#its ok my brother bought me one for christmas apparently | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

heywardsarchive · 4 years ago

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hi! can i request young sirius black x reader with prompts 1 and 8 plz?

Snowed In {christmas celebration fic} sirius black x reader

word count: 1.2k+ from prompts 1 - is that my sweater? and 8- “coffee?’

summary: when its snowed in and two people living in the same house develop feelings for each other, what do you think happens?

It was the first Christmas after graduating from Hogwarts and y/n, James, Lily and sirius had decided to move in together. It wasn't a problem for them to get a big enough house for themselves since both James and y/n's parents were pretty well to do and now with all four of them working they were able to maintain the house well. Remus decided to stay at his parents cottage since his mother was quite sick.

The sky was gloomy and dark, the weather was chilly and one could see their breath in the air. It hadn't snowed yet but it was bound to come.

"Alright kiddos, what are we doing today." James said, coming down the stairs. "Firstly Potter, we're all the same age and secondly, I was thinking we could go to that new cafe down the street, have some piping hot chocolate ya know." Sirius said. Both Lily and y/n nodded at the idea. Everyone craved some hot chocolate in the cold weather. "So what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Sirius said jumping out of his seat. Everyone followed suit.

Y/n rushed up to her and Lily's bedroom and rummaged through the laundry that she removed from the wash. "Lily, have you seen my purple sweater?" "The one with the blue designs on it?" Y/n nodded. "No I haven't." Y/n sighed and continued digging in the pile of clothes. Finally she found a grey sweater that seemed too big to be hers or Lily's. "This will do." She thought to herself. She put it on and went to the door where everyone was waiting.

As they walked to the cafe sirius looked at y/n oddly. He took her hand in his and touched the sweater. "Is that my sweater?" He asked her. Y/n felt her face heat up. "Uh yeah it is. I couldn't find mine. I hope it's ok that I wore it." Sirius grinned and put an arm around her shoulder. "Ofcourse it's ok m'lady. Anything for my favourite person in the world." James slapped sirius on the arm. "I thought I was your favourite person in the whole world." "No you're my annoying brother from a different mother." Sirius stuck his tongue out at James and everyone laughed.

They reached the quaint cafe and the smell of coffee beans and fresh bread filled the air. Both Lily and y/n ran into the cafe and sniffed the air. They sighed in happiness. "I think they found their place." James snickered.

They sat down at a table and ordered scones, muffins and one hit chocolate each. Lily and y/n were busy discussing things that were beyond James or Sirius' understanding. (Boys🙄)

Their drinks and goodies arrived and they all immediately dug into it. "This is the best hot chocolate I've ever had!" James said in delight. "I know! I can have ten cups of these!" Lily agreed. The baked goods were equally good and they went home with a satisfied stomach. ****

The next day, when they planned go meet Remus, it happened to snow very heavily. It was the first snow of the year and alas they were snowed in. The doors wouldn't open due to the height of the snow. They were stuck at home for the next few days atleast. Sure they could floo powder or apparate but it was too good an excuse to stay home.

It was around 12 in the afternoon when y/n woke up, she was the first one up surprisingly. She walked into the kitchen and made herself a warm cup of hot chocolate. She sat down, reading a new book that she bought when Remus came out of the fireplace. "Hey." He said dusting his shirt. "I thought I'd come here and spend some time with you guys but I can see that the rest of them are asleep." He laughed. "Yeah, they decided to sleep in. Do you want some hot chocolate?" Y/n smiled at the sandy haired boy. "I'm always down for chocolate." She handed him a cup.

Remus and y/n were playing a game of exploding snap when the rest of the clan finally came down. "Good morning." Remus said raising an eyebrow. "Hello Remus." Sirius yawned and James gave sirius a tired salute in greeting.

After freshening up, Lily sirius and James joined Remus and y/n on the dining table. "Can we watch a movie today?" Lily asked. "I want to watch the Grinch." Y/n declared. Remus put the casette into the television and the movie played. Halfway through, y/n felt her eyes droop and her head fell on thd shoulder of the person closest to her. Soon she was off into dream land.

Sirius felt a weight on his shoulder and when he looked, he saw a mop of y/h/c hair. His heart fluttered and he looked with hearteyes at her sleeping figure. In her sleep, y/n snuggled closer to sirius and she was almost cuddling him. Sirius blushed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Lily looked toward them and awwed at the sight. James mouthed 'you like her.' to sirius and he flipped him off. James snickered at him and looked away. Sirius looked at y/n again and realised, maybe he did like her. ***** It had been two days and it was still snowed in. It was starting to get a bit boring and there was nothing to do. Once again, y/n thought she was the first one up but when she went into the kitchen she was surprised to see sirius there, he was shirtless and making coffee. Y/n felt her eyes glued to his back and her cheeks flushed. "Can take your eyes off me love?" Sirius smirked. "You wish pretty boy " Y/n jokes back.

"Coffee?" Sirius offered y/n. She nodded and took the cup from his hand. "How many more days do you think we be stuck like this?" Y/n asked him, pointing at the snow. "Maybe a day or two." Sirius shrugged. They sat close on the sofa and y/n rested a head on sirius' shoulder. He put his head on hers. What it was about the atmosphere, that made y/n brave enough to say this, we'll never know. "Whatever it is," she started, blushing furiously, "I'm glad I'm stuck with you." She said shyly, afraid of sirius' response. "I'm glad I'm with you too." Sirius smiled softly, his cheeks red.

They slowly leaned in sirius stopping just before y/n's lips, asking for consent. She answered by pressing her to his. His hands threaded in her h/c hair and hers held on to his cheeks. They didn't realise how long they had been in that position when they heard a whoop and an 'aww' coming from behind. "Are you both having a good time?" James teased. "Well we were before you both came here." Sirius teased back. "We'll leave you to it then." Lily winked and pulled James away.

Sirius turned to y/n. "Now where were we?" He asked cupping her cheeks. "Right here." She said, kissing him again, this time not as long as before. "I really like you." She whispered pressing her forehead against his. "I really like you too." Sirius replied, connecting their lips once more.

*****

i hope yall liked that! send in christmas themed requests in my asks!

taglist: @kashishwrites

#Sirius Black #sirius black x reader #young!sirius black x reader #james potter x reader #harry potter x reader #christmas fic

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airjordan4lightning · 3 years ago

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#air jordan 4 lightning

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hidden-behind-the-fourth-wall · 5 years ago

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But it’s snowing

Steve Rogers x F!Reader

Summary: Because the Tower can’t stay unsupervised during Christmas you are forced to stay and miss the family reunion. Byt not everything so bad after all.

Warnings: A bit (really just tiny bit) of angst, fluff.

A/N: And here comes my last (I hope) late challenge. This one is for one and only @justkending. Congratulations on your milestone! <3 You deserved that!

You loved winter. You remember always playing with your parents and brothers whenever it started to snow. You were all wearing tons of sweaters, the warmest gloves and spent hours outside, tossing snow at each other or making snowmen. After hours, when you were literally shaking out of cold, you would come back to the warm house met with your mom waiting for all of yous with hot chocolate and some cookies.

You just finished talking to your parents, apologising them for not coming for Christmas this year. Well… not like bad guys decided to behave, only because you’d like to eat some of that delicious turkey your dad always made.

You sighed and leaned down, shoving your head in your arms, with the solemn idea of all the food you will miss. You loved your job to bits. Catching the bad guys alongside some superhero handsome faces (and beautiful ones as well) was one of the coolest jobs. But at moments like that, you hated your job. You haven’t seen your family for a whole year and you were looking forward to this year’s holidays. You bought all the presents, which were now sitting in the corner of your room, laughing at you.

“You’re ok?” You looked up to meet the concerned look on your Captains face. You frowned and pouted and turned around, your back to him. You knew you were being childish, but he deserved it. He was the one who made you stay here in the Tower, while everyone else except the holy trinity of menace - him, Sam and Bucky - and you stayed in the damn Tower.

“We’re gonna need you. Not even Bucky can shoot like you.” You should feel proud when he said that, but all you felt was disappointment for not being able to spend that time with your family.

“Come one, sweetheart, is this how its gonna be now?” He finally asked, walking into your room and closing the doors. Something you should have done before. You still kept your back to him and huffed, to underline how mad you are at him. “You know if I could I wouldn’t keep you. But you know the rules... We work in four people teams and you work perfectly with us… If someone attacks the Tower we will be able to work perfectly together…” You could hear the pain and sorry in his voice and you were so close to turn around and tell him it was ok. But no… You will be strong! “We were thinking…”

“Oh no…” You mumbled, making him chuckle. It was never good when the three of them were making a plan. It was even worse when they all agreed on something. Bucky and Sam agreeing was not a good sign. Hell no. “Should I be scared?” He smiled, happy for you to finally talk to him.

“We know how much you love Christmas and how much you hate it that you can’t spend it with your family…”

“I wonder whose fault that is!” He sighed and bit his lip, trying not to roll his eyes. He hated when you were acting like a kid. You were definitely spending too much time with Tony and Clint.

“How about we make our special little Christmas?” You turned around, definitely surprised to hear that. “We have already ordered food, so if you agree we can start the preparations tomorrow… I mean if you don’t want to, we…” But he didn’t finish when you jumped and hugged him, smiling like a little girl. It didn’t take Steve long to circle his arm around your waist, pulling you to him. Those parts were his favourite in this friendship between the two of you. You gave the best hugs. “Does that mean I’m forgiven?”

“Only if you help me sending those gifts to my family.” He smiled and nodded, happy to see you smile again.

“I think I know how to stir a damn sauce, Wilson!” Bucky growled, already annoyed with Sam’s complaining.

“Well, apparently no… If you stir too fast…”

“Sam, Bucky…” You exhaled, giving them the most disappointed look. “I put you two on different things, for this not to happen. Bucky, you’re doing great. Sam stop being a whiny bitch!” You grinned at him when he sends you one of his evil looks.

“I’m not sure that’s a language suitable for a lady”, Steve whispered at you, helping you to shove vegetables into turkey’s ass.

“Well, good thing I ain’t a lady then, Rogers”, you winked at him and he couldn’t help but chuckle. “Ok, close him up and he’s ready for tomorrow!” You exclaimed happily, taking a bite of the carrot from what was left of the turkey’s filling. “We have mashed potatoes, turkey, two extra types of meat, three sauces, a lovely apple pie made by one and only Sam Wilson”, he bowed making you laugh. “Oh and salmon as well.” You jumped excitedly.

Steve couldn’t help but smile warmly at your behaviour. On the field or the training mat you were forceful, merciless, the best sniper he met, and he worked with Bucky a lot. You didn’t blink twice to kill whoever would frighten your friends. And here you were. Acting like a complete kid. It has always been like that. When the mission finished you changed completely. You were this happy talkative, charming and flirting, beautiful woman. Yes. Flirting. He tried not to. But he noticed how your little flirting was a bit more than little with him. Started from talks, smiles and looks, and ended up in touches. He would lie to himself if he said he didn’t like it. He did. Very much indeed.

“Stevie?” Oh, this little nickname you gave him. It was always filled with love. Softness and something he never heard from anyone else before. Oh, how he loved hearing it from you. “Are you back?”

“Back?” He frowned, just now realising that everyone except you and him left the kitchen.

“You went somewhere. In your head, sweety. I called you a couple of times,” You chuckled seeing his confused look. “Never mind. I’m off to bed. We have a long day tomorrow,” you smiled at him and leaned in to give him a kiss on his cheek. “Have a good night, Captain.” You winked knowing quite well what this does to him. You caught him ones inhaling deeply when you called him like that after the mission, and you never forgot about it.

“Goodnight doll.” He sighed, shaking his head in disbelieving. Oh, he was screwed. Very screwed.

There were not many times Steve Grant Rogers was surprised and unable to react quickly enough. There was really not many things that would be able to surprise him. But a woman's body, throwing herself into his bed, jumping like a 5 years old child at 4:35 in the morning was one of those things.

“Jesus, doll!” He grumbled when you tried to wake him up by calling his name and pushing his shoulder. “What happened?” He asked lazily, realizing that nothing bad happened, by the big smile on your lips. “Let me sleep.”

“It’s snowing, Stevie!” He growled and turned towards you in a complete shock.

“You woke me up. On my day off at 4:35 to tell me it’s snowing? Thanks, doll, you can go back to bed. This is what I’m gonna do!” He was about to turn around and close his eyes once again when you caught his hand and started to pull him from the bed.

“But it’s snowing!” You exclaimed visibly annoyed he does not understand. “First snow of the year. Come on!” He took a deep breath and stopped in the middle of the room, making you halt as well. After all, he was a super soldier, way stronger than you would ever be.

“Doll! Just stop for a second and think how stupid this whole situation is…” You looked up at him and he sighed. You were biting your lip nervously. After a while, your gaze landed on the floor and he could no longer feel your warm touch on his wrist. “I hope you didn’t wake no one else…” He yawned and smiled softly at her.

“I’m sorry.” He frowned hearing your broken voice. “I… I really love snow and I wanted to enjoy the first flakes with you... “ His eyes widened at your confession. And he was sure his heart skipped a beat or two. “I… I’m sorry. “ You smiled at him, but he was sure it wasn’t real. Before he was able to react you left the room, closing the doors at his face.

And then it hit him. The memory. From one of the days, you were happily talking to him about your family traditions.

“Watching the first snow together started when I joined SHIELD and didn’t have that much time to spend with my family.” You started cheerfully, smiling at the solemn idea of those times with the people you loved so much. “So we decided that no matter what, no matter where we are, or what we do, we would call each other and look at the snow.” You chuckled. “It’s really personal you know? Snow is something I love deeply and I think that’s why it's so special for me. If I ask someone to join me, this would probably be my kind of confession.” You laughed out loud. “It’s stupid right?”

“Fuck!” He cursed under his voice. Quickly putting some clothes on, a coat, hat, some gloves and a scarf he ran to one place he was sure to find you. The roof. He was such an idiot. How could he screw this up?

“It’s beautiful, right?” he stopped hearing your voice. There you were sitting on the edge of the room, looking at the city. He frowned hearing other voices. It was then he noticed a phone in your hand. “It’s fine. The guys are amazing you know? We are making Christmas dinner tomorrow.”

“Oh, that’s adorable, sweety.” Your mother, what he assumed spoke. She had the same soft voice as you did. He could feel the longing for his only girl and he immediately felt bad for making you stay here. “How about Captain Rogers? I thought you’d ask him to join you for the show.” He froze and swallowed. Was he hearing right? Were you planning on asking him to join you for a while?

“It’s fine… Am… He couldn’t.” You lied, not wanting to go into any details. “He’s…”

“A complete idiot!” You jumped hearing a voice behind you, almost dropping the phone. “A complete, utter moron!”

“Is this Captain America?” a what seemed to be a teenage voice called out. “Can I talk to him, sis?”

“I’ll call you all back.” And not waiting for an answer you ended the phone, staring at the man in front of you. “What… What are you doing here?”

“It's snowing.” He smiled, walking towards you. “I’m such a blockhead!” He chuckled and cupped your cheeks with his gloved hands.” You leaned into his touch, so happy to have him here. “I’m sorry, doll!” You shook your head and hugged him, burying your head in his coat.

“I’m happy you came…” You whispered and not thinking about anything you leaned in and kissed him softly. “Look, Stevie, it’s snowing!” He chuckled, and kissed you back, thanking whatever gods there were, that you chose him to show the first snow.

#justkendingwritingchallenge #Steve Rogers #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers fluff #steve rogers x you #steve rogers x y/n #christmas #but its snowing #Bucky Barnes #sam wilson #You #reader #fanfiction #marvel #MCU fanfiction

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cybernightwanderer · 4 years ago

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The irony of my mom complaining about me “ eating her food” even tought i barely eat at all. And then eating all my back up food.

Since christmas, since that fight where she said i ate her food, even thought i was paying and STILL AM PAYING, and also buying my own food on the side, i then told her i would never eat her food again ( even tho i still pay for it ) Everyday, all day , she enters my room every 1 hour telling me to eat, she sometimes even yells at me to go eat her food. Last week we had a huge fight because she kept yelling at me to eat her food. Other times shes acting all nice and sweet like “ hey i made this come eat “, “ hey i made this go eat “. I usualy stash food on my room , in a big plastic box, canned goods, instant noodles, rice and pasta. My mom has her freezer filled with meat and fish and vegetables, its a whole mess, but its basicly food for a month. And she always says i can keep my food in the fridge or in the pantry etc, however she always ends up eating them in less than 2 days, yogurts? gone, cookies and breand and jam? gone. ( even tho she has her own yogurts and etc,) she decides to eat mine first, in less than two days, even tho its food for a week and a half.... Two weeks ago i told her i was gonna keep frozen fish sticks i bought ( 2 boxes ) in the freezer for my meals. She was like “ ok ok “ Now, lately i havent been eating properly , or sometimes even eat at all. Last week i was gonna make my fish sticks, and i was trying to look for them in the freezer, she started yelling that the freezer was too full and blah blah blah and told me to stop toutching it. So i just made rice and beans. Later that week i asked her if she could tell me where they were because i couldnt find them , she told me “ the freezer is a mess rn i dont know where they are either, ill look for them and give u “. Like i said in the previous post , my brother spends the weekends here and eats a lot and etc. So apparently, they ate my fish sticks for dinner last night, while i just starved in my room because i had nothing to eat. My mom has chicken in the fridge and fish she unfroze. Yet they ate a whole box of fish sticks that were meant for me. She knows i can barely even eat meat rn and fish sticks is pretty much the only thing i can eat, she always complains she doesnt like fish sticks and that she cant eat shit like that . First box is missing, either she gave it to my brother, or ate it , she just doesnt tell me , and if i ask again she will yell like she did the other day. And yesterday they ate the whole box ( 26 fish sticks ), and i didnt even get to eat one, i had to go look in the trash to find my box empty.... I ended up ordering macdonalds with money i dont have. Basicly i went now to the fridge because im really hungry i opened everything, she ate my jam and my bread, and there was no fish sticks in the freezer... I dont even ask why this happends anymore, i dont even question why she behaves and does these kinds of things... I... just dont know anymore.<

I want to die so badly...

#Suicide #depression #domestic violence #domestic abuse

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cmarionthewilkid-blog · 5 years ago

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C.O.N.S.U.M.E.D

What happens when we consume more than we need? What happens when our choices are influenced by societal pressures of how things should be? Part 1 of my reflective journal will aim to provide a glimpse at two weeks of a working mom, head of a house of five, who also coincidentally adds event planner often to her job tasks.

Day 1: I specifically started my consumption journal on Friday, October 25. The day before a large case competition I was hosting on campus. Day 1 starts like most every other day of my life. The 20 minute drive to daycare, followed by the usual ice cap pit stop at Tim Horton’s. This day is special though, with the pressures of ensuring everything was just right for our judges and sponsors. I stroll off to Ferme Beaulieu to spend $328 on gifts. I am thinking that at least I am buying local products (honey, herbs, ketchup aux fruits) and feel pretty great about that. But why do I feel obliged to buy gifts at all? Wouldn’t a sincere thank you be enough? I guess according to Jonathan Porritt (2011), I have fallen victim to consumerism at its best. Somehow, I feel OK about it though.

A quick stop at Dollarama for gift bags, disposable coffee cups (cringe!), and plastic plastic trays. Finally, a $148 trip to Provigo for snacks for the case competitors and coaches. Oops, did I mention the trip to the t-shirt printer to pick up the 60 red printed competition momentos. Let’s add the 250+ pages I printed that day! As I sit here and reflect on the necessities (needs) of running a case competition versus expectations (and wants), I come to the realization that most of what I have purchased is simply there to enhance image.

Day 2 (October 26): Tim’s ice cap (check!). 60 Donuts, 60 pre-packed lunches, 24 cans of Perrier, 60 cans of soft drinks, 40 coffees in disposable cups, 100 plastic glasses of wine. Today, I am completely influenced by materialism and keeping the “image”. Let’s keep in mind that I work for a business school and that comes with some rather large assumptions around how things are supposed to look and be. Not to mention, I am hosting five people from the company who is sponsoring the event, so I need to keep them happy and ensure the event lives up to their expectations. I am reminded of Amitai Etzioni, (2012) and his sentiments about “keeping up with the Jones’”. It is true, when one party sets a certain expectation, we all rise to meet, or better, exceed them.

Today; however, my biggest disappointment was food waste. The boxed lunches were good, but about 25% of people didn’t eat all their meal. Almost 100% of the people didn’t eat the dessert included. We don’t have access to compost, so it went to the trash. Above the clear environmental impact of my event, I am reminded of the fact that one fifth of the world’s richest people consume 45% of all the meat and fish (Shah, 2014). Despite the company providing compostable cutlery and cups, I feel guilty that I sent so many things to the landfill today. To top it all off, Sodexo served a less than stellar menu at the Gala dinner (veal sous-vide). I swear I wanted to eat it, but alas, two bites in and I am done. More to the trash. Exhausted and mentally drained, I wonder to myself where the balance between convenience and waste needs to come into play. Why can’t we have compost stations on campus?

Day 3 (October 27): But first, my ice cap! A friend’s child’s birthday party today so I scramble to get things together. I run to Provigo to grab stuff for mini pizzas to share (forgot my grocery bags, so plastic it is). My friend insisted on no gifts at the party, which I wanted to accept, but quite frankly couldn’t. I’m glad I didn’t because apparently no one else respected it either. I think about this social obligation more deeply (Goodwin, Smith, & Spiggle, 1990). I try my best to make a compromise, we opt for a movie day among friends instead of a traditional gift. I am hoping this small intrinsically motivated action may decrease future landfill waste in the future. Nonetheless, we are filled with waxed juice cups and plates. Back to the Provigo to grab something for the family for supper. I grab peppers in a plastic bag, sausages in a styrofoam package, pasta sauce in a glass bottle, cheese in plastic packaging and pasta in a cardboard box. Nothing much to compost or recycle unfortunately.

Day 4 (October 28): Monday and back to work. Ice cap, yup! I am starting to get quite the collection in my office recycling bin. My boss just commented on it. I guess it is a bit of an eye sore..haha!

Two trips to Provigo today. One at lunch to grab George’s bread, deli ham, Coaticook cheese, carrots and dip. Next stop on the way home from work for supper, chicken, baby potatoes and stuffing.

Day 5 (October 29): If you haven’t guessed by now, ice cap time! Today, my brother (who lives with us) did a fridge clean up. Sigh! I can’t believe how much stuff we threw away. Past date, wilted vegetables, moldy fruits. Why don’t I just throw money directly into the garbage can? Is it normal that the first thing I think about is wasted money? According to a study by Graham-Rowe, Jessop, and Sparks (2014), wasting money is indeed a major motivator to minimize food waste. Inspired by this revelation, I am determined to have leftovers for lunch and transform the chicken salad sandwiches tonight for supper. I don’t even have to stop at Provigo today! WOW!

Day 6 (October 30): IC (that’s all I will say). Wednesdays are always tricky because I am running around and teach a class at night. It is one of those days. I grab lunch at Subway (steak sub, chips and a drink) -> garbage.

Run to Provigo after work and grab steak, carrots, potatoes and gravy from Provigo and throw it in pot to cook. I also realize that I haven’t really bought any candy for Halloween for my students in case class. $65.30 later and we have meat and candies! I’ve also been putting out chocolates outside my office door for students.

Day 7 (October 31): Another ice cap to go please. I don’t even eat lunch today. Now I realize we have no candy for the kids. Drive to Walmart and $68.03, we’ve got goodies. No lunch again, and we go to a friend’s for supper. Off with the 4 year old trick or treating in the rain. She gets a pail of treats, we have 2 boxes of stuff leftover.

Day 8 (November 1): Day of the dead? I think so! Actually order breakfast with my ice cap at Timmy’s this morning. No lunch today. We decide to go shopping after work today as my brother has a 40% discount at L’Equipeur. $218.58 later, my husband enjoys new shoes, jeans, sport jacket, t-shirts, and a pair of sneakers for my mom for Christmas. Oh wait! Marlee needs new winter boots, so $86.22 later, we have new winter boots for her. I also see the cutest dress boots at Marshall’s (fake baby Uggs). I suppose these is what the marketers are hoping for. Top it all off with super for the family at Guido’s. (Wow! I have really been eating like crap!) Day 8 hurt the bank account! Day 9 (November 2): Maybe I should actually buy some groceries for my empty fridge. I sludge off to Provigo early Saturday morning to spent near $200. At least I have meat, veggies, fruits, and some of the other basics for my family to actually live on. Stop at Tim’s on the way home for the usual.

Day 10 (November 3): Beautiful breakfast with family (and an ice cap). Spent the day making food (soup, roasted chicken, pasta sauce, etc....). Trying to cut down on the restaurant stops this week. End up at the library with some dear colleagues from GSE503, so I think another ice cap is in order to stay awake (and leftover Halloween Candy).

Day 11 (November 4): Check that thought. Day went to hell, running late, dead tired, no breakfast, grabbed Rima for supper. Fridge full, but I don’t even care at this point.

Day 12 (November 5): Today is a new day! I started making iced coffee at home! No Tim’s! I actually did not spend $1 today! Why do I feel so great? Apparently it is something referred to as perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE). When is comes to sustainable buying practices, this PCE is influenced directly by guilt and pride. This becomes important because it means that as a consumer, my behaviours could be modified by using emotions (Antonetti, & Maklan, 2014).

Day 13 (November 6): Another no spending kind of day! Feeling all pride and no guilt! Maybe Atonetti and Maklan are on to something!

Day 14 (November 7): Last day of recording! No ice caps and going strong. My husband and I are feeling like we need a little extra family time, so we go out for supper at Mike’s with Marlee. We follow it up by a little Chocolat Favoris. I asked myself why we went to Mike’s again? What a waste! A quick stop by Provigo to grab snacks for my basketball girls. I make an orzo salad plus pull together fruits, yogurt, cheese and granola bars.

Stay tuned for Part 2 to see if I actually made some changes and what this whole process has meant for me. Until then, I leave you on this note: Waiting on the World to Change

REFERENCES

Antonetti, P., & Maklan, S. (2014). Feelings that make a difference: How guilt and pride convince consumers of the effectiveness of sustainable consumption choices. Journal of Business Ethics, 124(1), 117-134. Retrieved from www.jstor.org/stable/24033218

Etzioni, A. (2012). You Don’t need to Buy This. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/FN3z8gtDUFE

Goodwin, C., Smith, K.L., & Spiggle, S. (1990). Gift giving: Consumer motivation and the gift purchase process. In NA - Advances in Consumer Research. 17, eds. Marvin E. Goldberg, Gerald Gorn, and Richard W. Pollay, Provo, UT : Association for Consumer Research, 690-698. Retrieved from http://acrwebsite.org/volumes/7086/volumes/v17/NA-17

Graham-Rowe, E., Jessop, D.C., & Sparks, P. (2014). Identifying motivations and barriers to minimising household food wasteby. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 84, 15-23. doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2013.12.005

Porritt, J. (2011). The trap of materialism. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/DtwXryPNciM

Shah, A. (2014). Consumption and Consumerism: Global Issues. Retrieved from http://www.globalissues.org/issue/235/consumption-and-consumerism

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choiceslife · 6 years ago

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Christmas in Hartfeld (Aaron and Zig Ortega)

Disclaimer: Based upon characters in Choices - The Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior series. All characters presented are the property of Pixelberry Studios. I claim no ownership. This story is purely the work of the poster as fanfiction.

Story Note: This fic is for the #achoiceschristmascarol hosted by @choicesseasonalprompts @blackcatkita and @darley1101 . I’m using the prompt ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, particularly the version by Rumer. This is the result and I hope you enjoy.

Story Rating/Warning: Mature (To Be Safe)/Adult Language and Content. It’s Fluffy, but this story is intended for an Adult audience.

Summary: Zig scrambles to salvage his roommate’s holiday after learning of Aaron’s predicament.

Author’s Note: This story follows the events of my fic, Constant Craving, and takes place before MC heads off to London. It is a part of my Chromatic AU. The link to my Master List is in my bio header.

Tag List: @cinnamonroll-duffy @darley1101 @debramcg1106 @brightpinkpeppercorn @ladynonsense @katurrade @regrettingnathan @teamtomsato @luxurylives @akrenich @kenjikatsoros @riseandshinelittleblossom @kinkykingliam @tmarie82 @jlouise88 @eileendannie @marshmallow-ortega @littlecrookedheart @i-choose-liam @bobasheebaby @boneandfur @europeanguy @walkerismychoice @jellybean-marshmellow @pixieferry @sstee1 @endlessly-searching-for-you @3pawandme

***

Winter break in Hartfeld was always relaxing and peaceful. Gone were the throngs of undergrads packing the local establishments to capacity. In their place, the slower pace of local residents catching their collective breaths from the busy fall semester. Unlike many college towns, Hartfeld residents had a great relationship with the University that resided within its borders. Even still, the quiet downtime of the holiday season was instrumental in maintaining that symbiotic relationship between students and locals.

Zig Ortega was part of a small percentage of Hartfeld University students that grew up in the towns within a few miles of the school’s property. His close proximity to campus was both a blessing and a curse. While it was great that he could get a home cooked meal every night rather than the typical student’s cafeteria fare; it also meant that he wouldn’t get the full college lifestyle by living at home. Thankfully, the Second Chance Scholarship changed all that by coming with a housing stipend that allowed him to live in a campus apartment. Zig loved his mom and sisters, but he was glad to have some independence when he first enrolled.

Being close by also meant that there were less baristas available to work shifts at the coffee shop, so if someone called out, Zig was one of the few around to cover. Which is exactly what happened the week leading up to Christmas.

“I promise I’ll be home on Christmas Eve mom. The shop we’ll be closing early. I’m just gonna stay on campus this week. I worked a double today and I have to be back early tomorrow morning since we’re short staffed.” Zig took long strides up the stairs to his third floor apartment, fishing for his keys as he readjusted his backpack onto the opposite shoulder. “Yes mom.... I love you too. Okay...Bye.”

“Ziggy Pop? What are you doing here?” A shocked Aaron jumped up from lounging on the couch as his roommate entered their living room. Aaron clearly hadn’t expected anyone to be around over winter break. A couple of empty pizza boxes and discarded fast food wrappers littered the coffee table in the living room. Aaron’s appearance was slightly disheveled compared to his usual well kept look, as if he had been stressing over something.

“Brandon called me this morning asking if I could cover his shifts this week.” Zig placed his backpack down on the floor beside the front door. He took in the sight of the clutter around the apartment. Typically the place was spotless. Aaron and Zig were both pretty meticulous about maintaining a clean abode. “Apparently his brother bailed on Christmas and his mom is pretty upset, so he wants to spend more time with her. What are you doing here? I thought you left for home yesterday?”

Panic set in as Aaron began to rub the back of his neck wracking his brain for an answer, any answer, to Zig’s inquiry. But he couldn’t. Aaron knew he finally had to come clean to his roommate and best friend. “I’m sorry Ziggy-O. I should have told you sooner...”

___

“Mijo!” Linda Ortega exclaimed as her only son entered the front door. She wrapped her arms around her strapping baby boy, pulling him away from the bitter cold and darkness outside. Linda hadn’t been expecting Zig to return for another few days based upon their earlier conversation, but when he called with an emergency and needed her help, she didn’t hesitate to take action. “And you must be Aaron,” Linda said to the young man standing behind her son with a small book bag strapped to his back and a canvas laundry bag in his hands.

“Yes ma’am,” Aaron replied as Linda yanked him into a motherly embrace.

“We are so happy to have you with us for the holidays, Love. We put some fresh linens on Zig’s bed, where you’ll be staying. He can take the couch. Oh and there’s a change of clothes in the room as well. Stuff Zig hasn’t worn in a while. They should fit you.”

“You didn’t have to go through all the trouble Mrs. Ortega. I’m okay to take the couch...”

“Oh it’s no trouble at all Honey,” Linda interrupted. “And guests in this house do not sleep on the couch. Zig is totally fine with you taking his room for a few days.” Aaron noticed Ziggy-Pop nodding in agreement as Linda took a hold of the laundry bag in his hands before patting him on the behind and ushering him up the stairs behind her son. “Now go. Zig will show you to your room and you can freshen up. Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes. I’ll get this load of laundry started. And please, call me Linda.”

Aaron smiled brightly at the enthusiastic Mrs. Ortega, before following his best friend upstairs. In that moment, he felt love. Zig’s mom was pure delight and it became absolutely clear just where Zig got his warmth and compassion. Aaron truly lucked out getting assigned as his roommate; he just wished that it could last for Zig’s final semester.

___

The next couple of days were a whirlwind in the Ortega household. Linda and her eldest daughter, Marie, enjoyed cooking and baking with Aaron; Sophie enjoyed getting his advice on which professors’ classes to avoid; and Lucy and Mila enjoyed binge watching Beautiful Tiny Fibbers on WebFlicks with him. For Aaron, it just felt nice to feel like he belonged somewhere again.

Zig returned home one afternoon, a couple days before Christmas, in a fluster. “Aaron. Come on. I need you to come with me to the store. I forgot to grab a gift for Britney and Chris.�� Zig shot a knowing looking to his mother as Aaron retrieved his garments from upstairs. Linda acknowledged her son, ready to set their plan in motion.

“Do you have an idea of what to get them?” Aaron asked as he descended the stairs while pulling on his coat.

“Not a clue. This could take a while.”

“Have fun boys,” Linda bid farewell as her son pulled his friend out the door. She waited until she heard Zig’s car leave before giving her daughters the all clear. “Ok girls. Operation: Merry Zigmas is a go!”

“Really Mom? Merry Zigmas?” Lucy questioned as her oldest sister, Marie, went to grab the new gifts that her mom and brother secretly bought for Aaron the other day.

“Well this was Zig’s idea and Aaron is his best friend,” Sophie answered. “We have been blessed, but Aaron is going through some tough times with his family right now. Zigster just wants him to have a great holiday like the rest of us.”

“Yeah. He’s a sweetheart and deserves to feel loved,” Marie chimed in as she returned with the gifts. “I can’t believe his parents disowned him for being true to himself.”

A brief quiet washed over the Ortega ladies as they contemplated the internal struggle Aaron must have been going through. But soon, they each realized, without saying a word, just how much they wanted to bring joy to his holiday. A flurry of wrapping paper and ribbon soon took over the living room as Zig’s mom and each of his sisters set to wrapping a variety of gifts for their holiday guest; knowing just how important their small gesture would mean to their brother’s best friend.

___

Love, laughter, and Christmas music filled the air of the Ortega household on Christmas Eve. Zig was fortunate that the café owner decided to keep the shop closed today, allowing all of the employees to spend more time with their families for the holiday. And quality family time is exactly what happened all day, afternoon, and evening.

As night set in and the hours got late, Linda finally got everyone’s attention for the final Ortega Family Tradition. “Okay my babies, the time has come for you all to open one gift before Christmas Day arrives. This year, however, I’ll be the one randomly picking the gift from beneath the tree for each of you.” Linda caught her son’s eye and winked as the words left her mouth.

Aaron watched as each of Linda’s children unwrapped the gift she handed to them. Marie received a pair of tickets to next year’s Aurora Music Festival, while Zig was gifted a book on Japanese culture and customs with a link for downloadable language lessons. Each of Zig’s three younger sisters received Surface tablets, which Mrs. Ortega was quick to point out, was to help them with their school studies. Linda then stood before Aaron with a small envelope with his name on it. “Oh Mrs...erm, Linda, you didn’t have to get me anything.”

“Nonsense Honey,” Linda scoffed. “Everyone with the Ortega’s for the holidays partakes in our family traditions.”

“She’s not gonna take no for an answer Aaron,” Zig added with a smile while gesturing for his roommate to open the gift.

Aaron nodded and proceeded to peel open the envelope. Inside was a formal note on fancy letterhead. He was a bit confused, but as he started to read, tears began to form in his eyes.

“What’s it say?” Mila finally asked; the suspense killing her.

Aaron hitched his breath for a moment before speaking. “Prescott Industries is offering to pay my tuition, room, and board for the rest of my time in college. And they’re inviting me to join their Summer Intern Program this summer to see if the company is a good fit for my career goals.” A chill ran down Aaron’s spine as tears streamed his face. He rose from his seat without saying another word and wrapped his arms around Linda. The petite mom hugged the sobbing, athletically built young man as best she could before being joined by her daughters and Zig.

“I hope it’s okay that I told your story to my boss,” Linda said the moment the group hug ended. “He overheard me talking with my co-worker when we were discussing some gifts we could get for you. I left out your name because, well, people don’t need to know your name, but Mr. Prescott was upset with your predicament and just wanted to help. He is such a wonderful man and a fantastic boss.”

“He is wonderful and I can’t thank him enough,” Aaron managed to utter between sobs while trying to regain his composure. “But you and your family... you’re amazing. I never...” Aaron began crying again, unable to find words as he was completely overcome with emotions by the incredible gesture of the Ortega’s and Mr. Prescott. Linda, her daughters, and Zig all encircled Aaron in another group hug and soon his tears turned to laughter. “Thank you all.”

The night wore on and eventually the excitement and joy subsided; being replaced with yawns and tiredness from all of the day’s festivities. Zig hugged each of his sisters and mom goodnight, letting Linda know that he’d clean up the mess in the living room before going to bed. Aaron stayed back to help him.

The two friends scooped up discarded wrapping paper and boxes in relative silence as soft Christmas music continued to play lowly in the background. For a moment, Aaron watched as Zig stuffed the festive remnants into a trash bag. He appreciated everything Zig and his family had done for him, and Aaron realized that it was time for him to tell his friend the whole truth. “I love you,” Aaron blurted out. His face turned three shades of red when Zig turned towards him and Aaron realized that he skipped right over his explanation. He shook his head and refocused his thoughts. “When I came out to my parents, I didn’t say to them ‘I think I might like a guy’ like I told you I did. I told them that I was in love with you. They shamed me. Told me that I was violating your trust as a friend. And then my dad told me that he would not accept a son with an alternative lifestyle.”

Zig dropped the trash bag and wrapped his arms around his roommate as tears began to form once again in Aaron’s eyes. Only this time, Aaron willed them away.

“For years I wanted to tell you Zig, but I felt like I couldn’t risk losing your friendship,” Aaron continued. “And then after how my parents reacted, I thought it would be best to just finish out this semester with you on a happy note; that when you came back from winter break and I wasn’t there would be easier than trying to explain my situation.”

When the words finally stopped flowing, Zig spoke up. “I love you too Aaron. If I’m being honest, I was afraid to tell you my feelings as well.”

The two friends looked at each other; Zig still holding Aaron in an embrace, before softly chuckling at their shared behavior. Had they spoken sooner, they would have realized their mutual love. Aaron got lost in Zig’s eyes as ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ by Rumer began to play softly.

“I love this song,” Aaron commented as he placed his forehead against Zig’s.

“Shall we dance?”

Aaron smiled with a slight nod, before snuggling even closer to Zig. The two men swayed in time with the slow and classic ballad, both happy to finally be honest with the other. All of their fears and worries washed away as the song played because they both knew they finally had each other.

The song came to an end, but Zig still softly rocked with Aaron for a few more moments. When he finally opened his eyes, he realized that the two were standing beneath the festive red and green plant that his mother loved to hang about the house at this time of year. “You know what we’re supposed to do when we’re beneath this don’t you?” Zig inquired as he tilted Aaron by the chin to gaze upon the decor above.

Without hesitation, Aaron crashed his lips to Zig’s, enjoying the softness and the warm sensation from the man he long craved. Aaron savored the taste as he drug his tongue along his partner’s tongue before pulling back slowly. He caught Zig’s lower lip gently between his teeth and playfully nibbled before placing one last quick peck on his roommates luscious mouth. “Damn. I have waited so long for that and it did not disappoint.”

Before Zig could answer, someone cleared their throat behind them. The guys turned to see Sophie sitting on the stairs. “Thought you guys should know, but that’s holly you’re kissing under. The mistletoe is the white and green plant hanging over the couch.” Sophie got up from her seated position and started to make her way back upstairs, before turning back. “I can’t imagine what you two would do with each other under actual mistletoe.” She shot her brother a sly grin.

“Goodnight Sophie,” Zig said flushed with embarrassment.

“Goodnight boys.”

Aaron kissed Zig on the cheek, pulling his attention back from his departing sister. “I know what I’m imagining I’d do to you under the mistletoe,” he chuckled as he pulled Zig onto the couch.

***

(The End)

#achoiceschristmascarol #choices fanfic #choices the senior #zig ortega #long post #playchoices

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hweianime · 7 years ago

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I would call this one: The Fairy Odd Curse

Ok OMG, I want a crack fic where it’s Voldemort who dies and wakes up to like a messed up fairy tale world. And like he’s the prince to Harry’s princess. So his hell is pretty much having to save Harry over and bloody over again. Sometimes he gets magic sometimes he doesn’t.

It’s great because he’s fucking Voldemort so obviously he didn’t read a lot of fairy tales as a kid and therefore has to stumble through most of them blindly. (BTW THIS COULD BE A SNARRY TOO *hint hint*)

Once upon a time, there were two souls connected by fate. An unfortunate connection really. One that could only end with the death of the other. But as a rather barmy old wizard once said, death is just the next great adventure.

Lord Voldemort wakes up in a field. It’s a very nice field all things considered. Soft green grass, daisies, the smell of fresh mildew. The Dark Lord blinks. Huh.

There was a lot of places he was sure he would go, but he was fairly positive heaven was not one of them.

He lifts himself up from where he had been lying and he realizes with a start that these were not the clothes he had been wearing in his death. They were certainly not the sort of clothes he would have wished to wear in the afterlife either, or any life really. Poofy sleeves, and gauche colors lines with gold. He looked like one of those outdated cartoon pictures of a prince.

Tentatively he mapped out his face with his hands, his normal skin colored healthy looking hands. He sighs a little in relief. Fuck, if there was one thing he had really regretted as Voldemort, it was that extra step that made him lose his nose in the process. And also his looks but he wasn’t that vain. It was just... nose.

Voldemort stares quietly at the rolling green hills, his body come to think of it, isn’t the only thing that’s reverted back to its prime. His mind too feels… clearer. Sharper.

Sane.

“Your highness!”

….What?

So the first story is Harry Potter and the Seven Weasleys. Lucius is the wicked stepmother and yes, Harry is fucking Snow White. Skin as white as snow, hair as black as coal and eyes as green as a killing curse.

“No.” Voldemort backed away from the sleeping young man. He looked at the hopeful and worried expressions of seven redheads with freckled faces. “No.” He repeated firmly. Some of the tiny Weasleys began sobbing. As if he cared about these blood traitors’ piddly arse feelings.

“Oy, you gotta your highness.” The youngest boy scowls, “Only true love’s kiss can save Harry now.”

“NO.”

He totally ends up kissing Harry. It’s super reluctant. As is the feelings that tingled in his chest when he does so. Harry opens his eyes and smiles, clearly doesn’t recognize who Voldemort/Riddle is. Voldemort gets kissed by Harry, he doesn’t know why he allows it. He brings Harry back to his kingdom but the moment he steps into the castle grounds the world shifts again and he ends up in another fairytale universe. Rinse and repeat.

EXAMPLES

- The Little Mermaid. Harry’s the little mermaid, Barty Crouch is the evil octopus one since like Polyjuice and such similarities, Flounder is Ron, Sebastian is Hermione cause Sebastian fucking has common sense. Dumbledore would be King Triton.

Prince Tom grits his teeth as this so-called Hariel fails to even understand the simple concept of a fork. He lives under the sea, not under a rock, the idea of spearing something down in a hunt should be something the younger man should be familiar enough with. How in Merlin would they be able to eat otherwise?

Even worse, he’s mute for some reason. Fuck. How does this story end again, for the life of the prince he just could not remember.

- Beauty and the beast- self-explanatory right? All of the talking furniture are Death Eaters. Though omg Lucius would be the candlestick and Severus would be Cogsworth and they all are pretty scared of him because Voldemort can do crucio and other spells. Voldemort at that time was pissed because he realized this cycle was probably not going to end anytime soon. LOCKHART IS GASTON.

“Aren’t you supposed to be interested in the library?” The Beast hisses grumpily. He hates this story. He hates it all the more because apparently, the world has seen fit to give him his previous snake-like appearance rather than go classic. His nose is gone again. Fuck, he hates everything.

Harry stares at the man incredulously, “Your brooms can fly.” He says slowly like Beast was the idiot. If The Beast wasn’t so fearful of the consequences, he would kill Potter right then and there. “Why would I immerse myself in books when I could bloody fly?!”

- Alice in Wonderland, with Tom being Alice, Walburga Black as the Queen of Hearts, Harry being the Mad Hatter or the White Rabbit. I don’t know I don’t remember how this movie went. But I know Tom would be infuriated.

- Peter Pan, but this time Harry is Peter, Ginny is Tinkerbell and Tom is Wendy. Wendy’s brothers can be Lucius and Malfoy I guess, I don’t know, maybe Tom just ditches the brothers. Snape is Captain Hook.

“Want to check out the mermaids?” Potter Pan asks with a friendly smile.

Tom shudders. “No.” He answers firmly. “No more mermaids for at least five more lifetimes.”

Potter Pan quirks a confused but bemused grin, “You’re strange. I like that.”

“Oh.. joy.”

- Mary Poppins where Harry is Harry Pottins. Tom would be the single father of Lucius and Snape. Tom tries to avoid Harry this time but ends up being sucked in to their misadventures despite himself. He also gets insanely annoyed at Sirius the chimney sweep for some reason.

- Enchanted. The prince is Lucius, Harry’s romantic but cynical best friend is Narcissa. Tom’s just grumpy at this point but fairly resigned. Doesn’t even care that he’s a muggle in this one.

- Harry is Rapunzel (Harunzel) and Dumbledore is Mother Gothel and it’s the Tangled version where the horse is Draco Malfoy and the chameleon is Ron. It’s the most Harry-esque character so far so Tom feels a little more heartened.

And then one day, as he makes his way again to save Harry from a tower for what felt like the hundredth time, Harry pops his head out of the open window, looks at him confusedly and says, “Riddle? What the fuck. Is this hell? It feels like hell.” And Tom almost cries because finally Harry has died and he’s no longer alone in this cruel and unusual torture.

+ Hercules

“Huh,” Tomcules mused as he looked at the monster he had defeated in a single hit. “I think I’m warming up to this one.”

“You would.” Megarry rolled his eyes before muttering under his breath, “At least everyone here is wearing a dress, not just me.”

+ Pocahontas

“You look…”

“What?” Harrihontas demanded, “Come on, say it, I know I certainly feel racist just looking at me.”

Captain Tom Smith shook his head, “Not that, it’s just,” He hesitated, “I forgot how well suited tanned skin looks on you.”

Harrihontas blinks, green eyes, it’s always green eyes, bright as the killing curse, light up in surprise. “Oh, thanks.”

They shuffle a bit, a little awkward before Hermione the hummingbird chirps impatiently. The green-eyed native of this unknown land claps his hands and grins as he grabs Tom’s arm, pulling him somewhere, “Well, I say we know each other well enough, now why don’t I show you the colors of the wind?”

+ The Nightmare before Christmas

“Okay, THIS, THIS RIGHT HERE IS THE MOST INAPPROPRIATE ONE EVER,” Harry screamed.

“Calm the fuck down Potter,” Tom tells him calmly as he watches the citizens of Halloween town sing the Halloween song. He’s not going to admit it out loud, lest Harry murder him or stuff someone else’s eyeballs into his empty sockets, but this world was rather fascinating. Plus, he was the best dressed he’s been in a long while. “You’ll tear out those pretty stitches of yours.”

+ Mulan

Where Tom is Chang, Harry is essentially Mulan except obviously the whole crossdressing thing isn’t happening. But, let’s be honest, everything would’ve pretty much happened regardless if Mulan got found out about her gender in the movie so whatever.

“Now this is fun!” Huran whooped as he kicked a hun off the tower.

Tang grunted as he sliced open another enemy, this was admittedly incredibly therapeutic. If only Dumbledore wasn’t the emperor though.

+ Aladdin is Tom, Jasmine is Harry, Hedwig is the fucking tiger, Snape is Jafar, Fudge is the Sultan and the twins are the Genies of the lamp. Because seeing Tom interact with the twins would probs be gold.

THEN THERE ARE MARVEL MOVIES WHICH ARE TECHNICALLY DISNEY

+ Iron Man

“How the fuck is this Disney?!” Tommy Riddle snarled as Harry stuck his hand into the hole in his chest.

Harry shuddered, the unforgiving metal and wires around his limb were warm, “Maybe they bought out another film company? You know, one about... uh... I’m sorry, am I doing this right?”

The billionaire waved his hand irritatedly, “You’re doing fine Potts, I, the man who just spent a decent time being tortured by terrorists, am not.” Tom slung his arm over his face. Harry would say he’s being dramatic again but he is sticking his fist into the guy’s chest so. “I cannot believe I’m missing those out of the blue musical numbers right now.”

“I did like the magic carpet ride.” Harry mused thoughtfully. Tom just groaned.

“I just, can’t we have one where we’re wizards again? One. Just one. I’ve given up on being a dark lord, hell, I think muggles are fairly alright now! Just let me be a wizard again.”

Harry pats the older man sympathetically, with the hand not in his chest, of course, that would’ve been weird otherwise. “Hey,” He says reassuringly, “We were in the Chinese army, I was once apparently a mermaid and you had a mansion filled with people we knew in the form of talking furniture. I’m sure we’ll eventually be wizards again.”

“Let’s bloody hope so.”

+ Stephan Strange

“Hey, you’re going to learn magic again.” Harry tries.

“THIS WASN’T WHAT I HAD IN MIND.” Dr. Riddle snarls as his hands shook harder than an earth tremor with a 9.5 magnitude. “FUCK. MY HANDS.”

So by then, Tom’s already like, half in love with Harry because of his previous princesses selves’ bravery and loyalty and surprising cunning but having the real Harry by his side is what eventually really seals the deal with him.

And so they do more Disney and even not so Disney adventures where sometimes they’ll play along or go out of their way to screw the whole movie over (mainly Tom who likes when Harry complains about ruining what little childhood he had left) until they both realise they’re stupidly in love with each other, confess it, kiss and break the curse. Cuz like, true love, bitch.

“We’re free, we’re finally free,” Tom says bewilderedly. They’re in the Forbidden Forest, he knows this. It haunts his dreams as well as his nightmares enough times. But that doesn’t matter as he watches Harry throw his head back and laugh freely, none of that tinkling bell sounds either, a proper young man’s laugh. Low and throaty and gorgeous.

The former Dark Lord, hero, prince, ogre, prince again and a hundred times more plus a billionaire playboy philanthropist and even the Sorcerer Supreme, felt himself smiling. His smile widens as Harry catches his expression and returns it toothily.

“It’s about bloody goddamn time,” Harry agrees, “What now Tom? Or is it Voldemort again?”

Tom waved off the last bit, “Just Tom, I think I’ve had enough fancy names to last a lifetime or thirty.” If anything, the younger man’s expression brightened at that, pleased at the answer.

“Okay Tom, what’s next for us?”

“Oh Harry, you idiot. Don’t you read fairytales?” The former Boy Who Lived, damsel in distress, princess, secretary, doctor and more, opened his mouth in protest. Unfortunately, or fortunately, nothing came out as Tom Marvolo Riddle leans in and kisses Harry James Potter. It’s not too steamy, not too chaste, something just right. A kiss fit for a princess you could say.

“Now,” Tom smiled against the kiss, “We have our happily ever after.”

Harry laughed delightedly again.

Once upon a time, there were two souls connected by fate. Separated by death. And resurrected by love. This is their story.

#abandoned plot #Tomarry #Harrymort #fanfic #fanfiction #harry potter #voldemort #harry potter slash fiction #slash #slash fic #fairy tales #snarry #snape #tom marvolo riddle #fic #lol #gayyyy

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oneflewovermyhouse · 6 years ago

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Snitches Get Stitches: An Ode to The Elf on the Shelf

You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I’m telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town

That’s it. That is all parents have needed since 1934 when John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie wrote this endearing and menacing ditty to threaten children into the submissive state that is good behavior. It has been recorded more than 70,000 times since its inception, which speaks to the utter desperation of parents everywhere to get their kids to get their proverbial shit together for just one month. For the most part, it works, however fleeting the results are.

For some reason (most likely the desire to cash in on parents’ hopelessness at the holidays), in 2004, Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell decided to write The Elf on the Shelf, a book that looks to be a classic Christmas tradition of yore, but is in fact a modern manifesto that cheerfully serves as a reminder to children young and old that Santa is essentially Big Brother that is reminiscent of the Patriot Act, or at least Facebook. The presence of an omniscient fat man that either delivers toys or coal to kids based on their behavior apparently was no longer enough. Now, he needs a sentinel to literally watch over children to ensure compliance. It was as if we asked kids to believe all these years, they began to doubt the monitoring referenced in Coots and Gillespie’s anthem, we placed a creepy elf doll on the mantle, and those same kids all of a sudden collectively gathered that shit just got real.

The elf watches over the children and reports back to Santa all of the wonderful behavior and deeds that the children have exhibited, right? Well, if he was honest in his reporting, I think Christmas morning would look a little different in most households. I want to honor the traditions of central Europe and host a miniature Krampus on my shelf. Krampus is paired with Saint Nicholas, but instead of rewarding children for good behavior (a seldom occurrence in my house), he punishes the children for ill-behavior in the forms of lashing with branches, eating them, or transporting them to the depths of hell – ya know, jolly stuff. Think about it – if you are good, you may get another video game, however if you are bad, a horned, anthropomorphic figure described as “half-goat, half-demon” with fangs will come for you in your sleep. Put that bastard on your bookshelf, and see how things go.

Ok, so now we have an elf and a book – not all bad. There are rules? Are you kidding? I have to move this damn thing every night to continue the magic, or is it to tell the kids that nowhere is safe? It says Elf on the Shelf; why can he not just sit in one place for the season…on the shelf? Every night, at approximately 11:00, my wife and I look at each other when we realize we have not moved them (yes, we have two), and we utter some four-letter word and argue over whose turn it is to relocate the spies. We used to get creative like everyone else and have them in cute scenarios like eating fruit, hanging from chandeliers, or taking marshmallow dumps, but over the years we have gotten to the point that if we move them to a different room, we deserve Parent of the Year. Hell, my kids have bought them clothes – if that’s not pouring salt on a gaping wound, I’m not sure what is. So, now we have incorporated wardrobe changes into the equation – awesome.

“Oooh look, Twinkles is wearing her sparkly scarf with boots and a snow hat.” “Cool! Jingles is wearing his skis and goggles. But where is his leather jacket?”

I also like coming home after work, and my kids ask me if I found them yet. It takes every ounce of me to not look at them and say, “They’re probably right where I put them last night, unless they truly are magical.” But, I don’t. I look around with my feigned look of curiosity and anticipation until I come upon them in the location where I left them. I make some comment about the mischief the little a-holes have gotten themselves into, and then continue with the afternoon. Magical, right?

The scenarios have gotten especially mundane as well. It’s no longer, “what are they doing today?” but more like, “where are they sitting now?” Besides, how can they keep a watchful eye if they are having a sack race with Iron Man and Barbie? They have work to do; this is no time for play.

At this point, I usually wrap up my blogs with some redeeming feel-good synopsis much like Doogie Howser, M.D. did after every episode as to how he pined over Wanda and chummed it up with Vinnie. Not this time. I hate the Elf on the Shelf. I hate what they stand for. I hate the labor involved in maintaining their “magic”. And, I hate that they “watch” my kids all the time – that’s my job. When we were kids, we were told to behave because Santa is watching. Now, he has a felt-clad army - that retail for $30 at Hallmark – that do his dirty work for him. If I were a kid, I wouldn’t want an elf. Those nosy little bastards have no business spying on me 24/7. Snitches get stitches. #Krampus2019

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malecsecretsanta · 7 years ago

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Merry Christmas, @notcrypticbutcoy!

Read on AO3

*****

The More I Know You (The More I Want To)

Magnus starts it…well not on a whim, per say. But it does just sort of happen one day, when he decides he’s going to restore the old Victorian house he lives in. The house stands on twelve acres of land in western Massachusetts and, while it was beautiful when his parents bought it (long before he came along), it’s since fallen into disrepair.

His parents passed away a year ago, and now every time he walks through the house he’s reminded of its potential. Of the potential they dreamed for it. So he finds himself sitting at the kitchen island one day, eating breakfast and scrolling through tile options on The Home Depot website.

Two hours later, he’s at the cash register with a cart full of tile, glue, faucets, drawer pulls, and curtain rods. The cashier smiles at Magnus as he rings him up. “Big project?” the man asks. His tag reads “Jace.”

Magnus smiles at the blonde teller and nods. “Yes! I’ve decided to update my house and figured I could start in the bathrooms.”

Jace quirks an eyebrow. “All on your own?”

“Actually, I was wondering if you knew any good handymen. I was going to look online but thought I might try word-of-mouth first.”

As Jace pushes buttons on the screen and tells Magnus his final total, he nods. “Actually, my brother, Alec, does some housework. He’s pretty good, helped me rewire my house last year. I can give you his number if you want?”

Magnus pays and loads his haul back into the carriage. “That would be fantastic.”

Jace grabs a slip of paper and writes down a ten-digit number. “Have a wonderful day,” he says with a smile, handing over Alec’s number.

---

“Hi, is this Alec?” Magnus paces in the small area of the first floor bathroom, stalling at the sink before turning and running into the half-demolished tub-slash-shower mess. He runs his hand through his already disheveled and plaster-dust-filled hair.

“Speaking…”

Magnus tilts his head back, eyes closed in silent thanks. “Jace at The Home Depot gave me your number. You’re a handyman, right?”

“That I am!” the voice on the other line confirms. “Do you have a project you need help with?”

Magnus chuckles. “Uh, you could say that. I’m knee-deep in some renovations and have discovered that not only is this a lot harder than I thought it would be, it also requires two people. And one of those people needs to have some basic knowledge of how to demo properly.” He closes his eyes again. “You wouldn’t happen to be free today to help me? I’m kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. And I mean that almost literally.”

“Sure…but do you want to know my rates first so you can—?”

Magnus cuts him off. “Not to be rude, but if you’re as good as I need you to be then I’ll pay you whatever you want. I’m in quite the pickle right now and could use you ASAP.”

Alec pauses and then Magnus hears him ask, “What’s your address?”

---

Magnus….Magnus did not expect Alec to be this attractive. He just kind of stands there, looking at the exceedingly handsome, well-built Alec, while the handyman stands in the entrance of the bathroom surveying the damage. Magnus tries not to stare at the muscles peeking out from beneath the sleeves of Alec’s black tee or at the toned legs shown off by Alec’s jean shorts. And he tries valiantly to keep his cool when Alec turns his teenage-dream-boat eyes to Magnus. He fails epically.

“This is a lot of damage already for such a small person,” Alec remarks, a hint of a joke in his tone.

Magnus blinks at him. “I promise to not take offense to that if you promise to help even now that you’ve seen the damage.”

Alec grins at his new boss and nods. “Fair enough. Sounds like a deal to me.” He steps over the huge pile of tiles (using his long legs that have not gone unnoticed by Magnus because damn) and stops in front of the shorter man. “So you’re trying to replace the…?” He quirks his eyebrow, waiting for Magnus to fill in the gaps.

Magnus smiles. “What, you can’t tell by the mess?” His grin falls and he shrugs. “Ok fine. No, you can’t tell by the mess. I was hoping to replace the shower unit with tile instead of that ugly white plastic. Also the faucet in the sink, the drawer pulls on the cabinet, the showerhead….there’s something I’m forgetting…oh! The flooring!” He looks down at his feet and taps the toes of his shoes against the bright blue ceramic tile. “Ugly fucking floor,” he mutters under his breath.

Alec must hear him, because the next thing Magnus knows, the man is guffawing. The sound resonates around the small room and Magnus can’t help but join in, the sound contagious. “That really is a lot of damage for someone with no experience.”

“How do you know I don’t have any experience?” Alec quirks an eyebrow and Magnus nods. “Point taken. So? Where do we start?”

Alec grins. “Well, we start by you stepping over this pile and leaving me to work on this.”

Magnus frowns. “Well, I sort of wanted to work on this, too.”

Alec nods. “I understand, but there’s really only enough space in here for one person…and that person needs to have a clue what they’re doing.” He surveys the damage again, thinking. “How about this? I’ll work on clearing this out while you do…whatever you want to do. And when I’m ready to start laying the tile down you can come in and tell me where you want things to go. And you can help lay the tile if you promise to do it exactly how I tell you to.”

“I suppose that’ll work. I’ll just be in the office, then.” He turns to leave and then reverses course. “You’ll come get me?”

Alec looks up from where he’s squatting down, hands full of plaster. “Of course I will. These tiles are heavy and I don’t feel like bending to pick them up. I could use an assistant.” He winks at Magnus and then turns to get to work.

---

“So what prompted the renovations?” Alec asks an hour later.

Apparently, he wasn’t kidding about the helping, and Magnus hands him another tile before responding. “My parents have been gone for a year and I grew up in this house with them. I had the money and the time and I guess I wanted to honor their investment by making it a little nicer.” He shrugs. “The house hasn’t been the same since they died.”

Alec looks up at him after placing another tile on the wall. “I’m sorry if I brought up any negative emotions.”

He looks sincere and so Magnus smiles wanly. “You didn’t know. It’s ok…this house holds a lot of great memories for me. And honestly I think they would want me to do this. They always complained about how the house was falling apart.” He bends to pick up another tile and tilts his head as he looks at the ones on the wall. “Do those look crooked to you?”

Alec’s eyebrow shoots up. “My work is perfect. Your head is crooked.”

Magnus grins and hands him the tile. They work in silence for a while longer. Magnus’ stomach growls loudly and he inspects the time on his phone. “Can I get you anything for lunch?”

Alec, who crouches over a plastic jug to mix grout, pauses to look at Magnus over his shoulder. “You don’t have to do that.”

Magnus waves him off. “I’m going to order sandwiches from a shop in town and go pick them up. What would you like?”

“A BLT? Mustard, no mayo. And a Pepsi?”

Magnus grins. “Got it. Will you be ok here until I get back?”

Alec nods and turns back to mixing the grout. “I’ll be here. Might be able to finish up the shower before you get back.”

“Perfect! I’ll see you in a bit.”

---

On the drive to town Magnus realizes two very important things. The first is that he’s going to need to keep Alec around for a while because this is going to take a lot longer than he expected. And the second is that, if he’s not extremely careful, he could find himself falling headlong in love with Alec.

He lists all of the adjectives he thinks describe Alec (gorgeous, witty, intelligent, gifted, strong, compassionate) in his mind while he pays for the sandwiches and then spends the entire car ride back wishing he hadn’t. Because Alec is exactly the type of guy Magnus would fall for and he seriously can’t spend the next few weeks ogling his handyman at every turn.

He thinks, though, as he hands over the sandwich to Alec who takes it with a smile, that they could become friends.

---

“Did you have a plan at all when you started this?” Alec asks over lunch. In the time Magnus was gone, Alec managed to redo the tile in the shower. He’d emerged triumphantly when Magnus arrived with the sandwiches, taking his lunch gladly and proclaiming his genius.

“Of course I did. I wouldn’t start a project without a plan or an end goal.” He shrugs and takes a sip of his soda. “I just underestimated how much work it would be.”

Alec nods. “That’s what they all say.”

“How long have you been a handyman?”

“It’s been a while. I finished high school and my parents tried to push me down one path but I ended up forging my own. I’ve always been good with my hands.”

Magnus bites his tongue on the many lines of innuendo he wants to spew out. Instead he comments, “The bathroom does look great so far. When you’re finished with that do you think you can help me reno the kitchen?”

Alec looks around at the vintage cabinets, the art deco ceiling, the granite countertops. “Uh…what is it you want to renovate in here?” he asks dubiously.

Magnus sets down his sandwich. “I’ll show you.”

Twenty minutes later Alec is shaking his head and batting at Magnus’s hands to push him back and away from the plans on the table. “First of all, this ceiling is amazing and you just can’t do anything with it. And the cabinets are perfectly fine so don’t touch those either.” He starts to sketch something and cuts off Magnus’s protests. “You can, however, move the island back farther and do something with this wall separating the kitchen and the living room. It’s not load baring and it would open the space up more.”

“And I suppose you could do all this?”

Alec looks up with a smile. “I could, but it’ll take some time. You might be stuck with me for a month or so.”

Magnus shrugs nonchalantly, even though his smile ruins it. “I can think of worse things.”

---

Magnus likes having Alec in the house. He likes it a lot. Alec is even more amazing after two weeks than after two hours. So far, Magnus has helped him finish laying the tile on the bathroom floor, change the showerhead and faucet, and dismantle the current island in the kitchen. And they haven’t stopped talking the entire time.

“Is ‘Alec’ short for anything?”

“Yeah, Alexander.”

Magnus snorts. “Alexander the Great. What a fitting title.” He grunts as he shoulders one end of solid oak used in the construction of the kitchen island. On the other end of the plank Alec just shakes his head and lifts one hand to brush his hair from his eyes. He holds the plank easily in one hand.

“Lift with your knees, Magnus,” Alec says instead of retorting. Magnus just huffs.

While they’re covering the furniture in the living room with tarps to protect from demolition dust Magnus gets curious about Alec’s business. “So, you’ve been here Monday through Friday from ten until five for the past two weeks.”

Alec looks up at him over the back of one of the sofas. “Yes?”

“Do you not have any other clients?”

Alec smiles and looks down at his hands, smoothing out the tarp. “None that are this much fun to work with. Plus, the renovations you’re doing now are extensive enough that I don’t need to take on any other jobs at the moment.”

“So I have you all to myself.”

It’s kind of said in an undertone and Alec isn’t quite sure if he’s supposed to hear it. But he still smiles and says, “I guess you do.”

Magnus looks up at him. “What would you like for lunch today?” he asks instead of commenting on what may have been (what he hopes was) a moment between them.

---

Magnus cackles wildly as he brings down the sledgehammer against the wall once again. Dust and debris flies everywhere, ricocheting off the safety goggles Alec made him wear. His eyes are bright with joy when he looks over at Alec.

“Having fun?” Alec asks. He’s got his arms crossed over his chest like he’s waiting for Magnus to get tired and for the real demolition to begin. But he has a wide smile on his face and Magnus thinks they’ve crossed another threshold in their friendship. There’s something about the smile, like it’s a mixture of fond and fed-up that can really only be achieved once feelings get involved.

Magnus presents the hammer to Alec. “That was the most fun I’ve had in years.”

“You definitely need to get out more.” Alec keeps smiling as he says it, though, and takes the hammer. “Please stand back while the real professional works.”

Magnus rolls his eyes. “And when does she show up?”

Alec pauses with the hammer on his shoulder. “Are you questioning my abilities while I have a sledge hammer on my shoulder?”

Magnus chuckles. “No, of course I’m not,” he sarcastically tosses over his shoulder as he saunters out of the room. He can just barely hear the sound of Alec’s laughter over the hammer hitting plaster.

---

“So Jace tells me you haven’t taken any other clients in two months,” Isabelle says easily around her mug of coffee.

Alec rolls his eyes. “I’m allowed to run my business however I want to.”

“Run it straight into the ground for all I care. What I want to know is who is this mystery guy?”

“He’s…I don’t know, Iz, he’s great.” Alec blushes and takes a sip of coffee while Isabelle squeals in delight. “I’ve never met someone quite like him.”

“You like him! That’s amazing, Big Bro! Have you put the moves on him yet?” She waggles her eyebrows.

“It’s…there hasn’t been a right time. We’re just friends right now. Close, but friends.”

Isabelle rolls her eyes. “There’s gotta be more than that if he keeps making up projects for you.”

Alec shrugs. “The kitchen is almost done. He’s probably just going to pay me for that work and then send me on my way.”

“Yeah, but if he doesn’t that means that he still wants you around. Just go for it!”

Alec sips his coffee. “Maybe.”

---

“Do you think you can help me renovate the master bathroom and bedroom?” Magnus asks one morning while Alec’s measuring out the wood for the kitchen island. He’s standing in the (one unaltered) doorframe clutching his cup of coffee to his chest.

Alec looks up at him. “It’s going to be another few weeks of work.”

Magnus takes a sip of his coffee. “Good. I’ve started to enjoy having you around.”

Alec smiles, his heart skipping a beat, and looks down at the wood in his hands. “Why don’t you put that coffee down and come help me measure?”

Magnus snorts. “Right, cause that went so well the first time.”

“Just shut up and come over here.”

Magnus rolls his eyes but he’s smiling once he makes his way through the construction and debris. “Where do you want me?”

Alec grabs his arm and gently pulls him over where he’s standing. His arms form a cage around Magnus and they’re standing chest to back facing the wood. Magnus stops breathing. “This is your ruler,” Alec states, lifting Magnus’s left hand and placing it on the metal ruler. “And this is your pencil.” Alec folds a pencil into Magnus’s right hand. “Put the ruler on the end and measure six inches in.”

Magnus is hyper-focused on Alec’s touch surrounding him, his warm hands on his and his warm chest pressing into his back. He can even feel Alec’s breath on his ear as he leans over his shoulder. “Here?” Magnus asks, pressing his pencil down.

“Right here is perfect,” Alec replies quietly.

Magnus reads the double meaning in the statement and tries not to blush too furiously as he makes the mark. “Well this has all been very educational—“ he begins, turning in Alec’s arms. He’s stopped by their proximity, faces now inches away from each other, and looks down at Alec’s lips distractedly.

“I’ve always been told I’m a good teacher,” Alec says lowly, also staring at Magnus’s lips. His tongue comes out to wet his as he leans down toward Magnus, pulled by the gravity between them.

Magnus wants to lean in and seal their lips together but something is still holding him back. He leans away with a small apologetic smile. “I need to go do some of my own work. Thanks for the lesson.” He nudges past Alec’s arm and walks away but can’t help turning around and checking on Alec before he leaves the room. “Maybe you can teach me something else tomorrow.”

Alec looks up with a smile on his face. “I’ll be here for a while, right? Plenty of time to show you everything I know.”

Magnus picks up his mug and walks out of the room. He pauses in the hallway to lean his head against the wall and just breathe.

---

“Do you like him?” Catarina asks him over the phone. Magnus can hear the smirk in her voice.

“Gee, let’s think. I’ve been talking about him non-stop for three months and I keep making up projects so he’ll stay. Yeah, Cat, I think I like him.” He pauses, reconsiders, admits “I think I love him” in a quieter voice, full of vulnerability.

“Oh, honey, you’ve got it bad. But if you feel this way why haven’t you told him? You said he’s made moves on you, right?”

“Yes…”

“Well, why don’t you just let it happen?’

Magnus sighs and thumps his head back on the guest room bed. He’s been using this room since they started master bed and bath renovations. “I don’t know. Because I’m afraid it’ll end badly? What if he doesn’t love me, too, Cat?”

“Sounds to me like he does.”

“Maybe…”

Catarina sighs. “You want my advice? Go get him. Next time he makes a move don’t run away from him just go with it. I’m willing to bet you won’t be disappointed.”

Magnus nods. “You’re probably right. Thanks dear.”

She snorts. “Of course I’m right. Why else would you be calling me? Love you!”

---

Ultimately, it’s Magnus’s decision to rewire the house that brings them together. It’s…not his best idea. And he’s lucky Alec was coming over on his day off just to spend time with Magnus because something goes terribly, horribly wrong.

Alec pulls into the driveway just as lights in the living room start to flicker. He throws the truck in park and bolts into the house, his feet barely touching the ground. He finds Magnus lying on his back in the living room. When he presses his fingers to his neck he can’t feel a pulse.

Alec’s heart almost stops beating at the thought that Magnus might be dead. He dials 911 and puts the phone on speaker as he starts CPR. “911, what is your emergency?”

“I’m at 1149 Harkness Road. There’s a thirty-year-old man who was trying to rewire his house and got shocked. I can’t feel a pulse and I’m doing CPR,” Alec speaks quickly but clearly as he presses down on Magnus’s chest. The emergency service technician is speaking to him but he’s not listening, focusing entirely on keeping Magnus alive.

“Damn you,” he mumbles under his breath. Magnus doesn’t respond. Alec pulls back, takes a deep breath, and seals his lips around Magnus’s, pushing air into his lungs. He takes another breath and does it again before going back to compressions. “Come back to me,” he begs.

He gets through two more sets before panic starts to set in. He presses harder on Magnus’s chest and sends a prayer out to the universe before pressing his lips to Magnus’s again.

He doesn’t realize what’s happening at first. But then Magnus’s tongue presses against his and he’s now no longer performing mouth-to-mouth. Now it’s a full-on kiss. He pulls back with wide eyes and stares down at Magnus.

“You’re alive!” Alec breathes. “He’s alive!” he says loud enough for the phone to pickup even as he hears sirens in the distance.

Magnus blinks up at him, stunned. “What happened? Were you kissing me?”

Alec shakes his head. “You idiot.” And then he leans down and kisses Magnus properly because his heart is beating a mile a minute and he almost just lost this imperfect and ridiculous human and he can’t bear that thought. So he kisses Magnus softly and brushes his hair back from his forehead when he pulls back.

The paramedics come in after that and Alec follows them to the hospital. He waits for an hour until they’re done checking Magnus over and he can go into the room. “So apparently I have no idea how to rewire a house,” Magnus says sheepishly.

Alec shakes his head. “You scared me.” He walks over to the bed slowly, still talking. “What the hell were you thinking? Were you even thinking? You could have died, Magnus. Do you understand? I told you not to touch the wiring. Will you ever listen to me?” He reaches the bed.

Magnus grabs him by the shirt and reels him in for a kiss, because all he heard in Alec’s entire speech were the words I love you repeated over and over in six different ways. “I’m sorry,” he whispers against Alec’s lips.

“Moron,” Alec replies, though the insult is diminished by the fondness in his voice and the smile on his face.

A tiny voice sounds at the door behind them. “Knock, knock.” Alec turns to see an adorable nurse (she’s so tiny and there’s no way she’s much older than Alec) standing in the doorway looking sheepishly at them. “Sorry, gentlemen, just need to check on Mr. Bane here.” Alec steps back from the bed and she smiles at him. “Excuse me.”

“Do you think I’ll live?” Magnus asks, all serious. Alec wants to reach out and choke him. Too soon he mouths behind the nurse’s shoulder.

“Just barely, thanks to the person who saved your life,” the nurse responds, tilting her head in Alec’s direction. Alec nods in a ‘she knows what’s what’ sort of way. Magnus just grins at him.

“Am I cleared to leave?”

She shakes her head. “Not just yet, sorry. The doctor wants to keep you overnight to be certain you’re ok. I’m the overnight nurse on call, so if you need anything just press the button and ask for Clary.” She turns to Alec. “Good work saving him. I’ve known him all of five seconds and I can already tell he’s a pain.” She winks at him and walks out.

“Hey! What about bedside manner?” Magnus calls after her.

Alec chuckles. “Well I guess I’ll leave you to rest up for tonight. I’ll come back tomorrow to pick you up after they discharge you?”

Magnus nods and reaches out a hand. “Thank you for saving my life,” he says sincerely. “And I solemnly swear to never touch live wires ever again.” He squeezes Alec’s hand. Alec squeezes back and then they just sort of stay like that, looking at each other, until Magnus breaks first and bites his lip. “So, the kissing thing is nice,” he says.

Alec smiles back. “It’s much better when you’re fully conscious and not trying to lick my tonsils.”

Magnus drops his hand to throw both of his into the air. “I try to say one nice thing and you have to go and be all sarcastic about it.”

Alec’s laughing, though, and pulling Magnus’s hands back down onto the bed. “Calm down or they’ll keep you for longer than a night. Yes, the kissing is nice. And when I bring you back home tomorrow maybe we can continue it horizontally.”

Magnus quirks an eyebrow. “Oh yes, I think that can be arranged.” They lock eyes for a second and then both break down into laughter.

“I should go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Kiss for the road?” Magnus asks. Alec bites his lip and then leans down to kiss Magnus gently but thoroughly. “Damn,” Magnus whispers when he pulls back.

“Rest up,” Alec demands as he heads out of the room. He can’t fight the grin on his face.

When he gets to the parking lot, Alec pulls out his cell phone and calls his brother. “Hey, Jace, I need your help tonight. Think you’re up to pulling an all-nighter for the job I’m working?”

---

“So this is Magnus, huh?” Jace asks, studying the family picture on the wall. Alec remembers Magnus telling him about it, the happy photo of him and his parents smiling and laughing together. It was a candid photo during the last family photography session they ever had.

Alec stops next to Jace, arms full of wooden planks, and smiles. “Yeah, that’s Magnus.” He’s so happy in the picture, face lit up with joy, that Alec can’t help but smile.

Jace catches the expression on his face and rolls his eyes. “You’re so fucking in love it’s disgusting.”

Alec slaps him with the boards. “Shut up and follow me.”

They work through the night, finishing the painting and laying the wooden flooring. Alec already finished the master bath a week ago and the lighting in the room is done. All in all it looks warm and homey, even without furniture. “Not bad,” Jace says with a nod as he surveys their work.

“Come on, let’s work on the kitchen island while everything dries and sets.”

By the time eleven am rolls around and Magnus is texting Alec for a ride home, the furniture is back in the master bedroom and the kitchen island is three-quarters finished. Alec claps Jace on the shoulder. “Thanks for the help.”

Jace, expression exhausted, just nods. “Only because you love him.” He points at Alec. “And only because he almost died. You know you’re going to have to fill Izzy in about all this eventually, right?”

Alec groans and ushers Jace out of the house, locking up quickly. “Maybe if I stay away and keep hiding she’ll never know?”

Jace chuckles. “Like that would ever work. She’s Izzy.”

Alec waves him off and climbs into his car to head to the hospital. He parks in the lot and finds Magnus checking out at the front counter. Alec also notices a familiar head of red hair. “Hi, Magnus,” Alec says as he walks up to them.

“Hi Alec!” the nurse, Clary, greets. “Magnus and I were just talking about you. Well…we kind of didn’t stop talking about you all night.”

Alec’s eyebrows shoot up and he turns his gaze on Magnus, who’s looking sheepishly back at him. “I was bored. You know how it is. And it was a slow night for her so Clary and I stayed up chatting.” He yawns. “And as a result I didn’t get much sleep. The guest bedroom still has a mattress for me when we get home, right?”

Alec thinks of the surprise he has for Magnus but nods anyways. “Yeah, it’s still there until the master is finished.” He smiles at Clary. “Sorry he kept you from your work. Magnus doesn’t really have a concept of other people’s time.”

Magnus rolls his eyes and scoffs while Clary just giggles. “Oh, please, Alexander. Clary and I are great friends. She even added me on facebook.” He takes Alec’s hand and laces their fingers together. “But you are right. We should get home. It was lovely to meet you, Biscuit.” Magnus wraps his free arm around Clary and then lets Alec pull him away.

“How are you feeling?” Alec asks on the drive home.

Magnus shrugs. “Like I got electrocuted, died, and was brought to life by my boyfriend.”

Alec looks at him. “So we’re dating?”

Magnus rolls his eyes. “Unless you kiss every person you work for.”

“You mean you don’t kiss everyone who works on your house? My brother’s going to be so offended.”

Magnus scoffs but then hones in on part of Alec’s sentence. “Wait, when did your brother work on the house?”

Alec shrugs noncommittally and doesn’t respond. Magnus frowns but drops it. They’re almost home anyways.

---

“You’re kidding.”

Alec’s standing behind Magnus, arms wrapped around his waist and head lowered to rest his chin on Magnus’s shoulder. “Jace, my brother, helped. Do you like it?”

Magnus spins in his arms and locks his hands together around Alec’s neck. “I almost died and you saved me and yet instead of waiting for me to do something for you, you came here and did something for me?” Magnus pulls him down and kisses him. “Of course I like it.”

Alec leans down to kiss him again, except Magnus yawns and breaks the moment. He looks sheepish and sorry about it, but Alec can’t help the fond smile that breaks out on his face. “Let’s take a nap,” he suggests.

Magnus nods and slides out of his embrace. “A nap sounds like exactly what I need.” He kicks off his shoes before walking into the finished bedroom and walks into the closet to change into pajama pants. Before he gets too far with changing, he grabs a pair of his larger sweatpants and throws them out to Alec.

They climb into bed together; Magnus curls up against Alec and shivers at how warm his body is. They fit together easily and being in bed like this is just as easy as every conversation they’ve had since Alec saved Magnus in his bathroom all those weeks ago. Alec kisses the top of Magnus’s head and smiles down at him.

Magnus pulls him closer. “I think this is the start of a beautiful relationship,” he mumbles sleepily.

Alec chuckles. “Just go to sleep.” But there’s a smile in his voice and on his face, and he pulls Magnus just a little bit closer. Right before Magnus dozes off, he hears Alec whisper, “I’m so glad I didn’t lose you.” And he thinks he might hear Alec whisper, “I love you,” but he’s already half-passed-out and it might be his imagination.

Alec stares down at Magnus, running his fingers through his hair and thinking about what he just said to this man. The words feel heavy in his mouth, but still right. “Maybe I’ll tell you for real when we wake up,” Alec muses. He doesn’t think for much longer, though, as his own sleep deprivation pulls him under.

It’s the best either of them has slept in a long time.

#notcrypticbutcoy #malecsanta17 #*fic17 #*gifts17

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pagesofkenna · 7 years ago

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ok so my mom has been enamored with the Principality of Sealand ever since i was into APH and learned about its existence and told her about it. so one year she told us she wanted us to buy her an honorary title from the Sealand government, because that’s a thing they let you do and it’d mean she’d get to be a Lady and like what else could one possibly strive for in life?

and my dad was super confused but he also never knows what to get us as gifts so when mom asks for stuff he gets it because shrug i guess. so we went to the website together and he was like is this for real, and i had to show him what to do, so her birthday gift that year (i think it was her birthday) was the deed of noble title and she went around telling everyone she was now a Lady (and bought herself a little desk flag)

then (i think for Christmas) my brother and his girlfriend bought her a really effing fancy tiara and a keychain with the Sealand coat of arms to honor her new title. they made a huge show of it and my mom understandably loved it and she keeps the tiara in a cushioned jewelry box and takes it out for special occasions

and yesterday before going to work i got a call from her, she teaches first grade and apparently had been reading a story to the kids about a princess and thought to herself, ‘oh i can one-up this picture book’. so she calls me up and says, child of mine, before you go to work could you please bring me my Sealand flag, and my tiara?

and she must’ve been on speaker phone because as soon as she said that I heard every single girl in her classroom gasp loudly

(i brought her the tiara but her kids were at recess so i didnt get to formally present it to her in front of them, but she did put it on in the front office and dazzle some of the office ladies with her claims to nobility)

#anyway if you ever hear my family talking very seriously about Sealand its because theres a History #the kids at moms school do an around the world kinda play towards the end of the year #with flags from all different countries hanging on the stage #and my mom always makes sure theres a Sealand flag in her group #story time #about me

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travelingtheusa · 6 years ago

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TEXAS

30 Jan 2019 (Wed) – We packed up and left Abilene around 10 a.m. We drove over 200 miles to Seminole, right on the border between Texas and New Mexico. During the drive, we went past miles of oil pumps slowly rising and falling as they pull the oil out of the earth. We went past a very large oil field, and at times, could even smell petroleum in the air. The place we are staying has about ten cabins and ten campsites. All but one of the campsites was taken and all the cabins were rented by workers in the oil fields. The sites and cabins are all in a line right next to the main highway. The traffic noise was very loud all night long. On the other side of the row of campsites were a large field plowed under and a large refinery in the distance. There was a tower with a flame burning on top. That always seems to me to be a big waste of fuel. The place stunk of petroleum.

After we got set up, we drove over the border to Hobbs, NM for dinner. We ate at the Cattle Baron Steak & Seafood House. The food was OK but not as good as other places we’ve been to.

Bonnie had diarrhea today. We fed her a can of salmon and mackerel for breakfast. It didn’t sit well with her. She’s been doing so well with the limited ingredient foods. Apparently, fish is not good for her.

29 Jan 2019 (Tue) – We disconnected the water hose last night because it was projected to drop below freezing. I put the water pump on this morning and jumped into the shower. Just as I began to rinse the shampoo out of my hair, the pump quit working. I’m standing there with soap suds streaming down my face hollering for Paul. He threw on his coat and ran out to reconnect the hose only to find the faucet still frozen. I then had to take two bottles of drinking water to finish rinsing off my hair and body. That was quite a shower!

We drove into Abilene today and toured Frontier Texas!. It was a unique museum that told the history of how Texas was settled. There was a recounting of Indian settlement, Indian on Indian wars, white settlers, Indian on white wars, buffalo hunting, and outlaw activities. Stations throughout the museum had hologram-like pictures of different personalities who told stories of what they personally experienced. Of all the museums we have toured during our five and a half years on the road, Frontier Texas! is among the best.

Next we went to lunch at the Hickory Street Café. It was located in a historical house. We both had chicken salad on a croissant. I also got a broccoli and parmesan soup but it was more like a flour paste.

After lunch, we drove back into town to tour the Grace Museum. The building was originally built as the Hotel Grace, named after the owner’s daughter. The hotel was sold in the early 1940s but the town began to degrade shortly thereafter as people moved away. It was renamed the Drake Hotel and operated until 1970. Then it was abandoned for 15 years. Like all these historical buildings, it was taken over, renovated, and opened as a museum. The first floor had some art and sculptures on display. The second floor had a children’s area that was kind of fun to play around. The third floor had a photo exhibit of the city’s architect and an area that showed what a 1920, 1928 and 1948 kitchen and parlor looked like. It reminded us of the G.E. Carousel of Progress in Disney World. They need to compare those kitchens to one from today.

As we were walking back to the truck, we spotted the Paramount Theater down the street. The woman at the Visitor’s Center in Frontier Texas! had mentioned it. The theater was opened in 1930 and has been beautifully restored to its previous grandeur. There was a large stage and all the chairs were upholstered in red velvet. There was an upper mezzanine and a bar lounge downstairs in the basement.

28 Jan 2019 (Mon) – We sent into the Elks Lodge at 10 a.m. to see if our mail had shown up yet. The secretary had a chip on her shoulder a mile wide and was on some kind of power trip. She came in and just walked past us; didn’t acknowledge us at all. Then she disappeared for over 20 minutes. She came back and walked into the office without saying anything to us – again. We went to the door of the office – which was locked – and knocked. She answered with a pissed off look on her face. When we asked if any mail had arrived, she walked outside to look in the mail box. This was just a show because the mail had not come yet. The mail had been forwarded from Escapees almost two weeks ago. They had sent two envelopes. Only one arrived. That one was given to us by someone else who was in the office at the time Paul asked for it. He took it out of a box sitting in the office. When we later asked about the box, the secretary said that was just garbage. She refused to look.

So, with an envelope missing, we said goodbye and left Dallas at 10:45 a.m. It was a 5-hour drive to Abilene. I called the VFW RV Park to make a reservation but the number was busy, busy, busy. I finally went online to search for another number. I got another phone number and when I tried the number, I got another campground just down the road from the VFW RV Park. It is called Phil’s Boys Estates. The man who answered said they had some RV sites available. Knowing the VFW Park was probably full, we made a reservation and drove to Phil’s Boys.

They are in the process of establishing a mobile home park. There is a large area with electrical and water lines being run. Along the side and back fence are sites for RVs to back in. A few single width mobile homes have been placed in the front of the gated park. We have full hookups but no laundry facilities and Wifi.

After getting set up, we drove into town to do the laundry. We waited in the truck while it washed, then ran out for dinner while the clothes were in the dryer. We went to a Mexican restaurant called Abuelo’s. It was an upper end style restaurant. The chips came with three salsas. The plates were huge; more like platters. The plates were so hot that I actually got a second degree burn blister on my arm when I accidentally brushed against the plate. The food was way more than we could eat. We ate half and took the rest home.

27 Jan 2019 (Sun) – We drove to Bass Pro Shop today to have lunch in Islamadora Fish Company. It is amazing that Bass Pro Shop is basically a department store and has so much in it. We wandered around they had were red wines. We were annoyed with the lady’s attitude anyway so we left. We saw some model homes on the way back to the camper and stopped to tour them. They were 4,000 to 5,000 SF and sold for around $450,000. They would probably cost $700,000 to $800,000 back in New York.

We then stopped at Kroeger to pick up groceries and at PetCo to get some pet food, then returned home.

26 Jan 2019 (Sat) – We drove to the Frontiers of Flight Museum. It was smaller than most plane museums but interesting. A section was devoted to the story of Southwest Airlines. It was fascinating to read about their struggle to establish a route in Texas then across the nation and finally, internationally. There were some very interesting aircraft to examine and read about. The original Apollo 7 command module was on display as well.

After the museum, we had lunch at the Lake House. It turned out to be a bar and café. It was near White Rock Lake. We couldn’t see any water inside by the bar but there was a deck outside where they probably could see the lake.

Next, we drove to the Dallas Arboretum. The home once belonged to a wealthy couple and sat on 44 acres. The gardens were beautiful. The house was open for touring. It’s always fun to see how the rich folks live.

25 Jan 2019 (Fri) – My time in New York went SOOOO fast! Wow. I didn’t get a chance to see several people I wanted to see – my brother, Dennis, my friends at the American Legion and at church. Interestingly, my sister, Susan, and I saw each other almost every day.

The first night, Susan picked me up at the airport and I spent the night at her house. She bought a Tesla two months ago and still had her old car which she lent to me for the five days I was in town. That helped to save me hundreds of dollars. The plan had been to go to the New York Botanical Gardens to see the Christmas display but a cold snap rolled in and the day was too miserable to drive into Brooklyn. Instead, we drove to Travis & Sam’s house and visited with them. Susan left and I stayed with them for four nights. I saw the oncologist and had a lymph node drainage massage. I also gave Travis & Sam and Miranda and Kenny a chance to go for the night while I was there.

On Thursday, I reported to the airport at 10 a.m. to fly back to Dallas. Susan and her husband, Bill, drove to the airport to pick up their car. We said goodbye and they left. As I waited for my plane, the weather deteriorated steadily. A line of thunderstorms was rolling in from the south and creating wind shears. After my flight was delayed repeatedly, causing me now miss my connection in Baltimore, I went down to the counter and got my flight rescheduled for the next day. Then Susan drove an hour back to the airport from the Hamptons and took me back to her house for the night. She drove me back to the airport the next day. That was a lot of driving on her part and was very grateful for her help.

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misaquinn · 8 years ago

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Actually Date 1

I forgot about this one - I guess you cont this as the rebound. Not even a year after my breakup of maybe 10 years? Some guy that works in my building asked me if I wanted to do a ghost tour in the city I work in. Would I???! Later I was told this is how people ask “goth” girls on a date. Shit. I didn’t want to go on a date. This man was my age exactly, nice and easy to talk to, he’s a chef. Never married. No children. We go and it was fun. We get to talking. He was born and raised in this town. He lives a few blocks away from his parents, his sister and brother are also very close by. That’s nice - sometimes I wish my brother was closer. So I decide even though I’m on no way physically attractive to this man but he seems so genuine and its time I let my brain lead instead of my eyes. We go on a few more dates. Mostly movies. His friends beg me to get him out of this town because he doesn’t leave it... I thought nothing of it. Same restaurant to eat, movies, same after bar. go back to his place - watch the same show while he sits in recliner. We can’t have sex because he’s on medication which kills boners - (PERFECT!!!!!)

I mention we should go to city island (during a viewing of A Bronx Tale). He replies maybe. I state lets go to another town tonight - eh I don’t like to drive. I ask to drive - eh I don’t like being the passenger either. Ummmm ok. Back to dinner at same place, movie, bar. I make mention I don’t stay in places too long. I get bored and restless, I require new sights, experiences. My mother recently died horribly. I realized life is so very short. I’m not wasting a minute. I want to move in two years. After a month of dating he decides he’s moving with me. I just gave a look.

I became excited when he received tickets for a comedy show in another state. holy shit and it was far away!!! an overnight trip. We got stuck in traffic for 20 minutes he got pissed, turn around....same restaurant, movie, bar. I suggested we could have just gone anywhere since we were on the road. Negative. What did you expect on a Friday in the summer? It was a disappointment. I was happy he was doing something new. But he was hopelessly stuck at such a young age in this pattern and dragging me into it.

Fall started to set in. Thanksgiving and Christmas were my mothers specialty. It was to be my first without her. My father came to stay with me which added some stress.

I started getting overwhelmed, depressed, my anxiety was through the roof. I always forewarn people this happens and I withdraw from society. I don’t want any help. I need to get myself through this and have the tools to do it. He says ok but he checks up from time to time which I appreciate it very much. Then he says, “You know I find your anxiety and depression very intriguing and makes you sexier”.

I’m sorry whaaaaaa? The fact I cant get out of bed for days, wish I disappear and fall into the rabbit hold of despair sexy? Since when? “ooh yea baby you haven't combed your hair or changed your clothes in a week that’s sooo hot”. I had to ask him if he ever met someone with depression or anxiety and he said no. I told him its not Girl Interrupted - AT ALL. He seemed to really become excited about the whole situation. I said I don’t want to do this anymore.

Still bought me presents apparently for Christmas and from the word was it was a shit ton.... after the incident he took a medical leave then work in another company. I had forgotten about him - I don’t even know why. So he would be

1- closed minded Chef

2-Videogame Dom

3. Coming Soon - Finance Divorcee

4 Coming Soon - Bi-Polar Musician

5 Coming Soon - The Playwright (still dating)

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oflgtfol · 5 years ago

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i have so many agate slices its unreal

#literally ALL of them are gifts except for ONE of them #and it was the first rock i ever bought lol and its what really kickstarted my collection #otherwise every single agate slice is a gift #I HAVE SO MANY .#especially bc apparently ppl sell slices in packs so my mom’s like OK HERES SIX BLUE AGATE SLICES AT ONCE #and then she did the same with the purple slices #and then she bought me that hot pink slice for my.. sixteenth birthday perhaps????#and my brother bought me the lavender one when he was ....... somewhere..... i cant remember where #he was down south though. idk why. it mightve been when he went to tenessee cause thas the only time i can think of #ans then shannen got me the orange slice as well as that one rlly small blue one #LIKE LOL th only contributions i’ve personally made to my collection are the rocks literally picked up from the ground #and then the rocks are more obscure like. the prisms are all me. and the bismuth geodes #my mom did get me a normal bismuth piece but the geodes are Me #speaking fo which my mom asked what i want for christmas SO YA KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS. MORE ROCKS !!!!#brot posts

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khaptivated26 · 8 years ago

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It’s been ages since I posted a one-shot and I am so sorry. I seriously need to step my game up, I know. I wanted to make it up to you guys and start the new year off right by giving you a nice little Christmas one-shot. And yes, I am aware that Christmas was a while ago, but better late than never, right? Right?

Not going to waste any more time, so here it is!

fanfiction.net

Wattpad

____________________________

April smiled up at Jackson as he opened the front door for her. A little curly brown haired boy was in his arms, a blanket over him, and the baby girl was tucked in April’s arms. They walked in and Jackson quickly closed the door behind them, stopping more cold air from coming in.

“That was a beautiful service” she said

“Yeah, it was” Jackson admitted walking over to the couch and sitting their son on it

Church wasn’t his thing. Neither was religion or any god for the matter. But he promised April, when she was pregnant with Samuel, that he would go to church with her. So that morning, like every Christmas after he made the promise, he would sit in the pews with her. He doesn’t always pay attention, but on their way home, he had said the older pastor had some good points.

April handed Harriet over to Jackson before pulling off her jacket and kicking off her shoes. After putting her stuff away, she stooped down in front of her two-year-old son.

“Time to take those thick clothes off Sam” she said

“I do it myself” he said in his broken English “I be careful”

Even at two, the little boy was somewhat aware of his condition. Type I Osteogenesis Imperfecta, that’s what he had. Finding out about the condition was one of the most difficult days of their lives. But they were later relieved when they found out it was manageable.

Dealing with a child with a disability took a toll on their marriage. They were both new parents, dealing with a situation they never expected. But things had gotten better, they learned to not let their frustration out on each other.

“How about mommy helps you?” she suggested to the two-year-old

He was at that age where he wanted to do things himself, but his condition limited him. However, Jackson and April tried their best to make things as normal as possible for him. He nodded at his mother and she began to help him out.

“I’ll get this little one out of her bundle” Jackson said looking down at Harriet who was looking back up at him with wide eyes

Harriet Avery, the newest addition to their little family. They were worried about her having the same condition as her brother, but everything turned out fine. She was a beautiful mix of both her parents. His cheeks, her eyes. She didn’t look like one parent more than the other.

It was the baby girl’s first Christmas and the parents went all out, Jackson more than April. Free of their coats and boots, the family now sat in front of the Christmas tree opening presents.

“Jackson this is way too much” April said, Harriet sitting in her lap, looking at the colorful wrapping paper

“No it’s not” he responded “It’s her first Christmas, it has to be memorable”

April sighed. Harriet had her father wrapped around her fingers. This was going to be a problem when she got older.

“Jackson she’s a baby, she won’t remember any of this” she said pointing to the still unopened presents, large Christmas tree and multiple decorations

“That’s why cameras were invented babe” he answered holding his cell phone up

She rolled her eyes at him and they continued opening gifts. In an hour everything was opened and the kids were busy with their new toys, well Samuel was. There was a knock on the door and Jackson quickly got up to answer it.

“That must be our last present” he said as he walked to the door

“There’s more?” April asked confused

Samuel clapped his hands, excited to see what it could be. They heard the door open, hushed words exchanged and then the door closing.

“Here I come” Jackson said before turning the corner

Once her did, Samuel’s eyes widen.

“Puppy!” he said

In Jackson’s arms was a golden retriever with a red ribbon tied in a bow on it’s collar. He walked up to his son and stooped down in front of him.

“Touch it?” Samuel asked

“Yeah buddy, you can touch him”

Samuel slowly raised his hand and patted its head. The puppy closed it’s eyes at the less than gentle petting.

“Be gentle” Jackson said and his son softened his touch

Jackson turned to April, expecting to see a smile, but he was greeted with a scowl instead.

“You got him the puppy?” she hissed

“He wanted it” he answered

“You can’t get him whatever he wants all the time Jackson”

Meredith and her kids had a dog. Samuel, liking the dog, wanted one of his own. Jackson was all for it, April, not at all. She argued that dogs liked playing rough, and that her son, with his condition, couldn’t handle that. Jackson just wanted his son to have as normal as a childhood he could have, and having a pet was a part of that. They had talked about it, and April thought they had come to an agreement, her way. Apparently, it didn’t, and he bought the puppy without her knowing.

Jackson sat the puppy on Samuel’s lap before scooting over to April.

“Are you mad?” he faked a pout

“Stop trying to make me smile” she said trying her best to keep a straight face “We didn’t agree on this Jackson”

“I know but look at him” he said pointing to their son

The dog was licking his cheek and Samuel was having a giggling fit. April smiled, her little boy was happy. How was she supposed to take the puppy away from him now?

“Ok, he can keep the puppy” she said and Jackson grinned “If anything goes wrong it’s all on you”

“Understood” he answered before going to the tree and pulling out a small box that was tuck all the way under it “By the way, I got this for you” he said once he returned to her

“Jackson we said no gifts”

“I know, but I saw this and couldn;t help myself. I thought you would love it”

She smiled up at him before taking the box from his hand. She opened it and was greeted with a silver diamond necklace. Her eyes widened at it.

“It’s beautiful” she smiled taking it out of the box “I love it”

Harriet’s attention moved from her brother and the puppy to the velvet box. Their baby seemed to be more interested in boxes and wrapping paper, rather than what was inside them. “I didn’t get you anything” she frowned

“I accept last minute gifts”

“You do?” her brows raised

“Yeah”

“Well, I’m stumped on what I can get you last minute”

“I have a few ideas” he smirked leaning in

“Like what exactly?”

He looked up and she followed his eyes. Above their heads, held up in his hand, was a mistletoe branch.

“How did that get there?” she feigned surprise

“I don’t know” Jackson shrugged before smiling down at her

She smiled up at him before closing the space between them and shutting her eyes. She waited for his lips to touch hers...but it never did.

*~*~*~*

April’s eyes shot open, and instead of blue eyes, she was staring at the dark ceiling of her bedroom...or should she even call it her bedroom.

She sighed to herself. She had the dream again. She could try to go back to her dream world, but that wouldn't work. She tried it before, it was a waste of time.

From the day Meredith asked her what she was doing for Harriet’s first Christmas, she'd been having this dream. Her, Jackson, Samuel and Harriet, all together for Christmas.

April missed her baby boy. She sometimes wondered if it was weird to miss him only after holding him in her arms for a few hours. She often wondered what he would look like, how he would act, if he would like Harriet or not. Her dreams were the only place that seemed to answer those questions.

Her dreams were also the only place she and Jackson were still married and happy. He was the perfect husband, she was the perfect wife and he still loved her.

But that was all a dream, and she had now woken up to reality. Her baby boy was dead, she and Jackson were divorced, and they were somehow managing to raise their daughter under the same roof.

She turned to her bedside table and picked up her cell phone. The date and time flashed in her face. Sunday 25th December 2016, 05:22 am.

April sighed once more before getting out of bed. It was time for Harriet’s first Christmas to get a move on.

_________

“There we go, all bundled up” April said wrapping Harriet in the thickest blanket she had, she would need it in Seattle’s cold weather

She lifted her daughter of the changing table, grabbed her baby bag that was close by and headed out of the nursery. April was starting their Christmas off the best way she knew, church.

“Jackson we're leaving!” April called out as she headed down the hallway and to the front door

Her hand was on the doorknob, ready to open when he called back.

“Wait up!”

She paused in confusions. Wait for what?

Jackson quickly arrived at the door, fully dressed before taking his coat off the rack.

“Where are you going?” she asked wondering where he could be off to this early

“To church, with you...and Harriet” he quickly added

April's face softened.

“You're coming to church with us?”

“Yeah” he smiled “It's something that's important to you and I wanted to be there”

April was surprised by his answer. He had promised her he would go to church with her when they were still married and she was pregnant with Samuel, but she didn't know it still held up.

“Uh, alright then, let's go” she said back

The Christmas service was uplifting, to April at least. Harriet was fussy, seeming just as annoyed as her father to be in such a noisy place so early in the morning.

After church, it was time to open presents. But Harriet seemed uninterested in the multiple she got from her parents, grandparents and parents’ co-workers. Jackson was a bit disappointed his daughter wasn't excited about what he bought her, and April scolded him for going overboard. He had bought every girly baby thing he could find.

The rest of the day was spent talking to family members out of state, and Jackson trying to get Harriet to play with one of the toys he bought.

Later on in the afternoon, they were at Owen and Amelia’s, attending the Christmas dinner the couple was hosting. As the night went on, Jackson found himself chatting with his protégé Ben, while April stood a few feet away talking to Meredith with Harriet in her arms.

The two women were discussing Jackson's overspending when Arizona approached them.

“Who's the cutest baby here?” she said eyes wide, voice high “You are.You are!”

“Well someone's in a chipper mood tonight” April commented

“Maybe it’s because it’s Christmas” the peds surgeon answered

“Or maybe it’s because you’ve been flirting with Dr. Minnick” Meredith smirked

“That too” Arizona grinned before spotting a bow in Harriet’s hair “That’s a pretty bow” she said to the baby

“One of her father’s many gifts” April pointed out

“He went all out with gifts didn’t he?”

“I’m pretty sure he bought the whole store out” the redhead said

“He’s just trying to be an awesome dad” Meredith said

“You’re lucky that you have one that’s actually trying”

April nodded, she was certainly grateful for that.

“How're things going so far? Is this parenting style still working?” Arizona asked

“It's not what I envisioned for myself of course, but it's working. We get along just fine”

“Jump his bones yet?” Meredith cut in

The two looked at the dirty blonde with wide eyes.

“What?” she said “Everyone's thinking it, I'm just asking the question”

“True” Arizona said nodding before turning to April “So have you?”

“No” she quickly answered, “What makes you think I would do such a thing?”

“I don't know, maybe it's because you two still have the hots for each other” Arizona teased

“I do not still have the hots for Jackson” April hissed in defense

“Denial doesn't look good on you Kepner” Meredith said

“Neither is pretending to be ok that he's dating” Arising added “It's just sad to watch”

“Admit it April, you still have feelings for him” Meredith urged

“I…” she began before looking down at Harriet

“Don't worry, she won't snitch” the general surgeon teased

“She probably already knows” Arizona shrugs “Babies know these things” she goes down to Harriet’s eye level “Does mommy still have the hots for daddy?” she said in her high voice

April stepped back, pulling her daughter away “Stop it” she hissed “Fine, I do, ok” she finally admitted “But I can't get caught up in these feelings anymore. I need time for myself, to figure out what's right for me and Harriet. I can't let my feelings affect my decision...I can't anymore”

“Then why are you still in his house?” Meredith asked

She opened her mouth to answer, then closed it. She had no good answer for that. Yes taking care of Harriet was a difficult task, and Jackson being nearby to help was great. But other women have taken care of their children on their own, like Catherine and Meredith. And here was no doubt that she could too. So why was she still there? She didn't want to admit the answer.

“April…” Arizona said putting her hand on her friend’s shoulder “...maybe, in this case, you're supposed to let your feelings affect your decisions”

The two blondes left, sensing April needed some time to herself to think. She looked down at her daughter, she really had a lot to think about.

As she walked away from the spot she was standing in, she was unaware of the blue eyes that were staring at her.

Jackson stood with Ben and Alex, who had joined them a while before. They were deep in discussing a case. Yes, it was Christmas, but they were surgeons, they couldn't help it. But at the moment, he wasn't listening to his fellow surgeons, he was staring at his ex-wife.

“You should just screw her already” Alex said, annoyed Jackson wasn't listening to him

“What?” the plastic surgeon asked pulling his eyes away from April

“You've been staring at April for the last five minutes “ Ben said

“Oh” he said, not realizing they noticed

“It's a bit creepy man” the resident said

“And pathetic” Alex added

Jackson rolled his eyes at them “What were we talking about?” he asked, ready to drop the topic

“Oh no, we're not about to move on like this never happened” Ben stopped him “You're still in love with her aren't you?”

He wanted to say ‘no’, but he knew Ben would see right through it. There was no denying that he still loved her. In all honesty, e hadn't stopped. His silence was enough of an answer for Ben.

“I knew it!” he said triumphantly “Have you told her yet?”

“No” he answered this time

“Why not? I'm pretty sure she's still in love with you too” the resident asked

“This thing we have going, it's great” Jackson said “And I don't want to mess it up”

“So you're just going to sit there and pretend to be ok with her screwing other dudes?” Alex asked

“She's not screwing other guys” Jackson quickly defended “She's not that kind of woman. And she's just going on dates”

“Dates that can lead to sex” Alex added with a shrug

Ben cut in before Jackson couple respond “You can't just sit there and pretend to be cool with just being the rich baby daddy” he said

“Look, I want us to be a family, and for her to be happy. And if that means I'm just the rich baby daddy then so be it” Jackson responded

The topic was dropped, but that didn't stop Jackson from thinking about it. Even though he wanted more, this was the closest he was going to get to it. He didn't want to mess that up.

_________

“There’s nothing wrong with buying a lot of presents for our daughter” Jackson said as he opened the door for April and Harriet to come in

“It is when you're spoiling her” April said before stepping in and handing the baby to Jackson

The conversation had started on their way back from Owen and Amelia’s, when April brought up the gift Alex had bought their daughter. That lead to a conversation about Jackson excessive spending on Harriet.

“I don't spoil her” Jackson defended himself before looking down at his daughter in his arms “Do I spoil you?”

The baby girl smiled back up at him.

“See, even she knows” April said taking her back, her coat now off and on the rack

“How do I spoil her?” he asked now taking off his coat as well and putting it on the rack

April simply walked down the small flight of stairs and pointed to an object under the tree. It was a tiny toy version of a Mercedes-Benz car, one Harriet could actually sit in.

“Who buys their seven-month-old daughter a Mercedes?” she asked

“It's a toy”

“But a really expensive toy”

“She's an Avery, she has to get used to the fancy things in life”

April rolled her eyes “When she gets older, she's gonna have problems finding a guy who could deal with her spoilt ways”

“I don't see how that's a problem”

April gave him a “really?” look before sitting Harriet down on the couch and getting her out of her bulky clothes

“I just want to give her the best that I can” he said

“Jackson, sometimes the best isn't materialistic” she answered getting up from the couch and heading to the kitchen

Jackson followed. “Ok, you have a point” he said

April stopped in the doorway to the kitchen “I do?” she was surprised by his admission

“Yes” he stood in front of her “But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop buying her a lot of stuff”

April tried to hide her smile as she shook her head at him. Harriet then began fussing in April's arms. They both looked down at her and saw her reaching up. But she wasn't reaching to them, it was something above them. They both looked up and were surprised to see what was there.

A mistletoe branch hung over them.

Jackson's brows furrowed at it, wondering where it came from. April on the other hand, knew exactly how it got there. Sophia Torres had brought up the mistletoe topic when Arizona was helping her decorate, something she begged Jackson to let her do. The now seven-year-old wanted to put one up, but April insisted they didn't. Looks like Arizona gave in to her daughter...or her own selfish ways.

April got a sense of deja vu. The more she thought about it, the more she realized the whole day sort of felt like that.

They continued to stare at the mistletoe, but soon, it's meaning dawned on them and the air grew awkward. Their faces slowly lowered and their eyes locked. The tension grew and they both knew what would happen if the kept staring. Jackson's gaze grew intense and April knew it was time to look away. But then his head began to lower and she froze in place, waiting for his lips to touch hers. But when his face was only an inch away, she came to her senses and pulled back.

“We can't do this” she said then he backed away “This is a bad idea”

“April…”

“Jackson look, I know things sometimes get awkward, and there's always this...tension between us, but we can't let this get in the way. This co-parenting thing is working out great, and it's like we're finally friends again. I don't want to make the wrong decisions because I'm lonely and can't control my feelings” she said

“So you still have feelings for me?” he asked, a mischievous grin on his face

“I-I...that's not the point!” she stuttered “I just don't want to destroy something that's already working out fine”

He knew what she meant, he felt the same way. But it was getting harder and harder to just settle for what they had now. What if it wasn't supposed to be that way?

“So you think this is working fine?” he said pointing to them, then Harriet

“Yes” she hesitantly answered

Jackson shook his head and chuckled, he expected her to be on the same page he was. Then again, being on the same page wasn't really their thing. He took a deep breath, maybe it was time he said what he really thought, what he tried for a while to ignore and forget. It was time for him to stop pretending that it didn't matter.

“Sometimes I come home, and I see you and Harriet on the floor playing, and I just feel...at peace” he began “But then it hits me that we're not married anymore, and soon enough you'll leave with Harriet and I'll be here all alone”

April was about to speak but her cut her off.

“Yeah, I know I'll have her every other week or whatever, but it won't be the same, you won't be here” he said “And even if you did stay here until Harriet was eighteen, it wouldn't be the same. Cause we won't be together, you won't be my wife”

“And who's fault is that?” she was angry now, he couldn't divorce her and then complain about her not being his wife

“Ok, yeah, I wanted a divorce, but don't act like you didn't have a part to play in our relationship falling apart either” he shot back “But I will admit, getting a divorce was a mistake and it took Harriet being born to realize it...or realize it sooner”

“So what? You only want to be with me because of Harriet?” she asked, remembering this being the exact reason she didn't tell him right away when she found out she was pregnant

“In a way...yes” he sensed an objection coming and quickly stopped her “It took me seeing that we weren't really a family to realize it was what I really want. It took me not being with you to realize I want you back”

April held back her tears, she wasn't about to let his words break her resolve.

“You living with me, co-parenting, is torture” he stressed “It's like the universe is showing me what I want without me actually having it, without it being within reach. And I don't want a sneak peek or some teaser...I want the whole damn thing”

Those last six words did it, there was nothing stopping her from jumping his bones right then and there...except the baby in her arms.

“Tell me you don't want this. Tell me you don't see all of this and wish it that we're not just playing house”

April told herself that she would ignore her feelings and not get caught up. Told herself that she had to move on and leave Jackson behind. But how could she when she loved him? How could she when the more they tried to move on, the more they kept being pulled together? Maybe Arizona was right, maybe she was supposed to let her feelings lead.

With that, she closed the space between them and pressed her lips against his. He wasted no time kissing her back and pulling her closer. It was simple, sweet, each relishing in a moment they haven't had in a long time. It would've lasted longer too if it wasn't for the fussy baby in April's arms.

The two pulled apart.

“I guess someone's upset that they're not getting all the attention” April said smiling down at her daughter

Jackson chuckled as Harriet smiled up at them. It was like she was saying “Finally!”.

And for the first time in a long while, things felt right in the Avery home.

Maybe dreams do come true.

________

And there you have it! Did you guys like it? Please, tell me what you think. If you have prompts, don’t hesitate to send them in my ask!

Like I said before, I really want to step my game up. So, I’ll try my very best to post as many one-shots as I can!

So, until next time guys!

#japril #japril one shot #japriet #grey's anatomy fanfiction #japril fanfiction

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