#the decorated christmas map is adorable

[ryllen]

it almost feels like he was waiting for me

[thatbxolivia]

christmas was usually not a time of year your daddy enjoyed. it was usually treated as just any other day and he really never bothered to explain why. you, however, absolutely adored the holiday, and for that reason alone, he was willing to indulge at least a little.

so there the two of you sat, on the floor, surrounded by ornaments. you were adding hooks to all of them so they could be neatly placed on the tree. you had picked a pink and black theme this year, and your daddy was happy to oblige your decoration request. you went for a cute/punk look and felt it was the perfect metaphor for the relationship you two shared.

“daddy, can you pass me more hooks?” you asked politely. your daddy hummed in response and handed you a few more. you thanked him and went straight back to work.

“are you having fun, kiddo?” he asked you, focused on the project at hand.

“i am, daddy!” you said, finishing the last ornament with your daddy soon following suit. “all done!” you danced lightly in your seat, excited to get to decorating.

“well, what are we waiting for?” your daddy asked, motioning towards the tree sitting in the corner. you squealed and picked up a handful of ornaments, immediately placing them on the tree. you didn’t have an exact map out of where you wanted every little thing, just a general finished look in mind. your daddy handed the ornaments to you as you placed them, knowing you wanted to do this part for yourself. he would reach the taller decorations when you couldn’t and would place them wherever you asked. soon enough, the tree had all of its ornaments, and all that was left were the lights.

“why don’t you let me handle this one?” daddy said, remembering the meltdown that ensued the year prior when you couldn’t get them untangled soon enough. you were embarrassed at the thought and agreed.

“okay, daddy.” you said softly.

“now, don’t sulk.” he told you, walking over and ruffling your hair slightly. “i’m just looking out for you, that’s all, baby.” he said. you nodded, watching as he expertly untangled the lights and threaded them through the tree branches. he plugged them in, and there sat your beautiful pink and black christmas tree with pink lights and a black bow tree topper. you were absolutely thrilled with your final result, and looked to daddy for approval.

“daddy, do you like it?” you asked hopefully.

“i love it.” he told you. “and you.”

you jumped with excitement and clapped, always loving the aesthetic of a lit up christmas tree.

“can i take my nap out here, daddy?” you asked politely, wanting to fall asleep to the lights. your daddy chuckled and nodded.

“if that’s what you want, go ahead, kiddo.” he said. you rushed and got ready for your nap, using the restroom and changing into comfier clothes and grabbing your stuffed bear, mr. honey. daddy had made a comfy spot for you on the couch and had your favorite pillow as well. you snuggled into the couch and he began tucking you in, laughing as you wiggled in and got comfy.

“thank you, daddy.”

“anything for you, princess.”

you remember dozing off to the faint pink light in the room as your daddy worked at his desk and knew you were safe.

[annab-nana]

For your sleepover!!

You tell Joseph (quinn) that you want to do a stranger things themed Christmas tree in your shared apartment 🥺 I think that would be so cute and he would think it was super corny but he knows how much you love the show so he does it one day you are out with friends or family or whatever🥺

stop it!! this is so cute!!

warnings: not proofread, use of pet names (angel)

note: italics are text messages

❀ masterlist ❀

when will you be home? i miss you

"is that him?" amy asked. she knew the answer as soon as she saw the smile on your lips.

"yeah." you didn't mean for your voice to sound so lovesick, but you couldn't help it. you were in love and you were in it deep for the brown-eyed brit.

your eyes found your phone again as you typed out a reply.

we're driving that way now. shouldn't be more than five minutes

and you told the truth because in three minutes, you were telling amy goodbye and slipping your key into the doorknob.

"joe?" you called out into the dimly lit apartment. "i'm back."

"in here," he returned from what sounded like the living room. as soon as you ditched your coat and slipped out of your shoes, you made your way over.

"so, i got everyone except my dad who i still have to make those brownies for, but other than that, all christmas gifts are done," you shared while placing down the bags that were in your hands. "i'll probably make those tonight if you wan-"

a gasp from your lips cut off the rest of your sentence when you finally looked up. your focus was so set on putting the shopping bags down and mentally mapping out the rest of your night that you didn't even register joseph standing patiently beside a decorated tree that was bare when you left.

"you did not," you stated in disbelief while wandering over to the tree, eyes filled with wonder.

"i did," he responded excitedly, a smile on his face as he watched you take it all in. your eyes bounced from multi-colored lights to the waffle and nail bat ornaments to the open star-shaped demogorgon face tree topper.

"how did you find all this stuff?" you were in awe, complete and utter awe of the stranger things tree before you. you adored the show and to see what he did for you, you'd never felt more loved.

joseph stepped forward to stand beside you and look at the tree as well. "you would be surprised how much stranger things stuff you can find on the internet. most of it came from etsy and other small online shops. the hard part was doing it all without your knowledge." his eyes fell back to you and he swore your eyes looked more wet than they did a second ago. "do you like it?"

he watched you turn to him before your arms wrapped around him tightly. "joe, i love it.”

“well, baby, i’m glad. i was a little worried you’d be mad i did it without you but i wanted it to be a surprise.”

you pulled back to look at him. “i’m not mad at all. i love it. i love you.”

he visibly softened before bringing his hand to the back of your head and pulling you to him to press his lips to your forehead.

“i love you too angel.”

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tag list: @fiction-is-life

[mydollsaregay]

i picked some stuff up from fb marketplace today! I actually got more than I planned for, as some items were marked as sold online, but the seller said they were actually still available, so i was able to get them as well!

the overview (plus bonus doggy).

sam’s bed frame was the original draw for me with this lot - i actually got just the bedding in a lot a while back, and have since been keeping an eye out for just the bed frame at a reasonable price. i’m so excited to have found it! it’s definitely seen some play, but it is still super cute and totally good for my purposes.

the desk is going to end up being sold or given away, as i don’t have the space for a school setup in the dollhouse. i told the seller she could keep it and sell it to someone else, but she wanted to sell it as a set with some of the other stuff that i wanted so oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

i’m super pumped to have sam’s nightstand (even missing a handle) alongside her bed frame! it means i’ll be able to reuse her current bed frame and side table in another room.

in the accessories box, i got kanani’s beach outfit and paddleboard set! (+bonus random sunglasses) before i got the stuff today, i actually had no idea this was kanani’s, i just thought it was cute. when I found the map though, i was very excited, and immediately knew at least some of this stuff had to be hers. to my excitement, this all was! (other than the bonus random sunglasses haha)

next, some super cute pieces from a costco sleepover set and a petite place settings set. I’m most excited about the book, magazine, and game!

there was also some super cute christmas stuff! there’s a santa hat, a santa themed apron, a whole gingerbread house decorating set, and some totally adorable tiny ornaments. i don’t believe the ornaments are ag branded, but they’re super detailed and high quality, and i LOVE them. this year, i’m totally gonna set them up on a mini tree.

next up, kit’s school bag, school supplies, lunch, and lunchbox! I totally wasn’t expecting these and was really excited 😄 kit+claudie’s room is one of the most complete rooms in the dollhouse, and am always excited to add some more little details.

I already had some of kits school supplies and her backpack, but it’s awesome to have more. the lunchbox is totally new for me, and I’m super hyped about it! ive always loved the look of metal lunchboxes, especially in miniature!! the seller also had kit’s bed, but i had to pass, as I’ve already got one.

finally, the classic “other miscellaneous items” group haha. the dog, music stand, and hair brush are very normal items to find in a lot. felicity’s noah’s ark toy (sadly sans most figures, though there is one that i miscategorized as a ginger bread person while i was taking pictures), and a cute statue of liberty outfit for coconut are much cooler to me!

overall, this was a really cool collection of items! i had a ton of fun going through them. i also had a ton of fun picking them up, as my friend graciously joined me on my journey to keep me company while i drove, and we stopped for ice cream on the way back!

[magmahearts]

(No idea how this gets to her) Carefully wrapped up is a larger journal about the size of a regular notebook but bound with a cover that Luci has carefully decorated with some of the different types of rocks she’s noticed around Wicked’s rest. Inside the front cover is a carefully drawn map of the area. 

Cass, 

I figured a little journal might help with writing down all the cool rocks and crystals you see. I know you probably know all of them, but I made a little map of Wicked’s Rest in the cover so you can write down where you found them. 

Merry Christmas. Cheers, Luci 

Cass adores the journal, and spends a long time methodically identifying the rocks on the cover. She begins making notes in the journal immediately -- not just rocks she knows are around town, but what those rocks symbolize and who they remind her of. This journal will be helpful for her gift-giving in the future.

[missiemoosie]

Thank you for decorating my Christmas Tree! :)

Here are 12 Christmas Questions for you! 

No pressure: feel free to answer some, all, or even none. :) 

Favorite Christmas season activity?

Favorite Traditional Christmas song?

Favorite Modern Christmas song?

Favorite Christmas movie(s)?

Favorite Christmas episode (any tv show)?

Favorite food to eat or serve for the Christmas meal?

Favorite Christmas beverage or dessert? 

Most memorable Christmas gift you received as a child?

Best Christmas gift you ever gave to anyone?

If you have a Christmas tree, what’s your tree topper?

What’s your favorite version of Santa in a movie?

Which fictional character would you like to be caught under the mistletoe with?

💚🧡💚🧡

1. Favorite Christmas season activity?

Hm, this is a tough one...I'd have to say it's probably a tie between deciding where the 30+ nutcrackers go and making the rum cakes~

2. Favorite Traditional Christmas song?

Oh, this is an even harder one, since I tend to like more 'modern' Christmas music. Maybe Deck the Halls?

3. Favorite Modern Christmas song?

This one is easy. It's a three-way tie between Jingle Bell Rock, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, and Burl Ives' rendition of Silver and Gold.

4. Favorite Christmas movie(s)?

Hands down, Rankin-Bass Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. We would watch it before bed on Christmas eve up until I was like, 15.

5. Favorite Christmas episode (any tv show)?

I don't really watch shows that have Christmas episodes, sooo...

6. Favorite food to eat or serve for the Christmas meal?

Every year, we have prime rib for Christmas dinner. The whole family looks forward to it year-round. But also our thumbprint cookies, because we make them with glace cherries instead of jam (sadly, I'm not making them this year)

7. Favorite Christmas beverage or dessert? 

Hot-buttered rum~!

8. Most memorable Christmas gift you received as a child?

My hard-copy set of LotR~ It's got maps =D

9. Best Christmas gift you ever gave to anyone?

The limited edition Wizard of Oz Nutcracker dad and I got mom the Christmas before she passed. She adored Wizard of Oz and couldn't stop staring at the nutcracker.

10. If you have a Christmas tree, what’s your tree topper?

A little angel holding two LED candles. But we also have a silly curly elf hat (it's currently sitting atop one of our giant nutcrackers). I think in our other Christmas decorations that are still in the garage, we have a fancier angel topper...? I'm not sure. I haven't seen those decorations in a few years.

11. What’s your favorite version of Santa in a movie?

This is going to be outta left field, but Santa from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Guy just came outta nowhere, making four kids and some beavers think the White Witch was upon them. But he made up for it by giving them some badass gifts~

12. Which fictional character would you like to be caught under the mistletoe with?

Either Liam Mairi from Fourth Wing, Gale Dekarios from BG3, or Bardroy from Kuroshitsuji. I'd be happy with any of those three.

[papillon82fluttersby]

Famous Five Art Nostalgia #LC14 – Part 2

Introductory post

Introduction to ‘Les Cinq’

‘Les Cinq’ Masterpost

🧸🖼️🚤 Les Cinq vendent la peau de l’ours – The Famous Five and the Blue Bear Mystery

Original publication date: 1977 (France), 1983 (UK)

(Cover art by Paul Gillon, 1995)

Plot summary:

On December 24th, the Five take a walk around Kirrin village. At the toy store, the shopkeeper has just received three dozen teddy bears all in different colours. Anne really loves a blue one, and Julian buys it as a gift for her.

(Julian offers a teddy bear to his adorable sister – so cute! (Come on, George, stop smirking!))

That afternoon, the children are invited to a friend’s house for a Christmas party. Their host has bought a set of 12 teddy bears from the store and used them to decorate the Christmas tree. In the middle of the party, the lights suddenly go out, and someone steals the Christmas tree! Everyone is stunned by this most peculiar theft.

The next day, the Five learn that the two boxes containing the remaining teddy bears have been stolen from the toy store on Christmas Eve. The children go to the toy store to find out more. They meet a strange journalist who’s intent on interrogating the shopkeeper about the theft and all but ignores the children until Anne announces that she has a teddy bear in her possession, the only one that hasn't been stolen. The journalist then takes an interest in her and asks her a few questions, including when she bought it and where she lives.

(A strange journalist 🤨)

On the next day at the market, a strange woman asks Anne to sell her the plushie, pleading that she wants to offer it as a gift to her son, who is very sick. Anne’s heartstrings are suitably shaken at this plea, but the others find this request suspicious. They realise that there is a link between the theft of the Christmas tree and the break-in at the toy store, namely in both cases the thieves were after the teddy bears delivered to the toy store on Christmas Eve.

At first glance, Anne's plushie seems to be nothing special. But when the children open it, they discover a piece of paper on which a rough map is drawn. It's all very mysterious, but one thing's for sure: the thieves have been looking for this map all along.

(The poor teddy bear receives a “surgical” examination…)

Anne's plushie is subsequently stolen while the Five are out cycling (the plushie no longer containing the map). Later, while playing on the beach, the Five are ordered by a stranger to either hand over the paper by midday the next day and place it under a certain rock he points out, or he will come after them.

(A threatening encounter)

The Five decide to create a false map, then deliver it to the designated spot. They keep watch and see a biker coming to retrieve the map. While the man is busy retrieving the map, they search the motorbike and find an envelope with the name "Siméon Rebouc", who lives in a nearby town called Pléjar.

(Searching the motorbike)

They go there and look for the home of said Siméon Rebouc, who has a bad reputation. The Five see the biker talking to the fake journalist from earlier. They overhear them talking to each other about the “purple house”, and about one of their accomplices, called Garbin, who’s currently in prison. Further discussion leads the Five to conclude that said Garbin stole some unknown valuables, was subsequently arrested and sent to prison, and used the teddy bears, made by convicts in the course of prison work, to pass on the map to his accomplices.

On December 31st, the Five discover the location of the “purple house”, thus named for the unusual colour of its walls. They also learn that the house belongs to Garbin, and that the latter was arrested after stealing master paintings from an art gallery in Paris.

(The purple house)

The children go back to the house in the evening, and see the thieves digging a hole in the basement. Guided by the false map, they obviously discover nothing.

(Spying on the bandits)

After the bandits leave the house, the Five enter and, guided by the real map, uncover the buried treasure. Unfortunately, the thieves return to the house and surprise the children. They tie them up in the basement, take hold of the paintings and flee.

(Tied up! 😧)

Thanks to Timmy, who tears George's bonds, the Five manage to escape. Following an encounter with the local police, who believe them to be up to no good, Mr Kirrin is called to the station and convinces the policemen to investigate.

(The Five lose their way while returning to Kirrin and get caught by two policemen on patrol)

Siméon's brother is questioned and the policeman’s investigations leads them to Kirrin harbour where the three bandits (Léon – the fake journalist; Siméon – the biker; and Irène – Léon’s wife who tried to get Anne’s plushie at the market) were about to embark to go abroad.

(Siméon is caught first while bringing fuel to the boat…)

(…Léon and Irène try to escape but will not go far due to said lack of fuel)

The police initially fails to find the paintings after searching the boat, but the Five quickly discover them, hidden under a bench seat. The bandits are immediately taken into custody. After this long and turbulent night, the Five spend a peaceful and cosy New Year's Day at Kirrin Cottage.

~~~~~~

Thanks for reading!

[haruwrites21]

Top 10 Unique Christmas Gifts to Surprise Your Loved Ones

Christmas, the season of joyous celebration and sweet togetherness, is fast approaching. It’s that time of year when we think of ways to make our loved ones feel special. And what better way to do that than to present them with unique Christmas gifts that mirror how well you know them? Here is a cherry-picked list of top 10 unique Christmas gifts that are guaranteed to surprise your loved ones.

1. Customized Jewelry

If you're shopping for someone who adores bling, consider customized jewelry. From engraved pendants to charm bracelets with their initials or birthstone, the options are limitless.

2. Personalized Cookware for Culinary Wizards

For those who love to cook, personalized cookware like engraved cutting boards or customized aprons can be heartwarming gifts. Every time they whip up a culinary delight, they'll be reminded of your thoughtfulness.

3. DIY Terrarium Kit

Bring a touch of nature indoors with a DIY terrarium kit for those with green fingers. Beyond just being decorative, the process of putting a terrarium together can also be a therapeutic activity.

4. Ancestry DNA Kit

An Ancestry DNA test kit could be a hit for loved ones intrigued by their genealogical roots. This thoughtful present can unlock a wealth of information about their family history and heritage.

5. Custom Star Map

A custom star map of how the sky looked on an important date — like their birthday, anniversary or any other significant event — can be a unique and romantic gift.

6. Subscription Boxes

Consider subscription boxes for those who love surprises. From books and beauty products to gourmet food items, there’s a box to match everyone’s interest.

7. 3D Printed Personalized Miniatures

3D-printed personal figurines make for extremely unique gifts. Provide a photo of your loved ones and have it transformed into a miniature version of them!

8. Virtual Reality Headset

If there's a tech enthusiast in your life, a virtual reality (VR) headset could be the perfect Christmas gift. It can provide an immersive gaming or movie-watching experience.

9. Experience Gifts

Give them an unforgettable memory by gifting an experience. It could be a cooking class, hot air balloon ride, spa session, or a wine-tasting event.

10. Hand-written Letters

In today's digital age, handwritten letters have morphed into an endearing nostalgia. Pen down your thoughts and feelings for your loved ones and express how much they mean to you. This could easily be the most touching gift they receive.

Remember, it is the thought and effort that count more than the price tag. Even the simplest gifts can mean the world to your loved ones if they signify love, care, and understanding. So, go that extra mile this Christmas to find unique gifts that embody the spirit of the season and the bond you share with them. You're sure to put a smile on their faces and create heartwarming memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

[nightlyvisitor]

36.  FESTIVE :  for both muses to decorate for a special occasion. ( Halloween decorating maybe? Something festive and fun for a change ahaha Chris for Raymon 💕 )

Humming along the tune, the sniper leans on his tippy toes to hang one of the ghost decorations he had been buying for the spooky season. Yeah he was well aware that some would not go all the way as he was doing it right now. People didn't really bother to decorate much for October since the month would go by way too fast and it would be a hassle to redecorate for Christmas...but for Raymon it wasn't such a big challenge...well, not to the spots he could comfortably reach to. Having something to occupy his mind was good, especially when the sniper would return back from long missions...he needed something to quiet his mind.

Lucky for him he wasn't alone for Halloween. Catching onto the familiar creak of wooden floors under a heavy weight, the shorter man is greeted with a heartwarming smile and a cup of hot tea. A small reward for his current activities. Sharing a little smirk back, Raymon gingerly accepts the warm mug to take a few sweet sips. Yeah Ray knew that he could definitely get stuck in his work...and forget to take a break. Maybe it was his stubborness in wanting to finish things to the end, or his mind completely zoning into the moment...it wouldn't be too bad if he wouldn't end up passed out on his desk. Crumpling that thought away for another day, Raymon gently leans to the side, bumping arms with the taller operative as he takes in the work he has completed so far. Smiling pumpkins hidden around the cabin, with a few adorable ghost hanging from the chimney and drawers to the colorful leaves placed on the living and kitchen table both topped with a small bouquet of yellow dahlias and white anemones. Just some flowers he hoped Chris liked, even if he couldn't really go for sunflowers this month. Although he favored the bright sunny flower...he found the charm in others, so why not surpise the older man?

Snapped back to the present his left hand is gently pulled over, scarred fingers mapping over the small lines of his palm, the way a few old scars curled around his wrist and higher up. The soft touch makes him smile so much brighter. Whatever worry was lingering in his mind, it would soon melt away. Replaced with a lovestruck look as Ray feels the familiar warmth and tenderness that accompanies the kisses gingerly placed. The shorter of the two can't help but raise his hand not stopping the other's affection as his fingers carefully map the other's cheek before settling on cupping. Gazing into hazel sights, amber hues loose themselves observing all the beauty and warmth that shined so brightly, so hopeful....maybe he knew why he sometimes pushed himself that hard.

Sooner that he wished the small alarm on his phone suddenly beeps consistently, reminding him of his other tasks. Of course...he would love nothing more than to ditch his plans and savour their soft moment much longer...but perhaps he could find a middle ground. Smiling sheepishly Raymon leans to catch the other lips in a soft kiss, before pulling away but not completely apart from the other.

"You know...there are some big pumpkins I left outside this morning. Would you be up to giving those fellas a charming smile with me? Maybe even help me set the rest of the decorations on the higher shelves? I promise we can have a cookie break afterwards." He chimes in with a sweet hum. The cookies would need some time in the oven until they would be reach their nice golden brow hue, but it would be worth it! Especially with the recipe he had prepared this year.

[startoayoungcult]

scrapped: "love and cherish, now and forever" // heehye wedding au

wrote this almost a year ago, i'm not happy enough with it to post on ao3, so i figured posting it here is better than completely abandoning it forever. 3.2k words.

cw // implied homophobia

Hyeju woke up again to her augmenting nerves and a fading hangover.  She reached over to the nightstand, forcing down another bite of her protein bar and a couple sips of water, despite the weightless sensation in her stomach.  The bedroom was dark except for the piercing streak of early afternoon sunlight peeking from her blackout curtains.

She took a deep breath and pressed the heels of her hands to her eyes.  For a second, it eased the pounding in her head.  In a state like this, she wanted to stay here forever, burying herself under every blanket and pillow until it subsided.

However, Hyeju knew that wasn’t an option today.  The wedding was only hours away at this point, and she would do anything for the love of her life to have the day of her dreams.  Even if it meant crawling out of bed.

Hyeju rubbed her aching forehead as a memory came back: one of the two of them in this very bed, fresh in her mind as if it were yesterday.

~

Hyeju gripped the spare pillow tighter over her head to block out the white light from Heejin’s phone.  Her partner had been sitting upright on her side of the bed scrolling through Pinterest.

Even though she was the one to insist they both try to catch up on sleep, Hyeju’s adoring curiosity got the better of her as she peeked through the space between the pillowcase and her arm.  After all, next to her was the goddess of messy buns in one of Hyeju’s own oversized t-shirts, mindlessly twisting the fabric of the black neckline between her fingers.

Hyeju was convinced that Heejin’s thumbs had explored every wedding-related board on that app.  Tonight, Hyeju watched as she searched through half a dozen different shapes of dresses.  Flower arrangements in soft pinks, creams, and whites.  A “hack” for a photobooth decorated with old Christmas lights and bedsheets.  Mason jar lanterns, even.

Heejin’s wedding board was no secret to Hyeju.  It was her partner’s current passion project, with every couple days she was suggesting a new venue for their ceremony or a location for their honeymoon straight off the cover of a magazine.  It was altogether adorable to Hyeju, although she herself was the type of person who didn’t look deep enough into the future to plan what she would have for dinner that night.

(“Would you rather wear a dress, a jumpsuit, or a suit?  This suit would match my dream gown perfectly.  But I only like it if you like it!”)

Hyeju thought it was all really sweet, genuinely.  But she wasn’t ready to elaborately map out that sort of thing right now.  She’d never considered marriage before, although at this point she was certainly convinced on spending her forever with Heejin.  Nevertheless, if the fantasy of a fairytale wedding meant so much to her, Hyeju was in.

“Heejin,” she groaned, swatting the other girl with the pillow in a show of feigned annoyance.  “Get some sleep, please.  You work early tomorrow.”

As Hyeju drifted off to sleep that night, she found herself dreaming about their future wedding, too.

~

In retrospect, even back then, there was every reason for their future to seem impossible.  After all, the two started dating so young and naive and with no choice but to be frugal.  Moreover, Hyeju was always nervous to tell her family about falling in love with a woman, and Heejin knew she was better off dead if she did.

I hope it’s all worth it for you today, Hyeju wished she could tell her.

Hyeju slid over to the edge of the mattress and fumbled with the cord of the lamp, wincing as the light came on.  She shut the drawer to the bedside table, having not remembered going through it the night before.

The clock on the far side of the room—which she squinted to read—indicated that she ought to start getting ready.  It may be the most unforgettable day of her life, after all.

Her vertigo urged her to spare five more minutes before getting up.  She looked over to her other side and found herself eyeing the patterns of the crinkles of the sheets on the empty space in her bed.  Everything she and Heejin experienced had led up to this, didn’t it?

Over the weeks leading up to today, Hyeju’s mind was always cycling through moments of their past and visions of an idyllic future together.  But right now, there wasn’t enough time to spiral into that headspace again.

Hyeju swung her legs over the edge of the bed and gulped down the rest of her granola bar and made her way to the bathroom to brush her teeth.  Left alone in silence except for the buzzing of the flickering old fluorescent light, her idle mind busied itself with another episode of the past.

~

A teasing groan of Hyeju’s name came from the bathroom.  The younger woman had been waiting for her girlfriend to finish getting ready for their date (she’d made a bet with Heejin that she could get ready in half the time that Heejin took—and was currently winning, no less).  Hyeju set her phone down on the bed and got up to see what was the matter.

Heejin leaned halfway over the sink as she swished her makeup brush in circles around a pink-toned eyeshadow palette.  The counter appeared as though the couple had claimed their shared territory with a variety of cosmetic and skincare items.  Considering Heejin spent more nights here than in her own apartment, Hyeju suggested they might as well share products and a space to use them in.

Heejin went on to try to scold Hyeju, but the sides of her mouth turned upwards as she met her gaze.  “If you don’t get this light fixed, I’m leaving you, you hear me?”  She motioned up at the blinking yellow overhead light with the rounded brush.

Playing mean with her girlfriend was always a challenge to Heejin, and Hyeju loved to make her tough front crumble.  She threw an arm around Heejin, planting a kiss in her brown hair as she giggled and tried to lean out of the half-embrace.

They made eye contact again in the mirror.  This was the most stunning human Hyeju had ever seen, with a half-painted face, magenta slippers, and the rabbit-eared plush makeup headband.  Hyeju knew she herself had to be the luckiest person in the world.

“The light works fine!  It’s more than enough for me to do stuff in here.” she retorted.  A smile made its way across her face again.  “It’s enough for you to do your makeup here, too.”  Hyeju flashed her best smirk.  “You don’t look all that bad, after all.”

Heejin puffed out a sigh and resumed her focus back to applying her mascara.  Although she had yet to put on blush, the apples of her cheeks turned a rosy color.

Heejin narrowed her eyes at Hyeju’s reflection.  “You know, lightbulbs aren’t even that expensive?” She could tell Heejin was trying to shoot her a seething glare, but it had an unmistakable undertone of tenderness and loveliness instead.

“You already ordered me some, remember?  These are the new ones, but it still does that thing.”  

Underneath the little games and jokes they played with each other, Heejin was incredibly thoughtful, always getting little things for Hyeju, most valuable being the gift of her own time.  The banter they shared just happened to be their favorite love language.

“Then you can hire someone to fix it!”

Hyeju rolled her eyes.  “You know I’m too cheap to pay someone to do that unless I absolutely have to.”

Heejin turned to face Hyeju head-on, raising an eyebrow.

“If you’re so cheap, then why are you taking me out to the nicest restaurant in town for our half-anniversary?”  Her tongue was pressed to the inside of her cheek.  

Hyeju wrinkled her nose, flipping through her head to come up with another quick remark.

Heejin continued before she had a chance.  “Do you like me or something?  You’re so cringe.”

“Cringe?”  As if by instinct, Hyeju’s hands found their way to Heejin’s waist.  Hyeju wasn’t a touchy person, and had certainly never been one to enjoy physical displays of affection.  But something about Heejin was magnetic to her, especially when she was losing the upperhand in their little teasing matches.

Hyeju let out a theatrical sigh and looked down at her girlfriend.  She dropped her voice to something sultry and almost demeaning.  She gave a warning, “Oh Heejin, you leave me no choice but to do this, you know?”

Hyeju pulled their bodies flush together and Heejin’s arms slipped into place, crossed behind her partner’s head.  

It’s a little hard to kiss someone when neither of you can stop grinning ear to ear for very long.

~

Digging around the bathroom for her facial cleanser, she began to realize how much of a mess it still was in here.  As she met the dark sunken eyes in the dingey mirror, she realized it could use a good cleaning too.

Hyeju found herself letting out a soft chuckle.  Heejin was going to be spending the night in the beachside resort of her dreams on her dream honeymoon.  Somewhere to put this place to shame.  Of course, Heejin was one to deserve the best.

After a hot shower, Hyeju reached in the back of her closet for the most expensive piece of clothing she owned, a suit fit for the occasion.  She’d always heard about women getting ready for wedding ceremonies with their closest friends, but she knew she was better off doing this alone today.

Buttoning every button and clasping every clasp, she couldn’t help but wonder what gorgeous dress she would find Heejin in.  Perhaps it would be one she watched her save online years ago.  Hyeju knew if she really wanted to know, Heejin would have been more than willing to tell her, but she was willing to wait for the surprise.

Although, maybe if Hyeju got to see it beforehand, she could orchestrate a better reaction when the time comes.

Before making her way out of her bedroom, she met her gaze once again in the full-body mirror on her door.  Although every strand of hair was in its right place and the outfit was tailored to her body just right, something still felt off.  She didn’t doubt that Heejin and any of their old friends would have compliments for how she looked regardless, but the anxious knots twisting and tightening in Hyeju’s core were about more than just appearance.

This was it.  Before she knew it, she would see Heejin dressed and decorated like an angel at the end of the aisle.  Before she knew it, they would be facing the beginning of the rest of their lives.  

Today everything between them would be made real.

That constricting feeling made its way into Hyeju’s throat as her breath caught and trembled in her chest.  Before a tear could form, she leapt for the doorknob and made her way out past the mirror and to the front door.  She snatched up her keys and the crumpled cardstock form that contained the address of the ceremony venue.

She threw herself into the driver’s seat, and suddenly the vertigo and stomach pain came back to Hyeju with a greater intensity.  However, she knew these ailments had no relation to how much she drank the night before.

She took a deep breath to ground herself, anchoring her fingers into the hair on the sides of her head.  She didn’t need to worry about fucking up today.  She wasn’t going to.  She would get through it.

Of course, the thought that broke through the nausea and rapid breathing was another memory of her.  

It was always her to Hyeju, wasn’t it?

~

“We can’t do this anymore.”

Heejin’s words echoed in Hyeju’s head, as if hearing them would be what convinced her it was real.

Heejin stared through the windshield, eyes wet, glossy, and red.  Her lips quivered and her hands were clasped tight together in her lap, nails pressing into her own skin.

Hyeju was parked in the parking lot of Heejin’s apartment complex.  She hoped one more evening together would stop Heejin from retreating and withdrawing like she had over the past few weeks.  That it would stop her fake smiles and anxious habits.  That Heejin would let Hyeju nurse and heal the doubts and fears that had been festering in her own heart.

But Heejin’s unwavering certainty—even through her trembling voice—left the two of them no choice but for this to be real.

Hyeju had once prided herself on always having a way with words when she needed to.  Why was her head empty in a time like this?  On second thought, no, it wasn’t empty, but rather too busy with “this can’t be happening” screaming over and over and over.  

What is there left to say in a time like this, when ending things was never your idea to begin with?  When the cute stubbornness that was once so charming manifests into this?

Hyeju was powerless watching as the unstoppable flood of HeeJin’s mind burst through wall after wall.  

“Hyeju, I told you, my mom saw one picture of us, and you know what she said?”  Her gaze stayed through the glass, her voice growing louder, more shrill, and more unsteady.  “She knew the person she saw wasn’t her daughter, because her daughter loved her too much to do something like that.  That girls who honor their parents, and were fucking sent to Catholic school, weren’t people like that.”

Her words were abruptly punctuated by guttural breaths as she continued, “I can’t- I’m not ready- I won’t be able to take that from them, Hyeju.  I know they’ve cut off people before, but I didn’t think it could be me?  I didn’t want to- I didn’t want to tell you this, but I asked them when I should come over for Chuseok this past year and they told me we weren’t meeting up as a family—being busy and all.  But it was on her fucking Facebook—all of them—my parents and my sisters and my grandparents.  They didn’t even let my sister tell me she got engaged!”

Heejin’s words stabbed at Hyeju, each syllable and every sob a new blow digging deeper and duller than the one before.  What hurt most was knowing that the pain piercing into her was just a fraction of Heejin’s.

Hyeju opted for silence, though she wished she could dream up and cultivate a universe for just the two of them with no pain and no reason to hide.  Maybe that’s what the sum of their moments together meant to Heejin, too.

Hyeju felt as though she blacked out when it was her turn to respond, disconnected from the unfolding scene as if it were some nightmarish phantom reality.  

“I understand,” was the first phrase of acceptance from Hyeju.  There was some form of “I’m sorry, for all of this.”  What she was apologizing for, she didn’t know.  With a curt nod and a poor attempt to force a smile, she assured something unpoetic like “thank you for the past two and a half years with me.”

Hyeju didn’t know how people healed from things like this, and always imagined their relationship was something more sacred—it wasn’t like those of other people.  It wasn’t like those of other people, so it couldn’t end like those of other people.  

At this point, Hyeju told herself that the heartbroken people before her could heal, surely she could too, and this hurt she felt would fade altogether for her too.  After a few weeks or maybe months, the hurt would be over.

One of Heejin’s wavering hands snaked its way into Hyeju’s.  The touch had always felt like home to her, but tonight it was deceptively soft and acutely corrosive.  Heejin squeezed Hyeju’s fingers.  Hyeju briefly caressed her hand with a swipe of thumb, with no intent but pained acknowledgement.  If this was really happening—and it was— she knew better than to offer affection for the sake of her own heart.

“I don’t think there will ever be a part of me able to love somebody like I’ve loved you.”  Heejin shook her head, offering a bittersweet smile.  “You’ve meant the world to me now, and you might be a piece of my world forever.”

She continued.  “I hope you find someone more deserving of someone like you soon.”  Heejin scoffed, as if the mood had suddenly become lighter.  “Hell, maybe invite me to your wedding.”

Hyeju wondered if, in another place in time, perhaps she could have been the family and the security and the affirmation that Heejin so desperately needed.  Perhaps there was an alternate realm where these fears would have never crossed her mind.

But here they both were, in the stillness of an old sedan, living a secret moment to be witnessed by no one but the stars tonight.  In the stifling silence between them was the truth: these were their last breaths shared together.  When the right side door opened and closed, and a raw emptiness occupied the seat next to Hyeju, it would all be over.

Heejin hesitantly lifted her gaze to meet Hyeju’s.  At one point, in a state of hurt, she would have pulled her partner into her embrace, wiped her tears, and held her until she forgot what was wrong.  But that ache was all too evident right now.

Heejin leaned toward her, eyes fluttering shut.  Hyeju turned her head regretfully, feeling the tenderness of Heejin’s lips on her jawline instead of her own.  The sweetness was a seething pain.

“Thank you, Heejin,” Hyeju mustered.  “But I think it’s best for you to go.”

She drove back that night with tears in her eyes and a ghost in the seat next to her that would follow her home.

~

WE ARE BLESSED TO INVITE YOU TO THE WEDDING OF

HEEJIN AND JINYOUNG

The words of the invitation still felt fake as Hyeju looked over the invitation yet again.  The thin card felt impossibly heavy in her hand.  After inputting the needed information into her GPS, she dropped the paper into the passenger seat as if it had a life of its own.

For a while now, Hyeju had known about him.  Jinyoung.  She was allowed to say his name, but somehow avoiding it made it seem more like an idea than a truth.

She just wasn’t ready—no, never could have prepared herself enough—for the possibility that there could be someone else defined in a way so formal and traditional and committal as this.  In marriage.

Of course Heejin would be able to find someone else, that wasn’t the issue.  But nothing described the defeat in knowing that someone else inherently possessed all the things you never could.  Checked all the other boxes.  Yielded a universal seal of approval.

Two years had passed since Heejin had broken their hearts together.  Hyeju hoped that someone else could occupy her mind within another two years’ time.

[mxtchalilies]

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶ WARM FOR THE HOLIDAYS !

—alternatively: "christmas shenanigans with some haikyuu boys"

—highlights: miya atsumu; ushijima wakatoshi; kuroo tetsuro; bokuto kotarou; suna rintaro

—word count total: approx. 600 words

—notes: fluff; gender neutral reader; uses of petnames; no proofread oops

—rimi's letter: about time i posted again. i wanna put something out for christmas but i was busy almost the whole week aaaa so have these poorly written drabbles rotting in my head

꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ ATSUMU is a man child and will take you out to go caroling around town. what do you expect from this man? no joke, he prepared for this starting from november—has mapped out every single response you may give and a counter argument to persuade you. osamu would've been joining but he whipped up the "who's gonna make christmas dinner?" excuse (smart move). atsumu happily grins as he drags you from house to house and starts singing without an ounce of care about the weird glances he might get. wants to prove to you he's a good singer. also wants to earn tips or treats for you, and beams when you guys actually get one. he'd also carol to you directly and only accept kisses as a valid tip.

꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ USHIJIMA wants to take you out to the christmas fairs! although he doesn't mind the ones in malls and whatnot, he prefers those fairs out on the open streets. he thinks it looks especially pretty during the evening with all the lights, booths, and designs highlighting the night. adores the way you look up at him all excited and giddy. he won't mind being dragged around to different shops, in fact he loves that you're enjoying yourself! honestly this man is just so whipped for you, he believes his greatest gift is you being with him. also, be careful with voicing out what you want. ushijima won't hesitate to spoil you rotten.

꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ KUROO asks to decorate the christmas tree with you solely because of one pick-up line he's dying to tell you. also because he's sweet, but it's the pick up line. he suggests you two spend time decorating weeks prior and you agreed. by christmas eve, the tree's already set up and kuroo comes in with a box filled with decor. you two start hanging ornaments around, sometimes stopping to wear the tinsel like a scarf. less than an hour passes and you're almost done... "kuroo, we're missing something. where's the star ornament?" he pretends to look around "you're the only star i see." you groan, though your heart skips a beat. "fine, we're placing the angel on top instead." "oh darling, we can't put you up there!"

꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ BOKUTO would definitely be looking forward to making a gingerbread house with you. in fact, suggest it to him and he'll be so happy. would literally go, "(NAME) WANTS TO MAKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE WITH ME!" the moment you asked. baking and decorating with him is messy but fun. he would be the type to boop frosting on your nose and grin all dopey because "oh no, you got some on you!" before leaning in to wipe it off. he'd leave you in the middle of doing the gingerbread house, not because he's bored, but because he suddenly has the urge to make two gingerbread people. claims 'it's us!' as he decorates it and adds that soon you'd live in your own gingerbread home together.

꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ SUNA spends all night parading around you with those mistletoe headband thingies. you know, the one so that there's a mistletoe hanging above the wearer and whoever they converse with. suna would trail behind you wearing that thing and demand for kisses every time you two would lock eyes. it gets to the point you had to set a 20 minute interval per kiss because the man took so much advantage of the mistletoe. a mistletoe menace. strangely enough gets a little more kissy and touchy than normal but it's honestly so cute. oh oh! and he also makes use of said mistletoe to take a picture on his phone of you two kissing. and yes, he sets it as his lockscreen.

! mxtchalilies, 2021. copying, stealing, editing, or using this work in any way without my permission is not allowed. reblogs and shares however, are much appreciated <3

[toloveawarlord]

Event: 25 Days of Christmas

Day 6: “ You’ve been playing the same song for over two hours.”

Pairing: Xiao x F!MC

Tagging: @chaosangel767​

A/N: I FINALLY HAVE INTERNET BACK! *cries happily* It was out for 10 whole days. So F Centurylink, ya know? But during my time unable to be distracted by the tv, I got a lot of stuff done! Including this fic!

Special Shoutout: This fic was cowritten by Berry! Thank you for helping bring Xiao the justice he deserves in fics!

Humans were undoubtedly strange.

Xiao enjoyed listening to her tales from the other worlds that she had visited before coming to Teyvat. He found the similarities between these faraway places and his own world intriguing. MC also liked to share her favorite traditions and holidays that she once shared with her brother, ones adopted from many of their destinations.

This one was confusing to the adeptus. "They cut down a tree, size not consistent, and they place small items and lights on its branches while it decays in their home?"

"Well, yes." MC tried to swallow her laughter at his well-intended but slightly misconstrued understanding. She once held his same confusion. It seemed illogical to praise a tree.

Xiao continued to observe her putting homemade charms on the branches. "Why?"

A hard question to answer.

“Because... it brings them joy.”

Simple. Concise.

MC took a step back to admire her work. Something wasn’t quite right. The ache in her chest reminded her of what was missing. Her brother, out there somewhere... Was he thinking of her this time of year? Did the memories of their time-shared decorating a tree while they recanted stories of old come flooding back to him too?

“I see.” Xiao sensed her sorrow. Since growing closer, he’d come to understand how much her family meant to her, a concept he’d had little cognizance of. Until recently, it seemed. How fond of her he’d become. A human. If she were to disappear, Xiao would be consumed with emotions he thought himself incapable of feeling.

It was the action of doing an activity with someone loved that made it special, not the act within itself.

“Like this then?” The adeptus slipped the ribbon tied to a glittering bobble over the branch with careful movements. He was most pleased to see the dark cloud hanging over her dissipate, leaving in its place a radiant and warm smile, like the sun that watched over the days.

“Yes. You can hang them anywhere you like.” She came back to life. Making new memories with Xiao would comfort her heart. He had a hard time understanding humans, but he tried so hard for her, and MC adored that about him. No matter how much he claimed he was removed from human feelings, a new experience such as this...

He resembled a child learning of the magic of the holiday for the very first time.

All the decorations were placed on the branches, little trinkets collected in her travels that were reminders of all the places and people who had crossed her path and touched her heart. Whether very close friends, or grateful strangers who’d she’d saved or helped, it was all displayed on the tree. A map of her time in Teyvat.

“It’s traditional to place a glowing star on the very top, is it not?”

Her head swiveled at his question. MC had talked a lot about the traditions of this holiday, and it had taken her and her brother several years in that world to grasp and remember all of them. “Yes, but I couldn’t find a suitable replacement.”

Xiao nodded his head. “Boss pulled a favor with a smith. I had this made for you.” From the drawer in the desk, the adeptus pulled out a square box, tied with a beautiful green ribbon.

“Xiao-” She was at a loss for words. Her heart swelled at the gesture. It meant the absolute world to her that he’d made such an effort on her behalf. Tugging the ribbon off, inside the box was a metal star and set in the center was a luminescent core giving off a soft glow. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

Much to his surprise the smile he was hoping to see on her came accompanied by welling up tears. Such a contradiction – the words she spoke carried notes of happiness, yet she chose to express them through crying. His gloved hand reached up, fingers glossing over the corner of MC’s eye. “It’s alright to be both happy and sad all at once,” Xiao said, both of his palms cupping her face. Then the gathered tears stained down her cheeks. His thumbs brushed them away gently. “You’re welcome to confide all your feelings in me.”

He was truly too good to her.

“I—” it became hard to form all those emotions into words. The way he made her feel… “I don’t know what to say. There’s too much.”

“Then say nothing,” there was a certain clearance deep within the pools of her golden eyes that allowed him to read everything that had been left unspoken. A great whirlwind he was yet to fully comprehend. Somewhere along the line it had dawned on Xiao that her showing this kind of vulnerability around him granted him a peculiar warmth in the place of usual karmic pain. And it was not… certainly not unpleasant.

As MC struggled to find her voice, Xiao reached towards the tree and plucked one of the ribbons from it to tie it into her hair. He wasn’t quite sure what he had been expecting – however a fit of laughter wasn’t on the list of his predictions. And that’s what she gave him – a sound as pure and melodic as the one played by the bells she had hung on the branches.

“You were supposed to dress the tree, not me!”

“It suits you.”

A smile peeked shyly from the veil of already drying tears. I want to do that again with you next year, he thought. What a bizarre sentiment. When did he get so… So maudlin? In that regard, no archon possessed the same might as MC did.

“Then I shall leave it on. I’ll wear it with pride! Now, can you help me put the star on? I want to see it on top of our tree.”

Our. Three letters swirling around Xiao’s head as if blown by a sudden gust of wind. A tree taken from its home amidst the forest, put in a stuffy room for humans’ enjoyment, withering away with every day. It should be sacrilegious. Ugly. But ‘our tree’ sounded beautifully surreal.

Next year. And a year after that. I don’t mind doing this with you.

[wisconsinwarlock]

16, 21, 23, 28, 39, 44, 68, 79, 83, 92, 100

Please and thank you 💖

Thanks so much for asking! ☺️

16. What’s your favorite feature of yours?

I like my eyes. They aren’t very big most of the time, but they’re expressive. And the color is nice.

21. What’s the stupidest fight you’ve ever gotten into?

I’m not very confrontational, but when I think I’m right, it’s generally because I’ve got good reason. That said - I think the stupidest fight was the one I wound up in about driving in Canterbury. I say “I wound up in” because I tried to do my best to provide guidance, based on what the map was telling me, and it fell on an increasingly agitated audience. I’m glad that we stopped and parked the car, because it would have been awful to have a marriage last only five days.

23. What’s your dream date?

Maybe I’m kind of simple this way, but I just want to spend pleasant time with someone I adore. Maybe get a hotel room downtown wherever, so neither of us feels like we have to pick up or attend to other menial chores - have a little home away from home, preferably somewhere we can walk to wherever we care to be. Go wander through the art museum. Go window shopping (or maybe actual shopping) on the nearby pedestrian mall. Have a couple of really good meals at new places. Go see a show later that evening. Take some dessert back to the room, then forget about it completely and make joyful, passionate love to each other. Drift off to sleep in each other’s arms, exhausted and happy. Wake up to each other’s smiles.

28. What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

I think the one that happens now, year after year, that I really like, is decorating the Christmas tree. We get the ornaments out, and they’re all unique, like the flying cupcake, or the skiing chicken, or the miniature plush Union Jack, and it’s like meeting up with old friends again. Doesn’t matter if we’re in town to celebrate or traveling to visit family elsewhere - the tree always gets a proper decoration job.

39. What non-sexual touch affects you the most?

Hugs are awesome. Comforting and sweet.

44. Do you have a favorite quote?

I’m not sure that I do; I never remember quotes as quotes very long or who said them, and they don’t come to mind when I’m trying to gauge how to act. But “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted” is one that I think is true.

68. What are you craving right now?

Kisses and hugs from an amazing woman. And her involuntary exhalations when I kiss her just so in the right spots.

79. Do you like surprises?

I like pleasant surprises. Being told my transmission needs replacement or one of my cats has cancer - not so much. Someone got me a present just because? That’s awesome.

83. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? (or other accessory if you don’t wear any)

I think it has to be my wedding ring. It’s got an unending circle of ivy pattern that everyone has nice comments about. And it’s pretty much the only piece I’ve been wearing continuously since I got it. Other pieces come and go, but this one is forever. Which is kind of the point.

92. What book world would you live in if given the opportunity?

Put me in the Lord of the Rings, particularly in Hobbiton. Assuming I could get a place that’s sized appropriately. That just seems like a pleasant place to be.

100. What’s one of your fondest memories?

I have a little GIF that I can play in my mind that always makes me warmly nostalgic. When I was sixteen, on December 18, my family and I went downtown to have dinner at the White Horse Inn (which was to my teenage brain the height of sophistication, and even today I realize was pretty damn nice), and then we went across the street to the Civic Center to see a performance of the Nutcracker. When we came outside afterward, it was snowing, and apparently had been since not long after we went in. Big fluffy flakes, and it was quiet the way snowfall just makes so. My mental image of the snow falling, at the close of a fun evening, is that GIF.

[genesisrose74]

Christmas with the Karasuno Boys (HC’s)!!

Part 1: Daichi, Suga, Asahi, Nishinoya, Tanaka, & Ennoshita

Part 2 (Kageyama, Hinata, Tsukishima, Yamaguchi, Kinoshita, & Narita) here!!

A/n: Tumblr said my word count was too much so I’m splitting this bad boi up into two parts :p Enjoy!!

*****

Daichi

A huge romantic during Christmas, 10/10 quality cliche times spent together

You wanna go ice skating? Hell yeah sweetheart, he will make it the most beautifully romantic thing you’ve ever seen

Like straight out of a holiday postcard type beat

Istg the rink he takes you to looks like a more heartwarming version of Rockefeller Center

He’s a big keeper of tradition when it comes to making plans, but doesn’t mind a bit of nonsense fun when everything falls into place

Which is why you love to bring the team along on adventures because they make everything all the more entertaining

At first he’s confused like ??? You don’t have to do that just if they’ve been pestering you about it

But then he realizes you care as much about them as he does (hint: a hell of a lot) and they’re thus invited along for some stuff

Of course y’all also get some quality time together on dates with just you both

Anyways you and Daichi have talked a lot about traveling and how he was really interested in seeing new places

So as his gift you got him a carved map with a roll of red string and thumbtacks, so that he could plan out all the places he wanted to visit

You know how when Kiyoko found the “Fly” banner for Karasuno and all the boys cried?

Yeah

Like that but with lots more hugging and laughing

“You know you’re gonna have to help with mapping this out, right?”

“Is that an invitation I hear?”

“Oh, that’s a promise”

FJSFJDSK ALEXA PLAY AMERICAN BOY BY ESTELLE—

Please I love him; he is so damn sly and sassy I will die with this headcanon

Sugawara

I swear on everything that Christmas with him is equivalent to a Hallmark movie

It smells like joy and warmth wherever he is, and this season only amplifies it

He is such a cheeseball without even having to try

But it’s in the really endearing and heart-melting way,,, just MMM PERFECT

He’ll take you on a walk through those neighborhoods with those crazy light decorations in the front yard and buy you hot chocolate

If he sees a group of little kids gaping at all the lights, he’ll leave them starry-eyed with stories of magic, reindeer, Santa and so-forth

“You know, I’ve heard that Rudolph’s nose is supposed to be brighter than the world’s most powerful Christmas light”

Good heavens, children absolutely adore this man

Anyways he’ll make it a little game as y’all walk around this beautifully lit neighborhood, both of you with a different assortment of bingo squares printed on paper

First one to bingo chooses a movie to watch after getting back to Suga’s house

Will wrap a big fluffy blanket around you both and pull you into his chest while watching the movie

For his gift, you got a star named after him

It’s because y’all alway go stargazing for dates every month, just to sit out, talk and cuddle

Suga gave you the SOFTEST look after opening your gift and this cute little card you made 🥺

“Lets go try to find my new favorite star”

PLEASE HE IS SO SWEET

“Right now? Koushi it’s 11:30 pm”

“Just for ten minutes, and then I’ll get you home”

So y’all spend the rest of Christmas Eve on his roof, sipping warm tea and attempting to locate Star Suga

Asahi

Cuddle bear alert ‼️‼️

It’s basically hibernation time for him, because he’s not the biggest fan of cold

That’s alright with you though 😌 more coziness for you

Lots of quality moments indoors means more creative dates

A whole day devoted to chill present wrapping? Hell fuckin’ yeah

Nice music, pretty wrapping paper, shiny bows, maybe a little Christmas rom-com playing in the back — the whole shebang

You find out pretty quickly that despite how it sounds, it’s actually quite a satisfying and enjoyable pastime

Practically had to drag him out of your living room to secretly wrap his own gift

As much as he’s the king of timidity and soft™, he can be very playfully stubborn when he’s comfortable, hence why he was such an ass to get out of the room

I have no doubt that Asahi would melt for the most adorable, cheesy shit

So you not only bought him some really reliable headbands for volleyball use, but you also made a little coupon booklet

He can basically cash in paper promises for certain things, like getting to choose the next date idea, picking a movie to watch without any objection, having you make his favorite food, etc.

There’s one that he can exchange for a full out spa day trip, because good heavens he’s a sucker for those

Massage and exfoliation and everything — it makes him feel ✨refreshed✨

He was ecstatic fam, I don’t even know what to say

Like a puppy who just got a bunch of toys and a new backyard to play

Mans cashes in one almost immediately, and at first you’re confused

Like it’s Christmas time bubs, what are we gonna be able to do when most places are closed and it’s the holidays?

Then you read the paper

“Free hug (can be used and renewed <3)”

GIVE HIM HIS DAMN HUGS RIGHT NOW

He uses that one a lot throughout the upcoming days, to the point where he just keeps the paper on him for fun

“You realize you can just ask me silly, you don’t need to keep carrying the coupon around”

“Yeah, but it’s entertaining”

Cute little cheeky bastard

Nishinoya

LOVES LOVES LOVES CHRISTMAS

You know the 12 Days of Christmas? The song??

He gets you a small present EVERY DAY for all 12 days

Not to mention he has a big present that he saves for the actual holiday

Y’all are the type of couple to get ice cream in the middle of winter

Nishi loves his cold snacks any time of year, and you’ve thus picked up a similar taste

He will consistently pester you about what kind of present you got him

Gets pouty when you don’t tell him, but in the back of his mind he’s glad because it would ruin the surprise

Anything you get him instantly becomes his most prized gift tho

It could be a literal rock with googly eyes and he’d put it in a protective glass case for preservation

But of course you get him something better than that because he only deserves the best

He’s got this specific assortment of products to maintain his spiky hair and to make sure it’s healthy, but they’re pretty expensive to buy when he runs out

When he tore open your present’s decorative wrapping to discover a huge basket of basically every hair product he ever needed, he got wide-eyed

There was also a booklet of little notes you’d kept throughout the month that listed all the little things you noticed and adored about your precious boyfriend

He nearly CRIED reading them

“Baby, you didn’t have to do all that for me”

“You act like you don’t deserve all of it and more, Nishi”

Refuses to leave your side after that

Holding your hand, hugging you as tight as he can, etc.

He is head over heels idc idc

Tanaka

Another man who is obsessed with the holiday season and everything that comes with it

He is the biggest sap for this shit istg

Will spend hours trying to get you the best present of all time

And he succeeds exceptionally

Mistletoe? He’s got an ABUNDANCE on hand at any time, just to make sure he can get fair share of his kissies 🥰

His signature beanie appears in full force during winter

Sometimes you’ll pull it over his eyes before giving him a peck on the cheek and dashing off in the school halls

“I’ll see you after school, babe!”

Speech = jumbled + incomprehensible

“Uh hUh, you do that~”

He’s: adorable

I just know that he melts for really sweet and thought-out gifts

Like anything you give him he’ll adore, don’t get me wrong, but the ones done with special care and love are just his kryptonite

He brought you into a massive bear hug and spun you around when he opened a photo book of old pictures taken together, complete with lots of cute messages and anecdotes written alongside them

You and Saeko may have also gone in on another present for him without his knowledge

And on Christmas Eve, you dragged a curious Tanaka into his front yard to the sight of a shiny motorbike

It was Saeko’s old one that she’d held onto for a while, and an old schoolmate offered to fix it up nice in time for the holiday at a discount, so y’all decided to divvy up the lowered price and got it done for Ryu

Sweet boy was taken aback, with his hands clapped over his mouth and everything

Saeko patted him on the back as he stood there in shock, giving her baby brother a sweet smile

“All yours, little bro!”

Ya, Saeko fucking loves you 😌 and so does Tanaka

Overall very lovely, would cry to be loved by the Tanaka siblings

Ennoshita

After spending past Decembers with his fellow second year classmates (namely, the very enthusiastic Noya and Tanaka), he’s grown to know quite a bit about the different holiday events that go on around town

Still, Ennoshita is a pretty simplistic guy and is content with simply spending time with you

So when you recommended going to pick a Christmas tree out for your place together, he’s totally down

As long as he gets to help decorate too ☺️

Y’all end up picking a beauty of a tree ngl

It’s SO TALL

And a super stronk friend — fit for the most heavy duty of ornaments

It takes some damn work to get that bad boi inside and upright after driving back to your house

But like hell did that stop you

Now that it was all set up, sturdy, and given plenty of water, decorations were brought into the equation that same night

No rest until it’s all set up and looking mighty beautiful

Okay maybe some coffee breaks in between, but other than that the grind don’t stop ✋😤

Ennoshita is an expert at making Christmas trees look absolutely immaculate

Idk if it’s because he’s had to deal with cleaning up disorder for a while now?

Looking at you, ya second year loons

He just has the touch, fam

He’ll of course let you have input on which light colors, what type of ornaments, and so on

But honestly it’s really fun seeing him fully concentrated on making your tree the best it can be

He lets you on his shoulders to put on the tree topper 🥺

For his gift, Ennoshita really loves books, so you decided to get him 12 different (hardcover!!) stories — one for each month in a year

Along with a small sticky-note blurb on the covers of each to explain why you chose it, and to give similar title recommendations if he ends up enjoying

He was so surprised with how thoughtful and extensive it was

Loved it so much that he immediately started to read the first one, with you sat in his lap

“Chikara, you realize you’re meant to start this one in January?”

“Shh, I’m getting a head start”

[anothertimdrakestan]

Damijon Christmas Present!

FOR THE DAMIJON SECRET SANTA I HAD... @nymph-patt

dear nymph:

hi love! i haven’t written in a fat minute and i’m a little rusty so bear with me hehehe. i hope you have a wonderful holiday season! all my love -elle!

I’ve got a fluff christmas fic and a lil headcanon for ya! 

Merry Stress-mas

“You can’t plan Christmas like a battle strategy Dami,” Jon groaned as Damian wheeled a whiteboard into their living room. “Actually, I’ve found it to be quite similar. Pay attention Kent, I know sticking to the plan has never been your strong suit.” Damian’s foot was tapping like crazy, Jon noted his clear anxiousness- needless to say Damian wasn’t the holiday type. Makes it a million times harder when it’s your first Christmas together as a couple. 

*super-couple. 

Jon gasped as Damian flipped the whiteboard like a school teacher, revealing meticulously drawn out plans mapped in expo-marker. “We start with my family, we stay until Jason is ten shots in, after that Christmas always becomes a nightmare so we head out. With your super speed it’ll be only an 14 minutes 37 second trip to your family where we stay for the majority of the night. At the end you rush us back to Gotham to console Dick after Bat-Christmas fails as always. Our emergency word is tyrannosaurus should anything go wrong at the drop we flee. Any questions?” Damian was flying through the plans, pointing at bulleted lists and analyzing possible flaws. 

Jon took a deep breath, a smile creeping over his face. “I didn’t think you’d care so much about our first Christmas together with our families, it’s kind of sweet.” Lazily he reached for Damian, clinging to his back while Dami shook his head, mumbling as he edited the board. “Not really our first Christmas Kent and I definitely do not care about family tt,” Jon didn’t reply, he just smiled into the crook of Damian’s neck.

“Our suits bring down our aerodynamic potential so I’ve taken the liberty of adjusting our arrival time to 15 minutes 43 seconds. Does that sound accurate?” Jon hummed in response as he straightened Damian’s tie, it was already perfect but he’d take any excuse to get closer to Dami. “Ready my love?” Jon glanced at Damian who was checking his watch. “Yes.” Damian responded, absent mindedly clasping Jon’s hand as they made their way to the mansion. 

“DAMI’S HERE!” Steph’s screech announced. She was hanging off the banister as she stole popcorn pieces from the massive tree. “Wonderful- Miss Brown I must ask you don’t eat the decorations tonight, have some festivity,” Alfred shook his head as he made his way to Jon. “Magnificent of you to join us Master Kent, I assume you will also be heading to your family’s festivities as well?” Jon opened his mouth but Damian answered first. “Yes Pennyworth, we plan on just saying for hors devours,” his curt reply brought a knowing smile to Alfred’s lips. “Always planned with you Master Damian,” his accent was playful making Jon chuckle. 

Dick descended the stairs, Damian groaned at his bright green and red striped suit, Jon couldn’t help but laugh either. “Hellllooo super boyfriends! Are-You-Readyyyy-For-Tonight!” Dick practically skipped towards the two, pulling them into a tight hug before Damian could slip away. “We won’t be long Grayson we must attend the Kent family Christmas too,” Damian nodded curtly, shifting closer to Jon who got the message and moved forward into the living room. 

“Actually, where are all the bat-siblings? And where did Steph run off to?” Jon noticed no one was around but Alfred who was preparing something delicious in the kitchen. Dick began chuckling, a devilish smile spreading across his face. “Oh, everyone is down in the batcave. C’mon.” Damian looked taken-aback but Jon was never to shocked by batfamily-antics. 

The two followed Dick to the secret door. “Now, we heard from a little super birdy [Dick winked at Jon who was now openly grinning] that you were a little nervous about having to deal with two Christmas’ this year, so we felt it’d be easier for everyone if we just-” Dick popped open the door to a winter wonderland of a batcave. A large table was put out, filled with their family members. “Merry Christmas!” A chorus of laughter broke out as Damian’s jaw dropped. 

At the table were the batfam, Kents, and even a couple speedsters littered around. All were laughing and smiling at one another. It was the biggest family gathering Jon has seen ever. “No need for crazy plans my love, just enjoy tonight with everyone,” Jon whispered to Damian as he scanned the room. “I- How did you- Thank you,” Damian settled on the last words of praise for the wonderful man who made every single day better. “No need for thanks, I’d get you the world if you wanted it, but for now let’s have a very Merry Christmas!” Jon took off towards his family and Damian would help but feel the corners of his lips betray him with a smile. Heart full he made his way down to his family.

“JASON DO NOT FLIRT WITH KARA SHE’S OFF LIMITS!”

“WALLY DID YOU EAT ALL THE COOKIES ALREADY?”

“BRUCE, CLARK, STOP FIGHTING OVER WHO GOT THE OTHER THE BETTER GIFT. YOU’RE BOTH RICH!”

very merry indeed. 

~

Okay so I haven’t absorbed much batfam content at all for weeks so hopefully my spin on the HC is still cute : )

I don’t think Jon gets enough credit for how observant he is. 

Too often Jon is forgotten, the second super boy, the sidekick, the boyfriend, the man who left everyone for space. 

It’s true, technically. But Jon is so keen at reading those around him, especially the un-readable Damian Wayne that I would argue it’s a super skill in of itself.

He gets it from his mother you know, Superman was always a little dense, but, though no one believes it, he always had Lois to help him out. Too often the quieter, smarter, more analytical side gets forgotten and that’s no different with Jon. His friends don’t see the way he checks up on them, taking in their facial expressions and reading them to know the right thing to say at the right time to help them out. They don’t realize he spent whole days memorizing their heart beats and their breaths to know if they’re ever in peril. And they don’t see the way he looks at them so fondly, beyond grateful they’re in his life.

Lois sees it.

She saw it when Jon met Damian. 

A young boy mesmerized by the wittiness and strength in the human boy. The greatest irony, the Superboy more human than the murder weapon now called “Robin”. But the two hit it off almost instantly- though Damian may not agree to that last bit. 

Lois knew Jon adored Damian, every deep red was “Robin Red” every Wayne Ent. building they walked past brought up stories of his adventures with the youngest Wayne, every Justice League trip meant begging for his dad to send him to Gotham for the weekend while he was out. He was young, but Lois knew a pair of soulmates when she saw them. 

There were these nights when they were teens. Jon would burst out of bed and rush to his mother. He never needed to say anything. There was this look in his eyes, Damian needs me. “Go” she’d always whisper, pressing a quick kiss to his forehead thinking back to when Clark would do the same for her. 

She remembers the frantic December weeks Jon spent toiling on Damian’s Christmas gift. “What do I give a trillionaire who has the world?” Jon would whine and mope around the house for any semblance of inspiration. 

Your heart Jon, all he wants is your love. Lois always thought to herself, she was quite aware of the two boy’s growing infatuation with each other, her husband was always slower in the “feelings” department and if he was slow she imagined Bruce was a damn sloth. So, she let the boys feel safe in her presence. Damian slowly spent more time at her home when Clark was out, she grew to have a sort of friendship with Damian. He’d comment on whatever news article she recently wrote, endure a three second reply and be on his way. She was always astounded at how up to date he was on all her pieces. 

Lois was always proud of the love Jon showed Damian. She’d be the first to tell Bruce he needed to hug his damn kids, but there was a special kind of caring Jon held only for Damian. A love woven only for the two of them. Like an invisible string linking them no matter where in the universe the other was at, there was a friendship, a kindness, a passion, a love.

Overtime, Jon’s analysis of Damian led him to his own feelings. And over an even longer period of time Damian discovered his own. Jon never stopped caring, he never stopped worrying, and he never stopped loving. 

Those, are the parts of Superman that Damian, and the world, need most. 

~

Merry Christmas! <3

[cacoetheswriting]

christmas alphabet - spencer reid

a/n: request: this is just fluff, no warnings in place. enjoy!! 

A = After Dark (a date after dark? late night cuddles? surprise mistletoe?)

On cold winter evenings, when Spencer is not travelling for work, the two of you like to cuddle up on the coach under a fluffy blanket. A cup of hot chocolate in hand; with an even number of marshmallows each. The night is either spent discussing both of your days in detail or watching old Christmas classics, like Miracle on 34th Street for example. 

B = Baking (how does baking sweets go? for or with someone?)

The brunette doctor is skilled at literally anything he sets his mind to, but baking is not his forte. The kitchen always ends up a huge mess, and whatever concoction he was attempting is dangerous to eat. However, Spencer enjoys baking with you. Together you make a quite the team and the gingerbread cookies are a big hit with the rest of his team.

C = Cold (it’s cold out! how do they react to the freezing winter air? does someone else help with fighting the cold?)

Spencer enjoys the lower temperatures, they’re a nice contrast to sunny stuffy Las Vegas where he grew up. You on the other hand struggle with the crispy icy air and often find yourself stealing his scarf for extra warmth when you’re out and about. 

D = Date (christmas date! how is it asked? where do they go?)

You ask the brunette agent to go ice-skating with you. Spencer is reluctant at first but you hold onto him tight and any fears wash away. You whirl together around the rink in slow circles, simply enjoying the moment. 

E = Evening Dance (a night at a ball? or maybe just silly dancing in the kitchen?)

Spencer catches you one wintery morning humming along to Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley. He gently takes your hand in his and the two of you slowly sway around the living room.

F = Fireplace (how do they spend their time by the fire? hang stockings? fall asleep on each other?)

The two of you bought stockings with your initials, a lovely red pair with a fuzzy top. Since there is no fireplace at your place Spencer hung them underneath your mounted television. And whenever you feel like cozying up on the coach together you simply turn on a ten-hour fireplace video on YouTube.

G = Grateful (how grateful are they to spend time with others? enjoy being alone or with others?)

The hazel-eyed doctor is extremely grateful to spend time with you, not only over the holidays. While he likes the occasional meet-up with his team for after work drinks at their favourite bar, Spencer definitely prefers spending time with you alone. He's loves comfortable company more than anything.

H = Hosting Family (how does family work? are they invited to others, or stay with their s/o?)

While Spencer would love to spend Christmas with his mom, his unpredictable hours don’t usually allow him to make set plans. Therefore instead you decide that you will spend the holidays with your family, and if by chance he is free to join he will. 

I = Invitation (a sudden invitation comes up! what’s it for? how do they react?)

An invitation arrives for dinner with his team and their loved ones on a faithful Saturday in December. Of course Spencer asks you to accompany him; he wouldn't have it any other way. You’ve met his friends before so you shouldn't be nervous, but yet for some reason you were. This occasion felt different somehow. More intimate. 

J = Just In Time (the present arrives just barely in time! how do they rush up to hand it to them? do they wait for the perfect time?)

Spencer spent weeks trying to decide what to get you for Christmas. Nothing he thought of seemed right. You weren’t a material person, which is one of your many qualities he adored. He wanted your present to be thoughtful, he wanted something meaningful. About a week before the holidays, he came across a website that sold customisable star maps. He ordered one then and there - a map that showcased the stars the night you first met.  

K = Kiss (how do they react to a kiss? flustered? happy? surprised?)

When Spencer first kissed you it was gentle, almost timid. As if he was afraid to fully let himself go. Now when he kisses you he does so with all his might and immense passion. He cups your face with his hands and pulls you in as close as humanly possible. 

L = Lights (christmas lights are important! how do they hang them? around the house? on the tree? outside? what kind of shenanigans go on?)

The brunette agent had given you a key to his apartment. One night in late November he comes home after working a case to find you already there, tangled in a rope of lights. You tried to surprise him by slightly decorating his place for the holidays, but instead found yourself entwined. Spencer can’t help but chuckle at the sight. He sets off to help you; after taking a picture to commemorate this precious moment.

M = Mistletoe (how do they react to suddenly being placed under a mistletoe with their crush/lover?)

He gets flustered at first, mainly because you’re in public and everyone is watching. But the second your lips brush against his the whole world dissolves and he gets completely lost in you. 

N = Naughty or Nice? (how has your character been this past year? are they a trickster or a good of heart?)

Definitely good of heart. Spencer is one of the kindest people you have ever met. He’s caring, he always puts you first and stops at nothing to make you happy. The only time you could describe him as naughty would be in bed.

O = Opening Presents (how do they react to opening presents?)

Eagerly, although very neatly. Even though he is extremely excited to see what you got him, the hazel-eyed doctor rips off the wrapping paper so precisely that it is actually good to reuse.  

P = Packaging (wrapping presents is never easy. how do they fair?)

Packing presents with Spencer is just as organised. All the pieces of the festive wrapping paper are a perfect size for each gif and the ribbon is measured before cut to the correct length; so that there is no waste. 

Q = Question (how do they confess? is it the big question, or something smaller but just as intimate?)

“Y/N?” Spencer catches your attention. You look up from the book in your lap and meet his honey gaze. “Yes?” “How would you feel about spending next years holiday in a cabin somewhere? Just the two of us?” A smile spread across your facial features. “I thought you didn't like to plan that far ahead, especially around Christmas time.” You teased. He smiled back at you. “I don’t, but with you I can break a few of my rules.”  

R = Relaxing (how do they relax with their s/o? the best ways? the cutest?)

Watching Christmas movies, cooking, discussing various topics, or sitting in comfortable silence and reading. Simply enjoying each others company. 

S = Snow (how do they like the snow?)

Spencer likes to share uncommon facts about the snow; more than the weather phenomenon itself. “Snow is actually translucent, not white.” The brunette doctor chimed as the two of you looked out the window admiring the first snowfall of the season. “It’s the light reflected off a snowflake’s faceted surface that creates its white appearance.” 

T = Tree (how do they decorate their tree?)

Gold fairy lights intertwined with a simple white wreathe hung loosely around the Christmas tree at your apartment. Mixed between the more traditional-looking gold bobbles were various fancier ornaments that reminded both of you of your relationship, such as: a stack of books,  R2-D2, fast food items, gin bottle, a coffee cup. 

U = Undying Love (how did they fall in love? what was the real moment they found out?)

Your constant smile and positive outlook on life, not to mention your delicate beauty, lured Spencer in right from the start. He fell for you hard and pretty early into your relationship. And now not a day goes by where he doesn't tell you just how much he loves you.  

V = Villa (how is it in their house? festive? normal? candles?)

Apart from the decorations you had plopped around, the doctors apartment remains normal. The two of you have focused more of your time and energy decorating your place - from the living room to the kitchen and bedroom, there is even a miniature Santa in the bathroom. 

W = Wish (what is their biggest wish for the coming year? or in general?)

Spencers biggest wish for the coming year would be to keep evolving in this relationship with you. He hopes to grow even closer with you, learn more about you and explore the world with you (if he ever gets the time off work). 

X = eXcitement (general excitement about christmas? love it? hate it?)

He’s excited because you’re excited. Seeing you so happy around the holiday season warms his heart and he hopes he’ll get to cherish these moments with you for years to come. 

Y = You (how does their s/o react to them being beautiful? handsome? to them in general in the christmas season? how in love are they?)

The brunette doctor constantly reminds you how perfect you are. Whether you’re dressed up for an evening at the bar with friends or simply sitting on the sofa in a matching wintery pyjama set, Spencer will be sure to point out just how beautiful you look. You of course do the same. There is something about hearing you say how handsome he looks that makes his heart skip a beat. 

Z = Zzzz… (how do they sleep? lots of blankets? none? cuddled closely to their loved one?)

Wrapped up in a large duvet and blankets mainly because you get cold during the night. Spencer’s arm is placed gently yet firmly around you. He holds you close, quietly snoring into the crook of your neck. 

-

masterlist