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mostly-marvel-musings · 3 years ago

Note

Hi, Thor with make up sex prompt

Miss J - Part 1

A/N: We love angry jealous, make-up sex always! Thanks for this request.

Pairing: Thor x Reader

Warnings: 18+ angst.

Word count: 1400+

Requests & Challenges

Thor Odinson Taglist – @raspberrymama @bitchycherryblossomlove @jennie22feona @innerpaperexpertcloud @thorfanficwriter @darklydeliciousdesires @longlostinanotherworld

Everything Taglist – @godofplumsandthunder @ladyacrasia @agustdowney @swaggysposts @littlegasps @suchababie @another-stark-sub @supraveng @kahlanmars @disappointmentofthefam @pandaxnienke @tom-hlover @just-the-hiddles @fyreball66 @asmigurub @avantgardium-leviosa @imerdwarf @gladiosamicitias @fanofalltheficsx @ladyburberry @chickensarentcheap

Tags are open folks!

You couldn’t care less about the formal affair though. All you wished for was to kick those uncomfortably high heels off, pull on your favourite pair of sweats and cry yourself to sleep, like you’d been doing for the past week.

A week of the big green monster of jealousy trapping your rational self in its ugly tentacles. A week of drowning your sorrows in alcohol and ice-cream, wallowing in your misery.

Agent Hill had a small mission lined up for you tomorrow which you thought would be a welcome distraction.

Getting a few good punches in and kicking a few arses would definitely help the pent up anger to fizzle out.

“Allow me to introduce you to the world-renowned astrophysicist, Jane Foster.”

You smiled politely and shook your current live-in boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend’s hand, whom Thor had introduced you to with such pride and delight.

It was supposed to be a quiet dinner date at your favourite place when Jane showed up with Eric Selvig and Darcy, spotting Thor immediately because it was obvious not to, in any given situation. Cordial exchange of pleasantries later, Thor thought it’d be a good idea for them to join you at your table.

You didn’t mind, not at first anyway, somewhere around your second drink of the night, it got difficult to keep up with the conversation. Not being a part of the ‘gang’ felt like high school all over again.

You tried your best not to let it show, even made attempts to join in them reminisce old stories but it was proving rather difficult. There is only so much one can take, so by the time dessert arrived, you had retracted back into your shell. The only person who showed genuine interest in you the entire night was Darcy.

Needless to say, the ride back home was silent. You didn’t see the point in bringing it up with Thor since you knew he wasn’t at fault, not really, he was too kind and seeing his old friends had made him happy. You didn’t wish to spoil his evening, even if it meant your pre-planned date was.

Days turned to weeks as your mind pushed away that incident and chose to focus on other things. Thor knew something was up, but didn’t bring it up, assuming you would be over it.

There wasn’t a mission to keep you busy but an upcoming Stark party you were looking forward to.

An easy evening with your boyfriend and the team with great food was something you needed. Little did you know it would turn into a dinner party from hell.

The Avengers Compound was abuzz with polite chatter, dignitaries and fellow colleagues dressed in their finest, enjoyed an elegant evening of expensive aperitifs and exquisite hors d'oeuvres.

You arrived alone after Thor mentioned he had to pick something up for the party and had left the house early. That ‘something’ was actually a someone you were hoping to never run into.

Jane Foster.

A pleasant conversation you were engaged in with Steve was cut short when they arrived, standing too close to each other before she took his arm and walked in.

“Are you okay, (Y/N)?”

Steve frowned, following your gaze until he understood the cause of your reaction.

“What does it look like?”

He raised his hands up before taking your empty champagne flute and going over to the bar for a refill while you took a few deep breaths to keep calm and regain your composure.

“There you are, my love.”

Thor’s warm greeting failed to warm your heart as the man wrapped his arm around your waist and pressed a chaste kiss to your cheek.

“Here I am.”

You managed a small smile, eyes flitting between the two of them as if waiting for them to make some announcement.

“I thought you’d gone to pick up that bottle of scotch we wanted to give Tony.”

“I was going to, but then Jane suggested we try this different one and I think Stark will appreciate this more.”

Thor showed you the bottle they had purchased but you didn’t give it a glance, you were busy glaring at the man who’d preferred her choice over yours.

“Oh (Y/N), Jane is being considered for a Nobel prize in astrophysics for her study of the Convergence.”

Thor beamed down at the woman before meeting your glare that quickly got replaced with a faux grin.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you (Y/N).” Jane smiled at you kindly.

“If she wins, which I’m certain she will, I have offered to accompany her in Sweden to receive the award.”

“Oh.”

“O-only if you’re okay with it.” Jane interrupted, quickly catching on your reaction to his statement.

“Why won’t I be okay? Looks like Thor’s decided everything by himself. Excuse me.”

You hurried to get away as fast as you could, not really sure where you were going, leaving Thor frowning after you and an exasperated Steve Rogers holding your drink in his hand.

The bathroom seemed like a good idea to collect yourself or let a few angry tears escape, you chose to do both.

Thor was standing right outside the door when you stepped out, arms crossed over his velvet-blazer clad chest.

“That was rude.”

“Are you serious right now?”

“You march in here with your ex hanging on your arm, buy a gift of her choice and then tell me you’re planning a fucking holiday trip with her!” You snapped, not bothered about causing a scene at the party.

“Don’t raise your voice here.” Thor warned but you were too pissed off to even listen.

“Don’t you fucking tell me what to do! This was supposed to be a nice evening with the team, you and I were supposed to spend time together but I see you clearly prefer her company over mine.”

“There is no reason for you to be this angry, my love.”

“Maybe you’re too blinded by Miss Brains over there to notice. Have a good evening.”

You glared at the man one last time before storming out, more angry tears spilling from your eyes and blurring your vision as you walked out.

Back at your place, you had showered and changed into your sleepwear, all while glancing at the wall clock every now and then, waiting for Thor to get home and apologise.

Leaving you alone with your obsessive thoughts was never a good idea, Thor knew this. You’d always assume the worst and get self-critical.

You were making some chamomile tea to calm yourself before bed when Thor knocked on the open front door before stepping in.

He found you in the kitchen, hunched over the counter with your back facing him. He could tell you had been crying, your choice of pyjamas was always the same when you were upset, a loose-fitting T-shirt that once belonged to him and your comfy shorts.

“What? You didn’t drop Jane home?”

Thor was expecting you to be this upset, he didn’t see anything wrong with the decision before Steve pulled him aside and opened his eyes.

“Look (Y/N)—”

“Do you not want to be with me Thor?”

Your voice cracked in the end as you spoke, still not facing him.

“Why would you even think that, my love?”

“Oh I don’t know. When you walk hand-in-hand with your ex at a party meant just for the teammates, when you spend an entire evening laughing and chatting with her and her friends on what was supposed to be our date night? When you decide to go to Sweden with her to celebrate her achievements?”

Thor stared at his feet before cautiously walking closer to you.

“I realised I was wrong, if you’ll forgive me—”

“Maybe you should get back with her.”

Your statement made him stop in his tracks, his heart shattering as you finally turned around to face him.

“What?”

“Clearly you prefer her over me. Who am I next to the great Jane Foster? I don’t get nominated for Nobel Prizes, I don’t have all those fancy degrees..”

You said bitterly, crossing your arms over your chest while Thor remained silent.

“I realise I’ve upset you, my l—”

“I think you should leave.”

You murmured, turning your back to him once more.

“Please don’t do this.” He begged.

“You should go with her, Thor. I think we have a lot to think about when you get back.”

We need these two to fall in love again. Help!

#thor odinson x reader #thor odinson angst #thor odinson one shot #thor odinson imagine #thor x you #thor odinson fanfiction #thor fanfiction #thor angst

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aelaer · 4 years ago

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First: welcome home & I hope you get the sleep you need to get back into your routines! Second: it's Feb. 2, a significant day to our beloved Stephen Strange. I know you're exhausted right now, and the timing is poor--but perhaps when you're up to, you could write a little one-shot about his feelings all these years later (is it 2022 or 2023?) on the anniversary of the accident that changed his life forever. Can't think of anyone better suited to write it! xx

This was sent a year ago but last month I planned to have it out for Feb 2nd, hah.

For canon, he comes back in 2023 in what I think was likely after Feb 2nd, so realistically he can address the anniversary again in 2024. It'd feel like only 3 years for him while, in actuality, it'd been 8. But when it comes to his experienced time versus actual passing time, Stephen's pretty messed up without the Decimation already (I'm not sure how I feel about the name of the "Blip" yet.)

The prompter also requested first person after I asked for more details, and I haven't ever written Stephen in first person so I thought I'd give it a go. I know first person isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you're willing to give it a shot, call me very obliged.

Warning for canon compliance :P

——————

Staring Back In Time Rating: G (well, other than language)

An entry from the memoirs of Doctor Stephen Strange, Earth's Sorcerer Supreme, during his time as the Master of the New York Sanctum, several months after the Battle of Earth against Thanos:

February 2, 2024

Calendars don't mean as much as they used to. Once upon a time my life was ruled by the calendar. Consultation here, surgery there, society dinner over the weekend. Dates were important and generally set without change once marked down.

It doesn't work that way as a sorcerer. I keep a schedule, of course, one that marks down classes with apprentices and adepts and meetings with other Masters, never mind all the business outside of Kamar-Taj. But I learned early on that these set times shifted occasionally to accommodate the emergencies that the order often had to quash down, and it became obvious that as a Master, my schedule was more of a hopeful guideline than anything set in stone. Flexibility was a necessity.

Ever since my return to the living, keeping anything resembling a set schedule has been more of a laughable dream. Earth being the center of two universe-changing, Infinity Stone-powered events in a matter of hours did serious damage to the fabric woven about reality across the planet, and the Masters of the Mystic Arts are going to be dealing with the multidimensional repercussions for years to come. Nothing is predictable in my day-to-day anymore.

My relationship with time was fucked the moment I confronted Dormammu, so I can't say it's a large surprise that calendars have become mostly irrelevant.

If someone had told me that I, Doctor Stephen Strange, a man of order and precision, would learn to live with such unpredictability, I would have laughed in their face. But I'm not the man I once was (and thank God for that; that man was a dick). However, it's also because of this change that I didn't realize the day until it was nearly done.

I was reviewing my schedule for tomorrow, which I had set up on Google Calendar (Google had, naturally, survived the Decimation just fine, but like most other non-vital services, had many of their upcoming products delayed for years. But their email and calendar services continue to work great). Tomorrow's a Saturday, which means nothing in my world. My work continues on. The threats on our reality care little for weekends or holidays.

Still, it was only during this review, shortly before I planned to retire for the night, that I realized that today is February 2nd.

I won't ever forget the day, of course. It was both three years ago and eight years ago—or perhaps many lifetimes ago would be a more accurate description, though I lost track of time in both of my major journeys with the Time Stone. One day I'll write about them. Not now, but one day. Both memories are still too fresh.

The memory of the day of the accident, though? It feels both like yesterday and centuries ago. Some parts of the day are engraved in my memory like a film. I remember the last surgery down to the individual conversations. Christine's "thank you". Nick's watch. The cling of the bullet as I dropped it onto the tray.

I can remember my last conversation with Billy, too, in the car. Every damned word. But the drive itself is fuzzy, even in my head with my memory. I remember it began to rain during the drive, not beforehand, and I know the road was narrow and two-laned. I know I avoided a direct route to avoid traffic, driving first into Jersey before heading north and crossing the river again. But the rest is forgotten to time, or perhaps to trauma.

I was told that Billy was the first to call 9-1-1 as he heard the tearing of metal and shattering of glass before the connection was lost. The driver I hit—I learned much later that she escaped with only minor injuries—called a couple minutes later. But it was out in the mountains, dark, and raining. It took them hours to find me and extract me from the car.

Funny. Never thought I'd ever write about one of the worst days of my life like this. But I was told early on that personal journals were encouraged for all who stay in Kamar-Taj. Something about its therapeutic benefits was mentioned at some point. I only picked up the practice once I learned that each gifted journal was inaccessible to others until the time of their death, and after I mastered the art of enchanting a pen to write the words I spoke. Unfortunately this journal appeared to others after the Decimation, but Wong has reassured me that no one read it and it has since disappeared again from public view.

Still, the point is that, one day, someone just might read this—account of a man who was part of an effort to save the universe. And it is difficult for a reader to judge my actions if they don't know how I was the one who ruined my life. My driving was reckless and stupid. I was running a little late, but it wouldn't have mattered in the long run had I been fifteen, twenty minutes, thirty minutes late. Not really.

Then again, I suppose it would have. I certainly wouldn't be here right now.

One could say that the accident and everything that has followed is some sort of penance for my hubris as a surgeon. I enjoy my newer abilities—quite a bit—but the responsibility that has come with them has not come without its own hardships and sacrifices. Perhaps the worst of the sacrifices were the ones I was unable to prevent others from performing, all for the sake of the universe.

Those sacrifices were made willingly, but I cannot help but feel responsible for them, regardless.

During my first winter again returned to the living, when the days grew colder and my hands ached in the bad weather, and the only thoughts to accompany the pain were bitter, another thought was born. I was tempted, for the first time in a long time, to give it all up, restore my fine motor skills with channeled magic, and go back to the world I once knew, for a life much, much easier than this one is now. Even with all the troubles that had cropped up as people tried to reorganize a world that doubled in size overnight, it was miles away from the difficulties we were facing in Kamar-Taj.

Their sacrifices—the fates I pushed so many people towards—quelled the idea quickly. It did little to ease the physical pain or sting of guilt, but it lifted the temptation. And ever since that day, I have considered the situation and I don't think I will ever be tempted by the idea of giving up my duties for an easier, pain-free life again.

And I suppose that counts for something.

——————

(Hey look, my interest in geography's leaked again.)

I've always wondered where Stephen actually crashed mostly because New York City is *flat* and those mountains were *very much not flat*. I figured out the bridge that he crossed to get out of the city (there are like, 21 bridges that lead out of Manhattan) was the George Washington Bridge, and it leads to New Jersey—but that's not necessarily useful because it can quickly turn back into New York state if you turn north. We also know he crashed down into a body of water, which *might* be the Hudson, but also might not, but that the body of water is to his left, which narrows it down a bit. But again, not much. And the site of his crash is so dark in the videos and screenshots that I can barely tell what's on it. It looks like a bridge and some industrial building, so the Hudson's a good guess, but otherwise? Well, basically I turned on the topography part of Google maps and started searching.

The 202 on the east side of the river just north of Peekskill (again in New York) matches the movie road's windiness, height, and closeness to the river, and even has a bridge that could be just to the north of the crash site. Unfortunately the railing's off and there's no industrial building thingy by the bridge. It also makes the route out of the city via George Washington Bridge make no sense. Like the Stark Industries area in LA in the films, it's probably a completely fictional landscape.

But as I wasn't able to find a better locale that was still close enough to NYC to direct an emergency helicopter to, my headcanon for this scene is that he left via George Washington bridge to avoid some major traffic or something, crossed the river via the 287 a bit further up north to get back to the east side of the river, then went up the 9 to the 202. Unless someone who lives in the area can find the actual road he was driving (if it's real), this is what I'm gonna go with. (And if someone DOES please let me knowwwww). Funny enough, I don't see him getting led to *his* hospital totally unrealistic, because he'd need a very talented orthopedic surgeon with a specialty in hands to come in, and generally speaking a patient can be helicoptered to another hospital where such a surgeon is available. If Stephen is working at the Metro-General, it's likely they can afford a large cast of talented surgeons. So I don't think Nick was necessarily the lead surgeon in his case, just one of many necessary surgeons.

#sobeautifullyobsessed #stephen strange #doctor strange fanfiction #doctor strange #mcu fanfiction #my writing #my fanfiction #gen fic #ask #answered #prompt fill

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serpentes-lupus · 5 years ago

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OC Interview: Tarra Lyall

Repost, don’t reblog

Tagged - By no one

Before Year 6, Chapter 18

name ➔ Tarra let out a long yawn before rubbing her eyes. “Can I go back to bed? It’s too earlier.” She grumbled before sighing. “Fine. My name is Tarra Lyall.”

are you single ➔ At the question, the young girl blushed a bit and averted her gaze. “I...think so? Like Talbott and I have been on two dates now and he did kiss me on the cheek. He does know how I feel and I guess he has admitted the way he feels for me in his own manner. But we haven’t gone on any other dates nor made it official. Well, with the Cursed Vaults going on and Talbott preferring his privacy, I think it would be best to keep our relationship on the down-low for now.”

are you happy ➔ Tarra looked a bit confused before taking a few seconds to think about her response. “Yeah. I mean, I found my brother and he’s alive. I have friends who care for me and my parents are still around. Like, things could be better but I can’t complain.”

are you angry ➔ Again, Tarra became confused and even more off-guard. “Yes. I am angry. I’m angry that Jacob just up and left without making an attempt to stick around. I’m angry about what Rakepick did to him and us. I’m angry that...that I’m not strong enough.”

are your parents still married ➔ “They sure are. Happy at that too. Especially after they got over Jacob’s disappearance.” She said before realizing how she said then frantically waved her hands. “Nononononono! I didn’t mean that they were happy to get rid of him! Like, it broke their hearts and they were...rather apathetic with each other. But after accepting what happened and that Jacob was, probably, never coming back, they moved on.”

NINE FACTS

birthplace ➔ “I was born in Cuenca, Spain. I currently live in Dumfries, Scotland. I moved when I was a baby but I would visit Cuenca during the holidays.”

hair color ➔ “Obviously, it’s dark brown,” she grinned as she twirled one of her curls with one finger.

eye color ➔ “Hazel brown. Although, I’ve been told by various family members that they look bronze.” Tarra hummed before lightly shrugging. “Must have gotten it from my father’s side of the family because none of the Lyalls has my eye color.”

birthday ➔ “March 10th.”

mood ➔ “Eh? Like what I’m feeling right now? Tired. You did wake me up for this bloody interview...”

gender ➔ “I identify as androgynous. I have both masculine and feminine traits, and my style says so as well.”

summer or winter ➔ “Summer!” She exclaimed excitedly. “I visit my family in Spain during the summer, and I spend time at my uncle’s ranch and play soccer with my cousins! Celebrate birthday parties and go to festivals! Travel around Scotland, visit the grandparents and explore the old Lyall manor. I’ll probably get some souvenirs for the gang this upcoming summer. They’ve given me gifts before and I have returned few but I always enjoy sharing my cultures.”

morning or afternoon ➔ Tarra laughs before answering her question. “Strangely enough, I prefer the morning. I don’t know why but I like the stillness of dawn. Where it’s quiet and you have that momentarily peace to yourself. Now I can understand why Talbott prefers his privacy.”

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

are you in love ➔ Tarra become so flustered that her glasses fogged up. “I eh..ah..um..” she struggled to say before shaking her head. “Yes!” She exclaimed in embarrassment.

do you believe in love at first sight ➔ “To a certain degree. You might have an attraction to someone but it might not be love. Perhaps it’s until you start to learn more about them, befriend and such that your feelings might develope to love.”

who ended your last relationship ➔ “I didn’t have a previous relationship.”

have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔ Tarra looked down in shame. “Yes. It was Barnaby’s. It was when my love note was read by Professor Snape and Barnaby confronted me about it. He thought I had a crush on him because I went to the Ball with him. I thought I fancied him but it was not romantic love. I should have been honest after that. I know that he didn’t take the rejection well. His cries still haunt me.”

are you afraid of commitments ➔ “Who isn’t? But if you truly love that person, then you have to conquer your fear!”

have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔

have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ “If I did, I guess that it was Barnaby. Especially after he talked to me after the love note was read out loud.”

have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ “Yes.”

SIX CHOICES

love or lust ➔ “What kind of bloody question is that? Love, of course!” Tarra exclaimed, a deep blush on her cheeks.

lemonade or iced tea ➔ “Lemonade! I like that sweet taste with that pinch of citrus. Tea is just bland and bitter. Blah!”

cats or dogs ➔ “I like both of them! They can be equally as goofy and playful. And each serves different purposes in different circumstances. You get to see a lot of their personality while they live on a ranch.”

a few best friends or many regular friends ➔ “To be honest, I prefer a few best friends. Too many regular friends might just cause trouble. Like, I’m glad that I have friends in my life right now, but I believe a few of them I would consider my best friends.” Tarra said before scratching the back of her neck. “I don’t like the idea of choosing one over the other though.”

wild night out or romantic night in ➔ “Depends on who I’m going with. A wild night out would be with my friends. A romantic night in would be someone that I fancy, like Talbott. And if it’s a wild night out, then I have to be careful about which friends I go out with.”

day or night ➔ “Day. Despite me saying that I enjoy the stillness of the morning, I do like the activities and hustle of the day. The night doesn’t offer much for a teenager.”

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

been caught sneaking out ➔ “Yup. By Professor Snape, no less. He destroyed Andre’s broom! I still owe him one but I saw that he got another one. Still, best to have a second broom in handy just in case!”

fallen down/up the stairs ➔ “Like I’m gonna tell you.” Tarra huffed.

wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ “Maybe a toy when I was a kid? But I can’t really recall.”

wanted to disappear ➔ “Who doesn’t? There have been times that I just want to be left alone, especially with all of the recent events.”

FOUR PREFERENCES

smile or eyes ➔ Tarra softly blushed. “Oh, we’re getting personal again. I guess a smile would be my preference.”

shorter or taller ➔ “That’s a tough one. Either height is okay with me. But if you want me to be specific, I guess if I’m dating a boy, then I would prefer them being taller. And if I’m dating a girl, I guess either height is no issue for me.”

intelligence or attraction ➔ “I guess intelligence? Super attractive people make me intimidated. Intelligent people might be playing a gamble though since they can be self-centered with their smarts. Or they can just be humble about it.” Tarra grumbled in frustration. “I don’t know!”

hook-up or relationship ➔ “Relationships, of course! Hook-ups may be fun for others, but not for me.”

FAMILY

do you and your family get along ➔ Tarra softly sighed, becoming quiet before answering. “Well, depending on the family members. I get along just fine with my parents if that’s what you were wondering. My relationship with my mother’s parents is good too. They’re a bit uptight but know when to ease up. The same goes with my cousins on my mother’s side. As for my father’s parents....that’s a different story. I get along with my uncle, my father’s younger brother, and his kids but that’s it. I know that I have more relatives on that side of the family but I never met them.”

would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ “Not really? I mean, all is good back at home but after Jacob’s disappearance, things became rocky and lots of wizards and witches gave me and my family a hard time. Then again, muggles still too due to being mixed blood. Then there’s Rakepick and the “R” organization. But I wouldn’t consider that a “messed up life”. In fact, I really have myself to blame since I decided to seek out Jacob by unraveling the Cursed Vaults.”

have you ever ran away from home ➔ “I have no reason to.”

have you ever gotten kicked out ➔ “No. Wait...I faintly remembered being with my parents. We were visiting someone but I can’t recall who it was. I might have been too little. But I remember shouting and screaming, and then, we were all ushered out. I guess we were kicked out. Does that count?”

FRIENDS

do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ “How could you ask such a question?! I don’t hate any of my friends!”

do you consider all of your friends' good friends ➔ “I think so. Many of my friends are good people with good intentions. Although, it is true that I do talk to some more than others. But overall, they haven’t done anything to wrong me.”

who is your best friend ➔ “My best friend? That would be Rowan. She was the first friend that I ever made coming to Hogwarts. She was the first to give me a chance when everyone else was quick to judge me because of the lies that the Daily Prophet had said about Jacob and my family. Honestly, if it wasn’t for her, I might not have had any friends today.”

who knows everything about you ➔ “That might be Penny. I wouldn’t be surprised since she’s a popular kid in Hogwarts. It’s her job to know everything and everybody. It feels weird knowing that she might know about you before ever meeting her. It seems like an invasion of privacy. Aside from her, then the next person would be Rowan.”

#tarra lyall #oc interview #hogwarts mystery #harry potter hogwarts mystery #hphm #hphm oc #harry potter oc #jacob's sibling #main character #original character

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ryuunoyuki · 5 years ago

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Flurries

Happy Christmastime to all! And especially to @melodiousramblings who was my partner for this year’s Secret Santa in the Puppyshipping channel on Discord. I hope you enjoy this delightful tale of two guys who still consider talking back to each other to be the equivalent of flirting. XD;

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Flurries by Raykushi Seto Kaiba did not appreciate winter.

For the CEO, the season was rife with additional annoyances that he didn't have to contend with at other times of the year. Employees were absent more often as illnesses struck; commutes and deliveries took longer in the worsening weather. Everything down the line, from design to production, was delayed.

Of course, Kaiba Corp had handled winter in Domino City for years. Kaiba was well prepared and had made adjustments to account for such things. This did nothing to abate his annoyance, especially when his projected preparations were not quite in line with what the season was bringing.

And to be completely honest, a large portion of his current bitter feelings was reserved for the fact that Mokuba had missed almost a week of school after catching some bug that had hit him hard. Although it was nothing more than a bad cold, the deep rasping cough that still emanated from his room was clinging to the edges of Kaiba's consciousness, even at work. And it was much preferable to be annoyed than to be worried.

Finally in late afternoon Kaiba finished what he needed to for the day, dealt with the many emergencies that had come up, and loaded his remaining files to the cloud to work at from home. It took longer than he planned, of course. The prickle of frustration simmered inside him as he stepped from his personal elevator that went from his office to the lobby, briefcase in hand. That prickle became an electric ripple as he looked ahead and saw through the building's glass doors that a fresh layer of powder was now falling from the sky.

Kaiba also spotted a familiar form coming into the building, lanky and blond. Jounouchi Katsuya had a part-time job at the small extension of the Tower Records Cafe on the ground floor of Domino City's most impressive office building, and apparently had afternoon shift today. He was dressed in work slacks and a black woolen coat. Someone with common sense had convinced him to use some of his funds to purchase a weather-appropriate jacket. This common sense had not, however, extended to any sort of winter hat, and Kaiba couldn't help but notice the red tips of his ears and how the messy fair hair was dusted with white specs that caught the lobby's overhead lights like glitter.

The other teen was focused on whatever cacophony passing for music was coming from his earbuds; he hadn't noticed Kaiba's presence. Impulsively the CEO turned and followed Jounouchi toward the cafe.

He took a seat at a table in the corner, waving away the waitress that started in his direction with one sharp hand gesture. While he waited, he slipped his cellphone from his pocket and sent a text to his limo driver to inform him that he would be delayed. Then he followed it with one to Mokuba. His brother replied right away, a good indication that he was bored but probably feeling better if he was awake and not napping through the afternoon, as he had been the past few days.

"Oh, the boss-on-high's come down to rub elbows with us commoners?" a voice drawled next to his table.

Kaiba looked up. The maroon shirt and brown apron that made up the Tower Records Cafe uniform were colors that worked well with Jounouchi's complexion. His ears were still slightly red from the cold outdoors, though the snowflakes had now melted into his damp hair.

"Not for the scintillating conversation, evidently. And do you need a babysitter to remind you how to dress appropriately for the season?"

Jounouchi shrugged. "It's just flurries," he dismissed. "Are you just here to get comfortable, or do you actually want somethin'?"

Kaiba's eyes narrowed at the implication that he had come to socialize. "Coffee, black," he snarled, letting the frustration of the day layer his voice.

Jou raised an eyebrow. Without further comment, he turned and retreated to the back of the cafe. Kaiba watched him go but didn't make it obvious.

He was immersed in his phone, responding to e-mails and to Mokuba's text inquiries about their upcoming holiday plans, when Jounouchi returned and a cup was placed on the table in front of him.

Kaiba raised his chin a millimeter to eye his order. The drink was held in one of the simple but elegantly designed Tower Records teacups, but judging by the soft brown color of the liquid and the spicy smell of the steam wafting up from it, it was not black coffee.

Icy blue eyes snapped up to Jounouchi's face. "How have you not been fired if you can't fulfill one simple order correctly?" he demanded.

The blond tipped his head to the side, smirking, and pointed at his own chest with his thumb. "I know what the people want, chief," he insisted. "Even if they don't."

Kaiba snorted. "I doubt you know one drink container from the other. I'm amazed you've managed to keep this job for this long."

"Wouldja just try it, moneybags!?"

Grudgingly, Kaiba lifted the cup to his nose and inhaled. The smell was sharp and warm, a chai with some seasonal blend of something, perhaps gingerbread or nutmeg. At least Jounouchi knew better than to give him something without caffeine in it. He took a cautious sip. The warmth from the spicy drink spread down his chest and he felt some tension drain from his shoulders.

His reaction must have shown on his face; Jounouchi let out a chortle. Kaiba put the cup down sharp enough to make the porcelain clink against the saucer. "Don't you have work to do?"

Smirking his satisfaction, Jounouchi took a cloth from his apron pocket and bent over to wipe down a nearby table. Kaiba kept his eyes on his phone, but watched the lanky form from the corner of his vision, taking advantage of the other teen's provocative position.

"How's Mokuba?" Jounouchi asked as he cleaned.

"Recovering." Kaiba kept his response short. Jounouchi had an annoying habit of poking at him until he elaborated, so he added, "He's no longer spending the day in bed, but the doctor hasn't released him to return to school yet."

The blond tsked sympathetically. "Nasty stuff going 'round this time of year."

Kaiba sipped his chai tea as he deleted e-mails. "That adequately describes everything about this time of year." The words came out harsher than he intended.

Jounouchi hmmed and said nothing else. It wasn't common for the blond to give such a noncommittal response, but Kaiba failed to pick up on it as he got a text from one of his suppliers notifying him of another delay. He growled in annoyance.

"Hey," Jounouchi said suddenly. Kaiba ignored him, furiously tapping out a response on his phone.

Jounouchi waited, tapping his foot impatiently in time with the clicking of the phone. He cleared his throat once. Then again, louder.

Kaiba snapped, "What."

"Tomorrow's my day off. They put up these really cool decorations in the park. Everythin' looks like ice and all lit up. You want to go see 'em with me?"

"In this weather!?" Kaiba asked, incredulous.

Jounouchi glanced out the cafe windows at the light snowfall. He shrugged. "It's just flurries, Kaiba, geez."

Kaiba snorted to show what he thought of that.

Jou rolled his eyes. "Chill. It was just a suggestion," he muttered, perhaps thinking the words were too low for Kaiba to hear. They weren't. Still grumbling under his breath, Jou turned away and started aggressively scrubbing at a dried stain on one of the tables.

In no way stalling for time, Kaiba lifted his teacup and slowly finished what remained of his tea. His relationship with the exasperating blond was still new. Often he wondered what he could possibly have been thinking when he agreed to such a thing, and just as often he contemplated what the other teen could possibly see in him. Kaiba's position and his money were not things that impressed Jounouchi; indeed the blond flat out refused any gifts or offers of assistance that might be taken in the vein of pity or compensation he hadn't earned. In a world of courteous respect--or fear--from all his employees and every duelist both in the city and beyond, it was solely the blond who would find harsh words to attempt to cut Kaiba down to size. They failed, of course, but the attempt was refreshing. Truthfully, figuring out the other duelist was a game that Kaiba's mind had not yet tired of playing.

"Jounouchi."

Jou had just about given up and started to step away, but Kaiba's voice stopped him in his tracks. He turned around.

"I do have some time tomorrow, for lunch. If you want to take a walk in the park."

Jounouchi looked surprised. "Oh yeah? What if it's snowing?"

Kaiba glanced up at Jou's hair.

"Hn. As long as it's just flurries."

#ygo #yugioh #ygo fanfiction #kaiba seto #jounouchi katsuya #established relationship #early relationship #soft #puppyshipping #violetshipping #kaijou #it's a winter wonderland out there #secret santa 2019

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lovemesomesurveys · 5 years ago

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Have you ever lived in a mobile home?: Nope. Have you ever had your bedroom in a basement?: No. Do you think it would be cool to have a lion as a pet?: Uh, no. What do you think about those little dogs that ride in purses and strollers?: Please don’t treat your pets like accessories or toys. How many times in the past week have you eaten fast food?: 3 or 4 times.

In the house - shoes, socks, slippers or bare feet?: Socks. Do you consider dogs inside or outside pets?: My doggos have always been inside pets. Do you read books for pleasure?: Yes. What’s your favorite piece of furniture in your house?: My bed. Have you ever had a crush on a friend’s parent?: No. Do you prefer carbonated or uncarbonated drinks?: Non-carbonated. Favorite thing that you can see up in the sky?: Stars. Would you like it if they sold disposable undies in a pop up box?: Uh, no.

French fries. Yay or Nay?: Yay. Which of your friends has the most annoying sibling?: I don’t have any friends. Wood floors or carpet?: My house has tile and carpet. I love wooden floors, though. Would you rather eat at the table or in your room?: We don’t have a dining room table. I like to eat in my room. A teacher says she’s noticed you’ve looked sad, do you confide in her?: Something like that actually happened. My grandma passed away my sophomore year in high school and I took it really hard. It was apparently obvious to one of my teachers who brought up her concerns in these meetings I had every year called an IEP meeting. Friend asks you to hide drugs, booze etc for them, do you do it?: I wouldn’t want to be involved with anything like that. Would you rather have a gooey cinnamon bun or awesome cheesy pizza?: Why not both? Do you like the sound of birds singing when you wake up, or is it annoying?: It’s annoying, ha. You fill your best friend’s Xmas stocking, what do you put in it?: I got a few things for my family’s stockings. You fill your worst enemy’s stocking, what do you put in it?: I don’t have any enemies, but if I did I wouldn’t be giving them any gifts. You fill your OWN stocking, what do you put in it?: Uhhh. I don’t know. If someone gave you a kitten, would you keep it?: No, not at this time. What’s your ideal activity for a rainy day?: I don’t do anything different. I love rainy days, though. Favorite type of cracker: Ritz, Cheez-Its, and Nips. Banana sandwich..yum or yuck?: Banana and peanut butter sandwiches are delicious. Animal you like to watch but sort of creeps you out: Documentaries on wild animals are fascinating, but they’re scary animals. I like watching them on TV from the safety of my home. Have you entered the Lays create a flavor contest?: Nope. Bagels or English Muffins?: Both are good. Do you like or hate to buy new shoes?: I like getting new shoes. Do you keep your phone on you at all times or forget it a lot: It’s always nearby. Who is a family member you look forward to seeing on a holiday?: My extended family doesn’t get together anymore. :( Everyone is busy doing their own things now as the years go by and everyone gets older. Are Easter baskets only for kids?: No. They’re just gift baskets, there’s no age limit on that. Do you do anything to recognize St Patrick’s Day?: The only thing we do that day is have corned beef and cabbage for dinner, ha. Do you think nutcracker figurines are creepy or cool?: I don’t have an issue with them. Speaking of nuts, do you like them?: Yeah, some. Favorite TV show as a kid: All the good stuff from the 90s, which is basically everything. ha. I love the 90s. What do you do when you are nervous?: I get fidgety, squirmy, antsy, I mess with my hair, pick at my nails, bite my lips... Is there a turntable and vinyl records in your house?: No. Does your family have an SUV or pick up truck?: We do have a pickup truck. No one drives it anymore, but it’s useful for times like this time of year when we go pickup a Christmas tree. Do you enjoy doing things outdoors?: The only outdoorsy activity I enjoy is spending time at the beach. Which of your parents do you laugh more with?: My mom. Have you ever been to an open casket wake or funeral?: Yes. Would you like to get married one day?: I don’t see it happening. Who mows the lawn at your house?: My dad. Where do you keep your phone at night?: On my bed. Do you feel comfortable asking your parents or grandparents for money?: My parents, yes. What’s the last thing you lost?: Myself? If you could have your own car or an apartment, which would you choose?: I don’t drive and I have no plans or desire to move out on my own, sooo. Have you ever experienced buyer’s remorse over an expensive purchase?: Yes. Last time you hid, and why: I’ve kinda been hiding for the past few years. I became very distant, withdrawn, and reclusive. I don’t go out much and when I do I avoid certain places where I think I might run into someone. “I don’t want the world to see me cause I don’t think that they’d understand...” How do you like your eggs?: Just about every way. I most often eat them scrambled, though. After a date, do you call your friend to tell them how it went?: What’s a date? ha. Favorite Mexican food?: Burritos. Upcoming event you are dreading?: Nothing at the moment. Best Happy Meal toy you ever got: I liked a lot of the ones from my childhood. Do you make lists?: Yeah. Do you make pro/con lists before making a decision?: Sometimes. Do you have a favorite pen? What kind?: I like black ink fine tip pens. What’s the best meal you cook?: Ramen, ha. That’s the only thing I cook. Do you do more surveys during the day or night?: I generally do them late at night. On lunch break, do you eat or do other things?: I don’t have a lunch break (not in school, don’t have a job), but whenever I eat I often put on a YouTube video. Smoothies? Bubble tea? Fancy coffee? None of the above?: Coffeeeee. Do you like romantic gestures or do they make you feel awkward?: Haven’t experienced that in a long time. Five things you need to throw out: I really need to go through and get rid of clothes and other things. Do you like the toilet paper your family uses?: Yeah. Just shampoo, or shampoo + conditioner?: Just shampoo. Scariest driver you’ve ridden with: I was nervous when my younger brother first started driving haha. I’m comfortable now, though. He’s a good driver. Have you/do you plan to go to college?: I went and graduated. Do you write in cursive: Just when I sign stuff.

#personal #text #survey #surveys

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theres-no-paradise · 7 years ago

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Secret Santa! Or not so secret?

Summary: You are in a mall, trying to get all the presents for your family and friends, when you find a Spiderman toy and consider buying it because you are Spiderman trash and suddenly you see Tom in the same section.

Pairings: Tom Holland x Reader [submit your name: How it works]

Y/N your Name

Word Count: 1000+

Warnings: none

A/N: Secret Santa for @enjoy-tracking-this-lamp I had wayyy to many ideas but I decided to write down this one. :) I hope you like it!

It was a cold and foggy Saturday afternoon as you made your way into the huge shopping mall in your town. You still needed to get some presents for the upcoming holidays, since you hadn't had time earlier to do it. Now you stood there, in the middle of the mall which was crowded by hundreds of people. ‘Should not have decided to go on a Saturday to the mall’, you thought a little annoyed as you tried to find a store that would have most of the stuff you were looking for. People moved and shuffled around you and at some point you decided to go to the toy store, that was on your right hand side. Shuffling through the people, you made it inside and breathed out in relief, as it seemed that this store was not as full as you thought it might be.

You walked through the aisles, looking at all the different things they had to offer and then you found your own little fangirl heaven. Of course, every other adult might’ve thought that you're too old for the toys, but you didn't care at all. If it came to Marvel, the Avengers and especially Spiderman, you were big time trash for it. And you didn't care. With a smile across your face you looked through all the superhero toys. Action Figures, Costume replicas, puzzles and many more different things were on the shelves and you looked at everything you saw. You just got hold of a Spiderman Web Shooter as you heard people walk into the aisle and laugh. You felt as if they were laughing about you so you looked over to see who was standing next to you. Out of a sudden, you dropped the Web-Shooter and it landed with a loud thud on the floor. Both of the guys looked over at you when they heard the drop of the toy. You felt your face heat up immediately, especially your ears got hot and you bowed down to grab the toy and put it back. You didn't know if you should say something or just ignore them and leave but apparently one of the guys decided what to do next. “Pretty cool web shooter you got there. Fancy buying it for someone?” You stood there, dumbfounded and not able to say a word. Your mouth formed an ‘O’ and you saw the smirks on the guy’s faces. “Are you okay?”, the other guy asked. He must've been his best friend, since you've seen him on numerous pictures and videos on instagram before too. The sidekick, as he called himself. After, what felt like an eternity, you pulled yourself together and nodded to answer the question from the second one. “Are you Tom? Tom Holland?”, you asked in a half whisper, not wanting to get any extra attention. The guys giggled and looked at the toys, while the Actor answered: “Yeah, thats me. Sorry that I startled you, didn't mean to do it.”

You couldn't believe, that he was actually standing next to you, with Harrison and apparently about to buy some toys. “What brings you here?” you asked out of curiousity as you watched the guys fill the trolley with some Spiderman toys. “About to buy some gifts for the Children's Hospital”, Tom smiled and grabbed one of the Web shooters and threw it into the pile of toys. You nodded acknowledgedly as you watched them. You wanted to ask for a picture or autograph but you felt so bad for asking since they must've been quite in the hurry. They were quickly filling up the trolley and it didn't take them long to have the whole thing filled up.

“Well, uhm�� I gotta go”, you said after a few moments of standing there, being unsure what to do next. “No, wait a second. Dont leave yet”, Tom said as he put the last Toy on the pile and Harrison took the cart to bring it to the cashiers. Your face felt hot again and you didn't know what to say so you just followed Tom, who walked next to his best friend. What was his plan? Once the boys have paid for the toys they bought, their driver showed up and took the trolley outside, to fill all the bags in the trunk. The boys didn't follow him though, but stood there next to you. Tom had a bag in his hand from the store you’ve just been in. “Wanna have a coffee? Or tea?” He asked you and with wide eyes you nodded, a huge grin forming on your lips. “Okay, let's grab something quickly. We still have some time left.” You followed them to Starbucks, got a hot chocolate and sat down for a few more minutes.

“This is for you, I figured you might have fun with it”, Tom said and gave you the bag he was holding after you guys got your beverages. As you looked inside, he and Harrison both said “Merry Christmas” in unison. You laughed and pulled out the Web Shooter you were holding earlier in the store. “Thank you guys, that's so nice”, you said smiling. “Wanna take a picture, too?” the Actor asked and you gave him your phone, grinning widely while Harrison took the picture of you two. Of course, you asked for one with the best friend too, so Tom took it for you. “Thanks guys. You just made my Christmas so much better.” you said. “Don't mention it. We figured that you might need some stress relief and we’re happy that we could make you feel better”, Tom explained as he put his hand on your shoulder. “We have to go now, but thank you for your company! Happy Holidays and maybe we’ll see each other again.” “Thank you Tom. Thank you too, Harrison. Have a safe Christmas and yeah, hopefully we can hang out again some time”, you said and hugged the boys before they left, waving hands goodbye leaving the mall. Well, that was a Christmas gift you didn't expect to happen at all. With a wide smile, you checked out the Web Shooter once again and saw a message written on the packaging with a Sharpie. ‘Merry Christmas Y/N. Here’s my personal gift for you :)’ and a number written down neatly underneath the message. With wide eyes and a fast beating heart you stopped your Christmas shopping. That was too much information in one day to take in.

#SECRETHOLLANDSANTAS #secret santa #tom holland #tom holland imagines #tom holland fanfiction #tom holland x reader #merry christmas

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carolinemillerbooks · 4 years ago

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New Post has been published on Books by Caroline Miller

New Post has been published on https://www.booksbycarolinemiller.com/musings/a-few-kind-words-for-kenyans/

A Few Kind Words For Kenyans

The African man in his late fifties bowed his head and cupped his hands to form a bowl at waist height, seeming eager to accept the coin I was offering. Newly arrived in Southern Rhodesia, (Zimbabwe) in the 1960s, I was exhausted and wanted to thank him for helping with my luggage now that I had arrived at the high school where I was to teach. At the time, I didn’t know tipping wasn’t allowed, nor would I have cared. I’d reached my destination exhausted and was glad for help. The train trip from Cape Town had been a grueling few days. December is high summer in that part of the world and though I’d kept the windows of my train carriage open as it inched across the Karoo, I hadn’t caught a breeze. By the time I stumbled into my new lodgings, my armpits felt like bogs. The man standing before me had large hands which caused me to wonder if my offering was too small. For a moment, I vacillated. He seemed to take no notice of my hesitancy but flashed a welcoming smile as the coin dropped into his hands. After that, he disappeared down the stairs of Leander, the girls’ dormitory where I was to supervise students with the help of three fellow teachers. My first afternoon was quiet. The school was closed for the holidays, so I had the leisure to unpack in the cool, calm of the stucco walls of my abode. I was comfortable enough to consider opening a window but slammed it shut once I discovered it had no screen. None of the windows did, I would soon learn. My entire stay in Africa would be spent beleaguered by a choice either to let in fresh air or to secure my environs against bottle flies, mosquitoes, and scorpions, to name the most common. When the five o’clock bell rang for dinner, I descended the stairs and entered the teachers’ dining room. I presumed I’d be alone as no one had welcomed me during the ensuing hours. A petite woman in her early thirties, her hair red as a sunset, was seated at a table set for two. “You’re the American, aren’t you?” she said without preliminaries and with a British accent. Nodding, I took the chair opposite her. Once I’d settled, she reached for the salad bowl, making a show of her engagement ring by flickering the fingers of her left hand as if she were playing the piano. She seemed eager to establish a pecking order, I thought. Even so, as the new kid on the block, I had questions. One of them was about tipping. My companion, who was about to sip her tea, seemed stunned by my words. A milky substance spilled from her cup and onto the linen tablecloth. It pooled at one elbow, like the dot at the end of an exclamation mark, while her pupils narrowed to the size of bee bees. “Tip? Oh, you mustn’t do that. It’s the staffs’ job to carry luggage. You’re a teacher for heaven’s sake!” “Yes, but I was hauling it up from the train station…” Her hair seemed to catch on fire as she delivered a lecture on protocols between staff and teachers. At the end of it, she added a short addendum. “Don’t worry about that palm thing. It’s a custom. It’s meant to signify that all gifts are generous enough to be carried in two hands.” The woman opposite me seemed to think the courtesy was amusing, but I found it endearing. A small lump of approval formed at the pit of my throat I felt that lump many times as I traveled the whole of East, Central, and Southern Africa. Several of these customs I’ve recorded in my upcoming memoir, Getting Lost to Find Home. Alexander McCall Smith was moved by them, too. I stumble across one courtesy or another in his The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, which is why I never miss his latest publication. Not only do his stories delight, but for me, they are a homecoming. I suspect they are the same for him. His descriptions expose a longing for Africa similar to mine. Recently, a Facebook friend complained she’d received several unwanted solicitations from males who listed me as a mutual acquaintance. Seeing the post, a few others confirmed they’d had similar experiences. Two suggested the solicitations were probably scammers out of Kenya–a pointed remark, I thought, because I have many Facebook friends from that part of the world. I’m sorry for the nuisance someone(s)is stirring up on Facebook. I’ll do what I can to correct it, mindful that if hackers can infect our State Department’s data systems, and those of our banks, credit rating agencies, and even Netflix, nothing stays solved on the internet. Nonetheless, I will resist out-of-hand inferences that impugn Kenyans. They are a people no better and no worse than the lot of us. Descendants from cultures that predate the western world by centuries, their well-developed traditions and courtesies are those we Americans would do well to emulate. I’d rather break bread with a Kenyan than with the majority of my Congressional delegation. That tip, by the way, is one large enough to carry in both hands.

#Alexander McCall Smith #Courtesies in Sub-Saharan Africa #Kenyans #The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency

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rogers-senpai · 7 years ago

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Jonerys Secret Santa gift - My Muse - Jonerys Modern AU

This One-Shot is a christmas gift to the lovely @oadara ! Hope you like it, the gifset is in a seperate post.

I loved your idea of Jon being a piano prodigy, who meets Dany when he’s struggling with his passion for music, and I took the idea, twisting it a bit. I hope you like it anyway! Happy Holidays!

Jon sighed as he brought his palm to his face, trying to rub the exhaustion away from his closed eyes. Bringing his hand down, sliding it across his mouth, he decided he needed another cup of the disgusting coffee the little place had to offer. Disgusting it might be, but it was also strong, and that was exactly what he needed now to help him stay awake and finish the damn thing. He looked out the window, where winter was in its full power. Snow was falling heavily, and children were picking it off the cars they were passing by, marking the whole city with their handprints. The road was pretty much a swamp, and drivers were careful not to lose control on the slippery surface. It seemed like everyone was in a hurry, trying to find the best deals, the best gift ideas, afraid someone else might get it all instead. The closer the 25th was, the busier the streets got. Jon had to send all of the presents a while back, to Scotland where his siblings lived, and he wasn’t planning on a big feast, so he could just sit there in that cafe, toying with a pen, waiting for something to hit him. Studying at the Royal Academy of Music had been his dream since he could remember, and he never regretted the decision of joining the elite group of their students until now. Jon has always wanted to be a musician, everybody knew it and they also knew that he actually had great chances of making this dream a reality. When he wa just a kid, you could always find him in the corner of their surprisingly clean attic, where Catelyn’s old piano stood, then abandoned and covered with dust and soon brought back to life with Jon’s little hands and the awful sounds they were making, annoying the hell out of Robb and Sansa, and making little Arya and Bran wake up from their sleep. When he got in, he couldn’t control his excitement. He would be having piano, organ and composition lessons in the best college he could think of. That would open so many door for him, all he had to do was work hard each and every day. And he did, he really did. But now all classes seemed to last forever, as he could not focus on what the teacher was saying or bring himself to practise. He couldn’t even be happy about the winter break as they were told to compose something of their own - a reasonable request for seniors of that prestigious academy, but Jon could not bring himself to even start. Ned and his wife Cat were the best parents any child could wish for. His father was the definition of honorable and just, a rare thing in their world and times and the moral figure he hoped he took something from. Catelyn wasn’t Jon’s mother - he was Ned’s child by a woman he knew before her - but she might as well have been. When he was left on their door, an infant just a few months older than her own firstborn son Robb, she took him and loved him and never held any hard feelings towards him. But anytime someone asked why he had a different surname - Snow instead of Stark, as his real mother decided, he still felt a sting of not being one of them - the Starks. And now they were both gone. They died in a car accident on their way back to Scotland, as they were visiting Jon in his campus . The whole thing still seemed surreal to Jon. They just got in the car, drove away and would never get to the destination. He was looking around to see if the waiter was anywhere near him, when someone stepped in front of him, clearing their throat, making his head turn in their direction. And when he did, he had to stop himself from gasping out loud. There stood Daenerys Targaryen in all her silver hair and violet eyes glory, making his stomach twist and his whole body tense. She was looking straight at him, and the little smile her lips formed was another punch to his guts. Jon could still remember vividly the first time he saw Dany in the Royal Academy halls back in their freshman year, and the happiness when he found out she was on the same year and would be having piano classes with him. At first it was just an attraction that turned into something more as he saw more of her personality, heard her play the piano or sing in her angelic voice, when he found himself wandering to her vocal lessons or during college events. Or when he heard her just simply talk with her best friend Missandei. She was gorgeous, intelligent, good, confident, ambitious and talented, and soon enough Jon was head over hills for her. He was forced to awake from his thought as she made a surprised expression, flexing her eyebrows in the way only Daenerys Targaryen could, not noticing the change is his form or deciding to ignore it. “Jon, I had to make sure it was really you! I thought you would be in Scotland. Is this seat taken?“ she asked,looking at him questiongly, one brow still up. He tried to swallow whatever suddenly appeared in his throat. They had piano classes together, so it’s not as if they were strangers, he could act friendly without making it weird, right? He blinked a few times, as if he was trying to make sure he wasn’t dreaming without pinching himself. When he decided this had to be actually happening, the butterflies in his stomach stirred as he shook his head. “Um, hi! No, si-, I mean, you can sit, I mean, if you want to. ” he forced out. Great job, Jon. She smiled a bit wider, not commenting on the awkwardness she heard in his voice, which he was thankful for. She hung her bag on the arm of the chair and having taken her faux leather gloves off, she proceeded to take off her checked scarf and unbutton her black coat, leaving it on, her grey sweater now on display. He realized he’d been staring and quickly looked back to his almost empty music sheets, his cheeks turning a bright shade of pink. “Composing?” she asked, her curious eyes following his. He didn’t know why her seeing his work and his struggles made him uncomfortable to the point he considered hiding it all in his bag, away from those wide pupils. Wait. They are wide. Doesn’t that usually mean… He stopped his thoughts from getting more ridiculous as he shifted in his chair, and lifted his left hand to the back of his neck. “Well, yes. You know, for class.” His response came out a lot lower and more quietly than he meant it to. He dropped his hand that was rubbing against the warm skin of his scruff, and started playing with the now empty cup. Recognition crossed her soft face. “Oh, right. The same thing Missandei is working on day and night. Even though she says it’s supposed to be short.” she shook her head, amusement clear in her voice. Missandei was Daenerys’ best friend, that much anyone could have got right after seeing them just once. They were close before coming to college and stayed together for all those years. Jon was in their piano classes, where they always behaved more like sisters than friends, and he heard that during their vocal classes, they made the perfect pair for any duet. Anyone would say they were tied together for good, but when Dany had her strings practises, Missandei went to composing lectures, the same ones that Jon attended. Daenerys stopped and glanced at the table once more. “Not feeling inspired?” she asked, noticing how little he’d been able to come up with. And little did she know, he wasn’t even happy with what he had on there. He shrugged, the butterflies calming down a bit after having exchanged a few sentences with her without making it too humiliating. “I guess not. Christmas preparation might have got the best of me.” he moved his shoulders once more, trying desperately to seem calm and laid back, not wanting her to see that the Christmas fever was not at fault whatsoever. “It’s all so tiring.” That much was true, the upcoming celebrations really did make it harder to sleep, but as he was not a part of the crazy shopping, it was not the reason for his recent insomnia. “Is that all?” she seemed to be trying to be very careful with her words, as she fidgeted her joined hands on the table. He was about to ask her what she meant, when the waiter came up to them, noticing the newcomer. She ordered a simple green tea and Jon asked for another cup of black coffee. When the man left, she wrinkled her nose and with genuine curiosity and disgust she said: “’Another’ cup? Meaning you drank it once and want more? Are you a masochist?” He laughed lowly, adjusting himself on the chair. “It’s awful, yes, but I need to get this-” he pointed his finget at the sheets spread actoss the shiny wooden surface, “- done. And that’s the strongest coffee I can imagine.” “That much I can agree on. Still not worth it in my opinion, though.” She put her elbows on the table, crossing her arms and resting her palms on her biceps.

“So, about your composing. You never used to have any problems, not from what I can remember.” When they had finals, they had to play something on the piano for the teacher to hear, and he always chose to perform his own work, something not many dared to do. After that, Dany would often ask him about it in the hall, congratulating him, which always made Jon feel like he was on the cloud nine, something Sam would tease him about for weeks. Jon noticed she was much more confident about the topic now, coming bac to the usual self. But he was still not willing to go any deeper into the matter. “Yeah, I guess. Stuff happens. Maybe I need to retire” he tried to crack a joke, hoping to change the subject to a one he could actually let himself speak freely about. Maybe some rest would suffice” she shot back.”Caffeine won’t replace a good night sleep, you know. And spending Christmas alone doesn’t compare to being with your family.” She was smiling as she said it, but he knew she was not being casual about it in the slighest. Noticing the confusion in his eyes, she sighed and moved her arms, resting her head on her palm. “I have eyes.I can see you during classes and I noticed you being so…distant. And now I see you here, when Sam told me and Missandei you were leaving to Scotland for Christmas, struggling to compose. You struggling to compose!” she was genuinely worried, he noticed. “Why do you care?” he didn’t mean to be offensive or rude, he really meant the question. They were close enough for him to call her his friend, they sometimes were assigned to work together, they went out with a whole group many times, but he couldn’t remember ever even having a real, deep talk conversation alone. She looked to her left, where the same waiter was just coming up with their order, the strong smell of his coffee, forcing them back to the crowded cafe. She flashed a beautiful smile at the man, and lifted the cup to her soft lips, as he was leaving. He watched her take a sip and it was only when she put the cup down that she responded. “Because I know what it’s like, Jon.” Ah, yes. She knew that it was his parents’ death that did this to him, it was probably obvious, he now realized. And she has been through something similiar herself. Back in their sophomore year, her father and one of her two brothers - the older one, Rhaegar - were shot in some incident in one of the the city centres of London. That left her alone with Viserys, as their mother died giving birth to her. They came from a rich family, so they were able to keep their lives together in that matter, but Jon knew it crushed her mentally, as Ned and Cat’s deaths crushed him those few months ago. He remembered that she had problems playing piano, as if the pain had blocked all of her abbilities, making her unable to do anything other that grieve. He noticed that the same thing could be said about him in the first weeks after he found out. But when Dany came back a month after the funeral, she was back in the game, laughing quietly during classes with Missandei, seemingly leaving the past behind. That was the part Jon was not able to get to yet. And it’s been past five times the time it took her. She leaned in a little bit, her arms again on the table. “I wanted to talk to you as soon as I heard about the accident, but Sam didn’t think it was a good idea. You didn’t even want to see him so I had no chances.” That’s where you’re wrong. “What makes you think you have any chances now?” Again, he didn’t mean the words to come off as harsh, he really wanted to know what made her go into this subject today. Maybe she knew him better than he thought, as she didn’t seem to be offended at all, as if she knew there were no negative emotions behind his words, nothing other than pure curiosity. “I didn’t actually. I didn’t even know you were still in the country. Much less in this very cafe” she smiled and took another sip. “Perhaps someone up there wanted me to talk to you either way.” “What is there to talk about?” His voice couldn’t get any lower. He brought his palm to the hot cup, not bringing it up to his lips just yet. “Maybe it’s what was meant to happen. Maybe I was not supposed to become a musician” he shrugged. She extended her arm, covering his big hand, the one not holding the coffee, with her petite one. “No, Jon. You know that’s not true. You already are a musician. You were born for it. This is just a setback, one you can overcome. How many great composers who have experienced grief and came back stronger, using the feelings for their work have we learned about? ”He knew she wasn’t expecting an answer, but he started thinking of one either way. “Well, quite a few. I would go with eig-”. She gave him a pointed look, that made him close his mouth at once, stopping the little sarcastic music lesson he had planned.He took a big sip of his black coffee, trying hard not to show any signs of his displeasure on his face face, knowing he probably failed completely. "You're missing the most important point. I'm not one of these guys" he said a bit louder, his voice still much lover than the tone she was using. He looked up to catch her rolling her eyes. Not in a rudely annoyed way, it reminded him of all those times Missandei was stressed about finals, freaking out she hadn't been studying or practising enough, when everyone knew she would end up with the best grades on their year. "I'm sure they all were just born and had an easy way towards being musical legends before them since day one" she shot back sarcastically, her head tilted a bit to her right, making his attention go to her hair, the wet and somehow still beautiful mess in her head. The pale curls were forced to lay flat on her head, brought down by the now liquid snowflakes. He let out a little bit of air with his nose, making an amused sound. “You know what I mean” he replied, taking the cup up once more for another sip, this time doing a better job of keeping straight face. She sighed and took her hand, joining it with the other one in the air, elbows on the table. “When my dad and brother died, I thought it was the end of my musical career. How could I ever just come back?” her eyes drifted to her left, her head being filled with memories of that time. He tilted his head, watching her. “But you did.” She nodded, her eyes coming back to looking at him. “I know sharing your feelings is not your forte, so listen to me talk about mine” she said, flashing a wam smile, making the fogotten butterflies in his stomach stir. He made a little movement with his head, telling her to go on. “I lost my passion for music then as well. It just didn’t bring me the same joy anymore.” He shifted in the uncomfortable seat, not taking his eyes off her for even a split second. He might have imagined it, but he could swear her eyes followed the movement of his arms, seemingly admiring the muscles visible through the tight long sleeve dark grey shirt. “As you know, I don’t compose. My struggle was with bringing myself to practise piano or vocal, I couldn’t make a single right sound, it was driving the proffesors crazy. You’ve only seen half of it in the piano classes” she chuckled. “I was late to almost all my classes, because I couldn’t sleep at night. I see you share some of those symptoms” she looked pointedly to the dark circles under his eyes and then the bug cup of coffee still in his hands. “What made you come back to normal so quickly?” A month was probably a lot of time to stop being a zombie, and just start living with grief like a normal human being, but to him it seemed abnormally short. “I know everyone grieves differently, but I’ve never heard of someone act like a shell of themselves for over five months. Maybe what I’m about to go into a speech about won’t work, but if there’s even a slight chance it will, I’m willing to risk making a fool out of myself.” She took a deep breath. “My dad did everything he could to help me make my dream come true. He bought me a piano when I was five, he hired a vocal tutor, took me out to every classical music concert that was happening in England. The day I got in to the academy, it was as if he completed his live mission. Rhaegar was the one I would come to when I left like I was not on the right way to that dream, the one who would listen to me play or sing along with my dad. They supported my wholeheartedly. As I know your parents supported you” she stopped and looked at him expectingly, waiting for him to confirm her statement. He cleared his throat, covering the effect that her words had on him. He would have lied if he said the fact that she was sharing her story and emotions with him didn’t please him greatly. “Yes, they did. Though not as much as Sam’s parents support him” he joked. She laughed, knowing that Samwell Tarly’s parents were not so much supportive as they were demanding. Mr ans Mrs Tarly decided one day that their son would be a great musician, and since he was little he had to fill in the dreams of his family, never being asked once what he wanted. And Sam had no real interest in music, much less classical music, but with a little bit of knowledge and his family’s connections, he got in to one of the best colleges a musician can dream of being a student of. He was not the best in organ playing, but he was surprsingly good at conducting and he was the best student in the Academical Studied department. “I don’t think anyone can beat them” she chuckled once more, before becoming a bit more serious. “My point is that I used the pain of their deaths as an excuse. But stopping my musical education was the worst kind of disrespecting their memory. I know it sounds cheesy, but they would never want me to give up, especially not because of them” she looked directly into his eyes, making sure the meaning of the words stuck with him. “Missandei always says that music is just another language, one that anyone can undestand, even though not everyone can speak it. But with this language you can express more than any words ever could. Love, joy, pain.” He knew where she was going with that, and he looked down. “You have a problem with pouring all your feelings onto your work. They are always beautiful, don’t get me wrong. They’re genius, but now you’re trying to write something in the same style, when your feelings are somewhere else entirely” she shook her head. “That’s not going to work, Jon.” It was as if his soul was an open book she could just read anytime she wanted to. It made him feel exposed, open but somehow still incredibly comforted. Whatever happened, she would understand. How did she get to know him so well?“It seems like you’re stuck. You’re not longer in that severe pain, not for months now, but the artist inside you didn’t get the relief he needed” she continued, before face palming herslef a littte, making his eyebrows go up in surprise. “I’m sorry, I’m talking like some psychologist, when I have no qualifications or rights” she said, shaking her head in disapproval al herself. He smirked and leaned down a little bit. “You’ may not be a psychologist, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to hear the rest of that lecture. ”Her smile was almost as curing as her wise words. “Just stop trying to hide your feelings in your work, they will be the thing to make them even more spectacular, trust me.” She thought for a second and then added: “And you should go to your family for Christmas. Spending them alone seems very depressing.” His mind went to his half siblings. They would defintely be happy to see him, but should he just catch a train and appear out of nowhere? She must have noticed the conflict in his eyes. “You still have a few days until 25th. I’m sure your presence will be the greatest gift they get. But before that, get some rest. A lot of it. If you still won’t be able to sleep, take some sleeping pills.”

He hasn’t tried them yet, for stupid reasons. He almost wanted to stay awake every night. Why? Maybe the physical pain helped him, he didn’t know. She showed a little bit of her teeth, happy she was able to have some effect on him as she brought her tea to her lips, looking at her phone. “Oh! I must get going now.” She put the cup down, not taking a sip, and started putting her scarf on, buttoning her coat. When she was putting on her gloves, he spit out: “Would you like to go out with me?” She stopped in the middle of the process of putting her right glove on, and looked at him with a bit wide eyes. “After Christmas, I mean. When I get back, before the classes start again” he continued nervously. God, what was he thinking? One talk and he thought he could just ask Danerys Targary- His thought were interrupted when she gave her answer. “With pleasure.” She was now done with dressing herself, and he could see a hint of smile under the checked scarf. “On one condition. Bring whatever you manage to come out with” she pointed to the sheets. This way she has just given him the best motivation she could. “Having someone give you your opinion on it before handing it should help you, right?” They both knew she just wanted to make sure he would compose something at all. “It definitely will. Thank you, Daenerys” he gave her a full, genuine smile, and noticed her eyes go a bit wider. She cleared her throat, an action he recognized from his own struggles to hide his feelings before her.“So, call me when you’re back. Merry Christmas!” she waved and started walking towards the exit. “Merry Christmas” he mumbled, a little shocked because of the whole situation. He looked down at the sheet, and immediately picked up the pen, suddenly feeling inspired.

#joneryssecretsanta #jonerys fanfic #jonerys #merry xmas

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bluenet13 · 7 years ago

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Little Drummer Deeks

Another Densi Holiday fic inspired by a @densi-mber writing prompt. This started as the moms sharing holiday baby stories of Kensi & Deeks but might have grown into something more. Anyhow, here it is and I hope people like it.

The drive was made in complete silence, the couple still at odds about their upcoming breakfast meeting and both wanting to have their way over the other.

None of them wanted to be the one to break the silence, but as it typically was in this sort of situations, the young detective was the one to cave first. “Come on princess, do we really have to go?”

“Deeks, we have been debating this for a week, and I already told you in no uncertain terms this meeting is happening” she didn’t take her eyes away from the road as she drily responded, tired of having the same debate over and over again.

“But…”

“No, buts Deeks. We’re already on the way, and we’re not canceling…”

“We could say there’s a national security issue that required our participation… no one will give it a second thought.”

Kensi blew out her breath and took advantage of the traffic light to turn around and look at her boyfriend, the man she loved with all her heart but who could always irritate her like no other. “Come on baby, you’re acting like we’re driving to a doctor’s appointment or to an LAPD meeting…” She reached out to grab his hand and squeezed as she said the next words, “we’re just meeting our moms for breakfast…” Seeing the uncertain look still in his eyes, she decided to keep trying to reassure him, “we walk into firefights all the time, and put our lives on the line daily, today is just breakfast… with our moms… for the holidays… there’s no reason to worry about, everything will be great.”

“Yeah… You, me, Julia and Crazy Bertie in one table… What could possibly go wrong?” He then paled and look at her as if he just had the worst realization in the world, “…and what if Guy is there?” He buried his head in his hands and moaned.

“Oh Marty… You’re such a drama king…”

“Deeks…” he mumbled from under his hands.

“What?”

“You called me Marty, you know I prefer Deeks…”

“Sorry baby… I forgot…” Then a recurrent question popped in her head and she decided this was a good time as any to ask. “Why don’t you like anyone calling you Marty?”

“Not now Kens…”

The finality of his words gave her some pause and she realized the subject must not be a pleasant one so she decided to stop asking… for now. But she was determined, and soon enough she will get her answer.

“But really, why do we have to go? If Guy’s there… I’m looking for an excuse and leaving…” He could be really insistent when he wanted and apparently this time he had no intentions to stop his whining.

“Everything will be fine, and if Guy is there, we will just talk to him like the adults we are and maybe… even try to get to know him, considering he’s with your… mom,” she said the last words sounding uncertain and slightly worried of his reaction. At his silence, she decided to continue, “Shaggy… you know your mom’s life hasn’t been easy, she deserves to be happy and to find someone who gives her that… just like we found each other…”

“But… He’s her trainer…”

“Yeah… and you were my partner!”

-x-x-x-

Kensi’s final response silenced any further argument or reproach from the man setting beside her and they finished the last 10 minutes of their drive in silence, eventually arriving to the restaurant and going straight to their table.

Roberta and Julia were already there, both talking loudly and smiling widely at whatever it was they were discussing… Probably something having to do with the two people making their way towards them.

“Martin, I’m so happy you could make it. I was just betting with Julia if you would bail out or not” Roberta got up to hug her son, not missing the opportunity to fluster and slightly embarrass him.

“Hi mama… you know I would never miss the lovely opportunity of meeting you and Julia” He said the first part of the sentence with an ironic tone, but at the end he turned around and smiled warmly at Julia.

After hugging their mothers and wishing them Happy Holidays, the couple took their seats, each next to their respective mom and facing each other and started looking at their menus so they could order quickly.

After some minutes of silence and sensing the tense aura around the couple, Roberta decided to continue her previous conversation with Julia, hoping with it to bring her son and future daughter-in-law out of their heads.

“So Julia… I brought the picture I promised you the other day…”

Deeks perked up at the statement and worriedly asked… “What picture?”

“Oh Martin, I can never shut you up and today you decided you finally wanna rest that tongue of yours, but now you suddenly want to talk again?” Julia looked at her son with raised eyebrows, always knowing what was going on through his head and the best way to rattle him.

“We met last week for some drinks and Bertie here promised me a picture that she so kindly brought today” Julia got in the way in order to avoid an argument between the mother and son, all knowing how common those were from the few times they all had met together.

“Drinks? I hope you’re talking about tea… or coffee… I wouldn’t want to add alcohol into your mix.” Deeks had paled a bit at the admission that the two moms have met without them present.

“Martin, don’t be silly we were obviously meeting for some wine… and maybe it then got to other drinks…” Roberta answered with a smile, enjoying how her son’s face kept losing color as she continued.

“And it’s not the first time… It’s a glamorous activity that we partake in every couple of weeks,” Apparently Roberta wasn’t the only one enjoying the young man’s discomfort and Julia was keen to join in.

Kensi feeling sorry for her boyfriend, and knowing that as partner, in everything, she needed to have his back decided to help, not knowing that really she was making things worst. “Okay, okay, enough of this, I want to know what picture you both were talking about.”

Roberta smiled in a way that could be argued was more like a devious grin as she looked for her purse and starting rummaging for something. Eventually stopping as she took a piece of paper and held it in her hand, not letting anyone see what was on it.

After putting her purse back behind her chair, she passed the picture to Julia, who looked at it with a huge smile on her face and quickly showed it to Kensi, who squealed in a matter not common to Bad-Ass Blye and looked at her man with loving eyes.

Deeks on the other hand had a pretty good idea of what, or rather who, was in that picture and just wanted to jump ship and abandon these three women to enjoy their breakfast on their own.

“OMG Marty you were the cutest kid… look at that hair and that perfect little face…” Julia reached across the table to squeeze his cheeks, making Roberta and Kensi burst out laughing at the redness that had suddenly appeared in said cheeks.

When the picture was finally passed to the man in question, he found himself staring at a young Marty Deeks who was probably around 4 years old. His bangs were already long and they were partially covered by the fluffy red Santa hat that he was wearing and which highlighted his striking blue eyes even more. The green vest and Christmas tree sweatpants that he was sporting only adding to his embarrassment at seeing the picture.

He remained quiet and passed the picture back to his mother, glaring at her as he did so.

“Baby, do you think you could dress like that for me one of these nights?” Kensi breathlessly asked even as she started laughing again. At first wanting to reassure him, but now enjoying the teasing too much not to join the other two women.

Deeks couldn’t believe the three most important women in his life were ganging up on him… Or really he could totally believe it and he just knew that he shouldn’t have come to this meeting.

“And Kensi, you should have heard some of the stories Bertie was telling me the other day, Marty was such a funny kid.” As Julia said the words, Deeks head fell on the table and he closed his eyes, wondering if this supposedly simple and harmless breakfast could get any worse.

“Roberta you have to tell me now, I can’t wait to hear what crazy things little Deeks was involved in.” Kensi’s voice was full of amusement and curiosity, especially wanting to know of some good times in her boyfriend’s childhood.

Deeks, still with his head on the table, turned to look at his mom pleadingly, but realized he was doomed as soon as he saw the smirk spreading on her face. A smirk that was so similar to his own.

“It would be my pleasure Kensi…” Roberta then proceeded to tell Kensi and Julia some stories of her boy, all which sadly painted the picture of the perfect childhood they all knew he didn’t have.

“…Every Christmas morning he used to come down running down the stairs wearing his holiday pajamas and a Santa hat, eager to open his gifts and start playing with them.” As Roberta finished the story Kensi wondered about Deeks’ father on these stories. They all showed a normal childhood, with laughs and presents and love, but from the few stories he had told her, she never associated any of those words with Brandel.

Kensi opened her mouth to ask, but then decided against it, not wanting to get the mood down. But Roberta was a very intelligent woman and she knew what the woman, that had finally given her son the happiness he deserved, wanted to ask.

“This was before things turned… complicated with my ex-husband. At this time we were a normal family and he used to enjoy the times with his son a lot…” As Roberta kept talking her eyes glazed over and she got a faraway look on her face, clearly lost in her memories. “…Until Martin turned 5 or 6, Brandel was a great father, we didn’t have much but he provided everything he could and every Christmas he got his boy at least one new toy…”

Kensi looked at Deeks who hadn’t said a word since Roberta started telling her stories and wondered what he thought about them.

“…I always remember one Christmas when Martin was 3, Gordon got him a toy train that he loved… after that he always asked Santa for a full train set, but then…” She suddenly stopped, evidently having reached the not so pleasant part of her memories, “…It just didn’t work out.”

Wanting to turn the conversation back to happier times, Roberta decided to tell her newfound family another story from their earlier holidays. “Martin used to love Christmas songs, so much that I used to call him my Little Drummer Boy, because that was his favorite and he used to sing it a lot during the Holidays. But his father was more traditional and having grown up in the 60s his favorite was John Lennon’s Happy Xmas, so our household during the holidays was a strange mashup of traditional Christmas carols and more modern ones like Lennon’s and Queen’s Thank God It’s Christmas… Martin and Gordon used to spend a lot of time together sitting in the front porch, sharing their love for music and the holidays…”

Kensi’s eyes had started to mist with the stories, happy to know that at least Deeks had managed to enjoy some good early Holidays, even if somehow they had all turned out bad after that. She didn’t know a lot of what had caused his family’s situation to end the way it did, but now she was more curious than ever, and again she was determined to one day ask and get her answers.

“I would have love to meet you at that time, you were probably such a cheerful and happy kid…” The love and admiration in Kensi’s eyes as she said the words were enough to melt any man’s heart.

“Yeah princess, I was…” He sounded sad, and all three women noticed it.

Julia, wanting to cheer up her future son-in-law and the man that had returned her daughter to her, decided to share some stories of her own.

“Marty, I’m sure you would also love to hear some stories…” Kensi tensed at the words, thinking that it had been too good to be true, and now it was her turn. “Because my husband was in the military we moved a lot, and one year he was participating in some training in Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina… This was around the Holidays so a few of the military families decided to travel to NC to meet our guys in time for Christmas…”

Deeks was looking intently at Kensi while Julia told the story, seeing all the different emotions play across her face as the story progressed. From sadness, to happiness, to pure joy, and eventually back to sadness.

“After the training was over, all the families decided to make the drive to the mountains in Boone to give our kids a more normal and fun Christmas before their parents were deployed again… We spent 5 days there and it was magical… We stayed in this little cabin and while all the little girls stayed inside by the fireplace drinking hot chocolate and staying warm, our Kensi decided to go with all the boys and the fathers to do some snowboarding… and not surprisingly she gave them a run for their money…”

Deeks laughed, totally imagining a little Kensi, with her perfect mismatched eyes and long brunette hair, running around with the boys and snowboarding better than most.

“I remember that trip… it was one of the best Holidays we spent as a family…” Kensi decided to add her own comment, actually enjoying the memory and the warm feeling it brought her. “After we came back from the mountain, everyone went back to the cabin, but I remember I went with my dad to build a snowman, and we ended up having a huge snow fight between ourselves, until all the rest of the families came out and joined us…”

“Yeah, how could I forget the huge snow ball that one of the other kids accidentally, but I must admit perfectly, aimed at my face?” Everyone laughed, all imagining how the impeccably composed Julia would have reacted in such a situation.

The food had arrived 5 minutes ago but it had remained forgotten until Julia and Kensi finished their story. Now all four individuals decided to mentally return back to the present and enjoy their pancakes, waffles and omelets.

After breakfast… and dessert, was consumed some more stories were shared and after some 30 minutes they all decided it was time to say good-bye and each get back to their Saturday.

As they were exiting the restaurant and starting the walk back to their cars, Roberta turned around excitedly and looked at her son while she said, “next time we met remind me to tell you the story of the first time Martin saw snow, and how he fell on his face when Gordon threw a snow ball at him and my little boy thought it was a good idea to run in the slippery snow…”

Laughter followed all four people to their cars as they each thought the morning had gone well, all looking forward to their next Holiday meeting which had been set for Sunday of next week, to the excitement of the three women and faked annoyance of the one man.

As they started the drive back to the house, Kensi reached out and grabbed Deeks’ hand, bringing their joined hands to her lips and kissing the bundle sweetly. “See baby, it went well…”

“Speak for yourself… 80% of the morning was just sharing stories about myself… and now mama also promised to show you and Julia even more pictures…” Unlike the morning he didn’t sound as exasperated anymore, secretly having enjoyed the simple and carefree morning and listening to the stories of better and simpler times.

“Those stories were lovely, and I would really like to have met you back them… And I was just thinking G and Sam would so love to hear them, maybe we should share them with them when we meet for the Holidays, and the pictures too.” Kensi’s eyes were shining as she said the words, enjoying how they were clearly getting to her boyfriend.

“Don’t even go there Kensalina…” Deeks muttered, not even wanting to imagine the teasing he would have to endure at the hands of the senior partners if those stories and pictures got to them.

They got back to the house 30 minutes later and as they walked towards the door hand-in-hand, as they always did and hoped to always do, Kensi decided her curiosity was winning and braved asking the questions that hadn’t left her mind, “Hey, Deeks…” He stopped to look at her with one hand on the door handle, and the other hand still holding hers, waiting for her to continue… “What happened with your father? The stories today painted a different picture to what you previously told me… I know your mother said it was all well before… So I would like to know when and how it all went so wrong.”

Hearing the questions Deeks closed his eyes and sighed, already expecting they would be coming soon after the talk his mother had started… He didn’t want to go there, but he also couldn’t deny his ladybird anything.

“Not now princess, please. That story is not fun… and it’s related to your previous question, about why I don’t like people to call me Marty…” He squeezed her hand, and mimicking her previous gesture in the car brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed them. “Today, I just want to enjoy the rest of our Saturday, go to the beach as we planned and have a nice dinner with you… But, I will tell you, I promise, soon…” He finished opening the door and stepped inside their home.

“I will hold you to that promise…” Kensi said as she also stepped inside and closed the door behind them, their new Holiday wreath silently shaking with the movement of the door...

#densi-mber #densi #densi-mber writing prompts #densi-mber drabble #ncisla #kensi x deeks #deeks x kensi #densi drabble #ncis los angeles #mashmaiden

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maribelletrash · 7 years ago

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JJBA Secret Santa

Hello @ladyjotaro , I had so much fun writing some jotakak for your secret santa! Sorry for the unoriginal plot and absolute fluff of this piece, but sometimes it’s just what’s needed in the holiday season! Without further ado, I hope you enjoy your present!

It’s December 1st, and Jotaro narrows his eyes into a tight glare at the loud festivities in the shopping complex. The last place he wanted to be was at the crowded and bustling shopping centre, with people darting this way and that, pushing people others out of the way to find the best presents as the Christmas rush came to a close. He was honestly just thinking of buying Kakyoin some cherries and calling it a day; he didn’t really believe in spending a limb on a big present all for some obligatory secret santa activity the class decided would be a fun, festive way to wrap up the year and its festivities, but when his mother got wind of his plans (how did she even find out about the secret santa? And of the crush he had on his own friend he’d met that summer?) she suggested coyly to get his read haired friend something that would really show him just how much he meant to him if it were that hard to tell him upfront.

After letting out sigh, he turned his cap down and left the room, heading for his ownto pick up his wallet. He wondered just what in the world he would get Kakyoin. He liked sumo, yes? Perhaps...no, just giving him some tickets would be nice, but not the present he was looking for. Besides, he doubted he’d enjoy standing around the loud jeering crowds, even if the wrestlers put on a good show. He needed something more...thoughtful, something that would do the talking for him...He thought of delievering such a mystery present to Kakyoin at school and blanched. There’s no way he could pull of delivering any heart-felt handmade chocolates or roses or-damn, what did his mum think he was gonna give to Kakyoin? He decided to have a wander around the shops to get ideas, or just browse the shops idly until something popped up. Groaning, he shut his door silently and walked over to where his mother was taking washing down from the line.

“I’m off,” he tipped his hat slightly, and his mother grinned at him.

“Going to find something for Kakyoin? I’ll have dinner ready for you when you get home. Good luck!” She waved farewell and gave him a beaming smile and he sighed, waving her off and walking out. He hoped her intuition was a mother’s thing, and that it wasn’t just that he was such a readable character that she knew straight away what he was thinking.

—

What he didn’t think to do was to offer his mother come with him-she was often a good deterrent for his usual troupe of girls, who were now tailing him, their voices ringing in his ears as he grunted in annoyance. She also would’ve picked the perfect gift; one that he’d probably look at briefly but pass over as too expensive or to small. He may be able to find a gift for her this way, though. He had been too busy with all the catching up he’d had to do after the events of Egypt, and the couple of months after that his grandfather advised he take off from school to process everything that happened and fully recover to think of the upcoming seasons festivities.

As Jotaro entered the complex, he realised with a frustrated sigh that he had no idea as to how he would begin his search. Should he just try all the shops and hope that something would catch his fancy? Or go to the stores he remembers the two frequent and find something worth buying there? Figuring he’d have more luck with the latter, he marched off in the direction of the home living store. The girls that had been following him had grown, and his patience thinned at their noise.

“Where are you off to today, Jotaro?”

“Can I help you with anything?”

“Hey, don’t be so presumptuous! It’s not like he just came in here with no idea what he was buying-“

“Get lost, damn it! You’re really starting to annoy me, all of you!” He yelled, turning to them suddenly. A couple of passerby’s stared as the girls turned their attention to him. Letting out a forlorn sigh, the first one nodded, the others following suit.

“Good luck, Jotaro! Hopefully I’ll see you soon,” The last one called out to him, only to get jabbed by the girl next to her. There voices finally faded into the other sounds in the shopping centre, and Jotaro adjusted his hat and continued walking until he reached the shop he was looking for.

Before his Egypt trip, he doubted he’d be seen dead in a store like this, but if that trip had made him slightly more open to doing little things for his mother. There was no laser eye beaming vampires in the home and living store that he had to be afraid of, so he took a deep breath and stepped into the store, gritting his teeth as he heard the bubbly voice welcome him into the store.

“Welcome!” The assistants, while gaping at his large, intimidating figure still managed to speak. The soft, joyful music that flowed from the speakers seemed to undermine his presence even more, and his eyes scanned the store for something that his mother would appreciate and found the kitchen wares section. It was last month that he’d broken his mothers tea set, an accident, yes, but the sounds of his mother letting out a string of coughs turned his blood cold and terrified him to the very core. He still felt guilty even though his mother smiled and told him it was no bother, insisting she was just coming down with a cold while fussing over his bloody hands.

He browsed the selection, surprised to see that it would take quite a chunk out of his spending money to replace the whole set. His mouth set into a frown, he carefully examined the set, deciding that the cherry blossom set, although typical, was one his mother would probably enjoy the most, and looked very similar to the one he had broke. He considered complaining about the price, as he placed the tea set on the counter carefully, tipping his hat slightly.

“Ah, an excellent choice, sir,” the lady at the counter glanced at him under her spectacles for a moment before looking away quickly when she was met with a harsh glare. Her face lit up when she scanned the set.

“A-And it’s 30% off! That’ll come to 335 yen, sir,” He opened his wallet, paying for the items quickly, nodding once when the shopkeepers assistant asked if he’d like it wrapped. Walking out, he dipped his hat once more, feeling his cheeks burn. If the old man were to see this...he didn’t think he’d ever live it down

Jotaro, after checking the time to realise he’d spent the last two hours in a search for a present for Kakyoin with almost no luck. Although Turbo Racing was expensive as it had only recently come out, and as he hadn’t heard anything from Kakyoin that tipped him off to him owning the game, he thought it wouldn’t be a present wasting space on the mantelpiece. But Kakyoin would avoid bragging about games and his favourites to Jotaro, who had no real interest in video games. Not to mention...as reluctant as he was to admiring his feelings to Kakyoin, his near death had shaken Jotaro. It had been eating at him enough already, wondering if his friend fancied him the same way he did, and he wanted to tell him; he didn’t really want to think of what would happen if he got rejected, and he wanted to think he had a fighting chance at Kakyoin returning his feelings. He noticed the way his eyes would linger on his slightly, or the way his eyes would light up as he saw Jotaro when he was walking to school. He asked the man at the register for the game, and the shop assistant gave him an apologetic smile.

“We don’t have any more of these in the store anymore, but I can put the game on order for you?” He ground his teeth, and the man behind the counter grimaced as if excepting impact. Instead, he waved him off and walked out. It probably wasn’t a gift his mum would buy his father, anyways.

To say he was a little annoyed that he went all this way and still ended up without a present for Kakyoin was an understatement. He was starting to seriously regret agreeing to the whole “Secret Santa” business.

————-

His mother had other ideas up her sleeve, but he barely considered getting Kakyoin the fluffy teddy bear holding a heart before he yelled that there was no way he was going to be seen giving him that before walking out of the living room in a huff. He sighed, placing the tea set on his desk and grabbing out a cigarette from the pack in his pocket, heading out to the garden outside of the house. Maybe if he thought it over for a while he’d find a present. Thinking back to the game store, the man did say that there were other stores he could try, as unlikely as they may still have stock. It wasn’t until his mum called him in for dinner that he realised he’d snapped his cigarette in half, and picked the pieces up, taking them to the rubbish bin with a curse before joining his mum.

They ate in comfortable silence, until Holly jumped a little from her seat.

“Oh, I just thought! Kakyoin likes those racing games, why don’t you get him the new one?” He looked up with a raised eyebrow and sighed.

“You don’t think I haven’t tried that yet?” She peered at him slightly, and smiled again.

“Have you tried the other stores? It might be further out, but I’d bet Kakyoin will know-“

“Good idea.” He cut her off before she finished that sentence. He learnt that yelling at her did little to change her babbling on about her sons first love after she first found out and wouldn’t stop talking about it all day. She smiled, and as she spoke again as she poured some tea into her cup.

“Ahh, I wonder if I’ll get something nice under the tree this year...you know, I’ve already wrapped some presents, they’re under the tree now...” Jotaro let the frown that had been set on his face to relax as he ate his food quietly, giving his mother the occasional nod or shrug when she posed a statement to him and enjoyed the food his mum had made. No doubt the next day would prove almost as challenging as this one, and he resolved to having a relaxed evening so he would be more prepared to deal with it than he was today.

The day of the Secret Santa reveals was here, and begun with several girls from his homeroom catching him on his way to school and arguing about who he got and what he’d give them. After yelling at them to be quiet, he continued to school, spotting the very boy that his present was for.

“Ah, good morning, Jotaro,” Kakyoin called out, and joined flank with the tall delinquent, a small bag in his hand along with his normal school bag. Jotaro gave him a nod, and glanced at the bag for a moment.

“It’s today, right? The Secret Santa gift giving. I hope so, I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise of my present,” Jotaro gave him a nod, and Kakyoin looked over to Jotaro.

“Did you bring a present, Jotaro?” He cleared his throat before answering. His fangirls wouldn’t shut up once they heard him, but they were bound to find out eventually.

“Yes, it’s just a little small,” Kakyoin gave him a bemused expression.

“I wonder what you got them, Jotaro.” He smiles to himself and tipped his hat slightly.

“I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise of my present, Kakyoin,” His companion blinked twice before answering, a soft smile on his face that paused him slightly.

“That’s very true, Jotaro. Well, I suppose I won’t have to wait long, shall I?” His words were slightly muffled by the loud exclamations of the growing crowd of girls behind him.

“Did you hear that? Jotaro got his Secret Santa a present!”

“I hope he got something for me...”

“Don’t be silly! You have horrible luck, it’ll probably be one of his friends if anything!” The school bell ringed three times over, and Jotaro let out a sigh before setting his shoes away and making his way to class.

As class begun, the teacher stopped through their lecture and called everyone to attention.

“You may give your gifts to your secret santa at any time during the day, but make sure to tick your name off when your present has been given to you so that we know everyone has given their gifts out!” The teacher gave Jotaro a look before looking to his book and allowing the class to chatter a bit before he asked them to quiet down so he could resume the lesson, and his eyes looked for anything but his teacher, and his eyes found Kakyoin, or the back of his head in front of him. Suddenly, he turned around, catching his stare. Jotaro ground his teeth, but kept his blank stare, and Kakyoin’s voice joined the hum of murmurs within the class.

“Jotaro, would you mind if I joined you for lunch today?” If Kakyoin didn’t spend his afternoons at the arts room finishing off his project, or Jotaro wasn’t beating up some poor soul who decided to sour his mood, they would spend their lunches together and chat about miscellaneous subjects that happened to cross their mind, or nothing at all and just watch as the students went about chatting animatedly or playing sport. He enjoyed Kakyoin’s company, and he’d been saving money from the number of cigarettes he’d saved from his company, so he didn’t ever deny Kakyoin’s company. Whether he knew this or not he wasn’t sure of, but Jotaro has the strangest feeling that his friend knew exactly the answer-yet he asked to hear his gruff agreement of “I’ve got nothing better to do” and catch him quickly averting his gaze. He wondered whether his seemingly transparent disposition came from his mother, and whether or not she had as much trouble with it as he did. Just as Kakyoin smiled (a smug smile, Jotaro realised and sighed.) and just as he was about to answer, the teachers voice cut through the class, and he turned to pay attention to the teacher. Jotaro had to will his eyes not to bring their gaze back to the boy as he fought of the flush in his cheeks, and muttered his now infamous one-liners. A part of him hoped that Kakyoin would hear it and grin, and that the teacher would catch him and send him a look of warning as he continued his lecture in his dry, monotone voice.

————

The lunch bell chimed, and even as he’d faced a relentless vampire that was hellbent on ruling the world and his underlings, yet his heart was pounding as he walked out, holding his present in hand. He walked the halls that were now filling up with students with care, trying to avoid any of his usual adorers on his way outside.

“Eager to get out, Jotaro?” By the time he was halfway from the school, he heard his friends voice calling out and turned around, giving him a nod to the bench that was shaded by the impossibly old tree. The game that was stuffed into his jacket seemed to burn in his pocket, and he silently wished Kakyoin would hurry up so they could get this over with and he could light up a cigarette.

“Didn’t want to deal with those bit-women,” Spitting out the term with as much venom as Jotaro did then probably didn’t sound very respecting, but it was certainly an improvement that even his grandfather had noted. Kakyoin shot him an amused smile and brought out his lunch along with a box with simple yet elegant wrapping. Jotaro expected that anyone who he was dropping that off to would instantly know it was him, but said nothing as Kakyoin raised his eyebrow at him.

“What?” Jotaro frowned at the boy, who gestured to the present that had slided out slightly from Jotaro’s pocket.

“I suppose I shouldn’t have expected a big present from you, Jotaro. Do you want to stop by the lockers after lunch to deliver our gifts?” Jotaro coughed twice and took the game out, handing it to Kakyoin. Looking out to the tree, he cursed himself for not keeping his cool as he muttered

“Actually...It’s for you,” Kakyoin’s eyes widened slightly as he inspected the wrapping.

“That’s...convenient,” Kakyoin chuckled a bit as he unwrapped the present. He blinked, twice, and then turned to Jotaro with that smile that made him turn his gaze so Kakyoin wouldn’t see his cheeks rising in colour.

“Where did you get this? I’ve been looking everywhere for it,” he sounded excited, which was good news; he was glad he wasn’t giving Kakyoin something he already owned.

“I found it in a small store out a couple of towns back. Don’t lose it or anything though, will you? Took me two days to buy the thing...” Jotaro was surprised at himself for holding a decent conversation with Kakyoin, judging on the fact that he’d been holding his tongue for the past couple of days to prevent being suspended by one of the teachers who had given him one last chance to get his act together or face consequences. Besides, he’d much rather tell the truth to Kakyoin then his mother when she next saw him. It seemed Kakyoin wasn’t expecting to be so forward, and spotting the pink in Kakyoin’s cheeks gave him a slight smug satisfaction.

“Thank you, Jotaro, really,” He set down the gift before continuing, but Jotaro’s eyes were still on the present, specifically the card that stuck to the cover of the game.

“I wonder who will be bringing you a present, hmm?...Jotaro?” The said teen coughed again in the break, this time nodding to the card.

“My, you’ve even written me something...” Kakyoin seemed to stare at the message for longer than Jotaro expected as his sentence trailed off into silence, and he started to regret even agreeing to his mum's idea in the first place. But as hard as it was to admit to himself, let alone the very person he loved; when he saw Kakyoin’s warm smile as he nodded in reply to the card and asked him what time would be best for him, he knew it was worth it and offered his date a small, rare smile of his own.

At least all the trouble he’d been through had its own way of working out in the end.

I’m sorry if this sounds a little ooc, I tried to do as best as I could! I set it in an AU where Kakyoin lives, and set it as almost the climax of a slow burn between the two. I like to think that after everything that’s happened in Egypt, he’s so glad to see his mother happy and recovered that he’s willing to demonstrate a little more respect for Holly. I hope you enjoyed this, and Merry Christmas!

#2017 secret santa #jjba secret santa #Jotaro Kujo #Noriaki Kakyoin #jotakak #sorry about the shitty gift idea...jotaro is bad at gift ideas and so am I #long post #writing #jjba-secret-santa-2017

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michaelandy101-blog · 4 years ago

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You Need This 2021 Marketing Calendar [Free Templates]

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You Need This 2021 Marketing Calendar [Free Templates]

With 2020 almost behind us, it’s time to set your sights on next year’s marketing campaigns.

That means a lot of #CatDad photos, “New Year, new you” messaging, and pumpkin spice lattes.

Consider this your ultimate holiday marketing calendar for 2021.

Many of the holidays listed here are classics; some are feel-good holidays, and some are made up by brand themselves.

Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this.

Sidebar: Would you like me to add more holidays, topics, or just have feedback? Please fill out 👉 this form. I will review all the feedback and comments before building the 2022 marketing calendar. Thank you!

2021 Free Marketing Calendar Templates

Whether you’re the kind of marketer who starts feeling festive in July or you’re the wait-until-Christmas-break type, there’s no doubt that prepping your 2021 holiday marketing comes with a cornucopia of stressors.

The good news is that I’ve started the planning process for you.

Ahead, I’ve shared my two holiday marketing calendar templates for 2021 including a Google calendar and spreadsheet. That will help you get through the season like a boss.

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Yep – these holiday marketing calendar templates may be the best gift you’ve ever received.

2021 Marketing Calendar

Here is the marketing calendar for 2021.

The tab titled “All Holidays + Google Calendar” can be used to upload to Google Calendar.

Your 2021 marketing calendar is going to be above and beyond – all with a seasonal twist. Let’s keep it going with a breakdown of all the holidays, big events, and inspiration campaigns.

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Your 2021 Holiday Marketing Calendar

I’ve separated this calendar by month, so you can jump to a certain month with one click below:

January

Right now, there’s a good chance that your target audience is getting bombarded by winter sales and gym workouts on Instagram.

The thing is, January is the time to experience a refresh. Along with this rejuvenation, comes college football games, SAG awards, and Elvis’s birthday.

If you’re not sure where to begin when crafting your January marketing campaigns, ahead are holidays, sporting events, birthdays, and more to celebrate in January.

Monthly Observances

Weight Loss Awareness Month National Blood Donor Month National Thank You Month National Hobby Month National Tea Month Girl Scout Cookie Season Begins

Weekly Observances

January 1-7 – Diet Resolution Week January 17-23 – Hunt For Happiness Week January 17-23 – Sugar Awareness Week January 24-30 – National School Choice Week January 24-31 – Meat Week January 24-30 – Clean Out Your Inbox Week

Days

January 1 – New Year’s Day January 1 – National Hangover Day January 1 – Outback Bowl January 1 – Rose Bowl January 1 – NHL Winter Classic January 6-10 – PGA Tournament of Champions January 2 – Science Fiction Day January 3 – Festival of Sleep Day January 4 – Trivia Day January 10 – National Bird Day January 6 – National Bean Day January 6 – Cuddle Up Day January 8 – Elvis’s Birthday January 9 – National Take the Stairs Day January 10 – National Bittersweet Chocolate Day January 10 – Houseplant Appreciation Day January 11 – National Human Trafficking Awareness Day January 11 – College Football Playoff National Championship January 11 – National Clean Off Your Desk Day January 13 – National Sticker Day January 14 – Dress Up Your Pet Day January 15 – National Hat Day January 17 – Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day January 18 – Winnie the Pooh Day (Author A.A. Milne’s birthday) January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 19 – National Popcorn Day January 20 – Penguin Awareness Day January 20 – National Cheese Lover’s Day January 21 – Get To Know Your Customer’s Day January 21 – National Hugging Day January 23 – National Pie Day January 24 – Compliment Day January 24 – National Peanut Butter Day January 25 – Opposite Day January 25 – Community Manager Appreciation Day #CMAD January 26 – Spouse’s Day January 27 – Chocolate Cake Day January 28 – Sundance Film Festival begins January 28 – Fun at Work Day January 28 – Data Privacy Day January 28-31 – Winter X Games January 29 – National Puzzle Day January 30 – National Hockey League All-Star Game January 31 – Backward Day January 31 – Grammy’s

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Popular hashtags for January:

Examples of January holiday marketing campaigns for brands:

How would you explain the repeal of Net Neutrality? We did it with the Whopper. Watch the video below: pic.twitter.com/9EWjtbenv8

— Burger King (@BurgerKing) January 24, 2018

.@Spotify I’m loving your New Years campaign! Proof that data collection drives headlines and is attention grabbing. #kudos pic.twitter.com/AKcWjLpIff

— Anderhays (@anderhays) December 7, 2017

Refugees travel about 2 billion km every year to find safety.

Show them they’re not alone & #StepWithRefugees https://t.co/VAgv1ZcCIA pic.twitter.com/TOTZEfdmRH

— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) January 27, 2019

Toothless already won New Years. #HowToTrainYourDragon pic.twitter.com/XeBXwGWNUM

— DreamWorks Animation (@Dreamworks) December 26, 2018

February

February is extra special this year. It’s not all about Valentine’s Day, Fashion Week, or Super Bowl Sunday (okay, maybe it is).

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This year, February packs a punch with an extra day because it’s a leap year. February 29 happens every four years to keep us aligned with orbit around the sun.

So, what’s a marketer to do in February to target the right audience?

First, wish for spring to begin. And, second, keep scrolling for all the inspiration you need to make February a high-performing month for your business.

Monthly Observances

Black History Month American Heart Month National Heart Month National Weddings Month National Cherry Month

Weekly Observances

February 7-13 – Eating Disorder Awareness Week TBD – New York Fashion Week February 8-14 – Freelance Writers Appreciation Week February 14-20 – International Flirting Week February 8-14 – Condom Week February 17-23 – Random Acts of Kindness Week February 19-23 – London Fashion Week February 19-24 – Milan Fashion Week

Days

February 1 – National Freedom Day February 2 – Groundhog Day February 4 – World Cancer Day February 5 – Bubble Gum Day February 5 – World Nutella Day February 5 – National Weatherperson’s Day February 5 – Give Kids a Smile Day February 5 – Wear Red Day February 6 – National Chopsticks Day February 7 – Super Bowl Sunday February 7 – Send a Card to a Friend Day #SendACardToAFriendDay February 8-14 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am February 8 – Boy Scout’s Day February 9 – National Pizza Day February 10 – Umbrella Day February 11 – Make a Friend Day February 12 – Chinese New Year February 12 – Lincoln’s Birthday February 14 – Valentine’s Day February 15 – Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday February 15 – Singles Awareness Day February 15 – Presidents Day February 16 – Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday February 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Day February 17 – Ash Wednesday February 18 – Drink Wine Day February 20 – Love Your Pet Day February 22 – Washington’s Birthday February 22 – Margarita Day February 22 – Walk Your Dog Day February 24 – National Tortilla Chip Day February 26 – National Pistachio Day February 28 – Floral Design Day February 28 – Golden Globes

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Popular hashtags for February:

Examples of February holiday marketing campaigns for brands:

Thank you, THANK YOU #SBLII @nfl @pepsi! Congrats @Eagles🏆! We out!! @thetnkids #PepsiHalftime 🏈 pic.twitter.com/xjcjqAyBAc

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) February 6, 2018

Field Notes – Valentine’s Day Offer

Google Pixel – President’s Day Offer

Verizon: AllOurThanks.com

Target: Celebrate Black History Month

March

Just when you are finally out of your holiday winter slump, Daylight Saving Time catches us all longing for a nap.

Although there’s no amount of coffee that can help you prepare for the upcoming month, I did share a few marketing campaign ideas below to get you started.

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From the World Wildlife Day to International Women’s Day, March has a lot to offer.

Monthly Observances

Women’s History Month Nutrition Month Peanut Month Music in Our Schools Month Craft Month Irish Heritage Month American Red Cross Month March for Meals The Great American Cleanup

Weekly Observances

March 1-9 – Paris Women’s Fashion Week March 7-13 – National Sleep Awareness Week March 8 -14– Girl Scout Week March 12-17 – Campfire Birthday Week March 28 – Apr 3 National Cleaning Week

Days

March 1 – Peanut Butter Lover’s Day March 2 – National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day) March 4-7 – Arnold Palmer Invitational PGA March 3 – World Wildlife Day March 4 – Grammar Day March 5 – Day of Unplugging March 5 –Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sales Begin March 5 – Employee Appreciation Day March 6 – Dentist’s Day March 6 – Oreo Day March 6 – Shaq’s Birthday March 7 – Cereal Day March 8 – International Women’s Day March 11-14 – The Players Championship PGA March 11 – Popcorn Lover’s Day March 12 – World Sleep Day March 12– Girl Scout Birthday March 13 – Jewel Day March 14 – Daylight Savings March 14 – SAG Awards March 14 – Pi Day March 15 – Napping Day March 15 – The Ides of March March 15 – Oscar Nominations Announcement March 16-20 – SXSW Online March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day March 18 –Awkward Moments Day March 20 – First Day of Spring March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 22 – World Water Day March 23 – Ag Day (Agriculture Day) March 23 – Puppy Day March 23 – American Diabetes Association Alert Day March 26 – Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness March 27 – Earth Hour Day March 28 – Palm Sunday March 29 – Mom & Pop Business Owners Day March 30 – National Doctor’s Day March 31 – Equal Pay Day March 31 – Crayon Day March 31 – Transgender Day of Visibility

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Popular hashtags for March:

Examples of March holiday marketing campaigns for brands:

youtube

We’re celebrating #StPatricksDay the Jameson way at the office! Join the fun on Snapchat with @JamesonCanada filters, available across 🇨🇦🥃 pic.twitter.com/CWn905NH3z

— Corby Spirit & Wine (@CorbySW) March 17, 2017

Brawny: #StrengthHasNoGender

April

“April showers bring May flowers,” makes April sound like…well…a real bummer.

April deserves silent golf clap because April is bringing us National Denim Day, World Autism Day, the Master’s PGA tournament, and so much more.

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And, to top it all off, springtime drops (hello, spring cleaning and pretty Peeps).

Monthly Observances

Earth Month National Volunteer Month National Autism Awareness Month Keep America Beautiful Month National Garden Month Stress Awareness Month National Poetry Month

Weekly Observances

April 18-24 – National Volunteer Week April 18-24 – Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week April 18-24 – Administrative Professionals Week April 26-30 – Every Kid Healthy Week April 18-24 – National Princess Week

Days

April 1 – April Fool’s Day April 1 – Baseball Opening Day April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day April 2 – National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day April 2 – National Walking Day April 02 – Good Friday April 3 – Don’t Go To Work Unless it’s Fun Day April 3 – Find a Rainbow Day April 04 – Easter Sunday April 6 – School Librarian Day April 6 – National Beer Day April 7 – World Health Day April 8-11 – Masters Tournament PGA April 9 – Winston Churchill Da TBD (Typically April 10) – Free Cone Day (Ben & Jerry’s) April 10 – Golfer’s Day April 9-11 – Coachella Music Festival April 11 – National Pet Day April 12 – National Grilled Cheese Day April 15 – National Titanic Remembrance Day April 15 – Tax Day April 15 – National High-Five Day April 19 – Boston Marathon April 20 – Lookalike Day April 21 – Administrative Professionals Day April 22 – Earth Day April 22 – Take Your Daughter and/or Son to Work Day April 25 – Oscars Ceremony April 28 – Denim Day April 28 – National Superhero Day April 30 – Arbor Day April 30 – National Honesty Day April 30 – National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

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Popular hashtags for April:

Examples of April holiday marketing campaigns for brands:

youtube

National Geographic: Partner Content for the North Face

Burger King: The King’s Fool’s Challenge

Packlane – Easter Offer

This #EarthDay, we’re hosting cleanup events across the globe with @MissionBlue! If at least 1,500 #PokemonGO Trainers attend these events, Trainers will see special in game surprises! Find your closest cleanup event here: https://t.co/b9FJdxCW6O pic.twitter.com/8tFhW7HMC0

— Niantic, Inc. (@NianticLabs) April 4, 2018

May

May is here which means the nights are only getting hotter and longer.

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That also means that it’s time for #MayThe4thBeWithYou hashtags, tequila, big hats, and BBQ.

May doesn’t just celebrate the start of summer with a day OOO, it also kicks off our summer marketing campaigns.

Monthly Observances

ALS Awareness Asthma Awareness National Celiac Disease Awareness Month Clean Air Month Global Employee Health and Fitness Month National Barbecue Month National Bike Month National Hamburger Month National Salad Month National Photograph Month Gifts from the Garden Month Lupus Awareness Month Military Family Appreciation Month

Weekly Observances

April 25 – May 1 – Food Allergy Awareness Week May 1-7 – National Pet Week May 2-8 – National Tourism Week May 2-8 – Drinking Water Week May 2-8 – Teacher Appreciation Week May 10-16 – Nurse’s Week

Days

TBD (Typically May 1) – Red Nose Day May 1 – May Day May 1 – Mother Goose Day May 1 – Kentucky Derby May 4 – Thank A Teacher Day May 4 – Star Wars Day May 4 – International Firefighters Day May 4 – National Teacher’s Day May 5 – Cinco De Mayo May 6 – National Nurses Day May 7 – World Password Day May 7 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day May 8 – World Fair Trade Day May 8 – World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day May 09 – Mother’s Day May 11 – Eat What You Want Day May 12 – National Receptionists Day May 15 – Armed Forces Day May 15 – National Chocolate Chip Day May 16 – Love a Tree Day May 17-23 – PGA Championship May 21 – National Bike to Work Day May 21 – NASCAR Day May 20 – Be a Millionaire Day May 23-Jun 6 – French Open May 24 – Victoria Day (Canada) May 25 – Geek Pride Day May 25 – National Wine Day May 26 – Sally Ride Day May 28-31 – Indianapolis 500 May 31 – Memorial Day May 31 – World No-Tobacco Day

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Popular hashtags for May:

Examples of May holiday marketing for brands:

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#NoGuacNoCinco

Today only: turn yourself into a taco using our @Snapchat lens. Because Cinco de Mayo. pic.twitter.com/P4KwLdFNFZ

— Taco Bell (@tacobell) May 5, 2016

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June

Brace yourself, we’re halfway through the year. That means heat waves, #RadDadsSquad pics, rainbow flags in shop windows, and summer getaways.

So while you’re dusting off the BBQ or hitting the links, now is the time to create shareable marketing campaigns like the ALS ice bucket challenge or the IHOP’s IHOb campaign.

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Because if you don’t share it on social, did it really happen?

Monthly Observances

Men’s Health Month National Safety Month Acne Awareness Month LGBTQ Pride Month National Adopt a Cat Month Aquarium Month Candy Month

Weekly Observances

June 6-12 – Pet Appreciation Week June 14-20 – Men’s Health Week

Days

June 2 – National Rocky Road Day June 4 – National Donut Day June 4 – Hug Your Cat Day June 4 – National Cheese Day June 5 – World Environment Day June 7 – National Chocolate Ice Cream Day June 8 – World Oceans Day June 8 – National Best Friends Day June 9 – Donald Duck Day June 10 – Iced Tea Day June 17-20 – Bonnaroo Music Festival June 13 – National Weed Your Garden Day June 14 – Flag Day June 14-20 –U.S. Open PGA June 18 – National Splurge Day June 19 – World Juggler’s Day June 20 – Father’s Day June 20 – First Day of Summer / Summer Solstice June 21 – National Selfie Day June 22 – National Kissing Day June 23-July 11 – Wimbledon June 24 – National Handshake Day June 25 – National Take a Dog to Work Day June 29 – Camera Day June 30 – Social Media Day

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Popular hashtags for June:

Examples of June holiday marketing for brands:

Life’s Good, Get Dirty

If we can clean up 65,000 fun-loving festival goers at #Bonnaroo, we can take care of your mess too with our long-lasting, durable washers. #LifesGood #GetDirty

Posted by LG Electronics USA on Thursday, June 21, 2018

The largest delivery in @Amazon history. pic.twitter.com/xOhuJ7dLFy

— Jurassic World (@JurassicWorld) June 2, 2018

July

July is more than just another summer month. It’s also a chance to celebrate America’s independence, order too much stuff on Prime Day, share your favorite emojis, and watch golf.

When it comes to marketing in July, there are tons of opportunities to engage with your customers – from pet safety tips during the 4th of July to free shipping.

Monthly Observances

Ice Cream Month National Grilling Month National Picnic Month National Independent Retailer Month National Blueberry Month

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Weekly Observances

July 18-24 – Capture the Sunset Week July 18-24 – Independent Retailers Week

Days

July 1 – National Postal Worker Day July 1 – International Joke Day July 2 – World UFO Day July 2 – 25 – Tour de France July 4 – Independence Day July 4 – Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest July 5 – National Bikini Day July 7 – World Chocolate Day July 8 – Video Games Day July 11 – National 7-Eleven Day July 12 – Pecan Pie Day July 13 – Rock Worldwide Day July 13 – French Fry Day July 16 – World Snake Day July 16-19 – Summer X Games July 17 – World Emoji Day July 18 – National Ice Cream Day July 20 – Hot Dog Day July 18 – Amazon Prime Day July 19 – National Daiquiri Day July 20 – National Moon Day July 21 – #NoMakeUp Day July 24 – Amelia Earhart Day July 25 – Parents’ Day July 26 – Aunt and Uncle Day July 28 – World Hepatitis Day July 29-31 – World Lumberjack Championships July 30 – Father-in-Law Day July 30 – International Day of Friendship

Popular hashtags for July:

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Examples of July holiday marketing for brands:

Smirnoff: 4th of July Party Pitch

Amazon: Prime Day Deals

There are those who keep us cool by keeping theirs. Professionals in the art of refreshment – A/C techs, fridge specialists and pool professionals. We prefer to call them The Refreshionals. And they proudly present the only drink that’s certified refreshing – the #JimBeamHighball pic.twitter.com/EYcueRZw9J

— Jim Beam (@JimBeam) July 15, 2019

Google are also giving their emojis a refresh. Blobs are out, and this is in 🔥https://t.co/NiE13afwDC

— World Emoji Day 📅 (@WorldEmojiDay) July 17, 2019

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August

Let’s be honest: The reality is that August signals that summer will be over before we know it. It’s back-to-school season and every girl has a PSL on their Instagram feed.

So, whether your audience is heading off to experience dorm life for the first time, kicking back with a cold one for NFL preseason, or just Netflix and chill with your dog, August has something for every brand.

Monthly Observances

Back to School Month National Golf Month National Breastfeeding Month Family Fun Month Peach Month

Weekly Observances

August 1-7 – National Farmers’ Market Week August 8-14 – National Motorcycle Week (Always 2nd full week of August) August 8-14 – Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week (Always 2nd full week of August)

Days

August 1 – National Girlfriends Day August 1 – Friendship Day August 2 – National Ice Cream Sandwich Day August 2-8 – World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational August 6 – International Beer Day August 5 – NFL Preseason begins August 8 – International Cat Day August 9 – Book Lover’s Day August 10 – National S’mores Day August 12 – Middle Child’s Day August 13 – Left-hander’s Day August 16 – National Tell a Joke Day August 18 – Bad Poetry Day August 19 – World Photo Day August 19 – World Humanitarian Day August 20 – National Lemonade Day August 21 – Senior Citizens Day August 26 – National Dog Day August 26 – Women’s Equality Day August 30 – Frankenstein Day August 31 – National Trail Mix Day

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Popular hashtags for August:

Examples of August holiday marketing for brands:

Staples for Students Scholarship Sweepstakes

Enter our #DormBattlestation Giveaway for a chance to win the ultimate college setup, including gear from MSI Gaming,…

Posted by Newegg on Friday, July 20, 2018

Target Run with the Stauffer Family

Back-to-school season is here! Follow Papa Buz, Mila and Emma from Kcstauffer on their #TargetRun. ✏️ 🗒️ Start your list here: http://tgt.biz/742yu

Posted by Target on Monday, July 23, 2018

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September

Break out those bathing suits and sunglasses one last time as September brings the first signs of fall.

I’m the kind of marketer who overplans. So, to help keep things on track, I have to narrow in on what the brands I work with really need.

With this list of popular holidays in September, you can decide if you want to skip Talk Like A Pirate Day (but, I mean, why would you?), or maybe you’re ready to cheers to the start of Oktoberfest.

Everything about September should be easy and breezy – your marketing budget included.

Monthly Observances

Wilderness Month National Preparedness Month National Food Safety Education Month Fruit and Veggies—More Matters Month National Yoga Awareness Month Whole Grains Month Hispanic Heritage Month Little League Month Better Breakfast Month

Weekly Observances

September 5-11 – National Suicide Prevention Week September 20-26 – Pollution Prevention Week September 19-25 – National Indoor Plant Week September 19-25 – National Dog Week

Days

September 4 – International Bacon Day September 5 – Cheese Pizza Day September 5 – International Day of Charity September 6 – Labor Day September 6 – Read a Book Day September 6-8 – Rosh Hashanah September 11 – 9/11 September 11 – Patriot’s Day September 12 – National Video Games Day September 12– Grandparents Day September 13 – Uncle Sam Day September 15 – Greenpeace Day September 15-16 – Yom Kippur September 17 – Constitution Day September 17 – Citizenship Day September 18 – Oktoberfest Begins September 18 – Boys’ and Girls’ Club Day for Kids September 19 – Wife Appreciation Day September 19 – International Talk Like a Pirate September 21 – International Day of Peace September 22 – Car-free Day September 23 – First Day of Fall September 23 – Checkers Day September 24 – Native American Day September 27 – World Tourism Day September 28– National Voter Registration Day September 28 – World Rabies Day September 28 – National Good Neighbor Day September 29 – World Heart Day September 30 – International Podcast Day

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Popular hashtags for September:

Examples of September holiday marketing for brands:

Whole Foods: International Bacon Day

Celebrate 5778 with apples, honey and an emoji! Tweet using #RoshHashanah or #ShanahTovah to unlock a sweet emoji. pic.twitter.com/vLTwmN0trc

— Twitter Faith (@TwitterFaith) September 19, 2017

October

For some, October is about watching Hocus Pocus on repeat, pumpkin beer, and orange-stuff Oreos.

Then, there are those of us marketers who see October as a chance to promote your brand like the Dunkin Dress Up Contest, or Lush’s Halloween Collection.

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If you’re planning to work overtime to deliver a scary good marketing campaign for October 2021, this list of October holidays will help you climb uphill to holiday marketing domination. Unpleasant dreams! 👋👋

Monthly Observances

Breast Cancer Awareness Month AIDS Awareness Month Bully Prevention Month Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Halloween Safety Month Financial Planning Month National Pizza Month Allergy Appreciation Month

Weekly Observances

October 4-10 – Great Books Week (Always 1st full week) October 3-9 – National Work From Home Week (Always first full week) October 17-23 – Mediation Week (Third Week in October) October 17-23 – National Business Women’s Week (Third Week in October) October 23-31 – National Red Ribbon Week

Days

October 1 – Coffee Day October 1 – World Smile Day October 1 – MLB World Series begins (date TBD) October 1 – World Vegetarian Day October 2 – Name Your Car Day October 2 – Brow Day October 3 – National Techies Day October 3 – National Boyfriends Day October 4 – National Taco Day October 4 – Oktoberfest Ends October 4 – National Kale Day October 5 – World Teacher’s Day October 8 – World Egg Day October 9 – Leif Erikson Day October 10 – World Mental Health Day October 11 – Columbus Day October 11 – It’s My Party Day October 16 – World Food Day October 16 – Boss’s Day October 16 – Sweetest Day October 21 – Spirit Day (anti-bullying) October 23 – Make a Difference Day October 24 – United Nations Day October 30 – Mischief Night October 30 – Checklist Day October 31 – Day of the Dead Begins October 31 – Halloween

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Popular hashtags for October:

Examples of October holiday marketing for brands:

Vanta Fanta? #OddThingsToAskAVampire pic.twitter.com/eOc3205c8d

— Fanta (@fanta) October 4, 2018

You win some, you lose some.

Posted by M&M’S USA on Friday, October 12, 2018

We see ice kühl shots in your future. pic.twitter.com/xSVtjtW13t

— Jägermeister USA (@JagermeisterUSA) October 6, 2018

November

November sparks the fact that the year is almost over. November creeps its way into our marketing campaigns with the official introduction of the holiday season.

And, that means holiday-themed marketing campaigns like HotelTonight’s humorous holiday ads or Oreo’s #colorfilled packaging.

So, in honor of those marketing comrades-in-arms who are planning their 2021 marketing calendar with you, I’ve shared some memorable holidays to make your calendar even more palatable than last year’s old dried-out turkey.

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Monthly Observances

November National Healthy Skin Month Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month National Adoption Month National Gratitude Month Peanut Butter Lovers’ Month National Diabetes Awareness Month

Weekly Observances

November 8-14 – World Kindness Week (second week – Monday – Sunday) November 14-20 – American Education Week November 28 – December 6 – Chanukah

Days

November 1 – All Saint’s Day November 1 – World Vegan Day November 2 – Day of the Dead Ends November 3 – Sandwich Day November 4 – King Tut Day November 7 – Daylight Savings Time ends November 8 – Cappuccino Day November 8 – STEM Day November 10 – Marine Corp Birthday November 11 – Veterans Day November 12 – Chicken Soup for the Soul Day November 13 – World Kindness Day November 13 – Sadie Hawkins Day November 14 – World Diabetes Day November 15 – America Recycles Day November 16 – National Entrepreneurs Day (third Tuesday of November) November 16 – International Tolerance Day November 17 – Homemade Bread Day November 25 – Thanksgiving Day November 26 – Black Friday November 27 – Small Business Saturday November 29 – Cyber Monday November 30 – Giving Tuesday

Popular hashtags for November:

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Examples of November holiday marketing for brands:

Like 💚 to get a reminder for your #2018Wrapped from @Spotify on December 6th. pic.twitter.com/3hANiMIWrM

— Spotify (@Spotify) November 28, 2018

Moustache Season is now open for business. Let’s do this for all the dads, sons, brothers, and mates in our lives. Sign up today at: https://t.co/fsfL58Ru3R pic.twitter.com/sO6Zo3aIwc

— Movember UK (@MovemberUK) November 1, 2018

In honor of Veterans Day, we’re offering 50% off when you upgrade your membership—for one day only.

Posted by Ancestry on Friday, November 10, 2017

Discover’s Black Friday Deals: Shopping Survival Guide

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December

For some, December can be one of the merriest times of the year. For us marketers, it can be the busiest time of year.

From Google’s Santa Tracker and Office Depot’s Elf Yourself to Starbucks Give Good campaign and REI’s #OptOutside push, there’s something in it for every marketer and brand.

So, marketers, this list is for you to make the holidays a little merrier.

Monthly Observances

National Human Rights Month Operation Santa Paws Bingo Month

Weekly Observances

December 26-January 1 – Kwanzaa

Days

December 1 – Presidents Cup PGA (MOVED TO 2022) December 1 – World AIDS Day December 1 – Rosa Parks Day December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 4 – Cookie Day December 6 – St. Nicholas Day December 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 9 – Christmas Card Day December 10 – Nobel Prize Day December 12 – Poinsettia Day December 14 – Roast Chestnuts Day December 15 – Bill of Rights Day December 17 – National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (Third Friday in December) December 18 – Free Shipping Day December 18 – Bake Cookies Day December 20 – Go Caroling Day December 21 – First Day of Winter / Winter Solstice December 23 – Festivus December 24 – Christmas Eve December 25 – Christmas Day December 26 – Kwanzaa December 26 – Boxing Day December 27 – National Fruitcake Day December 31 – New Year’s Eve

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Popular hashtags for December:

Examples of December holiday marketing for brands:

Food52: Cookies of the World

UPS: Wishes Delivered

Cards Against Humanity Saves America

Leesa – Giving Tuesday offer

Image Credits

All screenshots taken by author

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ryukoishida · 7 years ago

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Arslan Senki Fic: In which Arslan is Estelle’s Secret Santa. [idol/musician AU]

Title: Secret Codes and Paper Stars Author: ryukoishida Fandom: Arslan Senki | The Heroic Legend of Arslan Genre: Fluff, romance Rating: PG Character(s)/Pairing(s): Arslan/Estelle; featuring Isfan/Gieve For: @chatmant A/N: Remember that self-indulgent idol/musician AU? Yeah, it’s back. Sorry. Song that inspired this fic will be in reblog. It also looks like this will be the last fic I’m posting in 2017 (also I was looking at AO3 and apparently the last thing I posted in 2016 is also this AU lol), so I’ll wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Writing Commissions | Translation & Editing Services

“What have you got there, Arslan?”

Gieve, one of the top-selling pop artists in the country and known for his flirtatious ways in the industry circle — casually slips into the hideous plastic orange chair adjacent to the young idol who’s so focused on his task — pen tip tapping against the smooth surface of a card scrawled with neat handwriting and brows knitted in a deep frown — that he doesn’t notice the presence of the other man until Gieve clears his throat again.

“Oh, Gieve!” Arslan exclaims with a weak smile, the bruised shadows under his eyes much more prominent even with a layer of make-up on under the white fluorescent light of the television network station’s dressing room. He places his pen down at last and takes a tentative sip of his coffee, but winces when the lukewarm bitterness spreads across his tongue. He quickly pushes the mug away, narrowly missing the make-up kit set on the side of the counter.

“Working on a new song?” Gieve asks, an eyebrow quirked up in curiosity.

Arslan rarely drinks caffeine because he knows it’d wreck his voice, so for the young man to be consuming coffee willingly is a rare sight in and of itself.

“This?” Arslan glances down at the paper set on the table with a helpless little laugh, “No, it’s for the Secret Santa tomorrow.”

Gieve gives an exaggerated gasp. “Do you mean to tell me that you still haven’t gotten your Secret Santa partner a gift yet?”

“I have! But I thought it’d be nice to add a greeting card as well…” Arslan lowers his head, cheeks tinted a light blush before he continues in an uncertain tone, “… don’t you think?”

Before Gieve can give him any advice — for when would be the best time to help out a fellow idol if not now? — the door swings open and a staff calls for the younger singer, “Arslan, please head over to Studio B for stand-by. They’ll be ready for you soon.”

“Thanks,” Arslan nods with a quiet smile that has the power to cause thousands of female fans all over the country to coo and swear to protect him at all costs. Facing Gieve once more, he says with a more relaxed grin, “I’ll see you tomorrow at the gathering, then.”

“Sure,” Gieve waves goodbye with his usual charming smile and watches the silver-haired musician leave the room.

Tucking a piece of bright purple hair behind the curve of his ear, Gieve’s gaze rests again on the greeting card that Arslan has been grueling over for what seems to be a long while. From Arslan’s reaction just a few minutes ago, Gieve has a fairly good guess of who the recipient of the card is, and because he’s always been a curious person who knows no fear or bounds, he delicately picks up the card and reads the content inside.

“Oh, Arslan you precious boy,” Gieve sighs, resting his chin in the cradle of his palm as his eyes roam over the genuine nature of Arslan’s words, “how do you expect her to understand your affections if you don’t make it more obvious? Women need to be praised and worshipped, and this simply will not do.”

With a determined gleam to his eyes, Gieve picks up the pen that Arslan had been using just minutes ago and begins to write.

“There you are, Gieve! Farangis has been looking all over for you!” Isfan pauses when he sees the envelope in his boyfriend’s hand and the guilty shift of his eyes. “What is that?”

“Hello darling, good to see you too,” Gieve greets him, eyes half-lidded to accentuate the kohl eyeliner and the bright turquoise of his irises while his lips, tinted slightly with lip-gloss, curved up into a playful grin.

“Don’t give me that look…” Isfan groans as he walks over, “that’s your ‘I did something bad and I’m trying to get out of trouble by seducing you’-look; it won’t work on me, not this time.”

“Oh, is that right?” Gieve saunters up to his lover, hips swaying purposefully as he places his arm on Isfan’s shoulder and head tilted just so that the slender line of his neck is displayed directly in Isfan’s view.

“Whatever you’re thinking of doing with that envelope, you better put it down before you cause some serious damage,” Isfan warns, taking a step back and peels Gieve’s arm off of his shoulder.

“But don’t you want to help Arslan get the girl of his dreams?” Gieve pouts, but obeys regardless, putting the card back down on the table.

“Is that what this is about? Gieve, you know better than to poke your nose into other people’s business — especially when it involves someone’s romantic affairs.”

“You’re heartless, Isfan, simply heartless.”

“Come on, you little demon, Farangis will have your head if you’re late for your interview.”

“Estelle, congratulations again on your success with the single ‘I Only Have Feelings for You’,” the host grins with bright enthusiasm at the youngest member of the all-girls unit, L.E.A.P., “it sounds like the track will have a big chance to win Parsian Music Award’s Best Duet of the Year.”

“Thank you,” Estelle nods with a stiff but polite smile, blond curls resting over her shoulder in a simple yet elegant side-ponytail. It looks like the host is waiting for her to elaborate, but if the host has done any preparation at all before the interview, he’d have known that out of the four members of L.E.A.P., Estelle is the quietest and most reserved, and it will take more than just the normal amount of prompting to get the girl talking.

The host continues after a slight pause. “You were collaborating with the up-and-coming idol Arslan on this single, and there were rumors while you two were recording in the studio as well as filming the music video. How did you like working with Arslan? Did you two hit it off right away?”

The polite smile Estelle has been trained to work on and almost perfected is turning shaky at this moment, and sitting beside her quietly, Parizad, the eldest of the four women and leader of the unit, quickly squeezes Estelle’s hand, half in warning and half in support.

“We had different stances regarding the direction of the song we wanted to take at first,” Estelle starts after exhaling slowly, her topaz eyes sharp and unforgiving, “but Arslan is a pleasant and respectable artist to work with, and I hope everyone will focus on the song we’ve worked so hard on instead of unfounded rumors about something that doesn’t exist in the first place.”

“Alfreed, can you please turn that off? It’s bad enough that I had to sit through that bullshit of an interview. I really don’t need to watch myself being disgraced on national television.” With an exhausted sigh, Estelle pleads with her teammate as she finishes the final touches of wrapping up her gift for the Secret Santa event.

“I don’t get what you’re so upset about,” Layla chirps from the other side of the living-room as she adjusts her dress in front of the full-length mirror near the front door of their shared apartment unit. “Rumors are just more opportunities for you to advertise your song, isn’t it?”

“Estelle, it’s wonderful that you always speak so honestly — it’s part of your charm and fans love it when you put that part of yourself into your music — but in this industry, you’ll need to learn how to carefully handle questions like the ones you got asked in that interview,” Parizad finishes the last drags of her tea, and on her way to the kitchen to put the mug away, she affectionately pats Estelle on the head like an older sister would to her younger sibling. “We all hate those kinds of nosy questions, and it’ll take time to get used to the fact that as public figures, we have very little privacy, but it’s an issue we have to get accustomed to.”

“I know I still have tons to improve on,” Estelle mumbles, lowering her head.

“Your socializing skills, especially,” Alfreed teases, and narrowly misses the cushion thrown at her direction.

“You’re already doing so well, Estelle,” Parizad shoots Alfreed a look before she sends Estelle a kind smile, “don’t put too much pressure on yourself, all right? We’re all in this together.”

Estelle nods, her heart swelling at Parizad’s sincere words.

“Girls, it’s almost time. We should head out.”

The Secret Santa is a success, Gieve applauds himself inwardly. As the organizer of the event, he’s proud to see his friends and acquaintances gather in the penthouse that he and Isfan share, laughing and chatting while nursing drinks in their hands.

Isfan’s two Kugsha dogs, Bahram and Kayvan, are strutting around the unit, earning friendly pets and occasionally food scraps from the guests who can’t resist the fluffy canines.

Making friends for Gieve is as easy as bewitching his fans with his sultry looks and attractive voice, but there are few he considers close acquaintances. Among those who have been invited to his holiday gathering, many of them have become his intimate friends over the years he spent in the entertainment industry: Arslan, his overly-protective manager Daryun, and the young idol’s talented make-up artist best friend Elam are talking quietly in the corner of the living-room; Nasrin and Kishward, who are managers of Ecbatana’s rising talents L.E.A.P. and the Knights of Survival, respectively, are talking to Narsus, who is infamous for his outrageous yet popular costume designs; the members of L.E.A.P. are chatting with the sister trio, Patna, Kura, and Yulin; and the men of the pop-rock band, the Knights of Survival, are drinking merrily and noisily discussing ideas for their upcoming live concert.

“Okay, okay, who’s next?” Someone’s shouting excitedly over the chatter.

Most of the gifts have been distributed and opened; a lot of them are joke gifts that either make the recipients choke in laughter or roll their eyes, but there are a few thoughtful presents thrown in as well.

Gieve retrieves a random gift from the cardboard box placed beneath the Christmas tree, and reading the tag, he announces with a smirk, “Estelle, this one’s for you!”

A series of cheering and clapping explode as Estelle makes her way to the center of the circle and receive her gift.

Estelle puts the card aside, and then carefully unwraps the paper, revealing an elegant, tall glass bottle filled with paper stars in shades of dark harvest gold to light champagne gold. There must be at least 200 tiny stars in the bottle; the colours are reminiscent of the hues of Estelle’s eyes, and she can’t help but think that the person who folded the stars must have kept this in mind.

Or it could have just been a coincidence, Estelle shakes her head slightly to clear her thoughts.

“Wow, whoever gave you this must have spent hours folding those stars,” Layla whistles from the side, pulling Estelle out of her trance. “Does the card say who it’s from?”

There had been no specific rules set about revealing the identity of the Secret Santa, so some of them have chosen to write their names on cards while others have to venture guesses after they’ve received their presents.

With shivering fingers, Estelle tears the envelop open with less grace than she has with the gift-wrap. The front of the card contains typical holiday greetings with a pleasant watercolour painting of a winter scene — nothing special or offensive — yet as her eyes follow the trail of words written inside the card, the colour of her cheeks grows more and more red with each second passing.

The crowd hushes until all they can hear is the fine clinking of glass against wood as someone places their drink on the table.

“Estelle… Estelle, what’s wrong?” Parizad is the first to notice something strange about the young idol’s reaction.

“Arslan,” Estelle’s eyes turn sharply to meet the man’s startled, midnight blue gaze.

“Y-Yes?” Despite the eerily cold tone of her voice, Arslan seems impeccably calm.

“Come with me.” Estelle stomps over to where Arslan is standing, the glass bottle of stars and card still in one hand, and briskly grabs hold of Arslan’s wrist, pulling him away from the crowd who has begun to make teasing comments and catcalling sounds.

They ignore the jeering, push through the crowd, and manage to find some privacy on the massive balcony that acts as an outdoor playground for the dogs after slamming the sliding glass door shut behind them, to the disappointment of the on-looking audience.

“Now, now, just let those lovebirds be,” Gieve consoles his friends and cleverly avoids the pointed glare that Isfan is giving him.

Even in the depth of winter, the city’s temperature rarely drops below 18 degrees Celsius, but in the evening with moisture heavy in the air, the breeze is chilling to the bone. It’s hard for Estelle to pretend otherwise, for the black cocktail dress she’s chosen to wear tonight is a sleeveless one that reaches just above her knees, the pale gold bow tied around her neck is almost suffocating when she realizes that Arslan, bewildered as he is, is still staring at her, waiting patiently for her to speak.

“What the hell is the meaning of this?” Estelle waves the card in front of Arslan’s face, her voice shaking in a mixture of anger and bewilderment. “Is this a joke to you?”

“W-what do you mean?” He asks, utterly confused. Sure, he’s written the card and has hastily stuffed it in the envelop yesterday without double-checking for mistakes. Had he made some sort of grammatical or spelling errors so unforgiveable that Estelle is getting mad at him?

“Read it yourself!” Estelle, cheeks still tinted with heat despite the cold, thrusts the card into Arslan’s hands.

Five words into the poem that is obviously not written in his own handwriting, Arslan immediately understands why Estelle is acting this way. His only explanation: “Gieve…”

“What does this have to do with Gieve?”

“I think he was trying to help me out,” Arslan chuckles, closing the card and tucking it into his back pocket, “but as usual, the more he tries to extinguish the fire, the more likely he triggers a flood instead.”

“Excuse me?”

“It looks like Gieve rewrote the contents of my card to help me convey my feelings across to you, and he’s done so in a rather… non-subtle way. But he’s got one thing right in that poem,” Arslan laughs, the sound echoing like shimmering sunlight around them, warm and heady.

“If you can even call that poetry,” Estelle smirks, her shoulders much more relaxed now that she knows what’s going on.

“When I was folding those stars,” Arslan nods at the bottle in Estelle’s hand, the paper inside gleaming slightly under the moonlight, “I was thinking about how the colour of your eyes is also quite similar, only yours shifts depending on the light of the day and your mood.”

“What… are you saying?” Estelle can feel herself stiffening up again when Arslan walks closer, her back rod-straight, but Arslan merely shrugs off his suit jacket and gently lays it over her shoulders to shield her from the night’s chilling breeze.

“I’m sorry,” Arslan apologizes, laughter low and smoky and his eyes are dark and endless when Estelle glances up to face him properly. “I should make my intentions clearer to avoid any more misunderstandings, shouldn’t I?”

He lightly pries the bottle of stars out of Estelle’s hand and places it on the floor, and then holding her hands tenderly in his, Arslan smiles softly and asks, “Estelle, will you do me the honor of going out with me?”

---

Extra Notes:

L.E.A.P. (Manager: Nasrin) - Estelle (was a Gospel singer before she was recruited; joined unit because she needed the money for her family) - Alfreed (Merlane is a bassist in a successful band, and she wants to exceed him with her own talent) - Parizad (dancer; charismatic leader) - Layla (all-rounder; can easily befriend anyone she talks to)

The Knights of Survival (Manager: Kishward) [Do you see the irony in the name? Please forgive me.] - Jimsa (guitar, vocals) - Jaswant (keyboard) - Merlane (bass) - Zaravant (guitar) - Tus (drums)

#arslan senki #the heroic legend of arslan #arslan/estelle #arslan #estelle #bowie's crappy writing

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