#sincerely us gift exchange

[kiro-sveta]

My KuraMiyu Exchange 2023 gift for @/teahex, featuring hurt/comfort, sickfic, fantasy AU (with Blacksmith Miyuki and Glassblower Kuramochi), minor angst, fluff, two art pieces, roughly 830 words, and happy endings (because I'm physically incapable of not letting them be happy).

And the first time in close to twenty years that I shared any of my writing with anyone, let alone publish it haha. I'm very nervous about it, and about drawing hurt/comfort, but I also enjoyed working on this and am proud of what I was able to do in the end (while fighting an illness too!), and I sincerely hope you like it, tea and anyone/everyone else who might see this. I'll also share the art and story below (with part 2 under a cut) in case anyone would prefer this tumblr post to AO3.

And the exchange's collection can be found here! Please check it out if you like kuramiyu, everyone did an amazing job!!

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glass and steel

-

Part 1: fragmented

“Hurry up and get better, Miyuki. Things aren’t the same without you.”

-

Part 2: whole

he’s missed this

-

(some time after the first image)

Youichi walked past the path leading towards Miyuki’s home. He knew in his heart where he’d find the blacksmith, and it wouldn’t be in those quiet rooms. Enough time had passed while he’d been away on business, and his friend had already been restless well before he’d left. He’d be in the forge now, Youichi was sure of it. He just hoped the stubborn bastard had kept his promise and waited until he’d fully recovered beforehand.

His suspicions were confirmed as he neared the forge, the air getting warmer and filling with the sounds of life and movement; the scrape of metal on stone or metal, gravel crunching underfoot, air being forced out of a bellows. Before entering the forge properly, Youichi took a brief moment to close his eyes and take in a fortifying breath, readying himself for whatever state Miyuki might be in. And instantly felt a weight lift when he finally saw him.

There was a flush on Miyuki’s face and sweat on his brow, but there was no sign of fatigue or weakness. His movements were smooth, his breathing even, his face and body full of life. He hadn’t yet noticed Youichi standing near the entrance, and Youichi took another moment to observe him, marveling and relieved to see him up and about and comfortable in his skin again. Not struggling with aching bones and muscle. Things hadn’t been the same for a good while, and Youichi felt as if he himself could breathe easier now.

Miyuki turned from the bellows and noticed him, and his smile grew, his face becoming more alive. “Hey, I know I’m a sight for sore eyes, but say something, Mochi, don’t just stand there. How long have you been there?”

Youichi shrugged. “Not long. It’s good to see you up and about.”

Miyuki’s grin became wry. “It’s good to be up and about.” He wiped the sweat from his brow and neck. “I swear, if I had to wait much longer…” His thought trailed away though, and a small frown marred his brow as another thought came to him. “Wait, you said you’d be home sooner. What happened?”

He seemed to study Youichi in a new light, looking for any injuries or signs of trouble, concern clear. He knew that Youichi always kept his word if he could help it, and Youichi hadn’t meant to be away long. Hadn’t meant to be away during the last of Miyuki’s recovery. But some things couldn’t be predicted and Youichi waved away his concerns, saying that there were more delays than he’d expected, both on and off the roads. It’d been out of his hands. And it hadn’t helped that he’d had to track down his last customer and give him a piece of his mind when he’d canceled his commission before leaving.

As he finished talking about his trip Youichi took the finished commission out of his pocket and looked at it ruefully. It was a small delicate glass bird, wings in flight, and despite the miniscule imperfection in one wing and what his former customer had said, he was proud of it.

Then Miyuki was stepping closer to get a clearer look, gently reaching out for it. Youichi let him take it, and watched as he carefully studied it. “I hope you gave him hell. It’s beautiful, Mochi.” The blacksmith flashed Youichi a grin, and walked over to one of the forge’s windows to carefully set the bird on the sill, safely away from any tools.

Youichi closed his hand and lowered it to his side as he watched Miyuki and the bird. His chest felt tight. Then Miyuki was back, gripping his shoulder strongly, strong enough that one wouldn’t think he’d ever been injured if they hadn’t known better. He was grinning again.

“Come on, I could use your help with some stuff.”

He started walking over to the work he’d abandoned, already expecting him to follow, and Youichi felt both the need to protest and the need to follow him. “You do know that people usually ask for help instead of just expecting it to happen, right? I could be busy.”

Miyuki grinned at him over his shoulder, said, “But you aren’t.” He picked up a tool and beckoned Youichi with it. “Get over here already. It’s been too long since we worked together, and you’ll like this project. I guarantee it.”

And Youichi can’t say no. He already has his tools with him, never took off his work belt or unpacked his bag (and even if he hadn’t had his tools with him, he’d make do, he has before). And he’s missed this, the fire and metal and glass, creating and reshaping things, Miyuki at his side, whole and alight with life. And Miyuki’s right; he’s not busy, he has the time, and it has been too long.

He’s compelled to follow, and does so without any regrets.

[aphroditelovesu]

Yandere Hannibal Lecter/Will Graham Headcanons (Poly!Romantic)

❝ 🍽 — lady l: I finally managed to post this!! I really liked the result and I hope you like it :) forgive me for any mistakes and good reading. 💙🤎

❝tw: obsessive and possessive behavior, manipulation, kidnapping, death and mention of suicide and violence, toxic relationships.

❝🔪pairing: yandere!hannibal lecter x gender neutral!reader x yandere!will graham.

The idea of ​​someone else coming into their relationship wasn't something they planned or thought about. They were still getting used to the new dynamics of their relationship, so actually adding a third person wasn't in the cards. But when Hannibal and Will met you, that thought took root in their minds.

You were like a breath of fresh air to them. Something new, exciting, and something they could keep to themselves, as a new addition to their new lives. And they were eager to make you fit into your new life with them.

Initially, Hannibal and Will watched you from a distance, exchanging conspiratorial glances and smiles, as if sharing a silent secret. Every interaction with you only reinforced the idea that you were the missing piece to the puzzle they were putting together. They had no doubt that you would be theirs eventually, whether you wanted it or not.

Hannibal, with his calculating nature and magnetic charm, began to engage you with his intellectual conversations and sophisticated dinners, demonstrating an almost mesmerizing hospitality. He knew exactly how to capture your attention and make you feel special, he knew how to make you feel indispensable.

Will, on the other hand, with his sensitivity and keen perception, found subtle ways to connect with you. He understood you in a way few could, offering a shoulder to lean on and a deep understanding of your emotions and thoughts. His sincere vulnerability was a perfect contrast to Hannibal's confident assurance.

You found yourself torn between these two poles of attraction, each complementing the other in a way that seemed almost orchestrated. Hannibal and Will became more and more indispensable, each encounters deepening your connection and making the idea of ​​leaving their circle more and more unthinkable.

Finally, a dinner at Hannibal's house that felt more like a secret celebration than a simple meal. The tension in the air was palpable, filled with unspoken promises and unspoken desires. Hannibal and Will, with complicit looks, began to close the distance between the three of you, breaking down the last remaining barriers. They didn't hide their intentions anymore, nor what they were. There was no more secret.

They knew perfectly well how to manipulate you, how to make you trust them completely. Every interaction, every gesture, was carefully calculated to deepen their dependence and trust. Hannibal, with his ability to read people and understand their weaknesses, knew exactly what to say to make you feel valued and special. His words were like a balm, soothing any doubts you might have had.

Will, in turn, used his innate empathy to connect with you on a deep emotional level. He knew how to make you feel understood and accepted, creating an intimacy that seemed almost magical. His eyes reflected a sincerity that was difficult to question, and his presence offered a comfort that became addictive.

They were both good to you, in their own way. Hannibal would always cook you your favorite meals, and treat you to anything you want. Do you want to go on a ridiculously expensive trip? No problem. He will give you all the best and the best, bathing you in luxury. Will is more simplistic in this situation, he prefers to show his love for you through touches, like kisses and hugs, but he also gives you gifts when you want something.

Will is the more affectionate of the two, at least physically. He likes to hug you constantly, bury his head in your neck or steal kisses from you. Hannibal is already more subtle in his touches, he prefers to place a hand on your shoulder, lift your chin so that you look him in the eyes and kiss your forehead gently.

They are extremely possessive and overprotective and this is nothing new. Hannibal will kill and cook anyone who gives you the wrong look or displays inappropriate behavior around you. To him, you are a treasure that must be protected at all costs, and he will not hesitate to use his macabre skills to ensure your safety. Any perceived threat is quickly eliminated and transformed into a feast only you can enjoy.

Will, on the other hand, has a different but equally intense approach. He is more than willing to beat anyone to death if he thinks they are trying to steal you from them. His anger is raw and direct, driven by an intense passion and a desperate need to protect those he loves and he loves you, even if it's in a twisted way. For Will, you are the anchor that maintains his sanity, and he will do anything to maintain that stability, even if it means committing extreme acts of violence.

Hannibal and Will are an amazing duo when they work together and if they want you, they will get you. While Will may have reservations about kidnapping you and forcing you into a relationship with them, Hannibal already thinks otherwise. You are theirs and there is nothing wrong with taking what is yours, is there?

There is no escaping them. You can try as much as you want, but they will always find you. They are great at hunting together and they would hunt you all over the world if necessary. You won't leave them, they will be sure of that.

In the end, you become part of their world, accepting that, although complex and sometimes terrifying, it is the only place you truly belong. They own you, and you, in some way, also own them, creating an indissoluble bond that redefines the concept of relationship. The sooner you accept that this is your new reality and accept them as your partners, everything will be fine. But if not, Hannibal will have no problem teaching you manners and Will are going to be there to help heal your wounds and silence your cries.

[hxnbi]

ღ blue lock boys and their love language

₊˚Ꮺ pairings: nagi seishiro, itoshi rin, isagi yoichi, mikage reo, itoshi sae, bachira meguru x gn. reader (separate)

♡ NAGI SEISHIRO◞ ꞋꞌꞋꞌ

NAGI, even for his age, is extremely clingy. Whether it is day or night, busy or not, you will see a messy, white-haired teenager clinging to you like a needy koala. It was cute at first, you thought, that is, until you had to do your typical mundane tasks like washing the dishes, cleaning up, or even just doing something as simple as lazily looking at your phone in bed, for crying out loud. You're watching something? Oh well, now its we, all the while, as Nagi collapses next to you, holding you by the waist and pouting about how you didn't invite him.

“But Sei, I thought you hated gore?”

“I like it when I’m with you.”

“Uh huh…”

Though he loves games more than anything else, above all, he adores holding you in his arms, all the while he rambles on in short and scruffy murmurs, complaining about school and the supposedly awful cafeteria food. And keeping you while he's playing games in bed, with you watching him do so? That is Nagi's idea of a perfect date. What more could he ever want? All that he desires is right here in his arms.

♡ ITOSHI RIN◞ ꞋꞌꞋꞌ

The dude doesn't have a colourful bone in his body. To those, even just imagining RIN having a significant other is enough to make those aware drop to an early grave. But, unbeknownst to most, Rin is extremely protective over you. To him, you are his other half, and he is willing to do anything in order to secure your safety above all else. And to also stay the hell away from his brother? Now, that's just a delightful bonus. To you, his sincere actions were his way of showing that he cared.

He considers himself to be your protector, and he will ensure you know this about him. You don't have to lift a finger; he's already on it. His presence alone makes your cheeks flush pink. The things that Rin does, whether it's to help you study for an English test or walk home together late at night, he goes out of his way to show his love and devotion to you and you only, even if it means taking on responsibilities and burdens.

♡ ISAGI YOICHI◞ ꞋꞌꞋꞌ

ISAGI is a pure, earnest, kind-hearted boy—that is, when he's not on the field. But that's beside the point. Isagi is aware of his shortcomings and flaws, but he's not about to let that stop him from telling you all about him. Isagi is, undeniably, a heart-on-his-sleeve kind of guy with his unabashed display of affection towards you. For better or for worse, Isagi will let you know what he thinks. His love language becomes apparent. Isagi cherishes the intimacy of being close to his loved one.

He's all about being utterly and completely transparent with his feelings about you. Not even the most oblivious of people could see the way that Isagi looked at you and assume it was anything but pure adoration. Meanwhile, the others in Blue Lock would watch on from a distance with envy and possibly awe as you and Isagi were together. Or just plain disgust at the sight of romance in their vicinity. Everyone, regardless of what side they were on, had one thought in mind.

'Is this really the same guy from on the field…?'

♡ MIKAGE REO◞ ꞋꞌꞋꞌ

When you're with REO, no day is complete without him taking you somewhere lavish, using his influence. You would often find yourself being showered with gifts and luxuries, but nothing is done without your consent, and Reo made damn sure that you were never uncomfortable. He has money, and he is not hesitant to use it. Nothing pleases him more than to spend money he believed to be mere pocket change in exchange for your happiness.

Reo is a busy guy with not only his studies but also being the heir of the Mikage Corporation and then Blue Lock. There's a lot Reo can obtain with money, but there are just as many things he can't—time. Interestingly enough, nothing screams fulfillment to him more than quality time, and utilizing his wealth to create those moments with you holds great significance to him—more than you could imagine—rather than merely simply buying material possessions.

♡ ITOSHI SAE◞ ꞋꞌꞋꞌ

Itoshi SAE is famous, there's no doubt about it. Not only is he prided as the best player in Japan, but he is also recognized as one of the youngest. But that level of attention also comes with immense scrutiny. Sae takes pride not just in his football playing but also in his cold, blunt, and aloof persona. He has only ever cared about becoming the best striker in the world, but despite his own ambitions, he felt a simmering rage ignite in him whenever the media dared to mention you. Because to him, you were his other half.

He hated the press—absolutely despised it—and he was disgusted how every move you made, good or not, would then be scrutinized by reporters and the public alike. No matter what you did, people would give excuses that you didn’t deserve to be with him. Sae would make sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that doubt would never be cast in front of your eyes again. Doubting his love for you is his biggest fear, and it's because of that fear that he tries to spend every possible moment with you. Quality time is hard for a person like him to come by, but that gives even more reason to cherish the little time you both have. 

♡ BACHIRA MEGURU◞ ꞋꞌꞋꞌ

Now, unlike Isagi and Nagi, BACHIRA is a delightful blend of both. He's just as clingy as Nagi, and his words can be just as endearing as Isagi. He is all over you with his words, adoring and cherishing you like there's no tomorrow. And to him, there really isn't. For his significant other, there is no point in hiding how he truly feels. This boy is unapologetically honest and is not above engaging in PDA. And so, when the opportunity presents itself, he is all over you. His eccentric energy personality really is contagious, and physical affection is Bachira's way of expressing love; it's his way of expressing that he genuinely loves you with no doubt.

During Bachira's childhood, he was actively bullied, which made him terrified of being alone. You saw that fear manifesting in the instances when Bachira, in the middle of the night, would tightly clutch onto you, showing no inclination to release his hold, consumed by the dread of losing you. At times when Bachira would be back home, he would envelop you in his arms, showering you with affection and whispering endearments, before quickly dozing off with you right in his arms like a stuffed animal, only to then oversleep, even after his alarm went off. With Bachira's phone buzzing in your grasp, you swiftly silenced it, opting to allow him to remain undisturbed in slumber as you gently ran your fingers through his hair. Perhaps, you can let him sleep peacefully by your side. Just this once.

©hxnbi. please do not modify, edit, copy or reproduce any of my works.

[helaintoloki]

I am just so obsessed with the idea of Five and Reader's domestic life (without all those doomsday shite) 🫠 so please, if you can, I'd love to read something related to that 🙏🏻

a/n: hi anon sorry for the wait ! i just started the fall semester and haven’t had much time to write but i hope you enjoy this little slice of life -esque fic

warning: basically pure fluff

The dance hall is nearly empty save for the elderly couple rocking back and forth in each other’s arms in front of the stage where the big band plays their last song of the night. Tired busboys and cleanup crew members clear away the tables and sweep up any mess to prepare for the next day of business. Despite the evening coming to a close, you’re in no hurry to leave Five’s arms as he delicately twirls you around the dance floor to one of his favorite songs.

“Ready to call it a night?” He asks with a careful smile after watching your eyes nearly flutter shut for a third time. He knows you well enough to detect when you’ve reached the point of exhaustion, but he also knows you’re not one to ever admit this out of your own volition.

“Tired already, old man?” You counter playfully, but you don’t protest as he begins to lead you off the dance floor and out the doors to your car. Your feet are killing you and you want nothing more than to crawl into bed, and Five is fully aware of your current internal dialogue. He helps you into the car and even slips off your heels for you before taking his place behind the wheel.

“This was nice,” he admits in a soft voice, glancing over at you in the passenger’s seat. Your head is pressed against the cool glass of the window as you watch the city streets pass by, and you let out a gentle hum in response to his comment.

“It’s nice we get to do normal couple things now,” you agree thoughtfully. “No assignments to complete, no world-ending apocalyptic threats to stop, no timelines to fix. Just us getting another chance to relive our twenties again in a world where the moon is still intact.”

“I’m sorry about all that,” Five relents with a tired sigh. If not for him you probably never would have been wrapped up in all that mess in the first place, and he feels partly responsible for the chaotic nature your life had taken on the last few decades.

“Hey,” you call gently, prompting the boy to glance over at your sincere gaze and soft smile, “I wouldn’t change it for the world, you know that. I literally had the chance to, but I decided against it.”

“Don’t remind me,” he scoffs quietly at the memory. The Handler had cornered you once with an enticing deal- a chance to return to your own time in exchange for Five’s whereabouts and his plans to stop the end of the world. She mistakenly underestimated your loyalty to the time traveler, and you had gifted her with a solid right hook in response to her offer. That all felt so long ago to you both now.

The headlights of the car drown your front yard in artificial light as Five finally pulls into the driveway of your humble home. After everything had been set back to normal and the Cleanse had been stopped, you both decided to move out into the suburbs and purchased a lovely little fixer upper in a quiet neighborhood where almost nothing seemed to happen. It was exactly the fresh start you needed, and every time you stepped over the threshold through the front door you felt your heart fill with warmth all over again just like it had the first time Five had carried you inside.

“I think we should get a dog,” you voice aloud for no particular reason as you flip on the lights and shut the door behind you. The house is cozily warm despite your absence, and already you can feel the eagerness rising within you at the thought of crawling into bed.

“A dog?” Five repeats with a raised brow as he hangs his coat on the wall and sets your heels upon the shoe rack next to his own.

“After married people get a house they usually start having kids, or they get a dog,” you explain with a casual wave of your hand as you walk through the hallway and into the kitchen to fix yourself a glass of water. “I think we should get a dog.”

“Not a kid?” Five teases as his fingers playfully poke into your side. You jump at the feeling, and he uses the distraction as an opportunity to steal your glass from you so that he may take a hearty gulp of water before you can protest.

“I don’t think we’re ready for that yet. At least, I’m not. I can hardly handle babysitting Grace and the twins as it is.”

“To be fair, they take after their parents,” Five reminds you with a sarcastic chuckle before handing you your freshly refilled glass of water. “I think our kids would stand a better chance.”

“A Hargreeves child with a y/l/n as their mother?” You retort with a pointed look and uneasy smile. “Not likely. I’d like to remain chaos free for at least another few years before we get to that.”

“I can’t argue with that,” he relents with a sigh before wrapping his arms around you from behind and resting his chin on your shoulder. “We’ve had enough chaos to last us a lifetime. The kids can wait.”

“So we’re getting a dog?”

“We’ll get a dog,” Five chuckles with a careful nod as he presses his lips to your cheek.

“Can we name him Mr. Pennycrumb?”

“Mr. Pennycrumb?” Your husband retorts skeptically, pulling away to analyze your facial features in search of any falsehood or mirth. “Where’d you come up with that?”

“I read it in a comic book once,” you offer with a simple shrug as if it’s the most obvious explanation in the world. Despite how much time he’s spent with you, you still always find a way to surprise him when he least expects it. It’s one of the many things he loves about you, and it’s why your relationship has remained so strong after all this time. It’s hard to reach a stalemate when you’re always keeping him on his toes.

“Of course, what was I thinking,” Five hums thoughtfully as he pulls away from your figure and sets your now empty cup in the sink. “Mr. Pennycrumb it is.”

He presses a kiss to the crown of your head and turns to leave for the bedroom, but your melodious call of his name has him stopping dead in his tracks. You move forward to loosen his tie for him, an adoring smile on your face as you peer up at him through your lashes and quietly voice, “I love you.”

He grins, his gaze soft with a look that is only reserved for you as he presses his lips to your forehead and gifts you a tender hearted kiss. What he ever did to be lucky enough to have someone like you, he’ll never know, but what he does know is that he’ll gladly spend the rest of his time on this earth making you happy with the life you’ve built together.

“I love you too,” he utters reverently before pulling you into his arms once more for another kiss.

[lincolndjarin]

Not So Secret Santa

javier peña x fem!reader

this is a part of the @pedrostories gift exchange!!

summary : you get the only person you didn't want for your offices secret santa.

warnings/tags : 18+ mdni, enemies/friends to lovers, canon divergence, steve is your boss/close friend, reader and javier have a complicated relationship, reader is insecure, brief mentions of alcohol, porn with plot, smut, light angst, javier and reader fight physically but it's very light with no actual injury, masturbation, semi-public sex, p in v, idk how to properly tag this but javi likes boobs in this so he touches boobs, unprotected sex (don't do this, wrap it this holiday season), use of a makeshift gag, rough yet very loving sex because it's christmas and christmas magic means i can write what i want.

tldr : you and javi have sex in his office and you put his tie in his mouth to shut him up.

word count : 4.4k

✦ : merry christmas @taro-666 !!! i'm your secret santa !!! i hope you're well this holiday season and i hope you enjoy this fic !! i haven't written much peña, despite how much i love him so i hope i did him justice and i hope you have a wonderful holiday <3 <3 (also sorry this is a little late (20 minuetes left before midnight so we're good). i was out with family all day and was only just now able to get to my laptop, i promise i didn't forget about you lmao)

no use of y/n, reader has hair and painted nails & javier sort of half picks her up at one point, nothing else is described besides clothing.

lovely dividers by @saradika-graphics

“Please, Steve, I’ll give you a week's pay.” You lean across his desk, genuine desperation in your voice after an hour of begging. 

“Not gonna happen.” He doesn’t even bother looking up from his computer.

“A month.” Your voice is starting to pitch up, something similar to anguish in your tone. Your offer finally gets a reaction out of him as his eyes widen, head tilting up.  

“Jesus, you can’t be serious.” He’s examining your expression, trying to determine the sincerity of your claim. 

“My entire Christmas bonus.” 

“Okay, stop.” He sighs, giving you a sympathetic look. “We’re not allowed to switch.”

“When did you become such a stickler for the rules?” You cross your arms in front of your chest. 

“It’s just a secret Santa. He’s our friend, whether you like it or not, you two are close and this shouldn’t be this big of a deal, now go, please, I need to finish up here so I can leave at a reasonable hour.” He loosens his tie as you sigh. 

“It’s not just a secret Santa, Steve. It’s an opportunity for him to tell me that I once again didn’t do something right. No matter what I get him, it isn’t going to be good enough.” Even as you’re saying it you can see that he isn’t going to change his mind about this. 

“He’s a dick to everybody. That’s inevitable, it just means he’s comfortable with you.” He’s already turning back to his work. 

“Please, Steve.” 

“No.”

You glare down at him, giving him your angriest look as his gaze tilts back up to meet yours. 

When it’s clear that he isn’t going to switch you turn and leave, slamming his office door in the process. 

“Don’t forget, I need you here early to help set up for the party!” His muffled voice seeps out into the hall as you walk away. 

Once you’re out in your car and far away from prying eyes you unfold the damned slip of paper you’d drawn earlier today. 

Javier P. 

Of course, you got stuck with fucking Peña, a nickname you’d given him a few months ago. He absolutely hates it but the entire time you’ve worked for the DEA he’s gone out of his way to bother you. Sure, he’s your “friend”, in a strange, complicated way. But he still drives you up the wall with his constant need to one up you and the way he’s constantly making passes at women around the office. 

And it’s not like you have any problems with him sleeping around, lord knows you’ve had a fair amount of one night stands, but he just has to hit on every woman you work with. 

Every single woman, except you. 

You’d never admit it of course but a part of you will always be self conscious about that fact. It doesn’t help that Javier absolutely adores bothering you at every possible moment. He loves nothing more than to pester, annoy, and mock you, spending nearly half his day leaning over your desk despite the million complaints you’ve sent Steve about his persistent partner. 

He’ll sit on your desk, doing an endless amount of things to cause you distress. Like crowding you with his cigarette smell and vanilla cologne as he tells you you’re filling papers wrong, or telling you what colors to paint your nails, or solving your cases before you can even get to them, or teasing you about your shitty car. Today he wouldn’t stop bothering you about your weekend plans like he doesn’t already know exactly where you’ll be. 

“Are you doing anything this weekend?” He’d asked with that devastating smirk and eyebrow raise combo. 

“I have to go buy my secret Santa gift, just like everyone else.” You’d turned away, avoiding eye contact as he scoffed. 

“What about Saturday?” He continued to pry, you wanted nothing more than to shove his perfect ass off your desk. 

“The Christmas party, Javi. Just like everyone else.” You had sighed, squeezing the bridge of your nose as Emilia had walked past your desk. Javier immediately forgot your entire conversation as he turned to her. 

“I love your nails.” He’d pushed his hair out of his face, holding his hand out to take hers, getting a closer look at the well manicured designs. 

You had tuned out after that. Not wanting to be involved in the exchange as you went back to typing. Acutely aware of your own nails. 

Red chipped paint. 

You couldn’t help but wonder what it must be like to be the object of his affection.

It wouldn’t matter if he did hit on you, you would probably reject him anyway. 

Probably. 

It doesn’t matter, it’s never gonna happen so why let it bother you? 

With a sigh you toss the paper into your cup holder, reaching to turn on the radio, maybe some Christmas music will make you feel better. Of course nothing happens as you turn up the volume knob but it makes you want to scream regardless. 

Stupid fucking Peña. 

Stupid broken radio, stupid shitty car. 

“Fuck.” You mumble under your breath as you shift into drive.

Before you know it you’re back in your car in the DEA office parking lot, this time a few things are different though. 

You’re dressed nicer, trading your slacks in for a skirt and your dress shirt for a sweater. And of course you now have a small wrapped box in your lap. 

Since you had yesterday off for the holiday you spent your Friday at the mall, searching for a gift for Javier. Eventually you had settled on three little things; Nicotine gum, mostly because you’ll get more work done if he isn’t constantly dragging you outside for his smoke breaks. He complains too much about going alone and it’s always been easier not to argue, now he can stay at your desk with his gum. Beard oil, the fancy stuff he always insists on using in his mustache. You’d bought him the wrong kind last year for his birthday and you still haven’t heard the end of it. And a lighter, you had to beg the shop owner to make an exception and do a same day engraving of his birthday. 

Jesus. 

You know way too much about him. 

You arrived two hours early as requested by Steve to help him set up. With the wrapped box tucked under your arm you anxiously tap the patterned wrapping paper with your freshly manicured nails. 

“You should paint your nails green, I love green.” He had said through a drag of his cigarette. 

Why did you let that idiot's opinions influence this decision? You feel foolish. The green chrome polish shimmering in the street lights in the parking lot as you step into the building. You had extra time while you were waiting for the engraving and you just couldn’t help yourself when the salon was just a few stores away. The image of Javier holding your hand and examining your painted nails while telling you how nice they looked was just too tempting. Maybe he’d even ask if you did it just for him, and you could drag him into a closet at the party, the exact situation you watched unfold last year. Except in that scenario you weren’t the lucky lady he’d run off with that night. 

There’s no time to be thinking like that.

You shake off whatever filth you were imagining as you look around the hectic mess of garland and glitter.

Steve is already stressing, setting up tables as you set your gift under the tree before getting to work. The office is already mostly decorated but with his new position as supervisor Steve is insistent that everything be perfect his first Christmas in charge. So you plate food, and you mix drinks exactly as he wants them, and you hold the ladder steady when he insists on putting more lights up. When you’ve got about a half an hour before guests start arriving you’re finishing up and last minute touches, the two of you crowded around a drink tower. 

The tension from your conversation yesterday seems to have fizzled out as you become engrossed in your work, when you’ve both finished he gives you an appreciative look.

“Thank you, seriously, it means a lot.” You help him adjust his tie as he straightens out his shirt. 

“Anytime, although I’m surprised you didn’t just ask Javier.” You pat his shoulder as you finish, brushing a stray blonde hair out of his eyes. 

He laughs, a nervous chuckle that makes you raise an eyebrow but when you open your mouth to comment on it he lets out a relieved sigh as the first of your coworkers arrive.

More people show up than you could have expected. 

You stay near Steve for most of the beginning until he gets dragged away by one of the higher ups who had made an appearance, leaving you alone to sip your drink against the back wall. You hum along to a Christmas song that plays loud enough to drown out any conversation you might eavesdrop on to entertain yourself in his absence, your eyes scan the crowds as you try to match up the people you work with with their spouses. 

You’re getting ready to find another group to talk to when you catch a glimpse of him standing against the opposite wall, talking to Bonnie, the woman who works in the cubicle next to yours. 

Fucking Peña. Dressed in a stupidly tight green dress shirt. 

You should leave them alone, especially if he’s trying to make a move on her. But you can’t help it as you make your way around the room towards them, a vague sense of jealousy settling in your stomach. 

String lights twinkle across the ceiling of the office, creating a warm ambience throughout the space, just as you’re about to tap him on the shoulder you overhear their conversation. 

“I had to beg Steve to switch with me, took an hour of convincing and a week's paycheck but it’ll be worth it to see the look on her face.” His back is to you as he leans in closer to Bonnie. 

He’s probably talking about one of the other women from the office. Steve probably had someone Javier was trying to impress and that’s why Steve didn’t want to trade with you, he had already promised his pick to Javier. 

Whatever, you can’t be too bothered about that. It does make you want to return to your spot on the other side of the room but you don’t get the chance to as the music is turned down rather suddenly.

One of the secretaries, Benjamin, stands on a chair, making an announcement that it’s time to do the secret Santa. You manage to twist through the crowds so Javier never sees you, finding his gift and bringing it to where he now stands, simultaneously keeping an eye out for your own gift.  

You hand him the box, watching the way his face lights up. 

“You picked me?” He grins as you nod, carefully peeling back the wrapping paper as you feel a tap on your shoulder. Benjamin waits behind you, leaning in to whisper while you watch Javier open his gift. 

“It was short notice so we didn’t have time to get you a back up gift but your secret Santa told us at the last minute that he forgot to get you something, he promised to bring in something after New Years, I’m so sorry.” You feel a little disappointed as he murmurs but it isn’t that big of a deal, it’s a busy time of year and people can forget things. 

“No worries, do you know who it was? I’d like to at least tell them it’s fine.” You turn away from Javier as he smiles at the nicotine gum, Benjamin's eyes flicker from your face to Javier’s before he gives you a sympathetic look, walking away. 

Javier traded for your name? 

As your head tilts to look at him now you can see the smirk he’s now sporting. 

“ …but it’ll be worth it to see the look on her face.”

Javier had made a conscious effort to get your name just so he could not get you something.

Huh.

That doesn’t feel great. The look he gets to see on your face is betrayal and then just sadness. You don’t really care what the reason for his decision is, you turn and walk away from him regardless. If he tries to say something to you it’s drowned out by the music that starts once again. 

Why are you so upset over some stupid joke? If it had been anyone else you wouldn’t have cared, you’d have brushed it off as a harmless accident but this wasn’t an accident. 

Maybe he didn’t really think of you as a friend. 

Maybe all of the teasing and one-upmanship really was from a place of animosity and you were just too blind and too infatuated to see it. You want to cry but you don’t want to give him the satisfaction so you sift through the bowl of keys, searching for the Star Wars keychain attached to your lanyard but you can’t find it. The combination of the blaring Christmas songs with the frustration you’re currently feeling only makes you more emotional.  

You don’t want to go to the bathrooms where you might run into someone and you can’t go to Steve’s office because he might be talking to his supervisor, so you go to the only place you know there won’t be people. 

Javier’s office. 

You walk as quickly as you can, slipping inside as you slam the door shut behind you, clicking the lock in place before turning around, resting against the door as you feel tears spilling from your eyes. It isn’t until he clears his throat that your head snaps up.

Today is just not your day.

Did he know you’d come here? How the hell did he beat you here? He’s fidgeting with the lighter you bought him, watching it light and go out as he sits with your keys in his other hand. 

Your face feels hot as you take in the sight of him. 

“Give me my keys.” You hold your hand out, wiping your eyes with the other as you wait. Of course he doesn’t hand them over, that would be too easy and today is insisting on being difficult. 

“I really liked your gift. Seriously, this is… outrageously thoughtful.” He murmurs, seemingly unaware of your mood until he takes a closer look at you, his expression shifting as he realizes your eyes are rimmed with red. “Why are you so upset? What happened?” He slides open a drawer, tossing your keys into his desk while you consider calling a cab. 

What a foolish question. 

How could he possibly not know?

“I want to leave, I’m sick of this party.” You turn to leave, maybe Steve can drive you home. 

“Come on, the parties barely started.” He’s on his feet, he doesn’t try to corner you, if anything he sets himself against the wall. 

“And I want to leave.” When you reach for the doorknob he grabs your wrist, holding it as he stares at you, a look of impatience crosses his face. 

“Don’t tell me you’re mad about the secret Santa.” His brows furrow. 

“This isn’t about a stupid secret Santa.”

“It sure seems like it is.” He’s still holding your wrist, why is he still holding your wrist?  

This isn’t about the secret Santa. It’s a lot more than that, and after ages of keeping your thoughts to yourself in front of him you just let it out. 

“This is about the fact that you don’t even care about me enough to make any sort of effort. I know you deliberately chose me, you specifically chose to do this to me and I don’t care that it’s just a stupid prank. It still- It’s still a shitty thing to do.” Your voice starts cracking half way through and you can feel your eyes welling up again but it doesn’t matter anymore, you were wrong, the two of you aren’t friends. 

“So this is about the secret Santa.” 

Of course he wouldn’t get it. 

“You’re an idiot.” You finally pull your wrist from him. 

You aren’t sure what else to do so you shove him, his back hitting the wall with a soft thud as you push past him to get to his desk, hoping to grab your keys but he catches your waist first. 

“Can you stop being so stubborn for five seconds and just let me explain myself?” You can tell his patience is wearing thin, his voice is strained as he pulls you back against him, caging you against his chest with his arms. 

“Fuck Javi- let me go-” You try to kick his knees but he anticipates it, shifting his legs to avoid you.

“Just wait- listen to me.” He swings you around a bit as he tries to still you, you can feel his breath hitching, the buttons of his shirt digging into your back. The two of you thrash around for another moment until you freeze, feeling something poking your hip. When he realizes why you stopped putting up a fight he lets you go in an instant. “Shit- I-I’m sorry.” He stammers as you turn around towards him, eyes wide. 

You never thought you’d see Javier Peña flustered yet here he is. When you take a step back his cheeks are burning red, his fingers twitch nervously at his side, and as much as you try to ignore it, his pants are tighter than usual. (And considering how tight they usually are this is quite a feat.) He won’t look you in the eye. 

“It- It’s fine, Javi.” You adjust the hem of your skirt, trying to fix your hair. You just can’t catch a break today. “It was an accident, there was a lot of- of friction and it happens. I think I should just go.” You stutter a bit trying to find the right words. This entire evening has been catastrophic, and you’re more than ready to call it a night. 

“It’s not an accident.” He mumbles, finally looking at you, not bothering with subtlety as he adjusts himself. “You should probably go.” 

If it’s not an accident you don’t want to go. 

You want to stay and keep making accidents, starting with rushing forward into him, taking his face in your hands and kissing him. Which is exactly what you do. At first he doesn’t react and you worry you read the situation wrong but when you pull away, just an inch, his hands envelop you. 

Hips, waist, back, shoulders, hair. He’s everywhere, all consuming as his teeth graze your lips, in an instant your backside hits his desk.

When he finally does remove his lips from yours his are slick and a tiny bit swollen, his pupils swallow his irises whole. 

“I loved your gift, I wasn’t joking, it’s perfect and the last thing I want is for you to think that I don’t care about you. Of course we’re friends, you-” As he rambles on you ball up the end of his tie, unceremoniously shoving it between his teeth. 

“Talk later, this now.” You grab the bottom of your sweater, pulling it up over your head, watching his jaw tense at the sight of your chest, his hands playing with the strap of your bra as you hop up onto his desk. Hiking your skirt up, he slots himself between your legs, your own fingers push your panties to the side as he reaches behind you, easily twisting the clasp of your bra to release it, tossing it to the side as his enormous palms engulf your breasts. 

You dip your fingers into the wetness between your legs, briefly taking a moment to wonder how you found yourself here. Just moments ago you were ready to leave and consider your friendship with Javier over, yet now you’re spread out on his desk, on display for him as you sink your fingers into your eager cunt. 

You don’t get to linger on the thought for long because he groans into the fabric of his tie and you’re pulled back into the moment. 

Jesus you’re soaked. 

You have no trouble pushing two slick digits into yourself. You can feel the outline of him against your thigh and you know that you need to warm yourself up to take him. He’s too engrossed in your tits to do it right now and you’ve waited too long for this, you don’t want to wait, you just want to have him. 

He’s tender at first, squeezing and softly tracing the outline of your areola until he seemingly can’t control himself any longer and he pinches, rolling your nipples between his thumb and pointer finger as your whine. Back arching of the oak of his desk as you curl your own fingers. Even through the tie his moans are still somehow louder than yours, you’re briefly worried about someone hearing as you let out a whimper while he tweaks your nipple but the music’s so loud at the party you can hear Mariah Carey from here. 

You don’t stop for a second, putting your focus on reaching the peak that you find yourself already getting startlingly close to. You can feel yourself pulsing as you pick up the pace, reveling in the way his eyes devour the very sight of you. You’re agonizingly close when he grabs your wrist, removing your fingers carefully as you try and resist, wanting to finish what you started, you’re about to whine when he begins unzipping his pants. You can feel your pussy clenching at the very sight of him, of course he isn’t wearing any underwear under his dress pants so the second his zipper is fully down his cock springs free.

Javier fucking Peña has a gorgeous cock. 

Standing stiff and proud without either one of you even having to touch it. Pretty and pink on the tip, already leaking down the shaft. And heavy, as he takes it in his hand, his other hand gripping your waist as lines himself at your entrance. He takes a moment, eyes scanning your face, silently asking for permission. 

You can’t nod fast enough but the second that you do he slides into you. 

You could never conjure up something this good in your fantasies. The way he fills you, stretching you open as he whimpers into the fabric of his tie, you like that he listened, that he kept it in his mouth this long. His strokes are needy and fast, like he’s been waiting for this for so long and now he can’t help but be ravenous. You were already painfully close before he filled you with his perfect cock, it takes only a few minutes for you to be right back there. His fingers dig into your waist so hard that you’re certain he’ll leave marks as he slams in and out of you, pulling out almost entirely with every thrust. 

You’re vaguely aware of the sound of his trinkets rolling off his desk and onto the floor. 

“Javi, Javi, Javi.” Between gasps you chant his name, the sound encouraging him as he pushes in deep, his pelvis grinding against your clit until you see stars. Your cunt clenching around him as your orgasm is ripped out of you. Messy and loud and blurry, he fucks you through it. You’re so blissed out you can barely focus on the persistent pounding into you until you manage to come back to your senses and his hands leave your waist, instead intertwining with your fingers as his hips twitch forward and you feel him hastily pull out of you.

He spits his tie out, opting to instead bite your shoulder as he comes, the groan that leaves his throat is obscene. Raspy and filthy as he collapses down on top of you, the two of you sweating and gasping amongst the paperwork and pens now scattered across his desk. 

Did that really just happen?

He manages to collect himself first, leaning back and tucking himself into his pants before quickly tending to you. He grabs a few tissues, wiping your stomach where the product of your activities lay, before redressing you, slipping the flats that had slipped off, back onto your feet, pulling your skirt back down to cover you as he slides your panties back into place, and retrieving your bra and sweater, lifting you into a sitting position as he redresses you, kissing your cheeks, nose, and forehead the entire time. 

“All good?” He whispers, gentler than you’ve ever heard him as you nod, grinning. 

“Good enough to make me forgive you for not getting me a present.” You reach into his drawer, grabbing your keys before sliding off of his desk. 

“Maybe this was your present.” He tilts his head, kissing you again, smiling all the while. 

“That was the perfect gift then.” Probably the best you’ve ever gotten.

“Are you gonna stay for the rest of the party?” He takes your hands in his, his thumbs absentmindedly rubbing circles into your skin. 

“I think I need to go to bed after that.” You laugh as you jingle your keys, turning towards the door as he catches your lips in another kiss. 

It makes your heart flutter. The continued affection makes you think this isn’t a one time thing. You want more. You want conversations about feelings, and to talk about what just happened, you want to feel him inside you again, and the look in his eyes tells you that you’re going to get all of that. But right now you’re tired, so the rest can wait. 

“Can I walk you to your car?” You nod as he murmurs.

He doesn’t let go of your hand, walking you out of the building towards your car, opening the door for you and giving you one last kiss with a promise that he’d call you tomorrow, before you watched him walk back into the building.

Your phone buzzes as you turn your key in the ignition, the sound of Wham! fills the car, Last Christmas playing softly. You take your phone out of your pocket, checking the text notification from Javier. 

[ i forgot to tell you how pretty your nails are. merry christmas hermosa ]

Your head turns up in surprise as you realize your radio is working. A new radio system is installed in the center of your dashboard, with a little green bow taped to the top, and a paper tag with Javi’s familiar messy handwriting. 

from : your secret fucking santa

a/n : happy holidays everyone!!

[insidekatmind]

A sweet Christmas- Jobe Bellingham

It’s Christmas Eve, and the crisp December air fills your house. Outside, snow falls slowly, covering every corner with a soft, white blanket. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and cozy, illuminated by Christmas lights sparkling in every corner of the room. A large Christmas tree is decorated with golden baubles, red ribbons, and a golden star shining at the top. Candles on the table glow gently, and Christmas music plays softly in the background, creating the perfect ambiance.

Jobe Bellingham, your boyfriend, is in the kitchen, busy preparing something special for you. Despite being used to the hectic pace of life between training and matches, today he has decided to spend every moment with you, away from the spotlight, to experience Christmas in a simple and authentic way.

When you enter the kitchen, you find him focused on making gingerbread cookies, but with that concentrated expression, it seems like he's preparing something much more complex.

“What are you doing, love?” you ask, smiling sweetly.

He looks up and smiles back at you with his usual shy yet affectionate grin. "I’m trying to make Christmas cookies. I watched a YouTube video, and it looked easy... but it’s not."

You approach him and take his hand, careful not to get flour all over yourself. "Can I help you?"

Jobe smiles, clearly delighted to have you there with him, even though he's trying to make something simple. "Yes, please. I need help so I don't make a mess."

Together, you start mixing the ingredients, laughing when a little flour ends up on you. Jobe can't stop laughing when a bit of butter gets stuck in your hair. "Look what you made me do," he says, but with such sweetness that you feel loved in every little gesture.

When the cookies are finally ready to bake, he gives you a gentle caress on your cheek. "Thanks for helping me," he murmurs, his gaze speaking volumes about how much he appreciates these small moments you share.

You take a break while the cookies bake, and together you curl up on the couch, wrapped in a warm blanket. Jobe holds you close, and you snuggle against him, feeling the warmth of his body against yours. His hand finds yours, and without saying a word, he takes it, a smile on his face that makes your heart flutter.

"I like spending Christmas like this," he says, his voice soft and sincere. "With you, away from everything."

"Me too," you reply, resting your head on his shoulder. "It’s perfect."

The cookies are ready, and when you taste them together, you realize they're delicious, even though they aren’t perfect like the ones you’d find at a bakery. But what makes that moment special is that you’re living it with him.

The evening continues with laughter, gift exchanges, and sweet caresses. Every now and then, Jobe looks at you with a smile he can’t hide, as if trying to memorize every single moment of that night. When the gifts are unwrapped, Jobe looks at you with eyes full of affection and gives you a small but meaningful box.

“Open it,” he says, giving you a playful smile.

Inside, there's a necklace with a star-shaped pendant that sparkles in the candlelight. Your heart tightens as you look at the gift, and then you lift your eyes to him. "Jobe, it's beautiful..."

He smiles, taking your hand. "I wanted to give you something that would remind you how special you are to me. Every star in the sky... is for you."

His words are full of emotion, and you realize that there’s nothing more beautiful than spending Christmas with him. His sweetness, his presence, everything feels perfect.

After dinner, he pulls you into his arms and kisses your forehead. "Merry Christmas, my love."

"Merry Christmas, Jobe," you reply, your heart beating faster. And in that moment, all you want is to keep living these small moments of happiness, with him, forever.

[perfectlyoongi]

BEST-FRIEND!NAMJOON who has a matching necklace with rings from your favorite drink cans. you thought those necklaces were made when you were 15 years old. 16? no, 17. yes, 18 for sure. it was something simple, very insignificant, but for you and Namjoon it was memories of two days full of sun and joy. in each necklace there was a new promise of eternal friendship and infinite love. it was as if those necklaces were the rings of your friendship. you never took them off. and whenever you needed that extra strength or comfort, it was by holding your necklaces that you found a little peace. “i’ll be honest with you. i don’t remember when we made our necklaces. all i remember is your huge smile when you put on yours. and to be honest, that’s all i need to remember.”

BEST-FRIEND!NAMJOON who pretended to marry you on your last day of high school and still has the vows he made to you. you knew that your paths would separate with the arrival of adulthood, but neither of you wanted to lose that special friendship. so, as if to celebrate the love between you, you and Namjoon faked a small ceremony in the garden of his house, where vows were exchanged and sealed with a tight hug. neither of you would disappear, you would just keep growing together. “i promise that our paths will meet again and when that happens, i will come to you with a suitcase full of my love for you. i promise that i will see you again and i will have my heart empty of missing you.”

BEST-FRIEND!NAMJOON who does embarrassing photoshoots to give you as postcards at christmas. when you took that photo of Namjoon at the beginning of high school and just teased him that he looked like he had never seen a camera in his life, Namjoon took your words as a challenge. so, every year without fail, Namjoon would do a small photoshoot where he would pose as if the art of photography was a science too complex to be understood. always signing the postcards with words too sweet for the photographs used, you looked forward to christmases just because you would receive that piece of intimacy from your best friend. “merry christmas to you and me. here’s your annual postcard. i don't know how to exist. i hope this makes you smile. stay well.”

BEST-FRIEND!NAMJOON who has written down in a notebook all the promises you made to each other. from the day you started a friendship, promises started to be exchanged. small things like taking his first car ride with you, or giving handmade gifts until you were twenty-five, you and Namjoon had a long list of hopes that graced your friendship. with each promise fulfilled, Namjoon crossed it out with the date it was fulfilled. but those long-term promises, those promises that lasted a lifetime, those were the ones that graced the first page in Namjoon’s notebook; after all, there is nothing more beautiful and hopeful than “i promise to love you until the day the earth eats me. and even then i will return in the form of flowers to show my eternal love for you — N.”

BEST-FRIEND!NAMJOON who saves you whenever you have a date that goes wrong. whenever you went on a date and it was going badly or was really uncomfortable, Namjoon didn’t mind pretending to be your very sick grandfather or your little sister who had a nightmare. all it took was a message from you for Namjoon to come up with a story that would justify your absence. changing his voice, status and name, Namjoon always made sure you had a way out of that date, always waiting for you at the door of your house to have ice cream with you on your couch. “remember if you need a way out, just send me a text. i can be everything you need, just say the word. i hope you have fun and remember, i’m always here.”

BEST-FRIEND!NAMJOON who is always the first to wish you a happy birthday. Namjoon always made sure to do two things: be the first to send you a happy birthday message and the first to call you to sing you the happy birthday song. when your special day arrived, a long and sincere message found refuge in your inbox and, before you even managed to open the message, Namjoon was already calling you to wish you a happy birthday. between Namjoon’s tender voice and his gentle words, you were starting your birthday with a little encouragement and happiness — that day was going to go good, Namjoon had promised you that. “happy birthday, sunshine. i know your day will be fantastic because you will be with me, but still, i hope the day goes well for you. remember that i love you very much and that the world is a better place because you are in it.”

BEST-FRIEND!NAMJOON who had no problem declaring himself to you because he knew it was reciprocal. when the time was right, Namjoon declared himself to you without nerves or beating around the bush. he knew you like no one else. he knew everything about you, including your feelings. so when he realized that his love was desperate to find shelter in your soul, it was with calmness and affection that Namjoon spoke to you. with bright eyes and a wide smile, Namjoon just looked at you and confessed. “ i like you. i dare say i love you. and i know you feel the same, so thank you for taking care of me and my heart. i know that with you i am in good hands.”

[scarletttries]

What One Piece Characters Are Like In A Relationship...(Part Two)

Request: "Greetings, could I ask for headcanons of what Buggy the Clown and Dracule Mihawk are like in a relationship?"

Pairings: Buggy x Reader, Mihawk x Reader, Shanks x Reader

Part One (The Straw Hats) here / One Piece Masterlist

Buggy the Clown:

- It's impossible to overestimate the sheer vulnerability it took for Captain Buggy to speak genuinely and honestly when he finally confessed his feelings for you. A man who's spent so much of his life hidden behind a painted facade and a wicked smile, he tried to fight his truth for so long, forcing himself to treat you like just another pirate on his ship when there's nothing you could do that wouldn't stand out to him. The sincerity with which you speak to him, the way you don't gawk at his appearance, the fact that you never engage in the mutinous whispers of those around you. It wasn't long until you became his most called upon ally on the ship, through genuine appreciation for your insights but also his intense need to have his eyes on you at all times.

- With his feelings out in the open, Buggy is still conflicted in the way he showers his affections upon you. Behind closed doors the man is your personal jester, cracking jokes and using his gifts to keep you smiling and entertained constantly. Honestly that man would do anything to keep you looking at him, the warmth of your gaze enough to undo decades of cruelty and ridicule.

- Around the crew though, your captain likes to keep his adoration discrete. There are a lot of people out there that would love to have something they could use against him, and he knows deep down he'd surrender everything he's ever worked for if it stopped a single hair on your head being harmed. So despite how Buggy feels like he is bursting at the seams with joy every time he sees you, he insists on keeping things a secret for as long as the two of you can, lasting on longing looks and subtle contact for the price of your safety.

- That does add a certain desperation to the clown's behaviour towards you though, not that you mind. The moment you close a door he'll be on with you in a flash, all hungry lips and pressing his chest flush with yours to bathe in your warmth while he still can. He needs you overwhelming all of his senses, to fill his heart back up before he has to face the day without you again. Sometimes when he knows you'll be apart for a while, he'll tell the crew he's lost a hand somewhere on the ship so he can leave one tucked securely in your pocket, subtly interlacing his fingers with yours whenever the day gets to be too much; the powers he once feared made him a devil, now giving him the chance to stay by an angel's side forevermore.

Dracule Mihawk:

- A life as the world's greatest swordsman can be a lonely one. Going wherever he's paid to go. Never putting down roots. Knowing that one day he might just find someone desperate enough for his title to kill for it. Mihawk had accepted this life with a certain pride, until he found something else he wanted to be the best at.

- Another night in another island bar had his path crossing with yours, the briefest of exchanges leaving an aching hole in his chest like he'd never experienced before. It was like your smile sent a spark his way that had his whole body going up in smoke, a fire lit inside him that he had only felt once before; for his pursuit of swordsmanship. He knew nothing would quell that desire except giving in fully to the devotion.

- Dracule is extremely attentive to your every whim. He's never really been tied down before he enjoys the grounding that comes from having someone else to influence each of his days. Nothing fulfils him like making one of your wishes come true, his dedication to your partnership unwavering no matter what the world throws at you both.

- He would take enormous pride in teaching you a few of his sword-fighting moves, framing the sessions as just a way to share in his two favourite things (swords and you), but in the back of his mind also very conscious that a time may come when you need to defend yourself from his enemies. Naturally he'll find a way throw your practice fights so the two of you end up on the floor together, his sword cast aside as he exclaims that you are the only person in all the seas that has ever disarmed him so. Don't be expecting to leave that floor for a while once he has you in his grips.

Shanks:

- When you work in a popular port town you see a lot of pirates come and go. So it's pretty noticeable when a certain captain seems to do all his supply runs in your specific shop. Shanks is not at all subtle that he's continually coming to town for you, your first conversation enough for him to reveal that you might be the only person he's ever met that could convince him to give up the pirate life and settle down.

- You don't ask him to do that, instead the two of you settle for frequently being apart, but relishing in every second you get to spend together when you can. Every moment that Shanks is in your life is filled with fun, whether he's just dancing with you in your lovely little home, or convincing you to come with him on this next adventure, heading to a beautiful island where for once he's confident there's no risk of danger to you.

- When you have to be apart, Shanks will call you late in the night, narrating the view from his perch on the figurehead of his ship. He'll describe every detail of the stars glistening on the waves until the peachy rays of the sun trickle across the horizon, all while knowing the far superior view is wherever you are. He'll never reveal the true danger of his journeys to you, instead giving you joyful reimaginations of the troubles he's faced that day. You can tell when he's had a hard week from the pain in his voice though, so you take the chance to regale him with the softness of your peaceful day, recounting your every step and listening to his breathing slow as a weight lifts off his chest. He tells you how one day he can't wait to dock his ship one final time and fall in step with the life you've built, never having to hear your voice from so far away again.

- He lets that hope carry him through the most tempestuous nights at sea, through all the near misses at the hands of his enemies, through every day spent hiding from a bounty hunter and aching to hear your voice again. He finds himself picturing the two of you raising a family, a tiny crew of your own that will always unite you, the ultimate adventure Shanks can imagine, and one he never thought he'd long for until he thought about living it hand in hand with you.

One piece requests still open!

[artytaeh]

Draco would definitely love something that you put so much thought into into. He wouldn't care if it costs all of you mr money or nothing, as long as you put the effort and thought into it he'll love it.

yes. i feel like draco malfoy always got the best of everything— the best brooms. the best brand of clothes. the best toys. the best everything there was to have.

however, the so proclaimed best not always corresponds to draco's tastes— to what he likes.

i feel like during his childhood, and extending it to his teenage years, draco struggled with his sense of self. what made draco him, something behind the surname malfoy.

because malfoy loves wealthy, expensive, the best brands. draco, however, isn't sure of what type of clothes he'd like to use, rather what he should use as the malfoy family's heir.

here and there, without thinking about it, draco would share something he likes with you; something that means, me as person appreciate this specific stuff, rather than: 'yeah, these brooms? the newest and most expensive ones. mine.'

so i think that the first time you gift something to draco, he'll be a little— too quiet? draco stares at the gift, then looks at you; i imagine draco's birthdays as those parties that you leave your gifts on a corner all piled up together, that draco will open after the party ends and he's alone; gifts from his parents are necessary things for a heir like him, or something he only had to look once to send the message: i want that.

draco carefully opens the gift; it's something from you to him, rather rudely he'd wonder if you managed to meet his high standards—

until he recognizes that said gift was something you put a lot of effort in, or recognizing it as something that suits his favored things.

oh.

he genuinely gets sad at first. i feel like draco's arrogance or cocky demeanor would fade a little into a frown like this ☹️ when his brain starts working to understand how valuable of a gift this is for him.

draco malfoy will get stupidly mad if one of his dormmates or friends touch the gift you gave him. like take?? your?? filthy?? paws?? out of my partner's amazing gift??

would be so terribly mean to anyone who dares to make a teasing comment about what you got him. let's say, a scarf:

mattheo: since when do you wear cutesy crocheted stuff, malfoy?

draco: ...

draco: [with a smile] since when do you recognize gifts given by loved ones? right. because not even your own mother likes you—

or that one time you've got him an early christmas gift, since before the break starts, the slytherins exchange presents in the common room (that last night before leaving hogwarts).

and you see, draco gives you that sincere smile, hand on the back of your head so you step closer to him and he gives you an affectionate kiss on your forehead, thanking you for the thoughtfulness you put into the gift given to him, until—

blaise: ohhh is malfoy getting softer?

draco: is zabini getting his teeth punched out of his mouth?

so going back to what you said: yes, totally. ☹️ i doubt that i'll ever write much about draco malfoy BUT THIS melted my heart.

[wishluc]

Hello! I’m a bit nervous since I’ve just started following you but! You said your asks are open so I’m giving it a go!

Soft? Yandere Diavolo? With him being all possessive and affectionate of the reader? And reader maybe being okay about it? Them being resigned to all the cuddling and just going “well what can you do?” While Diavolo is snuggling them feeling super euphoric?

I don’t know if I did this right.

If you don’t wanna do it or if this isn’t your style then that’s fine! no need to stress about it you can just delete this ask, it is you blog after all.

Anyways! I hope you have an amazing day. Bye ❤️

Hihi anon!! I really had sooo mcuch fun with this ♡ I'm terribly sorry it took so long to get out!!

There are worse places to be, you think, than in the arms of the future king of the Devildom.

At least you know that Lord Diavolo doesn't wish you any harm, not in the same way that others do. He whispers to you, with a large hand on your cheek and his voice unusually soft, that he'd never hurt you—you don't have it in you to tell him that his love, all his deliberate caresses and fond promises, was the source of your suffering. You couldn't admit that it shattered something inside you when he confessed his feelings, that you felt all your carefully built relationships crumble the moment he announced your relationship to everyone else, and that nothing hurt you more than the searing pain in your heart when it became abundantly clear that you were never leaving the Devildom. ("Your home," Diavolo had announced, "is in the Devildom now. Why would you want to leave?")

Maybe the signs were always there; his constant fascination with you and your world, his persistence that you spend nights at the castle and his barrage of invitations to dinner, taking you out to the Devildom's finest restaurants. You should have noticed how his warm smile dimmed when you went out arm in arm with Asmo and how insistently he kept asking you if you really wanted to stay in HoL after the incident. You foolishly believed that this was him making sure the exchange student was comfortable, and not his growing jealousy of the time the brothers had with you—Time he didn't have to spare. And you were still oblivious, even when the brothers started receiving a suspicious increase in their council duties, when the number of guests at the 'exchange student dinners' with Lord Diavolo dwindled in numbers until only you and him were left together, with Barbatos waiting nearby, and when his somewhat subtle words of affection turned bolder, his delicate compliments becoming audacious, almost, but you stayed silent despite how uncomfortable you felt. After all, this was his domain you were in, and by his kindness that you were able to live in relative comfort.

And when it finally occurred to you just how short the chains he placed on you were, you had long lost any opportunity to leave.

(Though a little part of you was aware that the moment you stumbled into the Devildom, the moment the smallest gleam of interest flickered in Lord Diavolo's eye, your fate had already been sealed.)

You tell yourself that you should be content that he's careful about where his hands linger now, gently wrapping himself around you while placing soft kisses on your skin, instead of excitedly smothering you like he used to do when you first met him. You try to be grateful for the little things—thanks to Barbatos's involvement, Diavolo was a lot more...lenient about how much time you spent with the others, and he had eased up on the extremely extravagant gifts. You can appreciate his sincere feelings, and you should appreciate it—who else can say they have a king wrapped around their finger?

But no amount of reassurance can quell your pounding heart or the instinctive tensing of your body as his hands stroke you in an attempt to ease you into his embrace. He's tried, before, to coax you with cloying, saccharine words, and he still tries it now, but it doesn't work in helping you relax. Every affectionate word only serves to heighten your dread, reminding you of just how serious he was. If he was simply just infatuated with you, fascinated by your unfamiliar manner of speaking and demeanor, you could hold on to the hope that his interest would whittle away, that something newer would catch his attention and you were free to spend the rest of your time in the Devildom in relative peace. But he spoke of love, of how much he adored you and how perfect you were for him, of how much he missed you and with every adoring word and intimate whisper, you could feel the part of you that was hopeful and optimistic dim and wither, until all that was left was a deafening silence and the crushing reality.

You've long tuned him out in the middle of him talking about his day. If it were the you from a few months ago, you would have listened closely to every detail and every happening, but now, from a combination of resentment, indifference and general despair, you could hardly bring yourself to listen.

"If you'd like to try it, we can go next week?" Your mind races for a moment; what was happening next week?

"I can't," you say, "I promised Mammon I'd go with him to a modeling gig."

You can't see him, with him facing your back, but you know he's frowning, the pensive look he always has when he's deep in thought.

"I'm sure Mammon won't mind if you can't make it," he instead says, breaking the developing silence, "I'll compensate him if he loses the job."

You want to shrink in on yourself again, suffocated by doubt once more. Would Mammon really be fine with it? Your relationship with the brothers was already delicate enough as a result of Diavolo's interest in you, and you were hoping the day spent with Mammon would help reassure you that it wasn't all that bad. That things could be salvaged. That you still had someone.

Clearly, Diavolo didn't wish the same.

"I guess that's dealt with, then."

Diavolo moves in closer, his lips pressed against the crook of your neck. The warmth radiating off him is almost uncomfortable now, but you pretend it doesn't bother you as one of his hands goes to find your clasped hands, gently tugging them apart only to grasp your free hand in his.

"I could take care of anything for you," a soft assurance, "you only need to say the word."

You sigh, defeated, "I know."

"I wish you'd ask more of me," he admits, his hand gently squeezing yours, in what you think should be soothing, "you can trust me."

You hum noncommittally.

The air around you seems to get tenser, his chest stiff against your back. He calls out your name softly, sounding almost vulnerable.

"Do I..." He hesitates, but you know the question is on the tip of his tongue, and you brace yourself, "Are you happy, with me?"

It's not the best situation to find yourself in; none of this is. But it isn't the worst. You could be back in the attic, strong hands around your neck, or you could be cowering behind a crumbling wall. You could be hiding in an empty stall, tears of frustration racing down your cheeks.

You bring your intertwined fingers up to your lips to leave a soft kiss, "Yes. I really am."

After all, there are worse places to be, worse fates awaiting you. In comparison, this isn't too unbearable. It's this reminder that keeps you from breaking down yet again, and this reminder that keeps the fake smile on your face later.

all works © wishluc. do not copy, steal or repost my works on other platforms. (including translations)

[hyunjin-amore]

Strawhats react to S/o giving them kisses

Luffy

Luffy might not be used to getting kisses from people, so his initial reaction would probably be one of surprise and bewilderment. But since he's an adventurous and fun-loving guy, he would probably reply with a mix of joy and laughter. He might give you a big hug or playfully return the kisses. Given Luffy's reputation for being carefree and impulsive, he would be happy to receive the affection and relish the occasion.

Zoro

If his significant other started kissing him, Zoro would probably react with a mix of surprise and nervousness. He might not be accustomed to or anticipate such loving gestures because he is a somber and serious character. On the other hand, he would secretly value his S/O's love and attention. At first, he might try to ignore it or appear indifferent, but a tiny blush or smile could be visible on his face. All in all, even though he might not verbally thank you, his sweetie's kisses would undoubtedly have an effect on him.

Sanji

Sanji's response would be significantly different from Zoro's. Given his reputation for flirting and his unwavering quest for love and affection, Sanji would be ecstatic to receive kisses from his significant other. He would probably be ecstatic and express his gratitude honestly, grinning broadly and perhaps even displaying some tearful reactions. Sanji would probably tell his sweetie how fortunate he is to have such a caring and loving partner while complimenting her. He would feel loved and appreciated by the kisses, and he would probably reciprocate with more kisses and tender gestures.

Franky

 

Given his exuberant nature and fondness for ostentatious and ostentatious things, Franky would undoubtedly react enthusiastically if his partner planted kisses on him. It would probably take him a while to realize what was going on, but then his signature smile would appear on his face. In response, Franky would react with a mixture of surprise, joy, and a hint of his signature "SUPER" excitement. He may even flex his muscles or strike a pose to express how much he appreciates the affection. Franky would probably give his S/O bear hugs and maybe even a few playful kisses in return, kissing them with the same intensity.  All in all, Franky would be overjoyed and would interpret this show of affection as evidence of his close relationship with his partner.

Nami

Given her reputation for practicality and financial acumen, Nami might be surprised at first when her partner plants kisses on her. She may be a little doubtful or even suspicious, wondering if the show of affection is being made for a different reason. But her attitude would soften as she began to understand that it was a sincere and heartfelt gesture.

Nami would probably react in a way that was both surprising and grateful. She may blush or smile shyly, expressing her love in a more subdued manner. Even though Nami isn't as ostentatious or showy as some of the other members of the Straw Hat crew, she would undoubtedly value the consideration and care that went into the gift.

Nami could show her appreciation in a pragmatic manner by providing something in exchange, such as surprising her partner with a special dinner or doing something kind for them. Even though Nami might not be very touchy-feely or affectionate, she would know how important it is to return the favors. In the end, she would strengthen her relationship with her partner and interpret it as a sign of trust.

Robin

As the cool-headed archaeologist on the Straw Hat team, Robin would probably respond to her partner kissing her in a calm and considerate way. She would be thoughtful and mature in her response, and she would appreciate the loving gesture.

Robin would probably give you a warm smile and maybe a gentle touch in return for your kisses. She would thank her partner for their affection and cherish the closeness and connection they shared. Given her reputation for intelligence and analysis, Robin might also pause to watch her partner's actions, attempting to decipher the motivations and feelings that underlie the gesture.

Even though she wouldn't say it out loud, Robin would show her gratitude with her words and deeds. She could give her partner a heartfelt thank you or communicate her emotions in a cool, collected manner. Robin would be able to appreciate the importance of the situation and her partner's faith in her, strengthening their relationship.

All things considered, Robin's answer would be considerate and genuine, demonstrating her depth of feeling and comprehension of her partner's loving gesture.

Usopp

The bold and creative sniper of the Straw Hat team, Usopp, would react more animatedly if his sweetheart planted a kiss on him. Recognized for his theatrical demeanor and exaggerated facial expressions, Usopp would probably be surprised by the gesture of affection but would probably end up being delighted.

When his partner planted a kiss on him, Usopp would look wide-eyed and shocked at first. He might even make funny gestures with his arms or trip over his words. But as the shock wears off, a broad smile appears on his face, showing how happy he really is.

Usopp wouldn't think twice about showing his partner how happy and appreciative he is of their affection. He may give a hearty applause or perhaps start to jump up and down. Usopp is well known for inflating tales and feelings, so he would show his significant other a lot of love and praise.

Usopp may even feign being overcome by the kisses, swooning dramatically or playfully acting as though he's weak in the knees, all in his trademark exaggerated style. His partner would feel valued and loved by his lively and playful response.

All things considered, Usopp would be ecstatic to receive a kiss from his significant other, and his trademark humor would be present as well. He would take advantage of the chance to show his partner how much he cared in a lighthearted and entertaining way, making the moment enjoyable and unforgettable for both of them.

[starb3rrys]

Ayyy, how are you?

So, I'm kinda new to Tumblr and I'm starting to request things only now and I don't know how it works ://

If your reqs are open, can I ask a nsfw one-shot, Fyodor x fem reader in which they are married. So for the plot, Fyodor brought reader a nice, expensive gift once he's back from a mission. In exchange, reader lets him "experiment" something new during a steamy session.

Feel free to ignore if the idea doesn't scratch your brain positively :))

Hi Hi! Welcome to Tumblr! Im happy to hear you’re starting to request and get used to this place \(^ヮ^)/. This request is very interesting, I tried my best to capture the “Experimenting” part you asked and decided to go with Bondage (I’m sincerely sorry if that’s not what you specifically wanted TvT). Anyways- Thank you so much for the request, this one’s for you, Anonymous!~ ♡︎

ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ

Bound By Desire

Fyodor x Fem! Reader

Dirty Filthy Smut; Bondage, Praise, Degrading Names, Hair Pulling, Oral Sex (Reader is giving)…

Scenario: You and Fyodor have been husband and wife for a few years now. He often brought you small gifts and souvenirs from his missions across the world. Although, tonight…he brought you something different; It was an expensive gold bracelet with small diamonds, it was beautiful…but, in exchange for the gift, Fyodor asked to “Experiment” something new with you…and of course, You couldn’t refuse.

ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ

You fidgeted with your new bracelet as a mixture of nervousness and excitement filled your senses while you patiently waited for your husband to return with some “special items” for tonight’s session. You weren’t opposed to the idea of bondage; being restrained, unable to move as your husband used your poor defenseless body as he sees fit, seemed attractive…but you knew full well what Fyodor was capable of, and even though you were his beloved wife, he would not hesitate to break you.

Fyodor entered the bedroom holding a small paper bag. Curious, you walked closer and took a peek inside, your eyes widened. Inside the bag were an assortment of items; handcuffs, ropes, chokers and a black blindfold. “When did you buy these?”,you asked with a hint of nervousness, “I’ve had these items for a while now, and it seems now is the perfect time to use them”, Fyodor said with an almost proud tone. You were stunned when you heard that he had these items for a while now…it made you wonder, Has Fyodor been planning this for a while?. “Come Darling, sit on the bed for me”, Fyodor spoke in a smooth yet commanding voice. A quiet sigh left your lips, attempting to calm your nerves as you sit on the bed in front of him. His sharp eyes traced down your body, admiring your beautiful curves. You blush softly, feeling his eyes on you; his gaze makes you nervous…you can’t bring yourself to look into his eyes.

A small chuckle left his lips, cold slim fingers trace your chin as your head is tilted up. His sly gaze meeting your shy one; “Now now dear, don’t look away…”, Fyodor says as his fingers softly grip your cheeks, he leans down, allowing your foreheads to touch, “You know how much I love seeing those pretty little eyes of yours”. He moves his face closer to your neck, his warm breath sends shivers down your spine. Fyodor plants soft and delicate kisses on your neck, his slender hands trail down your body and stop at your waist, holding you still. “Now, where to start?~…”, he asks with a sensual tone as his lips graze your soft skin. “I can’t wait to hear you beg for mercy, but first…”, he pulls away and looks at your flushed face, he smirks and traces his thumb on your bottom lip, “I think I’ll put this mouth of yours to good use~”. Fyodor reaches into the bag and takes out a black cloth, it takes a minute for you to realize, it’s a blindfold.

“Get on your knees.”, his voice was stern and commanding…no longer asking. Without a single protest, you get on your knees, looking up at him. Fyodor let’s out a soft chuckle at how compliant you are, “Good girl…~”, his sensual words echo through your head, feeding your growing arousal. Fyodor brings the blindfold close to your face, “Now hold still”, he says as the blindfold starts to cover your eyes; you can no longer see…only feel, feel the way his fingers tie a tight knot behind your head to secure the blindfold. You were completely under his mercy, you felt a rush of excitement as your husband tied your hands behind your back and whispered lewd things into your ear. Fyodor tilted your head up, he smirked at the sight of you…”Are you ready?”, he asked with a husky voice, you could hear the sound of his belt unbuckling and zipper being undone…the sound itself excited you, you bit your lip and nodded. You let out a small gasp as you feel something hard and warm rub against your cheek. “Use your words. Are you ready?”, he slaps your cheek with his hard cock and rubs it across your lips with a smirk. A soft sigh leaves your lips, “Yes..I’m r- MNH!~”, your words are cut off as he thrusts his cock inside your mouth. Fyodor chuckles, “Mm…my apologies, my dear…I just couldn’t help myself when you look so vulnerable…now be a good girl and suck your husbands cock”, his voice is lustful and smug as his hand caresses your soft hair. You weren’t in any position to refuse, and frankly…you didn’t plan to. Your lips tightly wrap around the base of his dick, you start to move your head back and forth, softly sucking on it. Low groans slip from your husbands mouth, his grip on your hair increases as he teases you, “Mm…that’s it, just look at you…were you that hungry for my cock? You’re sucking on it like a greedy slut…~”, his voice is slightly shaky but his actions contradict it. Slurping sounds and soft groans fill the room, his pleasured noises only motivate you to keep going. Slight saliva rolls down your chin as your tongue swirls around his sensitive tip. His hands grip your hair for support as his breath becomes a bit unsteady, “Mnh, fuck…keep taking me in like that…suck it just like that, just like the cock hungry whore you are…~”. His cock twitches inside your mouth, you can tell he’s close; his breaths become uneven, and his groans get louder. You feel proud of yourself, you’re pleasing your husband in a way no other woman could- your thoughts get interrupted as you feel him thrust inside your mouth, his cock hits the back of your throat making you gag, it seems he can sense your proudness and is trying to remind you who’s in charge here. He grips your hair, holding your head still as he starts to pump himself inside your mouth. He chuckles as you gag and choke on his dick, seeing you struggle to breathe as he uses your mouth like a flesh light. You start to moan, causing pleasant vibrations to stimulate his already tender cock. His head tilts back; the feeling of your warm mouth, tongue, and moans is enough to drive him wild. Fyodor starts to move his hips faster, like a wild animal in heat, “Mm…make me cum, make me cum, Darling…come on you filthy slut take it, take it…take- Ah!~”, his words are cut short as he finishes with a loud groan. His warm seed fills your mouth and you instinctively drink it all, the familiar bitter sweet taste fills your senses. After a few seconds, Fyodor slowly pulls himself out of your mouth, you let out a loud gasp of air as you pant. Fyodor pants softly, he looks down at your vulnerable state; you’re panting, hair is a mess as saliva drips down your chin, your hands are tied behind your back and the blindfold only adds to your vulnerability, the sight of you is enough to make him hard again.

ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ

Peep the rat decor ^

If you want a part 2 with the good good stuff, request it!~

I hope you all enjoyed this story, I tried my best to work with the “experimenting” part- I hope I did alright ( ´ ▽ ` ).｡

Anyways- love y’all!

[writingsoftarnishedsilver]

Sebastian's Offer (AKA Demand) | Sebastian Sallow x OC #13

buckle up this is a long INCREDIBLY TOOTHROTTING FLUFFY ONE.

Summary: Hogwarts empties for the winter holiday, Evangeline finds herself spending Christmas at Sebastian’s cozy cottage in Feldcroft after he surprises her, insisting she shouldn’t be alone. Their time together is filled with simple joys—exploring the snow-covered village, exchanging thoughtful gifts, and sharing quiet moments by the fire as they each struggle to keep their growing feelings in check.

Words: 12,922

Tags: FLUFF. BIG TIME FLUFF. Slow Burn, Friends To Lovers, Christmas, Romance, Soft Moments, Mutual Pining, Not Actually Unrequited Love

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

Read on AO3

The bustling halls of Hogwarts had grown quiet, a peaceful stillness settling over the decorated common rooms and candlelit corridors as most students left for the holidays. Only a few remained, their footsteps faint echoes in the castle’s vast, snow-dusted expanse. Ominis had departed for London to spend the holiday with Anne, Sebastian had returned to Feldcroft, and Lysander had left early that morning.

For Evangeline, saying goodbye to her boyfriend should have been a moment to savor—a culmination of the closeness they’d been building over the past months. The night before, he’d surprised her, guiding her up the winding staircases to the Astronomy Tower for a private exchange of Christmas gifts under the stars.

She’d climbed the final stairs to find a picnic blanket spread across the stone floor, flanked by candles glowing warmly in the dark. A basket waited, filled with sweets and cocoa, and the faintly twinkling stars above cast a gentle light over them. The whole setup had been undeniably thoughtful, even romantic in its intention, and she’d felt a flutter of gratitude at the effort he’d put into planning it.

They’d settled in together, sharing quiet laughter and the soft clinks of cocoa mugs in the chilly air. Evangeline had given him her gift, a carefully selected book on magical creatures that she knew he’d wanted, and he’d thanked her warmly, brushing his fingers against hers in a soft, unhurried gesture before reaching for his own gift to her.

“Open it,” he’d said with an eager smile as he passed her the elegantly wrapped package. She’d carefully peeled back the layers of paper, revealing an ornate, glimmering necklace resting within a velvet-lined box. It was a beautiful, extravagant piece that sparkled with intricate stones and delicate, twisted chains.

“Oh, it’s…wow,” she’d murmured, running her fingers over the gemstones. It was dazzling, but so far from her style that it almost felt like someone else’s necklace entirely. She tried to imagine wearing it, the heavy gleam of the stones catching the light, but it felt too bold, too ornate.

Lysander’s eyes had shone with satisfaction, clearly pleased with himself. “I knew it was perfect for you the moment I saw it,” he’d said, leaning in to press a warm, brief kiss to her cheek.

She’d smiled back, the gratitude sincere, though there was a strange twist in her heart as she admired it. It was an undeniably generous gift, and she didn’t want to seem unappreciative. But try as she might, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the necklace was a little too extravagant, almost gaudy, for her taste. She wore jewelry sparingly, preferring simpler, understated pieces, and this necklace—stunning as it was—felt almost like it was meant for someone else.

Still, she’d thanked him, appreciating it nonetheless. This was a gesture of his affection, after all, and she chided herself for her own sense of dissatisfaction, for not simply being grateful for his thoughtfulness. Surely she could get used to it, she’d told herself, even enjoy the grandeur of it over time.

After the picnic, he’d walked her back to the Gryffindor Tower, his arm around her waist as they strolled through the emptying castle, her gift clasped carefully in her hands. When they reached the portrait hole, he had kissed her goodnight, the familiar warmth of his lips against hers a soft, reassuring presence. He’d whispered goodbye with a warm smile, his fingers grazing her cheek, “Have a lovely Christmas, Evangeline. I’ll be thinking of you.”

The moment should have left her glowing with contentment, the perfect close to their budding romance. But as she watched him walk away, a faint ache gnawed at her heart, an uneasy feeling she couldn’t ignore. Her mind drifted, unbidden, to memories of the Ball, of Sebastian’s steady hand in hers, his eyes searching hers as they’d danced.

It was wrong, she knew, to linger on thoughts of someone else while Lysander had gone to such lengths to make the night special. And yet, that ache lingered, that same gnawing, confusing pull toward thoughts of Sebastian that she couldn’t quite push away.

And this morning, while Evangeline sat on one of the plush couches, the last few students trickled out of the Gryffindor common room and the castle settled into its winter quiet. In the silence, she told herself she’d be fine spending Christmas alone, that she’d stay busy. She had plenty to do, after all—a Potions project to finish, a stack of library books waiting by her bed, and, tucked away in the bottom of her satchel, a book she’d impulsively bought on her last visit to Hogsmeade.... One of those intimacy books Sebastian had told her was stocked at Tomes and Scrolls.

The memory of that day in the bookstore came back to her vividly. She’d slipped inside, praying she wouldn’t be noticed by anyone she knew. Her face had burned as she’d picked up the thin, nondescript book, thumbing through its pages just long enough to confirm it was indeed filled with all the “detailed” advice Sebastian had hinted at. She hadn’t dared meet the shopkeeper’s eye as she’d purchased it, her cheeks hot as she mumbled a thank you and stuffed the book into her bag. She’d tucked it away when she got back to the castle, unable to summon the nerve to actually open it.

But now, with the castle empty and her only company a restless feeling she couldn’t shake, the book seemed like a good distraction—something she could read without interruption, maybe something to satisfy her curiosity. Taking a steadying breath, she reached into her satchel and pulled it out, the cover plain and unassuming. The title was innocent enough, “Intimacies and Affections: A Guide to Healthy Romances.” She ran her fingers over the smooth cover, her heart beating a little faster. Even though no one was around, she still felt self-conscious, as though someone might walk in at any moment and catch her.

Steeling herself, she wrapped herself up in blankets, stretching her toes towards the fire. She stared at the book for a long moment, and part of her was worried about what she’d find—if it would be embarrassing, if she’d feel foolish for wanting to understand more about things people like Sebastian seemed to know so effortlessly.

She was about to turn the first page when a loud banging sounded at the portrait hole.

She froze, her fingers gripping the edges of the book tightly. The banging continued, loud and insistent, echoing through the empty common room. Her heart leaped, and she quickly stashed the book behind a cushion, her face flushing as though someone had caught her red-handed.

The banging grew louder. Whoever it was wasn’t about to give up.

With a quick glance at the hidden book, she took a deep breath and crossed the room, pulling open the portrait hole. She hadn’t expected anyone she knew, least of all Sebastian Sallow, to be standing on the other side.

His face lit up the moment he saw her, shaking snow from his hair and his coat, his eyes glinting with a determination that almost startled her. “Evie,” he began, his voice a mix of insistence and a rare softness, “you’re not spending Christmas alone in this drafty tower. Pack a bag.”

She blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “What? Sebastian, what are you doing here? I thought you went home?"

He crossed his arms, a determined glint in his eye. “I came back to get you, Sterling. You’re not staying here alone.” His tone softened, though the conviction remained. “Come to Feldcroft with me.”

The sincerity in his voice, the way he looked at her, took her by surprise. Her stomach twisted in a way that felt all too familiar. “Sebastian, I… I appreciate it, really, but I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Lysander…”

“Lysander’s gone home for the holidays, isn’t he?” Sebastian’s gaze didn’t waver. “It’s just Christmas with a friend. No harm in that.”

She hesitated, glancing over his shoulder as though searching for an excuse, but found none. The castle was empty, the quiet pressing in around them, and the thought of spending Christmas without anyone made her heart sink. And despite the conflict churning inside her, Sebastian’s warmth and the earnestness in his eyes made it hard to refuse.

“Come on, Evie,” he murmured, his voice softening, almost pleading. “It’s Christmas."

His gentle insistence broke down her resistance. She knew there was no way she could truly say no—not to Sebastian, and not when he was standing there, offering her a holiday break that was more than just her and a stack of unread books.

With a quiet sigh, she nodded, her heart pounding. “Alright. I’ll go pack.”

She turned to leave, letting the portrait swing behind her, but Sebastian called after her, leaning casually against the edge of the opening. “Are you really going to leave me standing out here, Evie? Do you need me to admit that I’ve always wanted to see the legendary Gryffindor common room?”

She paused, turning to give him an amused, slightly exasperated look. “Sebastian, I’m pretty sure you know that’s against every rule we have.”

He shrugged, unfazed. “Rules, schmules. The way I see it, if they didn’t want Slytherins sneaking in, they should've made it harder to find the entrance,” he said, smirking. “Come on, you Gryffindors are always bragging about how cozy it is. I think it’s time I get a look for myself.”

She rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile, but stepped aside to let him through. “Fine. But if you tell anyone I let you in here, I'll hex you into next year."

Sebastian’s grin widened, clearly thrilled by her concession. “I’ll take that risk,” he said, stepping inside with the same casual confidence that seemed to accompany him everywhere.

The warmth of the Gryffindor common room enveloped him immediately, a stark contrast to the cooler, shadowed ambiance of the Slytherin dungeons. The fire crackled cheerfully in the hearth, casting a soft, golden light over the plush armchairs, the scarlet-and-gold tapestries, and the mistletoe that had been charmed to float just above the fireplace.

“Not bad at all,” he murmured appreciatively, his voice softened with something almost reverent. “It’s… different up here.”

Evangeline watched him with a mix of amusement and curiosity. She couldn't deny she quite liked seeing him in her world, here among the soft glow and rich colours that had become as much a part of her as her own heartbeat. She found herself smiling, despite herself, at the sight.

Sebastian caught her gaze, “What?”

She crossed her arms over her chest, chuckling, “It’s just… unusual, seeing you in here."

His smirk deepened as he moved closer, letting his fingers trail over the arm of a red armchair, as if savoring its plushness. "It's definitely a change from the Slytherin common room, but I admit, there’s something very cozy about it. It suits you.”

She felt a warmth rise to her cheeks at his words, brushing it off with a playful scoff. “Now you’re just trying to charm me. Be careful, or you’ll start thinking you actually like it here.”

He laughed, glancing around with a look that was almost fond. “Maybe I do. You Gryffindors might be onto something with all this… red and gold,” he admitted, “Certainly feels a lot more alive than the dungeons. But anyway, enough stalling, Evie. Go on—pack your things."

Evangeline chuckled, a warmth spreading through her at the teasing authority in his voice. With a playful eye-roll, she turned and hurried up the stairs to the dorms, her heart beating faster than it should as she grabbed her travel trunk and hurriedly tossed in clothes and essentials, too aware that Sebastian was still waiting below.

In record time, she was back down the stairs, breathless as she maneuvered her trunk into the common room. But she stopped short, her heart dropping as she took in the sight before her.

Sebastian was sitting comfortably on one of the couches by the fire, legs stretched out and posture relaxed, with her book resting in his hands. His brow was raised, lips twitching with the beginnings of a smirk, and his eyes danced with unmistakable mischief as he looked up at her.

Mortification spread through her, her face flushing hot. “Sebastian!” she sputtered, rushing over and snatching the book from his hands. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He bit back a laugh, holding his hands up defensively. “Just reading the dedication page. Didn’t think you went in for this sort of literature.”

She hugged the book tightly to her chest, her eyes narrowing in embarrassed exasperation. “I can’t believe you—do you know how rude that is?”

Sebastian rolled his eyes, "I'm the one who told you these books existed in the first place, Evangeline." he said, her name rolling off his tongue with a kind of playful insistence that made her stomach flip.

He rarely ever used her full name—only when he was either trying to make a point or when he was deadly serious. Each time he did, it sent her heart into a confusing tailspin, as if he was reaching past her defenses to tug on something deeper. Now was no different; hearing Evangeline instead of the casual Evie threw her off balance, adding to her already burning embarrassment.

Her cheeks warmed, and she struggled to hold her ground, clutching the book tightly to her chest as if it might shield her from his gaze. “That doesn’t give you permission to just pick it up and read it,” she replied, her voice coming out higher than she’d intended. “It’s private.”

Sebastian’s expression softened, the smirk fading into something almost understanding, though the humour remained in his eyes. “Alright, alright,” he conceded, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “I get it—private. But you know,” he added with a grin, “I’m actually impressed. Didn't think you'd be brave enough to buy it.”

Her cheeks burned even hotter, and she fumbled for a response, her thoughts scattered. “Sebastian Sallow,” she muttered, trying to keep her voice steady, “if you ever bring this up again, I’ll—”

“—hex me into next year, yeah, I know.” He chuckled, leaning back against the couch with a satisfied grin.

Her heart did another strange flip, but she fought to ignore it, shooting him an exasperated look instead. “Enough of that. Are we going or not?”

With one last, unrepentant grin, Sebastian stood and grabbed her trunk, his hand brushing hers briefly as he hoisted it up. “Of course we’re going. As long as I'm around, you'll never spend another Christmas alone.”

As they stepped out of the Gryffindor common room and into the quiet, candlelit corridor, Evangeline let herself breathe a little easier, her cheeks cooling as the familiar, teasing banter with Sebastian settled into a comfortable silence. He kept her trunk balanced effortlessly, his stride purposeful as he led her toward the nearest Floo connection, his quiet confidence making her stomach flutter despite herself.

They reached the nearest fireplace, and he extended a hand, gesturing for her to go first with a slight smile. “Ladies first,” he said, his voice warm and steady, as if they weren’t about to make an impromptu trip halfway across the country.

With a soft laugh, she tossed the powder into the flames, calling out, “Feldcroft!” She stepped in and felt the familiar rush of spinning green flames before stumbling onto a cobbled street in the little village. The chilly winter air greeted her, and she wrapped her cloak tighter around herself, glancing around.

To her surprise, the usually quiet village had taken on a festive charm for the holiday. Garlands hung between the street lamps, twinkling softly with enchanted lights, and small wreaths decorated the shop doors. The air smelled faintly of pine and something sweet, perhaps from a nearby bakery. It was simple but charming, and a smile crept over her face as she took it all in.

Sebastian appeared beside her in a swirl of green flame, and he noticed her smile, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. “Nice, isn’t it? The locals put in a bit more effort around Christmas,” he said, glancing around.

Evangeline nodded, genuinely touched by the quaint scene. “It’s lovely. A bit different from Hogsmeade’s bustle, but it suits the place.”

Sebastian returned her smile, then nodded toward the familiar little cottage he called home. “Come on,” he said, his tone softening.

As they approached, Evangeline’s eyes drifted over the cottage. It looked to be in better shape than she remembered from her last visit. The old stone walls seemed newly cleaned, the windows freshly painted, and a soft glow emanated from within. She couldn’t help but feel a flicker of admiration—Sebastian had clearly put effort into maintaining it, something she hadn’t been sure he’d do.

“Have you been keeping it up on your own?” she asked, glancing over at him.

Sebastian shrugged, a casual smile tugging at his lips. “Well, it’s mine now. Didn’t see much point in letting it fall apart.”

Her heart warmed, a surge of affection rising in her chest as she looked at him. “You’ve done a wonderful job.”

He held her gaze a moment longer than necessary, his smile softening. After a moment of fishing out a key and fiddling with the lock, he pushed the door open and stepped back to let Evangeline enter first.

She crossed the threshold, and the sight that greeted her left her momentarily speechless. The once-small, simple interior had been magically expanded, and a warmth filled the space as though it had been expecting her. What had once been a cramped sitting room was now a cozy yet spacious area with a wide hearth crackling with a welcoming fire, casting a golden glow over plush sofas and thick rugs in deep, warm tones. Strings of garlands and holly adorned the walls, twinkling with soft lights, and a small Christmas tree sat in the corner, decorated simply but beautifully with sparkling ornaments and a silver star on top.

She turned to look at him, her eyes wide. Sebastian grinned, clearly pleased with her reaction, "You like it?"

She stepped further into the room, taking in the small, thoughtful details—the knitted blankets on the back of the couches, the set of mugs by the hearth, and the scent of pine mingling with the faintest hint of something sweet, maybe mulled cider.

"Like it?" She laughed, her voice filled with genuine delight as she spun around to take it all in. "Sebastian, I love it. It’s perfect. When did you do all this?!"

He rubbed the back of his neck, his grin softening into something almost bashful as he watched her take everything in. “Well, yesterday. I wanted to get it done before I brought you over."

She looked at him, her eyes bright with a mixture of admiration and disbelief. “You did all of this just for… me?”

Sebastian’s gaze softened, and he shrugged, though she could tell by the faint color rising to his cheeks that he was genuinely touched by her reaction. “Well, I couldn’t let you spend Christmas alone in that empty castle,” he replied, his voice quieter, more sincere than usual. “Besides… it’s not really Christmas here without some company.”

Her heart gave a little flutter. The room was beautiful, yes, but it was more than that—it was thoughtful, filled with small, intentional touches that felt warm and welcoming, like he’d crafted a space just for her.

“Well, I think you might be better at this Christmas thing than I am,” she teased gently, her voice laced with affection. “You’ve really outdone yourself, Sebastian.”

He let out a soft chuckle, his usual smirk tempered with something softer as he looked at her. “I’ll take the compliment… though I have to admit, seeing you this happy is already worth all the effort.” He glanced away briefly, almost as if he were embarrassed by his own words.

Evangeline’s smile lingered, and she took a step closer, feeling the pull between them as natural as the crackling fire beside them. “Thank you,” she said softly. “This really means a lot to me.”

For a moment, he looked as if he wanted to say something more, his gaze searching hers, but instead, he just held out his hand. “Come on. Make yourself comfortable. I have everything we need—including your favourite biscuits,” he added with a wink.

She laughed, slipping her hand into his, feeling the warmth of his touch spread through her. With a gentle squeeze, he led her to the armchairs by the fire, and she settled into the plush seat, savoring the comfort of the moment.

Sebastian returned moments later, a steaming mug of hot chocolate in each hand. He passed one to Evangeline, who took it gratefully, letting the warmth seep through her fingers. She inhaled, catching the faint hint of cinnamon mixed with chocolate, and smiled as she took her first sip, the rich sweetness flooding her senses.

“Just the way you like it,” he said with a satisfied grin, settling into the armchair across from her. He set down a small tin of her favourite biscuits on the table between them, the top half-open in a silent invitation.

Evangeline’s gaze drifted to the old, familiar chessboard on the side table, and Sebastian’s eyes followed hers, his grin widening. “Fancy a game?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “I seem to remember you’re quite terrible at Wizard’s Chess, but I’d be more than happy to teach you a thing or two.”

She narrowed her eyes, smirking. “You think you’re so clever, don’t you?”

“Well,” he replied, shrugging casually as he set up the board, “I did just transform my whole cottage to make you feel at home. I think I’ve earned a little self-congratulation.”

She shook her head, laughing, and took another sip of hot chocolate. “Fine, I accept the challenge. But don’t get too smug—I might surprise you.”

Sebastian snorted, setting his pieces in place as she mirrored him, and the game began. Within minutes, her poor strategy had led to her queen being unceremoniously smashed to pieces by one of his knights. Sebastian’s laughter filled the room, light and teasing as he rested his chin on his hand, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

He shook his head, laughing, “I did warn you, didn’t I?”

“Oh, don’t you start,” she huffed, glaring at her remaining pieces as though they’d betrayed her.

Despite her efforts to focus, she lost the first game in a matter of moves, much to Sebastian’s delight. And yet, she insisted they keep playing, his teasing grin never faltering. They played round after round, and although her skills didn’t miraculously improve, the warm, playful banter that filled the room was worth every crushing defeat.

Between games, they chatted about everything and nothing—school gossip, upcoming exams, and rumors of pranks planned by Leander and Garreth that had left half the Slytherins looking over their shoulders.

Hours passed, and the cottage grew darker, save for the flickering firelight. As the evening wore on, Evangeline grew more comfortable, tucking her feet under herself as she leaned back in her armchair, finishing the last of her hot chocolate.

Eventually, she sighed, eyeing the board as another one of her knights crumbled under his rook’s relentless attack. “I think I officially surrender,” she laughed, raising her hands in mock defeat. “There’s no coming back from that.”

Sebastian grinned, leaning back with a contented sigh. “Well, it only took you… what, ten games?” He reached for the biscuit tin, offering it to her.

“Ten games and far too many of my pieces sacrificed in battle,” she replied, accepting a biscuit and nibbling on it, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of playfulness and gratitude.

“So, tell me,” he said suddenly, adopting a mock-serious tone, “how much of that book have you actually read?”

Her cheeks flushed as she fumbled with her biscuit, nearly dropping it in her lap. “I—um—” she stammered, trying to downplay her interest.

He raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Didn’t seem like you’d gotten too far given how I found it. By the way, your hiding skills could use some work.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, feigning indignation. “Excuse me, how did you even find it in the first place?”

“Because,” he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. “The moment I walked into the common room, it was obvious where you’d been sitting—blankets thrown everywhere, that very you-shaped cocoon.” He chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “And then I spotted the book sticking out from the cushions.”

Evangeline groaned, covering her face with one hand.

“Oh, come on, Evie,” he teased, nudging her shoulder. “You can’t expect me to resist when it’s so… conveniently placed.”

“Curiosity?” She shook her head, her lips twisting into a smirk. “More like a complete lack of boundaries.”

“Boundaries are for strangers,” he replied smoothly, leaning a little closer, his voice lowering. “And we’re hardly strangers, are we?”

The warmth in his voice sent a shiver down her spine, but she forced herself to stay collected, giving him a mock-glare instead. “I’ll make sure to hide anything ‘private’ next time you’re around, then.”

Sebastian chuckled, leaning back with a look of pure, unrepentant amusement. “You can try, but I have a talent for uncovering secrets. Especially yours, Evie.”

Her face flushed, both at his words and the way he seemed to be enjoying this. She wished she could deny it, but he was right: he was far too good at reading her. His perceptiveness had always unnerved her, especially when it came with that sly grin and those knowing eyes that seemed to peel back every layer of her defenses.

“Fine,” she huffed, crossing her arms in an attempt to look stern, though she was sure the effect was undermined by the lingering smile she couldn’t quite suppress. “Maybe I’ll just start keeping my books locked up.”

“Oh, now where’s the fun in that?” Sebastian leaned in closer, the flickering firelight casting a warm glow over his face. “Besides, I already know what you’re reading. So… was it helpful? Any earth-shattering revelations?”

"I'd barely had the chance to open the cover before you were pounding on my common room door." She said, raising an eyebrow at him. "So any ‘earth-shattering revelations’ will have to wait until after you’re done dragging me around Feldcroft.”

Sebastian chuckled, leaning back with a look of mock disappointment. “Oh, the tragedy. Here I was, thinking you’d have all sorts of interesting theories to share. Guess I’ll just have to wait.”

“Well, if you hadn’t interrupted me, maybe I’d be a little more enlightened by now,” she shot back, folding her arms in mock indignation.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Interrupted? I was saving you from Christmas boredom.”

Sebastian raised his mug, savoring another sip of hot chocolate as he watched her with a glint of curiosity in his eyes. After a comfortable silence, he set his mug down and tilted his head thoughtfully, the firelight casting shadows across his face.

“So, did you and Lysander exchange gifts before he left?” he asked casually, though the way his eyes lingered on her hinted at something more than idle curiosity.

Evangeline’s smile faltered, and she attempted to look pleased as she nodded. “Oh, yes. We did… a little something up in the Astronomy Tower before he left.” She tried to keep her tone light, as if recounting a perfectly pleasant memory, but there was a hesitation she couldn’t quite mask.

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed, picking up on the subtle shift in her expression. “What did he give you?” he pressed, leaning forward with an intensity that was both endearing and a little unnerving.

She hesitated, feeling the warmth rise in her cheeks again. “Well… he gave me a necklace,” she said slowly, glancing away as if studying the intricacies of the room. “It's beautiful, really ornate, elegant—"

"You hate it," Sebastian interrupted, his tone matter-of-fact, though his eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and something else she couldn't place.

Evangeline’s mouth opened to protest, but the words faltered, and instead, she let out a reluctant laugh. “I don’t hate it,” she insisted, though even she could hear the weakness in her own voice. “It’s a lovely necklace. Just… a bit much. And maybe… not exactly what I would have picked for myself.”

Sebastian looked at her for a beat, his gaze steady, as though something had just clicked in his mind. Without a word, he pushed himself up from his chair, crossing to the small Christmas tree in the corner. He crouched down, reaching for a small box wrapped simply but neatly in red and gold, and then straightened, turning back toward her with a thoughtful expression.

Evangeline watched him, her curiosity piqued. “What are you doing?”

He didn’t answer immediately, just walked back to her and held out the box, “Might as well open it now.”

She glanced between him and the box, her heart beating a little faster. “Sebastian… what is this?”

“Just open it,” he said softly.

With a hesitant smile, she carefully unwrapped the box, peeling back the paper to reveal a plain black velvet case. She glanced up at him, a question in her eyes, but he just nodded, urging her to continue. Taking a steadying breath, she lifted the lid.

Inside was a simple gold necklace, delicate yet sturdy, with a small garnet pendant gleaming in the center. She reached out to trace the charm with her fingertips, her heart swelling with warmth as she took in the intricate yet unassuming design. She could tell at once that it was crafted with care—its simplicity made up for in the precise detailing around the edges of the pendant and the fine, golden links of the chain. It was the kind of piece she knew would feel right in any setting, a bit of elegance without the weight of grandeur. And it felt so personal, as though Sebastian had somehow managed to capture something essential about her and turn it into this gift.

She glanced up at him, her voice barely a whisper. “Sebastian… this is beautiful. You didn’t have to-"

“Don’t even finish that thought,” he interrupted softly, a faint smile curving his lips.

“But it looks… it must have been expensive,” she continued, her fingers still resting on the pendant, marveling at its perfect simplicity. “This isn’t just… a little something, Sebastian. This is…"

He shrugged, looking a bit bashful now, rubbing the back of his neck. “It just… it reminded me of you,” he admitted, his gaze steady, even as a faint color rose in his cheeks. “You don’t need anything over-the-top or flashy. And when I saw it… I just knew.”

“It’s perfect,” she whispered, looking down at the necklace again, touched beyond words. “Thank you, Sebastian. Truly.”

He shifted a bit, a softer smile replacing his usual grin. “I’m glad you like it.” After a pause, he reached forward, meeting her eyes. “May I?”

She blinked, realizing he was offering to put it on for her. She nodded, unable to speak, and turned slightly, lifting her hair to the side as he took the necklace from the box.

His hands brushed lightly against the back of her neck as he clasped it, sending a gentle warmth through her. When he finished, his fingers lingered just a second longer than necessary before he pulled away, and she turned back to face him, her fingers drifting to the pendant now resting just below her collarbone.

He took a step back, his eyes lingering on her as though committing the sight to memory. “Looks perfect on you,” he murmured, his voice low.

Evangeline’s mind raced, her thoughts spiraling as she touched the pendant lightly. This gift, from Sebastian of all people—her best friend, the one she’d been trying so hard to suppress feelings for—felt so achingly perfect that it was almost painful. The necklace was everything she hadn’t known she wanted, simple yet thoughtful, understated but full of meaning. And it hit her, uncomfortably, that this was a better, more personal gift than the one Lysander, her actual boyfriend, had given her.

She swallowed, the reality pressing in, mingling with the warmth of Sebastian’s gaze, and a flutter of guilt twisted in her chest. She shouldn’t be comparing them, shouldn’t be reading into what was surely just a gesture of friendship from Sebastian. But then, why did it feel so… significant?

In an effort to distract herself, she cleared her throat and managed a shaky smile, hoping he didn’t notice the slight tremor in her voice. “So, it’s only fair I return the favor, right?” she said, forcing a lightness into her tone as she moved toward her bag. “I have something for you, too… well, a few things, actually."

Sebastian’s brows lifted in surprise, a smile curving his lips. “You do?”

“Of course I do,” she replied, glancing back at him with a softer smile, grateful for the change in focus. “You didn’t think I’d come here empty-handed, did you? But don't get too excited, we're only spoiling one. gift”

She rummaged through her bag, pulling out a small bundle wrapped in emerald green paper and tied with a simple black ribbon. It was unassuming, not grand or flashy, but she’d spent ages thinking about what to get him this year. As she handed it to him, she caught herself holding her breath, anticipation prickling at the edges of her nerves.

Sebastian took the package, his expression softening as he glanced from the gift to her. “Should I be nervous?”

She laughed, feeling some of her tension dissolve. “I’d say no, but you’ll just have to open it to find out.”

Sebastian unwrapped the gift with an amused smirk, but as he lifted the lid of the small box inside, his brow furrowed. A simple, elegant compass rested there, its polished surface catching the light of the fire. Yet as he picked it up, he noticed something odd: the needle wasn’t pointing north—it was pointed directly toward Evangeline, steady and unwavering.

He tilted his head, glancing at her in mild confusion. “A compass? And it’s… pointed at you? Are you secretly magnetic or something, Sterling?”

She laughed, “Maybe the compass is just pointing to the center of the cottage.” She gave a nonchalant shrug, "It's enchanted."

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Enchanted how?”

“It’s charmed to always point toward wherever you feel safest or… most comfortable,” she explained, her voice softer now, a hint of nervousness slipping into her tone. “I thought it might come in handy if you’re ever… lost.”

Sebastian’s gaze flickered back to the compass, “So… it points towards home,” he murmured, his voice soft as he felt a faint, steady warmth spread through him. Of course, it was pointed directly at Evangeline. There was no need to question it, not really. But Merlin was he glad she brushed it off, chalking up the needle’s direction to the center of the cottage rather than toward her specifically.

She nodded, a little shy now. “Exactly. For… whenever you need it.”

Sebastian’s throat tightened, and he swallowed, the depth of the gift hitting him all at once. He closed his hand around the compass, and looked back at her, his eyes softening. “Evie… I don’t even know what to say. This is so thoughtful. Thank you.”

Evangeline’s cheeks flushed under the warmth of his gaze, and she quickly looked down, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well,” she murmured, trying to sound casual, “I know how you get yourself into trouble, so it seemed… practical.”

Sebastian chuckled, the sound low and filled with something that almost felt like gratitude. “Practical, sure,” he replied, his voice gentle. “But more than that.” He thumbed over the compass once, the weight of it settling into his hand like it belonged there. “It’s… perfect, really.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the quiet filled only by the soft crackling of the fire. For once, Sebastian didn’t rush to fill the gap with humor or a smirk. Instead, he kept his eyes on the compass, a look of peacefulness crossing his face as he considered the small but meaningful charm she had placed in his hands.

The moment stretched, each of them acutely aware of the other, of the small but powerful significance of the gift between them. Then, with a soft smile, Evangeline gently nudged his shoulder, breaking the spell. “So, where's the guest room in this new-and-improved cottage?"

Sebastian blinked, his thoughtful expression breaking into a grin as he tucked the compass carefully into his pocket. “Ah, tired already are we?" He stood up, gesturing for her to follow him down the narrow hall. “Your room is this way,” he said, leading her to a small but cozy room on the left. “It’s nothing grand,” he added, opening the door to reveal a room with a neatly made bed and a small nightstand holding a softly glowing lamp. A window overlooked the snowy fields beyond, a view softened by a sheer, lacy curtain.

Evangeline stepped inside, taking it all in. The space felt warm, personal—he’d even left a few books on the nightstand, ones she recognized as her favorites. She turned to look at him, surprise and gratitude in her eyes. “My room?”

Sebastian leaned against the doorframe, his grin softening as he took in her reaction. “Well, I couldn’t let you spend Christmas feeling like a guest." He shrugged, attempting to play it off with his usual nonchalance, though she noticed the faint color rising to his cheeks. "You'll always have a home here, Evie."

She shook her head, swallowing the lump in her throat as she turned to him, her eyes bright. “Sebastian Sallow, who knew you had such a sentimental side?”

He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck as he tried to appear unfazed. “Don’t go spreading it around, Sterling."

They shared a quiet smile, the moment stretching comfortably between them. The crackling fire in the distance, the gentle warmth of the room—it all made Evangeline feel like she’d been given something truly precious, far more than just a place to stay. It was a reminder of just how well he understood her, even the little things she often didn’t realize mattered.

“So, settled in?” he asked, breaking the silence with a softer tone. “Anything else you need?”

She shook her head, clutching the compass gently in her hand. “No… it’s perfect. Thank you, Sebastian.”

For a moment, he looked as though he wanted to say something more, his gaze lingering on her face. But instead, he nodded, giving her one last warm smile before he turned to go. “Well then, I’ll let you get settled. But I’ll be just down the hall if you need anything… or if you feel like getting thrashed in another game of Wizard’s Chess.”

As he left, she couldn’t help the smile that lingered, her fingers drifting down to the necklace resting against her chest.

~

The morning sunlight filtered through the soft lace curtain, spilling gentle warmth over Evangeline as she blinked awake. The room was peaceful, and the quiet of the cottage—so different from the lively bustle of the Gryffindor dormitories—made her feel as though she’d woken in some forgotten, secluded world. After a moment, she slipped from bed, careful not to make a sound as she pulled on a robe and crept into the hallway.

The cottage was still, and from the quiet, she knew Sebastian wasn’t awake yet. Not that it surprised her—she couldn’t recall the last time he’d risen before her. A faint smile crept over her face as she wandered through the cozy space, curiosity urging her to explore the changes he’d made to his home.

The hallway extended further than she remembered, leading to a new room she hadn’t noticed last night. She pushed the door open and was greeted by the sight of a neatly furnished guest room, with soft shades of blue and dark wood furniture. It was spacious yet personal, with familiar touches—like the old record player Ominis adored—that made it clear he’d designed the space specifically for his friend.

Her chest tightened, warmth blooming at the realization. Sebastian hadn’t just expanded the cottage for himself—he’d done it to create a home for those he cared about.

Continuing her quiet exploration, she discovered another newly added door that led to a small office. Inside, the desk was scattered with neatly organized notes, spare quills, and a book on advanced defensive magic that looked well-thumbed. She could practically picture Sebastian poring over it late into the night, always striving to outdo himself.

She wandered back down the hall, stopping when she reached the last closed door—Sebastian’s bedroom. The urge to peek in tugged at her, her hand hovering by the doorknob as her curiosity wrestled with her better judgment. It was just one look, she reasoned, but even as she thought it, a familiar pang of guilt twisted in her chest. She’d been so careful, trying to keep her feelings for him buried. Spending Christmas here was already pushing the boundaries, and she knew Lysander would be hurt if he ever found out. With a sigh, she took a step back from the door, scolding herself for even considering it.

She moved to the kitchen, eager to occupy her thoughts with something practical. As she surveyed the cabinets, she chuckled under her breath. For all his meticulous preparation, Sebastian had somehow forgotten to stock the basics. She’d seen a bakery on the way in yesterday and decided to make a quick trip. Pulling on her coat, she slipped out quietly and crossed the village square, the early morning air crisp and quiet.

The bakery was a charming little spot, its interior warm and inviting, with rows of freshly baked bread, pastries, and other morning treats on display. Evangeline breathed in the comforting scent, her eyes scanning over the assortment before settling on a loaf of crusty bread and a few sweet rolls. She couldn’t resist adding a couple of flaky pastries to the basket—knowing Sebastian would appreciate them.

As she moved toward the counter, she noticed shelves along the wall stocked with basic necessities: fresh eggs, small jars of jam, even a few pints of milk and bundles of herbs. She picked up a dozen eggs, milk, and a jar of strawberry preserves. Her basket quickly filled, she approached the shopkeeper, who offered her a warm smile as he wrapped each item in brown paper.

With her arms full of fresh supplies, she stepped back into the crisp morning air, a sense of contentment settling over her as she made her way back to the cottage. The quiet village, dressed in snow, felt like a scene from an old storybook, each step crunching softly beneath her feet as she followed the little path back.

When she reached the cottage, she nudged the door open with her shoulder, stepping inside to the warmth and soft crackle of the fire. She set her bounty on the counter, unwrapping the items and setting up a small workspace as quietly as she could. But, just as she cracked the first egg into a bowl, she heard soft footsteps behind her and turned to find Sebastian leaning in the doorway still wearing his pyjamas, his hair a tousled mess and a sleepy smirk on his face.

“Didn’t know you were planning to sneak off on me,” he murmured, his voice warm with a hint of amusement as he noticed the spread on the counter.

She smiled, pulling out a loaf of bread. “Well, it turns out that in your grand plans, you thought of everything except breakfast,” she teased.

Sebastian smirked, clearly unbothered. “I never said I was perfect,” he replied, pulling out a chair settling down at the dining room table. “But it seems you have everything under control.”

Evangeline rolled her eyes, amused as she cracked another egg into the bowl. “Lucky for you,” she replied, whisking the eggs with a bit more flair than necessary.

He chuckled, stretching his long legs out under the table, watching her with that lazy, satisfied grin she was far too accustomed to. “You know,” he said, his voice still thick with sleep, “I could get used to waking up like this."

Her heart skipped, and she quickly focused on the skillet, pouring in the eggs, though she couldn't stop herself from asking, "Waking up like what?"

Sebastian’s smirk faltered just a bit, realizing he’d nearly let slip more than he intended. He cleared his throat, sliding back in his chair and stretching as if suddenly fascinated by the cabinets. “Oh, you know,” he drawled, shifting his gaze to the kitchen counter, “waking up to the smell of breakfast. Speaking of, we’re missing a key ingredient: coffee.”

Evangeline raised an eyebrow as he headed for the kitchen counter, watching him rummage through the cabinets.

Moments later, he set two mugs on the table, a fragrant steam rising from the freshly brewed coffee. He settled back into his chair, his usual confidence restored as he watched her transfer the scrambled eggs and toast onto plates.

“Looks impressive,” he said, raising his mug in a sort of approving toast. "Didn't realize you were such a chef."

“Guess growing up in the muggle world had its benefits,” she replied with a grin as she placed his plate in front of him.

They ate while exchanging stories and laughter. He listened with genuine interest as she recounted memories of growing up, the small traditions and quirks of her world that always felt a bit different from life at Hogwarts. And she found herself caught up in his tales of the antics he and Ominis would get up to in the Slytherin common room, and their half-hearted schemes that sometimes ended with the two of them nursing their bruised egos.

Sebastian looked around the room, taking in the morning light filtering through the cottage windows, his gaze eventually drifting back to her. “So, what’s the plan for the day?”

“Well, since we’re officially in the middle of nowhere,” Evangeline began, setting down her knife and fork, “I thought we might venture out a bit, maybe see some of these haunted woods you mentioned last year. You wouldn’t be afraid, would you?”

“Afraid? Me?” He rolled his eyes, mock-offended. “Sterling, please. I’m practically the very picture of courage.”

“Oh, of course,” she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “A Slytherin known for his bravery.”

Sebastian grinned, clearly delighted. “But yes, I’ll take you up on that ghost hunt,” he said, "I'm surprised you remember me mentioning that."

Evangeline felt a small, knowing smile tug at her lips. “Of course, I remember. You went on about it for nearly an hour that day in the Three Broomsticks,” she said, looking over at him with a spark of amusement in her eyes. “You painted quite the picture—how you and Anne would sneak off into the woods, convinced you’d find something no one else had seen.”

Sebastian’s grin softened as he recalled the memory, leaning back in his chair. “I may have exaggerated a bit,” he admitted with a chuckle, “but in our defense, we really did think those woods were haunted. Every little sound felt like some dark creature lurking in the shadows.”

She laughed, picturing a younger, wide-eyed Sebastian creeping through the trees with Anne by his side. She could almost see it, the two of them finding excitement in the unknown, each noise adding to the thrill. There was a certain innocence in the way he told those stories—a rare glimpse of the boy he’d been before Hogwarts, before everything changed.

“And yet,” she continued, a mischievous look in her eyes, “I don’t remember you ever mentioning that you two actually found anything.”

Sebastian shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Perhaps we will today."

~

The days leading up to Christmas Eve drifted by in a quiet, comfortable rhythm, each one blurring gently into the next as Evangeline and Sebastian settled into an easy companionship. They filled their time with simple joys—wandering through Hogsmeade’s snow-dusted streets, taking the Floo into London to explore shops adorned with twinkling lights, and, on occasion, heading out into the Highlands for a bit of exploring.

And when they were back at the cottage, their days continued in that same, effortless cadence. She’d found herself brewing tea for both of them in the afternoons, adding cinnamon and a dash of milk because he liked it that way, while he’d taken to fetching wood for the hearth and setting it alight in the evenings, his face flickering in the warm glow as he joked about having a “natural talent” for lighting things on fire.

It was strange, she realized, how easily they’d fallen into a routine as if they’d been doing this for years. And the more time she spent with him, the harder it became to ignore the insistent tug in her heart. She could feel it with every small gesture, every look they shared across the room—she was falling, deeper than she had ever expected or wanted to. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to pull away, not even with the nagging guilt that occasionally pricked at her when thoughts of Lysander surfaced.

But whenever that guilt began to claw its way up, it was quickly brushed aside by the overwhelming sense of rightness she felt here, in this little world they’d created. She hadn’t missed Lysander, not really, and the realization was almost as startling as it was inevitable.

Christmas Eve arrived with a hushed, magical stillness, and that evening found the two of them curled up on the couch in front of the fire, noses buried in books, each lost in their own worlds yet entirely aware of the other’s presence. Outside, snow had just finished falling, casting a gentle white sheen over the world beyond the window.

Evangeline stretched out on the couch, her feet finding their way across Sebastian’s lap as he absentmindedly shifted to make room, neither of them needing to say anything as they settled in. She glanced over her book at him, watching the way his brow furrowed in concentration, the firelight casting warm shadows across his face.

And in that quiet, stolen moment, she felt the weight of everything settle over her—how deeply she cared for him, how easily they fit together, and how strange it felt to think about returning to Hogwarts, where everything would once again be complicated by the presence of others, by the reality of her relationship with Lysander, by the fact that she and Sebastian weren’t meant to be anything more than friends.

But here, with him, it was impossible to feel anything but a gentle, aching happiness.

Sebastian looked up then, catching her gaze. A soft smile curved his lips. “Getting bored?” he asked, his voice a gentle murmur that sent warmth curling through her.

She returned his smile, shifting her feet slightly as if that could somehow diffuse the tension that had thickened between them.

“Not at all,” she replied, her voice softer than she intended. “Just… thinking.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, setting his book aside as his gaze softened. “Dangerous business, that. What’s on your mind?”

She hesitated, glancing away for a moment, but there was something about the quiet warmth of the cottage, the way he looked at her, that made her want to answer honestly. “Just… how easy all of this feels,” she admitted, gesturing to the cozy scene around them. "Six months ago, I wouldn't have thought this possible."

Sebastian’s expression softened, his gaze searching her face as he absorbed her words. “Six months ago, I wouldn’t have thought so either,” he admitted quietly. His voice was steady, but there was an underlying vulnerability that she wasn’t used to hearing from him. “Feels strange, doesn’t it? How everything changes and yet… some things feel like they’re exactly where they’re meant to be.”

Her heart beat a little faster, her eyes meeting his as his words lingered in the quiet. “Yeah,” she murmured, feeling a warmth settle in her chest. “Exactly like that.”

Sebastian glanced toward the window, his gaze shifting to the faint starlight peeking through the frost-lined glass. A small smile crept onto his face, thoughtful and a little mischievous. “How about a walk?” he suggested, his voice light. “The sky’s clearing up—maybe we could get a proper look at the stars.”

Evangeline’s eyes lit up, but she hesitated, glancing down at her feet. “I’d love to, but my last pair of dry socks got soaked this morning.” She shrugged, chuckling softly.

Sebastian’s grin widened as he rose from the couch, brushing off her concern with a dismissive wave. “Lucky for you, I have plenty of socks to spare.”

He disappeared down the hall, returning a moment later with a thick, woolen pair in hand. “Here,” he said, holding them out to her. “They'll be a little big, since you've got fairy-sized feet, but they’ll keep your feet warm.”

Evangeline took them, her fingers brushing his as she did. “Thanks,” she murmured, slipping them on and feeling the cozy warmth spread through her toes. They were indeed oversized, but somehow that only made them more comfortable, as if she were taking a small piece of his warmth with her.

Once they were bundled in coats and mittens, they stepped out into the crisp night. Snow blanketed the ground, a fresh layer glistening under the silver light of the moon. The world felt hushed, as though all of nature was holding its breath, and the stars overhead shone with a fierce clarity, illuminating the sky in a way that made her heart ache with wonder.

They walked side by side down a winding path that led through the trees, their footsteps muffled by the snow, the silence between them thick with a sense of shared tranquility. Occasionally, Sebastian would reach out to steady her on an icy patch, his hand lingering just a moment longer than necessary before letting go.

Eventually, they reached a small clearing where the trees parted, revealing a perfect view of the heavens above. Stars scattered across the sky in brilliant clusters, and Evangeline tilted her head back, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air as she took it all in.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he murmured, his gaze shifting from the stars to her face, as if he were searching for something in her expression.

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen them like this. It’s… like they’re closer somehow.”

Sebastian gazed up at the stars for a moment longer, then raised his hand, pointing to a particularly bright constellation. “See that one?” he murmured. “Canis Major. It’s supposed to represent the loyal hunting dog of Orion.” He traced the shape in the sky with his finger, drawing her attention to the bright star in its shoulder, Sirius. “That’s Sirius, the Dog Star. It’s the brightest star in the night sky. Legend says it represents loyalty and guardianship. Protectiveness.”

Evangeline followed his gaze, surprised he'd paid so much attention in Astronomy class, though her eyes traced the lines he’d pointed out. “A protector,” she said softly, glancing at him. “Seems fitting for you.”

He chuckled, though there was a touch of something serious in his expression. “Think so?”

She nodded, tucking her hands deeper into her pockets to shield them from the cold. “I do. It suits you. You’re… protective.” A faint smile tugged at her lips. “And a more than a bit stubborn."

Sebastian laughed softly, shaking his head. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It is one,” she replied, her gaze lingering on the constellation. After a beat, she added, “Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if your Patronus was a dog of some sort.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A dog?”

She shrugged, smiling a little. “Or maybe a wolf. Something loyal and fierce, the type of animal that sticks by the people it cares about, no matter what."

He shrugged, a slight smile playing at his lips. “When you put it that way… maybe I don’t mind being compared to a dog."

They continued walking, slipping into an easy rhythm as they wandered further down the moonlit path. The silence that followed was comfortable, each lost in their own thoughts as they took in the beauty of the snowy landscape around them. But eventually, Evangeline began to feel a shiver run through her as the cold seeped past her coat.

Noticing, Sebastian stopped and turned to her with a faint grin, unwinding the Slytherin scarf from around his neck. “Here,” he said, reaching out to drape it over her shoulders. “We can’t have you freezing before we’ve even made it back.”

Evangeline’s hands moved to protest, but the warmth of the scarf, and the scent of Sebastian clinging to it, was too inviting. She pulled it closer around her neck. “Thanks,” she murmured, her cheeks warming despite the chill in the air.

Sebastian crossed his arms, looking entirely too pleased. “I’d say green suits you.”

She rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips as they resumed walking. “Only a Slytherin would think that.”

They shared a quiet look before he nodded toward the path, his eyes glinting in the starlight. “Come on, then. Let’s get you back before I have to start carrying you.”

Once back inside the cottage, warmth quickly enveloped them, a comforting contrast to the frigid night air outside. Evangeline unwound Sebastian’s scarf from around her neck, but hesitated before handing it back.

Sebastian, already shrugging off his coat, didn’t seem to pay much attention as she tucked the scarf under her arm, a small, guilty smile tugging at her lips. He must have plenty of scarves, she reasoned. He wouldn’t miss one. And the thought of having a piece of him nearby—a small memento—felt comforting, like carrying a bit of this shared evening with her.

Sebastian shot her a quick grin as he sauntered down the hall. “Going to change."

She nodded, her cheeks still warm as she slipped into her room as well to pull on her pajamas. The soft cotton and fleece were a far cry from her outdoor layers, and she sighed in relief, reveling in the coziness. She slipped Sebastian’s scarf in her bag, smoothing it out and letting her fingers linger for a moment over the fabric before she turned back toward the hallway.

When she re-emerged, Sebastian was already in the living room, his dark pajama shirt and trousers a relaxed contrast to his usual attire.

“Comfy?” he asked as she approached.

Evangeline nodded, crossing the room and settling into the armchair by the fire, its warmth immediately enveloping her. She pulled her knees up, curling into the chair as Sebastian took his usual spot on the couch while the silence settled between them, comfortable and familiar.

Evangeline watched him quietly, her gaze lingering on the details she scarcely allowed herself to fully appreciate. The firelight danced over him, illuminating the slight scruff along his jawline and the lines of his face that seemed a bit more defined than she remembered. Somewhere along the line, he’d begun growing up—she realized with a soft pang. She noticed how his pajama sleeves, once a perfect fit, now rode up just slightly on his wrists, revealing the lines of his forearms and the faint shadows of veins that ran along them. The hint of adulthood in him, subtle yet unmistakable, made her pulse quicken.

Sebastian, seemingly oblivious to her gaze, leaned his head back against the couch, his eyes half-closed. A soft sigh escaped his lips, the sound almost melting into the warm crackle of the fire. He looked peaceful.

And then suddenly, the clock on the wall chimed, the soft notes echoing in the stillness. Midnight. Christmas.

Sebastian’s eyes opened, meeting hers, and a slow smile spread across his face as he sat up a little, his gaze softening. “Happy Christmas, Evie,” he murmured, his voice low and warm.

“Happy Christmas, Sebastian,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper as her heart raced. She kept her eyes on his, feeling her cheeks grow warm under his steady gaze.

Sebastian rose from the couch, his movements casual yet purposeful. He wandered over to the small Christmas tree in the corner, kneeling to retrieve a couple of gifts wrapped in deep greens and silvers, each tied neatly with white ribbon. His back was to her, but she saw the faint hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

"Alright," he murmured, glancing back at her with a glint in his eyes, “time to make it official. Let’s see if Father Christmas stopped by after all.”

Evangeline blinked, jolted out of her reverie. She’d been so caught up in simply watching him that she’d nearly forgotten about the gifts she’d brought. Feeling her cheeks warm again, she quickly pushed herself out of the armchair and hurried to her room, rummaging through her bag until she found her carefully wrapped bundle of gifts. She’d spent ages choosing each one, thinking of things that might hold meaning for him, but now, with the quiet magic of the moment still lingering in the air, she suddenly felt nervous.

When she returned to the living room, she found Sebastian already settled back on the couch, his gifts neatly stacked on the small table between them. He looked up as she approached, his eyes softening at the sight of her with her bundle in hand.

“Thought you might’ve forgotten about me there for a second,” he teased, his voice low, though his gaze held nothing but warmth.

She managed a smile, sinking back into her chair and setting the gifts down beside her. “Never."

Sebastian reached for one of the green-wrapped gifts, holding it out to her with a playful grin. “Ladies first.”

She carefully unwrapped the paper, peeling it back to reveal a small, leather-bound journal with her initials embossed in gold on the cover. The pages were thick and cream-colored, and a small quill was tucked inside. She traced her fingers over the letters, her breath catching slightly. “Sebastian… it’s beautiful.”

He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, though there was a hint of satisfaction in his expression, "It's a forget-me-not journal... charmed so that it always returns to the owner’s side when they need it," He explained, his gaze softening further as he watched her flip through the first few pages. Then, after a moment, he gestured to the gifts by her side. “Go on then. Let’s see what you’ve got up your sleeve.”

She picked up one of her carefully wrapped gifts, her heart pounding as she handed it over. Sebastian’s expression grew curious as he tore away the paper and opened the box, revealing a small, elegantly stoppered vial filled with a swirling, golden liquid. He turned it in his hand, the shimmering contents catching the firelight, his eyes widening as he recognized what it was. “Evangeline… is this—?”

“Felix Felicis,” she confirmed, a bit shyly. “I know how much trouble we got into last year trying to find a vial. So… I thought maybe you’d like your own.” She laughed softly. “I spent months trying to get it right, following every rule— it was quite the endeavour, if I'm honest."

He was silent for a beat, his thumb brushing over the vial, visibly awed. “You made this for me?”

She nodded, biting her lip nervously. “I thought… if you ever need a bit of extra luck. Merlin knows you find enough ways to get yourself into trouble.”

Sebastian’s eyes softened, and he carefully set the vial down before looking at her with an intensity that made her heart pound. “You didn’t have to go to all that trouble,” he murmured, his voice lower, as though he were struggling to find the right words. “But… thank you."

He held her gaze a moment longer, and then, as if realizing he’d almost said too much, he looked away, his cheeks faintly pink. “Alright, my turn,” he said, picking up another of the gifts and holding it out to her.

Evangeline took it and carefully peeled back the green paper, her fingers trembling slightly as she revealed a small, elegant satchel with a soft, worn-in leather texture. She looked up at Sebastian, a mixture of curiosity and surprise in her eyes.

“Wow, Sebastian... this is such a beautiful bag,” she breathed, tracing her fingers over the smooth surface.

Sebastian grinned, clearly pleased with himself. “Not just any bag. Here, watch."

He leaned over, taking the satchel from her hands with a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Let me show you,” he said, and in one swift motion, began picking up random objects around the room—a few books, a teacup, even a throw pillow from the couch—and tossed them into the satchel.

Evangeline watched, half-amused and half-baffled, as he kept adding things, the bag barely bulging under the growing weight. When he was done, he handed it back to her with a triumphant smile.

“Now, think of something you want from the bag,” he instructed, gesturing for her to give it a try.

She took a breath, humouring him with a skeptical smile as she thought of one of the books he’d tossed in. Almost instantly, her fingers brushed against it, and she pulled it out, marveling at how easily it had appeared.

“Oh, Sebastian, this is incredible!” She ran her hand over the bag’s smooth leather, the realization dawning on her that this was no ordinary charm. “It’s like it knows exactly what I’m looking for.”

Sebastian’s grin widened. “Because it does. No more endless digging for whatever you need; just think of it, and there it is.”

She stared at the bag, overcome by how thoughtful—and genuinely useful—the gift was. “How did you even think of this?” she asked, her voice full of wonder.

He shrugged, trying to look casual but clearly pleased by her reaction. “I noticed how you’re always carrying around way too much stuff. Figured it might help you actually find what you're looking for,” He paused, a hint of softness entering his voice. “Besides, if you’re going to be off getting into all sorts of trouble, you’ll need to be prepared.”

Evangeline chuckled, a warmth spreading through her chest as she glanced down at the bag, feeling a surge of gratitude for his thoughtfulness. “Well, it’s perfect. Honestly, I don’t know how you thought of something so… exactly what I needed.”

Sebastian’s expression softened, his gaze holding hers for a long, unspoken moment. Finally, he reached for another small bundle, handing it to her, “Alright,” he murmured, his voice almost shy. “Last one.”

She took the gift, her fingers tracing the delicate edges of the wrapping before she carefully peeled it open, revealing a small candle encased in a glass holder, the wax a soft shade of purple. Her brow furrowed in curiosity, looking up at him.

“A companion candle,” he explained, watching her reaction closely. “It’ll light up whenever the person you’re thinking of the most is also awake.” He rubbed the back of his neck, as if trying to brush off the vulnerability in his voice.

"How lovely," She murmured as she reached for the candle’s lid, lifting it with a faint tremor in her fingers. The moment it came free, the wick flickered to life, as though it had been waiting for her touch. Its soft glow filled the room with a warm, golden light, and the scent of vanilla and lavender drifted between them.

Sebastian watched the flicker of the flame, casting its soft glow across her face, accentuating the warm curve of her smile and the gentle sparkle in her eyes. He couldn’t help but wonder, for the hundredth time since he bought the candle, who the it might connect her to—was it him, right now, as he sat here beside her? Or could it be someone else entirely? The thought twisted uncomfortably in his chest. It could even be Lysander, he supposed, and that thought made him hesitate, his gaze flicking to the flickering flame.

But before he could dwell on it, Evangeline’s soft voice pulled him from his thoughts. She held the candle close, watching the flame with a tender smile as she murmured, “Well, I guess now I'll always know… if you’re up causing trouble at odd hours.”

Sebastian’s heart stilled, her words sinking in slowly, their meaning filling him with a quiet thrill and palpable relief. His mind raced, replaying the words in his mind. The candle had tied itself to him—of all people. It was him that Evangeline thought of most often, him sparking the candle’s flame.

He felt his lips curve into a soft, almost bashful smile, trying to cover the swell of happiness by brushing off the comment with his usual humour, “Trouble?” he echoed, feigning innocence. “Me? I’m practically a model citizen.”

She gave him a playful, knowing look. “Uh-huh, sure,” she teased, rolling her eyes. “You’re practically a Slytherin saint.” Then, with a gentle smile, she reached for her own final gift, retrieving a small box, “For you,” she said, her voice a soft murmur.

He chuckled, but there was a softness in his gaze he couldn’t quite hide as he took it, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before he carefully peeled back the wrapping, uncovering a smooth, dark case.

Inside, nestled in velvet, was a delicate glass vial, its contents swirling with a faint, silvery shimmer. Sebastian’s breath caught as he looked up, meeting her gaze with a mixture of surprise and wonder.

“Another memory,” she explained, her voice barely above a whisper. “One I... thought you might want to hold on to."

He smiled, tilting the vial gently as the memory swirled within, "I can't wait to see which one it is this time."

Evangeline’s lips curved into a soft smile, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Well I'm not going to ruin the surprise,” she murmured.

With a smile, Sebastian slipped the memory back into its case, his fingers brushing over the smooth velvet with a reverence that made her heart ache, and before she could stop herself, she reached out, gently pulling him into a hug. Immediately, his arms were around her, strong and sure, wrapped her in his warmth. His hand pressed gently against her back, his fingers splaying as if he wanted to memorize the feel of her there. She relaxed against him, letting herself melt into his embrace, her cheek resting against his shoulder.

Sebastian’s chin brushed the top of her head as he held her close, his heart pounding in a way that felt unsteady, vulnerable. He could feel the softness of her against him, every breath in sync with his, and for a fleeting moment, he let himself hope—let himself feel the way she fit perfectly there.

He knew he should pull away, that he shouldn’t linger like this, but he couldn’t quite bring himself to let go. His fingers found their way to her hair, brushing a soft strand away as he pulled back, just enough to look down at her. Her hazel eyes met his, and Sebastian could feel his unspoken feelings clawing their way up his throat in the quiet.

Their faces were close, close enough that he could see the faint reflection of the candlelight in her eyes, feel her breath warm against his cheek. A heartbeat passed, and then another, as though the whole world had narrowed to just this moment, just them.

But finally, with a gentle squeeze, Sebastian forced himself to pull back, the ghost of a smile on his lips. “Happy Christmas, Evangeline,” he whispered, his voice low, holding a softness that was just for her.

Her own smile mirrored his, warm and steady as she whispered, “Happy Christmas, Sebastian.”

~

Late into the quiet hours of the night, Sebastian lay on his bed, his room dimly lit by the soft glow of his own companion candle, still flickering on his nightstand. He watched the flame closely, feeling a slight tension in his chest as he waited for it to go out. His fingers traced the edge of the memory vial, its delicate glass smooth under his fingers, while his thoughts drifted to the scenes it might hold.

He’d been so tempted to view the memory earlier, but something about doing so while Evangeline was still awake felt too revealing, too personal, and the last thing he wanted was for her to somehow sense his presence in her thoughts. So when the candle flickered out… when she’d fallen asleep… then he’d be free to let his curiosity slip into her memory, to see this moment she had chosen to share with him.

It felt like it took ages before the flame wavered and went out, leaving the room in near darkness. A mix of relief and anticipation fluttered in Sebastian's chest as chest he took a breath, steadying himself as reached under his bed for the pensieve she had gifted him.

Setting it on his bedside table, he poured the silvery contents of the vial into the pensieve, watching the memory swirl and settle. His heart pounded, a blend of curiosity and anticipation making his movements careful as he leaned forward, letting himself be drawn into the memory Evangeline had chosen for him.

As the memory sharpened around him, he found himself in the grand hall of the Solstice Ball, every detail vividly brought back to life: the sweeping, ornate decor, the glittering chandelier casting soft, romantic light, and the quiet murmur of distant voices blending into the melody of a slow, stately waltz. For a moment, anxiety twisted in his stomach, worried that the memory she’d chosen to share might show something he wasn’t prepared to see. A memory with Lysander, perhaps, or a glimpse of her feeling genuinely at ease within the stiff rituals and grandeur of pure-blood society.

But then, she and Ominis materialized before him, smiling at each other as they finished their dance. And then, he saw himself approaching from across the room and the breath she held in her chest as he drew close. It was then that he noticed how Evangeline's gaze lingered on the finer details—the slight, self-assured smirk he wore, the uncharacteristically intense way he looked at her as though he were seeing her for the first time.

As the memory continued, Sebastian found himself captivated by the way Evangeline had experienced their dance. Everything beyond their shared space was muted, softened into indistinct shadows. The vastness of the grand hall, the elegance of the other guests, even the opulence of the Solstice Ball decorations—all of it had faded into a hazy backdrop in her memory. It was as if, in that moment, she’d seen nothing and no one but him.

He watched himself dance with her, his touch at her waist light but firm, his gaze lingering on her face with an intensity he now knew she’d noticed, even in those fleeting moments. The small gestures he’d made—the way his thumb traced over the back of her hand, the slight pull to bring her closer—were magnified in her memory, each touch and glance recorded with perfect clarity.

Her focus shifted as he leaned closer, her attention drawn to his smile, the curve of his mouth, the way his eyes softened whenever she met his gaze. Sebastian felt a surge of warmth realizing she had noticed these details so closely.

And then, as the final notes of the second dance began to fade, he saw himself pause, his reluctance to let go as apparent as her own. They lingered together, the air between them thick with the unspoken, but eventually, he watched himself step back, forcing himself to let her go.

Sebastian expected the memory to end there, his heart already heavy as he watched himself turn and walk away. But it didn’t. Instead, the memory lingered, holding steady as he watched Evangeline’s form move toward Lysander. And just as she neared him, something unexpected happened: she hesitated. Her steps faltered, her body shifted, and before she fully reached the Ravenclaw, she cast a glance over her shoulder.

Sebastian’s heart stilled. In that fleeting, tender look, she followed his retreating form, her gaze lingering on him in a way that felt unguarded, searching, almost reluctant. She had turned to Lysander as he had expected—but her focus had remained on him.

In her memory, Lysander’s figure was blurred, an indistinct silhouette against the brightness of their dance. Sebastian had been the only one fully in focus, as if even then, even after stepping away, he was still the one who held her attention.

The memory’s edges began to blur, the ballroom fading until Sebastian found himself once more sitting sitting alone in his room. He let out a long, shaky breath, his heart full of emotions he hadn’t expected. The memory had held more than he could have hoped, more than he could have ever guessed.

Setting the empty vial gently back on his bedside table, he allowed himself a smile, the ghost of hope flickering within him.

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

[discotenny]

Someone you cant have

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLO :D god its been so long for me to check ur blog and i have been meaning to send rq form last year but sadly i was to shy for that :,) im so happy ur still uploading and doing well 😭 but may i request a reverse part for "Someone you cant have" now with akechi ?

~anon

Goro Akechi x Reader ~ falling for their rivals significant other <Jealousy, mild reference of yandere!Akechi, mentions of murder, etc>

KABDKDBDK thank you for sending in a request!! Sorry to keep you waiting for part two after all this time lolol. Hope it was worth the wait <3 As always I tend to write using they/them pronouns for the reader insert unless requester specifies. Mentions of names will be y/n.

———

Something about you had captivated him from the first meeting.

A stranger who sat next to him on the train when there were tens of open seats. Who looked at him with eyes that begged for help from a creep following you around. Who whispered a promise of a warm meal once the whole debacle concluded. Who he willingly went into the streets of Shibuya with, against all his mind and stomach's better judgement.

"Thank you," you said to him with the most sincerity he's ever heard from a person. "I couldn't make it up to you enough. Where do you want to go? I’ll pay for everything.”

Sincerity... that's what it was.

You were so open and true to yourself it was almost frustrating. He chalked up your kindness at your first meeting as a one off instance brought about by unsavory circumstance. But even after, at your unexpected dinner for two- you were just so, so honest.

Honest in the way you expressed the troubles in your family life. The difficulty handling the troubles in your school. The troubles of romance you've found yourself in. You were charming. Funny. Interesting.

Which is why he didn’t mind exchanging phone numbers. It’s why he didn’t mind more dinners and more train rides. It’s why he didn’t push away the kindness you’d show him and the gifts you’d give him. It’s why he started reciprocating the acts.

And it’s why a funny feeling started to grow in the hole in his chest- fighting against the urge to put all of his attention into his mission. Interest- is what he called it.

Love, is what it really was.

When you mentioned a boyfriend he was disappointed. He of course saw it coming, after you’ve spent nights complaining over growing feelings and him giving you advice in turn. But Akechi was fine with the disappointment, and he was fine admiring you from nowhere closer than across a table. Akechi would be fine just admiring from a distance.

Coming soon, he’d complete his mission and he would never see you again. Akechi chooses to ignore the bitterness that comes along with that last idea.

The more the dinners and gifts and kindness occurred, the harder his fall was to ignore. His gifts started to get more and more romantic when viewed from a certain lens, his stares started to get more and more longing. But as noticeable as it was, Akechi couldn’t help himself. You, in all of your kindness, funniness, and all of your interest, were a brevity of light in his hell of a life.

-

One night, you show up to dinner and say you’ve got a surprise for him.

“Oh? What’s the occasion?” A butterfly flies around in his chest and he can’t help himself but smile. Sincerely, he smiles.

“I wanted to thank you, for all the advice and help you’ve given me these past few months,” you look into his eyes and it makes his heart flutter. “Let me go get him really quick.” You stand up so quickly and he doesn’t have any time to register what you just said. Akechi sighs as he watches you leave the restaurant.

You come back and Akechi has to physically hold himself back from lunging at Ren.

Ren, who you hold hands with. Ren, who’s smiling after you. Ren, who looks at him with surprise. Ren, you boyfriend.

“Akechi?” He says, eyes widening.

“Ren.” He replies, gripping the table underneath him.

Of course.

Of course

Of fucking course.

“Oh! I didn’t know you guys knew each other,” you clap your hands with a smile, seemingly not noticing the glares emanating from Akechi.

Ren’s arm finds itself on your waist and Akechi wants to scream. “Yeah, we’re friends,” Ren’s tone is casual as he smiles at you.

“Mmhm, you could say that,” Akechi forces out a smile so insincere you can’t help but question it.

“I didn’t know Akechi was the one buying you all those gifts, treasure,” Ren says.

“And I didn’t know Ren was this boyfriend of yours, y/n,” Akechi sneers.

“Ah, sorry I never mentioned names to you guys,” you chuckle, honest to a fault. Unaware of the smugness growing within your partner. Unaware of the heartbreak that falls upon your friend.

Ren goes onto explain that you wanted to introduce your ‘two favorite boys’ to each other after months of talking about one to the other. That this dinner, which was supposed to just be you and Akechi, was going to be intruded on by Ren. He says it all with a smile that makes Akechi want to throttle him.

What a lovely surprise, Akechi thinks.

He tries to keep his cool despite the anger clawing at his chest. Betrayal from you for not telling him that this piece of garbage was your boyfriend. Envy towards Ren for having yet another thing Akechi longed to have.

Dinner concludes quicker than you pictured as Ren has a curfew to abide by. He leaves the restaurant to wait outside, you wanting to talk to your friend.

“You seemed uncomfortable with tonight, I’m sorry if I pushed this on you Akechi…” one glance at you shows all the truth in your statement and Akechi hates it.

He hates that he’s let himself trust in your honesty, in your gifts, in your dinners, in your kindness- he hates your truth and he hates this clawing in his chest.

But what kind of friend would he be if he left you feeling so guilty? After all, you’d just run into his arms afterwards.

“I was just surprised, is all. I’m sorry that I made you upset,” Akechi smiles, insincere once again.

“Are you sure?” You look at him with the most curious eyes, “I’m sorry if I made things weird by introducing him, really.”

“Please, don’t worry about it,” Akechi attempts to console you by putting a hand on your shoulder. “I’m just happy you’re happy. After all this time of complaining, haha.”

Your hand meets his and squeezes it slightly. “Thanks Akechi, it really means a lot.”

He takes one more look at you, holding his hand and smiling so, so genuinely at him.

“Anytime, y/n,” He says.

You leave the restaurant with Ren and he sees him pull you tight as you walk away. He sees the way you stare at him, lovingly, in a way that you’ve never looked at him. He sees you go to intertwine your hands. He sees Ren hold your chin and bring your face closer. Akechi looks away.

Admiring a distance is bullshit if he’s just watching you be stolen away by him. Admiring from a distance would be fine if it was anyone other than him.

It’s just gonna be one more reason as to why he needs to plant a bullet in your boyfriend’s skull.

———

Ren's part, it kinda sucks because it was before my writers glow up ehehehhehehe

Hope you enjoyed it! I got so excited writing for my pookie Akechi that I ended up finishing this in an afternoon lolol. Also I ended up placing an order for persona merch because of this JFDSJJKFADSFJ. I just love my baby he's my forever boy &lt;3

Let me know how you guys think I characterized him!! I love my babby rsfwaeajfjrewo

[hualianisms]

TGCF Audio Drama Ep 12 pt 2: XL gambles himself in exchange for one night of HC's company

[context: see part 1 translation. basically, after the Gambler's Den dice-throwing scene, SQX & LQQ need a distraction to investigate Ghost City, so XL gambles against HC to cause a distraction. XL asked for HC to accompany him for one night as the prize if XL wins. HC has just agreed.]

HC: Alright.

Ghosts: (shocked) Chengzhu agreed!

HC: However, what this gege seeks is of considerable value. It's also my first time.* Accordingly, the stake you bet on must also not be arbitrary.

XL: Of course, it cannot be arbitrary.

HC: However, there's a small matter gege must be reminded of. The last thing gege has on his person, he has already lost to me yesterday.

XL: Ah… Yes indeed. Please wait. I will search again. …Um… I…. Here… (searches his sleeves and pockets and finds nothing)

Ghost 1: I say, Daozhang, if you really have nothing to gamble with, why not just use your clothes to gamble with? Every time you lose one round, take off one layer of clothes!

HC to ghost 1: Shut up.

Ghost maiden: Daozhang, what is that which you're wearing on your neck?

XL: (takes out the necklace of HC's ashes) Are you referring this?

Ghost maiden: This ring looks like a really amazing treasure.

XL's thoughts: This is what San Lang gave me…

HC: This gege, do you wish to bet on this ring, and gamble with me in a game of victory or defeat?

XL: …I can't do that.

HC: Oh? Why not?

XL: This item is far too precious, it cannot be carelessly handled and disposed of.

HC: It's been given to you, so it's yours to do with as you please. Why can't it be carelessly handled?

XL: That's all the more reason I can't. This is the kind of gift I do not accept. If I do accept it, then of course I must treasure it, only then I can be worthy of the sincere intentions behind it. How can I possibly use it to gamble, and squander it away frivolously?

Ghosts: So that's how it is, there's even these sincere intentions behind the gift!

Ghost Maiden: But this can't be used, that can't be used, then Daozhang, what do you have left?

XL: (Sheepishly) …It seems… The only thing left is me.

HC: Alright.

XL: (blinks) …What?

HC: You.

Ghost maiden 1: Wonderful! If you lose, you can sell yourself and come here to wash clothes and fold bedsheets for old Chengzhu, serve tea and pour water for him!

Ghosts: What a great idea! Yeah! Yeah!

SQX: You'd better not agree. This bet has no winning odds!

XL: Alright, I will place my bet!

HC: (chuckles) Great.

Ghosts: Xiao Daozhang, you will definitely lose!

SQX: (gloomily) This time, we're really done for!

XL to SQX: Don't worry. This time I might not lose. You guys, go quickly [to investigate Ghost City].

[Translation notes:]

*This line is likely also innuendo (subtextually). the CN line here literally means "It's also the first time for me", which on the surface mean HC's first time accepting such a request. But the subtext seems to imply it can also mean HC's first time (sexually). The ghosts clearly interpreted the sexual meaning as they were gossiping later in this episode that "Someone wants to gamble for Chengzhu's 初夜!" 初夜 refers to "wedding night" i.e. the first night of a marriage where the marriage is expected to be consummated for the first time.

Essentially HC is saying, since XL wants something of such great value' (HC's company; subtext implying HC's first time), then XL must also give something of equal value i.e. "You". I interpret it as HC deliberately trying to leverage the value/rarity of XL's request as an excuse to get something just as intimate from XL in return. The way HC said "You." was so slow and seductive hahaha

Bonus: there's also a part later in this episode where the ghosts are gossiping and hilariously misinterpreted. A ghost said "I heard that Chengzhu's brother wants to gamble him and steal away his wedding night" (aka first time) 😭 As that line is from the uncensored revised novel, I assume MXTX wrote it to make fun of how censorship wants to turn hualian into just Very Good Bros.

[sincerely-sofie]

I’m a skeleton gal who likes to draw and write! Currently I’m working on Better the Wool, a Cult of the Lamb AU about the Lamb resurrecting the sheep and mending her relationship with her former patron deity.

Find Me Here: KoFi | RedBubble | Ao3 | YouTube | Twitch | BlueSky | Sideblog

Featured Tags: #Stuff by Sofie (Tag for my creations) | #Sofie Says Stuff (Tag for my rambles) | #Sofie Answers Asks (Tag for responses to my inbox) | #Obbyposting (Tag for raving about how awesome my boyfriend is)

You can read more about me, my projects, and what I’m up to under the cut!

About Me:

I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!

I’m interested in writing, making webcomics, game dev, 2D animation, character design, programming, singing, small business management, self-improvement, and all around way too many crafting mediums to count.

I like green, bugs, hot chocolate, kawaii future bass music, video essays, Ooblets, and Animal Crossing.

I have a pet blue death feigning beetle named Gamer Girl, sometimes fondly referred to as GG!

I make a lot of things. This blog is a way for me to record the various projects I create on my journey to be unashamedly sincere!

Some of My Projects:

Better the Wool: An in-progress Cult of the Lamb AU focusing on the Lamb and her relationship with Narinder as she works to resurrect the Sheep killed by the Old Faith. Has a dedicated tag on my blog. A written fanfic is in the works, and I regularly post art about it between writing!

The Present is a Gift: A finished, but still semi-active, post-credits AU and fanfic for Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky which focuses on the hero taking in an amnesiac Darkrai. Has a dedicated tag on my blog. Also has a dedicated sideblog for chapters and can be found on Ao3, Tumblr, PMD Fanfiction, and Wattpad through there!

Mortality Exchange: A collection of “What-if” scenarios based on a piece of worldbuilding in my Pokemon Mystery Dungeon fanworks— if a Legendary pokemon dies, a nearby mortal pokemon will inherit their powers and immortality. Has a dedicated tag on my blog. There are no plans to make a long-form storytelling project of this.

Dugtrio Day: A time loop AU for Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky that stars a prickly Eevee hero, a sociable Treecko partner, and a nihlistic Celebi. Has a dedicated tag on my blog. There are currently no plans to make a long-form storytelling project of this.

Common Questions:

My inbox is always open if you want to ask or send something in! I like to queue up responses to things sent into my inbox, though, so sometimes they take a while to get posted. You can always send a DM or additional ask about the state of the thing you sent in if you’re curious!

I don’t mind being tagged in things. It’s a great way to make sure I see something :>

Fanart and other works based on my AUs, original work, and persona are all things I love to see! If you ever make something along those lines, send me a pic or the link to where it’s posted! I’d love to be able to shout it out if possible!

If you want to voice act / do a dub of my work, the same rules apply from the above bullet point! I’d love to see it! Send me the link! However, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t use AI to dub over my work. I’ve had my work stolen for use in AI dubs in the past, and I’d really like to avoid the stress of that happening again.

If you’re curious about something, send in a question, whether anonymously or not! You don’t need to be nervous or shy about it. I’m a pretty chill gal— I promise I won’t bite!