#we went over that. i told her everything i just told you

[pathologicalreid]

christmas (baby please come home) | s.r.

in which Spencer isn't home to put his kids to bed on Christmas Eve, but they wake up to a surprise on Christmas morning

who? spencer reid x fem!reader category: fluff content warnings: spencer's first post prison christmas, frankensteined the plot of "surface tension", the same family as "here with me", crying, christmas word count: 3.19k a/n: merry christmas!! this is kinda like my gift to you, mostly since it's been sitting in my brain for forever!!!!!!! i love u all! also happy first day of hanukkah if you celebrate <33

“But Daddy’s not home,” your daughter whimpered as she shuffled under her covers, she looked up at you with wide, curious eyes.

You carefully smoothed out the top of her floral comforter, “I know, baby,” you whispered, reaching up to pinch her cheek affectionately. You’d let them stay up late to watch the Santa tracker, but eventually, Finn fell asleep on you, and Livvy’s yawns were enough to convince you that it was bedtime. “You still have to go to sleep. Santa will come whether Daddy’s home or not, and we’ll just do the gifts from Mommy and Daddy when he gets back.”

At three years old, Olivia was beginning to understand Spencer being gone the same way Eleanor did; she knew his absence was entirely out of her control, and that didn’t sit well with your middle child. You knew you had gotten incredibly lucky when Spencer had been home for Finn’s birthday and Livvy’s had fallen during his sabbatical, but you also knew that you were due for a missed holiday, you just wished it could’ve been Thanksgiving or New Year’s.

You kissed her forehead before leaving, making sure to leave the door open a crack so the monsters wouldn’t get her before you went to Nell’s room. “Hey, honey,” you whispered, closing your eldest’s door behind you before going to sit on the edge of her bed. She had her own Christmas tree set up in the corner of the room, the artificial purple tree providing the glow that her nightlight normally would. “Are you ready for bed?”

Nell was lying on top of her covers, staring at her still ceiling fan as she ignored your question. While Livvy was just starting to understand what it meant when Spencer was gone, Nell understood it best, and she had for years now. She’d understood when Spencer was in prison, and she understood that he was missing Christmas now.

Slowly, you laid down next to your daughter, propping your head up on the bed and smoothing her hair back. “It’s still Christmas,” you tried to reassure her, but part of you knew that it was a thankless effort, there was nothing you could tell her that would fix her father’s absence. “We can call Dad in the morning while we open presents,” you offered, hoping she’d appreciate you coming halfway. “If he’s not busy, maybe we can video chat, and you can show him everything Santa brought you.”

“It’s not the same,” she told you, furrowing her brows and turning away from you on the bed.

Sighing, you pressed a kiss to the back of her head, “I know, Nellie. I know it’s not fair that he doesn’t get to be here for Christmas, but Daddy will come back.” There was a sense of urgency in your voice; you were afraid that if your five-year-old lost the joy in Christmas, you’d somehow failed her as a mother. “He’ll be home for your birthday, I promise,” you whispered.

“You can’t promise,” she reminded you, knowing that you and Spencer were generally very specific about your promises, leaning toward the ‘I promise I’ll try’ variety.

You hummed in response, “I’d pinky promise you that. Dad will be home for your birthday.” You held up your pinky finger, waiting for her to roll over and reciprocate.

Eleanor rolled over, holding up her pinky finger while brown eyes watched you apprehensively, “Okay,” she breathed, hooking your fingers together and kissing them.

As soon as Spencer told you about the bureau’s contingency to him returning to the BAU, you’d done the math. Eleanor’s sixth birthday would fall near the beginning of his next sabbatical, so you didn’t hesitate to make this promise. “It’s time for bed, my girl,” you whispered, smiling at her softly as she pulled the sleeves of her Christmas pajamas over her hands. “Santa can’t come if you’re not asleep,” you reminded her, sitting up on the bed and getting up, tucking her purple comforter under her chin before you made your final stop of the night.

You’d brought Finn to his room before getting the girls settled, but now that you knew they were alright, you came back to his room. The white noise machine was going, and he was fast asleep in his crib. His pacifier, which you were trying to wean him off of, had fallen from his mouth and onto the sheets, so you set it to the side. To you, the second Christmas was always more exciting than the first, now that he was fourteen months old, he had the dexterity to help open presents.

Ruffling his hair, you kissed him goodnight, just like you’d done with the girls, and you left his room, closing the door so that no one would disturb the light-sleeping baby.

There was a late night ahead of you, but first, you settled yourself onto the couch in the living room and pulled out your phone. Upon opening your messages with Spencer, you couldn’t help but be disappointed to find that there was nothing unread. You thought about sending him a text telling him that you all miss him but eventually decided against it. You didn’t want to make him feel guilty. At least, no more guilty than he likely already did.

You turned on the TV, quietly playing a Christmas movie as you began the festivities. All of the gifts had been expertly hidden in the master bedroom, split between being shoved under your bed and in your closet, but a new playhouse for the girls had been dropped off earlier. It was too big for your room, so your parents had stored it in their basement in the interim.

That would be a struggle to bring in from the garage, so you decided to start small, pulling all of the kids’ stockings from their hooks and laying them out on the floor before going upstairs to get the stuffers.

With the movie playing, you filled the stockings with treats and little toys. A few times you imagined your phone buzzing, but each time there was nothing on the screen. The loneliness started to set in as you rehung the stockings, making sure the kids’ names faced forward above the fireplace.

This wasn’t your first Christmas alone, Spencer had been in Idaho for Olivia’s first Christmas, but neither of the girls remembered it.

They’d remember this one, you thought to yourself, walking back up the stairs to grab a load of boxes. Thankfully, they were already wrapped, but you did have to avoid getting ribbon in your mouth as you carried the armful of gifts down the stairs.

Masterfully, you adjusted them beneath the tree, trying to visualize where they’d all end up in the end as you heard something distantly, but you brushed it off as someone leaving your neighbor’s holiday party. You stood up, wiping your hands on your pajamas as you evaluated your handiwork, shrugging before you turned around for the next load, “Oh,” you breathed, watching the handle on the door from the garage turn.

The door opened slowly, revealing your husband on the other side, his black peacoat draped over his arm and purple scarf looped around his neck. He hooked his car keys on the key hook before he noticed you, brown eyes finding your pajama-clad figure. His lopsided smile was all-knowing as always, he knew he had surprised you. In fact, it had been his goal.

You remained exactly where you were, watching him from the den as he put his shoes away and hung up his outerwear. It was almost as if you’d convinced yourself he was a mirage, and any sudden movements would cause his visage to dissipate. “Hey,” Spencer said, cocking his head at you as if he were confused why you hadn’t come any closer to him. He peeked around you to look at the tree, “Did the kids get to bed okay?”

Instead of answering him, your body naturally responded to what seemed like the miraculous appearance of your husband by producing tears. At first, they just welled along your lash line, but as they started to fall, you buried your face in your hands.

Spencer was there, not only in the house but also taking the initiative to approach you, he wrapped his arms around your torso, taking your tearful form under his care, “Is everything alright?” He asked, slowly dragging his hand up and down your spine, humming as you reciprocated his embrace and pressed your face into his shirt, drying your eyes and taking in the moment.

“Everything is wonderful,” you responded, your voice muffled by his shirt. He smelled like stale dark roast and the jet, but you were too relieved by his arrival to truly mind.

Tightening his grip briefly, he pressed a kiss to the crown of your head, “Right, well. You’re crying, so I had to make sure,” he murmured, swaying gently to the music coming from the film.

You loosed a breath of relief, “I can’t believe you’re here. The kids were miserable at bedtime, Nell wouldn’t even talk to me until I told her you’ll be home for her birthday,” you informed him, keeping your arms wrapped firmly around him while you tipped your head back to see him.

Spencer nodded in understanding, reaching up a hand to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, “We made the arrest at eight and wrapped up around nine. Somehow, Emily convinced the pilot to leave in the middle of the night, and we were on the jet by ten. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve spent holidays in worse places, but I’d rather be here with you than in Milwaukee.”

“I will kiss Emily Prentiss on the mouth,” you told him candidly.

He raised his brows curiously, “Mhm, and what about me?”

Grinning, you pushed up on your tiptoes and pressed your lips to his, an amalgamation of a welcome home and a Merry Christmas kiss, but you pulled away before you could get carried away. “Merry Christmas, Spencer Reid, we have work to do,” you told him, taking on a mock seriousness as you nodded your head toward the Christmas tree, which only had a fraction of your kids’ gifts beneath it.

“Merry Christmas, darling,” Spencer reciprocated, pressing one more kiss to your lips, “Let’s get started.”

Spinning out of his grip, you found you had much more pep in your step with his arrival, beaming as the two of you went through the house as quietly as possible, gathering the gifts for the kids without rousing any suspicion. Even grabbing the playhouse from the garage didn’t seem like as much of a task with him around.

You adjusted the stockings as it neared two in the morning, Spencer returned from upstairs with the last few gifts, having changed his clothes into pajamas that neatly matched yours—a family set that was a gift from your Penelope. “They look great,” Spencer assured you, pushing his glasses up on his nose as he stood back, admiring your handiwork.

Walking backward until your back was against your chest, you tilted your head to the side, appraising the mountain of gifts beneath the tree, “Do you think we went overboard this year?” Between the gifts from Santa and the gifts from the two of you, the heap was rather intimidating.

“No,” Spencer answered, “bigger kids, bigger gifts.” He put his arms around your waist, resting his chin on top of your head, “besides, they’re good kids.”

You hummed in response, leaning into him ever so slightly. Part of you felt like Spencer was still experiencing guilt surrounding the three months he spent away from you and the kids while he was in prison. No amount of time at home or therapy would ever absolve him of that guilt, but it never hurt to try, “Hey,” you whispered up to him, “I got you something.”

He frowned down at you, “I thought we said no gifts this year?”

Scoffing, you walked over to the home office, “We say that every year and neither of us ever stick to it, so go get whatever it is you got for me.”

Spencer rolled his eyes, but even so, he made his way upstairs to where you knew a gift was hiding in his bedside table. Upon his return, he faltered at the large box you’d placed on the coffee table and held up the small box in his hands; you beamed at him as he eyed the behemoth of a present.

He handed you the smaller box, instinctively, you admired the wrapping before starting to open it, recognizing the jewelry box before you had even discarded your wrapping paper. “Oh, Spence,” you said, looking at the necklace in the box, a dainty chain with five small gemstones on it. His birthstone and yours, followed by Nell’s amethyst, Livvy’s sapphire, and Finn’s tourmaline all strung next to each other, “it’s perfect,” you told him, lightly touching the gems with your fingertips. You’d mentioned wishing you had an everyday necklace a few weeks ago while getting ready, and he must’ve been listening more attentively than you’d thought.

Finally, you had him open his gift, and he was entirely speechless as he opened the cardboard flaps. His mouth gaped as he lifted one of the books in his hand, the title and edition identical to one that had been previously ruined in your house. “Fuck,” he cursed, looking from you to the books and back again.

You shrugged, “It’s not all of them, but a pretty good amount of them. Some of those editions are proving difficult to recover, but I’ve—” You’re cut off, startled by Spencer pressing his lips to yours. “I’m still looking for some,” you said breathlessly once he pulled away.

Spencer seemed unsure of what to do with himself; you’d managed to find replacements for three-fourths of the books that had previously been burned by an accidental fire set earlier this year. The only time your marriage had ever been on the rocks was when Diana lived with you, but even then, you’d been planning this surprise. “You are…” Spencer started, uncharacteristically at a loss for words, “This is incredible,” he told you, shaking his head in disbelief, setting the book down in the box and nearly tackling you in a hug.

Laughing, you buried your face in his shoulder to muffle the sound, “I love you,” you murmured to him, his body now next to yours on the couch.

“I love you too,” he said, looking at you with glassy eyes. “Wow,” he said, sniffling, “I need to get you something else. A necklace isn’t enough,” he told you, likely already thinking of options for addendums.

You shook your head, “Trust me when I tell you that your being here is worth all of the rare books in the world to me,” you reassured him, running your fingers through his hair. Humming, you adjusted your head on the pillow, “Are you gonna fall asleep like this?”

He nodded, “If you keep playing with my hair like that. How long do you think we have until they wake up?” He asked, keeping his eyes closed while you peeked over him to check the time.

Last year, Finn had woken up the whole house on Christmas Day at four in the morning, and seeing as it was nearing three, you wondered if it was worth sleeping at all. You continued combing through Spencer’s hair, “Do you want to go upstairs?”

“This is a really great couch,” he mumbled, already falling asleep on the couch, leading you to grab the blanket that was thrown over the back and haphazardly drape it over the two of you.

Unfortunately, it felt like you’d gotten no sleep at all when you heard the first stirring upstairs, “Mommy,” Olivia called out, which would likely wake up Finn and Nell.

You got up from the couch, waking up Spencer in the process. Your poor husband, who was probably already running on little sleep, got up and folded the blanket you had been using, returning it to its home while you went upstairs to get the kids.

Livvy’s eyes went wide when she saw you come from downstairs, “Did Santa come?” She asked you, nearly bouncing with excitement.

As you expected, the door to Eleanor’s room swung open, revealing your sleep-deprived five-year-old in her rumpled pajamas, “Yes, Santa brought gifts for everyone,” you answered, ruffling her hair before going into Finn’s room, hoping to wake him gently before the voices did a less delicate job. “Hi buddy,” you whispered, looking back to see the girls gathered at the door, completely unaware that their dad was waiting for them downstairs. “Merry Christmas,” you said softly, his scrunched face not processing what you were saying, but happy to see you, nonetheless.

You picked him up from the crib and herded the girls to the stairs, letting them lead the way down while you carried the baby. Right behind them, you watched the realization dawn on their faces as soon as they caught sight of Spencer, “Daddy!” Nell shouted, leading her little sister as they ran to him.

Laughing lightly, you let a squirming Finn down, running to Spencer in the same way the girls just had. From a distance, you watched as all three of your kids entirely bypassed the gifts under the tree and on the mantle and went straight to what was more important—their father was home for Christmas.

Spencer crouched down to get Finn, and at the same time, Livvy jumped in excitement, leaving Spencer falling backward and sitting on the ground while the kids formed a less-than-graceful dog pile on the floor. You took that as your cue to join in on the festivities, kneeling on the floor next to the familial pile, uncontrollable giggles emanated from everyone involved.

You wrangled the two littles in your arms, giving each of them dozens of kisses and receiving more laughter in return as Eleanor settled down. Your eldest took her moment of alone time and laid her head on Spencer’s chest, the grin on her face overtook the rest of her face, “Best Christmas ever,” she whispered before rolling off of him, Spencer instinctively lifting his hand so she doesn’t hit her head on the leg of the coffee table.

Nellie sat up giving you a toothy grin, sticking her tongue through where she was missing a front tooth. Everyone took notice of Olivia pointing at the tree, her mouth shaped like an “o” in awe, “Can we open that one?” She asked, pointing to the largest present in the stack—which, of course, had her name on it.

“Stockings first,” Spencer said, leading to a pout from your middle child, but it was quickly wiped away when he kissed the crown of her head. Your husband got up first, taking Finn from where he was tucked into your side, and set him on his hip, “Okay, who wants their stocking?”

Everyone’s hand went up—including yours.

[jessjad]

Rightfully deceived

Chapter 8

Summary: When a marriage promise forces Y/N to step up for her younger sister, she gets something she always wanted. But when the truth comes out, her new husband Dean is not so happy about the mix-up. Will she loose it all? Or will she be surprised in the end?

Pairing: AU!Dean Winchester x Reader

Word Count: 5669 (again, I'm sorry! 🫣)

Warnings: everything a finale might entail.

A/N: It's done! This beast of an ending is finished! I hope you all will like it the way I do! 😃 All mistakes are mine! Enjoy!

Series Masterlist My Masterlist

The whole day went well. In fact, the whole of last week had gone pretty well. Dean hadn't known exactly what would happen if Y/N's family came to visit. Her father wasn't much different than before the wedding. But Helena...

He didn't know how he imagined they would meet, but he definitely didn't expect her to immediately seek his company. At first Dean had been unsure how to act. But then he fell back into old behavior patterns quite easily. And the more time he spent with the younger of the two sisters, the more it felt like back then. It took him back to the time when he had courted her.

But this time Helena seemed to be more open towards him, as if she was now more able to get involved with him and that did something to him. There were these moments over and over again, the smallest moments. They came soft and quietly, like a gentle touch, and whispered to him that it could always be like this. Then every time he looked over at Helena as she laughed and looked for him, he remembered what he had originally wanted. She had been the woman he had wanted to marry from the start. And the way it was right now, it could be like this forever.

Even though November was slowly coming to an end and it was noticeably cold, today the sun shone down from a bright blue sky and lit the way for them during their little ride. By now they were on the way back and Dean was telling a story from his childhood. The blonde woman at his side seemed to be listening attentively, eventhough she barely participated in the conversation.

And so a few minutes later he came to the end of his story and they rode on in silence. Even now she still didn't say much about herself. That made Dean a little suspicious, but he already knew that from her.

After they rode over the last hill, his castle came into view again and suddenly his heart felt a little heavy. Y/N’s face appeared in his mind’s eye and he frowned. How different sisters could be. His wife had told him a lot about herself. From the beginning he felt like she shared almost everything with him and secretly he had liked it. And once he had let her in, once he had overcome his anger after she fell sick, he started to like her.

The days they spent together were light and happy. They shared stories and made small memories. Her experience as a leader of the house was surprisingly giving him a big support. After her mother had sadly died, she had to step up and Dean realized at one point that they had a lot in common.

And they started to share the nights together. After they had sex the second time in the morning he got reminded on what he had liked about her the first night. Her scent was still so intoxicating. He had ordered her soap so that she would not run out of it for a while. Her body soft and warm and she still fitted right into his arms, over time he couldn't get enough of her. How confusing this all was. In his mind he had a clear vision, but his heart seemed to want something else.

When they arrived back in front of the castle, Helena's father was already coming towards them. Dean got off his horse, handed it over to Benny, who was already waiting, and then helped Helena dismount. They smiled at each other briefly before the young woman turned to her father.

"Pack your things, daughter. We will leave first thing in the morning."

"Really?" she asked, sounding a bit surprised.

Her father just nodded. Huh. The disappointment at this news didn't spread through Dean as much as he thought it would. Of course he thought it was a shame that she was leaving again, but somehow he had internally expected a stronger reaction on his part.

The second person who came out of the castle towards them was Ellen. With a quick step she stopped in front of Dean and told him what had happened just an hour before and that Y/N had almost been seriously injured. This news, on the other hand, triggered a lot of things in him. Ellen immediately showed him the place where the large stone figure was still lying on the ground. With a searching look, Dean looked up and immediately recognized the spot where the figure had been placed. Weird. Normally the anchor wouldn't just break like that. It was solid craftsmanship.

"Nothing happened to her, luckily." Ellen Dean answered a question he was about to ask. "But she's upstairs now. That... shook her up quite a bit."

Dean could well imagine that. Still, an inner feeling urged him to check on his wife and make sure she was okay. With a curt nod, he turned around and made his way into the inside of the castle when his eyes fell on Helena again, who smiled at him. This caused his steps to slow slightly for a moment before he hurried again.

Mixed feelings accompanied him up the stairs. Dean hadn't expected that seeing Helena again would upset him so much. It was as if he had been reminded of the shame of the false wedding and the woman he actually wanted. A woman who also seemed to be looking for his company. He ignored the small doubt that arose in his mind as to why she hadn't come to the wedding herself.

When he reached the bedroom door, he took a quick breath before opening the door and stepping inside. But as soon as he closed it behind him again, Y/N suddenly ended up in his arms. The slight impact meant that he had to briefly correct his stance. His arms automatically closed around Y/N and the calm that suddenly spread through him grounded him. But he only allowed this feeling for a moment.

He slowly peeled her out of his embrace and put a few steps distance between the two of them. He leaned down a little to look her in the eyes and examined her for a moment.

"Are you okay?" he asked and Y/N nodded her head.

Relief flooded through Dean and he closed his eyes briefly. But then he let go of Y/N and put more steps between the two of them as he ran his hand over his mouth in thought. Y/N was now his wife. The one he didn't actually want and yet she brought out more emotions in him than he would have liked.

"I think that was planned. I mean... something like that doesn't just fall off the wall, does it?" Y/N continued, bringing Dean's attention back to her.

"No, not really. At least it shouldn't." he replied.

"I think that...someone is still targeting me."

"Y/N..."

"Please Dean, just think about it. This... this can't be a coincidence!"

He was about to contradict her, but this time he couldn't. This action seemed strange even to him. But he still couldn't imagine who it could really be and why. So he just said nothing. He couldn't have guessed that he was only fueling Y/N's insecurity.

"Don't you think so?" So Y/N asked again.

"I... I'm not sure." was all he could say.

But he didn't need to say more, because Y/N could already feel the distance that was now spreading between them again. The brief moment in which she had finally felt close to him again, in which he might have believed her without a doubt, was gone and that scared her.

"Why are we drifting apart again, Dean?" So she asked with her heart pounding and received a surprised look from her husband. "What happened to us in the last week?"

Now Dean turned away from her. "It's not that easy, Y/N." and it wasn't.

But another thing became clear to him. He needed to sort out his feelings and he couldn't do that here. Not if he continued to share a room with Y/N. So he grabbed some clothes and his soap. Y/N raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"What...what are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm going to sleep in a different room tonight. Just for... tonight." Dean then told her.

"What?" Y/N was now starting to panic a little.

"I... need time to think. This is all... kind of confusing."

"You mean your feelings for Helena." she threw back at him and he heard her hurt.

"That too, yes," he admitted. "Look, I'm just trying to be honest here."

"But Dean... we're married now. Shouldn't we... talk about it?"

He couldn't leave her alone now. Again. Not after what had happened today. Shouldn't he be over Helena by now? Otherwise he wouldn't have finally gotten involved with Y/N. Or would he?

"I just need the distance now. Besides, Helena and your father are going home tomorrow morning. So..."

With this news, his behavior made sense, of course. But it still hurt Y/N again.

"Oh, I see. Because you can't bear the thought of her leaving... and then you'll be here alone with me again."

The words had a sharp undertone, but Dean immediately heard between the lines what she meant. "I didn't say that. Y/N..."

"I'm really sorry that it's such a pain to be married to me." she whispered now, tears beginning to gather in her eyes.

"No, it's not like that. But..." he broke off his sentence. He didn't want to see her so hurt, but he also knew that his words wouldn't make it any better.

"But what?" Y/N asked anyway.

"I... I always just wanted to marry Helena. Not you." he still said it now.

And the same old story again. She was the woman nobody wanted. Everyone always just wants Helena. And even though she was the big sister and had to take care of her, she had had enough now. Too much was too much.

"But she never wanted to marry you!" she angrily shouted at him. "The whole time you were courting her, she only put up with it because our father wanted it that way!"

"What?" Dean frowned and looked questioningly at Y/N.

"She never loved you. She didn't even like you. And on the night of the wedding, she ran off with the man she had really loved for years to get married to him instead of you."

"Wait a minute..." so that was the reason why Y/N stepped in for Helena? No, that couldn't be.

"His name is Peter and he worked for my father. She fell for him immediately. And when our father forced the wedding on her, she came to me and begged me to help her. That's why I stepped in for her and married you."

Telling him the whole truth was, surprisingly, a very liberating feeling. It was finally out. Finally he knew the real reason for all this. But she also knew that it would feel different for Dean to know that now.

"That... that can't be." he said to himself, although it sounded pretty logical all in all.

"She never wanted you, Dean." now Y/N's anger had faded and she felt slightly exhausted from the whole day. But she still wasn't quite done. "But... I do."

"That... I..." But Dean didn't seem to have heard her, as lost in thought as he seemed. "I can't do this right now. We... we'll see each other tomorrow."

And with these last words he turned to the door and opened it. He had just stepped into the hallway when Y/N gathered all her courage.

"I love you, Dean!" she called after him, but the door had already slammed shut again, leaving her alone in the room.

"Why can't you see that?"

The next morning, Dean said goodbye to Helena and her father. Sam and Benny stood by his side and all three watched as the carriage slowly drove away. A strange feeling had settled in Dean's stomach. He had been thinking about what Y/N had told him all night and yet he still couldn't quite believe it.

Could he really have been so wrong about Helena? All the conversations they had had, all the time they had spent together, was it really all just a lie? And yet... even if he didn't normally put much faith in his intuition, it told him that this could all be possible.

After he had enough time last night to think about everything, he remembered that he knew this Peter. He had seen him several times when he was visiting them and he had not missed the look he had given Helena. But he didn't get a chance to think about it any further, because suddenly Sam's hand landed on his shoulder.

"So, where is Y/N?" his brother asked. "Didn't she want to say goodby to her family?"

"I don't know." Dean answered. "I haven't seen her this morning."

Sam and Benny exchanged a meaningful look, but Dean didn't notice. He was still too lost in thought.

"Okay." Sam said and turned his brother around who looked at him questioningly now. "I think we need to talk."

Y/N heard the carriage drive away, but didn't want to get up. She had barely slept all night and didn't want to say goodbye to her father and sister. And from the looks of things, they didn't mind either.

After a few more quiet moments, she finally stood up. She put on her dress and made her hair, but she again felt sick to her stomache. Something that has occurred every morning all week. She thought that once her family was gone, she would feel better. But after what happened with Dean, the feeling would probably last a little longer.

Even if she didn't want to, she had to show her face at some point. So she went out into the hallway and immediately ran into Millie, who was about to knock on her door. Her friend was slightly startled, but then seemed relieved when she saw that Y/N was okay.

"They're gone." Millie said.

"I know." Y/N answered.

An understanding silence spread between the two women, because they didn't need to say anything more.

"How about breakfast? You didn't eat anything last night, Y/N."

"I know, but I just can't eat anything at the moment."

"Are you still feeling sick? It's been like this for almost a week now." Millie asked worried.

"Yes, but it's probably just an upset stomach because of the whole situation here. It will definitely pass." she tried to calm her friend down and it seemed to work.

"Okay, but let me get you at least a cup of tea, okay?"

"Yes, please." Y/N smiled. "Go ahead. I'll be right there."

Millie nodded, smiling as well, and made her way back downstairs. As soon as her friend disappeared from her field of vision, Y/N took a quick breath and gathered her nerves before she too wanted to set off.

"Y/N?" she heard a familiar voice behind her. When she turned around, she realized that it was Alex.

"Alex, hey." She said friendly.

"Is Dean with you?" he asked and looked around.

"No, he is not." she actually did not want to think about him before she stood infront of him, but something in Alex's voice seemed off. "Why? Did something happen?"

"Sam and I were just up on the tower and we found something. We wanted to show him."

Now her interest was aroused and she took a few steps towards Alex. "What exactly did you find?"

"From the looks of things, the figure did not fall down on its own, but someone helped it." explained Alex.

This surprised Y/N, but in the end this statement only confirmed her own suspicions. So someone was after her after all. She had to see it with her own eyes.

"I knew it! I would also like to see it and talk to Sam about it."

"Oh, yeah. Sure!" Alex nodded obviously slightly taken aback. "I'll take you up to Sam and then I'll find Dean. That's no problem."

"Then let's go!" said Y/N and Alex cleared the way for her to go ahead.

He pointed her in the direction and waited until she had passed him so that he could walk behind her and Y/N couldn't see the large kitchen knife that was in the back of his belt.

With a whiskey in hand, Dean, Sam and Benny sat in front of the fireplace in the dining hall. Dean was still kinda confused on what Sam was on about, but he welcomed the amber liquid anyways. Sam turned around to see if they were alone in the room, before he started to talk.

"Okay, Dean. What is wrong with you?" he asked quite bluntly.

"What?"

"You seemed so happy in the last month with Y/N. And then her family comes to visit and you change that suddenly."

"It's not that easy, Sam." Dean grumbled and put his glass down in the ground infront of him.

"Yeah, no. I get it. You wanted to marry Helena. I know. But you ended up with Y/N and the two of you seemed to match really well."

"She's one of a kind, brother." Benny agreed with Sam.

"Yeah, yeah, but I catched feelings for Helena!" Dean exclaimed. "That nobody wants to understand this!"

"So that's the reason why you treat Y/N so badly?" Sam asked straight forward.

"I... I treat her badly? Are you serious?" Now Dean got angry.

"You ignored her and just did not care about her. You focused solely on Helena." Benny explained.

"We... we were reconnecting." Now Dean stood up again. "I don't even know why I have to explain myself to you."

"I'm only asking you because I want to understand what's wrong with you, Dean." Sam also stood up now. "Because the Dean I know would never treat a woman like that."

Dean huffed. "I brought Y/N here with me, didn't I? She's here now and I didn't break the deal with her father. So don't tell me I'm treating her badly."

"She has feelings for you, Dean," Sam replied.

"Oh, what nonsense." Dean waved it off and half turned his back on the two men. But the memory of how he had imagined last night that Y/N had called after him that she loved him came right back to him.

"Anyone can see that." Now Benny stood up too.

"But I have much more in common with Helena than with Y/N."

"Really? Like what?" Sam challenged.

"Sam, c'mon."

"No, Dean. I would really love to hear that."

"Well..." Dean gave in. "First of all, the thing about children. I definitely want to have children, in the near future, and Helena wants that too."

"No, brother." Benny now intervened. "That was Y/N. Y/N said that, not Helena. We were all standing at the stables and watching the horses. That was... on the first or second day after they arrived."

Now Dean frowned slightly and thought about it. But it didn't take long for Dean to remember. "Oh. Yes. Okay, you're right, Benny. But... that's not the only thing."

"And what else do you have in common?"

And then Dean started to list. He remembered all the conversations he had had with Helena and the points in which they were so similar. Whether it was about the future of his business, protecting his clan against the redcoats. A possible future in America or their favorite pie.

"And for our honeymoon we wanted to travel across the sea to France. So that Helena could see the stars on the high seas at night," he almost enthused.

"But Dean..." now Sam looked confused. "Everything you just said, every single point, was not said by Helena, but by Y/N."

"No, no, no." Dean shook his head in disbelief. "It was Helena."

"No, it was not! Helena only wants to travel in the near future. She wants to enjoy life and spent a lot of money... basically." Summarized Sam Helena's words in his own way. "She never said anything else."

"You're wrong, Sam."

"No, I am not! I was there too when you talked about these things!"

But Dean didn't want to believe it. He folded his arms in front of his chest and shook his head. None of this was true. He couldn't be so wrong, he hadn't imagined it. Helena had said that, not Y/N.

But Sam didn't want to give up so quickly. "Did you hear that she ran away on the night of the wedding to marry another man?"

"How...?" Dean's eyes widened in surprise.

"Millie heard Helena tell Y/N. Unfortunately, the guy was already married. He even has a son!"

Y/N hadn't told him that last night. Dean let his arms fall again. Something wasn't right here.

"And something else..." now Sam came up to Dean and looked him straight in the eyes. "The thing about seeing stars on the open sea... that was Y/N's wish. Because her mum..."

"...had told her about it so often when she was little." Dean finished the sentence in a whisper and looked at Sam in surprise.

And suddenly everything was there again. The memories, of the conversations. The real memories. Dean saw them one after the other in his mind's eye and he had to sit down. He had heard every word Y/N had ever said. No matter when it was, no matter how often he had visited, she was always there. And something else was there again too.

His memories of the first meeting with Y/N. Her warm gaze and friendly smile. Her shimmering eyes that made his heart beat a little faster. How could he have forgotten that? How could Helena have blinded him that much? It was Y/N. From the beginning, it had always been just Y/N.

When Y/N got to the top of the tower, it didn't take her long to realize that Sam wasn't there. Alex had already closed the door behind her and she turned to him questioningly. She was about to ask him where Sam was, but the look on Alex's face made her stop.

"You're really making it too easy." Alex said and then carefully pulled out the knife.

Y/N's eyes widened in shock and she took a few steps back. She raised her hands defensively.

"What... what are you doing, Alex?" but the young man wasn't listening to her.

"I was actually hoping that my little gift would make you run away, but somehow it didn't work. On the contrary, it brought you and Dean even closer together."

What? Y/N couldn't believe her ears. Alex. It was Alex who was behind all this. That couldn't be true.

"Although..." he pointed at her with the knife and took a few steps back and forth. "At first, things didn't look so bad for me when you were lying in the stable in the cold. I didn't tell anyone that I saw you there because I thought you would freeze to death that night anyway. Then I wouldn't have had to get my hands dirty."

Y/N still remembered that. She had seen Alex walking through the stable when she was hiding there from Dean and had been relieved that Alex hadn't seen her. How foolish of her.

"But then Benny had to find you the next morning. He was in the stable before me, even though I was awake so early. That annoyed me even more because I couldn't be sure that you had actually died already."

The coldness with which Alex spoke made Y/N freeze. She had gotten to know the young man as so friendly and nice that she couldn't imagine that he actually had such an evil side to him. That he was actually capable of something like murder, but apparently she hadn't known him well enough. Because he had cleverly hidden this side from her. And he had kept this side secret not only from her, but also from everyone else.

"So I had to think of something else. But you know what? It wasn't easy because suddenly Dean wouldn't let you out of his sight. You were terribly stuck together."

Y/N carefully looked over her shoulder, but she couldn't see anyone in front of the castle. What should she do now? She had to stay calm and hope that Alex made a mistake. Calling for help was not an option. That might cause Alex to react frantically and she would put herself in danger.

"So I had to wait for a suitable opportunity again. Unfortunately, it seemed to take longer than I thought. After a month, I already felt like I had to come up with something more drastic. Separate you somehow or something. But then your family came to visit and luck was on my side again."

"The statue..." Y/N realized.

"Exactly!" Alex smiled, but not for long. "It took forever to cut the damn thing off without anyone noticing. And when you were finally in the right place, I dropped it. But of course Ellen, our head mom, had to notice and save you."

The contempt with which he uttered the last sentence was written all over his face. He came another step closer and Y/N's heart began to race in her chest. She kept her eyes on the knife.

"So I had to get creative again and look where we are now, just one day later."

"You... you don't have to do this." she stuttered, still keeping her eyes on Alex.

"Aahh, see? You're wrong there." Alex shifted his stance slightly to the side. "That's all I have to do."

And then he leapt forward and swung the knife.

"Dean! Sam!" Millie shouted as she came running into the dining hall.

Sam was up on his feet first. "Millie? What's wrong?"

"It's Alex! The one who is after Y/N! It's Alex!" She came to a halt right infront of Sam.

"What?" All three men said, but not just them.

Ellen stood in the doorway with two other maids and Cassie behind them. All women looked shocked and for a second nobody said a word. But then Sam came back to his sense.

"Wait, how do you know?" He asked.

"I was just upstairs looking for Y/N. She's not feeling well in the last days and I met her in the hallway. We talked and then I went ahead to go down first. But just when I rounded the corner, I heared Alex's voice and I stopped in my tracks." Now she was looking at Sam. "He had said to her that he just had been up on the tower with you."

Dean didn't need to hear anything more. With a determined look on his face, he jumped up and immediately made his way upstairs. Sam and Benny also started running when Millie called for Sam again.

"He had a big kitchen knife with him!"

Now Sam's expression darkened. He turned around once more to take a loaded shotgun from the cupboard next to the stairs and then continued upstairs.

At the last second, Y/N managed to dodge it with a jump, but that brought her to the edge of the tower wall. Alex, on the other hand, almost fell to the ground, but was just able to catch himself. But now pure anger was visible on his face.

"Why are you doing this?" Y/N asked and got back on her feet.

Now Alex looked at her a little astonished. "You really still don't know that?"

Y/N kept her back to the wall and Alex came to a stop just a few steps away from her. The door was now behind him again. The woman infront of him only shook her head no.

Alex huffed. "Well, for Cassie, of course!" he said, looking like it was the most logical answer in the world.

What he didn't notice was the door behind him opening quietly and carefully. Y/N, however, saw it all too well and hoped he wouldn't notice.

"So... did she put you up to it?"

"What? No! Oh god, no. She has no idea about it."

Now the barrel of a gun was visible and then Y/N saw two green eyes directed at her. She would recognize these eyes anywhere and her heart leapt with hope. Still, she had to tear her gaze away from the door and force herself not to look there anymore.

"But I... thought you would love her?"

"I do! That's why I'm doing this!" Alex exclaimed.

"That... does not make sense... don't you think?" tried Y/N to distract him.

"Of course it does!" But when Alex looked at her face he realized that she really didn't understand what he meant and so he started to explain it to her.

"I love Cassie and I want her to be happy. Unfortunately, she doesn't love me, which I can't change. But she loves Dean and she said herself that she can only be happy with him."

Okay, that wasn't anything new for Y/N, but somehow she had a bad feeling about what he was getting at.

"But as long as you're here, she won't be able to be happy with Dean and that's why I have to kill you. So that Cassie can finally take this chance and be happy."

Meanwhile, Dean had stepped through the door and had the shotgun aimed at Alex's head. Behind him, Y/N noticed that Sam and Benny were also there and seemed to be getting ready.

"But if you kill me, Dean will marry Helena. Because that's who he originally wanted to marry, not me."

Now Alex thought for a moment, but quickly recovered. "If it really comes to that, I'll think of something. But now shut up and let me finally kill you!"

The young man was just about to jump forward again when he heard Dean's voice behind him.

"I'd think about that again, son of a bitch!"

Alex looked back in shock, but didn't even have time to take another step. The shot from the gun could be heard across the entire castle. It hit Alex right between the eyes, causing him to stumble backwards a few steps and then fall over the tower wall.

Dean didn't waste another second, dropped the gun to the ground and ran straight to Y/N. He took her face in his hands and saw tears forming in her eyes.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

"No, he did not hurt me. I'm fine, Dean."

But then Y/N broke down. She began to sob wildly, letting her tears flow freely and clinging to Dean. He immediately took her in his arms and held her tightly while giving her a kiss on her hairline.

"It's over." Dean reassured her. "It's finally all over."

It took a little longer until everyone was back down from the tower. Especially since Y/N didn't want to let go of Dean. He took her down to the kitchen, where Ellen had already prepared a hot cup of tea for her. He slowly released her from his arms so she could sit on a chair. Y/N had calmed down a bit, but her tears hadn't all dried up yet. Ellen touched her lightly on the shoulder and pushed the cup a little closer to her.

"Drink this. It calms the nerves." which in turn meant that Ellen had put a sip of whiskey in the tea. "I'll leave you alone then." and with a gentle smile she disappeared.

"Dean..." Y/N begann, but she did not come very far.

"I'm sorry!" He blurted out. "I'm sorry about everything!"

Y/N had expected everything, but not that. And so she stayed quiet for a moment because she didn't know what to answer or how to react. But she didn't have to wait long for an explanation, because Dean looked at her determinedly and continued.

"I should have believed you. All of this... is so damned my fault. It's only because of me that you got into this situation." He ran his hand through his hair. "Just because I was such an idiot..."

"Dean..." she tried again, but even on the second attempt she didn't get very far.

"I love you." now Y/N was stunned and her eyes widened in utter surprise. "I love you since the first time I Iaid eyes on you."

Again, Y/N felt emotions rising within her and she looked closely at Dean. But she could see nothing but honesty and sincerity in his eyes and so she just let him continue talking.

"But I was just too blind to see it. It took me so long to really see it and so much had to happen for me to finally see it clearly. Sam and Benny also had to talk to me so that I could see my mistakes. But now I know, I know for sure."

Y/N was holding her breath, the tea long forgotten.

"When I look at you, I see the future and I guess I always have. I think I was just too cowardly to admit it to myself. But now I never want to give it up again. I want to spend my life with you, until the end of our days."

And Dean was completely serious. Deep down he knew that was exactly what he was feeling. He was wearing his heart on his sleeve, but the longer Y/N remained silent, the more he became afraid that it might already be too late. But then his wife started sobbing again before she spoke.

"I would be careful with what you say because if you really mean it... then I swear you will never get rid of me." and then she smiled at Dean, while relief and happiness flooded through him at these words.

"I couldn't imagine anything better."

A/N: Aaaand we're done! I'm happy and sad at the same time. 🥹🥹🥹 But I was thinking... since we had so many up's and down's, who would want an epiloge? 🫣 Feedback is very much appreciated! 💜

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@thebiggerbear

[moosesarecute]

December 24th

December Masterlist

Masterlist

You woke up bright and early. Azriel and the boys were going for their annual snowball fight, and you were going too, because Az refused to be that far away from you.

Mor, Feyre and you waited in the cabin in the meantime. Walking in, you expected to see the interior of the usual cabin where you had spent many drunk evenings. However, it was quite a lot different than what it used to look like.

Even though Feyre’s paintings weren’t bad, far from it, it still made you feel uncomfortable. It made you realize all that you had missed.

“Feyre had a few days at the cabin when she first learned about the mating bond,” Mor explained to you. It was nice to know that she knew your feelings without you needing to explain. “It’s a change, but we’ve learned to love it.”

Feyre looked slightly embarrassed as Mor spoke.

Your gaze landed on Azriel’s eyes. They looked almost right. The color and shape was perfect, but she was missing the special shine in his eyes. His eyes always widened a little when he became excited or thought something was funny. And that’s when they shined the brightest.

“Earth to Y/N,” Mor said and her voice pulled you out of daydreaming about your mate.

The three of you had quite a nice time. And you finished Rhys’ present of a repaired suit jacket.

That meant you were finished with presents and finally, you could relax.

The time went by fast and suddenly you were covered in the usual feeling of shadows looking all over your body for injures. They could relived go back to Az and tell him that you were fine.

And not long after, the boys came inside.

His slightly confident walk told you everything you needed to know.

“Hello, my champion,” you said as a greeting. He tried his best to be polite, but he smiled brightly at you.

“Hello,” he answered and pulled you inn to a quick kiss. “I missed you.”

You smiled up at him.

“You’re cute,” you said. “And I missed you too.”

“Can’t wait to cling onto you for at least two months,” he said.

“I don’t mind that.”

“Where are we going?”

Azriel had taken you on your usual daily flight. You weren’t allowed to fly, but he carried you. As the flight was coming to an end, he flew down to a small building. You had walked past it before, but you didn’t know what was inside.

“I wanted to see if Jonathan was working. I want you to meet him.”

Jonathan had somehow managed to get Azriel’s letter to Nick and then Nick gave them to you. The letters, together with the magical Winterberry Juice, had helped you get your memory back. You would be forever grateful and you realized you really wanted Azriel to meet Nick.

Azriel walked a few steps in front of you, but his fingers were intertwined with yours. You knew he would be overprotective for quite a while, but right now you didn’t mind much.

He walked up to the front door. A note hung on the door:

After a while working in Velaris, I’ve decided to travel back home to the Winter Court. I’m going to lead the family business full time now as demand have increased.

It wasn’t signed. However, on the ground, just left of the door lay a red rose on top of a small doll dress. It was one of the dresses you had made for Nick’s dolls.

“I made this,” you told Azriel as you picked up both the rose and the dress. “I made it for Nick!”

Azriel only studied the rose you held in your hand.

“Jonathan told me that Saint Nickolas, or Nick, would leave a rose on his mate’s grave every Winter Solstice.”

“Maybe we should leave one on his grave today? It is after all our Winter Solstice today.”

You walked hand in hand to the cemetery. Azriel sent out his shadows and soon after, all of them swirled around the same grave. It was a beautiful grave placed just under a tree. It had many flowers and other plants that decorated it.

Azriel carefully laid down the rose beside a second rose that already laid on the grave.

Both of you stood in silence for a while and just watched the grave in each other’s company. Your thoughts wandered over to how grateful you were to be beside your mate. You tightened your grip around his hand and he wrapped his wing around you.

“I’m happy I have you,” you told him.

He kissed the top of your head and held you just a little tighter.

Everything was going well.

The dinner was amazing. You made dessert and gingerbread cookies.

“Auntie Y/N,” Nyx said as he crawled up on your lap.

“Hello, Nyxie. Have you opened your presents?”

You had dressed an old teddy bear in the doll-dress you made. He had clung to it the entire evening. And you had carried him as often as he wanted. You already loved being an aunt.

Everyone had opened the presents from you and even though you had rushed through making them, everyone still was happy with their gifts.

“I’m looking forward to our personal seamstress being in action again,” Cassian said as he opened his present. “No one fixes things like you do!”

As all your gifts had been opened, you realized that you had forgotten someone. Someone really important.

Azriel.

Who did you forget to get a gift for you mate?

You couldn’t help the dread that filled you body.

“I’m just going to the toilet,” you told your family and rushed out of the living room. You were going to Azriel’s room. That’s where most of your own thing was as well.

You looked and looked and looked, but you found no present worthy of your mate.

You felt quite stupid.

“What’s going on?” Azriel’s voice was suddenly heard behind you. However, you knew that he probably already knew what you were stressing about.

“I don’t have anything for you,” you told him. Your wings sunk as you spoke.

Azriel just smiled at your words and closed the distance between the two of you.

“Y/N, my dearest, I’ve gotten you back after years of thinking you were lost forever. It’s the only present I need this or any other year.”

He then kissed you and brought you back to the living room.

Azriel looked at you as you said good night to Nyx. He knew you would be the best aunt and he had been right.

He looked at the smile that brightened up your entire face and he could help but smile himself. His shadows were nuzzled deep into your hair. He was almost certain that they were what held your hair up.

“Happy, brother?” Rhys asked him. He knew that both Rhys and Cass stood behind him and that they probably were teasing him over his behavior.

He only nodded without taking his gaze away from you.

You had just given Nyx back to Feyre and was speaking with both of them.

You sat back down beside him. He couldn’t help but to study your soft eyes.

“What?” You asked him.

“Nothing,” he answered quickly.

You definitely didn’t believe him, but you dropped the topic anyway.

For the past three Winter Solstice’s Azriel had been blackout drunk at this time of the evening. This year, he couldn’t imagine doing the same.

He wanted to take inn every single detail of you and the celebrations you loved so dearly.

Everything was finally as it should.

Thank you all for reading! And Merry Christmas 🎄

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Dividers by @issysh3ll

[wosos-stuff]

The journal of secrets

Chapter 1: The Hidden Crush

---

The air was sharp and cool, carrying the distinct scent of fresh-cut grass and the distant hum of the city just outside Arsenal’s training grounds. Y/N always loved the mornings, when the world felt quiet and the rush of the day had yet to catch up. But today, her mind wasn’t on the training drills, or the upcoming match this weekend. It was on her Alessia Russo.

Across the pitch, Alessia was surrounded by a few teammates, laughing at something one of them had said. Y/N stood a few meters away, trying not to stare, but failing miserably. Alessia looked stunning, her blonde hair pulled back into a messy bun, cheeks flushed from the morning warm-up, and her laughter—it was one of those things that echoed in Y/N’s mind long after she had walked away.

Alessia Russo, Arsenal’s golden girl. The new star, the one everyone adored both on and off the field. For Y/N, it had started as admiration. How could it not? Alessia was talented, passionate, driven—everything Y/N strived to be. But as time went on, admiration had twisted into something deeper, something more dangerous.

“Are you gonna stare all day, or are we actually gonna get some work done?” McCabe’s voice cut through Y/N’s daze, snapping her back to reality.

Y/N blinked, realizing she had been standing there, football in hand, for longer than she should have. She cleared her throat, forcing a laugh as she turned to Katie. “Sorry, just…lost in thought.”

“Lost in Alessia’s orbit, more like,” Katie teased with a smirk, nudging Y/N with her elbow. “You’re not exactly subtle, you know.”

Y/N’s face flushed a deep shade of red, but she shook her head quickly, trying to play it off. “What? No, it’s not like that.”

Katie raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “Sure, whatever you say. Just try not to trip over your own feet when she’s around, alright?”

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the corner of her mouth. Katie had always been able to read her like an open book. But even so, there were things Y/N never admitted aloud—things that were too complicated, too risky to say.

Like how her heart sped up every time Alessia smiled at her, or how she secretly replayed their brief conversations in her head on the way home. No, those thoughts were saved for the one place Y/N felt safe enough to express them—the pages of her journal.

---

Later that evening, Y/N sat cross-legged on her bed, the soft glow of a lamp illuminating the small room she rented near the stadium. The journal was in her lap, its leather cover worn from months of use. She twirled a pen between her fingers, trying to figure out where to start.

The journal had started as a way to cope with the pressures of professional football, a way to get her thoughts out of her head when they became too much. But at some point, it had morphed into something else—something more personal. Now, its pages were filled with thoughts about Alessia. Memories of fleeting glances, stolen smiles, and the way her laugh seemed to make everything else fade away.

Y/N opened the journal, flipping to a fresh page, and stared at the blank space for a moment. 

*What do I even say this time?*

She hesitated for a moment, then began to write:

*It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? The way she makes me feel. Like my heart can’t decide if it wants to race or stop altogether when she’s around. I know I should just get over it, but…how? She’s so kind, so talented. Every time she smiles at me, I feel like the world tips on its axis. But it’s pointless, right? She’s way out of my league. Even if I tried, even if I told her—what would she say? What if she laughs? What if she thinks I’m crazy?*

She paused, staring down at the words, feeling the familiar weight of unspoken feelings settle in her chest. This wasn’t new. This was her ritual. Confessing everything to the pages of a journal that could never talk back.

---

The next day started like any other—early morning training, a long list of drills, and the chatter of her teammates echoing across the pitch. But as Y/N rummaged through her gym bag before practice, a wave of panic washed over her.

The journal wasn’t there.

Her heart raced as she frantically searched every pocket, every compartment of the bag, but it was gone. *No, no, no—this can’t be happening.* She tried to stay calm, but her mind was already spiraling. Who had it? Where could she have left it?

Training was a blur. Her usual focus was shattered as her thoughts kept drifting back to the journal. What if someone found it? What if they read it?

---

Y/N barely registered the drills she was supposed to be focusing on. Her mind was a haze of panic, spinning out scenarios of what would happen if someone—especially Alessia—found the journal. The thoughts she had written down weren’t just about admiration; they were raw, real feelings, laid bare in ways she couldn’t imagine anyone else seeing.

“Y/N, you alright?” Jen Beattie’s voice snapped her out of her daze. Y/N had been standing in the middle of the pitch, ball at her feet, while the rest of the team had already moved on to another drill. She blinked, scrambling to compose herself.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m good,” Y/N said, forcing a smile that probably looked more like a grimace. She kicked the ball aimlessly, praying she didn’t look as rattled as she felt. But she could feel the stares from a few of the other girls. Even Alessia, from across the field, had glanced in her direction.

She tried to shake it off, knowing she needed to keep her head in the game. But the weight of that missing journal sat heavy on her chest, refusing to let go. After what felt like an eternity, training finally came to an end, and Y/N made a beeline for the locker room, hoping to search her bag again. Maybe it had fallen out in her car. Maybe it was somewhere else. Anywhere but in the hands of someone who could read it.

But as she approached her locker, her stomach dropped.

Sitting on the bench was Alessia, casually holding something familiar. Y/N froze in place, her eyes locked on the journal in Alessia’s hands. The world seemed to tilt, and for a split second, Y/N wasn’t sure if she was about to faint or run in the opposite direction.

“Hey, Y/N,” Alessia said, her voice calm and curious, though there was something unreadable in her eyes. She held up the journal with a small, almost playful smile. “I think this is yours.”

---

There were moments in life when time seemed to slow to a crawl, when every heartbeat thudded loud and heavy in your chest. This was one of those moments for Y/N. She tried to find her voice, but nothing came out. Alessia—*Alessia Russo*—was holding the one thing she had never intended for anyone to see.

Y/N swallowed hard, her mind scrambling for an excuse, an explanation, *anything* to make this less of a disaster than it already felt like. But Alessia didn’t seem angry or even particularly shocked. In fact, she looked…amused.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t read everything,” Alessia added quickly, perhaps noticing the growing look of panic on Y/N’s face. “Just a few pages.”

Y/N felt like she was going to throw up. *A few pages?!* That meant Alessia had seen at least *some* of what she had written—her thoughts about Alessia, her fears, her stupid little fantasies that she had kept hidden for so long. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be happening.

“I… uh…” Y/N stammered, her throat dry as sandpaper. “I don’t—how did you—?”

“It was on one of the benches after training yesterday,” Alessia explained, leaning back slightly against the locker behind her, still holding the journal with a relaxed grip. “I thought about just giving it back to you straight away, but… curiosity got the better of me.” She raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. “You’re a pretty interesting writer, Y/N.”

Y/N could feel the heat rising in her face, her ears burning as a thousand thoughts collided in her mind. This was it. The end of her career, her friendships, her *life* as she knew it. Alessia Russo had read her journal, and now she would probably laugh in her face, tell the rest of the team, and Y/N would have to move to some remote island where no one would ever find her again.

But Alessia didn’t laugh. She didn’t mock. Instead, she tilted her head, studying Y/N with a thoughtful expression.

“I didn’t know you felt that way,” Alessia said softly, her tone no longer teasing but… curious. Almost gentle.

Y/N’s heart pounded. Her legs felt like they might give out any second, but she forced herself to stand still, to meet Alessia’s gaze. What could she say? There was no denying it now. Alessia had read enough to know. She had seen Y/N’s feelings laid bare in black and white.

“I—” Y/N started, then stopped, feeling like her throat had closed up entirely. “I didn’t mean for anyone to… it’s just, um… a stupid thing I do. Writing stuff down. To, you know, deal with things.”

Alessia nodded, and for a moment, the room was filled with an awkward silence. Y/N could barely breathe. She couldn’t tell if Alessia was uncomfortable or just thinking, but either way, the tension in the air was almost unbearable.

Then, out of nowhere, Alessia smiled. A small, amused smile that caught Y/N completely off guard.

“Actually,” Alessia said, leaning forward a little, “I had an idea.”

Y/N blinked, confused. An idea? This was the part where Alessia was supposed to tell her how weird and creepy she was, not… smile and suggest ideas.

Alessia continued, her voice calm and casual. “There’s been a lot of gossip around the team lately, right? About people dating, who’s seeing who, all that crap. It’s getting kind of annoying, to be honest.”

Y/N nodded, unsure of where this was going. Sure, there had been plenty of rumors floating around—locker room gossip was as constant as the drills they ran every day—but how did this relate to her journal?

“So,” Alessia said, her eyes gleaming with mischief, “what if we used this? What if we pretended to date? You know, to get everyone off our backs for a while.”

Y/N stared at her, utterly dumbfounded. “Wait… what?”

Alessia leaned back again, crossing her arms over her chest. “Think about it. We pretend to be together. The team stops asking questions, the media stops poking around, and we get a little peace and quiet. Plus…” she raised the journal with a smirk, “this little secret stays between us.”

Y/N’s mind was spinning. Fake date? Alessia Russo was proposing that they fake a relationship. The very thought made Y/N’s heart do somersaults, but she wasn’t sure if they were good somersaults or ones that would make her throw up.

“But… why?” Y/N asked, still trying to wrap her head around the idea. “Why would you want to pretend to date me?”

Alessia shrugged, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Like I said, it’s easier this way. We’ll make it look real, keep people out of our business, and I’ll even make sure no one ever finds out about this journal. Win-win, right?”

Y/N felt like she was in a dream—or maybe a nightmare. This was too surreal. Alessia Russo, the girl she had been secretly in love with for ages, was offering to fake a relationship with her. And not only that, but Alessia was acting like this was the most normal, rational thing in the world.

But it wasn’t normal. It was the exact opposite of normal. It was wild. Unbelievable. *Terrifying*.

And yet, a small, reckless part of Y/N’s mind whispered: *What if?*

What if she said yes? What if she agreed to Alessia’s crazy plan? Sure, it would be fake. But at least for a little while, Y/N would get to be close to Alessia, to pretend that her feelings weren’t one-sided, even if it was all an act.

Y/N swallowed hard, her throat dry. “I… I don’t know.”

Alessia smiled, that playful glint returning to her eyes. “Come on, Y/N. What’s the worst that could happen?”

*Everything*, Y/N thought. *Everything could go wrong.* But when Alessia looked at her like that, it was hard to say no.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Y/N took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

---

The words were barely out of Y/N’s mouth when Alessia grinned, looking genuinely pleased with the answer. “Great! We’ll start tomorrow. We’ll make it look real—hang out together, do some dates, post a few pictures. Everyone will buy it.”

Y/N’s stomach was still in knots, but a strange excitement bubbled beneath the nerves. This was happening. She was going to fake date Alessia Russo.

*Fake*, she reminded herself. This was all pretend. Nothing more.

But as Alessia handed her the journal back, their fingers brushing for the briefest second, Y/N couldn’t help but wonder if pretending might just be the hardest part of all.

[justagalwhowrites]

Joyeux Noël - A Lavender AU Christmas Story

Joel and your daughters plan something special for you for the holidays. A Christmas one shot set in the Lavender AU Universe.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader

Warnings: Smut. No outbreak AU. Fluff fluff fluff. Christmas fluff. No use of Y/N. Minors DNI 18+ only

Length: 3.6k

A/N: JOEL AND DOC ARE BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS BECAUSE I MISSED THEM (and hopefully some of you did, too.) This can be read as a stand alone fic with the understanding that Joel and reader are a married couple with a shared biological daughter as well as Ellie and Sarah. I hope you enjoy this tooth rotting-ly sweet fic!

AO3 | Lavender Masterlist | Lavender AU Masterlist | Full Masterlist

December 24, 2024 

“You’re sure you’ve got everything?” Sarah asked, her son, Carson, squealing in the background. 

“Pretty sure,” Joel said, frowning a little. 

“Put me on FaceTime,” she said. “Show me.” 

Joel sighed and fussed with his phone until it became a video call, Sarah on the other end with a smudge of flour on her nose. 

“Busy over there, baby girl?” He teased. 

“Your grandson got me in the face when we were making sugar cookies,” she said. “I haven’t had the chance to get cleaned up yet, the kitchen is a disaster but that’s beside the point, show me Mom’s suitcase.” 

Joel fussed with the phone again - having to search for the little button that let him do it, not a fan of figuring out technology without the help of any of his girls - and got the camera to flip around. 

“So I put in some of the sweaters she wears a lot,” he said, showing Sarah the stacks. “Some of the pants she likes, too. Got this one dress she looks real good in, real good…” 

“Ew,” Sarah said. 

“Shut it, kid,” he said. She laughed. “Got the shoes she says are comfortable, some that are pretty, too…” 

“Do you have a bag for her?” She asked. 

“What do you think you’re lookin’ at?” 

“Not that kind of bag,” she rolled her eyes. “I mean a purse.”

“Wouldn’t she just bring the one she uses all the time?” He asked. 

“Dad, you’re going to be walking around Paris,” Sarah said. “Spending hours in museums and in stores and lounging at chic cafes, she’s not going to want to carry that giant thing around. In her closet, in one of the dust bags at the top is a smaller bag that Ellie, Evie and I went in on for Mother's Day, grab that one. It’s cross body so she can just wear it, she likes that when she’s walking around a lot. Also, do you have her hair stuff?” 

“Hair stuff?” Joel frowned. “Don’t they have that in the room?” 

She sighed.

“See, this is why I make you show me,” Sarah said. “Yes, there’s shampoo and stuff but she uses serums and oils and things, she needs those. Bathroom next.” 

Joel obeyed his oldest daughter’s instructions, thankful that the two of you were so close that she’d know these kinds of things. He got what she told him from the bathroom and packed it. 

“Alright,” she said. “I think you’re all good! Just let her get a book or five at the airport and you’ll be golden, old man.” 

“Thanks, kiddo,” he smiled a little. “You still good to take your sister for a while?” 

“Of course,” she smiled back. “I love Ellie and Evie can stay as long as she wants until she wants to go back to school. Plus Brandon could use someone to give him a run for his money on this new video game, he’s getting over confident.” 

“Thank you for keeping an eye on Ellie,” Joel said. “We’d like to get all you girls on a trip like this with us sometime but for the first one…” 

“It should just be the two of you,” Sarah finished for him with a smile. “She’s going to love it, Dad.” 

He sure hoped so. 

Joel had been planning this for a while. Decades, really. 

Back when the two of you were young and flat broke, a trip to Paris had been a pipe dream. You talked about it that way, the same way Ellie talked about going to the moon now, something that you dreamed about but didn’t expect to ever have. 

Then Evie came along. Then you were in med school and then you were an intern and resident and attending and Sarah got married and Ellie joined the family and life had just gotten in the way, as it always seemed to. 

But it had been a beautiful life and you’d never even come close to complaining about not getting to visit France the way you’d dreamed. As you’d always done, you put everyone else’s needs and wants before your own, constantly looking for a way to make Joel or your daughters’ lives better before thinking of yourself. 

But the Paris trip was possible now. The two of you had made more money than Joel had ever dreamed of making, Sarah and Evie were off on their own and Ellie was in a good enough place that she could spend a few weeks with her sister. Things were even calm at work for both of you - Tommy could run the business for a few weeks and Joel had coordinated with your boss to get you time off. It was the perfect time to finally give you something you’d been dreaming of as long as Joel had known you. 

Joel didn’t want to put more work on your plate, though, so he worked with Sarah, Evie and Ellie to plan everything. Sarah traveled a lot - she’d made it to Europe long before Joel ever had - and knew how to find a good hotel. Ellie told Joel about the different museums to visit, her passion for art coming in handy as he was planning. Evie - who had even taken after your knack for language - helped Joel learn a few phrases in French (though he was going to be pretty dependent on you to get around.) But that was fine. As long as you were happy, he didn’t care if everyone around him was speaking gibberish. 

“Dad!” Ellie yelled from down the hall. “Mom just texted, she’s almost home!” 

“Shit,” Joel said, zipping the suitcase quickly. “Stall her for me, will ya?” 

“Can do!” She yelled back and he heard her pounding down the stairs to intercept you. 

Joel hauled the luggage downstairs the best he could, stashing the packed bags in a room just off the garage so he could wrestle them into the trunk later. He finished just as the garage door opened and Ellie went racing past him to catch you in the car, giving him a chance to slip into the living room unnoticed. You joined him just a minute after he got there, flopping on the couch next to him. 

“Tough day?” He asked, putting his arm up so you could snuggle into him. 

“Just long,” you sighed. “That early start the day before a holiday made this shift feel like 20 hours, not 12. But at least I have Christmas off to spend with you and the girls before I’m back in on Thursday.” 

Joel tried to keep from smiling at the fact that you didn’t know that, by this time on Thursday, you’d be across the world. 

“Want to watch a movie?” He asked. “Your pick.” 

“Sure,” you snuggled closer. “But let’s see what Ellie and Evie want to watch, I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you guys.” 

He kissed your forehead and called the girls down, the two of them settling on Elf followed by Die Hard and you not even putting in a vote for your favorite because you never tried to put yourself first in anything. That’s why Joel was doing all this, to make sure it happened at least now and then. He made you a plate of Chinese food and you fell asleep against him when you finished it, still wearing the Christmas-themed sweater and earrings you’d worn that day to the hospital. 

“Alright, girls,” Joel said quietly. “Upstairs, Santa can’t come ’til you’re in bed.” 

Evie and Ellie shared a look before looking back to Joel. 

“Goodnight, Dad,” Evie said, getting up and helping Ellie to her feet, too. “I hope Santa can get Mom upstairs OK…” 

He snorted and watched the girls go to their rooms before laying you gently on the couch. He went and got the presents out of your closet and stashed the suitcases in the back of the car. He stuffed the stockings - you sleeping peacefully the whole time - and set up the living room the same way he’d done since Sarah was little before gently rousing you from your long winter’s nap. 

“C’mon, baby,” he said softly, cupping your face, thumb brushing your cheekbone. “Bed time.” 

“But…” you sat up, groggy. “We gotta set up Christmas and…” 

“Already done,” he smiled. “Let’s go, sleepyhead.” 

You sighed contentedly as he looped an arm around your waist and guided you groggily to your room. 

“You’re the best husband in the world, you know that?” You said as you burrowed against his chest once you were both in bed. 

He smiled. 

“Doin’ my best, baby.” 

*** 

You definitely missed having little kids on Christmas morning but having older ones had its perks. 

You woke up before Joel, your unreasonably early day - and bed time - on Christmas Eve rousing you before the sun.

Your husband was still snoring gently and you just watched him for a moment, a peaceful look on his face in the red and green glow of the lights on the eaves outside. You smiled. There was something so damn beautiful about the man you’d married more than 20 years ago, just getting to look at him while he slept made you feel unreasonably lucky, like you were getting away with something you shouldn’t. 

You ran your fingers through his hair, slow and gentle, and he stirred, smiling every so slightly before delicately catching your wrist and bringing it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to your pulse. 

“Merry Christmas,” you whispered. 

He smiled broader, his eyes still closed. 

“Merry Christmas.” 

“Want one of your presents now?” You asked and he opened one eye so fast it made you giggle. “I’ll take that as a yes.” 

You leaned in close and kissed him softly, almost chastely, before moving down his body and nudging him onto his back as you went. Your lips went over the firm expanse of his chest, the soft warmth of his stomach, down to the top of his pajama pants where his thick length was already hardening for you. 

You tugged the pants down enough that you could get at his cock. You licked the tip of him, tongue circling his head before you wrapped your lips around just the very end, sucking softly at his precome. 

“Goddamn baby,” he said, already breathless, his hand coming to the back of your head as you took the whole of him slowly, tantalizingly into your mouth. 

Once you swallowed him into your throat, you moaned and held him there, sucking and savoring him before starting to move over him. You pressed your tongue against the thick vein that ran along the underside of his cock, making his head run along the roof of your mouth as he started to move in shallow, gentle thrusts, working himself deeper, groaning as he did. 

“Can I have that soft little pussy, too?” He asked eventually, sounding desperate, his grip tightening on your head. “Because goddamn baby if I don’t need you right now.” 

You sucked him all the way to the tip before releasing him from your mouth. 

“You can have as much of me as you want,” you said, breathless yourself. “I’m all yours.” 

Before you had the chance to start sucking him again, he tugged you back up his body, laying you beside him before rolling to face you. He gripped your thigh, tugging your leg over his hip and tucking your panties to the side before petting at your leaking entrance. 

“Good,” he whispered. “Just the way I want you.” 

The tip of his cock replaced his fingers and he thrust just the head of himself inside of you, stretching you enough that you had to press your face into his chest to muffle your moan. 

“How do you always feel so goddamn good, baby?” He asked, tugging you closer as he pushed inside. He tucked your head below his chin, one arm below you and around you, his fingers spread wide between your shoulders, his other on the small of your back holding you in just the right place. You were completely enveloped by him as he filled you to the root, everything about your husband completely surrounding you. “Don’t deserve something as good as you.” 

You just groaned in protest, not really able to form words, too overwhelmed by the way Joel was completing you. 

Instead, you rocked your hips against him and he responded in kind, the two of you moving slowly, firmly against each other. Heat drew low inside you, concentrated on where Joel was shaping you to him and you grew tighter and tighter around him, your orgasm growing sure and steady. 

“You gonna come for me?” He whispered in your ear. You moaned and nodded against him. “Good, want you to come for me, let me feel it baby, milk me dry, c’mon.” 

You let out a strangled little sob as you obeyed, your channel fluttering and rippling around him. 

“There she is,” he breathed, keeping his pace inside you, the tip of his cock pressing into the soft place within you that made your back arch and toes curl as he ground himself deep. “That’s it, baby, keep coming, come on my cock. Fuck, you take it so well, come so pretty for me, just keep… keep…” 

He squeezed you tighter, thrust impossibly deeper and you felt him come apart inside you with a needy grunt, throbbing deep and hard as he filled you, drawing your orgasm out as he did. 

You went limp in his arms as your climax eased and his hold on you loosened just enough that he could kiss you, his lips gentle on yours as both of you came back down to earth. 

“Dunno that anything’ll top that present,” he teased lightly and you laughed. 

“One of the upsides to not having little kids running in here at six in the morning,” you smiled before kissing his chest and snuggling closer. His cock was softening inside you, the combination of his come and yours starting to drip from you. “Can we just stay like this for a while? I miss you when you’re not inside me.” 

He pressed a kiss to the top of your head, his fingers trailing over your spine. 

“Course baby,” he said softly. “Think we got a bit before the girls start moving.” 

You luxuriated in the slow start to the morning, drifting in and out of consciousness with Joel’s cock nestled inside you, your husband thrusting slowly and gently now and then so he stayed deep. The sun had just started to peek through the blinds when you heard a toilet flush down the hall and you kissed Joel one last time before slipping him from you, adjusting his pants and your panties before the girls were knocking on your door. 

You loved Christmas morning with your family, loved the sense of joy and closeness as you watched your daughters open presents while you sat on the couch, snuggled up to Joel with a cup of coffee in your hands. You’d never had a holiday quite like this one growing up, always just you and your grandmother making the best of it. You treasured that, too, but it was different now, when you were surrounded by the people you loved more than anything else who loved you in return. 

Ellie was super excited about a set of really nice markers you’d asked Andrew for help in researching, Evie shrieked with glee over concert tickets for her and her girlfriend and Joel kissed you so deep when he opened the fancy coffee maker you got him the aching place between your thighs throbbed again. 

After cinnamon rolls and bacon and coffee made with Joel’s new toy, the four of you headed to Sarah’s, laughing as Carson showed you everything Santa brought him and giving Joel a look when he gave his grandson candy behind his daughter’s back. 

“Well,” Joel said, downing the last of his beer as your entire family sat around Sarah’s table after dinner and dessert, you tucked contentedly against his side. “I’m afraid we gotta hit the road.” 

You frowned, twisting to look at him. 

“What?” You asked, looking down at your watch. It was barely five. “No we don’t, I don’t need to be in until tomorrow afternoon, we can hang out and…” 

“No, Mom, you do really need to go,” Sarah said, a serious look on her face. 

“Yeah,” Ellie nodded. “Don’t wanna be late.” 

“Late for what?” You said. 

Evie looked up from her phone. 

“I just checked and everything is on time,” she said. 

You laughed, looking around at your husband and daughters. 

“What are you talking about?” You asked. “What’s on time, everything is closed. Are we going to a movie?” 

“I mean, we can when we get there if that’s what you wanna do,” Joel shrugged. “But you’d have to translate for me the whole time.”

You frowned, looking around again, all your children looking like they were about to burst with excitement. 

“Can someone clue me in?” You laughed again. “Because I’m at a loss…” 

“Oh, right,” Evie said, going into her purse, pulling out an envelope and handing it over. “Guess you’ll need that.” 

Joel was trying to hide his grin but you knew him too well for that and you just raised your brows at him as you opened the envelope. He just shrugged a little, his smile getting harder and harder to conceal. 

“What are you all up to?” You teased as you opened the envelope, unfolding the papers that were inside. 

“Guess you’ll have to look,” Joel shrugged. 

You rolled your eyes good naturedly before looking at the pages in your hands. 

It took you a second to realize what you were holding: a flight itinerary. 

You frowned. 

“Joel?” You asked looking over at him. 

“Yeah, baby?” 

“Joel, this…” you looked back at the paper, your heart racing. “Joel, this is a plane ticket.” 

“Is it?” He asked, smile apparent in his voice. 

“Joel,” you looked at him again. “This is a plane ticket to Paris. And it leaves in four hours.” 

“Technically, I think it’s two plane tickets,” Joel said, sitting up to look over your shoulder. “First class, in case you wanted some room to sleep on your first overseas flight.” 

“But…” Your eyes ranged over the ticket before looking around, all your daughters grinning like the cats who ate the canaries. “I have work!” 

“Well, see, that’s where you’re wrong,” Joel smirked. “Talked with your boss back in October, you’re not due back to the hospital for a few weeks.” 

“I…” you looked down and back up again. “I need to pack!” 

“Wrong again, Mom,” Sarah smiled. “Dad took care of that. And I checked his work, you’re good.” 

“We need to plan…” 

“I gave him a list of all the coolest museums,” Ellie said proudly, cutting you off.  

“And I helped Dad be a little less totally useless in French,” Evie added. 

You looked around at all of them, tears stinging at your eyes. 

“You all planned this?” You asked, a lump in your throat. “For me?” 

“Been a long time coming, baby,” Joel smiled, his large hand cradling your elbow, thumb rubbing gentle circles over you. “You deserve it. Have for a while.” 

“He’s right, Mom,” Sarah smiled, too. “After taking care of all of us over the years, it’s about damn time.” 

“You’re the best mom in the world,” Ellie agreed. “Figured it was time that you see some of it.” 

“You always do everything for all of us,” Evie said. “We really should return the favor now and then.” 

You looked back at the tickets, covering your mouth with one hand, giving up on trying to keep from crying. 

“I…” you sniffed. “I don’t know what to say!” 

“How about we just say bon voyage,” Evie said. “Because you need to get on the road or you’re going to be late for your flight!” 

You let your children usher you and Joel to the car and you gave everyone hugs as Evie and Ellie got their bags from the trunk so they could stay with Sarah. You hugged them all goodbye, having to dry your tears every time you realized exactly what was happening: You were finally going to Paris, a place you’d always wanted to go, on a trip planned by the people you loved most. 

Joel drove the two of you to the airport, you practically glowing the entire way. Joel didn’t let you carry your own bags and you were still in disbelief as you settled into your seat on the plane, a glass of champagne in your hand as you waited to take off. 

“So,” Joel smiled, watching you. “You excited?” 

“I can’t believe it,” you said, laughing a little. “I can’t… You really shouldn’t have done all this, not for me!” 

“Oh baby,” Joel reached out and cupped your cheek. “You’ve done nothin’ but take care of everyone else as long as I’ve known you. Don’t think I can ever do enough to repay you for that but you gotta let me try, at least at Christmas.” 

You smiled and leaned over to kiss him. 

“I think I can handle that.” 

He smiled. 

“Merry Christmas, baby,” he said. “Or should I say… joyeux noël? That right?” 

You laughed, his accent comically bad but so charming you had to love it. 

“That’s right,” you said. “Joyeux noël.”

[xmads-omensx]

Word Count: 1,251

Pairing: Noah Sebastian X Reader

Content Warnings: talks of loneliness, depression, not feeling good enough

Summary: Y/N didn't enjoy her birthday but can't figure out why. Noah helps her as she deals with the pain she feels.

Tags: @collisionofyourkissmakesitsohard @lacy1986 @collidewiththesav @kenjipepsi1 @follow-me-down-to-wonderland

My birthday was rapidly approaching and I hadn’t given it much thought.

I never really did.

Usually, I would go out for dinner with my best friends, but that was no longer an option since our friendship had ended.

Sure, I was glad they were out of my life since they had caused me so much pain, but it still hurt.

I tried to push it out of my mind as the months drew on. It worked.

Noah wasn’t a huge birthday guy, so the conversation never came up which I was grateful for.

I had completely forgotten about the matter of my birthday until it was only a week away and I still didn’t have any plans.

Noah had bought me theatre tickets for a showing of Six at two pm on my birthday, but had only told me so that I could plan around it.

Obviously, I was excited for that, but there was still something missing.

In the past, it was my two best friends who organised where we went for dinner so that it was still a surprise, but that wouldn’t be the case this year.

My heart hurt as I thought about it, but I pushed it away once again.

I didn’t need that pain.

I didn’t need their bullshit.

Not anymore

I was noticeably happier without them.

Granted, it had taken me some time to get there, but I got there.

Noah was by my side every step of the way and I couldn’t be more grateful.

My birthday rolled around in what felt like minutes and before I knew it, Noah was zipping up the back of my dress as we got ready to leave for the theatre.

It was nice spending time with him like this.

It felt domestic.

Noah would deny it, but he loved the show.

I could see him lip syncing along to the words that he knew as he watched the talented women on the stage perform the brilliant soundtrack.

“Best birthday gift ever.” I said to him as we walked back to his car after the show ended.

“You deserve it, my love.” He replied, kissing the top of my head affectionately before opening the passenger side door for me.

The drive home was quiet.

A nice quiet.

The kind that feels easy.

It stayed that way for the rest of the day until Jesse returned home and started singing Christmas songs, which was not at all out of character for the strange man.

It made me smile.

Noah ordered pizza for our dinner, which we ate as we re-watched Attack on Titan for what felt like the hundredth time, but I would never complain about that.

Falling back into our routine, we snuck up to bed when Jolly and Jesse joined us on the sofa.

Noah undressed into his boxers, and I changed into one of his shirts, leaving on my cotton panties.

We both climbed into bed, with Noah instinctively pulling me into his chest.

“Goodnight.” He whispered with a kiss to the top of my head.

“Goodnight, pumpkin.” I whispered back.

Noah tilted his head down to place a kiss on my lips before drifting off to sleep.

I soon found out that I would not receive the same luxury.

My birthday felt incomplete.

Sure, the day wasn’t over yet, but something felt… missing. Like that feeling you get when you feel like you’ve forgotten something.

It felt like I was stood in a dark room without a torch. Not pitch black, but too dark to see everything.

It was a strange feeling.

Deciding that my quest for sleep was futile, I retreated back to the kitchen and made myself some chamomile tea. That usually helped me sleep.

I grabbed the book that I had been reading off of the coffee table and snuggled down to read. Surely that would make my eyes tired enough to fall asleep.

The narrative was comforting, but not helpful in my mission for sleep.

If anything, it was making my problem worse.

I just felt… alone.

Footsteps in the hallway pulled me out of my trance as I looked up and saw Noah standing there rubbing sleep from his eyes.

“What’re you doing up?” He grumbled.

“Couldn’t sleep.” I replied with a whisper.

“Selfish. You know I can’t sleep when you’re gone.” Noah mumbled, crawling on top of me and snuggling into my neck, making me laugh.

“I’m sorry bub.” I replied.

“Seriously though, what’s up?” He asked.

Noah always knew when something was wrong.

“I’m not sure.” I replied.

He gave me a confused look, so I explained how I was feeling.

“Maybe it’s because it’s your first birthday without Lily and Jay?” He suggested.

Then it all fell into place.

That was exactly it.

The two of them had always celebrated my birthday with me.

They had since we were five years old.

Noah reached up to brush a tear off of my cheek that I hadn’t realised had fallen.

“Baby, it’s okay, you’ve been functioning perfectly without them for a while now. You can get through this.” He said comfortingly, but it didn’t help.

I pushed him off of me and sat up.

“I just feel so lonely.” I whispered.

“You’re not lonely.” He said. “You have me, Jesse, Jolly, Folio and the rest of the guys. They’re your friends, they’ll always be there for you. And you know damn well you’ve always got me.”

“But they’re not my friends!” I exclaimed, suddenly angry at Noah. “They are your friends, Noah, not mine!”

Silence encased the living room.

“Baby, I’m sorry for yelling.” I said after a moment.

“Don’t be sorry.” Noah said, walking towards me. “Never be sorry.”

He pulled me into a tight hug.

Tears began to spill down my face.

“It’s just so lonely without them.” I sobbed into his warm, bare chest.

Noah didn’t say anything, just rocked me back and forth as I cried.

My heart yearned for an easier time when my birthday was something filled with friends. But today it had just felt empty.

“Let’s head back to bed.” Noah whispered after a few minutes.

I nodded.

He gently placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me up to our shared bedroom and closed the door behind us.

I immediately gravitated to the bed in the middle of the room and curled up beneath the covers that smelled like Noah before he pulled me into his chest.

“I know you miss them, but it will get easier.” Noah began. “I promise you that you will feel less lonely as you readjust to life without them. It will get easier baby.”

I didn’t know how to reply, so I just looked up at him.

He smiled softly at me before placing a loving kiss on my lips and pulling me back into his chest.

“Sleep well, my love, and dream of me.” He whispered.

“Ew.” I replied.

“Did you just fucking say ew?” He asked, shocked.

I giggled.

“Oh that’s funny is it?” He said tauntingly.

I nodded my head.

“Oh I see how it is. You want war? I’ll fucking give you war idiot.” He said, before tickling my sides, making me cry out with laughter.

“There’s that laugh.” Noah sighed, pulling me back into his chest.

“I love you.” I whispered, kissing his bare chest.

“I love you more.” Noah whispered, kissing the top of my head.

Suddenly, I didn’t feel as lonely anymore.

[anniebeckcalla]

:fit for a princess: [na jaemin x reader]

non-idol au. wc: 2.0k cw: fluff , pet names (lots) bad language, slightly suggestive. ✿﹒

calla's note: this was meant to be a 200 word drabble, but it never rains it pours :( it took me an embarrassing 4 hours to finish this. anyway I hope you like this (I have @mejaemin pooks in mind as I write this because she wanted something with nails)

You took a deep breath to control your anger as you stood in the high street. Despite your gorgeous appearance in your fur coat, hoop earrings, vintage tracksuit, and golddigga trainers, everything was going WRONG for you today.

What was the reason for your distress?

Been dumped? (No. You didn't even have a boyfriend, anyway.)

Been fired? (Ha. You weren't sure if your manager knew you existed.)

Slagged off by a friend on social media? (Not a chance. You didn't have enough friends or a scandalous enough life to be slagged off.)

No, everything was going to pot because your normal nail artist had cancelled on you and gone on holiday to the Maldives with her glamorous new boyfriend. She'd just told you over the phone this morning when she was already lounging on the beach, leaving you in this grey sludge of a country with untidy chipped nails. You were absolutely fuming. You didn't like change. You trusted your nail artist and didn't want to go to anyone else to get yourself sorted out.

One thing that you hated more than change, though, were scruffy nails. You realised that you were going to have to give up your resolve of sticking to one nail artist in order to have your nails done all nice and clean. The fact that you had no other option didn't make it any easier to accept, and now you were close to throwing a tantrum as you stood outside the rival nail shop, barely able to accept your fate.

A lady with rollers in her hair and fluffy slippers opened the door, a scowl on her face. “Well, are you coming in or not?” she snapped. You glared at her in a silent response. The lady crossed her arms. “So you're going to be like this, are you?” she laughed. “Listen, young lady. Either you fuck off our doorstep, or shift your ass inside. We can't have you scaring potential customers from coming in.” You weren't about to allow yourself to be spoken to like that. Wordlessly, you barged past her into the shop.

The shop, though you were too proud to admit it to yourself, was very lush and tidy. The floor and chandeliers sparkled, there was a member of staff at each workstation, and krnb played from a radio in the corner. “We have a spitfire on our hands here,” roller lady called out to the staff and customers. “Who wants to have her?” You glared on as all the staff laughed and shook their heads timidly. “Is this some sort of auction, then?” you snapped. Everyone only laughed louder. You were ready to leave right then and there.

“I'll have her.” A man at the corner workstation raised his hand. He had a loose black vest that showed off his tanned chest and muscles, and jet hair that curled at his neck. You felt your heart jump with excitement, but to save face, you did your best to act nonchalantly. “My normal nail artist is a girl,” you replied. The man laughed. “I can see why she abandoned you. Come here.” You cringed inwardly at his response, and decided to humble yourself a little. Defeated, you went over and lowered yourself in the chair.

“Thank bloody goodness for that!” roller lady muttered.

“I suppose we'd get along better if we started off with names, don't you think?” the man said. You stared hard at the table. “Y/n,” you muttered. The man nodded. Nice name. I'm Jaemin. You'll be telling everyone that Jaemin did your nails, that's how good I am.” You rolled your eyes, forgetting your promise to be coy. “Oh, very good. We'll have to see about that.” Jaemin chuckled, making your ears flame (you were so embarrassed for that.).

“You're funny, y/n. I like a girl who argues back. Now. Show me what you want today.” Your hands trembled as you scrolled through your photo gallery. You had no idea why you were reacting to this random man's charms like this. You could just feel it in your bones that this Jaemin man acted like this towards every girl, and felt like a simpleton for rising to the bait.

“This is what I want,” you said, holding up an image of pink acrylic nails with bows, lace, and gems Jaemin only glanced at it once, and raised his eyebrows. “Quite the princess, then?” he remarked. You shrugged, feeling like an absolute fool. “I guess it could be seen that way.” Jaemin laughed again. You noticed that he laughed quite a lot. You weren't sure if you liked it.

Jaemin angled the light on your hands. “Are you ready?” he asked. You gulped. “Are you sure you know what you're doing?” you said. “My nail artist, she's a girl, and she says that girls do nails best…” You trailed away when you saw a frown appear on Jaemin's face. “Good thing that your nail artist isn't here, then,” he snapped. Tears stung your eyes at the sudden tone, and you bit your lip. Jaemin noticed. “Don't dish out what you can’t eat,” he said quietly. “Now, are you ready or not?” “I guess,” you replied.

Jaemin opened a tin of moisturiser and spread a liberal amount on your hands, tugging at your fingers with an intensity that disconcerted you. When you looked up, he gazed into your eyes. “Bet your nail artist doesn't do this for you, does she?” he said. You were still recovering from your tears, so you stared down at your lap. Jaemin interlaced your hands with his, stretching your fingers so far you were sure they would pop. Part of you desperately wanted to complain to show how bold you were, but if you had to be honest, you were somehow enjoying it. You kept your eyes trained down.

“Does that feel good?” Jaemin rubbed your thumb in a circular motion with his own. The pace made your tummy erupt with butterflies. Damn, you hated this person for what magic he was working on you. “It's alright, like,” you mumbled. “Ah, ah. Look up at me when you're talking,” Jaemin replied. “I have no way of knowing if you're okay otherwise.” You looked up timidly, and your gaze fell on the plane of his chest that the vest did a rubbish job of covering. Immediately, you looked down again. Jaemin laughed once again. “Aww, you're shy now. I don't know if I liked it more when you were being bold. Maybe I like both.” He kneaded your palm gently.

You summoned enough courage to look at Jaemin's bent figure. Your breath caught in your throat as your heart beat faster. Damn, he was so pretty with his brows set in concentration, focused entirely on your hands. And he smelt so good. His cologne had hints of peach and caramel that curled around your nostrils pleasantly. You were catching feelings for him.

At last, Jaemin's hand massage was finished. He started to work on your nails. You felt a little disappointed that the massage was over. It must have shown on your face, because Jaemin smirked. “Sad that it's over, princess? If you liked it, you can have another one when you come back next time.” The word princess made you feel embarrassed and charmed at the same time. You bit back a smile. “We'll see,” you replied stiffly.

“So, what's she like, this nail artist of yours?” Jaemin smoothed a light pink acrylic gel over your extensions. “She's nice,” you said. You were delighted to notice that Jaemin had got the exact shade of pink right. He glanced up at you. “Why did she call it quits with you, then?" You bit back a snarl. “I said*, she didn't quit on me. She went on holiday with her new boyfriend.” Jaemin grinned. “Ahh, a boyfriend. How cute.” He reached under his desk and pulled out a small box covered In rhinestones. When he opened it, you saw that it was full of the little bits of lace and bows and gems that your demonstration image had.

You gasped. “But that's-”

Jaemin shrugged. “It was me who designed those nails that you showed me, of course. Only one other person has ever had them, and that's my sister. I don't usually repeat designs, but for the princess, I will.” You couldn't hide your smile then, and your cheeks flushed with shyness. “Thanks,” you said. Jaemin chuckled. “Aww. It's okay, girl. Look how cute you become when you're being nice.” You were so set off by his remarks that you smiled even more, not caring anymore if this was just a marketing ploy.

Carefully, Jaemin adorned your nails with the decorations. When he was done, he put your hands under a small UV light. “So tell me, princess,” he said, “if your nail artist has a boyfriend, do you have one to match with her?” You stared at the blue light, pretending you hadn't heard him. “Come on, y/n. Look at me when you're talking,” Jaemin chortled. You finally looked up at him. “No, I don't,” you sighed. You almost thought that you caught a sparkle in Jaemin's eyes, but then it was gone. “Oh,” he said. “Talking to anyone?” You laughed. “I'd be lucky if a man looked my direction, let alone involve himself in a talking stage with me,”

“I don't agree,” Jaemin replied. “Look at you. You clean up nice, you smell great, and you're very pretty.” You rolled your eyes. “Just like you say to everyone who sits in this chair.�� Jaemin's face hardened again. “That's not true,” he countered. “Ask anyone here. I just say it as it is.” He called out to roller lady who was sweeping up non-existent dirt from the floor. “Don't I always say the truth, Auntie?” Roller lady nodded. “The truth and nothing else, our Jaemin. I don't know how you haven't chased out our customers with your harsh words.” “You see?” Jaemin said, taking your freshly done hands in his. You looked down at his work. It was absolutely breathtaking. The patterns and swirls were all in the right place, the lace and bows arranged delicately. Somehow, it was even better than the image you had provided.

“Thanks for this,” you said. “They're beautiful.” There was a brief silence. “Um, how much do I have to pay for this?” You tried to pull your hands out of his grasp, but he held on firmly. “It’s on me,” he said. You tried to protest, but Jaemin held his hand up. “Forget it. Just promise me one thing.” “What?” you stuttered, your heart beating two paces faster. “Promise that you'll come back,” Jaemin's eyes were pleading. It was stupid of you, but you were willing to do anything as long as he looked at you like that. “I promise I'll come back.” you breathed.

Jaemin smiled. “I trust your word.” He let go of your hands. (You made a mental note to not wash them for as long as you could.) Taking a nearby scrap of paper, he hastily scrawled on it with a black biro. “In case your nail artist is busy again, take this,” he said, handing you the slip. On it was a mobile number. Was it… “It's my number, of course,” Jaemin shrugged, a shy smile on his face.

You wished that you could control the grin on your face as your heart leapt with joy. “Thank you so much, Jaemin. For everything.” Jaemin took your hands in his again. “It's alright, princess,” he said softly. You felt as if you'd been in love with him forever. “HEY! Jaemin! Enough flirting with that girl!” shouted roller lady. “I have customers waiting to be served, and here you are lowering yourself for miss high and mighty!” The other staff tittered in agreement. Jaemin rolled his eyes. “Alright, sorry Auntie.” He made a phone gesture with his hand, much to roller lady's dismay. “Call me, okay?”

When you were outside in the street, you immediately added Jaemin's number to your phone, your hands shivering with excitement. You decided to save the contact as ‘Jaemin 🎀’. (because, you explained to yourself, of the design of the nails) After some consideration, you scrolled down to your previous nail artist's number and swiped it to the archive folder.

You wouldn't be needing her again.

and that, kids, is how I met your mother

[masterlist]

[iovestuck]

HOT CHOCOLATE FOR TWO ☆ 심재윤

staring. boyfriend ! jaeyun × girlfriend ! female oc

wc. 1.5k | genre. fluff, soft, a hint of angst, etc. | warnings. kissing, a bit suggestive if you look closely, doubts, assuming, super cute moments, etc.

iovestuck's notes. I wrote this yesterday and finished it three hours before Christmas ends in my timezone. I love this Christmas fic and almost cried at this special part of the fic. I hope you love this so much! Please listen to Feel Like by Gracie Abrams and songs that are gentle and soft while reading this fic.

masterlist

IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAYS. Some were out partying, some were in their homes with their family, and some were with their significant other. But there are a few that were alone during this special holiday. One of them was a female.

She didn't have a choice to be alone during Christmas, but because she was sick. She has no choice but to be home alone. Her boyfriend had plans for them, but because she was sick, it was canceled at the last minute. Her family and friends rang her doorbell to give her presents and she gave theirs.

Now, she was alone in the cold empty apartment. She was sitting in the living room looking at the Christmas tree. She looked at her gift bag next to the couch. The only gift that was left for her to give. She sighed as she looked at that blue gift bag. “Does he hate me?” She thought.

She curled up into her warm blanket even more. Still feeling sick but didn't want to waste the day in bed. She hated how sick she was during her favorite holiday. Nothing is worse than being sick during something you loved so much. She then looked at the soup her mother made that she hadn't touched. The guilt was so unbearable that she didn't have any appetite to eat or drink anything.

Her boyfriend planned the day, but because of her, everything was ruined. Suddenly, she heard someone punching her passcode. She didn't move from her spot since it was probably her mother checking on her. Closing her eyes, she felt so empty and tired.

She heard the front door closed and footsteps slowly making their way. A warm hand softly touched her forehead before a sigh was heard. She slowly opened her eyes before widening them. “Jaeyun?”

Her boyfriend softly smiled at her when he saw her eyes were opened. “Did I wake you up?” She shook her head. “No, I was awake before you came.” She took a minute before saying the next words, “Are you mad at me?” Jaeyun's eyes widened before shaking his head with no hesitation. “No, why would I be?”

Eunu felt more embarrassed after she heard what he said. “Well, I thought you did cause we have to cancel the plans that you made months ahead.” She looked from the distance, not wanting to meet his eyes. She could feel his hand over hers and gently squeeze it. “I'm not mad and would never be even if I made the plans months ahead and had to cancel it. You are more important than the plans. Plus, I have better plans for next year, and we can go on a date when you are better if it makes you feel better, Eunu.” He gently smiled at her. “Why did you ask, love?”

She slowly met his eyes, and tears suddenly started to form. “It just…you didn't come here until later, so I thought…” Jaeyun's eyes widened before they softened. “Oh! That's the reason?” She slowly nodded. He quickly let go of her hands and went somewhere in the room. She followed him with her eyes before he went where she couldn't see him. “Close your eyes, love.” Eunu closed her eyes just like he said. She could hear footsteps walking towards her, and the couch sank a bit.

“Okay open them,” he told her. She slowly opened her eyes, and her eyes sparkled with tears. “Oh my goodness, this is so beautiful,” she choked on her tears. Jaeyun reached his thumb to wipe her tears. “I am glad. This is why I was late. I was running to the mall to pick up this and another present that I ordered two days ago. Then, I was stuck in traffic for a while.” Eunu quickly hugged her boyfriend as tears were still falling. “I'm sorry for having doubts and assuming that you hate me.”

Jaeyun hugged her back tightly, but not too tight. “It's okay, love. I am sorry for making you feel that way. I want to surprise you.” She shook her head before slowly pulling away. He quickly wiped her tears with his thumb. “What is your other present?” He smiled. “Do you want me to put this bracelet first?” She nodded.

Her boyfriend took the bracelet out of the box and gently put it on her wrist. She looked at the silver bracelet with a smile on her face. “It's so beautiful.” Jaeyun then went somewhere for a while before coming back with a medium-sized bag. He sat back down in front of her and took out another box from the bag. “I love you so much. You are so perfect and precious. Most times, I don't deserve you. You are my light through my darkness.”

He opened the box, revealing a necklace with a ring in it. Eunu was in tears again when he said his little speech. “Do you remember your ring I gave you during our first anniversary?” She nodded, a bit confused about where this was going. “Remember that one night, you thought you lost it?”

She nodded even more confused about what was going on. “Well, I found it, and instead of giving it back to you. I went to my friend's shop who can do something like this and asked him to make a special necklace and put this ring in the middle since it's special for both of us.”

Jaeyun took a deep breath, so he didn't cry when he said the next words. “I am not proposing to you yet since we are still in our 4th year of being together, and you want to wait until we reach at least 6 years of being together. So this is a promise necklace and ring. I promise to ask you to marry you. I want to promise to be with you forever until our death. You are the love of my life, and I don't want anyone else but you. Will you be my promise too?”

By the time he finished, Eunu was sobbing a lot. She quickly nodded to his question. “Yes, I would love to be your promise, too!” Jaeyun felt tears falling when she said those words. He quickly hugged her again and kissed her neck softly. “Oh my goodness, I love you more than anything!”

“I love you, too!” They looked at each other as Jaeyun slowly pulled away. He gently rested his forehead against hers. Smiles were on both their lips. “Do you want me to put it on for you?” He asked her. “Sure,” she answered. He pulled away and helped her put the necklace on.

Once the necklace was around her, she looked down, gently took the necklace into her index finger and thumb before she looked at it. “It has our initials,” she smiled. Jaeyun nodded. “Yeah, I asked my friend to also carve our initials together on the ring.” She looked at him and smiled. “I love both of your presents. I have presents for you, too. It isn't as great as these, but I know you will still love it.”

She took the bag next to the couch and put it in front of them. “Open them.” She watched him nervously as he took out his presents. His eyes widened when he saw the first present. It was a mug that had a drawing of his dog, Layla and him playing in the snow with a snowman. “I drew the drawing when you were at work in the past few months. I know you love Layla so much, so I want to do something special. Last month, I went to the pottery store to make that mug for you.” Jaeyun hugged her and kissed her forehead. “Thank you, love. It's so beautiful.”

“I also have something else for you.” She signaled him to look in the bag more. He put down the mug on the table before opening the bag again. He slowly took out the item. His eyes widened. It was a Nintendo Switch and a few games that he wanted for the Switch. Including Animal Crossing New Horizons + Happy Home Paradise.

“I know you wanted a Nintendo Switch for a while and wanted to play these games with the help of your friends and your parents. We brought the games and the switch. Plus—she pulled out her own switch from behind her—I brought my own switch and brought the Animal Crossing New Horizons + Happy Home Paradise for myself, so we can connect together!”

“Thank you, love!” He put down the present that was in his hands and pulled her into a hug. She felt much better now. They stayed like that for a while. “Do you feel better now?” He broke the comfortable silence. She nodded. He kissed her forehead. “That's good. Let's have an at-home date for the rest of the day.”

She nodded, not wanting to say anything and just wanting to be in his arms. “We can watch a kdrama that you wanted to watch and make hot chocolate with marshmallows for the two of us.”

She nodded, agreeing with him as her eyes slowly closed. He kissed her forehead once again. “Merry Christmas, love. You are so perfect, and I love you more than anything else.” He whispered softly into her ears as she slowly fell asleep in his arms.

TAGLIST. @senascoooop ,

© 2024-2025 — all rights reserved to user iovestuck, please do not steal, plagiarise, or translate any of my works without prior permission from me !

[fanfoolishness]

Number 10 with your Ingellvar x Lucanis is calling out to my angst fueled mind, please!

You write so beautifully btw 🥰 and your rooks are GORGEOUS

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this one, it really got rather out of hand!

Prompt: a kiss out of desperation. Liesl Ingellvar isn’t sure what’s real, but Lucanis is there for her. Set very shortly post-game so full spoilers for the ending. Angst and hurt/comfort and feels, 1429 words of them! Enjoy :)

———

What’s Real

Gray mist swirled around her, settling clammy dew on her cheeks and hands. Beads of it slid down to gather at her chin. She wiped it away, unsettled.

Stone rose up out of the mist, half-recognized, messy sketches of the Grand Necropolis yawning before her. But this was not the Grand Necropolis she knew; though it was ever changing, ever mutable, it still always felt familiar in the sweet-musty scent of the grave, the preternatural stillness, the sense of vastness far beyond mortal ken. This place she was in now felt like a tarnished reflection, a pale imitation of what she knew. She traversed the wending trails in cautious confusion, feeling hemmed in. Constrained.

”This isn’t home,” Liesl muttered to herself. “It’s the Fade.”

But if it was the Fade, why did she feel so uneasy? She had long ago mastered herself and her dreams, and hungry spirits held no dominion over her: she knew who she was, and what she was about. There was nothing to fear here.

Except she knew better.

Varric’s voice came behind her, kind and caring, proud and warm. “Hey there, kid.”

”You’re gone now,” she whispered, blinking back sudden tears. “I let you go. I understand everything.”

”You sure about that?”

The fear choked her, made it hard to breathe. She couldn’t be back in Solas’ prison. She’d fought her way through. She’d been called home. But she couldn’t remember how she had escaped — if she had escaped — and cold dread staggered her heart. With a great effort she turned to face him.

Varric chuckled, shaking his head. He stood before her with an easy smile, Bianca on his back, hands on his hips. The mist billowed around him as his smile drooped. “I’m sorry, Rook. We messed up. We tried though, didn’t we? Wish I could write it all down.” He sounded so tired.

Then Varric shifted in the fog, his shape smaller, slighter. Familiar red hair blazed through the mist. Harding gave her a sad look.

“You’re here,” she said. “Gosh, I wish you weren’t. It’s not a nice place to be.”

”Harding, I’m sorry —“

Harding waved a gloved hand at her, shrugging. “You made a choice, and so did I. I knew that this was part of the deal! I think you did, too.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “It’s so chilly here. No one told me it was going to be so cold.”

Liesl dashed away tears with the back of her hand. She wouldn’t cry. This wasn’t real. Was it?

Harding sighed. “I just wish my Ma was going to be all right. With all this, you know?”

“I’ll tell her how brave you were,” Liesl said fiercely.

Harding gave her a sad smile. “But how are you going to do that, Rook, when you’re trapped here?”

No. She had to get out. Had to escape. She turned and ran the other direction, nearly running into another figure.

It was Solas. Not the brash young warrior of the Crossroads, nor the wise tactician speaking into her mind. He was Wisdom made Pride, his eyes cold and sharp and calculating. The Dread Wolf drew nearer and even through the mist, she could see the bruises mottling his face, the mouthful of blood staining his teeth.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” Solas said, raising the lyrium dagger. Before she could arm herself or reach for her magic the dagger was beneath her chin, pressing against her pulse. “But the Veil falls now. It must.” He gave her a rueful smile. “I regret you will not see what will become.”

The dagger nicked her throat, and the world went blue, then white.

—

“Rook! Liesl! Wake up!” Hands on her shoulders, a voice in the dark, a shower of violet feathers. She blinked, shaking, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. Lucanis was beside her, candles flickering behind him, Spite’s wings gone once more. She knew this place. It was Varric’s room… no. It was the Lighthouse infirmary.

She scrambled up to a sitting position and stared at Lucanis for a long and terrible moment, her chest heaving. Was this real? Was this the prison? Would Lucanis vanish, just another trick? She clapped a hand to her throat, but there was no wound.

Her head throbbed. She buried her face in her hands, overwhelmed. The cot sank and shifted as Lucanis sat down beside her.

“Oh, Rook, Rook, Rook.” He murmured her name like a prayer, voice raw and cracking, and then his arms were around her. He pulled her in close, holding her tightly, burying his face in the crook of her neck. He was warm and solid.

She took a deep breath. He smelled of stale coffee and sweat, elfroot, a hint of injury. Injury. She — she remembered —

“We did it,” she mumbled. “Didn’t we?”

“We did,” Lucanis said softly, lifting his head. He brushed away the tears that had gathered at the corners of her eyes with the pad of his thumb. “We won. But you were hurt. Do you remember?”

The battle with Elgar’nan, a blow to the head, running on sheer willpower. Pleading with Solas with her head pounding, Lucanis holding her steady as the dizziness worsened. A flash of light as the Veil mended and stabilized. The others, some injured, but all alive. It was coming back to her in bits and pieces.

“I remember,” she said. “But I — I thought I —” She shivered, bowing her head. “I thought he’d trapped me again in the Fade. That he was going to tear the Veil down. I saw Solas — and Harding — Varric —“

She raised her head, looking over at the cot that still held Varric’s folded jacket, the shattered remnants of Bianca. He was still gone. It had only been a dream, not an echo, not a spirit, not a trap.

“I’m sorry. They’re gone. But you’re awake now,” Lucanis said. “You’re safe.”

But the fear still lingered. She pulled back from him and he reluctantly released her from the embrace. She turned her gaze from Varric’s bed — no, it had never been his bed — and stared into Lucanis’ worried face, seeing him more clearly now.

A large bruise stained one cheek. There was a bloodied split in his swollen lip. The shadows beneath his reddened eyes were deep and dark, and his hair was tangled, nearly snarled. Clearly he had not left her side since Minrathous or attended to his own injuries.

“Are you all right?” Liesl asked, resting her hand on his chest, against his rumpled waistcoat.

“Told him to rest. Heal. I would guard you. Wouldn’t listen!” Spite growled, a violet aura flickering around Lucanis’ body for an instant.

“He’s stubborn, that’s for sure,” Liesl agreed, almost smiling. Spite laughed.

Lucanis shook his head, the flicker of Spite dissipating once more. “I am fine,” he said. She touched the bruise on his cheek and he winced slightly. “Mostly fine. It’s of little concern. We were all more worried about you. Emmrich and Bellara did what they could, but there were many injured, and supplies were low. This?” He gestured to his face. “Is nothing.”

She nodded, her head aching with the motion, and grimaced. He brushed the hair back from her forehead, peering concernedly at her eyes.

“Rook, you should not be up yet. You must rest,” Lucanis said.

But if she rested, the Fade awaited her. Harding, Varric, they might be there again, the fears and griefs she’d barely had a chance to name before she’d had to return to the fight. She couldn’t face them, not yet.

Not alone.

“Tell me I’m here,” she breathed, desperate to believe him. “Please, Lucanis. Tell me I’m here.”

His dark eyes were too bright, glittering in the candlelight. “Oh, Liesl.” He stroked her hair, her cheek, and drew her into a shaky kiss. “You are here with me, I promise. I love you.”

She kissed him back, sinking against him until they lay entangled on the narrow cot, pressed tightly against each other. She could feel his hands, the rise of his chest, the jut of his hips, the way his legs fit in with hers. The way he fit with her.

“I believe you, Lucanis. I love you.” And she did, in a way that felt realer than real, a rich and deep love unbound by Fade or dream. She could feel him against her, smell the familiar scent of his hair and skin, hear his breathing. She knew he spoke the truth. She breathed deeply, safe in his arms.

I’m here. I’m here.

We’re here.

[kyywritess]

CHAPTER 6: KNOW ITS FOR THE BETTER

pairing: aged up!katsuki bakugo x fem!reader

summary: After six intense years in Japan, YN LN has firmly established herself as a renowned gym owner. She's known by many pros for her charm, strength, and boxing abilities. She has a strong support system and amazing friends... her life in Japan was everything she dreamed it would be.

But everything changes one fateful night when a mysterious package appears on her doorstep. No note, no return address—just a plain box wrapped with a single pearly pink ribbon. As she unravels the contents of the box, she’s drawn into a dark, twisted mystery that seems to reach deep into her own past—a past she thought she had buried when she left her old life behind.

wc: 2k

warning: Sexual concepts

an: A little flash back and filler chapter to prepare for the next chapters..! Also merry christmas to everyone who celebrates:) 🎄

---

FLASH BACK

“You know those things will kill you, right?”

James, seated in the driver’s side of the sleek black SUV, leaned his head out of the window, his sharp eyes narrowing as he caught sight of you puffing on a cigarette.

“I hope they do, honestly.” Your voice was dry, laced with equal parts sarcasm and resignation.

Tonight, you were meeting Anthony Moretti at an upscale, five-star restaurant. The past few months had been a whirlwind of undercover work, and the plan had gone far too smoothly—so much so that Moretti was falling hard.

You’d spent hours getting ready for this dinner, reluctantly submitting to a makeover that left you feeling anything but yourself.

“I smell like I bathed in my grandmother’s perfume,” you muttered, scrunching your nose as the overpowering floral scent lingered, burning your nostrils.

Leaning against the hood of the car, your eyes scanned the street, catching movement in the shadows across the way.

“That’s my signal,” you said, tossing the cigarette to the ground and grinding it beneath the white heel of your shoe. Straightening, you glanced at James and flashed a thumbs-up. “How do I look?”

He smirked, giving you a once-over. “Good enough. Now go.”

Rolling your eyes, you turned and began your trek toward the restaurant’s glowing entrance. It was an unassuming building from the outside, draped in dim fairy lights that gave it the appearance of a quaint little diner. But stepping inside told a different story. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and rows of expensive liquor bottles sparkled under the warm light.

A hand gently touched the small of your back, making you pause.

“Lily.”

Turning, you met the familiar gaze of Anthony Moretti. His dark eyes lit up as his lips curled into a charming smile.

“Anthony,” you greeted, mirroring his expression.

His gaze lingered, unabashed as he took in every detail of your appearance. “You look stunning.”

You were no stranger to his compliments—small remarks about your looks, your presence, the way you seemed to complete him. Usually, they went in one ear and out the other. But tonight, his stare burned a little too long, his words carrying a weight that sent heat rushing to your cheeks.

“Shall we?” he asked, extending his hand.

You hesitated for only a moment before placing your hand in his, allowing him to guide you to a private table tucked in the back of the restaurant.

The table was a picture of elegance—pristine white linen, flickering candlelight, and fine crystalware arranged with precision.

Your eyes drifted around the room, catching on an old bookshelf mounted high on the wall. One particular book stood out—a fictional tale of a mafia war intertwined with a doomed love story. The irony wasn’t lost on you.

Anthony noticed your wandering gaze. “Do you like to read?” he asked, his voice soft as his eyes followed yours.

“When I have the time,” you replied, a hint of longing slipping into your tone.

“I have a library at home. You should come see it sometime.”

The invitation caught you off guard, though you quickly composed yourself. This could be your chance to gather the intel you’d been after for months.

“I’d like that,” you said with a smile.

The next two hours passed in a blur of easy conversation and genuine laughter. You hated how natural it felt, how disarmingly charming Moretti could be. He was a gentleman through and through, a stark contrast to the ruthless criminal you knew him to be.

Walking out of the restaurant, he turned to face you, his earlier offer still hanging in the air.

“It’s late,” he said, “but my library’s always open. Or, if you’d prefer, I can take you home.”

You hesitated, glancing back at the car where James was undoubtedly watching from the shadows. He was going to kill you for this decision.

Reaching for Anthony’s hand, you smiled. “Let’s go see that library.”

Pulling up to his home, your breath hitched. The sprawling white mansion loomed before you, surrounded by a pristine iron gate and an expansive yard where two large guard dogs prowled.

“Your house is beautiful,” you said, unable to hide your awe.

“I bought it hoping to start a family someday,” he admitted, his voice quieter now. “It gets lonely here. Mostly just a few friends stopping by—it’s just me most of the time.”

The mention of a family made something twist in your stomach. You reminded yourself of the reality: the drugs, the murders, the chaos Moretti orchestrated with a simple word. Whatever innocence he portrayed, you couldn’t let yourself believe it.

Inside, the house smelled of sweet musk, warm and inviting, much like its owner.

“This way,” Anthony said, leading you toward the kitchen. He pulled two whiskey glasses from a sleek cabinet and poured the amber liquid with practiced ease.

“What makes you think I like whiskey?” you teased, leaning against the counter.

He chuckled. “You don’t strike me as a wine or cocktail kind of woman. And I remember what you ordered the night we met.”

So he paid attention.

Following him into another part of the house, you couldn’t help but notice how bare the walls were—no photos, no personal touches, just sparse decor.

“I don’t let just anyone in here,” he said as he opened a grand wooden door. “Feel special.”

Stepping inside, your breath caught. The library was breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling shelves lined the walls, packed with thousands of books. A cozy reading nook sat at the center, complete with plush leather chairs and a soft throw.

“This…” You turned to him, eyes wide. “This is incredible.”

Anthony chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ve never seen anyone get so excited over a few books.”

“A few books? This is a lifetime’s worth!”

You couldn’t help yourself, running your fingers along the spines of the books, reading the titles as though committing each one to memory.

As you immersed yourself in the collection, Anthony moved closer, his gaze never leaving you.

“I find it endearing,” he murmured, “how you appreciate the little things.”

You didn’t respond, too captivated by the room. Picking up a book, you flipped it over to read the summary, only for him to step in behind you, his presence magnetic.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Your stomach dropped. This wasn’t how the mission was supposed to go, but the line between duty and deception had blurred long ago.

“Yes,” you whispered, the word tasting like betrayal.

Anthony’s lips crashed against yours, hungry and demanding, his hands finding their way to your waist. You barely had time to think as he lifted you onto the edge of the desk, his movements urgent and deliberate.

This was about trust, you reminded yourself. About getting closer. About completing the mission.

But as his lips trailed down your neck, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were losing control—of him, of the situation, and of yourself.

PRESENT 

You remember that night as if it were yesterday—the sweet musk of his cologne still lingering in your senses, the hundreds of missed calls from James flashing relentlessly on your phone.

You had left Anthony’s house that night with a walk of shame etched into your every step. Telling him you’d call an Uber was a lie; James had been waiting for you all along, parked just outside the gates, his jaw clenched tight the moment you disappeared inside.

At the time, gaining Anthony’s trust was paramount. It was the centerpiece of the entire operation, the linchpin that everything depended on. So, you did what you had to do. Even if it meant betraying yourself, hurting others, and bracing for the therapy bills that would inevitably follow.

James was on the verge of murder that night. The sight of you descending those marble steps, heels dangling in your hand, mascara streaked down your cheeks, and an expression that revealed more than you intended—it made his blood run cold. And he wasn’t sure if he was angrier at you or at Moretti.

“It’s part of the plan,” you had told him, over and over. But he knew better. He knew you. He knew that night haunted you. That every time someone tried to get close, to reach the parts of you long buried, you would retreat into the walls you’d carefully built. Hide away until the risk of feeling something—anything—disappeared again.

Now, staring up at your ceiling, the weight of it all pressed down on you like a suffocating fog. You had chosen to stay in your own home tonight, weary of the endless games, waiting for Anthony Moretti to find you.

And yet, a part of you wanted him to find you. The faster this was over, the faster you could return to something resembling normalcy. The faster you could see your family again.

The thought of your family brought your gaze to the little black box hidden under your bed. A box filled with the fragments of a life you missed so deeply. You only ever opened it on holidays, birthdays, or nights like this—when the ache to speak to them was too much to bear.

Inside were hundreds of handwritten letters to your mom and dad. Letters you could never send, for fear it would all come crumbling down. The ink was smeared in places, marred by tear stains and trembling hands.

You never had the heart to throw them away. You kept them instead, tucked safely under your bed, clinging to the hope that one day they might read the words you couldn’t say in person.

Tonight felt like one of those nights. With a heavy sigh, you reached for a fresh piece of paper and a pen. Settling down at the desk, you began to write, pouring everything you had into the letter—just as you always did.

To Mom and Dad 

Hi, it's me again. I've been sitting here for the past few hours, thinking about you both, and my heart feels a little heavier than usual. I miss you both so much. Life keeps moving, as it always does, but there’s something about being away from you that makes the days feel incomplete. I miss the sound of your voices, the way you always seem to know exactly what to say when I need guidance, and the simple comfort of knowing you're just a hug away. 

I need to tell you something but promise you wont freak out. I'm going undercover again, but not as a hero. Anthony Moretti is back, and he's after me. I know after everything that happened, this isn't what you want to hear and I wish so badly I could come clean about everything and tell you right to your face. I know you guys would know what to say, how to coax me through this. But I promise I'll make it out alive this time. I'll take down Moretti and I'll come home. 

Before I go though, I do have something to ask mom… dad stop reading if you're reading this. 

Mom, before I left we never really had boy conversations. I was never boy crazy in high school, so I never asked for help before. But I'm asking for help now. Remember when I told you about Bakugo? The most self centered, mean, and harsh person i've ever met. Yeah well turns out he's none of those things at all. He's sweet, and he cares about his friends more than any other person I have ever met. He asked me to be his date to a hero gala. And I said yes- and I think I like him. But I'm scared. 

What if he hates me forever when he finds out my secret. What if he can't look me in the eyes after he finds out everything I have done. Will he hate me? I hope he doesn't because I dont think Ive ever felt like this for anyone. And I'm scared because what if he doesn't hate me. What if he is sweet and understanding, how can I let him into my life without being scared? I need your guidance mom, more than ever. 

Okay dad you can come back… 

I hope to see you both soon, to sit together and catch up on everything we’ve missed. Until then, please take care of yourselves, and know that I’m thinking of you every single day.

I love you both more than words can say.

With all my heart, YN

---

TAGLIST: @emmaafinchh @iissza

[trainer-from-unova]

nightmare

𖤐 bandom blog: @princess-lvcifer 𖤐 english ao3 𖤐 spanish ao3 𖤐 edits 𖤐 kofi 𖤐

ship: eddie munson x f!reader

summary: your boyfriend comforts you after a nightmare

a/n: based on a nightmare I had before s4vol2 / i wrote this in summer 2022 / english isn't my first language

cw: hurt/comfort

word count: 0'6k

Eddie, her everything, was attacked by monster bats, and he was bleeding out and weakening in front of her and Dustin, who were trying to calm the anxiety attack she was having seeing him like this and not being able to do anything to save him as he said goodbye to them and told them he loved them.

And then suddenly she woke up.

There she was, in his bed next to him, in his room a mess full of posters of rock and metal bands. He was next to her, sleeping peacefully.

She lifted her head slightly from the mattress on which it was resting and her eyes went to his shirtless stomach to make sure it had all been a dream, and indeed, it had been: he was safe and sound, sleeping bare-chested, without a trace of blood anywhere on his body.

She noticed that her eyes were moist, so she ran her fingers over them and closed them again to try to go back to sleep, but it was difficult. Her breathing was ragged and irregular, with a horrible pressure in hee chest, and it was worse when her eyes were closed, but she couldn't sleep with her eyes open.

She thought it best to get out of bed and go and get a cool drink of water to calm herself, so she stepped over her boyfriend as carefully as possible so as not to wake him up and left the room to go to the fridge and pour herself a cool drink of water in a clear glass.

She drank but felt just as distressed, and her breathing was still as ragged, so she put her hand on her chest and tried to calm herself in her own way, breathing in and out slowly.

"A nightmare?" he asked a few feet behind her, taking her by surprise.

"Yes," she answered in a whisper.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked again.

"It doesn't matter, it was just a crazy dream, but... It seemed so real... And you... It's a very long story, a madness with monsters and everything, but you... You sacrificed yourself" she thought she wasn't going to cry again, but the tears escaped her eyes again without realising it, only to slip down her cheeks as she remembered the nightmare. She knew it had been a dream, that it hadn't been real and wouldn't be real, but it had affected her too much "for me and Dustin, and you said you hadn't finally run away and you'd finally become a real hero, but the whole town thought you were a villain and your body was trapped in another dimension and we couldn't even give you a proper funeral, and you sacrificed yourself and no one even noticed you were gone, your real life friends and your friends in the dream didn't care about you, and, and..." She wanted to say that his uncle thought he was missing and that she told him about his death, and he was devastated, but she couldn't say more. She couldn't get the words out. Anyway, he could hardly understand her. It hurt him terribly to see her like that, worried about him so much. He went over and put his arms around her.

"It's okay, it's not real. I'm here, honey."

"And thank goodness. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you," she cried disconsolately into his shoulder as she hugged him tightly, as if afraid he'd run away from her ...like in her nightmare.

"You're not going to lose me, in any way, ever."

"Promise me, please..."

"I promise."

[snowblossomreads]

Day 24 - Christmas Party

Pairing(s)/Character(s): David Friedman x Fem!Detective Reader

Summary: In where David and [Y/n] ditch the annual work Christmas party for a party of their own.

Tag(s)/Warning(s): Smut (roleplaying, women on top, p in v, dirty talk)

A/N: OH MY GOD IT'S OVER 😭😭😭😭. How has Rickmas come to an end so soon??? I have sooo many stories to catch up on as I literally spent almost every free moment writing. But it has been so worth it! I'm so proud that I've written for every prompt this year because hoooo boi was it looking shakey at times. Thank you everyone who has been reading and a big thank you of course to @deepperplexity for hosting this 🎊!!! Now without further a do lets close this out with a little bit of smut huh?

"So, what you’re tellin' me Dave, is that you were home all Thursday night. Mindin' your business and reading when the incident took place. Is that correct?"

"Yeah, been sayin' that for the past 20 minutes, but it seems like you ain't been listenin' detective."

"Oh no my hearin' and listenin' is just fine, I just wanted to make sure that was your story. It is your story isn't it?"

He rolled his eyes at the question being posed once again, before crossing his arms against his chest and leveling a glare at the woman who had been interrogating him.

"I said already, I ain't go nowhere and I ain't see no one. I went to work and straight back home after. Do you have anything else or can I go?" 

A smirk crossed her lips and a little 'hmm' passed through them as she walked towards him. Her hips swaying with each step, and her fingers gliding on the edge of the cold metal table in the room as she approached the seated man. When she finally stood to the side of him, she leaned down, giving him a very ample view of her breasts that were close to falling out of the festive red bra she wore underneath her dress.

"Well if that's the case," she purred, bringing his attention back to her face. "Tell me why we got that handsome mug of yours all over the security camera at the bar at the same time as that little mishap."

"Bullshit."

"Bullshit indeed. Cause everything you done told me already has been bullshit. So." Straightening herself up, and depriving the man of the nice view he had before, she leaned on the table, that 'caught you' smile still plastered on her features as she questioned him. "Now either you come clean and tell me what you were really doing that day, or I can have you locked up and the keys thrown away. Your choice." She winked at him before hopping up on the table to sit on the edge of it as she waited for his answer. 

One she already knew.

"Naw neither, I want my lawyer before I say anything else."

"Neither wasn't an option though."

"And I don't care," he stated with a clear look of annoyance etched on his face as he looked at the woman. "I know how this whole thing works, and I'm supposed to get a lawyer so until then I ain't tellin' ya nothin'."

Oh, that was not going to do.         

"Fine then. How about we ignore what you said before and you just tell me what you were doing there?" She suggested, garnering a suspicious yet intrigued look from the older man who seemed to give the idea thought. "We got you on camera, and that's some mighty hard evidence to beat but, I be willing to let you go if you tell me what you were doing there. Clear you of all this mess."

"What else would I be doing at a bar detective? Do you always ask questions like this? No wonder why the department can't solve nothin' these days."

[Y/n] smirked. Almost laughed really at how grumpy he was becoming but she pressed on, knowing that it be much more entertaining if she stirred him up a little bit more.

"I know, I know but you know them cameras caught some stuff. I just wanna know that's all. Hear it from the horse's mouth and all that. Now if you tell me the truth here, I'll ignore everything you said earlier."

He glared at her for a moment but knowing he was in the hot seat he gritted his teeth and nodded before he answered the question.

"Fine, I was meeting someone."

"Who."

"Someone."

"Oh come on now, that's not part of the deal. Who were you meeting, a friend, colleague…?"

"A friend."

"A friend, or a friend friend." 

He raised an eyebrow at that question before putting on a frown.

"Now why the hell does that matter?" 

"Come on tell me. You stay at the bar with 'em, or did ya'll go somewhere else afterward?

"I-."

"And don't forget," she interrupted, a sly little grin on her lips. "We got the tapes so you be better of tellin' the truth." 

"Yeah, yeah you done said that already," he groused before letting out a sigh. "We left around 10 that night. I only know because the news came on the TV and we decided to call it quits."

[Y/n] nodded satisfied with the answer, before continuing to question him.

"I see, I see, and this friend of yours, was it a man or a woman?"

"Woman."

"She pretty?"

"Fucking gorgeous."

Heat rose in [Y/n]'s cheeks at the speed of his response, and she was speechless for a second as David smirked at her, knowing he had thrown her off her game. 

"Dave you're going off script," [Y/n] complained yet there was no real anger directed toward him as she frowned. Or at least tried to. Still feeling the effects of the sudden off script answer.

"I know, just tryin' to help you get to the climax of things," he answered cheekily before she blew a raspberry at him.

"Ain't time for all that yet," he teased, causing [Y/n] to playfully stick her tongue out at him. "But I sure wouldn't mind if we hurried up to that part. Don't want nobody seein' we done gone missin' from the party and come looking for us."

He had a point.

"Well, then how 'bout we skip the boring part and move on to the action?"

"I won't say no to that."

Giving him a curt nod, she took a deep breath, shook her head, and got back into character.

"So what ya'll do after leaving the bar?" [Y/n] asked. "You take her home with you or something? Gentleman like you seem like you'd make sure she get to where she's going safely."

"Yeah, I took her home."

"Oh," [Y/n] hummed curiously as she scooted closer. "Mind me askin' whose home you took her to?"

"I do, but I'll still tell you. Took her to hers of course."

"So you are a gentleman, how nice," she responded as she finally made it to the edge closest to him as she kicked her legs up and down.

"Mostly."

"I bet you weren't one when you got inside were you?" 

"Well, she told me she didn't want me to be. So, I say I still was when I listened to her and fucked her like she wanted," he concurred with an air of confidence that made the room much to warm for her current state of dress. 

[Y/n] worried her bottom lip momentarily at the memory of him practically tossing her on the sofa and fucking her over it. The thought caused heat to bloom in her belly, and it made its way in between her legs, where she had to force herself not to squeeze her thighs together for some pressure. Yeah, he sure did fuck her like no gentleman could. Just the thought made her want to call this whole thing quits just so they could get to the good bit but no, no, they were almost there. Just a bit more.

"You lookin' a bit sick detective," David pointed out as [Y/n] zoned back in, clearing her throat and crossing one leg over the other to put some pressure on her lower half. "Need a doctor or somethin'?"

"You really are a gentleman," she responded with a smile," that's nice of you but no. I don't think a doctor can fix this ache I got."

"Now if I didn't know no better, it sounds like you're coming on to me detective," David pointed out, his brows lifting in faux surprise as he watched [Y/n] give him a fleeting smirk. "That don't seem too proper to me detective. Askin' if I took a woman home and fucked her. You sure this just for your little story you gonna tell your boss?"

"Of course it is! Cause if you said you fucked her as hard as you did, which I believe, then you wouldn't have no energy to go and commit any of them crimes they tryin' to pin you for wouldn't you?" [Y/n] asked as she began to trail her hand up her thigh, her hand catching the edge of her dress as she pulled it up inch by inch.

"Mhmm, that's right," he answered, swallowing harshly as his eyes began to wander down to the exposed flesh on her upper thigh. Her fingers drawing little circles on her skin as she smiled innocently at him, even if the look in her eyes was anything but.

"But you know, all I got is your word. And well. Words are words. And actions." She scooted all the way onto the table and turned her body so that she was facing him directly. Her legs spread apart for him and her clothed cunt almost at eye level for him as she used her elbows to support her.  A smirk graced her lips and she was met with a hungry look from David who looked ready to devour her.

"Are actions."

All it took was a wink from her, before David was launching forward and practically dragging her towards him by her calves. 

Once he was close, he leaned down and a squeak of delight left [Y/n]'s lips as he began to pepper hot kisses all the way up her exposed thighs and up towards her cunt that was already fluttering with excitement. Each kiss he planted, was accompanied by a soft groan from his lips as he pushed the skirt of her dress up towards her belly so he could have more access to her.

Inch by inch he moved closer to where she wanted him the most, and when his warm breath brushed over her opening that already throbbed with need, she let out a shaky sigh.

"Mmm fuck yeah Dave, show me how good you fucked your little friend," [Y/n] purred darkly, her eyes heavily lidded as she stared at him with the most smoldering look she could. "Maybe I'll let you go and tell my boss you ain't got nothin' to do with the case."

He smirked at her. "That a deal detective?"

"God as my witness."

No sooner had she said that, he made quick work of her panties that she was more than happy to shed as he ripped them off her with a powerful yank that had her moaning. Those thin things weren't even comfortable, and she was glad to have them off and have it replaced by,

"Fuuucckk!" She let out a broken cry as she felt his warm tongue begin to explore her opening that was already slick with her need for him.

He took his time lapping along the edges of her folds, sucking the soft warm flesh in between his lips, and savoring the tangy flavor of the woman beneath him who quivered and whined her pleasure. Her hips rocked towards him with each swipe of his tongue, and when he made his way to the little swollen bead that was peeking out between her damp folds, he just had to have a taste of it. 

Taking his fingers and using them to pull her dampness apart so that he could see all of her, David smirked at the soft noise she let out before he let out a groan at the heady scent that filled his nostrils. 

Leaning forward, he did a test lick, flicking his tongue over the swollen bead, and the response was a sweet little gasp from the woman above him. Her hips twitched and her stomach clenched as she wiggled forward in hopes that he would do what he just did again. And being the gentleman he was, he did, this time flatting his tongue against her as he began to aggressively lap at the sensitive nub that caused a hot pleasure to bloom in her. 

"Oh, oh, oh yes right there," [Y/n] gasped as her hand flew to grab his hair as he began devouring her soaking cunt like it was the last meal he was going to have. His tongue circled her swollen bead carefully yet with speed and pressure that had her keening and whimpering his name under her breath as he alternated between licking and sucking. 

The harsher he sucked, the louder the noise she would make, and the harder she would tug at his hair in an attempt to pull him closer to her. Each lick had her thighs falling open even wider as she gave him all the access he needed to devour her.

Once he was satisfied with how swollen her clit was, he moved down, his tongue trailing from the sensitive bundle of nerves, down to her opening that clenched at nothing. Prodding her wetness with his tongue, he moaned, savoring her before he placed his mouth around her and began to suck and kiss at her opening. 

"Oh my god!" She shouted in surprise at having her cunt be suddenly engulfed by his hot mouth as he ate her out.

Her head fell back towards the table as she rolled her hips towards him, her eyes fluttering close as she tried to keep herself semi-upright. His tongue explored her insides as his nose bumped against her clit while he sucked and licked her enthusiastically. Her noises and movement under him were affecting him so much, that he began to grind his hips against the table, his cock beginning to strain at his slacks as he tasted all [Y/n] had to offer him. 

The familiar bubble of heat increased in her stomach as he swirled his tongue inside of her, drinking each drop of her wetness that she gave, while she panted his name out. Her stomach clenched with each stroke of his tongue, and when he added his fingers into the mix, she knew she would fall of that cliff faster than she wanted. And she only wanted to do that once she had his cock inside of her. 

"N-no wait," she panted out as she tried to push Dave away. But it seemed as if he wasn't having any of that, as he pushed forward diving deeper into her and making her cry out. "Please oh my god, oh Dave please," she begged, her limbs flailing a bit at the pleasure of him stroking her and pushing at the sensitive part right at the top of her entrance. "P-please wanna come on your cock," she babbled as she tried to stop him, yet her body had other ideas as it didn't want to be away from him for any amount of time.

Her words though seemed to get him to stop, albeit slowly, as his fingers began to slow their stretching of her, and that devilish tongue of his took one last taste before he pulled away completely. 

David was a sight to see when he looked at her, and her breath hitched at the sight of his lust-filled eyes that were paired with his chin, mouth, and the rest of the bottom half of his face glistening with her juices. 

God damn was he a sexy son of a bitch.

"You wanna come on my cock detective?" He asked as he straightened himself, a dark twinkle in his eyes as he continued to play the suspect even if [Y/n] was done and just wanted to fuck.

But no, she was the one who asked for this, and she was going to play it out.

Nodding her head, [Y/n] used the little strength she had left to push herself up so that she was sitting upright. Her thighs spread for a second longer to allow him to see her glistening cunt before she closed them and was scooting forward towards him. 

The cold metal did nothing to soothe the heat of her skin as she inched closer and closer to him. Each movement made him go back until he was sitting in his chair, and she was standing in front of him.

"Yeah I do, still gotta make sure you're as good as a fuck as you say you are," she purred as she watched him loosen his belt, and undo his pants while she tried to keep from drooling the moment his cock sprang out. 

It bobbed heavily against his belly once free of its confines, the shaft curved ever so slightly, but just enough that it rubbed all the right places inside of her. 

"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow at her words as she began to straddle him, one of her legs strewn over one of his. Her hips hovering over his cock as she grinned at him.

"But don't worry, with the way you used your tongue," she leaned forward, her lips brushing against his cheek before she whispered into his ear, causing him to shiver. "I just know you're 'bout to fuck me just as good." 

With that, her hand went in between their bodies and he let out a moan as she took him in her hand. The flesh was warm, hard, velvety and oh so fucking big. It had her almost coming then at the thought of him inside her as she positioned the tip of it at her entrance before she sunk down on him.

"Fuuuck!" He hissed, his hands flying down to her waist as she slid all the way down his shaft. Her hot cunt enveloping him as their hips met each other's as she seated herself completely on him.

Streams of whimpers left [Y/n] lips as her insides clenched and rippled around him. Doing its best to acclimate to the large intrusion that was spreading her wide open and causing her to leak juices all over his lap. Thank god he had taken his pants off, or he would not be able to go back to work with how wet she was making him. 

She didn't wait much longer to start to move, as she was eager to feel the drag of his cock in her, so she began to bounce wildly on his lap without warning. It caused him to let out a loud shout that turned into the sexiest moan that ever graced her ears.

Her hands flew to grip his shoulder as she rode him with fervor, her lips parted open as she moaned loudly from the way his tip was already hitting deep in her. She wasn't going to last long, but now that she had him in her, she didn't care, as long as she got to come around him she was happy.

"Fuck, so fuckin' big, fuck," she moaned biting her bottom lip as she rotated her hips furiously against him before starting her bouncing again. The slick sounds of her fucking herself on his cock echoing in the room with each movement.

"Yeah, you like that detective?" He growled, as he met her with his own thrusts each time she would slide down him causing her to moan as he hit that spot that had her legs shaking. "Shit! Like ridin' some criminal's cock somewhere folks can just walk in and see huh?"

"Uh-huh! Yes, oh my god yes!" 

She nodded enthusiastically, her brain having a hard time forming words as she impaled herself on him over and over. Her focus only on how good she felt as she leaned her head back while she took all of him.

"Fuck, a detective who's also a little slut. Who would have thought?"

His voice a low rumble as she bounced happily on him, not paying attention to how he let her waist go, and how he snuck a hand in between their bodies until,

"AHHH!" 

A loud squeal filled the room as his fingers pressed her clit, rubbing strong circles around the bead that had her choking for a moment.  Her legs seized and her cunt clamped down on him causing him to moan with her as well. 

Faster and faster he rubbed, and her bouncing became erratic until it switched into her grounding her hips against his harshly wanting to feel his entire length in her heat. Her eyes were squeezed shut, and her lips were parted, yet nothing came out of it as she felt herself climb higher and higher. Her stomach clenched harder, and her cunt bared down on him as she rolled her hips and he kept touching her.

"Oh my god, oh my god," her whispers became higher and higher, as he went faster and harder until.

"DA-!" Her shout was cut short as he leaned forward quickly, one hand pushing her closer to him, while the other rubbed her clit furiously as her limbs spasmed uncontrollably beneath him. Her juices gushed out as he pressed his lips against hers drinking her shout and making her swallow his as he felt his own orgasm building.

When he felt her body calm just a little, he pulled away from the kiss rocking his hips gently. Testing the waters of her, and when she pulled away to look at him and nod, he began to thrust shallowly into her body that was soaking and open for him, and it didn't take but a few more strokes before he painted her insides. Their juices mixing with each others as they both moaned, her insides spasming once again at the feeling of his hot seed spurting into her. 

Brushing her lips against his cheeks, [Y/n] let out a soft groan at the feel of his stubble before kissing him and burying her face against his neck.

Dave chuckled at her, his hand stroking her lower back as they came down from their highs. For a few moments, they sat in bliss, ignoring how it would be not great if they were caught like this by their coworkers. 

Hopefully though, they were all still occupied at the annual precinct Christmas party that the two had decided to skip again this year for a party of their own. 

It had definitely been way more entertaining to say the least. 

"So, am I cleared of all wrongdoing, detective?" David asked, turning his head a little to whisper into [Y/n]'s ear. 

Lifting up a little so that she could look at him, a sleepy but mischievous look was on her lips.

"Cleared of all of it, and then some."

A/N: And that's that! 😉😉😉😉 Thank you for reading and I hope to see you all in the new year with more Alan fics! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year , Happy Holidays haha! See ya!

[anotherjheastan]

Another Complicated Love Story

A Jey Uso x Rhea Ripley FanFic

Chapter 7 | Masterlist

CW mentions sex, suggestive

Chapter 8: Officially Yours

Rhea woke up, surprised she still had her head resting on Jey’s chest, his arm holding onto her. They usually both moved a bit in their sleep, but then again, they were exhausted when they finally went to bed. Rhea sat up and groaned as she stretched. She thought about last night as Jey stirred beside her, reaching for her before he slowly opened his eyes.

Rhea had gotten the two rounds she had mentioned and they showered together afterward. They were talking about starting round 3 in the shower when Jessica knocked.

Sorry to interrupt, lovebirds, but I have to use the toilet. Please don’t have sex while I’m in here.

Rhea and Jey laughed.

We won’t, Rhea replied.

Rhea smiled.

“Good morning,” Jey said as he sat up. He put his arm around her shoulder.

“Good morning,” Rhea replied. She moved over a little so she could look at him.

“That was the best sleep I had in a while,” Jey said.

“Same. It was the orgasms,” Rhea said, grinning.

Jey chuckled. “Not just that.”

He stroked her cheek and she leaned into him.

“I love you,” he said.

Rhea’s heart beat faster. “I love you.”

He smiled and leaned in. Rhea kissed him, her hand rested on his chest. She heard his stomach growl and laughed.

“Let’s get some breakfast,” Rhea said, standing up to get dressed. She only had on Jey’s pink YEET shirt.

Jey checked his phone. “More like lunch. It’s 1:10.”

“Wow. We slept late,” Rhea said.

“We went to bed late,” Jey replied.

They met each other’s eyes and grinned. They grabbed their toothbrushes to go brush their teeth.

When they left the sunroom, Jimmy, Naomi, and Jessica were on the couch.

“Oh well look who’s finally up!” Jimmy said. “We’re thinking about ordering lunch. You missed breakfast.”

“Yeah Naomi’s waffles might be better than Waffle House,” Jessica said.

“I will take that high praise,” Naomi said. “Y’all look well-rested. And happy. Everything good?”

Rhea smiled. “Yeah, everything’s good.”

“Mhmm,” Naomi said, eyeing the two of them. “Well go brush your nasty teeth. We’ll wait for y’all to order.”

“Do we have to?” Jimmy asked.

“Don’t do us like that, Big Jim!” Jey said.

“Be nice, babe,” Naomi said.

Jimmy sighed. “Well y’all hurry up.”

Jey and Rhea rushed upstairs and brushed their teeth. Everyone was craving a little something different so they ordered from Cheesecake Factory. They searched for a movie to watch while waiting for the food.

“Jess, I owe you some girl time,” Rhea said, letting go of Jey’s arm and linking it with Jessica’s.

“It’s okay! I’m having fun. I’m solidifying my friendship with Naomi and Jimmy. Maybe I’ll come visit them next time,” she said with a laugh. “But no, I’m happy you and Jey are back in a good place. I’ll even share you again tonight so I can catch up with Tony.”

“Really?” Rhea asked.

“Yeah, but you have to go to Jey’s. I heard enough in the bathroom this morning.”

Rhea buried her face in Jessica’s shoulder while everyone laughed. She smiled at Jessica.

“Tomorrow is all about you,” Rhea said.

“Maybe Naomi can join us for lunch tomorrow?” Jessica asked.

“Yeah, let’s do it, J-Girl!” Naomi said.

“My own nickname?! I won,” Jessica said.

The food arrived and after selecting a movie, they ate. Jessica and Rhea thanked Jimmy and Naomi for hosting them before heading out.

Jey carried their bags to the car and loaded the trunk. Rhea hugged and kissed him.

“I’ll see you soon,” Rhea said.

“Looking forward to it,” Jey said. “Let me know when y’all make it back.”

“Will do.”

Jey gave Jessica a hug. “It was nice meeting you. Sorry for the awkward intro.”

“No worries,” Jessica said. “Glad I didn’t have to kick you in the dick.”

Rhea busted out laughing and Jey looked confused.

“I’ll tell you later,” Rhea wheezed between laughs.

Jey went back inside. He got his stuff ready. He made sure the sunroom was cleaned up.

“I told you you don’t have to worry about that,” Naomi said.

“I can’t be a bad houseguest,” Jey said. “Thank you for everything.”

“No problem, bro,” Naomi said, giving him a hug.

“Thanks Big Jim,” Jey said, dapping him up.

“You know I got your back like chiroprat,” Jimmy said.

“If I see y’all at the New Year’s Eve party, if not before then,” Jey said.

“Deuces uces,” Jimmy and Naomi said simultaneously.

Jey shook his head and headed out the door.

***

Rhea smiled as Jey’s face lit up when he answered the door. She had on a grey hoodie, a white crop top, and grey sweatpants, and white sneakers. She wanted to be daring and show up in a trench coat with nothing underneath, but she decided to play it cool for now. Things were still mending.

“Hi beautiful,” he said, taking her duffle bag.

“Hi handsome,” she replied.

She walked into the apartment. Jey went to set her bag down in his room. She walked into the kitchen to get a water bottle, but gasped when she saw the coffee maker.

“Jey, who got you this? This is a good one,” Rhea said, admiring it. She looked at the bags of coffee, some of her favorites.

“Oh whoever got this has good taste. Those are my faves. You joining the coffee crew, Uso?” Rhea said, turning around.

He came into the kitchen, beaming.

“Actually, it’s for you,” Jey said.

Rhea furrowed her brow. “For me? But I have a coffee maker.”

“I know. And tomorrow morning, you don’t have to go anywhere to get coffee.”

Rhea blushed, feeling silly for not putting two and two together.

“You bought it just for me?” Rhea asked.

Jey nodded. “Now you can take your time and stay with me a little longer.”

Rhea’s heart felt full. She gently grabbed his face and kissed him. He held her tightly and kissed her back. Rhea pulled away. She started walking backwards slowly to his room. She took her hoodie off.

“Grab two water bottles and meet me in your room. Actually…grab four. Maybe some snacks. We might be in there a while,” Rhea said. She took off her crop top. She wasn’t wearing a bra. She smiled at Jey, who looked dazed. She disappeared into his room and called out, “The water bottles, Jey.”

She giggled as she heard him scrambling. She took off the rest of her clothes and waited for him.

February 13, 2025

Jey felt nervous as he waited for Rhea to come up to the hotel suite. He had arrived yesterday to make sure the room would be decorated for their Valentine’s Day getaway. And he had a special surprise for her: a red glowing LED sign with a white backdrop asking the question “Will you be my girlfriend?”

He held a necklace in his hands - an obsidian heart shaped stone with a stainless steel back that outlined the heart with diamonds. He felt like me shouldn’t be so nervous. It wasn’t like he was proposing. He wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans for a third time.

They had chosen Charlotte since they had an episode of Raw to shoot on Monday. Now they wouldn’t have to rush. And they were close to the stadium.

Jey had been planning on decorating the room, but after last week when she mentioned that’s ready to be official, he decided to do a little something extra.

“Hello?” Rhea called as she pushed into the hotel room. “Ooo rose petals!”

Jey smiled. The petals would lead her to him. He was around the corner.

“Champagne. Nice, we’ll open that soon,” Rhea said.

Jey tried not to laugh at her commentary.

“Are you here, babe?”

“Yes, keep walking,” Jey said.

Rhea came around the corner and gasped. She covered her mouth.

“Jey, you didn’t have to do all this,” Rhea said.

“This? This is nothing. Come here,” he said.

“I’m in sweatpants! Why didn’t you tell me to dress up?”

“We’re going to dinner in a few hours. We can take pictures then.”

She stood in front of him and smiled. He held out the box. She took it.

“Do I open it now?”

“First, let me say that I’m glad we’re still together. It’s been a lot of ups and downs already and now that we’re both doing well in therapy, I feel like we can handle anything. You said you were ready to be my girlfriend and we’re here to make it official. So will you be my girlfriend, Miss Ripley?”

“I would love to be your girlfriend, Mr. Uso,” Rhea said, grinning.

“Open it,” Jey said.

Rhea gasped at the necklace. “It’s beautiful. You spoil me.”

“You deserve it,” he said.

Rhea put the necklace down and hugged him. “I love you.”

“I love you,” Jey said. He leaned in and kissed her.

“Is it too early for champagne?” Rhea asked.

“No. There’s also chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge.”

Rhea squealed excitedly and ran back to the kitchen. Jey laughed and followed her, looking forward to their long weekend together.

[hwa-stars]

The Park's Christmas 🎄

Pairing: idol dad Park Seonghwa x fem named reader x twin kids (Min-Jun, Min-Ji) x Kim Hongjoong x Hongjoong’s kid (Minjae)

Genre: fluff

Summary: A glimpse into the Park's house on a Christma's morning.

Word count: 1.9k

The Park's house buzzed with the excitement of Christmas Eve. The twins were fast asleep in their room while Seonghwa and Minseo hustled around the living room, preparing the final touches for Christmas morning.

Even though the kids were getting older, the couple still wanted to make every holiday feel magical. As their curiosity grew, so did their schemes to catch Santa in action, so the parents always did their best to wait until the morning to set everything up.

“Hurry up, babe. They're going to wake up soon.” Minseo whispered as she grabbed the presents from their hiding spot.

“I know, just finishing up Santa’s footprints.” Seonghwa muttered, stepping carefully on the flour scattered on the floor to create the illusion of Santa's trail. “Hongjoong, keep an eye out for the kids, okay? Make sure they don’t peek.”

Hongjoong, who had decided to spend the holidays with the Parks, chuckled from his post near the hallway. “You’ve got it. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Min-Jun or Minjae are plotting something to sneak a look.”

Minseo laughed as she placed presents under the tree. “They’ve been trying for years. But, this year, we're ready.”

“Speaking of presents, can you put these ones from Wooyoung, Yeosang, and Mingi under the tree too?” Hongjoong handed her more wrapped boxes.

“Sure thing.” She replied, placing them strategically.

Seonghwa chuckled. “Who told us it was a good idea to give our kids so many uncles?”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Minseo smiled as they both finished their tasks.

With everything set, Minseo clapped her hands. “Alright, time to wake the kids up.”

Seonghwa nodded and headed toward the twins’ room. The kids still shared a room despite their parents offering them their own spaces. They had refused, insisting that they wanted to stay together.

When Seonghwa opened the door, the twins were tangled in a mess of blankets and stuffed animals. Min-Ji was curled up in her own bed, while Min-Jun and Minjae slept together in Min-Jun’s bed, their little faces peaceful.

Minseo and Hongjoong went over to Min-Jun and Minjae, while Seonghwa gently shook Min-Ji awake.

“Min-min, wake up baby, it’s Christmas,” Minseo cooed, softly brushing Min-Jun's hair out of his face.

Min-Jun stirred and blinked his eyes open. “Good morning, Mommy,” he mumbled before placing a sleepy kiss on her cheek.

“Morning, sunshine. Guess who visited us last night?” she asked.

Min-Jun’s eyes widened. “Santa?”

Minseo smiled. “That’s right!” His sleepy demeanor quickly vanished as he squealed in excitement, jumping out of bed.

“Did Santa eat the cookies we left out for him?” Min-Ji asked, her big eyes searching her father’s face.

Seonghwa, Minseo and Hongjoong exchanged panicked glances, realizing they had forgotten about the cookies, milk, and carrots left for Santa and his reindeer.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Seonghwa quickly reassured her. “Santa loved them!”

“Let’s go see!” Minjae chimed in, just as excited.

“But first, you three need to brush your teeth.” Seonghwa reminded them, eliciting groans of protest by the childrens.

“Once you’re done, you can open your presents.” Minseo added, sending them off to the bathroom.

As soon as the kids ran off, the adults rushed back to the living room. The cookies, milk, and carrots were still untouched on the table.

“Why did they leave carrots?” Hongjoong wrinkled his nose in disgust seeing the carrots.

“It’s a tradition.” Seonghwa explained while stuffing a cookie into his mouth, leaving some crumbs behind.

Minseo grabbed the glass of milk and quickly downed it. “It’s for Santa’s reindeer, remember?”

“You eat the carrots, Hong,” Seonghwa said, still chewing the cookie.

“Why me? I hate carrots.” Hongjoong looked scandalized.

“Because I’m eating the cookies, and Minseo’s drinking the milk. The kids are coming!” Seonghwa said in a panic.

Grumbling, Hongjoong grabbed the plate. “This is so unfair. Next year, I’m eating the cookies.”

“Remember, you’re doing it for your son." Minseo grinned as Hongjoong reluctantly chomped down on the carrots. “He’s going to be so excited like our kids.”

Just as they finished, the sound of little feet echoed down the hallway.

“Look, Santa left footprints!” Min-Jun shouted, running over to examine his father’s work.

“And he ate all the cookies!” Min-Ji added, her eyes wide with wonder. “Oh no Daddy! Santa left crumbs on the table. You always say not to leave crumbs!”

Seonghwa chuckled kissing her little head. “It’s okay, baby. We’ll clean it up later.”

Even Minjae got in on the excitement. “The reindeer ate the carrots too, Dad!”

Hongjoong, still chewing the last of the carrots, smiled and ruffled Minjae’s hair. “They must’ve been really hungry. Great job feeding them, buddy.”

With everything in place, Seonghwa smiled. “Alright, who wants to open presents?”

Before the kids could respond, the doorbell rang. Seonghwa sighed, heading over to answer it. Standing on the doorstep were the rest of Ateez, with their arms full of even more presents.

“Move bitch!” Wooyoung pushed past Seonghwa with a laugh. “Uncle Woo is here!”

“Uncle Woo!” The kids ran to greet him, their excitement hitting new heights.

Yunho, stepping inside with a grin, scooped Min-Ji into his arms. “How’s my favorite niece?”

“I’m your only niece, Uncle Yuyu!” Min-Ji giggled.

“And that’s why you’re my favorite!” Yunho replied, hugging her tighter.

Seonghwa frowned, crossing his arms. “Okay, enough. She’s my daughter.”

Yunho pouted dramatically. “Come on, hyung. You get her all the time. I need my niece's hugs or I’ll die!”

Min-Ji giggled, glancing up at her dad. “Please Daddy, just one more hug?”

Sighing, Seonghwa nodded. “Fine, but after that, you’re back with me.”

Min-Ji quickly gave her dad a kiss on the cheek before returning to Yunho, who shot Seonghwa a triumphant look.

“First Wooyoung with my wife since we satrted dating, now Yunho with my daughter." Seonghwa muttered as he sat beside Minseo.

She laughed, resting her head on his shoulder. “They adore the kids. Let them have their fun.”

Seonghwa smiled at her, giving her a quick kiss. “You’re always right.”

The living room filled with laughter as Ateez joined the family on the floor, opening presents, sharing stories, and creating memories together—just like they always did.

As the gift-opening frenzy continued, the kids eagerly tore into their presents, exclaiming over each new toy or game they unwrapped. Seonghwa and Minseo sat back for a moment, watching with fond smiles as their living room turned into a whirlwind of wrapping paper and excited shouts.

"Uncle Woo, look! A remote-control car!" Min-Jun shouted, waving the box in the air.

"That one’s from me!" Wooyoung grinned proudly. "We’ll race it later, buddy."

Minjae, with a thoughtful expression, brought over a large plush dinosaur and held it up for inspection. "Uncle Yuyu, did you get this for me?"

Yunho, still holding Min-Ji nodded. "Sure did, buddy. I thought you'd like it."

Minjae beamed and hugged the dinosaur tightly. "Thanks uncle! It’s my favorite."

Meanwhile, Min-Ji was carefully unwrapping her own gift from Yunho. She gasped when she saw what was inside—a set of pastel-colored art supplies. "Uncle Yuyu! This is amazing!"

"I know you love to draw." Yunho said, smiling at her excitement. "Now you can make even more masterpieces. Don't forget to gift your uncle Yuyu one of your art works." He kissed her niece cheek and she laughed nodding her head.

Seonghwa shifted in his seat, his expression softening a little as he watched his daughter hug Yunho tightly in thanks. But then, when Yunho gave Min-ji a playful kiss on her forehead, Seonghwa cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"Okay, okay, I think that's enough affection for one day." Seonghwa said, a teasing glint in his eyes as he reached over to take Min-Ji back into his arms. "You’re still my little star, remember?"

Min-Ji giggled as she snuggled against her dad’s chest. "I know, Daddy."

Yunho shot Seonghwa a playful glare. "You’re so possessive, hyung. She’s allowed to like her uncle more sometimes, you know."

Seonghwa smirked. "Not gonna happen, Yunho"

Minseo chuckled from beside him. "You’ll have to share eventually, Hwa. She’s growing up."

Seonghwa let out a dramatic sigh but kissed the top of Min-Ji's head. "She’ll always be my little girl."

Jongho, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, leaned over with a grin. "Maybe you should be more worried about her future boyfriends, Seonghwa."

Seonghwa’s face immediately shifted from playful to serious. "Boyfriends? No, no way. Not happening."

All the members burst out laughing at Seonghwa’s overprotectiveness.

Mingi, still chuckling, shook his head. "You’re in for a long ride, hyung. Just wait until she’s a teenager."

Seonghwa narrowed his eyes at the members. "You guys better not give her any ideas."

Minseo playfully nudged her husband. "You’re being dramatic, love. Let her enjoy her childhood first."

Before Seonghwa could respond, Min-Ji interrupted. "Daddy, can we play outside with the new toys?"

The adults exchanged looks before Seonghwa nodded. "Sure, my star. But only for a little while—it’s still cold outside."

"Yay!" Min-Jun, Minjae, and Min-Ji immediately jumped up, grabbing their favorite toys and running toward the door. The members followed suit, eager to join in the fun.

As the group bundled up in jackets and scarves, they stepped out into the snow-covered yard. The kids' laughter echoed through the air as they played with their new toys. Wooyoung, Mingi, San and Min-Jun set up an impromptu race with the remote-control cars, while Yeosang helped Minjae navigate a new board game he had received with Hongjoong.

Yunho, meanwhile, was still carrying Min-Ji, twirling her in the air as she giggled.

Seonghwa watched from the side, leaning against the porch railing with his arms crossed. Every time Min-Ji’s delighted laugh reached his ears, he couldn’t help but smile—until he saw Yunho toss her up playfully, catching her in a dramatic hug.

“Alright, that’s enough,” Seonghwa called out, stepping forward. “Min-Ji, come play with Daddy.”

Min-Ji squirmed in Yunho’s arms, clearly torn. “But Daddy, Uncle Yuyu was—”

Seonghwa gave her a soft look. “You said you wanted to play with your new toys. Why don’t we build that snow fort you’ve been talking about?”

Min-Ji's eyes lit up at the mention of the snow fort. “Okay, Daddy!” She turned to Yunho. “Thanks for playing with me, Uncle Yuyu.”

Yunho set her down with a smile. “Anytime, princess. You have fun with your dad, okay?”

As she ran over to Seonghwa, Yunho raised an eyebrow at his friend. “A little jealous, hyung?”

Seonghwa shot him a smirk. “I’ve got nothing to be jealous about. She’s just more comfortable with her dad.”

Jongho who was passing by chuckled, nudging Seonghwa playfully. “Sure, keep telling yourself that.”

Minseo, who had been watching the entire exchange from a distance, shook her head with an amused smile. She made her way over to the two men and wrapped her arms around Seonghwa’s waist. “You’re impossible sometimes.”

Seonghwa softened at her touch, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I just don’t want anyone stealing my little girl.” He said with a teasing smile, but his eyes carried a more serious tone.

“She loves you more than anything,” Minseo reassured him, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “But you have to let her enjoy her uncles too.”

“I know ” Seonghwa sighed. “It’s just…hard sometimes. They’re growing up so fast.”

Minseo rested her head on his shoulder, watching their kids play in the snow with their uncles. “They’ll always remember these moments—these Christmases, the laughter, the love. And we’ll always have these memories, no matter how old they get.”

Seonghwa nodded, pulling her closer as they both watched the scene unfold. The snow continued to fall gently around them, but the warmth of family, laughter, and love filled the air.

[holdupjack]

Jump The Line Pt.1

——————

Pairing: Hermione Granger x Fem!Reader

AU: 1950s/WWIII/pretend enemies

WARNINGS: None

——————

Third Person P.O.V:

December 12th, 1965

Y/n stood at her post on the march of a small town in her country. It was just a small wall of barbwire and sandbags, but right on the other side, were hundreds of witches and wizards.

(A/N: A 'March' is just another way to say 'border')

It was kind of surreal to think that something so insignificant, was their only line of defense. Hell, Y/n could jump it with ease if she wanted to.

But, now thinking about it, it really wasn't their only line of defense. There was her. The recruit that was a few months fresh out of boot camp, and was now the sole gun that stood guard on this strip of border.

It was very much terrifying, and a lot to put on one's shoulders. The only other soldier on this street was two blocks away, and he wasn't even awake half the time. So...she just bit her tongue and held her gun by its strap over her shoulder. She would stare at the wall on the other side of the street for almost twelve hours at a time before anyone bothered to relieve her from her post.

Everyone in this small town knew that they needed more soldiers stationed here, but there just wasn't enough to go around. Their enemy outnumbered them here, and they knew that was well, yet they just hovered around the borderline.

Watching, talking amongst one another in hushed voices, or sometimes one of them would walk up and ask her if she had a smoke. It was honestly quite strange, and a little unnerving.

But, there was only one small upside to this whole thing, and it was also an upside that would get her into more trouble than she could ever imagine. There was this certain...witch.

Ugh, it was ridiculous, honestly. She was one of the communication liaisons for their leaders, and they happened to work around the same time every day. From 6 pm to 6 am, Y/n would watch as the brunette went from tent to tent with papers and files tucked under her arms, sometimes even arguing with the higher ranks in the area while doing so.

Y/n never knew what they were arguing about, it was all a bunch of gibberish to her, but the only real thing she had learned was the woman's name.

Hermione.

A wizard had yelled at her for doing his job, to which she immediately stood toe to toe with him, barking back in his face that he should be 'better at it since he was watching her do it for so long'. It took everything in Y/n to not laugh because the man was a good foot higher than her, and yet she held her ground.

Their eyes had met a few times throughout Y/n's new post, but it only lasted a few seconds each time. The soldier thought it meant nothing, and wouldn't be surprised if the liaison cursed her whole lineage in her head.

But then, something mysterious happened.

Y/n had been where she always was, staring at the wall across the way, only really looking across when there was a sudden movement, or something caught her eye. So she was quite spooked when a soft voice called out to her from the left, where the border sat.

"Hello there"

Y/n blinked and looked over to find the intriguing liaison standing right at the edge of the waist-high wall. It was around 3am, and both sides were quiet as church mice, which is what usually happened when the moon came out to greet them.

"Uh, hello" Y/n replied in surprise. She wasn't a hundred percent sure if she was even supposed to be talking to her, but then again, it wasn't her first time talking to the enemy. They were kind enough to feed her during her patrols since she was told repeatedly that she would be reprimanded if she even thought about lifting her eyes away from the border.

You don't even want to know about the bathroom situation.

"May we speak for a moment?" The brunette asked, and Y/n subconsciously leaned on one foot to the other. She hesitated before taking a few tiny steps forward and tightening her grip on the strap of her rifle.

"I don't bite, you know" Hermione laughed softly, and Y/n opened her mouth to say something but ended up just closing it a few seconds later. She was nervous for multiple reasons, which incidentally caused her tongue to shrivel up, but thankfully the other woman was more talkative at the moment.

"My name is Hermione Granger, I am the communications liaison for this battalion, and you are...Y/l/n? Do you perhaps have a first name?" She joked as she read the tag on her uniform, to which the soldier stood up straighter and finally found her voice.

"Y/n, I'm a soldier" she replied and the witch nodded, her eyes flicked up and down the fighter's body a few times, before meeting her gaze again.

"I'm like you, except with powers" Hermione states, and Y/n furrowed her brows in confusion. From what she knew, the enemy was a hidden society that lived under our noses for centuries!

Then again, they are just people as well.

"How so?" Y/n asks as she takes another tiny step forward, her eyes watching carefully as Hermione chuckles and pushes down the wrinkles on her own uniform.

"I was just like you, a regular little girl in London" she explains and the surprises Y/n. Regular? So, she wasn't magical a birth? Fascinating.

"Really?" Y/n asks as she takes another step, a shiver then runs up her spine as snow clouds rippled over the landscape just outside of town. It wouldn't be long before she was stuck in a powdery downpour. God, that's the worst thing about this area of the country around wintertime, it snowed more often at night than it did during the day.

"Truly" Hermione replies as she takes a step forward as well. It wasn't long before they stood directly in front of one another, and there was a strange mix of awkwardness, fear, and curiosity. It felt wrong to even look at the other person, but at the same time, the rush felt very nice.

"How did you know? When you got your abilities, I mean" Y/n stammered as she anxiously held her gun by its strap over her shoulder. Even though there was barely anyone else on the streets, it was still nerve-wracking to think that they both could accidentally start a battle or be severely reprimanded.

"Little things. When I got very emotional, strange moments started to happen. Objects would disappear, change color or size, or even levitate if I was angry enough" Hermione explained as she watched Y/n tilt her head in thought, even tracing the bricks under her feet with the tip of her boot. The witch found it endearing since this was the first soldier she had tried to speak to, that didn't immediately put a gun in her face. So, that was refreshing.

"That's very interesting, but I doubt you've called me over to chitchat about our lives" Y/n replied with a slight smile, the brim of her cap blocked the light from the street lamp from hitting her eyes. Hermione was surprised by the insight but was glad to know that she didn't have to beat around the bush.

"You are right. The real reason I am here is because we would like to send a message to the civilians within the town and any military personnel." Hermione says as she clears her throat and straightens her posture. Perhaps to make herself more official, or maybe just to remind herself that she had a job to do.

"Message?" Y/n mumbled to herself as she furrowed her brows, and noticed as Hermione pulled out a large yellow envelope from somewhere. Maybe she was holding it? Y/n wasn't entirely sure.

"We are giving anyone who would like to leave the area, a chance to do so without problems. We have our forms of transportation that can send them wherever they would like to go." Hermione says in almost one breath, and Y/n is stunned to hear this. Was this...a warning? That something big was about to happen?

"I understand the civilians wanting to leave, but soldiers? You're asking us if we want to abandon our homes? Betray our country?" She asked calmly, but it was obvious she was offended. The brunette quickly shook her head and held the envelope over the waist-high barbed wire.

"No, no. It's just...a suggestion" she says with a slight breath as Y/n has to hold back the urge to snatch the documents from the other girl's hand. Hermione watched as the soldier pulled out the papers and read them over carefully, even stepping back to be directly under the streetlights.

This was big. It was multiple copies of the same thing the witch had said. Anyone who wanted to evacuate was more than willing to come to the border with a bag and would be taken anywhere they'd like. Free of charge.

Y/n stuffed the papers back into the envelope, and turned her back towards Hermione, before giving a loud whistle down the street. The brunette raised an eyebrow in slight confusion before a boy, no older than 18, came jogging down to Y/n. He could barely hold up his weapon, and he seemed very on edge, almost like a deer in headlights.

"Ryland, stay here and guard the border. I have to take these papers to command, immediately" Y/n explains in a hushed tone, watching as the young man nodded, his helmet blocking his eyes for a moment before he quickly pushed it back up. Everything on him was way too big, but it wasn't like the world had time to tailor his uniform right now.

"Yes, of course" he stammers before Y/n quickly runs off into the darkness with the flyers in hand. The young man, Ryland, Hermione thought she heard, quickly pointed his gun at her.

"Back! Or I shoot!" He shouted in between a stutter, and Hermione quickly raised her hands and backed away with an annoyed expression, but then again, he was probably scared out of his mind.

Hermione made her way back into the nearest tent as a cold wind blew just behind her, and then soon the soft shine of snow began to fall onto the thick dark fabric of the shelter. She sighed softly and pulled up a chair to the table in the middle as everyone slept soundly in their cots.

She should get some sleep, but she wanted to speak to that soldier again. She was obviously much kinder, and less likely to jump the gun. Literally.

Hermione jumped as another loud clash of a distant mortar erupted from outside the village, and she couldn't help up laugh at herself softly and lay her face in her hands. She really didn't find it all that funny, but she'd rather laugh than cry.

After spending a few months on the front lines in England, she's found herself very scared of loud noises. It reminded her of grenades, artillery, and the distance fire of tanks.

So, she just laughed it off. The last thing she needed was to be sent back home when she knew she could help end this war sooner than later.

It also didn't help that she had been fighting against other muggle-borns who had chosen the other side. Seeing classmates on the opposite side of the front lines, with nothing but muggle weapons. She had seen a few break their wands before returning home, knowing that it was the only way they could leave the Wizarding World without much resistance.

Speaking of home, her childhood house was destroyed during the invasion of London. Thankfully, she had her parents move into a rented home hidden in the mountains in Europe. They're protected from the battles and hidden by magic, and that's all she could really do.

"Oh Merlin" she whispers softly as she rubs her temples, fighting off sleep as it tries to creep in, feeling her eyes droop closed and then shoot open repeatedly. Finally, she stood up and shook her head in an attempt to awaken herself, but it only made her yawn as she quietly walked over to the flap of the tent, opening it enough to peak out into the snowstorm.

She was surprised to already see Y/n right back at her post, the snow drenching the thin uniform she wore as flakes blew off the brim of her cap. Had Hermione been thinking for that long? No, it must have only been a few minutes, but their base of operations must not be that far from the border.

"She doesn't even have a winter coat on" Hermione grumbled quietly as she took in Y/n's appearance from what she could see due to the low glow of the street light.

"Who doesn't?" The whisper came from behind her, and she instinctively jumped and whipped her head around, but only found Harry with a smile on his lips.

"Harry! Don't do that! When did you even get here?" She states, almost with a hiss in her words from the annoyance that filled her body within a fraction of a second. She hated being scared.

"I just took the portkey from the base in lower France, but you still haven't answered my question" he replied with a chuckle before turning the chair she was sitting in earlier, towards her and taking a seat. Hermione rolled her eyes and turned back to peak through the flap again.

"If you must know, I was speaking about the soldier I had just spoken to" she replied and Harry furrowed his brows in confusion. He sat up slightly and rested his arms on his thighs.

"A soldier spoke to you? Really? They said they must be more open-minded around here" he joked as he watched Hermione continue to stare out into the storm. He sighed softly and stood up as well, walking over to take a peak with her.

"Trust me, I've gotten more barrels in my face today than I'd like to experience in my whole life" she mumbled as she shivered slightly due to the temperature drop. Harry squinted slightly to see better in the darkness, and then he noticed something immediately.

"A woman? Ooo, does Hermione have a piqued interest in the enemy?" He teased and the liaison rolled her eyes at his childlike banter. Sometimes she just wanted to knock him to the ground just so his sarcastic jokes would take a backseat for a while.

"We talked for maybe two minutes, and don't even insinuate that I have any feelings towards the other side! Do you want me to be thrown in Azkaban for treason?" She asked quietly as her eyes darted around the tent at all their sleeping allies and Harry just rolled his eyes at her anxiousness.

"Whatever" he sings softly before plopping down on an empty cot. Hermione sighed in frustration at his nonchalant attitude, acting as if this whole war and situation were nothing to worry over.

Hermione took a deep breath and looked out at Y/n one more time, silently debating a question in her head. Should she, or should she not?

To be or not to be, that is the question.

With a few seconds of pacing, Hermione grumbled to herself as she snatched one of the umbrellas that was leaving against one of the support poles. It popped open almost immediately as she stepped back into the storm, and her eyes zipped back to Y/n.

"You'll catch a cold!" she called out once she was close enough to the border again, which just caused Y/n to jump again. Their eyes met through the onslaught of snow and dim streetlights.

"A cold? I think that's the least of my worries" Y/n replied, having to raise her voice because of how loud the wind was. Hermione chuckled and held the umbrella's handle just a little tighter.

"That is true, but to not even have the proper attire on is a little much" the brunette replied as she rocked from foot to foot, now starting to realize that she should really have thought of some conversation starters before she walked back over here. But maybe she was just nervous, and her causal responses had gone on vacation because of it.

"Sounds like you're trying to get me to leave my post" Y/n murmured, and Hermione stammered so bad, that she stuttered for a solid five seconds. The only thing that snapped her out of it, was the single thought that passed her consciousness.

TODAY WOULD BE NICE!

"Th-That-. Dammit! That's not what I was getting at!" She coughed out, and Y/n didn't even react to the humiliating ten seconds that would haunt Hermione's nights at random points in her life. Instead, the witch only noticed the smirk on the soldier's lips.

She stared at Y/n's side profile for a few seconds, deciding whether to yell at the enemy for the sake of her pride, or take the hit and turn in for the night out of shame. She opted for the latter, but yet, her legs stayed firmly planted where they were.

"That is not funny," she says and Y/n turns enough to catch the other girl's gaze, her smirk barely being held down, the evidence was by the twitching in the corners of her lips.

"I don't know, I enjoyed the way you reacted. It was like watching a baby dear trying to walk on ice" Y/n snickered and the witch coughed out what was almost a laugh, but it sounded more offended than anything.

"Are you trying to start the battle?" Hermione sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose, closing her eyes for only a moment, just to clear her racing mind. But when she opened them again, she was greeted by the fact the Y/n now stood directly across from her.

She stepped back slightly out of habit but just as quickly returned her foot to where it was before. Hermione didn't know how Y/n was able to move that quickly, but now it was harder to see her face because the streetlights were behind both of them.

"I am a little bored," Y/n said, but the look in her eyes told the brunette that she was just teasing, and in all honesty, it felt good to hear someone joke about things again. It's not like either of them had a choice in the matter, it was WWIII after all.

When Hermione got her letter from the Ministry, telling her that she had been drafted, it took her through a loop. She was going to just hide out from the drafting, but when Ron made it his whole personality to become a soldier, that's when she and Harry had no choice in the matter.

They couldn't let him die, especially since he has a remarkable ability to run into danger without even realizing so. This is why they both are now begrudgingly on the front lines and why Hermione was even a part of this useless war.

The muggles were going to win, and that was obvious. Their weapons and sheer numbers were enough to destroy the Wizarding World if they kept losing people at this rate. Thankfully, she had heard rumblings of a plan to retreat and go back into hiding, and that's really the only thing they can do, and hopefully think of a way to make the world forget about them again.

"A little bored? You look as if you're about to jump out of your skin" Hermione laughed as Y/n rolled her eyes, but it was true nonetheless. Anyone would be spooked if they were a stone's throw away from the ones who were perceived to be their enemy.

"So do you" she replied and the brunette nodded in agreement since she knew that she was one loud noise away from booking it.

"You got me there," she said as her eyes shifted to the small pile of snow that lay on the brim of the soldier's hat, she was almost tempted to reach out and brush it away.

"So what brings you back over here anyways?" Y/n finally asks, her head tilting to the side for a moment, it seemed like a force of habit whenever she wanted to know the answer to something that intrigued her. Hermione didn't know the answer, sadly.

"Can't blame me for being bored as well, can you?" She asked in return and Y/n just smiled before scanning her eyes across the multiple tents that littered the street on the enemy front.

"I suppose not, it is a ghost town around here" Y/n mumbled before their eyes met again, and she noticed a faint scent of flowers that invaded her senses, as a howl of wind fluttered Hermione's hair in front of her and the cold air nips passed Y/n's bare face.

"You're a native of this country, correct?" The brunette asked and Y/n nodded, her shoulders relaxing as time went on, and Hermione's grip on her umbrella loosened as well.

It wasn't till the sun began to peak in the sky and the snow stopped, did their conversation finally ended, but they both knew that this wasn't the end of their interactions. It was far, far, from over.

——————

December 20th

It was the start of Y/n's shift, and when she stepped around the corner to walk towards her post, she was surprised to find a long line of people from around the town. They were talking quietly amongst each other, all facing towards the border with a suitcase or two in their hands.

"Oh, wow" she whispered under her breath as she slowly walked towards the front of the line.

"Y/l/n! Help me with these civilians!" A voice called out, and her eyes darted to find Ryland and a wizard setting up two planks of wood on both sides to help people walk over the border. Y/n quickly jogged over as Ryland nailed the last of the supports into place, before standing up.

"What's going on?" She asked quietly as she was handed a camera and a clipboard filled with the same form to be filled out multiple times. She was about to ask another question, but the younger boy quickly spoke before her.

"I need you to fill in the information on these people before they cross. We need to find them again once this battle is over" he whispered in her ear as the Wizard across the border gave a thumbs up to them when he finished building his side of the ramp.

"Right. Right. Got it" Y/n said as she took a deep breath, taking a pen out from her chest pocket, and stepping towards the little elderly couple just before her. They gave soft smiles, to which she gave one in return.

Hermione was asleep in the tent nearby, she had worked a double shift that night and had only gotten a few words in with Y/n during that whole time. She hated being a liaison sometimes, due to all the communication screenings she had to do when it came to communication between the village's needs and peace negotiations.

Also, the constant snowfall wasn't helping either during her jogs between the radio communications tent and the tent that was filled with higher-ups and their idiotic plans on how they could possibly take control of the town with minimal loss.

Newsflash, that wasn't possible.

"Hey, get up" Hermione somewhat heard as someone gently shook her shoulder, and she immediately snapped her eyes open in fright. She grasped the person's wrist, but then realized it was just Harry.

"Woah, it's just me," he says quickly. She takes a deep breath and pushes his hand off her shoulder, resting back on the cot and staring at the ceiling of the tent. It was dark out, and the only light was the few lamps and small furnaces around the shelter.

"The civilians are being brought over the border, they want you out there to make sure that everything stays calm between the exchanges," Harry says as he leans over to look down at her, she sighs and covers her face in a silent form of frustration.

"Of course, they need my help" she groans quietly before sitting up with a bit of strain. Her back was aching from being on her feet for so long last night, and she honestly just wanted to sleep for a few more hours. She was so drained.

"What time is it?" She grumbles as Harry decides to pour her a hot cup of coffee and hand it to her, then sits on the empty cot across from hers.

"Twenty past six" he replies as he looks at his watch, his eyes following the second hand as it traveled its sixty ticks around the watch face. Hermione's eyes flicker with intrigue before she hides her interest behind the sip of her coffee.

"Alright, I'll be out in a moment" she hums as she stands to freshen up in the women's facilities tent, but Harry's eyes zipped up to her with a small smirk on his face. She knew that look, and she was already rolling her eyes and groaning as he followed after her.

"You want to see your girl, huh?" He whispered in her ear as they walked out the back of the tent, and she scoffed, pulling her winter coat close to her as they shuffled through the snow.

"You are such a child, she just happens to be the only person with any interesting conversation in this place" she replied defensively as Ron ran up behind them, ringing his arms around their neck as he began to walk with them.

"I see your 'lover girl' is helping with the exchange" he chuckles as Harry snickers and pats his stomach as a silent 'hello'. Hermione glared at them both, before shaking off Ron's arm.

"How did you even know about her? You haven't even been here for a day!" She huffs as she steps into the women's facilities, and quickly stops them both from entering with her. She poked her head out from the flaps of the tent and smirked at their grinning faces.

"I swear, you two gossip more than the old bitties at the tea house. Anyway, I've only known her for eight days. Isn't that a little fast to call it love?" She asks as Ron scoffs and leans against Harry's side with his own. Hermione raised an eyebrow at his immediate dismissal.

"I've fallen in love for less. I once dated a girl because I liked the way she said 'Rutabaga'." He says with a nod and Harry thinks for a moment before turning to him with furrowed brows.

"Wait, was that Mandy? I liked her, she made amazing banana bread" he says and Ron looks back at him with eager agreement,

"I know right? I was thinking about calling her once this whole thing is over" he replies, before they both start reminiscing about Ron's ex, and in all honesty, Hermione doesn't even remember who they're talking about. So she just rolled her eyes and slinked away into the tent while they were distracted.

——————

Y/n yawned softly as she used her torch flashlight to continue to write down all the information about the citizens who were either leaving the country or just going outside of town. She was freezing still, but at least her commander was kind enough to find a coat that had been found in the collection bin. It was just thick enough to protect her from hypothermia, but she was still cold as all hell.

"Name?" She asks a young mother, who had her toddler bundled up on her hip. They both looked exhausted from just waiting in line for so long,

"Ruth Magryn, and Joan Magryn. Joan, wave to the nice soldier" she says with a tired smile as the little girl waves with a small giggle. Y/n grinned and gave the girl a quick tickle to her stomach, which made the kid laugh in excitement and hide her face in her mother's shoulder.

"Hello, Joan. May I know where you two are heading?" Y/n asked as she readied her pen by the 'location' box on the form, but before the mother could respond, a voice called over.

"Y/n!"

Her head snapped behind her, recognizing the voice almost immediately, and she broke out into a small grin when she saw Hermione standing there in a winter coat that looked a little bigger than her. She kinda looks like a kid wearing her parent's coat.

"Ryland, trade spots with me," Y/n said as she watched the young boy help a child over the border, and then immediately run over to take over her post. He took the cupboard and stuttered over his words as he greeted the mom and child.

"Ah, good afternoon Ms.Granger" Y/n said once she was close enough, and Hermione gave a soft laugh as she stepped to the border as well. Formalities? That's new.

"Ms.Granger? Have I done something wrong to be reduced to formalities?" She asks jokingly, even though a part of her brain is slightly panicked about it.

"No, I'm just teasing. How are you? I saw you running around all night yesterday" Y/n asks before she and Hermione help the mother over the border first, with Y/n holding the toddler who looks a little entranced with the soldier.

"Just running useless errands" Hermione sighs before smiling at the mother as she helps her down onto the other side.

"And who is this?" She says with a bit of a laugh as she and Y/n step onto both sides of the ramps, meeting each other in the middle.

Their eyes meet and they fall into a beat of silence as they are now less than an arm's length away. Hermione noticed the snow that was still caught in the crevices of Y/n's jacket, and Y/n noticed how Hermione's hair was slightly damp. She must have just taken a shower.

"Uh...oh! This is Joan" Y/n chuckles as she looks down at the toddler on her hip, before slowly passing the child over to Hermione, who Joan immediately greets her with a little laugh.

Their skin touched, and for only a moment, Y/n's cold fingertips ran against the side of Hermione's hand, and the brunette didn't know if she shivered from the cold or...

No. No! It was cold. This was her enemy, now wasn't the time to play the dating game. She took and deep breath and forced a smile as they both walked back onto their appropriate sides.

"Hello, Joan" Hermione greeted as she playfully shook her little hand before passing the child to her mother's arms. Hermione then pointed to Ron, who stood casually against the wall of a building nearby.

"That is my friend, Ron, he will take you where you need to go," she says before the mother gives a quiet 'thank you' and walks off with her suitcases.

"So, they had you running around all night for useless things? Sounds a bit like a waste of your resources" Y/n says as Hermione steps back towards the edge of the border, her arms crossed over her chest.

"My thoughts exactly" she grumbled before Y/n chuckled to herself, looking over to check on Ryland, who seemed to be as anxious as usual. He really needed to relax, she feared he'd start shaking like a chihuahua soon.

"Hey, can I ask you a completely hypothetical question?" Y/n asks quietly, which causes Hermione to lean in to hear a bit better.

"Let's say, we win the war. What will happen to you....guys? Yeah, you guys" She asks quietly, clearing her throat at the end, before meeting her gaze again. Hermione opened her mouth but shut it just as fast.

What should she say? What CAN she say?

"Well, uh...hypothetically, we'd probably go back into hiding" she whispered, hoping that putting her trust in Y/n won't bite her in the ass in the future.

"Alright, that makes sense...what about you? I'm guessing you'll go home back to London, right?" She asks and Hermione stiffens at the thought of her home, that now laid in ruins. Technically, she had no home to return to.

"No, it's best if I didn't," Hermione says quietly. Y/n furrowed her eyes in confusion, but before she could ask a single question, a large family emerged to be helped across.

That was the end of their conversation for the night, but this particular subject wasn't going to be forgotten.

——————

December 24th

Y/n stood at her post like usual, it was snowing again, but Y/n didn't mind it this time. It was Christmas snow, and it did make up for the lack of people and holiday cheer that was lacking in the town now.

It was only an hour until it was officially Christmas Day, and all this patrolling gave Y/n more than enough time to wallow about missing the holiday season with her family and traditions.  Then again, it wasn't all bad.

"Hungry?"

Y/n turned to find Hermione with two plates of food in her hands, both steaming with a feast of actual food. The MRE packets weren't bad, but they weren't the best either since she's been deployed here.

"Hell yes" Y/n sighed in relief as she walked over to the boarder and graciously took the paper plate and plastic fork. Hermione chuckled softly as she leaned against the wall of the building beside them, and began to eat quietly.

"Thank you, you didn't have to get me a plate" Y/n soon says in a quiet tone, but you could still see the smile that she tried to hide by taking a bite off of her plate.

"I wanted to" Hermione replied simply as they ate together in a comfortable silence, maybe only a minute went by before she decided to speak again.

"Have you spoken to your family? With the holidays and all?" Hermione finally asks, watching as the snowflakes melt from the steam before they hit the plate.

"I've gotten a few letters, but I don't really have time to call as much as I wish I could," Y/n says with a small hum as their eyes finally lock together, and Hermione gives a small smile.

"Well, at least you know they're thinking about you," she says and Y/n nodded in agreement, before leaning against the building as well.

"What about you? Has your family called?" The soldier asked.

"Yes, they called me just a bit ago to wish me a Merry Christmas" Hermione said as she poked at her glaze-covered steamed carrots. Y/n noticed the lack of energy in her response and hesitated for a moment.

"And?" She asked, and Hermione sighed softly.

"And...they wished I was home with them, that they didn't agree with what the Wizarding World was doing to their-...our world," she says as she takes another deep breath, since if she didn't control her breathing, she might cry.

"War has no good or bad side. There are only good and bad leaders" Y/n says and Hermione just chuckled to herself. If that wasn't the truth, then she didn't know what it was.

It was quiet again, both of them now almost halfway through their meals, and Hermione felt a bit of courage run across her soul. Which made her stand up slightly, but before she could ask Y/n something, the soldier spoke first.

"A few days ago, you said that you wouldn't return to London, hypothetically. How come?" Y/n asks and Hermione gives a soft laugh at her attempt to 'hide' their questions still. Nobody was even around to eavesdrop on them. But she'll play alone, just for the soldier.

"Well, hypothetically, if you had been a part of the whole battalion that invaded your hometown, would you want to go back?" She asks in return and Y/n's eyes widen before nodding in understanding. Hell, she probably would have been shot before she even crossed the border if she had done that.

"I see your point" she mumbled as there was another string of silence. They both stared back at their food and quietly finished what was left, and soon their empty plates began to catch the snow that fell from the heavens.

Hermione slipped her gloved hand into her pocket, and pulled out a copper pocket watch, popping it open to see that it was now 5 past 12. It was Christmas Day.

"Happy Holidays, Y/n," she says quietly as she shuts the watch and stuffed it back into her pocket. The soldier smiled to herself as she folded up the plate and threw away the grave in a nearby trash can...or a postal box? She couldn't really see that well in the darkness, and snow.

"Happy Holidays, Hermione" Y/n whispers back as she looks up at the cloud-covered sky for a moment, seeing deep purple ripples between the clouds, almost faint enough to miss if you weren't looking.

"Look, would you possibly...want to share a nightcap? With me? It is Christmas, after all," She added, just in case it wasn't obvious that this was a small invitation. To break the rules, just this once. It was a holiday, and she thought that it wouldn't hurt to have a 'Christmas Truce' between them. Hell, if it worked in 1914, then it could work now.

Y/n blinked in surprise before turning back to Hermione, almost missing her completely. If it wasn't for her silhouette, Y/n might have just ended up talking to a wall.

"A nightcap? Here?" She asks in return and Hermione's back tightens as she stands up straight, slowly walking over to the ramps that were still standing as a walkway over the border.

"Well, I was thinking of a tent nearby? If you just stripped your uniform, nobody would notice" she says quietly as her foot hits the side of the ramp, ever so gently. It was honestly a stupid idea, now that she thought about it. It was crazy to think that Y/n would ever willingly put herself in potential danger-

"Well, maybe just one drink" the soldier replied.

Hermione's eyes widened, and just for a split second, her heart was thrown off its rhythm. This is crazy, she thought. Then she cursed at herself silently for repeating what she already knew to be a fact.

"Are you sure?" Hermione asks, just in case the holiday spirit was messing with Y/n's mind as it was hers, but Y/n didn't even pay it any thought. Instead, she hid her jacket and helmet behind the lamppost, leaving in just a tank top and her military pants and boots.

"Hurry, before you freeze" Hermione laughed in a bit of disbelief as she dropped the plastic plate and fork in the snow. In the back of her mind, she felt bad about littering, but she didn't care that much at the moment. She'll pick it up tomorrow.

She held her hand out as Y/n balanced on the snow-covered bridge, their hands clasping together like magnets in the darkness. There was a sense of excitement as Y/n stumbled slightly onto the other side, making Hermione shush her with a small laugh.

Y/n laughed as well as she began to smile, their hands never disconnecting as Hermione pulled her into a small jog, sticking them close to shadows as they weaved through the spaces between the tents. Hermione would peer around corners and pull the soldier quickly once the coast was clear.

As they sneaked past the biggest tent, there was a bunch of people inside singing carols and drinking together. Hermione pressed her free hand to Y/n's chest, before slipping away from her grasp to slip into the tent herself.

Y/n kept herself in the shadows, shivering slightly, since she was still without her thermal coat. Too bad it made her a walking 'I'm your enemy' type since the colors of her country were on it.

Hermione returned a minute or so later, with an open bottle of wine under her arm and two dixie cups. She grasped Y/n's hand again, noting it was colder than before, and subconsciously picked up their pace.

They found a vacant tent, and Hermione sighed in relief since the furnace was still burning inside. Once Y/n stepped inside, it was more obvious how cold she was, the biggest indicator was the bright red nose.

"You look like Rudolph" Hermione chuckled to herself as she watched Y/n from the corner of her eye, who looked at her with a smirk. There was something about it that had Hermione fighting back a grin.

They both sat down on the two chairs near the furnace, Hermione poured some wine into the two cups and passed one to Y/n. Fingers brushed against skin again, but neither said anything about the flutter between them.

"I have to ask, what's it like to use magic?" Y/n asks quietly, since anyone who overheard them, would know she wasn't on their side in an instant.

"Honestly? It makes regular life a whole hell of a lot easier" she admits as she took a sip from her cup, it wasn't her favorite type of wine, but she didn't have many options.

"Must be nice...you mind casting a spell to do my laundry for me?" Y/n asks playfully, which makes Hermione do her quiet laugh, she leans forward slightly before her quick breaths make a few noises come out.

"Sure, after this is all done" she finally replied as she looked back at Y/n who was leaning back against the chair, her sole attention on Hermione. They both got quiet before the brunette found her bearings and took a quick intake of breath before finishing the last of her wine in the dixie cup.

It wasn't long until one nightcap, turned into two...then three. Before eventually the wine was gone, and their cheeks were rosy pink. They weren't drunk, but they were definitely a little more than tipsy. It was the sweet spot for the subconscious to take over while your conscious took the passenger seat, only piping in when they thought about saying something or doing something stupid.

"I can't wait for this whole thing to be over. I want to go back to simplicity" Y/n sighs as she rests her head against the top of the backrest, her hands interlaced flat against her stomach. Hermione sat beside her watching Y/n with a bit more intensity than either noticed, her arm on the top of her backrest and leaning her head against her knuckles.

"It'll be a while until both worlds return to normal" Hermione added and Y/n nodded in agreement, before sitting up fully to look back at her.

"When that happens, do you think you and I could...meet up? Maybe get dinner or something like that?" Y/n asks, and Hermione blinks in surprise, sitting up as well. They stared at one another as the witch fought the urge to pound on her chest as her heart fluttered like she would do to her old TV that would static at her old home all the time.

"Yes! I mean, uh, sure. I would like that." Hermione breathed out as they both leaned their elbows on their knees, faces too close for anyone to see it other than what it was. Pinning. Yearning. Hesitation.

Slowly, they moved closer. Both have a million thoughts running through their heads, but none of their concerns even fostered their movements. Y/n could smell that flowery perfume even better than that one time before, it was subtle. It was made to only be smelt by the wearer or someone close enough to touch her skin. It was addicting.

Hermione eyes fluttered closed as the distance between them was about to disappear, wondering if this was too soon. If the 'maybe' outweighed the risks. If Y/n could be more than a fun thrill.

But it didn't matter.

Because the air raid sirens began to blare.

[wwwdotwhatdotcom]

PLEAAAAAAAAASEEE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE I BEG YOU ON BEHALF OF THE EVA NATION WE NEED MORE GIRLFAILIURE EVA WE NEED HER!!!!! NOW!!!!!!!! ANYTHING!!!!!!! ANYTHING RELATED TO HER!!!!!!!!! love your stuff btw fire emoji times five

EVA NATION!!!!

Slight spoilers for chapter one under the cut!!

Eva cursed herself. Over and over, every time she saw you. No, every time she failed to charm you.

She tried everything she could think would work. Flirting (she failed miserably), being direct (she stuttered it all out and failed again), writing a letter (she crumpled it up), EVERYTHING!

Of course, she went to Damon for help. Now, this is Damon we’re talking about. Not exactly a romance expert. He just told her to tell you directly.

So Eva went to someone else. Toshiko.

Toshiko told her to play to her strengths… so she did

Eva thought, and thought hard. How could she possibly woo you? And then it hit her.

MATH.

She wasn’t exactly happy to be using math to get your attention… but when push comes to shove!

Eva created a math problem, one that toshiko would deliver to you stating that it was from your admirer, and she would suggest Eva’s help on it.

It worked like a charm.

The two of you were in the library, with Eva helping you through the problem. It was pretty difficult, but not for her. Duh.

The solution?

“I <3u”

you were initially confused…. But when you saw eva blushing, it was pretty obvious.

A roundabout confession, but a confession!