#her office was full of Hanukkah decorations

[thattheater-kid]

Shoutout to the Jewish lady who does the accommodations at my university, who saw me and said, “You celebrate Hanukkah, right?” Don’t know how you could tell, do I just radiate Judaism? But we did have a nice conversation related to Hanukkah and Judaism, how cool it is that Hanukkah is later this year, stuff like that, so that was cool.

-Kyle

[emsprovisions]

❄️ Day 16 - HR's Going to have Their Hands Full ❄️

🎁 Today's fic is dedicated to @welcometololaland!

Summary: an au where TK and Carlos are flirty coworkers at the holidays.

Word count: 822

Prompt inspired by "you're annoying me with your ugly sweaters" found here Also got a little help with dialogue from @ironheartwriter <3

24 Days of Tarlos Masterpost

“TK!” Carlos Reyes bursts into TK’s office with that usual disapproving frown marring his beautiful face, the one he always reserves just for TK. 

“Hey, Carlos,” TK’s tone is bored as he continues scrolling on his computer. 

“TK, you do realize I get dinged when you go on questionable sites on your company issued computer, right?” Carlos huffs, pushing his glasses up his nose.

“Oh,” TK tears his eyes away from the screen to glance up at Carlos. “So you only talk to me when I ding you?”

Carlos pinches the bridge of his nose beneath his glasses. “Oh my god, you’re going to get us both in trouble with HR.”

“Oh, I’m sure they’d have their hands full with me,” TK just grins. 

Carlos makes a noise that sounds a bit like a dying cat. “You know it’s still the beginning of December, right? You’re already annoying me with your obnoxious sweaters and the decorations in your office, must you annoy me by making my job harder too?”

“I didn’t know there was anything against spreading a little holiday cheer,” TK hums. “If Mary Anne can have a mini Christmas tree on her desk, I should be able to have my mini menorah. Plus, sometimes Hanukkah is this early you know…”

Carlos narrows his gaze at TK. “You really are trying to get me in trouble with HR aren’t you.”

“Not at all,” TK grins at Carlos coyly. “Maybe I’m just trying to get myself on your naughty list.”

Carlos’s face just turns bright red. “Strand!” 

“Something bothering you, Carlos?” TK raises his eyebrows. 

“Nope,” the cyber security analyst just turns on his heel and grumbles over his shoulder. “Just…stay off the questionable websites and get back to work…”

TK just laughs to himself as he watches Carlos scramble out of his office as fast as he can.

A few days later, TK finds himself in Carlos’s office. TK’s wearing another obnoxious holiday sweater, this one with a Christmas design formatted entirely out of binary code. Carlos glances up from his computer as TK enters and actually smirks at his sweater, shaking his head.

“They’re getting more ridiculous every day. Seriously, how many do you have?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,��� TK waggles his eyebrows. “Could you look this over for me? I’m trying to implement this code into the data to protect secure information, but I think I’m off somewhere.”

“You developers,” Carlos rolls his eyes, but there’s no bitterness in the action. “Let’s see what you did.”

TK hands over his laptop and stands over Carlos’s shoulder while he scans TK’s work. There’s a few minutes of silence and TK is so aware of how close he’s standing to Carlos. He can smell his musky cologne and his cedarwood shampoo and god does he smell good. TK’s had a crush on Carlos for months now, but they keep playing this game of cat and mouse that’s going absolutely nowhere. Plus, they work together, and TK’s pretty sure the man is very serious about his fear of HR.

“Here’s the problem,” Carlos says at last, his finger dragging along a line of code on TK’s screen. “I can fix it for you, it won’t take long.”

“Thanks,” TK says genuinely. 

“It’s nothing,” Carlos shakes his head, tossing more of that cedarwood scent towards TK with the bounce of his curls. 

TK could melt into him. 

He steps away instead, rounding Carlos’s desk and dropping into a chair while he waits for Carlos to correct his work. 

Carlos glances up at TK while he types. “You know, those cookies you put in the break room the other day were really good.”

“The white chocolate peppermint ones?” TK asks with a surprised smile. He didn’t realize Carlos had tried them, or realized that TK had brought them.

Carlos nods. “I recognized your handwriting on the note…Do you think you could share the recipe with me? I’m better at cooking than baking, but I think my mom would like them.”

“I can, but maybe I can do you one better…”

Carlos’s hands freeze over the keyboard as he looks up at TK. “Yeah?”

“I could make another batch just for your mom,” TK offers with a kind smile.

Carlos looks back at the computer, beginning to type again. “What if I made you dinner in exchange?”

“Dinner? Hmm, I don’t know, might be a little weird to bring my dinner to the office,” TK bites his lip to hold back his grin, trying to contain his excitement in case Carlos really is suggesting what TK thinks he’s suggesting.

“Good thing I was going to invite you over to eat said dinner at my place then,” Carlos looks back up at TK again with a tiny smile. “And maybe you could personally show me how to make those cookies instead…?”

“Are you asking me out on a date, Reyes?”

“I think I am, Strand.”

[saywhatjessie]

Drunk on Christmas

Day nineteen of the Advent calendar! Using this list. Day 19: Secret Santa Fandom: Ted Lasso - Pairing: RoyJamie 2.2k[Ao3]

“Oi!”

Everyone in the locker room immediately quieted, giving Roy their full attention. He bit back a smirk.

“We’re doing Secret Santa,” he told them, lightly shaking the shoebox in his hand. Phoebe had decorated it so some red glitter fell gently to the floor at the movement. “I know the idea of Christmas is so fucking prevelant in this country, people don’t think of it as a religious holiday anymore and that’s extremely fucking annoying to those of us who aren’t fucking Christian–”

Some whoops went up from some of the boys and Roy nodded at them in approval.

“-but giving and receiving gifts is still nice. So we’re fucking doing it anyway. Come pick a name from the box.”

Everyone cheered, scattered talk coming up from everyone about gift ideas.

Roy passed the box off to Isaac who manfully didn’t grimace at the amount of glitter that was about to get all over him, and turned to go back to the office.

He paused at the door to turn back to them. “Oi! And no booze!”

Most of them started whining at this but Roy shut them down with a glare.

“I don’t want to hear it!” He said. “You’re not just gonna go trading bottles of liquor, you’re going to think about your fucking teammates and deliver something heartfelt or all of you are doing laps until your feet blister so badly they get infected and drop off.”

“Well that’s vivid,” Jamie commented, idly.

Roy bared his teeth at him. Jamie winked back.

Roy growled and turned into the office, closing the door behind him.

“That was sweet,” Beard commented, not looking up from his book.

Roy growled at him, too, coming around to sit at his desk.

Nate peaked his head through the door from his office. “What’s sweet?”

“Roy making a no alcohol rule for Secret Santa so Jamie wouldn’t be singled out or receive a gift he can’t drink,” Beard answered, looking over the top of his book to smirk at Roy. Who wasn’t looking. He could just feel it. “Real thoughtful, coach.”

“I will set your book on fire,” Roy said.

Beard blew him a kiss.

“Is the no alcohol rule for staff as well?” Nate asked, worriedly. “I mean it’s a nice sentiment and all, I’m just not sure how well I actually know Karen from finance.”

“Spoilers,” Beard said, scandalized. 

“There is no Karen in finance, he was being hypothetical,” Roy said, rolling his eyes. “And that’s up to Rebecca so we can ask her. I think she’ll be fine with alcohol, though. Her problem is the spending limit.”

“I think we should just let her spend eight thousand pounds on Kenneth the bus driver,” Nate said, smiling. “I think it would be funny.”

“And Kenneth could use it,” Beard said. “His MLM is hemorrhaging money.”

Roy sighed.

Later that week found Jamie curled up on Roy’s couch frowning at his phone as he tried to figure out what to get Zorro for Secret Santa.

“You really shouldn’t tell me this shit,” Roy said to Jamie’s grumbling, looking up from his book on the other side of the couch. “I shouldn’t be involved.”

“You’re not involved,” Jamie said, wiggling his toes further under Roy’s thigh for warmth. “That’s why I can tell you. You’re on a whole different Secret Santa. So it’s fine.”

Roy grunted, acknowledging the logic in that. “I’ve got Will,” he said. “Figured I’d just get him some nice noise canceling headphones. He hears too much.”

“That’s by design,” Jamie grinned. “Kitman’s a little freak. Good lad.”

Roy grimaced. “I don’t like that.”

“Prude.”

Roy rolled his eyes. “Fine, so no headphones. I’ll think of something else.”

Jamie hummed, a crease between his  eyebrows from his frown. Roy fought down the impulse to rub it away with his thumb. “You’re lucky all your other shopping is done,” Jamie said. “Hanukkah was so early this year. I still have to buy for mummy and Simon and Keeley and Phoebe and–”

“Why are you getting Phoebe a present?” Roy asked. “You already bought her those pokemon cards for Hanukkah. Which she’s obsessed with, by the way.”

“Obviously,” Jamie said, but he still preened at the praise. “But she celebrates both, don’t she? So I gotta get her presents for both.”

“You don’t,” Roy told him. “Have to. You already give her so much.”

“Yeah, and I want to, so lay off, grandad,” Jamie looked at Roy over his phone, his chin jutting out stubbornly. “She’s the best kid in the world and she’s my friend and I love her so I’ll do what I like.”

Roy swallowed, his chest feeling tight. He grunted, nodding at whatever Feeling this was giving him, and turned back to his book. Jamie made a triumphant little “Hmph” and turned back to his phone.

Roy had been having this Feeling a lot lately. When Jamie laughed at a joke or made himself at home at Roy’s house or looked at Roy after he’d done something particularly clever on the pitch, sort of proud and seeking approval. He didn’t know where the Feeling was coming from or why it was happening. But it was there and Roy couldn’t figure out what it was or what to do with it.

But, to be fair, he really wasn’t trying that hard,

“What do you think about skin cream?” Jamie asked. “For Zorro, I mean. He’s got that big bald head, it’s gotta need moisturizing, yeah?”

Roy hummed. “I say don’t get anyone soap products unless you know what they’re skin is like.”

“Oh. Yeah.” Jamie frowned at Roy, kicking him a little with one of the feet still tucked under Roy’s legs. “I will break you, by the way. I will find a skin care routine that doesn’t harm your delicate skin with impure metals.”

“Leave my doctor prescribed body wash alone.”

“Why are you using body wash on your face?!”

“Fuck you. No, do not buy Zorro skin cream.”

Jamie grumbled, turning back to his phone.

“I don’t know what the fuck your problem is,” Roy said. “You’re great at giving gifts. It’s annoying.”

“You only say that because of the gifts I’ve gotten you.”

“Well, yeah, what other gifts would I have to go on?”

Jamie whined, pulling his feet out from under Roy and plopping them in his lap instead so he could sink further down on the couch. “It’s easy to get gifts for you. Been obsessed with you since I was a kid, haven’t I? I already know what shit you’d like or find funny.” Jamie sighed, letting his head think back against the armrest. “I haven’t always been the best teammate.”

Roy put his book down, resting a hand on Jamie’s ankle. “Yeah. You were shit.”

Jamie dropped his heel on Roy’s thigh in a gentle kick, not picking up his head.

Roy breathed a laugh. “You’re not now, though. So get the fuck over yourself – your gift will be fine.”

Jamie snorted. “I can do better than fine. It’ll be mint.”

“Fucking prove it.”

Jamie picked his head up, smirking at Roy and looked back at his phone. He left his feet where they were.

Roy smiled when he was sure Jamie wasn’t looking at him anymore. He watched Jamie’s hair, worn loose even after all the walnut mist had grown out, as it fell delicately over his eyes. Jamie made a stupid face when he was concentrating: his mouth all pouted out, his top lip coming up to touch his nose. He whined at Roy every time he pointed this out, saying he wasn’t doing it on purpose and Roy’s face was more stupid than his could ever be.

Fuck, there was that Feeling again.

“Do you know what part of Canada Zorro’s from?” Jamie asked and Roy had to rush to fix whatever his face was doing before Jamie looked up.

“Montreal,” Roy answered. “Why?”

“I’m trying to find locally sourced maple syrup,” Jamie told him. “It’s gonna cost a fuckload to ship but what’s all my money for if not to show my teammates I love em?”

And Jamie had said the word before when he was talking about Phoebe. And he told Keeley he loved her and he signs off every phone call with his mum with an “I love you”.

But something about Jamie saying it just then, his warmth on Roy and his face all soft and looking perfect against the backdrop of Roy’s house – of Roy’s life – made that fucking Feeling rocket like a pinball from his chest into his brain and go clink.

“Fuck!”

He shoved Jamie’s feet off him and stood up, moving quickly to the kitchen.

“Oi!” Jamie complained from the couch. “Be gentle with these feet - they were kissed by God, remember?”

Roy pressed his forehead against his fridge and tried to breathe. Fuck. Fucking fuck fuck fuck.

“You let me know when you’re done with whatever that magical realization was,” Jamie called. “I still want your opinion about the syrup thing. They also have syrup candy? But it seems like you make that yourself. That could be fun to do as a team.”

Jamie was still talking. Roy’s entire life just rearranged itself and Jamie was still talking.

“There’s also this Canadian brand called Roots or summat. It has sweats and stuff? But also hats. That’s something I can get him to protect his bald head. Man, you’re right, I am good at this.”

Roy slammed his hand against the fridge and stalked back to the living room.

Jamie looked back, taking in Roy’s stress position but looking completely unconcerned. “Oh, good, you’re back. I think I’m gonna do the syrup and the hat. That way he can eat one and keep one, yeah?”

“Are we in love?”

Jamie jerked, his phone nearly flying out of his hand. “What?”

“You and me. Have we been in love this whole time? I just found out.”

Jamie’s eyes were wide, both his hands curled around his phone, held to his chest like he was protecting it. A strand of his hair was somehow caught on his stupidly long eyelashes. He looked so beautiful.

Roy was going to punch himself in the dick.

“Fuck!” he cried again, collapsing back on the couch. He put his head in his hands and waited for his stupid heart to feel normal again.

That was looking less and less likely, though, as Jamie moved closer to him (slowly, ever so slowly) and put a hand on his back.

“Um–” Jamie started, and his breath hitched a little. “I mean, I am. In love. I mean.”

He let out a frustrated breath and Roy turned to look at him.

The crease between his eyebrows was back and Roy actually did reach out a hand to smooth it out this time.

Jamie leaned into his hand. “I hoped, you know?” Jamie said. “The way you let me hang around so much and how much time I get to spend with you and Phoebe and you’ve met my mum and she loves you and your sister seems to trust me which is mint and–” he took a deep breath. “I thought maybe you loved me. Since you haven’t gotten sick of me yet.”

Roy grunted. It wasn’t a nice enough sound so he tried words next. “What about you?”

Jamie snorted, moving closer to Roy until their sides were completely pressed together. “Man, I’ve been in love with you for years. First I was just a fanboy, you know? Wanked to your poster, studied your play, wanted to impress ya. But then I knew you and you were better than I imagined. Because you were a fucking prick.”

Roy snorted, shaking his head.

“No, really!” Jamie continued. “Before that you were like a god, you know? Untouchable. But then you were mean but gentle with your niece and a little clumsy and believed in ghosts and you were a person and there was nothing on earth that could stop me from loving you.”

Roy sighed, letting his head dip down and rest against Jamie's. He took a deep breath in, inhaling Jamie’s air.

“So we’re in love,” he clarified.

Jamie laughed, turning his head to kiss Roy’s temple. “Yes, Royo, we’re in love.”

No one else was surprised they were in love. Higgins already had the paperwork set aside when Roy asked for it. Rebecca took out a bottle of champagne sticky noted with ‘For when Roy finally gets out of his own way.’

Beard turned out to be Roy’s Secret Santa and gave him two tickets to Marbella in his and Jamie’s names.

“For the off season,” Beard shrugged. “If you want them.”

Roy growled. “This is definitely over the price limit.”

Beard smirked, flipping his sunglasses down and crossing his arms.

Roy looked past him and into the dressing room where Jamie was receiving his Secret Santa gift from Bumbercatch: a pair of huge pink mittens. HIs face was so bright and happy and Roy loved him so much.

He had to look away. It was so embarrassing having feelings in public.

He looked back at Beard who was holding out a shot of spiced whisky.

Roy took it with a grunt. “Thank you,” he threw back the shot. “And fuck you.”

“Fuck you too, bud,” Beard raised his class and threw his own shot back.

Maybe alcohol was needed for Secret Santa.

[divinemissem13]

An addendum to @25daysofvoyager day 8 submission:

Final chapter of A Very Voyager Holiday is now up on AO3!

There's a bit more Hanukkah in there too, for @hanukkahbingo

Full final chapter is below the cut, but if you want to read the whole thing, you'll have to go to AO3

The morning briefing was just wrapping up when Captain Janeway turned her attention to her morale officer. “I believe that concludes all official business. Now, Neelix, how is the holiday party planning coming along?”

Neelix sat up a little straighter in his chair and tried not to appear flustered. He hadn’t been expecting to give a report today and there was still so much to do and only a few days left to do it all! “Right on schedule, Captain,” he declared. “With so many traditions to incorporate, it looks like the celebration will go for several days! Uh, several evenings, rather. We can’t have the whole ship at a stand still for a whole week, now can we?” he chuckled to himself.

Janeway looked mildly horrified when she interjected “A week, Neelix? That sounds a little… extreme, don’t you think?”

“Oh, no, Captain! A lot of the holidays last for several days! Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Las Posadas all last a week or more!” Neelix reassured her.

“Yes, I understand and people who celebrate those holidays are welcome to do so for their full duration. But let’s keep the official celebration to…” she glanced at Chakotay and Tuvok for confirmation, “... no longer than three days? Three evenings,” she ordered gently. 

“Er, ah, yes, Captain, I can make that work,” Neelix acquiesced. 

Janeway rose to her feet and called the meeting to a close, dismissing the senior staff. Neelix lingered, however, and he approached her once everyone else was gone.

“Was there something else, Neelix?” she asked curtly, though not unkindly. 

He fumbled for the right words. “Well, it’s just a small thing… barely worth mentioning really… only…”

“Spit it out, Neelix,” Janeway ordered.

“I’m concerned that we don’t have enough dilithium for me to prepare everything in only three days,” the Talaxian blurted out. “There are a lot of different types of food, and decorations, and I was planning to spread out my replicator use over a week so there would be time to recharge, but now I have to do it in less than half that time and–” 

The captain held up a hand to keep Neelix from babbling again. “Neelix, you have my permission to replicate as much as you need to. It’s been a rough few months; the crew deserves a good celebration. And besides, Seven thinks she has found a planet rich with dilithium about a week from our current position so we’ll be able to restock soon.”

“Oh! Thank you, Captain! If you’re sure… oh, that’s wonderful!” Neelix bubbled. 

“Of course, I’ll have B’Elanna keep an eye on the energy levels and if we are getting too low, you’ll have to stop immediately. Understood?” 

“Absolutely! Oh, Ensign Kim will be so happy that I can make his patjuk - there really isn’t a good substitute for the red beans, you know - and we’ll be able to have the Bajoran fireworks display on the holodeck, the talent show for Kwanzaa’s evening of creativity… Oh! And Lieutenant Paris’ Festivus pole! Thank you, Captain. You won’t regret it. This will be a holiday to remember!” Neelix exclaimed as he rushed out of the room.

Captain Janeway shook her head in amusement as the doors slid closed behind Neelix. His unbridled enthusiasm was both contagious and exhausting. She turned to pick up the small stack of PADDs on the table and stopped suddenly.

Did he say ‘Festivus pole’?

***

Neelix most certainly had said ‘Festivus pole.’ Further research into the holiday of Festivus had led him to an acceptable alternative to fighting the captain, and the newly replicated pole now stood proudly next to the Christmas tree. 

With Naomi’s help (and unlimited replicator access), Neelix had put together a holiday celebration for the ages. 

In addition to the tree and the pole, a Hanukkah menorah and a Kwanzaa kinara were prominently on display in the center of the mess hall, each fully lit with holographic candles that could last all night. There was even a Vulcan prayer candle, despite Tuvok’s insistence that it wasn’t necessary to include any Vulcan rituals as their holidays were usually celebrated in solitary meditation. 

Tables of food lined the room, representing all the different cultures and religions. Neelix was far too busy playing host and running between the mess hall and the holodeck  to explain the dishes in person as he usually would, so it had been Naomi’s idea to include labels explaining what the dish was and which tradition it belonged to. 

Thanks to the captain’s generosity with the replicator, Neelix was able to make both traditional and Delta Quadrant versions of many of the dishes. In most cases, the traditional dishes were more popular, but the surprise hit was Neelix’s Leola root latkes. Tom even went so far as to suggest that this be the primary preparation for Leola root going forward but Neelix insisted that they would be reserved for the holiday so that they remained special. 

The holodeck was very busy for the three days as well. There was a packed schedule of performances and activities, including traditional spirit dances of both the Trebus and Earth varieties, Klingon opera (performed by the Doctor and a troupe of holograms, of course. B’Elanna refused to have any part of it), a talent show to celebrate creative expression, and a nightly Bajoran fireworks display, just to name a few. 

During the daytime, the holodeck was transformed into a winter wonderland. Off-duty crew (and there were a lot, since the ship was operating with a skeleton crew for the holidays) could stop by at any time to build snowmen, go sledding, or sit by the fire with hot cocoa. Neelix even heard a rumor that Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay had spent some time strolling in the snow together hand in hand - but he found that harder to believe than the rumor that Lieutenants Paris and Torres had started a massive snowball fight between bridge officers and engineering.  

On the morning after the final evening of celebrating, Naomi found Neelix in the mess hall, sitting next to a half-packed box of ornaments. He had a sort of far away look on his face and, sure, enough, he jumped in surprise when Naomi tapped his shoulder. 

“Oh! Hello, Naomi!” Neelix exclaimed with a tired smile and just a bit less exuberance than usual. 

The perceptive child squinted at him, threw her arms around his neck, and asked “Neelix, are you ok?”

Neelix caught Naomi in his arms and hugged her for a moment before placing her back on the floor. “Oh yes, just a little post-holiday blues. Nothing to worry about,” he reassured her. He chuckled softly and added, “Who would have thought that I’d run out of energy before the replicators?”

“Oh! That’s what I came to tell you!” Naomi remembered suddenly. “It’s a Hanukkah miracle!”

Neelix looked at her quizzically so Naomi explained further. “The replicator shouldn’t have had enough energy to last the whole week - but it did! And Mom says we’ll even have enough to get us to that dilithium planet to restock!”

“That’s wonderful, Naomi, but what does that have to do with Hanukkah miracles?” Neelix wondered. 

“Neelix!” Naomi whined, starting to get annoyed. “It’s like how the oil was only supposed to last one day but it lasted eight!”

Neelix’s eyes grew wide with realization. “Do you know, I spent so much time planning the party, I never learned about any of the actual holidays!”

Naomi giggled, “Neelix! We’ll have to work on that for next year. Like, did you know that Bolians celebrate because…” 

Naomi continued to catalog all she had learned about holidays but Neelix wasn’t listening. His brain had shut down at the words ‘next year.’

[babbushka]

It’s All Worthwhile

Lawyer!Kylo Ren x Reader

3k, mostly fluff based off the song Baby It’s Cold Outside, with some NSFW (vanilla sex [PIV, lots of kissing])

Available on AO3

                                                    ----------------

It’s snowing gently, when the last of the guests leave through the door of Kylo’s penthouse apartment. You can see the flurries passing across the great big windows that span across the living room, Manhattan a glow of golden lights. Windows, traffic and the little illuminating bulbs on the bridges twinkle in the dark, evening finally turned to night. Though it may be dark out in the world beyond these windows, inside Kylo’s apartment is comfortably lit and cozy.

Decorative lamps and of course the flame of the candles in the large menorah on the mantle fill the living room with a warm orange glow, one that has you hating the thought of leaving. But it was Kylo’s apartment, and you didn’t want to overstay your welcome, so you push yourself off the couch and make your way to the foyer where Kylo is closing the door behind the last of his guests.

He turns towards you, looking painfully handsome. It was a work party, upscale and exclusive for the top lawyers in his circle. Why Kylo decided to host the Hanukkah celebration at his place rather than the office he holds in the Freedom Tower was obvious – he had a damn good apartment and you could tell he was eager to show it off, to impress.

As much as you hated to admit it, you were impressed.

“I’m really glad you came, you know.” Kylo approaches you, leans up against the wall of the hallway.

He took off his suit jacket, loosened his tie. There was something about the more casual appearance that make you blink quickly, remembering that this was your greatest rival, your biggest enemy. He wasn’t handsome, he was a pain in your ass…or so you keep reminding yourself half-heartedly.

“It was a great party, I’m exhausted.” You lie, “I should probably head out.”

“You don’t have to.” Kylo’s eyes are hopeful, especially as he doesn’t even spare a glance to the giant windows before trying to come up with the excuse of, “I mean, well, look at this weather.”

There is nothing in your body that tells you to leave, and everything that is screaming at you to stay. One look at Kylo, and you can read in his body language that he doesn’t want you to go either, and that’s a comfort. Still though, he is on the other side, he’s on the rival team, he’s your competition. Did you have strong feelings for him? Of course! But…

But lately it was becoming harder and harder to figure out exactly what those feelings were. You had been convinced in the beginning that it was hatred – because damn Kylo really managed to piss you off sometimes – but now, now you’re not so sure.

“I really can't stay.” You say slowly, carefully, hoping hoping hoping that he’ll pick up the game you want to play.

Maybe both of you can get what you want without having to admit to it.

Maybe, just maybe, neither of you have to wear your hearts on your sleeve.

“But baby…it's cold outside.” Kylo catches on immediately, a great big grin slowly spreading across his face.

He approaches you, rolls the sleeves of his dress shirt up over his forearms. The act is so casual, and yet your eyes are drawn to it instantly, unable to look away from the thick cords of muscle that flex as his hands reach for you. You’re all alone now, just the two of you, no one is around to see if maybe you should kiss, if maybe you should allow Kylo to hold you close.

“I’ve got to go away.” You allow him despite the words, allow him to slip an arm around your waist, pulling your bodies together.

“But baby, it's cold outside.” He shakes his head, biting at the inside of his cheek. He wants you desperately, wants you more than he’s ever wanted anything in his life. You are the first and only person to ever match him so well on so many levels, it’s absolutely intoxicating.

“This evening has been – ” You start, pulling away from him, finding your pulse beginning to race, your lungs beginning to squeeze as you hold your breath. You were so sure he would kiss you just then, but then he hadn’t, so away you go, just another step in the dance.

“I was hoping you'd drop in – ” Kylo talks at the same time as you, the two of you always did have a problem with interrupting one another, he hated that about you. He loves it.

“ – So very nice.” You begin to search for your gloves, taking a real long time, surely they haven’t gone too far. Maybe you spot them over by the long couch, and maybe you ignore that, maybe they weren’t yours after all.

“ – I'll hold your hands they're just like ice!” Kylo’s fingers twine through yours as he grasps your hand, spins you around and pulls you close to him once more.

His eyes are brown and sparkling in the warm glow, his chin tucked in to look at you properly. He had a good couple inches on you, even with your heels on, and you find that you don’t mind craning your neck up to bite back a smile at him, not one bit.

“My secretary will start to worry,” You say, licking your lips, your eyes on his mouth. They flick back up to his gaze, and he notices, of course he notices.

Kylo leans in, presses his forehead against yours, your noses rubbing together.

“Beautiful watch you're wearing…” He murmurs, turning your hand in his so he can see the diamonds catch the light. You’re so elegant, everything about you makes him sweat in his Louboutins.

“So really I'd better scurry.” You tilt your chin up a little, just barely a little, your bottom lip catching his ever so briefly. It’s not a kiss, not really – someone could come back in, couldn’t they? Maybe one of his friends forgot something behind, maybe someone was watching from a building across the way, maybe --

“Beautiful, please don't hurry.” Kylo brushes his lips back against yours, his eyes slipping closed, hand cupping your jaw, your cheek.

Beautiful? That was a first, your heart leaps in your chest. Kylo had called you a lot of things over the years that you have been butting heads together, how strange that this time, with your foreheads literally touching, he calls you something so sweet?

“…Well maybe just a half a drink more?” You finally start to show your cards, finally start to give him some proper leeway that he can take and run with.

And run with he does – he steps away from you abruptly, clapping his hands together once with excitement, already making his way to the elaborate home-bar that he has set up. The bartender he hired for the party is long gone, but Kylo knows his way around his spirits.

“Put some music on while I pour.” He gives you a cheeky grin, and you have to hide your face in your hands, chuckling out your happiness.

He could be such a jackass sometimes, but he could also be so incredibly thoughtful and charming and funny and smart and – oh no, you can practically feel yourself falling for him. You find that maybe, you don’t necessarily dislike the sensation of the butterflies in your stomach, as you step out of your heels to be more comfortable, and go over to the smart speaker mounted to the wall.

The baby grand piano sits comfortably in the corner of the great room, a few guests having taken a turn on the ivory keys, and you think that maybe one day you’d like to hear Kylo play. For now, the speaker will have to do, as you select a seasonally classical playlist of soft romantic music that immediately resonates through the room.

Kylo offers you a cocktail, and much to your surprise, there’s no alcoholic taste to it at all. You appreciate that, appreciate him not pressuring you to get tipsy or anything. Kylo wants you for you, wants you to be with him because you want to be with him. Still, you give him a bit of a hard time, even as he wraps one arm around your waist, the two of you slow dancing to the music.

“You know, the neighbors might think…” You raise a brow at him, and that makes him laugh out loud – he doesn’t have any neighbors, certainly not any that would matter. He’s all alone up here in this beautiful box in the sky.

Well, not entirely alone.

“Baby it's bad out there.” Kylo just shakes his head, giving you a spin that has you nearly missing your footing, the two of you giggling over the silliness of it all.

“Say what's in this drink?” You tease, knowing full well there’s nothing in it at all other than some sprite and pomegranate juice.

“Don’t joke like that.” Kylo stops moving entirely, grasps your jaw in his big hand and gets your attention with a scowl. You smile, both an apology and an understanding, not wanting to have caused him any offense. He rubs his thumb across your lip, the crease between his brows already slipping away, “In any case, you’ll never get a cab out there.”

That has you laughing again, just the realization of what you’re doing.

You’re in Kylo’s apartment, just the two of you, and you’re having fun. No yelling, no arguments, no name calling or temper tantrums for once, and it’s so nice. Now why couldn’t he be this agreeable all the time, you can’t help but wonder?

I wish I knew how, You think, casting a gaze over to the menorah that’s starting to burn down to nothing, to break this spell.

 Her eyes are like starlight now, Kylo thinks, regarding you softly, watching you watch the candles. He walks away from you and blows them out the rest of the way, not wanting his apartment to burn down if he leaves them unattended – and he was getting tired of staying in the living room.

He wants you in his bed, if you’ll allow him that privilege, if you want it too. Only if you want it, but fuck does he.

“I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell.” Kylo offers, holding a hand out for the beret that’s fastened to your head with a couple pins. He wants to touch your hair, wants to card his fingers through it, wants to caress and kiss and fuck you, if you’ll let him.

“I ought to say no no no, sir – ” You duck your head, unpinning the beret anyway, shaking your hair out from underneath it. Trying not to think about the possibility of hat-hair, you hand him the beret, his big hands folding it gently, resting it on the big glass coffee table.

“Mind if I move in closer?” Kylo steps out of his dress shoes, leaves them right there on the plush rug in the living room.

“—But maybe just a cigarette more.” You grin, taking his hand when he extends it to you.

“Never had such a blizzard before!” Kylo beams, practically pulls you up the stairs, leading you down the hallway to the master bedroom.

You don’t have much time to really look at any of the furnishings, but it’s neat and clean and well kept, the sheets crisp, everything varying shades of white and cream. Finally finally finally, Kylo surges forward to kiss you, his hands on your face, your neck, wanting you everywhere, wanting his hands on you everywhere too.

Kissing Kylo was always everything you thought it would be, you think as your hands fumble with your outfit, trying to get your clothes off and away. You and Kylo had had sex before, hard angry fucks in offices behind closed doors – but never anything like this. Never these soft laughs and gentle groans as Kylo helps get you naked, wanting not a single stitch of clothing on either of you.

Once your body is exposed to the slight chill of the air, you shuffle yourself under the covers of Kylo’s pristinely made bed. It’s a silent signal for him, one that tells him you’re spending the night, you’re not going to get out from under these blankets and sheets once you’re in them. Kylo reads you loud and clear, and practically trips over himself to get naked too.

He crawls under the covers with you too, and immediately you roll to face him, to get as far into his space as you possibly can. His hands grasp your face again, kissing you and kissing you and kissing you some more, sucking on your lips, your tongue, swallowing you whole. His hands move all over you, grasping at your body, wanting to feel every inch of you.

You throw a leg over his hip, his hard cock brushing against your stomach. It’s hot and throbbing, you wonder how desperate for you he must’ve been all evening. Kylo lowers one of his hands to your pussy and thrusts a couple of his thick fingers up inside you, stretching you just enough to take him, kissing you, breathing hard. Your head sinks into his soft plush pillows, and your body opens for him, especially as he rolls over on top of you. Legs falling apart, Kylo thrusts his cock into your wanting cunt with ease, the two of you letting out a moan when he finally bottoms out.

You’re both electrified by this, both wanting it, having wanted it all evening – wanted it for years. But that was a scary thought, so you stick to something safer like just tonight. The way he was such an effortless host, champagne glass in hand, laughing and smiling with ease at his guests, the way everyone was comfortable and not a single person had a single complaint was so sexy to you.

You had no idea, how could you have, but he threw the party for you.

Just for you.

Kylo grunts into the crook of your neck as your legs wrap around his waist, his arms caging you under his body as his cock rocks in and out of you, feeling too good, feeling right. It just feels right being here, and if he were to ask you, you know you’d agree.

“I got to – oh don’t stop – get home.” Still, the game isn’t over yet, there isn’t a clear winner, not yet.

Was it you? Or was it him? You both wanted the same thing for once, were both on the same side, what a Hanukkah miracle that was!

“But baby you'd fucking freeze out there.” Kylo pants as he speeds his hips up, watching the way your breasts bounce from the effort, from the sheer momentum of his thrusts. He shifts up enough to grasp the headboard for leverage, and your back arches up into his touch, mouth falling open and eyes pinched shut as you take the pleasure he so eagerly gives you.

“So lend me your coat – yes!” You’ve got so much spirit, so much stubborn strength, Kylo can’t help but laugh at your remark. You always have to have the last word, don’t you?

“No way, it's up to your knees out there.” Well, so does Kylo, and he smacks your thigh a little, watches as the flesh jiggles for him, your pussy soaking wet and velvety and tight around his cock, wanting nothing more than to come deep in you, claim you as his and let you claim him as yours.

“Look, you've really been great – ” You stumble and bumble and hiccup around the words as your toes curl, chest heaving, pleasure washing over you in waves and waves, “– Oh fuck, please?

“How do you do this to me?” Kylo groans out, dropping down back to your neck, worrying the skin there as his hips rut against yours, shallow thrusts with his cock practically buried in your hot pussy, not wanting to be anywhere else other than right here.

“There's bound to b-be talk tomorrow…” You moan, pinching at your nipples, trying to get some more friction as your orgasm builds builds builds, Kylo moving the whole bed, the entire mattress shifting on the supports.

“Think of my life long sorrow – ” Kylo grunts, thrusts growing erratic as he gets closer, pushing into you deeper, harder, faster, more more more until your whole body shakes and rattles and trembles.

“Oh – oh yes, yesyesyes right there Kylo!!” You’re loud, practically shouting out his name, the word echoing and bouncing around the ceiling.

“ – If you caught pneumonia and died, ohhh fuck.” He comes then, hearing his name on your lips, on your tongue, that frantic beating of his heart making him dizzy, making him sweat. He can feel his come spreading through you and your body goes limp under him, star-fishing out on his mattress.

You’ve got a big blissed out smile on your face, and Kylo thinks that as much of a fucking thorn in his side you are, he’d do anything to keep that smile there.

Not that he’d ever tell you that. You were rivals, after all.

“Hey Kylo?” You pant, wiping the sweat away from your brow.

“Mhm?” He’s collapsed down on top of you, and he’s half expecting you to tell him to get off, that he’s crushing you, that you can’t breathe and you’re dying and a million other things.

“I’m really glad I came too.” You whisper instead of all of that, and that wasn’t something that Kylo was prepared for, not really.

So he doesn’t say anything at all, grateful that you chose to be here with him, chose to accept his invite, chose to make this entire party worth it.

Because it was worth it, just getting to be with you.

 Oh baby it's cold,

Baby it's cold outside

 (tagging some lawyer!kylo friends, I hope this is alright no pressure to read of course! @safarigirlsp​ @direnightshade​ @barbers-glimmerin-darlin�� @steeevienicks​)

[mischief-and-tea-by-the-sea]

Holiday prompts: 8, 11, 20. FUCK MY SHIT UP

And white the fading forests grow

If anyone had told Kate Pryde years ago that she'd wind up spending a whole holiday season at a quaint little (little being relative) cabin in the New England wilderness instead of the Xavier School or any other large gathering of mutants, she'd have laughed them right out of her face.  If anyone had said she'd be spending that season with Emma and Christian Frost, Bobby Drake, and Loki, she'd have noped herself away and never speak to that person again.  

And yet...

"Kate, explain your lovely little candle tradition again, please?" Loki requested from where he fussed with the 12' Douglas Fir, trying to turn it to the perfect angle for decorating.  He glanced over his shoulder to see the look of surprise on the spritely brunette's face.  "Robert attempted to explain it, but he's so busy making eyes at Christian that I think he missed details."  

Bobby pouted from where he sat at the table with his boyfriend, Kate, and her girlfriend – okay, so they'd only been dating a couple of weeks, but Kate thought she was important enough to bring out to Loki's cabin in the middle of nowhere for the winter holidays – Danni. He reached out with the hand that Christian wasn't holding, and he gave the wooden dreidel a spin.  

"I didn't miss details, Loki.  I just...well, my parents weren't exactly orthodox.  Or even practicing.  Jewish stuff was on a need to be convenient basis with them.  Or when my grandmothers visited, so it wasn't as ingrained in me as it was Kate," Bobby defended himself.  He blushed a little when Christian lifted his hand and kissed it.

Loki walked over, rolling his shoulders until they popped.  His eyes fell on the dreidel as it spun and spun, finally slowing down to land on a character he didn't quite recognize.  Well, he could read it, but he didn't understand its meaning.  It wasn't as if he hadn't encountered many of Earth's cultures over the centuries he was alive and popping down here for visits, but he hadn't blanketed himself in most of them other than the more northern ones that based their religious practices off of what they'd learned about Asgard.  

"Alright, so what does that mean?" Loki asked, nodding toward the toppled dreidel.  "Robert spun it, so what does he...gain or...lose, I'm assuming is the object of the game?"

Kate just smirked a little even as Bobby's pout grew.

"It landed on Shin.  It means to 'put in'.  He has to put pieces of his gelt...his chocolate coin...into the middle. Which means that the three of us have a chance to win it."  

Loki reached out for the shiny gold 'coins' that were stacking up at the center of the table.  His hand hovered over them, however, and he looked from Kate to Bobby.

"May I?" he asked, hearing Frigga's voice in his head to not touch without consent.  When both Bobby and Kate nodded, he plucked one of the coins from the middle and studied it.  "And this is chocolate?  Inside this gold..."  

Emma walked closer and set her hand on Loki's lower back, stroking across his spine with her thumb.  

"It's not real gold, darling.  It's gold foil wrapped around chocolate," she told him with an indulgent smile.  

"Ohhh...that is a charming tradition," Loki remarked. "I do like chocolate, and dressing it up as a treasure when it is one makes it even more fun, doesn't it?" He set the coin back onto the table right where he found it then wrapped an arm around Emma's shoulders, snuggling her against his side.  "And this is a holiday like Yule...or Christmas?"

So they didn't just hover, Loki summoned one of the other chairs close, and he eased into it and tugged Emma into his lap. He didn't miss the looks of surprise that the two X-Men snuck to each other.  

"No, it's...well..."  Bobby looked to Kate for help.  "Sorry, Loki.  I'm just really bad with all the details.  I can make the latkes, I can light the candles, and I can play dreidel and apparently lose all my gelt, but it just wasn't the biggest of traditions in my house," he apologized and squeezed Christian's hand back.

"Sweetheart, I don't think you're offending our host by not being Mr. Trivia," the elder Frost sibling said sweetly and stood up to fill crystalline punch cups full of homemade egg nog for everyone.  

Emma made herself quite comfortable in Loki's lap. The only one missing from their little holiday away from everyone else had assured her that he was on his way, but for the moment, she was content with this motley family she'd somehow managed to accumulate.  Many times throughout her life, each family she'd claimed had built up into a monument she could trust enough to be vulnerable around only to crumble under the weight of betrayal and indifference.  Even now, she worried that letting these few, these happy few into her heart lest it shatter her heart like that diamond bullet.  

"Kate, you grew up in the faith with all the traditions and background," Emma replied in a tone more gentle than the sassy Queen was known for.  

Kate set the dreidel in motion before standing up to take two of the cups from Christian, one of which she offered to Danni before touching a kiss to the top of her girlfriend's blonde crown.  As she reclaimed her chair, the dreidel stopped again and fell over, making Bobby crow a little as it once more fell onto Shin.  She stuck out her tongue at him and tossed a chocolate coin into the middle of the table.

"Yes, I did.  I mean, my family wasn't Orthodox, but we kept the holidays and most Sabbaths...when Dad wasn't working late at the office.  I went to Hebrew school.  I think I learned even more from Erik," she explained and set her cup on the table out of the way.  

"Thank you, Christian," Loki stated as he took one of the cups from Emma's brother.  He took a sip and let the thick eggy liquid sit on his tongue for a moment before he swallowed, tasting the bourbon and nutmeg keenly.  "This is...very strange but delicious," he added. "If you'd rather not explain, I understand.  I'm just curious as your world has so many mystical options to choose from." Then those verdant eyes of his sparkled with the mischief he was known for.  As if tempting her, he added, "I'll show you mine, Kate, if you show me yours."  

"Hey now," Danni pretended to sound jealous and made a dramatic show of slinging her arm around Kate's shoulders. She kissed her cheek then plucked up the dreidel to take her turn.  While the wooden toy spun and spun, she gestured between Loki and Kate.  "By all means, babe, lay it all out on the table. If nothing else, I want to learn about all the shiny pagan holiday stuff from Asgard," the tattoo artist stated before turning her eyes to what her prize or predicament would be.  

Kate met Loki's and Emma's eyes and shrugged a shoulder.  

"Fair enough.  I'll tell you all about it, if nothing more than to impress my lady," she replied and gave her girlfriend a flirty smile.  

The dreidel stopped and fell over.  It landed on a boxy looking letter without a bottom.

"That looks very similar to Uruz," he stated. "The rune of strength," came the codicil.  

"It's hay," Kate said.  "It means that Danni gets to take half the pot.  That is what's at the center of the table.  Go for it, babe" she explained and encouraged her girlfriend.

While Danni collected her portion of the loot and Christian reached out to spin the dreidel, Kate started into the history of the Jewish rebellion against the Greek and Syrian oppressors, but she became more animated when she spoke about the rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem and how there was not enough olive oil to burn all seven candles of the Menorah, but they lit the first anyway.  It was a portion of the history that she and Erik Lensherr discussed most often, especially because she saw the hope out of oppression, and liked to think that she reminded him of that to soothe his cynical heart.  

"And when they thought they only had enough oil for one day, it burned for eight days," Kate finished.  

She took a drink of her egg nog and looked at the others.  The dreidel had been completely forgotten, even though Christian's spin had earned him the other half of the pot, while everyone listened to Kate the Storyteller. Blinking over their rapt attention, Kate cleared her throat.  

"So, now you know about Hanukkah, Loki," she mused, smirking at the way the King of Jotunheim huggled his arms around Emma and buried his face against her shoulder.  

Loki eased Emma from his lap and carefully set his cup onto the table where it wasn't in anyone's way.  He walked around until he stood between Kate and Danni, leaned down, and kissed Kate's cheek.  

"Thank you for explaining," he told her in the tenderest of voices.  

And for good measure, he touched his lips to Danni's cheek.  

"And welcome to this strange little family," Loki replied at her look of confusion before he made his way back to the tree to don its finishing touches.  

Bobby looked down at the center of the table and the dreidel and finally nudged Christian to point out that he'd won the rest of the loot, but without warning, his boyfriend tilted his head and delivered a sound kiss to his lips instead.  Something that Bobby wasn't going to turn down at all.  

"I'd say get a room, you two, but you'd just tell Danni and me to do the same," Kate teased as she looked at her meager winnings, knowing that her girlfriend would likely share a chocolate coin or two.

"Besides, you both have a room here, Katherine," Emma stated as she, too, stood up and finished her egg nog.  She took hers and Loki's cups to the kitchen to set in the sink then walked over to join one half of her significant others at the tree. She set her hands on his back; she'd already picked up on a little tension before she couched his strained shoulder blades.  

"What has you worried, darling?" she asked mind-to-mind so as not to concern the young ones.  

"Oh, you know.  Thinking that Anthony should've been here by now.  Pepper assured me that she wasn't keeping him any longer than necessary.  Otherwise, he would've driven her mad," Loki responded the same and tilted his head when Emma rested her chin on his shoulder. He touched his lips to hers then went back to adding shimmery crystalline ornaments to the branches of the tree.  

Kate and Bobby watched Emma with Loki.  Of course, Christian would recognize a more settled demeanor to his sister than years past, but it was truly the former two mutants who could see more of a difference because they'd lived through her pining over Scott.  While Danni and Christian headed into the kitchen to wash up and to check on the slow-roasting prime rib in the oven that they'd all been smelling since noon, Kate leaned closer to speak to Bobby where they wouldn't be heard.  

"Can you believe that our White Queen is so happy? With Loki?"  

"And Tony Stark," Bobby concluded. "It's weird, Kate, but...I don't know.  Seems right. More right than...all the rest." He shoved a piece of unwrapped gelt into his mouth then offered one of his few left to Kate.  

*

Another hour and a half later, they all stood outside the 'cabin', which was actually more elegant and upscale than the term 'cabin' would imply.  Snow dusted their boots, and they were all wrapped warmly in layers of shirts and coats, scarves wrapped around their necks, and beanies covering their heads and ears.  Kate held onto Danni's hands, and Christian was snuggled with his back to Bobby's chest.

Of course, the cold didn't bother Bobby at all; just as it didn't affect Loki now that he'd come to grudgingly accept the benefits of his Jotun biology underneath the Aesir glamor he continued to wear.  

"What are we looking at again, Loki?" Christian was the one to ask.  "I mean, the snow on the trees is beautiful.  The snow...as far as our eyes can see is lovely, but...we're just standing out here staring at...well, I'm not sure."  

Loki peeked over Emma's head at the others, making sure they all would have the best view of the horizon.  Then his longing gaze fell on the driveway again and the car that had yet to appear.  

"Soon, Christian, you'll see.  It is, after all, the Winter Solstice," Loki explained and nodded to where the sun was just beginning its descent toward the horizon, turning much of the scenery in the distance into silhouette.  "The longest night of the year.  I believe in your Iceland, the word for it is Vetrarsólstöður, which is very close to what it is on Asgard."  In fact, Loki repeated the word for Winter Solstice in the language he'd been raised with, and it sounded nearly identical to the Icelandic term.  "In our tradition, as in many of yours dating before the influence of Christianity, it is the death of the sun through the coldest months of the year," he added.

"I have several friends who are Asatruar...and plenty who are Wiccan of some variety, and that's pretty much how they celebrate it, too," Danni announced then kissed Kate's hands through her gloves.  

Just as the sun dipped down a little further, and Emma leaned closer into Loki's side to comfort his worries, a cherry red SUV of the newest models not even out on the market yet for public purchase, no less stylish than the Audi R8 Spyder of the same color, pulled up to the cabin and stopped just behind all the other cars.  The lights cut out, and the door opened and slammed closed before a figure dressed all in black and red ran over to the group gathered in the snow.  

"I didn't miss it, did I?  Bambi, tell me I didn't miss your thing," Tony asked and nearly pleaded, his voice catching in his throat as the thought of missing his S.O.'s holiday moment tore into him.  "Sorry I wasn't here soon.  I had to stop for the extra food and cake and..."  

"Anthony, shush," Emma scolded gentle and reached out a hand to the newcomer.  

Just as Loki did, and Tony rushed over, giving the others a polite but perfunctory greeted as he set his hands into his lovers' and happily let them fold him into them.  

"You didn't miss it, ástin mín," answered Loki in a hushed tone.  "It's just started."  

And together, the bundles of lovers watched as the humongous fire-orange sun lowered herself to the horizon and below until she was all gone, leaving in her wake a blanket of black sky and twinkling stars and the first quarter moon that smiled on all of them like the Cheshire Cat.

At that moment, while they all held still and silenced in the last moments of the sun and first moments of the longest night of the year, the trees around the cabin appeared to shake away their snow cloaks, and bright white-gold and green fairy lights sparkled into existence. Everyone's gasps of surprise made Loki smile, and the Trickster – this fallen prince of Asgard and forgotten prince of Jotunheim – felt a longing that he'd ached to be fulfilled at last find its way home.  

(Title taken from Loreena McKennitt's "Snow" on To Drive the Cold Winter Away (1987) and Songs for Winter Gardens (1995), and again on A Midwinter Night's Dream (2008).)

Holiday prompt list can be found here.

[madpanda75]

“Our First Holiday”

The wonderful @obsessionprofessional​ requested a fic where the reader celebrates Hanukkah with Rafael. Yes, I know Hanukkah is over...but better late than never, amiright? 🤷🏻‍♀️ ❤️ Also I’m Catholic and Latina, in my book the holidays are in full swing until Three Kings’ Day (I’m milking this, work with me😉).

You laid on the couch with your feet propped up on Rafael’s lap, your body melting into the cushions. The light emitted from the TV cast a glow across the darkened living room. Half-empty Chinese takeout cartons littered the coffee table. It was the perfect night in, a rarity as of late, due to yours and Rafael’s hectic work schedules.

You flipped through the channels, settling on a cheesy holiday movie. Just when the big city heroine meets the small town hunky mailman, your phone began to buzz. You groaned and covered your head with the pillow. “If that’s the hospital, tell them I’m not here.”

Rafael laughed and picked up your phone from the table. “It’s your mom,” he said, checking the screen.

“That’s even worse,” you whined. “I have to tell her that we can’t make it for Hanukkah. I’ve been stalling, trying to avoid her Jewish guilt trip.”

“Your mom should meet up with my mom. She’s the queen of Catholic guilt. Together they could rule the world.” He pulled the pillow from your face and waved the still buzzing phone at you.” I don’t think you can avoid it anymore, mi amor.”

You sighed in defeat and took the phone from Rafael. After a lengthy conversation, including several not so subtle hints about getting married, (“A spring wedding would be absolutely beautiful.”) and having babies (“I just want to hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet before I die.”), you finally hung up with your mom. Tossing the phone on the coffee table, you flopped back down on the couch.

“How’d it go?” Rafael asked.

You shrugged. “Not as bad as I thought it would be. She understands that I have to be at the hospital. It’s the holidays, a lot of household accidents this time of year,” you said, nudging him with your foot.

You went back to watching the movie while Rafael began to massage the soles of your feet. He glanced your way, noticing a slight change to your demeanor. There was a sadness to your expression that you tried to mask. “Are you ok?”

“I guess I’m kinda bummed about not being with my family for Hanukkah. I mean, they drive me absolutely crazy. Believe me I’ve spent many a Hanukkah hiding in the bathroom, drinking scotch out of a flask.” Rafael snorted a laugh at the image of you hiding out in the tub while nursing a drink. “But this year is different. It’s our first time celebrating the holidays together.” You sat up and took his face in your hands, squishing his cheeks between your palms. “I just wanted to show off my sexy brilliant Cuban lawyer boyfriend to my bubbe.”

“Does your bubbe also smush faces?” He asked through pursed lips.

You giggled and let go of his face. “No, she’s a cheek pincher.”

Rafael pulled you onto his lap, planting a soft kiss to your lips. “I know things at work are crazy right now, but I promise we’ll see your family soon. I’ll even drink in the bathroom with you,” he teased.

“It is a rite of passage,” you replied. “Ok, let’s finish this movie. I have to know if the girl ends up with the hot mailman in the town that perpetually celebrates Christmas or if she’ll go back to her cold meaningless existence back in the city.”

Rafael rolled his eyes. “Oh yeah, I’m on the edge of my seat.”

You playfully elbowed him in the rib cage before resting your head on his shoulder. Wrapping an arm around you, he kissed the crown of your head as you both focused on the TV screen.

*****

Later on that night, Rafael tossed and turned in bed while you were sleeping peacefully beside him. He stared up at the ceiling, listening to the sounds of the city outside when he felt you stir beside him.

 “CBC, BMP, and LFTs were negative,” you mumbled in your sleep.

He grinned and gently moved a strand of hair away from your face. Due to being short-staffed at the hospital, you had been bending over backwards, taking double and sometimes even triple shifts. You were wearing yourself ragged. It broke Rafael’s heart to see you like this, but he understood how important your work was. Just like he was dedicated to his cases, you were dedicated to your patients.

Rafael didn’t think he believed in love at first sight, that is until he bumped into you while picking up his mail. You were new to the building, having just moved back to New York from volunteering with Doctors Without Borders.

After your initial encounter, he thought of every excuse in the book to “accidentally” bump into you— the mysterious woman in 27G. Rafael was sure you thought he was borderline diabetic based on how many cups of sugar he borrowed.

After months of flirty banter in the elevator or passing each other in the hallway, he finally worked up the courage to ask you out for a cup of coffee. Coffee quickly morphed into dating and a year later, you and Rafael were living together.

As he watched you sleep, an idea came to him. Grabbing his phone from the nightstand, he quickly and quietly sent two emails, one to Carmen and one to your mother before turning his phone off and settling back into bed. If you couldn’t come home for Hanukkah, then Rafael was going to bring Hanukkah home to you.

*****

You were a zombie dressed in scrubs, trudging towards your apartment. It had been a rough day at the hospital. All you wanted was to strip, have a long hot bath, and collapse into bed. Fate; however, had different plans for you.

The minute you opened the door, you were greeted with the smell of burning oil. You followed the smell into the kitchen and gasped. Pots and pans covered the stove; food scraps and various utensils littered the counter. You could still see smoke dissipating in the air.

The sounds of Rafael muttering curses distracted you from the disaster in the kitchen. You whipped your head around to find him wrestling a bush in the living room as he struggled to wrap blue and white lights around it. In the battle between man and plant, it looked like the plant was winning.

“What the hell is going on here?!” You exclaimed.

Rafael froze, dropping the strand of lights in his hands. “Hi, cariño,” he said with a sheepish expression. “I wasn’t expecting you home until later.”

“Well would you care to explain why you’re fighting a ficus or why it looks like a cyclone has run through our kitchen?” You crossed your arms and arched your brow, giving him a stern look. Rafael suddenly felt like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“It’s actually a Hanukkah bush,” he replied, kicking the plant out of the way.

“A Hanukkah bush?” You repeated.

He nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. “I also tried to make latkes. I asked your mom for the recipe, but then Liv called me and I got distracted. Next thing I know the kitchen is up in flames and I have burnt potato pancakes.” He took a step towards you, nearly tripping on the strand of lights. “It was supposed to be a surprise. I know you were upset about not spending Hanukkah with your family.”

Your face softened, noticing several dreidels, chocolate gelt, and a shiny gold menorah on the coffee table. You collapsed onto the sofa, overwhelmed by what Rafael had done. A lump formed in your throat as you took one of the dreidels in your hand. Memories came flooding back of being at your grandparents’ house during Hanukkah; lighting the menorah, stuffing your face full of sufganiyot and latkes

“Carmen picked those up for me during her lunch break,” he said, watching you spin a dreidel on the coffee table.

“You mean you did all this for me?”

“Of course.” He sat down next to you and took your hand in his. “Like you said last night, it’s our first time spending the holidays together. I want this to be special. Te quiero mucho.”

“I love you too.” You kissed Rafael and pressed your forehead against his.

“So what do you say, wanna celebrate Hanukkah with your Gentile boyfriend?” He asked with a smirk.

A giggle escaped your lips. “Absolutely. Let me shower and change, then we can tackle those latkes together.” You wrapped your arms around him. “Thank you for everything,” you whispered, kissing his cheek before heading down the hall to your bedroom.

Rafael stood up, staring down the Hanukkah bush, more determined than ever to decorate the God-forsaken ficus.

*****

You and Rafael may have been busy with work, but that didn’t stop you from finding your own ways to celebrate Hanukkah over the next several days. Not having the time to go out and buy gifts, you both would find other thoughtful ways to show that you cared for each other. Whether it was coming home to find he had ordered takeout from your favorite Chinese restaurant or leaving little love notes for Rafael in his suit pocket before he left for the office. You created your own traditions.

On one of your rare days off, you even fried up some sufganiyot and brought them to the precinct for Rafael and the rest of the SVU squad. “Feel free to make these all year-round,” Fin joked as he took a bite into his second jelly-filled donut.

Every night, no matter the time, you both would sit in the living room and light the menorah. It was Rafael’s favorite part of Hanukkah. He was mesmerized, watching the flames from the candles illuminate your face as you repeated the Hanukkah blessings spoken by generations before.

Rafael grew up Catholic and would occasionally attend church with his mother on Easter and Christmas, but he was not a religious man. And yet, witnessing the reverence you had for your faith and for your history, made him fall in love with you even more. It made him think more about the future; in particular, a future with you.

*****

On the eighth and final day of Hanukkah, you had hoped to get home early. Unfortunately, there was an emergency and you had to stay later at the hospital than usual. Between checking on patients, you snuck into the break room to call Rafael. You fidgeted with the hair band on your wrist while the phone rang, eventually the call went straight to voicemail.

“Hello, you’ve reached the voicemail of Rafael Barba. Please leave a detailed message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”

“Hi, babe. Looks like I’m gonna be here a few more hours. You better start dinner without me. There’s leftovers in the—”

Before you could finish your message, your name was called over the PA system. “Dr. Y/L/N, please report to the nurses’ station. Dr. Y/L/N, please report to the nurses’ station.”

You huffed out a sigh, running your fingers through your hair. “They’re paging me. I gotta go. I’ll be home as soon as I can. Love you.”

You hung up your cell and headed straight for the nurses’ station. Turning the corner, you stopped in your tracks, your sneakers squeaking against the linoleum floor. To your surprise there was Rafael with a big bouquet of red roses in his arms; with him were your mom, his mom, and the rest of your family, even your Great-Aunt Edna. All of them stood there with big smiles plastered on their faces.

“Hi, mi amor.” Rafael awkwardly waved. His hands were shaking slightly and his cheeks were bright pink. You could tell he was nervous.

You were at a loss for words, glancing around at everyone. The nurse who had been paging you caught your eye and gave you a sly wink. “Raf...what’s going on?” You finally managed to squeak out.

He laid the flowers on the counter and took a step towards you. “Remember when I told you I asked your mom for her latke recipe?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Well, I may have left out the minor detail where I also asked her and your family to come for a visit, so they could watch me do this.” He audibly gulped and slowly got down on one knee, taking out of his pocket a small velvet box.

“Oh my God,” you breathed.

“Y/N, I’ll be honest. I never thought this would happen for me. I never thought I would find someone or fall in love, but then I met you. You transformed my life. You’re the first person I want to see in the morning and the last person I want to be with before I fall asleep. You’re the light of my life. The love of my life and I promise to cherish every day that I have with you.”

A tiny whimper escaped your lips, tears streaming down your face as he continued, his own eyes glossy with tears. “When I talked to your family and asked for their blessing, they told me there was a name for what we are— basherts. Y/N, you’re my soulmate. There’s no one else I want by my side. No one else I want to spend my life with. I want to spend forever with you and I want our forever to start now.” Rafael opened the box to reveal an antique white gold engagement ring. His grandmother’s engagement ring. “Y/N Y/L/N, would you make me the happiest man on Earth and marry me?”

“Yes!” You exclaimed and wrapped your arms around him, crying into the crook of his neck.

Rafael barely had time to place the ring on your finger and kiss you before your family bombarded you both with hugs and well-wishes. You managed to escape and stepped off to the side while everyone else talked amongst themselves.

“I wasn’t lying about my bubbe,” you giggled and wiped her lipstick smudge off of Rafael.

“Nope, you weren’t. I think I’m finally getting the feeling back in my face.” He massaged his cheeks, glancing over to where your moms were having a lively discussion about your wedding. “Looks like our mothers are getting along.”

You followed Rafael’s gaze, overhearing their conversation. “A spring wedding would be beautiful. Maybe in May?” Your mom suggested.

“Oh I agree,” Lucia chimed in. “I bet if we call now, we can see if Father Alvarez and Rabbi Goldman are available. I’m sure they won’t mind doing the ceremony together.”

“Kindred spirits.” You snorted a laugh before looking down at your engagement ring with a sad smile.”

The expression on your face was not lost on Rafael. “Is something wrong?”

You shook your head. “Nothing. It’s silly.”

He gently grabbed your chin, tilting your head up to meet his gaze. “Try me.”

“You’ve done so much for me. Surprising me with Hanukkah bushes and latkes and engagement rings. I feel as if I haven’t done anything for you.” You groaned and pinched the bridge of your nose. “I even forgot to get you a Christmas gift.”

“Hey,” he cooed and cupped your face, stroking your cheek with his thumb. “You gave me the greatest gift I’ve ever gotten.”

You furrowed your brow in confusion, staring into his green eyes. “What gift was that?”

“You said, yes.” He smiled and pulled you into his embrace, kissing you with such fierce passion that the staff and even some of your family whooped and cheered.

For years to come, you and Rafael would celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, passing down the traditions to your own children. But both of you would agree that the first holiday you celebrated as a couple was by far the best one.

@glimmerglittergirl​ @southern-magnolia​ @sweetcannolicarisi​ @delia26​ @obfuscateyummy​ @sass-and-suspenders​ @eclecticminded​ @thatesqcrush​ @katmstanton​ @amirightcounsellor​ @beltzboys2015-blog​ @letty-o​ @sonnysdoll​ @lyssa1385​ @sweetsummertime99​ @burningsorr0ws​ @gibbs274​ @izzythefanfreak​ @riodallas​ @babypink224221​ @livxrafa​ @esparza-army​ @obsessionprofessional​ @ottosuricato​ @melsquared79​ @dreila03​ @frenchiefoxy​ @tropes-and-tales​ @thecraziestcrayon​ @goodluckfindingone​

[mycatshuman]

The Emo Who Stole Christmas

Chapter 1 : Story time!

Word Count: 3,068

Pairings: Pre-established Prinxiety, pre-established Logicality, pre-established Demus

Warnings: Commercialization of Christmas, falling down the mountain, Grinch used as an insult? Small car crash with no harm, brief mention of playing with matches, mentions of messing with mail? Almost getting crushed by a stamp, child being wrapped in wrapping paper, that might be it I'm not sure and I know these sound weird but I'm just being careful.

Remus and Deceit don't come in until the next chapter.

Thank you so so much to @icequeenoriginal !!! You are basically the co-creator to this fic and it really would not be as good as it is without you. And I also have to thank you for coming up with such and ingenious title!!💜💜

Masterlist | Next | More Chapters

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Snowflakes fall through the dark sky. A sparkling flake flies close and then we zoom inside the snowflake, watching sparkling crystals fly by as we start on our journey. 

Storytime! Inside a snowflake, like the one on your sleeve, there happened a story you must see to believe. The clouds break away and we see snow-covered mountains and evergreen trees dotted across the landscape. 

And in that snowflake, way up in the mountains, in the high range of Pontoos, lay the small town of Whoville: the home of the Who's. Ask any Who, And they'll say: "There is no place like Whoville around Christmas Day!" 

Every window was flocked, and every lamppost was dressed and the Whoville band marched in their Christmasy best! Or holiday best if they celebrated a different holiday. Who's run through the town as the snow falls around them, their arms full with bags and gifts and decorations. 

Arbor Day was fine, and Easter was pleasant and every Saint Fizzin's day, they ate a Fizz pheasant. But every Who knew, from their twelve toes to their snout, they loved Christmas (or other winter holidays like Kwanzaa and Hanukkah) the most, without a single Who doubt.

------

A man with dark skin hurriedly says "Farfingle's welcomes you! Thank you! Happy Holidays! Thank you for shopping at Farfingle's!" The man is looking a little pale as he tries to keep up with the sales as people shove money at him to pay for gifts. No one stopping to take their receipts, causing the man to become exhausted and fighting to keep his smile on his face. 

Patton walked around as he stared at his long gift list. "We got a snoozlephone for your brothers Stu and Drew, a muncle for your uncle, fant for your aunt, and a fandpa for your cousin Critic. That means we just need….." Patton paused and looked around, realizing he couldn't find his child. "Emile?" He called out.  "Emile? Honey?" He turned to find a set of legs sticking out from under a square of presents. He crouched and pulled a wrapped gift from the middle and his child's face peered out at him. Their face was pinched slightly and they seemed uncertain about something. "Doesn't this seem like a bit much?" They asked as they glanced at the presents. 

Patton chuckled heartily. "Oh no! This is what Christmas is all about!" Emile scrunched their nose as they looked at their father. "Can't you feel it?"

Emile shook their head and sighed as they left the store getting ready to head to the post office, where Patton worked. In the background, the sound of the store clerk’s increasingly exhausted voice sounded. "Wait! Don't forget your change!!!!!" 

Outside, the loud bell tolled and everyone froze. The Counter shouted, "Another Minute Closer to the Holidays!"

"And now, for the next ten minutes only, 99% off!!" A store owner shouts out into the busy streets and everyone rushed forward to try and get as much as they could from the store. 

-------

Yes, every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot. But the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, did not.

-----

Four Who teenagers climbed up the mountain quickly laughing and giggling, on their way to cause mischief. Or so they thought. "Come on! All the good mistletoes at the top! Missy! I'll race you!" Emile's brother Pranks shouted. 

"The last one to the top is a stinky old Grinch!!" Missy shouted as he raced past his brother. 

"Where are we?" One of the teens said as she climbed up alongside her sister. "I think we should go back before something bad happens."

"What? Are you scared of the Grinch?" 

The other sister huffed and grabbed her sister's arm and marched up to the door and hesitated. "Go on! Touch the door!" Pranks cried out. The sister gulped and reached forward only for the door to swing open and a huge ugly purple face with piercing fangs stared at them with malevolent eyes. A thundering growl sounded from the pit of the beasts' throat. The teens screamed and turned around only to tumble down the mountain head over heels. 

"Remy!! Look at them run!! Scared them so bad they fell right off our mountain!!" A deep voice laughed as he picked up an apple. "It serves them right. Those Yuletide-loving sickly-sweet, not-sucking cheer mongers! I don't like them. I really don't." The voice paused as they stopped and a flush spread across their pale face. "Well, most of them."  The voice moved out the door and stood looking down at the town of Whoville. "Remy! Sass master! Get my cloak!" The figure grimaced as he looked down at the town. "I've been too tolerant of these delinquents and their "innocent, victimless pranks." The figure's frown deepened as he glared at the town. If looks could kill. "So, they want to get to know me? Do they really? Want to spend a little quality time with the-" the future's nose scrunched in disgust. "Grinch!" He spat out the name as if it had hurt him. And maybe it had. He huffed and then turned to his cat Remy who sat next to his midnight colored cloak. A wicked grin spread across his face. "I guess I could use a little...social interaction." 

---------

A dark clothed figure walked through the town, A small dark grey cat trotting along beside them. Well, maybe walking wasn't so accurate. The figure seemed to glide and float across the ground as if it was an otherworldly spector. However, none of the Who's seemed to notice this different looking figure. "Happy Holidays!" A person called cheerfully as they walked past the figure. Virgil grimaced. "Yeah, yeah, you bet. Ho, ho, ho, and all that stuff or whatever." If any Who had stopped to peer closer at the hooded figure they might find a weird creepy mask and a lanky body covered in dark purple fur. It was a suit Virgil used to frighten the Whos more. It also to stay warm in the biting cold weather. 

A horn blared as a car crashed into a pole and Virgil gasped overdramatically. "Oh no!" He exclaimed and looked down at Remy. "Someone must have vandalized that vehicle. Don't you see, Remy? This city is a dangerous place!" He snickered after he confirmed his little trick hadn't hurt anyone.

The Grinch hated the holidays. The whole Holiday season. Or maybe he didn't. Maybe it just hurt to remember what the Who's had done to him. But please do not ask why. No one quite knows the reason. Aside from one other.

Virgil stopped two children and handed then a play saw, perfectly harmless but looked very real. "Here's a present for you two! Now be sure to run real fast with it! Double time!" 

Some believe it's because his head wasn't screwed on just right. Or that his shoes were too tight. But they think the most likely reason of all is, maybe his heart is two sizes too small.

As Virgil was walking a man stopped him from moving any further. "Hey, there stranger! Won't let you go until you buy a chapeau!" Virgil lifted his mask and hissed. The salesperson who had stopped him fainted out of sheer terror. Virgil held back a snort and he and Remy were on their way. 

-------

Patton carried presents alongside his child, Emile as they made their way to the post office. "Oh boy! Nothing beats Christmas! Right kiddo?" 

Emile frowned. "I don't-I guess." 

Patton frowned and turned to look at his child. "You guessed?" He asked, concern lacing through his words. 

Emile shrugged as they looked down. "I mean, I look around and see you and Pa getting all kabbabled and doesn't it seem...superfluous?" 

Patton opened his mouth to say something when a loud screaming reached his ears and he froze, turning towards the source of the noise as everyone around them did the same. 

"DAD!!!!" Missy and Pranks raced into the town square as the Mayor came out of his office along with his assistant to see what the commotion was about. 

"What happened to you?!?!" Patton asked panicked. The two boys were covered in frost and snow as they tried to stutter out a response. "It was the Grinch!" 

Virgil looked up. "What do you want?" He froze, "I mean.." He pitched his voice higher. "'Grinch? Oh, no!'"

"Did you say Grinch?" The mayor, Anton Who said as he stalked over to the family. 

Patton froze.“H-Hello Anton, M-Mayor Sir.” Patton said as he moved his children behind him. 

Anton sighed "Patton, I don't think I need to remind all of you that this Christmas marks the one-thousandth Whobilation."

"Whoville's most important celebration!!"

"As you know," the Mayor began as he pulled out a very large and thick book. "The Book of Who says very clearly, 'Every size of Who we can measure knows that Whobilation is a time we must treasure!'" He closed the book, perhaps a bit too quickly. "Now, Patton. Please tell me that your children have not been up on Mount Crumpit provoking one and only creature within a billion bilometers of here who hates the holidays!"

Missy and Pranks began speaking quickly, "But it was the Grinch-" 

Patton stopped them by covering their mouths, terrified of what the consequences may be for them and their family if they kept talking. "No, Mayor. They didn't see no Grinch. They were probably just up on the mountain playing with matches or defacing public property or something…" 

The Mayor let out a sigh of relief as he placed his gloved hand on his chest. "Oh! That is such a relief." He turned his extravagant cape dragging behind him. "All right! You heard the man! There is no Grinch Problem here! Happy Holidays!" The mayor called cheerfully. 

Virgil frowned and raised his mask and stuck a straw between his lips and spit a ball of paper at the Mayor. The mayor frowned and whipped the ball off his face, disgusted. Virgil chuckled as he pulled his mask down and went off again. 

-----

Roman May let out a sigh as he realized he still had four hours until it was dark enough to leave town. So he just rolled his new purchase home, slowly, hoping to kill more time. He paused at the post office however and let out a faint chuckle as he noticed the end of a cape and a cat's tail slipping through the crack in the door as it fell close. He sighed dreamily. "That's my love," he muttered fondly to himself and walked away with a lot more pep in his step than before. 

-----

Emile frowned as they watched their dad walk down a long hallway with envelopes and presents as he stuffed them in small cubes lining one wall that leads into the room on the other side. "Dad, I just- I don't understand something."

"Hhm?" Patton asked as he continued working but made sure to give his child the attention they deserved. 

"Why so everyone so against talking about the Grinch?" 

Patton huffed quietly, a little admirable of his child's fascination. "You kids and the Grinch…” he said softly. "You see, Emile, the Grinch is a Who, who always…." He paused. "Well...he's actually not a Who. He's more a..." 

"A what?" 

Patton nodded. "Yeah, he's more a what who doesn't like Christmas or any other holiday." Emile's face pulled down into a frown as they listened to their dad. "Just take a look at his mailbox. Not a single card, in or out. Not ever!" 

Emile looked at the empty mailbox that had seemingly been empty for so long that cobwebs filled the dead space. "But why?" They asked as they turned to look at their dad, unsure why someone wouldn't have at least been kind enough to try and include him. 

Patton opened his mouth to answer his child only to be cut off by people crowding around the front counter. "Patton! I got the wrong mail!!!" Someone cried out frantically and Patton gave Emile an apologetic smile and walked to the counter. "I'm coming!" He called out. "We can sort this all out!" 

-----

Virgil grinned wickedly as he stood in the mailroom and looking at the mailboxes from the other side. "Oh, this will take them years to sort out!" He began to grab envelopes and switch them around. "This is his and now it’s yours. This is hers and now it’s his!" He giggled gleefully and turned around. Picking up a stack of bright yellow envelopes he spun around. "And for the rest of you!" He flung envelopes into random mailboxes with great force as he chuckled madly to himself. "Jury duty! Jury duty! Jury duty! Blackmail! Pink slip! Chain letter! Eviction notice! Jury duty!" Remy watched unamused as Virgil tried to wreak havoc. He rolled his eyes, as well as a cat could. Virgil may seem threatening but in all actuality, he was just a hurt soul trying to hurt those who hurt him but was too nice to do so. At least he had Remy to keep him in check. 

-----

Patton walked over to Emile and held out a small stack of envelopes. "Hey, Emile, would you mind helping me take this to the mailroom?" Emile nodded and took the envelopes from their father. Patton smiled and ruffled their hair. "Thank you. Now be careful of the sorting machine, alright?" 

Emile nodded with a small smile and turned around and opened the door to the mailroom and glanced over as they watched the conveyor belt drop presents down a hole to have Fragile stamped on the side. They set the mail down and turned to leave only to hear a loud splat. They turned around and frowned as they noticed an ugly, overly happy mask sitting on the floor. They bent over and picked up the mask and inspected it. 

Virgil and Remy stared down below at the small Who child that had entered the mailroom. They were squished into the corner of the ceiling, trying to stay perched where they were until the child left. Then Remy sneezed. "Gesundheit," Virgil muttered. Emile gasped and whirled around, their gaze going to the ceiling. "Whoops."

Emile stuttered as they stared at the purple fur of the Grinch and the dark grey cat and screamed. The Grinch screamed back. Emile screamed again, and as the Grinch let out another scream they slowly composed themselves.  "You're the...the...You're the..."

Virgil jumped down and leaned forward into Emile's face. "The Grinch!" He snarled. Emile screamed and fell back into a pile slowly falling through the hole in the floor leading to the conveyor belt for the sorting machine. Virgil blinked as he tried to calm his racing heart. "Well...I guess that worked out..." He quickly turned towards the door, terrified of getting caught. "Remy, let's go. Our work here is done." 

"Help!! Help me! Please! Somebody!" Emile screamed as their head fell closer to the conveyor belt. Remy stopped just short of the door and gave Virgil a look that said, 'I know you're gonna feel guilty about this. Go help them, gurl.' 

Virgil huffed at being called out despite not actually hearing what Remy said, he was pretty good at telling what his cat was thinking. "All the bleeding hearts of the world unite! Ugh!" Virgil turned around and grabbed a hold of Emile's ankle before pulling the child out and quickly turning them upright. "There!" Virgil exclaimed. Although he turned his voice down at noticing the slightly shocked face of the child. He huffed and yanked the mask from them. "Give me that! Don't you know you're not supposed to take things that don't belong to you?! What are you, some kind of wild animal?!?!?" 

Emile blinked, desperately trying to process what exactly had just happened. They quickly found their voice as they vaguely heard the Grinch say something about leaving to their cat. "Thank you for saving me!" 

Virgil froze and slowly turned around to face the child again. "Saving you?" He asked slowly, carefully. "Is that what you think I was doing?" Emile nodded. Virgil huffed. He couldn't have this getting out, who knows how many teens would come up to bother him then! He grimaced. "Wrong-o!" He glanced to the side and noticed a roll of wrapping paper on a wrapping paper holder. He glanced back at the child. They can't know where I'm going. I have to make sure to stall them. "I simply noticed you weren't properly packaged, dear child." 

Emile stepped back only for the Grinch to began rapidly wrapping them up in the shiny red wrapping paper. "Hold still!" The Grinch exclaimed. Then he turned to his cat. "Remy! Pick out a bow!" Then the Grinch paused. "May I use your finger for a moment?" After a few more moments, Emile felt the Grinch's presence move away. They heard a snap and an "ow" at what, Emile assumed, was the Grinch putting his mask back on. 

Emile stood silent for a few moments after the Grinch left before they began shouting. "Hello! Hello!"  

Patton frowned as he looked for his child. A small "hello" drew him towards the mailroom and he opened the door. "Emile?" 

"Dad! Daddy!" Emile called out as they sensed their father moving closer. 

"What ...?" Patton was speechless as he noticed a figure wrapped in wrapping paper around the size of his child. "Emile? Is that really you?" He asked again and began removing the wrapping paper.

Once Emile's head and torso were uncovered, they grinned excitedly at Patton. "Dad! It was astounding! Th-"

"You have been practicing your Christmas wrapping!" Patton exclaimed, eyes twinkling. "Oh, Emile! I am so so proud of you!! That's the holiday spirit!!" 

"O-oh…" Emile train of thought halted as they took in their father. His black-framed glasses and the grey cardigan pulled tight over his postal uniform. The smile that was wide on his face, beaming with pride. Emile subconsciously rubbed at the grey material of their school uniform. 

Kind little Emile didn't know what to do. In their head, a conflict or two humbled around their brain. 'If The Grinch was so bad, then why did he save me?" They thought. "Maybe he wasn't as bad as they say." Maybe. Just maybe. 

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Everything Taglist: @spxced-oxt @superwholocked-for-life @mirror2thespirit @aroundofapplesauce @lyditist @little-euro-girl @unicornofdarknessstuff @maryann-draws

[olicitysecretsanta]

The Personal Shopper (Olicity Holiday)

Merry Christmas to @bifelicitys! I am your Secret Olicity Santa. I hope that you enjoy this romantic little story for the holiday! 

The Personal Shopper

Felicity Smoak loved this job. Okay, technically, it wasn’t her job-job. It was her side hustle. Everybody she knew had one - an extra means of income - usually independent in nature - that she could use to make money on her off time from being a cyber-security expert at Merlyn Global in Starling City. The money was good, the work was ridiculously easy, and it was helping her to send extra cash to help her mom pay off her home in Vegas. It also helped to keep her busy and totally not thinking about how spending the holidays in a new city could make her feel a little alone. She had moved to town six months prior. 

When Felicity first learned that personal shopping was an actual job, she scoffed. The idea that people paid you to shop for them sounded extravagant and, well, lazy. At first, she only purchased and set up computer systems for Luddites, people who either didn’t understand tech or were legitimately afraid of it. But last month, the agency that placed her asked her to branch out into other shopping tasks. This was how she found herself buying Christmas gifts for a very busy, very wealthy CEO. Initially, she had set up his home office and apparently he was so impressed, he asked the agency to hire her for the purchase of a slew of Christmas gifts for his friends of loved ones. 

Felicity was surprised when she learned of the request. She had only exchanged a handful of emails and texts with Oliver Queen — that was his name — until that point. Of course, she knew she had good taste, a great intuition about what items were suitable, and perhaps most of all, the resourcefulness to find whatever was the right fit, no matter how difficult, but she certainly didn’t expect him to appreciate that that. But he did. 

Since she had become his personal shopper, things with the businessman and Felicity had subtly shifted and there was more of a dialogue taking place between them. The emails were more frequent. There had been…texting. When he liked one of her suggestions, he always responded with text or an enthusiastic emoji. A target with an arrow sticking out of it meant she had nailed it. A goat meant the idea was exceptional. Once he had sent her a heart eyes emoji and then spent three texts explaining that his thumb had slipped and apologizing. That made her chortle for a full five minutes. The idea that a CEO would send her a text with heart eyes in it was hilarious. She had Googled him and knew that he was both handsome and notoriously single. It was best not to get infatuated with that sort of man. Still, Felicity looked forward to their exchanges. Realizing that her holiday duties would be wrapping up soon, she could not help feeling a bit sad. 

On this particular Saturday morning, just days away from Christmas, Felicity entered the security code to a penthouse in what she considered the “fancy-schmancy” district of Starling. A green light on the panel signaled success. She turned the handle on a large wooden door and it swung open easily. On the other side, the clean lines, leather upholstery and muted tones of the apartment that screamed “luxurious bachelor pad.” There were a few paintings and a couple of furry pillows on a sofa, but no hint of personal decorations upon first glance. Normally this didn’t bother Felicity, but on this day it struck her that there was no hint of a holiday going on in the place. 

Really, Oliver? No cheer? There was no evidence around the place, despite its beautiful furnishings, that he was celebrating Christmas. It was all grey and natural, but lacked color and, well, personality. Why didn’t he have a wreath on the front door or one of those Charlie Brown trees on a side table? It made Felicity shake her head.  

The IT specialist/cyber security expert was dressed down today in yoga pants and an oversized green sweater, well aware she wouldn’t see anyone and, more importantly, no one would see her. She removed the messenger bag slung over her shoulder and slipped out of her fluffy winter coat, setting them both on stools by the breakfast bar of the kitchen island. Her boots came off next, leaving her feet covered in a pair of festive Hanukkah socks. Her grandma always kept her flush in themed hosiery. It was their thing. 

Felicity had visited this apartment so many times, she had developed rituals. After leaving her footwear resting by the door, she headed to the wall of windows on the far end of the open living space. They showcased Starling City.. She stood near the glass and hugged herself against a slight draught. The brief chill was worth it for the view. It was a cold, but clear day and she could see for miles, even beyond the city.

When her reverie was done, she went to the stove and filled the stainless steel kettle that always rested on the gas burner. Early instructions on working in the empty apartment had encouraged her to make use of the kitchen, as needed. She did so gratefully. After sourcing a tea bag and a mug from the cabinets, she walked to the dining table and approached the laptop and a note that was left for her. The purchases were all made on Oliver’s laptop, which had his banking attached. It was easier that way and Felicity enjoyed working in the space, far from her small apartment and her tiny office at Merlyn Global. She also found it funny that she was tasked to work on a computer she had initially set up for the man.

Felicity had yet to cross paths with the man himself. It seemed that Oliver Queen was always out of town, or at a work event, or some gala. It had become a source of comedy, actually, how they passed without meeting. Consequently, there was always a typed note with instructions, presumably produced and placed on his dining table by his executive assistant. She had nicknamed the note-fairy “Godfrey” (although she was well aware the woman’s name was Louise) and wondered what it was like to be the sort of assistant who had to go to their boss’s apartment to deliver notes. She read an article that said CEOs sometimes had assistants do their packing.  Godfrey have to pack for the man? Check the wine stash to see if any bottles were missing? (For the record, Felicity had examined the wine cabinet and even Googled a few of the labels out of curiosity, but she would never help herself to something. That was simply not right.)

Something else was not right today. The note. It was handwritten. A confident print with occasional script flourishes mixed in. Still, a man’s hand. 

Dear Felicity,

First, thank you so much for everything you have done over the last months. I have appreciated your expertise more than I can say. You have done such a wonderful job sourcing gifts. It felt at times like you read my mind. 

Felicity couldn’t help but smile. She felt appreciated. It had hardly felt like work to find gifts for Oliver Queen’s close friends and family members, but she liked the acknowledgment. That was something she didn’t get at her regular job.  

I know that my mother is going to love the arrangement you made for the exhibit at the Starling Museum. Her friends at the garden club will be absolutely livid with jealousy and that will be like a second gift to her. 

She nodded. The museum sponsorship had Moira Queen written all over it. Felicity got the idea when she saw a picture of the woman standing in front of a painting in an old issue of Architectural Digest. Did they really have an actual Monet in their actual house? She would have to ask sometime. Yeah, sure. 

Dad will really enjoy the new turntable and the box set of Rolling Stones records (and they will make Mom crazy). We might need to think about head phones. 

She giggled. It had not been her intention to create friction at the Queen Mansion, but when her research revealed that the retired business leader had been in a Stones cover band in college, it just felt right. Now she imagined Robert Queen strutting around his library like Mick Jagger and it made her extremely happy. The man deserved a little rock and roll in his life. 

That amazing bottle of scotch is probably more than my best friend deserves, but it is Christmas. I’m not sure how you found it, but you are quite remarkable. He is going to owe me big time. 

The bottle of Macallan for Tommy Merlyn required a bit of horse trading with a liquor dealer in Coast City and thirty minutes of free advice on the topic of secure point of sale systems. It was worth it and she was victorious. Now, she found it rather funny that she had helped arrange a gift for her boss’s son.  

The Lieber bag you picked out for Thea is perfect for her collection. Thank you for figuring out which one she wanted. 

She wondered if Oliver knew that his baby sister, Thea Queen, was an a-plus operator. As soon as Felicity started digging around to figure out a good gift for the young fashion student, Thea herself reached out and gave her several excellent suggestions and sources for the perfect treat. 

All of the other gifts — the Disney package for the Diggles, the wallet for Walter Steele and the treats for the Board, were, again perfect. I am sure that my assistant is going to be very pleased with the cashmere wrap (and a hefty bonus). 

Felicity knew that wrap was very, very nice. She just couldn’t imagine Godfrey wearing it. Well, she honestly couldn’t imagine Godfrey, period. And she liked it that way. Some mysteries were best left alone - as long as they weren’t technological. 

One the subject of bonuses, please see the envelope (just between us) and accept it with my sincere thanks. You are obviously a clever, observant and nice person. I have enjoyed our messaging back and forth very much during this stressful end of year. You have made me laugh and, well…thank you. O

Felicity blushed a little from the complements and then noticed the aforementioned envelope. She looked inside and her eyes bugged out when she saw the amount. It was too generous. 

She pushed away from the table and stood up, feeling the need to pace. She never expected any kind of gesture like this from a client and she didn’t know how to respond. Should she refuse it and risk offending him? Her brain was clouding up with ethical concerns. Finally, she grabbed her phone and found the familiar contact in her messaging program. 

FS: You are too generous.

A few moments passed. Then she saw dots pulsing on the screen. 

OQ: Not at all. You deserve it. You saved Christmas for me with my family. That means a lot. 

FS: I do appreciate it. Thank you. 

OQ: Are you headed out of town to visit your Mom for the holidays?

Felicity smiled. It was funny how much information had been shared in both directions while doing this job. Of course, it had been necessary to learn about Oliver in order to pick out appropriate gifts, but revealing information about herself had just happened naturally as they exchanged messages. 

FS: No. She is going to Reno with her cousin. It’s a non-stop party with those two through New Years. They wear me out. 

Oliver responded with a celebrating emoji and a smiley face. 

FS: Are you going to be traveling for business through Christmas?

OQ: No, I actually got back last night. 

An alarm bell went off in Felicity’s head at the same time the tea pot whistled. She nearly jumped out of her chair.

FS: You’re here? 

OQ: At my parents through lunch. Tonight there’s a Christmas gala for…something. I’ll be by later to get my tux. 

Felicity breathed a sigh of relief and headed to pour the water in the cup, phone still in hand.  

OQ: Just relax and have that cup of tea. 

She stopped and looked around the kitchen. 

FS: How did you know I’m making tea at your place? Did you get cameras?

OQ: Creepy. No. I could never something like that past a security expert like you. I do get a notification when the alarm is disabled. Remember? You told me to set that up months ago. 

Felicity smirked and submerged the tea bag in the bubbling cup. 

FS: Very good. But that doesn’t explain how you know I’m making a cup of tea. 

OQ: Every time I come home when you’ve been there, the only trash you leave behind is tea-related. 

FS: That’s very observant of you, Mr. Holmes. 

OQ: Thank you, Watson. 

FS: But maybe the tea drinker is Godfrey. 

A laughing emoji was the response. 

OQ: That nickname. 

FS: Not on-point?

OQ: Eerily accurate. Louise is a gem though. 

FS: She must be to go through your unmentionables.

OQ: What???

FS: I read that some CEOs have their assistants pack for them. 

OQ: That’s just wrong. I must admit, I do get a lot of help to manage my life, but I would never ask someone to do that.  

FS: Good. I didn’t think you would be that kind of boss. 

Felicity curled up on the sectional with her cup of tea. A handy throw within arm’s reach was pulled across her lap. 

OQ: There was that one time though. 

Felicity quirked an eyebrow and sent a similar emoji. 

OQ: I had a business trip to Washington, DC and it got extended from two days to five. Louise had underwear and socks delivered to me. New. From Amazon. Totally unsolicited. 

FS: So, she never touched your actual drawers then?  

OQ: No drawers…of any kind. Ever. Jesus. I do have to make eye contact with her sometimes.

Felicity giggled into her cup and took a sip. 

FS: I just realized, I am pulling you away from holiday merrymaking with your family. Decking the halls and such.

OQ: We don’t actually do that. Mother has the staff decorate. This year’s theme is silver and angst. 

A chuckle erupted from the blonde. 

FS: Don’t you miss putting up your tree?

OQ: Maybe a little. But I travel so much. I’m not around to pitch in anyway. 

Felicity felt the conversation mood slipping. Even though she knew she should end it, she didn’t it to be on a sad note. 

FS: My mother decorated a tree entirely with tacky earrings one year. That was special. 

OQ: Aren’t you Jewish? 

FS: My mother likes to decorate. Christian holidays have been appropriated. And she has A LOT of earrings. Another year we made ornaments out of aluminum foil.

OQ: That sounds very special. 

FS: We Smoaks are resourceful. 

OQ: You are a lot of things, Felicity. Very remarkable. 

FS: Thank you for remarking on it. So, you have a gala tonight. What’s it for? 

OQ: A worthwhile cause. 

FS: You don’t know, do you?

OQ: Nope. 

FS: But you’ll still show up looking pretty, right? 

Felicity pressed send before she thought about it. She grimaced. That was a much too flippant thing to say to Oliver Queen, her client. She really needed to work on her babbling via text. After a moment or two, there was a response. 

It was a blushing emoji.  

FS: I think I should probably leave you to your day. 

OQ: No problem. I do need to go to brunch. Have a great Saturday. And thank you again. 

The end of Oliver’s text was filled with all manner of silly emojis. A snowman. Eyeballs. A scarf. A unicorn. 

What a nice man, she thought. And a generous one - to friends, family, and colleagues. 

Suddenly, Felicity wanted to do something nice for Oliver Queen. Maybe it was crazy, but she would try. She just didn’t have a lot of time. 

>>—> 

It was mid-afternoon when Oliver emerged from the elevator to the penthouse floor of his building carrying a sack of leftovers from his parents’ house. The housekeeper, Raisa, never let him leave empty-handed. He probably would have come home a little later, but he was intrigued. His security system had been disengaged two hours earlier with the code he had provided to Felicity Smoak and it had not been reset. Curiosity pulled at him and he was just a little worried that she might not be okay. 

He had left the note and check early that morning, wanting to be sure she had a nice holiday and knew how much she was appreciated, but as the day had worn on with activities at the mansion, he had really only been thinking of her and their texts. 

As soon as he crossed the threshold, Oliver was struck by the smell of cinnamon and pine. Over near the window, he caught sight of her - a petite blonde with her back to him, reaching up to put a paper snowflake on a sizable Christmas tree. She was adorable from the back, her pony tail swishing back and forth.  And when she lifted her arms, the sweater she was wearing revealed a rather tantalizing yoga pant situation. He had Googled her months ago when he decided to give her access to his home, so he knew how attractive she was, on top of being an exceptionally gifted tech genius. It still burned him that Merlyn had hired her before she was on QC’s radar. But maybe things worked out the way they were supposed to. 

Rather than startle her, he just stood and marveled at the room. There were boughs of holly and sprigs of greenery placed carefully around the room. Candles (the battery-operated ones that looked pretty authentic from a distance) flickered on tables. She had obviously worked fast. His apartment looked like an actual home today - not just an extension of his office or a hotel suite. He wanted to smile, but guarded his features, waiting for the woman to turn to face him. 

When she did, she took his breath away, just a little. Her glasses had slipped down her nose and she gasped at his sudden appearance. 

“Oliver. I mean, Mister Queen. I’m…” Felicity grimaced, suddenly realizing that this spontaneous idea might not be welcome and she had majorly overstepped. Perhaps the man didn’t want all of this holiday nonsense cluttering up his streamlined existence. 

He liked her voice. It was feminine and he wanted to hear more of it. 

“You’ve been busy,” he deadpanned. 

“I just thought,” Felicity stammered as she moved to collect the paper snowflakes she was cutting at the dining table, “you might enjoy some cheer in your home. I am so sorry I intruded. I can come back later when you aren’t home and clear it away.” She wasn’t making eye contact now. 

“Felicity,” Oliver sighed her name for the first time. It felt nice on his lips. “Felicity,” he repeated, finally causing her to stop and look at him. “You will do no such thing.” 

“No?” 

“This is the absolute best present I have gotten in a long time,” he spoke warmly and approached her at the table. 

She bit her lip and looked away, her fingers worrying at a snowflake so much that it was becoming confetti on the floor. 

“It wasn’t a big deal, I…”

“I don’t mean mean the decorations. I mean you,” he stepped closer to her and touched her elbow gently. Felicity looked up at him, breathless. He really was a looker, as her grandma would say. She swallowed hard and swore not to say anything ridiculous for as long as possible. 

Oliver got lost in her blue eyes and stopped speaking, then suddenly realized what he had just said. It sounded kind of overbearing. “Not…not that you’re my present,” he actually stammered. “I mean, your friendship. Meeting you has been such an unexpected gift these last months. Do you understand?” Oliver’s voice was barely a whisper as he studied her face for a response. 

The blonde had to escape his intense gaze, so she looked down at her Hanukkah socks and flexed her toes. Oh geez, she was wearing crazy socks in front of this beautiful man. It suddenly occurred to her that he didn’t care. Felicity blinked and a smile erupted across her sweet face. “Well, technically, we haven’t met yet.” 

“Holy shit, you’re right.” The tall man threw his head back with a chuckle. Then he gathered himself as he would before a business meeting. He stepped back and bowed his head slightly. 

“Hello. My name is Oliver,” He stalled, then, to make it clear that he was not his father. “Oliver Queen. I am an over-scheduled businessman who is completely reliant on other people to do basically everything for him.” He offered his hand to her, quite formally. 

Felicity stood a little straighter and reached out to meet his hand with hers. “Hello. I’m Felicity Smoak MIT Class of Oh-Nine and I am occasionally nosey and completely inappropriate.” 

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Felicity.” 

“Oliver.” She said his name and it sounded sweet to his ears. She grinned afterwards because she liked the sound of it too. 

“Felicity, if you aren’t busy tonight, could you stay and help me decorate this tree? Have dinner?”

“Sure. But you have a thing. A gala thing tonight.” She tried not to look disappointed. 

Oliver thought about the situation for a moment and then pulled his phone out of his pocket. His expression encouraged her to wait while he attended to something. He drafted a text and hit send. Then he waited. 

“I like your socks,” he said idly. He liked everything about Felicity Smoak, actually, but it was a little early to share that. 

“Thank you,” she brightened. “A present from my grandma.”

“Have I mentioned how extraordinary you are, Felicity Smoak?”

“Not in the past ninety seconds.” 

There was then a ping on Oliver’s phone. He looked down at the screen and grinned. He sent another text back. There was a reply. And then another exchange. When it all ended, Oliver breathed a cleansing breath and looked more relaxed. 

“What is it? What just happened?” Felicity couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer. 

Oliver turned the phone to show her the conversation. Felicity moved closer and leaned in to read the screen. 

OQ: I need you to do the gala thing tonight in my place. 

TMerlyn: What’s it for?

OQ: A worthy cause.

TMerlyn: You always say that. 

OQ: it’s always true. 

TMerlyn: Why me? Or should I say, why not you? 

OQ: I am decorating my apartment tonight with my new friend.  And you owe me.

TMerlyn: Thank God, you old hermit. Is she pretty? Does she have a friend. Hey, how do I owe you? 

OQ: You will when you see your Xmas present. 

TMerlyn: It better be good, Ollie. And you better send a nice donation to the worthy cause. 

OQ: Will do. Night Tommy. 

Felicity’s heart was beating, being this close to Oliver and having witnessed his private conversation. He wanted to get to know her better. She shivered a little at the prospect. 

“I am suddenly free.” He looked down at her, nearly a head shorter than him and beamed. His eyebrow quirked with an unanswered question. 

“Well, since you are free, I guess it’s good that I am as well.”

“Yay,” he cheered, just loud enough for her to hear. 

“You know, you really need to slow down and take more time for yourself, Oliver.”

“I absolutely agree. And that starts tonight. You could show me how to make these snowflakes for the tree.” 

Oliver took her hand and led her back toward the tree. He didn’t let go and hoped she wouldn’t mind/didn’t notice. 

“Oh, I don’t know. That’s pretty advanced. Do you think you’re ready?”

“Maybe you’re right. I should work my way up to paper crafts.” Oliver looked from her to the tree and sported a playful grin. Next to him, her voice piped up. It was becoming his favorite voice. 

“Right. So, Oliver, do you have any aluminum foil?”

The End

and

Merry Christmas!

[audiovizualna]

First of all, thank you guys so much for all the reblogs and likes! I promise it gets better with every chapter and of course that’s because of my incredible beta @flabbergabst, who turned out to be pretty emotional about this one. Yeah, it’s intense, but I guess you just have to check out for yourself.

(I own nothing)

~~

”You’re Not Him”

Part 1: “For Him”

Part 2: ”About Him”

 December 25th was supposed to be another uneventful day. In fact,  most of the team haven’t been sleeping so peacefully for days so what they saw in the morning was unexpectedly charming.

The Waverider was no longer drifting in a time stream, but landed near Moraine Lake in Rocky Mountains, fully covered with snow. Or that’s what Nate managed to establish by half-closed eyelids. He had to admit, the view was breathtaking. As it turns out, this is not the end of surprises for the team.

At the same time, Zari walked into the kitchen only to see Ray making chocolate pancakes with golden honey on top. She found herself seated at the table with fresh cup of coffee in less than three seconds. Not that she objected.

Right after her came Mick with bit of a hangover, and Amaya - still in pajamas and messy hair falling on her forhead. They looked at each other, then at Zari, who just shrugged, then at Ray himself with the look of slight distrust. This change of scenery is too striking—but  at least the smell was good.

”Can I ask what’s all this, Ray?” Vixen pointed a finger at the thin silver ropes to which some colorful cards were pinned. She stepped closer, taking sip of her coffee and the cards turned out to be random polaroid photographies showing their team members, from the original crew up to the current ones on board.

Ray took a deep breath and began explaining. ”Since Marty’s funeral we did not have a proper ‘bonding day’, if I can say so. I came to Jax last night and we decided to respect the tradition. Let’s face it: the Professor would never let us forget about Christmas or Hanukkah. From day one on the Waverider we’ve somehow became a family and we are supposed to spend this time of year with people closest to them. Now tell me, am I wrong?”

”No Raymond. I think it’s a wonderful idea, but I want to know one thing. Why did you choose photographs instead of traditional chains and socks?” Amaya asked, walking closer to look at each polaroid and trying to recognize the faces.

”Oh that!” Ray enthusiastically responded. ”Jax stated we don’t need… how did he say it?... ‘tacky and ordinary decor to feel and inch of Christmas spirit.’ Anyway, it’s mainly done for Martin so… let’s keep it that way.  Now please enjoy your meal and let me know if I burnt some pancakes. They’re not my culinary specialties, but I have to learn how to make them somehow.” Just as he said this, Nate entered the room to join the rest of the team for breakfast.

”Ha, now you’re talking Haircut!” Mick bellowed. ”I can live in the world in which you’re preparing meals and I eat them and judge”

Everybody at the table cheered up to Mick’s comment and peacefully get on with consuming breakfast.

 All the preparations actually helped Jefferson to clear his thoughts. He was responsible for decorating triangular wooden Christmas trees near the office. He has also put up small pictures as decorations of them taken in the STAR Labs, some even taken inside the Waverider. Bringing back memories like that was extremely painful, yet quite entertaining. Some of them showed ordinary life, some were simple selfies, some were posed, some natural, but all of them were once real.

Jax knew this because he’s been in the team from the very beginning. In this moment, he realized that among the originally recruited crew, only him, Mick, Ray, and Sara remained until today. The original crew of outcast and misfits was slowly dropping off and it was hard to bear.

”We lost so much, Gray. How can we move on?” Jax muttered as a question to the ghost of his friend and partner, but it was loud enough so Sara could answer him immediately.

”I’m asking myself the same question, Jax.”

The captain of the Waverider climbed the stairs so quietly that the youngest member failed to notice her presence at once. She was looking at the Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling, because she was not ready to look at the pictures. Not yet anyway.

”Are you not mad?” Jax asked. ”That was really spontaneous decision and we never asked your permission. We had prepared aeverything last night in secret and… I don’t know. There was a chance of your disapproval,” Jax said, finishing his job and walking towards Sara.

”No. I think it’s lovely and I can only imagine Martin’s reaction to all of this. He would be proud. I’m sure he would. Besides, using minimalistic photo-chain is perfect reason  to finally share the stories with our team members.”

”Thank you, Sara. Although i have to admit, Gideon helped a lot. Didn’t you, Gideon?” Jefferson addressed his courtesy to the ship’s AI.

”Naturally,  Mr. Jackson. I also think it was a wonderful idea, especially in these circumstances,” answered AI with her usual enthusiasm.

”Yeah. So was the choosing of this place,” Sara replied. ”I never knew Montana hid such an astonishing view.” She looked out at the huge window and smiled at her usage of the favourite word of the fallen professor.

”Astonishing indeed, Captain, but that’s actually Leonard’s merit. He found it and said, and I quote, ‘the most beautiful place I’d ever have a chance to see’.”

”What?” the Canary turned to face Jax with confused expression and utter shock. ”Oh, Leo. Right.” she added as she shrugged off the memory of another Leonard. „Leo Snart helped you with all this? Why does he care anyway?”

”Yup. Him and Ray, after a long night talk. And trust me, I asked him the same question, but I guess it’s better if he tells you the story himself.”

After those words, he headed to the kitchen, leaving Sara with Leo, who was standing behind her silently. Sara turned around to see fully clothed Citizen Cold waiting with her coat in his arm.

”I figured if you skipped such a lovely breakfast, you’re probably not hungry. I propose a bit of fresh air instead. It’ll do you good, Canary,” suggested Leo, handing her sheepskin coat which she took, accidentally touching his fingers in the process.

The badass duo left the timeship in silence, which for Sara was way too familiar and too natural. The expression on Snart’s face was hard to describe, but he also felt comfortable in her presence.

The fresh air and chilly wind making assassin’s cheeks red was exactly what Sara needed and Leo had to admit, that seeing White Canary like this – no make up, golden curls flying around her freckled face – was truly breathtaking.

She seemed to be a part of this enchanting place. The fairy of the frozen lake. The warrior made of stone. The strong and beautiful woman who belonged to early mornings and winter zephyr. The longer he studied the details on her skin, the more he learned about her personality. The demons she tries to hide, the secrets she keep, the memories she cherish were somehow visible to him.

Sara felt Leo’s blue eyes on her and even if ‘her’ crook used to do this countless times, she could not hide her conceal the discomfort. Finally she managed to stop and look him in the eyes, only to see familiar icy irises focused on her azure ones. The shape and subtle glimmer while blinking were just the same, yet much softer and full of doubt and wonder.

”Look Snart, as kind as this gesture is, why did you engage in this ‘Christmas Project’? What are you trying to achieve?” the assassin fiercely asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest defensively.

”Well, believe it or not, it gives me nothing but a choice to finally know you all. I helped Jax because clearly, he needed this. I’m not an intrusive person and I assume that my version from this Earth wasn’t either, but I have eyes Birdie. I can tell if someone seeks for help or not. Apparently young Jefferson is one of those types who doesn’t share his sorrows. Unlike Ray, for example.” Leo answered leisurely.

Sara needed more than that and the stubbornness in her expression prompted Citizen Cold to add some more explanations.

”Look, he told me that your team never used to be like this—not talking, no feelings, basically no human interactions and trust me, I’ve seen it for all my life which was based on fear and distrust and aversion to others,” Leo explained. ”You are wonderful individuals and strong, independent spirits. It’s so unnatural for you to dispose the problems with silence.”

All Sara could say to that was simple: ”Wow. You truly are from another world. Leonard Snart openly talking about his feelings is a new phenomenon. I wonder how…how dopplegangers can be so different?” she said, heavily breathing out mist through her rosy lips.

Slowly, she was opening up. He managed to slightly crack through her exterior after all. But he knew better than to push the captain any further, so he gradually walked back to the ship. Surely Leo didn’t know right answer to a rhetorical question like this, but he had his own question escaping his tongue.

”You can’t handle my presence, can you, Sara?” Leo began. ”I’m bringing too many memories and if so… maybe Earth-1 Leonard and I are not that different. I can tell we were very similar in one case. He risked his life to save his loved ones and I’m ready to do the same for mine, if needed.”

Sara froze for a moment to the flashback of the night at the Oculus, when Len indeed sacrificed all he had – his existence, his future, whatever they could’ve been - to save his teammates, Mick and… her - whoever she was for him. That’s when a single tear dropped on her cheek making Snart’s face soften.

”Your crook risked everything so you could have an adventure of a lifetime, didn’t he? I can see it in your eyes, Canary. You watched him turn into a hero he never wanted to be.”

”You have no idea what happened and I’m not willing to talk about him with you. This conversation is over, Snart,” she declared through clenched teeth, blood boiling in her veins and burning her from the inside.

Maybe seeing Leonard, but not exactly the ‘right’ version of him, distracted her so much. Maybe it was the cold weather and the strange behavior of Earth-X Snart that is making her frustrated. Sara Lance learned one thing. She was NOT prepared for another Leonard Snart in her life and the deepening need to know him better made her mind very unstable. For the first time in years she was afraid of another confrontation or probably more of its consequences.

[luminahart]

Caracter Holliday Tag Game

I was tagged by @mendelworth (I would be honored to be your tag game buddy), and as previously mentioned I can never resist a tag game.

THE RULES:

Provide a brief description of your novel before beginning. NO MORE THAN 5 SENTENCES. Ogimas - The Three Half-Demons circles around three girls POV as they discover legends and foreshadows to their true purpose in The Parallel World. At Ogimas (the Open Practical Magic School) they master their elements surrounden by magicians, half-pixies, half-elves, half-kaiters (cat people) and half-kaiames (demons). As their days pass by at Ogimas, a threat rises, but who is it really? And who is the target really?

If your cast is fewer than 15 characters, you can’t use the same name more than twice. If your cast is larger than 15 characters, you can’t use the same name more than once. I have only introduced three of my characters. Lumina Hart, Masami Marsefora and Julitta Jantefornia. For this tag game I’ll add a few characters that I have only mentioned: their teacher Ms. Sienna, Julittas mother (and principal at Ogimas) Ms. Jantefornia, and Luminas unmagical parents. And to add a couple more characters, I’ll put in a sneak peek at three (really important) characters, that will appear in the next book: Axel, Matheo and Farid. Ooo… three girls and three boys…love is in the air…

THE QUESTIONS:

Which character is SO into the holidays, they nearly cause a street-wide power outage from all their Christmas lights? If she could afford it Masami would probably have decorated the most. But due to financial issues Axel would be more likely to do it. His element is Sun, so you would expect him to flash a litte.

Which character attends the office new years party with ONE date…and goes home with someone else? Ms. Sienna has more to her than what meets the eye. She probably brought one of her single male friends. Then they went on their own and started hunting. She is so clever.

Which character is more than happy to steal Hanukkah gelt from poor, unsuspecting children? [Note: Hanukkah gelt = chocolate coins] Masami could probably have done it. Stealing isn’t totally her thing, but snatching a few, that the children won’t mention, could be a possibility.

Fill in the blanks: I saw ____[character]____ doing a whole lot more than ____[verb]____-ing Santa Claus. They were full on ____[action]____. I saw Farid doing a lot more than making it snow for Santa Claus. He was full on making snow storms. (Farid’s elementh is ice and snow)

One of your characters decides to pregame before church and passes out in the middle of the Christmas service. Which character is it? Hahahaha… None of my characters goes to church. Except from Luminas parents, and maybe they force Lumina too. Mr. Hart works ALOT so maybe him.

Which character hasn’t been seen since winter began because they refuse to deal with the snow? Matheo lives in the woods. The plow truck doesn’t drive that far, so he is more or less snowed in. And he doesn’t mind at all.

Which character completely forgot about the holidays and ends up regifting to everyone? Ms. Jantefornia was so busy that she forgot. Being the guard of a school portal and principal at Ogimas. Occupies nearly allowed her time.

Which character has such crappy luck, they only discover their potato allergy after pigging out on latkes? Poor Julitta. The angel has forgotten all about you. Can’t preform magic, can’t eat potatoes. And has to spend the rest of the hollidays at the hospital…

The Krampus has arrived to punish your very bad characters. Which character is kinda into it? Farid would take it as a test of mental/physical strength, to prove his power. He wouldn’t mind a punishment.

One of your characters should be on the naughty list, but has convinced Santa to clear their name. Which character is it, and what was their means of persuasion? I don’t know what Masami did to deserve being on the naugthy list. But threatening with thunderstorms on Santas route around the world should be convincing enough…. (Masami’s element is thunder and lightning)

Ok let’s tag @mendelworth back (to show that I want to be your tag game buddy) and @erikathewriter @stone-goddess-writing @open-notebook @gracebabcockwrites @galaxies-are-my-ink @gloriawriting and everyone else who want to play, just write that i tagged you, tags totally work that way.

With love

LH 😉

[ejnewman-blog]

THE NAUGHTY LIST - A Holiday Writing Tag

Now that I have just enough characters and content for my new WIP, I can participate in this amazing writing tag started by the amazing @jennamoreci. I love these tags, it’s a great way to help me really think about my characters and who they are when they’re not dealing with the shit I put them through.  THE RULES:1) Provide a brief description of your novel before beginning. NO MORE THAN 5 SENTENCES 

Magic is disappearing from the land as two of the four magical anchors are dying. The Oracle of the Calisian empire has selected four candidates from each of the four big nations in the land to go on a quest to restore the balance of magic by reconnecting three of the four magical anchors. Kyra, an Azdinian outcast, is taken from her home by Calisian soldiers and forced to join the quest to represent her nation. Will she stay and complete the quest to save the land, or use it as an opportunity to start a better life, free from the isolated and harsh Azdinian Wasteland?  

2) If your cast is fewer than 15 characters, you can’t use the same name more than twice. If your cast is larger than 15 characters, you can’t use the same name more than once. 

THE QUESTIONS:

#1 Which character is SO into the holidays, they nearly cause a street-wide power outage from all their Christmas lights? 

Most definitely Cariszia. If the Calisians started celebrating Christmas she’d be right into it, being the centre of attention, making sure her decorations are the best anybody has ever seen. 

#2 Which character attends the office new years party with ONE date…and goes home with someone else?

Kaz. He’s a slimy creep and if any girl was unfortunate enough to trust him and be his plus one, he’d ditch her for somebody he thought looked prettier or would have a higher chance of screwing him. 

#3 Which character is more than happy to steal Hanukkah gelt from poor, unsuspecting children? [Note: Hanukkah gelt = chocolate coins]

Kaz again. He’s just an overall douche. 

#4 Fill in the blanks: I saw ____[character]____ doing a whole lot more than ____[verb]____-ing Santa Claus. They were full on ____[action]____. 

I saw Olak doing a whole lot more than murdering Santa Claus. He was full on sacrificing him to the Gods. 

#5 One of your characters decides to pregame before church and passes out in the middle of the Christmas service. Which character is it?

Fenn, he has no concept of what it means to slow down or pass up opportunities to have fun. 

#6 Which character hasn’t been seen since winter began because they refuse to deal with the snow?

Mr. Hazdan. He’d be inside making his workers do all the outside chores while he tends to his customers only from inside his shop. 

#7 Which character completely forgot about the holidays and ends up regifting to everyone?

Marceill, he forgets to show people he cares outside of his duties to the Chancellor. He’s not even sure if people would consider him a friend in the first place, he’s a serious workaholic who needs to chill out more and realise people care about him. 

#8 Which character has such crappy luck, they only discover their potato allergy after pigging out on latkes?

Adak for sure. The Ihwilian Monks have a basic diet, so the idea that people can be allergic to certain foods would be new to him and he wouldn’t focus his power of foresight on something as simple as food. 

#9 The Krampus has arrived to punish your very bad characters. Which character is kinda into it? 

Fenn, he’s a curious kinda guy and a bit of an adrenaline seeker, the experience of being punished would probably excite him. 

#10 One of your characters should be on the naughty list, but has convinced Santa to clear their name. Which character is it, and what was their means of persuasion?

Kyra, she’s spent a few years in the Wasteland learning how to sweet talk to get herself out of trouble, she’s good at flattering a person and picking up on how to pander to their ego to get what she wants. If that doesn’t work, she’d probably just reduce Santa to tears by picking out his insecurities then stealing the list and erasing her name herself. 

[typeaadventures]

The Naughty List Tag

Created by @jennamoreci. Tagged by @malloryblaise

I think I did something like this for Ghost and Spectre, so let’s use my NaNo Projects Space Invalids instead for this one. 

THE RULES:

1) Provide a brief description of your novel before beginning. NO MORE THAN 5 SENTENCES.

Os knows the only law on Megalytire is this: survive, whatever it takes. She intends to do just that. But her connections to a mysterious cyborg quickly pit her up against the mafia, smugglers, pirates, and an eternities-old secret society all hunting the same thing: a scientist who may have found a way off-planet. 

2) If your cast is fewer than 15 characters, you can’t use the same name more than twice. If your cast is larger than 15 characters, you can’t use the same name more than once.

THE QUESTIONS:

#1 Which character is SO into the holidays, they nearly cause a street-wide power outage from all their Christmas lights?

Omg, absolutely Pitar. He would get so excited he’d decorate the entire ship from top to bottom with lights and commit himself to learning to cook food that is edible to humans and use up so much energy running the ovens 24/7 in an attempt to not burn the cookies. 

#2 Which character attends the office new years party with ONE date…and goes home with someone else?

Absolutely Captain Nemo. They’re here for a good time, not a long time. 

#3 Which character is more than happy to steal Hanukkah gelt from poor, unsuspecting children? [Note: Hanukkah gelt = chocolate coins]

A’dicc. He considers it his duty to spread misery, quite frankly. 

#4 Fill in the blanks: I saw ____[character]____ doing a whole lot more than ____[verb]____-ing Santa Claus. They were full on ____[action]____.

I saw A.X.I.A doing a whole lot more than talking to Santa Claus. They were full on questioning how he got on board and whether or not he had all his shots and eventually just threw him in the brig after going into full lock-down. . .so no Christmas this year, I guess. 

#5 One of your characters decides to pregame before church and passes out in the middle of the Christmas service. Which character is it?

Oooooh, apparently Anya (literally learning this about her as I write it). She has neither the patience for organized religion (some bad past experiences) nor the self-control to keep her mouth shut if she remains sober. For the sake of peace in the church, Anya dutifully drinks herself into a stupor. 

#6 Which character hasn’t been seen since winter began because they refuse to deal with the snow?

Listen, after growing up in an artificial paradise of eternal summer, Puck isn’t suggesting that snow is the worst thing about the surface world, but he would suggest it’s pretty much an abomination sent as a curse to his people. 

#7 Which character completely forgot about the holidays and ends up regifting to everyone?

Thomas. No one told him that these celebrations happened, but damn it, if he isn’t going to make sure absolutely everyone gets something and write obscenely sweet notes to go with each gift. 

#8 Which character has such crappy luck, they only discover their potato allergy after pigging out on latkes?

A’naas. He has too much faith in Pitar’s cooking, and Pitar didn’t bother remembering that maybe while making things that were edible for humans he should have been concerned about the xeno-digestive systems at play here. 

#9 The Krampus has arrived to punish your very bad characters. Which character is kinda into it?

I feel like this is Nemo again. Actually, they probably full on shape-shifted into Krampus and it’s the crew who’s totally into it. All consensual, of course ;) 

#10 One of your characters should be on the naughty list, but has convinced Santa to clear their name. Which character is it, and what was their means of persuasion?

Os. She just stares him down in all of her five-foot glory, and intimidates him into giving her presents. 

Tagging: whoever feels like it! Tis a festive themed writing game. 

[im-not-batman-im-josiah]

Naughty list

Created by @jennamoreci

THE RULES:

1) Provide a brief description of your novel before beginning. NO MORE THAN 5 SENTENCES.

Anna was a monster hunter. She was born with the ability to see monsters and her father taught her from a young age how to take them down. Now her father's dead and she moves across the country to love with her mom who doesn't know anything. A new threat appears and she has to help a witch find her brother. With the help of a siren, an angel, a druid, and other monsters.

2) If your cast is fewer than 15 characters, you can’t use the same name more than twice. If your cast is larger than 15 characters, you can’t use the same name more than once.

THE QUESTIONS:

#1 Which character is SO into the holidays, they nearly cause a street-wide power outage from all their Christmas lights?

Locke, last time he was in charge of decorations Roman passed out from over stimulation. Jill chained him up in the closet because that amount of electricity can't be good for the environment.

#2 Which character attends the office new years party with ONE date…and goes home with someone else?

Roman. He can't help it. He entered with three dates and left with everyone at the party. He accidentally sang along to white Christmas and it all went down hill from there. Poor guy was so uncomfortable. 

#3 Which character is more than happy to steal Hanukkah gelt from poor, unsuspecting children? [Note: Hanukkah gelt = chocolate coins]

 Aisha , she still isn't familiar with human customs. "How the hell was I supposed to know stealing was wrong!?"

#4 Fill in the blanks: I saw ____[character]____ doing a whole lot more than ____[verb]____-ing Santa Claus. They were full on ____[action]____.

I saw Lace Tenebris doing a whole lot more than helping Santa Claus. They were full on summoning kittens from cat heaven.

#5 One of your characters decides to pregame before church and passes out in the middle of the Christmas service. Which character is it?

Locke. He is determined to stay awake by getting into fights to build up adrenaline but immediately crashes when they get there. Being the youngest sucks.

#6 Which character hasn’t been seen since winter began because they refuse to deal with the snow?

Tristan. He refuses to touch the cold. The stuck up prick only likes to be in comfort.

#7 Which character completely forgot about the holidays and ends up regifting to everyone?

Jill. She has never even heard about christmas and still hasn't gotten into the swing of things. She misses the hanging gardens.

#8 Which character has such crappy luck, they only discover their potato allergy after pigging out on latkes?

Roman. He tries to have fun but his powers always get in the way. his luck is always bad he can't even eat regular food.

#9 The Krampus has arrived to punish your very bad characters. Which character is kinda into it?

Locke. Immortality kinda makes you fearless. He always loves a challenge.

#10 One of your characters should be on the naughty list, but has convinced Santa to clear their name. Which character is it, and what was their means of persuasion?

Ethan. "I swear I'm not evil I'm just misunderstood!"

Tagging: @writingtheworks @writing-prompt-s @otter-the-author

 Created by @jennamoreci

[humancoded]

the naughty list but with my multimuse muses.   [source]

Which character is so into the holidays, they nearly cause a street-wide power outage from all their Christmas lights?   Believe it or not... Cesare. The Borgias take their Christian holiday decorations very seriously.

Which character attends the office new years party with one date and goes home with someone else?   Pansy. This is more of a commentary on her ability to keep a stable relationship than anything else. It’s not that she brings a date and hooks up with someone else but rather than that she’s completely capable of making a relationship crash and burn, cause a scene, break up, and find a rebound all within the span of a signle new year’s party.

Which character is more than happy to steal Hanukkah gelt from poor, unsuspecting children?   Maleficent. She won’t even care about the chocolate, she’d just take one off the kid’s hands to establish dominance over the parents, peel the wrap off, take one small piece with her fingers, eat that, and then toss the rest to the ground so it’s unedible while giving out an evil monologue.

Fill in the blanks: I saw [character] doing a whole lot more than [verb]-ing Santa Claus. They were full on [action].   I saw Cat doing a whole lot more than thanking Santa Claus. She was full on bribing him.

One of your characters decides to pregame before church and passes out in the middle of the Christmas service. Which character is it?   Merritt. Though he would like to add that he is perfectly capable of passing out during Christmas service without alcohol, too.

Which character hasn’t been seen since winter began because they refuse to deal with the snow?   Monty. If you’ve seen a video of a cat being placed into a filled bathtub, you have a rough idea on how Monty feels about snow.

Which character completely forgot about the holidays and ends up regifting to everyone?   Li. They don’t celebrate Christmas but would probably end up feeling bad if people got them presents anyway and had nothing to give back.

Which character has such crappy luck, they’d only discover their potato allergy after pigging out on latkes?   Gumshoe. He just... has not had a very great life.

The Krampus has arrived to punish your very bad characters. Which character is kinda into it?   Public service announcement: we’re all kinkshaming SSA David Rossi at 10 o’clock tomorrow at the town hall.

One of your characters should be on the naughty list but has convinced Santa to clear their name. Which character is it, and what was their means of persuasion?   Moriarty, by only bringing up the topic once Santa has finished a nice cup of poisoned tea. People are much more open to your point of view on things when they’re fighting to breathe and you're holding the antidote.

[blogwritetheworld]

The Write Place: ‘Tis the Season - My December

by Lisa Hiton

Looking for the right advice on pursuing the writer’s life? You’ve come to the write place!

My family is Jewish. We don’t celebrate Christmas. And yet, isn’t going to a movie and eating Chinese food while the rest of the world closes down for a day a kind of ritual—its own kind of made-up holiday? I’m sure that these details seem usual as well. But, dear writers, a lot more is there than meets the eye. Your family’s traditions, rituals, and habits—no matter how ordinary they seem—can be made extraordinary by turning them into words.

Family Hanukkah with multiple Hannukiahs! These are different than menorahs as they hold nine candles instead of seven.

PANNING FOR GOLD

An easy way to describe your holiday season to someone else (and kickstart your writing process) is to make a list of traditions and rituals that you think of when this time of year comes around. Mine looks something like this:

Tuesday before Thanksgiving

take a train into the city

to go to the Art Institute with my mom

followed by shopping for new art supplies

and a nice dinner

and train ride home

Thanksgiving Eve and Day

prepare spinach balls

set table

cook cook cook

eat eat eat

play games with cousins

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

hang Hanukkah stockings

attend Cathy Nathan’s x-mas party

cook a big breakfast including eggs, fresh squeezed OJ, and bacon

open stockings

hang out

go to a movie at the theatre

cook a nice dinner (Chinese food takes too long in my hometown since we live in a pretty Jewish part of Chicagoland)

watch holiday movies with mom and brother, especially The Family Stone

Winters in Chicago can be brutal; there’s no better antidote than playing in the snow! Here I am enjoying the snow with my first friend, Rebel.

Are you bored yet? This isn’t even counting Hanukkah since it doesn’t always fall near Christmas! All of these things may seem pretty usual. That might be true if you make your list of traditions as well. You might decorate a tree, hang twinkle lights, go caroling, go to the same person’s house every year to celebrate, leave out cookies for Santa, etc. Most neighborhoods and cultures have their usual lists of traditions. Part of your goal as a writer is to pan for gold among them.

Looking at this list, I began to ask myself, Why is it that my mom, brother, and I do these same things every single year? Some of it seems like the larger culture, but some of it was made by us. As I think about why, it’s clear that a lot of these rituals are in some way related to my parent’s divorce. Through that lens, I might start panning for my own gold—to sift through this litany to find something that might be worth more than meets the eye. Each of these seemingly usual bullet points, in fact, triggers different memories for me. In that field of memories, where might I find a scene that begins a longer story? How might I organize these scenes and memories into something cohesive for myself and my readers? I’ll begin with my freshman year.

My freshman year of high school marked the first year of spending winter break with divorced parents. While breakfast time was never particularly special in my house, Christmas day posed a dilemma: what would my mom, brother, and I do in this new situation, just the three of us? Especially since nearly everything is closed on Christmas day and people are with their families, filling the time posed some anxiety for my mother and me, especially with my young, shy brother.

To be sure, I already had thrown one tantrum about adjusting to these new circumstances. It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. In elementary school and middle school, I normally had that day off as part of my holiday break. In high school though, this was not the case. It was second period when I received a pink slip during chorus to report to my advisor’s office. As a self-proclaimed academic, I was not used to be in trouble. With a room full of eyes on me as I left the choir room, my angst only increased.

It seemed my senior leaders had gone to my advisor worried about my general sadness. In my humiliation that anyone had noticed such negative energy, I proceeded to have the first of many tearful conversations with my advisor about adjusting: to high school, to a new home situation, and more. My mom came and picked me up from school so we could play hooky and keep our one ritual of going to the Art Institute of Chicago. I knew it was a temporary solution to a larger problem, and that this was just one of many adjustments I’d have to make. Yet, the gesture helped me persevere despite my pain.

That choir room would continue to serve as a literary backdrop for growth and tough love throughout high school. It was also a common community I kept throughout high school while everything else changed. For our annual fundraiser, we sold grapefruits and oranges by the box. When the trucks pulled up to the high school, we passed the boxes one by one down the line, just like the who’s down in Whoville, singing all the while in the face of another frigid Chicagoland winter.

While I’m more of a night owl than a morning person, and certainly not a big breakfast eater, this introduction to ripe grapefruits became my exception. Cut in half with a little bit of sugar was all I needed to jump-start my day with a jolt of Vitamin C. And so when the week of Christmas came around, my mom picked up a citrus juicer. The morning of Christmas. My brother and I sat on the island in our kitchen cutting oranges in half. We took turns pressing oranges onto the machine as it whirred and whirred. In an absolute mess of pulp, we finally squeezed enough halves for three cups of juice, just as our bacon was coming out of the oven. It was a new tradition, mundane as it may seem now, and a way of lightening the day and passing the time on a holiday that is not ours.

Christmas may not be our holiday, but it would be a boring day without our own tradition of “Hanukkah stockings”. My brother, Merrick, and I still give each other socks and chapstick as a ritual!

AMONG THESE ROCKS

Among the rocks in the river, there are some that are worth spending time with as a writer, and others that probably don’t add much to the larger story. The larger story in a personal essay is not always about a narrative arc. In the passage I just wrote about making orange juice, the larger story is about recasting the family unit as three instead of four, connecting to my younger brother, and trying to lift my spirit despite how hard it was to start high school with divorce at the forefront of my thinking and feeling. While all of that may not have come out precisely, writing this little passage is a signal that with time and effort, I could write that longer essay. Now as a writer, it will be up to me to describe these anecdotes as scenes, make characters out of my self and my family members, and reflect on the meaning. If this can all be done well—the showing and the telling—then it’s likely the reader will feel a similar sense of nostalgia.

The house where I grew up is on a hill whose swale leads to the north fork of the Chicago River. My fondest memories of winter are sledding down that hill and walking on the frozen river. Here I am teaching a new friend, Miriam, about these prairie-land games.

That is, perhaps, the most important way to approach material. If something is significant, memorable, or worthy of reflection to your own sense of self or personal narrative, there is probably a way to translate that to your reader in writing. Take for example Vani Dadoo’s My December piece from last year, “December in Delhi”, about waiting for the train:

Winter is not good for a polluted city like mine. December, being the main month of winter in India, is always the coldest.

All things in nature huddle together in winter, trying to find, or steal, some warmth from the other.

The clouds creep towards the ground. The fog and the smoke meet and embrace, and together try to steal the little sunlight before it touches the earth. The smog becomes denser, trying to wrap the earth in a heavier, grayish blanket, like the people sleeping in woolen quilts in their homes.  Evening darkness approaches faster than before, as if the smog did succeed in robbing the sunlight. Even after twilight, the smog refuses to diffuse. The air becomes thicker, but the world puts on an old, dull, sweater and wraps a muffler around its neck and walks on.

Some evenings, it coughs and some mornings, it can see its breath. But most days, it can’t peer into the distance.

This year, my father decided to travel to escape the harsh winters. “Migration over hibernation,” he called it, and, “better to get the sun somewhere than get closer to that old, rusty heater at home,” is what he said. We decide to journey to the western coast around Mumbai by train. Indian Railways was a part of family, as all cross-country trips; from Himalayan foothills to the Rajasthani deserts, were made by train.

As we take a cab to the New Delhi railway station, the moon is rising. The moon is a blurred piece of white in the black sky, clouds and smog. The street lights, though, filter through this, illuminating every speck of dust. The cars zoom past on the highway.

One can rarely see stars in my city.

Dadoo wavers between a present-tense meditation on December, and a swell of memory related to waiting for a train in Delhi. While these may be ordinary in another context—waiting for a late train or reflecting on the season—Dadoo weaves these two threads together, a double helix, to arrive at grand statements of the human condition: that like waiting for a train, we wait for a season’s end so that we may be carried into a new one.

Dadoo also brings us Delhi in her sensory details. From the opening passage about all things in nature “huddling together”, Dadoo mirrors her descriptions to match the crowded and polluted city around her. Just as Dadoo was able to give the details of December in Delhi while waiting for a train, you can give your own details as you think about your family—their traditions and rituals, the personalities of each member, and the things that make you nostalgic.

A reader gets a clear sense of a train station in Mumbai from this piece. If you’re familiar with such a place, you will get swept up in a shared nostalgia. If you’re unfamiliar with this land, you may find these descriptions to be exotic. In both cases, the very things that are both familiar and new bring the reader into a shared sense of the human condition with the writer herself. That shared humanness is the the entire point of sharing stories! And all of that came from writing about waiting for the train!

So, dear writers, as you think of Decembers past and enjoy your current December, what memories and rituals are for keeps? What gold will you find in waiting for the train, cooking with your grandmother, visiting a museum, playing in the snow? Show us your favorite places, traditions, and people at this time of year by tagging your stories and images with #MyDecember on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

About Lisa

Lisa Hiton is an editorial associate at Write the World. She writes two series on our blog: The Write Place where she comments on life as a writer, and Reading like a Writer where she recommends books about writing in different genres. She’s also the interviews editor of Cosmonauts Avenue and the poetry editor of the Adroit Journal.