#if you read to here.. many thanks!! here is a gift of a cookie @:D

[syncrovoid-presents]

(by the way, if you're interested in what the note says the most accurate translation I've found is by Tumblr user truckfreaks! Thank you so much!!)

"Hello,

My name doesn't matter. I am here to catalogue something I'm not sure is fully real. But it must be. I'm holding all the evidence in my hands. Pictures. Characters. Text I can barely read. It's called "Welcome Home" and it looks like it might've been a children's book? Like I said, I can't tell.

It was sopping wet when I found it. When I first reached into one of the brightly colored envelopes, my hand was already covered in some gross, [unknown - possibly “oozing”] material. It feels like antiques are always covered in some kind of grime. I'm trying to clean up what I have and do a little more digging.

There's only one name I can make out right now... Wally. Probably important, but like I said, I'll keep looking.

XOXO"

Personally, I think this helps confirm that the "oozing" material that grows on the walls of The Room:tm: most likely originates from wherever the packages are being sent from. Also helps boost the idea that it is indeed Wally that drew in the Red Notebook, which is very neat!! it raises so many questions, but is equally fascinating!

Good morning! There is a secret place on the welcome home website- On the exhibition page one of the Answer words is clickable! It takes you to a picture that you can click and then a safe! The password is the answers to the hand out from the exhibition page asking who is the funniest character and who is the star etc. etc.

DISCOVERED HIDDEN PASSWORD PROTECTED PAGE OF THE NEW WELCOME HOME UPDATE

Here's my second attempt at answering this. SO first I had to check out if this is true or not, and I can confirm that it's real! Thanks for this!

HOW TO GET THERE:

On the Playfellow Exhibition page the "answer" to select is the last "answer" in the third paragraph (aka the last paragraph in italics). Depending on if you're viewing on a computer or not, this is on the lefthand side of the paragraph. Selecting it will bring you to this webpage called "password please" (clownillustration.com/crack-the-code).

This is super interesting! And it has many-a handy clues. Clicking on the image will bring you to another secret page, and this one is of a safe where each number of the keypad is replaced with members from Welcome Home. (clownillustration.com/password-please). Clicking on the safe prompts you to enter a password, and this handy sheet points you the right direction! The password is hidden in the answers to the 5 questions in the character worksheet in the Playfellow Exhibitions page. The answers are the following (in this order): Barnaby, Sally, Poppy, Julie, and Wally. The password is the first letter of each name, which is then: BSPJW

This is the page you're greeted to when you enter the password! It's got so much going on, but you cannot enter without the password.

OVERVIEW

Here's a list of the first things I noticed when going through this new page:

The W is out of place and moving. This could possibly be part of another series of out of place characters of a mystery?

The two blue eyes are still on the furthest left and right margins if you zoom out. This is consistent for most of the pages, possibly which ones Wally has influence/has a presence in?

The title of the page is written 5 times and there are two overlapping texts of "Can you hear me?"

The black lines overlapping the text of the page isn't just black lines but also text! Most of them are "Ring-ring. Ring. Hello? Can you hear me? Call back soon, please."

The last black line overlapping the text reads as "Ring. Ring ring. Ring. Won't you please pick up?"

The reason why they all look different is because they're different font sizes and because they have spaces elongating them too.

A few of the lines are split into multiple sections within the source code of the site, but are displayed as one. Unknown if this is stylistic or has other meaning.

There are pulsing orbs on the page! The first one on the right hand side covers the letters "bu". Unknown if this means anything, but is interesting.

The bottom of the page has a clickable text bubble of "It's in here". The 'i' of "in" is out of place. Maybe another character that's important? Clicking this just sends you to the error page, nothing special seems to happen there.

There is a slideshow of a different sort of Playfellow Exhibition! I will get to these later.

FILE NAMES

This is a fun little section checking to see if the names of the graphics of the site have any further meaning. I'll break them down in a list here.

The rotating W is called "Dizzy.gif" in the website code.

The rest of the "Welcome Home" title graphic is called "ElcomeHome.png"

Interestingly the blue drawn eye graphics out of bounds on the site are called "open..gif" in the code. Strange name!

The black pulsing dots come in two variations. The darker ones are called "coming2.gif" in the code while some are under a title section called "sit.gif" (they are still called "coming2.gif" within that. I thought that was interesting though! If taken as a scene, the black dots in "sit.gif" would be a sun)

The black swirls/clouds on the bottom are called "Hmm.png"

The black swirls/clouds on the top are called "hm.png"

The border patterns on each side are called "sneezing.png". Strange? This one sticks out as odd to me, compared to the rest.

The black "speech bubble" doesn't seem to actually have a specific word-name. Might be wrong on this, but if not I think that'd be interesting too, where everything gets word names except for the place that words should go. Funny!

TEXT

This is a direct transcript of what the page says, as it may be hard for some people to read.

"I had a dream when I began working on the Playfellow Exhibition. Wally Darling was sitting at the foot of my bed with a rotary phone in front of him, ringing away. It looked just like the little toy phone we were restoring for the exhibit. It kept ringing. Wally stared at me like he was waiting for me to pick up the phone. Just staring, unblinking. The phone ringing and ringing. I couldn't move. I couldn't figure out how to move and pick up the phone. He kept waiting. I couldn't pick up the phone. I keep getting phone calls, now. Or at least, I assume that's what's happening. I keep hearing it ringing. All day, sometimes. I check my phone and there's no new messages. I thought maybe some of the site staff were pranking me, but I tore up the workspace and couldn't find another phone that might be ringing. All that was there were the toys for the exhibit, and obviously those couldn't be ringing. But I kept hearing it anyway. The phone ringing and ringing. The more I work, the more questions I have. Why didn't any of the site staff I worked with remember this show? Even the ones who grew up in the 70s? Why can't I find any files on the Playfellow Workshop? Why isn't there a single TV guide ad saying what network or time the show was on? I keep digging and digging. I've poured over every recovery the WHRP has given me access to, every inch of their website, and the things I find make less and less sense. If I didn't know better I'd say everyone was coming together to pull an elaborate prank on me. I can still hear the phone ringing now. I don't know how to answer the phone. I need to answer the phone."

This is from what I believe is a new character in the Welcome Home universe. Not really a character in the show, but someone I'll be calling the Restorer. They are the one being tasked to restore the stuff sent to WHRP. This will become more relevant later on, but to break it down this is giving insight on the behind-the-scenes, and brings back the motif of the phone ringing. These I'll expand upon later. Also important to note, the "I need to the answer the phone" overlaps the gallery so it's very hard to make out, possibly a sign of internal struggle or not necessarily wanting to answer the phone but needing to regardless.

Letters out of place that I notices: w, i, [b or bu]. Putting in combinations of this in the top doesn't reveal anything new that I've found.

THE GALLERY

The gallery is very interesting! There is in total 24 images so I won't go too in depth with each, but I will go semi-in depth as there's lots of interesting things going on! And for MOST of them if you hover over them there is a transcript if text is within the image. This isn't the case for all of them, but majority is transcribed.

The first image is called "wall.PNG". It's actually one that I think stands out compared to the rest. Perhaps this is the entrance, perhaps it's the exit. It's the only one that doesn't get shown again later, other than the brief view of the black-grown wall. (if that wall is indeed the same as the one in others, it shows the height of the black growth).

The second image is called "chair.png". It is of a workspace. The orange sticky notes on the bottom have various spirals. IT's interesting to point out that in the left of the image there are cleaning supplies (or paint? both? it's hard to make out but I think it's cleaning supplies). Implies that whoever works here also much clean it.

The third image is called "ceiling.PNG". This one is really interesting and also doesn't appear in any other image. The eye appears to match almost exactly the eye under Home in the Neighbourhood page of the website, which leads to the "so-below". Eyes are an important motif, and it appears almost like the sticky notes with spirals drawn on them are "leaking" out of the black growth. Also interesting that it's taken up residence within the casing of a fluorescent light. These are often in schools or work buildings, implying that this is likely not happening in someone's basement. Also the the fact that it's coming where light should be is quite interesting too. Fascinating!!

The fourth image is called "button.png". It's a closeup of the desk, and shows off a few things that's there. Strangely the apple doesn't look real? Compared to the rest it looks like it was painted on. There is also black string coming out of the box of pens and markers and the sticky note and pen is the same as what has drawn some of the spirals. If I'm not mistaken Wally has yellow buttons in him, but not white. Unknown what that might mean, bit it's interesting! The container of vinyl gloves also has a sticky note that we can read in a different image. There is also a (discarded?) do not touch sign, likely for the growth on the walls or for reminding the Restorer not to touch stuff without gloves.

The fifth image is called "box.png". This a printed email sent to the WHRP by Questions Answered!. It's talking about the worksheet and code to enter the safe, ironically what we had to crack to get here. Possibly in-universe the code for the safe is something else. This shows up multiple times. Also, like other printed emails, it reveals this is taking place in 2023 (march and april to be exact!). This can be used to create a timeline of the emails (and events).

The sixth image is called "apple.png" and again, that appble doesn't look real. That might just be a me thing though. This is another shot of the desk and reveals a letter in the far right and vinyl gloves covered in the black growth on the walls. The sticky note on the gloves read "PUT ON GLOVES BEFORE HANDLING ANY ART. CALL ME IF WE RUN OUT!!!".

The seventh image is called "whoareyou.png". This one has the image of Frank with the red square (red is a colour tied to Wally). There is a blacklight message of "WHO ARE YOU?" with a drawing of a spiral and an eye, two symbols connected to Wally. Unknown if this is directed at the Restorer or at Frank. The yellow sticky note says "-IS ART WAS NOT... THE SHIPMENT... EASE STOP USING... WORK PRINTER.... PRANK ME >:(". Likely is read as "This art was not part of the shipment. Please stop using the work printer to prank me >:(". This is the same sticky note and writing style as the Restorer, so it's likely written by them.

The eighth image is called "corner.png" and it is of the corner of the room, a zoomed out image of "apple.png" and "button.png". It reveals that there's also a paint roller, a blacklight, four letters, two notebooks, a TV, toy phone and clock, an image on the wall and further black growth on the walls. Also has the same orange sticky notes/papers on the floor as the first image, proving that they must be taken within the same room/space. If so, all images here are from the one singular room, possibly all taken by the Restorer.

The ninth image is called "favorite.png". This is very very interesting because it's the only one containing a question answered directly by WHRP (asked by Question Answer!). It's asking about the WHRP experience researching and uncovering information about Welcome Home, but the blacklight reads as "Everything is so disgusting to touch. Sometimes the mail doesn't come for weeks. I want to rip into everything I have. My head feels so muddled too. Ever since I opened that envelope." The envelope is a direct callback to another page that mentions that the first information about Welcome Home came to WHRP in the forms of colourful envelopes (also used within the Welcome Home world). The blacklight message contradicts the printed response by WHRP. Implies that someone within the company OR from Question Answer! is covering up the actual working conditions for the Restorer and whoever writes the blacklight message (I do not think they're the same person(s)).

The tenth image is called "light.png". This is of the blacklight, strangely there are black strings or tendrils coming out of the blacklight (similar to the pen/marker box and of the black and white eye in the florescent light. Possibly the same growth as on the walls?). The sticky note reads "ATTENTION: ALL STAFF. CHECK ART WITH BLACKLIGHT BEFORE HANGING/PACKING/CLEANING/ETC. NEED PHOTOS FOR CONDITION REPORTS AND/AT WHRP TEAM!!!". This is written by whoever wrote the sticky note for the gloves, and doesn't look to be the same handwriting as the Restorer. In the top right you can see a part of another printed email (same as we see in other images).

The 11th image is called "mail.PNG". It's more printed emails, with the topmost having a transcript. The one on the right is dated April 13th and says "... out so promptly! I wasn't expecting them to arrive... value of these prizes for insurance?) - there actually... at all, could you send that so we can open the box... if that's easier!.... ration". Another email from Question Answer! and is about the safe prize again. The topmost email is about the upcoming exhibition and dated april 3rd, implying that the Restorer was able to restore a lot of pieces for the official exhibition, though still wants more to happen?

The 12th image is called "note.png". It's an orange stickynote with a drawn phone with two eyes. Looks like it's drawn in blacklight, possibly another message from whoever is doing that. The image was taken on the same desk the Restorer works on. Further proof that the blacklight writer and Restorer are not the same person(s).

The 13th image is called "notebook.PNG". This is written by the Restorer about the recent notebooks received from the WHRP. The Restorer mentions that it feels like it is all a prank and shoes desperation to find the answers. Doesn't look like the same hand writing as the sticky notes with instructions on them. Important that the phone is ringing! Also important that they say that the WHRP sent ONE notebook, so this notebook (yellowed pages with pargins and lines) belongs to the Restorer.

The 14th image is called "notebooks.png". This is of two notebooks, the one that the WHRP sent and the Restorer's notebook. The red one with the eye and spiral is from the WHRP while the yellow is from the Restorer. Interesting that it has a question mark and A on it, possibly implying that the Restorer works for Question Answer! and not directly with the WHRP team? The spiral and eye are in theme with Wally, and there is a bookmark with a Poppy like pattern sticking out. The notes are written by the Restorer, which means I might be wrong and the Restorer has been writing the rest of the notes too? Interesting! There's also a script that's too hard to read, and another sticky note with a spiral and a small doodle.

The 15th image is called "papers.png" and is of the papers on the ground, confirmed to not be sticky notes. They all have spirals on them, and are placed just before the desk in the room. Also the floors appear to be concrete?

The 16th image is called "Read.png". It's of the notebook that the WHRP team sent (on loan!). Interesting that the space around it is darkened while most of the images don't have that.

The 17th image is called "Bookopen.png". Unknown if this is inside the notebook sent by WHRP or the notebook owned by the Restorer. It has a doodle of a Home-like house with "The ... That ..." in it. The heart below has "You You" in it. The black marks could have been already there or recently placed there, unknown if they're fingers or more black growth (implication that the black growth came from the Welcome Home objects?). There are two drawings mostly covered by the open book, one that has an eye.

The 18th image is called "Booknow.png". It has a drawing on the left (same drawing that was under the notebook in "Bookopen.png". It also has a wally-like handpint in the bottom right, possibly implying this doodle is from Wally himself?). The right has an note written by the Restorer. It's hard to make out, but appears to generally be about their work on the project. Below is my attempt at making it more legible, but it's still too blurry to really read. Restorer notably does not give their name, and seems to be writing this to another person.

9. The 19th image is named "research.png". It's a zoom up of a sticky note written by the Restorer that was attached to the WHRP notebook. The blacklight reads "THE PHONE IS RINGING". 10. The 20th image is named "room.png" and is another image of the room, this time zoomed out further. Reveals that the handprints on the wall are human like (4 fingers and a thumb, not 3 fingers) which confirms Wally is not here @:P

The 21st image is called "safe.png". It is a picture of the second chair that has a photograph of Wally and the same safe that is seen when entering this hidden page. Interesting!

The 22nd image is called "sheet.png" and is of the same letter that is seen in another image (same letter that was cut off in the image "mail.PNG". The hidden blacklight text reads "WALLY DARLING" and the note is about the safe code. The email subject is asking about the safe code, and clarifies that the mail is about the activity prize being sent out in a lockbox. The insurance line is about what the prizes were, and the code to unlock the lockbox is within the activity worksheet. The sticky note is offering to send prizes at a later date once they can actually open the lockbox/safe. Dated april 13th.

The 23rd image is called "tv.png". It's the same TV as the one hidden page video with the strange audio, and appears to be severely outdated for 2023. This implies that the TV video was taken by the Restorer, who considers the TV broken. There are more handprints on the wall, and the phone is now on the phone holder instead of being out (no one has tried answering). It's also 5:20.

The 24th image is called "sorry.png". It is of an email from april 3rd. It's the same one we've seen elsewhere and the blacklight message says "I am so sorry.". Appears to be in response to the email, though it's unclear whether it's responding to being told that certain things cannot be touched, or that there is the black stuff growing on the walls. Also confirms that the black stuff on the walls isn't paint (or is not being painted on) but instead is growing on it's own. The sender of the email (Question Answer!) tells the receiver that they should not be considered if they experience nausea, dizziness or fatigued. Such lovely working conditions!

The 21st image is called "safe.png". It is a picture of the second chair that has a photograph of Wally and the same safe that is seen when entering this hidden page. Interesting!

The 22nd image is called "sheet.png" and is of the same letter that is seen in another image (same letter that was cut off in the image "mail.PNG". The hidden blacklight text reads "WALLY DARLING" and the note is about the safe code. The email subject is asking about the safe code, and clarifies that the mail is about the activity prize being sent out in a lockbox. The insurance line is about what the prizes were, and the code to unlock the lockbox is within the activity worksheet. The sticky note is offering to send prizes at a later date once they can actually open the lockbox/safe. Dated april 13th.

The 23rd image is called "tv.png". It's the same TV as the one hidden page video with the strange audio, and appears to be severely outdated for 2023. This implies that the TV video was taken by the Restorer, who considers the TV broken. There are more handprints on the wall, and the phone is now on the phone holder instead of being out (no one has tried answering). It's also 5:20.

The 24th image is called "sorry.png". It is of an email from april 3rd. It's the same one we've seen elsewhere and the blacklight message says "I am so sorry.". Appears to be in response to the email, though it's unclear whether it's responding to being told that certain things cannot be touched, or that there is the black stuff growing on the walls. Also confirms that the black stuff on the walls isn't paint (or is not being painted on) but instead is growing on it's own. The sender of the email (Question Answer!) tells the receiver that they should not be considered if they experience nausea, dizziness or fatigued. Such lovely working conditions!

Some images have the png in capitals and some don't. Is that important? I do not know!

THOUGHTS/SUMMARY

So what do we know? We know for sure that there is someone I'm dubbing the "Restorer" that works within this room. They are the one that took the pictures (most likely) and they are the ones restoring much of the stuff being sent by the WHRP team. They do not work directly for the WHRP but possibly for Question Answer!. There is another unknown person who is leaving messages only seen under blacklight.

The Question Answerer from the Playfellow Exhibition page of the website is likely either part of or is the head curator of Question Answerer!, the person that all the emails are talking to. They are the ones that have given the WHRP team the ability to set up the exhibition and given either funding, time, resources, or a combination thereof for the WHRP to continue their research. They know about the poor conditions of the room and do not care. It's likely that they are the ones that are "censoring" the messages the public gets about the WHRP and Restorer, as the text from the image called "favorite.png" says that the WHRP is very happy to work on the restoration (contradicts the blacklight) and the Question Answerer quotes from the exhibition page is all positive.

It's very interesting that all the emails are printed, we never get to see the actual people talking. We know it's conversations between the WHRP team (from the email address) and the head curator of Question Answer!, but we just see emails to Question Answer!, not from WHRP (other than sending a png of the worksheet). This also shows another interesting thing that the Restorer is given a huge lack of technology for their work, it's actually a huge lack of anything for the restoration work. There is some cleaning supplies in the corner, a box of pens and markers, gloves and a few tools, but majority of what they have is sticky notes and the black-growth health hazard. If I'm not mistaken, the TV might be the same as what would have been available back between 1969 and 1974, implying that the technology that is there is stuff that would have been around during Welcome Home's airing.

THEORY

After going through everything, here is my theory. Might contradict a few points I made above, but it's too long for me to go back. Plus that allows for more variations of interpretation haha.

I have a theory that the blacklight messages may be by someone in the WHRP team but not the Restorer. It apologizes for the poor working conditions, complains/reveals the truth of the working conditions, and asks general questions and mentions they too hear the ringing. If so, that would be more proof that there is separation between the WHRP and the Restorer.

In a similar train of thought, it's possible that instead of Question Answerer being the Question Answer! head curator, it's "supposed" to be the Restorer, but their messages have been "censored". The proof for this would be in the exhibition page, where it says "Question Answerer has taken great care in preserving these findings and helping to reproduce what couldn't be properly presented. They have also helped us to restore what was assumed to be completely destroyed [...]" and "It seems like everything these days is already neatly catalogued and answered down to the finest details. You can find a book or a website or what-have-you to answer any old question that might cross your mind. But Welcome Home was different! The more I looked at it, the more questions there were, and not an answer in sight. It was like a puzzle-box that had never been opened before, just begging to be investigated. How could I possibly resist a mystery like that - especially in a charming, colorful package! It was like a calling. A calling I just had to answer!"

Question Answerer is called that here because they're anonymous, another point that it could be the Restorer. Everything quoted there is variations of what is said on the hidden page version of the exhibition. They are the one working to preserve and restore separate from the WHRP team, and the rest is positive versions of what the Restorer has written or implied. The mystery being exciting and unique is a positive way of what the Restorer wrote about them being unable to find any proof of the show other than what they're sent. The puzzle-box could be the lockbox/safe that needs to be opened. The "charming colorful package" is another reference to how originally much of the Welcome Home proof was sent in colourful envelopes. The calling that "[they] just hand to answer" is in parallel to "I can still hear the phone ringing now. I don't know how to answer the phone. I need to answer the phone."

This lines up with the emails, that are sent to the curator, and the Restorer's personal notebook that has the questionmark and the A on the from, likely representing "Question Answerer". Only issue is that it seems that Question Answerer contacted the WHRP, and though the Restorer has shown desperation towards needing to find the answers "There has to be answers. There has to be. I'll find answers, people need me to have answers" but they also mention that they think it's a prank at multiple points, which doesn't sound like someone that would have contacted the WHRP first. That sounds more like someone that was drawn into it and then stuck in the position.

FINAL POINTS

Wally has been tied to eyes and spirals multiple times now, though more-so eyes. He is also tied to the ringing and to the TV static video. It seems like Wally is trying to contact the Restorer/Question Answerer, further proven by the messages left on the hidden webpage from Wally asking if he can be heard. Some of the blacklight messages have eyes and in the notebook sent by WHRP there is a Wally-handprint (not the first time Wally's hand has been seen somewhere). Is this proof that Wally is sending stuff from the WHRP? I'm unsure, but that is another theory! It would explain why that after all the ringing he now is trying to communicate through blacklights. Counterpoint: there is a note written to the Restorer/Question Answerer about checking for blacklight messages. That seems odd to me.

Does the eye in the cieling represent that Wally is aware and/or watching the restoration efforts? Is the black growth growing more that Welcome Home is uncovered, or is it from something else? Why hasn't the Restorer moved work places?

Additional thoughts: Wally is neither good nor bad, he is shown more as an outside force that wants attention rather than anyone behaving in a purposefully malicious way. If it's true that the black growth and the Restorer's nightmare/impossible need to the answer the phone is caused by Wally, he isn't doing it purposefully, or at least there's no proof. So far he sits beyond a moral assignment, at least that's how I see it. Also while the Eyes are symbolic of Wally's presence (or at least it's heavily implied through other hidden messages throughout the site) it isn't confirmed that the spirals are. The spirals could be something else. After all not all spirals are paired with eyes and not all eyes are paired with spirals!

I also would like to mention that as stated before entering the Welcome Home Website that the warnings of the site includes that it includes an exploration of topics like death, isolation, and mental health. I will expand upon this in another post, but here's some basic thoughts.

The room the Restorer is working in is isolated, almost to an absurd degree. They are sent tasks and expected to perform them through printed emails, meaning they do not get to answer. They have a toy phone, not a real one. They have an old non-functioning TV. The Restorer mentions that they think this is all a prank, and anyone they have talked to know nothing of Welcome Home. The growth on the wall could symbolize corruption, whether that be corruption from the original goal or corruption of one's health (dizziness, nausea, fatigue, those all can also be caused by isolation and poor mental health). I won't go further into it as that would make this post even more ridiculously long, but I thought it was something to introduce into the discussion of the new update.

Good bye for now!

[jaybleu25]

A Scary And Sweet Halloween

Some people seemed interested in my little Halloween story, so here it is! It's a bit random, but it has a few bros moments too, so I hope you all enjoy it qwq

…

"Hey bro, can I try writing in one of the books?" asked Mario.

"O-Oh, sure," said Luigi shakily. "Here's an empty one."

…

"Luigi's been really quiet today," Mario wrote.

Mario would glance over at Luigi, who was sitting nearby. Luigi looked visibly nervous, sitting close to Mario.

"I think it's because he doesn't like Halloween," Mario continued to write. "He's never liked scary stuff. But I think that Halloween reminds him of other stuff too."

"He doesn't really leave the house on Halloween anymore because of it. If I can be honest, I've started doing the same. It used to be fun, but after certain things happened and I thought more and more about how to keep me and Luigi safe...I've decided to stay home too. I prefer it either way; it means I get to spend more time with Luigi."

"But after thinking about it, I think I have an idea."

…

"Hey, bro?" Mario asked.

Luigi was sitting in the bedroom, reading a book.

"Y-Yeah?" Luigi responded.

"What if this year we hand out candy to people instead?" Mario asked. "Then we wouldn't have to worry about going anywhere."

Luigi would think for a bit.

"Maybe..." Luigi muttered. "That doesn't seem so bad."

"Plus, not many people know where our house is," Mario added. "So we probably won't get a lot of people."

"Yeah," Luigi responded. "Yeah...we could do that."

"But...do we even have candy?"

Mario would freeze. He hadn't thought about that.

"Oh, right..." Mario muttered, a bit embarrassed. "We stopped getting it."

Luigi would think for a moment, putting down his book. He then got an idea, his face lighting up.

"I got it," said Luigi. "Amaretti cookies! Since our house is hard to get to, it can be a gift to who comes here."

Mario's face would light up too, getting excited.

"That's a good idea, Lu!" Mario exclaimed. "Do we have that recipe?"

"I think so," Luigi responded, getting out of bed. "Toadsworth gave it to me a while ago."

…

Luigi was watching the oven in the kitchen, waiting for the cookies to bake. Mario would walk in.

"Are they still baking?" Mario asked.

Luigi would nod; he had just put them in. Mario then remembered something.

"Oh, right," Mario muttered. "We should probably make sure the shed's locked. We don't want people going in there."

Luigi realized.

"My project!" he exclaimed in fear.

Luigi then ran out of the room, but then he stopped.

"Wait, Mario, can you--"

"Don't worry, I'll watch the cookies," Mario reassured.

"Thanks!" Luigi shouted back, running out of the house.

…

"Oh no, the door's open!" Luigi muttered.

"(I hope nobody's in there...)"

Luigi thought this to himself as he peeked into the shed. However, he immediately looked scared as he looked inside.

…

Luigi's scream could be heard faintly outside the house. Mario could hear it from inside the kitchen, and he immediately went on edge.

"Luigi?!" Mario called out, immediately running out of the kitchen.

Mario then ran into the living room, where Luigi was leaning against the front door, terrified.

"What happened??" Mario asked worriedly. "Are you okay??"

Mario immediately checked on Luigi to make sure he wasn't injured.

"Th-The mushrooms..." Luigi muttered.

"What?" Mario asked.

"The mega mushrooms..." Luigi specified. "A spider, i-it...th-there's..."

Mario realized what Luigi was talking about.

"Did a spider get to one of the mega mushrooms??" Mario asked.

Luigi nervously nodded as he stood himself up properly.

"Mamma mia..." Mario muttered. "Can I go look?"

Luigi didn't like that idea. He looked visibly upset as Mario asked that, and Mario took the hint.

"Hey, it's okay, Weegee," Mario comforted. "We'll take care of it, and then it won't be a problem anymore."

"I-It's not that..." Luigi stuttered. "I just...d-don't want you to get hurt."

Mario knew what Luigi was referring to.

"I won't, alright?" Mario reassured. "I'll be really careful. I promise. And you can watch me too if that'll help."

Luigi thought for a second, eventually agreeing and moving out of the way. Mario and him then both went outside, with Luigi staying behind Mario at a respectful distance. Mario looked into the shed, and he saw the problem.

He immediately closed the door.

"Okay, yeah, that's a problem," Mario said nervously.

"What do we do..??" Luigi asked, still scared.

Mario tried to think of an idea. He then remembered something.

"Wait, Lu, you had to deal with spiders a bunch in the mansions, right?" Mario recalled. "How'd you get rid of them?"

"Oh, uhm..." Luigi muttered. "I-I either used the Poltergust, or I flashed them with my flashlight."

"Well, the Poltergust is definitely out of the picture," Mario thought out loud. "We don't have that big of a vacuum cleaner."

Mario continued to think.

"Do you still have that flashlight?" Mario asked.

"No, I gave it to the professor," Luigi responded. "I-I just have a normal one now."

Hearing that, Mario was displeased.

"(I don't want to get him involved)," Mario thought to himself, annoyed. "(But what else can work? If spiders don't like light, then...)"

Mario got another idea.

"Lu, I got an idea," said Mario. "Follow me."

Mario walked back into the house, and Luigi followed nervously, unsure of what Mario planned to do.

…

"What...are you looking for?" Luigi asked.

Luigi watched as his brother dug around through their closet in their bedroom.

"A fireflower," Mario answered as he continued to push stuff around. "I know we still have them somewhere...--"

"Here!"

Mario would grab the powerup, absorbing its power. The power went throughout his entire body, changing his clothes from red and blue to red and white. He'd stand up, closing the closet.

"What are you planning to do..?" Luigi asked timidly.

"Fireflowers make my firebrand stronger," Mario explained. "This should be enough to take care of it. Fire has a lot of light, right?"

"I guess, but..." Luigi muttered. "The shed has a lot of wood."

"Then I need to get a good throw," Mario responded, walking out of the bedroom.

"W-Wait, Mario!--"

"Watch the cookies for me!" Mario called out.

Luigi would sigh, a bit frustrated that his brother didn't seem to mind that the shed was made of mostly wood. However, he was mainly worried about the project he was working on. He was trying his best to construct a ladder himself for the basement. He didn't think it would be too difficult; it was supposedly a simple shape. He knew how to build a lot of things.

Despite that, trying to make a simple ladder was a struggle.

He spent multiple days trying to create the perfect ladder. He measured from the entrance to the basement under Mario's bed to the basement floor just to make sure the ladder was the right height. The main problem came in the form of the material used for the ladder.

The brothers both didn't really have many materials for something like that. Luigi first tried to make a wooden ladder since they had a lot of the stuff, but that required using a saw. Luigi wasn't very fond of using sharp objects like that, so he ended up scrapping it. Many of the days building the project were spent trying to find the right material, and he finally settled on aluminum. Now, he just needed to figure out how to actually make the ladder and how to make it extendable.

Luigi was worried that if someone broke into the shed, someone would steal his project. And now that he knows the perpetrator was a spider of all things, he's worried that the spider will break it just because of how big the spider is. What if it walks into it and crushes it? What if it destroys it on purpose?

Realizing he'd been standing in the bedroom for a while spacing out, he slapped the sides of his face to get himself to focus, rushing back downstairs to the kitchen to check on the cookies.

They just finished cooking.

…

After letting the cookies cool, Luigi cautiously entered the living room, looking out the window to try and look at Mario outside. Mario hadn't come inside yet, so Luigi began to worry that something had gone wrong.

Luigi was quick to realize why Mario was taking so long.

Mario was in the front yard, practicing his throw. He had set up a target on the fence, and he kept doing his best to hit it perfectly. If he missed, the fireball would fall over the fence, going down the hill and eventually fizzling out. If he hit it, it would leave a burn mark on the target.

The target was almost completely covered in burn marks.

"(I need to make sure I hit it just right...)" Mario thought to himself.

Mario was so focused on trying to make sure this throw was 'perfect' that he spent several minutes trying to practice. He didn't want to mess up the shed on accident. He began to get frustrated each time his firebrand missed, even though it was quite rare.

Luigi then peeked out the front door, the sound of the door alerting Mario and making him turn around.

"Oh, it's just you, bro," said Mario, somewhat a bit shaken after hearing the noise. He didn't want anyone to see him mess up.

"D-Did you get rid of the spider yet..?" Luigi asked nervously.

Mario then realized. He completely forgot about it.

"Oh. uh...I will," Mario muttered. "Right now."

Mario hesitantly approached the shed, trying his best to calm himself down. He wasn't worried about the spider. He was worried about missing. He was worried about the shed catching on fire or things getting destroyed.

As if Luigi could sense his brother's hesitancy, he started to cheer him on.

"You got this, big bro!" Luigi exclaimed. "I know you can do it!"

Hearing his little brother's words of encouragement, Mario felt a bit more confident. Taking a deep breath, he slowly put his hand on the door handle. He prepared a big ball of fire in his hand, and then he quickly opened the shed door. The spider immediately looked in his direction, hissing, and Mario quickly threw the fireball.

Direct hit.

The second the fire hit the spider, it shrunk down to its normal size, and it ran towards Mario. Mario quickly got out of the way to avoid the spider on fire, and it crawled far, far away.

Both brothers watched the spider run away silently.

"You did it!" Luigi cheered, running up to his brother to give him a hug.

"I couldn't have done it without you cheering me on, little bro," Mario said with a smile as he messed with Luigi's hair playfully.

Mario then realized something.

"You're outside," Mario muttered.

Luigi realized it too.

"O-Oh...yeah," Luigi said nervously, letting go of Mario.

"Hey, that's progress," Mario encouraged. "Usually you don't even go near the front door on Halloween. You're getting better, bro."

Luigi smiled shyly.

"I guess it helped seeing you already out here," responded Luigi.

Mario smiled back.

"How are the cookies?" Mario asked.

"They just finished," Luigi answered. "I think they're done cooling now."

Mario then looked in the distance, seeing two small figures approaching the house. He couldn't quite make them out since he wasn't wearing his glasses.

"Let's get them ready," said Mario. "It looks like people are starting to come."

"Right," Luigi agreed.

Luigi then followed his brother into the house, reaching the kitchen and setting the chocolate amaretti cookies onto a plate for the trick-or-treaters to take.

-END-

[iceunhie]

NOT A CHANCE | WANDERER

premise ⁠☆ wanderer flusters you using his newfound popularity.

a/n⁠ ☆ this scenario has been in my mind ever since his birthday i can't believe scara is canonically a popular kid 😭 trying to get better at dialogue ! thank u vie @thomae for helping me choose which format i'd go for the fic ily /p reblogs are very much appreciated :D

“Another letter again?”

You stare at the pink colored letter in the Wanderer’s hands, signed passionately in elegant scrawl that makes you rather pity the sender, knowing that it'll likely never get read nor acknowledged.

He gives you a wry smirk, eyes haughty. “Why, are you jealous?”

“Don't flatter yourself.” you say without hesitation. “Aren’t I the one you're currently seeking out?”

As if to prove your point, you lift up your evidence: your intertwined hands. He makes no argument, making no move to remove his own from yours, grip unfaltering, but you see the faint red hue on crawling up his ears.

Really, he couldn't be any more obvious. After all, he was the one who dragged you here, grumbling about those noisy idiots. He’d be adorable if not for his constant petulance - not that you hate it; this is a side only you get to see, and you're sure as hell you aren't going to let anyone else try to see this sight of the Wanderer being so childish and clingy.

Recently, the Wanderer's been getting attention his way by many of the scholars in the Vahumana Darshan. Though he was already marked as someone aloof and eccentric, and most dared not approach him, no one could really keep away from him, not when he had the looks that could rival even the most breathtaking of faces.

His otherworldly beauty, in particular, was subject to much admiration, hence the letter he’s currently fiddling around with like it was nothing special.

You could probably get rich by the amount of fan mail your lover gets; sometimes it'd be a verbal confession, spoken passionately by a blushing young maiden (?) in love, only to be rejected with a cutthroat no from him. Oftentimes it's gifts of much variety - charcoal-baked alijenakh cakes, cookies, and once, an Inazuman scholar even tried their hand at giving him some dango, no doubt noting his clothing and therefore wanting to create a gift that would ‘remind him of home’ as she put it kindly. She was gracefully (to put it mildly) rejected before she could even put it in his hands.

"No thanks." he says, cutting the scholar off as simply as that. "I already have a partner."

When she leaves, all polite smiles and near-tears, he looks at you by his side with a peculiar expression, like that of a cat wanting to be praised. Really, he can be so contradictory sometimes.

"Becoming quite the heartbreaker, are you? You've broken the poor girl's heart." you muse, but you kiss him on the cheek anyway. He's all proud after that. He would rather gut himself than say it to your face, but you knew he took pride in your relationship.

(You raised your hands in solemn prayer that day - her courage was very much admirable, since it takes a strong willpower to brave the wanderer’s deadpan stare.)

Honestly, if he weren't so straightforward, so straight to the point, you’d probably be jealous of people taking an interest in him.

Well, you kinda were sometimes, when a woman sent a lingering look for too long or when others could see and compliment him. But that was a thought you did not want to entertain, not when it was a very lovely day and your Wanderer wasn't being particularly fussy.

“It's not good for your image if you keep on rejecting others, y’know.” you poke at his cheek, leaning onto his side like second nature.

Wanderer's scoffing in indignation, but he changes his position on the bench to put an arm around your waist to pull you closer. “So? I already have you, what could those other nobodies possibly offer?”

Your smile grows even bigger, if that was even possible. “You trying to fluster me, Kunikuzushi?”

“No.” he replies, giving you an unamused look at the use of his full name. “I could do it just fine without resorting to making you jealous over some letter.”

Swiftly as the winds he wields, Wanderer takes your lips on his own, covering the action with his hat one moment and leaving you very flustered, very flushed the next.

“So you were trying to make me jealous.” you say accusingly, red-faced and face burning.

“Maybe.” He pulls away, licking his bottom lip momentarily, looking at your embarassed face. It's a miracle you haven't combusted from such a suggestive display. He grins, visibly smug. “Your face when I do makes for the most entertaining display. Case in point.”

“Smartass.” you hiss, but you steal another kiss for good measure, fast enough for him to be surprised. Pink blooms across his face as the sun-touched trees sway lazily in the breeze. You grin, and he narrows his eyes like a hissy cat. “Not a chance.”

© 𝐌𝐇𝐈𝐈𝐄𝐄𝐄 : do not repost, copy, or plagiarize my work.

[echantedtoon]

Love Is the Bloomin' Pecknecks! Ch4 Cupid's Day Date

(Hey everyone. I just wanted to thank everyone who read this far and liked my story enough to read it to it's end. I had a lot of fun writing it and it makes me happy knowing some people loved it enough to read it fully. If you liked this consider checking out my other works. Thanks to everyone for reading this, faving it, or leaving a nice comment. And thank you to GearsForBreakfast for creating such wonderful characters and giving me the opportunity to make this wonderful story. The song Conductor sings is Conductor Sings: Old Town Road by Bit-B. Original Song by Lil Nas X. Link to song below although I changed some words to fit the world better.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkmJ_k_ZvyM)

Ah. Cupid's Day. The day everyone expressed their love to one another whether it be platonic love among friends and family, or for lovers to have a nice relaxing day out on a date with their spouses. Or if you were Cookie then you were getting ready for a date. HER date. With CONDUCTOR. Oh gosh. Oh goodness gracious. Oh pec- Nono! She wouldn't resort to that word. She hadn't ever been on a d-date before! What was she going to do!? What was she supposed to wear! She only had a week to prepare and she was a nervous wreck! She had Muriel to think about as well which was the easier part actually thanks to Poppy who agreed to watch over her for the night so that was solved. The day came and Cookie got up bright and early to drop off Muriel at the little alien's ship for a sleepover and brought along some food for all the kids plus a small thank you gift for Ms. Poppy. Thanking her again for agreeing to watch Muriel on such short notice before leaving back to ready herself. By worrying and pacing, putting on a simple dress, worrying and pacing, cleaning, cooking a little-...Did she mention worrying and pacing? Because she was doing that. A lot. Even as the door knocked making her give off a startled meow and her fur bristled. Eyes darted to the clock on the wall. It was seven already!? Cookie scrambled towards the door smoothing her bristled fur out as more knocking came from the door.

"C-Coming! Oh goodness gracious!" She was quick to open the door smiling at the owl on the other side. "Mr. Conductor!"

The owl froze upon first seeing the nervous cat, face red as a cherry, before he gulped and forced a grin. "L-LASSIE!! I- Uh...Y-Ye looks great!"

It was Cookie's turn to blush at the compliment before bashfully giggling. "Oh this old thing. T-Thank you. So...Um..W-Were you going to tell me where we're goin'?"

That seemed to knock some sense into him as he shook his head and coughed. "Of course! Ahehe! A-Ah have a great place for ye!"

"W-Well then lead the way."

She happily accepted his arm offered to him and both red faced made their way out. The place he took her was right in Express Town and among the few shops here. The Sleeping Owl Saloon. She hadn't been there before and never gone in seeing it was a saloon but Conductor assured her it was more of a restaurant than an actual saloon.

"Tis nothing to worry 'bout, Lass. The strrrongest thing in there is fermented birdseed punch, which I nah plan on having anyways."

Well..Alright. Why not? It would be nice to not have to cook for a night and she never tried this place before so the food might be good. So she allowed him to bring her inside and...Inside looked exactly like a saloon from one of Conductor's movies. Tables and chairs everywhere inside this old wooden place. A bar counter alongside the far wall with a bartender owl wiping down a glass with many, many bottles of soda pop right behind him much to her relief.  To the far right wall there was a small stage with a microphone and jukebox for karaoke. There didn't seem to be a whole lot of other people here besides them. One or two other couples looking lovey dovey at one another obviously on dates for this holiday, the bartender, and a waiter that went back and forth between tables every so often. So the two of them sat down and just...sat there silently and a bit tense. Just sitting there and other than the waiter taking their orders didn't say anything at first. Just fiddle and look away red faced...before Cookie took a deep breath and spoke.

"So.." He flinched looking towards her nervous smile. "I was told ya went on that cruise that sank. I do hope you didn't run into any trouble. A sinking ship sounds scary."

...The casual convo starter had him relax before nodding. "Aye. Me son's idea. Go on a cruise he said. Ya work to harrrd he said. Go spend some time with ye grandkids and lemme handle yourrr train he said. Oi." His hand reached up to rub his face. "The wee ones hadn't even grown their water feathers yet."

"Oh my. I hope no one was hurt."

"Nah. Wounded pride but nothing that couldn't be salvaged."

"Oh that's wonderful. Y'know I was supposed to work on that ship on the next cruise."

"Ye were?," he asked surprise.

She nodded. "But sadly it sank. But it's alright. Ah've dealt with worse in Mafia Town."

"That reminds me. How did ye even come to work for that flash bound flipper anyways?"

"Oh it's a long story but I suppose it started when I first left home years ago."

More of the night passed by as they talked. Conductor was awfully patient listening to her tell him about her struggles and he was surprised to hear she wanted to hear more about his son and grandchildren. And his train of course which he was happy to brag about. Obviously she had good taste in family ...and trains of course. Some time during their train discussing their dinner came and it was then that one of the men from the other couples got up to the juke box and started rambling out some kind of tune dedicated to his misses after pressing a small button on the machine which caught the few peoples' attention including theirs.

"Oh karaoke!"

"Aye. Ye sing, Lass?"

"Who? Me? Oh no. My singing is cat scratch. Excuse the pun. I couldn't sing if mah life depended on it." She pointed at him. "But you have a very nice voice. I've seen ya sing those few desert stories in your movies an' I gotta say you're voice is very nice to listen to."

He continued to stare at her for a moment before his feathers puffed up again. "U-Uh...Y-ye likes..me v-voice?" 

She nodded. "You have the best voice I've ever heard singing."

he continued to stare at her before clearing his throat and smiling proudly. "Of c-course ye would think that! HA! Why I could out sing any birrrd in this town!"

"So that means you're gonna sing?!"

She gave him a hopeful look and he fell quiet. Him? Sing? Now? But he wasn't even recording anything...Well there really wasn't so many birds here so he doubted anyone would really make a big deal out of it, and they all looked too busy with their own selves to have even paid attention to the last guy that sang. Plus she was looking at him so excited. 

"Hmm. Alright!" He stood up. "Just watch me. HA! I'll knock the crowd dead!"

She smiled excitedly as he confidentially got up and stomped his way over towards the jukebox. It wasn't until he grabbed the mic and pressed a button on the jukebox did he pause looking at Cookie smiling in the crowd..but he quickly cleared his throat once the music started. Too late to turn back now. So he held the microphone to his mouth and began singing when the music began.

"Yeah!~ I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road!~ I'm gonna rrride 'til I can't no more.~ I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road!~ I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more.~ I got the horses in the back.~ Horse tack is attached.~ Hat is matte black.~ Got the black boots to match.~ Ridin' on a horse.~ HA! Ye can whip your Porsche.~ I been in the valley.~ You ain't been up that porch now.~ Can't nobody tell me nothin'.~ Ye can't tell me nothin'.~ Can't nobody tell me nothin'.~ Ye can't tell me nothin'.~ Ridin' on a tractor.~ Lean all in me bladder.~ Cheated on me baby.~ Ye can go and ask her.~ My life is a movie.~ Bull rrridin' and birdseed.~ Cowboy hat that's truly.~ Wrangler on me booty.~ Can't nobody tell me nothin'.~ Ye can't tell me nothin'.~ Can't nobody tell me nothin'.~ Ye can't tell me nothin'.~ Yeah!~ I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road!~ I'm gonna rrride 'til I can't no more.~ I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road!~ I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more.~ Hat down.~ Cross Town.~ Living like a rrrockstar.~ Spent a lot of money on me brand new guitar!~ Baby's got a habit.~ Diamond rrrings and spending me pons.~ Ridin' down town in me pecking wonder train car!~ Got no stress!~ I've been through all that!~ Like a marlboro man so I kick on back!~ Wish I could rrroll on back to that old town rroad!~ I wanna rrride til I can't no more!~ Yeah!~ I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road!~ I'm gonna rrride 'til I can't no more.~ I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road!~ I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more.~"

The country music faded out and the few people in their clapped especially Cookie who was smiling brightly at him happily. He had...made her smile. A fuzzy feeling grew within him and it made the feathers on his head fluff up more. Conductor had shakily rejoined her at the table where she complimented him genuinely about his singing much to his blushing face. Although they didn't stay much longer. It was getting late and she still had to pick up Muriel tomorrow morning. So after paying for their meal, Conductor was more than happy to walk her home where she smiled at him from the doorway. 

"Thank you for taking me out. I-I had a great time."

"Ahehe. W-W-Well I can't say I didn't have nah good time either," Conductor stuttered back rubbing his neck. "Altho perchance I-...HMMMMMMMM!?!?"

His. Face. EXPLODED. RED!! Yellow feathers puffed up all over him. And he froze as a small kiss was placed to his cheek by her also red faced. 

"Thank you for the wonderful n-night. I can't wait to see what we do on our s-second date."

With that she slowly closed the door leaving him standing there breathless for a long moment before he stuttered out.

"S-S-Second date!?....S-S-She wants ta go on a SECOND DATE!?......Ahe..AHEHEHEHEHE!! YA-HOO!!"

[sashi-ya]

Christmas event :D

Rosinate x reader chocolate

Reader where she's just cooking with little law while waiting for Rosi to arrive from his marine duty and then do Christmas stuff and sitting and cuddling in the fire place while drinking hot choco( OMG this is so cute just thinking Abt it 😭❤️ ) and then in the morning Rosi tells law to open his gifts in the Christmas tree and holy shit imagine the kids adorable smile ❤️😭🥰

Thank you for doing this <33

My darling you made me the happiest person alive by requesting this. My perfect life would definitely look like this if I ever got the chance to ask for something. THANK U for requesting this, thank u so much. I hope you enjoy!!! Happy Holidays! 💖

Chocolate

Rosinante x Gn! Reader ft. Little Law

Day 10: Our First Christmas Together ~

tw: none. excess of cuteness. Law is 7 y/o as always when I wrote for him as a child.

a/n: the notebook is inspired on the canon fact that Law drew himself his jolly roger while living at Mr. Wolff's. (You can read the novel here) (yeah I draw them to look like crayons and let's pretend that's Law's handwriting pls hahaha)

wc: 1333

White spots cover little Law's face…

This time is not from the amber lead, but from some powdery sugar.

Sickness turned into sweetness. Rosinante and you, Law’s beloved protectors. Law’s second chance in life, Law’s first Christmas with Cora and you.

He is standing on his special yellow booster to reach for the kitchen countertop, and both you and him, are baking some gingerbread men. It was surprising Law liked them, since he doesn’t like anything bread related, apparently cookies were an exception.

“How do you want to decorate them, Law?” you ask, searching for some sprinkles and chocolate melts. “Uhm, I think I want to add a smiling face. Let me show you, I’ve made a few drawings…” the little bean of joy says and runs up to his room.

“Law! you are gonna get sugar all ov…. Never mind”

Law is as methodical as a grown up, but still a kiddo. There is no way you could scold him, he wants to show you something he drew, you will have time to clean afterwards. Plus this is your first Christmas together…

The tanned skin, crystalline grey eyes, cute kiddo shows you some designs out of a yellow notebook.

“Law!! How pretty!!” you joyfully tell him, because they are indeed really cute. “Do you think Cora would like them? They are inspired by…” he stops himself; a light dust of crimson invades his cheeks. “Are they inspired by daddy's smile? I can see it clearly! He would love them. I tell you what, prepare the page because he will surely want them in his office” you tell him, cleaning some of the sugar off his nose.

Law’s smile widens, and his eyes shine with a special sparkle. He is well aware, despite being so young, how Rosinante’s actions have allowed him to keep on living. Law sees him as the representation of life. And you, you too. There are no gray clouds that could opaque the sunlight of Cora’s smile. He is your sun, Law’s sun.

“Let’s finish them before he is home!” he says, rolling up his sleeves. “Sure! Plus we need to do some more for Santa tonight”. Law gives you a side look, he is at that age some of his friends tell them Santa doesn’t exist but he still wanna believe he does. In any case, Rosi and you have decided to keep with the “lie” as long as he tells you to stop. A little bit of fantasy and magic never hurt anybody, right?.

Law managed to create a special bowl with milk for Santa, that he left next to the tree for the old guy to indulge after leaving the presents. He didn’t ask for anything, Law indeed never does, but he will get many presents this year…

Both of you get so into the decoration of the cookies and preparing the dinner table you don’t realize the time passes by faster than expected. Soon, a huge thump could be heard outside the house.

“DADDY'S HOME!”

Law seems more excited than ever, he even forgot about his characteristic “bad mood” and it’s jumping all over the place -until he notices you are looking at him- but even though, it’s always heartwarming to see him so happy.

Rosinante shakes the snow off his shoulders and hangs his white Marine cape. The shift at the base is over, and the night is settled to have a wonderful warm Christmas family dinner. Law runs to Cora’s arms, being lifted by him (almost hitting the kiddo’s head against the ceiling).

“Hello, my dear husband~” you purr, smiling at the sweetest image of him holding your little ray of sun. Rosi comes closer and kisses your lips softly and lovingly, while Law is crushed against you two since he has them on arms.

“AHHHHH” Law shouts. “A sandwich of loveee!!! Law, you are being trapped by the love bread!!!” you shout, snuggling him with pure love and sweetness. You all laugh at Law’s cheeks being squeezed and after that you head to the dining room.

Christmas decorations, delicious food Law helped you to prepare and arrange, and carols playing (Law was against playing them, but still). Rosi and you enjoy the delicious food, while listening to Law speak about the new operation the read of. You are not disgusted of course, but Rosi, who is absolutely grossed out by blood, tries to endure through the details of the procedure Law is commenting on.

You suggest for them to go sit next to the fireplace to have some cocoa and cookies. Law fidgets on his seat because he knows those are gonna be his cookies. The bean is anxious to show Cora his creation, and to see if he notices.

You were absolutely sure he would notice, but you decided to send him a message earlier just to tell him…

You > Love, your son is making you cookies. He drew the designs himself and are inspired by your smile. I’m sure you will notice, but just in case. Oh, did you get the Sora figure?” Hubby ❤> Oh I’m gonna hug him so tight, you have no idea!” Hubby ❤ > 📎sent an attachment:

Hubby ❤ > And I did, it’s on the trunk well packed with yellow paper 🙊

You three chose to wear the special pajamas you bought. “Mx. Noel”, “Mr. Noel” & “Little Santa Helper” embroidered on the front of them. Pillows scattered in front of the fireplace with the three boots hanging from it, of course.

“So, here are the stars of the night, Law's sweetest creation, smiling cookies!” you cheer bringing three cups of cocoa, escorted by the kiddo bringing a batch with the cookies. Rosinante, of course, sitting on the floor -because he was banned from moving, just to avoid any unwanted accidents-.

Cora starts screaming, scaring Law with the shouts and the excitement, but making him laugh shortly after. “Excuse me little guy… that’s my…?” he asks, ready to attack Law with a million kisses. “UH… YOUR SMILE” he says, up and straightforward, hiding under his hat after because of the intense embarrassment.

But the hat didn’t last longer over his black spiky hair, because his dad had already knocked it off in a kisses and hugs attack. “AHHH DAD!!!” Law shouts, while you watch the fight next to you, and there is nothing else you could ever ask in your whole life. You were the richest person in the whole world.

After some story reading, you sitting in between Cora’s legs and Law sitting in between yours, drinking hot chocolate and enjoying the lovely cookies, Law finally fell asleep. “Oh he is asleep” you whisper to your hubby. “Right, let’s take him to his bed”

Rosi and you carry the little bean to his bed, tucking him and kissing his forehead goodnight. “Sleep tight, son” Cora whispers, and you, on tippy toes, reach for his cheek to kiss him. “What a wonderful dad you are, babe”.

Before going to sleep you two enjoyed the cookies and milk “for Santa” and arranged the presents all around the tree. Rosi also used a little bit of flour to simulate Santa’s snowy boots footprints.

Cora wasn’t able to sleep until no more than 6 am on Christmas day. He was so excited he had to go and wake up Law to go see the gifts. And of course, cause “like father, like son” (even if they weren’t connected by blood) the two of them go downstairs running.

You, still with a sleepy face and messy hair, used your den den mushi to record the reaction. Law was on the verge of crying while opening his gifts. Tears of joy. He isn’t a consumerist child; he didn’t even ask for a gift in his letter to Santa. But the love he received was, for him, the most precious gift he could ever have gotten.

Oh, and the Sora figure.

He even slept with it for many many years. 💖~

[gay-dorito-dust]

Hello! You lovely being! I was wondering if you could write pure vanilla cookie and herb cookie with a reader who has ADHD and stims alot. Example: whenever the reader see's them they start to bounce in place with a big grin on their face or if they get a gift or something from them they flap there hands and make beeping sounds! * Wich is what I do sometimes :) * do whatever scenario you want and take your time with this request! Oh! Also she/they for reader please

Thank you, you amazing person! :D

Hey! I would absolutely do this ask! This is my first ask for my new blog since I can’t get my old one back. I hope I do this justice.

Pure vanilla cookie:

- The king of effective communication and the saint of patience has entered the chat.

- he’d make sure that no matter the issue you’d face. You’d face it together cuz he’s that perfect of a partner. Fight me.

- I personally feel like he’d use his magic to entertain you and to see your happy stims because he knows how much you like his magic so he thought why not. It could also be used as a distraction from when your stressed, anxious or upset but he knows not to indulge on the distraction for too long and take you on a peaceful walk where there wouldn’t be too much distractions in order to clear your head.

- whenever he comes back from his journeys you know damn sure he’s got you some souvenirs that immediately got your hands flailing and beeps escaping your lips as excitement fills your entire being. You probably have piles of trinkets for whatever you were feeling.

- he knows you are easily exhausted so I believe he makes a little song with the help of mint chocolate cookie so you can sleep peacefully and without worry.

- bonus: my mans respect pronouns so if anyone ain’t using she/they pronouns when it comes to you because they can’t be asked or bothered to do so with basic human decency. I’m not saying he’ll throw hands but he’ll throw hands. He ain’t here for the disrespect and neither am I. He also would correct people for using the wrong pronouns and lecture them on the importance of pronouns and such because I bet he’s read several books on that sort of thing because he has ✨knowledge✨ and isn’t afraid to use it when the occasion comes.

Herb cookie:

- another effective communication king.

- Herb cookie would get you some therapuddy after you brought up the topic when you were getting acquainted with one another and how that over time your toys would be either lost, damaged beyond repair or not work anymore but thank goodness he was perceptive as he could point out that you missed your beloved therapuddy and decided to go out of his way to get you an exact replica of your old one.

- When he finally gave you the gift your happy stims kicked in and the beeps came out as the flailing hands followed after when your eyes saw the therapuddy that looked the exact same as your old one sit there on the table as if it had been there the entire time. Herbs little cookie foundations would be melting with how warming the scene before him was.

- he’d keep you company as your playing with your therapuddy, knowing how easy it was for you to be distracted and forgettable so he always there to make sure you get as many things done as possible and if you couldn’t. That’s okay! You guys can do the rest another time!

- bonus: another boi I believe would respect pronouns. He’d correct people when they don’t use she/they cuz again it’s basic human decency to do so but some people are just trash and so not worth your time sweetie. You deserve better then expecting the bare minimum from ignorant people. Herb will lecture them on how disrespectful it is cuz my man is passionate about the things that mean the most to you and if people ain’t gonna respect that. They’re gonna get a right talking to by this sweet little Herb.

[sugareey-makes-stuff]

I had already planned to give @crazybutgood a shout-out this month because she’s an amazing person, but it also happens to be her birthday today! CBG is way better at origami than I’ll ever be, but I thought I’d give it a shot in folding some things I still know and enjoy making. Stars bring hope, and (baby) turtles link back to the nature of creation and good luck. Fortune cookies are full of fun and surprises, and a paper crane is as the “bird of happiness” that symbolises good fortune and longevity (and it’s a nod to a certain blond ;D). These are all of the qualities I see in CBG, which has made her a key person within fandom who has brought so many others together. She’s a shining star because she knows exactly how to support creators and cheer them on. Her warmth and enthusiasm make things so much brighter, and I’m sure fandom folks can agree with me that because of CBG’s support, that’s why so many awesome works exist today. She’s that fandom enthusiast and reader who makes creators go, “OMG, okay! Maybe I should be doing more of what I’m doing?!” I first saw CBG’s origami from mutuals’ reblogs, and I was blown away. How cool is it that such a beautiful craft has been integrated within fandom? Her work is unique and thoughtful. And she’s obviously damn good at folding, and that’s what makes CBG stand out. She creates origami recs, gifts and shout-outs for people because she wants to not because she has to. Seriously, her origami advent from the hols was so cool, and her author appreciation project is just as awesome and heartfelt (and there’s more to come soon for that!). I have no idea how she does all of this, since these projects are labour intensive to set up. Nevertheless, all of her origami and recs always make me smile whenever they pop up on my feed. And, this is 1000000% why CBG is truly one of a kind. As an origami artist, she has collabed with so many creators to bring some stellar works to life. Make sure to check out more of her creations and recs! She’s also an alpha AND a beta, which is not an easy job. For those who have written fics, it’s easy to let imposter syndrome take over and for the writing plan to fall to pieces. But CBG is there offering her help, cheerleading and kindness so authors can produce the best fics they can be proud of. And the fact that she’s worked with many creators in that sense and has lifted each one up says everything you need to know. She’s obviously someone who is a dream to work with. Did I mention how nice CBG is? I got to co-mod @microficmay with her, and her energy is such a breath of fresh air. She truly wants to help in any way she can and she delivers. She was a godsend during a busy May, and she deserves 8324324324 kudos for keeping things going (thank you so much for being a gem for dealing with all the reblogs at weird hours). I don’t think we expected so many microfics to come in, but hey, that’s never a bad thing. More microfics to enjoy and read! If CBG wasn’t talented enough, she makes podfics AND she writes! I’m so glad she dipped her toes in writing! We both had no idea we would be paired up for the @gameofdrarry Owlery Exchange, but here we are! XD When reveals came out right after Microfic May ended, we laughed when we found out we had been writing to each other for two months without even knowing it. I haven’t written anything for Drarry in many years, so receiving letters from CBG’s Draco and responding back as Harry was really fun. She has been a great person to collab with, and I’m so glad we hit things off (as Harry and Draco and as co-writers)! Our fic, I Just Want You to Know is currently posting up letters from now until the end of the month. Feel free to check it out and follow along for the latest updates! Here are my fav CBG fics too: 🌟 >>> Language of Love (Drarry, T, 864) Summary: “Sometimes, I wish you could understand the things I want to say to you, about you, in Hindi or Urdu.” AHHH! My heart ! <333 This is so tender and gorgeous, and I totally get this. Native languages in fics are something I absolutely adore because the words are personal. And I love how Harry is willing to teach Draco some words he knows to show that he cares. This fic shows so much in so few words! 🌟 >>> Heart on Your Sleeve (Drarry, T, 5.1k + origami) Summary: Draco’s finally returned to England after fleeing to France when he was turned into a vampire. Pansy and Blaise try to drag Draco's moping ass out of Malfoy Manor, but he’s still reluctant while doing so. Until he stumbles upon Potter’s cafe. This is soooo cute! Coffee shop AU + Vampire!Draco was something I didn’t know I needed until I read this fic. The coffee puns, the flirting, the meddling friends and the origami that goes with each part makes this fluffy fic worth the read! If you’re also looking for classic dramatic!Draco, and general banter, give this a shot! 🌟 >>> Green Heart (Drarry, G, 899 + origami) Summary: Seeing Draco’s dexterity with his hands, Draco’s father lets him pursue various Arts for him to develop his skills, including origami. Ensuring Draco strives to practice and excel, his father provides him with an endless supply of ordinary and magical papers. One special type changes colour depending on one’s mood when touched, making for an interesting folding process. A curious Draco tries it out. OKAY, this fic is precious AND clever, because Draco making origami and using it as his outlet for his worries is pretty amazing here. There’s such a beautiful narration of his years at Hogwarts, how they tie back to canon events and how he’s feeling about everything. I don’t even know what else to say, other than the execution of this was so well thought out and how cool it is that we can actually see “his” creations. Find more of CBG’s work on AO3, and give her some love for her fandom contributions! CBG, thank you so much for what you do for fandom creators. You have such a way of making each day so much better for all of us. We love you, and keeping being awesome!

[batsandbugs]

Bats Bugs and Boomerangs Chapter 1

A/N: Hey everyone, coming at you with another series! This is actually for a late secret santa gift exchange! My recipient was @m3owww​! Her fandoms were Maribat and Avatar the Last Airbender, so I thought: Why not both? She already had a Maribat characters in the show type fic, so I created a fic where they watched the show. It slowly spiraled out of control though, so this is Chapter 1. I’ll eventually have the batfam (and Marinette) react to the whole series, so comment here and on ao3 what you want to see. So Phi, this is kinda like the gift that will keep on giving? Maybe? I hope you like it anyway. Enjoy! 

Our story begins on a frosty winter evening, outside Gotham at Wayne Manor. Marinette sat in the library working on an assignment for her History of Fashion class. She was alone, because Damian, Dick, Tim, and Bruce were out on patrol, with Barbara on comms. Tikki, unless eating or involved with a transformation, spent her time sleeping due to the freezing weather. While the other Kwami either resided in the box or roamed the grounds, and generally stayed out of the human's way.

Marinette gazed out the window, snow falling softly through the air, covering the ground and the tree branches. A crackling fire warmed the room. She shifted, and a painful ache shot through her leg. Marinette glared at the offending appendage, which was the reason she wasn’t out with the team tonight.

Her Miraculous could cure any injury sustained on the battlefield, it didn’t help her one bit when it came to her own natural clumsiness. She hadn’t paid attention as she’d walked out of class one evening. The dim lighting hid a black ice patch and she slipped and fell. Thankfully, her ankle was only sprained and not broken, but she would be out of commission for at least two weeks. Probably more if Alfred got his way.

Speaking of the elderly butler, he strode into the room carrying a tray of tea and cookies.

“Good evening Miss. Marinette. Need another refreshment?”

She sighed at the cold coffee dregs in her mug. “That would be nice, thank you, Alfred.”

He hummed, grabbing a teacup, and pouring her a serving. “How does your leg feel today? I notice you were leaning heavily on Master Damian after supper.” He handed the cup to her and the warmth was a welcome sensation for her chilled hands.

“Yeah, he’s been nice helping me around.” Nice was a misnomer, more like extremely overprotective. He point-blank refused for her to stay at her own apartment, mostly due to its location on the fourth floor with no elevator access. He all but forced her to watch him pack her essentials to bring to the manor while she recovered. Since then, his attentiveness in ensuring she had what she needed within reach and helping her to class had grown. It was a tad smothering considering his usual aloofness, but she enjoyed his actions for the affection it implied.

“It’s throbbing and hot and feels worse than it did three days ago.” She took a tiny sip of the tea and relaxed into its spiced aroma. Alfred made the best tea.  

He nodded. “It will feel uncomfortable for a while until it starts to mend. Just continue to rest and remain off it and you will be back to carousing around the city like the rest of them in no time.” He poured his own tea and seated himself in the plush armchair across from her spot on the couch.

“Oh, Alfred you say that as if you would not be right there along with us if age allowed,” said Marinette with a grin. The stories Dusu could recount about the elderly miraculous holder were nothing short of entertaining, and she knew damn well Alfred had the same need for action as the rest of the Waynes and their assorted allies.  

“I’d do nothing of the sort,” he said primly, taking a sip of his tea to hide the tiny smirk on his face. Marinette couldn’t help but laugh.

The rest of the evening was spent in pleasant silence. Despite the pain in her leg Marinette pushed through it and finished her assignment, while Alfred read until it neared time when patrol ended. He bustled up the remains of the tea and promise her a fresh cup when he finished seeing everyone arrive safely.

Later, although she could not say how long, she was buried deep in a book and didn’t notice when Damian entered the room until he sat next to her on the couch.

“Good evening angel.” His hair flopped in his eyes, loose and damp from the shower. In his hands, he held a tray with two cups of steaming tea.

“Thanks.” She took the proffered cup of tea with a smile. “How was patrol?”

“Boring,” he sighed. “You certainly are not missing anything.” If he wouldn’t have taken offense to it, Marinette would have described the look on his face as a pout.

“What about the drug seller Tim tracked to the lower docks?”

Damian shrugged. “Gone silent after we busted the last shipment. Seventeen years in and maybe the criminals finally figured out committing crimes in the same city as a relentless vigilante team is a bad idea,” he said with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. Marinette couldn’t stop herself from giggling. It was a common joke among the family that Gotham’s criminals never learned.

“I think it means we’re doing our job right,” said Tim walking in with a steaming mug. Marinette opened her mouth, but he cut her off. “Don’t worry, it’s decaf.”

“Like Pennyworth would let him drink anything else this time of night,” scoffed Damian, while taking a sip of his tea.

“I’m perfectly capable of monitoring my own caffeine intake, thanks,” Tim said in offense, seating himself across from the couch in the reading chair previously abandoned by Alfred.

“No, you’re not,” called a voice from the hallway. Dick walked in with a large mug of what was undoubtedly hot chocolate. “The last time he didn’t check your drink after patrol, you used coffee instead of water to brew another pot, and then added four whole bottles of five-hour energy. You didn’t sleep for three days.”

“I also solved five crimes, figured out where the Penguin was hiding, and streamlined the dropbox submission system for Wayne Industries. Life requires tradeoffs.”

“No that’s just you, ignoring basic human necessities. Anyway, besides Tim’s caffeine addiction, what are we talking about?” asked Dick.

“The reason for the lack of crime,” offered Marinette.

Dick shrugged, “Happens every year because of the weather. Even criminals get cold. They’ll return to their usual transgressions once the weather warms.” He took a sip of his hot chocolate.

“Tt. Weak,” muttered Damian.

Tim rolled his eyes. “Not everyone receives extreme weather training under threat of dismemberment, demon brat. We should take the opportunity to enjoy the break.”

“Tim, your version of a “break” involves paperwork,” chided Dick.

“It’s not my fault the rest of you people don’t have lives. I’m a remarkably busy person. And what is this, the-criticize-Tim-hour?”

“Oh, only an hour?” smirked Damian. “I thought it was a continuous event, one could choose to participate in whenever the mood struck. I will have to file all my complaints immediately.”

Tim pouted. “Marinette,” he whined. “Can’t you control him?”

She shrugged, “What do you expect me to do? I’m his girlfriend, not his minder. Besides, they criticize because they care.” She laughed when all three boys snarled their noses at the prospect of feelings.

“Marinette, angel, please; never say that again. I criticize because I am right, and they should know it. Not because of any high-minded ideals such as genuine affection.”

“Okay, okay, enough,” said Dick. “If we have a bit of a break, we should do something! Together, as a family. I think Cass and Steph come back in two days.”

“Grayson, just because your girlfriend is off-world visiting family and you have nothing to do does not mean it holds true for the rest of us.”

“Exactly!” exclaimed Tim, “Except not quite, because I don’t have a girlfriend, but I just said I’m busy. R&D is rolling out a new prototype next week, and I have two board meetings scheduled and-”

“Not to mention,” Marinette cut Tim off. He could talk about his schedule forever because he just had that many events. “I can’t move around, what would we even do? Play games?”

Tim rolled his eyes. “The list of games officially banned in our family includes, but is not limited to; Monopoly, Uno, Checkers, Risk, Risk: Legacy, Twister, Jenga, Clue, Guess Who, Poker, Chess, and Go Fish.”

“Oh…” muttered Marinette.

“And that doesn’t even include videogames.”

“After the Wii Bowling incident of 2013, the media room wall was never the same,” Dick said, shaking his head in despair.

“I actually apologized for that, okay?” exclaimed Damian. “Why do you always have to bring it up?”

Marinette fully intended to ask about the incident later. “Okay, so games are out.”

“Ooh,” Dick’s eyes lit up, “How about we call a Family T.V. Event?”

Tim groaned, “The last time we did that we blew up the shed, and got the police called.”

“Well, we won’t watch a crime show.” Dick turned to Marinette. “Jason picked; we watched Breaking Bad.”

“I can see how that would spiral out of control.”

“The time before that, we set fire to the media room and started a familial feud,” Damian pointed out. “Game of Thrones,” he added when Marinette looked to him for clarification.

“Even worse.”

“Okay, fine, so we don’t have the best track record picking shows. But I swear I have a good one this time.” He paused for dramatic effect. “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

Tim snorted. “What? Like the kid’s show?”

Damian rolled his eyes. “Really Grayson, a cartoon? I know you are developmentally stuck at five, but not all of us are.”

“I’ve never watched it, but I’ve heard good things about it,” said Marinette. She knew there was a French translation of the show, but she preferred to watch media in its original language. Before moving to America, before dating Damian, her English had not been strong enough to confidently watch a show and understand all of it.

“Perfect!” exclaimed Dick. “I know you three and Cass haven’t seen it, and neither has Bruce or Alfred. I would bet Jason’s seen some of it, but I’ll have to check. Barbara and I have, but that’s fine, she loves the show. We’ll have to see about Steph too, but I’m sure she’ll enjoy it regardless. There are awesome characters, battles, suspense, comedy, and it’s not likely going to inspire us to blow up the shed or tear each other to pieces!”

“I have in no way agreed to this Grayson. Drake back me up.”

Tim paused for a moment, stuck between his need to disagree with Damian and the need to get out of Dick’s crazy plan. Unfortunately for Damian, the former won out. “Actually, you know what, a show could be fun. The episodes are what, thirty minutes? Shorter than Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones.”

Damian groaned while Dick responded happily, ignoring his brother’s distress, “Around twenty minutes actually. We could have the whole show finished in about a week or so.”

Damian turned to her, eyes wide and hopeful. “Marinette, please tell me you are on my side?”

She patted her boyfriend’s arm, “Sorry, mon amour, I’m stuck either way. Might as well watch a show.”

Damian flopped against the couch with a pout. “Betrayed. I have been grievously betrayed by my own brothers and girlfriend. What is this world coming to?”

“Woo!” exclaimed Dick, a wide grin splitting his face. “This is going to be great.”

“This is going to be awful,” moaned Damian.

-0-0-

It took a bit of convincing on the part of Dick to get Bruce and Alfred to agree to the venture. Marinette, after learning the full details of the last two Family T.V. Events, was wholly unsurprised. She also did not know the full extent of what Dick did to get Jason to agree (apparently, he and Bruce were fighting, again, so this was expected.) although it probably involved a bribe. But by the week’s end, the entire family was together, all under strict orders (and puppy-dog eyes from Dick) to be on their best behavior.

Which, without a doubt, not a single one of them knew what that entailed.

The arguing started with seating placement, then about who controlled the remote, then over the distribution of snacks, drinks, blankets, and pillows. At one point Jason pulled a knife, which prompted Damian to pull his knife, suddenly Cass had two shurikens visible (where she even kept them while wearing a tank top and shorts, no one could say), and then everyone was yelling with sharp pointy objects in hand.

Once the argument was firmly under control, Alfred collected the weapons and placed them in a wicker basket, along with all the mobile devices, until the episodes for the night were finished. The only one allowed to have a phone was Barbara who was in charge of checking police scanners for any major trouble while the family took the evening off.

Marinette seated herself curled up against Damian on the edge of the couch. She set her foot propped up on an ottoman so it wouldn’t get jostled, and she could continue to ice it throughout the evening. Damian secured their own bowl of popcorn, so they didn’t have to share it with the others.

“Alright, here’s how we’re breaking this down,” announced Dick, who won the battle for the remote, and therefore the episode schedule. “The episodes are short, at least, much shorter than the last show we watched.” He directed a pointed look at Jason.

“I make no apologies.”

“We’ll watch half a season a day, ten episodes apiece. The closed captions will be on but try to keep the chatter to a minimum.” Marinette held back a laugh. Damian explained no one kept quiet during these nights. Watching the show wasn’t the point of these events; if that were the case then they would just watch it all on their own time. The point was the time spent together. This is why even Bruce, emotionally constipated and single-minded in his pursuits as he was, put away the suit for a few days to watch T.V. with the rest of his collected family. Talking was expected.  

“We will, if you will,” called Stephanie.  

“I take offense to that.”

“Aw just sit Dickie, let’s watch the show,” exclaimed Jason.

“Yes, Grayson you already wrapped us into this pointless venture; we might as well get it over with,” Damian grumbled. Marinette found his hand in the folds of their shared blanket and laced her fingers with his. He squeezed her hand, and, when he was sure no one else was looking gave her a small smile. Marinette smiled back, he pretended to be such a grouch, but deep down he was a giant softy at heart.

Dick frowned, saying “Fine, fine, you don’t have to be spoilsports about it.” And pointed the remote at the T.V. starting the first episode.

-0-0-

It didn’t take ten seconds before the commentary began.

“Four elements?” exclaimed Tim.  “Are you serious? I could name at least a dozen off the top of my head. How are there only four nations? 0/10 completely unrealistic. Political infighting alone-”

“Ah, shut up, replacement.”

“Ruthless fire nation?” said Stephanie. “Methinks a little propaganda might be occurring here.”

“A hundred years!? What, has no one competent been born the entire time?”

Marinette shrugged. “The disadvantages of finite magic systems, Dami. It's learned indifference.”

“Honey, after a hundred years that’s not hoping, that’s naivety,” said Stephanie in response to Katara’s impassioned speech.

“She’s right!” exclaimed Dick.

“We know that, but she doesn’t.”

The show moved on to Katara and Sokka in a boat. Sokka held a spear above the water.

“Is he hunting that fish?” growled Damian.

“Ah yeah, I forgot you may hate the entirety of Sokka’s character,” said Dick with a grimace. “Whoops.”

“She’s not very good at the water moving, is she?” asked Marinette

“Waterbending,” Dick and Barbara said in unison.

Sokka chided Katara about her weird water magic. “Oh, he’s not going to be a dick for the whole show, is he?” asked Steph.

“He gets better.”

“They grew up here right?” asked Damian, as Katara and Sokka become caught in a rapid. “How did they not anticipate an event like this.”

“I knew I should have left you at home. Leave it to a girl to screw things up!”

“HEY!” shouted all the women in the room.

They watched as Katara’s fury built and broke the iceberg behind her.

“Good. Use anger, anger is alright,” Cass commented for the first time.

“Okay, you’ve gone from weird, to freakish.”

“This punk is just asking for a beating isn’t he,” growled Jason.

The beam of energy shot into the air after Katara and Sokka broke open the ice. “That’s not going to cause any trouble,” said Tim, rolling his eyes. “Nope, not suspicious or completely conspicuous at all.”

The scene switches to a metal ship.

“Finally! Uncle, do you realize what this means?”

“Oh, look, the bad guys,” deadpanned Tim. “I was right.”

Jason grabbed a handful of popcorn and shoved it into his mouth “What happened to his fucked-up fa-”

“YOU’LL FIND OUT!”

The scene switched back to Katara and Sokka. The figure is revealed to be a hyperactive little kid.

Damian frowned“Oh, I won’t like him either, will I Grayson?”

Dick tilted his head, “Eh.”

Then Appa is introduced.

“Father, could we-”

“No, Damian.”

They watched the children depart, and the scene moved back to the Fire Nation ship.

“Even if you're right, and the Avatar is alive, you won't find him. Your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all tried and failed.”

“Well considering the Airbender child has been in an iceberg, it’s not surprising they failed.”

“Because their honor didn't hinge on the Avatar's capture. Mine does. This coward's hundred years in hiding are over.”

“Is it just me or does this angry, emo prince remind anyone of demon spawn?”

“Todd, shut your mouth before I remove your tongue.”  

Marinette leaned in close, “Maybe just a little like you.” Damian looked at her with a betrayed pout.

The scene switched and they watched Aang lie to Katara about the Avatar.

“The air child is guilty. Will cause problems later.”

“Narrative Cass, it’s narrative.”

Damian scoffed. “Miscommunication is plot convenience, and it’s a sloppy one at that.”

They watched Aang’s dream of how he ended up in the iceberg, him waking up to Katara and his introduction to the village.

“Well, no one has seen an Airbender in a hundred years. We thought they were extinct until my granddaughter and grandson found you.”

“Extinct?”

“He went into the ice and woke up to find the world different. Anyone getting serious Captain America vibes here?” said Jason, tone-deaf to the clear horror on Aang's face.

“Jason, he just found out his people potentially went extinct!” chided Marinette. 

“It's not for stabbing! It's for air bending.”

“Please tell me the main character is not a pacifist,” begged Damian.

“Well, he is a monk,” said Barbara with a sorry look.

“I sense he's filled with much wisdom,” Katara says as Aang sticks his tongue to his staff and it freezes.

“I switch back and forth between liking this girl and not. One second she’s got gumption, and the next she’s all starry-eyed and naïve,” grumbled Steph.

“I wonder who that reminds me of,” Damian whispered into Marinette’s ear. She felt her cheeks heat up.

"I'm not naive," she shot back. 

He raised a hand with two fingers close but not touching, "You're a little naive." Marinette huffed, but silently admitted to her boyfriend's point. She had a tendency to believe the best in people; she saw it as a strength and appreciated it in this Katara character, but it was so far from how Damian viewed the world, it honestly confused his siblings when they first started dating. 

Damian confided in her that he found it inspiring. She had been through so much, understood the cruelties of others, and still could see the good in people. 

The scene switched to the Fire Nation ship again, and Iroh explained the concept of firebending to an irate Prince Zuko.

“Finally, a display of actual competence,” exclaimed Damian.

“Enough! I've been drilling this sequence all day. Teach me the next set! I'm more than ready!”

“My tutors would have skewered me if I dared to act in such a manner,” he commented again, softer than the first time. More so that only Marinette could hear. Damian’s family was more than aware of his childhood and what it entailed; Marinette slowly learned with comments like this. She squeezed his hand again and received a small smile.

The scene shifted back to the village where Sokka’s failed “warrior lesson” occurred, and then-

“We don't have time for fun and games with the War going on!”

“What war? What are you talking about?”

“Where have you been, frozen in ice for a hundred years?” joked Dick.

They watched Aang offer to take Katara to the North Pole to find a water bending master. The two children go and play with the penguin creatures, but the tone shifted when an old Fire Nation ship appeared on the screen.

“Bad ship” muttered Cass.

“If you want to be a bender, you have to let go of fear.”

“There are so many things wrong with that statement I don’t even know where to start,” said Tim.

They watch Aang and Katara enter the Fire Nation Ship and wander talking about the war.

“Aang, how long were you in that iceberg?”

“I don't know. A few days, maybe?”

“I think it was more like a hundred years!”

“Are you kidding me?” yelled Jason. “How are they just figuring this out now?”

On-screen Aang stepped on the line of wire, tripping the traps.

“Tt. Amateurs.”

"See, she told him it would be a bad idea!"

A flare rises through the air.

“That’s not going to cause any-”

“Oh, shut up Tim.”

The Fire Prince once again appeared on the screen.

“The last Airbender!”

“I was right,” he mumbled.

The screen faded to the credits, and Dick turned to the group.

“So? What do you think?”

“Slow.”

“Nobody has any sense.”

“Are any of the characters actually likable?”

He frowned. “Okay, okay, so the first episode isn’t the best. I swear it gets better. Back me up here Barb.”

Barbara nodded. “He’s right, it takes a few episodes to build the characters up and we see some genuine action. But by mid-season, I swear you’ll be hooked. And then we’ll get to season two and the best characters will arrive.”

“Hey,” Dick exclaimed, pointing a finger at her. “No spoilers.”

“I thought it was fun,” Marinette offered. “It’s very clearly a kid’s show, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing.” She wasn’t going to say each and every person in the room had childhood traumas, and a show full of lighthearted fun was probably just what they needed. She could think it, but she wouldn’t say it.   

“Thank you, Marinette,” said Dick with a smile.

“I rather enjoyed the elderly tea drinker,” intoned Alfred. “He’s more than he appears to be.”

“Uncle Iroh? Yeah, he’s the best!” commented Barbara. "But everyone is great." 

“Alright, episode one finished, nine more to go.”

“Let’s hope it’s more enjoyable than the last,” uttered Damian, a chorus of agreement followed his statement, but when the show started up everyone grew quiet again.

Marinette was sure whatever happened next, it was bound to be interesting.

Tag List (Although it is on ao3 too) 

@m3owww​ @your-resident-chimken-nuggie​  @loveswifi​ @fusser90​@animegirlweeb​​ @ihavehomeworkbutistillhere​​

[pillow-anime-talk]

mistletoe. {pt.1}

synopsis: A little joke on Giyuu, making gingerbread cookies with Edward and a date with Ryouta.

# tags: scenarios; christmas!au; current relationships; romance; fluff; sfw

includes: female reader ft. giyuu tomioka {kny} + edward elric {fma} + ryouta kise {knb}

part two {click}

author’s note: for @yvsevie​, my precious smol baby. i love you.

— GIYUU

It was the first Christmas you spent as Pillar, as Giyuu’s girlfriend, and as teacher of your first and also last tsuguko. You didn’t mind spending Christmas like this; frankly, could anyone think of feasting at the moment when bloodthirsty demons and other strange creatures were running around each villages or towns? That’s why you spent your time training in your estate with a young boy who would replace your Ice Pillar position in a few next days, weeks, months or years.

“... We should take a short break, right?” You asked, seeing your successor breathing harder and harder. “I’ll go get something to drink and you can sit on the engawa.” You put your katana into its scabbard and then headed towards your home. However, when you entered the small kitchen, you chuckled at the sight of Giyuu who was sitting at the table, drinking his coffee as if he were at his own home. “Well, hello. Why didn’t you say ‘Hi’ to me earlier?” You asked, taking out two glasses.

“You were training, so I didn’t want to disturb both of you.” He replied calmly, setting the black mug on the wooden table. “Are you two finished yet?”

“We’re taking a break.” You poured cool water and then you stood in front of your dark-haired lover. “You would like to sit with us?”

“Yes, why not.” He smiled gently, then walked with you towards the entrance to the pretty, snowy garden.

When you got outside, however, your frowned as you determined that your heir wasn’t in the garden. Instead of his light blue haori and long blonde hair always pinned up in a ponytail, you noticed a little, white note. So, you picked it up quickly and read the content on the paper:

‘Sorry, sensei! I forgot that I had to help my mom bake a cake for Christmas! So see you tomorrow.

PS. Look up :D’

You frowned, and when you looked up at the wooden roof of your engawa, your cheeks automatically flushed a bit at the sight of a small sprig of mistletoe attached to a wooden beam with a thin string. Giyuu glanced at the same place, and seeing the little plant, he only smiled slightly under his breath.

“Your successor is quite funny, don’t you think?”

“Yes. It is true. He will replace me very well.” You giggled, letting your mouth taste the flavor of coffee and something sweet that you couldn’t identify at first.

Nevertheless, this little joke made you feel the magic of Christmas, despite the lack of a Christmas tree or gifts, and you were incredibly grateful to your beloved student for that.

— EDWARD

“... Edward! Stop throwing flour at me!” You looked imploringly at your fiancé, and he just giggled as he looked away at the huge, metal bowl in which he mixed hot water with powdered sugar to make frosting to decorate your cookies. You sighed softly under your breath, then returned to kneading another dough with your hands. After a while, however, you felt the white dust, commonly known as flour spread around you one more time. “E-Ed! Please!”

“Sorry, sorry!”

“Do it again and I swear you’ll sleep naked outside.” You spoke in a serious tone of voice, even though both of you knew you would never let him freeze to death, much less during the holidays, even more the first holidays that were supposed to be full of guests.

Alphonse and Mei with the smol panda were to appear! Also Roy with Rize and dear major Armstrong. Of course, Winry with her boyfriend, her grandmother and their cute dog were also invited. Gracia with Elicia cannot be forgotten. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis too and even Ling Yao with Lan Fan as well. There were supposed to be many of your loved ones, so you had to make just as many food, cakes and cookies. And Edward didn’t make it easy for you, because instead of helping you, he was throwing flour, sugar, cocoa and edible, colorful sprinkles or glitter at you.

Like for example now; once again you felt something hit your head and it turned out it was a handkerchief, rolled in a small but quite hard ball. So, your hands  slowly backed away, then you wiped them on your red apron and you turned just as slowly towards your boyfriend, smiling at him as if you were telling him you were going to break his neck or crush his long legs. Edward, however, only chuckled and then walked closer to you with the same dumb smile he always had on his lips when he knew he had done something silly but funny.

“Sweetheart, don’t be upset. Christmas isn’t the time to fight! Better look up, my pretty angel.” His broad smirk made you sigh again loudly and loosen your tense arms. Nevertheless, you looked up and the first thing you saw was Edward’s hand holding a small twig of green mistletoe. You glanced at him again, laughing to yourself.

“How old are you to still play this?” You rolled your both eyes and was about to go back to your dark dough, but the blonde man grabbed your waist and pulled your body much closer to his more muscular one. He placed a tender, quite long kiss on your lips, and when the caress was over, Edward rested his forehead against yours.

“I’m old enough to still giving you stupid reasons to keep kissing me.”

— RYOUTA

“It’s... It’s so beautiful here.” You whispered under your breath as you looked around. “W-Woah. I...”

Kise took you for a ride in his car, however, two minutes ago he parked the car on the side of the road and then grabbed your smaller than his hand saying he had a little ‘surprise’ for you. Of course you went with him and it turned out to be a breathtaking view of the city, all lit up with colorful lights and sweet decorations. It was also snowing a bit so everything looked even more magical. You were incredibly surprised, of course most positively.

That’s why you turned to smile at the blonde-haired young man, and he only returned your facial expression, but then coughing delicately so that you would open the shiny eyes you closed a few seconds ago.

“You have a gorgeous smile and I love it the most in the world, but I think...” He started quietly, suddenly taking something green from his coat pocket. After a second it turned out to be mistletoe. You chuckled under your nose and your loved one looked at your flushed face again. “I think I deserve more, princess. All the more so because it’s Christmas day... You know.” He said in an amused, but still gentle and emotional voice, at which you only giggled again, standing on the tips of your toes or rather your shoes, to be able to reach his pretty face, and more precisely to his lips which tasted of coffee and chocolate-nut cake.

The kiss was slow, but very warm, and although your lips were cold due to the temperature outside, this peck gave the two of you a lot of heat on your hearts and cheeks. You even smirked during this wonderful caress, grabbing the boy by his soft, pale skin. The fabric of your wool gloves tickled Kise a little, but he didn’t pay much attention to it; instead, he kissed you once more, but this time on the nose that was red from the cold, and on the forehead, covered in the material of the cap, perfectly matching your gray gloves.

“... Thanks for showing me this, Ryouta. It’s really, really amazing.” You whispered, glancing once again at the colorful and white lights that decorated your whole city, including all the trees, buildings and houses. “I didn’t expect to see something like this in my life.”

“Then get used to it, because next year I’m going to take you to many other equally cool places.” The sincere tone of his smooth voice, and another short kiss on the cheek, made you cuddle closer to the side of his massive body.

In meantime, you still watched the magnificent sights and thought about where you both should go next time.

[damedamedame]

hihi! can I request hc's of teru, akane, and hanako's s/o being such a simp for them? Like giving them small sweet notes, and all those cute stuff. And it continues even after they were dating alr 🥺🥺

 VARIOUS X READER - REQUEST

- “You’re a Simp? Understandable, have a good day.”

NOTES: WRITING SIMPS ARE SURPRISINGLY HARD???

TERU MINAMOTO X READER

-

...

Who isn’t though--

You were known to be one of the biggest simps for Teru Minamoto, Prince and Student Council President of Kamome Gakuen. 

I mean, like everyone else but like

h u g e s i m p e n e r g y

like myself

You would always greet him every single morning with a ‘Good Morning, Minamoto!’ and with a ‘See you tomorrow, Minamoto!’ once you see him leave.

Everyone knew you wouldn’t stop, even Teru himself.

Which was good. 

Because he

may or may not be

simping for you too—

mY HE A  RT WE NT B RR BRR 💕

Listen, he saw you as a boss-type fangirl at first because of all the love notes you leave on his desk, the little presents that were left on the table in the Council Room which he would have to ask Akane about and just,, you in general.

He didn’t actually mind at all !! the chocolate-chip cookies you put on his desk one morning could even rival Kou’s.

Mhm yes the cookies won him over—

wai where was i

oH YES

THEN he realized that he was starting to like you simping for him,, A LOT ACTUALLY—

He couldn’t bear the thought of you doing these sort of things to someone else,, 

Then,, ended up falling for the little things about you hard-- 

When you arrived to say ‘Good Morning, Minamoto!’ to him in the entrance, guess who pulled you aside to personally say

 ‘I.. really am starting to like you, (L/N), can we.. go out?’

Yes, it was Teru and your mind still locks this precious memory away in the back of your head.

And no, the simping did not stop after you started dating him. 

Not at all.

You gave him kisses and hugs every time you saw him, which he would gladly return. 

Especially if he was having a rough day and just needed your comfort. 

He thinks you’re cute when you rush over to him and give him the biggest hug when he enters the classroom. 

Everyone still can’t f uc king believe you got him, but here you were, receiving a little kiss on the forehead with your arms wrapped around him.

“You’re so cute, (Y/N).”

AKANE AOI X READER 

-

lil heads up that this was supposed to be really angsty but then chapter 71 happened and i CANNOT HURT THIS BOY ANY LONGER—

You?? You’re simping on the biggest simp?? oH MY GO--

A VV CONFUSED AF BOY

WHY ARE YOU, OF ALL PEOPLE, SIMPING FOR THE AOI SIMP????

Akane feels a little, or ve r y, awkward at first because?? um?? w h y ????

Even he knows he’s a big simp for Aoi, so why are you simping for him ??

As I said, vv confused.

Eventually, after having to deal with the many presents (how do you even have energy for this) and the amount of flirts you give him, he gets used to it :’))

An F in the chat for (Y/N) !!

Because he !!

*drumroll noises*

bRushEs yOu oFf 👁👄👁

Look, he has one goal and one goal only and it is all for Aoi—

You might have to give up on this one, even if it h ur t.

Perhaps you’ll do him a favor and start befriending Aoi to help Akane, even if it really really hurts to do so.

Unrealistic as fuck, I know, but deal with me rn :’3

When he sees you befriending Aoi, he is 99% sure you’re stealing her away from him for revenge.

May have brought a bat whenever he sees you, just sayin—

Although

He hears you both talking and

“You know, Akane is actually really good boyfriend material ! Maybe give him a chance, yes??”

Are—

Are you being his wingman???

For some reason, his simp has turned into his matchmaker and he just. doesn’t know what to feel.

‘Thank you?? But?? Aren’t you supposed to be simping for me?? Why are you helping—‘

You interrupted his thoughts with a cheeky grin on your face,

“I hope get you with her, Aoi :’>”

Don’t ask Akane why he’s frustrated with this outcome or you will get hit on the head with a bat.

You guys becomes friends after a while of suffering in confusion from him and after many many explanations that you just wanted to help him haha brr

And after a few months of banter

Let’s just say

There’s gonna be

A simp reversal

Because he definitely did not just notice the beautiful twinkle in your eyes, the way your smile makes his face flush all too suddenly, or how you just astound him in the most unexpected way.

“I... might have a problem, Ao-chan.”

“Akane, just give them a chance already.”

HANAKO - KUN X READER

-

What?? Where are all these gifts outside his stall suddenly coming from??

Much like Akane, poor ghost boy is also vv confused. When he finally catches the imposter heh, he’s shocked to see someone he thought he’d never see in,, forever. 

You two were actually really good friends when you both were alive before !!

Hanako remembers you vividly.

You were always there to cheer him up whenever he came up with a new bruise.

Always sending him little love notes in class when you had nothing else to do.

Late night chats as you both walked each other home.

He always thought you were beautiful, but dangerous.

Falling in love with his old best friend was something he didn’t want, especially since ruining your friendship with him was not part of the plan.

WHY DOES HE NOT SEE HOW MUCH YOU SIMPED FOR HIM????

LIKE SM CONFUSION???

EVERYONE LITERALLY THOUGHT YOU WERE DATING—

Little did you know that Hanako did see that but was vv unsure because ✨insecurities✨

Anyways

You were back in his life now, as a ‘student’ who was def not a ghost. Nope. Not at all.

Everyone thought you were weird because you just?? kept visiting that particular stall?? and always left a hella lot of presents and notes??

Hanako tries to keep an eye on you without you knowing but then you really went and said

“I know you’re there, Amane~”

oSHIT—

He didn’t realize how much he missed the way you said his name.

“H-Hey, (Y/N)..”

CH R IS T HE SOUNDS SO AWKWARD WHY WHWYWHWHWGWH.

You, because you love him too much and finally managed to find him after many boring years of waiting around, did not miss this chance to tell him that HEY YES I LIKED YOU FOR LIKE 50 YEARS.

Let me just say that

Hanako was a blushing mess. yes that is all.

He accepts your confession because you practically barged in his mind when you both first met and you just. never left—

When Nene comes in the next day, she goes 😳 because ‘I-Is that (L/N) and Hanako? WAI WHY ARE THEY KISSING—‘

Definitely makes sure that you never meet Tsukasa again, even though the younger Yugi twin pretty much loved you too :’D

After classes, you always made sure to spend all your time with Hanako without fail, being the huge simp you are.

Don’t worry, he is too ;))

“How did you even find me, (Y/N)?”

“Did you really think you could get rid of me that easily, Amane?”

-

END NOTES: sorry akane’s is so shit omg also um this was not at all proof-read so uH I’M SORRY FOR BEING A DISAPPOINTMENT :(((((

[kitazura]

it’s the thought that counts, tendō satori

1.6k words of fluff; gn!reader

synopsis: tendō doesn’t understand the excitement surrounding valentine’s day until he decides to celebrate it with you.

notes: i haven’t finished the manga but i’m making timeskip content :D thank u rissie (@sugas-cookie) for beta-ing mwah <3

Tendō’s come to learn that Valentine’s day brings waves of purchases made by eager youth preparing to confess their affections, frantic lovers who’d completely forgotten about the occasion, and other last-minute shoppers looking for gifts to give their loved ones. This year is no different; the orders pile up so quickly he can barely keep up with them.

He’s not complaining—not when his bills are getting paid—he just doesn’t understand why everyone lets themselves get carried away by the Valentine rush. At the root of it all, it’s blatant commercialism, another scheme by society to run your bank account dry through obligatory benevolence, so why play into it? Well, as long as it keeps him in business, he supposes he’ll keep his critiques to himself.

“Don’t you think you’re being a little cynical?” you say when he shares his thoughts, the gentle smile on your lips showing you mean no harm. “I think the idea behind Valentine’s day is charming.”

He brushes his thumb over your cheek, humming in response. “Why’s that?”

“Isn’t it sweet when someone puts time and effort into something just for you?” you gush. Tendō watches your gaze turn dreamy as your mind wanders off into the clouds. “Like making chocolates for the person you like.”

“That’s what I do for a living, darling.”

“You like all of your customers?”

“Of course; they give me money, after all.”

You laugh, swatting his arm lightly. “I guess it’s hard to romanticize something you do as work.”

You’re not wrong. At some point, it’s expected for your job to lose its magic, no matter how passionate you are about it in the beginning. Chocolate has long lost its allure to Tendō, and now he spends day in and day out pouring it into molds and hurrying to shape it before it hardens beyond salvation. It’s become a chore for him, and even just catching a whiff of a candy bar sends his brain into the stress of work mode.

“What do you think about when you make chocolate, Satori?” you ask, interrupting his thoughts.

“What an odd question,” he remarks, clicking his tongue like a fussy mother hen. “I think about what I have to do to make it look presentable, of course. And then I count down the minutes until I come home to you.” He beams, proud of his response.

But pride turns to dismay when he catches a glint of disappointment in your eyes. His expression falls as he pulls you closer. “What’s the matter?”

You shake your head. “Nothing, nothing. Would you ever make me Valentine’s day chocolates?”

He tilts his head in surprise, then kisses your forehead. “I’d make you chocolate any day; all you have to do is ask.”

You seem to drop the matter, although he swears you sigh, “It’s not the same.”

He spends the next couple of days convincing himself he’d only imagined it, but something about your tone and attitude makes it stick in his brain. Whether you’d said it or not, there was clearly something behind your first question.

He asks you about it over dinner: “Is there a reason you want Valentine-themed chocolates in particular?”

“You’ve been thinking about that?” You laugh a little, surprised. “It’s not the Valentine theme I want; just the knowledge that you’re thinking of me on that day.”

He pesters you to elaborate—he’s always thinking of you, don’t you know that?—but you dodge his questions, leaving him in the dark once more.

Since you won’t give him any answers, he’ll just look for them on his own.

He texts Ushijima that night: “Why do you buy chocolate for the one you love?”

“Because they like it,” comes the reply. It’s simple, straightforward, but it’s not what he’s looking for.

He texts Semi the same question. The response is the length of a school essay, explaining the motivations of love in depths only a poet could reach, but it’s still not enough.

At work, your question echoes in his mind: What do you think about when you make chocolate, Satori?

What was he supposed to think about aside from the process? His customers?

He looks again at the order he’s making. It’s one he expects every year—it comes a week before Valentine’s, by a man whose wife adores chocolate covered strawberries. Tendō remembers it not only because of its consistency, but also because it’s always preceded by an order by the aforementioned wife, who asks for milk chocolate filled with raspberry créme that her husband is so fond of.

He wonders why they order the same thing at the same time every year. There’s no surprise in it, so what’s the point? Had he been in the husband’s place and you in the wife’s, he’d make sure to buy you something different every year, each present more extravagant than the last. He’d make sure that you’d always have something to look forward to in your married life.

A cheery little tune takes form beneath his breath as he pictures a life with you: silver bands around your fingers, lazy mornings on your days off, walks along the Seine.

He sweeps the excess chocolate off the molds in one clean stroke, sighing dreamily. You would buy a bigger, better apartment once you’d saved up enough, or even move to a quiet little cottage in the countryside.

His thoughts wander through the clouds as he mindlessly flits from one project to the next, forgetting to count the hours until his duty for today is through.

Lately, some of Tendō’s usual customers have been dropping by to say the same thing: there’s something different about his work these days. It’s not negative; on the contrary, actually, the quality’s spiked. But he can’t figure out what he’s been doing differently for the life of him.

It weighs on his mind from the time he clocks in to when he clocks out. He’s been using the same ingredients, the same equipment, so what was it?

His answer arrives in the form of the Chocolate Strawberry man, on the very eve of Valentine’s.

The man enthusiastically shakes Satori’s hand and thanks Him for his work, his hands warm and clammy from excitement despite the biting Parisian air.

“My wife would have liked to come along as well, but she’s preoccupied with the baby,” the man explains. “She wants you to know how much she enjoys your work, though. We look forward to it every year.”

“Then why not buy it off-season, when it’s cheaper?” Tendō asks. The man looks surprised, prompting him to continue. “With all due respect, you order the same thing every year, anyway, so why wait?”

The man laughs at the sincere look of curiosity in the chocolatier’s eyes, patting him on the shoulder, like a father to his son. “Why wait until birthdays to buy a cake? Why wait until Christmas to exchange gifts and set up the tree? It’s old advice, but it’s good: it’s always the thought that counts.” With one last pat on the back and an affectionate chuckle, the man wishes Tendō a good night—“Enjoy tomorrow with your loved ones.”

The stores are packed with the usual extremely last minute rush on Valentine’s morning, and for the first time, Tendō Satori is part of that crowd.

His arms are filled with the goodies he’d woken up early to buy: heavily discounted candies in tacky packages, a cheesy card, a bouquet, an offensively pink stuffed bear, crumpled foil balloons. (He’d made chocolates for you too; those were waiting in the fridge at home.) If it was an authentic Valentine’s experience you wanted, he decided, then it was an authentic Valentine’s experience you’d get.

He’d sent you out to pick up a cake across the city just before he’d left that morning, so the apartment is still empty when he returns. He checks his watch—only half an hour at most until you’d come back. Setting the bear on the counter, he gives it a determined grin.

“Think I can set everything up in fifteen?”

He’s just barely managed tying the balloons closed when he hears the knob on the front door jiggle as you unlock it.

“I’m home!” Your shoes thud to the floor, joined by Tendō’s footsteps as he hurries to help you with the cake. You thank him when he takes it out of your hands and leads you to the dining table while you chatter away. “Boy, did you see how many people are out there? It’s like all of Paris decided to run their errands this morning. It’s a miracle I got the cake here in one piece—what’s all this?”

Tendō grins, proudly motioning to his handiwork. The bouquet sits in the center of the table, surrounded by neatly arranged dishes of your favorite foods. The plush bear sits at the head, the card and candies tucked into its paws. Balloons reading “Happy Valentine’s” are tied to your chairs, gently swaying to and fro in greeting.

“Do you like it?” he asks. “I figured you wanted to do something for Valentine’s, but all the restaurants are booked so I had to improvise—”

You cut him off with a kiss, and another, then another. “I love it! I love you and I love”—you wave at the room—“all of this.” Another kiss to his cheek. “Thank you for thinking of me, Satori.”

He laughs as you hug him, squeezing as tight as you can. He thinks back to the strawberry man’s remark, “It’s the thought that counts.” And maybe, just a little, he’s starting to understand that there’s more to Valentine’s than business.

As you prepare the cake and gush over the bear, he pats the pocket of his jacket. The pretty little velvet box would have to wait until after lunch.

postscript: heyyy <3 i stopped writing for like three months srry LMAO but im back in business baby !! if i try hard enough and school stops kicking my ass maybe i’ll start posting twice a month ahaha ... unless?

[tuanyiems]

Ice Choco

Yugyeom x Reader (f) fluff x smut words: 4k plot: you’re nervous about spending the holidays with his parents, but you should be more nervous about the boy who can’t seem to take his hands off of you, established relationship!au christmas!au warnings – fingering, teasing, slow sex, unprotected sex, creampie, this one’s extra fluffy I think, it’s Christmas after all :’) a/n – Christmas came early hehe enjoy! part of Le Chocolatier drabble series, which you can find the masterlist for in my blog. feel free to read this as a one-shot or part of the series, in any order you want <3

You smile fondly at the twinkling fir tree, golden lights and sparkling red bulbs drape over its forest green body. Chocolate squares wrapped in silver foil that you and Yugyeom had hand wrapped yourselves hang on red ribbons throughout the tree. You pluck one off and pop it into your mouth. The peppermint chocolate melts on your tongue, coating your mouth in sweetness.

When Yugyeom first invited you to join his family for the holidays, you were anxious. It hadn’t even been three months since you started dating. You wondered if you were moving too fast. Would his family judge you? Would Yugyeom realize how awkward of a person you were? Would you be left sad and alone on your favorite holiday?

It was only after plenty of reassurance from Yugyeom that you decided to just go for it. You liked Yugyeom, a lot, and despite the short time you’ve been dating, every day has been full of happiness. And if his family was anything like Yugyeom, you would probably like them too.

And that’s how you found yourself here, in the Kim’s living room on Christmas Eve. Unlike what you had imagined, his parents welcomed you with open arms. You learned exactly where Yugyeom got his warmth and kindness.

And as if this moment couldn’t be more picturesque, a full moon hung in the night sky like a shining ornament.

“Pretty,” Mrs. Kim interjected, stepping beside you.

“It is,” you smile, looking out the window.

“No, I was talking about you dear,” she grins, squeezing your arm.

“O-oh,” you stutter, feeling your cheeks heat.

Laughing, Mrs. Kim tilts her head back the same way Yugyeom laughs when he’s teasing you. “Aren’t you a cutie! Yugyeom did good finding you.”

“T-thanks,” you sputter, not sure what to do with yourself. You fix at the red plaid pajamas the Kim’s gifted you with this morning. “I’m glad you invited me…or, well, I don’t know if you invited me. I don’t know if you knew about me. Maybe Yugyeom just brought me without notice. Oh, I hope he didn’t-”

Giggling, Mrs. Kim pulls you into a side hug.

“Sorry,” you apologize, taking a deep breath. “What I mean is, you’ve been so nice. I’m happy to spend the holidays with you and your whole family. Really, thank you.”

“Not at all,” Mrs. Kim scrunches her nose, smiling. “It’s nice to have another woman in the house. Tomorrow, my daughter-in-law will be joining us too!”

“I can’t wait to meet her and your eldest son!” You agree, “I’ve heard so many great things from Yugyeom.”

She nods, giving your arm another squeeze. “Yeah, Yugyeom dotes on his brother so much. But until then, you can use Euigyeom’s old bedroom. I’ve prepared fresh sheets so you can get a good night’s sleep.”

“Fresh sheets won’t feel as cozy as my bedsheets though,” Yugyeom interrupts, coming up beside his mother.

Your eyes widen at his comment.

Mrs. Kim frowns, slapping Yugyeom on the arm. “No babies until you two get married!”

Yugyeom laughs at his mom and when he sees your mortified face, laughs even harder. You aren’t even sure which part of her sentence to be more flustered about—the fact that his mom just insinuated you two possibly having sex under her roof or that you’ve been dating for less than three months and she was already considering marriage! 

Your skin feels like hot lava and you wonder if you might even hive up from embarrassment. That would be a first.

“Oh, I think we broke her,” his mom chuckles.

“Honey,” Mr. Kim interrupts, resting his hands over Mrs. Kim’s shoulders. “Let’s head to bed and let the young one’s talk.”

He sends you a wink before ushering his wife into their bedroom. When you hear their door shut, you let out a sigh, shoulders slumping. Yugyeom chuckles softly beside you, patting you on the back.

“I told you, you had nothing to worry about,” he says. “My parents love you already. I think they love you more than they love me.”

“Impossible!” you scrunch your nose, but your lips curl up anyways. “This afternoon when I was helping your mom in the kitchen, she kept talking about all the awards you won in high school. Class president, co-president of the dance club, winner of the youth dance competition. How come you never talk about dance? What else are you hiding from me?”

Yugyeom’s eyes crinkle into half moon shapes. “I also won first prize in the science fair in primary school,” he grins, winking at you playfully. “Your man made a pretty mean volcano back in the day.”

“Oh wow, a volcano? That beats the boy I dated for his solar system model,” you joke.

He smirks, putting his arm around you, “Definitely an upgrade, babe.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll ask to see the baby photos,” you tease, leaning into his embrace as you poke his chest.

Yugyeom tilts his head cockily to the side. “Not to brag, but I was a pretty cute baby. Just a warning, but you might fall in love with me.”

You roll your eyes. A little too late for that, you think to yourself, but that is a confession for another day.

“We should probably clean up and head to bed soon,” you smile, pulling away.

“Don’t wanna see Santa?” he teases.

You chuckle, clearing the living room of the abandoned mugs and plates with the exception of one plate of chocolate chip cookies. “I think it’s cute that your mom still keeps out cookies.”

He smiles, helping you empty the dishes into the sink. “Back when we were kids, they’d wake up at midnight and eat the cookies too.”

Lips jutting out, you stare at Yugyeom with big doe eyes, completely endeared. He glances at you before chuckling and slipping on the bright pink dishwashing gloves.

“On the downside, I got bullied for being the only kid in the neighborhood who still believed in Santa,” he adds.

“Aww, poor baby,” you coo, brushing the stray hair out of his eyes. “Tell me their names, I’ll go beat them up for you.”

“Bambam,” he quips making you laugh.

“Sorry, Gyeom, you’re on your own.”

He chuckles. “S’alright, I had my mom fight that battle.”

You let out a deep breath, leaning your elbows on the center island of the kitchen and admire Yugyeom from behind. He’s only in a plain grey t-shirt and matching red plaid pajama pants, and yet, he still looks handsome. Your eyes travel across his broad back. There is the faint hint of his tattoo underneath the thin cotton material.

When you first saw Yugyeom’s back tattoo, you were surprised but also found it very fitting. Black ink bled wings across his shoulder blades. In a way, Yugyeom came into your life like an angel. Your guardian angel, he liked to joke, saving others from your clumsiness. 

You scoff at the memory, making Yugyeom turn to you with narrowed eyes.

“What are you snickering about back there?”

“Nothing!” you squeak, pursing your lips together like a child caught red handed. 

He looks at you for a moment longer before turning back to the dishes, smiling to himself. 

“I was just thinking,” you finally add after a pause. “I really enjoy the relationship you have with your parents.”

You watch his shoulders lift and you imagine he’s smiling. “Yeah, they’re my best friends,” he tells you over the sound of the running faucet.

“I’m jealous,” you confess softly. You assume he doesn’t hear you.

Unlike Yugyeom, you grew up in a strict household. The only memories you have of your biological father were all associated with fear and while you got along with your mother, you weren’t exactly close either. Of course, the two of you loved each other as most families did, but after experiencing a marriage of struggle, as soon as you were of legal age, your mom went off to chase her own freedom. Back in your late teens, this had put a strain in your relationship, but now that you are older, with your perspective matured, you grew to understand your mom and you’re glad that she’s found a happier life of her own.

Now, the two of you can talk openly about the ups and downs of adulthood and womanhood and everything in between.

But this was why you weren’t spending the holidays with your own family. The two of you had decided a few years back that New Year’s would be for family, Christmas is for love and adventure.

You watch as your love and adventure turns off the faucet and shakes the pink gloves off his arms. “Done!” he declares triumphantly, turning to you now.

“Looks like you’re going to make the nice list this year,” you compliment, wrapping your arms around his neck.

He grins down at you, “How about you sneak into my room and we can both make the naughty list.”

Your eyes widen, feeling your cheeks flush at the thought. Yugyeom laughs, throwing his head back.

“I’m just kidding, don’t have a heart attack!” 

Slapping his chest, you pout. “Let’s go to sleep. I’m going to need the energy to deal with you tomorrow.”

But when your head finally sinks into the fresh sheets Mrs. Kim had prepared for you, sleep never comes. After washing up and saying goodnight to Yugyeom, it was like all the exhaustion washed away too. You are wide awake when the clock hits midnight.

It’s probably because you’re in a new environment. It’s been a while since you last slept in a stranger’s bed. You haven’t even slept at Yugyeom’s place yet! You always go home before it gets too late, or it’s him staying at yours.

Anyways, the nerves of meeting Yugyeom’s family along with the new environment and the thrill of Christmas combined is probably what’s keeping you up.

Sitting up in bed, you decide to fix up a warm drink. That should calm you, right?

Slipping out of bed, you sneak out of your bedroom on tiptoes, twisting the doorknob so slowly one might think you’ve been frozen. One thing about the Kim’s house is how eerily quiet the whole place is. Unlike your apartment where everything seemed to buzz—the fridge, the walls, the ceiling, you name it—this house was cloaked in silence.

It feels like an eternity when you finally get the door open big enough to walk through. Looking both ways in the dark hallway, you make a turn and tiptoe your way into the kitchen. Once in the kitchen, you flick the island lights on, casting a dim spotlight at the center of the room. You squint, eyes adjusting to the lights before making your way towards the cabinets.

Helping Mrs. Kim with dinner this evening had paid off. You were already familiar with the kitchen setup.

Plucking a hot chocolate packet between two fingers, you swivel back to the island to boil the water. Pouring the brown powder into a mug, you let out a breath, waiting for the water to boil.

In the open window across from you, you are delighted to find a flurry of white illuminated by the dim light of a single lamppost. The snowflakes fall in fat clumps, as if in slow motion. The quiet realization that you will have a white Christmas after all, brings a soft smile to your lips.

“Hello, Santa,” a sudden voice breaks the silence, making you jump up in a silent shriek.

Standing in the shadows, at the doorway of the kitchen is a very amused Yugyeom, his hands clasped around his mouth to muffle his laughter.

“You scared me!” you whisper yell, one hand on your beating chest.

“Sorry,” he apologizes, not at all sorry, as he walks to your side behind the island. “What are you doing up anyways?”

“Making hot chocolate,” you explain, hands coming to fix at his bed head. “I couldn’t fall asleep. Want one?”

You’re already grabbing another packet from the cabinet before he can answer you.

“I can make you an ice choco,” you smile up at him, eyes forming crescents. They look shinier under the lights. He feels a flutter in his stomach.

Smiling quietly, Yugyeom nods. For a moment, the two of you stand in easy silence. Only the sound of the water boiler can be heard. Yugyeom’s eyes follow where yours are staring and his heart warms. You look so happy, it’s endearing. You must be the only person in this city who hasn’t been jaded from the snowstorms that hit every winter.

Coming from behind, Yugyeom wraps you in his arms, bending to rest his chin in the crook of your shoulder.

“Merry Christmas,” he whispers into your ear, gazing out at the falling snow.

“Merry Christmas,” you reply, turning, you hold his face in one palm and press a kiss to his cheek. He squeezes you tighter in his arms.

When the water boiler clicks off, water now hot and bubbling, you move to grab it but Yugyeom holds you tight, pulling you closer to his chest. You giggle softly, tilting your head at him curiously. He answers you with cold fingers sliding underneath your shirt. It sends you shivering all over.

“Yugyeom!” you squeak in surprise, making futile attempts to escape his grasp.

“I know something else we could do to get you sleepy,” he whispers, breath on the shell of your ear.

“Y-your parents are right down the hall!” you stutter, gulping back the whimper that threatens to escape your throat.

Yugyeom licks a stripe up the shell of your ear, “And sleeping.” You can feel his smirk against your ear.

“I-w-we can’t,” you whine, unconvincingly.

“But you want to,” he says matter-of-factly, hands sliding up your skin. You feel him inhale when his palms come around the supple flesh of your breasts. “No bra? You naughty girl.”

Your protests catch in your throat when he begins to knead at your breasts, rolling both nipples between his thumbs. You whimper, head falling back onto his shoulder at the sensation. His fingers brush against the sensitive buds gently, barely there. It makes your knees weak and your core throb with want.

Yugyeom presses himself into your back and you can feel him hard against you. “You don’t know how hard it was for me to control myself today. Do you know how many hard ons I had to hide from my parents?”

You break into a smile, grinding your ass harder into him. “Is that why you were hugging that throw pillow all day?”

“Don’t you dare laugh at me,” Yugyeom warns, pinching you between his thumbs. “I saw the way you were looking at me. I can read you like a book, baby. Bet you’re already wet.”

Yugyeom presses a kiss to your jawline before sucking down your throat. Your breath skips at the fluttering feeling. “G-gyeom, I-I can’t have hickeys.”

He groans softly against you, biting softly at your jugular before letting go. “You don’t get to call the shots, babe.”

The sternness of his voice makes you whimper, which he catches easily with his own lips on yours. Yugyeom kisses you roughly, tongue overpowering yours just the way you like it. When his hand dips down past the waistband of your pajama pants and panties at once, your eyes fall shut, relishing the sudden intrusion.

“Fucking wet,” he smirks, dipping two fingers between your folds. He gathers your slick, spreading it in circles around your sensitive bud. You whimper, knees going weak.

All too soon though, his hand leaves you, making you whine. He holds his fingers up in the light, admiring the glistening web of arousal. As if practiced, you open your mouth for him and he slides his fingers into your mouth. You whimper at the tang of yourself melting on your tongue.

“Tell me you want me,” he mutters, lids heavy as he slides his fingers in and out of your mouth. You run your tongue around his fingers expertly until you’ve licked him clean.

Yugyeom swallows, watching you suck on his fingers and imagines you sucking other things of his. The very thought makes him shiver. Reluctantly, he pulls his fingers out of your mouth, letting you speak.

“Please Gyeom,” you whine, breathless. “I want you. Need you inside me already.”

It’s music to his ears and he wants to tease you more, but his patience has already run out. Having spent the better half of this day sporting blue balls, Yugyeom just wants to fuck you senseless.

It catches you by surprise when he slips his thumbs down your waistbands and pulls, leaving your ass bare behind the kitchen island. Before you can even feel embarrassed about the sudden exposure, Yugyeom’s finger are back on you, making you whimper while his other hand makes quick work with his own pants and boxers. His cock springs free, red and throbbing.

“You look so delicious like this,” he whispers into your ear, hands squeezing your ass. Oh, how he would have loved to slap your ass until you were red with his fingerprints. Biting his lips, he pushes his dick between your thighs instead.

“Ooh,” you let out a satisfied sigh, your clit rubbing along the length of his cock. Your thighs are soft and warm around his length, it’s unfair, Yugyeom thinks. Your pussy is weeping with desperation, the arousal drips down, coating his dick so that each time he thrusts between your legs, it is deliciously smooth. Everything about your body is heavenly, like it was made for him.

Already, you’re panting, a thick whine straining in your throat. His hot cock rutting between your thighs just teases at your sensitive bud. Your pussy lips clench around nothing and only succeeds in making the ache in your core more despairing. 

“Gyeom, please,” you breathe out, hands coming up to run through his hair, your fingers thread around his black strands, before pulling into your fists. Yugyeom enjoys the ache in his scalp.

When he pulls his cock away, you almost yell out loud, lips pouting from the lost sensation. He answers you with a smirk, nudging his foot between yours, he forces your legs apart. Your hands grip at the counter for support, fingers pressing down hard when he slides two fingers into you without warning.

Immediately, you bite at your bottom lip, fighting the moan that threatens to escape you as he dips his fingers into you over and over, stretching at your velvety walls. His fingers are long and practiced, finding the rough, spongy patch inside you quickly.

Your eyes squeeze shut, the ghost of a whimper panting from your lips as he curls his fingers, sending shivers straight to your core. Over and over, he does this, until you’re tightening around his digits. All too soon, your knees are buckling, mind going numb from the sensation.

And then, he pulls out of you.

You gasp, eyes opening wide while Yugyeom chuckles darkly. 

Before you can complain, he kisses your temple sweetly. “Not yet, baby,” he whispers soothingly.

You feel Yugyeom stepping closer between your legs and then the head of his cock teases at your entrance, sliding up and down your folds, spreading your slick on him.

You’re about to whine for him to stop teasing when you hear the creak of a door opening. Eyes widening, your heart jumps to your throat when the sound of footsteps shuffling against the floors, echoes like a blaring drum from down the dark hallway.

Your breath hitches when Yugyeom sinks his cock into you slowly. Your palm flies to your mouth, just as he slides all the way in, balls pressed to your ass. He leans into you so that his chest is hard-pressed against your back. You can feel his breath on your skin as his lips press against the nape of your neck.

The door of the bathroom opens and closes.

“Shh,” he mumbles against you, slowly pulling out of you. The friction is so delicious, you can’t help the whimper that muffles against your palm. “Wouldn’t want to get caught with my dick inside you…would you?”

He fucks into you, one hand coming to your throat at the sound of your muffled moan. He squeezes at your throat, softly at first. When he feels the way you clench around his cock, he bites into your shoulder, hiding his groan.

“Are you gonna be a good girl?” he whispers into your ear, fingers tapping at your throat. You nod your head eagerly, rutting yourself onto his dick.

He bites at his lip, squeezing around your neck. At the sound of the water faucet running, Yugyeom ruts into you hard, his free hand coming to rub circles around your clit. You pant, breath constricting and eyes rolling. You love the way he fills you entirely. His slow thrusts hit you deep every time, keeping you at the edge of euphoria.

When the bathroom door opens, Yugyeom’s fingers rub at your bud even faster, sending your heart facing and electric currents straight to your core. You’re so close, it hurts. Tears brim at the corner of your eyes, your voice threatening to break as your ears strain to hear the footsteps coming closer.

You can feel your vein pulsing against your forehead as Yugyeom continues to thrust his cock into your sopping hole, sliding deep into your cunt.

The door of his parents’ bedroom squeaks like slow motion. Please, please go back to bed. Shut the door. All you can hear is your heart pounding in your own ear and Yugyeom’s stifled breathing. 

And then you hear the click.

Yugyeom lets go of your throat to hold the edge of the counter instead and the air that invades your lungs while he fucks into you hard send you off the edge.

“Mmmmm,” a strained moan escapes your throat as you collapse onto the island, body jerking as your orgasm hits you in waves. Yugyeom continues his ministrations on your clit, his own balls straining at the way your pussy pulses around him, impossibly tight.

“That’s it, baby,” he soothes, rocking himself into you as you slowly come down from your high. He caresses your throat lovingly, placing soft kisses to your jawline until he’s spilling into you with a quiet groan.

You shiver, his moan tickling the shell of your ear as your pussy pulsed around his cock, sucking up each hot spurt of cum that shot into you.

“God,” he sighs, sweaty forehead pressing into your shoulder. He all but collapses on you. “I love you so much.”

Both you and Yugyeom freeze. His softened cock slips out of you and he rushes to help clean the cum that drips out of your pussy. Stumbling, Yugyeom haphazardly pulls the band of his pants back up while grabbing a towel from behind him.

You barely even notice the stickiness that drips down your thigh as Yugyeom wipes the damp towel across your skin. Instead, you stare down at his fluffy hair, a smile stretching across your face.

“Gyeom,” you say softly as he fixes your pants back up, still refusing to look at you. Your fingers thread through his hair softly, “Gyeom.”

When he tilts his head up, he looks so worried. You feel your heart squeeze.

“Gyeom,” you smile softly, helping him back up to his feet. “I love you too.”

He blinks like he’s heard you wrong. “You love me too?”

You nod, giggling now. “I do. A lot.”

Yugyeom pulls you into a kiss.

“You love me!” he repeats against your lips and then he is kissing you again until you are both giggling against each other.

[kumeko]

A/N: For the @setlethzine Courage, My Love zine! I wanted to give the Seteth the rom-com he Flayn deserves.

…

…

…

…

In his many, many centuries of living, there were a few things that Seteth knew to be true: Flayn was adorable and needed to be protected, Rhea was far more secretive than she ought to be, and he definitely wasn’t developing feelings for the new teacher. Well, new might not be the right word to apply considering everything, but the point still stood. No matter how much Rhea teased and Flayn blushed, he didn’t have one of those so-called ‘crushes’.

The only reason he had even started watching her was because Rhea had been so adamantly quiet about why she was even here, and someone had to protect Rhea and Flayn. The world was dangerous. Their foes were hidden in every corner. Fortunately, his extensive research proved that Byleth wasn’t evil. Strange and mysterious, certainly, but not evil.

And if his eye was still drawn to her, it was only because he was used to watching her. His ears strained for her every word out of habit. He was so used to his role as investigator that he hadn’t adjusted to co-worker. That was all, honestly.

That was also the reason he was sitting right now in the courtyard, strumming his fingers impatiently on the metal table as he glanced around for Byleth. At this point, she was five minutes late for their meeting. Tardiness was a terrible attribute for a professor. Seteth brushed a finger against the teapot; the ceramic still felt warm. That was a relief. After acquiring one of Manuela’s finer teas and a spread of snacks from the kitchen, he would be rather put out if Byleth didn’t get to enjoy them. It took a lot of effort to ensure the meal complimented the tea.

A shadow fell on him and Seteth looked up as Byleth slid into her seat. Frowning, he crossed his arms. “You are late.”

“My students had questions,” Byleth explained simply, straight to the fact. It was one of the few traits he admired her for. When one worked with the long-winded Hanneman, the boisterous Alois, and the dramatic Manuela, he was grateful that Byleth was the exact opposite of that. Very few words escaped her mouth, each one carefully picked, and Seteth only hoped that she would be a good influence on the others.

“That is the mark of a good teacher. It is your duty to ensure your students get the best help possible. Do not apologize for it,” Seteth praised, giving her an appreciative smile. This was definitely better than certain teachers’ propensity to arrive late due to alcohol or obsessive experimenting. “Would you like some tea?”

Byleth shook her head. “I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?” She shook her head once more and he felt a little disappointed at that, but it couldn’t be helped if she wasn’t interested. Still, tea wasn’t the only item he’d prepared. “Perhaps a biscuit or a cookie?”

Once more, Byleth shook her head. “What did you call me here for?”

“Well, that is…” Seteth trailed off. There wasn’t really any particular reason he called her here, he just wanted to get to know her better. He smiled reassuringly. “I was hoping to spend time with you.”

Somehow, she didn’t look the least bit reassured. If anything, her back straightened slightly and she was as tense as she was on the battlefield. Perched on the edge of her seat, she wore a determined expression and asked, “Have I done something wrong?”

“What?” Well, now he knew what her enemies must have seen before she defeated them. Perhaps he had said something erroneous. Clearing his throat, he clarified, “No, nothing of the sort. As I previously stated, I merely desire to spend time with you. You have had tea parties with the students; think of this as one of those.”

Byleth nodded slowly. She clasped her hands on her lap, looking at him expectantly. “Then I made a mistake with the tea party.”

“No, that is not what I intended…” Seteth trailed off, recalling the few times he had spotted (not spied) Byleth in the courtyard. Actually, now that he considered it, there had been a few things that had bothered him. This might be the chance to rectify all that. “Very well then, since you have mentioned it, your hosting etiquette does have a few flaws. We will go over the appropriate manners expected of a professor of your status.”

-x-

Seteth rubbed his brow as he climbed the stairs to Rhea’s chambers. How did everything he did turn into a lecture? That was supposed to be a casual, cheerful meeting. Instead, it had become a two-hour lesson on the art of tea parties. No wonder Manuela tensed up whenever he passed her. If anything, it was a miracle that he was even able to have normal conversations.

He would have to repent and correct his ways. Later, though, for now he stood in front of Rhea’s doors. Rapping firmly, he waited for Rhea to call him in before entering the massive chamber. The afternoon sunlight flooded through her ceiling to floor windows, casting a warm glow in the room. As expected, the archbishop was out on the terrace. She liked to tend to her flowers at this time, claiming it was a form of meditation.

“Seteth.” Crouched next to a flower, she gently lifted its bloom and admired it as she greeted him. “As punctual as ever. I do not know what I would do without you.”

“Many things, I imagine,” Seteth responded succinctly, coming to a stop next to her.

Without her headpiece on, she looked younger. It was only when they were alone, away from prying eyes, that he could see the woman he had met all those centuries ago and not the archbishop she’d become. Her eyes crinkled as she stood up and she laughed. “Seteth, are you still sore over Byleth?”

“There is nothing to be sore about.” He crossed his arms, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice. “While I still think you should have at least informed me first, if not consulted, I do not mind that anymore.”

“You do not mind?” Rhea’s lips quirked as she studied him. He wasn’t sure what she was looking for, only she had found it when she smiled teasingly, “I thought I noticed a change in your demeanor.”

He stopped cold at that. Giving her a bemused look, he asked, “What do you mean?”

“I heard about your date with the professor,” she replied easily, mirth colouring her tone. “You are moving faster than I expected.”

“A d-date?” Seteth sputtered, his neck burning at the very suggestion. “Preposterous! Of all the things to suggest—we were not on a date or anything of the sort.”

“Really?” A finely shaped brow rose and she pressed, “Even though you had tea together in the garden?”

“That was merely a formality to know her better!” Seteth tried to keep his cool and not hiss. This was clearly a mistake. After all, Rhea had lived a long time and most of it alone. Perhaps she had forgotten about courtship entirely. “After all this time spent distrusting her, I wanted to improve our relationship.”

“Is that so?” Rhea answered, in a tone that suggested she did not believe a word of it.

“It is,” he replied firmly.

Rhea squeezed his shoulder before heading back to her bedroom. “It is cute to see you smitten so. Now come, we have to get through those reports.”

It was childish to continue the argument. It was childish and that was the only reason he wasn’t retorting as he followed her in.

-x-

“That is a date!”

Of all the responses he expected his daughter to utter, those hadn’t been on the list. Seteth stared at Flayn, jaw slightly open as he struggled to understand just what was happening. How did both Rhea and Flayn get such a simple thing wrong? “It is not.”

Flayn wasn’t listening to him. Hands clasped, a faraway look in her eyes, and a dreamy tone in her voice, she continued to ramble as though he hadn’t spoken. “Oh, this is the most delightful of news! I did not think the professor had caught your eye.”

Well, he couldn’t entirely argue that. “That was only to ensure your safety.”

“Love blooming from adversity—it is like one of my favourite books.” Flayn turned to him, a gentle smile on her face. “If you are concerned about Mother, do not fret. I am sure she would approve of this too.”

“That wasn’t—I wasn’t…” Seteth trailed off, not sure how he had ended up in this mess. Flayn must have been reading too many romance books recently; it was eating away at her brain and casting everything in a similar light. “While that is reassuring, that is simply not the case here. I was only trying to create a sense of camaraderie between Byleth and myself.”

“The best romances are a slow burn.” Flayn nodded her agreement. He had a feeling she hadn’t heard a word he said. “For your next step, might I suggest a gift? It is always heartwarming to receive one.”

“Why would I—” Seteth paused. Actually, now that he thought about it, a gift was a great suggestion. A well-picked one could deepen their bond and show Byleth how he intended to change their relationship. It could even serve as an apology for all the mistrust he had shown her. “A gift is perfect. Thank you, Flayn.”

“No problem.” She smiled brightly at him. “I will root for you!”

It would be a headache to correct her, so he didn’t bother.

-x-

“A gift?” Standing near the docks, Byleth looked at the long, thin package in Seteth’s hands and then back at him. Her brow furrowed as she tried to understand. “For me?”

“Yes.” Seteth held the package uncertainly. It had been hard to pick something for Byleth. The more he had thought about it, the more he had realized that he knew very little about her despite his watchful gaze. Certainly, he knew her habits in the school—how hard she worked to teach her students, the skill she showed with a weapon, the soft way she would look at the students sometimes. Yet those were habits, nothing more, and one couldn’t buy a gift based on that. While he had finally figured out what to do, it was still mostly guesswork. He hated this level of ambiguity.

“What is it for?” She still didn’t take the gift. Instead, her frown deepened.

This really wasn’t going how he had planned. Seteth held out the package insistently. “There is no particular reason. I merely thought it would suit you. Now please, accept it.”

Byleth quietly studied his face for a long moment before nodding and taking it. “Thank you.” Without another word, she tore through his meticulously folded wrapping paper.

“You could unwrap it late—” Seteth sighed, giving up when she showed no signs of stopping. Well, this was embarrassing. His cheeks warmed and he clasped his hands behind his back.

It took her a total of two minutes to remove the wrapping paper. He hoped that eagerness meant she was warming up to him. Now holding a fishing rod in her hands, Byleth gave him a puzzled look. “A fishing rod?”

The very situation he had been dreading: explaining himself. Clearing his throat, he resisted the urge to mutter. “You won the fishing tournament, a feat of skill that indicated you spend a lot of time fishing. I had inspected your rod earlier and noticed it was a little worn. It would be terrible if a fish escaped due to your gear breaking at the wrong time.” He tried to smile again. “I thought you could use this. It is a good model. I have used its like before.”

Still looking bemused, she nodded. “Thank you.”

Well, it wasn’t the joyous response he had hoped for, but it wasn’t the scared reaction she had given at the tea party either. A step forward, at least. “If you need any help with it, just ask.”

She didn’t reply, her focus already on the rod. Byleth wasn’t quite smiling, but her lips turned up as she examined the hook keeper. That was a good sign, right? That had to mean she was pleased.

Maybe.

Hopefully she wasn’t laughing at him.

-x-

“A fishing rod?” Flayn glared at him, her hands balling into fists as she paced in his bedroom. “Fa—Brother, that is not a romantic gift at all! It does not tell your loved one that you are thinking of them!”

Seteth crossed his arms defensively. “We have gone through this already, Flayn. There is nothing between the professor and I.”

“A fishing rod is too practical for a courtship gift!” Once again, she wasn’t listening to him. Maybe he should block her access to the library for a while, or sneak in some proper books into her reading. At this rate, she was going to think his every interaction with another was a sign of love. “No wonder she looked confused!”

Byleth hadn’t only looked confused. He was certain he hadn’t imagined it, the curve of her lips, the amused look on her face. It was an expression entirely unlike her usual ones, and he would know, having watched her as he had. Even her students hadn’t provoked such a reaction. The thought sent a rush through him. Perhaps he was the only one so far who had seen it.

“There is only one way to correct this mistake.” Flayn was in his face now, an earnest expression in her face as she grabbed his hands. “You must give her an even bigger gift. I have heard that serenading a lover at dawn is the purest form of love.”

“Serenading?” It was an idea he ought to reject immediately and in its entirety. Yet Flayn’s last suggestion had given him the gift of Byleth’s almost-smile. Perhaps this one could generate another smile. What would she look like, radiant and glowing, unable to hide her happiness?

He didn’t hesitate before nodding.

-x-

Standing in front of Byleth’s door, a lute in hand, Seteth silently cursed himself. This was a terrible idea. An utterly terrible idea. Not only was a serenade a romantic thing, he was also disturbing someone in the middle of the night. Just because he often rose at dawn to attend to his duties didn’t that mean Byleth did.

What had he been thinking, agreeing to this? Seteth knew the answer to that. He hadn’t been thinking at all, distracted as he had been by Byleth’s expression. Instead of smiling now, the moment she laid eyes on him, she would glare. Their relationship would go back to what it had been. This was a mistake. The only good thing was that he had come to his senses before he started playing. There was still time to turn around and leave.

There was still time—the door in front of him slowly opened and Seteth froze.

A very drunk Manuela stepped out, her hair disheveled, her dress crumpled. She stared at him for a long minute, then at the lute in his hands. “My, I must be drunker than I thought,” she mumbled, shaking her head and stumbling back into her room. “That’s it, I am not drinking for a week.”

Not only had this been a mistake, but he had gotten the wrong room. Seteth walked (not ran; he was definitely not running) away in an undignified manner.

[simonsrosebud]

Kevin's first real christmas with dalton!!

kevin says he’s celebrated christmas before, but it’s not true.

sophomore year he spent it locked in wymack’s apartment with a broken hand and ongoing anxiety attacks.

junior year he went to new york with matt and nicky and the others which was weird because they didn’t actually do anything christmas-y and he was drunk for a lot of the trip.

and last year he had dinner with abby, his father, and andrew and neil.  but then neil was having a panic attack because this time the year before he was at evermore.  they left early and kevin ducked out because he didn’t want to intrude.  

then he spent the whole next few days panicking over meeting dalton’s family.

this year, his last year at palmetto, dalton asks if he wants to spend christmas in maryland with him and his family.

there’s no question, of course he’s going.

dalton tells him when they’re at the mall about all the things they do, and how they’ll go to new york again if he’s okay with it.  and then, “what do you guys normally do for the holidays?”

kevin freezes.  he thumbs at a shirt on the rack in front of him.  “uh... last year me neil and andrew had dinner with my father and abby, but neil was having some ptsd relating to this time of year, so it was kind of a mess...”

“that sucks.  for him, i mean.”

“yeah.”  he nods.  it does suck, and kevin still blames himself.  “and the year before i went to new york with the team to matt’s dads place, but i was drunk most of the time,” he mumbles.

dalton feels like an idiot for asking, “and before?”

kevin shakes his head.  broken hand.

“we ran practices every day of break at the nest.  never celebrated any holidays growing up.”

he did have one thing he did every year.  he lit a candle for his mother.  he didn’t realize it until his first christmas away from the nest, when he was hidden at wymack’s apartment and noticed the man didn’t have a single candle lying around.

he sparked wymack’s lighter and sent up a quick prayer instead.

dalton slides up to his side and wraps an arm around his waist.  “i’ve got to impress you this year, then.”

“the bars set pretty low.”

when dalton’s on the phone with his mom that night, he tells her about kevin’s lack of experience with the holidays.  “have you done the tree yet?”

“i was planning on doing it tomorrow, why?”

“do you think we could wait and do it all together when me and kev are there?”  he hesitates.  “he’s never really celebrated christmas and done the typical traditions, and i know he wants to cause his mom used to.”

anne’s heart wants to break a little.  “i’ll save it until you get home.  and he’ll be here in time to make cookies, too.”  oh boy.  “you guys can go ice skating if that one place does it again- you know the one, and uh... should we get him a stocking?”

“me and bella got him a present!”

“is that carm?”

“yes!”  she steals her mothers phone.  “he always pays for things for us when he’s here so we got him this peanut butter sampler pack and an ocean city maryland crewneck.”

dalton pouts, but only because it’s cute to him that they did that for his boy.

when they drive up, dalton’s family welcomes him like they haven’t seen him in years, and it makes kevin smile every time.  they don’t get in until late, but bella still peeks into dalton’s room once they’re in bed for the night.  “did you bring your racquet?”

kevin’s got his eyes closed, he’s tucked underneath dalton’s big comforter and arm with an ankle thrown over his boyfriend’s.  he hums a yes.

dalton grumbles.  “shut the door, bella.”  and tugs the blanket up to his chin.

they wake up earlier than they’d like.  anne and george are at work, and the girls are still asleep.  he has dalton at his back and an arm holding him close.

kevin doesn’t ever want to move.

he only does when dalton’s phone alarm goes off.  “what’s that for?”  he groans.  dalton reaches over him to shut it off and drapes his arm and leg right back over kevin.

dalton’s voice is muffled.  “shopping day.”

oh fuck.  he knew d had said something about shopping yesterday.

it takes them another half hour to get up, and kevin hates the mall to begin with, but this is unbearable.  he’s just lucky they’re there a week out and not the day before christmas eve.

kevin stops.  they’re in a clothing store, and he’s wandered to the women’s side.  he sends a few pictures to allison, and when dalton come over he holds up a fuzzy bomber jacket and an oversized jean jacket.  “for the girls?”

“i already got their gifts.”

“but from me?”

“oh.”  dalton smiles.  “then absolutely.  did you already text allison?”  he’s joking, but laughs when kev shrugs because that’s so a yes.

anne has the family decorate the tree that night after dinner- takeout, and kevin is kind of in heaven looking through dalton’s ornaments from when he was a child.

“you wanna put the star on top?”

their ceilings are high enough for them to have a fake tree tall enough for kevin to not be able to reach, which is definitely a first for him.

so instead, he gets on dalton’s shoulders.

after they’re done, anne sits next to kevin on the sofa.  “you know, i never did the thing where i show you all of dalton’s baby pictures, but i did find this yesterday.”

and kevin turns to look at the book in her lap, and smirks.  “no way.”  

it’s a small book, with all of dalton’s school picture day photo’s going back to kindergarten.  “this is better, i think.”

dalton stops, and lets his head roll back.  “can we not?”

“no, we can.”  kevin takes the book and opens it up to a random page.

“you’re not allowed to mention the braces.”

“but they’re so bad!”

christmas eve is fun.

kevin is no cook, dalton is and even then that’s saying something, but anne puts kevin to work after he’s up in the morning.  they’ve got a lot of family coming over around six, and she needs help in the kitchen.

he’s doing pretty alright, he thinks, and his face lights up when anne tastes a bit and pats his arm.  “that’s really good.”  it’s a passing thought, and she leaves right after to make a run to get more of something at the store.

but when dalton comes back from the alcohol run, kevin’s plenty proud of it anyway.

and then, because he’s already dirty from cooking anyway, he helps dalton’s father with stuffing the turkey.  “you actually stuff it?”

he knows it’s called stuffing, but he’s never actually seen it prepared.  or eaten it, he doesn’t think.  abby doesn’t make it for thanksgiving or anything because only she and nicky typically eat it.  it goes to waste.

george nods.  “stick your hands up there, kid.”

kevin lowers his stare to dalton just sitting there across the table.  he grins.  “you’re doing great, babe.”

kevin takes a shower after he’s done while the others do what else needs to be done.

once dalton’s family starts filtering into the house it’s a little chaotic.  in a good way, opposed to the way that he typically knows chaotic to be.

he’s fine, really, once he gets used to it.

at this point they all know who exactly dalton’s boyfriend is, but kevin only recognizes a few faces so he still gets the excited introductions from the few that are fans.

two of them are younger kids, anyway, so that’s at least entertaining and cute.

dalton comes to stand with kevin and his cousin.  “can i steal him for a sec?”  he takes him by the hand to the other room where the two younger cousins are lounging.  “dessert is out, guys.”

they go running out of the room.

“that was cruel,” kevin says, but then dalton is holding something above their heads and-

oh

mistletoe.

“are you sure?”

kevin smiles.  “i take it back.”  and pulls dalton in.

dalton grins against his lips, and after a moment pulls away just a bit.  “that’s not actually why i pulled you away, but i got lucky.”

kevin kisses him again, because he can, and dalton turns.  there’s a ledge above the unused fireplace that his mom usually uses for picture frames, but there’s a candle in the middle, now.

“you’ve told me about lighting a candle for your mom, and i figured maybe you’d still want to do it even though you’re here this year.”

he definitely does, and dalton presents him with a lighter when he nods.  kevin lights it silently, and watches it for a moment.  “thank you,” he says quietly.  “i know you listen, but i didn’t expect that...”  he wraps his arms around dalton’s waist.  “it’s really nice.”

“yeah, well, i’ve got to impress her.”  he kisses the top of kevin’s head.

christmas morning, kevin looks surprised when bella says “kevin’s turn” because he really isn’t expecting to get gifts.  he has money, he doesn’t need anything.

but then he opens the peanut butter sampler package, and after taking a moment to read it he starts to smile to himself.  “i love peanut butter.”  it’s almost a whisper, but it makes everyone laugh and sends warmth through his chest.

he hugs the box to his chest.  dalton hugs him from the side for a moment, and then kevin gets more surprised because dalton’s parents are handing him a bigger box and oh my god it’s a little portable mixer for his shakes and a nike gift card.

he and dalton do their gifts alone.

dalton gets him a big chunky weighted blanket and a new pair of sneakers that he’s been eyeing for weeks, and then kevin unwraps a small frame.  and in the middle is the ticket to the first game of kevin’s that he’d gone too, with a heart drawn on the corner so many times that it’d been indented the ticket.

he remembers teasing him about the heart, but he never knew he kept the ticket all this time.

kevin tackles him from where they’re sitting on the bed.  “i love it, and you.”

kevin gets dalton airpods, sweatpants that say “my boyfriend likes my tramp stamp” on the butt as a joke, and a box of his favorite coffee k-cups from a brand that supposedly stopped selling them months ago.

and last, a thin gold necklace, long enough to tuck under his shirt like he used to do with his cross necklace until it broke.  except this one has a small “k+d” hanging.

dalton’s smiling down at it, and rubs the charm.  he pouts and looks up at kevin.  “you got this made?”  he nods.  “can you put it on me?”

he nods, and drapes it around his neck to clasp it.  he presses a kiss to the back of dalton’s neck when he’s done, and dalton kisses him when he twists around.

“i love you.”  he wraps his arms around kevin’s neck and leans into him.  kevin lies down on his back so dalton’s on top of him.  he thumbs at the necklace hanging.

“looks good on you.”

dalton kisses him.  “i know.”

they have dinner at dalton’s aunts house.  it’s just her, her husband, and her two kids, so it’s nothing like the night before.

wymack calls just after dinner.  “merry christmas.  what are you doing?”

“merry christmas, we just ate, we’re at his aunt’s house.”

“everything going good?  no problems?”

he glances through the doorway at dalton at the table and smiles to himself.  “no problems.”

[uhgoodmoni]

Valentine Schmalentine | JJK

Summary: Jungkook and his best friend thought that the best way to spend valentines was with each other! What a better way to spend the sometimes dreaded holiday by making fun of it with your bestie! Their ‘anti date’ is more of a date than they think it is.

pairing: jungkook x female oc (for those who hate y/n :D )

warnings: - This is all fluff - teeny bit of angst - gets a little heated but I promise it’s just fluff

links: Ao3  wattpad

—

I giggle at the little presentation in front of me. Wow! I did good. Jungkook will wish that he’d get a girlfriend as good as me. I’ve prepared a disgustingly beautiful spread of treats and gifts for him. There’s no way I didn’t one-up him. He made the mistake of letting me host. 

I decorated, the pink ribbons swirling down from the high ceiling. I baked, which I’m sure he’ll be expecting, but I’ve really outdone myself this time. Heart-shaped cookies, decorated with colorful sprinkles and pink frostings. Muffins with little paper hearts stuck in them. Of course, how could I forget chocolate covered strawberries. On the left of the counter was a shrine of gifts. A teddy bear. A card is written with absolute bullshit but a token of our friendship as well. Some chocolate boxes and I had found this cheesy snow globe that you can put pictures in. So I put myself in it of course. Bet he’ll love seeing that. And one gift that I am actually excited to give to him, is matching bracelets with little rabbits on them. Maybe I did a little bit too much. After all, this is supposed to be a joke. 

His job is to bring dinner, so there is no way he can beat this. Not that it’s a competition, but it kind of is. 

‘are you almost here?’ I type into our chat. 

‘otw’

I roll my eyes, going to unlock my door, ‘being late to your valentines date isn’t very impressive’

He doesn’t respond, and I double-check the positions of the cakes on the counter. It has to seem overly perfect, like some white mom on TikTok put on the display. I smile, looking over my creations one more time, as I hear the knock on the door. 

He normally comes right in, but maybe he’s putting on some charade for the night. I hop right over, pulling it open to reveal many, many bags.

“Oh, my gosh,” I look around, trying to find his face in all of the stuff. “What’s all this?” 

His figure shuffles in, and I close the door. “Oh, only the best for my darling.” He hums, and I almost snort. So he is acting?

There are a few bags, some with the label for a fancy new restaurant that was down the road. Oh? I heard they have incredible seafood. The rest of the bags are pink and frilly. Gift bags. That is one thing I didn’t think to do. Wrap my gifts. He begins to pile them down on the opposite side of the counter, his face now in plain view. 

He’s slicked his hair back, a single strand dangling over his forehead. Quite dashing. Like me, he’s worn his best, a black button-down and dress pants. He grins, seeing me checking him out. Well of course I know he’s hot. I’d be lying if I said I thought he wasn’t attractive. 

“Dea?” He mumbles, arms outstretched for a hug. I huff, trying not to laugh, as this all feels a bit ridiculous. Him dressed up, and me in a black dress, hair curled and makeup done. All we are going to do is watch movies. It’s all… very silly. 

“Happy Valentine’s day!” I lean in to hug him and he squeezes me tight to his chest. It lingers and for a moment I think it’s the longest hug we’ve shared. 

“Happy Valentine’s...” He pulls away halfway, looking me up and down, “You look beautiful”

I blush, feeling the warmth of his hands on my arms “You do too.” I say and he smiles softly, before turning to the counter. I shuffle my feet on the tiles of the floor, “You ready for our fake Valentine’s?” I grin, sliding over to the counter.

“Fake?” His eyes widen in faux surprise. He then chuckles, “So you baked? What else should I have expected?” He takes up one of the cookies in his hand, taking a bite. I grin, already knowing he loves my cookies. With a hum of satisfaction, he finishes the whole thing. 

“I got you like a garlic shrimp noodle dish!” He beams, looking over his take out bags, “So let’s not let our food get cold.” I smile because he knows my favorites. 

“I’ll pour some wine okay.” My hands find my finest bottle, still cheap but what is a college student gonna do? Two glasses find themselves a quarter of the way full. I saw in some movie that it was proper that way.

I hear a groan from Jungkook, making me lift my head, “if I’m gonna be on a date with you I’ll need a lot more liquor than that.” 

“Tch.” I roll my eyes, pushing the bottle away. “We can drink later. Get like... wasted while we watch those god awful movies you mentioned.” With glasses in hand, I walk to my table where Jungkook has already laid out the food with silverware. 

My dish looks incredible. A garlic noodle with shrimp? I practically drool a little as I join him at the table. Jungkook is no different, staring at his meal as though he’d like to swallow it whole. 

“Thanks for dinner.” I hum, twirling my fork into the noodles. I felt a little guilty, wondering what the receipt for this meal looked like. We both had spent money, but as it looked, he has certainly spent more. 

“Of course! Thanks for dessert.” He cuts into his steak, something I expected he would have ordered, and he seems pleased with how it looks. We both dig in, and the majority of our dinner is silent. Too busy enjoying our meals to say anything. It really is delicious, and it’s hard to savor as I chow down. By the time we are both finished, our glasses of wine were long gone. Jungkook was fighting himself on pouring more. Instead, we tossed the take out containers and placed our dishes in the sink.

We stood, arms crossed looking over the desserts. “Well if I’m honest I am too full to eat any of this.” I sigh, feeling the same way. Jungkook made the right decision, eating a cookie before the meal. 

“There’s always later.” With a shrug, I move over to my gifts. “But now you should open your gifts!”

“There’s nothing to open.” He teases, eyeing all the gifts. 

My body slumps in annoyance, “Jeon Jungkook come open them.” He giggles at my irritation, reaching for the teddy bear. 

He holds it close to him, “Okay, okay. Let me name him.” his eyes scan fondly over the stuffed toy. “Mhmh, James.”

“James?” I snicker, and he glares at me. 

“James can hear you mocking him.” He growls, with a smile before setting the bear down. 

“Sure, sure” I nod, encouraging the next gift. 

“Woah, this is so funny,” He only glances at the globe for a moment, immediately grabbing one of his gift bags and handing it to me. “Here open this.” His cheeks raise up, his smile lines deepening as I look on towards the gift. “No way did you get one too?” I reach inside, feeling the smoothness of a round gift. I pull it out. A matching snowglobe. His picture is much less flattering than the one I chose. “Oh my gosh.” I giggle looking at his stupid little face. 

“This is awesome.” He stares into his little globe, for a little bit too long and too softly. He looks up, making eye contact with me. I swallow, and he grins, taking the globe and shaking it violently. 

“Okay, okay,” I pull on his arms, “Open the next thing.”

He obliges, looking through the chocolates, and finally picking up the card. He stares into it, reading it thoroughly and leaving me to awkwardly stand there. It was long. Thanking him for being my friend, the one person I can always count on. 

“It’s cheesy I know.” I glance down, knowing that this wasn’t the point of the night. Now it’s kind of weird. What if he thinks this is some sort of love confession or something? I should have saved all the sappy stuff for another time. 

“I love it.” A small smile forms on his lips, his mood has changed and I can tell. I’ve fucked up one hundred percent. He pulls me into another deep hug. His warmth blanketing over me, and his heart beating. Really. Fast. “Thanks Dea. I love you.” He doesn’t let the hug linger this time. He glances back to his gifts, “I didn’t really get you anything that special, but you’re still the bestest friend I’ve ever had.”

I let out a breath of relief, letting him pick out the braided bracelet. It was blue and green, and he immediately slipped it on, admiring the bunny charm. “I made it myself.” I grin, showing him my matching one. He smiles at my wrist but stays silent. Did I do something wrong?

“Okay, your turn.” 

The first bag is full of sweet treats. Chocolates and a whole assortment of candies. There are so many sweets in this room it wouldn’t hurt to share with our other friends. Jungkook hands me the next bag. A teddy bear, almost just like the one I gave him. 

“I’ll name her Janet.” I grin, mocking the name he gave his. “Janet and James.” I set her down next to the other bear. “Quite a pair.” 

“Quite a bear.” Jungkook stares at me, taking the moment to soak in his joke. I ignore him, hiding a smile as he hands the next one over.

“This one's the best one.” He pouts, “there are two parts” I shake my head reaching in. and finding a small box. I don’t hesitate in opening it, two little rings are inside. Raising an eyebrow I examine them further. 

‘I heart you’ one says, and I feel that it's plastic. “Great right?” He takes the other and tries to stick it on his fingers. Eventually, he fits it on his pinkie. They are clearly from a gumball machine or something, for kids. I shake my head with a laugh, sticking it onto my pinkie as well. I reach into the bag again. The fluff of something soft meeting my fingers. I pull it out. 

“What’s this?” I ask, seeing as there are two. One has a heart and arrow pattern and the other has pink teddy bears. 

He blushes, his hand resting on the back of his neck, “I thought it would be fun to have matching pajamas while we watch the movies.” He huffs, looking down at the ground.

Oh! My eyes widen at the pink teddy bears, and I rip the package open. “That's the best idea! That's the silliest Valentine's thing ever.” I shake it out, a pair of pants and a long sleeve. “I’m gonna put it on now!” We share a smile. “You know where the bathroom is.” I wave him off as I walk towards my bedroom. 

I slip out of the dress, and I am grateful to be getting into something more comfortable. Feeling giddy I look into my mirror. I look like a kid, and I feel like one too. This is so much fun. We should do fake Valentine’s more often. Who needs a real date anyway? Best friends are most definitely the better option. 

If it weren’t Jungkook, I’d be worried about every little thing. If something got stuck in my teeth at dinner. If I got him the right kind of chocolates. If my dress was riding up. Too many things to worry about, with him I can be comfortable. And now, extra comfortable with this cute new pajama set. 

I head back out, and soon Jungkook returns from the bathroom, folding his clothing up and leaving it on the table. He’s a sight to see, looking very soft, “You’re cute.” I say heading over to the couch.

“Oh,” he laughs awkwardly, “Thanks.” He comes around joining me. We sit together crossing our legs up on the couch. 

“So which of these shitty movies are we gonna watch?” I flip on the screen, opening up Netflix. He shuffles getting comfortable. 

“I think we should watch one that’s not that shitty, but like To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before?” He says and I shrug, searching it up. It didn’t matter to me. I’ve seen this one, but it was a while ago. I think I remember liking it. One of the better cheesy rom coms. 

As long as we can make fun of it. That’s the point. We’d planned this night a while ago. Thinking how much fun it would be to make fun of Valentine’s day by doing Valentine's day things. It’s turning out to be the best Valentine’s I’ve ever had. 

“How can she say that and feel differently?” Jungkook curls his lip in annoyance at the main character. We were far along with the film and he was getting annoyed with her. “It’s basically lying.”

I groan, “No? She’s just apprehensive cause he’s been giving her mixed signals and been wishy-washy the whole movie.”

He takes the remote and pauses it rather aggressively. “If anyone’s sending mixed signals it’s her. All girls do that. If she was just straightforward with her feelings then so could he.” 

“Why is it her responsibility to be straight forward? Can’t he do it? She’s the inexperienced one? He knows that.” 

He rolls his head back against the couch, his hair falling from its confines. “My point is that girls are confusing.” His neck tenses as he pulls his head back up. “And he,” he points to the screen, “Is confused. So of course he isn’t gonna be straightforward.”

“Girls are not confusing.” I roll my eyes if anyone is confusing it’s boys. His brows are furrowed in frustration, and I think it’s funny that he has such a serious opinion about it. His demeanor changes again, and he seems to squeeze his fists open and closed. 

“Yes, they are, like you.” 

I scoff, “Me?” 

He interrupts before I can continue. “Yeah, you. Your signals are so mixed and it fucks with my brain. One minute you're cold and the other you’re hot. I try and understand but it always just makes me more confused.” He rambles, not looking at me, “I just want to understand you.” He sighs, realizing he got heated.

My head shakes, “I’m so confused, which only proves that boys are more confusing.” He doesn’t respond. “Understand what?” I look over him and his face has fallen to his lap. My eyes shadow with worry as I cross my legs scooting closer to him. “I don’t really know why this turned into an argument… Did I say something wrong?” He shakes his head, more hair sliding out onto his forehead. 

“Seriously Jungkook I don’t want tonight to end in us being upset over something so stupid, but like you’ve been a little off the whole night. Was it me?” 

A deep groan escapes from his throat, and he cringes, “No, no Dea.” He buries his head into his hands.”I mean…” I really don’t understand what changed his mood all of the sudden. My hands fold in my lap. What could I have said to upset him? It really can’t have anything to do with the stupid movie. Can it? Maybe it had been the card. I’ve always expressed how much I care about him but maybe the timing was wrong. Maybe it came across weird and now he thinks that I like him. 

“So it was me?” I swallow, pursing my lips. 

His eyes shut as he takes a breath. “No, Dea you didn’t upset me.” He brings his hand to my wrist, clasping over it. His face softens, but he still looks confused. His fingers, soft and warm, tickle over the bracelet, running it in between his fingers. The simple touch sending tingles down my arm. “I promise.” He mumbles, opening his eyes, which meet mine. My breath speeds up and I feel nervous all of the sudden. My heart races as he stares into me. Those eyes have always been beautiful. The way they shine as the light hits them, always wide and searching. 

What was he searching for?

His eyes don’t leave mine, but his hand fades from the bracelet, traces of his touch still at my skin. I can’t help the butterflies in my stomach. Especially, as his hand meets my cheek. Its presence lingers, soft and kind. Under the coolness of his fingers, my cheeks are heated, and I want to tear my eyes away from his, but my gaze stays. 

His fingers flit over my skin, his hand hooking around my neck and thumb meeting my ear. I try to slow my breaths, which are too fast and heavy. I notice he bites at his lip, contemplating? Searching with those searching eyes. His thumb moves again, brushing against my cheek that is surely rosey enough for him to see. 

Slowly his body inches towards mine, his face coming closer and pulling mine in tandem. God so excruciatingly slow, but his eyes still haven’t left mine. His chest rises and falls, his nose bumps mine. Finally, his eyes drop, glancing at my lips. His part slightly, as he leans further. 

They touch, Jungkook pressing his lips into mine and pulling me into him by my neck. Gently, softly, he kisses me. As if relieved he sighs into my mouth, his other hand snaking into my waist. I breathe in a sudden breath, shocked at the cold of his fingers there. 

Immediately he breaks the kiss, eyes wide and confusion filling them. “I’m sorry.” He says breathy, his hands retreating. I too am breathless, unsure of what to say. That certainly wasn’t what I expected, but I liked it. God, I fucking liked it a lot. I wanted to do it again. But doubt clouds his eyes, scanning me over. 

“God Dea. I’ve royally fucked up haven’t I.” His breaths are getting fast and I can tell he's about to panic. Why? Couldn’t he tell I liked it? I shake my head fervently, but he’s not looking. “I’m so sorry, I don’t want this to change anything.” He chokes, his eyes watering.”You’re… you’re my best friend… and” 

“Jungkook!” I try to muster up some courage, one hand planting itself on his chest hesitantly. He goes silent, “I... “ I swallow trying to find the right words. “Don’t apologize.” My heart pounds in my ears, unsure of what this feeling is. His eyes look somewhat relieved, and my hand falters at his neck. I take a deep breath. “I… want you to kiss me…” I say shakily before biting my lip, my other hand finally rests at his nape. Maybe that was too forward? I can’t read him now as he stares on, eyes flipping over me. 

“You do?” He mumbles, sounding wary. Making me say it again? My stomach twirls, answering silently. I mean I do. Does he not? 

I squeeze my hand shut that lays on his chest, “ah… yeah.” My eyes fall, wondering what he’s thinking. Under the soft fabric of the pjs I feel his heart, racing just as mine is. His hand, the left this time, reaches up, taking my neck much more firmly, pulling my face into his. He halts, his breath hitting my lips but nothing more. His lashes batting and dancing with mine. Together our heavy breaths fall onto one another. He does want this right? My fingers clasp at the sew line of his top, and I tug the fabric with both hands, pulling him the rest of the way. 

With his mouth on mine, I take both hands around his neck pulling him deeper into the kiss. Again he pulls at my waist, less hesitant this time. His hand finds the small of my back, supporting himself as he leans into me. He leans closer and closer until my back is against the cushions, one of his legs between mine. The kiss softens, we both need to breathe, but neither of us pulls away.

His hand knots itself in my hair, keeping my lips against his. Holding on to the last moments. Until they aren’t. My lungs are heaving in need of air of my own. His breath flutters over my face, and he kisses softly at my cheek.

“Can I be straightforward then”?” He asks into my ear, the humming sensation tickling at my face. I nod, keeping my hands on him, not wanting him to leave. Not wanting him to say it was a mistake, or that he doesn’t want it to be a forever thing. He smiles softly, showing the teeny mole under his lip, reassuring me slightly. He must have noticed the worry in my eyes, brushing through my hair with his hand, tracing a finger over my cheeks. 

“I… like you Dea.” He says soothing himself with a deep breath. “I love you.” He swallows, nodding slowly, “I love you.” 

My lips curl up in the slightest smile. “I love you too.”

—

for more :D

[johannstutt413]

(requested by calligomiles) Jackie/Grani/Absinthe Poly-cop-ule

Absinthe was in the RI “precinct” office, holding down the fort for the night shift, when her phone dinged. Odd - she couldn’t remember giving anyone her phone numb- oh?

     ‘Hey Abby! It’s Jackie.’ A number to add to her contacts, at least. ‘Holding down the fort going okay?’

     ‘Hey. Not much happening. You’re still awake?’

     ‘I took a looooong nap after my shift today. Ooh, actually, can I bring you something?’

Eh? Ah, why not? It wasn’t like anything needed her immediate attention. ‘Sure.’

     ‘Great! See you soon!’

Ding! ‘Hey, Absinthe, are you hungry?’

     ‘Who is this?’

     ‘Oh, sorry! Grani.’

Grani, too? The whole point of having multiple shifts was so those not on-duty could rest...Although it’s not as if Zoya slept particularly well either way. ‘I could eat.’

     ‘Great! I made too much stew and I don’t want it to go to waste :|. See you soon! :D’

What a strange night. The Ursus had recently volunteered to help out as an enforcer after the Doctor had suggested the role to her, but even for the chaos some of RI’s Operators liked to cause, it was a far more peaceful job than she’d expected. Occasionally someone would have to spend the night in the ‘tank after a few too many at one of the dozen or so bars RI had (almost as many as Night Street in Chernobog), but most of the time, all Absinthe was doing was sitting at a desk watching TV or answering strange or stupid questions over the phone. Anything beyond that happened on Grani or Jackie’s time, not hers.

Actually, that probably wasn’t fair to assume. There were some...interesting things that happened at night, but none of them were work-related so to speak. Rhodes Island was an old vessel, and it made all sorts of noises at night. What was making them? The ship itself? Ghosts? Operators not doing anything wrong but certainly something spooky to a young cop’s daughter alone in a rather stoic office? Who could s-

“Good evening, Abby!” Jackie burst into the office full of life, causing Zoya to hop out of her seat. “Ooh, did I scare you? Sorry!”

“...You’re fine.” Honestly, she’d scared herself more than anything. No more SeenIt s/nosleep for her during a slow shift.

The Perro walked up to the desk with her gift: a box of cookies. “I can’t eat chocolate, so I made sugar and oatmeal raisin. Is that alright?”

“Mhmm.” Absinthe didn’t mind; it wasn’t like chocolate was the be-all end-all of swee- “Mmm...These are really good. Thanks, Jackie.”

“I’m glad you like them! I’ve been trying to learn to cook so I can surprise my dad the next time I see him, so- Grani? What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be resting!”

The Kuranta blushed. “Heh. Yeah, I know, but I got so hungry I woke up, and I had the stuff for stew, so I made stew, but I made this whole pot and I can’t eat all of this by myself! Not when I know Absinthe’s been here since 2000, anyway.”

“Thank you,” Zoya whispered, attracting both of the other officers’ attention by the shaking in her voice. “I’ll get some bowls.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll get ‘em!” The Perro skirted around the desk to do just that.

Grani pushed a couple of chairs over so they could sit together before sitting down next to the Ursus. “Everything okay?”

“...I don’t know how to answer that.” She sighed, wiping her eyes. “Jackie mentioned her dad and it...caught me off-guard.”

“Oh, I getcha.” It was somewhat common knowledge what the USSGG, and somewhat by extension Absinthe, had gone through at Chernobog.

Zoya took her second cookie from the box. “It’s not her fault for reminding me...But the way she said it, and in context, um...”

“Don’t worry, I get the picture.” The mountie took a cookie as well. “Permission to touch?”

“Touch? Um, alright.”

The Kuranta set a hand on her back and began rubbing it in circles. “I never worked nights on my old beat. What do you do to pass the time?”

“Not much. Read SeenIt, drink coffee...stare into the void.” The Ursus shrugged. “The same thing I do in my room.”

“Huh. Gotcha. I’ve never used SeenIt. What do ya read on there?” Jackie was taking her time with those bowls.

Absinthe pulled out her phone. “I can show you. There’s a channel called ‘nosleep’ I read. Mostly cheesy horror. Sometimes it’s scary, though.”

“I can’t do scary stuff,” Grani admitted with a shiver. “Not that I don’t approve of it, just, ya know how it is.”

“It keeps me awake, at least-” CRASH!

Their Perro associate peaked out from around a corner. “Sorry! I couldn’t find any bowls, so I was trying to find big enough cups but we don’t have any, and then I just started going through everything, and I accidentally knocked over some pots...But we can use pots for bowls, I guess?”

“That’ll work!” The Kuranta took off the lid of her stew pot - which had been in her lap since sitting down - and set it on the desk so she could ladle it properly. “Alright, one for you, and one for you, and...ah, why not? One for me, too!”

“It smells really good!...Oooh, and it tastes even better! Is this Victorian food?” Jackie was not a food-shoveler, but for the saucepan of stew in her hand, she was certainly tempted.

The Ursus - who was basically raised on stew - could’ve told her that, but instead she simply said, “This is good. Thank you, Grani.”

“Aw, shucks, it’s nothing special. Although you all aren’t wrong, it is good.”

“We should do this more often!” The Perro declared, holding her spoon forward like a charging knight’s sword. “Midnight potlucks are great.”

Zoya shrugged. “I don’t know how to cook.”

“That’s what the convenience store’s for. Besides, they’re the only place you can get that really good jerky from.” The auxiliary officer smiled widely at the thought of that jerky.

“I can get that next time.” Actually…“Or I can get it now. Nothing’s happening, anyway.”

Jackie blinked. “Really?”

“Yeah. You like them, I have some LMD in my pocket. It’s fine.” Was it that strange?

“Oh, you- wait, uh, permission to touch?” Important to ask; Absinthe nodded, and she was tackled for her allowance. “Thank you! It’s like my favorite thing they have here!”

The Ursus could have pushed her off, but actually, it was...kind of nice? Her hands moved on their own, though. That’d be her explanation for bear-hugging the Perro while prone if anyone asked. “Don’t mention it...”

“I can get it if you’re, uh, busy.” Grani didn’t want to ruin their moment-

“No, it’s fine,” Zoya replied, tapping the auxiliary on the back. “Coming with?”

Jackie, surprisingly lithe for her age (in her own words), managed to push herself and Absinthe off the ground and to their feet with her passenger still hugging her. “Definitely! But shshrshshsrshrshr.” She whispered in the Ursus’ ear, who nodded when she was done.

“I can stay here, then, just in case?” The Kuranta didn’t want to be a third wheel - they had to be closer to each other in age, anyway-

“Kurrie sandwich!” The Perro slipped behind the mountie, Zoya hopped in front of her, and the pair hugged Grani between them. “No man left behind.”

Said ‘Kurrie’ could only hug in one direction, so she snuggled the Ursus closer. “I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t expect that at all,” she whispered to her.

“I didn’t, either,” Absinthe admitted, “but...hugs are nice.”