#mulled wine and mistletoe

[emmasaviorswan]

Christmas starter: Ruby 🍷

"Mmm I smell cinnamon... fancy some mulled wine?" Ruby asked, her red lips pulling up in a cheeky smile.

[doodleholic]

Hermione should have realized Christmas was doomed when the mistletoe spontaneously caught fire. This was all somehow Draco Malfoy's fault, and now she can't seem to stop running into him everywhere.

[aparticularbandit]

pre-game!tsumugi's ex-girlfriend is basically autumn.

like the season.

took me over 6.5k to learn this, but she's autumn.

[thoughtofadumbteenprotagonist]

Yall ever have a delayed memory of what you dreamt of the night before? Like you’re eating lunch then you remember damn, Josh hutcherson took me on a bomb ass date last night

[wisdomfish]

Ryle challenges us—while we enjoy the wonderful delights of mince pies and mistletoe and mulled wine and music and merriment—to make the most of every Christmas, to consider seriously the person of Jesus Christ and questions of eternal significance.’

Andrew Atherstone

[poohsources]

🐝  *  ―  𝑾𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑪𝑯𝑹𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑴𝑨𝑺 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑺.

❛  i'm so excited for the holidays already!  ❜ ❛  winter is my favorite season of the year. everything looks just so pretty.  ❜ ❛  you look like you're freezing. come on, let's warm up inside.  ❜ ❛  eat this, it's a new cookie recipe i've tried.  ❜ ❛  you have snowflakes in your hair.  ❜ ❛  let's just stay in, light a fire and watch some movies.  ❜ ❛  the holidays aren't so bad with you around.  ❜ ❛  isn't it a little bit early to start decorating already?  ❜ ❛  i'll be going home for the holidays ... do you want to come with me?  ❜ ❛  i've never seen snow before.  ❜ ❛  i know it's a little early but i figured i'd give you your present already.  ❜ ❛  here, you can have my scarf.  ❜ ❛  you've never been ice skating before?  ❜ ❛  if i'm slipping, i'm totally blaming you.  ❜ ❛  do you have any plans for the holidays?  ❜ ❛  i've prepared some hot chocolate / eggnog / mulled wine if you want to come in.  ❜ ❛  we should give our snowman a name.  ❜ ❛  are there any traditions you have for the holidays?  ❜ ❛  i can't wait for it to be summer again ...  ❜ ❛  want to go gift shopping with me?  ❜

[ mistletoe ] sender and receiver standing under a mistletoe together [ cocoa ] sender bringing receiver a mug of hot chocolate [ skating ] sender and receiver going ice skating [ snow angel ] sender and receiver making snow angels and having fun in the snow together [ fireplace ] sender and receiver cuddling up in front of a fireplace [ decorations ] sender and receiver decorate for the holidays together [ cookies ] sender and receiver bake some cookies together [ presents ] sender giving receiver their holiday present(s) [ snowball ] sender throws a snowball at receiver [ lights ] sender and receiver admire the lights together [ tree ] sender and receiver pick out a christmas tree [ secret santa ] receiver has to buy a secret santa gift for receiver [ snowed in ] sender and receiver are snowed in together [ sledding ] sender and receiver go sledding [ traditions ] sender and receiver celebrate christmas / hanukkah together [ snowman ] sender and receiver building a snowman [ gingerbread ] sender and receiver make and decorate a gingerbread house [ skiing ] sender and receiver go skiing [ music ] sender catching receiver singing and dancing to christmas songs [ caroling ] sender asking receiver to go caroling with them

[justporo]

Headcanons for Astarion and Tav spending winter time

Aight, writing for the fluff challenge has me thinking about this a lot, so why not exploit it some more, eh? Some of these are/will be used in the drabbles plus more stuff. So, here we go:

Does Astarion like winter? For sure not, this vampire is made for summer time, elegant summer clothing and also... a beautiful summer tunic on his partner is just so much more beautiful than all the winter clothes (and easier to take off, he has a point there)

You can convince him though that winter time has its perks because there's so much more cuddling and who really wants to get out of bed when it's that cold outside, right?

Astarion will however use every given opportunity to make a fashion statement - expect beautiful but dramatic, winter cloaks with fur, elegant gloves, winter tunics with beautiful embroidery (although he might enjoy just throwing on a sweater at home - especially if you had it stolen before and your scent still lingers on it)

Also winter festivities were mostly hurtful reminders this far, but now? With you by his side, he will enjoy them a lot more

Also: let's not forget that it may be cold outside but the nights are much longer and give you more opportunity to be out and about

He sneakily hangs up a mistletoe somewhere in your place and waits like a predator to assault you with kisses every time you catches you under it; "Astarion! This is the tenth time today! You know you can just ask me for a kiss, don't you?" "But darling, where would be the fun in simply asking? Isn't it so much more romantic when pure chance makes us meet here under the mistletoe time and again, my love?" "It's not chance when you keep lingering under it, Astarion!"

He enjoys decorations a lot more than he'd care to admit, he enjoys when your place smells of fresh pine from wreaths and other stuff you've put up and he likes the cosy atmosphere all the spread candles are creating for the two of you cuddling up while a snowstorm howls outside

Speaking of: expect Astarion to become the embodiment of a cuddly cat during winter time; he'll snuggle up with you under some blankets, in front of the fireplace, maybe with a nice book to read and a mug of mulled wine to enjoy

Astarion will also make sure you stay appropriately warm: no matter if he buys you a wooly sweater or makes you a nice coat himself; "My love, I'm cold enough for the two of us, you don't need to take on this quality of mine."

One more thing he absolutely loaths is: snow; he doesn't get it

Sadly you also can't change his mind by throwing snowballs at him - oh no! This will only cause him to show you that his rogue skills make for very good aiming and you'll soon both just be completely frozen; but it's worth it because you could swear you heard him laugh and see him smile despite him proclaiming this all childish

Once he figures you are very much into all of this, he puts some more effort into it - he wants to see you happy; every time Astarion goes into the city and walks across the winter market, he'll bring you something: maybe something sweet, maybe a small piece of decoration - you feel very appreciated, you just hope he paid for that stuff and didn't just steal it; Astarion is elusive on the matter

The most important thing for him though is that he gets to spend winter time together with you - with all the gifts and challenges it may bring

Tag list: @spacebarbarianweird @sunfire-ancunin @tragedybunny @dependsonthedream @tallymonster @magazzne @micropoe10 @aoirohi @my-bunny-prince @lumienyx @fayeriess @azukiel @darlingxdragon

[12daysofchristmas]

Join us in the 2024 12 Days of Christmas Challenge as we hope to spread a little ✨holiday joy and cheer✨ through the magic of writing fanfiction.

About & Rules

The challenge will run from December 13-24, 2024.

The challenge is open to any and all fandoms.

Submissions must include at least one of the prompts for that day but can combine two, three, or all four.

Prompts for the day always include: a word/words, a scenario, a quote, a "famous" quote (taken from songs and movies)

Tag your submissions with #12daysofchristmas2024 and/or mention this blog so that we will be notified to reblog your submissions here. (Also, it would be super cool if you gave this blog a follow!)

Submissions for the day must be posted before midnight YOUR time. We're not super hard-and-fast about this rule, but posting within time is very much appreciated! 

If you’re posting your submission directly on Tumblr (as opposed to linking to an external site such as AO3), you MUST use a “keep reading” cut!

Please format ALL submissions with the following heading:

Title Day/Prompt Fandom/Character(s)/Ship Warnings (if applicable): Word Count:  Example: Santa, Baby Day 8 - “Prompt for that day” AEW - Adam Page x OC Warnings: Alcohol, cursing, sexual situations (explicit) Word Count: 7,290

You can also include a summary, gif, edit, whatever you want! Just don’t forget the “keep reading” if you’re posting directly on Tumblr!

2024 Prompts

Day 1 ❄️ First snow ❄️ Getting soaked ❄️ “Your hands are so cold.” ❄️ “I suppose it all started with the snow.” —Frosty the Snowman

Day 2 ❄️ Little lie ❄️ Trapped together in a snowstorm ❄️ “I thought you knew where you were going?!” ❄️ “I don’t know what to say, but it’s Christmas, and we’re all in misery.” —National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Day 3 ❄️ Accelerated heartbeat ❄️ Kissing in the snow ❄️ “Here, take my coat.” ❄️“Let's hope the snow will make this Christmas right.” —Queen

Day 4 ❄️ Mulled wine ❄️ Playing board games ❄️ “I have no regrets.” ❄️ “Cheer up, dude. It's Christmas.” —How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000

Day 5 ❄️ Cookies ❄️ Holiday-themed contest ❄️ “That definitely looks… interesting?” ❄️ “That is exactly why you want a high-quality fire extinguisher right in the kitchen.” —The Santa Clause

Day 6 ❄️ Present ❄️ Making a new Christmas tradition ❄️ “Not another Christmas movie!” ❄️ “You say you hate Washington’s birthday or Thanksgiving, and nobody cares, but you say you hate Christmas, and people treat you like you’re a leper.” —Gremlins

Day 7 ❄️ Decorations ❄️ A little accident ❄️ “I was just trying to help!” ❄️ “I want my house to be seen from space.” —Deck The Halls

Day 8 ❄️ Touch starved ❄️ Telling secrets around the fire ❄️ “Sometimes the hardest part is forgiving yourself.” ❄️ “Santa, can't you hear me?” —Ariana Grande & Kelly Clarkson

Day 9 ❄️ Christmas fair/market ❄️ Late shopping (together) ❄️ “Hmm, this is actually not bad.” ❄️ “When you're still waiting for the snow to fall, doesn't really feel like Christmas at all.” —Coldplay

Day 10 ❄️ Surprise visit ❄️ Lighting scented candles ❄️ “I didn’t know you were here.” ❄️ “You’re skipping Christmas! Isn’t that against the law?” —Christmas with the Kranks

Day 11 ❄️ Fairy lights ❄️ Christmas party/ball ❄️ “I never want this night to end.” ❄️ “I won’t even wish for snow. And I’m just gonna keep on waiting, underneath the mistletoe.” —Mariah Carey

Day 12 ❄️ Feast ❄️ Indoor picnic by the tree/fireplace ❄️ “I baked your favourite cookie/pie/cake.” ❄️ “You are all I need tonight underneath the Christmas lights.” —Sia

Extra Challenge

Angst or fluff, romance or platonic - you're unsure in what direction your fic should go? Spin our

Wheel

and let it decide for you! You can spin it once and write all fics with what comes up, you can spin it daily and change course accordingly, you can spin it as often as you need or not at all - it's all up to you.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions! Also, feel free to share this post and help spread the joy and cheer!

Happy writing, and good luck 🍀

[sserpente]

The Mistletoe Tradition

There was only one piece of decoration left in the box now—it was a dew-fresh mistletoe complete with a red ribbon. And you knew just where to put it.

With a smile, you danced over to Astarion and held the green plant above your head. The vampire spawn looked up, confused and flustered both at the same time.

“Wanna know what my favourite Yule tradition is?”

“I’m sure you’re about to tell me,” he purred.

“Whenever two souls are caught under the mistletoe, they have to kiss.”

A/N: I’m not sure if Christmas/Yule is a thing in Faerûn but if it wasn’t… I sure made it a thing now! Worked in some of his actual quotes for it to be even more relatable because we're all simps, lol. Also using Yule and Christmas interchangeably here because I can. Merry Christmas to you all! ♥

Words: 2197

Warnings: fluff

“Jingle Bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…” Humming to yourself, you rummaged through your bag to take a closer look at the items you had snatched on your journey today. A bag full of peanuts, perfect to still your hunger on the road, a new dagger you had taken from a corpse, for your old one was falling apart at the hilt, a letter from an Iron Fist written to Lord Enver Gortash himself, and—perhaps most importantly—a little snow globe you had found in an abandoned cottage. It wasn’t much but it was better than nothing and had definitely been worth Lae’zel’s eye roll.

You were headed towards Baldur’s Gate and decided to rest in the Elfsong Tavern where Gale, Wyll, and Halsin were currently discussing the price of a room to stay in for the next couple of days. The air smelled like mulled wine and pine cones, and the tables in the tavern were decorated with tree branches, candles and sliced oranges and cinnamon sticks. The atmosphere was lovely—festive. You leaned against Astarion with your cheek against his chest, a sigh escaping your lips.

The pale elf was quite used to your—at least by his standards—unusual behaviour by now. Well… sort of. He’d expected more hostility toward him after the night he tried to bite you, that much you knew. Instead, you’d offered to help and… huh, secretly drooled all over him.

He certainly knew what he was doing and you hated that it worked. You didn’t want to turn into a giggling and blushing mess in his presence and yet… that was exactly what happened. Every. Single. Day. You tried to hide it as best as you could but at this point, you were pretty certain that he knew you were a hopeless case whenever he was near. And once you’d started sleeping with each other… you had become putty in his hands entirely, desperate for his touch even when it wasn’t sexual.

You offered him a cuddling dose daily now and you never let go until he did.

“All right, everyone. We’re settled. The owner has agreed to give us one of the suites upstairs. It has thirteen beds, its own washing area, and a fireplace. I don’t know about you but I am knackered,” Wyll announced as he cracked his bones.

“You go ahead without me. I’d like to take care of something real quick. I won’t be long,” you said, the idea thundering through your head with a start having you beam from the inside out.

Gale lifted a hand as if to raise everyone’s attention before speaking. “I hope so! I have a perfectly hearty rabbit stew planned for supper.”

It had taken the inn owner ten gold pieces and a lot of convincing to get you a Yule Tree. Was it important in midst of everything that was happening? Possibly not. Were you still humming Christmas songs yet again as you carried a small box full of ornaments and decorations up the wooden stairs to your room? Absolutely.

Gale was already cooking. They all knew the very moment you entered the room with it that the tree someone had brought up in the meantime was your doing. And now, while the others were getting ready to rest for the day, you began decorating the room as if you didn’t have a care in the world. And for just a moment, you pretended you didn’t.

You spotted Astarion glancing at you from the corners of your eye. He’d crossed his arms before his chest, looking as handsome as ever and even more so now with his hair still a little damp from getting the dust of the road off of him.

“Need something?” You smiled, noticing how he admired the pine cones dipped in molten silver and the delicious-smelling orange slices on the tree for just a second too long. The straw stars you were specifically proud of as you stood on your tiptoes and stretched to put the biggest one on the tip of the tree, completing your masterwork.

“Oh, don’t mind me… I’m just enjoying the show.”

You blinked at him, gnashing your teeth as you felt a treacherous heat creeping up your cheeks, for his gaze was by no means fixed on the tree anymore but your behind. At times it was still hard to believe this incredible elf was attracted to you of all people.

“Is this really necessary? I mean, really? You’re wasting our time and energy on decorating a tree?”

“Hey… we won’t know yet if that’s our last Christmas. I don’t mean to be pessimistic but you know just as well as I do that there is a good chance we won’t make it out of this alive. I might as well enjoy the little things until… I can’t. You never know. Besides, this is the first time in weeks we’re sleeping with a roof over our heads. We have beds and a fireplace. I would be silly not to decorate a little, especially with a recent murder right next door.”

“Well… I suppose… but don’t expect me to help you.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, oh fangy one! I’m actually done and it looks absolutely amazing, if I may say so.”

Astarion scoffed—playfully so. It was then Halsin joined, admiring your tree up close with a second portion of stew in his hands.

“Well, I think it looks beautiful. There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than with a little bit of nature in one’s home.”

You fought hard to hide the chuckle bubbling up your throat when Astarion rolled his eyes as soon as the druid turned away again.

“The man really can’t shut up about enjoying the freedom of nature’s gifts.”

You couldn’t help it. You burst out laughing. Needless to say, your companions’ shocked expressions made you cackle even more but perhaps the surprise on Astarion’s face was what brought you even more joy than the way he had mimicked Halsin.

“In the end, it won’t be the mind flayers who kill me. It’ll be you,” you choked out, wiping your eyes with the ball of your thumb. Gods, you were actually crying from laughter.

There was only one piece of decoration left in the box now—it was a dew-fresh mistletoe complete with a red ribbon. And you knew just where to put it.

With a smile, you danced over to Astarion and held the green plant above your head. The vampire spawn looked up, confused and flustered both at the same time.

“Wanna know what my favourite Yule tradition is?”

“I’m sure you’re about to tell me,” he purred.

“Whenever two souls are caught under the mistletoe, they have to kiss.”

“Do they now?”

You grinned.

“Well… in that case, we better not risk the wrath of whatever god came up with it.”

“That would be Frigg, wife of Odin and mother of Baldur who never wanted the mistletoe to be forgotten again after Loki—“ You didn’t manage to finish your sentence for in the next moment, Astarion pulled you close and pressed his lips against yours. The kiss was a promise and a reward, a display of affection… and a small gesture of care warming your heart.

“How do you always do that?” you murmured against his mouth, breaking the kiss just long enough to draw a deep breath. “Leave me wanting for more? Tempting me?”

“Tempting you, hmm? Well… You know what they say… the only way to cure a temptation… is to give in to it.”

A little squeak escaped your lips before you could stop yourself. You pressed your lips together to a thin line, eyes wide as your hand flew up to your mouth to cover it. But of course, Astarion had heard you. Amused, he quirked an eyebrow.

“What was that?”

“N-nothing.”

“Really? Because I think I heard quite the delectable little noise coming from your lips just now.”

“N-no. Oh gods, you have to stop this. I will melt, Astarion. I will literally melt and then you can go get a mop and wipe me up!”

Astarion laughed, surprise mixing with delight. “Oh, darling, I could go all night… as you well know,” he purred.

Another squeak. He’d caught on to it now, of course—that the reason for those inhumane sounds escaping your body was all his doing. Oh, for fuck’s sake…

“Okay, that’s it.” Arms akimbo, you narrowed your eyes at him. You were all but flustered when you grabbed the collar of his shirt with such vigour, the tiniest hint of surprise and hesitation flittered across his face before his smug smirk returned and you kissed him yet again, longer and more passionately this time.

“You really will be the death of me” you breathed against his lips. “It’s a nice way to go though, I won’t complain.” The urge to rip off his clothes there and then grew stronger with every passing second. You knew he wasn’t ready yet, despite his relentless teasing and you’d be the last person to push him but… judging by how he wrapped his arms around your waist yet again and pressed you closer to his body yet again, a heartfelt kiss was never off limits.

You sighed against his lips, the mistletoe dropping to the ground. Only the gods knew what would have happened if you had not been interrupted despite your fellow companions still in the room but alas, the door burst open with a bang so loud you both flinched.

“This… is… AWESOME!” When Karlach entered the room, she was wearing the ugliest Yule sweater you had ever seen. Tinsel and two baubles were hanging from her horn and in her hands, she held a massive candy cane and a mug of what you assumed was eggnog. “I LOVE Christmas! Oh, you got us a tree! We should go and buy presents for each other to unwrap tomorrow!”

“Karlach, please, it’s late and I’m tired,” Astarion complained.

“Fiiiine, tomorrow morning then. A kid downstairs just told me about this fat guy called Santa who climbs through the chimney and puts gifts under the tree if you leave him cookies and milk. Do we have cookies and milk? We have to get cookies and milk!”

You laughed. In that case… you certainly had a long night ahead of you before you could get a good night’s sleep.

Everyone was fast asleep by the time you got up and tiptoed across the cool floorboards on naked feet in the dark, past the crackling fire in the centre of the warm and cosy room, and toward Astarion’s bed. You could hear the wind blowing outside the tavern in the dead of night as you climbed under the covers and cuddled up to your lover who had, without a doubt, been expecting you. Astarion wrapped you in his arms, his lips grazing your bare neck ever so slightly.

“Hello, darling.”

At peace and content, you both listened to the instruments Gale enchanted to play quiet music to lull you all to sleep.

“Well, aren’t you brave, revealing your lovely neck to a vampire like that?”

You chuckled into his pillow, stretching even more.

“You know… I think we’re past the point now where I have to tell you each night that you can… I mean… if you’re hungry just… feed on me, alright?”

“R-Right.” For a moment, a both vulnerable and surprised expression washed over his handsome face—but it was gone before your memory could properly capture it, not to mention the darkness around you made that very difficult. He was so incredibly good at masking his feelings, that you longed to cuddle the shit out of him and tell him that it was all going to be okay. “Well… I’ve only just learned how wonderful it feels to have a choice and have your boundaries respected, all thanks to you. I’d actually prefer if you asked.”

So instead, you settled for wriggling yourself under the covers until he stirred.

“That’s… that’s good. That’s very good,” you whispered as you cuddled up to him even more.

“So? Can’t you sleep or are you just too excited until morning to see me again, love?”

You chuckled. “Your bed is more comfortable than mine.”

In the dark, it was hard to tell whether Astarion’s confusion was real or feigned. It was amusing nonetheless. “You will find that all the beds in this room are the same, pet.”

“No. No they aren’t. Mine doesn’t have you in it.”

“Oh… my cheeky little pup.”

Your chuckle turned into a childish giggle as a jolt of electricity rippled through you as if Gale had hit you with a lightning blast.

“You know exactly what you’re doing to me, don’t you?” you whispered.

Astarion hummed in response. “Well… yes. Though I have to admit I have never met anyone displaying their excitement as openly as you, darling.”

“I’ll make sure to never stop. Merry Christmas, Astarion.”

The vampire spawn sighed when you shuffled even closer and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.

“Merry Christmas, love.”

A/N: And Merry Christmas to you all as well! ♥ I had to dedicate this year's Christmas Imagine to Astarion. I fell so hard for him thanks to Neil, it's insane. I hope you'll spend some lovely days with your loved ones! ♥

[boyfriendstevie]

Holiday requests!! Yay!! I have still not recovered from sturdy, but I'm coming in hot with a request for naughty 😏

I would love something with Steve, and from wintery prompt list #2, number 27 (getting tipsy on eggnog and mulled wine) and smut prompt list #3 , number 18 (you.me.bed.clothes.off.now)

- @superblysubpar 💛

hehe thank you taylor!! combining this with another ask that also had #27 on it, as well as the prompt "Baby—shit—I don’t think I’m gonna make it to the bed like this.” | oral (steve receiving), gn!reader, 18+ only!! mdni!!

-

Steve giggles — literally full-on giggles — as he closes and locks the front door behind him when the last of your friends leave. The eggnog and mulled wine you’ve had over the course of the evening leaves both of you in a weird state of tipsy. Not drunk, but definitely not sober, mostly just giggly and clumsy. And horny. 

Even in his stupid, ugly Christmas sweater he looks handsome. You always want him, but it’s turned up to an 11 when you’re tipsy and finally alone. 

“Steeeevie,” you call his name in a sing-song voice, pointing to the air above his head, “Look!”

His head whips up and he giggles again when he realizes he’s standing directly under the mistletoe you’d insisted on hanging earlier. “O-oh shit!” he hiccups, and holds his hands out to you, making a grabbing motion in your direction, “C’mere, honey. Need a smooch.”

You gladly oblige, setting the drink in your hand down on the coffee table before making your way to him, “I knew the mistletoe would come in handy!” Your hands slide around his torso, front pressing against his as you pucker your lips and lean up on your toes. 

He meets you halfway, arm curling around your waist as his lips meet yours. Steve fully intends for it to be a quick, soft kiss, but you really want him, and refuse to let go. It only takes a second for him to melt back into you and kiss you again, this time kissing you like he has something to prove. His lips are soft, and he tastes a hell of a lot like the alcohol in your drinks, mixed with a dash of peppermint. It’s festive, and it puts you in the mood for something other than the holiday spirit. 

When you finally pull back to take a breath, both of you are panting. Between breaths, you steal another kiss and grin at your boyfriend as you say, “You. Me. Bed. Clothes off… Now.”

Steve’s eyes grow comically wide as he nods dutifully, “We can do that.” He grabs your hand in his and begins pulling you away from the front door, towards your bedroom. 

It’s like a movie, though, the way you keep kissing as you walk, bumping into furniture, stopping to press each other into walls to keep making out. You’re nearly to the bedroom when you’ve got Steve’s back pressed against the wall as you kiss. Your hands wander, seemingly of their own volition, and slide underneath his sweater, fingers tucking under the waistband of his jeans. 

A soft gasp escapes Steve when your cold hands touch his skin, and he nearly crumples, even though you haven’t properly touched him yet. Any amount of alcohol tends to turns Steve’s senses up times a million, and it doesn’t take much for him to become putty in your hands. 

You don’t move your hands for a moment, opting instead to keep kissing him. He’s fervent about it, teeth nipping at your bottom lip, even as your hands push between his jeans and the fabric of his boxers. He only falters for a moment with a soft whimper when you cup his cock in your hand through his underwear. 

Unsurprisingly, Steve’s half hard already with the alcohol in his system, and with the way you’d pressed up against him for a kiss and then stumbled around in the dark together. You rub your hand along the length of his cock, palming him gently as you kiss. It doesn’t take very long before he’s whining into your mouth, hips pushing into your touch. 

Steve only breaks from the kiss to wrap a hand around your wrist and stutter, “Baby— shit— I don’t think ’m gonna make it to the bed like this.”

Even though you’d been the one to suggest taking it to the bedroom, you’re not against getting to it sooner, and peck Steve’s lips before sinking to your knees in front of him, “That’s okay, Stevie. I’ll take care of you right now.” 

Pressing another kiss to his hips right above his waistline, your fingers find the button of his jeans and then the zipper. “Oh... fuck,” Steve mutters a bit weakly as your hands pull at both his pants and his underwear, “Right here? In— in the hall?” 

“Mhm,” you hum, a bit distracted by the sight in front of you. He’s so hard, leaking precum onto your fingers as your hand wraps around his length. You press the softest of kisses to the tip, tongue flicking out over his slit, and giggle when he twitches in your hand. Your eyes shoot up to his, meeting his heavy, half-lidded gaze, “’S that okay?”

“Oh, fuck,” he murmurs again, one hand reaching down to cup your cheek as you stroke him slowly, waiting for his answer, “y-yeah that— ’s okay.” 

“Great,” you say softly, pushing your cheek into his hand for a moment before you turn back to the task at hand, giving him another kiss. It looks like he might say something, but you cut him off when you take him into your warm, wet mouth. Hollowing your cheeks around him for just a moment, just enough to tease, you pull back with a wet pop and glance back up at your boyfriend, "Gonna cum in mouth in the hallway before we even get to the bedroom, baby? Hope you'll have another in you..."

join the celebration!

[shortstrawberry]

How the Resident girlies will spend Christmas with you as Christmas is just around the corner.

(credit to amazing @pyramantic for the pics)

1. Bela

Bela gives you the greatest Christmas gift she could get you: taking a day off.

Bela's way to relax with you is to take you both away from home related drama. So she'd fly you away to a European country for a white Christmas. How about Germany?

You both would walk hand in hand around the snow laden streets of Berlin, enjoying the Christmas spirit.

Bela's favourite Christmas drink is mulled wine. She loves to make it personally for you. You love the warm and sweet spicy taste of it.

2. Donna

You and Donna had to keep the flower shop open during the day, as a lot of people buy last minute flowers. However, you and Donna both made sure to spend a lot of time together decorating the shop for Christmas.

Donna keeps on holding the mistletoe over you. You of course have no choice but to follow the tradition and kiss her. Not that you need any tradition to kiss your soft Italian florist.

In the evening you both decide to celebrate in the beautifully decorated shop itself. You both set the chairs and table and Donna sings Italian Christmas carols for you. Having Christmas dinner surrounded by red and white roses is a experience you'll never forget.

Donna's favourite Christmas drink is Bombardino, a Italian christmas drink quite similar to eggnog. Angie often tries to spike it. You let her do it, because drunk Donna is a adorable Donna.

3. Cassandra

Cassandra is a total Broadyway bish and she'll be taking you to catch the The Christmas Spectacular show in New York.

After the show, you both would be go to Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and take so many cute selfies together that your phone memory would explode.

Cassandra and you would soon have enough of crowded New York streets and just retreat back home. There you both will order in some pizza and spend the Christmas night cuddling and watching musicals.

Cassandra's favourite Christmas drink is hot buttered rum. It is warm and cosy and not boring, just like Cassandra herself.

4. Angie

Angie is your resident party girl, but for Christmas, she'll stay home, with you. She wants to spend the next morning waking up with you without a hangover.

Still, there would be some drinks around. But nothing too boozy. Angie would spend Christmas cooking together with you and watching Italian soap operas with you.

Angie and you would also play a lot of board games. Especially Jenga, where you would loose for the umpteenth time. Getting drunk regularly has given Angie a excellent sense of balance.

Angie's favourite Christmas drink is Limoncello, a sweet and tangy lemon drink with dashes of alcohol. It's something that both you and Angie can enjoy without getting completely hammered.

5. Daniela

Dani is all about creating the perfect romantic dates for you. So she'll set up lights and Christmas decorations at home for the perfect Christmas date.

Dani all throughout the dinner (that she herself cooked) would tell you about the Christmas she spent at Dimiterescu Mansion. Hearing how close the Dimiterescu sisters were during childhood would always bring a smile to your face.

You and Dani after dinner would dance around the room on Christmas songs. Dani would especially loudly sing "All I want for Christmas is you".

Dani's favourite Christmas drink is a simple hot chocolate. She makes sure to put extra marshmallow on top of yours.

6. Alcina Dimiterescu

You would spend the Christmas with Alcina at her extravagant Dimiterescu Mansion. Alcina has made sure to deck every floor with Christmas decorations.

Alcina has also made sure to have her personal chef make a feast for Christmas. Stuffed turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, you name it, it's there on the table. Alcina makes sure you have a little taste of everything by her own hands.

Later, you and Alcina would spend the Christmas night painting together. You'd model in Santa clothes (how skimpy is your imagination) while Alcina happily paints on her canvas.

Alcina's favourite Christmas drink is Catena Malbec Wine. She serves it to you with a side of cheese and cured meats.

7. Miranda

Miranda bestows upon you the greatest Christmas gift she could ever give you: taking a day off.

Miranda is a homebody, so Christmas with her would be a homely and cozy affair. She would make a comforting dinner for you. You would be sitting on the kitchen counter and just watching her move around as old Christmas songs play in the background.

Miranda and you are both bibliophiles, so it's no wonder you both would curl up on a large comfy chair together and read Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Miranda's favourite Christmas drink is Vișinată, a Romanian sour cherry brandy. Miranda makes sure you drink it slowly so that you don't get too drunk.

And that's it! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!

[nivasichakano]

Boat Christmas — Bonus Content for Driven

“I’m telling you-” Morena watches the boys through her kitchen window as she packs a couple of baskets with festive treats: thermoses of hot toddy and mulled wine, bottles of Buck’s fizz, spiced almond biscuits, cheeses, grapes, crackers, and shortbread cut into stars. “-something’s happened. Something’s wrong.”

“Don’t be daft,” Tara’s voice is dismissive but she too is watching as Gale and Astarion start to prep The Yacht, the corners of her mouth downturned. “They always bicker.”

“That’s what I’m talking about,” Morena sighs. “They aren’t today.”

She and Tara gather up the supplies and head to the back door. 

“Service!” Morena yells. “Ding ding ding ding!”

Astarion looks up from the boat’s ropes and he grins, jogging back up the garden path. He’s bundled up against the cold in a puffer jacket, joggers, gloves, and a beanie pulled down tight over his ears, only a few silver curls escaping its edges. The whole ensemble is black, as usual. He looks like a little bank robber.

“Do you ladies require assistance?” 

“Thank you,” Morena hands him the baskets. “It’s hard enough traversing this path when it’s icy, let alone lugging half of M&S’ Christmas department.”

“And after you’ve been taste-testing the hot toddy all morning,” Tara mutters, drawing another grin from the young driver.

“Leave her alone, Tar,” he says gallantly. “It’s Christmas Day.”

“Thank you!” Morena exclaims. “Oh, Astarion?”

“Mm?”

Morena lowers her voice. “Is Gale okay, do you know?”

She watches as Astarion’s demeanor changes entirely, his smile falling away and his eyes darting to the ground. 

“Only he seems a little quiet, don’t you think?” Morena prods, ignoring the way Tara digs her in the ribs. “I just wondered if he was feeling poorly or something.”

“Er,” Astarion shifts his grip on the handles of the baskets, shrugging. “Yeah, I dunno. I think he’s fine.”

“Hm, okay love,” Morena nods. “Could you pop those things in the galley for me and ask Gale to get the fire going?”

“Sure.”

“Stop. Meddling,” Tara whispers as Astarion carries the baskets down the path and Morena locks up the back door.

“I’m not!” Morena hisses. She is.

They head down to the boat, Morena following Astarion inside and finding him unloading cheeses into the kitchen’s tiny fridge while Gale lights the fire in silence. She’s pleased with the way The Yacht is looking, she’d spent hours decorating it both inside and out and the little living room is cozy with its tiny Christmas tree and twinkly fairy lights and tasteful boughs of holly pinned over the portholes.

“You should teach Astarion your method,” Morena remarks chirpily, before turning to the young driver. “He perfected firelighting when he was younger, he was obsessed with it.”

“I’ve benefited from it before,” Astarion nods, wandering over to watch Gale carefully lighting neat layers of kindling and coal. “That time we camped in Bahrain-”

“It’s really not that difficult,” Gale shuts the door of the stove and stands, brushing coal dust from the knees of his jeans, not looking at his teammate. “I mean, I can show you another time if you want but it’s not very interesting.”

Something’s definitely wrong. Turning down the opportunity to teach someone something? That's not her Gale at all. And the boys seem awkward around each other. They’ve either fallen out or slept together, Morena decides. 

Gale is gazing at the fire, hands in his pockets, chin tucked into the thick gray turtleneck of his woolen jumper, and Astarion lingers next to him, seemingly stuck for something to say. Morena shouldn’t point it out — she really shouldn’t — but they’re both standing right underneath the mistletoe she pinned to the low living room ceiling, the way she does every Christmas.

“Oops,” she chuckles, pointing it out. 

Gale glances up in surprise as Astarion stares at the floor, cheeks going as pink as his cold nose. 

“It’s bad luck to ignore it,” Morena teases, as her son shoots her a death glare. 

To her surprise, it’s Astarion who speaks first.

“We don’t need any more bad luck,” he says quietly, looking up at Gale.

Gale chews the inside of his lip, looking like he’s battling something deep inside as he slowly leans forward, Astarion gazing at him with wide eyes. At the last minute though, he pecks his teammate on the cheek. It’s heartbreaking, how Astarion’s eyes close and he inclines his head into the kiss anyway. 

Gale straightens up with a forced smile. “There, bad luck staved off for the year. I’ll go start up the engine.”

🎄

Morena has done her Christmas Day boat trip ever since Gale was little. Even in the years when that bitch insisted he go skiing and Morena was on her own. She has Christmas decorations all over the boat, Christmas songs playing from the speaker Gale gave her for her birthday, a basket of little wrapped gifts to throw to the children on the towpath, and her Santa hat at its usual jaunty angle. 

As he always did when he was a kid, Gale stands close to her at the stern while she steers, leaning on the roof and eating shortbread. There’s a burst of laughter from the front of the boat, where Tara and Astarion have ensconced themselves in blankets and are making their way through the Buck’s fizz, and Gale sighs.

“You okay, moromou?”

“Hm?” Gale looks up from his biscuit. “Yes. Why?”

“You just seem blue. I wondered if something happened with Astarion?”

“Oh,” Gale makes an irritated noise. “We had a bit of a row. He thinks I'm judging him.”

“Why would you be judging him?” 

He hesitates before answering. “At the afterparty for the Prize Giving Ceremony, he kissed someone.”

“Oh, Gale…”

“What? No!” He waves a hand at her. “No, no. It's not- it's fine. It's good. It's a good thing. He's spent a long time hiding who he is because of Cazador, he should- he should be able to-”

Oh Gale, Morena thinks again but she doesn't say it out loud this time.

“It's just that the guy had a girlfriend,” Gale continues, shaking his head. “Astarion didn't know. It’s an old friend of his from F2- oh, wait- you remember Rugan Najemnik? It’s his son, Olly. Apparently, he used to have a crush on Astarion when they were younger so Astarion thought- Anyway, all I said was that it might not be the wisest idea to kiss someone like that out of the blue, without knowing for certain they want to kiss you back. And he- well, first he called me boring, and then he asked how you were supposed to know for certain exactly and I said that he could try asking the next person, if he can hear them over the music, and then he walked off and that was the end of it.”

Christ on a bike. Morena reaches for her thermos of hot toddy and takes a hefty swig. “That does sound a bit judgmental, love.”

“Well…” He goes back to his biscuit, taking another morose bite. 

They boat in silence for a bit, Tara’s voice at the back of Morena’s mind, telling her not to meddle. 

“Gale, why don’t you just-” Before Morena can finish, a beanied head appears at the other end of the boat and Astarion makes his way unsteadily along the gunwale.

“We need more Fuck’s bizz,” he giggles, clinging to the side of the boat. “Tara’s words, not mine.”

“It’s in the fridge,” Morena tuts, fondly. Reprobates.

“What have you got?” Astarion is eyeing the biscuit in Gale’s hand. Sugar is fairly new for him apparently. Gale has been conscientious about Astarion’s privacy but Morena can see the signs of abuse in the poor boy for herself. They come out in little ways: a shyness about indulging in the food Morena provides, his self-criticism about his driving, the way he sometimes flinches at loud noises just like her Gale does. The after-effects of Cazador. Morena hopes the awful bastard rots in that ward. 

Gale picks up the packet and reads the back. “M&S baked-in-Edinburgh all butter Scottish shortbread star-shaped assortment.”

“Star for a star?” Astarion takes the half-eaten biscuit out of Gale’s hand and pops it in his mouth with a grin, while Gale stares at him. “I’ll go into the boat this end, I’m not climbing that precipice again.”

He squeezes past them and Morena notices how Gale’s hand instinctively goes to Astarion’s back to stop him from slipping on the icy steel. She wonders whether Gale even knows he’s doing it.

When Astarion’s gone, disappearing into the boat in search of Tara’s Fuck’s bizz, Gale leans into Morena like he used to do when he was a little boy. These days though, his head rests on top of hers instead of the other way around.

“I like him so much, mum,” he says quietly. 

“Oh Gale…” Morena keeps one hand on the tiller but wraps her other arm around him. “I know you do, love. You have to talk to him.”

She feels him shake his head, his scratchy stubble catching on her Santa hat. “He called me his best friend the other day. I can’t-”

“Your father was my best friend.”

“...and then he kissed someone else.”

Morena sighs, pulling away so she can get a look at him. “Moromou, he clearly doesn’t know how you feel. If you walked into the boat right now and kissed that man, I am sure he would melt.”

“You don’t know that for certain. So I’d be a bit of a hypocrite, wouldn’t I?” 

“Then talk to him!”

Gale shakes his head again. “I can’t- What if you’re wrong? It’d make things so awkward, I might lose him forever...”

He’s looking at her with such wide, forlorn eyes that her heart aches for him and she pulls him back into a hug. “I’m a Dekarios, love. We’re never wrong about anything.”

🎁

Later that afternoon, they gather around the fire back in Morena’s cottage, worn out from a day’s boating and full of Christmas dinner, while Gale hands out the presents that are under the tree.

“This one doesn’t have a label,” he holds up a squishy-looking parcel wrapped in garish glittery paper. 

“That one’s for you,” Astarion is curled up at the end of the settee, peering over his glass of brandy.

“Oh,” Gale’s cheeks color slightly as he sits next to his teammate, opening his present. Inside is a bright purple t-shirt with an icon of a man on it. Above the picture, large orange lettering spells out ‘POPULAR MALE’. Underneath, in smaller writing: ‘The chairman said, “The excellent Christmas Season we’ve anticipated has begun. We are selling more home fashions, electronics and major appliances."' It’s hideous. 

“You remembered,” Gale croaks, gazing at his teammate in shock while Astarion grins.

“That is hideous,” Tara remarks drily, voicing Morena's thoughts out loud. 

“We found them in a shop in Suzuka,” Astarion explains. “They made us laugh so much, do you remember?”

Gale nods. “It was months ago… how did you-?”

“I sent Karlach back to buy one later that day so you wouldn’t see,” Astarion laughs, clearly delighted with his machinations. 

Gale leans forward and retrieves another present from under the tree, tossing it to Astarion. 

“Open yours,” he says with a quiet smile. 

Astarion glances at him before unwrapping his gift. “Shut up…”

Tara looks over and rolls her eyes at Morena as they both chuckle. It’s the same t-shirt. 

“How did you-”

“I asked Karlach as well,” Gale cracks up. “She must have picked up two.”

🏎️🏎️

I didn't mean for this to turn into an entire mini-chapter but here we are. I can't get enough of The Meddling Thoughts of Mory D.

Read Driven on AO3!

[happilyhertale]

Good Girl – Modern Daemon Targaryen x fem!reader

Summary: At your husband's company Christmas party, you both had enough to drink to enjoy the special togetherness.

Pairing: Modern Daemon Targaryen x fem!reader

Warnings: Smut; 18+; NSFW; Oral (m receiving)

Author’s note: As we are already celebrating Christmas here on Christmas Eve, I wish you all a wonderful Christmas! x3

English is my second language, please forgive me if I made any mistakes (:

Word count: 1.3 k

Other stories of mine

12 days of smuff

In the midst of the festive celebration, Christmas tunes echo through the room, enticing some to sway to the gentle rhythm and fill the dance floor. Diverse faces fill the room, reflecting the culmination of another triumphant year for your husband's company. The cheers extend beyond the staff, as the company's valued customers are invited to join in the celebration.

Over the course of the evening, Daemon talks animatedly with various people. But every time you pass him, he takes the opportunity to tenderly stroke your arm or give you a fleeting kiss on the lips or neck.

The hall, resplendent in seasonal splendour, exudes the delightful scent of cinnamon and mulled wine and elicits you a constant smile. Maybe that's why you've already had a few drinks. You stroll leisurely through the crowd, savouring your drink and watching the harmonious movements of the dancing couples.

A smile plays around your lips as you happen to spot a table with mistletoe on it. Without hesitation, you grab it and put your glass aside, determined to find your beloved.

With the mistletoe in your hand, you walk through the crowd in search of Daemon. But you don't find him straight away. There are men in suits everywhere, but no Daemon among them. Undeterred, you continue your search until you spot him and realise that he is watching you from a far corner.

With his drink in hand, a knowing smile plays around his lips and his eyes are fixed solely on you. As you approach him, your grin widens as you hide the mistletoe behind your back. Now that you are closer, you also recognise the effects of his drinking, a notion that strangely fascinates you.

As you stand in front of him, he grins as much as you do, but as you are shorter, you have to look up to meet his gaze. Before a word is exchanged, you stand on tiptoe and try to place the mistletoe above his head. His gaze rises briefly, accompanied by a light laugh.

"You have to kiss me... That promises happiness and eternal love," you whisper, grinning slightly in anticipation of what will follow. Without hesitation, Daemon leans down and begins a tender kiss. His arms wrap around you and pull you closer to him. The roles swap, and a short laugh escapes you as Daemon breaks the kiss, his eyes fixed on you, a slight furrow in his brow.

"I've never made a woman laugh when I've kissed her..." he mutters, and the traces of intoxication are clearly audible in his speech. You quickly shake your head, "No, that's not what I meant.."

Before you can finish your sentence, Daemon takes your hand and leads you away, into a secluded corner. The sounds of conversation and laughter fade into the distance as he pulls you closer to him. But you notice him leaning slightly against the wall to support himself, which makes you smile.

"Then show me what you meant," he murmurs and his breath mingles with your hair. Your attention returns to what's about to follow and your response is a slight lip-biting as you savour the intimacy of the moment.

A brief kiss meets his lips before you sink to your knees. Your hands glide gently down his body, feeling every muscle. A gentle grip on your hair signals his anticipation, which is also reflected in his smile. Your hands come to a stop at his belt, slowly starting to undo it as you notice the bulge in his crotch getting bigger. With a clink, his belt gives way and you turn to his trousers, don't hesitate for long and reach in, freeing his hot member.

Your mouth waters as you bite your lip. Your fingers embrace his length, your thumb glides slowly over the tip before you pump him a few times, gently moving your hand up and down and hearing Daemon hiss. He watches you closely and now strokes his hand through your hair almost tenderly.

"Show Daddy what a good girl you can be," he murmurs, and you don't hesitate for long and obey. Your lips now do the work of your hand and enclose his hard manhood. Your head moves up and down and you start to suck. Your gaze is fixed on Daemon, who is breathing harder and harder and leaning further against the wall. But you feel his hand grip your hair tighter and his fingers curl as he hears you moan.

"Such a good girl... Sucks Daddy's cock so good," Daemon grunts, but his voice is replaced by a moan. You do your best to take his cock all the way into your mouth, but you gag slightly as Daemon thrusts his hips forwards. Daemon moans again, the grip in your hair tightening as his hips thrust forward once more.

As you take him deep into your mouth, work your tongue around the underside and start to speed up, following the movements of his hips. You hollow your cheeks, your eyes always on Daemon. You whimper slightly and try to breathe calmly through your nose, but you can feel your own arousal kicking in and slowly soaking your panties.

"Your mouth is so perfect... Always so willing to receive my cock..." you hear Daemon grunt in praise and the praise floods your body with desire. You know what's behind his words, but it was also flattering and you never got tired of hearing it. Your eyes meet and you can see the desire in his eyes, the look of praise. He places his hand on your jaw as your mouth takes him all in. His thumb strokes the side of your full mouth as your moan vibrates through his cock.

"My good girl," Daemon grunts again, but you sense that he's about to pump his cum deep down your throat. You let your mouth glide faster over his length, alternating with a gentle tongue game on the tip of his cock.

Daemon groans loudly, his hand now gripping your hair almost brutally and he breathes heavily as if he's just completed a marathon. A low growl escapes his lips as he thrusts as far into you as he can, and you eagerly take his cock into your mouth.

"Fuck yes..." he moans as your hand suddenly grips his balls and massages them while your mouth works its wonders.

"Be a good girl and swallow my juice," he moans and thrusts deep into your throat. He moans loudly and wets your mouth with white. As his cock shoots its first shot, he can see your eyes widen briefly in surprise. You gag briefly, but do your best to swallow his cum. Your hand closes tighter around his balls while your eyes are fixed on Daemon. He groans as he feels the pressure and empties himself completely into your mouth. His eyes close as his hips jerk a few more times.

Breathing heavily, he loosens his grip on your hair and strokes it almost gently again. You slowly release him from your mouth, licking gently along his length to leave him clean. He gasps a little, but smiles back at you as you stand up again, his hand on your cheek.

His hand slides down your neck and pulls you closer to him, kissing you passionately.

"How about we go home? I could spoil my good girl a little..." he murmurs against your lips. You giggle slightly in anticipation and nod at him.

"That laugh again..," he mumbles as he pulls the zip of his trousers back up, then takes your hand and pulls you with him – the smile never leaving your lips.

@hoshi-miharu-blog @arryn-nyx @aemonds-eyeball @praline357 @melsunshine @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed @lauftivy @valeskafics @dreamlandcreations @hopelesswritergall @wetbitchlibrary @bl4ckph0enix @autumnhymns @fan-goddess @msmorningstaarr @aemondsbabe

[scarletttries]

Christmas By Myself This Year (Moon Knight Request)

Pairing: Steven Grant x GN!Reader

Rating: Pure fluff, gender neutral pronouns throughout :)

Word Count: 1.9k

Author's Note: My Christmas gift to all the Steven Grant lovers, after I got the sweetest anon request for something along the lines of Steven turning up on your doorstep on Christmas Eve 🥰I hope you are all having the best festive period that you can 💕

Christmas By Myself This Year (Steven Grant Fluff)

"This is great."

You stated each word matter-of-factly to yourself as you put the final bauble on the miniature Christmas tree you'd perched in the middle of your coffee table. You hadn't been planning on decorating this year, part of a promise you made yourself to use your precious few days off to prioritise self-care and ignore all the pressures that usually came with Christmas; family drama, big nights with your friends that left you exhausted, and never enough hours in the day to do something for yourself after looking for everyone else. No, this year you were taking control of your own Christmas and spending it at home, alone. It was going to be perfect, and you had been so proud of yourself when you decided to be alone this holiday period, so when you went out to get everything you needed for your favourite meal and saw some decorations discounted on Christmas Eve you couldn't help but take it as a sign to put up a few little celebratory trinkets.

You'd started with some fairy lights around the windows of your little flat, then popped some colourful baubles on the foot-high tree, now finally the finishing touch. You giggled to yourself as you tied a piece of ribbon to the nail above your front door, a neat bow holding a swinging piece of mistletoe in place. The face that flashed through your mind was that of Steven Grant, a regular at the vegetarian restaurant you worked at, his big brown eyes staring warmly up at you as if you were old friends. As well as being one of your most loyal customers, he was also by far the friendliest, visiting you often at work and talking your ear off in an effort to get to know you better, even going as far as to walk you home one night with an umbrella extended above you both when you forgot your own in the worst of the London weather. He was sweet and shy and awkward, all while being undeniably handsome but completely unaware of it. You realised you were smiling to yourself at the mere thought of the man, shaking your head as you turned your back to the door and wondered if it would break your own Christmas rules to try and bump into him at midnight on new year's eve.

You let the thought ruminate as you threw on a festive playlist and heated up some mulled wine on your stove, grateful for the moment of peace but also quickly feeling the tinge of loneliness in your quiet home. It was a relief to be away from work and family, so why did you keep glancing at the sofa like you were looking at someone? Maybe it was the string of bad dates this year had thrown your way, each one an unmitigated disaster. Or the fact that you'd just seen two of your friends get engaged this winter. Maybe you did want to be spending your Christmas with someone. Maybe you just didn't have that special someone in your life yet? So Christmas alone it is.

"This is great.." You sighed as you turned off the heat and poured the steaming burgundy potion into a festive mug, topping it with a slice of orange and then absent-mindedly doing the same to a second mug. Holding one in each hand you walked back to the coffee table, setting them down as you realised they would both just be for you, the playlist almost drowned out by torrential rain picking up outside your windows. Another wave of loneliness washed over you at the first sip, and suddenly you didn't feel much like being alone at all.

And then the doorbell rang.

You weren't expecting anyone, everyone you could think of being out of town for their own holiday adventures, so you slowly approached the door, debating dialing 9-9 into your phone just in case, and peered through the peephole.

"Steven?" You practically ripped the door open at the sight of the cold, soaked man, struggling with the chain just long enough you feared he might have turned around and walked home already. "What are you doing here? Are you okay?" Wide-eyed and almost apologetic Steven quickly nodded his head, tripping over his tongue as he spoke. He had spent all day preparing a few words from when he got brave enough to see you, but he wasn't expecting to miss you so much that he'd turn up on your doorstep on Christmas Eve, and he didn't prepare an answer for when you asked if he was okay.

"Merry Christmas! Oh, um, I'm fine, sorry, this must seem mad. I'm here and I didn't call first and now I'm dripping on your nice door mat." He trailed off in a panicked chuckle, each word making him realise quite what a sorry sight he must be.

"Do you want to come inside Steven? I just made mulled wine?" Your smile was just as welcoming as your words and even though he dreaded the thought of intruding, he found himself floating into your cosy home very happily.

"Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother. You have such a nice place, I'd hate to drip all over it." He found the tension melting from his shoulders as your hands settled there, suddenly remembering just why he missed being around you so much.

"You're not a bother at all Steven, you are very welcome here. Let me take your wet coat." He willingly shrugged off the damp layer and mumbled his thank yous as you shut the door behind him, letting him delve deeper into your inner sanctum. His face lit up as he surveyed your walls, a dozen new insights into your life and the things that you loved, your warm space so uniquely you but welcoming to everyone all the same. He felt at ease and at home, like he did whenever he got to spend time with you.

You on the other hand could feel your pulse racing as his flushed cheeks drew closer to yours, every beaming smile thrown your way as he looked around raising the temperature in your home by a degree or two. Trying to pull yourself together you turned on your heels and picked up the mugs you'd just filled up, extending one to Steven.

"I accidentally made two mugs of this, so I must have known you were coming!" You cringed at how isolated that sentence made you feel, but Steven's shaking hands wrapping around the mug and soaking up its warmth helped to put you at ease.

"You're too kind to me, love. I'm sorry to interrupt your private Christmas, I know you were looking forward to a bit of alone time this year."

"To be honest, the alone time got old pretty quickly. I'm really glad you stopped by, I could use the company. But, and I hope this doesn't sound rude, why did you stop by Steven?"

"Oh right of course! Sorry, got a bit carried away making myself at home there. I just wanted to give you something." Steven blushed as he set down his cup and rushed back to his coat, pulling a little envelope topped with a bow out of the pocket. "This is for you." He presented it proudly, watching in eager anticipation as you carefully unsealed it and slid out the little card.

"A gift card for my favourite coffee shop? That's so sweet Steven, thank you! I'm sorry I didn't get you anything, but I really appreciate this." It never ceased to amaze you just how thoughtful he could be, and just how closely he listened to everything you had to say.

"Well this might be something you could do for me. But only if you want! Um, I wanted to ask if you would ever want to go for a coffee with me some time? I really like talking to you, and seeing you, and spending time with you, and I know I only ever do it when you're working and that can make it tricky for us to talk too much, so I wanted to ask you on a proper date in the new year? But also you don't have to say yes, I got you the gift card so I could still technically buy you a coffee even if you don't want to go and get it with me. Which would be fine. But I would really like to go with you.." You could see the desperate panic building in his eyes as he went back and forth on the sentiment, hands wringing frantically as he tried to get the words out even though he couldn't remember anything he'd prepared every time he opened his mouth. You worried if you let him talk much longer he'd end up blue in the face or sprinting for the door, so setting the card down on the table, you figured out one way to shut him up and answer his question at the same time.

One hand landed gently on the side of his face, thumb running across his flushed cheek, while the other found his trembling fingers. His lips stopped mid-movement in awestruck disbelief as you glanced down at his mouth before slowly but surely leaning into him. Your bottom lip met his, plump and soft and hanging slightly open, and then as your noses brushed, the cupid bows of your upper lips kissed. It was sweet and soft and his lips felt cold against yours, uncertain as if you might pull away on second thought. You gave him a second to react, letting the cogs whir in his brain until finally his hand squeezed back at yours, an arm wrapping around your waist as he dived in for more. His jaw tensed as his lips applied more pressure, chasing the high that came from finally tasting you, pulling you tightly against his chest to soak up as much of your warmth and scent as he could possibly consume. He felt almost drunk as he finally pulled away, resting his forehead on yours with a giddy grin, summoning a little more confidence to ask again,

"Does this mean you'll go for coffee with me, love?"

"It definitely does Steven." Your second kiss was interrupted by the elated giggle that crept past his lips, before he went to plant peck after peck on you, this outcome even better than he could have ever hoped a Christmas miracle would be. You caught a glimpse of the recently strung up mistletoe over Steven's shoulder as you pulled him in for a hug, smiling to yourself at the wonderful turnaround your evening had had. You could feel Steven's grin against your cheek as he muttered quietly in your ear,

"If you want any more company this Christmas, I haven't got any plans. We can do anything you want."

"This is great." For the first time tonight, as Steven wrapped his arms around you even more tightly, you truly meant it.

[citrinae]

gingerbread kisses.

or: christmassy things you do with them. there are some more holiday-themed drabbles/headcanons in the works so hopefully i'll get around to posting some of them anytime soon!

ft. the monster trio

☆*。luffy

• hot cocoa, ornaments dangling from his ears, snowman-building contests, him pushing you into a pile of snow and joining soon after, snow fights turning into snow angel-making contests, crumbles of the gingerbread he stole from sanji’s kitchen, once he exposed a fake santa in front of a bunch of kids at the christmas market. 

• he’d make it his life’s mission to make sure you’re laughing, always, especially around this time, when his restlessness and impersonation skills increase tenfold. luffy on christmas eve is like mixing coffee with an energy drink. and even though he vehemently claimed he’d help you decorate the tree, he cannot help throwing everything on him instead, tinsel and ornaments and lights, turning himself into a walking greeting card. 

• after one, two, three more attempts at placing decorations on the actual tree, a defeated sigh leaves you eventually as you hang a glass bauble around your nose. luffy’s eyes are glowing brighter than the lights blinking around his neck and he leans forward to press a kiss upon your lips, long and sweet, bauble slipping off and unfurling into constellations on the floor as he does. do remember to brush those under a carpet before someone witnesses the mess you’ve made in here.  

• “what’s that for?” you laugh, a pinker shade crossing your cheeks, only for you to be met with a shrug and a smile reaching luffy’s ears. “felt happy, was all,” he says, and it’s completely genuine, even more so when he adds, “you’re awesome.” you smile back. and just as spontaneously you pull luffy in for a hug, wiggling the rest of the ornaments off him, encircling you both in a sea of colour and glitter. the moment doesn’t last for long and it’s the silver star lingering at the bottom of your decorations box that catches his attention now. “who makes the coolest half gets to place the star on the top.”

☆*。zoro

• mulled wine, hesitant pecks under the mistletoe, a freshly cut conifer carried on one shoulder and chopper cheering merrily on the other, damp wood and pine filling your nose when you rest your chin over his head, pinkies touching, his hands wrapping themselves around you after you’d both have fallen asleep at the fireplace. 

• it’s common knowledge that zoro isn’t good with dates. neither is he someone to put as much importance on a holiday, “i guess people needed an excuse to drink without feeling bad for it,” and at first you are more than sure he’d spend christmas morning training. therefore not finding him in his usual spot, barbells and swords and towels untouched and forgotten, should come as a total shocker to you. 

• but you’d have found what he’d been up to way sooner if he hadn’t gotten himself lost on the way to the town and back to the ship. sunset victoriously colouring his outline and a hand at his nape, he blames his absence on an old lady mistaking a sword shop for a tavern. for all you know, it was probably him mistaking a tavern for a sword shop. there’s a rectangular object in his fist you cannot take your eyes off—a knife case. “found nothing to grab my attention, dunno. still i thought this might come in handy to you,” he lies. better throw yourself into his arms because getting presents from roronoa zoro is like seeing him rip himself open for you. of course the quiet sigh coming with his reaction isn’t always that reassuring, but deep down he’s happy to know his efforts brought a smile to your face. 

• you two spend a good part of that night in the storage room, clinking bottles and letting yourselves get carried away with stories from your homelands. before you get to open yourself another one, he gestures with his knee towards your pocket knife. “let’s see what this devil can do, shall we?” you know exactly what he means by this. with a swift hand, you slide the knife under the bottle cap. when it pops, there’s a smirk climbing on zoro’s face, “that’s my babe.”

• apple and cinnamon tea, matching sweaters, him spinning you around the kitchen while humming some carol he picked from the north blue, scented candles, sugar melting in a frying pan and your lips touching the tip of a wooden spoon after he asks if this syrup is sweet enough for you. "at least half as sweet as you are, mon cœur."

☆*。sanji

• food shopping is the default. he’s got everything planned out, lists and schedules of the best providers on the island, and he wants to make sure everything goes immaculately at dinner on this special occasion with you. you’re not surprised when you notice that a good part of his basket is made of either foods you like or stuff you’ve asked of him before. mans does his homework all right. 

• be watchful of zoning out because if you keep your eyes on something for more than thirty seconds he’ll get it for you. no questions asked. he might also make some other additions on the spot if you happen to stumble upon any trinkets that remind him of you in one way or another. does someone sell heart-shaped ornaments at the stall on your left? he’ll get one for you. snowflake ornaments? he’ll get one for you, “because, darling, you landed on my heart the way snow graces a withered tree.”

• shopping bags at your feet and your cheeks rosy after shouldering past animated gushes of people at the market, your retreat is an isolated bench near the docks and the clicking sound of sanji’s lighter. he folds an arm around you. “cold,” you try to reason for huddling yourself into him. snowflakes begin to dot the sky a whiter canvas, floating on your head and nose. sanji doesn’t say it out loud, but a selfish part of him wishes you were feeling cold more often. 

[wayfayrr]

hiiiiiiiii

can I have some mulled wine and a bit of Bailey's with Red Velvet to eat in please!

Thank you!!!

Order up! I hope you'll find this to your tastes <3

The first written piece of the event then!! starting off strong with one of my favourite links, wars! this was fun to write and a lovely first request to work on <3

[Event masterlist]

How much has he drank?

We were only supposed to have a couple of drinks here before heading to the room we rented upstairs. I mean Twilight did warn me beforehand that he noticed humans have a much higher tolerance than hylians do, but his can't be this much lower… can it? 

“[name]... [name] I can’t believe you’re still single you’re so - so…”

“I’m in a relationship wars, you already know that, you drunken dork.”

“You- you’re taken?”

He’s on the verge of tears, he looks so worked up that he’s driving himself to cry over this. He really is in love with me that much, I really did get lucky with him. Falling into another world really doesn’t feel as scary when you find yourself a lover even if they can get a bit clingy at times. 

“Well yeah of course I am, I’m taken by you link. We’ve been dating for a month.”

“We have..? OH, we - we-  yeah we have been!”

“Come on wars how much of a lightweight are you to forget that after just one or two drinks? It’s like you don’t even want to be with me like that.”

I - I shouldn’t have said that, even as a clear joke it looks like it’s hurt him way more than I ever wanted it to. The tears are still there but now both his lip is quivering and his fists are clenched so tight they’re bleached white which really isn't a good look when you add in the fact that he's swaying on his feet. There couldn’t be a clearer sign to get him out of here to sleep and sober up. 

“I didn’t mean that link, I was just trying to make a dumb joke without thinking, I’m sorry.”

“..!”

“I know, I know link. Come on let's get out of here.”

Hylians are so much lighter than they have any reason to be, even with him clinging to me like an absolute dead weight he weighs nothing. So while it might be a little awkward at times when he tries to pick me up, I'm more than thankful seeing as it means I can easily rest his head on my shoulder to carry him out. 

Leaving was strange though, seeing as several people started to point and get riled up. Even through his own drunkenness link managed to tilt his head just enough to look up. 

and start grinning?

He might even be blushing too, but there's no way to tell that with how flushed he is anyway. He's so smug about something, I can't help but look at him with a bit of confusion.

“We -hic- we're under the mistletoe honey, does your world not… not have mistletoe?”

“No we have mistletoe, it's got a tradition arou- oh.”

That’s why he’s cuddling up to and laughing at me, we’re standing under the mistletoe. Is it bad I’m almost nervous about kissing him like this? With all these people watching me, watching us, I just feel so unsettled. With the joke I made earlier though, it would be downright cruel to turn him down. “I’m guessing that it’s similar here then? The tradition that is… would you like me to kiss you here link?”

“Is th-that even something you need to ask? I want everyone - everyone here to know that you’re mine.”

Yes, he does. His body language is just as blatantly obvious about it too. Come on [name], you’ve kissed him before, this isn’t something new. He’s so excited too. Could you dare turn him down? Not that I needed to answer that. He decided for the both of us while I was still coming to terms with the idea, seems I was just taking too long in his eyes. 

It’s a nice kiss, not as gentle as when he’s sober but it’s still so tender. Even with the alcohol on his breath, the way he’s acting is nothing short of a clumsy display of worship. One that he seems so reluctant to end, but comes to one anyway as he’s exhausted himself not enough to pass out but enough that he’s let his head fall onto my shoulder yet again. It’s almost inconsiderate of him to expect me to carry him after a kiss like that, he knows how weak I get for him, how much I melt when he’s so tender and demanding of my focus. 

“Is that enou-enough to prove that I care?”

“Wars you didn’t need to prove that to me, I already knew that you do.”

“Wanted to prove it t’ eve’yone else too.”

It’s like he’s considering doing it again, which I wouldn’t mind, but if he does I know I’ll drop him so it’s really for the best that he at least waits till he’s sitting down, in our room preferably. He’s gotten the hint for now, but that might only be because he’s to drunk to move again. Either way I can carry him away from the crowd. 

“Why’ve you gotta do that love? There’s no chance of me ever leaving you for any of them.”

“That’s not how they saw y’... I wouldv’ killed him for how he was talkin bout you… didn’ wanna cause a sce- scene though honeybeeee…”

Link would kill someone for me? I would like to think he wouldn’t ever have a nightmare of doing that, but if he’s saying it so confidently when he’s drunk…. He wouldn’t, would he?

“You don’t need to ever kill someone for something like that, don’t stress yourself out link.”

“Already have… don’ like when they’re rude about you love…”

That made me freeze up, right when I was about to open the door. It has to be the alcohol talking. Yeah it has to be. It has to be.

@sketchyspook seeing as you asked so nicely to be tagged in every post from now on (is this an unofficial start to a taglist? I guess it is one.)