#olderguysandcutiepies

[smolbeandrabbles]

2020 Thank Yous!

Not to repeat the same old phrase, but yeah, 2020 hasn’t exactly been the best. I want to thank all of you for being a part of mine, for being the very best of all the things that happened this year.

You guys are truly the best! There’s a fair few of you now, and you make me the happiest little blog runner ever-!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 💕

I did want to give a few of you shout outs though, because you deserve to know how much you’ve helped me through this year, and I will be forever grateful:

@purebloodwitch @mendelskrull @alotofrandomfangirling @missunsympathetic @crawlingmist

Comments, requests, tags, screaming at me at 3am in DMs? You had it all. Thank you for all the laughs and encouragement, the ideas, the rambling and ranting you’ve had to endure!, even just checking in and chatting with me regularly - I’ve just had some really great conversation this year over the internet!

@sufferthesea @sagitariusrising

Two of the greatest content creators I’ve ever had the pleasure of talking to.

Your work has saved me so many times this year. I’m extremely grateful for you both. For our in depth conversation. For finding my own work in yours. And feeling like I’m home.

I am honoured.

@mandy23b

What can I say? I think I could say so much and still not say enough.

I am blessed to know you, I am BLESSED to get to talk to you, for us to scream about ideas together, share our hyperfixations with each other (and lives too) without judgement. I can be myself and have no worries.

I am so proud of you this year. (Yes I know, I said it again.)

I am so grateful for your friendship, your inspiration and creativity, for always being honest with me and giving me tough love too, when I needed it most

For keeping me sane in this insane year. For being my voice of reason and a good ear.

Thank you. Even though I cannot say it enough.

~~~~

All of you, for making my 2020, deserve so much more than I could ever give ❤️ but I’m glad that I get to share all this with you 💙 and share in your joy 💜

I love you all so much! Here’s to 2021! May we make it great together 💜💙

[sufferthesea]

First off thank you SO SO SO much once again for Danny! 🙊🙏 I genuinely had the biggest smile on my face reading your headcanons for him! I would like to request for my #1 BAE though, please! I would certainly like some sweet, adorable headcanons for Nolan Sorrento (It doesn't have to be Birthday Specific-! 😉 but if it had birthday elements...?)? I think he deserves all the fluff and love 💙💜🙏 Thank you so much! You're a real one! ❤😘🥰

Gurl!! thank you so much for another request! This is my first time writing for Nolan, so I hope I did okay ... (I probably shouldn’t say this, but I still haven’t seen Ready Player One yet, so I used your work and the, like, 2 other Nolan fics on this site to get an idea of how to write him lol.) 

Nolan Sorrento x Reader Birthday HCs

So Nolan definitely wants to spoil you so much for your birthday. You’re his best gal (his only gal, really, and he makes sure you know it) and you deserve everything. If he could literally give you everything, then he would. This is also because he likes showing off how much money he has lol.

The morning of your birthday, you are SHOWERED with gifts. Like, hundreds of roses, tons of balloons (the really cool ones that are like clear, but they have things like confetti and smaller balloons inside them), breakfast in bed, champagne — YES CHAMPAGNE FOR BREAKFAST — and a morning birthday gift. Your gift is probably something expensive and vintage. Maybe a really nice old watch, a tennis bracelet (ALL THOSE DIAMONDSSSS), or something along those lines.

If you’re not living together (which he insists that you SHOULD BE since it would make it EASIER to celebrate your birthday together), then he has all the flowers, gifts, food, etc. delivered to your apartment. If he’s working then he’ll make sure to call you the moment you wake up to wish you a happy birthday. If he isn’t working, then he’ll be showing up at your apartment first thing in the morning to present the gift to you himself, give you a kiss, and share some champagne with you.

He tries so hard to get the entire day off (really, the entire week, since he thinks you deserve a whole week of festivities), but he can’t just go traipsing off whenever he feels like it since he’s, you know, the CEO of IOI. But he does manage to get people to cover for him for at least half the day. So he leaves you at your apartment with the promise of a wonderful birthday celebration once he’s back home.

A few hours after breakfast, he has brand new clothes delivered to your apartment. The first is your lunch outfit, which is something classy but beautiful. Colors that compliment your skin tone and bring out the brightness in your eyes, fabric that drapes around your legs and arms, a cut that hugs your shape in just the right way. He has your favorite food delivered to your apartment for lunch, since he can’t be there, but he makes sure to send it with more roses, another small gift (probably a necklace or maybe something a little racier like a cute bustier), and more champagne.

You’re wondering if he really expects that you finished the entire first bottle by yourself, but then you realize that he’s just showing off his wealth. He manages to call you during lunch and you share a few moments talking. You thank him for his generosity and ask him when he’s going to be home. He says that he’ll be home before dinner, but he wants you to have a good time without him.

Then a few hours before he shows up, another package of clothing is delivered. This one is a very nice, slinky dress with all sorts of sparkles and gauzy fabric and it’s beautiful and expensive and wow there are also shoes and earrings and you realize all his other gifts from earlier in the day go perfectly with this evening dress. You feel like a walking, talking diamond by the time you’re done getting dressed. He’s so over-the-top, it’s ridiculous. And adorable.

Nolan shows up at the apartment dressed in an extremely expensive suit, ANOTHER FREAKING BOUQUET OF FLOWERS, and a bottle of wine (one from his own, very old collection and the bottle probably costs more than every single piece of clothing he’s ever bought for you). You share a glass of wine together on your couch, talking about his day at work. He’d rather talk to you about your day though. He likes to point out that you’re wearing the dress and jewelry he bought you. You admit that you really love everything he bought you, even if it was “too expensive.”

Since you’re all dressed up, you figure you’re going out somewhere. “Where are we going?” you ask him. He says that it’s a surprise, and you can’t really pry him for information since he is really good at keeping secret information safe, especially when it comes to you. His investors don’t like it when he spills secrets, so he’s learned to keep a tight lip about secrets and big events, so there’s no way he’s going to slip up on your birthday plans.

So he whisks you away and the real surprise is when you turn up to HIS apartment. Which isn’t bad, really. It’s huge and nicely decorated (except for his little “man cave” which is full of vintage items from his childhood, really dorky memorabilia, and obsolete electronics). You’re surprised to see that the lights are turned down in the living room and dining room, there are lit candles all around, and soft music playing. It’s probably something romantic but also …like, from the late 90s or early 2000s because this is one big Nostalgia Boi. (Claims to be a 90s kid even though he literally did NOT grow up in the 90s, what is he even doing.)

You are more than surprised (stunned, astonished, gobsmacked?) to see that there is a beautiful dinner waiting for you there!! Nolan is more than ready to take credit for it seeing as how touched you are, but let’s face it — this techno-CEO has nowhere near the cooking skills of Danny Rayburn, so he did not cook this elegant meal. He did attempt one, but it burned … and tasted like nothing but salt and sadness … so it was thrown away and he hired someone to come over and cook a delicious, expensive meal for you. There are two place settings at his table, framed with candles and crystal dishes, goblets, rose petals, etc.

You sit down and enjoy dinner with your man, drinking more wine (he’s even brought out a larger selection from his private wine collection so you can sample some of his more expensive tastes, which are so expensive, oh my gosh, why is anyone paying this much for fermented grape juice?). You eat dinner and you talk. You want to ask him more about work, but he pushes for how your day went, what you did, etc. He just … wants to talk about you. It’s so sweet. He could talk on and on about himself all day if he wanted, but right now he’s so focused on you and your birthday. And you’re happy to talk about your day and you end up rambling and you get distracted with how blue his eyes look in the candlelight and how he’s leaning forward, listening to everything you’re saying …

You somehow manage to get through dinner without totally turning into a puddly mess, and you move to his couch with more wine. He surprises you yet again by saying he has one more gift for you. Honestly, you try to refuse it because he has already given you so !! much !!! No more gifts, please! You feel bad. But he insists, so you relent. He pulls out his tablet (what are they called??) and you’re kinda confused because you thought it might be another piece of jewelry or clothing, but you’re not complaining.

He’s so excited but he’s trying to play it cool. He slides closer to you and wraps one arm around you, setting the tablet in your hands. You look down and see a digital rendering of an avatar that is very heavily influenced by 80s and 90s sci-fi films (or so you’ve been told; Nolan’s secret stash of old movies are something he kept close to his heart until you two got very serious, and then he couldn’t wait to have movie nights with you ALL THE TIME). You can see elements of yourself in the character (the hair, the eyes, the hands), but you’re kind of confused. It takes a moment before you notice your name and some sort of nickname up in the corner. Another second passes and then it clicks. You look at Nolan and he’s trying so hard not to grin, but it’s difficult. He’s just so excited.

“Is this me? Did you design this?” you ask him. He nods and looks to you to see if you like it. You’re speechless. Nolan designed this avatar of you, for you? He finally tells you that it’s not just designed, it’s been created and that he wanted you to have a very special avatar for the OASIS. (He kind of just wanted everyone in the OASIS to know that you’re his, because your avatar’s outfit may or may not have elements of his avatar and probably has his name or his avatar’s name hidden somewhere. He could’ve just given her a sash that said “Property of Nolan Sorrento” but that seemed too on the nose.)

If you could, you’d go into the OASIS right then and test out your avatar and probably try to find Nolan’s and just check out the OASIS, really. Also probably try to figure out how you two can make out as avatars lol. He’s all for it, but that’s probably just the wine talking. You end up lounging on the couch, thanking him for his gifts while his head rests on your chest and you run your fingers through his hair. It’s so rare when he lets his guard down, so you take advantage of it whenever you can. He’s very warm and his breathing evens out as you run your hands over his back. Soon you can tell that he’s about to fall asleep, even in his expensive suit. It’s so cute, you don’t want to disturb him. So you keep rubbing circles over his back and tugging at his hair and soon he’s asleep on your chest, and he’s even snoring which is adorable.

You know you can’t stay there forever, but you let him rest for as long as you can, thinking about the wonderful day you had. You didn’t get to spend all day with him, but he made sure that you knew how much he loved you. As you lie on the couch with him, you can’t help but feel overcome with love and begin thinking about all the things you’ll do while in the OASIS with your new avatar, and how you can repay him once his birthday comes around.

[kylo-ren-has-an-8pack]

Gotta ask an AU question for 💙 Sorrento 💙 😉

Character: Nolan Sorrento

Relationship: Nolan x F’nale

Setting: Canon

Ship Backstory: Recently I’ve been suuuper fascinated with this pairing of Nolan and F’nale. The idea of two people that have known and worked together for years, they’ve done really underhanded shit together, they’ve made loads of money with each other’s help. They already had this intense trust built between them (even if he is a little scared/intimidated of her). It was always platonic, maybe with this steady crackle of sexual chemistry between them that was always ignored, until they start sleeping together casually, then it gets more than casual, and suddenly, oh shit there are feeeelings between these usually emotionally closed off individuals. 

AU: Another fascination of mine has been exploring what happens POST movie with Nolan. He’s in prison, probably for a while, at minimum he’s in jail awaiting trial. He’s separated from F’nale. She had become this unexpected support system for him when he had no real friends or family anymore that did things like that for him. He’s in a new, upsetting environment, he doesn’t run things the way he used to and he doesn’t have access to his money anymore. He’s worried, but puts on the usual facade of overconfidence. 

He doesn’t necessarily know if she’s being held too or if they let her go. He doesn’t know if she told them anything incriminating about him, if she still wants him, if she’s waiting for him, or if her dirty paper trail caught up with her too and if all of their criminal activity unraveled completely. It would basically just be a TON of Nolan angst on his adjusting to life and the legal proceedings. Maybe there can be a prison break sort of scenario? I feel like this has a lot of possibilities. 

Send me a character and I’ll send you an AU idea

[sagitariusrising]

Christopher Plummer was thirst-able across many, many years 🥰

[xxstar-bluesxx]

For my friend’s fanfic about Killian turned into a penguin in front of reader. @olderguysandcutiepies

He reminds me so much of Skipper and so-

https://olderguysandcutiepies.tumblr.com/post/638706571039358976/penguin-james-penguin-killian-x-reader-spies

[mandy23bwrites]

Spice

Happy Birthday, Linzi <3 I hope you have an incredible day! I also hope that I did you justice with this piece and that you enjoy my own little take on your amazing story!

Fandom: Ready Player One

Character/Pairing: Nolan Sorrento x Female Reader

Tags/Warnings: Established relationship, angst, love triangle, unrequited love, love confession, female reader

Disclaimer: This piece is inspired by “Gluttony: Sugar” by @olderguysandcutiepies that you can find here

You must read that piece if you are to understand this one.

Word Count: 3122

Summary: Nolan Sorrento is full of surprises once you let your true feelings for him slip. Suddenly you’re thrust into a foreign world with plenty of questions and few answers.

Read on AO3

Tears stream down your face as you watch clamps being tightened around your shaking wrists. The scratchy jumpsuit is a far cry from the soft, silky dresses you’ve become accustomed to in the company of Nolan Sorrento. Thinking about him makes you struggle to choke back a pathetic sob and it draws an annoyed growl from the woman in front of you. You peer up at her through your lashes and are met with the steely, cold gaze of F’Nale Zandor. There’s no remorse or sympathy in her face - only determination as she continues strapping you in. 

 “Enough of your blubbering. He has no interest in you; you’re just another thing for him to play with until the next best thing comes along. Besides…” her voice turns from snappy to sadistic, “this is where you belong.”

 Your jaw gently falls open and begins to quiver at her statement. You’ve never done anything to this woman to warrant such a statement, but you’ve always known she didn’t like you. You figured it had to do with the way she stole lustful glances at Nolan that he never returned. But in a way… you figured she was right. Nolan had spared you from the Loyalty Center and he could put you right back in it, and apparently, he was. This time the sob can’t be held back, and new tears pour down your face.

 F’Nale’s face twists into one of disgust as she grabs your visor and forces it onto your head, strapping you in painfully tight. Your vision swims as the Oasis program boots up and you struggle to concentrate on your instructions as the life you’d grown accustomed to crumbles before you.

 ***** The Previous Day *****

 “Because I love you.”

 It had come spilling out, unintended. But there it was. A cheeky reply to the banter that was so natural in your relationship that you wouldn’t even remember what it was about later.

 What you did remember was the way Nolan’s face fell into one of shock, fear, and dare you say… dread? Like he had hoped that this would never happen, and suddenly it was and he was powerless to stop it.

 “What did you say?” His voice was shaky as his eyes searched your face for the truth and found only horror at your admission.

 “I-I’m sorry… I didn’t…”

 “Didn’t mean it?” Your eyes were locked together and right now, you had to make one of the most complex decisions you’ve ever faced; nothing like the choice he gave you on whether to become a sixer or his eye candy. But you had become much more than that. And now you were faced with the precarious chance to take it to the next level or watch it fall apart.

 You could lie. Say ‘yes’, you hadn’t meant it, that it was just a bit of teasing that went too far and then hope he wouldn’t be offended by it and things could go back to how they were.

 Or you could tell him the truth. Say ‘no’, you had meant it, that your feelings for him ran deeper than the affection he was paying you to shower him in; that you would continue to do so whether you were paid to or not. That every word, every glance, every sound he pulled from you was genuine and had nothing to do with the money or gifts. Then hope he returned your feelings, granting you both the chance at something more. 

Otherwise… you didn’t want to think about the devastation you’d feel upon finding out he didn’t return your feelings. Nor how that would compromise this perfect little situation you found yourself in. Because maybe he didn’t want you around if you had feelings for him. Maybe he wanted a no-strings-attached affair that wouldn’t get messy.

 And things were certainly messy now. You bit your lip, trying to choose your words wisely. It was now or never.

 “No. I meant what I said. I just… I didn’t mean for this to be the way to tell you.”

 Unfortunately, he didn’t seem elated by the confession; if anything, he looked even more conflicted. He stood from where he was sitting next to you on the couch and backed away. He wore an expression you’d never seen on him - like a deer in headlights - and you hated it.

 “Nolan, I-”

 “I have to go.” With that, he sprung to action, grabbing his phone and keys then making a beeline to grab his coat, the beautiful navy one you liked so much. But you liked seeing him take it off, not put it on.

 “Nolan, wait!” You stumbled off the couch to try and stop him but he was too far ahead of you.

 “I’m sorry…” with a final sad, scared look, he closed the front door of his apartment. 

 You reached the door, hand on the handle, in time for you to hear the lock click into place. Your stomach dropped. You could easily unlock it and run after him. But that lock meant he really was running away. This wasn’t a short walk to get some fresh air; he needed much longer than that. And that was why you didn’t go after him. 

 He could have sent you away, kicked you out even. But he hadn’t. Although you had never expected him to run, it did present a small glimmer of hope. Maybe he just needed to sort out his feelings and then he’d be back.

 So with that semblance of hope, you returned to the couch on shaky feet, hoping he’d be back soon.

 ***** Present Day *****

 Nolan Sorrento takes a deep breath before unlocking his apartment and tentatively stepping inside. It’s been three days since he left you here and he’s nervous to see you. Maybe throwing himself into his work and staying at a hotel had been the cowardly thing to do, as was running away from the situation in the first place. Yet, the sudden confrontation of your feelings, in the face of his own long-held doubts and fears, had scared him.

 He had spent hours reasoning with himself over what to do. Had you really meant it? Or was it a way to secure his money for good? Based on your reaction to your slip-up, he figured you had been genuine. Which left him with a harder question: did he deserve it? You were one of the best things that had happened to him. You knew just how to tease him, how to thrill him, how to make him forget a long day of work. But you also knew how to listen, how to make him feel special and loved. Many days he didn’t believe it, didn’t think he deserved it. But maybe he did.

 You seemed to have fallen for him as he had fallen for you. You willingly chose to love him; you could have kept it a secret and let things go on as normal. But you had been honest, and he admired that. Your absence over the last few days had made him realize how much of an important fixture you were to his daily life. Without you there, he had felt a loneliness he hadn’t experienced since before you had met, a feeling he never wanted to feel again. 

It was time that he accept your feelings and allow himself the security of a more conventional relationship with you. He was ready to face you, to be open with you, and ask forgiveness for his panicked retreat.

 But as he looks around the space, it feels… empty. There aren’t any sounds of activity that he could hear, making his stomach drop. Had you run away? He calls out your name, moving from room to room, hoping to find you sleeping somewhere but the apartment is truly empty. His mind races, trying to figure out where you could be. 

 He whips out his phone and calls you. A wave of nausea hits him as he hears your ringer go off in another room: you had left your phone behind. He begins to pace. Figuring he has nothing to lose, he dials his head assistant, cutting her off before she could even greet him.

 “Shaunda, I need you to confirm that Y/N isn’t there at the plaza.” 

 “I’ll make sure the place gets a thorough sweep for her but the last time I saw her was when you called her in two days ago.” Nolan stumbles mid-step. Two days ago?! That was impossible...

 “What?!” He snarls.

 “Ms. Zandor met her upon arrival - said you had called her in and that she’d be her escort so I could focus on updating your rig.” He remembers Shaunda working on his rig, but he had never called you in, much less asked F’Nale to escort you.

 “Check every inch of that plaza. I want her found.” 

 “Yes, sir.” He ends the call without another word. Next, he plugs in F’Nale’s number and waits impatiently for her to pick up. But with each unanswered ring, ring, ring, his stomach grows tighter, tighter, tighter. He growls when it finally goes to voicemail and quickly ends the call, texting her instead: “Call me. NOW.”

 Turning on his heel, he makes his way back to his car, a scowl plastered on his face. F’Nale had some answering to do.

 *****

 Everyone knew better than to get in Nolan Sorrento’s way when he stormed the halls of the IOI headquarters and now was no exception. Crowds part when they see him coming, on a mission to find the head of the Loyalty division. He catches sight of her on the upper levels, near his office, looking like she’s trying to make a quick getaway.

 “F’NALE!” He roars and she freezes in place. He takes the stairs two at a time and she turns as he approaches, looking unbothered under his glare. Grabbing her suit lapels, he drags her into his office and shoves her against the nearest wall. This was uncharacteristic of him, but you were one of the few things that caused him to be irrational. And now with you missing… it seems a fitting time to do something out of character.

 “Where. Is. She?” He emphasizes every word, leaning in so that his face is mere inches from hers. 

 “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Nolan.” 

 “You damn well what I’m talking about!”

 “Oh, your little pet? She’s unavailable. After your spat a few days ago, it seemed like you two were over.” His head spun. He had only mentioned in passing that something had happened between the two of you and that he was taking some time to clear his head. How had she jumped to the conclusion that you were over?

 “Where, F’Nale. Where is she?” 

 “Why do you care so much? All she is is a pretty face! You deserve someone better! She’ll never be good enough for you! She’s not the one you go to when you need something important done, it’s me!” She flushes at her admission but remains resolute. Nolan leans back in shock. “Who’s the one who always has your back?! It’s me! Not her! I do your dirty work; I defend you when the board comes after you. What does she have that I don’t?!”  His anger is gone, replaced with dread. He knows damn well of F’Nale’s talents in taking care of problems. His stomach churns. He suspected she might have feelings for him, but he had simply brushed it aside. Now he knows it’s true and suddenly those talents he’s relied on terrify him.

 “What did you do to her?”

 “She’s where she belongs.” It takes him a moment. He blinks twice before tearing away and dashing out of the room. He flies down the stairs, F’Nale’s shouts for him to stop falling on deaf ears. (She curses her impulsiveness of throwing you in the Loyalty Center connected to the headquarters. If she hadn’t let her vengeful emotions get the best of her, if she had been more calculating, she should have shipped you off to one across the country. But her eagerness to get you into a pod as soon as possible and strap you in herself was too delightful an opportunity to pass up. She had reveled in the joy of watching you struggle being locked up for the past few days. But she’s paying for it now as the man she wants sprints off to unravel her work.)

 *****

 With every movement, the clamps on your wrists dig against the angry red marks that had been left when F’Nale first strapped you in a couple of days earlier. Since then, you’ve been unplugged to eat, sleep, and take breaks - although you knew you weren’t getting the number of breaks you should be, most likely compliments of the Loyalty Director herself. 

 You want to hate her, and you could when you let yourself think about your current condition long enough. You want to hate Nolan too, but you couldn’t bring yourself to do that, no matter how hard you tried. You’re numb when it comes to him. This doesn’t seem like something he would do to you, especially after his hasty getaway. Had all your time together really meant nothing? The way he looked at you made you think no, but the six-by-six pod said otherwise.

 Thankfully, your tasks in the Oasis are distracting enough that you don’t have a lot of time or energy to mull it over.

 Since the time you had been strapped in, you can sometimes make out a figure beyond your headset, just outside your door. You can only assume it’s F’Nale, enjoying the sight of you caged. So, when a shadow appears at your door, you think it could be her again, or a passing monitor making sure you’re working. 

 What you don’t see coming is the door being wrenched open and fingers undoing the stamp of your headset. The smell of familiar cologne hits you, making you gasp before the headset is pulled off you. You blink as your eyes adjust to the face in front of you, one you had memorized long ago. 

 Nolan Sorrento looks panicked and out of breath as you take in each other. Questions race through your mind but as your lips part to speak, you can’t find the words. You don’t need to though; he speaks instead.

 “I’m so sorry… I had no idea…”

 Of all the things he could have said, this is the least expected. This brings more questions than answers and you still don’t know what to say.

 He quickly turns his attention to undoing the clamps on your wrists as you begin to tremble. He had no idea?! So he wasn’t the reason you were in here?! The emotions you feel make your head spin; confusion, shock, relief, ...hope? 

 Tears spill down your cheeks as he kneels to undo the clamps around your ankles. And when he straightens to his full height again, you find matching tears on his face. He reaches out to touch your face, but you can’t help leaning away. He looks hurt by the rejection but also gives a tiny nod as if he understands why.

 “I’m so sorry… if I had known sooner… I swear to you, I thought you’ve been at the apartment this whole time. I never would have sent you here. Yes, I shouldn’t have run away; it was a cowardly thing to do, but what you said scared me and I didn’t know if…” he closes his eyes and shakes his head, looking for the right words to say. You’re transfixed by the raw core of him before you. He’s never been so vulnerable with you before, cementing the fact in your mind that he truly wasn’t responsible for you being here. “I didn’t know if you meant it. And when I knew you did… I didn’t think I deserved it.” 

He can’t meet your eyes, instead keeping his gaze low. You reach out your hands for him to take, as was customary to the boundaries you had set long before in this relationship: seeking the permission to touch. He quickly takes them and his face falters at the sight of your wrists rubbed raw from your restraints. You squeeze his hands and finally, he looks back up at you.

“You do deserve it, and I don’t ever want you to forget that. But… I think there’s a lot left to say… and I don’t think this is the place to do that…” His eyes widen as he remembers you’re both standing in the middle of the Loyalty Center, and he nods. 

“Let’s go home.” You give him a small smile. Home. Not his apartment. But your home. That sounds like a good start.

*****

 You glide confidently into Nolan’s office and you’re filled with warmth as he looks up at you and smiles. You’ve been visiting the IOI headquarters much more frequently, now that you were the girlfriend of the charming CEO. It was a title you wore proudly; as proudly as you wore the gifts he continued to lavish you with.

It had taken time to heal what had happened and reestablish the trust in him that F’Nale had shaken. But it had been worth it. Every day you saw more of his authentic self, not the facade he put on as the head of IOI. And every day you fell more and more in love.

Today had been another long day for him and he was too impatient to wait until he got home to see you. So he had called you in and you eagerly came. 

But as you approach his desk, something catches your eye. A wine bottle is sitting off to one side. He follows your gaze.

“I thought you’d like to see the newest addition before it gets put in the case. Maybe you’d like to do the honors yourself.” You quirk your eyebrow before carefully picking up the bottle. It was new; the year on the bottle was the current year. You look up at him, inquisitively.

“‘Important years’,” you murmur, repeating what he had told you when you first learned of the collection. He smiles, soft and maybe sheepish.

“Loving you is important.” Your eyes well up with tears and you bite your lip to keep from crying. You set the bottle back down and rush around his desk to embrace him, carding your fingers through his hair to pull him in for a kiss. He hums, content, and you melt into him. And when you finally pull back, you can’t help the grin that spreads across your face.

“I can’t wait to expand your collection.”

[wltz-bby]

i was tagged by @blueloulisa to name seven comfort films and then tag seven people! Thank you so much! 😊

1. Ghostbusters

2. The Darjeeling Limited

3. The Blues Brothers

4. Rushmore

5. Reservoir Dogs

6. The Grand Budapest Hotel

7. Back to the Future

I tag: @chezz-dog @wuthering-nina @mstrumpeter @danaykroyd002 @mrscorleoneblues @olderguysandcutiepies @stantz1er

[come-join-themurder]

10 Fandoms 10 Characters 10 Tags

I was tagged by @1337wtfomgbbq Thanks love 😘

10. Parks and Recreation - Ron Swanson

9. The Office (US) - Dwight Schrute

8. Disney/Pixar - Flynn Rider

7. Harry Potter - Hagrid

6. DC - Steve Trevor

5. Game of Thrones - Bronn

4. Yellowstone - Rip Wheeler

3. Marvel - Iron Man / Tony Stark

2. The Walking Dead - Daryl Dixon

1. Sons of Anarchy - Tig Trager

tagging: @cum-and-tigs-aftershave @cock-riding-giggity @dancing-in-tig-territory @sharpiewashere @poindexterwesleys @sam-samcro @guitypleasure052016 @penny4yourthot @olderguysandcutiepies @sufferthesea

[alotofrandomfangirling]

Happy birthday, Linzi!!

Thank you for being so sweet, so committed, so talented and for brightening up our fandom every single day 💕 i'm so glad Tumblr made our friendship possible because i value every moment with you 💗 thank you for all the laughs, the fangirling together and the important talks, i really appreciate all of it.

I wish you a very happy and successful life, and i hope you have a lovely day 💕

Last year we had birthday themed Nolan, but this year Mendo himself sent you a message!

Hahahaha i hope you like it 🤣

Happy birthday, dear! I love you a lot ❤ @olderguysandcutiepies

[whateverthecostner]

Name your 7 comfort movies.

Thanks for the tag @come-join-themurder

7. Sense and Sensibility

6. Harry Potter (all of them!)

5. Fandango

4. Upside of Anger

3. Rio Bravo

2. For the Love of the Game

1. Bull Durham

Yess..I'm aware they are mostly Kevin Costner movies lol

@ford-stigma-brosnan @2raggedclaws @mysticaltimemachinewench @olderguysandcutiepies

[smolbeandrabbles]

Linzi’s 2021 Thank You Post

To be honest due to the lack of real activity on this blog - at least writing wise - I don’t really have much to go on for this year!

It’s been a good one by all accounts, learning to write for myself again and taking a break to write something that made me truly happy 😊

Although we’re entering a new era with this blog next year - where you’re likely just to see this used as my main, and any writing I decide to publish either on my AO3 or my side blog @soultek, I did want to thank absolutely everyone who this year has discovered this blog, read a fic, liked a fic, reblogged a fic or commented on a fic! Thank you so much for your readership and taking your time to do such things! It truly means the world to me that everything I created over the past 3 years is still finding new audiences that enjoy my work! 🥰

Special thank you to both Starset and Smash Into Pieces for soundtracking my year. Took me waaay too long to get there with you both, but my gosh... I’m glad I did. Because you soundtracked all my writing too! And happen to be perfect to write to!) 🙌

My big thank yous for this year go to you, @sufferthesea @sagitariusrising @mandy23b​  - thank you for keeping me sane, helping me to discover new things, encouraging me every step of the way, fangirling with me over a whole range of things, letting me ramble to you about whatever new interest was grabbing me at the time and helping me to grow. Bee, Krick, Amanda... you are all real ones. And I love each and every one of you so much 🤗💙💜 Thank you for an amazing 2021! Here’s to 2022!

Signing off as Olderguysandcutiepies, one last time before we change it up tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Love, Linzi x ❤ P.S. Obviously this would not be complete without the boys that captured my attention over the past year. That make me so happy to have found (often with help! 😁), and happy they’ve been a big part of my 2021... in some form or other-! So, thanks, boys... Let’s do this again next year!

[sufferthesea]

I have two little cute headcanon requests! 😊❤️ Danny Rayburn throwing you a surprise party at his restaurant would include? And any other Mendo of your choice - what would dating them be like? Surprise me 😘😘 Thank you sweetheart! 😊💜🙏

Ooh gurl!! thank you so much for this request!! So I know it just said “surprise party” but I made it a birthday party lol. And I kinda added in the other prompt, so you get an idea of what dating Danny is like hehe. I know this is a SUPER long post but I just can’t not write for Danny. I love him so much. 

Surprise Birthday Party (and Dating) with Danny Rayburn HCs 

On the morning of your birthday, he has a birthday bouquet delivered to your house, along with pastries or whatever your favorite breakfast food is. He also calls you to wish you a happy birthday while he’s at work. He tells you that he wanted to have dinner with you but your birthday landed on a really busy day and he’ll be at work all day. 

Of course you’re disappointed but there’s nothing you can do about it. He asks if you’d be willing to stop by at around 7pm after the dinner rush so you can see him. He loves seeing you during his shift because the days can get long and stressful, and seeing your face helps him deal with difficult customers. Occasionally, he’ll cook for you or let you eat anything off the dead plates in the kitchen. He’s not supposed to have you back there for health reasons but … hey, it’s his restaurant.

So you agree to stop by and see him even though you’re pretty sad about the news. You love seeing him at work (he sometimes rolls up the sleeves on his chef’s coat and hoo boy is it sexy), and spending an hour or two at work is better than not seeing him at all on your birthday. And usually he has a cute surprise for you on your birthday, like a little gift or maybe a balloon or something, that he keeps in the kitchen until you’re there.

Meanwhile, Danny has been planning your birthday party for AGES. He loves treating you to things and he really loves being able to use his cooking skills to spoil you. He has contacted a few of your very close friends or family and asked them to come to the restaurant by 6pm. He secretly closed early and finished the dinner rush by 5pm to get the restaurant cleaned and set up for the party.

All the tables are decorated in nice white tablecloths and little decorations in your favorite colors. There’s a buffet table with large bouquets of flowers, a huge birthday cake (that he ordered from your favorite bakery), and all the gifts/cards are stacked neatly around the bouquets/cake.

Your friends and family help decorate the restaurant with streamers, banners, and signs. Danny and his crew begin cooking a special birthday dinner — whatever is your favorite. Steak and lobster? Fettuccine? Some complicated vegan dish with foreign ingredients? Whatever it is, Danny will make it and it’ll be perfect. He likes cooking for you, half because he genuinely loves the art of cuisine, and half because he loves showing off and impressing people (especially since he had been looked down on most of his life and was made to feel like he had no talents or purpose).

He makes everything absolutely perfect before you arrive. The food is ready, gifts are arranged, floor and windows are clean, and all the guests are there. He’s excited but nervous. He wants this to be a great birthday for you, and he hopes you actually show up at the restaurant instead of calling in to say you’d decided to stay home instead …

So you head to the restaurant that evening. Since it’s your birthday and you aren’t really gonna get to celebrate with Danny (so you think) you decide to treat yourself and him by buying a bottle of your favorite drink (wine, champagne, whiskey, sparkling cider, etc.). You arrive at the restaurant and are surprised to see that it’s almost deserted. There are a few cars, but not nearly the same amount as a typical dinnertime at Danny’s restaurant. It’s actually pretty popular so it’s weird to see it so empty when there are still hours before closing time. But you let yourself in through the front and it’s strangely quiet inside. It’s also pretty dark which is definitely weird.

You start to wonder where everyone is (?? Danny?? The waitresses? The guests??) when out of the semi-darkness you can see Danny standing at the hostess stand. He’s holding a plate with a single cupcake with a lit candle. He’s super adorable because he starts singing happy birthday to you as you walk over to him. You’re like, “?? What are you doing???” but it’s just so sweet so you let him sing (no matter how embarrassing you find it). He tells you to make a wish, so you do and blow out the candle.

Then he says, “Allow me to show you to your seat.” And you’re like “Okay…” Then the lights flip on and ?? The entire restaurant is decorated and all your loved ones are there! You’re completely floored and Danny laughs at your expression. You tell him you thought you were gonna have to sneak dinner with him between cooking dishes, and he laughs and quietly whispers to you, “You know you’re worth more than sneaking around in the back, even if it is fun.” When he realizes that you brought a bottle of whatever your favorite drink is, he clicks his tongue at you before taking the bottle and jokingly says he’ll save it for later.

He shows you to your seat and soon everyone is seated, and Danny and a few helpers start bringing out the food. Once everyone is served, Danny sits with you. You are totally surprised and you can tell how much work went into this party. Danny had to shut down his restaurant — his pride and joy — early just so that he could get this ready for you. He went out of his way to contact the people who meant the most to you, he went out and bought decorations, and he ordered a cake. If you were ever unsure about how he felt about you, now you knew for certain. Danny loved you with all of his heart and he was willing to do anything for you.

After dinner, he makes a big deal about the cake and presents. He makes sure you get the traditional first bite of cake (and he may or may not kiss you to get the extra frosting off your lips hehe) and then he wants to watch you open all your gifts. Really he just wants you to open his but he knows you need to open all of them. You hate opening gifts in front of people but you also know it’s rude to not so you give in and agree to start opening gifts. Danny sits you down at your table and begins bringing over gifts. All of the gifts are really nice and you thank everyone. Then you get to the last gift, Danny’s gift. You’re kind of nervous because Danny can be kind of a trickster and he likes to embarrass you a bit and he really can be quite shameless, so do you really want to open this gift when friends and family are all watching you?

But Danny is eagerly waiting so you hesitantly open the gift and it’s actually ??? A really cute gift? It’s probably something like a little locket with a photo of both of you, or something sentimental. Whatever it is, it’s really cute and personal and you’re kind of surprised at how sweet it is. Danny is a really sweet partner and he is really good at getting gifts for you, but he still keeps his heart pretty guarded so knowing that he got you this gift and wanted you to open it in front of everyone? You’re blushing pretty hard but you make sure to tell him thank you, and when you give him a hug you also manage to kiss him and lean in to whisper that you love him.

After the party (which probably goes too late), everyone leaves except for you and Danny, and the few helpers who stayed to clean up. Danny takes you into the kitchen and pulls out two glasses and pours your favorite drink for both of you. He probably sits you on the counter because he thinks it’s so cute and he likes watching you dangle your legs back and forth because your feet can’t reach the ground. Then he tells you that he’s going to give you your “real gift” now and you’re like … yeah, alright, shameless pervy Danny was here all along, he just needed some alcohol to steel his nerves. But you’re surprised when he pulls out another gift box and gives it to you and watches you open it.

It ends up being a little photo album full of photographs of both of you together through your relationship. Little candid pictures of you that he took, selfies together, group photos, etc. It’s so cute, you could die. You end up crying a little bit because of how sentimental and sweet the gift is, and that’s in addition to the sweet locket he gave you!!

You end the night with drinking and him walking you home after he locks up the restaurant. To your surprise, he’s pretty gentlemanly but you assume it’s because he has to work early tomorrow morning and he can’t afford to jeopardize his livelihood. So he kisses you goodnight (it probably actually didn’t start off that innocent because, well, it’s Danny, but he certainly tries to make it teasing and he is an expert at teasing, so just when you’re just about to ask him to stay the night he breaks the kiss and says he has to leave lol). Then he waits to make sure you get inside okay, then he heads back to his apartment. During the night, he’ll text you periodically to remind you that he loves you and to wish you a happy birthday.

“Your birthday doesn’t end until midnight, so I can wish you a happy birthday all I want until then,” he says. He’s such a dork. But sweet. And the last thing he texts you before he goes to bed is, “I love you.” It may seem pretty plain to some (no nickname or anything), but you know how much he means it, and how hard it is for him to be open with his feelings. So, really, that little text means just as much as the gifts he got for you. You make sure to text him back, “I love you too” because, honestly, he needs it and deserves it.

[kylo-ren-has-an-8pack]

Hi! I'm back because I just read the Krennic AU idea 🙊 and OH MY GOD! It's INCREDIBLE!! 😍... and I wanted to ask if you would mind if I wrote it...? (I kinda already have the first scene in my head)

Hey there! 

Aww, thank you so much! I’m so glad that you liked it. I had a lot of fun thinking about that one and I’d love if it were a full fic of any sort, so go for it! These AU ideas are just things I’m kinda throwing out and I may want to use them eventually or I may not, so I don’t mind. Feel free to shoot me a message if you wanted to bounce ideas off of anybody or just send me a link when you’re done!

[sagitariusrising]

Trick? Or Treat?

Photo credits unknown but used with thanks

Note: *Deep inhale* For over a year, I’ve been writing an “Outsider” AU that combines the best parts of the HBO Series and the Stephen King book. There is a significant backstory that takes place before El Cuco, and this little bit takes place during that backstory. Ralph Anderson/Marie Neville (OFC), Ralph is divorced. “Smokeshow” is a nickname with origins in the backstory.

Premise: see the title 😉🤣

Disclaimer: I’m just huge fan of Stephen King and Ben Mendelsohn and want to combine the book with the show to do proper justice to Ralph Anderson.

Warnings: Cloying sweetness, some mild swearing and superstition, bad jokes.

Word count: 1600-ish

Virtual hugs to @olderguysandcutiepies and @formerlyknownasredacted as well to all of the rest of the Mendoverse who have given honest feedback and encouragement, not to mention mutual gushing. If this courage continues, maybe the full (and long) AU will go up.

The candle in the Jack O’ Lantern gave a bright glow. Marie looked around the neighborhood to see if there were any lingering ghosts and goblins on the sidewalks. Seeing none, she went back in the house and shut off the front light.

“Last call to give out candy.”

Ralph looked up from his book and shook his head. “You’ve been enjoying yourself. Besides, it’s eight o’clock, trick or treating is done for the year.”

Pulling off the glittery witch's hat she’d worn as a costume and putting the candy bowl on the coffee table, Marie smiled. “In Cap City, we didn’t get many tricks or treats. The kiddos' costumes were adorable. It would’ve been more fun if you’d dressed up, too.”

Ralph frowned. For the past two weeks, Marie had been gently asking him to wear a costume and help her give out candy. No way he’d wear a costume. They’d even argued about it, but he’d agreed to come over and have dinner and keep her company while she answered the door.

“Don’t forget to blow out the candle in the pumpkin, it’s a fire hazard.”

“Tabarnack! You don’t blow out the candle on Halloween, you let it burn to frighten away the evil spirits. And to get ready for Tous les Saints.”

“You’ve got some weird superstitions, smokeshow. Do you really believe all of that?” Eyebrows again in her direction. Silly nickname or not, whenever he used it, she still got that tingly feeling in her belly

Pointing at the pot of chrythanamums that were designated to go outside in the morning in remembrance, Marie shrugged. ''Old habits linger. I’m going to make some tea; there must be something scary on TV.”

Setting her steaming mug down and shoo’ing the cat away from his lap, Marie snuggled up to Ralph, reached for the remote and began to flick through channels. “The Bela Lugosi version of ‘Dracula’ is on, that ok with you?” She glanced up, Ralph nodded, he was still focused on his book.

The movie started and Marie reached for the candy. Unwrapping a Snickers bar, she offered the bowl to Ralph.

“Who needs candy when I’ve got the sweetest thing around right here?” Book forgotten, he slid his hand up Marie’s leg.

“That’s the worst pickup line I’ve ever heard you say. Be quiet and watch the movie. If you wanted to spend the night necking, you should’ve helped me give out candy.” Marie rolled her eyes and rested back against his shoulder.

Not two minutes passed when Ralph started kissing her neck and rubbing her legs.

Squirming, Marie moved away from him.

“Detective Anderson, keep your hands to yourself, I LIKE this movie, I’d like to keep watching it. You didn’t give out any sweets, so you don’t get any extra sugar from me!”

Ralph rolled his eyes. “Ok, ok. But it’s Halloween! And I’m giving you some sugar. Aren’t we supposed to squeak the springs and rattle the chains?” He wiggled his eyebrows and smiled suggestively, blue eyes shining.

Marie snorted, trying not to choke on her candy. Coughing and sputtering, she swatted at him. “Jeez, you’re full of stupid lines tonight. Knock it off, I want to watch this movie! And now you’ve got glitter all over your face, from my witch's hat.”

Another shrug. “It’s a calculated risk, but worth it.”

“The glitter isn’t just going to wash off.”

“I kind of like the idea of showing up to the precinct tomorrow, the glitter marks your territory. But I guess the whole town knows anyway. Blue glitter, right? Matches the police blues, I'll call it an accessory, shows I’m no longer single .”

“Riiight…you don’t know too much about glitter, do you?” Marie settled back in her spot.

She loved old Dracula movies, but Ralph’s hands and kisses were distracting. Soon she forgot about Jonathan Harker and the vampire brides and let herself be pulled into his embrace.

Loud laughter rang out, coming from the front yard.

Ignoring it, Marie returned Ralph’s kisses. Hands roamed up her back and stroked her waist. Squeak the springs and rattle the chains. Maybe tonight she could convince him into her bedroom.

More laughing and a rustling sound from the front. “What the hell?” Ralph pulled away from Marie and walked to the front windows.

“Goddammit!” Ralph reached for his police badge and clipped it to the waist of his jeans, making sure that it was visible. Posture rigid and clenching his fists, he stepped outside.

“Hold it!!!” He was using his cop voice.

Marie got up and looked out the front window. Two kids, teenagers really, were standing on the front lawn, arms in the air, holding the rolls of toilet paper that they were using to wrap around the big tree in her front yard.

Putting her shoes on, Marie stepped outside. The boys were standing stock-still. Both were wearing skeleton masks that completely covered their faces.

Ralph was scowling, his eyebrows pushed together. “Take off the masks. You’re Ellie Conway’s boy. And you: your father is Jack Diebold. This is vandalism, you two are in a heap of trouble. Dr. Neville, keep an eye on these two idiots, I’m going to get my phone so I can call their parents.”

He’s making good on his reputation as town hardass.

Marie stared at the two boys. They were working hard at acting nonchalant and doing it badly. “Let’s make a run for it!” one whispered. “Fuck no. That’s Detective Anderson, my parents are gonna kill me! Did you know this is his girlfriend’s house…”

This is a harmless prank.

Surely he wasn’t going to arrest these two? It was Halloween!

Ralph came back out. Still stern and scowling, he scrolled through his phone

“C’mon Captain Anderson, we were just having some fun” The boys were whining.

“Shut it. This is unacceptable. You guys are lucky I’m just calling your parents and not arresting you for vandalism and trespassing. I could park your butts in the lockup downtown.”

Ralph flicked on the flashlight on his phone and shone it over the tree. “It’s supposed to rain tonight. This could’ve been a real mess.” Snapping a picture of the tree, he gestured to the boys. “Clean it up.”

Both boys scrambled to the tree and began tearing the toilet paper from the trunk.

“Not just the bottom of the tree, there’s paper on those branches up there. Stop whining about it, you put it up there, you can take it down. You, give your friend a boost.” Ralph continued glaring at the boys as they jumped and tore strips of paper off the tree. “Up higher, there. Now over there”

“We’ve got it all down, sir.” Still scowling, Ralph surveyed the tree.

“You’ve got it all. But I see that Dr. Neville’s yard needs a good cleanup. Tell you what, you two are coming back here tomorrow, 8 o’clock sharp. I’ll supply the tools, you two are going to rake all the leaves. You do that, and I won’t call your parents.”

“Shit, that’s extortion!” one of the boys was shaking his head.

“Shut your mouth, kid. You want me to bring you in and have your folks bail you out?”

“No, no, it’s ok, we’ll both be here tomorrow” The other boy was shaking his head and stuttering an agreement.

Ralph pulled out his phone and tapped at the screen. “I just texted both of your parents. Told them we’d seen you in the neighborhood and sent you home. Understand? Now, apologize to Dr. Neville.”

Both boys mumbled an apology.

“Gentlemen, Dr Neville is standing next to me, not on the ground in front of you. Try again.” Hands on hips, Ralph gave his best police officer stance, eyebrows raised in exasperation.

“Sorry Dr. Neville”

Reaching into his coat pocket, he tossed a piece of candy to each boy. “Good. Now get out of here, see you two tomorrow.”

Both boys got on their bikes and pedaled away.

Marie shook her head. “You’re a hardass, you know that? Didn’t you ever pull pranks on Halloween? And yard maintenance is in my lease agreement.”

Ralph jerked his chin in the direction of the tree. “I did stuff like that, but I got caught and my dad had me locked in a jail cell overnight. Scared the hell out of me. These two got off easy. If they show up tomorrow, I’ll let them go and hopefully they’ll have learned their lessons.”

“Well, I’m glad they didn’t smash my pumpkin.”

Her phone was aglow with a missed text message. She slid it open: two from Ralph, tagged a few minutes ago. Around the same time they were standing in the yard.

“I’d like to be the one to bite your neck”

“You're already an angel, even without a costume”

Marie felt the familiar warm tingles running down her back. But the silly jokes...

Ralph was digging through the bowl of candy, acting oblivious.

The cat had stolen her spot again and Marie lifted him up, tossing a few treats to appease him. Back on the couch, Marie picked up the remote, trying to find another movie.

Ralph took the remote from her and switched off the TV. “Nope” He wrapped his arms around her and drew her close. “Where were we?”

“Hey! Cut it out. I bet I can find the same movie on another channel. And what did I say earlier?”

Grinning slyly, he shook his head and stroked her neck. His lips grazed her ear as he whispered: “Smokeshow, that excuse won’t work anymore: I just gave out some Halloween candy.”

[mayyoustayforeveryoung]

THIS OR THAT... Thank you for the tag @flanagirl (hope its ok i’m doing it on a different blog) sage green or baby blue | moon or stars | paperback or hardback | piercings or tattoos | drawing or writing | saturn or jupiter | line without a hook or mr. loverman  ???? | ancient greece or ancient egypt | prague or amsterdam | dark academia or light academia | indie aesthetic or cottagecore | stargazing or late night drives | strawberries or watermelons | rings or necklaces | extrovert or introvert | dragons or griffins | ocean or mountain | silver or gold | dawn or dusk | creative or free spirit | early bird or night owl | cook or bake | dagger or sword

tagging @sharpiewashere @skinny-vavanilla @cherieann-2001 @babaohhhriley @olderguysandcutiepies @dancing-in-tig-territory @cock-riding-giggity @musicaesvida7493 @penny4yourthot @sam-samcro only if you wanna do it too 😛

[mandy23bwrites]

“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”

For @olderguysandcutiepies as a mini sequel to her fic “Nolan, Baby” - Thank you for the go-ahead to post this <3

Fandom: Ready Player One

Character/Pairing: Nolan Sorrento x Female Reader

Tags/Warnings: Female pronouns, kissing, established relationship, mention of a daughter (of the main pairing), non-religious christmas time setting, Santa Claus appearance

Disclaimer: 1) Read the fic that inspired this one to fully understand the significance. 2) Title is taken from the holiday song with the same name

Word Count: 528

Summary: Christmas Eve brings a special moment with your husband...

You sway to the Christmas carols coming from your sound system, playing oh so softly as to not disturb your daughter sleeping upstairs. It was late Christmas Eve and the little one had been tucked away into bed an hour ago and now was the time to bring out the presents to slip under the tree. You sneak goodies, sweets, and nicknacks into the stockings hanging on the wall, waiting for your husband to bring out the gifts that had been hidden in his office. He was taking longer than necessary so you figured he was wrapping a last-minute gift. He certainly loved to spoil his girls.

You grin as the song “Santa, Baby” shuffles up next in your holiday playlist and you hum along. You glance at your engagement ring that’s now fused with your wedding band; the significance of this song made it your favorite song around this time of year.

The sound of the office door opening comes as you slip the last present into your husband’s stocking. You turn to tease him for his slowness.

“Took you long eno-“ You can’t finish your sentence as you gasp. Nolan Sorrento walks in carrying a stack of presents, completely decked out in a Santa costume, fake beard and all. You slap your hands over your mouth to contain your screeching laughter. You double over, shaking from the effort to keep quiet. You can hear him chuckle, clearly amused by your reaction. By the time he’s gone over and set the gifts under the tree, you’ve recovered enough to stand up straight; you have tears in your eyes from laughing so hard and you’re gasping for breath. 

“Oh Santa—!” You dissolve into a fit of giggles as you move towards him. “Look how handsome you are in person!” He places his hands on your waist and you rest yours on his arms. Blue eyes glitter at you from under the white fluff of his hat, crinkled from such a large grin that’s hidden by the wispy beard.

“Why thank you; you’re quite stunning yourself.”

“Watch yourself, Santa, I’m a married woman!”

“Your husband must be a very lucky man then.” You can’t help but giggle again, burying your face into the soft red velvet of his shoulder. “Although I don’t think he’ll mind if I steal just one kiss from you.” One of his hands leaves your waist and fishes something out of his pocket. When you pull back, you see that he’s holding a little bundle of mistletoe above you both.

Your cheeks are beginning to hurt from the amount you’re smiling but you can’t help it. Sliding your hands up his arms to encircle his shoulders, you lean in till you can feel his breath on your face.

“Yes, I do believe that would be alright.” You close the gap, doing your best to kiss him around the fake beard.

As he backs up the music so you can slow dance to “Santa, Baby” together, neither of you notice your daughter scamper back to her bedroom from her perch at the top of the staircase, grinning ear to ear.

‘I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus!’