#maybe i’ll ask for one for xmas

[s0apshipping]

i’ve wanted to get a blahaj ikea shark plushie for a while. if i get one im gonna name it jack and its nickname will be ikea boy

and so then if i ever get one of those giant ikea bear plushies i will name it tyler and it will be the blahaj’s boyfriend

[freeabortionslol]

baking together (a lake house series fic) ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

pairings: jack hughes x reader, slight trevor zegras x reader, (cole, luke, & quinn mentioned) summary: reader and jack bake cookies together!! warnings!! FLOUR FIGHT RAHHH a/n: i fear i am edging all the jack lovers with this one. sorry guys!! shocked that barely anyone was team cole on the poll I did?? come on ya'll that man treats her like a princess. happy reading lovers!! wc: 2.4k anon: "for lake house xmas, its pretty obvious but them decorating the tree and baking cookies!! i just know quinn is working his ass for that tree because reader asked only for trevor to fall with it after it's done! also jack is the definition of flour fight while baking cookies!!" anon: "i would love some christmas couple cute content with jackkkkk"

It was pretty much a fact to everyone that you were all snowed in the house together. Trevor and Quinn would argue they could drive, maybe go to the store- but from the looks of it, this was practically a snow storm. The house was quiet for the most part, but a comfortable kind of quiet. Trevor lay on the loveseat, watching tiktoks on his phone for the past hour. Luke was lying on the longer couch, napping with his face completely covered by his hood. The fire was going, faint sounds of christmas music filled the space, but the quiet felt like a long awaited break that you needed so bad. You made your way to the kitchen, wearing one of your aprons Cole had gotten you for secret santa last year, carrying every ingredient you could fit in your hands. Since you couldn’t go anywhere, you decided to take the opportunity to make your famous, christmas sugar cookies. 

“Wanna help, Trev?” You asked quietly, splaying the bags of flour and sugar across the countertop.

Trevor yawned, sinking into the couch further. “I think I'm just gonna stay here for a bit. I’ll eat ‘em though.” 

“M’kay,” You said, a gentle smile on your face as you pulled bowls and utensils from the drawers. You set everything up on the counter, the warm glow of the kitchen lights mixing with the cozy atmosphere of the fire. The house smelled like pine and cinnamon, and you felt a bit of excitement bubble up as you prepared to bake. Sugar cookies were always a special treat, and you were looking forward to sharing them with everyone. As you began to sift the flour, you glanced over at Trevor. His head lolled to the side, eyes half-closed, but the corners of his mouth twitched up at the mention of the cookies. You knew he’d be the first one to sneak one when they were out of the oven. The kitchen was calm, and you hummed a little tune as you worked, occasionally glancing at the window where the snow continued to fall. The storm was still heavy outside, but it only made the warmth inside feel more inviting. As you kneaded the dough against the flour-covered countertop, you saw a pair of hands rest on either side of yours, a weight falling onto your shoulder. 

“Making sweet treats?” Jack asked quietly, his voice vibrating against your shoulder. 

You nodded your head, glancing over at him slightly before returning your focus back to the dough. “Mhm,” You hummed. “Wanna help?” Jack's presence was a comforting weight beside you, his fingers gently brushing against your shoulder as he leaned in closer. 

He didn't immediately respond, instead watching your hands move as you shaped the dough with careful precision. “What do I have to do?” He said with a grin, his breath warm against your skin.

You shrugged your shoulders, reaching for the roller. “Just…stick the cookie cutters in the dough when I’m done rolling.” Jack pushed off the counter with his hands, his warm presence fading almost immediately. 

“Sounds easy enough.” He said, grinning as he leaned back on the counter next to the dough. “Lukey’s passed out.”

You let out a soft laugh, glancing into the living room. “I think he’s already wiped out from this trip.”

Jack chuckled lightly, gazing at you as you rolled the dough flat. “Yeah, he’s just a baby.”

You smiled looking up at Jack for a split second. “But he’s our baby.” Jack hummed in agreement, his eyes still locked on your messily tied up hair. “He’ll get used to it.” You said quietly, sending Jack a wink.

“We’ve been doing this Christmas thing for- what? Three years now?” Jack asked.

You nodded, your gaze fixated on the dough in front of you. “Yeah, since he turned eighteen. When you and Quinn bought this place.”

Jack clicked his tongue, leaning back on the counter with his hands. “And he’s still not used to it.”

You giggled softly, rubbing your face with the back of your hand. “Give him a break. He’s just a baby.”

Jack grinned at your playful tone, but there was a fondness in his eyes as he watched you work. "Right, right. I guess we all have to be patient with him," he said, tapping his fingers lightly against the counter. His voice dropped slightly, a soft undercurrent to it. "But, seriously, it’s nice to have this- just us here, no distractions, no noise. Just...quiet, you know?" You paused for a moment, glancing at him as you rolled the dough. His expression was different than usual, more sincere and reflective, and for a second, you couldn't help but feel the warmth of it. The fire crackled softly behind you, filling the space with its comforting rhythm. 

"I know," you said quietly, a small smile tugging at your lips. "It’s nice to just...be together. Like this." You finished rolling the dough, laying it flat on the countertop. “You ready for this, playboy?”

Jack scoffed, a playful smirk wiped across his face. “I’m always ready.” You reached for the cookie cutters, eyes flicking to Jack for just a moment, noticing how his posture was relaxed, but his attention unwavering. He stepped closer, his hands brushing lightly against your arm as he took the cutters from you. His fingers gripped them with exaggerated care, almost as if the simple task required absolute concentration. The way he held the tool, steady and deliberate, made you smile to yourself, even though you didn’t say anything. With a soft press, he cut the first shape into the dough. He glanced down at his work for a moment, taking in the slight imperfections, before he moved on to the next one. You watched as he repeated the motion, slightly less precise each time, but still focused, still intent on making the shapes. There was a calm rhythm between the two of you now, each movement synchronized with the other. The dough slowly thinned out under your rolling pin, and Jack’s hands moved quickly to place each freshly cut cookie on the baking sheet. The time seemed to slow, the quiet in the kitchen comfortable, almost meditative. As the last of the cookies were prepared, you placed the dough aside, your hands dusty with flour. 

You giggled, looking down at your hands before looking at Jack who was placing the last cookie on the baking sheet. “Hey Jack,” He whipped his head towards you, slightly confused at the smile on your face. Before he could say anything, you took your flour-covered hand and ran your fingers through his hair. He chuckled softly, a mix of amusement and disbelief on his face, his lips curling into a playful grin. His hair, usually perfectly styled, now had a messy dusting of white flour, making him look even more relaxed and carefree.

“It’s on.” He said, biting his bottom lip as he reached his hand into the flour bag.

Your eyes widened in fear as you held your hands out in retaliation “Wait no-” You started, but you were quickly interrupted by Jack throwing a handful of flour all over you. You screamed lightly, one mixing in with laughter. “Jack!” 

He widened his eyes, moving his hand to cover his mouth, but he couldn’t help the relentless chuckled escaping. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” He said through his laughs. “I didn’t know I grabbed that much!” 

“Oh you didn’t know?” You stifled a laugh, trying to put on a stern face, but the smile twitching at your lips betrayed you. “You didn’t know?” You said again, moving closer to the bag of flour. 

Jack’s eyes widened as he saw your hand inching toward the flour bag, and for a split second, you could see the playful panic flicker across his face. He took a half-step back, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Wait, wait, I didn’t mean it! I’m sorry!" But it was too late. With a mischievous grin, you grabbed a handful of flour and tossed it straight at him. It hit his chest with a soft puff, leaving a white dusting across his shirt. Jack stood there for a second, shocked, before his mouth curved into a smirk. "Oh, you’re screwed now," he muttered, his voice low with challenge. 

He dove straight for the flour bag, scooping another handful into his hands. The two of you stood facing each other, a few moments of suspended tension before, with a swift motion, Jack launched his flour at you. It showered over you like a cloud, and you gasped in surprise, laughing uncontrollably as the powder coated your hair and face. "You’re gonna regret that," you managed to say between giggles, your eyes narrowing playfully. 

Jack chuckled, holding his hands up, his grin growing. "I’m just getting started," he teased, shaking flour from his fingers. In the chaos of the flour fight, you both moved around the kitchen, laughing and dodging the soft puffs of powder flying through the air. You reached for the flour again, tossing it in his direction, and he retaliated with an exaggerated lunge, both of you covered in flour by now, but neither of you seemed to care. The two of you circled around the kitchen, throwing flour with reckless abandon. It didn’t matter that the kitchen was a disaster now, with flour scattered across the counters, the floor, and both of you. The storm outside seemed distant and insignificant as you both created your own chaos inside, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of the house. You watched as Jack took the entire bag of flour in his hand, moving it behind him on the counter top as he stood in front of it like a guard dog. He reached into the bag, grabbing a ridiculous amount of flour into his hand. 

“No, no!” You said giggling, turning to run in the opposite direction as you had no ammo. Jack quickly ran behind you, picking you up by your waist with his free arm. You squealed in surprise as Jack hoisted you up, your feet dangling off the ground. "Jack, no!" you laughed, wriggling in his arms as he spun you around. He held you effortlessly, a playful grin spreading across his face, his eyes full of mischief. 

"I warned you," he teased, his grip on your waist tightening as he pulled you closer. You felt the warmth of his chest against yours, but it only added to the chaos of the flour fight. He raised his hand, loaded with flour, and you couldn't help but giggle as he prepared to aim. 

"No, no, no!" you yelled, your laughter mixing with the words, but Jack was quick. With one swift motion, he tossed the entire handful of flour directly at you. The cloud of white powder exploded around you, covering you from head to toe. You gasped, blinking through the mess, but you couldn’t help but laugh even harder. “You...you’re dead!” you managed to say between fits of laughter, still stuck in his grasp. Your hair was coated in flour, your face a complete mess, and you could see Jack’s shirt was covered too. 

“Am I, though?” Jack raised an eyebrow, not missing a beat. He leaned in closer, his expression playful but teasing. "I think you might be the one in trouble." Jack grinned, giving you a little spin before setting you back down. Now you faced each other, both of you covered in flour as the giggles quickly subsided. Jack’s eyes gleamed with something other than the adrenaline or humor of the flour fight, something much deeper. For a brief moment, everything around you seemed to fade into the background. The flour-covered chaos, the laughter, the warmth of the kitchen- everything blurred except for the way Jack was looking at you. His eyes weren't just playful anymore. There was a depth in them, something that made your heart skip a beat as you stood there, covered in flour, your breath still quick from the laughter and the chase. His grin softened, and for a second, you could feel the shift in the air between you. The playful tension that had filled the space now felt different, heavier, more intimate. Jack’s gaze lingered on you, his eyes tracing the outline of your face as if he was seeing you in a new light. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but he paused, lips slightly parted, as if he was unsure of the next words. You swallowed, suddenly aware of how close you were, the lingering heat from the oven mixing with the warmth that now seemed to surround the two of you. Your breath caught in your throat, and for the first time in the whole flour fight, you didn’t know what to say. 

“Jack…” You started, your voice a little softer than you’d intended, and he blinked, breaking the intense moment but not quite letting the tension go. 

“Yeah?” he said, his voice quieter now, almost hesitant, as if he, too, was unsure of how to break the silence that had settled around you. His eyes were still on yours, that same depth in them, but now there was something else, something unspoken but felt. You took a half-step forward, unsure whether to bridge the distance or pull back, the moment teetering on the edge of something else, something more. Jack didn’t move away. Instead, he stepped a little closer, his body now only inches away from yours. His fingers, still dusted with flour, brushed lightly against your arm, and the contact sent a wave of warmth through you. His eyes flickered to your lips, and for a second, it felt like he was deciding whether to close the gap between you two. You could hear your own heartbeat in your ears, could feel the heat of the moment rush through you, and the anticipation in the air was almost electric. 

Before either of you could speak, the sound of Trevor’s voice broke the moment. "Alright, what's taking so long in there? Are the cookies done yet?" The sudden interruption made you both step back, the tension dissipating, but it didn’t completely fade. As Jack turned toward the baking sheet, his expression a little less certain than before, you both knew that something had shifted between you in that one fleeting moment. 

“Uh…” You called out to Trevor, yet your eyes fixated on Jack as he moved the cookies to the oven. “W-We’re putting them in the oven right now.” 

[bots-and-cons]

Get well soon, feat Knockout

A/N: Guess who was sick most of this December too, meeeeeeee… The same thing happened last year, but I was also kinda sick most of January. I haven’t been as sick as I was for xmas week in a long while. I think I have/had influenza or something like that. I haven’t had a fever for about a week now, but I still have the flu. Anyway, here’s some comfort with Knockout, because I kinda need it. It’s a mostly a holoform thing so he’s in a human form, but it’s not like he’s an actual human. This is super short, but I liked writing it :D

“You humans are so fragile” Knockout sighed as he was making you another cup of tea.

“You try having a fever for three days straight. I bet you wouldn’t be in such high spirits if you felt like this” you retorted from the couch.

“Fortunately, that’s not possible” Knockout smirked as he looked over at you.

“Can’t you just make yourself have a fever? I’m sure there’s some kind of holoform setting thing you can change. You know, as a show of solidarity” you joked tiredly.

“You know I love you, but I don’t think it would be very productive for both of us to be sick. Besides, I want to take care of you, and I wouldn’t be able to do that if I were “sick” too” Knockout noted as he brought you your cup of tea.

“Yeah, I know…” you sighed as you accepted the cup from him and took a sip.

“I hope there’s enough honey this time?” he inquired as he sat down next to you on the couch.

“Oh yeah, definitely enough” you coughed, as the sickly sweet tea flowed down your throat and warmed you from the inside.

“Too much?” Knockout asked as he noticed the expression you were making.

“Too much” you confirmed.

“Damn it…” he sighed.

“Practice makes perfect” you chuckled.

You placed the mostly full teacup on the coffee table in front of you, and snuggled to Knockout’s side. He wrapped his arm around your shoulders and pulled you closer.

“Do you wanna watch a movie or something?” Knockout asked.

“Yeah, you can pick something, I don’t know if I’ll stay awake though” you yawned.

“That’s fine” he said as he started browsing through netflix.

It’s not like he enjoyed that you were sick, but he did enjoy the fact that it gave him a chance to spend time with you and take care of you. You didn’t often rely on others and didn’t want to bother anyone, not even him. So at times like these, when you finally let him take care of you, he enjoyed it. It took Knockout a while to find a movie he was interested in and one that you would maybe like as well. When he looked at you, you were already sound asleep by his side. He couldn’t help but smile softly as he swiped your hair off your forehead and pressed a kiss between your brows. You stirred a little, snuggling closer to him, but remained asleep.

“Get well soon” he whispered as he held you.

[psychoticallykind]

Jegumas Day Nineteen - Xmas Cards

547 words

@noblehouseofgay

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

Regulus was not having a great time. It was James’s fault. Sort of.

‘Let’s make cards for each other,’ he’d said. All happy and enthusiastic and merry.

And like an idiot, Regulus had agreed.

Except he had no idea how to make a Christmas card.

The door opened, and Remus stepped into the room before freezing in place, eyes wide. “Um.” He looked at the mess covering the floor. “What happened?”

Regulus, surrounded by paper, stickers, glitter, markers, and tape, scowled up at him. “What? I’m busy.”

“Busy doing what?” Remus asked, slowly looking around. “Destroying our apartment?”

“I’m making Christmas cards, idiot,” Regulus grumbled, flushing in embarrassment. “Obviously.”

“Right.” Remus nodded, backing out of the room. “Obviously.”

Regulus rested his head in his hands for a minute after the door closed. He couldn’t do this. It was going terribly, he was making a mess, and James was definitely going to regret thinking that Regulus could do anything even remotely Christmas-oriented.

He was still trying to make something worth showing to his boyfriend when there was a quiet knock on the door.

“What?” Regulus called, irritated.

The door opened. “Hey, love. Can I come in?”

A strange mix of relief and dread swirled around in Regulus’s chest as he looked up. “I didn’t know you were here.”

“Just got back,” James replied, sitting down across from him. “What’s all this?”

Regulus took another look at the absolute disaster he’d created. “I was - it doesn’t matter, I’m cleaning up.”

“No, hey,” James stopped him from grabbing the little trash can, smiling gently. “What are you doing? Can I help?”

“No,” Regulus replied, his prior irritation coming back up. “You can’t. I’m hopeless, and that’s all there is to it.”

James shook his head, reaching over to take Regulus’s hands in his own. “I’m sure you’re not hopeless. What are we making?”

Regulus made a face. “Christmas cards.”

“Christmas cards?” James repeated. Hazel eyes crinkled in concern. “Reg, if it’s stressing you out, you don’t have to make one.”

“I don’t want to fail,” Regulus insisted. “I can do it. I have to do this correctly.”

James nodded, eyes softening. “Okay. That’s okay. But Reg, there isn’t a way to fail here. There is no correct way to make a Christmas card.”

Regulus met his gaze. “But what if I make a terrible one and you hate it?”

“I’ll love anything you make, because you’re the one who made it,” James replied easily. “I promise. Take a deep breath for me.”

Regulus nodded, following the instruction.

“Let’s take a break,” James suggested, still holding his hands. “And we can come back to this later? What do you think?”

Regulus nodded, a little overwhelmed. He let James pull him up and then collapsed against him, wrapping his arms around James’s waist. “Can we just lay down?”

“Whatever you want,” James promised, rubbing gently over his back. “We don’t even have to do cards if you don’t want to. They aren’t that important.”

“No, I want to,” Regulus mumbled into James’s shoulder. “But maybe you can make it with me.”

James hugged him a little tighter for a second. “I love that idea.”

Regulus relaxed into the hold, warm and much calmer than he’d been all day. “I love you.”

[ye4gerism]

Something about guys and chubby babies just have me in love (prob because I want a chubby baby with curly)😭. I know you kinda covered it in dream of fish but what do you think curly would be as a dad. Something about him seems fatherly for like a kid or a baby. Or maybe it’s just the he looks 35 and married. Ngl if it was me I’d be keeping him waiting with a baby but then I’d have the guilt like damn I want kids but I’m scared. But also it only takes two to make a family so it’s not like we wouldn’t have one. Also some other random question I have is what type of music do you think curly listens too. Idk why that question was just on my mind to ask you. Hope you had a easy day today happy holidays and happy almost Christmas if you celebrate 🎄

hi! sorry for the late response. i decided to take a small break for the holidays (happy belated xmas and happy holidays btw)

i think curly would really enjoy rock. i love scorpions so i’m going to say curly loves scorpions and his favorite song is woman. i feel like he might also indulge in jesus christ superstar - he’s not a big musical fan but appreciates the rock elements. obvs he’d love gethsemane.

ok parenting hcs - so i actually have a parenting story in the draft (hi anon who asked for that!) and i was planning to do some parenting hcs depending on how i felt, so i’ll keep this brief!

i feel like reader and curly would probably have two - they’d plan the first and their second born would be a surprise. first baby would be girl and curly turns into an absolute big softy for her. he would be a little firm though and make sure that baby is disciplined and knows how to follow rules.

he’s the type of dad that’ll bring home little trinkets from his trips and maybe take baby out of ice cream after school even if he isn’t supposed to. he’d participate in her little tea parties and her little doll storylines. and he builds everything omg - barbie dollhouse, swing set, everything.

when baby’s a little older, he definitely pushes her towards sports and even she ultimately decides that she wants to do something different, he’ll still show up for her.

[inblurtub]

all i want for christmas is you ft. ‘colormytree’ website

warning: platonic relationship!

in which you sent each drivers on the grid the ‘colormytree’ website url and asked for xmas messages. here are some of their responses:

max verstappen

named his puppy ornament ‘MAX’

“hey y/n, so how’s spain nd everything? just thought that i would text you a merry xmas gif later today:) too bad they do not have that option here. btw it’s lovely to know that i’m the first one to hang an ornament on your tree, did you text me first, if so i must say that i’m really honoured:) anyway merry christmas and happy new year, looking forward to see you in jan!!”

lando norris

named his santa claus-on-a-ski ‘doubtinglife’

“my twin flame✨🍀💥💐 ya must have miss me so much huh??? happy merry christmas to you and to little eilie too!!! i’ll back in monaco this thur, do you wanna catch up w me?”

“ps: ooops lo siento i forgot you are still in spain. pick a day and pay me a visit then, you owe me a fancy dinner!!!”

george russell

named his wrapped present with red ribbons ornament ‘gr’

“this is honestly kinda cute, really giving me your vibe mate. so uhm… for today only i will say nice things. merry chrismas y/n, i wish u all the best. let’s have a fearless life and maybe got urself a bf or a gf who will madly love you next year. nighty🌛”

charles leclerc

named his polar bear ‘🎄’

“hi y/n merry christmas, wanna take a guess on who am i? btw love this idea of yours, the tree is sooo beautiful and i love the doodles ornaments too, well i might make myself a tree later:) i’ll send you the link first! and i heard that you are in spain? stay safe while visiting barcelona, the guys their are a bit wild in my opinion😂 anw hoping to see u asap🫶🏻”

carlos sainz

named his kitten face ornament ‘hotsummernight’

“ciao ciao, merry xmas to you ms. silly disney princess. don’t need to write a whole paragraph here, do i? i have prepared a present for you, pls come over at 7pm for dinner! but hey i still need u to text me later, u know, for a confirmation:) have a g’day then, see you!!”

oscar piastri

named his orange ornaments ‘theawardshow’

"nice try from you to steal my attention. so how have you been? hope things don’t mess up with u. merry christmas and happy new year, i’m grateful to have you as my friend this year, you’re like a gift. and not the kind i’d return for store credit:) that’s it, enjoy urself and have fun.”

“yikes i hope that no one can read this thing but you, if this message got revealed to the others so there’s a good chance that i might quit racing next year, too embarrassing honestly.”

[lusttoke]

Ghost x Alejandro one shot ? :3

// Too Late for xmas theme oneshot? happy new year! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did lmao!

It was two weeks before Christmas, and the base was buzzing with excitement. Soap had insisted on getting everyone corny Christmas sweaters to wear over their fatigues and tactical gear to "get into the holiday spirit." Surprisingly, no one had the heart to refuse.

The festivities escalated when Gaz, ever the troublemaker, suggested a game of spin the bottle. The group of 36 soldiers sat in a large circle, surrounded by laughter and a dangerous amount of holiday beer.

It started innocently enough. The bottle spun, landing on Alex and Farah, who shared an awkward peck before scrambling back to their seats, red-faced. The circle erupted in laughter, and the bottle spun again.

Then it landed on Ghost And Alejandro Vargas.

"Fucking hell..." Ghost muttered under his breath as he stood up, pulling off his skull-patterned balaclava to reveal sharp, chiseled features. He tossed it to the ground like it weighed nothing and locked eyes with Alejandro. The group burst into laughter and cheers, clearly enjoying the sudden tension.

Alejandro stood reluctantly, pointing at the group. "Laugh it up, cabrones. I’ll remember this when you’re all scrubbing floors at 4 AM tomorrow!" But before Alejandro could think of a way to back out, Ghost closed the distance, grabbing him by the waist and pulling him flush against his solid chest. The crowd fell silent, mouths hanging open as Ghost leaned in for a kiss—and not just any kiss. A deep, toe-curling, French kiss. Fifteen seconds. That’s how long it lasted. Fifteen agonizing, breath-stealing seconds that left Alejandro frozen as Ghost finally pulled away. The room exploded in laughter, catcalls, and shocked exclamations.

Ghost leaned in, his voice low and smooth. "You’re a good kisser. I liked that." Alejandro stumbled back, visibly flustered despite his best efforts to look unaffected. "What the hell was that?!" His ears burned red as he glared at Ghost and then the others. Ghost shrugged nonchalantly, grabbing his balaclava off the floor. "Lighten up, Vargas. It’s just a kiss. Besides..." he added with a smirk, "if we ever need to fake passion in the field, I’ve got you covered." Alejandro pointed at him, his voice sharper than he intended. "You’re lucky I don’t throw you out of the helicopter mid-flight next mission." Ghost grinned. "Please, you'd miss me." Alejandro narrowed his eyes. "Miss throwing you out, maybe!" The circle erupted in laughter again and Alejandro snatched his drink, taking a long sip to cool his nerves.

Ghost leaned in, voice low enough for only Alejandro to hear. "Careful, Vargas. Keep blushing like that and they’ll think you enjoyed it." Alejandro choked on his drink, coughing as the others roared with laughter. He shot Ghost a sharp glare, but Ghost just smirked and leaned back, clearly enjoying every second.

Despite himself, Alejandro couldn’t help but mutter "Still wasn’t bad though." Ghost raised an eyebrow, clearly catching the slip. "Not bad, huh? I’ll take that as a compliment." He leaned back, swirling his drink lazily before adding "Maybe next time, we skip the spin the bottle and head straight for dinner."

Alejandro froze mid-sip, nearly choking again as Ghost’s words hit him. He quickly set the glass down, pretending the slight cough was nothing more than the burn of the alcohol. "Madre mía! First you kiss me in front of the whole damn team and now you’re asking me on a date?" Alejandro shot back, his voice a touch too sharp to completely mask how flustered he felt. Ghost smirked. "What can I say? I like to keep you guessing. And trust me, Vargas, dinner with me is something you won’t forget." Alejandro narrowed his eyes, but the faint flush on his cheeks didn’t fade. "You better hope I don’t take you up on that!" he muttered, his voice quieter but filled with challenge. "Because if I do, you’re paying—and don’t think I’ll go easy on the drinks either." The team erupted in laughter again, and Alejandro quickly snatched his glass back up, downing the rest in one go just to avoid looking at Ghost’s damn smug face.

The group eventually shifted their focus back to the game, their laughter and jokes filling the room once more. But despite the renewed energy, an unmistakable tension lingered between Ghost and Alejandro. Each subtle glance and teasing remark only seemed to stoke the fire, leaving everyone quietly wondering just how far this game between them would go.

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

i loooooovvvvvveee this one!! im so excited for all the angst leading up to bobby finding out (or i guess charlie realizing that bobby is eddie’s boss). so happy for eddie growing emotionally - him accepting that he’s in love with a man, and that man is the 2nd most important person in his life 🥲 someone he can’t lose. 💗💗💗

also, does frank canonically have a husband? or is that a headcanon ive absorbed? (i watched 911 in like 2 weeks and i thought he was paralyzed until i rewatched the s3 xmas ep and he stands up and is an amputee 🤦‍♂️)

HEY! Thank you so much! I am really excited for sharing it.

And tbh, I recently rewatched, and I don't think we know anything personal about Frank. So that might be fanon.

---

78 for ❄️:

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"I know it feels like forever, but believe me. The wound isn’t as deep as it seems. You’ll get him back.”

Eddie’s eyes start to well up. “You don’t know that for sure.”

“I do,” Charlie says. “I do know.” 

“How?” Eddie asks, helpless. If someone has answers he is desperate for them.

“You feel like you’re at the end of something, but you’re so young. So ahead of where most of the people in our group are. You are going to do better, because you’re braver and stronger than you realize. You will get through this. And this will all just be a distant, painful memory. This isn’t your whole story, Eddie.” 

Eddie can’t stop the tears in time. He starts to cry, right in full camera view of Charlie. 

“I’ll prove it,” Charlie says. 

“How can you do that?” Eddie asks tiredly, voice tight enough to crack.

“I’ll fix things with my brother,” Charlie announces. 

“What?” Eddie asks. 

“Doesn’t matter what happens between you and your guy, okay? I’m letting you out of the deal. I will still talk to my brother,” Charlie says. 

“You will?” Eddie asks, blinking through his tears. 

“Yes. I will. That is the oldest, deepest wound in my life left with someone alive to mend it, and I will do everything in my power. If I can do that, there’s no way you can’t fix things with your son. Much sooner.” 

“You don’t have to… Just to make me feel better,” Eddie blubbers, sort of pathetically.

“Not just to make you feel better,” Charlie smiles. “It’s about damn time to be brave, I think.” 

Eddie takes a deep breath. “Yeah. Maybe you’re right about that.”

“I’ll let you know how it goes, okay?” Charlie assures him.

Eddie nods. “Thanks. I really hope it goes well. You deserve it.”

“I hope so, too.” Charlie sighs. “I guess it’s time for me to plan a trip.” 

“Your brother doesn’t live in Wisconsin?” Eddie asks. 

“No. I moved states decades ago. He has too.”

“Yeah, I get that,” Eddie mumbles. “Well, good luck. Safe travels. And uh… I believe in you.”

“Thanks, kid. I believe in you, too.”

▪️▪️▪️

After his call with Charlie, Eddie thinks a lot about being brave. 

Not about Buck. That’ll take some courage, sure. But not the most courage. And it’s not the most pressing need, either. He loves Buck. He loves Buck so much. He wants them to be together, and he wants to be a good partner for him. Someday. Hopefully. But he knows that none of that will make him happy long term if he doesn’t fix things with his son. 

He needs to be brave for Christopher now. The way Charlie is being brave with his brother. 

Only, he doesn’t quite know how. What is the line between being brave and trodding over boundaries? How does he make things better without risking making them worse? 

[oswildin]

Did you hear baout the TVA comic coming this December? It's written by one of the Loki writers and is supposed to deal with the aftermath of Loki's sacrifice. Mobius and Sylvie confirmed to be in it as well as other Marvel characters like Spider-Gwen. Idk how canon to future MCU stuff it will be but hopefully it'll give some form of closure I've personally been waiting for since last November LOL.

Yes I did! I haven’t really read many of the comics, but I may ask for it for Xmas this year, because I really need more Sylvie & Mobius content.

It probably won’t be very cannon, they tend to just take inspiration from comics for the MCU rather than direct stories I believe. Like RDJ being cast as Doom; there is a comic where Doom swaps their brains so he becomes Stark (I believe) or something, which probably then also gave Feige the inspiration to cast RDJ. As much as I think it is a cash grab tactic, I am curious to see everyone’s reactions to seeing Tony’s face (if they do a reveal of him without the mask anyway, which I am sure they will bc shock value).

But yeah, looking forward to the TVA comic! Maybe then I’ll get the expanded upon Mobius and Sylvie friendship I’ve been craving.

[jujumin-translates]

Event | Xmas PARK CARNIVAL | Chapter 1

Shop Worker: Thank you so much!

Sakuya: I really needed these new winter clothes, so having you come along was a huge help, Banri-kun. Thanks!

Banri: No problem.

Sakuya: Fufu, whenever I ask you to help me pick out clothes, it always makes me feel super fashionable right away.

Banri: You’re exaggeratin’. Well, guess it ain’t so bad hearin’ you say it though.

Banri: When we get home, I’ll think up some outfit ideas for the clothes we got today.

Sakuya: Really? I’d love that.

Sakuya: …Huh? Those mascot keychains over there…

Banri: That’s… the mascot for that amusement park in America that we helped out at before, ain’t it?

Sakuya: Yeah, that’s the one!

Sakuya: Weren’t you this red bird, Banri-kun? His name was Tony, right?

Banri: Yeah, you sure remember that well…

Sakuya: I didn’t realize they sold keychains from that amusement park over here.

Banri: Right? Maybe the park’s name has become more recognizable since then.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Banri: Oh, they’ve got a lotta decorations up. It’s all Christmas colors around here.

Sakuya: It really is. Seeing all these Christmas trees and lights on display gets me kinda excited.

Sakuya: I’ve spent a lot of Christmases with everyone at MANKAI so far, but…

Sakuya: I wonder what kinda Christmas it’ll be this time.

Banri: No matter what, I’m sure it’ll be as noisy as ever.

Sakuya: Ahaha, it is always pretty lively, isn’t it?

Banri: Hm? Over there, ain’t that…?

Sakuya: That’s… Mizuno-san!

Mizuno: Sakuma-kun, Settsu-kun…! What a coincidence, hello.

Sakuya: Hi.

Mizuno: Actually, I was just on my way to the MANKAI Dorms. I have a meeting with Director-san and Furuichi-san.

Banri: Oh yeah, Director-chan mentioned somethin’ about that this mornin’.

Sakuya: We were actually just on our way back there ourselves. Let’s head back there together.

Mizuno: Yes, of course.

Sakuya: Is your meeting with Director and the others a request of some kind?

Mizuno: Yes, something like that.

Banri: Huh, guess we’re probably not supposed to ask what it’s about yet then?

Mizuno: No, nothing like that. The two of you are likely related to it, so…

Sakuya: We are?

Banri: Now that you say that, I’m even more intrigued.

Mizuno: Do you remember that amusement park in America that you once helped out with a revival for?

Mizuno: It’s actually a request from that amusement park.

[ Next Part ⇢ ]

[eustasskidagenda]

☆Event - Advent calendar: Hot chocolate or gingerbread? 

Hi there☆ This is my first event so I'm a bit nervous lol. I hope it won't be too messy and you will like it :D But I really wanted to thank you all for the 140+ followers. Since December is slowly approaching, I thought it would be fun to have an advent calendar. I know I'm posting this early, but I want to write the texts beforehand and have the time to write them all without any pressure! ( ^◡^) 

☆details

Be polite when requesting. It's really rude to receive messages without a 'hello' or 'thank you'.

Please, also precise you're requesting for the event and not for a normal request.

Give me one OP character, one prompt number, and let me know if you're okay with modern AU or not. If you pick more than one character, I’ll choose my personal favorite in the list.

You can include some details you would like to see in the fic and, for n/sfw requests, please precise if you want some specific kinks (click here to see the kinks I won't write) 

Don’t forget to specify the gender of the reader, otherwise I'll go for a g/n reader. I won’t accept request that basically describe an oc.

For a smut request, please use off-anon and make your age easily accessible on your blog. Don’t be shy, I won’t judge you♡ If you're uncomfortable, I won't show your name on the post. Just let me know if you want to stay anon.

This event will remain open to requests as long as slots are still available

To keep the fun of an advent calendar, the fics will be updated in a non-predictable order. So maybe I'll post the 7 prompt for day one, who knows.

Some prompts are only sfw (the hot chocolate ones), some are only nsfw (the gingerbread one), and for some, you can choose if you want the fic to be smutty or not. 

☆all the characters you can ask for this event:

Buggy, Corazon, Crocodile, Doflamingo, Eustass Kid, Hawkins, Izou, Killer, King, Kiku, Kuzan, Luffy (only sfw prompts with Luffy), Marco, Mihawk, Nami, Portgas D. Ace, Rob Lucci, Robin, Roronoa Zoro, Sabo, Sanji, Shanks, Smoker, Trafalgar Law, Usopp, X Drake, Yamato (he/him) 

Characters I won't write for: Blackbeard and Blackbeard crew, Brook, Roger, Kin'emon, Kanjuro, Franky, Benn, Akainu, Kizaru, Apoo

⇢ if the character you would like is not on one of those lists, just ask in a comment and I'll let you know!

☆Hot Chocolate 

Let's decorate the home together 

First time at the rink

Catching a cold after the first snow

Let's cook the Xmas dinner together

Hot wine and Xmas market 

Let's build a snowman 

Build-a-bear together

Night walk and city illumination

Adopting a dog/cat together 

Building a gingerbread house 

Snow angel and shooting stars

☆Gingerbread

Santa Claus costume

Ginger & aphrodisiac 

An unexpected gift

Have you been good or naughty this year?

Are you wearing something under this apron?

Let's start our "good resolutions" early

Are you cold? I'll warm you up 

Human chocolate

☆Hot chocolate or gingerbread? 

Snowball fight 

First Xmas together and ugly sweaters 

Relaxing in front of the fire 

Painting baubles together 

Look, there's a mistletoe  

Hot spring 

☆Exemple of request with all the needed informations

"Hi (I totally agree with the Kid agenda), for your event, I'd like to ask for the prompt 3 of the hot chocolate list, with Kid (obviously), g/n reader. I'm fine with modern A/U. Tyyy"

"Hello, I’m here for the event. I'd like to ask for the prompt 3 of the gingerbread or hot chocolate list. I'd like to have a gingerbread fic with Law and *add a list of kinks you like here*, no modern AU please, afab reader, thank you <;3"

Thank you…(´人｀●)SOOOOO━━＼(´∀｀●)／━━MUCH!!

[sparklingcid3r]

Had a half-asleep idea that must be shared: an everyone-lives au but Bob is still a jerk so they Christmas Carol him into being nice. (Ponyboy got the idea from reading the book.)

i don’t usually fw fantastical au’s but i’ll hop on this rq 🙏 why stop at alt ending when u can go full fantasy. curtis brothers don’t exist irl, soda is the ghost of christmas past, pony’s the ghost of christmas present, and darry’s the ghost of christmas yet to come/future

let me cook yall just stay w me👏 but like first u gotta watch 2022’s scrooge: a christmas carol, trust🤞

idrc who they haunt. it can be bob for his impulsiveness, dally for his coldness, or johnny for his sadness, i’m more interested in the brothers so listennn

soda as the ghost of xmas past bc he’s always had a penchant for maintaining his joy from childhood. he’s high on life and never let it get away from him even as he matured. so he’ll take the individual back to their past and point out how different they used to be, how innocent. he’ll lowk guilt trip them as he goes through every hardship they’ve ever endured and says “well THAT can’t be the reason ur so bitter lol, let’s keep looking.” he mostly ends up pissing ppl off but does get them in their feels with his curiosity for figuring out what could have possibly gone awry in their lives.

pony as the ghost of xmas present bc he himself has learned to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of life as it is without alteration. he’ll show the individual the impact that their actions have on the people around them and what they’re missing out while they’re too busy wrapped up in their own heads. sometimes he’ll stop to admire the sky as it changes color or the way street lamps reflect off the snow on the ground, or the lights around storefront windows. he’s there to get the individual to understand how delicate the world is and how noteworthy it is, from the struggling branches to the powerful sun.

darry’s the ghost of xmas future bc he has to be the most morose of them all. he’s the one who shows the individual what life for them will entail if they continue to stew in their misery. be it how few ppl will mourn them or every chance at happiness they will inevitably let pass them by. he’s pretty silent for the most part, sticking to the dramatic visuals. he’ll lead individuals to their own funerals to let them see just how badly they’re screwing up their own lives. (he’s also the one who comes to collect the individuals who were never able to change and chains them up in the afterlife. he doesn’t like it, but it’s part of the job description).

alr that’s all i got, ask me abt this again in december and maybe i’ll have more interesting thoughts lmfao 🙏

[thesassypadawan]

Under My Tree *part 1* (Knight Obi-Wan x RealWorldFemReader)

Summary: It’s Christmas Eve. Your knight is nowhere to be found and all you want is a cozy rendezvous under your tree. (Pairs well with *NSYNC’s song Under My Tree)

Warnings: A lot of the fluffy and just a little bit of the dirty talk.

Note: Wizard *part 2*

It was Christmas Eve. Stars twinkled merrily in the night sky, as snow fell softly to the ground. All so magical, all so romantic…but it wasn’t the same without him.

You had held out the hope that your knight would have joined you this evening. However, as the party progressed on, it was clear that he was not.

You understood that there were certain duties he had to attend to and, let’s face it, crossing between your realms wasn’t exactly the easiest of feats. But that didn’t mean you still weren’t heartbroken over his absence…especially at times like this.

None the less, you had a nice time. You laughed with new and old friends. Caught up with relatives that you rarely got to see. Indulged in some delicious treats. You even enjoyed a cup of good cheer or two.

Such a wonderful gathering. You were sad when it finally came to an end, and you had to make the lonely trek back home.

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

Dusting the stray flakes off yourself, you pushed open the front door and was met with…

Nothing. No music. No twinkling lights. No happy, warm greeting. Not even a worn cloak or pair of boots in the entryway. Absolutely nothing.

With a heavy sigh, you shrugged off your coat and made your way to the living room. Maybe a cheesy holiday movie would help lift your spirits.

As you reached for the switch, the room magically came to life.

The tree shone brightly. All around you candles flickered. A familiar Christmas tune played. Even a fire crackled in the hearth.

And there…tucked beneath the branches…surrounded by a bunch of fluffy blankets and pillows…wearing a Santa hat…posed rather sexily was… “Hello there.”

“Well, hello there yourself,” you giggled, a surprised look on your face.

Offering you a glass of wine, Obi-Wan asked enticingly. “Care to join me for a cozy rendezvous?”

“Just relax, enjoy the view?” You reply playfully, accepting the drink and cuddling up with him inside the little Xmas nest.

“I’ll show you how good it could be,” Obi hummed, wrapping a strong arm around your waist.

“I wish that Santa could be here… Oh, wait, he already is.” You mischievously gave his beard a tiny tug.

Obi-Wan jokingly made a “oof” sound and pulled you in closer. “Careful now, darling; that’s how you’ll end up with your stocking filled with coal.”

Leaning your head against his shoulder, your grinned up at Obi not so innocently. “Then I’ll be sure to do it a few more times tonight.” And gave another tug.

“Such a naughty little girl,” he teased into your ear, fingers trailing lazily down your arm.

“You’re one to talk, Kenobi Claus,” you purred, shivering at his touch. “I know that’s not a candy cane I’m feeling in your pocket.”

Emphasizing your point with a flick of your hips.

“True,” he groaned, trying to keep his composure. “However, it’s a much better gift than what you think.”

“Oh, and what would that be?”

“Close your eyes,” Obi-Wan whispered huskily. “And no peeking.”

Doing as he said, you felt an invisible hand snake between your bodies. Tenderly caressing down your back, eliciting a small moan from you, before disappearing into his pocket.

You squirmed in anticipation, from the feathery strokes along your posterior. Your mind was abuzz with excitement for what would come next. Except, nothing could prepare you for…

“Open them.”

…a box hovering in the air. A ring resting inside. “Obi,” you muttered softly.

“Attachment is forbidden for us jedi, it’s said to lead to the dark side. I was once a firm believer in this, until you came along. Although our meeting wasn’t normal or logical by any means, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know nothing about our relationship has been easy, but we’ve made it work so wonderfully. You’re the light of my life, the other half of my heart. Will you marry me?”

Obi-Wan’s words hung heavily in the air.

This man that you cared for dearly. Your precious knight that you loved so deeply. He wanted to…

“Yes,” you said shakily, tears of joy in your eyes. “I will marry you.”

Nuzzling your neck affectionately, he murmured. “Extend your left hand, dear one.”

Doing just that, you watched as Obi used the force to place the silver-colored ring on your finger.

“I realize it’s not the fanciest, but I made it myself,” he explained. "The band is a piece of my padawan braid encased in carbonite and the jewel… Well, it’s a sliver of my lightsaber’s kyber crystal.”

Tilting your hand, you admired how the blue twinkled in the tree’s lights. “It’s perfect,” you said happily. “Just like you.”

Looking back, you twisted yourself around in his hold. With a flash of a tiny grin, you pounced on top of Obi-Wan. Sending you both crashing back into the mound of pillows.

You gave him a passionate kiss, which he returned tenfold. Obi even went as far as to roll and capture you beneath himself. Showering your face and neck with kisses, until you were a laughing mess.

“O-Obi! Stop! I-I can’t breathe!” You squealed, trying to stop the barrage from his lips.

“Sorry, sweetheart, but I can’t help it,” he chuckled, pressing his forehead to yours. “You just made me the happiest man in both galaxies.”

Gazing deeply into each other’s eyes. You lace your fingers together. Both whispering, “I love you”. And, in that stolen moment, nothing else mattered. It was a very Merry Christmas…it was truly beautiful under your tree.

[giraffess]

HIII MERRY CHRISTMAS ITS 2AM CHRISTMAS DAY HERE :) those foods all sound soo good fr but id love 2 make the dessert the most like u do. im actually so hungry now arghh also makin marshmallows is soo cool lmk how they go! also fair reality tv is brainrot but ive been rotting my brain w the secret lives of mormon wives lately 😭 its actually so good like if u dont wanna think 4 a while. anyways hope ur xmas day is spectacular andd hmm whats ur fav animal? oh n ivr nrver seen american idol but i used 2 watch clips on youtube it looks sooo funny my god. america is kinda wild icl

Merry Christmas!!

I’d say the marshmallows turned out pretty well! But I definitely can’t eat more than like, two at a time, because they came out so sweet!

Now I may not watch reality TV but I do love me some brain rot. I really love those “things I quote every day” compilations on YouTube, and anything that deals with messy pop culture stuff. But maybe I’ll start on some reality TV in due time!

I should mention that when I saw American Idol I was very very young and I don’t think I grasped the concept of it being intentionally messy. I was definitely more aware of it during my short Americas Got Talent phase.

As for animals… I mean I love most (probably all) mammals, I love dogs and cats, but MAN do I love hedgehogs. I mean look at this little guy 🦔!

Ask everyone who knows me though, and they will tell you that I am obsessed with bears. And they would be right! I have made countless drawings of bears, uquizzes about them, and I have some fun facts about them stored in my brain.

Did you know that Smokey the Bear is only one of two living beings in the USA with their own ZIP code (otherwise known as Postal Code)? The other one is the President!

If you didn’t know, Smokey the Bear is a mascot created in the 1940s to spread awareness of wildfires. The mascot came first, but since then there have also been real life counterparts!

[marina41trench]

Yotsuba Tamaki - PTT Xmas RabbitChat [2/5] - Another Christmas Party

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Tamaki: Heeey

Tamaki: I don’t have work on Sunday next week, right

Tsumugi: Yes! You have a day off!

Tamaki:

Tamaki: Thanks for opening my schedule even though we’re busy

Tsumugi: It’s nothing!

Tsumugi: I apologize that you don’t get much rest at this time every year ><

Tsumugi: I heard you’re going to participate in the facility’s Christmas party!

Tamaki: Yeah

Tamaki: As Santa

Tamaki: I hope the kids will enjoy it

Tsumugi: I’m sure they will be really happy once Santa Tamaki-san arrives!

Tsumugi:

Tamaki: I used to wait for it after I mark the calendar

Tsumugi: When I was young, I used to do that too when I looked forward to Christmas (laugh)

Tamaki: Counting how many days left really makes you excited

Tamaki: And you won’t even get to sleep much a day before lol

Tsumugi: I know the feeling!

Tsumugi: There was a time that I fell asleep looking at the Christmas tree…!

Tamaki: You did that?

Tamaki: Little manager’s so cute

Tsumugi: I had a feeling that I’d meet Santa-san if I’m close to the tree…

Tsumugi:

Tamaki: The kids there said that too

Tamaki: They said they’ll write a letter so they could meet Santa-san

Tsumugi:

Tsumugi: Did you also do Christmas parties when you lived there?

Tamaki: Yeah. I bought candies and played games. It was very fun

Tamaki: I was really good at tail tag

Tamaki: Not only I could use my feet, but my head too

Tamaki:

Tsumugi: Tail tag is very nostalgic! (laugh)

Tsumugi: On the contrary I was very weak at it and my tail was quickly stolen ><

Tamaki: Manager’s weak lol

Tamaki: I aim for the tip

Tsumugi:

Tamaki: If we’re on the same team I’ll protect the tail

Tsumugi:

Tsumugi: Do you play tail tag even at Christmas parties?

Tamaki: I wanna play but I’ll be Santa

Tamaki: Maybe I could join them in other stuff instead

CHOICE

1) How about singing with them?

Tamaki: Sounds great. I’ll learn a Christmas song they’d like

Looks like they’d enjoy it more if I add dancing!

2) How about a staring contest?

Tamaki: I did that before! I’d get a candy if I win against the director who’s the Santa

She said that I stared at her a lot because I kept asking for candies lol

3) How about performing a magic trick?

Tamaki: I can do the one where a candy appears from a handkerchief!

Mikki taught me that in a program recently

Tamaki: And then do some candy hunting?

Tamaki: They’ll have it when they find it. I’m sure it’s going to be super exciting

Tsumugi: That sounds fun! I’m sure they’ll look for it very hard!

Tsumugi:

Tamaki: I’ll look for it too

Tamaki: Oh yeah

Tamaki: How about we do it at ChriPa?

Tamaki: I’ll keep eating King Pudding

Tsumugi: You’ll limit yourself to King Pudding lol

Tamaki:

Tamaki: Crap

Tamaki: It’s almost time

Tsumugi: Are you going out?

Tamaki: I’ll study for test with Iorin and Isumin

Tamaki:

Tamaki: Am I really good?

Tsumugi: You’re doing great! If you study with everyone you’ll surely pass the test!

Tsumugi:

Tamaki: That’ll be great…

Tamaki: I don’t wanna do supplementary lessons in the dorms if I fail

Tamaki: I’ll totally avoid it

Tamaki:

Tsumugi: Let’s do our best to celebrate with everyone!

Tamaki: I’ll. do. my. best.

Tsumugi:

[mochidreambubble]

Winter Wishes

[I originally wrote this for Xmas 2022. It also uses the pen pal premise from my other OL fics. Ao3 link here.]

{Winter party plans don't go as... Well. Planned. But that doesn't mean there won't be merriment and fun.}

You wait as you bounce back between toe and heel. Your Ma hasn’t said a word since you showed her the sparkly invitation. It had been personally delivered by the one and only Baxter - though not because he wanted to personally deliver it to you specifically . You saw him from your room window as he arrived in the late morn in some super fancy car (the driver came out to open the door for him and everything! Like in the movies!) and he had beelined for Qiu’s first, likely handing Tamarack’s and yours personally too just cause it was convenient that he was already there. Not that it was surprising he picked to go to Qiu first, or that he came all this way to hand the letter in person. The Boys Club was a tight unit, and while Qiu had extended the invitation to you…

You were initially excited to see him, as outside of Boys Club days where the invitation was extended to you, there were never really a lot of chances to just hang out with Baxter. So, maybe you were a little sad that him handing the invitation to you was just because he was in the area anyway. But you try and shrug it off, Qiu had more memories and friendship bonding stuff with him that you did not.

“Well, Baxter did come all this way to give you this invitation,” Your mom speaks up at last and you perk up from your rocky gaze on the floor.

“So I can go?!”

“Seeing as how Qiu and Tamarack were invited as well, so long as you’ll be going together-”

 You tackle her in a hug before she finishes, then rush to the door. You made sure to grab your scarf and earmuffs and yell back to Ma, “I’ll go ask them right now!”

She calls back, though it sounded muffled by the time the door had shut. Maybe it was to not run, seeing as how snow and frost covered every inch of Golden Grove. Like in autumn, everything looked like it leapt straight out of the painted pages of your favourite storybooks. You still picked the comfy oranges and reds of the previous season to be your favourite, but winter in Golden Grove certainly beat out the dreary grays and stone of the same season back in the city. 

You make your way as quickly as you can, your winter boots crunching as you first etch closer to Qiu's. It was always more of a gamble to see if Tamarack was home, cause even in the cold it be a coin toss if she was bundled up in quilts or back out in the forest out back. You play a little song of knocks on Qiu’s door and you hear some scrambling within the home.

“Mr Qiu Lin, what did we say about running in the halls?”

An airy laugh in response, and, “So long as I’m not tracking mud or running in socks, it’s ok?”

Qiu greets you at the door. There’s always this weird buzz of butterflies and warmth you get when you see Qiu. You haven’t told Ma about it, not really. “Hey there neighbour,” he still smiles with confidence and mischief, it always feels like days never quite go so simply when he does this. He tries to balance on one foot, hopping in place as he puts on the other red sneaker.

“Morning Qiu!”

“Morning? I’m sure it’s almost noon, silly.”

“That means it’s still morning. Do I need to get you a watch or something?”

Both shoes on, at last, he asks if you’re giving away what you’re getting him for Christmas, and you try your best to sound as mysterious as possible. The line of conversation continues, and to any outsider it may even sound like the two of you were bickering, but there wasn’t even a hint of animosity between the two of you.

“Speaking of Christmas, what do you think about Baxter’s winter party invitation?” You ask as you both make your way over to Tamarack’s. 

“Of course I’m going. And hey, and told ya you’d get your chance to go over to his big house eventually,” He still has his smug smile in place, and between the strange butterflies and the laugh you’re fighting down, you still manage to roll your eyes.

“You haven’t always been right since we met I have you know, “ and you tap the notebook in his grip. “I think I have a track record for the number of times I had to save your pages Mr I don’t lose anything .”

“And that’s where you’re wrong,” he winks. “Thanks to you, I really haven’t lost anything!”

“ Qiu.”

He laughs as he slides over to the Baumann household door, knocking rhythmically as he always does. Granny answered the door. “Oh, hello dears.”

The two of you greet her simultaneously, as well as - as best two differently posed questions could make it out to be - ask her if Tamarack was in. She stops to ponder for just a second, eyes glittering. You always think everyone in Tamarack’s family, even the kind of scary Mr Baumann, seemed to have sparkles on them. “She’s still warming up from her morning escapades,” a word you note to either ask mom or look up in your dictionary later. “But I’m sure she'll be happy to see the two of you.”

Qiu and you both take a complimentary candy from the glass bowl once you’re in the Baumann’s cozy hallway and make your way to Tamarack, and as one of your guesses, was comfortably wrapped in a nice thick quilt and sipping hot chocolate. She almost spills the mug entirely when she sees the two of you, getting up in haste. You huddle in with her, and Qiu joins in, smushing you in the middle. You didn’t know what was so funny, but Granny had to rush off to get a camera. It gave the three of you a moment all to yourselves, and you ask her about the invitation.

“Ohhh. Oma told me about it, but I can’t say I feel like going,” she shrugs. It may have been months since she met the other members of Qiu’s Boys Club, and while it wasn’t that she didn’t like Baxter or Darren, she didn’t feel like she wanted to hang out with them as much. The most is if you said you were going to, which maybe convinced Tamarack to do the same once in a while.

“Qiu and I will be going,” and you see Tamarack’s eyes light as she reconsiders. “And it’s a fancy rich people party right? There’s going to be things we maybe don’t see at regular parties, it may be fun!”

The three of you discuss possible what ifs and could be, after Tamarack decides that she’d like to go as well - and nothing could make you happier as you didn’t like leaving Tamarack out of anything. Qiu explains that, sure , he has been over to Baxter’s quite a number of times, but never for the fancy parties. You personally think it be fun to go so you get the chance to dress up. You didn’t really have the chance to, maybe once in a while if you had to tag along to one of Ma’s work parties for things like the company’s Christmas or New Years gathering, but those were so boring . Qiu insists it was a grand affair , especially stressed in his noble fancy voice that never failed to make you and Tamarack laugh. He then insists that all of you would need the whole day to prepare, like in the TV shows, so it was only natural that…!

“We all sleep over at your place!” Qiu presents you like a grand finale and you give him a quizzical look. “Look, we can all stay over and spend the next day preparing at your place and all go together, it’s the perfect plan .”

He then admits it’s mainly because by this point, you’ve all stayed over at his and Tamarck’s place at least once, so by default, it was sort of your turn to host. But it should be perfect, since the idea was for the three of you to go together anyways. When you explain this all to Ma later, she could only laugh that, despite living next to each other, it apparently wasn’t close enough for the three of you.

All the grownups didn’t seem to mind, especially since this was the third time you were all having a sleepover.Qiu even tried to extend the invitation to Darren. Your little adventuring group of three dropped by to see if he wanted to join but before he could even say it was over at your place and that he was saying Tamarack was going to be there, you saw the face he made. Even if you and Tamarack were watching from the sidewalk, you could guess what the answer was. Tamarack didn’t really seem all that bothered, saying that just you three was the right amount anyways. 

So when the night before the big party day approached, your room had two guests carrying fluffy sleeping bags and their belongings. You all broke the sleep early rule, of course. The moment you hear Ma’s door click shut for the night, flashlights came on and the cards and hand puppets came out. You all even managed to silently build a grand pillow and blanket fort, big enough for all three if you to sleep in side by side.

Once the games had stopped and the three of you lay there, not quite in the dark as your glow in the dark stickers illuminate the room, Tamarack giggles and asks if you think you’d meet your prince or princess at the party. “You know, the one ? Like people do when they go to these rich people's parties? Like a mysterious stranger who asks you to dance with them?” 

You hear Qiu muffle a squawk beside you, and unsure what that was about but you shrug and turn to her. Truth be told, this wasn’t the first time Tamarack has asked you about dancing with mysterious strangers. Not since you told her you took dance classes. Not ballet like Qiu, but like Baxter. You weren’t in the same classes exactly of course, as Baxter was ahead of you, but it was one of the few things Baxter and you could bond over. Thinking about Baxter, it was always a little funny. He was always friendly, but there was something in your gut that told you he was kind of disappointed that you were there too, and he always tried to hide the sulk that would quickly disappear. You told your mom about it, and after a hug and a comfy place cuddled by her side, she explained that sometimes you couldn’t make everyone like you, no matter how hard you tried. Which you thought kind of sucked, since you saw Baxter as Mr Cool and Mysterious. Maybe this party would be another chance to be closer with him.

“Well?” Tamarack giggles softly as she gives your cheek a poke.

“I much rather dance with my best friends.”

You hear Qiu let out a breath and laughs as well. You nudge him to be softer. “Course you would, since we’re going to be the coolest people there.”

“Mmmm. But I guess I’ll ask Baxter for one too, since he invited me.”

“R-Really?”

“Ooooh, yeah. I guess you would want to,” Tamarack thinks aloud. “Cause you think he’s Mr Cool or something right?

“Y-You do?!”

“Awww Qiu,” Tamarack giggles. “I guess there’s some things I know that you don’t huh?”

“Hey! No fair!”

Half-way through sharing more “secrets”, your Ma comes in to ask you all to go to bed. Whoops, guess you all became too loud after all. Hilariously, despite all that speculation for the night for how the part would go…

»»————-　✼　————-««

Dear Mermaid Friend

I hope this gets to you in time just so I can say Merry Christmas!! 

❄️🎄❄️

There’s a bunch of sticker packs I picked out for you, I hope you like them. Ma packed some homemade jam for everyone in your family too. Ma’s jam is the best, and you should tell me if you want Ma to send more over, not just as a Christmas present.

This year I’m probably going to spend Christmas cooped up at home if you can believe it! It’s been snowing pretty bad the past few days. I was actually invited to a fancy rich people party a few days ago. But…

Dun Dun Dun!! Suspense Music!! 

On the day I was supposed to go, everything and everywhere got snowed in. 

<there's a drawing of a huge sad face in a Santa hat>

Guess it wasn’t all that bad though, as I had Qiu and Tamarack with me! We just spent the day making cookies with Ma and playing board games and watching silly Christmas movies. I hope your winter days have been going better than mine. Wish I could hop on a plane to visit you in Sunset Bird but Ma says I’m still too small to do that. When do you think she’ll say I’m big enough? It’s not fair.

Wait. I remember you said you hated Winter most right? Cause your moms don’t let you play at the beach as much. Sheesh. I’ll never understand why you and Cove like the sea so much. Maybe one say when I visit, it’ll be like magic, you’ll turn me into a mermaid so I can explore the sea with you or something. Would that be fun!! 

🌊🐚 🐬 🐚 🐬 🌊

↑ I made sure to get ocean themed stickers like those 

Anyways, Ma said I could invite everyone over inst

-

“Sweetie, your friends are here!” Ma calls, and you stop writing halfway. Since the whole party at Baxter’s didn’t happen, you decided to invite him and Darren to spend the day over at your place instead. Darren took a lot of convincing, and what you thought was a rather stern look from Mrs Murray (Tamarack whispered to you conspiratorially how odd it was to see your teacher on winter break). As expected though, he stuck to Qiu like glue the whole time, oh well.

Baxter was genuinely delighted to have been invited, and Ma and the other adults said it was precious he dressed up all formal for the small party. He told the lot of you that he actually liked this more, as the fancy party was really his parent’s party and he usually found them boring so he was glad the snow came in and saved him.

Huh . Guess all grownup parties were just boring. 

Tamarack’s grandparents brought over some really old, really big disks and your Ma brought out a really big CD player (they’re vinyls and a phonograph, she explains later). Turns out you got to dance with Baxter after all. You’re not sure how or why; Tamarack would tell you one fine day when it was just the two of you a few days after the party that  she saw Qiu whispering to Baxter right before he asked you. Though soon after everyone danced with everybody, except Darren who shuffled exclusively with Qiu and Baxter but oh well.

And funnily enough, you got to visit Baxter’s big house that very winter after all. He invited everyone over again, everyone’s parents and grandparents too, for a Christmas dinner that was just him and his parents this time - no fancy dancing or partying involved.

Baxter got you new dancing shoes, and Darren - or more specifically Mrs Murray you were betting - got you those cool pencil cases that opened up to have more than one compartments. Tamarack a cute box for treasure and a secret compartment for notes, there were already some she had written just for you it seemed. Qiu gave you a notebook, matching his own. You felt like it belonged with the paper airplane in your keepsakes box, too precious to use.

All in all, it was a wonderful first Winter in Golden Grove.