#x Christmas 2021

[itneedsmoregays]

Now this was definitely worth waiting for!

I wanna give a massive thanks to @eepycard for this splendid pair of commissions of Ash and Steff, both festive and regular! His art style is insanely adorable!

[pastelalleycat]

i have an au idea, hear me out

bonus frame my big sis insisted i draw but i didn't think would fit with pacing XD

[sdwolfpup]

Chapters: 1/4 Fandom: Game of Thrones (TV), A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Jaime Lannister/Brienne of Tarth Characters: Brienne of Tarth, Jaime Lannister, Selwyn Tarth, Galladon of Tarth, Other ASoIaF | GoT Character(s), Bryce Caron Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Christmas, Christmas Fluff, Christmas rom com, with a cinnamon sprinkling of angst, Friends to Lovers, friends to dummies to lovers, some people are very good at not seeing what's right in front of their faces, brienne of tarth is one of those people, Don't worry, jaime will be no help at all Series: Part 1 of The Jaime/Brienne Holiday Collection Summary:

Brienne Tarth is in love with her best friend and roommate, Jaime Lannister. Not that she's ever going to tell him that, because she doesn't want to ruin a good thing. But when she takes him home to Tarth with her for Christmas, her father's relentless cheer, some unexpected visitors, and a little Christmas magic might change her mind--if she doesn't mess everything up between them first.

[betterdeadthansmeg]

I don't understand Rimmer at all. A universe with at least eight Listers sounds delightful.

[sl-newsie]

A Normal Christmas (Riff Lorton x OC) *Christmas Special* 🎄

Summary: Riff has never had a ‘normal’ Christmastime, so his girlfriend takes him around to finally get a Christmas tree.

“Wait. What?” I ask in a deadpan tone.

“You hoid me,” Riff replies from the couch. “Never had a tree.”

I blink, my jaw still dragging on the floor. It’s currently December 23, and every time I’ve visited Riff this month I keep waiting for him to get a tree for his apartment. And there’s still no tree! I got so anxious I finally just flat-out asked him why he hadn’t got one yet, only to find out he had no clue why he needed a Christmas tree.

“How are you so calm about this? How have you never had a tree?” I ask with wide eyes.

Riff lets out a deep sigh and shuffles over to the kitchen. “I donno. It’s just…” He scratches his head. “My family’s never really done Christmas.”

I scrunch my nose. “Never done Christmas? How does that even happen-? Oh.” My face falls and realization washes over me. 

Riff chuckles. “Grow’n up with little spare change can’t really buy Christmas. After my dad died I just sorta forgot about it. I know it’s supposed to be all grand and exciting, but to me Christmas is just like any odda holiday.”

“Oh my God. Riff, I’m so sorry.” I walk over and take his hand. “I’m sorry Christmas isn’t as special for you. It’s a time-a year that’s supposed to be with family and friends, good food and decorations…” An idea pops into my head and I start dragging him to the door.

“Wait- Wha-? Holly, whaddya doing?” Riff tries to ask.

“All this mope’n around stops now.” I open the door and grab my coat. “Tonight I’m gonna take you to get a Christmas tree.”

The handsome Jet chuckles and tries to wave it off. “That’s real sweet-a ya, Holy. But you don’t gotta-”

“Yes I do!” I stop to face him when we reach the stairwell. “Riff, you’ve never had a real Christmas your whole life. I wanna make it up to you because I luv you. Please?”

Riff goes to argue, but when he sees my pleading eyes he shuts his mouth and rethinks. Instead of answering, Riff wraps me into a tight hug.

“Gee, doll. I donno how to thank you.”

I smile. “You can thank me by helping me carry the tree home. Now let’s go!”

The nearest tree lot is only a few blocks away, and as soon as we enter the gate Riff is already confused.

“So they chop the trees down, drive them here and just… leave them out?”

I nod as I look over a nice and sturdy spruce. “Yeah. Since folks in the city don’t got nearby woods, it’s easier to bring them here. Whaddya think-a this one?”

Riff takes a good look at the pinetree I’m presenting that’s almost as tall as me. “Is it supposed to be small?”

My smile falters by a fraction. “Well… not really. But the bigger the tree the bigger the price. I can only afford a table topper tree.”

The Jet scrunches his face. “A table topper tree? What the heck does that mean?”

“It’s a tree that rich folks put on their dining tables for decoration.”

Riff’s jaw drops. “You mean that whole tree goes on a flip’n table? Jeez, this tradition is weird.”

“Do you mind the small one?” I ask in an uneasy tone.

“I think it’s poifect, Holly.” Riff gets a grateful smile on his face. “Now let me hold up my end-a the bargain and carry it home.”

“Let’s hurry!” I start to shiver. “I hoid there’s supposed to be snow tonight.”

Back at Riff’s apartment we find a spot for the tree by the window. Since it’s small we only have to use cinder blocks to keep in place. Once we’ve finished, Riff gets an odd look.

“Looks good, right?”

I smirk and start pull’n out the box I brought from home. “We ain’t done yet, Lorton. We gotta decorate it.”

“With wha-? Oh my God. How much did you bring?”

I let out a carefree laugh as I set out strings of popcorn, a few cheap ornaments, some tinsel, and an old angel.

“A few things from home. I made the angel when I was a kid. And-” I skip over and hand the angel to Riff. “You get to put it on the top!”

Riff gently takes the angel as if I’d just given him a hundred dollars.

“Holly, this… this is the greatest gift ever. Thank you!”

I let out a laugh. “Riff, I’ll admit your gratefulness and enthusiasm is appreciated, but it’s just an angel.”

He gawks at me and sets the angel down, then cups my face in his hands.

“Holly, this ain’t just an angel. It’s you give’n me a real Christmas that’s so special. I don’t even know what gift to get you to say thank-you.”

I wrap my arms around his head and press a kiss on his cheek. “You already did, Riff. You gave up rumbles, you made peace with the Jets. Just the assurance of know’n you’ll come home in one piece is a gift in itself.”

We each lean in to hug, a few seconds go by, and Riff stays silent. After a while I feel him starting to shake and move away to see tears streaming down his worn face.

“I- You- This… I donno what to say, Holly.” He looks to me as a lost sheep who found its shepherd. 

I use my thumb to wipe away his tears. “A simple Merry Christmas is plenty enough. Just remember to be the grateful man I know you are, especially around this holy season.”

Riff chokes down more tears and whispers: “Merry Christmas, Holly. I luv you.”

“I know. I luv you too, Jet boy. Now let’s finish decorating this tree before you eat all the popcorn!” I hold up a finger before Riff can argue. “Don’t think I can’t see you snacking on it behind my back! It ain’t for eating, it’s for decoration.”

Riff rolls his eyes. “Alright, alright. Do I still get to eat the cookies you brought over?”

My grin widens. “Yes! I’ll go get them, be right back!” I dash into the kitchen and retrieve a red tin from the counter, then turn around to find that Riff has followed behind me and is waiting with a puppy-eyed expression.

“Can I have a cookie, please?”

The scene almost makes me burst out laugh’n. “The once vicious, fearless Jet leader is begging me for a cookie? Wow, times have changed!”

Riff shows mock offense and tackles me in a hug. “They’re your Christmas cookies, and the best ones I’s ever tasted. Now will ya let me have one or will I have to use other methods to get one?” He starts tickl’n my sides and I go into spasms of laughter.

“Riff Lorton- stop- Stop it! Here here- take it!” I cackle as I shove over the cookie tin. Riff removes the lid and his eyes light up at the sight-a the bright-frosted cookies. “There. Happy now-? Oh!” Before I finish, Riff shoves a cookie into my mouth and then takes one for himself.

“Oh my God,” he mumbles as his eyes roll back in pleasure. “This is without a doubt the best thing you’s ever baked, Holly.”

After I’ve chewed and swallowed my cookie I give his hand a squeeze. “Thank you, Riff. Now that you’s had your sugar high can we finish decorating?”

Instead of answering, Riff sweeps me up and carries me back to the tree. “‘Course we can, doll. Just curious- whadda we do once it’s decorated?”

“You put gifts under it and open them on Christmas morning,” I explain as I resume hanging ornaments.

“Oh. Alright.” I feel Riff come up behind me and outta nowhere he rolls me beneath the branches. “There! You’re my gift, Holly!”

I blink. His pun is sweet, but the thought-a be’n Riff’s Christmas gift is even sweeter. 

“You’re my gift too, Riff.” I take his hand and bring him closer to join me under the beautiful but humble tree. “Merry Christmas, Jet boy.”

Riff pecks my lips and gives me a genuine smile. “Merry Christmas, darling.”

[guccio2024]

A luberto snow white fanfic request chapter 1. (I'll post pt.4 of my albertos first Christmas later on.)

"So... we're going to Genova for Christmas?" Asked alberto "Sí, alberto so you can meet Maria and you'll get to see gulila and luca." Said massimo while waiting for the train. Around 6 minutes later the train pulled into the station and they borded the train. Massimo spent the train ride listening to albertos stories and his ideas of what he wanted to do when he got to Genova. As they got off the train gulila and luca ran forward and hugged alberto tightly and Maria walked over to massimo and hugged him then helped him with albertos bag then as the family walked towards the car and stuck alberto's and massimos bags Into the trunck the underdogs talked about everything they wanted to do while they were there. Massimo and Maria talked over their espressos and alberto, gulila, and luca talked about the play the school was going to do it three days. The next day the gulila, luca, and alberto, who was dragged along, went to the school to meet up with the other kids who were going to be playing in the play when they got there the teacher broke the news that the kid who was going to play the prince florian, Carlos, had broken his leg and couldn't play the part. "We might have to cancel the play, kids." Said Mrs. Ramona disappointed. The whole group of kids had been looking forward to this all year as the sounds of kids being disappointed filled the room gulila got an idea. "Hey, Mrs. Ramona, can I talk to you for a moment?" Asked gulila. "Sure, kids I will be right back." "So, gulila what did you wanna ask?" "So I know its a school play for students only but could my brother be a stand in for Carlos, he would fit the role perfectly please." Gulila, Gulila, per favore, calm down. Can you let me meet him first." Gulila ran into the room and grabbed albertos arm and dragged him out into the hall to see if he could fill the role. "Okay Class, we have a new stand in to fill in Carlos place." Said Mrs. Ramona as gulila dove back into her chair next to luca. "His name is alberto." "Gulila what did you do." Demanded luca. "Shut up the teacher is talking." "You better know what your doing gulila." Whispered luca.

[odditycircus-2002]

Happy Holidays from Sunny Crystal🎄⭐️

The crown Jewel of Crystal Theater Inc😁 No matter what holiday you celebrate, Sunny wishes for it to be a merry one for you!

You can also bet her fiancé, Jimmy Crystal, has heart eyes to see his bride to be performing for all of Redshore city🤩😍😍😍

[stellato-17]

Captain Mizuki

Merry Christmas!!! 😃❄💙

[meazalykov]

the season to (not) be jolly

barcelona femeni x esmee brugts x reader

summary: you hated christmas, and your teammates figure out why

warnings: childhood neglect, trauma, angst, financial poverty, etc

the excitement rings through the barca locker room like electricity, bouncing off the walls and between your teammates. 

the holiday break is just around the corner, only one training session and ninety minutes of football separating everyone from flights to faraway places like back home, home-cooked meals, and quality time with loved ones that only get to see them from the stands at important games. 

it is a cheerful chaos—laughter echoing, jokes being thrown back and forth, and plans being laid out like promises.

"we’ll be in norway,” mapi grins, slinging her arm around ingrid as she sits beside her. 

“ingrid’s parents already have the cabin ready. a real winter wonderland, i shall say.”

“it’ll be nice to be home,” ingrid adds softly, her smile as calm and steady as always. 

you sit at your locker, head tilted down as you lace your boots, pretending to be engrossed in the task as their words float around you. 

it feels safer to keep your eyes on your hands, watching how your fingers move—pull, tighten, tie. over and over again. anything to distract yourself from the sting in your chest.

you feel it every december. that heaviness. that punching ache in your ribs when people start talking about their families, their holiday traditions, and their childhood memories. 

you can’t relate. you never could.

to your left, keira and lucy are chatting animatedly about spending christmas in england, lucy teasing ona about the inevitable cold since ona will be going with her. to your right, patri and claudia are arguing over who will get more gifts from their loved ones, both wearing matching grins as they playfully push on each other.

but you? you just exist in the in-between, silent, invisible.  

the noise grows louder. the locker room feels smaller. your throat tightens, that familiar burn rising behind your eyes. you push it away. this is not the time to fall apart.

alexia’s voice cuts through the chatter again, light and teasing as she looks ahead at you. 

“nina, you’ve been quiet. what about you? where are you headed this christmas?”

you freeze for half a second. it’s subtle enough to go unnoticed, but the question lingers in the air like a heavy fog. you glance up, forcing your expression into something neutral—something safe.  

“nowhere special,” you say with a small shrug, trying to keep your voice steady. 

“just staying here at home. might catch up on needed sleep without needing to wake up for training.”

“no plans with family?” mapi asks, brows furrowing slightly.

you hate that. you hate when people ask about your family. after leaving your home to live in paris, where you played for a season and a half with psg (before leaving when the barcelona offer came up in 2021), you stopped talking to your mother who wanted nothing to do with you. 

your answer has never changed, and yet, every time it feels like a fresh wound being prodded.  

“yeah,” you mutter, looking back down at your laces. 

“just after christmas though.”

thankfully, mapi doesn’t press further. her attention shifts back to ingrid as she brings up the norwegian christmas markets, and you’re left to sink back into your silence, drowning in it. 

you look over at the corner of the locker room to see esmee, your girlfriend, looking right at you. jana sits beside her, laughing about a joke sydney made while esmee notices the sadness in your eyes. 

the look in your eyes can be hidden from the team, but you can’t hide it from esmee.  

she notices—of course she does—because she knows you better than anyone, even after just eight months of being together. normally, you’re her sunshine, a steady source of warmth no matter what the day brings. 

you’re the first to crack a joke after a tough training session, the one to steal food off her plate at team dinners just to see her roll her eyes, the one who sneaks kisses when no one’s looking and holds her like she’s the most precious thing in the world. 

but now? now you’re quieter, smaller. you smile, but it doesn’t quite reach your eyes, and your laughter sounds hollow when it finally comes.  

“i don’t have to go, you know,” she told you last week as you sit together on the couch, her thumb tracing gentle circles over the back of your hand. 

“i can stay here with you.”  

you shake your head almost immediately, forcing a smile as you press a kiss to her knuckles. 

“no, es, you should go. your family wants to see you. they miss you.” 

you don’t tell her the rest—that you don’t want her anywhere near the dark place that december always drags you into. she’s too bright, too good, to get caught up in the emptiness you feel during this time of year. so you push her away gently, telling her you’ll be fine, that you’ll call her every day and send pictures of maple– your cat— curled up at the foot of the bed. 

esmee doesn’t look convinced. she squeezes your hand tighter, leaning her forehead against yours.  

“you’re not fine,” she whispers, eyes searching yours. 

“i am, esmee.” you say. 

you’re just tired, you convince yourself. however, the words stick in your throat because you know she won’t believe them. this is the first december you’ve spent together, the first time she’s seen you like this, and it terrifies you—being vulnerable in front of someone you care about so much. 

you’ve always hated christmas. as a kid, it was just another reminder of everything you didn’t have. no presents waiting under a tree. no stockings hung by the fire. no warm meals shared at a crowded table.  

instead, you had an empty house, cold and quiet.  

your mom always worked. always. christmas, birthdays, weekends—it didn’t matter. “we need the money,” she’d say coldly, pulling her coat on as she hurried out the door, leaving you behind. 

sometimes, she’d forget it was even christmas until days later.  

“we’ll celebrate next year,” she’d promise. but next year never came.

you can still remember what it felt like to see the other kids at your academy, showing off their shiny new boots, their expensive kits, their gear from nike or adidas. their parents would stand proudly by the sidelines, bundled up in warm coats, smiling as they cheered.  

then there was you, wearing a pair of cleats one size too big—scuffed, worn, bought secondhand with the crumpled euro bills you’d earned from mowing lawns or shoveling snow after training each afternoon. you’d tuck your hands into the pockets of your thrift-store jacket to hide the holes in the seams.  

your academy teammates didn’t know how lucky they were.  

you hated them for it, sometimes. hated their laughter, their joy, their easy lives. mostly, you hated yourself for feeling like you didn’t belong. for being the girl who showed up every day with nothing to show for it but grit, raw talent, and determination.  

now, years later, that feeling lingers.  

you’ve worked hard—harder than anyone—to get here. to wear the barcelona crest on your chest. to play alongside some of the best players in the world. to prove to yourself, and to everyone else, that you deserve this.  

no matter how much success you achieve, no matter how many goals you score or games you win, you can’t outrun the past.  

christmas will always be a reminder of what you never had.  

you pull your boots off, methodical and slow, as the locker room continues to cheer around you. your teammates don’t notice the way your shoulders slump or how you turn away slightly, shielding your face.  

“hey,” a voice says quietly beside you. it’s aitana, sitting beside you since her locker is beside yours. her tone is softer than usual, like she’s noticed something. 

“you okay?”

you nod quickly, too quickly.

“yeah. just tired.”

she doesn’t look convinced, but she doesn’t push. aitana never does. she just nods and goes back to her boots, letting the moment pass without making it heavier than it already is.  

you’re grateful for that.

you finish changing, moving through the motions on autopilot, your mind elsewhere. the noise in the room feels muffled, like you’re underwater, and when you finally leave the locker room, stepping out into the cold december air in your new training gear, you inhale sharply—like you’ve been holding your breath all along.  

the sun is already setting as you leave training hours later, streaks of orange and pink blending with the darkening sky. your breath comes out in clouds as you walk toward your car, hands stuffed deep into your coat pockets.  

you stare at the horizon for a moment, watching the city lights flicker to life in the distance. it’s beautiful, you think absently. and yet, it makes you feel so small.

tomorrow, the break begins. your teammates along with your girlfriend will board flights, heading off to homes filled with warmth, love, and laughter.  

and you? you’ll stay here. alone.  

you’ve grown used to loneliness over the years. it’s familiar. like an old coat you can’t bring yourself to throw away.  

that doesn’t mean it hurts any less.  

you sit in your car for a long time before starting the engine, the radio playing faintly in the background. a christmas song—cheerful and bright—fills the silence, and you quickly shut it off, gripping the steering wheel tightly.  

you hate christmas. you hate the way it makes you feel. like you’re still that little girl, watching the world through a window, longing for something you’ll never have.  

turning on the radio, you hear, “walking around the christmas tr–” before slamming your fingers on the mute button. there was no christmas tree in your apartment, nothing in your space shows that it is even december. 

not like alexia’s apartment that clearly shows that is is the holiday season. the scent of cinnamon candles and fresh pine greet esmee like a warm hug as she visits alexia. 

soft music plays from a speaker in the corner, and the living room is an organized mess of wrapping paper, ribbon spools, and tape dispensers scattered across the coffee table.  

“es!” mapi’s voice is the first to cut through the scene, grinning up from where she’s sitting on the floor, tape stuck to her sleeve. 

“about time you showed up. come help me wrap ingrid’s gift before she figures out what it is.”  

“you’re impossible,” ingrid mutters beside her, laughing as she ties a bow on someone else’s gift. maybe vicky’s since esmee saw the ipad that the younger girl asked for. 

esmee smiles at the couple teasing eachother, kicking her shoes off and settling onto the floor, careful not to disrupt the organized chaos. across the room, olga – alexia’s girlfriend – sits on the couch beside alexia, scissors in hand as she trims the edges of wrapping paper, while salma sprawls nearby, half her attention on the gift she’s wrapping and half on her phone.  

“is mine here?” esmee teases after a moment, eyes narrowing playfully at the pile of brightly wrapped boxes beside alexia.  

“it’s already done,” alexia replies without looking up, focused on folding the paper perfectly around a large box. 

“you’re not getting any sneak peeks until new year’s eve like everyone else.”  

“como no,” esmee groans dramatically, earning a laugh from salma and mapi. she leans back on her hands, soaking in the cheerful atmosphere for a moment, but the weight in her chest pulls her down before she can fully enjoy it. 

the smile fades from her face, and her gaze drops to her lap.  

“what’s wrong?” alexia asks, finally noticing the shift in her demeanor.  

esmee hesitates, chewing her bottom lip. “it’s... about y/n.”  

the room quiets slightly, everyone’s attention turning toward her. mapi raises an eyebrow, already halfway to smirking as she leans into ingrid. 

“trouble in paradise?”  

“no, no,” esmee says quickly, shaking her head. 

“it’s nothing like that.”  

olga sets down her scissors, studying esmee carefully. 

“then what’s wrong?”  

esmee swallows hard, fiddling with the corner of a ribbon. 

“i feel like... i need to stay in barcelona for the holidays. with y/n. she’s—she’s going to be alone.”  

alexia frowns slightly, confused. 

“no, she’s not. she told me she’s going to see her mom and family eventually.” 

esmee’s heart sinks, her brows furrowing as she glances up at alexia. “that’s not true,” she says softly, shaking her head. “she hasn’t spoken to her family in nearly five years.”  

silence falls over the room like a heavy blanket. alexia looks stunned, her brow creasing deeply as she processes esmee’s words. salma sets her phone down, staring in disbelief, while mapi and ingrid exchange quiet glances.  

“she told you that?” alexia asks carefully, her voice softer now.  

“yeah,” esmee nods, her voice steady but heavy with concern. 

“she doesn’t want anyone to know. i think—i think she told you that lie so you wouldn’t feel bad for her. she hates christmas. she’s always hated it. i don’t know why, but i can assume that it has to do with her family.”  

“joder,” mapi mutters under her breath, rubbing the back of her neck. 

“y/n’s gonna be alone? she didn’t tell anyone?”  

“she wouldn’t,” esmee says, guilt rising in her chest as she looks around at them. 

“she acts like everything’s fine, but it’s not.”  

ingrid exhales slowly, her face softening with quiet understanding. “we can’t just leave her like this,” she says firmly. 

“esmee’s right—she shouldn’t be alone.”  

“what do you suggest?” alexia asks, her voice sharper now, edged with determination.  

“we go to her,” mapi says immediately, pushing herself to her feet as if the decision is already made. 

“right now. if she won’t talk to us, we’ll make her.”  

“she’s going to hate me,” esmee says quietly, worry flickering across her face as she stands, too. 

“she doesn’t want anyone to know. she’s going to be so upset that i brought you all into this.”  

alexia crosses the room in a few strides, stopping in front of esmee and placing a hand on her shoulder. her expression is calm but resolute, a quiet authority in the way she looks at her.  

“she won’t be upset at you,” alexia says firmly. “i won’t let her be.”  

esmee lets out a shaky breath, nodding slowly as the others begin to gather their things. the cheerful hum of the evening is gone now, replaced by a silent determination that hangs thick in the air. alexia is the first to head for the door, already pulling on her coat, and one by one, the others follow—mapi, ingrid, olga, salma.  

as esmee pulls her own coat on, she sends up a silent hope that you will understand. she knows how fiercely you guard your heart, how much you hates people seeing the parts of yourself that are broken. 

esmee also knows that you deserve more than an empty apartment and silence on christmas day.  

back to you– the steam still lingers faintly in your bathroom, curling around the doorframe as you pad out into your apartment, feeling the lingering warmth of your everything shower settle into your skin. your matching red plaid pajamas feel soft and clean, clinging to you in that perfect way that only comes after freshly washed laundry. 

you won’t admit to anyone that the red plaid feels a little festive—that maybe, on some level, you allowed yourself to indulge in something resembling the season.  

your hair is pulled back in a loose, low braid, wisps escaping around your face, and your apartment is spotless. floors vacuumed, counters wiped down, blankets folded neatly on the couch. if you couldn’t have christmas, the least you could do was make sure the space felt fresh and ready for the new year. clean, organized, empty. just like you wanted it.  

you hum quietly as you step into the kitchen, reaching for the bowl of fruit on the counter. you’d planned to snack a little while watching a movie tonight, something non-festive—maybe a thriller like friday the 13th– anything that didn’t mention families or magic or joy.  

before your hands can reach the fruit bowl, there’s a knock at your door.  

you frown slightly, the sound cutting through the quiet apartment like an unexpected jolt. you assume it’s esmee—she’d mentioned she might come by to say goodbye before she left for the netherlands in the morning.  

“coming,” you call softly, feet shuffling toward the door.  

when you swing it open, your breath catches in your chest.  

standing in the hallway, crammed into the small space outside your apartment, are esmee, mapi, ingrid, alexia, salma, and olga. esmee stands closest to the door, just beside mapi, her expression tinged with worry that makes your stomach turn. 

everyone else has the same look—soft, cautious, and far too knowing.  

“what’s—” you start, forcing a smile to smooth over your features. 

“what are you all doing here?”  

“surprise?” mapi tries, her voice lighter than the rest, but even she falters when your eyes narrow slightly in confusion.  

“can we come in?” alexia asks softly, her tone careful.  

you nod slowly, stepping aside to let them file in one by one. salma gives you a small smile as she passes, and olga pulls you into a quick hug—her familiar warmth a brief comfort.  

“it’s good to see you,” she says, and you force another smile, nodding.  

“you too. it’s been a while.”  

as the door clicks shut and you turn back to face them, the knot in your chest tightens. their expressions don’t match their usual energy—not the teasing, playful banter you’re used to. instead, they’re quiet, gentle. worried.  

“is everything okay?” you ask, scanning the room as they settle awkwardly around your small living space. you go on sit on your grey colored sectional couch as everyone follows you. 

alexia is the first to speak.

“y/n... are you really going to see your family this year?”  

the question hits you like a punch to the gut. your heart drops, and your eyes immediately dart to esmee, who looks at you apologetically. you don’t even need to say it—your expression screams “did you tell them?” 

esmee shifts slightly, opening her mouth to speak, but mapi cuts in before she can.  

“she can’t save you from this conversation,” mapi says gently, though there’s no humor in her voice. 

“we know you lied.”  

you take a small step back, crossing your arms over your chest defensively. “i’m fine,” you say quickly, the words rushing out before you can think. 

“i don’t have christmas plans, and that’s okay.”  

“it’s not okay,” ingrid says firmly, her voice soft but resolute. 

“y/n, it’s clearly not fine.”  

you feel the walls closing in, your heart pounding in your chest. the room feels too small, the air too thick. flight or fight mode kicks in—you want to run, to get away from their prying eyes and gentle words that feel like they’re picking you apart piece by piece.  

“there’s nothing wrong,” you stammer, shaking your head as you back toward the couch. 

“i don’t know what you’re all talking about. i’m fine—”  

“hey,” esmee’s voice cuts through the panic, soft but steady, and when you look at her, the tension eases ever so slightly. 

“it’s okay. nobody here is judging you, okay? you’re safe. you’re not in trouble for lying to ale.”  

her words ground you enough to sit down, curling into the corner of your couch. you hug your knees to your chest, wishing you could shrink into yourself, disappear completely. 

you don’t want to be here, in this moment, with all their eyes on you.  

“i just hate how everyone gets to have a good holiday except me,” you mumble, the words spilling out before you can stop them. your voice wavers, cracking slightly as the truth seeps through the cracks in your armor.  

ingrid is the first to move, crossing the room to sit beside you. she doesn’t say anything—just wraps an arm around your shoulders, holding you gently. olga comes next, kneeling on the floor beside the couch and resting a hand on your arm.  

“what do you mean by that?” olga asks softly, her voice a careful whisper.  

alexia moves to sit in front of you, dropping to her knees so she can look up into your face. her expression is open and kind, patient in the way only alexia can be.  

“what happened, y/n?”  

you close your eyes tightly, your fingers digging into your knees as you try to fight back the sting of tears. you don’t want to tell them. you don’t want anyone to know. but the words are already there, clawing their way out, demanding to be heard.  

“i never had christmas, my birthday afterwards did not seem important either..” you whisper finally, your voice so small it’s almost lost to the room. 

“i don’t even know what the happy feeling is supposed to feel like.”  

alexia’s brow furrows, and mapi leans forward, her voice quiet but gentle. 

“can you explain?”  

you take a shaky breath, the air trembling as it leaves your lungs. 

“growing up... it was just me and my mom. we didn’t have money for christmas. no tree, no presents, nothing. she worked all the time—she had to. bills came first. even with that, she was never nice to me. she made it seem like i was asking for too much.”  

your throat tightens, but you force yourself to keep going, to let it out.  

“when i was in the academy, all the other kids would come back after christmas with new cleats, new gear, new jerseys. i’d still be in hand-me-downs from thrift stores. i’d use money i got from doing yard work to buy boots that were a size too big to make sure i could fit in them for a few seasons– because it was all i could afford.”  

the room is silent as you speak, the weight of your words settling over everyone like a blanket. ingrid’s arm tightens around you, and olga gently rubs your arm as tears sting the corners of your eyes.  

“i hated it,” you admit, your voice breaking. 

“i hated watching everyone else have families, have traditions, have... love. i hated feeling like i did something wrong, like i wasn’t good enough to deserve it.”  

you bury your face in your knees, unable to look at them. your shoulders shake slightly as you try to keep yourself together, but the truth is out now, raw and ugly, and you feel exposed in a way that terrifies you.  

“you didn’t do anything wrong,” esmee says softly, sitting on the floor beside alexia now. 

“none of that was your fault, y/n.”  

you don’t respond, but the tears slip free, hot and silent against your skin. you feel alexia’s hand settle on your knee, grounding you, and ingrid presses a kiss to the side of your head.  

“it’s not fair,” you whisper. 

“it’s not fair that everyone else gets to be happy except me.”  

“but you deserve to be happy, too,” alexia says gently, her voice firm with conviction. 

“you deserve love, and joy, and traditions, just like everyone else.”  

“we can’t change your childhood,” salma adds softly. 

“but we can change this year and every year after this one.” 

you lift your head slightly, looking at her through blurry eyes.

“what do you mean?”  

“you’re not spending christmas alone,” ingrid says simply, brushing a tear from your cheek. 

“none of us are going to let that happen.”  

“you’ll come with me and olga,” alexia says. 

“we’re having dinner with her family on christmas eve, and you’re coming. no arguments.”  

“and before you say no,” olga adds quickly, smirking slightly, “it’s not a pity invite. it’s a ‘we want you there because we care about you’ invite.”  

you look around the room, at all of them—esmee, alexia, mapi, ingrid, olga, salma. their faces are open, kind, and so full of love that it makes your chest ache.  

“you don’t have to do this,” you say quietly, but esmee shakes her head.  

“we want to,” she says softly. 

“you’re not alone anymore, y/n. you have us now, you have me.”  

something shifts in your chest at her words, the weight you’ve been carrying for years lifting

you don’t know what christmas will feel like this year, but maybe, just maybe, it won’t be so bad.  

esmee shifts beside you, reaching for your hand, threading her fingers through yours as you lay your head on her chest. her touch is soft, steady, and when you glance at her, you see something unwavering in her eyes—love, determination, all of it laid bare.  

“i’m staying in barcelona,” she says quietly, her voice gentle but firm.  

your brows furrow immediately, and you sit up slightly. 

“esmee, you don’t have to—”  

“no,” she cuts you off, shaking her head with a small smile. 

“i’ve already decided. my family is coming here instead on the day after christmas. we’ll celebrate together, and you’ll be with us.”  

you open your mouth to protest again, the instinct to push her away rising, but before you can say anything, alexia’s voice chimes in, calm and final.  

“again, that’s not up for debate,” she says softly, kneeling back onto the floor to look at you, a small smile tugging at her lips. 

“you’re family to us, y/n. esmee’s family loves you just as much as we do. and that’s final.”  

you glance back at esmee, your heart tightening, your walls cracking just a little more as her thumb rubs soothing circles over your knuckles.  

“you’re not alone anymore,” she says again, her voice barely above a whisper. 

“this year, you’ll have a real christmas. with me. with my family. with our family.”  

you stare at her for a moment, overwhelmed by the weight of her words, by the love in her gaze that feels so foreign yet so familiar all at once.  

"okay,” you whisper, your voice trembling slightly as the beginnings of a smile tug at your lips. 

“okay.”  

esmee leans in, pressing a soft kiss to your temple as alexia gives your knee one last reassuring squeeze. the rest of the room seems to exhale in relief, the energy softening into something warm and safe, like a blanket wrapping around you.  

for the first time in years, you let yourself believe it.  

you’re not alone.  

and this year, christmas will be different.

masterlist

[jasonsutekh]

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

A young boy’s father goes to find a magical place of elves once found by his late wife, when his father doesn’t return he and his talking mouse go on an expedition to find him and the elves.

 The actors all worked well enough together and there were a number of famous faces scattered throughout. It was surprising how tolerable the comic relief character was as they usually get irritating. The framing device also worked out well enough and was consistently spaced apart so it was made to remain relevant.

 Although it makes sense on a metatextual perspective, it was still odd that an entire story about Finnish people was cast by people with English accents. When they eventually get to the elf village the reveal isn’t as effective as it could have been because the place is relatively small, unsurprising since they’re elves, but still underwhelming.

 Some of the lore tied in nicely with the back story and it was interesting to see a few of the other creatures related to the mythology of the area. One of the most amusing aspects of the narrative is how the humans accidentally introduce the elves to fascism on their second visit to the village.

 There’s an odd repeated trope about dead parents which is incongruously un-festive but served the story at least. One ethical quandary stands out in which a good character outright kills a troll. The most disappointing part of the ending was that the aunt gets a present which she very much doesn’t deserve, considering there’s a crucial part of the Santa story about being nice.

 5/10 -Can’t find a better example of average-

[itneedsmoregays]

After the Moon Theatre's winter production turns out to be a big hit, Steff thinks of a nice way for her and Ash to spend the holidays with one another.

Also on FanFiction.net

(I know this is late, shush)

[smileysuh]

dumb frat boy - TEASER

🌙 starring. Lee Donghyuck x afab!Reader

🔮 preview. “I’d ask what you want me to do to you, but I did some research last night, watched some of that Hentaid shit you were talking about. It’s a lot of bondage, isn’t it, Angel? A lot of… creampies. You’ve got a thing for being held down and filled, huh? I guess…” he lets out a small laugh, “I guess I’m a little shocked, seeing as you’re so sassy with me. Guess you just want someone to put you in your place. What is it you called Johnny? A good daddy dom? I might not always be a dom, but for you, I can make it work.” 

tw/cw. yandere/stalker sub themes, ‘unknown’ caller, he’s horny, mentions of porn/masturbation, weed/alcohol use, unprotected sex, oral (m/f receiving), deep throating, face fucking, nipple pinching/nipple worship, fingering, dirty talk, praise, hyuck has a thick cock, cum/fullness kink, creampie, etc… I pet names: (hers) Angel (his) baby.

👹 rating. 18+ explicit I wc. 9.1k

🍭 aus. uni/frat au, yandere subthemes, Halloween, etc…

☀️ mlist + an.  We're back in the Ghostie au! I'm so happy to be able to put out a fic for Hyuck a year after the original story captivated so many of us <3

“Burner phone, baby.”

“And what would be the point of getting a burner phone just to call little ol’ me?” you sigh, relaxing against your pillows and pinching the bridge of your nose in annoyance. 

“Why so serious, Angel?”

“Jeeze, dude, if you’re going to do the whole creepy caller before Halloween cliche, at least stick to your character.” You can’t believe he’s quoting Health Ledger’s Joker at you now. “Who are you even trying to be? Ghost Face is so last Halloween, we all know Johnny knocked that shit out of the park. A copycat sequel is just… early 2000’s.”

“Okay, let me drop character for just a second,” the man on the other end of the line sighs, and you giggle at how his voice modulator emphasizes his own exasperation. “Think, horny telephone guy.”

“I wouldn’t call Ghost Face particularly horny, he was just a nerd.”

“I’m not Ghost Face!” he insists. “Scream came out in the mid-nineties, think earlier than that.” 

“What, am I supposed to be some kind of horror movie expert?” you scoff. 

“Fine, I’ll just tell you,” the guy sighs. “Have you seen Black Christmas?”

“Never even heard of it.”

“Fuck,” he curses. “Well, don’t go watch it, it has some cult following but it’s not even one of my favourites- the reason I chose the dude from that movie is because he’s a horny little fuck and calls a sorority house and some shit- and also, don’t look up the second movie, I don’t claim the sequel.” 

“Wow, I love that you chose a character based purely on horniness and not if the movie is even good,” you giggle.

“Well, Johnny took the best slasher caller! What was I supposed to do? Go all ghost child from The Black Phone movie?”

“What’s The Black Phone movie?”

“Ethan Hawke? Horror veteran, who plays the hero author in Sinister, turned bad guy in the 2021 film by the same director?” 

You let out a whistle. “TBH, dude, it sucks Johnny got to Ghostie first last year, because I’d bet money you know more about horror movies than he does.”

“I one hundred percent do!” 

“Okay, so back to the point,” you laugh. “You’re calling me as this horny dude from some Halloween Christmas movie- for what?”

“To talk to you?” he suggests. “To uh… be horny… at you?” 

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[sdwolfpup]

Everything I have to share from Our souls lie down in the grass is spoilery as heck, so instead here's a bit from a currently untitled Christmas rom com fic I'm nearly done with. Brienne is in love with her bff Jaime and he's coming home for Christmas with her.

Brienne's grip on the steering wheel is murderous now. Inappropriate thoughts about Jaime are nothing new, but inappropriate thoughts about Jaime on Christmas feel especially wrong. He's here to spend the holidays with his friend and her family and nothing more. Her only job is to make sure he feels welcome, and thinking about unwrapping him like a present is not welcoming at all. The lights of the cars ahead of her turn on so she starts her car too, and Jaime stretches out in the seat, legs taking up the entire seat well, hands rubbing down his muscular thighs. Brienne resigns herself to being a subpar host.

[f1version]

26 BIRTHDAY KISSES ★ CL16

pairing: charles leclerc x gf!reader ( she/her )

summary: 26th birthday, 26 pictures of you and Charles kissing. A kiss for each year.

notes: i’m back from my birthday trip!! i wrote this birthday special in like 30 minutes and it’s still charles’ birthday in a couple of places so… i’m not exactly late! enjoy <3

26 KISSES: A GALLERY

By your beautiful girlfriend, in collaboration with a lot of people but mainly Joris and ourselves.

1. DRUNK DANCING: A month after we got together, we were at Arthur’s 18th birthday. We got drunk, singing and dancing to the worst playlist in existence (Lorenzo’s) and, somehow, Arthur got to capture this moment I barely even remember.

Taken by Arthur Leclerc, 2018

2. AUGUST 2019: Summer break, so sweet so loving. You made me promise that if you jumped off first, I would jump too. It took me fifteen minutes to follow after you. Also your kisses were incredibly salty.

Taken by Joris Trouche, 2019

3. THE MONZA INCIDENT: I had red lipstick the night you won in Monza, you told me it looked pretty, I asked you to kiss me, you did. Fast forward 8 minutes it was all smudged over your lips, you were 10 minutes late to the post-race conference, and Sylvia almost banned me that night. (I’m still kind of banned from your driver’s room)

Taken by Charles Leclerc, 2019

4. UNDER THE COVERS: 2020, what a crazy year. This one was taken the day we decided to finish moving in together. You were so excited, wanted everything to be perfect. Today I can say it is.

Taken by Me, 2020

5. WORDS: We were spending Christmas by ourselves, we face-timed our families, had dinner and watched movies. You gifted me three beautiful words I, of course, said back… and we also got a puppy!

Taken by Charles’ phone timer, 2020

6. OCEAN BREZEE: Just a small escapade to take a breath. You were so cuddly that day, Joris was so done with you (he still took the pic though)

Taken by Joris Trouche, 2021

7. CUTE OR HOT: I just wanted a cute morning selfie but, because of you, we ended up in a…promising mood. It was intense that’s all I have to say!

Taken by Me, 2021

8. KISS KISS KISS: 24th birthday, 24 kisses. This kind of became a tradition, let me know if you still want them this year!

Taken by Me, 2021

9. DRUNK AF: How did we got so drunk? Ask Pierre, he was the one hosting. Either way we got another amazing photo of us drunk-kissing!!!

Taken by Pierre Gasly, 2021

10. UNDER THE SEA: I’m just going to say that you and your ‘photo ideas 📸’ folder are attached by the hip. I personally love this one (even if it took half an hour to take)

Taken by Joris Trouche, 2021

11. NEW YORK: Thought you could scape this one? Never! Arthur and I didn’t spend a week listening to your complaining for nothing, babe. You must admit that this kiss was magical, everything was so pretty that day. And then it started snowing!

Taken by Arthur Leclerc, 2021

12. EXPOSED: Remember how our amazing soft launch got ruined by our trip to Ibiza? Well, here it is, the image we couldn’t stop laughing at when it came out, we really thought we were sneaky.

Taken by unknown, 2022

13. HARD LAUNCH: A week later we were kissing on live TV. It’s one of my favorite memories, I couldn’t stop smiling.

Taken by F1 TV, 2022

14. BACK KISSES: Just a picture of the morning after I learned that you can convince anyone, even the CEO of Ferrari, to allow you to leave sponsor events early. I really don’t know if you knew those kisses were there, but I woke up to this, took a picture and then left you with them until we took a shower.

Taken by Me, 2022

15. SPONSORED BY AIRMAX: That time your team forgot to book us a flight and you had to ask Lando to ask Daniel to ask Max if we could go back to Monaco with them. I’ve never seen Max talk so much, Daniel laugh so loud or Lando taking so many pictures. He even asked to take one of us, here it is:

Taken by Lando Norris, 2022

16. SIXTEEN: I bet you thought this one would have something to do with racing. Number 16. Sorry to disappoint but it’s our beautiful puppy…Sixteen! I’m not gonna lie, I still hate you for persuading me into that name. Anyways if you kiss the dog you kiss the mom!!

Taken by Me, 2022

17. 25 KISSES: Again, tell me if you want those 26 kisses this year. Look at us last year!

Taken by Me, 2022

18. NEW YEAR, SAME LOVE: Sometimes the world feels unreal when I’m with you, this was one of those days. I felt in another reality, the world slowed down, it was just you and me. I remember thinking “I fell in love with the right person” and then you kissed me.

Taken by Joris Trouche, 2022

19. BLACK SUIT: Remember when your fans thanked me for your “new” outfits? They repeated it was the girlfriend effect, you couldn’t stop talking about how stylish you are with or without me!

Taken by Me, 2023

20. PHOTOSHOOT: You got Joris to take these shots just because you wanted a new wallpaper. I thought it was silly, until one day all of them were hanging around our home. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Charlie.

Taken by Joris Trouche, 2023

21. FIVE STAR CHEFS: Not much to say, just sorry for being so distracting and thank you for the amazing (stolen from Ferrari) dinner babe!

Taken by Charles’ phone timer, 2023

22. RED LIGHTS: This year’s addition to our drunk-kissing collection. I remember you drowning shots with Carlos and Pierre, asking me to dance with you, absolutely failing at that, and then kissing me. After that there’s blurry ferrari red, giggles and a hot bath.

Taken by Andrea Ferrari, 2023

23. LAZY IN BED: Wonderful lazy days by the ocean, that’s how we spent the summer break. That morning in particular you didn’t want to get up, basically gluing me to bed. We got up at 1pm.

Taken by Me, 2023

24. JUST ONE QUESTION: Can I drive the purosangue now? Please please please

Taken by Me, 2023

25. LOVER: This day I woke up thinking about those dreams we talk about all the time, you even remembered me a couple of them throughout the day. Charlie, I do want to do this for the rest of our lives, never forget it <3

Taken by Arthur Leclerc, 2023

26. TWENTY-SIX: We are just 26 but I hope our story keeps on writing itself. I love you, these have been the happiest 6 years of my life. Happy birthday bébé ❤️

Taken by Joris Trouche, 2023

[sl-newsie]

Merry Little Christmas (Baby John x OC) *Christmas Special* 🎄

Summary: Baby John invites his best friend to spend Christmas with him and his mother.

Usually the holidays are supposed to be a time to celebrate time with family. But when you’ve grown up being an orphan, family is a very loose term.

“No, no! For the last time, Jonathon Feld, no!” I argue as I try to see through the blinding snow, clutching my ragged coat around me.

“It’s no trouble, Kelly. Please!”

Here’s the trouble: I’ve known Johnny nearly my whole life, and he’s being overly generous. Every year I’ve usually had a family to spend Christmas with, whether it be through church, the orphanage, or even some-a the Jet families. But this year everyone’s either too busy or already has plans. At first I was disappointed, but learned to accept it. The problem is that once Johnny heard about my predicament he immediately insisted that I spend Christmas with his family.

“Johnny, you know I can’t do that!” I debate as we make our way through Central Park. “That’s your time with your mother! I’m not going to impose on that.”

“You won’t be!” The youngest Jet tries to assure me. “My ma would luv you, you know that! She’d never turn anyone down at Christmas.”

After we get past the next snowbank I turn to face him. “That’s my point, John. I won’t make anyone feel obligated to take me in just because they feel sorry for me. You guys deserve time to yourselves, especially since this is your first Christmas without your father.”

For a split second Baby John gets a somber look in his eyes, but then shakes it away.

“Yeah, it’ll be different this year. But you need to have someone to celebrate Christmas with. You won’t impose, I promise! I know just as much as you about all the different families you’ve hopped from, and I wanna give you a real Christmas. Please? It’ll be my gift to you.”

I open my mouth to keep declining, but he holds up a hand. “And before you say that you don’t need a gift, forget it! You always sell yourself short and give what you have to others without any thought of yourself.” He grabs my hand and starts leading me down the wrong side of the fork in the path. “You’re spending Christmas with me, no buts about it. For God’s sake, it’s a blizzard out here!”

I can’t believe it. I’m being forced into this?!

I try to tug away but John’s hold stays firm. “You can’t make me-!”

“Yes, I can,” Johnny says cockily and gives me a devilish grin. “You lost that card game to me last week, so you owe me.”

I scrunch my nose in confusion as he continues to lead me through the deep snow.

“So… I repay you by you forcing me to spend Christmas with you? That seems contradictive.”

“Too late! We’re already here,” Baby John smiles with glee as he leads me up the stairs to his apartment. It’s small to him, but to me it’s a mansion. I’ve always told Johnny how lucky he is to have a permanent roof over his head.

Before I can reject him again, Baby John pushes me inside and shuts the door.

“Ma! I’m home! I brought Kelly with me!”

In no less than 5 seconds, John’s mother comes rushing into the hallway to embrace me in a giant hug.

“Willkommen, dear child! Come in, come in!” She gushes and starts examining me top to bottom. “Are you hungry? Sweet child, you are freezing! Come here and sit by the fire.”

I can barely get a word in! “Thank you, Mrs. Feld. I’m sorry for showing up last minute, but your son insisted-”

“Ma, I invited Kelly to spend Christmas with us because she’s alone this year. Is that ok?”

Mrs. Feld looks as if Johnny’s just asked if snow is cold. “Is that even a question? Of course she can stay! You kids go warm up and chat, I will finish preparing dinner.”

Immediately I start following her to the kitchen apologizing for intruding and offering to pitch in, but she just shoos me away.

“Nonsense! You are welcomed here any time, child! You are Johnny’s dearest friend, and we are honored to have you here.”

She hurries back down the hall and I’m left with Baby John, who ushers me to the tiny living room. Inside there’s a humble tree set up next to the couch with a few decorations. One might say that this meager-looking household isn’t worth much, but to me it’s priceless.

“Here, Kelly! You can sit here.” John pats the couch and throws me a blanket. “Are you warm enough?”

Indeed, there’s a warm feeling spreading through me faster than wildfire.

I give him a smile and drape the soft blanket over my shoulders. “I- Yes, I am! Come on, you sit down too. You’s just as bushed as I am.”

Johnny obliges and jumps onto the small couch next to me, while I’m trying so hard not to get carried away. But it doesn’t help when he scooches in even closer.

“Thank you, Johnny.” I playfully ruffle his hair. “You- You can’t imagine how much this means to me! I just wish there was something I could give you.”

His childish face shows bright eyes and a kind smile. “Kelly, you’s my best friend. That’s as good a gift as anything in the world.”

I scoff. “Johnny, I luv ya dearly, but someday I’m gonna repay ya for this-”

I cut myself off, because Baby John has a new look that appears as if I just sprouted wings.

“Kelly, you said… Do you- You luv me?”

I stay quiet, letting an eerie silence settle in. What am I supposed to say? ‘Yes, John. I’ve luved you ever since you first said “hi,” and still can’t believe that a nice guy like you hasn’t got a goil yet.?’ I simmer over every different response in my head, and can’t think of a way I can squeeze outta this.

After taking a deep breath, I force myself to look over at my innocent friend.

“Yes. I do, Johnny. Is that wrong, since you’ve helped me out so much? How could I not?” I give a noivous laugh. “I mean, given how considerate and adorable I don’t understand how you’s haven’t had goil lining up just to meet ya.”

Usually I’s a fan of being blunt, but in this scenario it’s like my heart just got stabbed with an icicle. How could I say that? John invited me to spend Christmas with him and I gotta start gush’n ‘bout how luvsick I am!

 It doesn’t help that Baby John’s just sitting there, mouth opened wide and eyes nearly popping outta his face. Now I’ve ruined everything.

I give a heavy sigh and give him a pat on the shoulder before I start walking toward the exit. “I’m sorry, John. I understand if, uh, you don’t wanna talk now. Thanks again for inviting me here. Merry Chri-!”

“How could you ever think I didn’t already luv you?” Johnny interrupts, and my face freezes. “Kelly, I’ve invited you to every family event in the past year, get heated up whenever anodda guy so much as looks at you, and, heck, literally just got the blessing from my ma to ask you out yesterday!” He rushes over to me and blocks my path, meanwhile I have no inkling as to how to respond. But I don’t have to, because John knows exactly what I’m thinking and comfortingly takes my hand. “I’m noivous too, angel. So… here it goes.” He gulps and licks his lips anxiously. “Uh, Kelly… Would you maybe wanna go out sometime this week after Christmas? Maybe when it’s not a billion degrees below zero?”

My whole body is shaking, tears threatening to spill. Did I hear that right? 

“Is this real?” I whisper almost too quietly. “Not like one-a those movies? I- I donno what to say. No one’s wanted me enough to let me stay. Is… This is real?”

Baby John looks almost as out of place as I feel, but takes the foist move to bring his warm hands up to cup my face. “It may not seem so, but yes.” A wide smile spreads over his eager face. “This is real, Kelly. I didn’t know what it was until Riff pointed it out. I’ve luved you for a very long time now, and I’d like to properly ask you out.”

I respond by nodding repeatedly and a surprised but grateful “Yes!” And with that, Johnny desperately slants forward and presses an intriguingly soft kiss to my lips. Testing the waters. When he sees I’m ok with it, he leans in for a deeper, more determined kiss. In the span of 30 seconds, Baby John wraps his arms around my waist, guides me back to the couch, and helps me settle down next to him all without breaking the kiss. When we lean apart he rests his forehead on mine all the while his eyes never leave mine.

“Merry Christmas, Kelly.”

My face melts at the sight-a his soft eyes, and can barely speak. “Thank you, Johnny. For everything”

We both hear a hushed commotion coming from the hallway, and turn to see Baby John’s mother nearly jumping with joy.

“At last! At last!” She cheers as she comes over to pinch our cheeks. “You two go so well together, and I finally have the hope to have grandchildren one day!”

 Both John and I exchange looks of bewilderment.

“Jeez, ma! I just asked her out!”

“One thing at a time, please?” I ask shyly. “For now let’s focus on Christmas, and the tranquility that comes with it.”

“Oh, alright.” Mrs. Feld squeezes her son one last time. “Come, come! Dinner is ready!” She scurries away again, leaving us both dazed and frazzled.

“Johnny,” I chuckle and shake my head. “God, I luv your family.”

John groans. “Gosh, I’m sorry. She can be a little pushy sometimes.”

I arch an eyebrow. “If you’s ever willing to switch places, I’ll do so gladly in a heartbeat.”

He smirks and pecks one last kiss on my cheek before helping me stand up. “We better go before she starts announcing our wedding day.”

I nod in agreement. “Not completely against the idea…”

John’s eyebrows raise, and I pat his cheek to show I’m not as serious.

“Not yet, John. For now let’s enjoy our merry little Christmas and forget about any future problems. I’m just glad to be here with you!”

He smiles and softly rubs a thumb against my cheek. “I’m always here for you, Kelly. I’ll luv ya ‘till the end, and we’ll always muddle through somehow.”

[guccio2024]

pt. 2. Luberto snow white fanfic

"Alright alberto so I'll be playing the dwarf Doc, Luca will be playing snow white, and you'll be playing prince florian, you'll have three days to get to know your lines and what you have to do, okay." Said Gulila ready to help alberto practice and get ready for the play. "Wanna know a secret?Promise not to tell? We are standing by a wishing wellMake a wish into the wellThat's all you have to doAnd if you hear it echoingYour wish will soon come trueI'm wishing..." luca sang his part of the duet. "Today!It's so sad and lonely, Wishing Well,Longing for someone you never see.Make him love me only, Wishing Well,Won't you grant this favor to me?I'm wishing For the one I love To find meToday. I'm hoping And I'm dreaming of The nice things, He'll say.Tell me, Wishing Well, Will my wish come true? With your magic spell,Won't you tell my loved one what to do? I'm wishing For the one I loveTo find meToday." Alberto Sang along As they continued to practice and the days went by alberto had to meet up with the kids who'd be working back stage and who'd be making the costumes. "Hey, Tiziana can you help us?" "Oh, ciao Gulila what do ya need?" Tiziana asked not turning away from her clip board. "I need you to help get Enrico to tailor the suit to albertos size." "Oh, sure what's his size?" "A etxra small." Said alberto. "Alright, i got you." The outfit was only a size to big so it wouldn't be to big of a project for Enrico. the door swung open and Elliot walked into the room to bother Tiziana for the 8th time today untill she saw alberto. "Oh who are you." Said Elliot obviously trying to flirt with him making him obviously uncomfortable untill gulila grabbed Elliots arm and made her let go of alberto. "I'll have you know He would be LUCA'S BOYFRIEND so go find another person to harass." "Ugh, whatever Gulila. "