#in her pantry when i was there for xmas

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[thebawdybaldurian]

Rookcanis Scraps: Courtship Dance

Some sweet Mourn Watch Rook/Lucanis fluff for Xmas! This is my version of the shopping trip/coffee meeting quest, minus Illario. I also wanted to include a cute little mention inspired by this tweet, where Spite will eventually shake his tail feathers. Some of the story beats call back to other scraps from Wanksgiving and Casino Night.

Content and Warnings: Self doubt, mentions of thalassophobia/acrophobia/virginity, social anxiety, panic attacks, digestive woes, demonic peeping.

Pairing: Femme Rook x Lucanis…with input from Spite

The only thing on Lucanis’ mind at the moment was coffee. Not just because he was craving a fresh, steaming cup, but because he was starting to nod off standing up. The last thing he needed was to fall asleep and give Spite the opportunity to take over again. The demon had no concept of boundaries, especially when it came to Maene. Lucanis couldn’t bear another incident like yesterday. He didn’t want to imagine what would’ve happened if Mae had woken up and found him jerking off over her. Lucanis knew he had to sleep eventually, but he first needed a way to keep Spite from getting access to her. He knew the demon could only stray so far if he was paying attention, so staying in the dining hall as much as possible would be vital. He could bring books over from the library when needed and perhaps rig up some sort of lock on the pantry door.

He finished his grocery list in the late afternoon, according to his time piece, though it was always dusk at this strange Lighthouse. Mae and Harding had just finished up the dirty dishes from lunch, drying their shirtsleeves by the fire and giggling with each other. “I need to head back to Treviso for a few essentials,” Lucanis announced, tucking his list in his waistcoat. “I have no idea what you all have been subsisting on before I got here.”

“Mostly just dried meat and tea,” Harding remarked with a chuckle. “And Neve has some enchanted box of fried fish that she picks at.”

Lucanis made a face, which made Mae giggle. “It’s not as bad as it sounds,” she laughed. “It stays fairly fresh…according to her. I think it smells awful regardless. I don’t eat anything that spends all of its time in water.”

“Can I bring you back anything?” He asked, trying not to show how much her laugh sent his heart racing. “That isn’t fish?”

“Would you…actually mind if I came along?” Mae asked shyly. “I have some…personal items I need to replenish.”

“I told you to take a chance on going ‘warden’ style,” Harding remarked, causing Mae to blush deeply. “I don’t think I will ever go back to wearing small clothes.”

“Uhh, yes of course…you’ll want to…pick those out yourself,” Lucanis tried not to stammer thinking about Mae’s underwear. “Shall we?”

“Let me just change my shoes,” Mae nodded, her adorable toes wiggling in her Dalish slippers.

She disappeared to her room for a moment, slipping on some boots before giving herself a quick pep talk in the mirror of her wardrobe. “Don’t talk to him about corpses or death rituals. Don’t rub your neck when he does that little half smile. Just keep your hands in your coat pockets so you don’t overly gesticulate when you talk…” she sighed, looking at herself in the mirror. She pinched her cheeks to make them less pale and reached down her dress to tighten the laces on her bodice a little more so her breasts sat higher. She grabbed her coin purse, which was much heavier with her gambling winnings and which Lucanis had let them all keep if they hadn’t lost it all like Bellara.

Lucanis noticed her rosy cheeks right away when he met her in the library, letting out a quiet exhale of longing. “All set now,” she smiled, swinging a satchel onto her shoulder.

“My city awaits,” he bowed his head slightly, excited at the prospect of spending some alone time with her before Spite deflated it by chiming in. “Do you think she’s going to buy some sexy panties like in our dream? We should tell her to buy some of those.”

“I’ll meet you down at the Eluvian, I need to check one last thing,” Lucanis hid a scowl, dragging Spite out into the courtyard. “What do you mean ‘our’ dream?” Lucanis asked when they could speak in private. “You had it too?”

“There’s something strange about this place,” Spite grinned deviously. “I can dream with you…and influence it a little…”

“So you made me dream about her?” Lucanis accused.

“No, that was all you…I just made things a little…more exciting. Her not having any clothes on was my idea. Your subconscious must’ve been thinking about those weird books you like. ‘Oh you rescued me…please take my maiden hood,’” Spite said with a mocking lilt in his voice.

“They aren’t weird,” Lucanis insisted. “They are quite popular…all across Thedas.”

“Because mortals live sad little lives, tempering their emotions into neat little packages. Spirits and demons hold nothing back. We lust with our entire being. We are unbound by the restrictions of flesh…mmmmm beautiful, pale flesh,” Spite began to recall seeing Mae naked, forgetting his train of thought. “I want to see her again…bare and perfect.”

“See who?” Lucanis put his hands on his hips. “Have you been spying on Mae again?”

“You left me in her room…at the casino…and she just suddenly…dropped her robe…and then me,” Spite said dreamily, passing out again from the memory and retreating from Lucanis for a moment.

“Maker, help me,” he put a hand to his forehead.

Lucanis returned inside, noting to himself to buy the extra strong beans this time that were a little less flavorful, but would keep him more alert. Mae was waiting at the Eluvian for him with Ferdinand on her shoulder, smiling and tucking her long bangs behind her ear as she usually did. Lucanis felt his heart beating like the wings of a hummingbird, wondering how much of Spite’s obsession with her was in part to his own growing infatuation. “I hope you don’t mind that Ferdi tags along too. He enjoys being around all the other birds and he really likes all the Crow decor,” she said scratching the rook under his chin.

“Not at all,” Lucanis smiled, offering his finger to give a scratch as well. “He annoys Spite and that pleases me to no end.”

They stepped through the Eluvian together, heading towards the dock that led to Treviso. Ferdinand flew off to scout ahead, noting the demon was gratefully absent. The possessed bird was as protective of Mae as Lucanis was and also sensed the man’s affection for her. He thought his mistress needed to have more mortal connections and had already given her some encouragement to do so. “So are all Nevarran mages Mortalitasi or do some of them specialize in other magic?” Lucanis asked, hoping to spark up a conversation.

“No, plenty of them train in other things. We have Circles of our own where they study. I suppose it was only natural for me to step into necromancy, being raised by them. Even if I’d never developed magical abilities, I could’ve still served in the Necropolis as a guard…I’m not sure what else I would’ve done,” she replied, reminding herself to ask him questions as well to show her interest in him and not just talk about the dead all day. “What about you? Did you always want to be an assassin?”

“I didn’t really have a choice,” Lucanis straightened his lips. “My parents were Crows and when they were killed, Caterina only accelerated my training. It was brutal,” he replied, unconsciously rubbing the top of his hands that bore small scars from her cane. “But it hardened me into the man I am today.”

“That sounds…awful,” Mae frowned as they approached the dock and waited for the Caretaker and Ferdinand to return. “You should have had a choice in things…especially since you have to kill people. And you shouldn’t have been hurt.”

“You don’t approve of what I do?” Lucanis wondered, though he didn’t hear any judgment in her voice.

Her answer was briefly interrupted by the Caretaker, who arrived with Ferdinand perched on the prow of the boat. “The path to the Eluvian is clear, Mistress,” Ferdinand said, sounding only like caw to Lucanis.

“I’m not sure,” she finally answered, chewing her lip in contemplation as she climbed into the boat. “Common belief is that we either we have total free will to determine our lives and you are robbing people of their proper time of death…or we’re all interwoven by some unknown fate and you are the necessary catalyst of their deaths…that all of this was supposed to happen…and I didn’t doom Thedas by releasing the blighted gods,” she sighed, closing her eyes and gripping the boat tightly as it smoothly pushed off through the air.

Lucanis didn’t know what to say to assuage her guilt, not being a religious person either. He watched as she began taking slow, deep breaths, keeping her eyes tightly closed, her face going even paler again. He hadn’t noticed it on the first ride back from Treviso, as he was trying to keep Spite from stabbing her rook. “Do you get seasick on any boat?” Lucanis asked, glancing over the side to the endless void below.

“Just…anywhere I can’t see the bottom of,” she replied nervously. “Here…it’s not as much the motion, but the fear of the abyss. If I go into the water…will I keep sinking? Will I keep falling here?” A single tear slipped down her cheek and Lucanis knew it was not only from her fear, but from her regret.

“Not if you have someone with wings who can pull you out,” Lucanis said, taking out a silk handkerchief and dabbing her cheek before placing his hand on top of hers.

She opened her eyes briefly to look at him, wondering if her heart might leap out of her chest. She closed them again and squeezed his hand tightly until they arrived at the dock of the converged city. Mae let out a relieved sigh as Lucanis helped her out of the boat, still holding tightly to his hand. “Thank you,” she opened her eyes, offering him a smile that sent his own heart leaping out of his chest. “This is all still difficult to process…but…regardless of why we met…I’m glad that we did.”

“I am too,” he smiled, his heart aching a bit when she finally let go of his hand and used the handkerchief to dab her cheek again. It pained him to see her upset and he desperately wanted to embrace her. She went to give the handkerchief back to him, but he closed her fist around it, guessing she would need it again. “Keep it. It is Sallen silk…the finest in Antiva. And you’ll have my blades…and Spite’s wings…for as long as you need.”

They walked silently beside one another as they continued on towards the Treviso Eluvian, both their hands restless to touch one another’s again. Ferdinand trailed behind them, noticing Spite walking further back as well. “Would you thank your host for his kindness to my mistress?” The bird landed close enough for Spite to hear but not to kick, hopping along with him. “Despite your vulgar intentions with her…I can sense that his are pure.”

“Entirely too pure,” Spite grumbled, staring down at his feet in what might be considered empathy to someone other than a demon. “But I understand that she is a delicate creature. I don’t like seeing her upset.”

“She is,” Ferdinand replied. “She needs his affection even more than his daggers.”

“Shall we call a truce then?” Spite asked. “For her sake?”

“That would be agreeable,” Ferdinand nodded. “But I still don’t like you.” He flew off after their tentative agreement, shitting in Spite’s direction, but not on him this time. He landed on Mae’s shoulder as Spite made a rude gesture at him. The demon retreated again, giving the two mortals some time alone.

They walked through the second Eluvian together, which was now being stored in one of the back rooms of the Cantori Diamond’s upper floor. “Let me just check in with Teia and Viago, see if they have any news,” Lucanis said as they left the store room. Mae nodded, waiting at the elevator so Lucanis could speak to his fellow Crows in private. Viago was the only one in the office, Teia out dealing with something outside the casino. “Couldn’t stay away?” Viago looked up from some paperwork with a smirk “We need time to gather information…or are you here for…other reasons?” He glanced around Lucanis to see Mae lingering in the distance, talking to Ferdinand.

“We’re just doing some shopping,” Lucanis insisted, looking back at Mae and trying to hide a blush. “They barely had any food to eat…and Mae…Maene…needed to get some things of her own.”

“So you are on a first name basis with her now?” Viago teased. “I thought you kept all your contracts formal?”

“This is…different,” Lucanis stammered. “This will be a long job…being casual will be…necessary…”

“I’m just giving you a hard time, Luca,” Viago laughed at Lucanis’ blushed cheeks. “But I think you made the right choice out of the three women…dark curls, blue eyes, firm backside, though she could use some sun,” Viago continued to tease, referring both to himself and Mae, reminding Lucanis of his previous crush.

“Are you done?” Lucanis pouted, putting his hands on his hips.

“Just one more,” Viago grinned, tipping his chair back. “Don’t try to woo her with a dagger…”

Lucanis made a noise in his throat, turning to walk away. “Just let me know when you have news.”

“Of course,” Viago nodded with another smirk. “Enjoy the city, Lady Ingellvar!” He waved at Mae when they made eye contact.

The gloaming light of Treviso made this impromptu outing more romantic than intended, both Lucanis and Mae blushing frequently as they were forced to lean close making their way through the crowded streets. Viago’s teasing hadn’t helped and Lucanis wondered if Mae was aware of his attraction as well. They arrived at the market square as lamps were being lit, the air filled with the scents of food, goods, and a hint of the mossy canals that weaved through the city. “Most of the textile sellers are down that way,” Lucanis motioned, guessing she didn’t want company as she bought new unmentionables. “I’ll meet you back here in a little while?”

“Take this first,” he unfastened one of the Crow-wing lapel pins from his overcoat and affixed it to hers, his fingers brushing across her warm skin for just a second. “This will ensure you get a good deal…and keep most of the pickpockets from bothering you.”

“Yes, that sounds fine,” she nodded, looking a bit overwhelmed by the clamor of buying and selling.

“Oh…right,” Mae shifted her coin purse from her outer pocket to the inner one of her coat. “We don’t have much of a problem with them in Nevarra City…but Spirits of Mischief are known to pinch a few coins if they get the chance.”

“I would love for you to show me around sometime,” Lucanis smiled, desperately wanting to tuck her hair out of her eye before she did it on reflex. “It sounds like an interesting place.”

“I’m hoping we can figure out where the right Eluvian is soon,” Mae smiled back.

They parted ways with both their stomachs fluttering, Ferdinand taking off to socialize with the other city birds and Spite trailing beside Lucanis as he forced him to follow. “Are we going to buy Mae something special?” Spite asked as Lucanis headed towards the grocers’ market. “Her asshole bird wants you to have sex with her too.”

“What?” Lucanis scowled at him. “No he doesn’t. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“He told me so!” Spite insisted. “He said she needs your affection as much as your daggers. He thanked you for being so nice to her.”

“You can understand him?” Lucanis wondered.

“Just when we are in the Fade,” Spite replied. “We’ve formed a truce so you can make love to Mae.”

“Affection is not the same thing as sex,” Lucanis replied. “It’s…holding her hand when she’s upset…noticing the things that she likes…respecting her bodily autonomy by not touching and leering at her.”

“But I can’t help myself,” Spite bemoaned. “She’s so interesting and beautiful. I want to know everything about her. Inside and out…mostly inside.”

“I want to as well, but…there’s a proper way of going about things…it takes time.”

“Is there an improper way that is fast?”

Lucanis just shook his head, going straight to his favored coffee seller, hoping he’d settled his issue with the Antaam at the docks. Lucanis was pleased to see him there and bought several bags of beans, assuring the man that the Crows were working on getting the Qunari out of the city for good. “Back so soon?” The flower seller greeted Lucanis when he walked across the street. “How are the Little Doves fairing?”

“She liked them quite a bit,” Lucanis replied. “Do you have anything else from Nevarra?”

“I’m afraid not,” the woman shook her head. “I’m still struggling to get goods in with the restrictions in place. But I can put in a special request once I can get in contact with my supplier. If it is for a woman…I can arrange an entire bouquet for her…though I could put something together now that is a little more…traditional.”

“She’s…not a traditional sort,” Lucanis laughed. “A special bouquet would be wonderful. When you are able.”

Lucanis gave the woman a hefty deposit and bought a starter of spearmint for Harding’s burgeoning garden. He wanted to bring back something nice for everyone and grabbed some fruit for Neve and a complicated contraption for Bellara to tinker with. He continued on with his shopping, keeping a close eye out for the perfect hairpin for Mae.

Mae had found her way to the textile stalls slowly, too polite to ask people to move aside when the lane was blocked and waiting for them to move on their own. There was a lot of leather and various bits of armor and low-cut gowns to browse, but she continued on until she found a stall that appeared to be selling intimate wear. The shopkeeper was with another customer when Mae approached, so she just looked over the various slips and small clothes folded across the table until she was finished. “How can I help you, dear?” The woman asked when she was done with her previous customer, looking Mae over curiously. “You aren’t from around here?”

“No…I’m not,” Mae replied shyly.

Mae stood out in the crowd of olive-skinned citizens and Qunari refugees, not just because of her pale skin. Everyone was stylishly dressed, even just out at the market. Mae’s clothes looked drab in comparison. Although her solemn black overcoat was finely-made and embroidered like the threads of the circulatory system, but those sort of details were lost on anyone outside of the Mourn Watch. The green linen dress she wore underneath was quite demure, even with her waist cinched tightly with a gold, knucklebone-clasped belt and her bodice tied as tightly as possible.

She was one of the few Watchers that didn’t frequently wear her grave dowries outside of the Necropolis. She was always rushed for time in the mornings and although she enjoyed the ceremony of putting on each gold ring and bracelet, she much preferred to sleep in as late as possible. She usually kept at least a few rings on, however, unless she was bathing. One was an ouroboros, her constant reminder of the eternal cycle of life. The other was her Watchers’ insignia, the helmet symbol of her order etched into the gold disk.

The shopkeeper smiled politely at Mae, recognizing that the woman was clearly anxious, before her eyes noticed the Crow pin on the lapel of her overcoat. “Are you in the market for something special?” The owner asked, assuming that the exotic and pretty thing had caught the eye of one of the many libidinous Crows in the city and was looking to something exciting to wear. She motioned towards the stack of lace and silk undergarments.

“No…I just…need to replenish my supply of small clothes,” Mae said meekly. “I lost them all in Tevinter and have been wearing and washing the same old pair for weeks.”

“I see,” the woman nodded, moving over to the plain muslin panties that were popular with the common folk.

“I offer a discount on pairs of ten,” she held up the plain, un-tailored shorts.

They were perfect for every day use, but Mae’s eyes kept being drawn back to the midnight blue silk shorts that were cut high in the back to accentuate the rear. “Are these…Sallen silk?” Mae asked, brushing her thumb across the smooth fabric. She’d been rubbing the handkerchief in her pocket to soothe her anxiety and she wondered how the fabric would feel whispering across her most sensitive areas.

“They are indeed,” the woman replied, holding up the delicate panties to her. “The finest in Antiva…and worth the price.”

The woman didn’t want to assume Mae’s wealth, despite her dress, especially since she was under the protection of the Crows, but some of the assassins were quite stingy when treating their dalliances. Mae looked over the panties, trying not to blush thinking about Lucanis slowly slipping them off her. She set them down gently, reaching into her coat to retrieve her coin purse. She still wasn’t sure how much each silver coin was worth and dumped out a handful to show the woman. Her eyes widened a bit, seeing that the pale girl’s likely suitor wasn’t one of the stingy ones. “Ah yes, that will get you ten pairs of the muslin shorts, a few plain bodices as well, and the silk set…aside from the matching lace garters,” the woman smiled, scooping up the coins in her hands. It was a fair deal that wouldn’t put her on the wrong side of the girl’s lover.

“That would be wonderful,” Mae nodded approvingly.

The woman retrieved the matching silk bodice and began to wrap everything up in vibrant tissue paper, making small talk to try to glean if Mae’s suitor was known to her. “I think your lover will enjoy these as well,” the owner smiled, putting the silk set on top. “They will look lovely with your complexion. Crows do adore that shade of blue.”

“Oh,” Mae blushed deeply, reaching up to thumb the pin on her lapel. “He’s not my…I want him to be, but…we’ve only just met.”

“Ah,” the woman noted, not acquainted with any chaste Crows. “Let him see you in that set and he soon will be.”

“Do you think he’d…like the lace ones more?” Mae chewed her lip in indecision. They were practically backless, only a thin string connecting to the crotch. “I’ve…never had a lover before.”

“Oh,” the woman cooed, hoping the Crow would be gentle and not break her heart. “I’m sure he’ll like anything you put on, dear…are you…experienced with…pleasing yourself. At least?” She hesitated to ask, hoping to spare the young woman some pain.

“Oh yes,” Mae bit her lip, recalling her desperate writhing against her fingers and then her dream. “I just…want to be ready for anything…what if he’s…large? I know my body will accommodate him eventually but…I don’t want him to be disappointed.”

Mae’s only sexual experiences had been with herself or spirits. She had no idea how spectral sensations would translate to physical ones, even if she was used to being stimulated in all three holes at once on occasion. Her fingers had done an adequate job, but she’d always wanted to try something bigger. She’d never been brave enough to enter one of the wellness shops in Nevarra that offered a variety of realistic and fantastical options for stimulation. She’d been given a gag gift when joining the Mourn Watch, a giant toy that looked like a bone penis, but she’d never dared to even attempt it.

The woman motioned for Mae to wait a moment, ducking under one of her tables to look for something. She pulled out a small case, roughly the size of a large book, and slowly opened it. There were several dildos inside of various shapes and sizes, some more anatomically correct than others. Mae made a quiet noise in her throat, looking around to see if anyone had noticed the variety of cocks. “I get a lot of young brides at my stall…so I started stocking these…I recommend one to all of them,” the woman smiled. “Sex can be painful at first…especially with an overeager partner. And even after, some men…and women can’t be bothered to please their lovers as well.”

“Uhhuh,” Mae nodded, reaching out to touch one of the dildos.

“I call that one the Cat’s Cat,” the woman grinned. “It starts to purr when you touch the enchantment on the bottom.”

She ran her finger over the small jewel at the base and the toy began to vibrate softly. “Oh!” Mae let out an excited squeak. “How..how much?”

“If you have one of the coins with the two-talon crow, it is yours,” the woman smiled, this item being less of a deal since the purchase would likely not be mentioned to her suitor. Mae peeked in her coin purse, looking through the various disks before finding one with the aforementioned bird. “Here you are,” Mae grinned, trying to hide her excitement.

The woman tucked the toy into Mae’s package of small clothes before wrapping it up and securing it with twine, wishing Mae good luck as she wandered away. The market somehow seemed even more crowded now that it was fully dark and the noise and crowd began to make Mae nervous. She was finally forced to excuse herself past people who had stopped to socialize in the middle of the lane, holding her bag tightly against her chest. Vendors barked at her to come over, offering to tan her pallor with creams or straighten her curls with tonics. Someone shoved a whole fish on a stick in front of her, the smell making her nauseous. The constant overwhelm finally got to her, feeling a panic attack coming on. She found a bench tucked down an alley to sit on, pulling her hood up and pressing her hands against her ears to shut out the noise.

Lucanis had finished his shopping, though still unable to find the right hair pin for Mae and went to meet her in the market square, assuming she’d be finished before him. He didn’t see her anywhere around, furrowing his brow in sudden worry. “What are we waiting around for?” Spite asked when Lucanis had been standing in one spot for a few minutes. “Have you bought Mae a gift yet?”

“No, I haven’t found the right thing yet,” Lucanis scanned the crowd again, hoping to see her tall, pale figure. “And we are here waiting for Mae. She should have been back by now.”

“Why isn’t she here then?” Spite asked impatiently, looking around as well.

“I don’t know…maybe she couldn’t find any small clothes…or…” Lucanis frowned, his stomach churning.

“Or what?” Spite asked, looking around more frantically.

“She’s probably fine,” Lucanis put a hand to one of his daggers, suddenly fearing the worst and striding towards the direction he’d pointed her towards.

“Could something have happened to her? What if another demon saw her and wanted her for himself?” Spite began to ramble nervously.

“I doubt there are demons walking the streets…just plain, old-fashioned thieves and deviants,” Lucanis began to pick up his steps, weaving deftly through the crowds.

Mae was beautiful and polite, the perfect target for would-be louts. She also had a pocket full of Antivan silver…and she had been seen with him, the presumptive new First Talon once Caterina had been laid to rest properly. If it wasn’t enemies from within the city, it could be from outside. Venatori or Qunari that had taken a special interest in her. Lucanis was so afraid, so full of fear that he’d left her side only for her to be hurt or kidnapped, that Spite was able to take control. He shoved people out of the way instead of weaving past them, he snarled at those who were needlessly blocking the lanes. He sniffed the air loudly, searching for her unique scent among all the other smells of the market.

He caught a hint, the spicy scent of her incense mixed with a nervous sweat on her skin. This spurred him on further, several Crows starting to tail the disruptive man until they recognized Lucanis and backed off. They’d all been discretely told that he was a different man than they one they might recognize, but not explicitly told that he was possessed by a demon. Spite passed the small alley she sat in once, doubling back when he caught her scent again. He ran to her side, wrapping his arms tightly around her. “Mae!” He sighed heavily as she raised her head, locking eyes with him before Lucanis was able to wrest back control.

“Mae,” Lucanis brushed her long bangs out of her eyes. “Are you alright? Are you hurt?”

“No…I’m alright,” she said quietly, thankful that he was here. “I just got…overwhelmed. It got so loud and crowded and I…”

“It’s alright,” he said softly, trying to reassure her. “Why don’t we take a little break? Get something to eat and drink? One of my favorite places isn’t far, Cafe Pietra,” Lucanis suggested.

“Sure, that’s sounds fine,” she let out a deep exhale. “Sorry…I’m just not…used to being around a lot of people at once…and the Necropolis is dead silent most of the time…not just literally.”

Lucanis smiled, not sure if she was making a joke or just being her usual odd self. He helped her up, offering to carry her bag for her, but she was too paranoid the toy she’d bought might accidentally fall out and embarrass her somehow. She kept a tight hold of it, keeping it held against her chest. He took her other hand and led her back through the crowd, glancing back at her on occasion to check in on her. Her stomach fluttered wildly with each look and she hoped the cafe would have some soothing tea to calm her nerves and loins. “So what kind of coffee do you like?” Lucanis asked as they left the market and began walking down a quieter street.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had it,” Mae replied. “I heard it keeps you awake and that’s pretty much the opposite of what I ever want.”

“You’ve never had coffee?” Lucanis exclaimed.

“No,” Mae blushed slightly. “I like going to sleep. I can do almost anything.”

“Really?” Lucanis wondered. “To what extent?”

“I can shape my dreams to whatever I want…and other people’s too…though I’ve never done that before. There are even Dreamers that were used as assassins. A Crow Dreamer could kill you in your sleep.”

“That’s…incredible…and dangerous…”

“It’s the reason the Mortalitasi suspect I was abandoned as an infant. Demons find us particularly interesting. Most of us get possessed before we can be properly trained to resist them.”

“I told you other demons would want her,” Spite took a long whiff of her hair. “I can keep them away!”

“Why do they find you so appealing?” Lucanis asked, motioning behind his back at Spite to get him to stop sniffing her. “Besides the obvious reasons…”

“We make particularly deadly abominations if we are ever possessed…It’s strange actually…being around demons usually causes me a lot of pain…but Spite…”

“She’s talking about me?” Spite perked up.

“What about Spite?” Lucanis swatted at the demon again.

“He feels…different. He doesn’t hurt to be around. Maybe it has something to do with how he was forced into your body.”

“I would never hurt you, Mae,” Spite promised. “Quite the opposite…I want to fu…” he added before Lucanis cut him off.

“Don’t!” He glared at Spite and then looked back at Mae. “Don’t let your guard down around him,” he added, so she didn’t suspect he was talking to the demon. “He’s dangerous.”

“Don’t speak ill of me to her!” Spite protested. “I want her to like me!”

Lucanis ignored him, putting his arm around her shoulder to guide her down the street, but also to piss off Spite. He was still cursing at Lucanis when they arrived at Cafe Pietra, vowing to embarrass Lucanis as soon as he got the opportunity. “I’ve got the perfect thing for you to try,” Lucanis said as they sat down. “A Tour of Antiva. It’s a coffee flight that will let you sample a whole range of flavors.”

“Alright,” she nodded. “Only if you promise to stay up with me when I am wired by caffeine,” she tried to flirt, her stomach knotting anxiously.

“That’s a promise,” Lucanis smiled, knowing he would already be awake to keep Spite away from her.

Lucanis ordered an extra large, extra strong coffee for himself and the flight for Mae to try, as well as some hearty pastries to eat. “Do you want to sit away from the water?” Lucanis asked, the cafe edged on one side by a canal.

“I think I should be fine,” Mae peeked over the railing. “I can see the bottom…someone threw their cup in there.”

“How about here then?” Lucanis pulled out a chair for her.

“Thank you,” she nodded and sat down, slipping her satchel off her shoulder. She looked around at the sparsely crowded cafe, several other couples at tables by themselves. She felt her stomach tense, wondering if this was technically a date. Did he intend to kiss her at the end? Should she kiss him? The dates in her romance novels usually ended with someone inviting the other in for coffee, so they seemed to be doing the opposite. “Do you…come here a lot?” Mae asked. “I mean, did you…before Spite and the Ossuary?”

“I did, even when I didn’t need to stay up all night. They have coffee without caffeine, so I could still sleep when I wanted to.”

“Oh, that’s nice,” Mae smiled, having no clue where to steer the conversation next.

Lucanis didn’t either, wishing he had his drink so he could pause to sip and think of something. “So…do you…choose what you dream about when you go to sleep?” Lucanis finally asked. “Could you…dream about riding a wyvern if you wanted to?”

“No, I can’t just create dreams out of nothing, but say I was dreaming about needing to get somewhere and I started riding a horse, I could change that to a wyvern…though I’ve never ridden a wyvern, so it would be more like riding a horse that looked like a wyvern…sorry…I’m over explaining things,” Mae looked down at the table in embarrassment.

“No…I’m very interested to hear about this,” Lucanis grinned. “I was nearly banned from the natural history museum as a child for trying to ride the display skeleton.”

“Really?” Mae laughed.

“Illario dared me to do it…and I already wanted to anyway…I got halfway up the wing before the docent grabbed me by the shirt collar.”

“If you ever come to Nevarra, the Cumberland Wyrm Museum has a model you can climb on…though…it is supposed to only be for children…but I bet they’d make an exception.”

“I’d love to go,” Lucanis replied as their coffee and pastries arrived. “Just in time,” he took his cup directly from the server and took a slow sip.

She set down Mae’s coffee flight next, a row of five tiny cups, and then the small plate of pastries between them. Both Mae and Lucanis reached for the cinnamon cake, their hands gently colliding. “You go ahead,” Lucanis blushed, pulling his hand back. “You haven’t tried it yet.”

“Why don’t we share?” Mae suggested, splitting the cake in half and handing him the larger piece. “So I can try all of them!”

“That’s fair,” Lucanis took the piece, pairing a bite with a long sip of coffee.

“Which of these should I try first?” Mae asked, looking down at the cups of identical brown liquid.

“This one will pair nicely with the cake…it’s what I’m drinking,” he motioned towards one of the middle cups.

Mae took a large sip, her face immediately shifting as the bitter liquid hit her tongue. “Hmmmm,” she struggled to swallow it, immediately taking a bite of cinnamon cake after. “That’s…bold,” she took another bite of cake, trying to wash away the taste on her tongue.

“You didn’t like it?” Lucanis smirked at her trying to be polite.

“I can see why someone threw their cup in the canal now,” she forced a smile. “I didn’t realize it was so bitter…”

“Some people add cream or sugar to soften it,” Lucanis replied. “I can have them bring you some…but why don’t you try another and see if you can taste a difference.”

“Sure,” Mae nodded, reaching for a cup at the opposite end of her tray. She took a much smaller sip, making the same face as before but trying to hide it behind her cup. “Nope…I just taste bitter,” she swallowed, her throat tensing like she might be sick.

“I’ll go get you some cream and sugar then,” Lucanis suggested, heading back to the counter.

Mae made a quiet noise in her throat, clasping her hands to her stomach. Between her crowd anxiety, being alone with Lucanis, and the now the coffee, her guts were suddenly churning. “Not now, Maker,” she whined to herself, taking in some slow, deep breaths to try to alleviate the cramping.

Her stomach made a loud gurgling noise, announcing its lack of faith and immediate need for a privy. Mae glanced over at Lucanis, who was still at the counter, having a jovial conversation with the barista. “Shit!” Mae whispered scooting her chair out and heading to the restrooms.

With Lucanis occupied catching up with the barista, Spite followed Mae with a devious grin, expecting another peek at her naked body, having little concept of how women went to the bathroom. He only received a brief flash of her bare thighs as she pulled her overcoat and dress up, hurriedly shimmying down her panties and sitting down on the toilet with a violent spray of loose stool. It wasn’t what he’d expected to see and hear, but he giggled childishly until the smell hit him. “Ohhh…Mae…no,” Spite wrinkled his nose, slowly backing out of the bathroom and returned to their table.

“Where’s Mae?” Lucanis asked as he came back with cream, sugar, and tea for Mae if she didn’t want to try any more coffee. “You weren’t bothering her, were you?”

“No,” Spite pressed his lips firmly together, curious to ask Lucanis why she was making such hilarious noises and terrible smells, but not wanting to reveal that he was spying on her again. “I think she went to the bathroom to be sick…your face…made her sick,” Spite leaned into the lie.

“Shut up,” Lucanis sighed, sitting back down, but keeping an eye on the restroom.

Mae emerged a few minutes later, her forehead looking a little dewy from her digestive woes, managing a half smile as she sat back down. “I feel wired already,” she made a wide-eyed expression, seeing the tea and reaching for it immediately. “Oh, thank you.”

“Perhaps starting you off with the intense stuff wasn't the best idea,” Lucanis admitted. “We can try again with something milder.”

“Sure,” Mae nodded, knowing she would likely have the same reaction to all flavors of coffee.

Mae sipped her tea slowly, her stomach still grumbling as they made causal conversation about Treviso and Nevarra City. She had to retreat to the bathroom a second time, pretending to have something stuck in her boot that was digging into her foot. Spite stayed at the table this time, though was proud that his new obsession could make such a stink. “Do you need to get anything else?” Lucanis asked Mae as the barista cleared their table, having asked her for a lead on a shop that sold hair pins.

“I could probably do with some more soaps and things,” Mae replied, feeling a bath was in order after her ordeal in the toilets.

“There’s an apothecary that will have some nice toiletries and it is away from the market, so there will be no crowds either,” Lucanis suggested, getting up and rushing to help her pull out her chair.

“Sounds perfect,” she smiled, his body half-blocking her from moving forward, in the perfect position to kiss her. She thought for a moment he was reaching out to pull her closer, but he just grabbed her satchel off the back of her chair.

“Don’t want to forget this,” he smiled.

“Definitely not,” she hid a disappointed sigh, stopping for one last agonizing trip to the privy.

They headed for the apothecary, the jewelers Lucanis wanted to go to close enough that he could leave Mae again and pop back in before she was finished shopping. Although the streets were less crowded and more quiet, the Qunari soldiers were more numerous, a few of them lustfully grunting at Mae. Spite growled angrily at them in response, despite them not being able to hear it. They passed a toy shop on the way, Mae spotting something she instantly needed to buy.

Lucanis went off to browse hairpins after dropping her at the large apothecary, not noticing her slipping out after hastily buying some soap and bath oils. She doubled back to the toy store, buying the item she’d seen in the window and tucking it into her bag. She returned to the apothecary to continue browsing toiletries and inquired about a tonic that might settle her digestive system. She downed it quickly when she saw Lucanis return to the shop, before the clerk decided to air her business to the world anyway. “Now if the diarrhea persists, be sure to drink plenty of water,” the old man recommended. “We also sell a salve for the backside if it starts to chafe.”

“Thank you,” Mae hissed between gritted teeth, snatching up the small sack of herbalism ingredients she’d also purchased.

Lucanis just smiled awkwardly, pretending not to hear, though was slightly relieved that she hadn’t gone to the privy so many times to avoid talking to him. They walked in silence for a bit, heading back towards the Cantori Diamond. “I have something for you,” Lucanis finally said as they rode the elevator up to the Eluvian, seeing Mae tucking her hair behind her ear again. He pulled out a small box from his pocket and handed it to her.

“Oh?” she looked at the box wide-eyed, her mind insipidly assuming he was proposing for just a moment. She opened it up quickly, seeing that it wasn’t a ring, but a gold hair pin with a delicate opal dove affixed to one end. “Oh…” she let out a little coo, carefully taking it out of the box.

“To go with your flowers,” he smiled, the sweet noise that she’d made worth the price he’d paid for it. “And to keep your hair out of your eyes…it can be a liability in a fight.”

“Right…useful,” she blushed, slipping the pin through her hair, right above her ear. “How does it look?”

“Here,” he adjusted it slightly, tucking more hair in so it didn’t cover the dove. She let out a quiet breath as his fingers brushed against her ear. “It looks perfect,” he gazed at her with a wide smile, his dark eyes making her swoon.

“Iguva,” she uttered a non-existent word as her tongue tied itself in multiple knots. “I…uh…got you something as well,” she fumbled into her bag, reaching for the thing she’d purchased at the toy store. “I was going to save it in case we did get to Nevarra…but…” She handed him a small wooden dagger, shaped like a wyvern tooth. “It’s silly and useless…but…if you ever got the chance to ride on one…I thought you should have the proper weapon,” she stared at her feet, embarrassed by her paltry gift.

“This is amazing,” Lucanis beamed, spinning the lightweight dagger on his hand with a flourish. “I wanted one as a child…but Caterina never let me have one.”

“Really?” Mae finally looked up, seeing the joy on his face before he embraced her.

“This is the most special thing anyone has ever given me…thank you, Mae,” he hugged her tightly, unable to control his emotions at the moment.

Spite was overjoyed as well, assuming this exchange of gifts would immediately lead to sex and joined their hug, making them both shiver against one another. “You’re very welcome,” Mae sunk against him, guessing his childhood was as affection-less as hers was. As much as she wanted to kiss him, this was just as good at the moment. Their embrace was once again interrupted by Illario, who stood waiting at the elevator door as it clattered open.

“There you are,” he sucked his teeth loudly, irritated that his cousin was apparently gaining more ground with Mae than he was. “Viago mentioned you’d slipped away into the city with the lovely Lady Ingellvar. I hope you didn’t spoil all the sights I wanted to show her.”

“We were shopping, not sightseeing,” Lucanis released her immediately, not wanting his cousin to make any more assumptions about their relationship. “We’ve got a whole team to feed.”

“And what’s this?” Illario grabbed the toy dagger out of Lucanis’ hand like a jealous toddler. “You don’t have a child, do you?” He looked at Mae with a note of apprehension.

“Gods, no,” Mae made a face as Illario tried the same knife flourish with the toy, much less elegantly than Lucanis had done it. “Adults deserve some whimsy as well.”

“Well, I prefer the real thing,” Illario tossed the toy ungraciously back at Lucanis. “I’m already pursuing some leads into Caterina’s death.”

“Good,” Lucanis tightened his lips, angry that his cousin was mocking Mae’s thoughtful gift. “Let me know as soon as you get something solid.”

“You’ll be the first to know,” Illario patted Lucanis on the shoulder. “As long as you’re not off on some whimsical adventure with blighted gods and demons…”

Lucanis had the urge to punch Illario for the first time since they were teens, the hormonal boys frequently trying to one up one another. There was no reason for Illario to be mocking Mae, unless he was trying some ill-advised method of flirting by being rude. Lucanis was certain his cousin had no real interest in Mae other than stealing her away. It was something he had always done, even as a child. Mae looked down at her feet again, reaching up to nervously tuck her hair behind her ear even though it was already pinned back. “I should go find Ferdi so we can head back,” she said quietly, her joy now diminished. She walked past Illario staring at the ground and went out onto one of the balconies.

“Do you have a problem with Mae?” Lucanis asked, tucking the toy dagger into his belt. “I think you made her feel bad even though I loved her gift.”

“She’s just a little strange, isn’t she?” Illario shrugged. “The pet bird and odd clothing…and the way she over-explains things…”

“So you don’t like her because she isn’t one of those mindless flamingos who fawn over you?”

“I never said I didn’t like her,” Illario glanced out the window, seeing her bent over the railing calling for her rook. “I bet you could see every spank mark on that lily-white ass.”

“You’re disgusting,” Lucanis spat, pushing past him by bumping his shoulder hard.

He joined Mae on the balcony, putting his hand close to hers on the railing. “Illario always pretended to be older than he actually was,” Lucanis said, hoping to make her feel better. “But he still wet the bed into his teens…he had little imagination…even then.”

“You two grew up together?” Mae asked, letting out a quiet sigh.

“Illario and I were the only ones to survive House Veladro’s war to claim the seat of First Talon. We were like brothers…though we still fought of course.”

“There weren’t many children in the Necropolis…and only a few very unsettling child spirits…but I think I would’ve liked having a sister to grow up with,” Mae mused.

“You and Harding seem close,” Lucanis noted.

“We were roughly the same age when we both joined the Inquisition, both young and eager for adventure. It was a dangerous time back then, but we still managed to have some fun.”

“You’ll have to tell me some stories sometime,” Lucanis smiled, looking out at city beyond. “Ferdinand isn’t back yet?”

“He’s over there,” Mae smiled, tipping her head towards a building across the way. “I think he has a new love interest.”

There was a small group of corvids on the roof, Ferdinand sticking out slightly due to his featherless chin. He was ruffling and flapping his wings in a courtship dance, one of the other birds in particular paying close attention. “So he still has…an instinct to be an ordinary rook, even though he’s inhabited by a spirit?” Lucanis wondered.

“Somewhat,” Mae nodded. “I think he’s gotten lonelier in the past year while we were tracking Solas. We were constantly on the move and he never had the chance to find a flock to settle in with.”

“Would that mean he’d be staying here in Treviso?”

“I don’t know,” Mae replied, a hint of sadness in her voice. “It would be his choice if he wanted to raise a family here.”

“The fucking bird is going to have sex before we do?” Spite grumbled at Lucanis’ side. “Do…you think doing a dance for Mae would help my chances?”

Lucanis tried not to laugh at the idea of Spite attempting a mating dance, knowing Mae’s mood was still somber. “I doubt he would leave your side so easily,” Lucanis said, leaning against the railing a little closer to her. “I’ve never met anyone like you.”

“I hear that a lot…I’m never sure if it’s a good or bad thing…”

“It’s a very good thing, Mae,” Lucanis nudged her with his hip ever so slightly. “Anyone who doesn’t think so is incredibly boring.”

“I’ve been told I’m incredibly boring too,” she sighed, pushing herself off the railing. “Maybe I just need more coffee…I feel like I could fly off the roof right now.”

“The jitteriness goes away quickly,” Lucanis looked back at her as she rolled her shoulders, trying to un-tense her muscles. “But maybe you should dance too?”

“Ha!” She did a little twirl, spinning on her toes with a graceful kick. “Harding did teach me to dance a little, just in case I ever got invited to one of the fancy Nevarran society parties.”

“Did you?” Lucanis asked, leaning back on the railing to watch her repeating the steps to some unknown dance. Spite was trying and failing to dance in step with her, fluttering his wings and stumbling over his own feet.t

“Oh no,” Mae shook her head, finishing her dance with a slight curtesy. “I accidentally blew up a bunch of noble undead who were trying to take over the city and was permanently banned from any guest list.”

“Now I need to hear this story,” Lucanis marveled at her. “And brush up on my dance skills with Harding.”

“Perhaps over coffee and tea sometime,” Mae motioned with her head as Ferdinand flew over from the roof, finished with his courtship and with another arranged date settled. He landed on the railing in front of her, cawing softly. “It’s alright, I understand that you met someone,” Mae replied. “She has very lovely tail feathers.”

He cawed again in response before flying onto her shoulder. “Yes we can come back whenever you want,” she nodded, looking to Lucanis to see if he was ready to return to the Lighthouse.

[wheelin-after-midnight]

34.

when you wake up to pee at night, do you turn on the light?:

I don't turn on the main lights, but I turn on the bathroom light.

when was the last time you got a fresh box of crayons?:

A few years ago when I was really into colouring for a while.

what color is your favorite towel?:

I don't have a favorite towel. I don't even have that many.

do you know anyone’s phone number by heart?:

Lots of them.

do you wear hoodies?:

Sometimes.

what was the last gift you gave someone?:

Money.

do you cook on the stove at all, or just microwave:

I cook on the stove.

do you ever debate religion with your friends?:

Often. I don't feel uncomfortable talking about religion with them because they're respectful and open to different viewpoints than their own.

do you keep your shampoo in the shower or someplace else:

I keep it in the shower.

something your mother said or did that shocked you:

I wasn't very impressed with her pretty recently, but nothing she says or does really shocks me anymore. I may be disappointed or hurt, but I'm rarely surprised or shocked.

A song you play over and over and over when no one is around:

There are a lot of songs I'll repeat if I'm feeling it at the time. It doesn't matter whether or not people are around. I mostly use headphones.

how many different homes have you live in:

Like eight or nine.

did your mom go to college?:

Yes.

If your best friend was a vegetable, what would they be?:

Sweet potato, because she's the sweetest person alive. Truly. If you can platonically be in love with someone, she's that for me. That's the best way I could describe us. We were talking the last time we were together about how some people that have known each other as long as we have realize they love each other and end up actually being together, and we both looked at each other and kind of went, "omg noooo. Ewww. That would be so weird." She's straight as an arrow and has a great boyfriend, but we have a really deep relationship in every other way than the physical/sexual aspect.

where is the best place you know to take a dog for a walk?:

There's a small park close by, so maybe there. This area is pretty middle of nowhere in general though.

are there any crazy sandwich combinations you like to eat?:

Not really. They might not be common, but it's not like I'm out here creating edible crimes against humanity. - haha yeah. This.

which food do you think you have the most cans of in your cupboard?:

I don't have much of anything right now. There might be brown beans in the pantry.

Do you save fortunes from fortune cookies?:

No.

are you offended when Christmas is spelled Xmas?:

What a weird thing to be offended by.

where do you put your keys when you come home?:

On a nail on the wall, if I don't just keep them in my bag.

what is your favorite movie theater snack or candy?:

The popcorn! With extra butter.

do you prefer rugs or bare floors?:

Laminate, tile or hardwood.

describe your favorite mug or glass to drink from?:

I don't really have a favourite. I have one I use the most, but there's nothing too special about it. My favorite mug says plant based babe on it. I got it when I was vegetarian. I honestly don't use it very often, though. I'm gonna have to start again. Kinda forgot about it.

if you needed a pair of scissors now, could you find them in 5 minutes?:

Yeah.

If your bestie said your significant other is a douche, what would you say:

They wouldn't say this. They never have, even during our bad times or after our break up. They've said things like, "honey, I don't like this relationship for you" and expressed concern over the ways I was treated, but they've never said she was a douche. Babe even acknowledges she did me wrong and made big mistakes. She's walking the walk now instead of just saying the right things, and my friends can also see that. They just want the best for me and to see me treated well, not wasting my heart on someone who isn't gonna take care of it. All of us should want that for our friends.

your favorite app on your phone:

Spotify and Reddit.

your bad habit that you love the most:

Drinking coffee.

Eating carbs or sweets.

invent a pop tart flavor:

Chocolate peanut butter swirl.

do you name your pets after tv/movie/book characters?

No. I named her after Whitney Houston. Whitney's my favorite vocalist. Her nickname was Nippy. My cat gets called both Nippy and Whitney. Whitney is more reserved for when she's being a feisty little brat. She has like a hundred other little nicknames too, but those have nothing to do with what I actually named her.

[illicitlimerence-writes]

switzerland | l. norris

pairing: lando norris x reader word count: 2k words. request: yes/no prompt: chocolates from this prompt list. warnings: language maybe, pms, period cramps, i think that's it. just like my xmas fics, PLEASE DON'T SEND REQUESTS FROM THE VALENTINE'S PROMPT LIST. i'll tag all the fics as illicitvalentine's so it's easier to keep track of them.

my masterlist / valentine's day masterlist

(same vibes)

“okay chat, i’ll be right back, i have to get something,” lando tells his stream audience, taking off his headphones and walking out of the streaming room. he walks downstairs, grabbing his water bottle from the fridge as he looks for something to eat. he’s craving something sweet, but all he finds are the skinny pop that his trainer allows him to eat as snacks. he rummages through the pantry, nearly giving up before an idea pops into his head.

i can’t do it.

oh, but you want to.

no, she’ll kill me.

you can make it up to her, she’ll never know.

okay.

he finishes the quick discussion with himself, the angel and the devil on his shoulders disappearing as he crouches down and finds what he’s looking for.

your stash of candies and sweets. he grabs a few, making a mental note of what he grabbed so he can replace them with new ones later. he goes back up, mindlessly throwing the candies on his desk so he can munch on them while discussing the new improvements of the 2022 mclaren f1 car. the few details he was allowed to talk about, of course.

without taking his eyes off the monitor, he grabs a bag and opens it, chewing softly on the sweet chocolate. his eyes travel down, seeing a few words in a foreign language written on the small plastic bag. he doesn’t really know what it says, but he knows he’s currently falling in love with the taste of it. in the blink of an eye, he finishes all the small bite-size candies, forgetting about all the other ones as his craving has already been satisfied and throws away the empty bag.

since he only ate one bag of sweets, he puts them all back in their rightful place, hoping you wouldn’t notice the missing one. it was only one bag, after all.

a few days later, you finally come home after a work trip that required your presence and attention the first half of february. you also arrive with the worst case of pms you’ve ever experienced in your life. you feel cranky, irritated, and can’t stand anything. lando’s car isn’t in the driveway when you arrive, which only adds to your current heartache.

you leave your bags in the car, not having the energy to do anything. once you walk in, you’re immediately greeted by the familiar scent of your home. you walk up the stairs, grunting with every step you take, feeling too tired to even move.

you thank the stars that your boyfriend is a little bit messy, because he always leaves his used hoodies on the bed, or the floor on his side of the room. you take off what you’re wearing and put on comfy sweatpants, grabbing lando’s warm hoodie and putting it on as well. you pull the fabric up to your nose, sighing softly as the faded scent of his cologne invades your nose. you put your phone on your bedside table, too exhausted to lean down and grab the charger, you just leave it like that, clinging to the remaining twenty percent of battery.

you cover yourself with the sheets and blankets, resting your head on your pillow, hugging lando’s inside your arms and falling asleep instantly.

it’s late when lando finally comes home. he stiffles a yawn as he presses the button to open the gate to your shared home. the sleep immediately melts away as he sees your car parked. he parks next to you and rushes inside, excited to finally have you in his arms after you’ve been away for so long. it’s two days before valentine’s day, so it’s perfect.

“baby! baby, baby, baby,” he yells, excited as he walks in. he notices that most of the lights are off, but he pays it no mind as he only has one task at the moment: finding you. “baby, why didn’t you tell me you were arriving today?” he says, walking past the kitchen and living room, only to find them empty. he continues his search up the stairs, going straight to your bedroom, where he finds you curled up in bed, body moving up and down with each breath you take.

lando smiles, shoulders relaxing once he knows you’re there, safe and sound. he doesn’t turn on any lights, guides himself around the room with his phone screen. he changes out of his clothes and lays down next to you. since you’re leaning on your side, he slides an arm around your waist, pulling you back a little until you’re pressed against his chest. you sigh in your sleep and that makes him smile.

when you wake up the sun’s shining in through the curtains, you close your eyes as you try to move, wanting to sleep a bit more, and the sun is making it impossible for you. you’re caged in, you notice, as you feel a heavy arm on your waist. a soft breathing hits your neck, and you smile at the feeling. you grab lando’s arm, lifting it a little as you turn around, and lando groans in his sleep, hands moving automatically until they find your body. he pushes you close to him, but since he’s not looking at what he’s doing, your forehead hits his chin, and you both feel a sharp pain, waking the both of you up.

“jeez, if you don’t want me here just say it,” you chuckle, resting your chin on his chest as your hand travels up to his chin, massaging it softly.

“sorry, i really didn’t mean to do that,” he mumbles, opening his eyes as he blinks the sleep away. his hands find your face, and he leans in and connects your lips together. “i didn’t know you were coming home yesterday,” he whispers, his thumb rubbing your forehead.

“yeah, i finished early,” you give him a small smile as a dreaded pain settles in your stomach. “oh, fuck,” you say.

“what?” he asks, eyes scanning your face as it contorts into a pained expression.

“cramps, i think i’m getting my period today,” you say, pecking his lips and rolling to your side of the bed. “can you get me-”

“chocolate. on it.” he finishes for you, knowing that even though it wasn’t really recommended, the chocolate really helped ease your cramps. you blow him a kiss as he stands up, walking out of the room in search of your favorite sweets. you make your way into the bathroom, getting ready in case you start your period. after washing your hands, you go straight back to bed. the pain gets worse and you lean on your side, trying to pull your knees up to your chest, until the pain gets a little more bearable.

lando comes back soon enough, holding a bar of your favorite brand, a room-temperature bottle of water and some painkillers.

“eat the chocolate first, i’ll be back with some breakfast.” he instructs as he hands you the chocolate bar, setting the water bottle and medicine on his nightstand. he knows you won’t even try to reach it if it’s too far away. he pecks your lips and leaves again. about ten minutes later, he comes back with two plates, a few pieces of toast, some fruit he’s cut up, and nutella.

definitely not the healthiest, but you deserved it.

“you’re the best,” you lean in and kiss him. he helps you sit up, your back against the headboard and you balance your plate.

“you know, it’s valentine’s day tomorrow,” he says.

“i know,” you nod, remembering that his present was still in your car.

“i know that the second day it’s the worst for you, so i thought maybe we could just do something chill. whatever you want to.” he smiles, and your heart skips a beat at the soft look he gives you.

“thank you, lovie. i’d love that,” your lips meet his again for a few seconds. you sigh, thanking the stars that put him in your path.

the next day really is the worst for you. you cry your eyes out when lando gives you your present, a painting he made himself. two silhouettes staring at a sunset, you and him. he also gave you the classic giant teddy bear and red heart-shaped balloons. and, of course, lots of chocolates. you give him a jar filled with daily reminders. you’d been working on it for a while now, writing a small pick-me-up each morning for him. reminding him how much you loved him, how worthy of love and success he was. how lucky you, and the rest of the world were to have him walking on this earth.

you also gift him a new hoodie you’d designed yourself. you weren’t the best at it, but he loved it.

unfortunately, the pain and cramps get worse as the day goes by. you thought you could get up and make dinner together like he’d proposed, but your body was saying no.

"i'm sorry for ruining valentine's," you stick your bottom lip out a little, looking at lando, who’s crouching in front of you, next to the bed. he lifts his hand, brushing the hair away from your face, he leaves his hand on your cheek.

“you did not ruin valentine’s. we can celebrate it some other day. what matters is that we’re both together.” he leans in, pecking your lips. you close your eyes, smiling. “i’ll go make dinner, okay?” he asks.

“don’t burn anything,” you can’t help but tease.

“so you can’t get out of bed but you do have the energy to tease me?” he laughs, making you chuckle as well, only to grunt in pain a second later, “shit, sorry,” he grabs your hand and lifts it to his lips, kissing your knuckles. “i’ll be back, do you need anything?”

“actually, yeah. do you remember those chocolates i bought when we were in switzerland?” you ask, you’d bought a whole box but now you only had one small bag left.

“yeah, i think so. i’ll be back,” he kisses you one more time and leaves. he reaches the kitchen, opening the fridge and looking for the chocolates, but he can’t find them. he goes back upstairs, “i don’t think we have them, babe,” he says.

“they should be there,” you frown, trying to remember if you’d already eaten them all, “it’s a white bag, with orange text. caramel filling,” lando freezes in his spot, but tries to play it cool.

“uh, okay,” he leaves again, going to his streaming room and finding the trash can he keeps by his desk. there it is, the empty white bag of caramel-filled swiss chocolates. “shit,”

he rushes downstairs, picking what he thinks you’ll like, and he kneels in front of you.

“baby, i… i accidentally ate the chocolates you wanted.” he starts, handing you everything he brought with him. “i’m so sorry, i know you always tell me not to eat your snacks, but i really wanted something sweet, and i was on stream and i-”

“hey, hey, it’s okay,” you say, raising your head from the pillow and running a hand through his hair. “we can get some more when we go back,” you smile, leaning in, biting back the pain, and you softly press your lips on his. “don’t worry,”

“i feel so bad, i know how much you loved those,” he says, remembering your wide eyes and happy smile once you had your first bite of the sweet candy, “and i didn’t even register that those were the ones you were always talking about.”

“it’s fine, don’t worry. i’m sure any of these will fill the void for now,” you smile.

“i love you,” he leans in and kisses your cheek. “i’ll be right back,” he says, grabbing a hoodie off the floor and putting on his sneakers.

“where are you going?” you ask, smiling at his urgency.

“to switzerland!” he says as he rushes out of the room.

“switzerland? lando!” you laugh.

“switzerland! i’ll be back!” he yells as you hear his footsteps down the stairs.

you lay back against the bed, biting your lip as you try to stop a goofy smile to speak on your face.

“shit!” he yells, running back upstairs.

“what happened?” you watch him open his bedside drawer.

“forgot my passport,” he says, grabbing his wallet as well. “don’t wait up!”

[fruitcoops]

Hi this might be just because it's passover and I'm really feeling my heritage (and GOOD food) but could you write a fic possibly with Jewish Finn O'Hara?? (And Leo making him our food b/c it's so important to the culture) Or you can make any other character (it's hard cuz they all do xmas lol but i could see re or even kasey) who you feel could be Jewish I just LOVE your fics and I was hoping you could maybe represent my pride for my culture in one of our beloved characters :)

Yes I can!! Happy Pesach to all my wonderful Jewish followers <3 I will forever be jealous of your holiday foods! SW credit goes to @lumosinlove

Finn took two steps in the door, then paused. He inhaled deeply, paying special attention to exactly what that fantastic smell was as he toed his shoes off. “Butter? Is that you?”

“In the kitchen,” Leo called back. On the couch, Finn caught the edge of Logan’s smile before it was hidden behind his book.

He rocked slightly on the balls of his feet. “Are you making what I think you’re making?”

“That depends, what do you think I’m making?” There was a tease to Leo’s voice and Finn’s heart leaped; he skidded a little on the linoleum of their floor as he hurried into the kitchen and heard Logan laugh behind him.

On the stove, oil snapped and hissed while Leo prodded the bits of potato that flaked off the patties. He tapped Finn’s forearm as he hugged him from behind. “Don’t get too close, Fish.”

Finn snorted. “Are you kidding? This ain’t my first rodeo, pardner.”

Leo laughed at his terrible accent, then again at the smacking kiss to his cheek. “Well, I hope they’re alright. I totally forgot to ask your mom for her recipe, so this is a mashup of Bliz, Talker, and Re’s tips, plus whatever we had in the pantry.”

“You made me latkes,” Finn hummed, so happy he could burst. He gave Leo a quick squeeze and nuzzled his face against his neck, listening to the familiar sizzle as he added new potato cakes. “I didn’t know Remus is Jewish.”

“His dad is, so they celebrate both sets of holidays.” Leo shrugged. “I only texted Talker, actually. The other two just messaged me out of the blue with, like, a million suggestions.”

“We should have had them over for Seder.”

“Sorry, love.”

“ ‘s alright. Maybe next year.” Finn inched his hand toward the plate of latkes, only for Leo to gently smack it with his spatula. “Hey!”

“You’re gonna burn yourself!”

“I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again, especially for a worthy cause.” Finn kissed him again before scooting a steaming cake from the pile and popping the whole thing in his mouth; he pulled a face at the heat and Leo shook his head.

“Told you so.”

“Don’t tell my mother,” he mumbled, relishing in the crunch of the crisp outside layer. “Oh, fuck me, these are good. Lo, c’mere!”

Logan slid into the kitchen in his socks mere seconds later with a wide smile. “I get to try one?”

“No,” Leo groaned. “They’re not done!”

“My holiday, my latkes, my rules,” Finn declared as he reached for another.

Leo huffed a long-suffering—and incredibly fond—sigh, then pushed the plate closer to them. “Whatever.”

Logan stood on his toes to kiss his cheek before snatching a latke and carefully biting into one side, cupping his hand under to catch the inevitable crumbs. “Just shove it in, baby,” Finn advised around his second cake.

Both his boys raised their eyebrows at him; Leo broke first with a devilish grin. “Yeah, I bet you’d like that.”

“Alright, you know what—”

“Watch the oil!” Logan blurted as a particularly large bubble popped and sent a few tiny droplets over their kitchen. Leo made a sad noise when he looked down at his spattered shirt and Finn rubbed his arm in sympathy.

“That’s why you don’t wear nice clothes while you cook, Butter.”

“Do you think the Tide stick will get it out?”

“We can give it shot,” Logan assured him, though he sounded rather skeptical.

A tinkling alarm went off over the sounds of the oil and Leo immediately perked up, shooing them out of the way as he grabbed an oven mitt. Finn’s heart clenched. “You made more food?”

Leo leveled him with a stare drier than the Sahara. “No, honey, I made potato pancakes and nothing else.”

The scent of roast chicken and vegetables billowed throughout their apartment and Finn couldn’t help but grin, feeling the familiar warmth seep into his bones. The whole place would smell good for days. “He remembered to get the recipe for this part,” Logan whispered, wrapping his arms around Finn’s waist from the side wile Leo pulled the pan out and cut the sweet potatoes open.

“It smells like home,” Finn managed, leaning his temple on Logan’s soft hair. “Alex would fucking love this.”

Logan snapped his fingers, then reached over to the counter and handed Finn his phone, swiping to his most recent texts. “Actually, I think Bliz and Nat have that under control.”

Something hot prickled at the corners of Finn’s eyes when he saw the picture—Alex glowed with happiness, sandwiched between Kasey and Natalie with a bright grin on his face as the three of them held up their bowls of soup. The matzo balls inside were a little wonky, but otherwise looked delicious, just as they had when Alex and Finn made them as kids.

“Oh, honey,” Leo said quietly as Finn swiped the first tear off his cheek. He closed the distance between them and joined the hug, kissing the top of Finn’s forehead.

“I don’t know why I’m crying,” he sniffled. “I’m just so happy and I love you both so much. Fuck, Leo, you made me latkes.”

“Did they taste okay? I know it was kind of a Franken-recipe.”

Finn pulled back and reached up to cradle Leo’s soft cheeks in his hands, looking straight into his eyes. “Leo, they were perfect.”

“Happy Pesach,” Logan murmured, snuggling against him.

Finn barely held back a wince. “Pesach, Lo.”

“What?”

“You gotta—” He stifled his laugh with his hand. “There’s emphasis on the first syllable, then a ‘k’ sound.”

Logan licked his lips. “Pesach?”

“You sound so fucking French, oh my god.” He turned back to Leo with a smug smile. “You can’t make fun of me for how I saw ‘beignets’ after this.”

Leo barked a laugh, short and sharp. “Oh, yes I can. Watch it, Harzy, or you can kiss your latkes goodbye.”

“Joke’s on you, I know there are more at Loops’ house right now.” Finn propped his chin on Logan’s head and batted his eyelashes. “Besides, you have to be nice to me today. This is like my second birthday.”

“You can’t keep claiming things are your birthday!” Logan protested, wiggling away from his grip. “First it was Saint Patrick’s Day, then Hanukkah, and now this?”

“I have lots of birthdays,” Finn said solemnly.

Leo rolled his eyes. “Happy Pesach to the man of many birthdays. Can we at least eat before the chicken gets cold? I don’t want to beg food off Talker and his sisters tonight. My pride can’t handle it.”

“You have two boyfriends and a snazzy rainbow bracelet,” Finn scoffed playfully as he grabbed forks out of their utensil drawer. “That’s plenty of pride in my book.”

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Saturday 17 September 1836

7 50

12 ¾

No kiss very rainy morning - downstairs to Mr. Husband at 8 40 - he brought the plan and estimate of new house and barn at Hilltop £250 - out ¼ hour in the stable - James altering the flagging - breakfast at 9 ¼ - A- did her French - Mr. Harper cam at 9 ¾ for 10 minutes then went with Mr. Husband to the wheel-race to return in ½ hour - damp and small rain - and F52 ½° at 10 - In my study making memoranda till 10 35 Mr. Horner came to A- at 10 10 - from 10 35 to about 11 ½ out about - at the Lodge - Abraham setting the fire grate upstairs - James finished the front stable and did the cow house (to get the water off better) - 2 hewers undercover - Robert + 4 as yesterday (Wood better and at his work) and the 2 one-horse carts, and the gardener - John Booth went to H-x and cleaned the brown carriage for tomorrow - Robert Schofield and Joseph Sharpe walling up gaps at Listerwick - the 2 plasterers as yesterday - the 2 York joiners doing the front stable - Mr. Harper set out the hall stair case and cellar - Mr. Harper with me from a little before 12 to 4 - he had luncheon at 12 but I did not leave the room - settled about everything - the water in the wheel-race to be carried off directly opposite to the wheel instead of at either corner the corners of the wheel-race (low-end) being bevelled off into the goit - consented immediately, saying I thought this the best plan - Long time settling about the butler’s pantry (buttery) fire-place - could not be done (saving the present appearance outside) with being turned into the drab room flue, and damp set to prevent smoke in the drab-room when no fire there - I did not like this and  proposed the plan (adopted) of putting corbels (like those outside) over the drab-room fire-place and carrying the new flue up so as to rest on them - Mr. Harper owned he should not dislike the appearance of this - it would require in the doing but Mr. Husband might manage it - 2 more joiners to be sent from York - explained about the East tower - the permanent tower (according to Mr. Harper’s drawings) to be done - he thought we could not get the temporary convenience wanted (Scullery and men-servants room) - I proposed entresoling it - the tower is 3 stairs high - would get the scullery 6 to 7ft. high a little sunk (2ft.) and lightened by the lower ½ of the  round-floor window –(1 row of light, above another as in the hall) and the menservants’ room lightened the upper ½ of the same ground floor room window -  Mr. Harper caught the idea immediately and said it could easily be done - then I planned the kitchen door opening into the tower, a sort of porch left in it - could easily be filled up afterwards - yes! Mr. H- said it could be done - told him to make working drawings - and set the tower out so that nothing might be done to interfere with it - the plan above the scullery and menservants room exactly as in the drawings - sitting room for A- an 2nde and library for me an 3me lightened from the flat battlemented roof besides other windows - a watercloset too could be got - the inside of the square (of the tower) about 7 yards x 6 yards, so that plenty of room - the kitchen to remain as it is at present till the east tower is done - said I would put up a screen before the present kitchen door leaving a 6ft. wide passage to get round into the new court for the present and lower the ground before the house the 2ft. always proposed and thro’ all down in the present court but the brew house to remain temporary for a shed for the workmen - said I could make the present old walls as substitute for Mrs. Harper’ terrace wall for the present - with all which Mr. Harper seemed satisfied - Nelson could do the East tower in 2 months - but could not be let off from Northgate till January - Mr. H- would rather have N- do the corn-mill and left Booth do the east tower as well as the west - the back Lodge much wanted but nothing more to be said about it just now - impossible for Booth to get on with it now - had already more to do than he could well manage - Mr. Harper not for a brick oven - thought it an expensive sort of thing took so much heating - I said not much - but he owned that coal was plentiful - I shall have a brick oven - Mr. H- would see Greenwood about seeing A. Green about the mill - Mr. H- satisfied about the parquet - to send drawings - shewed me the design very simple of the gallery - parquet at Haddon hall - said I should like this design - he was quite satisfied about the purchase of oak-stoves - Parqueterie; marqueterie; i.e. different sorts of wood inlaid, but buhl inlaying with brass - Mr. H- (Booth present) gave directions about the flagging round the house (north front) - Housemaids’ closet may very well be where I proposed in the quondam entrance to the hall chamber

SH:7/ML/E/19/0110

will get the duplicate keys - I said for 6 door locks cellar, kitchen, servants hall etc and a set of (12?) cupboard door-locks (all the same key) - Lodge to be painted oak - Grim of no value to Mr. Harper -I may get rid of him as I like - (will hang him for his uselessness and mischief - rain away the other way the duck we were to have for dinner -  no tidings of Mr. Gray - his family began to be rather alarmed - have only from him once since his leaving them - Mr. Harper went at 4 - then a few minutes out - then walked with A- to the hut and one turn and then back - then had Mark Hepworth paid him his farming bills for the 9DW fallow at Hilltop, labour and carting line (18doz. 8 sacks) - £20.17.2 but Mark wished me to keep the money for the rent of the 3 grass fields let till 1 November next for £20 be paid at Xmas - did keep the £20 on this a/c and paid Mark the balance 17/2 - then paid Robert Mann - Joseph Mann - the sawyer (Hainsworth’s for this week up to last night) and Robert Schofield - then out ½ hour in the old paddock and about till 6 55 - a minute or 2 with my aunt - dinner at 7 10 - coffee upstairs A- read a little French and sat with her looking into her Genealogical atlas till 9 ¾ then 25 minutes with my aunt - very poorly - I see no amendment - she cannot bear to speak for fear of sickness and what she does say is so indistinct, I can scarce understand - then till 11 10 wrote all the above of today - Rainy till between 11 and 12 - (about 11 ¼) - afterwards fair, but dampish yet finish afternoon and evening - F47° now at 11 10 pm

[independentartistbuzz]

Indie 5-0: 5 Questions With Maxine Linehan (Holiday Edition)

Singer, writer, producer, and actress Maxine Linehan is an interpretive artist that uses popular songbooks and theatrical presentations to share intimate truths and build communal bonds. The Irish performer’s masterful productions reimagine beloved music catalogs with courageous and emotive storylines, and immersive experiences. In doing this, she enriches our bonds with our favorite music. She just released her Christmas album “This Time Of Year” featuring a beautiful cover of John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” - we were so excited to catch up with her for the holidays!

1. What is your favorite Holiday Song and Why?

This Time Of Year, because it speaks to the happiness and joy but also the heartbreaking loss I feel around the holidays. If you don’t want to use my own song then Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Same reason!

2. What were the traditions around the holidays in your house growing up?

In Ireland Christmas is the BIGGEST day of the year. We had a huge tree and my Dad, who only did the groceries once a year, did them for Christmas and filled the pantry with treats. It was all about home with family, fires and food!

3. If you could record your dream holiday duet with anyone dead or alive what would it be?

Judy Garlan -  Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

4. What is the first Holiday track you ever learned?

Silent night. My grandmother and my mother used to sing it to me and it

5. What is the inspiration behind your new holiday release

I am blessed with a wonderful, loving family and we live in the winter wonderland of Vermont, but it’s also the time of year when I miss my parents the most and wish they could share in my joy and hold their grandchildren close. I think many of us feel both blissful joy and profound loss around the holidays, and I wanted this record to reflect all our emotions, be they happy or sad. Here’s hoping, next year, all our troubles will be miles away!

Listen to “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” here:

Connect with Maxine Linehan online via:

http://www.maxinelinehan.com/

http://facebook.com/maxinemusic

http://twitter.com/maxinelinehan

http://instagram.com/maxinelinehan

[altissiavibritannia]

Moolouch Xmas Special

This is a separate chapter from the official fanfic of my Moolouch fanfic. I decided to add some of my Moolouch fic on here, so here’s something that is Xmasy. I know Xmas was yesterday, but I was spending time with my mema at that time being. So here’s my late Xmas gift to y’all. Lelouch is a cowboy throughout Moolouch and Gaara is his old friend that he barely remembers. This is a Gaara x Suzaku x Lelouch moment.

“Morning Lelouch, want to help me make fresh eggnog?” he asked softly in his ear.

The black haired cowboy yawned and mooed in agreement. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes as he stretched. Fixing his hair and fur, before polishing his black horns. Suzaku smiled as he left to go wake up the person responsible for Lelouch’s transformation.

Long purple lush hair flowed down to the floor. He looked like a male version of Rupunzel. Suzaku walked up to his bedside to tap his shoulder.

“What do you want?” he grumbled, still asleep.

“Just wake up Gaara...it’s Xmas morning. Besides we’ll be packed with guests for the Xmas party.” Suzaku sighed.

He opened his ruby red eyes and just glared at him. The White Knight just glared right back. Sighing in defeat as he did know that it was his turn to host the party. He started living here with them for half a year now and barely did his part. He usually was too busy keeping Geass Farms up and running.

“Fine...as host of the Xmas Party, I’ll get outfits ready first...I’m almost done with them.” Gaara groaned.

“That’s the spirit. Me and Lelouch will be making the eggnog while we wait. Rolo has the cooking taken care of, he and Lelouch prepared it last night...well most of it.” Suzaku chirped with a blush on his cheeks.

“For his boyfriend and farmer, you tend to be even more lovey dovey than normal. Has my geass power gotten to you?” Gaara scuffedly asked.

“Well I guess all geass power isn’t that bad...still this is his punishment for all that he’s done after all~!” Suzaku singsonged.

“What about me?! Why am I a English Lop?! Who’s idea was this?!” Rolo complained, tripping over an ear.

Crashing sounds could be heard from the kitchen. Rolo was turned into a English Lop bunniboi half a month ago and he was still half asleep when Gaara used his geass on him. The mastermind behind that was Nunnally.

Pots and pans clanged against each other as they fell to the floor. Rolo was making such a big mess in the kitchen. Making Suzaku think. Was wasn’t he turned into a half animal like the rest? It didn’t make sense. Him, C.C., Gaara’s workers and Gaara himself wasn’t turned. Yet Geass wasn’t effective on C.C., but did some did? 

C.C. did after all keeps her distance away from Gaara as possible. Yet somehow Lelouch was able to give Gaara and a few others geass without forming contracts or having Code in general. Unless his geass got that powerful enough to allow him to do it.

“Here Rolo, let me help.” Lelouch offered, his Xmas themed cowbell rang.

“Thanks Big Brother, but what about your pectorals? Aren’t you full?” he asked, picking up a dirty frying pan.

“Yeah, well I’ve been through much worse. I may be full of milk like how I am every morning and evening, but I can handle the pain for a bit longer. Right now Suzaku is waking up Gaara.” Lelouch chuckled.

Gaara got out of bed as Suzaku walked to the kitchen to help. He had a lot of brushing to do. His hair was getting longer as time flies by, he then saw the male student outfit in his basket. Furrowing a brow as he held up the shirt. Frowning as he dropped it back into the basket, he put on his usual outfit. Gaara’s fashion looked like he jumped out of a pop singer poster.

Well he is a pop singer, but he quit his boy band once they used him for his geass. He removed their half animal traits once he found out why they wanted him as their lead singer. They wanted to be popular on looks alone and not anything else. Gaara was a great singer, but got driven into madness once he lost his best friend Lelouch when he was sent here. 

He’s been turning others into animals with his geass power ever since he’s received it when Lelouch used his on him to be a distraction to keep Suzaku at bay. That was how Haunted Badboyz transformed into Aniboyz. Aniboyz vanished once the band broke up. Now he’s in charge of Geass Farms. He turned the rest of Aniboyz into his livestock once they begged for him to come back.

Lelouch then found out after he and Suzaku ended up as new employees of Geass Farms. He then offered to become a pop singer for his new band if he was up to it. Lelouch has always wanted to be in one ever since childhood, before his mother’s death. Gaara liked this new Lelouch that he’s made, Lelouch loved his new self too. Helps him out on relaxing, even though he ends up horny at the same time.

“Ready Lulu? Or should I say Merrymoo?” Suzaku asked in a teasing manner.

Lelouch’s cheeks flushed and his black soft cow ears lowered. His black cow tail swayed in embarrassment. He was wearing his Santa cowboy costume that Gaara made for him last month. He got it for a birthday present. The red short turtle tank top outlined in white faux fur, to the red and white faux furred short shorts. It suited him, he was even wearing the matching gloves and thigh high socks. 

His bell was festive as well. Gold and silver bells with mistletoe themed bell. He wore a Santa hat and boots to make it look like he was the Santa of bovine. His horns shone in the sunlight as the sun was still rising. They poked through the fabric of his hat, well there was holes cut into it to make room for them. Rolo blushed as he looked so cute as a cowboy, he was jealous that he’s one and not like him, a bunniboi. 

Rolo grabbed a bucket from one of the cupboard near the fridge. This is the only thing he can’t drop without tripping over his knee-length rabbit ears. He then hands it to Suzaku, who places it before Lelouch on the counter. Sighing as he then grabbed a carton of eggs and heavy cream from the fridge. He then searched through the spices for the nutmeg and cinnamon and of course, sugar. 

They looked at each other and then at Rolo. Lelouch looked down at the empty bucket and then his milk filled pecs. Suzaku noticed how down in the dumps Rolo was now. It’s always has been him who got to milk Lelouch and nobody else. Now he saw the problem, everyone that knows of their love life and new jobs at Geass Farms were interested in learning something new. Lelouch then knew what Suzaku was thinking just by looking back at him.

“Go ahead Lulu, he’s never tried it before. He deserves to learn how in case I’m too busy.” Suzaku whispered.

Lelouch’s eyes full of love and understanding as he nodded.

“No that’s brown sugar...where is it?” Rolo sighed as he fiddled around in the pantry, searching for sugar.

Lelouch bumped his hip lightly against Rolo’s hip. His bells ringing as he did so, this caught Rolo off guard. He yelped as he tripped over his ears again and then, boofpt! Flour flew everywhere, making it look like it snowed indoors. Suzaku was laughing at how cute this was to see them together. A whirring sound could be heard. It was Nunnally, she had finally woken up.

“What’s all of the racket about Suzaku?” she asked.

“Well good morning Nunna, your brothers are goofing off is all. Also Merry Xmas Nunnally, want to help me or Gaara out, while these two make the eggnog?” Suzaku smiled softly.

“Sure thing, I need something to do anyways. Oh is the eggnog made with my brother’s milk again?” she asked with a cute mew. 

“Indeed it is, it’s nice to have fresh milk on hand without bothering to go grocery shopping.” The White Knight chuckled.

Lelouch’s cheeks flushed again as he heard their conversation. Rolo’s eyes widen as he spotted Lelouch’s stomach. It wasn’t flat and smooth like always anymore. It was a bit more lumpy than normal. Lelouch placed a finger over his lips and winked. Rolo started to tear up as he knew what was happening and why he hasn’t told anyone yet. He was four months pregnant. 

Nodding as he understood now why his older adoptive brother has been acting the way he has, it was due to him being pregnant.It also explains the extra milk over the past three months. It’s an unexpected Xmas present for everyone, including Suzaku. But what would his reaction about this all might be?

Lelouch winced in pain as his pectorals filled up more with milk. His shirt was getting even more tighter by the nanosecond. Even though the fabric was meant to withstand it after his pectorals got full, it wasn’t meant for leakage or with extra filled pecs. Rolo dusts the flour off of himself and then took his hand.

Lelouch pulled him up and dusts the flour off of himself as well. Now would be a good time for some relief or else Gaara might get pissed if he ended up with Mastitis or see his seamstership ruined. It took Gaara a week to get the outfit done, he loves to sew by hand. Once they were both done dusting the flour off themselves, Lelouch leaned over the bucket.

Rolo seemed nervous, because this’ll be his first time milking his older brother. Lelouch then carefully took off his bells and top. His nipples leaked a tiny bit of breast milk from the softest touch. He’s used to this by now, he then gently grabbed his tiny hands. He placed them onto his pectorals, shivered a bit from how it felt good.

“It’ll be ok Rolo, I’m here to help through the process. J-Just be gentle...alright? Ready?” he asked.

“B-But I don’t know t-the r-” he was cutoff by Gaara taking a snapshot of them.

They both blushed as they spotted him. “G-Gaara!!” they stuttered in perfect unison.

“Sorry, but this is what Milly wants. She’s coming by for the party after all.” The Emo Vampire Of Pop shrugged, holding the camera.

“Really? Even after what happened...?” Lelouch asked his ears perked.

“Yeah, of course she forgave you, Your Majesty.” Gaara chuckled as he liked how cute the 99th Emperor of Britannia was.

Lelouch blushed again as he forgot that he’s still the Emperor of Britannia. His older brother Schneizel gave him the throne after finding out why he was Zero and why he has murdered their father and remurdered his mother. He hasn’t been arrested again or anything, but he wanted to see how well he would do as the new Emperor. He didn’t want to have the throne like the rest of his siblings, yet someone had to be Emperor or else everything would go into ruins or chaotic.

He forgot that he even invited his family over to the party. Sighing as he knew that Zero Requiem would be no more, now that he’s busy fixing Britannia and trying to gain other nations trust while help fix their cities and such that was destroyed. He wanted the Zero Requiem, but this is fine too. Also he doesn’t want his unborn children to end up going down a dark path like how he has. 

Shaking his head to clear it as he then rubbed Rolo’s hands against his pectorals. Rolo caught on and started to message them. Moaning softly as he let him message his painfully full chest. Once he was done, he had to lean over the counter again. He taught his little brother how to milk him. Nodding again as he then grabbed his nipples to relieve him of his load.

“M-Mooooooooooooooo~!” Lelouch mooed in glee.

“W-Wow this is amazing! I’ve never knew how fun this could be!” Rolo laughed.

“Sounds like Rolo’s having a blast. I wonder if he wishes to change his animal or not. Yet I do love how cute and fluffy he can be the way he is.” Suzaku softly chuckled as he eavesdrops on them, speaking to himself.

Squishy, squish, thick, thack. Lelouch was swaying his tail in glee as Rolo got the hang of it within a matter of seconds. Milking him in a good rhythm and not rushing things. His milk sploshing into the bucket as he moaned in pleasure. Blushing per usual as he loved it. Mooing and moaning as this made Rolo blush. His moos were so cute that he wanted to hear them more often.

Once the bucket was full, Lelouch grabbed another one. They then looked back at the doorway to the kitchen as they heard a knock. It was Rivalz, he had a few tins of butter cookies with him. Seems like guests were arriving earlier than expecting. He then smiled with a blush on his cheeks as the scent of Lelouch’s milk drifted under his nostrils.

“Need help?” he asked, swaying his mouse tail.

“Yeah that’ll be great. Mind separating the yolks from the whites?” Lelouch pointed to the eggs.

“Sure thing Merrymoo. Oops...I mean Your Majesty.” Rivals apologized as he bowed.

“No worries, we’re friends after all. On top of that it’s Xmas, so no need to be sooooooooooooo formal!” Lelouch mooed.

Rolo shrugged with a sheepish smile. “S-Sorry...” he apologized.

“It’s fine. Just warn me when you’re going back to milking me. Scared the crap out of me.” he chuckled.

“You two are so adorable together, even though it’s milking time for Lelouch.” Rivalz complimented.

They both blush as Rolo’s hands continued in a steady pace. Rivalz chuckled as he then placed down the cookies to start cracking some eggs and placing the yolks into a glass bowl. Lelouch and Rolo sighed in unison as they then gone back about their business. They then filled the last bucket, so it can be used for the eggnog. Lelouch then sighed in relief as he had some left over in case he needed it for something else. 

“Well I’ll be back...I need to take a shower now.” he said, putting back on his top, hat and bells.

“Yeah sure, thanks for the milk Big Brother!” Rolo chirped.

“You’re welcome, did you like the experience?” he asked, glowing.

“Yeah...it was fun. Let’s do that again someday.” Rolo smiled.

“Somebody’s jealous~!” Suzaku singsonged.

Rolo blushed as Lelouch furrowed a brow. “S-Shut up! So what if I want to swap traits with my Big Brother someday for a day or two experience!” 

Lelouch’s eyes widened as he was shocked on how he felt all this time after being turned into an English Lop bunniboi. Blushing himself as he wondered what it’s like to swap animal traits for a bit for a break, for once. Gaara’s geass was capable of turn others into anything he’d like but objects and take it away at anytime he felt like it. Yet was he able to swap looks? This made everyone grin as the idea got the best of them.

Gaara was petting the Scottish Fold Nunnally. “Thank you for helping me out. The more help, the merrier.” 

“No problem. Do you have a family Gaara??” she asked, purring.

“Used to, I’m the last one of the Ootori family. They either died from illness or died during the Black Rebellion...even my baby sister Maggie died before she could ever enter kindergarten...” Gaara sniffled.

“I’m sorry...I didn’t know...is this another reason why you turned me the way you did...?” Lelouch asked, his tail wrapped around his legs and ears drooped.

He was out of his shower and was now wearing his cowboy version of his royal outfit. His royal rope draped from his shoulders like a cape or blanket. He had a cowbell made to match his outfit. He was used to his new look. He then sat down next to him, to help out on sewing the outfits. Gaara looked away as he stopped sewing.

“No...it’s not your fault Your Moojesty...terrorists that wasn’t part of the Black Knights took the advantage of the Black Rebellion...naming themselves as Black Knights, but their attire was different and didn’t match the real ones...they murdered everyone, but me. I pretended to be dead as they were killing everyone in sight at the family reunion...”

“Oh...I’m very sorry that happened to you. Were they part of your family or people who had a grudge against your family?”

“No to them both...they were stealing jewelry and expensive items that they could get their claws on...they attacked any rich family that they came in contact with...my family just happened to be on their list...”

“I see...are they still out there? I kind of forgot that the Ootori’s were a family of knights that served our family for generations...being sent during that year that day had made me forget...”

“It’s fine...I got my revenge sooner than I thought...Someone recognized me and then found out that I survived. One day I was surrounded by them and well...that’s when you came in that Sutherland...I ducked for cover when you fired...it’s more of a I hate you, forgive you, and thank you really.”

Ruby red to violet orbs. Lelouch didn’t know that he had saved him from death while shooting random people and such while running away from Suzaku again during a mission. Before his own Knightmare Frame was shipped along side the Guren. All he remembered was that he was trying escape and tear things up again like how they first met during the beginning of the Black Rebellion. Now that it’s over and that he’s Emperor, he has nothing else to do but to fix everything that he’s done.

Tears formed in Gaara’s ruby eyes and he then tackled the Emperor and started to sob. His purple and red coyote ears flopped over and tail tucked. Lelouch smiled warmly as he hugged him and starts to pet him, comforting him. As he cried, he felt his small baby bump and furrowed a brow. Yet he didn’t care at the moment, he felt lonesome for being the last member of his family.

“Merry Furmas Everybody~!” a cheerful voice announced.

Everyone turned their attention to the voice and knew right away that it was Milly. Rivalz ran out of the kitchen with waterfalls for tears as he tried to glomp her. She sidestepped as he missed and landed right onto the Spruce tree. Some of the decor on it was messed up from him landing into it. He groaned in pain as the needled leaves of it poked him. They laughed as they knew how silly these two were together. It was Two Out Of Three Stooges. All they needed was a third to make the collection complete.Yet either Suzaku or the Emperor himself could be the third one if they felt like it.

Rolo came walking in and dragged Rivalz back into the kitchen to help him finish making the eggnog. Rivalz just let him, tears still falling as he was being dragged by the tail. Milly then wagged her husky tail when they left for the kitchen. She then bowed before Lelouch, before holding out a present that she dug out of one of the many bags that were filled with them. She was the git go girl, she wore a pink Mrs. Clause outfit with four Santa bags full of presents. She loved to shower others with affection even if it was gifts.

He waved a hand at her as he then had her place the presents under the tree for now. Gaara then stood back up when he was done crying for his loss for his dear family. He was the second tallest out of them all. Yet Gino and Jeremiah had him beat by 4 inches in height. Yet he was still tall for his age.

“Anyone else coming Milly?” he asked.

“No, Your Majesty. Just us old student council and new, aside from the old and the new Knights of the Round.” she answered.

“Milly it’s Xmas, so no need for formalities. It’s annoying half the time...” Lelouch groaned, scrunching up his nose.

“Sorry, force of habit. Yet it’s quite catchy~!” she chirped.

“Sorry if I’m late Yo-”

“Shut up! He wants a break from hearing it!” they shouted in unison.

The teal haired general held out a finger with his mouth agape, but then nodded and closed it. Sighs as he then walked over to him. He then saw the champagne in his hands wrapped with a big golden bow. He directed him to the kitchen so it can be saved for later. The two chatted about making a treaty with Area 5, since they’re on the list to give back the name and rights list. It was simply the roll of the dice to figure out which countries or Areas that are capable to have everything returned to them without having a constant war with them. 

Soon enough Kallen showed up wearing her old Black Knights uniform and was followed in by Kaname Ohgi and his wife Villetta. Villetta was about 6 months pregnant when they arrived. Lelouch invited them as well. Only a few former Black Knights were invited, so only them came. He also wanted to congratulate them for their family that they were starting. Villetta saw his baby bump and smiled. She didn’t say a word.

She knew that he wanted to tell everyone himself once the party started. Ohgi helped her into a seat before walking into the kitchen to help. Villetta gasped as she felt the baby kick again. Chuckling as she let Nunnally feel for herself. The two chatted about how things in life were going and whatnot. Nothing but girl talk. Kallen sighed as she felt left out, yet was guilty of kissing the Emperor. They didn’t know that he was gay until he kissed Suzaku on national television once crowned Emperor.

Everyone was shocked at first and was disgusted, but as life and time went on, they got used to it. Soon there were transgender, lesbians, gays, genderfluid, and every other sexuality. His love for Suzaku has changed the way the world worked. He even made laws for everybody to feel equal in both Japan (after giving their name and right back) and Britannia. Soon everybody was happy, there was no more name calling on the Japanese and no more war between the two countries.

Lelouch has changed Britannia for the better. He even fixed the laws of Britannia by removing the ones that existed generations ago. Yet not everyone wanted to change after losing power and being claimed as an Area. Some of them were very excited about the new Emperor of Britannia. They praised his name and is now on a waiting list for negotiations for a war truce and to have everything returned to them. They accept this new world that he’s offering. They even allowed Gaara to use his geass on whomever wanted to be turned into something in his image.

They wanted to have a balance of everything now that the Black Rebellion has died down and the Black Knights are nevermore. Unless if he wanted the Black Knights to be still in his services to help out. Yet Suzaku had told him to make new Knights for the greater good instead of having his Zero Requiem pull through. Since they’re lovers it was the only reasonable thing to do after all. If the Zero Requiem ever did come into effect, it’ll break Suzaku’s heart to murder yet another person that he has feelings for and not in a friendship matter.

Lelouch is the only lover he’s ever had his first kiss with and everything. Since he killed Euphemia  out of pure jealousy aside from moving his plan forward for Nunnally’s sake. Then there’s Gaara, a loyal knight without anyone to love him. Yet they don’t know that he’s been crushing on His Majesty after finding out who he was throughout the whole thing. Suzaku may be an airhead as the Knight of Zero, but he knew something was up for three whole months. Yet still doesn’t even know what his reasons are for missing a bunch of meetings with Area 5. 

They waited a bit longer for the rest of what’s left of the old student council to Ashford Academy and the new. Same thing with what’s left of the old Knights of the Round with a few new members. It took Gino and Anya to get used to Emperor Lelouch. Even though he did end up murdering his family’s parents after all. But the past is the past and yet they’re shocked on how much better of an Emperor he could really be. Gaara was a new member to bother the student council and the Knights of the Round. 

Lelouch dubbed him as the Knight of Eight a few days ago. He was also the new president of the student council, since Rivalz was taking his position for granted. Nunnally was now in high school and was announced as the vice president of the student council. Rivalz was graduating a few months from now and wasn’t going to finish off the year. He’s following Milly’s footsteps, but instead as a baker. He gotten into baking after learning from Rolo and Lelouch (before he became the 99th Emperor of Britannia).

“ Luv are you coming out or not? For my baby sister and the new 10th seat of the Round, you’re such a scaredy cat.” Gino called at the doorway.

“Ngh...” was the answer from the doorway.  

“Wait, Gino you never told us that you have a baby sister. How is she the new seat of 10?” Suzaku asked.

“I’m the one who put her in the spot. After Luciano died during the Black Rebellion, her power as a soldier has brought her as far as to that of a Knight. She’s Nunnally’s Knight, though she’s very timid.” Lelouch chuckled.

“Luv is just a nickname that I’ve given here over the years. She’s at least 3 years younger than me. Her real name is Lovisia Weinberg.” Gino explained.

“He told me everything there is to know about her. She’s been hiding in the air force of the Britannian Forces, but moved her out once the Black Rebellion started. Since then she’s been training by herself in the Homeland. She surpassed everyone in her troop. So I had Nunna pick out her Knight. Lovisia came and yet she asked me to make her into a Knight of the Round. So I did, she chose to replace Luciano’s spot. So I approved it.” Lelouch shrugged.

“Lovisia it’s ok, no need to hide now. Nobody’s going to hurt you. Isn’t it your job to protect Her Highness?” Gino asked.

Light blond hair and icy blue eyes looked through the doorway. She was an exact image of her older brother, but with lighter and thinner traits. Yet there was a Kanji on the right side of her forehead that read ‘Hate’ in pink. Suzaku furrowed a brow on why that’s there. Gino held up his hand as he knew what he was thinking. He then walked over to her and pushed her out into view. Lovisia was growling as he did so, then it all became clear. Hate as in Demon that hates everyone. She didn’t have pupils of any kind. Her eyes were outlined with thick red mascara and eye shadow. 

She looked like a pissed off Tanuki. Yet Tanuki’s masks are black, not red. Something up was going on with her appearance alone. Then again Red Panda’s had a redish brown mask, but not a scarlet red. Gino sighed as he then looked at Lelouch. Lelouch knew what he wanted, her bottle. Nodding as he pointed at the painting of Nunnally and him during the time when they were kids. He walked over to the painting and moved it out of the way. There was a safe behind it, he dialed the password. A small click and the a creaking sound came from the safe. There inside was items so valuable that they were put in it, aside from cold hard cash.

There on top of the cash was a blue glass bottle. Looked like a liquor bottle. Suzaku was baffled by the safe behind the painting and the bottle itself. But on the big glass bottle was Aztec markings in gold. He couldn’t believe his eyes as Anya closed the safe and put the painting back in place, as Gino walked over with the bottle. He the popped the cork, allowing his baby sister to use her mystical powers. To his shock and the rest of the guests there saw the liquid rise out of the bottle without anything attached.

The liquid turned out to be blood. Everyone, but the ones who know of her powers covered their noses. It smelt rotten as if it sat in there for years without being thrown out in the trash. Lovisia had this power to control blood ever since birth. She had murdered their parents after being born, leaving them as orphans. Her eyes then stared at Suzaku intensely, forcing fear into his heart. The blood then slashed at his Knight of Zero uniform. Suzaku yelped as it cut through his skin a bit. Hot blood trinkled down, but didn’t hit the floor. But floated in the air, he then screamed in pain as he felt his own body float in the air.

Lelouch looked worried, but couldn’t move. The blood whip had gotten him to, but barely.She was a Deadman, a rare being who can control their blood and someone else’s as long as their blood is mixed in. This was her Branch of Sin. The Dragon was now awoken. She was known as the Dragon Reaper. Many other nicknames could define her without her real name. Emperor Lelouch calls her Death’s Pet Dragon. Gino then quickly closed the bottle once she drained Suzaku of a bit of blood to keep the blood in her bottle fresh.

Suzaku dropped at once and was panting. “Are you out of your mind for choosing her?! I could’ve died!”

“B-But...”  “Enough Suzaku, you weren’t man enough to protect my baby sister. So Lovisia is the best we’ve got!”

“....Fine...but don’t let that monster get near me...”

“That’s my sister buster, sure she’s a Deadman, but don’t blame her for the beast that lives in her very body! She’s got more blood than the average human being! It’s due to the Blood Beast, A Dragon that sleeps inside of her!”

Gino grabbed the bleeding Suzaku up off the ground, teeth bared. Lelouch groaned in pain and tears dropped to the floor. They stopped and looked at him. Suzaku brushed Gino off of him as he hurried over, despite the pain coming from his side. He then looked down where Lelouch’s hands were guarding. He was breathing heavily as he looked up at him. Villetta gasped as she was worried too. Gaara stopped her and shook his head. Rolo heard the commotion, he too had tears in his eyes. They fear for the worst for the pregnant Emperor.

“What’s going on?! Somebody say something! What’s wrong with my boy-” Suzaku was cutoff by Lelouch placing a hand onto his cheek.

“I was about to announce this to everyone, when they were here...and now that they’re all gathered...I-I’m pregnant...with your twin boys...” he smiled sadly.

“Step aside Sir Kururugi...if I don’t fix my mistake, I can’t forgive myself...” Lovisia spoke sternly.

“No! Not what you just did to us! Get out!” he hissed.

“Let her, His Majesty might end up dying and miscarry or die with them! She doesn’t just kill with her Branch of Sin, but revive or heal!” Gino corrected him.

“I’ll be alright Suza...” Lelouch coughed as his body started to feel cold.

Hot tears spilled from his eyes as he kissed his hand, before letting Lovisia do her job. Lovisia walked over and cut her hands with the pocket knife on her thigh. She then apologize to her Emperor before slicing him in the stomach. Blood poured everywhere, but floated in the air. Lelouch’s now lifeless body floated into the air. Gino reopened the bottle for the blood in it to join. He and Anya cut themselves to help out. Suzaku sighed as he shoved his fingers into his fresh wound, screaming. Tears still dropping from his cheeks from the pain in his heart. He didn’t want to lose another love of his life, not ever again.

Trusting a total stranger with a Branch of Sin that is rarely born into the world.Yet if she could save him and the future heirs to the Britannian Throne, then he had no choice, but to trust Gino’s words. Gaara smiled as he joined in on the action. Once there was enough blood in the air, Lovisia’s eyes glowed. Soon her body ripped into ribbons, allowing the dragon inside to escape her body. The dragon was scarlet red like the makeup around Lovisia’s eyes, but had blue and golden patterns of Aztec markings along her body.

The dragon’s icy blue eyes looked at Lelouch’s freshly dead body along with the twins inside of him still. A mighty roar of sorrow and anger as she started to tear up herself. She was sorry for hurting a friend of her host. Soon the blood in the air formed the shape of a Peony flower. Suzaku was amazed on what this dragon can do, soon the flower glowed and then got shoved into Lelouch’s body at once! The blood from the people willing to help heal and revive the Emperor of Britannia alongside his unborn twins, has been cleansed and made to his blood type.

Once the glowing stopped, the dragon was gone. Lovisia was now lying in Gino’s arms. The bottle of blood was empty and laid on it’s side on the floor. Suzaku rushed over, his wound healed. He caught Lelouch’s unconscious body. He winced from being a bit weak. To everyone’s shock who didn’t part take in the blood to blood ritual with Lovisia, they saw a miracle happen. Lelouch’s stomach was now a lot bigger than what it was supposed to be. The dragon’s magic had made him close to labor than restoring him back to normal.

Suzaku blinked as he then yelped as he fell towards the ground. Rolo gasped as he then activated his geass, saving the both of them. Once five minutes was up, Lelouch was standing up and awake. Blinking as he felt the sudden weight in his stomach. Blushing on how fast the twins had grown in so little time, as if he was carrying unborn vampires. He then gave Lovisia a look as he then figured out what the cause behind it was from. He then grunts in pain again, Lovisia smiled in her sleep. She didn’t only speed up the development, but the deadline for the twins.

“Welp, His Majesty is in labor...” Jeremiah chuckled nervously.

“What did she do to me?! They weren’t due until somewhere in June!Argh!!!” Lelouch screamed in pain.

His water has broke, now that Lovisia has done her magic with her Branch of Sin. Suzaku laughed as he was starting to like Lovisia. Her and Lelouch planned this ahead of time, for their Xmas present to him. Sure he had planned the Zero Requiem with him, but changed once he got pregnant by him. So all in all that plan got out the window. It was now time for this new plan to take action. Zero’s Heirs is now the name of the plan. He carried his now Emperor in labor to his slumber chambers. Everyone went back to the party. Nunnally smiled as they didn’t need the Zero Requiem to begin with. Spilling a shit load of blood once again wouldn’t change the world, but make it worse.

Gaara then started to carve the ham and turkey in Suzaku’s place once the time for dinner rolled by. They enjoyed the feast as Suzaku and Sayako were helping Lelouch bring two new lives into the world. Rolo was happy to have two nephews into his life. He even got used to being Nunnally’s newest older brother when they met during the Black Rebellion. Everyone stopped partying once they saw Sayako walk in with a big smile on her face. The birth of two new princes was a success. Everyone was allowed to visit the new parents. 

“So...what do you think of my Xmas present to you dear?” he asked.

“It’s wonder, I love them!” The White Knight sniffled as tears dripped down once more, this time with joy.

“So what are you going to new the new princes?” Gaara asked.

Lelouch smiled and looked down at his two breastfeeding children and then back at them and the father. Suzaku then changed his expression on the spot. Since nobody, but a few knew about his secret pregnancy, he had no idea. Yet he ended up crying like a baffling idiot like always. He shrugged as he then looked back at Lelouch. Maybe he had an idea what to name their two newborn sons. They did both had a bit of brown in their luscious black locks. The one with more black in his hair was the oldest out of the two. Suzaku’s rabbit tail wagged, yet his antlers kind of shed off when he was being “attacked” by Lovisia.

Even though that was the distracting of their plan to shock Suzaku. Gaara was a part of it too. He then winked at them as he then popped the cork to the champagne bottle. The cork landed perfectly into a bowl in the kitchen. He then started pouring glasses for everyone who wanted to try it. Sure some of them were still minors, but he gave them juice or pop instead. Suzaku thanked them all and for Lelouch’s best Xmas gift ever.

“Since daddy doesn’t have names for them, I guess we’ll name the oldest; Maleficent. And the youngest either Lelouch Jr., Suzaku the Second, or possibly Shiba. What do you think?” Lelouch asked.

“Maleficent and Shiba sounds wonderful. We can name the next batch after us if you don’t mind.” Suzaku chuckled.

“To the birth of our newly born Prince Maleficent and Prince Shiba!” Jeremiah cheered.

“To the new royals of the New Britannia!” they all cheered.

“Well we need birth certificates for them though.” Suzaku whispered.

“I already got you covered. Maleficent Nyx Kururugi Britannia and Shiba Love Kururugi Britannia.” Sayako chuckled as she held out the certificates.

Suzaku blinked as he then saw the handwriting and then smiled. Seems like his Emperor had them covered all this time. He then felt Lelouch gently tap him on the shoulder. He asked Sayako to hand him his son Shiba. He looked down at Shiba with a smile, he looked into his purple and green orbs.

“Welcome to the world my wittle baby Shiba. Daddy loves you very much~!” he whispered before kissing his messy brown and black locks.

Shiba sneezed and then cooed.

“Awwwwwwwwwwwwwe~!” everyone said in unison.

“Let’s open up some presents! Plus...maybe have an unexpected baby shower for me, even though I’m not pregnant anymore!” Lelouch ordered with a giggle as he burps Maleficent.

“Does this still count?” he asked in secret to Villetta.

She nods as she congratulates him again. They then brought the party near their bedroom. Once they ate until stuffed, presents opened. Lelouch yawned. He was exhausted from this fast forwarded pregnancy and from very early child birth. Suzaku chuckled and smiled. He then kissed Gaara straight on the lips, catching him off guard. Gaara blushed as he then kissed him back and then they both kissed Lelouch on the forehead. Gaara took Maleficent from Lelouch, so he can rest. Everyone then went to their guestrooms in the palace. Nobody was driving home tonight from partying too hard. Suzaku followed Gaara and Sayako to the baby room that they’ve made ahead of time.

“Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!” Shiba fussed.

“Shhhhhh! Daddy’s here, so is Papa Gaara!” Suzaku cried out, rocking Shiba gently.

Maleficent was fussing too, but Gaara held a mirror to use his geass on himself again to swap his animal traits.

“I got them Suzaku. Just rest with Lulu. Also thanks for accepting me in this family.” Gaara smiled as he was now a cowboy like Lelouch and breastfed Maleficent again.

“You’re welcome, but how can you do it?” he asked.

The Animal Spirit Geass user looked at him with his left eye now engraved by his geass. His geass was now as powerful as Lelouch’s. His sky blue eyes with the upside-down geass marked eyes was filled with happiness. He then put back on his ruby eye contacts. He then burped Maleficent and changed his diaper. He then cleaned his hands before changing back into his usual coyote look. Holding Suzaku’s son again as he rocked him gently.

“Well you see...I’ve maxed out my geass while living here with you. I can swap traits with myself and others if I desire to, but every time I use my geass, I end up with a small headache. Plus Shiba needs his first diaper change.” he explained.

“Dang...” Suzaku sighed as he sniffed Shiba’s butt and then coughs.

“Dang boy, already?!” he exclaimed as he changed his poopy diaper.

“Suffer, Suffer, Scream in pain, Blood is spilling from your brain, Zombies gnaw you like a plumb, Piercing Cries and you will succumb, Suffer, Suffer, Scream in pain, You will never breathe again.” Gaara sang to Maleficent.

Maleficent giggled and sucked on his big toe.

“Why are you singing songs about death to him for?! What if it gets to his head once he grows up?! We don’t need another Zero!” Suzaku protested as he tries his best to avoid Shiba’s whiz. 

“Don’t worry he won’t end up like his mother. Besides his name just screams vampire to me. Suffer, Suffer, Scream in Pain, Shove your enemies guts down the drain, Werewolves howl like a bunch of cawing ravens, Ghouls gather around you like a sick haven, Suffer, Suffer, Scream in pain, You will never see the light of day again.”

“Wow...gee hopefully it doesn’t give them nightmares.” 

“They won’t, this is a lullaby that my mother used to sing to me.”

“Really? Please sing, they seem to like it.” he picked up the now clean Shiba off of the changing table, throwing the dirty diapers into the coffin shaped trashcan.

“Every well...Suffer, Suffer, Scream in pain, Witches will have your body burned by flame, Mummies beetles swarm and squirm, Imps will have you squashed by the feet of a pachyderm, Suffer, Suffer, Scream in pain, You will never move again.”

“Wait...why is this nothing but a song about death? Is it them that’s dying or other people or is it both?”

“Suffer, Suffer, Scream in pain, Your heart can’t take the strain, Lamias will constrict you into dust, Sirens caw until their lungs bust, Suffer, Suffer, Scream in pain, You will never hear again.”

“Hello?! Answer me! Why is this song about nothing but...death...?” Suzaku yawned himself, putting Shiba into the crib.

“Suffer, Suffer, Scream in pain, You won’t remember your name, Tombstones of grey, Yet here you lay, Suffer, Suffer, Scream in pain, You can never go insane.”  Gaara finished as he puts Maleficent next to Shiba.

He then smiles as he lifts the sleeping Suzaku off of the floor and carries him to their room. Hopping in bed next to him as he then kisses him and Lelouch on the forehead. ‘Goodnight my dears.’ he thought, before falling asleep himself.  

      A/N: I don’t own Hotel Transylvanian or the song Suffer, Suffer, Scream in Pain for the movie. But I do own this version of the song, since I figured it needed more added to it, so I did it for them. I also don’t own Deadman Wonderland, I just decided to add some reference from the anime/manga to make Lovisia Weinberg my oc little sister for Gino. I hope you like my two day late Snoggletog gift to y’all. Merry Two Day Late Snoggletog! Yes I’m a HTTYD fan, so what?! But anyways I hope you liked it as much as I have writing it! I might write more in the future for Code Geass! I’ll also be working on these ocs and the au for this fandom! So Maleficent and Shiba designs and such will be uploaded later on in the near future!  

[oswednesday]

my brother is texting our mom that im moving stuff (my mom’s stuff) from the pantry (where her random things shouldnt be in the first place she keeps using it as a dumping spot when she has the biggest room in the whole house dfdfd) into her room so i can get the xmas tree into the pantry closet (cause she has her things up against the door) like my good bitch you dont clean or help put anything away sit the fuck down

also hes doing this while we’re like, eating so im trying to be all wow thank you that was so nice of you, like he got half of what i wanted wrong like fggdf i wrote it down so itt was just him not caring which im ignoring cause im trying to be nice and it really isnt that big of a deal i wouldnt even post about it had he not also been “im going to cause drama now” ffdsfsd like ugh it would be better if i was like oh this isnt right but thank you for getting it, like fhfh it feels so mean to say omg but like all my mom did was throw the tree in the pantry like, we need this space lazy!!! so now im putting it away against, opposition -_- 

[imagineitup]

Constellations and Tea Leaves : Theseus Scamander x Reader

request : Sunrise, Sunset and Dreamlike Candlelight broke me while Gentle Flurry and Lights remind me of xmas and winter even if it’s scorchingly hot here. I’d run out of space if I mention all your fics so I’ll just say that I have them bookmarked to re-read a 100x over. Anyway, can I request a Theseus oneshot where the reader usually spends birthdays having dinner out (trying out a new restaurant) with her family but this year it's not possible because they're in different continents? Thanks!

a/n : thank you for requesting love! xx

masterlist

- - 

It’s a mid-afternoon Sunday when you first tell Theseus, rambling absent-mindedly as the tea-kettle whistles on the stove, copper handles refracting the sunlight streaming through the washed windows.

“I’m just staying home this week,” you say, reaching up on your tip-toes to swing open the cabinet on the top shelf, gathering two chipped mugs, the porcelain a washy sort of blue.  “I usually go out to dinner with my family, but you know, they’re too far away, and all that.”

Theseus looks at you, leaning a hand above his head to lean against the fridge.  “You mean to tell me you aren’t doing anything?  Nothing at all?”

You shrug, placing the mugs on the countertop with a clatter.  “I had dinner with them last week.  It’s not the same, but it’s better than nothing.” Theseus raises an eyebrow.  “You’re not meeting with friends?”

Steam rises from the kettle, a shrill screech echoing through the kitchen.  You hurry to lift the handle, carefully pouring the water into the teapot resting opposite the stove.

“Pass me the tea-leaves, will you?”

Theseus straightens, reaching towards the pantry to grab the glass bottle of loose-leaf Earl Grey, then one silver spoon from the wooden drawer next to the potted succulents.

“I’m not meeting with friends because none of them know it’s my birthday.”

Theseus pauses putting tea leaves in the teapot, fixing you with a blank, exasperated look.  “You haven’t told them?  (Y/N), if they knew I’m sure they’d want to do something for you.”

“Doesn’t matter,” you say, closing the cover of the teapot.  “It’s not that important, it’s just a day.”  You lean against the table, fixing Theseus with a look.  “I stopped telling my friends when I was little, so I’ve gotten used to it.  Really.”

Theseus sighs, sticking his hands in his pockets.  “Well, what about your boyfriend?”

You shake your head.  “I don't have one.”

”Sorry, I didn’t mean to assume.  Your girlfriend, then.”

You smile, busying yourself with the mugs and setting them down next to the teapot.  “I’m not dating anyone, Theseus.”

Theseus stumbles, and he turns to face you.  “That’s a lie.”

You shrug. “I’m afraid not.  I don’t think anyone fancies me at the moment.”

Theseus looks entirely confused.  He looks at you strangely, scrutinizing you under his gaze.  “No?”  He runs a hand across his jaw, puzzled. “(Y/N), there are hundreds of people who would be lucky to take you out to dinner.”

You sigh, throwing your hands in the air, exasperated.  “Well, no one does.”  You reach for the teapot, pouring Earl Gray into the two identical mugs, pushing one across the table towards Theseus.  “Look, you’re you, and that’s great, but not everyone’s going to have people throwing themselves at them left and right.”

Theseus sputters.  “Yes, but not the person I want.”

You roll your eyes, smiling.  “Oh, he knows he’s attractive!  And he’s selective.  Nice.”

Theseus laughs, leaning back in his chair.  “The person I fancy could care less about my dating life, I think.”

You prop your head up as you rest your elbows on the table.  “Well, I wish you luck with your person.”

Theseus smile grows into a smirk, and he stands to grab the scones and jars of mulberry jam from the fridge.  “Thanks.  I’m going to need it.”

- - 

The night of your birthday, you sit in the kitchen, a mug of tea held in your hands.  You’re rereading the card your family wrote to you, smiling as you see the picture they’ve enclosed.

There’s a knock at the door, and you stand up, padding over to the door in pajama bottoms and fuzzy socks.

Theseus is standing outside, hands in coat-pockets, his figure blurry and distorted through the glass peep-hole.

You sigh, opening the door.

“What.”

Theseus smiles at you, reaching up to rub the back of his neck.  At this time you notice the two parcels he’s carrying under his arm, flowers wrapped in newspaper by his feet.  “Sorry I’m late, we had a mandatory meeting.  You know, Ministry stuff.”

Your eyes are widening, you’re suddenly stepping aside.  “What are you, why?”

Theseus shrugs, smirking.  “You didn’t really think I was just going to let you spend your birthday doing nothing, did you?  That’s just sad.”

You put your hands in your face, your voice muffled.  “You didn’t have to get me flowers —“

“I know.”  Theseus steps further inside, flipping on the light switches.  “But there was a florist on the side of the Ministry, and no one was buying anything from him, so I thought, might as well.”

You can’t help the smile that stretches up your face, and you shake your head.

Theseus calls from the kitchen, slight uncertainty entering his voice, “You do like them, right?”

You follow him to the kitchen, lightly shoving him on the shoulder.  “Of course I do.  They’re lovely.”

Theseus smiles, an actual smile, and he places the two parcels on the table.  One’s wrapped with parchment paper and tied with string, a sprig of olive tucked underneath the ribbon, and the second a small take-out box.

You raise an eyebrow, sitting down. “What’s that?”

“Open it.”

You pull the box towards you, carefully propping the lid, then shutting it, fixing Theseus with a look.  “You shouldn’t have.”

Theseus shrugs.  “But I did, so there.”

You reopen the box, not being able to stifle your smile.  “Is this from that little patisserie with the frosted macarons and the cakes and the cocoa?”

Theseus nods, lighting the candles with a simple nonverbal spell.  He proceeds to sing a very tuneless “Happy Birthday,” and you laugh, kicking him underneath the table and covering your ears.

“You’re the worst.”

Theseus smirks.  “The best.”

You blow the candles out, the light illuminating your face, and you look up again to see Theseus sputtering as smoke spews into his face.  

“You’re the worst,” he says, in between breaths.  “Thanks a lot.”

You smile and stand to grab two white plates and forks, carefully splitting the Victoria sponge and pushing the plate without the strawberry towards Theseus, who takes it without comment.

The wrapped present still sits on the table, and you reach for it, pulling on the pieces of string, and ripping apart the parchment.  There’s a book inside, dark blue with specks of silver on the cover.

“I saw it at a bookstore I walked past and thought it looked interesting.”

You sputter, turning the book to the side.  “Theseus, this is an astronomy book. I never told anyone I liked astronomy.”

Theseus looks down at his shoes, running a hand across his jaw, “well, like I said, I just happened to see it as I was walking past —“

“Theseus.”

“— and you have a constellation necklace, and an art print in your kitchen, and unrelated, but you also always save the astrology horoscope part of the newspaper every week,” he trails off, sheepishly.  “Look, I know it’s not the same as going to dinner with your family, but I —“

Your hand flies up to your necklace, your voice softens.  “Theseus, this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”

Theseus looks up, eyes wide.  

“I,” you look around at the flowers, the book, the cake, “I was planning on drinking tea and wallowing and you did all this … I can’t believe, I mean, this is amazing!”  You can feel your smile stretching and glowing, and you stand up, reaching to hug Theseus.  “I’m so happy I could kiss you —“

“Please do.”

You pause, startled.  “Huh?”

“Well, look at the time,” Theseus stands, flustered.

You smirk, reaching to tug on his sleeve.  “I’m going to kiss you.”

It’s Theseus’ turn to look surprised, and you stand on your tip-toes, pressing your lips to his.

[minuete-blog]

Philes’ Xmas Advent Calendar Prompt Day 6: family outing. Tagging @today-in-fic, @txf-prompt-box, and @only-txf-fanart

pre-Arcadia. Rob and Laura go grocery shopping.

Grocery Run

“Whaddaya say we have our first family outing as a married couple, Laura? We might as well do our grocery shopping now before heading into Arcadia Falls since the moving truck won’t arrive for the next hour.” Scully resists the urge to roll her eyes. She glances over at his profile looking like an Eddie Bauer model in the driver’s seat. How the hell is he able to pull off a pink polo complete with a sweater draped over his shoulders?

“Mulder, we’re in a minivan. I don’t see why we need to start using our undercover names.” She sighs as Mulder pulls into a Stater Bros. shopping center parking lot, the third cookie-cutter strip mall every 3 miles on Hwy 56 situated next to a WalMart and a Home Depot.

“We gotta keep up appearances, Laura. Might as well get used to the name.” Mulder shoots her a cheeky grin. He parks the minivan a few yards away from the grocery store, quickly unfastens his seat belt, and bolts out of the van to retrieve a shopping cart abandoned a couple parking spots away.

They enter the store with Scully leading way. She automatically starts walking around the perimeter of the store, filling the cart with fresh fruit and vegetables, deli items, dairy products, and juice. She can sense Mulder observing her as she mentally checks off the list of what she deemed are essentials in a well-stocked fridge.

“Mul—“ she starts but Mulder gives her a pointed look. “Rob, what meals would you like to eat for the week?” She asks loud enough for passersby to hear. She moves closer to him and murmurs, “I highly doubt these people at Arcadia Falls eat frozen dinners.”

“I eat whatever you cook, honey bunch,” He answers loud enough for people nearby to hear. She gives him a pointed look this time.

“You can’t be serious,” she mutters as she fake smiles to a suburban wife with two toddlers perched in their shopping cart, “I expect us to each pull our weight, including meals. If I have it my way, I’ll be making salads the entire week.”

“That’s not the way to live, Laura. Okay, I can make a mean meat sauce and spaghetti, steak, and pan-fried pork chops.” Scully nods.

“I know how to make chicken cacciatore.” There’s a long pause as Mulder stares at her expectedly, and then realizes she wasn’t going to continue on with her sentence.

“Wait. What? That’s all you know how to make?” Scully blushes.

“I helped prep in the kitchen growing up, but cooking was never really my interest. I thought you caught on whenever I bring leftovers from my mom after visiting her.” She can’t believe she has to explain herself. Mulder smiles in understanding.

“And I’m sure with our erratic schedules that home-cooked meals are a rarity. Alright, well you can help me prep some sides in the kitchen then. We can make lasagna with the leftover meat sauce.”

“Since when did you know how to cook?”

“I learned some of Mom’s recipes in her recipe box after the casseroles from well-wishers stopped coming with whatever was stocked in the fridge and pantry.” Scully walks alongside the shopping cart as Mulder leads them the second half of the grocery shopping. Scully briefly separates from the cart to retrieve some bread, bagels, and condiments. She can’t help but smirk when Mulder presents her a 1-pound bag of grounded Starbucks coffee and coffee filters when she finds him.

“Nectar of the Breakfast Gods,” he says as she drops the items in her hands into the cart, “Okay. Now the fun stuff. Snacks!” He wheels the cart; making a beeline to the junk food aisle.

“How come I never see these stocked in your apartment?” she asks quietly amazed at how much junk food he’s actually grabbing.

“Government’s spotting us on groceries, right?” He murmurs receiving a light punch in the arm from Scully for his remark. They head over to the frozen aisles for dessert.

“Yuck, no! I’m not having soy ice cream or frozen yogurt!” When Scully stops and looks at the soy ice cream selection. “We’re getting the real stuff.”

“Well, aren’t you two an adorable couple,” the cashier comments as they check out. Scully plasters a fake smile on her face as she pulls out cash to pay. “Did you two just move into the area? I don’t recall seeing you before.”

“We’re in the process of moving into Arcadia Falls,” Mulder answers placing an arm across Scully’s shoulders and pulling her in for a side hug.

“Arcadia Falls? Well, you two will fit right in! Have a nice day!” The cashier does a little wave with her fingers.

“Hey, hop on the cart. I’ll wheel you to the car,” Mulder days once they stepped outside of the store. He steps aside.

“What? No. That’s childish.” She shakes her head.

“Last chance! It’s not everyday you get to hop onto a fully-loaded cart!” Scully feels the vibrations from the cart under her feet as Mulder whisks her across the parking lot. He picks up speed, rattling the cart even more.

“Not bad for our first family outing?” He asks against her left ear cutting through the noise from the cart. Scully smiles. Maybe this assignment won’t be too bad.

[starencrustedtinfoil]

Roman was unsure of where to find his beloved. He had looked in the pantry, basement, common area and the place in the Imagination where he liked to hide. The final place he had to check was his room.

When he opened the door to Virgil's room, Roman was surprised to see Virgil in a blob of blanket. Virgil was on his phone, perhaps only scrolling through Tumblr or Reddit.

Virgil was wearing his Xmas sweater and PJ pants and draped in the blanket Roman had hand stiched for him.

"Hello Princey." Virgil said when he looked up from his phone. He stood, letting the blanket fall onto the floor around his feet. He slipped his phone into his pocket and gave Roman a big hug. "Where have you been?"

Roman held his boyfriend close. "My dark and stormy night, I was simply tending to a small quest in the village in my realm. When I got out I wasn't sure where to find you , I was looking for a while mi amor."

Virgil smiled and kissed his neck. "I was right here. I'm always here."

Roman smiled into his shoudler and pulled him onto the floor.

When they hit the floor Virgil giggled. The two of them snuggles on the floor until Patt called them to dinner.

@whos-she-never-heard-of-her

[havekiddoswilltravel]

Holiday Heart Prep… Raising Grateful Children by Focusing on Others During the Season

Give Meaningful Gifts this Holiday Season by Incorporating Acts of Service. 

I get really excited about using the time leading up to Christmas to teach my children the joy of giving. As a globetrotting family, we have visited many countries that are subsequently devastated by natural disasters. Our most recent experience was leaving on a cruise out of San Juan, a mere three weeks after the island was hit by Hurricane Maria. We packed our clothes for the trip in carry on suitcases and used our checked bags to bring much needed relief items. We have found that raising our children to appreciate their blessings by teaching to give rather than only receiving, is imperative to keeping them grounded.  This post is a list of simple ways to raise grateful children by incorporating Acts of Service your family holiday traditions.

Go ahead, read on, put on your happy faces, elf hats and sing Christmas carols while making a difference this Holiday Season.

1. International Rescue Committee. I love the many options available through this organization, such as “A Year of School” for girls or boys. 

2. Sponsor a child in Foster Care. Our family is hosting a stocking packing party for children about to age out of the foster system. 

- Here is a sample social media post: We are in need of donations and laborers to help fill Christmas Stockings for aged out or current foster youth. Christmas is a dismal time of year as it compounds the fact that they’re alone and have no functioning family to celebrate with. Receiving a fully loaded Christmas stocking is usually the only present they get at Christmas. Can you help us? Here are the items that we are in need. I’m looking at our calendar and will announce a date to put the stockings together. We will be able to personalize each stocking for these kids. I will identify a Sunday afternoon to do the actual packing and labeling. In the mean time, please PM to coordinate drop off or pick up of donations. http://www.ctfosteradopt.com/fosteradopt/cwp/view.asp…

-$10 fast food gift cards (Coffee shops, Subway, etc.) -$25 restaurant gift cards (Red Robin, Ihop, etc.) -Movie Tickets -warm fuzzy socks for young women -soft socks for young men -make up bags, mascara, eye shadow, eyebrow, lip gloss, etc -mini flashlights, guys mini cologne’s, wallets, nail clippers, etc -ear buds for men and women!!!! -Xmas candy- individually wrapped and candy canes -Men’s lotion, small cologne or body spray, shower gel, etc. -Women’s body wash, lotion, body spray, face masks -card games, hay sacks, wheelo’s, fidget spinners, yo-yo’s, trinkets, etc. -Gum, breath mints, chap stick for men and women.

You can also collect new pajamas and give them to children in foster care. In past years, our family has collected, wrapped and distributed new PJs for the Holidays to kids at the Boys and Girls Clubs.

3. Pack shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Collection week is the week of November 13th, so you still have plenty of time to pack your boxes and drop them off.

4. Collect new toys for a local charity. This year our family is collecting new toys to bless the families of Hartford City Mission. DONATE: We are looking for NEW, UNwrapped gifts (no toy guns or clothes please) appropriate for children in 1st – 8th grade in the price range of $5- $20.This Christmas season, help give the gift of dignity to Noah After School parents through the Noah Christmas Store. This is a special store where parents can buy new gifts for their children at tag sale prices. HCM uses the funds to subsidize the cost of sleepover camp in the summer.

5. Feed, clothe and spend time with the homeless. Our family has cleaned out our closets and donated gently used clothes and boots to those in need. In addition our kids made 60 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and distributed them as well as new socks to folks in need. Go through your closets (invite your family and friends to do the same) and collect gently used clothes and shoes for those experiencing homelessness. Every time that you feel cold while in the comfort of your home, think about the homeless. See information below regarding Street Church sponsored by Church Army and the many ways to serve those suffering this Christmas. Our family also serves dinner at a local food pantry as least once a month. This allows us to get to know and interact in a genuine way with those that we serve.

Check out Church Army USA’s for more information on service opportunities in the downtown Hartford area. 

- They are always in need of volunteers to help with their weekly soup, sock and prayer outreach to the homeless in Downtown Hartford Connecticut.

The Street Church provides free food and clothing, as well as prayer and pastoral counseling, for community members in downtown Hartford on Saturdays from 11:30 am-1:00 pm in front of City Hall, the last Friday of each month from 6:15-7:15 pm at Peter’s Retreat in Hartford and the last Sunday of the month from 11:00 am-12:30 pm at Manna’s Kitchen in Hartford. Church Army USA has also received training and supplies to offer a Beyond the Basics Community Resource Center through their The Street Church program. Community Resource Centers help programs connect people to local services and resources that match their specific needs.

These two nine year old boys spent 3 hours one afternoon sorting, labeling and organizing donations for folks in need at Officer Barrett’s office in City Hall Hartford. Check out this article and video about Officer Barrett and how he is going above and beyond the call of duty in order to help the disenfranchised. 

For more information on how you can help contact: Program Manager Deborah Barrows, DBarrows@cpa-ct.org.

Another organization which helps Officer Barrett gather goods for the homeless is Church Army, USA. You can reach out to Dorathy Smolkis at dorathysmolkis@churcharmy.org, if you want to help.

6. Put together and send much needed supplies to family’s in Puerto Rico still recovering from the hurricane devastation. Include a hand written note of encouragement. 

7. Pick up garbage in your community. If you live in CT or other cold weather areas, you can actually gift your children Garbage Grippers and schedule the actual clean up once the snow thaws. 

8. Write cards and bring cookies to police officers.

9. Collect new and used clothes and sports equipment and donate to a charity in need. We love supporting the efforts of Kids Alive International as we have two family friends that are missionaries in Haiti and DR. This is a sample social media post that we used to get support from our community. We were able to travel with 4 suitcases full of donations for Kids Alive Constanza, DR when we went there on a Family Mission Trip.  

 This is the Plaza (see picture below) at the Kid’s Alive site in Constanza. Donations of new and used clothing, shoes, medicine etc. are stored here until needed for the children. Right now, they are low on supplies, but that will change next week thanks to the donations by so many of you. I have been moved as I packed your children’s donated clothes. Clothes that to us are extras or from last year’s sports team, will be giving another chance at providing warmth and comfort to the children at The Ark. I am in the process of completing our packing. If you still have donations to get to me, feel free to PM, as whatever we can’t fit will be brought by a group traveling from my church in July. Thank you for taking time to clean out your kid’s closets and get the donations to me. We have 4 large suitcases of donations that we will be bringing on this trip alone. Many blessings.

10. Collect used and new board games and donate to a charity. We’ve given these in the past to our missionary friends in Constanza, Dominican Republic.

11. Collect over the counter medications to help children in orphanages and homeless shelters. 

This is my amazing friend Cassidy (missionary for Kids Alive - Haiti). Our family has had the privilege to serve on several mission trips with her. Over the years, we have maintained a connection while she is serving in Haiti, by not only praying for her but also supporting her ministry by collecting items of need. This year, our children collected over the counter medications and sent to Haiti. You can follow her on Facebook to learn more about their ongoing needs.

12. Collect names and addresses of single parents and/or widowers and have your kids make cards and including a gift card to a coffee shop or other small token of love and recognition.

13, Make cards and send care packages to military personnel serving abroad during the holiday season. Make this extra special by collecting the names from your family and friends and including notes of encouragement. 

14. Collect used bags and purses. Fill them with personal care items and donate them to a women’s shelter or hospital to be distributed to women following abuse and or leaving violent domestic situations. 

15. Volunteer at Hartford City Mission’s After-school Program. 

Our family hosted a dance party and made gingerbread houses with the kids. The kids in this program had never made gingerbread houses and while they were stumped at first, they really got into it and loved showing off their masterpieces.

16. Little Free Library. Go through your family’s bookshelves and donate used books to a Little Free Library near you. Check out this article about our sponsored Little Free Library in Hartford, CT. If you’re feeling up to it, build and sponsor your own Little Free Library and make it an ongoing literacy program. 

17. Volunteer to help at Hands On Hartford’s Christmas Holiday Meal 

DECEMBER 25TH, 2017 - 11:30 AM

Celebrate Christmas with a free and festive meal at Hands On Hartford’s Center for Community. Enjoy a delicious meal with all of the trimmings, dessert, coffee, activities, and gifts for kids! If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please contact Wanda Guzman at 860-706-1507 or wguzman@handsonhartford.org.

18. Write thank you cards to your legislators, elected officials, pastors or other public service individuals.

19. Buy new toys and drop them off to area hospitals where sick children will be spending the Holiday Season as patients. CCMC has guidelines on their website. 

20. Teaching our children to truly love giving is a value that needs to be modeled year to year and not a one off thing to be done and forgotten. I hope that this list inspires you to incorporate service into your family’s traditions. Our last recommendation is simple, yet easy to implement. Have your children write letters to their grandparents, thanking them for being in their lives and sharing their favorite memories of time spent together. 

We love hearing from readers. What are some things that your family does to prepare your heart’s for the Holiday Season? 

Check out our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for creative gift giving options. Not your typical gift guide for families who already have way too much stuff. 

This page contains affiliate links. See “Disclaimer” for more information regarding Amazon Affiliates program and my participation.

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[jeannettegreen7-blog]

After Supper Speeches For Weddings

This product is actually something my partner as well as I will certainly purchase when looking for a dinner for two. An additional superb supper day tip is actually mosting likely to a drive-in dinner theatre.If you would like to definitely possess an unforgettable date, go worn comfortable outfits as well as deliver along your favorite snack foods, then nuzzle up in the moonshine. If you experience confused through all the cookbooks you have or the 1000s, if not thousands, from dishes for dinner on the web to type through, restrict your alternatives by making using of at least three active ingredients you currently invite your pantry or fridge. They carry us enjoy small things: the turning of the leaves in autumn, an Eric Clapton guitar lick - or even depending upon your preference, a Yitzhak Perlman violin part, the coziness from the sunshine on your skin on the 1st time from springtime, your preferred birthday dinner that your mama consistently produced, the smell of warm and comfortable bread baking. Even though you are hosting a vegan thanksgiving gathering where you have to acquire many of the things, or even if you are actually aiming to enhance your thanksgiving holiday dinner by incorporating vegetarian meals for your vegan or even vegetarian visitors, you have plenty to decide on the on the web stores. If, as an example, you fulfilled somebody via among the absolute most well-known outdating web sites and will satisfy in the following 1 Day, speak with him/her and discuss your sort as well as passions in purchase to come to a place that resembles by both of you.

When you next off have the opportunity to take pleasure in a specialist, after dinner sound speaker, be actually a lot more logical regarding what that is they are stating, and afterwards study why just what they are actually saying, entice your sense from witticism.

Danna Bananas, a popular Canadian online novelty gift store that offers special and uncommon items and also exciting giftware things, declares that it has only added a vast variety of brand-new goods, consisting of brand new novelty Halloween themed products and Xmas themed items for in season commemorating, enhancing and gift-giving. While a practice session supper is actually certainly not necessary, that is actually a great chance in order to get along with close friends and member of the family to thank them all for their engagement and help in the course of the preparing of the wedding event along with their participation in the real wedding event on its own. While the practice session supper may just feel like another cost as well as one more job that must be finished, this is essential to certainly not default this wonderful opportunity to obtain together with close friends and also member of the family for an evening from leisure in a casual atmosphere prior to the wedding celebration. As http://sposob-na-piekno.info/ for one of the most prominent Italian meals, while the past manuals usually explain that spaghetti was actually an item of the Mandarin rejuvenated by Venetian business, Marco Shirt, that was actually a rediscovery of a meals thing eaten in the course of Etruscan as well as Roman times. As manner is becoming much more main in folks lives and also that is actually becoming even more preferred as well as found across, coming from adverts and also in publications as well as the television, it is actually making individuals even more uncomfortable.

[tori4thewin]

Never enough.

Accomplished:

Family meal- rack ribs, roast potatoes, squash&rice, apple pie filling.

Paperwork is gathered 

Living room clean and beautiful 

Back entryway cleared and swept

KKC as I cooked.

Recently mopped 

Bathroom, tub, and vanity cleaned and pretty 

Front stoop garbage picked up

The basement is now functional for organizing stuff and doing laundry.

Basement steps swept

Office space cleared (except closets, pantry and 2 boxes)

Bunnies happy in their room

Swam twice in 2 weeks 

Dining table set up and pretty for family meals and finally eating at the table. Just needs a small vase centrepiece.

Had a nice short visit with Mom. Gave her cookies 4 the road.

Front pathway cleaned up with extra dirt in the bed. 

Still must do before it snows:

add compost to the front garden bed. Plant bulbs and overwinter seeds (edible tall grass 4 buns). Finish with hay mulch.

Get mulch and dirt from the cabin.

Trim front bush down.

Pickup outside toys. Bring some inside to the basement 

Find ring under the back deck

Nail down the shelf to broken step

Get rid of the deep freezer

Hang hooks for Xmas lights

Put up outside heater

Keep setting up my kitchen so it can be an everyday functioning workspace to keep the meals and treats flowing.

Fix kitchen light

Outlet covers

Furnace serviced

Electrician to fix lights, add an outlet for the fireplace.

Prevent basement from flooding.

Sweep and dust storage room. Pack M+L’s stuff nicely in boxes to take.

Separate camping and outdoor gear.

November 1st: pack up Halloween nicely. Purchase storage boxes or use labelled cardboard boxes. 

November 15th: unpack, clean and sort Xmas decorations. Decorate home.

December 26th: takedown and put Christmas decorations away nicely. Keep winter decor until Spring.

Vacuum guest room. Convert into storage that is coming with us when we move. Purchase shelves that can be used later in the storage locker. 

Get through all that laundry and clean the area.

Dust cobwebs in the stairwell 

Clear big closet in office and convert to kitchen overflow.

Clear small closet and use for seasonal clothing.

Set up our master bedroom to share. My wardrobe. Steve’s clothing. 2 nightstands on either side

[shaunlyons6412-blog]

Savory And also Sugary food Hot Barrel Recipes.

A full pantry on a finances, that is just one of my goals through this blog I was actually thus lucky to become capable to join some lessons this week at Honeyville Grain and also I discovered effective ways to possess convenience, spare cash, and possess simplicity when preparing your food items storing. The thanksgiving dinner menu may appear pretty mind-boggling but it does not have to be actually. Strategy in advance and also inform yourself with cooking times for the different dishes and traits will definitely only circulate into spot coming from there. I take some time to speak with her as well as I pay attention to just what she must point out - we also possess dinner all together just about everyday. Have your family out for supper or acquire a brand-new book as a reward for taking care of the challenging task. Some reporters that cover the White House daily don't get involved in the White Residence Correspondents Dinner or associated gatherings. When the event took place, Kiichi had invited Plant along with over ONE HUNDRED diplomats to delight in a state supper at his residence. When the tables began to turn, Sally and also Issues Veritas ... The frosted supper is also concidered the start from. The next time use the very same chicken, bit it blend it along with the gravy and you can make some chick mixed greens club sandwiches for supper with possibly quandaries on the side or whatever you have readily available. . Dinner on Xmas Time, as on other days, is actually fulfilled at 9 P.M. All the Queen's beautiful gold and silver plate is utilized. I discovered a purchase on chicken legs a couple of days back and, due to the fact that it was actually something I recognized would certainly examine properly along with my loved ones, I asked my wife to make all of them in the slow cooker last night so our team can supplemental resources have all of them for dinner last evening. Our company spent time over supper reviewing his business as well as their strategy for diversification as well as expansion. At that point Ashley goings back to the dinner day and start to talk to the other people and understanding all of them. Make a remarkable dinner table present that will certainly get them thrilled for the night ahead of time. Contrast cycle shaped meals things along with square glass dinner platters and offer some believed to the color taste buds too. Meals may be expensive, particularly if you are actually obtaining the celebration accommodated as well as are actually renting out the place where you are actually having the supper. Collection other tinted pumpkins at the entrance or even acquire the mini-pumpkins and also cluster those at the dinner table alongside multicolored flasks. To perform so, the after supper audio speaker has to become a thoughtful spectator from his/her own lifestyle relative to those they possess around all of them. Let's face this, when you are actually done with your day the final point most of our company intend to do is make a big production supper as well as along with the slow-moving stove this only seems like one when you have not had to also lift the cover as well as rouse this for the whole entire time it was cooking.