#harringrove xmas fic

[kaizenkhaos]

Over the Airwaves: A Harringrove Xmas Fic

Okay so you know how it goes. You see a post reblogged from a fellow Harringrover (if that's the term...hmmm...I'm not sure but hey ho XD) and all of a sudden the mind gremlins go yes....do it. Write a nearly 4K fic inspired by it. Or kinda. It's more adjacent to it. In this case, I saw a post reblogged by @avalonlights about Michael Buble and that sent me down a rabbit hole of Robin and Steve hosting a radio show and a certain someone or someones ringing in with requests. Though it does give me ideas for another fic for later or maybe next year now XD So Merry Christmas everyone! ^^ Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, have fun, stay safe and for those of you who struggle during this time of year, my thoughts are with you. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Four Days before Christmas Day...

"And that was 'So This is Christmas' by John Lennon. Coming up, we have the much beloved listeners' request section. But now, here's a few words from our sponsors." It was the run up to Christmas and Steve was working. Like every god darn Christmas he could remember since finishing at Hawkins High. Sure, the money wasn't bad and it stopped him from sitting alone in a big house, wishing that he could just chill in the pool and forget about the rest of the world, but….there was just somethin' about this time of year that set his teeth on edge. Maybe it was cos his parents had once again gone away from the holidays, leaving him with a Christmas tree laden with presents but no one to see him open them. Maybe it was the fridge full of food which they'd left for him which he'd stuff in the oven and try and not forget about. Or maybe it was the fact that each and every year, someone had actually asked him over to their place. And he lied about having somewhere already to go. Cos he didn't wanna be a burden, ruin a good time. If he was gonna be miserable, he'd be miserable alone. He was so tired of putting a brave face on things. But maybe what he really needed to do was bite the bullet and say yes. Being alone the past years had sucked.

Four days until the day of the most wonderful time of the year. According to many and that one song which they kept being asked to play most days. Christmas songs were the bread and butter of the airwaves for Radio Hawkins in December, most DJs chosing to play different varieties but some of the songs remained the same. The staple diet of a nation ready for the holidays and to eat and drink more in the name of good old Saint Nic. Steve and Robin had been given the afternoon slot, just before the prime time DJ, and so were kinda the warm up act before the main event. It meant that they could get away with playing some obscurities but overall, it was more the popular stuff, both classic and modern as well as the old curveball to keep them on their toes.

"Line one dingus, you're up to bat." It didn't matter that they were no longer the sailors hauling scoops at Scoops Ahoy, dingus had stuck. But it wasn't in the manner in which he'd been labelled at first. Now it was more affection than insult, just one of the many insider jokes and banter the pair now had.

Nodding, Steve looked over at the producers, giving the good old thumbs up and it was time for his sultry (and apparently sexy according to some listeners) tones to smooth over the airwaves.

"And we're back with more holidays hits right over the air waves at Radio Hawkins. And the section, as Robin said before the break, we all know and love. It's time to hand over to the listeners and the recommendations for your Christmas tunes." Looking at the board, he selected the button nearest to him and with a smile, started with, "Hello there dear listener, who do we have on line 1 today?"

"Hello. Can I request a song for all of the Hawkins Life guards out there? " "Sure thing, and what can we play you today?" Oh wasn't that a oh so familiar voice and a glance over at Robin told him that yep, she'd cottoned onto who it was too. They didn't even have to leave a name and they knew it. Steve wondered how red Robin was gonna get before the song would end, even before the voice continued and sealed the deal. "Could we have 'Santa baby' please Mr DJ." "That we can, thanks for your call." As the line went dead, Steve leaned over to the console to locate the song in question. Now he knew it was one which had been covered a hell of a lot; apparently one of the most covered Christmas songs ever. But no doubt the main DJ of the night would play some up-beat version and what was wrong with a bit of Eartha Kitt? "We're going with the original version?" Pulling her headset off, Robin was getting a raised eyebrow, as if this was something unexpected. She knew his leaning to the classics for these sorts of things but maybe she thought their audience would beg to differ. Although, that did make him think of…. "Yeah 'course. Why, should I have gone for the sexy Michael Buble version?" "No. Steve. Why do you…" Bingo. Deep, deep red is the result to his poking, as he made kissing noises at her and she looked like she'd have thrown a pillow at him if she had one at her disposal. Instead she just leaned over and nearly set him off his chair. An act that had the producers snorting and Steve grinning from ear to ear. Once he was straight and level back on his chair. Last year, Robin may have dragged him onto the stage for karaoke on their second work's night out together. It had been a small town bar, pretty cosy and most locals but they seemed to have known the radio station folk, so there was no hostile staring. Santa Baby had been the song Robin had chosen but not for the reasons he thought at first. Both a bit drunk, he'd just thought it was an updated upbeat version for them to stumble through. Then Robin had done a 180. No longer as shy as before but like a shot of confidence had come over here. Sassy, confident and damn…. If she'd not come out to him a couple of years previous and let her feeling about him known, that would have a time which he had gotten him paying attention. But as it was, he worked out real quickly what had caused the change, or rather who. Turned out a certain life guard had shown up, on their own work's do and yeah. Robin had already scoped her out and the song? It had been for her. It had turned out, as they'd found out later that night, the feelings had been mutual. Steve had slipped away to give them some privacy and the rest….well. They'd been dating for a year now, but every time that version of the song came on, Steve wouldn't let her live it down and Robin didn't let him get away with it.

"You're such a….." The song finished and a smirk is what Robin is faced with as she gives him that face and took over hosting duties. Whilst making it so very very clear that he was gonna pay for this later. Or one day. Who knew when, but she'd seek her revenge and he'd pay his due.

Three days until Christmas Day…

He was surprised they were both not hung over. A night out with Heather and her swim team, and member of his old swim team and many, many drinks later had left both him and Robin going home late and just about getting ready enough to be able to be coherent on the air. It had taken Steve an embarrassingly amount of time to work out their set lists and he swore at times he was getting the shakes for some reason but they were working through it. Him and Robin, the dynamic duo. They'd made the bad days work at Scoops and here, as tight as ever, they'd carry each other through it. Just as they had each other on the way home. "So, we have another caller on line two. What's your name and what can we play for you this afternoon?" They'd admittedly had some banging tunes already this slot. Some golden oldies; some Slade, some Wizard. Some modern ones and some not so Christmassy tunes too. Probably from someone who either didn't like Christmas all that much or just wanted to give others a breather for a moment. After playing a bit of T-Rex and Prince, the songs had morphed back into the season and Steve was now ready to hear what the last request of the session was gonna be. A pause on a line. This happened from time to time. When there was a bad line, a disconnect or when people just didn't know what to say, or how to start. It happened more often than he'd thought when he'd started here three years ago. Nerves on the airwaves, the thought of so many ears hearing your every word. Steve got it. He'd been the same when he'd started. Now it felt as natural as breathing. Steve patiently waited for the caller to say a word or hang up. "Santa's little helpers." Giggling floated over the line and yet another familiar sound reached Steve's ears. A sigh away from the microphone as he rolled his eyes at Robin to just get a grin back. Eyes carrrying as much mischief as the kids on the line. Well, it had only been a matter of time before one of the little shits got through. He was kinda surprised at who it was though. "Hello there Santa's little helpers. Hope you're keeping warm up there in the North Pole. What can we play for you?" "What's the North Pole?"

"Can we have 'Driving Home for Christmas'. Please."

Yep it was them and Steve just smiled, Robin shaking her head but still with that mischief in her eyes. Had she set them up to this? He had no idea if she actually had; he knew she wouldn't reveal her hand yet if she had. Or maybe it was the other who had spoken who'd decided to do it. Those two were thick as thieves after all. Either way, Steve leaned back to his microphone, the song now lined up to play.

"Sure thing. Here's 'Driving Home for Christmas' for Santa's Little Helpers. Thanks for calling."

Two days….. It had been a mistake. Two nights out in a row? He should have been able to handle it. Drink never used to be a problem. But today both him and Robin were definitely paying for it. She called it the hangover from hell but worth it. He was just wondering when the hell he'd turned his headset up. Every sound felt like it was echoing inside of his head. The only saving grace was that some of the staff on the other side of the glass had also been out, what with it being the works do, so they were all collectively on the bus together. Just trying to get through another shift before their beds came a-calling. "Line number three, thanks for calling. What's your name and what can we play for you this afternoon?" This time the voice was clearly using some sort of changer. Subtle but there seemed to be a distortion on the line which felt neither like the phone line or signal and clearly wasn't caused by a human voice. Catching Steve's glance, he hovered his finger over to the line button, just in case it turned out to be some prank caller who they'd have to boot off the air pretty quickly. Wouldn't be the first one, sadly probably wouldn't be the last. "Hi, name's "Christmas Princess" and I'd like "Last Christmas" by Wham please. Love your show, thanks for taking my call." "No problem at all Christmas Princess." He knew Robin was looking over now and he knew how; he didn't have to see it. If it wasn't written all over his face in clear sight, then it was that she knew him and his history well enough that she could feel what he was going through. This song….stung. A lot, and he knew it wasn't aimed at him or anything, but it was…such a shitty Christmas song in his opinion. Full of heartache and sorrow and memories of Christmas past. Memories of her and the special someone he wished he could have given his heart to. And the word Princess….god it remembered him so much of that asshole. Not even in town no more, could be a thousands miles. To Steve, he never was away. He was always there in his head, in his heart and he felt the whole thing stumble.That tell tale of a rip occuring again, and the feel of a soft hand under the table. Steve blinked out of his thoughts and daydreaming, looking over at Robin and the producers who were pointing at the blinking "Live" sign. Smiling at everyone, Steve hoped nothing he'd been thinking had shown on his face. One look at Robin, and he saw that it had. Damn. Him and Robin had spent so much time talking about their crushes that he was so relieved when one of them got lucky. She wanted it for him too, even if she shared his opinion on his crush (being an asshole). She wanted Steve to be happy and he wanted to be finally too.

"And that was Last Christmas. Sorry to all of you trying to avoid Whamhalla. Better luck next time folks. Now who'd we have on line six."

Christmas Eve It was Christmas eve, one last shift until Christmas Day, which turns out this year, he actually wasn't gonna be spending alone after all. He'd not realised until this morning that there were several voice messages for him at home. All of which had come from the Hendersons. Mrs Henderson had happened to bump into his mom in the supermarket or some place, and she'd let on that not only would they be out of town but Steve would be staying behind. Something about work and a boring business meeting his dad had which they didn't wanna drag him along to. So of course, the first phone call had from Mrs Henderson, asking him if he'd like to come over for xmas. The second had been just a check in and polite check in. A "It's okay if you'd rather be alone but if you could let me and Dusty know, that would be appreciated." The final one had been Dustin telling him that if he didn't come around to his on Christmas Day, then his mom was gonna bring them around. Apparently his mom must have had a change of heart; Steve not finding out the why until much later on. Outwardly he'd been annoyed, rung back. Got Henderson on the phone and huffed a "Fine Henderson. Let your mom know we already have a turkey," before putting the phone down. But as Robin started to work out which lines they were gonna to be taking calls from first and he worked through the playlist they'd already arranged for the session, Steve realised that really, now the day was actually nearly here, he was relieved. So god damn relieved that it wouldn't be another meaningless Christmas. He even felt a little bad about his tone on the phone. He should have sounded grateful, not like he was doing them a favour. Something to apologise for when he saw them in person. No more time to dwell on that though as he was on main host duties today and so it was his turn to man the lines. Nodding to Robin, she hit a button and put the caller through. Steve wondering what the next Christmas 'masterpiece' in which they would be asked/forced to play would be. "Over to line four. Hi there, what's your name and what can we play you this Merry Christmas Eve?" "Yeah, hi. This is that guy with the Camaro. I want to request a song for someone special. It's that Mariah Carey song. You know, the popular one." No……no no no. It couldn't be. It had to be….someone else right? But no. He'd know that voice anywhere in the world. The inflexion in his words, his choices, his tone. Of all the god damn people to phone in and all of the times too. And of all of the god damn shitting songs he could pick. Why this one and why this. God Damn. Station. Maybe to be fair he didn't know. He'd been gone since Starcourt. Whisked away as soon as he was well enough. Had gone to catch some sun and never come back. At times Steve wished he would have stayed like Max had done. Maybe he'd have at least had the chance to say he was sorry. Maybe he could have made things right between them. "You there amigo?" The words echoed around in his head, before a little nudge from Robin brought him back around. Concentrate….he had to just treat this as another caller. Them as anyone else who wanted a song. It didn't matter how he felt about it; he had a job to do. "Yes, sorry that guy with the Camaro. All I want for Christmas is you right?" "That's the one."

The sound of a smirk in his voice made Steve want to throw up.Throw down his headset and go cry in the staff room.He'd not felt like this in so long and it was really darn hard for him to keep it together right now.But he had to. ON with the show and then he could let it all hang out when he got home. Away from the peering eyes, away from anyone's expectations of him. Then he'd be fine for when Mrs Henderson picked him up. None the wiser. "Sure man, we'll put that right on for you. Hope that special someone likes it." "Thanks man, I know they'll be listening."

Another gut punch and it was like the Byers House all over again. All he needed was a plate smashing over his head. A squeeze of his hand and Steve takes a deep breath before slipping the headset off again. Robin quickly joining him and gently putting his and hers down on the console. "Steve….." "It's okay Robin. He's probably come back to see Max for Christmas" And this special person of his. A tight lump was gripping his throat. He hated this. All of it. Most of the staff here knew about him and Robin and it didn't bother them. It hadn't stopped them from rising up the ranks, given them their own show. Some people in Hawkins would still be reviled if they knew about the pairs' sexualities but here they were safe. And he was pretty sure some of them knew about the golden haired Cali boy that he held such a torch for. Hell, one of them had even found his mixtape in the car once. Asked him about it and then reassured him that he was okay. That it was fine. He had a friend who was gay and he was going to their wedding. That had been several months back, the first person at work Steve had even told. It still didn't make this any easier. He'd gotten worse at hiding his emotions. The dam was breaking and he was struggling to stop the water now. Luckily though, the caller was gone before the song played out and Steve managed to say a hurried thanks before Robin skillfully took over the air for the last song. Gestured for him to go and take a breather. The producers nodded and let him go, didn't mind the fact he'd had to head off early. He'd wanted to say thank you to all their listeners, to wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as they wouldn't be back on the air until after the first, but he just couldn't right now. And they all knew that. Smoking hadn't been on his mind for a while, but now he fished around the bag he brought out from his locker to find the packet, slightly crumpled in a side pocket. God he needed this. God he needed….apparently a lot of things. A hug, a smile, reassuring words. A good turkey dinner and a warm fire, and family and laughter and….. At first, he ignored the buzzing of his phone. Probably just a message or a spam call or somethin'. It rang off fast enough to be either so he just stood there. Leaned against the wall and took the longest drag that he had in a real long time. Before off went his phone again, pulling against his jeans. Maybe it was Mrs Henderson. Maybe there'd been a change of plan or she needed to make sure she had the right gravy. She did like to make a fuss and always made him feel so welcome. The thought of which is what made him pull his phone out eventually. It wasn't right to keep her waiting. He'd already missed her calls and not rang her back, something else he really needed to say sorry for. But it wasn't her name that had flashed up on his screen. It was Max. Okay, that….didn't make the most sense but maybe she just wanted to wish him a Merry Christmas or….shit no, something hadn't happened had it? He'd….he'd better pick up. "Max?" "No need to sound so worried pretty boy. She's fine. Snuck out with Lucas somewhere. Probably the arcade. Dead romantic like that." Holy….shit. He couldn't stop himself from sliding down the wall, only feeling over the back of his jacket once his ass had hurt the floor. Hargrove…what the shit. He really was back in Hawkins and apparently had Max's phone on him. "Also before you lecture me, yes she has my phone. Didn't think you'd pick up if it was a strange number or anything. So, you like the song choices?"

"Song choices?" Wait choices….. Steve's face must have done a whole range of different motions as emotions rode from pillar to post. He'd rang in before. Several times. But when and…. how many times? What had he requested, other than that damn song today. The voice changer….so he'd been the shit requesting freaking Last Christmas. Now another emotion straddled the rest of them. So, was this some kinda sick joke, a wind up, a play to get him on air? He couldn't think straight. He never could around Hargrove but wasn't this typical of him? Wasn't this the usual hair playing behaviour he should have expected? Wasn't this why he liked him? Shit…. This could not be happening.

"Ah come on man? Santa baby, Driving Home for Christmas….George Michael and freaking Mariah Carey. You know how much cred I've lost just requesting that song man." "Ah great. Yeah, it totally makes sense now. You putting others up to ring mine and Robin's show and make me feel like a complete ass" "Woah woah woah amigo. No no no." A snort and then that lower tone that always made him feel like he was about to split in half. "Did you even listen to what I said to you? Listen to the lyrics of any of those songs. And here was me thinking you were a fellow music lover Harrington." Listen to the lyrics? About wanting someone, coming home to them, the whole giving someone their heart and shit and…..but it was for a special someone. All I want for Christmas is…..oh. "Get the hint yet?" His eyes darted upwards as the shadows crept over him. A familiar smile now above him. Shining ocean eyes which he thought he'd never see again. And the sound of an engine in the background and playful chatter. Max and Lucas at the arcade his ass.

"Hi there pretty boy. Look whose come back for Christmas." ……….

[oopsiedaisiesbaby]

I think we all need a harringrove Xmas fic inspired by wham!’s last Christmas ….

Quick little drabble that I’m not sure fits what you were looking for and is more of a stream of thoughts than an actual fic but… unedited angst to fluff Christmas drabble below the cut 🎄

Steve thought being invited to someone’s house for Christmas something.

Being allowed to wrap his arm around them while wearing dorky Christmas sweaters. Having Christmas dinner with their family. Exchanging presents, kissing under the mistletoe, sharing a hot chocolate… it all meant something to Steve.

Not Nancy though.

No.

Nancy admittedly looked a little caught out when Steve asked her to be his girlfriend. He figured it was the fact that he asked on Christmas evening.

Then, she had come over to his house the very next day to admit that she didn’t feel the same. All of it had been friendly and she hadn’t meant to lead Steve on, she thought he knew she had her eyes on Jonathan.

Steve realized the only reason he got an invite to the Wheeler family Christmas was that they felt bad about him being alone on a major holiday.

It was like Steve had his heart ripped out and thrown on the ground. Stomped all over by Nancy, himself, and her wretched, fake family. He was going to die alone if not even the magic of Christmas could make someone want to stay with him.

Months went by of Steve walking around with a perpetual rain cloud over his head. In fact, he made it 10 months in his dour mood. Dustin was worried about him, but that little shit was always worried about something. He felt worse about how worried Claudia was.

Then Billy Hargrove came screaming into town in that stupid blue Camaro that was actually kind of cool. He needled at Steve, pushing and pushing, grating, frustrating, infuriating, until Steve broke.

He shoved Billy up against the lockers, ready to fight. Billy grabbed him by the hair and kissed Steve so intensely that he narrowly avoided melting only because Billy caught him around the waist.

Dating Billy Hargrove was like closing your eyes and titling your face up to the sun the day of the first snow melt. It was like watching the entire town go dark before being lit up by all of the Christmas lights the day after Thanksgiving.

Billy was everything Nancy wasn’t. Whenever he pushed Steve it never felt like he was trying to make Steve into the version he wanted but more like the version he knew Steve wanted to be. He even liked strolling around Hawkins looking at Christmas lights for him.

Whenever Steve asked to hang out every day one week when he felt especially alone, there were never excuses about studying, he just brought his homework over to Steve’s. Billy loved creating increasingly wild hot chocolate recipes to share with Steve as they giggled and kiss while sipping from the horrible concoction.

If Steve leaned against Billy or held his hand during a movie, there was no tensing or weary sigh, just a soft kiss to the top of his head before Billy reciprocated. Billy also took every opportunity to kiss Steve filthily under any mistletoe they could find.

Billy was excited to help him decorate for Christmas, even if he bitched with a smirk the entire time, constantly smacking and grabbing Steve’s ass. He smiled and rolled his eyes before eagerly pulling on the matching ugly Christmas sweaters.

Billy laughed while decorating lewdly shaped sugar cookies in Christmas colors with Steve before smearing the icing on his cheek and licking it off all in one go. He twirled Steve around the kitchen to Christmas music without a single complaint. He did it all with a small, secret smile, and like he would rather be there with Steve than anywhere else in the world.

Best of all, when Steve asked him to be his boyfriend that Christmas, he easily responded, “Thought we already were. At least our anniversary will be easy to remember now.”

[memes-saved-me]

lmao like all the harringrove fics are just gonna disappear when it's not at the top anymore. I love Harringrove and Steddie and honestly cannot wait for Steddie to slow down because it's so bloated right now and I kinda regret throwing myself in off the bat. I've always had more fun in fandoms/ships that are a year or two old, people who have got their little serotonin boost have left and then the serious fans come in and dish out the most delicious fics, the real shit you can sink your teeth in to. I've read a LOT of meh Steddie fics but every Harringrove one I've read has been so well thought out and aching in the best way and grounded in reality. Years of sitting with a character does wonders imo. Honestly hope by Xmas shit is done so I can read the good stuff.

(also for Steddie, Eddie tops from the bottom, I will fist fight anyone who disagrees with me)

Sorry if this ends up in the tags!

I do feel bad for genuine fans who just want to create and enjoy fics and content without it being rushed or made out of spite towards people who really don't care lol. I've ran into a few st*ddie fans who are lovely and even ask permission to ship harringrove, which yes of course you can! I hope the whole ST fandom goes back to being stagnant around Christmas because since S4 aired it has been hell on pretty much every social media site. I think people will also get bored of Eddie or at least not be obsessed to the degree they currently are. We can hope anyway lmao

[prettyboyporter]

Happy Holidays!

I do have a harringrove Christmas fic that’ll be posted in the harringrove holiday exchange tomorrow, but since that will be anonymous for a week, here are some older Christmas fics of mine if you’d like some soft harringrove christmas fic:

Merry Christmas, Baby  : shorty drabble, gift exchange, G

New Year’s Eve, 1984 : more of a NYE fic than an Xmas fic. 6k, E, everyone spends NYE in a cabin. 

Rivers ‘Til I Reach You : 10k, E, post s3 fic. Everyone helps Billy. 

Gonna Keep on Loving You : 7k, E, everyone in a cabin AGAIN but future fic, bed sharing. 

A Love Thing: 2k, E. Steve gives Billy a couple handjobs bc that’s what good bros do for each other and not at all bc they have feelings for each other

Enjoy! 

[ibemandapanda]

Love Yourself Challenge

Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your 5 favourite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.), and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

Tagged by @tracy7307​ , thank you <33333 I’m always a slut for self promotion 😂 Also one piece was made a few years ago but i just love it so much i had to add it 💖

1. 5 Years Later (SSX OC one shot) 14,892 words

Skylar’s entire life and 5 years after SSX.

2. This Harringrove piece

3. The Time Trotter Pioneer (Avengers one shot) 10,272 words

Tony Stark must travel to the past in search of the soul stone with the help of Dr. Stephen Strange. He's adamant at first but soon discovers his choice to go was maybe pre-written by fate all along when he discovers his true connection to Bucky Barnes.

4. I drew my husband and myself as Rick and Morty characters for xmas one year. (my hair was pink on the ends hence the pink bun)

5. I drew Obsidian from Steven Universe rage vomiting lava.

I’m going to tag @spacebabehargrove​ @gideongrace​ @trashmouth-hargrove​ @elsb-hrngtons​ @queenofshadows3563​ @sparkleeye​ @warheadache​ @manicpixietrashfire​ Sorry if you were already tagged, no pressure, have fun!

[baconspice]

I have so many Harringrove fics I’m working on rn omg I need to finish one before starting anOTheR

But Imma get this xmas one out quick so 👀

[remapped-soul]

im actually writing that harringrove fic and i m in love with it and it’s a xmas fic and oh boi the playlist is super sad and im drowning in feelings and i hope it will turn out okay for my first fic in the stranger things fandom ;-; 

[assholemurphy]

i need to shower and get back to writing bc i’m now behind (mainly bc i’ve lost all insp for stonathan week bc of how little content i see for it and how it’s been handled and i don’t wanna be a bitch but just no thanks) and i do want to finish it, but i think i may drop it and just write some xmas fics instead since it’s the season for that. i’ve got today’s done, but i don’t have the next three done and i don’t rly wanna do them bc i didn’t like the vague ass prompts to begin with and i don’t want to seem overly critical (but lbr, i always am) but i’m just going to drop this whole fucking thing bc it’s, in the immortal words of nancy wheeler, bullshit.

but the problem is i just want to sleep despite having slept a total of like, 20 hours in the past 2 days, which is not a good thing. i’m depressed and sad and writing was keeping my mind off of it but like, now it’s not and i fucking hate the holidays so fucking much

i’ve got a couple xmas prompts, one for stoncy and one for stonathan, so i’ll try to do those, but i think first i’m going to like, make some mike hanlon moodboards bc i love that boy

anyways, if i can find it, i’m going to reblog an xmas prompt meme later if anyone wants to send some in and keep me from going stir crazy, i’ll write for st or it, p much any ship sans harringrove or mileven

[kaizenkhaos]

This is my contribution to the Harringrove Relay Race! ✨

Gift Giving: A Priest/Demon AU story Based on mine and Simplydes' Priest Billy and Demon Steve AU, this is a short xmas fic about Steve having an idea for a present to make for Billy ^^

It didn't really make the most sense to him but he was trying. The fact he was actually sat here, items ready, ideas set and was about to get started, that was the main thing...right?

Since coming to the Human Realm, the upper layers of this world called Earth, Steve the Incubus Demon had learned so many things. How humans used bits of metal and a thing called "paper" in exchange for other items. How they used objects (which he still called monsters) to cook and lived in dwellings that didn't react well to open flames. How their winged creatures weren't fast enough to avoid a curious and hungry little Imp.

And how two needles of this thing called "wood" and this material called "wool" could be turned into the most beautiful of things.

Steve had gotten the idea for Billy's present when they had last been to the mall, wanting to find some things for Steve for their camping trip. Whilst going through a shop designed to sell such things, he'd seen all this clothing which the Humans used for what they called "winter", or as Billy had also explained to him, for areas which got much colder than here.

Steve got the concept of cold....kinda. Despite the myths, Hell did in fact freeze over in some parts and he and his family had travelled to a few of them before.

But the cold meant extra layers for humans. Not all of them apparently were like furnaces like him and many of his Demon brethren. Humans also didn't have thick skin or fur to help them with that sort of thing either. Unlike some of the animals up here, they seemed very poorly equipped.

And so as Billy had explained to him the different clothing, the hats, the gloves the scarf, the idea came. He already knew Billy liked to receive gifts, as much as the Priest was humble and all that. He knew also that the thought behind the gift was also important to Billy. Even more than the presents.

Since the pair had come to a common understanding (and much more than that), Steve had wanted to repay Billy for his kindness. His compassion, his....everything. He was just the nicest person. He looked out for others. Cared for them and rarely did anything for himself. He was getting better at that, with Steve's not-so-gentle nudging and encouragement, but Steve still felt that the priest just didn't put himself high enough up. So if he wasn't going to treat himself, Steve would do it. In any way he possibly could.

Armed with Billy's laptop and sat at the table, the young Demon had his tongue firmly between teeth, as he worked the needles in and out, trying his best to follow a video tutorial on how to make a scarf.

This was his fourth attempt.

The first had been an utter disaster of tangled thread.

The second, a certain mischievous Imp had interfered, playing with the ball and then ending up in a mess even worse than what he'd himself had made beforehand. It had taken a while to untangle V, especially around his tail and wings, and after some play and a little nap, he'd managed to bundle V up in a blanket and get him to go to sleep. No mischief could be done if the little Imp was in slumberland.

The third attempt had gotten him to a few rows, a huge achievement but then he'd managed to mess up a few stitches somehow, so had tried to unpick them. But on doing that, he'd gone a few stitches too far, forgot how many stitches he'd gotten along and then he just decided to start again. After all, the numbers seemed to be important and he didn't want to get it wrong.

His claws would clink and click against the needles as he concentrated harder and harder as the scarf came to life in his hands. It was a dark red, almost maroon, with a little bit of a metallic sheen. He'd not really known what he'd been looking for when he'd been getting the wool. Just stared for ages and ages until someone asked if he needed help. They'd been really helpful, helping him choose the right thickness of wool, the right needles for someone like him who had never done this "knitting" before. And after a lot of deliberation over the colour, he chose red. V certainly approved of it too. Trying to play with the wool as soon as he's gotten his pesky little self into the bag he'd brought home. He was sneaky like that and like a cat, loved bags and boxes. And apparently take away tubs.

He smiled as he thought about that, pausing to cast off and start another row. Another red object V liked. He would even sleep in the chicken tubs and scream at them when they'd have to throw it out because it was stinking the place up. V loved chicken as much as he and Billy seemed to as well.

Back to the knitting. More rows, more clinking. Steve yawned and put the needles down. He was tired, the day was dragging on and soon Billy would be back home and he'd have to put it away. It seemed a shame too. He was so close. It wasn't....the thickest of scarves but it would be a good start and once he got better, he'd make him another one. Maybe one day he'd even be able to make him a jumper.

Now that would be a goal.

But right now, he could do this. Make it more. His hands started to move again as he yawned. More and more and more..... And then he was done. He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting there, doing things over and over before he ended it off and then sat there staring at what he'd managed to do. He'd done this. By himself. With help of course from this Kind Human on the Internet.

But....he'd actually been able to make Billy something.

The breath caught in his throat as, with shaking heads, he slowly put the needles down and then gently picked up the scarf between his hands. And it looked so.... beautiful to him. So thick and warm looking and Steve couldn't help but see the swell of pride within his heart. Hopefully Billy would like it. Hugging it to his chest, Steve then carefully rolled the scarf up and slipped it into a small gift bag he'd bought to put under the tree. Usually he'd just put the present somewhere the person could see it but Christmas, as with birthdays, seemed to be a time when Humans liked to hide their presents. So the bag went under the tree and Steve went to hide the knitting items. Wanting for his creation to be a surprise for Billy and then accidentally spoiled by him leaving things out

The laptop was quickly shut down and moved back to its place and sitting on the sofa, Steve quickly dozed off, his eyes dropping before he was off to Dreamland just like his little Imp beside him.

He didn't even hear Billy come home, or see his eyes light up as he saw the little red bag nestled under the tree in the pile of presents which were for him. He didn't see Billy slip off his jacket and shoes and pace over to him, gently sitting next to him and putting his arm around him. The Demon softly shifted in his sleep and ended up in his arms. He didn't feel how Billy stroked slowly through his hair, kissing the top of his head before turning on the TV and making sure the volume was on low.

He didn't know what Billy had planned for Christmas as much as Billy didn't know what Steve had planned for him. But both of them were going to have some really nice surprises.

Please look forward to the awesome work from the next contributor, @greyghoulclub ^^ I know I am :D.

[prettyboyporter]

what the hell has tracy been doing lately??

Grading. Spent all of Fri and Sat grading, posting grades. It’s INTENSELY time consuming to grade virtually so it feels FANTASTIC to be 100% caught up.

Playing with and petting my kittens. I’ll have had Hopper and Alexei 3 weeks as of tomorrow. They’e the CUTEST BBYS

I took Alexei to the vet on Fri 12/11 bc he had a resspiratory infection. An alarming cough/gag, but never any hairballs. I had to give him oral meds 2x/day which he did NOT LIKE -- I had to be stealthy & only grab him while he was sleepy or else he’d duck every attempt I made at picking him up. He’s better now though and while he’s still leery of me at times while awake, he’s turned into a cuddlebug and will curl up to me when he’s sleepy.

Writing! Finished and posted my harringrove holiday exchange fic! Hard bc I want immediate validation, especially since I haven’t posted in a while lol. I hope my recipient enjoys it -- I’m SUPER pleased with how it turned out. It’ll be live, but anon, on Xmas day, then I can claim it when reveals are posted.

Quarantining! I’m doing a 2 weeks quarantine that started Fri 12/11 so I can see my fam on Xmas day for a VERY small fam gathering (4 other people). I’ll wear a mask inside the house & eat in a separate room. 

Fucking around with harringrove fandom on twitter a bit. 

I started a binge of The West Wing, which I’d never bothered watching before. I’m almost done w s3. 

Cooking! I made a 6lb ham last night and that’ll feed me for quite some time lol.

Cleaning/putting stuff up on walls/doing repairs around my apt. It’s still not 100% where I’d like to be but getting there.

I’d like to be producing more fandom content but after my exchange fic I need a short break. Gonna start reading again soon and will likely have a rec list! Also gonna get around to reading my zine, which is GORGEOUS AND I LOVE IT.

[prettyboyporter]

I was tagged by @missroserose -- thank you my darling! <33333 

Tag 9 people you’d like to get to know better/catch up with!

3 ships: I’ll do ships of days of yore: Aragorn/Legolas, Drarry, Merthur.

last song:  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry -- I was writing xmas cards last night <3

last film: Knives Out which I’ve seen already like 4 times but wanted something on while writing cards

currently reading:Ah, nothing right now. Busy busy being a ktiten mom, organizing/cleaning/fixing my place since the ex’s move, working, and trying to write my harringrove holiday exchange fic. Last thing I read though was @flippyspoon ‘s original mlm romance, Chasing Chad, which was a fun read! Highly reccomend! 

currently watching: Right now only The Mandalorian, which I haven’t watched the new ep yet but I know ppl are loving it lol so I want to be able to pay attention to it..

currently consuming: last bit of coffee before i run to the pet store to get kitten food. I won’t receive my chewy order til tmrw and my bbys need food.

currently craving: chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. maybe i’ll bake today, idk!

if you’d like: @eatingmoonflowers @neonelectriclady @opaldraws @haxpr0cess @yogurtfordinner @lumenlight  and anyone who wants to do this <33