces through the roof: "...WHY DOES IT LOOK NORMAL?!"

Kate: 💀

Tanya, starting to genuinely worry for MC´s well-being: ❓😤❓... 👀

MC: *heavy breathing*

...

Irina, who´s been in the next room this whole time, barely restraining herself from storming over and strangling someone: "The stove, for God´s sake!"

Tanya & Kate, still not getting it: 👀

MC: *heavy breathing*

Irina, who can´t believe her family has been reduced to slobbering apes thanks to a mortal: "...Stove.Hot.Ouch."

Tanya & Kate: "..."

Also Tanya & Kate, seconds later: 💡!!!

Also Tanya & Kate, immediately falling into their roles (approximately half an hour too late): 🩼🤕

MC: 👁️👄👁️

Irina: 🤦‍♀️

.

.

.

That last bit was gold. I love that idea! 😭

As always, tysm for feeding the monster. 🫶💋

[popcornforone]

Mistletoe and Whine

A Max Phillips Fan Fic

I have too much in draft everywhere. Film reviews, notes, fics & I did actually have a very predicative Sunday playing catch up. However very randomly after watching an alternative Christmas film on Saturday night & my head still thinking about it, my mind stumbled into this festive Fic idea for Max Phillips. So here we are writing about our favourite vampire over the festive season. & it’s going to get sexy.

Synopsis:- Chance encounters with Max have lead you to your 5th anniversary, & he wants to make sure that you whine as he celebrates with you.

Word count:2750

Warnings:- DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE UNDER 18! PIV Sex, established relationship, vampire lore so biting, feasting & blood drinking, lack of consent, alcohol, drugs, swearing. Innuendo, intense orgasms. Basically like most couples they get steamy in their special day, it just so happens they are vampires.

Thanks as always for the read peoples. All feed back is always welcome. I hope you enjoy.

It’s your fourth espresso martini of the night. You & the girls are at an adults only winter wonderland. Candy canes have secret ingredients to make you extra happy, the chatter is loud, the games are intense but fun & the music is belting.

“Okay” Frankie says “who’s ready for us to go & play the next thing”

“Oooh im not sure I can move” Tina says. “And look” she waves her hands in front of her face “there’s 6 hands on my two arms” clearly the special sweets were effecting her more.

“Well I’m just gonna go sort myself out, but I’ll come find you in about 5minutes” you say. You need some water & to use the toilet. Your the mum of the group, your always the most sensible. You check with Lucy that she’s okay to hold the fort & make sure no one does anything crazy as you nip to the bathroom. It’s not that far away & you know it will take your friends in a sober undrugged state at least 10mins to pick what they want to do next, but with them high on everything, they won’t budge. You’ve got plenty of time.

As you walk past the Christmas trees you turn a corner & accidentally walk into someone.

“Oooh im sorry” you say as your shoulders clash. You look up & make eye contact. Your frozen. Two deep brown eyes make contact with you. If you knew any better you were being hypnotised. The red tie. The Santa hat. The broad shoulders. The dark suit. A smile like the devil.

“Ho Ho Ho… merry Christmas to you, my victim” you hear this deep voice & it arouses you. You giggle back. Suddenly his large hand is around your neck. He’s pushes you against the wall of the little hut that’s selling pretzels behind you. You gasp for air.

“Am I a Christmas treat?” You ask. You then feel your scarf be tugged off. His tongue licks up your neck. He always loves the taste of fresh meet, be it consensual or not.

“More, your my grand feast. The Satan Clause wants you all to himself.” He says. He makes eye contact once more making sure all his hypnosis, mixed with the drink & drugs you’ve had tonight, mean you won’t remember a thing. He licks his lips. “I’m famished” Those beautiful brown eyes turn to red & you feel the sharp pain as those fangs dig into your neck & your body jolts & you scream.

“MAX!!!!!”

You jolt awake. A sweaty sticky mess. Panting gasping for air. You check the clock, it’s 7pm & you lie back down onto the bed. Desperate to get air into your body. The bedroom door flings open & there stands Max. Two cups of warmed blood for you both on this winters evening. The perfect way to wake up.

“You okay baby” he asks. He walked over to you in his long white dressing gown & hands you your mug. Just by the smell you can tell it’s AB positive.

“Nightmare, that’s all” you say & you sip your blood. You make a small mmm sound as it hits your taste buds. The iron sinking into your system. This is your favourite blood type.

“What was it today?” He asks as max rubs your back. Your undead skin is always cold, but even he can tell despite you sweating & being in a panic that it’s very icy.

“The day we met…” you start “… but no consent, you just had your way with me & sunk your teeth inside me”

“We both know that’s not how it went down” Max says as he shakes his head. Vampires only have nightmares when things aren’t certain. You’ve only been a vampire 3 years. You’re almost at your vampire potential, but you do still sometimes forget you aren’t human.

“No you were very shy about it, didn’t want to interrupt the game me & my friends were playing” you smile & reminisce.

*

It wasn’t a winter wonderland you & your friends were at. It was your local pub. It was board game night, & you & your friends were a little tipsy but no drugs, other than cigarettes. You were playing articulate with them all & smiling.

“Royal family, not the ginger one” Tina says.

“Prince William”

“Diana”

“Prince Andrew” Tina collected her card

“High trouser”

“SIMON COWELL” you all shout at once & Tina collects another.

“Doctor Who”

“Ooh god there’s 14 of them” you roll your eyes & then the buzzer goes off. “Times up” Lucy counts Tina cards.

“She got 8”

“Which doctor was it”

“John Hurt”

“Seriously of all the clues you went for doctor who? Not alien or…” you scoff & down your drink.

“Sorry I’ve binged it all again recently” she say. You all laugh, Tina loves her scifi.

“Well I’m gonna nip to the toilet before the next round” you say & you wobble in your heels as you get up from the table.

“How many drinks have you had tonight” Frankie asks.

“Not that many, I blame the shoes.”

You walk to the bathroom use the facilities & then as you leave to rejoin the group , you lose your balance as your heel slips. You can see the Christmas tree in front of you, that your about to face plant & break as you fall forward. But then you stop mid fall.

“It’s okay I gotcha” says a very deep voice. Two arms are wrapped around you & pull you up. You turn your head to say thank you but all that glances back is this man’s beautiful handsome face. So perfect. So divine. It’s love at first sight.

“Wow” you say & then realise what you’ve said as you see him blush a little “did I say that outloud?”

“Yes you did” he helps you to your feet. “It’s okay, I think your rather wow too” you giggle & turn red.

“Ha your funny”

“I’m serious” he says “I’ve searched everywhere for the person I’m meant to be with, but I never thought they would actually really stumble upon me” he smiles. You’re now standing up & you both look at each other up & down. You say your name & he takes your hand & shakes it “Im Max” he’s clearly a charmer. You bet he says this to all the girls.

“Well Mr Max can I buy you a drink, as a thank you” you say.

“I think we’ve both had enough to drink” he says saying that he thinks that’s why you fell.

“No it’s the heels, I don’t normally wear them. Special occasion.”

“Oooh you’re the lot in the corner, on your girls night aren’t you”

“Are we that loud & obnoxious?” You ask feeling ashamed.

“Never apologise for who you are, always be you” his thumb graces over your chin. His eyes make contact. “Where have you been all my life?” He asks.

“I don’t know, where have you been” you lips are inches away.

“Searching, yet I didnt realise it would be someone like you” these word are soft. His lips part. You look at him & see there’s mistletoe behind him on the wall. He sees you looking past him & turns around. “Well it’s bad luck if we don’t, don’t want to ruin the Christmas spirit.”

You go for it & lean in. Kissing deeply a man you met 4 minutes ago. His lips are plump. You easily slip your tongue inside as your deep kiss gets more passionate. His hand is up in your hair. Yours caress his clean shaven face & his shoulders. It may only be for a few seconds but it’s something that you want to do with this man for the rest of your life.

From behind you, you hear your girls all cheer. You never do this on a night out. You are the careful one of the group. Your break the kiss & turn around & go shhhh, before facing Max again.

“They seem happy for you” he smoulders

“It’s never me who gets the guy” you say & you beam, you miss the feel of those lips already.

“Why don’t you introduce me?” Max says as his eyes dazzle.

“Do you think you’re gonna be sticking around Max?”

“Ooh beautiful you have no idea.”

*

You smile at Max back in the now, as you finnish sipping your mug of blood on the bed. His hand is still slowly stroking your back.

“Nice memory trip?” He asks. He finds it so cute when you glaze over to remember past memories in such detail. He wishes he could go back to some of his memories in such detail as you do.You put your empty mug down.

“Your lips still taste as good as our first kiss 5 years ago”

“Are you sure?” Max raises an eyebrow. You never need to be encouraged to take advantage of your man. He then reaches into his gown pocket & produces a little bundle of mistletoe. “It’s actually today, Happy anniversary baby” you practically pounce on him. Lips that always ignite your undead soul. A touch as he caresses you, that fills you with joy & glee, the noises you both make are sweet songs to each other.

Max hand lets go of its mug & it crashes to the floor. A small amount of blood that was left in his mug spills across the floor. The mistletoe follows. He loves how passionate you are in the mornings. Morning sex with you is delight, even if your morning is 7pm. You straddle him & undo the cord to his gown, hoping he’s got nothing on underneath. His hands are grasping your bum. Squeezing it as your lips continue to lock & your dead hearts feel like they are pulsing, filled with adrenaline. Your body already rolling into his lap ready for pleasure grinding on his thigh.

“Maxie” you exhale when you lips part. It’s drawn out a long whine. But one where you can feel how excited he is.

“Ooh baby” you help his shoulders & you both remove his dressing gown. You initial instincts were right. He’s naked beneath. His length hard & leaking & you smile. His hands leave your bum & find the bottom of your red silk night dress & free you from it. Your breast look extra perky today in the cold winter air in your bedroom & you feel sexy.

“Happy anniversary my forever” you say as you adjust yourself to take him all. He’s also sat up & he’s so beguiled. He moans deeply, as he slips his penis through your slick.

“Ooh you’re drenching me already” he states.

“Can you blame me?”

“No, never”

“Oooh fuck” he is slow as he pushes through your entrance & makes sure his shaft is fully inside you. Be it alive or undead he loves it when you whine & moan as he fills you up each time.

“You good baby” still after all these years max still asks you.

“On cloud 9” you whimper. Your earlier grinding on his thigh now means his penis glides around you. Your walls feeling every inch of his thrusts. He always feels so good. That’s why you fell for him. He may have used some vampire tricks on you to make things move quicker but you always realised & he then didn’t need to persuade you in that way.

“Let me pleasure you” his hand slips between your two naked bodies as you match each other’s rhythms to make sure this is sweaty hot & passionate. He strums you like a double base, your clit quivering quickly.

“Max” you moan.

“Whine baby” he mumbles & he pulls you towards him & licks a stripe up from between your breasts up your chest & then your neck. The salt & sweatiness makes him smile & the way his tongue feels as it leaves its own moistness across your skin gives you goosebumps.

“Oooh Maxie” you feel like you are being spread wider than before. Each roll forward as you take him as you finger nails dig into his shoulders bring you closer to euphoria. Each ooooh noise escaping your mouth has his finger work faster.

“So good, so sexy” he moans before his lips latch back to your nipple. Your tummy flush to his, sweat dripping everywhere.

“Mmm mmmm mmmaxxxx oh fuck oh fuck yes don’t stop baby mmmm fuckkkkkk” he giggles the more you moan & whine, desperate for more. Being undead hasnt decreased your thirst for your man.

“So tight & it will always be this tight” he manages to muster his thrust are pounding away. Each motion he’s closer. This was never going to be a long session. That can wait for later. This is two soul mates fucking away their bleary eyed start to their night lost in lust & desire. Your cunt quivers in pleasure. He’s never pleasured you like this before. You need more & you dig your hands in his shoulder & he jolts.

“Fuck max oh fuck fuck fuck yes oh fuck yes” you sink your own teeth into his shoulders. He’s taking you on a night you’ve never experienced before & you let go & scream his name. “MAX!” You clamp hard & cum. His own body judders as he feels you lick him in. He’s never had you sink your teeth into him before & the way you whined, has his mind spinning out of control. It may not be your fangs but it felt good.

“Baby fuck baby oh shit shit fuckkkkk” having vampiric speed is useful. Your clit is on fire from the friction & the way the thrusts into you as your orgasm continues is relentless. & soon it’s his turn & you feel the ejaculation inside you. “Fuck this pussy” hit lashings of cum fill your insides. Max snarls, his eyes at the point of pleasure always turn dark red. Yours don’t but it always makes you smile that he gets that much into the zone.

“Fuck Max”

“Fuck in deed” he pants. You’re both resting your head on the other shoulders, your movements minimal. You peck up his neck until you reach his face & you use two fingers to turn his face towards you. The sweaty state that is your forever slowly opens his eyes to look at you, his vampire bride looking so sexy covered in sweat, filled with him cum. You’re all his, no one can match you. You’re bound together by destiny.

Eventually you properly speak, the rocking has stoped & Max slowly slips his penis out of you as it softens but you don’t want to move. You like sitting in his lap naked. Taking your time to kiss each part of his face.

“So 5 years of knowing you” you giggle.

“Yep” he smiles “& I brought the mistletoe too” you look at the floor & so does Max. The broken mug with the blood spilled on the floor, the white berry’s of the plant now turning crimson.

“That you did baby” & you face to turn him again. “So what would you like to do for our 5th anniversary?”

“You, I want to fuck you all evening, until the sun rises”

“Hmmmm” you smirk as you think “but I’ve not come wrapped up”

“Don’t care” Maxs strength still impresses you. He lifts you off his lap so you’re lying on your back on the bed & he hoovers above you hardening again. “I’ve provided the mistletoe” he lifts his head so he whispers the next sentence into your ear seductively. “& you are more than providing the whine”

“Fuuuucckkkkk Maxie” you moan & gasp as his large hand goes around your throat & he slowly pushes his penis in side you again. Still sensitive from your session that just ended. “What did I do to deserve this” you ask & look up at his beaming satisfied face.

“Nothing,” he hits the spot first time & you moan. “Can I not treat my forever on our day” & that’s all it takes. You never have to worry about Maxs desire & lust for you. The night of your 5th anniversary is rampant & the whines you make as he makes you cum all night, well they will stay with Max until next years anniversary.

[zealouscanonindeer]

Naughty and nice.

Authors note: Just some mindless writing, cause why not. I really want to get around to writing a smut fic for these too, especially a new chapter of dangerous games cause it's been a while and let's be real, these two cannot keep their hands of each other this long. I finish my exams this sat and then I'm on my way to sin city. Until then..

For @choicesficwriterscreations holiday event.

Ethan scavenged through the attic, thankful that while he hadn't been up there in years, he had forsaken the task of getting rid of Christmas decorations. He pulled the dusty Christmas wreath out, shaking the fake ring to get rid of the dust.

Deciding to just get a new one, he hoisted to boxes out to the living room. He had been wrong, while he had stacked some Christmas stuff, he hardly had any to go about.

Grabbing his keys, he headed out the door, on his mission to find Christmas decorations and a tree.

He returned home, almost four hours later, lugging the huge tree upto his apartment door. He panted, out of breath, cursing himself for running an extra mile on his run.

With the tree finally in place and the wreath at the door, he pulled out the streamers, baubles and other ornaments. He began decorating, struck by how quickly it all,came back to him, the holidays in Providence weren't much but nonetheless he remembered the simplicity of them.

He put up little Christmas trees on the bookshelf, two elf figurines on the living room teapoy, tiny reindeers, fairy lights and lastly a mistletoe. He stood admiring his work, the living room glowed, the tree covering most of the expanse, the glow of the fairy lights adding to the holiday magic.

He rolled his eyes at himself, realizing once again just how much he had changed. He glanced at the wall clock, waiting for his girlfriend to come home. Pouring himself a glass of scotch, he picked up a diagnostic book from his abundant reserve, flipping through the pages.

He heard the door unlock, Jenner perking up from his spot on the floor at the sound, waiting.

"Ethan! You'll never guess! I diagnosed a patient with Angelman today, you hardly get to..

She stopped short at the sight, the room looked absolutely festive, Ethan smiled, taking off his glasses and staring at her.

"Pleasantly speechless? "

"I absolutely love it. I can't believe it. "

He got up, taking the grocery bags and the purse from her hands and placing them on the kitchen counter. She plopped down on the couch,marvelling at the fact that Ethan had done all that.

"Wow! You know what I'm thinking? "

"What? "

He sat down beside her as she slipped off her shoes, straddling him before answering.

"The ambience really puts me in the mood-"

"Hmm" His hands roamed, one slipping underneath her top and the other pushed her hips closer.

"To watch a movie. " She finished, grinding into him once before getting up and heading to the kitchen, removing the groceries from the bag.

"That's unfair, Rookie. " He grumbled, clearly ready to go. He followed her, scowling as he stood beside her, his hand on her elbow, trying to guide her to the room.

She just laughed, turning around and kissing his cheek, her hands carding through his hair.

"You're right, after all you have been real nice, you deserve a mind blowing gift. If you catch my drift. " She winked at him, both bursting into giggles.

"You, Miss Kallie, on the other hand have been rather naughty. " His hand landed on her butt, the small smack emphasising his point.

"I suppose there are ways to earn back your favour. " She said sinking down to her knees as she slowly undid strings of his sweatpants.

"Well you certainly are on the right-" His words evaporated as the pleasure engulfed him. He closed his eyes, savouring the feeling. This was going to be one great Christmas.

[untapdtreasure]

First Lines of 10 Fics Game

Rules: share the first lines of 10 of your most recent fanfics and then tag 10 people. If you have written fewer than 10 fics, don’t be shy and share anyways :)

A Merry Little Christmas - Olivia felt overwhelmed as she sat in her spot in the middle of her living room floor. There were presents and wrapping paper strewn all around her. Plus, she was trying to keep quiet, so she didn't wake up a sleeping Noah. She had put off wrapping his presents from Santa until the last minute, and now she was miserable from a cold, or maybe the flu, that she almost couldn't see straight as she tried to get it all down. Her eyes were red and puffy as she wiped at her nose for what felt like the millionth time that evening. (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Rafael Barba & Olivia Benson)

Kissin' by the Mistletoe - Carol had been busying herself with the last of the preparations. She had invited over a few of her close friends (more like family than friends), and she had been driving herself crazy with last-minute anxiety that things wouldn’t go as planned. She felt his hand on her arm as she hurried past him. She stopped in her tracks, looking up at him and giving him a soft smile. “I’ve got to go and check that last batch of cookies.” (The Walking Dead, Carol Peletier & Daryl Dixon)

Never Meant to Last - Daryl knew that his time was coming to end. He could feel his body as it lay dying. The gunshot wound had been a gutshot. A painful and nasty way to die if he did say so himself. And Lydia had witnessed the whole thing. If he could have spared her the pain, he would have, but as it was, she was holding his hand. WARNING: character death. (The Walking Dead, Carol Peletier & Daryl Dixon)

Crashing Into Who I Belong To - Rafael padded barefoot to his front door. He had just been about to settle down on the couch and get lost whatever he could find on Netflix when there was a knock at his door. He glanced at the clock, curious because it was pushing half-past eleven, but he approached the door all the same. That had happened a time or two when someone was making a late-night Chinese or Pizza delivery. It wasn't a bother, but tonight, he really hadn't been in the mood to deal with anyone. So he hoped to get this over with quick. (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Rafael Barba & Olivia Benson)

In Case You Didn't Know - Olivia didn't look up as Rafael entered her office. She held up a finger to signal for him to give her a moment before he started in with whatever he'd come to tell her. She had to finish her thought process in order to complete her paperwork. She dotted her i's and crossed her t's before she set her pen down and met his eyes. "Are you here because you desperately want my company for an after-work drink or is it business?" (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Rafael Barba & Olivia Benson)

Like a Moth to a Flame - I watch as she stands against the guardrail. I know she can't give up hope that her daughter is alive out there... somewhere. That she's wandering and stumbling around blindly looking for her way back. I can see how much it kills her inside knowing that she can do nothing to protect her. That once again, she's let her down. (The Walking Dead, Carol Peletier & Daryl Dixon, Sophia Peletier)

Not For Very Much Longer - Noah comes running from his bedroom in what Rafael knows to be an almost exact replica of an NYPD officer's uniform. He smirks over at Olivia. "Pretty sure you had a hand in this," he says with a chuckle as he ruffles the boy's hair as Noah moves by him to stand in front of his mother. (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Rafael Barba & Olivia Benson, Noah Porter Benson)

You Already Know (That You're My Weakness) - “Olivia, will you marry me?” Olivia’s eyes shown with tears as she looked down at him. Her hands were shaking even though Rafael held one of them in his. He held a box with a diamond ring in the other. Her lips trembled as she tried to form the words. She dropped down onto her knees before him and kissed him softly on the mouth. All she could manage to do was nod her head as the tears slipped down her cheeks. She felt him slipping the ring onto her finger. (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Rafael Barba & Olivia Benson)

How We Ever Came To Be - The brand new camping equipment sat in the back of the rented midnight blue Jeep Grand Cherokee. Olivia glanced over at him as he concentrated on the road ahead of them. "Are you sure Amanda and Nick were the right choice?" Not that she didn't trust Nick with her life, but Noah was becoming more and more of a handful as he got older and had slipped quite easily into his terrible two's right on schedule. Nick was a seasoned vet where child rearing was concerned, but as far as she knew, Amanda knew next to nothing about child rearing. (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Rafael Barba & Olivia Benson)

Under the Sea - Rafael loved the look of sheer amazement on Noah's face as they moved from one aquatic exhibit to the next. The only downside was that this was supposed to be the three of them, but Olivia had been called away unexpectedly before they'd even left the apartment. They'd have to make plans to do it again when all three of them could go. He smiled down at Noah as the little boy settled on the floor to watch as the fish swam by. (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Rafael Barba & Olivia Benson, Noah Porter Benson)

tagged by stolen from: the dashboard tagging: anyone that wants to do this!

[theworldisourstohold]

Yule Tidings

Tags: Jiyan/Mortefi, Jiyantefi, background OT3 - jiyaotefi, slice of life, winter fic, gift fic, Mortefi being Mortefi, Jiyan being a saint, background Yao mention

Word count: 874

Note: by me with original postings on AO3 - is a gift fic to lovely Jiyantefi writer whiffwhaff who everyone should check out

It was snowing.

More heavily than expected, the flurries coming down in waves, coating the ground in a steady stream of white. Mortefi was huddled underneath the awning outside Huaxu Academy, wondering if he should just pull an all nighter instead. He was hardly dressed for this weather, the first snow of the season sneaking up unexpectedly.

From behind, he heard the automatic doors open then shut, the gentle clunk of boots halting next to him. “Would you look at that,” came the murmured wonderment. Jiyan leant forward, sticking his upper half out into the elements. As he looked up into the sky, eyes crinkling in childish delight, Mortefi couldn’t help the warmth that spread through him. He was captivated when Jiyan was like this. With a laugh the general stepped back under cover, angling his body so it tucked snugly against Mortefi’s side, flashing a wide grin. “I don’t remember Yao warning us of snow,” he whispered, conspicuously.

“Yao is always purposely obtuse. You should know this by now,” Mortefi huffed. His breath was already coming out in puffs of smoke, the dropping temperature making him feel more draconic then he already was. He got a deep chuckle in return, Jiyan huddling closer as he shook some snow from his hair, dusting both their shoulders with white.

“Well, it almost feels like it’s fate then.” With a wide gesture at the scenery, Jiyan turned his body fully toward Mortefi. At the researcher’s questioning stare, Jiyan couldn’t help but beam cheekily. “Look,” he muttered, his hand gesturing upward. Tilting his head back Mortefi cursed.

Above them was the bane of his existence. All through the winter season Xiangli Yao had snuck a plethora of the twigs around the Academy, claiming it was for morale as more and more Yule decorations went up. Mortefi knew though it was so Yao had an excuse to catch him unawares. To sneak in a kiss when he least expected it. The fusion user had tore down any near his office, refusing to give into Yao’s mistletoe mischief.

“I refuse,” he grunted, turning his face away. He could feel himself flushing as he stared resolutely into the distance. He vaguely clocked that the snow was slowing, coming down in a lazy curve instead of the waves from before.

Gentle hands slipped onto either side of his face, angling him back. “Mortefi,” Jiyan murmured softly, leaning closer. “It’s tradition.”

“Maybe in Jinzhou,” came the rebuttal.

“Did the aristocrats in the New Federation not keep up with traditions?” Mortefi knew Jiyan was teasing him. He knew very well what kind of nonsense the upper pantheon got up to around the holiday season. How much Mortefi despised the ridiculous outfits, long parties, and fake cheer.

“If you call hanging mistletoe in abundance to harass your coworkers as traditi-“ Warm lips sealed over his, stuttering his bluster to a stop. It was a quick press, filled with the assurance that it wouldn’t be denied. As Jiyan pulled back, eyes scrunched in satisfaction, Mortefi couldn’t help but retaliate.

“That was pathetic,” he tutted. “Do it properly or not at all.” Slipping his arms around his boyfriend’s waist, Mortefi pulled him flushed against his side. He sealed their mouths together again, covering Jiyan’s protest. It wasn’t the most elegant start to a kiss, his glasses skewing as their noses bumped uncomfortably. Mortefi reangled though after the first peck, Jiyan’s arms settling around his neck, body tipping more solidly into his hold.

It smoothed out in the end. Jiyan always inevitably took control, commanding Mortefi’s full attention onto the push and pull and bite as he deepened the kiss. It left them gasping once they separated, faces rosy from more than just the cold surroundings.

If Mortefi allowed himself to dwell on it, even he could admit kissing underneath some mistletoe while it snowed felt festive. He would never tell that Xiangli Yao though.

“You know Yao was setting them up to help Carter,” Jiyan muttered, tucking his face into the warm curve of Mortefi’s neck.

“And I’m just an unexpected casualty to our boyfriend’s antics,” he mocked in response. All he got was a soothing hum in return, a kiss left gently against his nape.

“I can’t tell you what goes on in Yao’s head. Other than the fact that he’ll keep teasing you as long as you keep reacting to him.”

“Ridiculous. The both of you.”

“Why are you lumping me in with him,” Jiyan guffawed.

“Because you never take my side.” Eyes glinting, Mortefi shoved the general back, getting another bark of laughter as Jiyan stumbled into the snow. “Let’s head back to yours,” he sniffed, angling away from reaching hands. “It’s closer. I don’t want to make the trek to mines in this weather.”

In the end Mortefi lost. With his hand entwined with another, cradled warm in his coat pocket, they ended up walking to the far reaches of the city where his residence resided. He couldn’t say no to gleaming golds, pleading to see the Yule decor the city put up for the season. Perhaps he could admit, just a little, that winter wasn’t too bad in the end, as long as he had his fellow dragon by his side.

[amywritesthings]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers (except me because obvs I have done it). Spread the self-love ❤

hi peach ilu ilu ilu

silver underground - my first dip into anime fic as well as aot/levi stories! changed my life for the best.

mistletoe on the clock - nanami kento has my heart.

ownership of mine - the very first series i'd ever completed in full. kino loy from andor is hot. writing andy's voice is hot. it also helped me find some of the most incredible people on this platform that i get to call my friends.

reckless - first joel miller fic i ever wrote. it's just straight horny.

something in the movies - shout out to that samia song title for my very first gojo fic. i enjoy writing gojo's softness and silliness.