#we’re having a friendsmas again this year

[cannedfruits]

It’s my best friends birthday next week and I can’t wait

[jake-whatthefisgoingon-kiszka]

Second of december and i also still have some halloween decor up, so dont worry, youre not alone🎃 and btw, your idea with the greta x scooby crossover is amazing, i have always loved scooby too

Since you mentioned it, who do you think the boys would play in scooby doo? And why?

A bit similar to the first question, but im curious, who do you think would play the boys in a biopic about their lives?

You said that you do a friendsmas with your friends in january, do you have any certain traditions or just fun stuff you like to do?

What do you think the boys' favorite traditions are on christmas?

Back to horror movies (i just love talking about horror movies), who do you think would be ghostface in the scream franchise?

Probably gonna do a horror movie marathon today, cause now im in the mood. See you again tomorrow

-Secret santa🎅🎄

Hello again Santa! 😊

1. Josh would definitely have to be Fred since he’s always asking “how’s my hair?” Danny would be Velma for obvious reasons. Which leaves Jake and Sam. Initially I’d think Jake would be Shaggy but I think Sam fits better and Rose would be Scooby! So that means Jake would be Daphne which I am not at all mad about. If I was the type of writer to do crack fics I think it would be funny to make something about them attempting to solve mysteries but keep getting it wrong or get into more trouble than do any good. Quick someone indulge me!

2. I think I’ve actually had a similar conversation with someone about this. We were talking about a Harry styles fic being adapted into a movie so the idea came up about a Greta fic being adapted and I said Timothée Chalamet would be Sam as a joke 😅 but for the others I think Jake would want Johnny Depp to play him even though that’s absurd. I honestly have no idea about Danny and Josh. Anyone want to chime in about this?

3. Well the tradition is Friendsmas we go to one of my friends houses every year and this year we’re going to Denver so I’m super excited because I love Colorado! We also do a secret Santa every year among us and I have no idea what I’m going to do but I usually hand make my gift so I better get on that soon 😅 (I’m thinking maybe a personalized Coraline doll)

4. Danny’s favorite is wearing Christmas ugly sweaters. Josh has to make the egg nog cause no one else can make it right. Jake I think would actually like everything involved with stockings whether they make their own every year like we did, or they have special ones they use every year, and he likes putting silly little treats in them. Sam would be the one not helping with anything because he’s tearing the house apart trying to find where the presents are hidden

5. Jake. Definitely Jake

Nice talking to you! See you later ✌️

[songficsbyrissi]

This X-Mas (Spooky X Reader)

“'Cause this Christmas, will be the Greatest time of your life from me I ain't asking for the diamond rings I ain't really got a list of expensive things I just want you to myself while the children sleeps Santa baby, would you make a little time for me?” - Chris Brown feat. Ella Mai

A/N: hey y’all! I know I kinda abandoned you but being in College during a panoramic (Twitter joke) but I finished! I graduated undergrad so it’s lit! Even tho I don’t really care for Christmas or the holidays and I dislike Christmas music, I love this song and since it’s been a while, I might as well give y’all a Christmas gift soooo Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁❤️

************

You were not a fan of the holidays.

It’s not like you never were. You used to be but as you grew up, you grew a disdain for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years', all that.

The most wonderful time of the year, your ass.

From November 1st up until January 2nd, every year, you were annoyed and couldn’t wait for this time of the year to be over. You didn’t like it and if you had to hear “All I Want from Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey one more fucking time, someone was gonna get kicked where they’re more jolly.

You were relaxing on the couch when you heard a knock on your apartment door. You announced you were coming and opened the door to 3 boys by the names of Cesar, Jamal, and Ruby.

“Hey, boys! What brings-“

“BATHROOM!” Jamal ran past you and straight to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Ruby shook his head and Cesar gave a nervous laugh.

“Would you believe we were just in the neighborhood?”

You pursed your lips. “Nope.”

Ruby sighed out of frustration. “We need help getting Christmas gifts for our.....” He swallowed hard. You closed your eyes.

“You’re still struggling to call Jasmine your girlfriend?”

“SHE’S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!”

“Yeah yeah yeah.” You waved him off and right then, Jamal stepped out the bathroom, relieved.

“Whew, my bladder was full! Where you get that hand soap, Y/N?! Smells lovely!”

You rolled your eyes, irritated. “At Bath and Body Works where y’all should get gifts for your girlfriends.” You narrowed your eyes at Ruby, who shuddered at the G-word. “Now if you excuse me, I was enjoying my alone time.”

Cesar stopped the door from closing. “Wait. Didn’t you say you were leaving today to go spend Christmas with your family?”

Shit. “Uh yeah. Duh. I needed alone time before I left.”

“I don’t see any bags packed.” Ruby indicated, skeptical.

“Or an airline ticket on the desk. Yeah, I noticed!” Jamal added, folding his arms.

You looked at the 3 teenage boys who were waiting for you to confess. You sighed deeply, knowing the jig is up.

“Fine, 3 wise men!” You stated with a tone dripping in sarcasm. “I’m not going home. I never was going home. The reason why is because I don’t care for the holidays. I stopped a long time ago. It’s never been special to me. Also, I don’t have a close-knit family. Actually, we’re dysfunctional as hell. This isn’t the most wonderful time of the year for me. I lied so you guys wouldn’t know the truth, now are you happy?”

Jamal had a dismal expression on his face and pulled you to his chest. “Now I see what the Scrooge looks like as a black woman.”

You pushed him off and Cesar grabbed your wrist before you could hit him.

“Does Spooky know?”

You shook your head. “Nope and it’s gonna stay that way. I mean it, Cesar. Don’t say shit to your brother about this.”

Were you really depending on the little brother of your gang member friend that’s not really a friend but he’s kind of your boo to keep his mouth shut?

“Cesar told me you lied.” That was what Spooky said when you opened the door the next morning which was Christmas. You sucked your teeth loudly, disappointed that your dumbass trusted a 15-year-old who feared his brother.

“I should really kick your brother’s ass.”

He smirked at your comment. “Talk to me, Mami. Why you not fucking with Christmas?”

You left the door, letting him outside and he closed the door behind him. “Because it’s annoying as hell.”

“Nah, that ain’t it.”

You turned to Spooky with your arms folded. “Why do you even care, Oscar? It’s not like your thug ass cares for holidays and shit.”

Spooky remained unfazed by your attitude and you calling him by his government. When you first met him, he would be pissed at that. Even tried scaring you but it didn’t work. Eventually, he got used to it and only allowed you to call him Oscar.

“You’re wrong and I’ll show you. Get dressed.”

You were feeling dangerous. “And what if I don’t?” You responded with a roll of the neck.

Spooky let a dry laugh that scared you yet turned you on at the same time. Damn. You started to bite your lip then pulled it back. He got dangerously close and stared you down.

“Do you really wanna know, Princesa?”

Yes. No. Shit.

You got out of his face and got dressed as you were told. You’ll let him win this round. You got into his car and he drove back to his house where Cesar and his girlfriend Monse were making a mess in the kitchen.

“Hey Y/N!” Monse greeted you. Cesar looked at you nervously.

“Hey Y/N, how’s-“

You held your hand up. “Save it, snitch!”

“He forced it out of me!” The young boy pleaded and you rolled your eyes in response.

“Whatever. What are y’all even doing?” You asked, confused and disgusted by the sight of the kitchen and glancing at Spooky’s face, he was not too pleased either.

“Trying to do a Christmas brunch but somebody doesn’t wanna listen to the instructions.” Monse gestured towards her boyfriend with a roll of her neck, causing Cesar to groan.

You couldn’t help but giggle at the two. “Alright lemme help so I can fix this. You!” You gestured towards Spooky. “You’re helping too!”

“Nahhhh cooking ain’t my thing.”

“Well Christmas ain’t my thing but I’m here. Now throw on an apron, cholo. You’re on bacon duty!”

You couldn’t lie. Making Christmas brunch with the kids was fun as hell. You found yourself smiling and giggling during the cooking and eating. You even caught Spooky staring at you a couple of times. You pecked his lips just because he looked so adorable but if you told him that, he’ll turn into a jackass. When the boys left to get something from God knows where you were left alone with Monse. You didn’t know too much about the girl but figured you could get to know her more.

“So Monse...you’re spending Christmas with your boyfriend.”

“So are you.”

Your eyes narrowed at her response. “1. Spooky is not my boyfriend and 2. I was forced here. Christmas is bullshit.”

“I love Christmas. Even though I don’t remember the last time I actually spent it with my dad.” Monse shrugged bending over and fix her shoelaces. That caught your attention.

“Wait, you’ve had shitty Christmases and you still love Christmas?!”

She shrugged again. “Well yeah. My dad is always away for Christmas and I don’t have my mom so I’ve always dreamt of doing Christmas stuff with the people I love. When I met the boys, not to sound corny but my dreams came true. Another reason why I need to keep the group together.”

You were lost for words. “Wow, I’m sorry, Monse.”

“It’s ok. Hey, I think I hear the boys coming back.”

The boys revealed themselves and Cesar announced that you guys were being invited to have Christmas dinner with Jamal’s family which was great because you didn’t want to cook.

“I’m telling you marmalade is better than jelly. I don’t wanna hear it!” Jamal declared during dinner. A debate broke out between marmalade and jelly which really entertained you. Jamal’s family was funny and so welcoming to you, a stranger. It felt weird to you that they were showing so much love to you, a stranger. Oscar held your hand throughout the whole dinner which did something to your stomach. You don’t wanna say butterflies. Maybe it’s gas.

When the group stopped by Ruby’s house to pick him up for “friendsmas”, his grandma pulled you aside with a serious look on her face.

“Open your heart, mama.”

You gave her a confused look. “What?”

“You closed your heart. Open it. Even if it’s to Papi Chulo over there. “ she gestured towards Oscar who was lighting up a cigarette and looked back at you. “Open it to Christmas. To any holiday. Just....open it.”

You kept that in mind as you went with the others back to the house for the kids to engage in their “friendsmas”.

“I’ve never heard “Friendsmas.” You muttered as Spooky handed you a glass of wine and you watched the kids from the doorway.

Oscar shrugged taking a swig of his Corona. “Well you hate Christmas so I’m not surprised.”

You elbowed him in his side and he began to laugh in response. “I don’t hate Christmas. I just never found joy in the holidays but now I do.” You looked at him and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Thank you. Thank you for making this Christmas special for me.”

Oscar began to grin and pulled something from behind his back. “It’s not over yet, hyna.”

You gazed at the blue velvet rectangular box and opened it slowly to reveal a silver chain that said “Oscar” You looked up at him, speechless.

“Spooky, I....I.....”

“You don’t have to say anything. Just put on my necklace and be mine.” The gangsta in front of you took a deep breath. “I love you, Y/N.”

Your eyes were as big as saucers. “You....you do?”

“Yes, girl he do! It was so obvious!” Jasmine’s voice broke through the moment and everyone glared at her. Her mouth formed an O. “Oooh sorry! I forgot we were supposed to be acting like we weren’t paying attention. My bad!”

You shook your head and felt a surge of love and confidence. You loved this man. You have for a long time but never admitted it because...your heart was closed. Damn. Ruby’s crazy grandma ain’t so crazy after all.

“I love you too, Oscar.” You pulled him in for a long passionate kiss and the crew clapped in excitement.

“Girl put your back in it! You’re under the mistletoe!” Jasmine yelled again.

Ruby started. “Jasmine-“

“Shut up and kiss me!” She grabbed him by his collar, planting a kiss on his lips.

When you finally pulled away from your kiss with Spooky, you smiled up at him and his expression was matching yours. You spoke up through your grin:

“I’ll be damned. It is the most wonderful time of the year.”

A/N: Cheesy as fuckkkkk I know but Christmas is all about the cheese if we’re gonna be honest. I hope you enjoyed it! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, y’all! ❤️🎄🎁

Tags: @karmawaelualani @chaneajoyyy @ctrlszn @witchything @sabrinafey @penguinpower17889 @robingreysantos @namjoonwatcheshentai @pananegra @bloatedandlonly @blackmissfrizzle @chonisberonica @flamingweasley @cynthetic @momobaby227 @this-glitter-pussay​ @beyondprincess​ @joyrivh​

[mxtantrights]

˚ · · . · ✵ ✷PART TWENTY-EIGHT

word count: 2.7k!

Warnings: jessie gets high but it’s not detailed, just the after part. ALSO FLUFF 

HAWKINS, INDIANA

DECEMBER 26, 1984

I watched as all the kids sat around the game table and exchanged gifts. It was the day after Christmas- friendsmas as I'm dubbing it- and we were all held up in Mike's basement. I know they wanted to see each other all on actual Christmas day but their schedules and families wouldn't allow it. So I called everyone up this morning and arranged this.

They all thanked me with a hug when I got here with Mickey and Dayton.

Speaking of which,

I find Dayton sitting on the couch fiddling with his hands. He's been back for about two weeks now and we haven't talked much about the elephant in the room.

I take a seat next to him and smooth down my skirt. "Why are you fiddling with your hands so awkwardly?"

He stops and looks to me. "I feel like I left you here and I let you down."

"You didn't. You did the best you could do for someone who was in a different time zone. Trust me." I clap his shoulder hard- like really hard, he hates it when I do that. And he winces. "You raised me right."

"Ha-ha."

Theres footsteps coming down the steps and quickly at the bottom is Steve. He waves to the both of us before saying his greetings to the kids. Dustin and him are up to some new handshake and I think if they don't find one soon we'll all be in trouble.

After that he finds his way on the couch next to me and my brother.

"I think we met last year at the fourth of July party. Steve right?" My brother asks Steve so un-smoothly. Did he really think I didn't know that he had Steve look over me while he was gone? He even holds his hand out for Steve to shake.

Steve awkwardly laughs. "Yeah Dayton she knows."

"What? She knows?!"

I try to stifle my laughter at his outburst.

"She used her abilities on me to make me tell the truth! What was I gonna do?" Steve argues his point.

It's true he couldn't have done anything about it.

Dayton only shakes his head in annoyance.

Lucas and Dustin come up to us on the couch with two bags in their hands. I looking between the two of them and their shit eating grins.

"If this has anything to do with milk I'm giving y'all both wedgies."

Dustin passes me a red bag. "It has nothing to do with you being milk girl."

Lucas gives Steve his bag as well.

I move around the fancy tissue paper and see jeans? I pull it out with my hands and I see that it's not pants but a jean jacket. And the back is painted on with some eye popping colors but the patches on the sleeves are what gets me.

One of them is the state of Texas. And next to it is a Hawkins patch. There are a few notable patches besides those. A lasso. One says Cherry bomb. And one with a brain on it.

I look up and it's not just Dustin and Lucas anymore. The rest of the gang is behind them now watching me.

I pull the jacket on and it fits loosely. It's the best kind of fit.

Looking over at Steve I see his gift. It's another jean jacket but his is different from mine. His has got no patches on it just the paint on the back. And I can't miss the big 'MOM' on the back.

"We wanted to thank you guys for everything you did for us." Mike- the kind asshole- Wheeler speaks up.

I get up from my seat and hod my arms out. "Hugs right now or so help me I will cry on every single one of you."

Max and Mickey are first in almost making me fall over. Then Dustin and Lucas, lastly Mike. I quickly place a kiss on the top of their heads, almost missing Mike because he pulls away slightly but I pull him back.

"Okay Jessie, give me my kids now."

HAWKINS, INDIANA

JANUARY 1985

My stomach grumbling was getting annoying. I needed to put food into my system before I combust. I just didn't feel like leaving Mike's couch. After sitting here while the boys play their precious D&D after a whole year, I'm growing attached.

I'm laid on the couch like a mad woman. My legs are leaning off the side arm, only one of my arms is slanged over the back of the couch. The other one is holding me up properly.

Steve comes down the steps. Hair flopping around like usual.

"Steve! Good you're here!" I say as he descends down the last steps.

"Hey!" He waves to me.

Then he's saying hi to the kids. I watch as he makes his rounds and then walks over to me and the couch. NO if he sits down then we're not leaving here. And I need food.

I bolt out of my seat. "I'm revolting I need food."

"Why don't you ask my mom for something?" Mike asks me.

I didn't want to trouble his mom. I also didn't want to have to interact with any adults. My mouth is a little crazy as Mickey and Dayton keep saying. I'm not good at holding back my opinions.

I shush Mike and look at Steve. "Please can I get food? Please? Pretty please? The D&D is making me want to eat the floor."

"Hey!" All the boys and Max say at once.

Steve chuckles and puts his hands on his hips. Oh no what does he want. He only does that when he wants something. What could he want from me? Wasn't being friends with me enough?

"I need your skilled handwriting for some envelopes." He puts rather simply.

Okay I can do that.

"Alright I'll do it," I grab his arm and start dragging him the way he came. "I just need food. Food. Steve my stomach is like boiling. I need food."

"Alright alright. I got you." Instead of letting me drag him up the steps he falls in line with me.

Always the gentleman, he opens the door and lets me out. I let go of his arm, and let him lead the way. He takes the both of us out the back and I see his red BMW. With a spur of energy I run to the passenger side and dive into the seat.

"Come on, faster pretty boy. I'm trying not to die of starvation here."

-

"Have you been getting any memories lately?"

I turn to look at Steve in the drivers seat. I had just finished a whole meal and now he wants me to talk? I need my post-meal nap pretty soon.

I guess I could just talk to him and wait until we get back.

"Not really, no. It's been radio silent up here." I knock on my head twice.

He can't help but laugh when I do. Maybe that will ease this conversation back to a more friendly topic. I don't want to think about all the bad things today. I was trying to just have a nice day. I could think about it tomorrow. Or the next day.

"I'm serious though. You'd tell me if you did?"

"Yeah." I shoot back.

We continue on the drive in a comfortable silence. It feels like it should be awkward but its not. We have some weird upside down bond now. We haven't seen it all but we've seen enough together.

It doesn't take long before I see Mike's house appear outside my window. Steve's quick to get out of the car but I'm not, I just ate! I need to take it slow don't wanna pull a stomach muscle or something.

I've got the itis.

Slowly I open my door and roll myself out of the car. As I do I know Steve is watching me struggle. He loves to do that sometimes I swear if he wasn't my friend I would yell at him, I swear it.

He's back at my side in an instant holding his arm out for me to lock with mine.

"Ah Steve, such a gentleman."

-

HAWKINS, INDIANA

JANUARY 1985

I try to smoothly make it to my desk in one piece without raising suspicion. I don't trip, or look anyone in the eye as I make it to the back where Steve is sitting. However I do see his floppy hair and I have to clamp my mouth shut to not giggle.

His hair!

How does he do it everyday?

How?

I sit down and put my notebook on the desk.

"Are you okay?" Steve asks.

I turn slowly to nod at him, I don't wanna do it to fast or he's gonna think something is up with me. I can't alert the troops. I can't alert anyone!

He studies my face, and then his face changes. Did he just figure it out? Did he just find out that quickly? Maybe he won't say anything.

"Are you high right now?" He whispers to me.

My head is nodding again even though I wanna deny it. I was about to deny it. But my head is faster than my mouth.

Ha!

I watch closely as Steve pulls my chair and then my desk close to his. My fingers start playing with the loose ends of my knitted sweater. I wonder how those little dangling threads happen. Why did they happen? I didn't cut my sweater.

I hear our english teacher clear her throat to get the class to settle. It's then that I roll my shoulders back and face the board with the straightest face I can make.

The class settles after a few moments pass and our teacher begins to write names on the board. I watch with confusion. Why was she writing down our names? Did she forget them?

Then she writes down my name. And Steve's.

I look at Steve.

"She was picking random students to read their essays today- Jess we are fucked." He whispers to me and the way he sounds is so funny I start laughing under my breath.

I pull my sweater over my mouth to try and hide it. My eyes are watering before I know it and I have to put my head down on the desk to hide my laughter.

"Ms.Glendall whats the matter?"

Then that makes me laugh even more. Holy shit I'm about to get caught! I'm about to get caught and I don't even have an excuse to give! I'm gonna get detention! Holy shit have I ever gotten detention since I've been here?

No I haven't. I would remember.

"Jessie's not feeling to well, can she read her essay another day?" Steve asks for me.

I can feel his hand come to pat my head like I'm some sort of dog- I'm laughing even harder now. My stomach is starting to hurt with how much I'm dying from this.

"Sure Mr. Harrington."

Steve peers in close to me, close enough to whisper in my ear. When I can feel his hot ass breath on my ear I stop laughing. "You owe me big time Jess."

Oh god how am I gonna make it to Lunch. Hopefully Jon doesn't mind skipping with me to get some food. I am not eating slop while under the influence.

-

I can't believe I'm this much a wuss. I mean I tasered a demo-dog for crying out loud. You'd think I've grown some macho in me.

But no.

Here I am with my envelopes for colleges. Ready to send.

And I'm holding them in my hands like they're about to fly away.

"Step away from the applications."

I swiftly turn around.

Steve's leaning against his car.

"You know I can just go right back upstairs and cancel our plans to hang out." I quip, already turning away.

It's not long, what with his long ass legs, before he has my arm in his grasp and he's stopping me. I turn around slowly to face him, ready for that stupid look on his face. He's gonna make fun of me. I know he is.

He sent out his early applications and I'm standing here, fiddling with my regular applications.

But he doesn't have a look on his face. He looks serious.

"Alright so do you want me to do them for you or do you want a pep talk so you can do it yourself?"

I look between him and my mailbox. A few times. Maybe it's actually more than a few because he snatches the envelopes from my hands and does it himself.

Instead of letting him get the final touch I do it myself. I raise the red flag on the box.

"Well ladies and gentlemen I think Jessica Glendall has finally finished with her applications! How about a round of applause for the girl!" He starts yelling. I try to cover his mouth but he's too tall. And he's fighting me off a bit.

"Cut it out you weirdo! I have neighbors!"

"Is that what the other houses are for? I thought it was decoration."

HAWKINS, INDIANA

JANUARY 1985

"Did you actually have a lasso back home?"

I stop eating and look at Jonathan. He's got a big smile on his face because he knows he's being a little shit. But he wouldn't come up with this on his own. I know this is Steve's doing.

"Steve put you up to this?" I ask him back.

He shakes his head but can't hide his laughter.

"Nah. I just heard it from Will, who heard it from Dustin, who was told by Steve." He explains to me.

"I don't care that we're the same age I will give you a wedgie you do know that right?" It's rhetorical as he puts his hands up in surrender.

"I'd love to see you give Steve a wedgie. Or put him in a lasso."

"Yeah I'd love to see it too."

-

I was cheering Steve on in the gym not too long ago. He's playing really hard right now so that the scouts can see him. I know that he feels like he has to overcompensate with sport because his grades are too hot.

But neither are mine. We're in the same boat here.

His car chirps and I look around for him. I was waiting for him on his car after all. I find him walking my way with his sport bag slung over his shoulder. They didn't win today but he did carry his team the whole way through. That's gotta count for something.

He doesn't say anything to me- no snide remark, no sass, not even a hello. All he does is get into his car and slam the door. Maybe he wants to be alone right now?

I hop off the hood of his car and he turns the engine on.

Maybe I should take the hint and leave.

I put my bag over both of my shoulders and start to turn my body away when I hear the horn honk. So I turn back.

The window is rolled down on my side.

"Aren't you coming?"

I open the door swiftly and get in. "You sure you don't want to be alone right now? I mean I can understand-"

"No I'll be fine. I just need to drive around for a little bit." He says to me and starts pulling out of the parking lot.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" I offer

I remember the forth of July party and what he said. About College and parents. This was definitely a topic that he dreaded.

He pumps the breaks on the car when I say it. I almost jolt forward but he holds his arm out to brace me. It makes me let out a breath that's all I know. His arm retracts back to his side as he keeps his eyes on the wheel.

"My dad sucks. And my grades kind of suck. And he's riding my ass about college."

I carefully put my hand on his shoulder. "Look all you can do is your best Steve. At the end of the day it's all anyone can do. Your dad might not see it but it's you who needs to start seeing it. It's your life."

"Y-yeah."

"Plus all of the shit you did with those monsters from hell is pretty badass. You'd probably get a metal for it if it wasn't top secret."

He laughs. "Thanks Jessie."

"Of course Stevie."

"Jessica!"

"Stephen!"

[pxrxllel]

from a good place (08/12/20)

Hoooo, is this the longest that I’ve neglected this blog? So much has happened since February, and I couldn’t even begin to start describing all the effervescent moments along the way. 

But first, in true me style, vibe check: I’m doing really well, and I’m really proud of myself. Nothing is ever going to be absolutely perfect, I know, despite how much I try for it to be, but I really feel like I’m putting a lot of love out into the universe and I’m getting it back, and I’m cradling it close to my heart. 

I just skim read the last 2 or 3 entries from when I moved cities last year and so many of those anxieties have been reduced to nothing. I don’t feel like a child anymore (granted, I don’t feel like an adult either) and for lack of better phrasing, I think I’ve got my shit together. I’ve fallen in love with cooking and creating tasty food for myself that is miles better than what I grew up eating, and who knew it could be healthy too?! Lockdown has forced me to find things to do, so I’ve picked up ukulele over the past year and it’s seriously the most mindful activity. When I was getting the hang of it, I was easily clocking up three consecutive hours jamming. I’ve also been a lot more intentional with looking after my body and exercising, so there’s that. These habits and lifestyle have really helped keep my mental health at bay, and the last time I felt really, really down was September. Overall, I’m managing pretty well and lockdown has been a blessing in more ways than one. 

I love my job and workplace. I haven’t spoken about it on here but the people at work truly make me so happy. Sometimes I think I’m not making that much progress in terms of career development because I think I’m in a more junior position than my skillset entails, but I’m still enjoying exploring the fields. The kaupapa/mission at work is something that really resonates with me, and because of it everyone at work is really values-aligned. That’s why it honestly feels like a family, we all truly have each other’s backs and look out for one another. My team is incredible and my managers are HUGE role models for me. They represent the type of communicator I strive to be: Kind, empathetic, and articulate. I’ve been learning so much from them over the past year and can’t wait to keep up this journey for as long as I feel like I have a place there. My contract runs until the end of June next year, at which point I’ll have been there for nearly a year and a half, which I think is a great amount of time to see and decide if I want to move on or not. Regardless, it’s definitely the type of work I want to do long term with my career so I want to stay on for as long as I can milk the wisdom for, of which there is plenty. 

I also spontaneously decided today that I’m going to move out of the country at 25. I’m not sure where yet, but by that time I should have built up enough experience to have some backing behind me. I’m still really set on the US/Canada, but we’ll see. I think it’s logistically a lot easier to up and move to Canada, but I’ll look into it. 

My relationships and friendships have been fluctuating a lot. I still experience loneliness from time to time, but lately I’ve been so busy that it’s the opposite. I wish it were more even-keeled. Jarek and I are on a break at the moment, and I’m surprisingly doing OK. We’ll talk again soon, but it’s not really on for now. Part of me doesn’t feel ready at all to give up on us, but my gut’s pulling in all directions. Recently I spent a really nice two weeks in isolation with Dylan and turns out we’re really compatible as roommates...? We barely got sick of each other despite not being apart for more than two hours for the whole fortnight. It was just really wonderful to slow down, hit pause on the outside world, and connect with one of my best friends. Even though we were both on edge sometimes due to the fact that Covid was quite possibly lingering over our shoulders, we still managed to have a lot of fun. I’m a bit scared of what that means to be honest, but we’re both just enjoying the moments we share along the way and not thinking too much about it. 

I’m really making the most of the end of the year. I just wrapped up our office Christmas function which EVERYONE enjoyed and so many people said it was the best one yet. I’m also hosting Friendsmas with Licheng, Doria’s 21st, and our New Year’s Eve bash all this month so my first two weeks off in January will be really just filled with sleep. Honestly, it still feels like I’m recovering from being in isolation even a month later so... 

Whatever happens, we’ll be okay. I’ll try to update more. 

[notveryglittery]

all i want for christmas (is a break)

summary: it's virgil's first real christmas with the others. it doesn't go as well as they'd all like.  words: 2,400 / ships: platonic lamp (prinxiety & analogical focus) warnings: fighting, miscommunication. lmk if i need to add any! notes: this is prompt 7 from @sanderssidescelebrations​, secret santa! i hope that you like it! <3 

read on ao3 | @fandersfic-lamp​ 

“There is absolutely no reason to panic,” Logan said in a tone that was very much bordering on panicked.

“It has to be perfect,” Roman snapped without looking up from the notebook he was furiously scribbling in. The words were hardly legible, given the impatience he was writing with. It’d be safe to assume, however, that they were gift ideas, each more extravagant than the last.

Patton was pacing through the living room; he looped around the coffee table and down the hall towards the entry into the kitchen, back again passed the staircase, and by the entertainment center, before he tread the same path once more. He was wringing his hands together and muttering under his breath, occasionally biting at a fingernail or scrubbing a palm against his cheek.

Virgil appeared as if from thin air, though he really had taken the steps one at a time, had any of the others been paying enough attention. For a moment, he watched quietly from his spot. Guilt tore through him. This was his fault, after all. It would be the first Secret Santa that Thomas was participating in since Virgil had shared his name and they’d begun to accept him into their group.

Patton, of course, noticed his presence first.

“Virgil!” He cried, stumbling in how suddenly he came to a halt. He approached, taking Virgil’s hands in his own. He seemed too distressed to realize what an invasion of privacy this was. “I’m so glad you’re here!”

“Are you?” Roman snarked in the same breath Virgil muttered it.

Patton sent a sharp glare over his shoulder to Roman, who didn’t see it anyway, as he was still writing.

“Of course,” Patton reassured, looking to Virgil with wide eyes. “I have a tiny little favor to ask of you, though.”

Virgil stiffened and slowly pulled his hands free of Patton’s hold. “… What’s that? 

“Can you maybe,” Patton began, clasping his own hands together and pressing them against his chest, “perhaps if you’re able… No big deal if you aren’t! It might just help if… Well, it’s just so hard to focus, you see…” 

“Spit it out, Patton,” Logan piped up from his spot at the table, where it looked like he was trying to decipher a piece of paper that Roman had tossed aside. Clearly, he wasn’t doing much better than his companions, though.

“Can you tone it down a little?” Patton rushed through his request, expression already crumpling in regret.

Virgil couldn’t say that he hadn’t seen it coming but that didn’t mean it didn’t sting.

“Sure,” he responded, easily. “Yeah, totally. Let me do that.” He closed his eyes and pressed his index fingers to his temples. His face scrunched up in concentration. A moment of silence followed — even the scratching of Roman’s pen paused.

Virgil opened one eye. “Is it working?” The sarcasm in his voice was a dead giveaway.

Roman stood up, knocking his chair over as he did so. He threw the pen at Virgil but his aim was way off and it bounced harmlessly off the wall. “If you’re not going to help, then just get out!”

“Roman!” Patton scolded, rounding on the prince. “We do not talk to each other like that!”

“Pump the brakes, Princey,” Logan said in a tone that seemed entirely unimpressed with Roman’s tantrum.

Virgil folded his arms over his chest and glared at Roman with half-lidded disinterest. “Yeah, ‘cause that worked out so well for you guys last time.” 

Patton flinched. 

“Perhaps we ought to take a break and reconvene once you’ve all calmed down,” Logan suggested.

“Oh! Right, because you’re doing just fine, aren’t you!” Roman shot back. He gestured to Logan from top to bottom — or, top to chest given the rest of him was hidden by the table — and it was clear just what he meant. His hair was unruly from a hand being run through it one too many times, his glasses sat crookedly on his nose, and the tie might as well have been removed completely given how loose it was.

“I am, thank you very much,” he said, scowling at Roman. “As we are currently in a neutral zone of the Mindscape, Virgil’s anxieties have no power over me. They don’t over any of us and if you would take a single second to breathe and quit blaming him for every single one of your problems, then you would realize that!”

In his rant, Logan had risen from his chair and his hands were clenched now at his sides. Patton looked unwell, his face gone pale and his shoulders beginning to shake. Roman, however, seemed even angrier; apparently not, though, with Logan.

Storming towards Virgil, he shoved Patton out of his way and leaned in so close to the former, that their noses were nearly touching. Patton gave a startled gasp, catching himself on the back of recliner. Virgil, if anything, looked more upset about Roman’s lack of care than he did the lack of distance between them.

“This is your first Christmas with us and we’ve never had trouble like this before!” Roman hissed, jabbing a finger into Virgil’s chest. “Who else am I supposed to blame?!”

Virgil pushed hard at Roman’s shoulder, granting himself some space. “Yourself, maybe?” Virgil offered, scoffing. “I suppose you want to impress me just as much as you do Thomas. I’m flattered, really.”

Patton whimpered very softly, wrapping his arms around himself.

“You always do this,” Virgil said accusingly. “You know how busy Thomas gets this time of year and yet you still insist he goes for every single Secret Santa, all the holiday parties you can get him to agree to, each Friendsmas, all those special productions for the season. All that stress isn’t going to be my fault!”

“Enough,” Logan tried to intervene.

“It’ll be yours!” Virgil continued, raising his voice. “Every year, I try to tell you to slow down but do you listen? Have you ever listened?! Not until those two—” He flung an arm out in Logan and Patton’s direction, “— are forced to step in and agree with me! Well, guess what, Roman!” Virgil spat, eyes blazing, “I’m not going to take it from you this time! Whether you like it or not, Thomas is working towards accepting me just as much as he does any of you and so we’re going to take it easy this year because he needs a damn break!” Virgil gestured this time to Roman, “God, look at yourself, you need a damn break!”

Upon closer inspection, it became clear just what Virgil was insinuating. Roman’s hair had lost its shine, there were bags under his eyes barely hidden by concealer, and while he wasn’t wearing his usual royal attire, even his loungewear looked wrinkled and unkempt.

Despite the tears welling in his eyes, Patton took a careful step forward and rested a hand on Roman’s forearm. “Ro… is there something you’re not telling us?”

Roman glanced only briefly at Patton, gave Virgil one last furious glare, and sunk out.

Patton’s hand hung in the open air a moment longer before his fingers curled slowly into a fist. He pressed it against his mouth and stifled a sob.

The fight seemed to drain out of Virgil immediately and he collapsed with a thud on the bottom step of the staircase. He swore under his breath.

“That… could have gone better,” Logan murmured, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I’ll be in my room,” Patton managed in a choked voice. Before Logan or Virgil could react, he too disappeared from the living area.

“I didn’t mean it,” Virgil said.

“Yes. You did,” Logan disagreed, though it wasn’t unkind. With another sigh, he joined Virgil. The latter scooted over to make room for him, hugging his knees to his chest. Logan stretched his own legs out and rested his palms atop his thighs. “Let’s take a few deep breaths.”

Logan moved one hand to Virgil’s ankle, where he tapped out a 4-7-8 rhythm for Virgil and himself to inhale and exhale along to. After a few rounds of this, they had both calmed down considerably. Logan fixed his tie while Virgil toyed with the zipper on one of his sleeves.

“I believe you owe Roman an apology.”

“Only if he has one for me, too,” Virgil responded without hesitation.

“He will,” Logan continued, “Patton will make certain of it.”

“… Terrence’s gift doesn’t have to be perfect,” Virgil said finally. “It’s Terrence! He and Thomas have been friends for years! Whatever we get him, he’ll love it. He’s one of the happiest people Thomas knows and he’s pretty easy to please and there’s really no going wrong with it so I don’t—”

“Virgil,” Logan interrupted gently, making an exaggerated point to take a deep breath in.

“… I don’t understand why Princey’s freaking out,” Virgil finished slowly.

“Roman may have been correct when he said it is your first Christmas with us. However, that does not mean that we’ve been without you for all of the others. Of course you’ve been as crucial a part of Thomas as any of us for quite some time and while he may only have recently begun to accept that, it does not mean that we are more important than you. I… think that might be, at least partially, what has Roman so upset.”

Virgil rolled his eyes, “are you saying Roman’s mad because the fans like me better?”

“Yes.”

Logan’s blunt answer surprised Virgil, apparently. He reeled back. “They don’t, though! I’m… y’know!” He motioned wildly at himself. “Why would anyone like Anxiety better than Creativity?!”

Logan’s gaze drifted, going a bit distant. Neither spoke for a minute. Eventually, Logan turned to Virgil with a wry smile. “Why don’t you go talk to Roman? I’ll check on Patton.”

Virgil didn’t seem much like he wanted to go anywhere near Roman but he could feel the way Thomas was still recovering and Virgil knew it was because everyone had been so… heightened earlier. “Okay,” he mumbled at last, standing and heading up the stairs.

Roman’s room was across from Patton’s and while Virgil would have preferred going to Patton first and apologizing for the way he’d behaved, he knew which had to happen first.

He knocked on Roman’s door.

There was a crash, as if something had been dropped or knocked over. Virgil winced.

“… You good?”

Any shuffling on the other side ceased. There was a sniffle. Virgil internally cursed.

“What do you want?”

“Can I come in?”

Another pause before the handle turned and the door opened. Virgil noticed right away the redness of Roman's eyes and the hunch in his shoulders. He stepped aside to let Virgil in.

The room was in disarray. The sheets on the bed were tangled together, notebooks strewn across the floor, and there were a couple of trophies on the ground by the bookshelf they were normally kept on. Virgil assumed those were what had fell.

Roman threw himself back into the chair at his desk and went back to what Virgil guessed was his brainstorming for Terrence’s gift.

What a stupid reason for a fight, Virgil thought, morose.

“Are you just going to stand there?” Roman asked, voice rough.

“I’m sorry,” Virgil blurted.

Roman hesitated in his writing for a moment before he continued.

“What I said… it wasn’t fair. I would say I didn’t mean it but Logan already called me out on that.” Virgil fidgeted with his sleeves, pulling them over his hands. “I’ve been stressing about this since Thomas drew Terrence’s name but I guess I didn’t realize how you guys would react to it. It’s… I’ve kept it to myself in the past, so I thought it wouldn’t be an issue this time either.”

Roman slowed until he finally set the pen down. He sighed and Virgil watched as the stress seemed to melt off of his tense frame. He pivoted in his seat, facing Virgil, but not looking directly at him.

“I’m… sorry, too. I shouldn’t have automatically accused you. That was wrong. I made an assumption based off of what I used to… feel about you.”

Virgil grinned, a bit lopsided. “It hasn’t been very long since I started fitting in,” Roman snorted at the reference, “so I guess I can’t really blame you.”

Roman picked at his nail polish. Virgil shifted on his feet.

“Did you… talk to Patton?”

Roman shook his head.

“Logan said he would, so… What if… Maybe we could go and make cookies for him? We were both pretty rude to him.”

Roman frowned. “… I shoved him, didn’t I?”

Virgil nodded.

Roman stood and went back to the door, gesturing for Virgil to follow. They headed downstairs and to the kitchen. It was quiet on the lower floor so Virgil could only hope that Logan was consoling Patton — as best he could, anyway. He and Roman went to work on baking cookies. They weren’t from scratch; while either probably could have done it just fine, they figured the packaged mix would be done quicker and they wanted to help Patton feel better sooner rather than later. Sure enough, the tray had just come out of the oven when Patton and Logan returned.

There was flour in Roman’s hair and Virgil’s fingers were messy with melted chocolate. Patton giggled at the sight of them, but it didn’t sound quite right. Logan smiled at the pair of them from behind him.

“I’m sorry, sunshine,” Roman exclaimed, rushing to Patton and scooping him up into his arms. He twirled Patton around the kitchen and the laughter that followed sounded lighter and easier. “My behavior was positively atrocious and you deserve so much better than that! How ever shall I make it up to you?” He asked, letting Patton down and holding him gently by the shoulders, gazing at him earnestly.

“I’m sorry, too, Pat,” Virgil muttered, “I shouldn’t have been so rude. You just wanted me to dial it back before things escalated.”

Patton patted Roman softly on the cheek before looking to Virgil. “I shouldn’t have asked that of you. That wasn’t fair and I’m sorry.” Patton turned to Roman. “Ro, you may make it up to me by allowing me the first cookie.” His request was spoken seriously but there was a gleam in his eyes.

Roman nearly tripped over himself in his haste to do as Patton asked.

Eventually, they were sat around the dining room table. This time, Roman’s notebooks were organized and his pens were of the rainbow gel variety. They worked together to figure out a gift for Terrence that would be both fun and practical. By the end of their discussion, each was feeling much better about themselves and their bond with the others.

[give-it-agreste]

ML Secret Santa

Merry Christmas @novella12nite ! I was your secret santa. 

Thank you to @mlsecretsanta for organizing this.

The fic I wrote for you is under the cut (and can also be found on ao3)

“Happy Holidays, m’lady. I would have gotten you something for your birthday, but I don’t know when it is. So consider this a birthmas present.” Chat Noir laughed, holding out a small box.

“Chat, you shouldn’t have. I didn’t get you anything,” Ladybug sighed, “I really can’t accept that.”

“I insist. I didn’t cost me anything. You mean a lot to me, LB. You’re one of my best friends, I want you to have this.” Chat Noir reached out and gently grabbed her hand turning it up and putting the box in her hand.

“I guess I’ll open it now…” Ladybug lifted the top of the box. Inside was a charm like the one that Adrien had given her for her birthday, except the blue and yellow charms were switched with red and black ones.

“T-Thanks, Chat Noir.”

“You’re welcome, Ladybug.”

“It’s getting late, I should go.” Before he could insist she stay longer, she swung herself in the direction of the bakery.

Detransformed, she snuck back into her room through trap door. She went to her purse that was hanging on a hook next to her door and pulled out the charm the charm that she’d gotten from Adrien. They were similar, and the red string holding both together looked as if it they’d been forged from the same thread.

Surrendering it all to coincidence—mostly because she was too tired to come up with another explanation—she set the charms on her desk and fell asleep.

When she woke up, she didn’t think about the similar lucky charms. She’d woken up late, so she didn’t have time to think about much of anything but how fast she could get out of the door. She’d thrown on her hand-knitted Christmas sweater and headed to the school. It wasn’t until she’d walked into the door to her classroom—and she’d spotted Adrien’s face—that she remembered the charms that Adrien and Chat Noir had given her. It was a coincidence, she told herself, just a coincidence. Pushing the thought out of her mind didn’t stop her from thinking about a world where Adrien and Chat Noir were the same person. It didn’t help her awkwardness around Adrien, but that was normal for her and—thankfully—no one noticed.  

“Are we still getting together at Marinette’s for Friendmas?” Nino said, looking at Marinette for reassurance. She nodded.

“If we weren’t, would we be wearing this wonderfully knitted sweaters?” Alya teased, and Marinette laughed.

“Yes, I talked to my papa yesterday and he said they’d take care of the food. Alya, you can come over after school and Nino and Adrien, you guys can come whenever. Don’t forget your Christmas sweaters!”

This Christmas, Adrien hoped, would be better than his last Christmas—his first Christmas without his mom—where he’d been alone until he’d met Santa who’d been akumatized because Ladybug thought he’d been kidnapped by Santa and then his friends gathered in his house for dinner. It had been a crazy night. This year, although it would be about two weeks before Christmas, he was spending a “friendsmas” with Nino, Alya, and Marinette. The plan was to watch Christmas movies and eat food. Nothing could possibly go wrong, and it wasn’t Christmas so it was less likely that another Santa-themed akuma would appear.

After school, Marinette and Alya headed to Marinette’s. It was about an hour—that they spent sitting in Marinette’s living room and eating food from the bakery that was not sellable but still edible while watching reruns of Project Runway: France—before the boys arrived.

“Did you save any for us?” Nino joked.

“I hope they still have an appetite because the food that Marinette’s parents made smells amazing.” Adrien continued the teasing as he an Nino sat on the couch.

“Yes, we saved some for you and we’re always hungry.” Marinette said, pushing a box of various day-old pastries and breads towards Adrien and Nino. “Did my parents let you guys in? Dumb question, of course they did. I didn’t hear the doorbell ring, though, did you Alya?”

“I did not, but they are here anyway. Shall we start a Christmas movie? I vote Elf! That’s my favorite American Christmas movie.” Alya said, popping the last bite of the pastry she was eating in her mouth.

“Anyone opposed?” The boys shook their heads and Adrien reached for another pastry.

Marinette grabbed the movie from stack of Christmas movies by her side and popped it into the DVD player next to the TV.

About three-fourths of the way through the movie, Marinette’s dad came from the kitchen to tell them they’d finished preparing the food. It wasn’t the entirety of their usual Christmas dinner. They’d prepared a rack of lamb, whipped potatoes, and asparagus along with a fresh Buche de Noel for the group.

Once the movie finished, they made their way to the kitchen.

“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng. It all looks so delicious.”

“You’re welcome, Adrien. We’ll leave you kids alone, and whatever you don’t eat we’ll box up for you to take home.” They all nodded, and as Marinette’s parents left they looked at her.

“Um…we can eat in the living room and watch another movie, or we can go to my room. I put up some Christmas decorations in there.”

“Sounds good! I think I speak for all of us when I say we’d love to see the decorations you have up.” Adrien said, gesturing towards Nino and Alya. They nodded.

Marinette walked towards her room, Adrien, Alya, and Nino following comfortably behind.

This time, the charms failed to enter her mind because she was too busy trying to impress Adrien (and Alya and Nino—to a lesser extent). She showed them the small tree next to her window decorated with tinsel and ornaments, the garland running along the top trim of her room that her father had helped her put up a few days prior, and a little Santa plush she’d stitched up when she’d had the time. Tikki would’ve liked to help, but she couldn’t have flown out or her friends would find out about her secret identity.

It was a while before Adrien noticed the charms—more specifically the one he’d given Ladybug the night before. Why did Marinette have it? Why would Ladybug give something that he’d made for her to Marinette? Adrien thought about it while chatting throughout the dinner. He decided that he’d trust Marinette, and so Marinette must have given Ladybug reason to.

It wasn’t until hours after they’d all left when Marinette remembered the charm laying on her desk. She’d meant to hide it with her diary, so it would be safe from prying eyes. What if Adrien was Chat Noir and he’d seen the bracelet when they were eating dinner and now he knew that she was Ladybug. And if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t know about the charm and seeing it wouldn’t raise suspicions.

Only time would tell. About a week later, when her suspicions were slowly dwindling, they were raised again.

“So, Marinette… how do you know Ladybug?” Adrien queried, and Marinette froze. Sure, Adrien talked with Alya—a lot—about Ladybug, but he rarely talked about Ladybug with Marinette. He must know.

“I…um…I was…” C’mon Marinette, think of a believable lie! She didn’t like lying to Adrien—or anyone for that matter—but her identity was something that she had to keep hidden. Not even Chat Noir could know. “I met her once…I was getting her autograph and we realized we had a lot in common. We became quick friends!”

“Do you know who—” Adrien began, but Marinette cut him off.

“I don’t. She won’t reveal her identity to Chat Noir, why would she for me?”

Marinette had to lie to him, because there was a chance he could be Chat Noir. And she didn’t want him to know. Adrien couldn’t bring up the charm or else Marinette would be confused, or maybe she was Ladybug and he’d accidentally reveal his identity to her. Something he knew she didn’t want.

Later, Marinette turned around in her chair to face her kwami, who was eating cookies lazily. She remembered fighting Dark Owl. She’d wanted to open her eyes, so she’d shut them as much as she could as too shut out the thought of it.

“Tikki, I know I told you that I didn’t want you to tell me Chat Noir’s identity, but…I have my suspicions. And I don’t want you to tell me…not yet anyway. Would it better if I pretended that I don’t know what I know, or–?”

“You want to know, don’t you?” Tikki sighed.

“I just don’t want things to change. Things are good now—besides Hawkmoth. I’m gaining more confidence as Marinette and Ladybug. But knowing…knowing would change everything.”

“I’m not saying that I’ll tell you, but maybe change is a good thing. Maybe you and Chat Noir will become a stronger team if you know. It might be time—as scary as it sounds—for a little change. I think you know in your heart that you know who it is. Tomorrow is Saturday, maybe we can go talk to Master Fu about it. He’ll know what to do.” Marinette nodded in agreement.

“Sounds good. Now let’s get some sleep.”

Master Fu, as wise as he was, didn’t give Marinette a straight answer either. His advice was like Tikki’s. Listen to your heart. You’ll do the right thing. The problem was, she didn’t know what her heart was telling her. For the sake of their partnership, and her friendship with Adrien, she didn’t want things to change. But that was her head talking. Her heart was telling her to drop everything, find Adrien and tell him. But she was a superhero, she needed to listen to her head!

Meanwhile, Adrien was trying to get Plagg to spill any detail about his lady’s identity.

“You can offer me as much cheese as you want, but I know three things—two of them people, the other a kwami—that would kill me if I spoke. If she wants you to know, she’ll tell you. Hopefully soon, so I don’t have to listen to you whine about not knowing. Boy, are you gonna freak when you do though.”

“You can’t do this to me, Plagg! I thought we were friends.” Adrien threw himself on his bed, sighing into his pillow.

“Please, Adrien…you are my cheese supplier.”  

Back to Master Fu, Marinette and Tikki, Marinette was still trying to decide if she wanted to tell him or not.

“I think I’m going to tell him. The only thing that can hurt our partnership more than knowing is knowing and not saying anything.”

“It’s believe it’s time. This shop is secure, and would be a good place to for you to tell him. That way the media can’t get their hands on it. The only people that will know will be in this room.”

“Good idea. We’re supposed to meet up in a little bit for a patrol, so I’ll take him here. Oh my god, I can’t believe I’m doing this. Well, I’m going to transform, meet Chat Noir at the patrol meet up spot, and we’ll see you and Wayzz in a little while.” Fu nodded patiently as Marinette transformed, hopping out the window.

“M’lady, how lovely to see—” Chat Noir began, but was quickly cut off by Ladybug.

“No time for flirting Chat Noir, come with me before I have time to change my mind.”

“Change your mind?” He didn’t have time to think, but instinctually followed her.

They arrived at the small shop.

“What are we doing here?”

“Um…I’m giving you a Christmas present…of sorts…”

“This is Master Fu.”

“Is he my Christmas present?” Chat questioned, rubbing the back of his neck lightly trying to figure out what the heck was going on.

“No.” Ladybug giggled. “I want you to close your eyes.”

“Okay, but if you try anything, I’ll have you know I’m sure I could take you and the old man.”

“I’m going to close my eyes, too, and I’m…I’m going to release my transformation.”

“Ladybug… you don’t have to do this for me.”

“I’m not. I’ve had time to think and I think it’s better if we know. It just so happens that Christmas is coming up soon and I didn’t get you anything.”  

“What about him?” Chat Noir said, gesturing to Master Fu.

“He knows. He’s the one who gave us our miraculous.” Marinette sighed. “Close your eyes and we’ll open them together, okay?”

They both closed their eyes, this time a smile on Adrien’s face—while Marinette’s was concerned with tears lingering in her eyes. They simultaneously released their transformations.

“Open?” Adrien breathed sharply. The thing that he’d so desperately wanted for the longest time was about to happen and he was scared.

“Open.” Marinette confirmed. As scared as Adrien was, Marinette was 10x more. What if he took one look at her and decided that she wasn’t good enough? Their partnership would be ruined, and Paris would be screwed.

“M-Marinette?” He was lost for words. She’d been there since the very beginning. His first friend at Francois-Dupont.

“You’re disappointed… I knew it.” The tear she was holding began rolling down her cheek slowly.

“Disappointed? Never.” Adrien stepped closer, reaching his hand out and wiping the tear. “A little surprised, yes, but I’d never be disappointed. You were my first new friend at Francois-Dupont. You gave me hope.” Marinette wrapped her arms gently around him.

“I’m glad it was you.”

“There are two things I can say with complete confidence at this moment. One: I like you, Marinette and I’m glad it was you. And two: no Christmas gift will ever top this one.”  

[adotblog]

Brave Part 17

Part 17? WTAF.

Pairing: LMM x Reader

Warnings: Smutty smut smut. 18+, wrap before you tap dudes. Swearing.

Words: 1600ish

Notes: this is the penultimate Brave, I think. I will release the Christmas chapter before Xmas eve. If I can’t wrangle all the plot into one chapter, I’ll do an extra for new year.

“Friendsmas is on for the 22nd.”, you announce as you enter the bedroom. Lin is reading in bed, wearing an old Heights tshirt. He puts his book on his bedside table as he asks “Who’s in?”. You start undressing as you tell him “Jas and Anthony, Jon for certain; maybes from Chris and Diggs”. “Cool, so what do you have planned?”, he asks as he motions for a cuddle. You snuggle in close as you outline menus, movies and secret Santa. He smiles throughout, occasionally kissing the top of your head.

“Did I mention that I love Christmas?”, you joke. Lin chuckles and reaches to turn out the light.

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Jas has scored a booth and ordered you a Diet Coke by the time you get to your usual place. She greets you with a warm hug even though she only saw you yesterday at work. Burgers ordered, the chatter turns to Christmas. “Jas what are you buying Anthony? I am SO stuck with what to buy Lin!”, you whine. “We’re kinda just buying stuff together for the both of us-new couch, this awesome record player”, she replies. “That’s no help is it?”, she laughs. “NOPE”, you say jokingly. “What do you buy the dude who can buy anything he wants, and doesn’t want an awful lot?”, you groan and lay your head on the table. “Y/N don’t be so dramatic, you’ll think of something.”, she says.

“So I take it things are still good with Lin then?”, she says cautiously. “Jazzy, yes.”, you say, half-scolding. She hasn’t forgotten about that kiss and gave Lin the “Hurt my friend and I’ll kill you” speech the day after the now-infamous WhatsApp incident. “Just checking”, she says and then smiles. “You’re happy, I’m happy”. You give her a playful poke. “I’m happy. Practically ecstatic. Now stop.”.

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So far you’ve interrogated Lin’s mother, sister, Chris and Jon about what to get Lin for Christmas. They’ve come up with nothing. Nothing. It’s a week until you exchange gifts. Panic Mode enabled.

There’s so much going on that when Lin is away for 3 nights on Secret Disney Business, you barely notice. You’ve hardly seen one another outside of work, days off taken up with Christmas preparations and seeing folk before they take off for the holidays.

He gets back at 1am on the 20th. You have had to stay late at work and text him to say you’ll stay at his place rather than trek the subway back at this hour. You’d only been back long enough to sink one cup of tea before he was home.

He was dishevelled. Hair messy in its bun, clothes rumpled, eye bags bigger than his luggage. He still grins at the sight of you crossing the room, though. “Mi cariña.”, he says, voice tainted by exhaustion. You kiss him like he’s been gone a month. He sinks into your arms. “I missed you”, he mumbles into your neck. “I missed you too, welcome home”, you answer. He murmurs with contentment. He pulls back and kisses your forehead. “I’d love nothing more than to take you to bed for a couple of hours but I’m afraid I’m practically asleep right now”, he says apologetically.

You reach behind him and lock the door, then take his hand and lead him to the bedroom. “Suitcase can wait til the morning.”, you tell him “and so can I”. He gives a tiny, sweet laugh at that and plonks down on the side of the bed.

You pull off his shoes and then pull him to his feet so he can take off his jeans. You leave him removing his hoodie and going to clean his teeth as you fetch him a glass of water. You change into pyjamas as he takes a drink, then slip under the covers and gather him to your chest. You stroke his hair and murmur that you love him. Within minutes he is fast asleep. As you bask in the feeling of having him back in your arms, you smile and relax into the mattress, soon following him into slumber.

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It’s after 11 when he pokes his head around the living room door to find you. You’re in your PJs still, watching Scrooged for the millionth time. “Good morning”, he croaks with the most charming of smiles. You smile back, taking in his ridiculous bed hair. “Good morning! Coffee is fresh”, you point to the counter.

He plods over to get a mug and when he comes back to you he perches next to you on the couch to sip his drink. You turn to him and say “Merry Fake Christmas Eve!”, with a laugh at the end. “Oh yeah!”, he chuckles. “What do you want to do this chilly Christmas Eve?” He asks. “You?”, you say cheekily.

Lin nearly spits his coffee, and sets it down to laugh. “You’re officially the cheesiest.”, he mocks. You shrug with a grin “You asked what I wanted, I answered!”, you reply. “Young lady, I am gonna wipe that grin off your face…”, he threatens. “That’s fighting talk, Miranda…”, you turn to face him, holding up your fists in a fight stance. Lin raises his eyebrows at you sceptically. “Yeah alright, as if I’m gonna even consider resisting you”, you admit, dropping your arms. Lin’s posture becomes cocky. “As if you could!”, he says, grin on his face this time. “Honey..”, you warn.

He’s over you in a second, your back flat against the couch cushions and you squealing as he pins your arms over your head. “Dare you to try and resist me.”, he says, an amused smile on his face. “Challenge accepted!”, you say-though despite your extreme stubborn streak, you doubt you’ll last a minute. He pulls off your pyjamas and looks down on your naked form.

Lin starts with a flutter-light kiss to your lips, then your cheekbone, your neck. He stops at your neck, a trail of kisses laid at your collarbone. Then he runs his tongue from there, right up to your earlobe, light enough to leave a shiver. He smirks as he sees the goosebumps on your arms, then trails his thumb too lightly over your nipple. He groans a little as he feels it’s hard, and because he hears your breath hitch at his touch. He moves to look you in the eye as he challenges “I bet you can’t stay quiet, and keep your hands off me for the next two minutes”. You seriously doubt that yourself but you steady your voice to say “Try me.”. “Oh, I will”, he teases.

And so (though no one is actually watching the clock) he proceeds to tease you over and over, willing you to break. He rakes a finger down your side, because he knows so well where to touch you so that it’s halfway to ecstasy, halfway to ticklish. When he gently palms your breast, when he rounds his hand to cup its swell, when he flicks his thumb over your nipple…you bite your lip, eyes squeezed shut. You can’t help but arch your back when his lips meet your sternum and then his mouth is on your breast and it takes all you have not to breathe out his name.

Suddenly he’s gone, cool air against your skin instead. You open your eyes in shock and find him standing, hand reached out to you. “Time’s up.”, he says seriously. “No more games.”. You take his hand and he yanks you to standing. He immediately has you pressed up against him, one hand splayed across your shoulder blades, one on your ass, pinning your groin to his, where you feel his arousal.

He kisses you, and you open your mouth for his tongue, pretty desperate for him by this point. Breathless, he stops and says “Who the fuck did I think I was kidding? Bedroom. Now.”. You only make it to the hallway before he is pushing you up against the wall and you’re sighing into his mouth. His hands at your waist try to lift you slightly and your giggle breaks the kiss. “Lin, just…the bed!”, you laugh. He groans in frustration as you lead him away.

You pull him through the doorway so that his body smashes into yours and you immediately reach for the hem of his shirt. Your fingers play against the smooth skin underneath, teasing him as he had teased you. You reach up to kiss him but gently bite his bottom lip instead. You pull back to lift his shirt over his head and toss it to the side of the room. He dips his head to kiss you again as you run your fingertips up and down his back. You hear a little moan as you stroke your hands all across his chest and slowly, too slowly down towards the waistband of his pyjama pants. You flatten your palm and slide it down the front, smiling against Lin’s lips as you feel that he has no underwear on.

Lin pushes his hips up to meet your hand but you cruelly withdraw it and he practically growls in frustration. “Shhhh” you say as you pull his pants down. “Patience, baby…”, you whisper as you sink to your knees. He steps out of the pants and you discard those too. He’s looking down at you, dark eyes practically begging you to touch him. Never breaking eye contact, you take his hard length in your hand and very gently stroke him up and down a couple of times.

Lin bites his lip hard, “Mmph” just escaping his mouth. You raise up on your knees to just the right height and slowly run your tongue from the bottom of his shaft to to the head, ending with a swirl of your tongue that makes him gasp. He throws his head back as you take him in your mouth and when you flatten your tongue against him he instinctively grabs the back of your head, fingers entwining in your hair as you begin to bob back and forth. Your hand pumps in time with your head movements and in a couple of minutes he’s a moaning mess before you. “Y/N…” he says tensely, cupping your face and urging you to stop.

He kneels too, mouth on yours again, kisses fervent and hard. He pulls you towards him, to straddle his lap, lips never leaving yours. With a quick adjustment and a lift of your leg, he is inside you. Lin groans as your bodies meet and he begins to slowly rock up into you. You meet his thrust, both of you experimenting until you find a rhythm. It’s a rhythm that is brushing just the right place inside of you, leaving you gasping, and you have to wrap your arms around his shoulders to steady yourself. Still, the little bursts of pleasure created by each thrust weaken you enough that you falter.

Lin responds by holding you closer, one arm supporting your back, hand against the back of your head. The other is firmly on your ass, guiding you to grind against him. Fire starts to burn in your belly and you cry out as the initial stirrings of an orgasm appear. Lin’s lips are against your ear and he coaxes you “Come on, love”, and whispers kisses against your skin. The hand on your ass squeezes, almost too hard, as he slams home the last few thrusts that he knows will have you seeing stars.

When it hits you are squealing, shuddering, quaking against him. At the last of it, your back is arched so far that your chest rises to his face and his lips find a new home at your breast while you wail. It’s almost, just almost, too much and when the last wave ends you collapse against his shoulder, breathless and jerking. He murmurs in your ear as you try to pull yourself together. You straighten a little, manoeuvring to kiss him.

Lin stills both your bodies, he cradles the back of your head as he dips you backwards, laying you down on the soft wool of the rug. He’s still inside you since all he had to do was lean forward, and now he places his hands either side of your arms to support his weight. You’re barely composed as it is and when his thrusting becomes pounding you can practically feel yourself unraveling.

He is moaning into your neck, one hand covering your breast. You cry out his name because you feel yourself tightening again, feel that tingle. He kisses you before he lays his forehead against yours as you both curse at the same time. You push your hips into his as hard as you can, so close now. He whimpers your name as he starts to lose control and his movements become frantic, wild. You fist his hair as another climax takes you and you feel him twitch inside you even as you clench around him.

Lin falls on top of you, panting, shaking a little. Panting too, you stroke his hair and try to breathe normally. After a minute he raises up a little to withdraw and then lays beside you, pulling you in for a kiss. “Lin”, you breathe “That was…I don’t even know. God, I can’t…”. Lin grins at you “Uh huh”, he agrees as he softly shakes his head. “Damn.”.

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