#ficmas 2020

[winter-dayz]

A Year Together

Pairing: Bang Chan x Reader Inspired by Holidate (2020) Genre: Angst; Fluff Words: 5574 Warnings: mentions of excessive drinking, smoking, and drug usage; strong language; suggestive content

Masterlist | 12 Days of Ficmas Masterpost

Taglist:  @soobin-chois

She stubbed out her cigarette, sprayed on some perfume, and huffed into the cold air, before gathering the courage to enter her childhood home.

“Merry Christmas,” she called, barely over a speaking voice, hoping no one heard her.

Her mother rounded the corner, displeasure written plain as day. “Finally.” She glanced over her daughter, eyes narrowing on Y/N’s hoodie and leggings. “This is what you’re wearing for Christmas dinner? Would it kill you to dress up a little?”

Y/N ignored her mom’s criticism, as she had for years, and looked around at the meticulous decorations. “The house looks beautiful.”

She hummed, motioning her daughter to follow her. “No thanks to you or your aunt. She brought a date, at least, unlike you.”

“Speaking of plus-ones…” Y/N’s older sister, Nayeon, cut in. She pulled Y/N to the kitchen. “Why didn’t you call Seungmin?

“I just wasn’t feeling it.”

Nayeon sighed, “It’s been six months. Eventually, you have to start dating again.”

“I mean who’s surprised no one wants to take her out when she just sits at home looking like that,” their mother snarked, coming into the kitchen.

Y/N’s eye twitched, the urge to smoke rising. “I work from home, Mother. My boss and coworkers don’t care if I wear pajamas. You know what they do care about? You constantly calling while I’m working.”

She ignored her daughter and leaned closer. “Are you still smoking? You’re going to die alone for sure then. No man wants a smoker who can’t be bothered to dress well.” Her mother scowled at her and left the room, Nayeon in tow.

Y/N rolled her eyes, throwing her drink back, and mumbled to herself. “And no man wants a bitchy mother-in-law either. So, I guess that’s three strikes.”

The rest of the afternoon and evening went exactly as she expected.

When her brother, Jeongin, arrived, he lightly taunted her about showing up alone again. His girlfriend, Chaeryeong, scolded him for teasing someone for being sad. Y/N insisted she wasn’t sad. Then Nayeon’s husband asked her why she didn’t just call Seungmin. She had tried to argue back but was interrupted by her mother calling everyone to open presents—Y/N received dresses from her mom that didn’t fit, pajamas from her sister that were definitely a regift, and a gift card from her brother. When Y/N managed to escape (finally) from the judgment of her family, she refilled her drink in the kitchen, and her aunt joined her.

“Isn’t he so fun?” Her aunt giggled drunkenly, nodding in the direction of her date playing with some of Y/N’s nieces. “He’s Santa at the mall this year. You’d be surprised about the kind of men you can meet there.” Y/N didn’t respond, not wanting to come across as judgy as her mother was of everyone, but her aunt sensed the hint of criticism anyway. “Calm down. I’m not gonna marry the guy. He’s my holidate.”

Y/N laughed lightly, “What is a ‘holidate’?”

“A date just for the holidays. No commitment, no strings attached. Just fun.”

Y/N hummed but didn’t get a chance to respond as dinner was announced to be ready. She wasn’t even surprised to find herself at the kids’ table.

“Could I have everyone’s attention?” Jeongin asked from the main dining room. Y/N stood from the kids’ table just in time to see Jeongin kneeling before his girlfriend. “Lee Chaeryeong…” Y/N felt her eyes widen, her head shaking no. Her baby brother couldn’t be getting engaged before her… “Will you do the honor of becoming my wife and marrying me?”

“Fuck no…” Y/N whispered to herself as Chaeryeong jumped up with an excited “Yes! Oh my god, yes!”

“Two down… One to go.” Y/N’s mother smiled at the young couple before flicking a snide glare to Y/N in the doorway.

🎄

It was in line at some store in the mall a few days later that she met him.

Chan had been trying to return khakis that were very much not his style, and Y/N was trying to return the dresses and pajamas she had gotten. They had gotten to chatting about their awful Christmases, when her aunt’s Christmas date recognized her.

“Have your aunt call me!” The man called out, Y/N embarrassedly pulling Chan away from the food court.

“So what was the deal with that?” Chan laughed goodnaturedly.

“He was my aunt’s holidate.”

“Wait, wait… A holidate? Like a date for Christmas, or does it work for all holidays?”

Y/N shrugged, “I assume all of them. But then again, my aunt doesn’t stick around with one man long so she might find a new one for Easter.”

Chan breathed out a laugh, “That’s what I need for New Year’s…”

“Why would you need a holidate?” Chan glanced over at her in confusion, and she shrugged. “I can’t imagine you’d really have that much trouble finding a date. You’re extremely good-looking. You seem sweet. Look pretty dependable… I mean, you have dimples for Christ’s sake! That’s every girl’s dream!”

Chan hummed, “I’m also a workaholic.”

“Oh…” Y/N nodded, “Okay, I get it.”

“And casually dating on the holidays…” Chan shook his head, “It just becomes a lot of pressure. People expect more than I can give them, especially once the holiday is over.”

“That sucks… Try being the only single person left in your family, though. I’m so fucking sick of the pity party and them trying to set me up.”

“I get why they do it though. They don’t want you alone on the holidays… We’re not meant to be alone. Humans need companionship, warmth… someone to drunk-mock strangers with at parties.”

“I do enjoy drunk-mocking strangers at parties…”

“Great, so be my holidate for New Year’s.”

A laugh bubbled out of Y/N, “I don’t even really know you.”

Chan stuck a hand out to her, a big grin with crescent eyes and dimples shining. “Hi, I’m Chrisopher Bang. I go by Chan, though. I’m a music producer. A perfectionist and workaholic. I have VIP tickets to the JY New Year’s party. Would you like to go with me?” When she hesitated, he pulled out a business card and passed it to her, “Think about it? There’s no pressure, no expectations. I mean…” He cleared his throat and darted his eyes away for a moment, “I don’t even find you that attractive so no worries there either.”

“Wow. I’m so flattered.” Y/N scoffed, snatching the card.

The tips of Chan’s ears colored red, but Y/N didn’t notice as she stared at his business card. “Just think about it and text me.”

Y/N hummed and shook her head, waving him off as she headed to her car. She would think about it, but she definitely wasn’t going to text him…

Well, she probably wouldn’t have. Except the next day her mom video-called her while she was working and proceeded to berate her for wearing another hoodie (even though she was just working from home and had no virtual meetings that day). After the berating was done, she moved on to trying to insist that Y/N go on a date with their new neighbor, Felix. It ended with Y/N snapping that she already had a New Year’s date and hanging up on her mother to make a new call.

She heard the smile in Chan’s voice as he answered, “Hello~ I thought I said text me, not call me.”

🎄

Y/N pointed out another couple from their balcony booth. “They’re for sure getting engaged at midnight.”

“You think?” Chan asked, sipping his fifth? sixth? drink. Y/N nodded, finishing her own and taking new glasses from a passing waiter.

At some point the conversation turned away from drunk-mocking strangers to their thoughts on romantic comedies.

“So who ruined love for you?” Chan asked, leaning in close so Y/N could hear him.

She shook her head vehemently. “You don’t really wanna hear about him.”

“Why not?” Chan shrugged, “We’re already on the topic… At least give me a name.”

“Minho.” Y/N swallowed the rest of her drink. “He was handsome and smart. I loved his dry humor, a bit mischievous. He was a dancer, sexy.” Y/N groaned in memory.

“So what happened? If he was so perfect…”

“We wanted different things. I wanted someone to bring home for the holidays. He wanted someone to fuck behind my back. So…”

“Oh damn… I’m so sorry.” Chan frowned, trying desperately not to sound like he was pitying her. He already knew she hated that.

Y/N shrugged, “It’s my own fault. My sister always told me to date down, but I didn’t listen… He was just too hot to be trustworthy…”

“Still sorry he screwed you over like that. No one deserves that.” Chan hesitated looking around, while Y/N simply hummed in thought. “I’ll be back in a few. Gonna run to the bathroom and get us new drinks on the way back. Sit tight, yeah?”

Of course, as soon as Chan had left the announcer began the ten-second countdown. Y/N looked around frantically, not wanting to be alone when they got to–

“Happy New Year!”

“I’m so sorry,” Chan huffed, running back through the crowd to her side. He glanced over to her and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. “Happy New Year.”

🎄

She was alone on a holiday again, save for her overflowing basket of candy. Even though New Year’s was fun with Chan—probably the best holiday she’d ever had—she couldn’t find it in her to call him again for another holiday. Especially Valentine’s Day.

“Y/N?”

She wished she had called Chan.

Her eyes widened, and she whipped around, truffle hanging out of her mouth as she ate from the basket she had yet to pay for.

“Minho? Oh my god! How’ve you been?” Y/N rushed to wipe her mouth clean as she came face-to-face with her ex-boyfriend.

Minho didn’t get a chance to answer since a young woman ran up and did it for him. “Baby taste this! Isn’t it good?”

He had a new girlfriend. A new, adorable, perfect girlfriend.

Lost in her self-deprecating thoughts, Y/N felt an arm slide around her waist. “Hey love, I thought we were gonna meet over by the little ice cream stand? You told me you wanted to try that new flavor.”

How was he here? Why was he helping her?

“Oh, hey there mate. I’m Chan, Y/N’s little boy toy. I’d love to get her to commit long-term, but she’s just so strong and independent. Fingers crossed though!”

“Stop it,” Y/N finally snapped out of her reverie and hissed under her breath to Chan as she fake nuzzled him. He covered it well with a laugh.

“Yeah, nice to meet you…” Minho smiled down at his girlfriend. “I’m Minho, and this is Tzuyu.”

“Cool, well did you get everything, love? I wanted to get you something from Victoria’s Secret. Let’s go,” Chan grinned secretively at her. A show for Minho, she knew. “Anyway, lovely to meet you both. All the best, bye Julie~”

“Um, it's Tzuyu!” They called back to Chan as he dragged Y/N out of the store.

She was dragged past the ice cream store he mentioned and the Victoria’s Secret, all the way to Chan’s car, as she continued to mumble about feeling sick. Finally, in the privacy of his car, she let out a shaky sigh and a single sob.

“I need a cigarette.”

Chan’s head ticked to the side, “You smoke?”

“Sometimes… Not regularly, just in high stress situations. Holidays are the worst…”

“Why didn’t you call me?”

“I thought about it but… I was embarrassed that nothing had changed since New Year’s. I’m still bitter and single.”

Chan laughed lightly, nudging Y/N to lighten the mood. “That’s the point of this whole holidate thing. We both get to avoid the pressure of a real relationship and the judgment of not having one yet. So… Let’s just make it official, yeah? Holidates until further notice?”

🎄

St. Patrick’s Day came and went smoothly. Chan and Y/N met up at a pub, drinking until all the green in the room began to blur together, and surprisingly ran into Nayeon, Jeongin, and Chaeryeong. None of them quite understood the arrangement the two had, but they were supportive of their sister getting out of the house, having fun, and letting loose.

After St. Patrick’s Day, Easter rolled around, and with Easter came a family brunch.

“Hoppy Easter, my little bunnies,” Y/N’s aunt strolled into the backyard wearing a Playboy outfit. She motioned to her own holidate, who was wearing a long white robe, “This is Jesús.”

“What in God’s name are you wearing?!” Y/N’s mom shrieked at her sister. “This is an Easter brunch; silly costumes are not allowed.”

As she spoke, someone came literally hopping into the yard wearing a full pink bunny suit, tossing candy-filled eggs to the kids.

Y/N choked on her mimosa at the sight. “Looks like someone didn’t get the memo.”

“Felix!” Her mother beamed. “I’m glad you could make it. Honey,” she turned towards Y/N, dragging a freckled, ball of sunshine with her, “This is our neighbor that I told you about.”

“Hello,” he smiled at her. His voice was deep—deeper than she anticipated—and sent a subtle chill down her spine. His freckles stood out, even against his lightly tanned skin, and his smile warmed her from the inside out. “I’m Felix… Sorry, I volunteer at the kids’ cancer ward and was doing a bit of cheering up. Came straight here… Wow, you are prettier in person.” Y/N blushed deeply, dipping her face to hide her grin. Chan glanced between the two. “Thank you,” she mumbled out at the same time that Chan piped in, “I’m Chan. Y/N’s date. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m so sorry, Felix. We weren’t expecting Y/N to bring a guest.” Her mother cut in, sneering down at Chan and Y/N.

The warmth Felix had brought drained out, and Y/N glared up at her own mom. “That’s odd to say since I explicitly told you that Chan was coming.”

“Um… I’ll go say hi to the kids. I have some more treats for them…” Felix excused himself, glancing between the staredown the two women were having.

“You see what you did!” Her mother hissed. “He’ll think you aren’t interested.”

“I’m not interested.” It wasn’t totally a lie.

Y/N’s mother fussed with her hair. “I just want you to find someone with real potential.” She glared over at Chan again. “I don’t want you continuing with this holidate crap. Do you want to die alone like your aunt?”

After remaining silent, her mother huffed and dispersed to nag at someone else. Chan waited a few minutes and then cleared his throat. “You know… Maybe you should actually give that neighbor guy a chance?” When Y/N simply stared at him like he was crazy, Chan continued, “I mean he has nice hair, freckles, volunteers with kids… That’s gotta be a dream guy, right?”

“I just don’t think I’m ready yet.”

“Hasn’t it been almost a year?”

Y/N pouted down at her crepes. “I mean… yeah,” she said softly, a bit broken. “Women take their time to process though. We don’t just dump and move on like men do.”

“To be fair, women can be brutal too.” Chan breathed out heavily, “My ex… I mean, my friend’s ex. She crushed him. Pretended to like his friends and hobbies. Started leaving things at his apartment until he just suggested they move in together. And it was great at first, or maybe she was good at pretending… They started exploring more things sexually and talking about the future. But then one day, she was just gone. All of the stuff she had left around was cleared out, her phone number was changed, and I was blocked on social media. I mean, my friend was blocked.”

Y/N looked over at Chan, really looked at him. He looked as broken in that moment as she often felt inside. She rubbed his arm lightly, and he gave her a sad smile. After a few more minutes, Y/N cleared her throat.

“So… what kind of sexual things are we talking?” She joked, trying to lighten the mood.

It worked, and Chan laughed loudly. “I am not telling you that.”

🎄

Much like St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo was spent at a fiesta party getting blackout drunk together. This time without the interruption of Y/N’s siblings.

Several rounds of tequila shots in, Y/N finally asked about the “sexual things” Chan had explored before since he never answered at Easter. He just laughed her off again. A few more rounds, and some light flirting, and Y/N was taunting that he probably hadn’t even slept with anyone in a while and lost his touch. He corrected her that he had actually met some waitress at St. Patrick’s Day that he’d taken home. She downed her next drink after hearing that, not stopping to think about why it bothered her. More shots, more drinks.

And the next thing they knew, they were waking up in Chan’s apartments and promptly going their separate ways until Mother’s Day.

“Can we please not talk about my personal life for once?” Y/N questioned, sipping her drink, while Chan sat silently beside her eating brunch.

“It’s my day. I have a right to know what my only child is doing with their life.” Her mother snipped.

Y/N grumbled about her siblings, and her mother cut her off, “They aren’t single.” She spat the word like it was a curse. “I just worry about you… And you,” she turned her glare to Chan, “I don’t understand why you’re wasting my daughter’s time.”

“It’s not a waste. We’re friends, Mother.” Y/N defended immediately, and Chan perked up, glancing over at her with a small smile.

“You don’t need a friend. You need a husband. Or at least a life partner. You need someone legally bound to be there when you go through chemo.”

Chan looked worriedly, “chemo?” at the same time Y/N spat the word out.

Y/N’s mother turned back to her daughter. “Let’s not kid ourselves. You have bad genes, and you smoke. Bald women don’t get a lot of dates. You need a husband now.”

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about, Ms. L/N.” Chan interrupted, noticing how she curled in on herself. “Y/N is an amazing girl. Even bald.”

🎄

For Independence Day, Chan and Jeongin gathered fireworks and drove up to the lake cabin separately. Y/N met up with Nayeon, Chaeryeong, and her aunt to ride up: girls’ trip style. With the addition of her aunt’s holidate…

“What’s that smell?” Chaeryeong asked, sliding into the backseat beside Y/N’s aunt and her date.

Nayeon breathed deeply, “Is that marijuana?”

“It’s medicinal.”

“Don’t care,” Y/N laughed, “pass it over!”

Slowly but surely, the girls hotboxed Nayeon’s car, arriving at the cabin happily high. Upon arrival, they settled in with munchies while the boys ran down to the lake to start shooting off the fireworks, shouting excitedly while they did.

“What is it about men and explosives?” Y/N laughed, watching from the balcony as Chan gleefully shot off fireworks.

“It’s like jacking off.” Y/N’s aunt giggled back, “Men live for the orgasm. If they’re not fucking then they’re dreaming about fucking… Or blowing stuff up. It’s the next best thing to fucking.”

The girls burst out laughing, but petered off as Jeongin ran up frantically. He was shouting about a freak accident and how Chan shot off a firework and the kickback knocked him over and the explosion hit the tree and a branch fell on him and he broke his leg.

Which led to Y/N, miraculously the most sober person at the cabin, taking Chan to the hospital.

“All right, so it looks like you only fractured the bone,” the doctor said coming into the hospital room.

“Felix?” Y/N asked, confused.

“Y/N! Are you hurt? You’re okay, right?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine… I didn’t know you were like a doctor doctor; I just thought you volunteered.”

“Well, I’m technically still a resident. But I also volunteer in the cancer ward.” Felix smiled at her.

Chan glanced between Y/N and Felix as the two grinned shyly at one another.

“That’s so amazing… You’re just… Wow. Doing amazing things.” Y/N breathed out. (Maybe she was still a bit high).

“I’m just trying to help people,” Felix blushed. “Anyway, I was disappointed I never heard back from you…”

Chan couldn’t stand their flirting anymore. “You know what I’m disappointed about? This broken leg.”

“Ah, yeah, man… It shouldn’t be too long now. We’ll give you some pain medication and a prescription and make sure it’s set and cast properly. Then you can go.”

“Sounds good.” Chan smiled, although the grin was tight around the edges.

Later that evening, Y/N had managed to gather the necessary prescriptions, taken Chan home, and ordered him food.

“I’m sorry I ruined your Fourth of July…” Chan pouted at her, grabbing her hand when she turned away to leave.

She pulled away gently but moved to push his hair out of his eyes. “It’s no problem, Chan… Holidate rule number three: leave no holidate behind.”

🎄

The next holiday did not come as smoothly. Since Labor Day was also the weekend of Jeongin and Chaeryeong’s wedding, Y/N and Chan decided to take different dates.

Not that either necessarily wanted to, but neither knew that the other wanted to take each other. It was unnecessarily complicated.

Instead, Y/N brought Felix and Chan brought the St. Patrick’s Day waitress, and the whole event was awkward overall.

At some point, though, the two found themselves at the bar, and it went from awkward to horrible as they argued. But, their tempers were smothered upon finding their dates making out near the dessert table, and they both sighed and smiled sheepishly at one another.

“So you got any ideas for Halloween?” Y/N pouted.

“Already on it.” Chan shrugged, planning out matching outfits for the two of them.

On Halloween, Chan spotted Y/N first, calling her over with wide-eyes at the corset wrapped tightly around her. “I’m glad it fits… Perfectly, actually.” He eyed her pirate costume, gaze dragging up-and-down her body. He hadn’t anticipated how good it would look.

“Ahoy!” Y/N smiled and held a flask out to Chan, “Rum?”

The party, hosted by Jeongin and Chaeryeong, was going well. Y/N and Chan were having a blast with her brother and sister-in-law, along with Nayeon who had come out. It was fun… Until…

“Happy Halloween!” Minho cheered, heading towards them.

Y/N whipped around to hiss, “Who invited them?” Chan’s hands came to rest on her shoulders, giving a reassuring squeeze.

“I love the slutty pirate costume. Classic!” Tzuyu smiled.

She was being genuine, and Y/N wanted to hate her for it. Wanted to hate how genuinely sweet and pretty she was. But she couldn’t. Because at the moment, she was busy hating her for the obvious baby bump she was sporting.

“Um…” Y/N smiled awkwardly, “So, baby?”

Tzuyu’s eyebrows rose, “Oh, yes… Minho and I are expecting. Isn’t that great?” She looked so happy.

Y/N felt sick.

“Wow… Pregnant. That’s– that’s great! She’s pregnant everyone! Isn’t that great?!” Y/N babbled frantically.

“Alright, love, let’s go get another drink!” Chan interrupted, pulling her away with Nayeon following closely behind.

Once out of earshot, Y/N grabbed Chan’s hand. “I don’t feel well.”

“Do you want me to take you home?” Nayeon offered, but Y/N shook her head, insisting that her older sister enjoy her night out.

“I’ve got you. I’ll take you home.” Chan said. No room for argument. “Holidate rule number three: leave no holidate behind. Let’s go.”

Back at her apartment, Y/N rushed to the bathroom. She slid down to the floor, the panic attack pulling dry heaves out of her. Chan settled next to her after a few minutes, passing her hot tea to soothe her nerves and rubbing her back. She let out loud sobs and fell into his chest.

When she had settled down, he helped her up and into her bed. He moved to leave, but Y/N grabbed his hand, pulling him back onto the bed. “Please stay…”

“Are you sure? You’re really upset about this.”

“I’m upset that he gets to cheat and still finds love, and no one will love me. I’m upset that my mom is right. There’s something wrong with me…”

Chan’s brow furrowed, and his jaw ticked. “There is nothing wrong with you. You deserve love, and…” He paused, head tilting in thought slightly. “Someone will love you.”

She nodded and slid down into the blankets. Chan followed, curling around her and holding her close to him.

She’d never fallen asleep so quickly.

In the morning, Y/N woke up with Chan only a hair’s breadth away. He looked so soft. She reached up, finger tracing his pouty lips, but froze when his eyes fluttered open. His own hand reached up, grabbing hers and placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

As a small smile tugged on both their lips, Y/N leaned forward. Her hand slid over his cheek and into his hair while their lips met. When she started to pull away from the chaste kiss, his grasp tightened on her, and he pulled her back in for another. And another. And another.

Before either knew it, the October morning chill had turned heated. Their kisses turned into bites and licks. The gentle caresses turned into scratches and roaming hands. The early clouds turned into the midday sun.

And both flopped back onto the bed, exhausted and sweaty.

“Wow,” Chan breathed heavily, “So should we…”

As he trailed off, Y/N felt the panic rise again. “You can go if you want.”

Of course that’s what he would want. They were holidates, friends at best. He had said he wasn’t even attracted to her…

Chan’s smile, that she hadn’t noticed yet, fell. “You want me to leave?”

“I mean… I don’t want you to feel obligated to stay.”

“Why would I feel obligated?”

“Well, Halloween’s over.”

Chan’s eyes widened, brows raising. He nodded, “Right.”

“So… I’ll see you at Thanksgiving?”

🎄

“Are you sure he’s coming,” Y/N’s mom snarked, moving about the house to finish preparations. “I don’t want to put the leaf in if he’s not.”

“Yes, Mother. Put the leaf in. He’ll be here.”

“Well it’s all the way in the basement…”

“Mom–”

She didn’t stop walking, ignoring her daughter, “We could just use the piano bench somehow.”

Y/N snapped, “Put the goddamn leaf in!”

“Fine, no need to shout…” Her mother started to chastise but was cut off by the shrill of the fire alarm. “Oh no! The pies!”

Since her mother had burned both pies and several of the sides to a crisp, Y/N was being ushered to the store. As the door was pulled open, though, Y/N was met face-to-face with Chan.

“Hey?”

“Hi… I have to go to the store, if you want…?”

Hearing her mother fussing in the background, Chan grabbed her hand. “Let’s go.”

At the store, the two mostly shopped in silence, awkward chit-chat kept to a minimum, but eventually, Chan couldn’t take it anymore. “So are we really just going to pretend we didn’t have sex?”

“Sounds good.” Y/N smiled, albeit obviously fake.

Chan shook his head with a scoff. “Fine. But, for the record, I didn’t want to leave afterwards.”

“Sure,” Y/N rolled her eyes, “You didn’t even want to have sex with me. You told me you didn’t find me attractive, but sure. You definitely wanted to stay all day and talk about our feelings.”

“What did you want me to say?!” Chan snapped back, pulling Y/N to a stop. “I was some stranger in the mall. Did you want me to scare you off by telling you how beautiful I thought you were, even in your sweats. Did you want me to tell you that on New Year’s I ran away to the bathroom because you have these lips that just beg to be kissed. And on Valentine’s Day, I could see from outside the store that your eyes were filled with tears, and it crushed me. Is that what you wanted to know?”

Y/N felt her heart constrict, turning away to stare into a freezer. “No. I didn’t want to know that. In fact, I don’t want to know any of those types of things. You can relax and keep sleeping with St. Patrick’s Day waitresses all you want.”

“Wow…” Chan breathed out in disbelief. “You’re really trying so hard not to feel anything, huh? Well at least that makes you the liar and asshole and not me.”

Storming out of the store and leaving her alone in the frozen section, Y/N felt her heart crumble and eyes fill with tears. She wanted to scream and cry, but instead, she checked out and headed home, already anticipating the fight that would be waiting for her.

“Where’s Chan?” Nayeon asked as soon as Y/N walked through the front door alone.

“I don’t know…” Y/N whispered, moving to put groceries away and start helping to make some of the replacement dishes.

“I knew it!” Her mother called from the dining room. “No leaf!”

“What did you do, Y/N?” Nayeon sighed heavily.

Y/N whipped around, trying desperately to ignore the snide remark from their mother. “What makes you think it was me?”

“Well, honey, you don’t have the best track record.” Her mother chipped in again. Jeongin, having come in to get a drink, glanced between the two.

“Excuse me?! Minho is the one who cheated on me. Chan left me in the store.”

“Well maybe if you were honest with him…” Nayeon mumbled.

Jeongin shrugged one shoulder, “Yeah, if you just told him how you feel we could get through a holiday without your personal life being such a mess.”

Y/N started to argue back when her aunt’s holidate collapsed. The fighting promptly cut off, an ambulance being called, and Y/N somehow getting roped into the back with her aunt.

“You know… I barely even know him.” Her aunt whispered as they sat in the hospital waiting room. “I even had to write his name on my arm… And I know how sad it is; I know what everyone in the family thinks and says. It’s my own fault, too. I had so many opportunities with good men, kind men, who liked me. Loved me even… But as soon as they got too close, I ran away. Ran away and found someone who wasn’t good or kind. Someone who cheated, but was sexy and fun. And now I’m in my fifties, waiting in a hospital for a man I don’t really know…”

Y/N hummed, realization hitting her.

🎄

Inspired by her aunt, and a few very-much-needed therapy sessions, Y/N found herself outside Chan’s production company a week before Christmas.

Her chest felt tight, and despite the cold, her hands felt sweaty.

She could do it. She could confess. She just needed to walk in there and tell him.

���So… Are you going to go in, or just keep standing outside stalking me?” Chan’s voice came from behind.

Y/N spun around so fast she almost slipped on the icy ground, Chan reaching out to steady her.

“Chan! Hi. I just…” She exhaled heavily, breath coming out in a puff of steam against the freezing cold. “I just… I fucked up.” His brows rose, but his hands remained on her arms. She took it as a good sign and continued. “What I’m trying to say is that I’ve had more fun with you this past year than with any other loser I thought I was in love with. And I know I fucked it up because I was scared, but letting you go was the biggest mistake of my life… I miss you so much. So much that I even quit smoking and eating junk food all the time and drinking so much. You really ruined all my vices for me… Anyway…” She swallowed heavily, gaze traveling across his blank face to gauge his reaction so far, despite him not giving any. “You were right. I do have feelings for you. I thought I wanted a holidate, but the truth is that I just want you. For all the holidays. And the weekends… And weekdays would be nice too. I know I’m probably too late, but honestly, you’re the only one I’d wanna go through chemo with.”

Chan’s lips quirked into a small smile, and he stepped closer. He rubbed his nose against her freezing one and pecked her lips, pulling away just enough to say, “Yeah, why not… I bet you’d be hot bald.”

[rebelliousstories]

Cranberry

25 Days of Ficmas

Relationship: Pete “Maverick” Mitchell x Reader

Fandom: Top Gun

Request: No

Warnings: Fluff, Mentions of Death, Light Angst

Word Count: 2,100

Masterlist: Here

Summary: A certain unusual flavor that has held a special spot in the Mitchell and Bradshaw family every Christmas.

Christmas 1985

“Alright! I’m here! I’m here! I’ve got the goods!” Pete’s loud voice rang out into the government issued housing known as, the Bradshaw abode. A two foot tall blur came barreling towards his knees, and it was only a split second decision that still kept them in tack. He grabbed the youngest Bradshaw and hoisted him hip on to his hip.

“Uncle Pete!” Bradley exclaimed, hugging his favorite uncle. The man hugged him close, never once letting go of the boy or the bags in his hand.

“Hey bud! Oh, I missed you.” His words were music to the woman’s ears as a certain blonde haired lady rounded the corner.

“Pete!” Carol exclaimed, piling on to the hug that was started without her. Maverick took one arm and wrapped it around her, while pressing a brotherly kiss to her cheek.

“Hey Carol.” Pete took a deep breath in, finally enjoying being able to relax a bit with his closest friends.

“Oh, so this is where everyone went.” One more set of arms piled on to the group hug and encompassed them all.

“Hi sweetie.” Pete teased at his taller friend.

“Hiya hun.” Nick threw back at him. The one great thing about their friendship, is that each one could give as good as they got. But they were there to enjoy time as a family. Slowly but surely, each layer peeled away to reveal the bags that were still in Pete’s hands.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. Should’ve taken these first, Pete. Here let me get those.” Carol tried to reach for the bags, but Maverick went head and stepped towards the kitchen to set them down. As he did, he felt Bradley being pulled from his arms by Goose, allowing him to move freely.

“I got it, Carol. Just tell me where you want stuff.” He offered, watching the woman fight every bone in her body not to take over.

“I just… well, alright.” While Carol and Maverick were busy in the kitchen, Bradley and Goose were busy playing with each other in the living room. A huge tree sat in the corner, complete with lights, ornaments, garland and other pretty decorations. It provided endless hours of entertainment as Bradley was still so little. He was amazed by the lights and colors coming from the tree.

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Pete and Carol were having a blast doing the last minute preparations for their big Christmas dinner. Turning the giant turkey in the oven and basting it, toasting up some Hawaiian rolls, making the side dishes, and most importantly making the cranberry sauce. It was the one thing that Carol always insisted on making from scratch herself. An old family recipe that had been passed down for generations. It had become a staple of any holiday meal, or even one made on special occasions.

The family sat down for their meal, and Carol set the cranberry sauce delicately down on their table. For the rest of the night, there was conversation, laughter and entertainment in general. The cranberry sauce was always the highlight of the meal. No one was allowed to know exactly what or how much of anything was put into the sauce, but none of them cared. No one cared what she put in the sauce, only that it was delicious and a staple of their table.

//

Christmas 2020

“Babe! I’m back from the store. I got everything you needed.” A feminine voice rang out, carrying bags into the home. Pete wiped his hands down on a rag before stepping out into the foyer to help her with them.

“Thank you for getting these, dear. It really helped.” Maverick grabbed majority of the bags and pressed a loving kiss to his partners lips, before moving to the kitchen to prepare the very last thing they had to make. An old, and worn recipe card laid on the counter amongst all the ingredients that they needed for this particular dish.

“You’re welcome, Mav. Do you need or want any help?” She wrapped her arms around his body and pressed another kiss in between his shoulder blades. Maverick pressed his hands to her arms, yet shook his head.

“No, I got this. You go ahead and get ready for company. I’ll take care of this.” And with that, Maverick stayed in the kitchen while his lover went off to go get ready. He tried to follow the recipe as closely as he could, but these were written in not quite so accurate measurements. Finally, he understood when she used to say, “southern measurements.” It confused him to no end. A pinch, a smidge, a helping; these did not make sense. How much were each of them? By the time he finished the batch, his lover appeared from their bedroom, looking refreshed and festive in her brilliant red sweater.

“Mav, you okay honey?” Her hands trailed up his arms while he was standing over the pot on the stove.

“Will you taste this?” Pete gave the spoon with a small helping of the sauce to her lips. When she tasted it though, her face scrunched up in displeasure.

“How is it both too sweet and too salty?” She questioned, staring at the offensive cranberry sauce.

“I don’t know. I can’t understand these measurements so it didn’t turn out like I had hoped.” Maverick admitted, thrusting the card in front of her eyes. They scanned over the card and turned to her partner with a certain mischievous grin.

“Would you like me to help?” She teased, already getting to work on restarting their work station.

“If you think you can do better, be my guest.” He waved his arm to the mess he had made. She worked to first clean and dispose of the cranberries that had been used already, before setting up to try again.

As she read the recipe card, and followed the corresponding instructions, Pete was suddenly thrust back to all those years ago. Every Christmas and Thanksgiving where he watched Carol move around the kitchen to make this simple dish. He had a hard time shaking the memories of Carol and her loud, obnoxious singing that would inevitably bring him and Goose into. The way she would dance with Nick in the kitchen as she finished up their meals, or after them.

His mind blended them together, unable to discern one from the next. It brought him a sense of comfort that he had not felt since her untimely death. She seemed to understand the writings on the small piece of paper, as her movements never slowed preparing the dish. Turning off the stove, she set the pot off to the side to cool and grabbed a new spoon to scoop out a bit of the sauce to try. She blew on it to cool it down even faster and after several attempts to eat it, it was finally the perfect temperature for her to sample. Letting out a pleased hum, she grabbed another spoon and gave it to Maverick. He, too, stuck it in the cooling pot, and blew on it a few times before bringing it to his lips to enjoy. But he could not enjoy it. All that he could do was keep tears at bay. Noticing her lover bent over the counter with the heels of his palms in his eyes, she set her spoon down and wrapped her arms around the pilot.

“Mav, what’s wrong?” She asked, and he heard, but he could not bring any words to his lips.

“Pete?” She pried once more, and got an embrace in return. The man had turned around and brought her into his arms, while placing his head into the crook of her neck. There was no noise from the man, but there was a wet spot slowly forming on her sweater from where his head laid. She did not try to get him to talk anymore, just stroked a hand through his hair and over his back as he worked through whatever he was feeling at the moment. His tears slowed, as did the shake in his shoulders, to a point where he felt comfortable enough to pull his head from her neck. Pete wiped his hands across his face, trying desperately to remove the evidence of tears, however her hands caught the few stragglers that were still falling.

“I’m sorry. That just… that tastes exactly like how Carol made it every year. And your mannerisms are so similar in the kitchen. I’m sorry.” Tears welled up in Maverick’s eyes, but none dared fall. That was until she returned her hands to his face to cup it so gingerly.

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Mav. It’s okay to miss her. It’s okay to still hurt when you think about her.” She assured him, stroking gently over his cheeks. Pete grabbed her hands in his, and turned to place a soft kiss to each palm, before taking the hands from his face and holding her close.

“Thank you.” He whispered, leaning in to steal a kiss straight from the source. She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders, and enjoyed the feeling of closeness with her lover before they both were drawn away by the sound of a door opening. Turning in his arms, the couple watched a young mustachioed pilot walk through the door, taking off his boots, and removing his sunglasses.

“Mav?” He called out. The couple turned back to each other, and disengaged to go greet the man. Bradley stood in a Christmas patterned Hawaiian shirt, which Maverick was shocked he could even find but he guessed anything was possible with the internet now. Once the couple came into view, the woman ran up and greeted him.

“Bradley! So good to have you here.” She hugged him close, and he allowed himself the small bit of affection.

“Good to be here, Mrs. M.” He responded, only drawing back when she did.

“Bradley.” Pete now greeted, with a handshake, but that quite got drawn into a hug as well.

“Uncle Pete.” Both men knew what he said, but neither dwelled on it for too long. They pulled away as well, and went to the table. Both men grabbed plates of food, and set them down on the table. However, Bradley was stunned to notice the homemade cranberry sauce on the table. It looked so similar to-

“Alright, boys. Dig in.” Everyone went to work plating and serving themselves the bountiful feast before them. The couple placed a little bit of cranberry sauce on their plates, but when Pete passed the dish to Bradley, he refused.

“Sorry. I don’t like cranberry sauce.” He dismissed the plate that was still in the older pilot’s grip.

“Just try it, Bradley. Trust me.” Thy stared into each other’s eyes for a moment, before the younger pilot took the dish from Maverick, and dished some onto his plate. The couple watched Rooster as he tore off a chunk of bread and reluctantly ate the cranberry sauce on his plate; wanting to get it out of the way to hopefully wash down the store bought taste with the rest of his food. But this did not taste store bought. This tasted homemade. This tasted exactly like the cranberry sauce he ate growing up when his mom was still alive.

He could not believe what was in front of him now. In disbelief, he stared at Pete, who simply nodded his head with a wide grin plastered on his face. Turning, Pete’s lover was staring nervously at the man, hoping she did it justice.

“Did you make this?” Rooster whispered, fearing if he raised his voice even a little bit, that he would break whatever spell this one little dish had over him.

“Mav found an old recipe card that your mom had when she would make this. He tried to make it but he can’t read southern measurements like a woman can.” She joked, jabbing her eyes towards said man teasingly. Bradley vaguely heard a, “they’re so confusing,” and “not real measurements,” from the man, but his ears were rushing, drowning out all sound. Eventually, he took another bite, and another, and another, till there was no more sauce on his plate. It tasted like home. A home he had lost and never found his way back to yet.

“Thank you.” Bradley looked the woman in the eyes, hoping that his sincerity came across as much as he felt it. She rubbed his shoulder from here she sat, and everyone turned back to their meal.

[starry-hughes]

hot chocolate (jamie drysdale)

day 7 of star’s ficmas event!

jamie drysdale x reader

Jamie loves hot chocolate. Whenever anyone would ask about it, he would simply say it was something he liked because of his childhood. He never expanded his explanation but he knew why. Growing up in Toronto, Jamie had his fair share of skating in the late winter nights on outdoor rinks, parents begging him to get off the ice, and hot chocolate. 

You had known Jamie since growing up next door. You were the reason he loved hot chocolate. He would drag you along with him to the rink, promising hot chocolate. You would always go with him. You knew deep down, you would have followed him anywhere. 

“You’re going to Erie?” you asked softly after the draft in 2018. “Yeah,” Jamie frowned, “I’m sorry.” You didn’t mean to make him feel bad. “No, Jamie, I’m happy for you. I just will miss you.” He hugged you, “I know... Want to make hot chocolate?” 

You felt selfish when Jamie had to stay home more in 2020. He would text you all the time, sit on facetime with you, sit in his own driveway while you sat in yours. “They are talking about me going high in the draft,” Jamie spoke, sipping on his cup of hot chocolate. It wasn’t cold outside but it was your tradition. “I hope you get drafted to a nearby team, I want to be able to see you still,” you told him. 

When Jamie left for Anaheim, you were sad. But a text from Jamie made it feel better, a picture of him sipping on a hot chocolate in sunny California. 

His texts got less and less while he was away. Jamie’s mom would remind him to try and talk to you more. “I saw (Y/N) loading her car up, her mom said she’s going to university, have you talked to her recently?” his mom would text one day. “Her mom said she’s homesick, maybe give her a call if you can before your game.” 

Jamie had actually texted you after learning you were homesick. He had nonchalantly asked where you lived at school. Twenty minutes later, you opened your front door to find a grocery delivery, all the items for hot chocolate, and a mug. You sent Jamie a picture of your hot chocolate. 

You never wanted to blame Jamie for forgetting about you. You knew how hard he worked to get to where he was. You couldn’t blame him. It did hurt though, when during the off season, he was yards away, windows facing one another, only a couple of steps from your driveway, and yet you never saw him. He was having fun with other friends, going on vacations with his league friends. 

Jamie hated being injured. He was injured all last season and he was injured now. He wanted to go home. He wanted his mom to tell him it would all be okay. He wanted a hot chocolate. He drove to the closest store, ignoring the confused looks from the cashier as he paid for his hot chocolate mix, whipped cream, and marshmallows as if it wasn’t warm outside. He thought about you every moment of it. Memories of the two of you walking home from school and making hot chocolate in your kitchen ran back to his mind. The first text you had received from Jamie since his birthday was a picture of his mug, a steaming cup of hot chocolate. 

He returned home to Toronto for the brief Christmas break. He didn’t see your car in the driveway and frowned a little, he was itching to see you, to make up for lost time, to apologize. “Is (Y/N) home?” he asked his dad. “Her car was here earlier in the day.” Jamie decided he couldn’t just sit on the driveway and wait for you, he wanted a skate. 

He carried his skates up to the nearby outdoor rink, the one you both went to as kids. He prayed no one recognized him, he just wanted to clear his mind by skating. After a while, his cheeks were bright pink and he wanted one thing again. Hot chocolate. 

The hot chocolate bar had a short line and he didn’t mind waiting. He had his skates in one hand and was focused on looking around the rink. “Next!” 

He approached the counter, still his eyes weren’t looking up. “Can I get one hot chocolate please?”

“Jamie?” you choked out. You had gotten a job at the rink. It was more of a volunteer position, working at the skate rental booth and the hot chocolate bar while home on break from university. Jamie standing in front of you was almost a fever dream. You hadn’t seen him in the flesh in so long, only on social media or during NHL games on your tv. “(Y/N)?” his eyes lit up. 

You didn’t have to send one another pictures of your hot chocolate that night. 

[thebunnyslibrary]

Ficmas Week Two: I'll Be Home For Christmas

Date Originally Published: November 22, 2020 - January 8, 2021

Multi/One Shot: Multi, 9 Chapters

Summary: When (y/n) is invited home for Christmas, Bucky volunteers to play the role of “dutiful boyfriend” and to fend off questions from annoying relatives, especially her parents. All the while both of them harbor secret feelings for one another.

Posting Location(s): AO3 and Tumblr

About This Fic: I wrote this fic at Christmas time during the pandemic. I was fucking miserable and my mom and I decided we were going to "Christmas the shit out of this..." We went all out that year, as much as we could. Extra presents, extra food, and some extra volunteering

Ironically, I'm trying to capture that same spirit this year (hence this collection and the new fic coming soon)

I'm usually not one for the cheesy Christmas rom-com but I was REALLY excited for Happiest Season which had Kristen Stewart and Aubrey Plaza in it (I was really disappointed, tbh but that's another post. So I thought i'd try my hand at casting Bucky in a Christmas Rom Com with a fake dating trope (my one weakness). I saw this playing out in my head as i was writing it, even if it didn't always translate right. I still love reading this fic and all it's Christmas fluff

[12daysficmas]

FAQ, Rules & Other Important Things

History

Hey there! Back in 2020 I, @echoghost1, decided to challenge myself and write 12 fics based of a 12 different winter & holiday prompts.

I was very productive that year and was able to do it! You can read it here if you like

It was so much fun I figured the more the merrier and made it a lil event open for other's to join!

I made this blog, got a AO3 collection, and for the last three years I've kept it going!

When is it?

It runs from December 12th until December 23rd

To help give everyone plenty of time and wiggle room, the prompt list will (hopefully) be posted on the 1st of December and you have until January 1st to finish, be reblogged, and added to the AO3 collection (if you've got something I can add to that)!

It is the holidays and finals season, so I don’t want anyone to feel too pressured with deadlines

I will queue up the entries on the day off the prompt or after it passes, so feel free to make and post stuff whenever.

I will give updates on the progress of the calendar as we get closer to December.

If it is not going to be ready by the first, I will have a post about it and give my best guess as to when it actually will be ready by.

What is The 12 Days of Fic-mas?

A short little Danny Phantom prompt-based event for those winter holiday vibes! One one-word prompt a day to fill however you please!

You can write (what I’ll be doing) or draw or make a song or whatever creative thing you can think of!

Why is it 12?

Honestly? It’s just because of the 12 days of Christmas song.

Is this just a Christmas thing?

Nah, feel free to use the prompts however you want to.

You can focus on another winter-based holiday that you are more familiar with (ex; Hanukkah, Yule, Kwanzaa)

Or just winter in general!

Whatever vibes with you the best is a-okay!

This is just for fun and to be creative so anything that fits that is fair game!

What are the tags so they’ll be reblogged here?

I'll be keeping an eye out for the following tags

#ficmas #ficmas24 #ficmas2024 #ficmas 2024

Pick your favorite you don't have to use all of them

Tagging the prompt of the day or having it somewhere mentioned in the post helps too

Feel free to at the blog itself too

Other tagging rules

Please tag any and all triggers that your work has.

Angst and gore is a strong pillar in this fandom and 100% allowed in this event, but we wanna make sure we give others a heads up in case they might need it.

Can I use OCs?

Yes! Have fun with your blorbo's!

Just remember this is a Danny Phantom event so having some canon character interaction or an explanation of who your OC is and how they are tied to the show would be good.

The explanation can be a simple as:

"They are a ghost"

"This is a clone"

"This is a Fan-kid" or "Future generation" or "child of [insert character(s) here]"

"This is one of Danny's nameless classmates/teachers"

"Random Amity Park citizen(s)"

"This is the [insert occupation here] type person of Amity Park"

"This is a boyfriend/girlfriend/significant other for [insert canon character here]"

I don't need their whole backstory (unless that's what you are making for the prompt that day than go for it)

Are ships okay?

Feel free to make whatever you want.

I have the right to not reblog it.

I am not explaining that further. :)

Any other questions?

Send and ask and I will answer as soon as I can!

If needed, I'll update this FAQ

[mysterynoel]

12 Days of Ficmas Day 7 - Lukanette NYE

Title: Undecided

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Ship: Marinette Dupain-Cheng / Luka Couffaine

First made: August 2020

Last worked on: July 2023

“This was a great party, Adrien.”

“I’m glad you could make it, Marinette.”

“Well, I better get going. I promised my parents I’d watch the bakery so they could rest after the morning rush. It wouldn’t be good if I was falling asleep when someone came in.”

“It’s really late. Are you walking home by yourself?”

“I’ll be fine!”

“I should at least call you a car.”

“Don’t worry about her, Adrien,” a voice called out from across the room. Marinette turned to see Luka standing on the stage, facing them. “I’ll make sure she gets home safe, if that’s okay with you, Marinette?”

[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

31 Days of Ficmas 2022 Masterlist

2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021

Blustery -

Hope - 10xRose. On the worst day of Rose Tyler's life, she discovers that once you've hit rock bottom, the only place you can go is up. You just need a little hope, and helping hand. AO3

Mince Pies -

Peace -

Cards -

Holiday -

Ice -

Merry -

Celebrate -

Ring -

Joy - 10xRose. Sequel to "The Gift of Hope". Five years on, Rose and James are ready to begin the next chapter of their lives - a diploma in one hand, a diamond in the other, and plenty of room for their love to grow. AO3

Decorate -

Snow -

Mistletoe -

Naughty and/or Nice -

Rosy Cheeks -

Evergreen -

Candles -

Paper hats -

Present -

Nutcracker - 12xRose. Caught between the past and the present, Malcolm Tucker struggles between creating new memories with his youngest daughter, and reopening old wounds with his oldest. A Nuptial Necessity 'verse fic AO3

Fire -

Turkey/Goose -

Chimney -

Oranges -

Light -

Cosy -

Reunion -

Sledding -

Snow globe -

Resolution -

[goldeneyedgirl]

Look! You hit me in two of my weak spots with baby-verse: first because I l-o-v-e hybrid (I got to know your fics because of that one back in 2020?? 2019?? idk) and because I also love babyfics (which is a fact I'm not particularly proud of, but yours is the only real good one I've read in a while). My question is actually about the dynamic Rosalie-Olie, because Rose is a character who has a difficult story with babies, and I think the way you write her is so cute and honest with her character. In the story, is this whole thing a healing experience for her or would you say it's more painful? And how her relationship with Alice changes (if it changes) with that? (Also I have to add that I'm loving FicMas so far, it's like the ultimate Jalice event on this fandom in my opinion)

Anon! Thank you so much for enjoying Hybrid. That is the most self-indulgent fic to date and for a while, it felt like everyone was politely ignoring that so it always makes me SO happy that Hybrid has a fanbase? It's unhinged, it's meant to be a bunch of fun, I love that people want to read it.

And thank you for the incredible comment about baby-verse. I am indifferent to kidfics, honestly, and most of them are terrible. Baby-verse spawned mostly out of frustration and spite about the state of baby fics and how deeply unequipped Alice and Jasper are to be parents in any universe. It would never be a choice they made for themselves, and I think if you want to stay true to them as characters, you need to recognize that. But that's a rant for another day.

SO, about Hybrid!Rose. It's really both? I think that it reopens a very raw wound for Rose, but in a way that allows it to heal stronger. She'll never have babies, but she gets to watch her favourite brother's son grow up and be a part of that? It's very bittersweet and complicated for her, definitely.

This is a version of Rosalie that thinks Alice is erratic and childish and has a bad temper, and she has no idea why Jasper is so in love with her. Rose is not a fan at all; she just tolerates Alice better than Bella because Alice isn't human and giving up a Normal Life to be with Jasper, and because Jasper isn't making his relationship with Alice a family priority - Jasper would actually prefer less family involvement.

And then Alice walks in holding this beautiful baby boy that looks so much like Jasper, Rosalie knows instantly that this is her nephew. In that first moment, it's love at first sight. Rose will die for Oliver without a second thought.

The pain comes later, and Emmett does a lot of heavy lifting there, letting Rose hurt and emote over the fact that life isn't fair and reminding her that she needs to find the good in the situation. She can grieve her own dreams and celebrate Oliver at the same time. No one in their family is going to begrudge her for hurting, but she cannot place her suffering or her healing solely on Oliver's shoulders. (And Rose does support Emmett through a similar thing - that it fucking hurts that the one family member who has expressed his lack of interest in children suddenly has a healthy son.)

It takes time - Rose desperately wants a distinctive place in Oliver's life, and she knows that having a friendship with Alice is necessary to that, so Rose tries. She's polite and friendly, and tries not to offer unsolicited advice or abscond with Oliver when Alice is at the Cullens. She's intensely aware that Jasper needs to bond with his son before she gets to bond with her nephew, and that Alice makes all the decisions whilst Jasper is still coming to terms with being a father.

Most of the time, Rose is successful, but sometimes she gets a little pushy - especially when it comes to things that would keep Oliver closer to the Cullens. Rose is a big advocate for Alice and Jasper to immediately get married, and a lot of that is seizing the opportunity to have Oliver in the house full-time. Alice is not interested in marriage - she's only eighteen and she has her own family, and she and Jasper are still working through their issues - and honestly, Emmett's relieved because he doesn't think Rose is ready to have the baby around 24/7.

But Alice and Rose do slowly form a friendship. It's a basis of mutual respect - Rose respects the fact that Alice is now apart of the family, that she's a capable mom and a good partner for Jasper. Alice respects the fact that this is really hard for Rose, and change doesn't come easy for vampires. And they both adore Ollie and want him to have a happy, normal childhood. Alice does trust Rose with Ollie in a way that she doesn't trust anyone else at the beginning - a mutual understanding of the maternal instinct, perhaps? And as Oliver grows up, Alice and Rose end up being friends on their own merits - they both like fashion, they both like fast cars, and they both have loud and clear opinions.

Oliver is also very, very close to Auntie Ro and Uncle Em - he grows up with both of them dropping any task to play with him, with special sleepovers, with having Rose and Emmett spoil him and love on him so much. So as much as Rosalie will always mourn not being a mother, being able to be there for Ollie's childhood is healing.

(And thank you. Ficmas started as a bit of a silly thing, I am so glad that everyone enjoys it. Definitely thinking of mixing it up for 2024 with an actual request form so I can see What The People Want.)

[watermelonsugacry]

Loved…loved boyfriends!!!Specially his realisation!!!😭😭😍

I have one question…

They made up during making of fine line(the song) which would between ending of 2018 and early 2019!

Fine line released on 13th dec 2019

Their relationship got exposed on new years night of 2020..

So how its only seven days??

you are so observant and i love you so much for that. you are 100% correct!!

they made up during the fine line song around early 2019 but (surprise/spoiler?) they broke up again during that year! 😅

all will be explained further in today's SINCE 2010 ficmas chapter! 😉

[rensukewrld]

DECEMBER 1. SLEEPY MORNING KISSES w/ k. rensuke

❝ the clock on the wall reads 11:44 AM, but you genuinely could spend the rest of your life hand in hand with kunigami.❞ (or alternatively, home is wherever kunigami kisses you for hours.)  ☻ wc: 715  ☻ FICMAS 2020 MLIST . DEC 2 

His kisses, put in the simplest form, are homely. 

They’re soft and warm, a little sloppy when he has that lovesick puppy look in his eyes and that sated, tiny smile that gives you a zoo of butterflies in your stomach as he peppers what seems to be thousands of kisses all over you. His lips are chapped a good majority of the time but it doesn't even matter because his kisses, your Rensuke's kisses, are what you live for. 

You lay there on the bed, or more-so on Kunigami. Your head rests on his chest, with one of your arms arm slung over his stomach in a messy attempt of what slightly passes as cuddling. His arm wraps around you, tapping aimlessly on your shoulder while the other rests on his stomach and right on top of your hand. 

You've laid like this with him for hours now. The clock on the wall reads 11:44 AM, but you genuinely could spend the rest of your life hand in hand with Kunigami. His hand, atop of yours, is huge, his palm alone swallowing your entire hand. It's warm, and the faint beating of his chest that you rested on was what almost tied this all together. Haze and warmth washes over you almost dreamily as Kunigami shifts a little bit to press his golden kisses to your head.

"Morning," he grunts a little bit, and it's absolutely adorable how groggy and raspy he is in the mornings. He is a morning person by all means, but the special scratch to his newly woken voice is always a treat. 

"We've been up for a while now, you know," you murmur back, your voice escaping your throat as a whisper. "'nd you're hungry. I can literally feel your stomach gr-"

"No." It's a protest, almost, the way he shakes his head and states it a little clearer than his normal morning growl. He shifts and disrupts your weird cuddling position, to your dismay, and instead faces you on his side and nuzzles you. You wail out in mock surprise as his giant body latches onto you, his arms locking around your form with his face buried in your hair. It's something straight out of a YA novel, the way his body entangles with yours beneath the blanket. "Stay," he commands again and he adjusts himself (and you) to kiss you all over your face. 

"Rensuke!" Your reprimands are muffled by his many playful, sleepy kisses and you scrunch your face as his lips attack every square inch of it. "Man, and I was trying to make you breakfast for once. Also, I really have to pee." It is a mere, desperate attempt to escape from the bed. 

Kunigami pauses and your heart palpitates with how cute he looks lost in thought, nose scrunched and eyes staring off. Then, he announces his verdict: "Do it later." 

And you were so sure it would work. 

"What? No, Rensuke, babe. My handsome, ugly boyfriend. My 6'2 goblin ass. My itty baby bitch boy-" 

"So rude, I swear." 

"The point is," you snuggle your head into the crook of his neck as if to drive in your point. (And absolutely not because you could die right now and still be happy.) "we need t' get out of bed. So we can do other weird things, just outside of the bed." 

"And I want to stay," he sighs out and he blinks the morning sleep out of his eyes once and for all. He's disheveled, a little bit, with his even messier and fluffier hair pressed in the weirdest spots and the gross crust that pools in the corners of his eyes, but he's adorable. Handsome. He's the face you wake up to every morning. "C'mon, I'm not letting you leave. I get to stay here n' kiss you all I want, n' I just have to hope you don't pee yourself while we cuddle."

"God, you're so gross," you let yourself laugh and it's the ideal Sunday morning. Kunigami plays with your hair and kisses you for what's the millionth time today, and you sing him stupid songs from Bachira's Spotify playlist and the two of you are intertwined. It’s homely, he is home.

(And yes, you did not pee yourself.)

[squiggledrop]

Day 7: Mistletoe Kiss - Spencer x Reader

Masterlist

Ficmas 2020

Listen to my Christmas Playlist! 

Summary: Ficmas Day 7

Word Count: 0.9k

Pairings: Spencer Reid x Reader

You felt an incessant tickle on your nose, causing you to roll over in the bed while attempting to swat away whatever was causing your face to scrunch. A faint chuckle grazed your ears, causing you to peel your eyes open. You blinked a few times, the image of your boyfriend lying next to you become clearer. 

“Spence”, you groaned, closing your eyes again, nuzzling into his chest. He laughed at how cute you were when you tried to be annoyed. “Whatever study you read that said waking your girlfriend up by annoyingly tickling her face was a good idea, is very, very wrong”, you whined, trying to go back to sleep. Spencer wrapped his arms sound you, pulling you further into his chest.

“Baby”, he laughed, “you didn’t see what it was though”. He brushed your nose again, causing you to squirm. You pulled away from him, slightly annoyed that he was interrupting your cuddle time.

“What?”, you moaned, finally opening your eyes. What you saw, however, immediately brought a smile to your face. Spencer sat in the bed, with a ridiculous smirk across his face, dangling a piece of mistletoe in front of you. “Oh”, you smiled, feeling a bit guilty. Spencer chuckled, dangling the mistletoe in his hand, suggestively raising his eyebrows. “I mean, I wouldn’t want to go against the sacred Christmas rule of kissing under the mistletoe”, you joked, leaning towards him.

“Yeah”, he giggled, your lips almost touching. “Wouldn’t want to break tradition”, he whispered, his warm breath sending a shiver down your spine. “It’s seen as bad luck to not kiss when caught under the mistletoe”, he spoke into your mouth, your noses brushing against one another.

“Well, we can’t have that, now can we?”, you said, finally connecting your lips. Spencer dropped the mistletoe onto the sheets, both his hands coming to your cheeks. You relaxed into his palms, running your hands along his shoulder and up the nape of his neck. 

“The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe”, Spencer spoke between kisses, “actually dates back to ancient Greece”. He spoke through mumbled breaths, not wanting to be detached from your tender mouth for too long. “Where it was used during marriage ceremonies”, he felt you smile into his mouth and felt heat rise to your cheeks. He smirked, loving how easily he could get you flustered and blushing. “And to celebrate Saturnalia”. You hummed, moving to sit in his lap, desperately trying to get as close to him as possible. “Which was a festival”, you placed a kiss to the top of his right cheek, “in honor of the god Saturn”, then the left, “as its namesake suggests”. 

“Interesting”, you hummed, eyes still closed, as you placed a line of kisses down his jaw.

“T-there’s also a Nordic myth”, he whispered, pulling you back up, reconnecting your lips, “that says when Loki”, he ran his hands along your back, “the god of mischief”, he slid the tips of his fingers under your nightshirt, running circles along your waist, “killed the son of Frigg”, you let out a soft moan, “the goddess of love”, he mumbled against your lips, “she revived him under a mistletoe tree”. You twirled your fingers through Spencer’s hair as he began peppering your neck with kisses. “It’s said”, he continued between kisses, “that anyone--who stands--under--the mistletoe--deserves-- protection--from death--and”, he placed a kiss to your cheek, “a”, and then the corner of your mouth, “kiss”, and then finally to your lips. You giggled, biting your now swollen lips. You tried to catch your breath, admiring Spencer’s tousled hair and flush cheeks. “H-however”, he started again, but not before you latched your mouth right below his ear. “C-contrary to its common symbolism of life and fertility”, he gasped, the feeling of your wet mouth causing him to shake, “i-it is actually a parasitic organism”. He felt you let out a small laugh, pulling away from his neck and looking into his eyes, admiring how wonderfully strange his mind was. “It can only grow by extracting its water and nutrients from its host plant”, he said, a bit too enthusiastically. He smirked, shifting slightly under your loving gaze.

“Lovely”, you amused, placing a quick peck to his lips. You both looked into each other eyes for a moment, exchanging looks of pure love and admiration. He wrapped his arms around you, you both chuckling a bit. Relaxing into his embrace, you rested your head in the crook of his neck, snuggling close into his chest. “I love you”, you murmured, bringing his hand up to your mouth and placing a kiss on his knuckles. He smiled down at you, hugging you tightly in his arms and kissing the top of your head.

“I love you too”, he said into your hair. “And sorry for waking you up”, he said, a light smirk breaking through his tone, indicating he wasn’t that sorry. You laughed, shaking your head, not sorry either.

“I guess there are worse ways to be woken up”, you teased. Spencer watched as you closed your eyes, completely at peace in his arms. He smiled, admiring how beautiful you looked, before resting his head on top of yours. Truth be told, you wouldn’t mind being woken up at any time of day, as long as it meant you got to be with Spencer.

[winter-dayz]

12 Days of Ficmas

winter-dayz

A collection of oneshots for Ficmas 2023.

Taglist:  @soobin-chois

Rosé Park: Falling in Love with Me Inspired by The Holiday (2006) Genre: Angst; Fluff

Choi Lia: Falling in Love with You Inspired by The Holiday (2006) Genre: Angst; Fluff

Im Changkyun: Moments of Christmas First Christmas Together Genre: Fluff

Kim Seokjin: Home Meeting the Family Genre: Fluff

Seo Changbin: Sweet Crushing Bakery AU Genre: Fluff

Jackson Wang: Think of me? Brother's Best Friend Genre: Fluff; Smut (if you squint)

Bang Chan: A Year Together Inspired by Holidate (2020) Genre: Angst; Fluff

Chae Hyungwon: The Perfect Christmas Snowed In Genre: Fluff

Kai Huening: Reunited Childhood Neighbor AU Genre: Fluff

Park Jinyoung: Grinch Festivities Grinch/Scrooge Genre: Fluff

Hwang Yeji: Anonymous Secret Santa Genre: Fluff

Son Hyunwoo: Idyllic Inspired by Snowglobe (2007) Genre: Angst; Fluff

[theamberwriter]

Ficmas Day 1: One More Sleep [Tenya Iida]

Pairing: ProHero!Tenya Iida x Fem!Reader

Song: One More Sleep by Leona Lewis

Word Count: 5.4k

A/N: I tried to get this done a few days ago, but I was just so tired 😭 Anyway, I hope that you guys like it!

~

Tenya rubbed his eyes groggily, staring at the ceiling. He rolled over to look at the clock on the nightstand. 3:43 AM. How frustrated he was by this. He should've been asleep hours ago. He sat up, deciding it was no good. Sleep wouldn't come, not until you were here by his side.

    He checked his phone for the date. December 21th. Four. More. Days. Five more grueling, restless nights. Tenya figured he should've been used to this. Spending time apart. Your relationship had been that way since the beginning. You traveled for work while he stayed put. Doing the hero gig he'd always dreamed of.

    But now - so close to Christmas - it was impossible to think of anything else but you. Here. In the bed you'd spend nearly a year deciding on because he insisted you had to look at all the options first. Your side was barely worn. It made his heart ache in ways he was too stubborn to admit.

    Tenya wondered if it's be too cruel to ask you to stop. To stop traveling. To stay put, just for a little while. No more calling at wild hours. No more flickering signals or long distance fees. Just you and him. Together in the home that you'd bought. The place you made love and fought and kissed endlessly to make up for lost time.

    But when was enough, enough?

    He swung his feet out of bed, put on his glasses, and slid on his slippers. A blue bathrobe hung from the best post. It was one you'd bought him last year from somewhere over seas. You had said it reminded you of his eyes. Apparently you'd worn it considerably before gifting it. It was drenched in your scent by the time it reached his hands. The collar smelled like your shampoo, the rest of smelling of your favourite spray. You'd bashfully admitted you wore it because you missed him. And this one little thing made you feel closer.

    Your smell had been washed from it by now. But he silently wished it was still there as he put it on. He only flicked on a few lights as he made his way to the kitchen. A warm cup of tea on a cold, snowy night sounded wonderful. Tenya looked out at the piling snow as he waited for the water to boil.

    He worried your flight would get delayed. Or worse – it'd be put off until after the storm passed. Sure, he'd video chatted you early that evening. But he felt like he'd die if he had to wait even a single day more than he already had to. He ran a hand through his hair. What a funny thing love was.

    Tenya had never expected you to come into his life. He never really expected to share love with anyone. It was just another thing his brother talked sweetly of. Telling him, “Tenya, you'll know when she's the one.” Tenya breathed his brother's every word like gospel.

    Except for that one.

    What had Tensei meant by you'll know – it wasn't very informative. It didn't help too much. It only kept him guessing as he passed attractive women. Until Tenya found you. It wasn't love at first sight. Not entirely. But the first words he thought when he saw your face? I just found my wife.

    It had been such a nauseating, powerful experience. One little glance as you said 'hello' from your new spot at a desk in his agency. Tenya had rushed away, and left out the back so he wouldn't have to pass you again.

    It was the single most powerful moment in his life.

    Many things had changed over the years. You were one of those earth shattering experiences for him. Breaking open the egg that was the world. Showing him more than he would've thought possible. Four years ago, that thought that he'd fall in love with a stranger and get married to them just two years after would've seemed ridiculous. But here you two were.

    You worked as a travel writer. Going to exotic places. Trying new things. Meeting new people. While Tenya was living his dream. Fulfilling his brother's legacy as Ingenium. He never thought being alone could feel so hollow and bitter and cold. He'd never really felt lonely when he was alone, until you two made a home together. Tenya worried that home was too boring for you. Surely it had to be after seeing so much of the world. It gnawed at him. No matter how much reassurance you gave him that coming back home to him was always the best part of the trip.

    Tenya contemplated his tea as he poured in the water. Watching as a deep red color soaked out from the leaves. Only four more days, he kept reminding himself. Five more nights, and she'll be with you. But the mantra didn't help at all.

    Tenya went to his reading chair by the window. Yours was next to his, a table separating them. Your side was stacked with books. Even your chair had a few on it. Bookmarks spouted from a few. Tenya was sure you'd never finish them. But watching you try was endearing nonetheless. Your wedding picture sat on the table, along with a vase of your favourite flowers. He went every day to get one while you were away.

    He counted twenty three. Twenty three flowers. Twenty three days apart. But only four more until you were back in his arms. Until he could kiss you and hold you. Feel your warm skin against his own. They'd made you stay longer, so you'd have writing material through the first of the year. Didn't they know you had a husband and a dog to get back home to?

    That picture encapsulated the best day of his life. A face splitting grin on his own. You wore a goofy smile because he'd made you laugh. Tenya cried when he saw you come down the aisle. Though he desperately tried to hide them. You teased him later about that. He simply covered you with kisses.

    A small lump formed in Tenya's throat as he watched your dog slump sadly down onto the floor in front of your chair. He rolled his eyes up at Tenya and whined, his tail wagging only once. Things just weren't the same with you away. Tenya blew on his tea with a sigh.

    “I know boy, I miss her, too,” he said softly. Then took a sip. The hot tea did nothing to warm the cold that settled in him.

    Only four. More. Days.

    Tenya didn't sleep much after that. Dozing on the couch until the morning light woke him up. He was very stiff and chilled to the bone. Like someone had left a window open. Tenya searched the house, simply pushing the heater up when he found no cause for alarm.

    Tenya was very surprised as he let the dog out. The snow was ludicrously high. Five feet, give or take. He was willing to say give. Your poor pooch could barely get down to use the bathroom. Tenya just knew he was going to have to shovel a path for him.

    Was his ideal morning bundled up and shoveling snow? He was fairly sure that no body's was. But he diligently donned his his coat, hat, scarves, gloves, and snow boots. Being a good dog father and shoveling a path down into the yard.

    Tenya chuckled at the thought of you out here last year in the snow. A hair dry plugged into the side of the house. He yelled at you about the hazard, trying to argue that a hair dryer was not the most efficient way the clear snow. You started a snow ball fight after that. You'd both gone in drenched, and took a nice, hot, steamy shower together. His body tingled warmly at the thought, his face (and quite a few other places) feeling hot.

    After shoveling, it was shower time. Then he made himself and the dog breakfast (yes, he makes the dog's food because he is a very good doggy daddy). After was time to tend to all the chores he'd been putting off in the wake of his depression. This included wrapping your gifts. Tenya knew you'd be home for Christmas, but it'd been too painful to wrap them before. Between his loneliness and the excitement that bubbled in him at the thought of you coming home in a few days, he felt numb but jittery. One canceling the other out.

    And there was still so much to do.

    Ochaco and Izuku had accidentally, inadvertently invited themselves over for Christmas. They wanted to throw a party. And somehow Tenya had gotten wrapped up in it all. He hadn't been able to get a hold of you to try and talk them down. So he did the responsible thing and said he'd take care of it all. They gushed about what to bring and who to invite, he just had to take care of the house and making sure everything was perfect. He supposed this was a sort of coming home celebration for you, so it didn't annoy him quite as much.

    Tenya measured the dimensions each and every package he wrapped. Then he measured the wrapping paper. The process was tedious, but it ensured every piece of paper was used to the fullest. He pulled off the smallest pieces of tape that he possibly could, so he didn't waste the roll. Honestly, Tenya thought of how you might react as you opened them all. The excitement, the embarrassment, the sheer happiness that he wanted so much to bring you. He'd gone overboard, sure. But you were worth every penny. And all the burnt fingers. The thing he'd tried to make you did not go as well as he wanted. But Tenya just knew you were going to love it.

    After wrapping, he figured having a nice tree to put them under would help. He'd only gone out and bought one. Nothing was decorated. That was something you two usually did together. There wasn't a tinkle of a light anywhere to be seen. Though he knew Ochaco and Izuku expected the place to look as warm and cozy as it always did this time of year.

    The decorations were stored in a closet under the stairs. You had made it a giant Janga tower. Honestly, Tenya was a little scared to pull everything out. If he was crushed to death by decorations, no body would know for days. He studied your tower for a while. Thinking about when you'd put them in. You had struggled tremendously. He'd just chuckled. Tenya always thought everything you did was endearing. In it's own sort of way. In the love touched way.

    When Tenya was sure nothing was going to fall, he started to pull things out and organize them into piles. Garland, ornaments, outside lights, indoor lights, the tree angel, upstairs decorations, table runners, stockings – he sprinted through the house as he sorted. He planned to start upstairs, then work his way down.

    By the time he finished the upstairs it was early evening. He'd missed lunch, stopping only briefly to feed the dog. Now it was dinner time. He had no gumption to cook, though. So he heated up leftovers and sat at the table. Tenya stared at your empty chair as he ate. It was made up with a place mat, and a book, and your favourite mug.

    Three more days.

    It surprised him in the morning when there was a ring at the doorbell. Tenya had been up, working slowly at things around the house. He wasn't planning on company. Nor for Ochaco and Izuku to be standing behind the door. They had their own bags and piles of things in their arms. They grinned widely at him.

    “What a surprise,” Tenya said, then moved aside. “Come in out of the snow. I hope the roads weren't too bad.”

    They nodded and ducked in. “Thanks!”

    “Most of the snow is melted already,” Ochaco pouted. “Izuku and I built a snowman yesterday, but he was just a pile of mush things morning!”

    Izuku looked around, clearly surprised by the bare walls and shelves and tree. “Tenya, you haven't started decorating yet?”

    Tenya looked away ashamedly. Eyes wandering on their own to a picture of you. His guests' eyes followed. Ochaco's grin dropped.

    “Oh,” she said, putting her stuff down. “You're probably waiting for [Name], right?”

    “Tenya, if you didn't want to have the party, you could've said something,” Izuku insisted.

    Tenya had tried to tell them he didn't want to throw the party. Not at his house anyway. But they were so excited that they didn't listen. “It's fine. [Name] is coming home on Christmas. It'll be nice to have everyone here to welcome her back. I've just been putting it off. I didn't want to decorate alone.”

    Ochaco hugged him tightly. “I'm sorry, Tenya. We're here to help!”

    “Yeah!” Izuku looked disproportionately determined for the task. But Tenya was glad that his friend was as enthusiastic as ever. He needed the energy boost. “We're going to make it amazing for when [Name] comes home! You have nothing to worry about.”

    The pair ran off, doing what, Tenya didn't know. But he sure was glad to have friends like them. They helped him finish decorating downstairs. And he made them lunch. Soon everything was dripping with sparkling lights and garlands and glitter. Three stockings hung on hooks that suctioned to the wall, one for you, one for Tenya, and one for the dog. He hoped to add more stockings in the near future. But how was that going to happen when you were barely home together long enough?

    Ochaco and Izuku treated Iida to dinner that evening. Taking him to a restaurant down the way. They chatted quietly, mostly going over holiday plans.

    “We're going to my parents' on Christmas Eve,” Ochaco noted, looking over the menu. “Then Deku's mom and All Might are coming with us to the party Christmas day. I hope you don't mind.”

    Tenya shook his head. “No, it'll be nice to see them.”

    “Are you doing anything Christmas Eve? You could always come with us,” offered Izuku.

    “I'm going to my parents house. Tensei and his wife will be there.”

    Ochaco's eyes lit up. “I didn't know he got married!”

    “Not too long before I did. She's a lovely woman, and takes very good care of my brother. We're all very grateful to her.” Tensei smiled lightly, thinking about his brother's wedding. It'd been a very beautiful ceremony with many tears. He was best man, and dreaming about the day he was going to propose to you.

    They ate and talked and laughed. For just a little while, Tenya felt like himself. Izuku and Ochaco walked him back home. It was dark now, and cold bit through their coats.

    “Oh, before we go – I have invites for you to pass out at your agency.” Ochaco produced a stack of envelopes from her pocket. “Could you give them out next time you go in?”

    “I managed to get a few days off to prepare for [Name]'s arrival, but I can run them in tomorrow,” Tenya said, taking the stack.

    “Let us know when you're back,” said Izuku. “We'll help you decorate the outside.”

    Tenya shook his head. “You've already done so much, I couldn't ask for more.”

    “It's really no problem. We don't mind helping.”

    “Very well, then.” Tenya nodded. “I'll see you tomorrow.”

    As Tenya shut himself in for the night he sighed, leaning his head back against the door.

    Just two more days.

    Tenya set off bright and early the next morning. The air was still frosty and the sky looked like it wanted to flood the ground with more white. He was going to try and make this trip quick. He'd been getting increasingly pitying looks. He didn't want to hang around long, to see their eyes boring holes in him.

    He hesitated at the doors, watching as his breath floated up to the sky. Even with gloves on, it felt like the cold seeped through from the door handle. Tenya didn't bother going to his office. He stopped at the front desk. The woman there smiled up at him.

    “Good morning, Mr. Ingenium,” she greeted. “How can I help you?”

    “I need you to distribute these to all of the staff and heroes,” he said, pulling a large stack of envelopes from his coat. He'd spent the entire night trying to remember all of the staff at his agency.

    “Can do.” She took the envelopes. But she didn't shift her gaze. “You look tired, sir. Are you doing okay?”

    “There's a lot to do, is all. My wife will be home in a few days.” Tenya cleaned his glasses, looking for an excuse to break eye contact.

    “Right,” she bit curtly. “Your wife.”

    Tenya leaned on the counter, hoping to charm her with a smile. He was far too tired for this today. He was going to have to hire a new secretary sometime soon. “Izumi, it would mean a lot if you could pass these out to everyone. I'd be very grateful.”

    The woman softened. “Anything you want, sir.”

    He nodded. “Thank you.”

    Tenya left swiftly, before he had to endure anymore one sided flirting. The distaste his secretary expressed for his wife got tiresome. Along with her not-so-subtle hints for him to have an affair with her. He had more important things to worry about. Like making sure you came home to a magical display.

    “Izuku,” he started, phone to his ear as he walked down the road. “I just left I should be home....soon....”

    “Okay Tenya!” Izuku cheered from the other side. Then there was a long pause. “Tenya?”

    But the man was distracted by the window he was passing. “I'll call you back when I get to the house.”

    “Wait, is something wro –”

    Tenya hung up, staring at the window display. It was perfect. It was just what he was looking for to top off the season. You were going to love it. He rushed in, demanding the display in the window. He wasn't usually the type. But he was just too excited. The clerks gently packaged it, tying neat bows around the box. Tenya had to stop himself from sprinting full force down the road.

    He rushed a message to Izuku when he got home. But there was no hope of sitting still for him. By the time Ochaco and Izuku got there, he'd already had half the outside decorated. He was on the roof, hooking up the lights. He waved down at them.

    Ochaco floated up the rest of the boxes for the roof. Izuku nearly floated away as he tried to help finish the lights. Tenya caught him and hauled him down. It felt like they were back in UA as students with the ensuing chaos.

    Tenya treated the pair to a home made dinner. They had a few drinks and some laughs. But honestly, he just wanted to chug through the next few days. Today was the twenty third. Two more days to Christmas. Two more days to you coming home.

    The trio examined their handy work when the sun went down. The house glowed and twinkled. It really did look like a winter wonderland. Tenya just knew you were going to love it. He was looking forward to seeing your face as you watched the display they made.

    Just a few more days.

    The morning of the twenty fourth was a lazy one. He didn't want to get out of bed. Tenya wanted to lay there until the following night. When you'd be there with him. To finally warm the thorough chill that hadn't left him in days.

    But eventually he pulled himself up, going to the vase in the living room.

    “Twenty five,” he muttered, slipping a flower in. “Twenty six....you'll have a very big bouquet this time, [Name].”

    Tenya set to breakfast. He'd lost all his fire from yesterday. He was a tired shell now. He was so sure you were going to love what he found for you. But now one, long agonizing day laid ahead of him. The house was decorated, inside and out. Presents were wrapped. The tree was ready. Filled to the brim with perfectly packaged gifts, awaiting your arrival.

    Tomorrow would be the party. You'd arrive after dark, hopefully with people still around to greet you. You wouldn't have to worry about a thing. Ochaco and Izuku were going to take care of all the other little details. All of the invites read a potluck and BYOB. In the meantime, he had to wait the day out. The only thing he had to look forward to distract him was seeing his family later that evening.

    Christmas morning was to be lonely. Then, by three, the house would start filling up. By eight, you should be walking up the front entrance. By 8:01, you'd be in his arms and smothered in kisses. With any luck, you'd be making love by midnight.

    Tenya went out and shoveled snow again. More than two feet had fallen in the night. The more snow that fell, the more he worried the weather was going to be too rough for your plane. He needed you, sooner rather than later preferably.

    The day seemed to crawl away. Only a few minutes had passed every time he glanced at the clock. Had it always been so difficult to entertain himself? He'd already showered, made lunch, brushed snow meticulously from the front porch and back deck. He uncovered all of the decorations he'd put up the day before.

    He was impatient by the time he had to leave to see his family. Even the ride there drove him crazy. The road seemed to stretch. The cars squeezing from every side. Would the tedium ever cease?

    As the evening with his family began, he discovered it would not. Even as he laughed with his parents and brother, as he listened to stories and shared a few. His eyes never left his watch for long. It didn't go unnoticed, but it was left unmentioned. Just a look exchanged around him.

    They knew, of course. That he counted down every second until he'd see you again. The light and fire you brought into his life was wonderful to see. But how they wished you didn't leave so much.

    Tenya went to bed when he got home. But sleep didn't come. Not for a very long time. He tried to force himself asleep, just a single thought leaping in his head.

    One. More. Night.

    A new tickle of joy danced in his chest as he realized the day. Christmas. You were going to be home. He was going to be counting down the hours until he saw you.

    Tenya zipped through his morning. Shoveling the fresh few inches of snow. Hand making the dog's food for the next week. Making breakfast for himself, showering, and pulling out the outfit you'd picked over video call a week ago. Just a red sweater with stripes and snowflakes and charcoal grey slacks. He spent time cleaning, making sure every inch was dusted.

    He had his fire back – until he checked his phone just after lunch.

[NAME] (Wife)

My plane is being delayed. I won't be home until tomorrow. I'm so sorry, my love, I wanted to be home for Christmas. So, very much....

    Tenya felt a little bit of himself break. He slumped in his reading chair, phone discarded on the table. He stared blankly ahead of him. His worst fear had come true. One more day had turned into two. And with this snow, two could easily turn into three or four.

    Ochaco and Izuku came not too long after. They knocked on the door, rang the door bell. The dog barked. Eventually they tried the handle, letting themselves in. They exchanged a worried look as they spied their friend. They could see the hollowness of his eyes.

    “Tenya...?” Ochaco whispered.

    “She's not coming,” he muttered numbly.

    Izuku put a hand on Tenya's shoulder. “What do you mean?”

    “[Name]'s flight – it's been delayed. She won't be home until tomorrow....” Tenya could barely scrap his eyes to his phone. He didn't want to look at it. To see anything else that might ruin him.

    “But she'll be home, at least.”

    “You don't understand. You two have each other. Tensei will be spending the holiday with his wife. And I have her. If [Name] isn't here....”

    Izuku and Ochaco glanced at each other again.

    “We'll still have a good time, Tenya,” Ochaco said, trying to cheer him up.

    “Yeah, people will start to be here soon! You won't even know she's missing!” Then Izuku began to panic. “Not that we don't want her here. But maybe getting your mind off of her will help. Not that you shouldn't miss your wife on a holiday but –”

    Tenya chuckled. At least something was normal. Izuku eased some at the sound. He and Ochaco set up the kitchen, while Tenya put away anything he didn't want broken. You never knew if someone was going to get rowdy.

    As the first people showed up, the booze flooded in. Tenya had only meant to have one. But he was having a self-pity streak. One became two, two became three. Different Christmas mixes that people brought, some made right in his kitchen; homemade egg nogs, and Christmas cocktails, holiday ciders. He claimed they were just to try. Normally, he'd be following people around. Putting down coasters, ensuring that they didn't slosh on the couch, making sure no one was scuffing up the floors. But Izuku was already doing a pretty good job of that. Probably to make sure Tenya didn't have to worry. But it left him too idle.

    Tenya chatted with his co-workers as they came. They complimented his house, saying they wouldn't have expected anything else from an Iida. He went around, greeting everyone. Thanking each person for coming. Each drink numbing just slightly more. He spent a good deal of time talking to Izuku's mom and All Might.

    He was caught in the middle of an inescapable conversation with his insufferable secretary when Izuku came to tap him on the shoulder. His friend pointed towards the entrance to your house. Tenya's eyes followed his arm, going wide at what they found. They swept to the clock on the wall – it only read 5:23. In alarm, he triple checked what he was reading, to be sure he was right. With a puff from his quirk, Tenya launched himself.

    You screamed as he tackled you. He kept you upright, making you didn't fall. Tenya smooshed your face with too many kisses to keep up with. He squeezed you tightly in his arms. You could smell the liquor on him. Since when did he drink? You hoped this wasn't the start of a bad habit.

    “[Name]! You're here!” he exclaimed in disbelief. He held you at arm's length, looking you up and down just to be sure you were real.

    You laughed, nodding. “Yeah!”

    “But your plane –”

    “I – uh – I lied.” You glanced away from him, your face hot. “My flight was actually bumped up. I wanted to surprise you. I wasn't expecting you to get stupid drunk.”

    Tenya sunk to the floor, and pulled you into his lap. He was so cute with his goofy grin and the pink dusting on his cheeks. He rubbed his cheek against yours. Your guests chuckled at the sight. You pulled him in for a long, hard kiss. So glad to finally have him in your arms. You could feel every bit of his body against yours. You had to calm his hands as they roamed freely over your body. They were dipping into places that shouldn't be caressed in public.

    Finally – no more counting the days.

    No more nights between you.

    No more hours to wait.

    You two were together. And it was the sweetest feeling in the world.

    “Why wouldn't I have been upset by the delay?” he rambled. “I've missed you, and I didn't want to think of another day without you here. I needed a little boost. Drinking was perhaps not the best choice.”

    Tenya clung to you all night, never letting you out of his sight. Seeing everyone was lovely. You really couldn't have asked for a better homecoming. The lights he'd put up outside were spectacular. And the warm cozy air your home had taken on was supernatural. Or maybe it was just because you were glad to be home.

    It was nearly midnight when everybody finally left. Ochaco and Izuku had stayed to help you clean. Tenya wouldn't let you go long enough to do anything. You were about to force him upstairs when he stumbled over to the tree.

    “No, no, no – you have to open this. While it's still Christmas. Please,” Tenya pouted, and forced a little black box with a shimmering silver lid into your hand. The childish pout on his face was adorable, but he really should've been getting to bed.

    “Tenya –”

    “Open it.”

    You eyed him suspiciously, but planted yourself on the couch. He adhered himself to your side. He held you closely, head on your shoulder. A red ribbon was tied lovingly around the box. It was always too beautiful to unwrap. You had a suspicion Tenya hadn't done this himself. He packaged things neatly, but aesthetics weren't his forte.

    You pulled the ribbon, then peered into the box. You looked at him, then in the box, then back again.

    “You did not go out and spend a fortune,” you scolded.

    Tenya shrugged. “You deserve the world.”

    “Tenya!” But you couldn't deny it was beautiful.

    It was simple, with a thin silver chain. Hanging from the end was a pendant. It had your birth stone in set on the part where the chain went through. And there was immaculate scroll work around the edges. Tenya took it briefly from your hands, the pressed the sides.

    The front popped open. A lump pressed in your throat. A miniature of your wedding photo was nestled inside the frame. Tenya turned it over, revealing both of your initials along with your wedding date on the back.

    “I left the other half open, for when we have a family of our own,” he muttered drowsily. “I love you more than the world. I'm very happy you're finally home. I'd be very happy if you didn't have to leave again.”

    “I love this. I love you,” you murmured in reply, then turned your head to kiss him.

    You put the locket back in the box, then helped him stand. You hauled Tenya upstairs, and got him changed. He insisted on brushing his teeth, even though he coud barely stand up right. The necklace took up a home on your night stand. You were going to wear this every day that you could. It was your new favourite piece of jewelry.

    Once you were settled into bed, he immediately took you in him arms. He hummed in content.

    “How would you feel about being a secretary?” Tenya slurred, nuzzling his nose into the back of your neck. “I'm going to need a new one soon. Mine is gonna get fired.”

    You sighed. “I actually wanted to talk to about that. I wanted to wait until you were sober. But – I'm going to quit my job. That way I can be home with you. If we want a family....I'm also tired of spending so much time away from you. You can't imagine how lonely the world is without you with me to see it.”

    Tenya sighed. “I want your....baabbeeezzz...”

    You chuckled. “Tenya? - Love?”

    A light snoring told you he was out cold. You smiled to yourself as he snuggled closer to you. You relaxed into him. You'd been waiting for this for ages. Or, it felt like ages anyway. You didn't want to be away from him anymore. Coming home to the one you love? It was amazing. But getting to stay home with them? That was the best Christmas gift you could ask for.

~

[alolowrites]

Flying Snowball

Summary: One crispy afternoon, you’re minding your own business when a jerk hits you with a snowball. Stupidly, you throw one back only to accidentally hit the fierce pro hero Miruko (also your number one crush). 

Author’s Note: Hey everyone! I’m back with another story for my FicMas Fest 2020 event. This time it’s for our badass rabbit pro hero Miruko!! This is also my first fic for a female character, so I’m very proud with myself. I’m slowly expanding and hope to write for other characters in the BNHA fandom. Please enjoy!

Word Count: 552

One crispy afternoon, you stroll leisurely through the peaceful streets lined with endless local shops fully decked out for the holiday season. Bells chime to the rhythm of the wind as cheerful songs play from a few lamppost speakers. A thin layer of freshly fallen snow remains on the road, but most of it is piled along the sidewalks, resembling the famous Himalayas. The snow is so white that not even a speck of dirt could be seen. 

You eye at one old man shoveling off the colorless shroud from his path. He waves hello at you, the adorable wrinkles on his face melting your heart instantly. As you walk away, your attention wanders to the store windows laced with gorgeous decorations. One, in particular, is a cute little bakery with delicious pastries sitting out front. You stop to stare, eyes hungry, and lips forming a tiny “o.” 

Just as you are about to enter, a ball of ice hits your shoulder without warning. You yelp at the sudden attack and glare at the jerk laughing his heart out. You raise an angry fist. “Hey! That hurt, you know!” 

“My bad,” he snickers, his voice anything but apologetic. 

“Oh yeah?” Stupidly, you stoop to his childish level and gather a handful of snow from the ground. The bakery’s tiny bell rings, and someone steps out, but the snowball flies off your hand before you could stop. Suddenly, everything comes to a crashing halt, and you freeze faster than a frozen lake out on a subzero cold night. 

You hit someone, and not just anyone, but the fierce pro hero (and your number one crush) Miruko; worst of all, the snow slams straight on her face before sprinkling down on the floor. Her red eyes blink, and you immediately snap out of your stupor, shaky hands clamping near your mouth. 

“M-Miruko, I’m so sorry!” you squeak, stumbling forward like a fool. Her face is still unreadable as you sputter out uncontrollably. “I didn’t mean to hit you! I-I was trying to hit the jerk over there,” you point to the dumbfound man, “but you walked into the crossfire. I’m so, so sorry—” 

Surprisingly, Miruko roars out a hearty laugh. You jump at the bizarre reaction and clutch your chest at the sight of her mischievous grin. It’s one thing to admire the smile in magazines or the web, but to see it up close and in person is a whole other experience. That smile is enough to warm your entire body up again. 

“You got a good swing; I admire that,” Miruko compliments, fishing out a card from her pocket. She hands it over to you with a wink. “Give me a call, sweetheart.” 

“S-sure!”

“Good.” A vicious scowl crosses her face as she eyes the guy like a piece of meat. The poor bloke sweats bullets before dashing through the snow to escape his doom. Miruko growls, “Hey, jerk, get your ass back here!” 

You twirl the card in between your fingers, still in awe that you’re holding her phone number. A giddy smile tugs the corner of your lips, and you stare back at the empty sidewalk. Miruko is long gone, but you’ll see her again. 

This time, however, you hope to not accidentally hit her with another fistful of snow.

Thanks for reading!!

FicMas Fest 2020 Masterlist

[sj-thefan]

Day Six: Jay Halstead

12 Days of Ficmas: Day Six (Dec. 19th)

*italics are thoughts from their soulmate*

“Good morning.”

The voice that always greeted him in the morning echoed in his head. Her voice was always so kind and sweet; it was a stark contrast to the horrors Jay saw every day. He mustered up as much happiness he could and gave a response.

When he was eighteen, and he first heard her voice, he was ecstatic. He had a soulmate, and she was out there. They shared a couple of things with each other, but when they found out they both lived in Chicago, they made a pact. They wanted a chance to find each other naturally instead of forcing it. So they would wait until they were 35 to set up a meeting. That didn’t stop them from sharing thoughts every now and then.

“Busy day?”

He didn’t really have much to do. They had wrapped up a case the day before, so his day would mostly consist of desk work until a new one came up. He gave a brief reply before returning to getting ready for work.

--

The day had nearly passed with no significant events, but of course, Y/n wasn’t allowed to have a peaceful day.

Just before she went home, and the other floors of the building had been emptied, three men in dark suits left the elevator. Before she knew what had happened, everyone left in the building had been herded into one of the offices. Two of the men had guns pointed at the group while the other man questioned everyone.

Y/n kept her eyes on the man while she tried to contact her soulmate. Their phones had been confiscated, and she didn’t know if there was anyone who could call the police. Her soulmate should be able to call them. It was unlikely he would be in a similar situation, so she called out.“Are you there?”

It was only a couple seconds before he responded. “Yes. Is everything okay?”

“I need you to call the police.”

His response was instant this time. “What is happening? Are you okay?”

His voice was frantic in her head. She took a deep breath and checked on the men holding them hostage before returning to the mental conversation. “I’m okay right now. But we’re being held hostage at work. They took our phones so I can’t call. Could you?”

She gave him the address, and he promised to get help.

--

Jay offered to enter the building while they waited for the team to arrive. It was taking a little while due to traffic, and with each moment that passed, he was getting more nervous. It was his soulmate that was in there. He wasn’t ready to lose her before he even met her.

Voight had told him to stay, but as soon as no one was watching, Jay had entered the building.

“I’m here. Where are you?”

There was a pause, and Jay realized that she didn’t know he was a cop. He quickly followed his question.

“I’m a detective with the Chicago Police Department. My team is outside waiting for the swat team. I couldn’t wait any longer. What floor?”

She responded quickly, and he hurried to the 7th floor.

--

Red and blue lights lit up the night as the hostages were ushered out of the building.  Jay followed behind with one of the men in handcuffs.

Once he handed off the man, Jay headed towards the ambulances where the hostages were being checked. He looked around, wondering where his soulmate was. Just before he went to ask her, there was a tap on his shoulder. He turned around.

Y/n smiled up at the man she was sure was her soulmate. “Is it you?”

His reply came instantly. “Yeah.”

“Hi,” she whispered.

“Hi.” Jay smiled at her. “I’m Jay.” He held out his hand.

“Y/n,” she returned, offering her own hand. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

“Anytime. How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay,” she sighed, “just a bit hungry.”

Jay smiled. “I know a spot. Are you up to going out?”

Y/n nodded. “Where did you have in mind?”

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

49 with Poe from the Christmas prompts please 😊

“You didn’t think I’d let you spend Christmas alone, did you?”

Leaning your head against the cab window, you did you best to calm yourself even as you felt the lump in your throat building and the promise of tears pressing behind your eyes.  Of course this would happen.  It was just the cherry on top of the shit sundae that was your year.

The vibrations of your phone pulled out of your thoughts, as you blindly picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Hey Y/N,” Poe greeted.  “Just wanted to make sure you landed all right.”

The tightness in your throat twisted, but you swallowed it down as best you could.

“Change of plans, I won’t be able to make it home this year.”

“What? What happened?”

The concern in his voice was obvious.  You could easily picture the furrow in his brow and sincere worry in his eyes.  It only made you feel worse.

“Flight got cancelled,” you said, using the same light tone you had used on your parents. It had worked with them.  They offered their sympathy’s and sadness about you not coming in time for Christmas, but took you lie that it wasn’t a big deal at face value.

Poe wasn’t so easy to trick.  He was your best friend and roommate.  You had known each other since college and you could honestly say he knew you better than anyone in the world. 

“Shit, I’m so sorry Y/N,” he said, his voice filled with sympathy.  “Are you okay? Do you need me to head back?”

You shook your head.  Poe was off to visit his dad and childhood friends for Christmas.  It was a four hour drive, and you knew for a fact he was probably already there.

“No.  Seriously Poe, don’t worry about me.  I’ll be able to reschedule my flight in a few days.  Besides, it’ll be nice to have the apartment all to myself.”

There was a long pause on the line.  “You’re sure?”

“Yeah,” you said, even as you felt a warm tear streak down your cheek.  “You enjoy yourself.  I’ll see you when you get back.”

You hung up the phone before he got a chance to respond as you finally allowed yourself to cry.

It took a long time to get back to your apartment between the traffic of cancelled flight and weather conditions.  Luckily you were able to sleep through most of it as your crying and general exhaustion knocked you out.

It was dark by the time you stumbled back onto the apartment.  You didn’t even bother to unpack, instead going straight for some spare pajamas you still had in your drawers and pouring yourself a drink.

You knew in the grand scheme of things being alone on Christmas wasn’t the worst fate, but it was the principal.  With your new job and adjusting to city life, you had barely been able to even talk to your family. You just wanted something warm and familiar to settle as you reoriented yourself before the née year.

You downed the glass and were about to pour a second one, when a knock came at your door.

Confused, you moved to check who it was.  Peering through the peep hole you audibly gasped in surprise.

Poe gave a small wave, grinning like an absolute mad man.

You yanked open the door, still in shock that he was actually there.

“Poe?”

“Hey,” he greeted, still grinning.  Huge flakes snow rested on his dark hair and the shoulders of his jacket, none of it seemed to effect him.

Pulling him inside, you instinctively brushed the flakes off of him.

“What are you doing here? Where’s Bee Bee? Are you alright?”

He laughed, shrugging off his jacket.  “I’m fine.  Bee Bee is with my Dad and I’m here for you.”

“What?”

He smiled.  “You didn’t think I was going to let you spend Christmas alone, did you?”

You gaped at him, still not processing what he was telling you.  “But, what about your Dad? We don’t have anything here.  Wait, did you seriously just drive four hours in the dark and in this weather?!”

“My Dad is fine with it,” he assured.  “I told him what happened and he says he’s happy to have you join us.  We’ll get an early start tomorrow and we can be there before lunch. And give me some credit, I’m a great driver.”

On any other day you would had argued that just because he’s a fast driver that didn’t mean he was a good one. But, the rest of his statement took precedence.

“You came all the way back here so you could drive back with me, just so I wouldn’t be alone on Christmas?”

“That’s the idea,” he said, as if it were the most natural thing to do in the world.

You stared at him, trying and failing to understand all the emotions running through you. It wasn’t until Poe’s cheerful expression turned to concern did you even notice you had started crying.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he said, pulling you into his arms. “I’m sorry, I know it’s not what you wanted, but...”

“Don’t apologize,” you said, wiping your tears away. “It’s just...I think this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

“Well, I think you’ve earned some nice things.”

He pressed a kiss on the top of you head, holding you close and letting you relax in his arms. After a long moment of just rocking you, he spoke.

“C’mon, let’s get something to eat and then hit the hay. We’re going to have a big day tomorrow.”

You nodded, allowing him to pull away.

You couldn’t stop staring at him as he made his way to the kitchen.

Poe really was the best friend anyone could ask for. He was kind, warm and familiar, just like home.

He turned to you catching you staring. Playfully he shot you a wink before going back to what he was doing.

Your pulse raced at the small gesture, and it was only then it hit you like a freight train.

You were falling in love with your best friend...

Shit.

Ficmas 2020 Masterlist