#fic: where the lovelight gleams

[becausebuckley]

where the lovelight gleams | buddie | small town holiday | 25.2k | complete

my holiday fic is now complete! 6 chapters, for 6 @911countdowntochristmas prompts. most of them were delivered slightly late, whoops, but i've had so much fun writing these anyway, and i hope you like reading this fic just as much <3

“Even if you don’t believe in magic, or Christmas wishes, or anything, just think about it, okay? Think about what makes you happy. Even if I can’t gift wrap it for you. You deserve to have happy Christmas memories, too.” “Maybe.” Eddie turns away and sips his drink. “Alright,” Karen says. “I’ll take your maybe, Eddie. But I’m willing to bet that this place will turn it into an I do within the week, just you wait.” or: eddie takes christopher to winterberry glade to make some good holiday memories. buck runs the local bakery and is always happy to show visitors around, though he doesn't usually fall this hard for them. too bad eddie and chris have to leave at the end of the vacation, right?

read the full fic on ao3 here!

[suitsusboth]

where the love light gleams✨

chapter nine now available

[kandisheek]

FIC REC WEEK 52 – DAILY THEMES

MASTERPOST

Here are all the fics I recommended this week. If you want to see my actual review of these fics, the posts are all linked as well. Please enjoy, and remember to leave comments and kudos!

MON: HANAHAKI DISEASE

On The Exhale by FestiveFerret Nothing Pure Enough by Sineala heaving through corrupted lungs by Alysae You Got Flowers In Your Lungs by Starksus iron tipped petals by Areiton

TUE: CRACKFIC

Just the Tip by tonystarkssnipples youtube.com/ALLCAP by vulcan_slash_robot Ticket to the Bone Zone by peppypear brief even as bright by picturecat There's Something Aboot Steve by epicycles

WED: TENTACLES

Tentacular Spectacular by Sineala Where We Both Could Live by blue_jack The real reason why the Hulk hates cephalopods by salytierra Soft Robotics by isozyme Small Weird Love by haemodye

THU: EXES TO LOVERS

Finding A Way Back by Neverever How to Date a Superhero Without Even Trying by sabrecmc all I ever knew of love by mistymountainking sorry not sorry by earliebirb Rocky Road by sayah1112

FRI: SICKFIC

Better Days by sahiya Anti-Virus by marinarusalka Love you, Papa by chvotic Danger Mouse by isozyme Where the Lovelight Gleams by sahiya

SAT: WORKSKINS & FORMATTING

An Avengers Powerpoint Party by gogglor Sex v. Work Performance - A Self-Study by Tony Stark by FestiveFerret explosive by imaginestevetony see it with the lights out by astrhae Caught Up in Our Stories by gogglor

SUN: SHARING A BED

The Rest of Our Lives by Sineala In the Early Dawn by starspangledsprocket Sleep Protocol by 51stCenturyFox Pillow Talk by FestiveFerret Team Building Exercise #2 by Anonymous

[sonofatoasterwaffle]

surprise self-rec time! pick 5 of your favorite things you’ve written and share them here, then put this in the inbox (anonymously or not) of your fellow writers to spread the positivity and help celebrate already written fics :)

oooh fun!!

1. Always, Everytime 

They don’t do this all the time. Buck isn’t always in the mood to pick someone up and Eddie… well, for Eddie, sex is a sometimes thing. They’d spent hours talking about it, trying things out. It all worked, just to varying degrees. Everything works with Buck. But this. This is great. OR Eddie doesn’t necessarily care who Buck sleeps with as long as he comes home when he’s done

nobody really likes this one but the mutuals and the other aces, but the fact that other ace people saw themselves in this fic will sustain me probably for the rest of my life.

2. motel stay on a weeknight (it's a contrast love)

Buck really thought that this detail to Austin would be the perfect time for him and Eddie to stop dancing around this. To fall into bed together in a cheap motel room and use the excuse to wake up too close and let it happen. Of course, then he opens the door to two goddamn queens. Summer of Buddie 2024 Week 5: Break the Cliche: Too many beds

this fic has such a place in my heart cause i wrote a fair bit of it on a road trip in Turkiye and yet it still came so easily to me. it turned out cozy and reminds me of my SPN days when most fics took place in a motel room.

3. i'd shout it from the rooftops

Buck can’t even deny it. He’s freaking out. Hard. “Public record, Buck.” Eddie is hissing through both hands planted over his face. Under them, Buck’s sure, his cheeks are bright apple red. Because they really, really should have paid more attention. It’s just that everything is so new. And finally being allowed to touch Eddie is such a fucking headrush that Buck can’t seem to keep his damn hands to himself. Nor does he seem to be able to keep his filthy fuckin’ mouth shut. Not even on camera, evidently. OR Buck and Eddie dive head first into their honeymoon phase, take a page out of Buck 1.0's book, and remember their shiny new body cams- in that order.

I just really love this one. my first real dip into some degradation kink.

4. where the lovelight gleams

Buck winks when he catches Eddie watching him. “What?” he asks, amused. Eddie flushes, caught in the act. He contemplates tossing out a quick nothing, or a throwaway line about being tired, but Buck is here, in his teenage bedroom, and that feels important. Too important to obfuscate. “I’ve got a boy in my room.” he says, sounding almost as incredulous as he feels. It’s as ridiculous out loud and it was in his head, but Buck lights up anyway. “Eddie!” He exclaims. “You never had a boy in your room before?” Buck’s eyes go twinkly and mischievous. Eddie should be scared. Instead, he’s getting hard. “Oh we are so fixing this.” OR Buck and Eddie take Chris to El Paso for Christmas. Buck takes the opportunity to help Eddie make some better memories there.

okay, i know it's a lil Christmasy, but i loved how cozy this one turned out and also i just really love hating on Helena Diaz.

5. sweet like honey, tastes like home

“Eddie,” He says again, pulling back to look at Eddie’s eyes, trying to see if he’s there, if he’s doing this for real. “You’re–” Concussed. Bleeding. Scaring me. “Buck,” Eddie begs, fingernails digging into Buck’s shoulders, eyes wide and imploring. “Thought I wasn’t going to make it. Thought I was going to die before I got to, please–” Eddie doesn’t ask. He never asks. He’s asking now. OR Eddie has a close call at work that ends with both of them bleeding and desperate for each other in more ways than one.

AKA the blood kink fic. I am actually REALLY proud of how this one turned out. I feel like I accomplished the freak4freak I was going for. Also this one is SO CLOSE to 1000 kudos, I'm vibrating with excitement.

thanks for the ask, Charlie!!! <3

[jessbakescakes]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to five other writers! 💗

This one somehow got lost in my inbox?? SO SORRY.

Anyway!

everybody talks (it started with a whisper) | Rated T (In progress but this will end up literally being finished within the next week if I had to guess) | A present day/social media AU! It's got epistolary bits and a reimagining of the Bartlet admin family we know and love 20 years in the future.

i like shiny things (but i'd marry you with paper rings) | Rated T (Complete) | Donna and Josh get married post Dead Irish Writers for Donna to be able to have a green card, and Totally Not Because They're Actually In Love because they Aren't, Okay?

where the lovelight gleams | Rated E (Complete) | Josh and Donna visit Donna's family in Wisconsin at Christmas during Transition.

When They Know What We Know | Rated T (In Progress) | A "Josh and Donna have been secretly married from the start" AU. A series rewrite.

good friends in season (make you feel that life has just begun) | Rated G (Complete) | Josh and Abbey at Christmas through the years. This one is a brand new one, out of my comfort zone, but it's become one of my favorites! (I had trouble deciding between this and a different one with a similar vibe, so I went with the one I hadn't recced recently.)

Thank you for the ask!

[jdorian]

Wintery Fic Recs ❄️

I was tagged by the lovely @jesuisici33 thank you 💛

I don't actually reread fics to get into the Christmas spirit, so I thought I'd just give you some of the christmassy fics from my bookmarks. (Mind you, there might be some surprising ships in there lmao)

where the lovelight gleams by ohmyloki [mattfoggy, 1.8k, Teen + Up]

Matt wrinkles his nose.

“Is that—mistletoe?” He asks.

Foggy looks up, and then around.

“Wow. That is indeed mistletoe… and it is pretty much everywhere.”

Of Blizzards, Coffee, and Jackets by chasing_the_sterek [spideypool, 1.9k, Teen + Up]

Peter didn't expect agreeing to borrow Deadpool's jacket would lead to his secret identity being found out. Although maybe he should've considered the repercussions before he wore it outside. In civilian clothes.

Mistletoe Hung by potatoes_tomatoes [baffy, 2.6k, Gen]

Every year, Bugs hangs up a bundle of mistletoe outside his burrow for kicks. He watches passerby couples, warmly greets his friends (and foes), and bids everyone a friendly kiss goodbye. As time goes on, the mistletoe on his tree becomes infamous, and everyone plays into the harmless tradition.

Everyone, except Daffy.

something slightly resembling gumption by harmonictechnicality [steddie + ronance, 48.2k, Mature]

Eddie Munson needs to get out of New York City for the holidays. Nancy Wheeler, LA online news reporter, desperately needs to be in New York City to experience her ultimate Manhattan bucket list adventure in time for the festive season. So they do the only logical thing (by romantic comedy standards) that two single people can do...

... They swap homes for one week.

❄️and absolute no pressure tagging to share their fave wintery fics: @malewifediaz @spagheddiediaz @daffi-990 @thewolvesof1998 @jamespearce9-1-1 @jeeyuns and anyone who wants to share, consider yourselves tagged by me 💛

[ink-through-her-veins]

Merthur Christmas fic for those needing some holiday cheer, and Hunith threatening Arthur with a rolling pin! 🎄🤣🎁

[streakyglasses]

I am itching for a fic of their first Christmas in their new apartment, just the two of them, stockings, breakfast etc.

I grew up in a toxic household similar to the way Streets character did (probs why he’s my comfort character) and my first Christmas with my now husband was super lowkey and really special 🥹 making the most of magic for our kids now.

hi, doll!

first, i'm sorry to hear that about your childhood, but yay for an amazing husband and being able to have wonderful christmas memories now, especially for/with your kids. that's so heartwarming 🥺❤️

so, i did misread this in that it's chris and street's first christmas, but not the first christmas after they've moved in together. but the majority takes place just the two of them at her apartment! i hope it captures all the cozy intimacy and fluffy holiday vibes that your first christmas with your husband had ❤️

where the lovelight gleams is on ao3 and ffn now!

[daintyduck99]

'tis the damn season (write this down)

For your consideration: some JatP Christmas fics

Summaries included below, check AO3 tags for more information

where the lovelight gleams by @bananakarenina

Julie Molina, one of the biggest popstars on the planet, is spending the month of December in New York City to promote her new Christmas album and a huge Christmas Eve concert at Madison Square Garden. Her team has hired her a personal driver for the whole month--Reggie Peters. Julie's struggling with losing her creativity and passion, while Reggie is struggling with just trying to make rent in the big city; he hasn't been really creative in years. Can the two of them find their way back to music before Christmas comes? What else will they find along the way? (Love. Obviously the answer is love.)

you could call me 'babe' for the weekend by @locketletters

“Look, there's no way my parents are going to buy the fact that you’re my boyfriend.” Luke crosses his arms, brows furrowing, “What’s that supposed to mean?” in which luke goes home with alex for he holidays as a pretend boyfriend, and leaves with him as a real one.

Not Found Under the Tree by @breakaway71

There's only one thing Julie wants for Christmas.

Haunted Holidays by @invisibleraven

JatP Advent ficlets 2023!

Our Luxury (A Love Like Stars) by @psyduckappears, @daintyduck99

“So, I bought a ring,” Luke says, casual in the way that usually Reggie would realize is nowhere near casual and much closer to freaking out, but he’s a little busy choking to death on his lunch.

not the last unknown by @bananakarenina

It's Christmas Eve, and the Molina family goes to church. This year they have a couple tagalongs.

Joy To The World by @wishfulstargazer

"Christmas in LA is free of snow, but not of spirit. In fact, between the lit up palm trees, the shop displays everywhere, Feliz Navidad playing on every radio station, and a host of Christmas music and decorations all over Los Feliz high school, Christmas is pretty much unavoidable. It all grates on her nerves. Christmas without Rose Molina is unthinkable. Almost as unthinkable as music without Rose Molina." Can a well meaning trio of ghost boys bring back Julie's Christmas spirit and help her reclaim her music?

From the Heart by @breakaway71

Reggie gives Julie a gift, but she is not the only one to have some feelings about it.

Hallelujah, Everybody Say Cheese (Merry Christmas From The Family) by @a-tomb-with-a-view

Reggie sighs and turns in Luke’s arms to face him. Luke leans forward to kiss Reggie’s nose, his smile playful even if his eyes are huge and full of concern. God but Reggie loves him. “I’m not going home for Christmas,” he admits eventually. “I don’t know what I’m doing, but… but not that.” Luke frowns, and kisses Reggie’s forehead instead this time, having to lean up on tiptoes to do so. “Why don’t you come over to ours?”

Phantom Carols by @invisibleraven

Fills for the JatP Advent Event 2022!

Kiss Me Under the Missile Toad by @wr0temyway0ut

“Woah, little dude,” Willie says as he lowers Carlos to his feet. “You gotta be careful up there. What were you even doing?” Carlos gives Willie a proud grin and thrusts something into their hands. “I’m hanging the missile toads!”

why do i care how much it may storm (i’ve got my love to keep me warm) by @tillstarscollided

There is something special about nighttime snowfall, how it’s quiet and almost eerie with only the lights from the porch to show it, but how that also means you can watch it collect and sparkle in a controlled section of light instead of being blinded by the sun reflecting off the entire landscape of white. There had been snow on the ground already, slowly melting, but this new batch was evening it out, covering up the mud and sludge with a new blank canvas that Reggie really wanted to just go and mess up with snowmen and snow angels, as the ones he had already made disappeared, but it was 1 am and he should be cuddling in bed with his partners, and he has bad impulse control but not that bad of impulse control. or: Reggie’s partners bring him to New York to see the snow, and he hasn’t stopped staring since.

a lonely boy on christmas by @nuandia

Alex doesn’t really think twice. He takes the tangerines and a wrapped sandwich and a bottle of water out of his shopping bag and offers them to him. The boy looks up, startled. His face guarded, his posture tense before he blinks at Alex and then relaxes. He smiles a tentative smile and slowly reaches for the offered groceries. But his eyes are sparkling, making the breath in Alex’s throat catch.  Or, everybody's lonely on Christmas Eve. Or well, maybe not.

Of Hearts Borrowed And Blue by @daintyduck99

“Some vacation,” Julie mutters, shedding the duvet and reaching for the coffee maker.  She still doesn’t know why everyone was so convinced that a change of scenery would do her good—it’s not like Julie can outrun Christmas. Caleb apparently also forgot to mention that everyone in this town is obsessed with the holiday, which isn’t all that different from the current atmosphere at Molina Family Photography.  If anything, Julie’s even more of a grinch here that she would be back home, because she stuffed all of her grief into a battered suitcase, and she can’t just pull it out for every single stranger trying to get her into the Christmas spirit.

[kanthonyficrecs]

Featured Fic (Modern AU)

where the love light gleams by suitsusboth Rating: M Summary: Overwhelmed by her job and getting sick of the city life, Kate Sharma decides to make a impulsive trip upstate in the dead of night. Perhaps not her wisest plan considering it soon got to 1am, it had started to snow, and she had no place to stay…Luckily for her this cute guy emerges in her time of need and offers her a place to stay. Did she mention he lives on a Christmas Tree farm? lovelight farms au

[becausebuckley]

where the lovelight gleams chapter 1: i'll be home for christmas | 5.5k

in which eddie and christopher arrive in winterberry glade.

yay holiday fic time!! this is written for @911countdowntochristmas day 5, soup!

Eddie leans back, tilts his head towards the sky, and closes his eyes. Was this a mistake? Was it stupid to think that they could do this, that they could have this, without any issues? Should he have known better? He just wanted a nice vacation for his son. That’s all. All he’s ever wanted was the best for Christopher. Suddenly, he hears something. The sound of a car, moving closer. Eddie opens his eyes and sees a bright red car coming towards them. It’s a pickup truck, one of those bulky ones with the big empty bed in the back. It’s gleaming red, clearly well-taken care of, and even has a green garland draped over the front. Eddie only has a second to wonder how safe that is before the car is pulling over just ahead of them.  A man gets out and walks towards Eddie, shrugging on a thick blue jacket as he moves. Eddie’s first thought is that he’s big. His second thought is that he’s beautiful. The man looks to be about Eddie’s age.  He’s all tall legs and broad shoulders, chest stretching out his jacket. His hair is short and curly and looks like it’s just begging for some snowflakes to get caught in it. He has a red mark on his eyebrow, probably a birthmark of some sort, kind blue eyes, and the nicest smile Eddie has ever seen. Yeah, he’s beautiful. He’s also talking, so maybe Eddie should stop thirsting and start listening.

read the full fic on ao3 here!

[suitsusboth]

where the love light gleams✨

chapter ten now available

[aftgficrec]

Staff Recs - Christmas/Winter Quickies 1: Families

Sweet and bitter: settle in for family-focused fluff, heavy angst, and everything in between. – AFTG Fic Rec Fam

previous christmas:

‘Identical’ here (nicky & the twins)

‘The Cousins’ series part 4 and ‘All I want for Christmas (is some peace)’ here (nicky & the twins)

‘Little Miracles’ here (nicky & the twins)

‘I’m going to make this place your home’ here (mary & neil) 

‘He Looks Just Like You’ here (neil has a twin)

‘Counting Stars’ series here (nerik & twins) 

‘It’s Not Family Without Love’ ch 7, 8 here (nicky & twins)

‘Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder’ here (twins)

‘Son of a Exy!’ part 17 here (andreil parenting)

‘First Christmas’ here (andreil parenting)

‘Where the Lovelight Gleams’ here (andreil parenting)

‘Andrew and Neil Family's Adventures’ part 14 here

‘tis the season to be folly’ (andreil & nerik), ‘christmas in a place called home,’ and ‘hard candy christmas’ (andreil, nicky & the twins) here

‘To Become An Angel (You Have To Die First)’ here (magic, andreil, nicky & the twins)

‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’ here (andreil, twins)

‘Under the Christmas lights’ (nerik & twins) here

‘lock away that winter of mine’ here (nicky & the twins)

‘A Snow Globe for Monsters’ here (harry potter, twins)

‘penchant’ here (andreil, betsy & the twins)

winter:

‘The architecture of flight’ here (harry potter, neil & nathan)

‘For He’s a Jolly Good Felon’ here (nicky & the twins)

‘Brother’s Best-Friend’ here (twins)

‘The Long Winter’ here (andreil, nicky & the twins)

‘the snow is melting’ here (time travel, dadmack, mary hartford)

Family of six, two cats and a dog by ThePureMonster [Rated T, 12352 Words, Complete, 2024]

Part 2 of Andreil’s Family, part 1 here (now complete)

A family fanfic that will consist of drabbles. Each new chapter will be a sketch from the life of Neil, Andrew and their children: the graduation of school, the first grade, the first vacation with the whole family, holidays and much more.

temporary tattoos, permanent partnership by poetic_ivy [Rated T, 2798 Words, Complete, AFTG Fall Exchange 2021]

“Andrew Joseph Minyard, what is that? Is that a ring? Is that a ring?”

NB: andreil, minyard & klose family focus, pov nerik’s son

AFTG Xmas Advent Calendar 2024 PSU Foxes by Fire_Bear [Collection, Rated G/T/M, Incomplete, AFTG Advent 2024]

Part 3: Dinner [G, 1613 Words] (kevin & neil, kevin & wymack) It's time for Kevin to meet his biological dad for the first time and he's freaking out. Part 7: Tree [T, 1803 Words] (twins) Aaron is stuck shopping for a Christmas tree with his brother.  Part 10: Family [G, 1420 Words) (kataaron, nerik, twins) Aaron and Katelyn are hosting their first ever family Christmas.

fucking definitely by djhedy [Rated T, 7954 Words, Complete, 2021]

Kevin pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose. Andrew, with his tiny wireframes, is always telling him to get glasses that stay up there. But Kevin’s been told the big tortoiseshell frames suit him. So there. He looks over to where Andrew is reading the back cover of something with distaste. He grunts. Kevin says, “What’s wrong with that one?” Andrew barely flicks his eyes up at him before reading, “Fairytale romance, for teens, there was only one bed, goblincore…” “Goblincore?” Kevin shakes his head. “What is literature coming to?” - Kevin and Andrew work at a bookshop. Jeremy and Neil visit more than they need to.

NB: this keremy fic is featured here because of excellent dadmack

Punk-ass Cookie Monster by KweenDay [Rated T, 5386 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange Winter 2021, Locked]

Neil and Andrew have kinda-sorta-maybe hated each other since the eighth grade. Now they're fighting over who will write the graduation article for the school newspaper. There's only one solution - a bet! Whoever wins the cookie baking contest gets to write it and the other will suck it up and let it go. There are cookies. Team Twinyards VS Team Neil & Kevin. There's only one... closet. 🤭

Let's Build a Place Like Here by permanentchaos  [Rated T, 3753 Words, Complete, 2018]

Christmas is a waste of his time, of everyone's time really. Nicky's just about stubborn enough to disagree, Andrew's not quite ready to change his mind.

tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: self harm, tw: implied/referenced drug addiction

Bury my memory in the snow by BrokenPineTree [Rated G, 738 Words, Complete, 2022]

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” -Hal Borland

tw: implied/referenced child abuse

kuddelmuddel by aconim [Rated T, 3435 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange Winter 2022]

In which Aaron plots while remaining extremely oblivious, Andrew and Neil are just trying to live their lives, and Kevin knows too much. Featuring winter markets, hotel room plotting, and various failed schemes on Aaron's part.

AJMICKEY56's Fanfiction Palooza! by AJMICKEY56 [Rated G, Multifandom Collection, Complete, 2023]

Chapter 14: nicky centric fic mental health after Drake + twins helping

tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced murder, tw: canonical character death, tw: intrusive thoughts, tw: depression

Christmas Tree Sprinkles by e_cat [Rated G, 1386 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange 2017]

In a world where Neil hides in Germany instead of Arizona, Andrew also moves to Germany, with Nicky, who is starting a coffee shop with Erik.

Photos of You by KittKatAttack [Rated G, 2807 Words, Complete, 2024]

Andrew has his picture taken and published in the school newspaper without his knowledge. He finds the culprit and gets them to stop but will that be the end of their interactions? Andrew seems to think so.

Season's Greetings by chronically_peach [Rated G, 2270 Words, Complete, 2022]

Andrew Minyard hates Christmas but he loves Neil Josten and Neil loves a stuffed fox he found at the mall. Despite his refusal to celebrate the holiday Andrew buys Neil the damn fox for Christmas.

All I Want For Christmas by exy_shmexy [Rated T, 5398 Words, Complete, 2024, Locked]

"Andrew was pretty sure that if he heard Mariah Carey’s voice one more time he would commit another felony." Or Andrew faces the horrors of going Christmas shopping right before Christmas.

Cold Feet, Warm Hearts by BelaBellissima [Rated T, 1362 Words, Complete, AFTG Winter Exchange 2018]

feat. twindyards bonding and Andreil dealing with the cold

bones of our chidhood by cave_canem [Rated T, 6263 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange 2017]

November 4th isn't a good day in the Minyard household, but it doesn't mean that it has to stay that way. Aaron, Andrew, and slowly mending their relationship (and their birthday).

a mother's love by Greenfallleaves [Rated T, 9259 Words, Complete, AFTG Then and Now 2023, Locked]

In the hell that was Neil's childhood, there were good moments too. Almost all of them included his mother. Mary cared about her boy. Or 5 relatively peaceful moments from Neil's childhood.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced abuse

December 10th by GhostOfNoah [Rated T, 876 Words, Complete, 2017]

a nightmare of Christmas past wakes Neil in the middle of the night

tw: implied/referenced child abuse

Dear Santa, from AJM by neil-drew-kev (PharmaceuticalLoser) [Rated M, 2345 Words, Complete, 2024]

Andrew writing letters to Santa from the ages of 5-20.

tw: self harm, tw: blood, tw: suicidal thoughts, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: violence

Merry Christmas, Mr. Minyard by IKnowWhoYouAre_Damianos [Rated G, 3024 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange Winter 2023]

Andrew's nieces want to know how he and Neil got together. He's more than okay with telling them about one of the best days of his life.

Firsts by AgapantoBlu [Rated G, 2574 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange Winter 2017, Locked]

The first time Nicky kisses Erik, it’s their third kiss, it’s on Christmas Eve, under a mistletoe twig, and he’s crying. A few of Nicky's firsts through his life.

tw: suicidal ideation, tw: religious trauma, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced murder, tw: vomit, tw: depression

Gotta Give It Up by mharris [Rated G, 4725 Words, Complete, 2018]

Andrew's feelings about Christmas and his relationship with his family through it. - Andrew assumed Nicky thought that they were one Lifetime Christmas movie away from being a normal family if only he could set the scene right. Andrew had watched Nicky try and try again for half a dozen years now to find the right formula to make them all love each other in a Hallmark Card sort of way. Nicky hadn’t yet realized Hallmark didn’t make cards for drug addicts and abuse survivors

tw: implied/referenced drug addiction, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon

A Sad Christmas by Pryde_of_kittens [Rated G, 1271 Words, Complete, 2019]

Erik dies, and Nicky is not okay. But at least he isn’t alone.

tw: major character death

Finders Keepers by minyardlovebot [Rated G, 2313 Words, Complete, 2022, Locked]

Some would call it tedious, monotonous, slow paced. Andrew just calls it living. For once in his life he’s just living. And it’s not happy, it’s not glorious or joyful, but it’s so much more than he ever thought he’d have. He’s still getting used to it.

Reconcile. by OddlyBookish [Not Rated 4045 Words, Complete, 2019]

Aaron and Neil try to reconcile their friendship while Andrew tries to intervene.

tw: drug addiction, tw: violence, tw: blood

Socks for Christmas by HalfpintPeach [Rated G, 1676 Words, Complete, 2024]

On a last-minute shopping trip, Neil needs help figuring out Andrew's shoe size.

Ghosts of Past and Present by sunrise_and_death [Rated T, 1200 Words, Complete, AFTG Winter Exchange 2018, Locked]

Nicky wants all the magic of Christmas. Aaron wants a real Christmas. Andrew wants nothing at all.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Whoops_heck [Not Rated, 2698 Words, Incomplete (but can be read as a one shot), 2018]

Neil Josten has a complicated relationship with Christmas.

tw: attempted csa, tw: child abuse, tw: panic attacks, tw: violence, tw: canonical character death

Thirteen Christmases of Andrew Joseph Minyard by notamisfitjustafreak [Rated M, 100 Words, Complete, 2017]

Andrew's first Christmas was with his mother who held him as she painted the snow red.

tw: major character death, tw: suicide, tw: implied referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon

You've gone soft by @higgins5 [Tumblr, 2017]

Aaron wondered how their lives managed to turn out like this, something calm and filled with love. 

Andrew and Aaron in matching outfits by @storyalchemist [Tumblr Fic, 2019]

Nicky making a massive production out of holidays hc by @waestlandbaby [Tumblr, 2018]

moriyama family

all hail king killmonger by okayantigone [Rated M, 1442 Words, Complete, 2017, Locked]

…Riko becomes the heir apparent to the Moriyama empire, and gets everything he has ever wanted. Kevin's hand and future are saved. Everything changes.

tw: implied/referenced suicide

NB: this is tagged kevin/riko but it could be tagged as kevin & riko. It’s mainly kengo & riko.

They Say Tomorrow's Never Promised by auxprouvaires [Rated T/E, Collection, Incomplete, AFTG Advent Calendar 2024]

Thirty-one, 300 word Ichirou Moriyama centric mini-fics. Chapter 1: 'you should never have come here' - Ichirou & Riko ichirou moriyama & riko moriyama, universe: canon divergent, theme: winter, theme: families, theme: angst Chapter 2: 'you were just a child' - Kengo & Ichirou

winter

I feel the future looming and the tide of time subsuming and you by Silveriss [Rated G, 600 Words, Complete, 2016]

Part 1 of TFC Fantasy AU

It's a crisp day caught between winter and spring. The plateau shivers, drawing out long gasps in the breeze. Over the sleeping rocks the plains drop to give way to the valley, a haven far away from Palmetto or Nicky's parents. The future is looming, but time slows down on top of the windswept plateau.

happy birthday, by the way series by pipedreamparrish [Rated T, Collection, 2 complete works, Updated 2021]

Part 1: we'll take it slow (and grow as we go) [2755 Words] It is Aaron Minyard’s 14th birthday and he has just found out that he has a brother - a twin brother, an identical twin brother, who looks exactly like him and might just understand him, too. Maybe once he meets this brother of his, then they can celebrate their birthdays together. Maybe they can give each other presents, and eat cake, and blow out the candles using the combined forces of their breath. Maybe, maybe, maybe. (Andrew Doe spends his birthday choking down cake that Cas got him, trying to hide the fresh marks on his arm, and thinking about the best way to keep his mysterious brother as far away from him as possible) (or: the Twinyards's birthday's through the ages, featuring very ugly ties, large sugar intakes, and lots of growth and healing)

tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: implied/referenced child abuse and neglect, tw: implied/referenced drug addiction

Part 2: many stories have i told (but true dreams never die) [5099 Words] January 19, 1998 - Nathaniel Wesninski is 10 years old and he does not know it yet, but this will be the last birthday he ever spends in the house he has lived in for his entire life. January 19, 2021 - Neil smiles viciously, and when he catches a glimpse of his face in the plexiglass, he doesn’t see his father at all. (Or: Neil's time on the run vs now, told through birthdays real and fake. Feat: Kevin finally going skiing, Neil really loving exy, and finding your home)

tw: child abuse, tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: implied/referenced murder, tw: blood/gore

he's the giggle at a funeral by manya [Rated T, 4418 Words, Complete, AFTG Exchange, Winter, 2018]

“Ooooooh.” Nicky said, eyes suddenly bright and interested. “A boy? A boy you like?” “I literally cannot stand anything he does.” Andrew is quick to correct. “It won’t work, anyway. He thinks I’m a freak.” “Well, first impressions have never been your forte.” Aaron said snidely, obviously thinking of their own disastrous first meeting. “And how the fuck was inviting him to watch your mother’s cremation supposed to disprove that first impression?” “Our mother’s cremation ceremony.”

rosy cheeks & auburn curls by allforthegayz [Not Rated, 3446 Words, Complete, 2021]

There were some things he didn’t mind, the colder it got, the more layers people wore and questions about his long sleeves became fewer, the special hot chocolate bee buys around this season, people slipping on ice and falling on their asses. He also doesn’t mind when the freezing temperatures mean a certain blue-eyed boy starts wearing outrageously oversized grandpa sweaters passed down from his uncle.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: implied/referenced drug addiction

The Art of Surviving the Holidays by adaintywomanofmystery [Rated T, 3231 Words, Complete, Andreil Week 2019, Locked]

Andrew hates Thanksgiving and refuses to participate, knowing it’s only going to end in disaster. Neil seems to think otherwise, and with a very persistent Nicky on their case, how can he

tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon

This is our beginning by queenofseventeen [Rated T, 6483 Words, Complete, 2019]

In a world where having magic can get you killed by the church Andrew, his brother and his cousin have fled the country but winter has come and with the cold come extra responsibilities. Like using enough magic to keep your plants alive that you could die or a small arctic fox bleeding out in the snow near your house. In which they almost die but they always go on.

tw: blood

Art

the twins have a nice christmas art by @aymmidumps

I never thought I’d have this art by @strokeofinspiration

Andreil featuring Nicky with a mistletoe. art by @eeriethacus

andreil domestic soft winter with kids art by @foxhole-court-girl

Andreil Christmas ft Milo art by @allfortheslay25 (more art and hcs here)

Neil with Andrew and Aaron and their Christmas tree art by @teomoy

Meeting Aaron and Katelyn’s daughter Part 1 Uncle Andrew | Part 2 Andreil art by @gremlinddrawss

Wymack and Kevin’s first Christmas art by @jojen-hewitt

Mistletoe series (families) by @emry-stars-art: andrew & oc son arlo  | sir & king  |  twinyards hug  |  twins & nicky 

[kandisheek]

FIC REC WEEK 52 – DAILY THEMES

SICKFIC

Better Days by sahiya

Pairing: Steve/Bucky/Tony Rating: G Words: 6,132 Tags: Post-Ultron, Bathing/Washing, Hurt Tony

Summary: Since Ultron, Tony has isolated himself from the team. But when Bucky's recovery necessitates a trip into the city, Steve decides to swing by the mansion and see him. Luckily for Tony.

Reasons why I love it: Can this be canon now? Cause I want it to be canon now. All of this is so sweet and domestic, and oh my god, Steve washing Tony's hair?? My new favorite thing now. And the thought of Bucky and Tony snarking at each other while watching the British Bake Off will definitely keep me warm at night. I adore this fic, and I bet you will too, so I hope you check it out for yourself!

Anti-Virus by marinarusalka

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: G Words: 4,112 Tags: Pre-Slash, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff

Summary: Steve didn't think he could get sick any more. He was wrong. Tony didn't think of himself as the caretaking type. He was wrong too.

Reasons why I love it: Tony is SO Tony in this fic, one of the best characterizations I've seen recently. He's funny in a really natural way, and the banter between him and the other Avengers made me laugh more than once. And grumpy Steve is kind of adorable – he also reads incredibly true to his character. I love this fic to bits, and I bet you will too, so I hope you check it out!

Love you, Papa by chvotic

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: G Words: 5,120 Tags: Kidfic, Separation Anxiety, Parenting

Summary: He went to sit on one of the armchairs, but Peter stopped him. “You want me to sit with you?” Peter nodded again, and Steve was having a hard time not bursting into tears himself because the kid wanted to be near him. Or, in which, Peter and Steve share their first ever father-son moments.

Reasons why I love it: This fic made me tear up more than once. The way that Peter opens up to Steve is so beautiful, despite the growing pains in their relationship, and I love how protective Steve is of Peter. Plus, the ending is incredibly sweet. Definitely check this one out, I love it to bits!

Danger Mouse by isozyme

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 7,931 Tags: Savage Lands, Hurt Tony, Mutual Pining

Summary: First step: get both Tony and the pieces of Tony’s suit into some kind of shelter. It’s not raining now, but it’s only a matter of time. The passenger bay of the jet is sitting at a thirty degree angle and pretty banged up, but the doors are accessible and, hey, it’s got a roof. Step two after shelter: make a fire. That’s wilderness 101. Steve pats around his belt pouches for his matches. He comes up with a pack of tissues (wet), a couple of business cards (wet), his guilty pack of cigarettes (also wet), and finally a book of matches. It’s wet.

Reasons why I love it: Aaaah, all the repressed feelings are so delicious! I love how much Steve is struggling to hold himself back with Tony in his arms, and the revelation that Tony is going through the exact same thing is super sweet. This fic is wonderful, and you should definitely read it!

Where the Lovelight Gleams by sahiya

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: G Words: 4,727 Tags: Christmas Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Cuddling

Summary: “Hi,” Peter said weakly, looking up at Steve from where he was curled on his side in the bed––more or less the same position he’d been in since he’d arrived home from MIT, three days earlier, and quarantined himself because he didn’t want to expose Tony’s weak lungs and lousy immune system to his “finals week hell-flu.” Steve appreciated the gesture, but at this point it was clearly doing more harm than good.

Reasons why I love it: Aw, poor Peter, having the flu is the worst, especially during the holidays. I love the protectiveness going on at all ends, Peter wanting to protect Tony, Tony wanting to protect Peter, Steve wanting to protect them both – they're all nerds, and I love them. This fic is wonderful, and if you haven't yet, you should definitely read it!

[ao3feed-kathony]

last christmas (i gave you my heart)

read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/52254235 by suitsusboth Anthony never believed in love at first sight. It was a myth, he thought, despite his parents being the undeniable proof that it did happen and it did exist. He always thought they were just one of the lucky ones though. He never thought it would happen to him, and on the unlikeliest of days too. OR Anthony's POV of the events in 'where the love light gleams' Words: 9456, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Series: Part 2 of lovelights Fandoms: Bridgerton (TV), Bridgerton Series - Julia Quinn Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M Characters: Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma Relationships: Anthony Bridgerton/Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma Additional Tags: a little sad a little sweet, Anthony needs a hug, there's a dog named eggnog, Christmas fic, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Anthony's pov, small town read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/52254235

[devilrosola]

7, 16, 26 for the fic writers ask thing :)

7) A fic of yours you think is underrated?

Where the Lovelight Gleams a Hallmark Christmas fic with a wholesome crack pairing of Hinahoho and Razol of the Fanalis since Hina's boys have been trying to get their dad remarried so they can have more siblings :3

16) What are you favorite characters to write?

🤔 It's hard to narrow it down. I started out primarily with Sinbad with a few side favs, but now Ja'far and Kouen esp together give me more brainrot. But really, the characters together is the best, like putting in quips from Muu or Masrur's inner dialogue.

26) What fic are you proudest of?

I have to say Princess of Balbadd for a completed novel-length fic that has character growth for the reader in three arcs and I love how things came together for it!