#yeah i don't celebrate christmas but i don't have anything against it

[bananatemilkshake]

🎄 Send these trees to ten people you wish to have a good holiday and happy new years 💖✨️💖✨️💖✨️💖✨️💖✨️💖

Oh golly it's christmas! I don't celebrate it but man it's cristmas holiday! What? Mariah Carey is behind me? I can't hear you over this loud crismah song. Wha-

/j

[chuubian]

Good luck, babe!

Tags Arlecchino x fem reader, cheating (on a man not each other), angst, degradation, praise kink needy Arlecchino, wedding, strap on sex, strap sucking MDNI

Summary Love was not something you had ever felt for that man. That seemed okay for a while, at least, until Arlecchino came into your life and changed it forever.

A/N This was supposed to come out before Christmas, but I was in the hospital so its late. I'm sorry if the eggnog feels too seasonal.

The fatui always goes full out with their celebrations. A full-sized orchestra is playing passionately in the reception hall, classical music echoing through Zapolyarny palace. Beautiful lanterns hang from the ceiling and pillars, keeping the party warm from the eternal winter raving outside. Slumped against the cold metal chair, your eyes dart around the room restlessly— looking for a familiar head of white and black hair. It proves nearly impossible with the large hoard of people in your way.

Standing upright, you twist uncomfortably— the iron beams had dug into your back and arms. A dull throb ripples through your flesh. Does the Tsaritsa have something against keeping people cozy? Pushing the pain aside, you weave through the crowd. You find yourself in front of the main table— overflowing with delectable food and sugary drinks, ready for anyone to stuff themselves until their heart stops. Plucking a small plastic cup from the surface of the counter, you fill it to the brim with eggnog.

The drink is sickeningly sweet and thick, like pure honey is being poured directly into your throat. Warmth spreads throughout your throat and chest, cascading down and pooling in your stomach. A choker is wrapped around the circumference of your neck, pressing against your jugular, chafing your sensitive skin. The heat seems to get stuck in your esophagus— trapped by the little strap of leather looped around your throat. You can't wait for this to be over.

Fingers tapping the cup impatiently, your eyes are focused on the swarm of people in front of you, Dancing happily as you stand to the side. Obsidian black fingers yank the eggnog away from you— lifting the drink to bright red lips. Arlecchino gulps down the entire thing, unbothered by the alcohol. The rim of the cup is left stained with her cherry red lipstick. A small part of you aches to press your own lips against it, to get even a bit of herself on you. But not here.

“Bored?”

Nodding, you look up at her— towering over you with her impossibly high heels. The red-eyed woman reaches over, running a sharp nail over your choker.

“You look nice. Did he get that for you?”

“Yeah… He insisted I wear it tonight.”

Her slender fingers slide under the thick fabric, tugging lightly. Leaning down, her breath brushes against your skin delicately— sending shivers down your spine.

“I could have gotten you something way better you know…”

“Don't be like that, it's nice.”

Scoffing, she stands back up normally, letting go of the choker.

“Could've been better.”

You roll your eyes, glancing down. Sometimes, it’s difficult to look her in the eyes. Her stare is far too intense. Like it’s burning into your soul. Piercing straight through you, shooting a flaming thrill through your veins, lighting your nerve ending on fire. A large hand snakes under your chin— forcing you to look up. You swear you can see embers blazing behind her X-shaped pupils.

“Look at me.”

Pushing her hand away, you scan your surroundings nervously. Thank God no one is looking in your direction.

“Arle… you can’t act like that here…”

“Oh please, who would say anything? I'm a harbinger.”

Her voice is condescending, as if chastising you for ever thinking less of her position. It's true. People are much too terrified of her to dare make up rumors. Unfortunate souls in the past had spread gossip about the fourth harbinger—stories about her tearing families apart and stealing the children, thrusting them into a life as heartless soldiers. It did not take long for the men who started the scandal to be found dead. Alone in their homes, with seemingly no signs of a break in. Their bodies were completely untouched and clean, except for the eyes that were— almost surgically— plucked out, and the large holes left in their chest. Their hearts somehow went missing. No blood stained their shirts, or the ground beneath them. It was never confirmed, but everyone knows.

“Still… he's already suspicious.”

“So? Let his mind wander. He won't do anything anyways. He's weak.”

Clicking your tongue, you push her hand away, glaring at her.

“He is not.”

Arlecchino's fierce eyes narrow.

“He is.”

Ignoring her, you adjust your choker. Suddenly, it's far too warm inside here. Isn't this Snezhnaya? Why is it so hot?

“Whatever. Let's not talk about him, yeah? Let's go somewhere private.”

You knew what that meant. It's expected at this point. It's really the only reason you didn't decide to stay home. Even the Tsaritsa herself could not have made you attend this party if Arlecchino was not here.

“I'll join you in a few minutes…”

Her icy hand comes up to pat you on the cheek.

“Alright then. I’ll see you later.”

The harbinger doesn't wait for an answer before sauntering away, taking all the heat with her, leaving you isolated and numb— like an iceberg, sailing across a frigid bottomless sea. For a few minutes, you stay put. Watching the people laughing and having fun around you. The glow on their faces makes you aware of the hollow rift widening in your chest. It’s as if your heart and lungs are carved out, leaving nothing but suffocating solitude. They're so happy.

Maybe the choker is just too tight.

Definitely too tight.

Swallowing hard and taking a deep breath, you make your way towards the main doors. Your shoes clack against the hard, frosty concrete floors. A brisk gust of wind breezes past you as you step into the hallway. Faint shudders follow— crisp surges of chilling unease and dread pour over your head, trailing down and assembling at the bottoms of your feet. Each step towards that one room, the one you're so familiar with, is agonizing.

Stopping in front of large wooden double doors, the air almost seems like it's stolen from your lungs. This is it. The eggnog you had drunk earlier is sinking to the bottom of your stomach, swirling and leaving you nauseous. Heavy doors push back against you, refusing to move as you force your way through. Loud creaking echoes through the barren hallways— almost masking the sound of loud classical music that somehow still reaches you here deep in Zapolyarny palace.

“Finally.”

A cold hand quickly entangles itself in your hair, dragging you closer until her lips crash against yours. Flames feel as if they've engulfed you— scorching desire completely numbing the tips of your fingers, mouth going dry. Her tongue drags against your bottom lip, requesting access. Your mind is foggy, struggling to concentrate on anything other than the feeling of her soft lips on yours. The fingers in your hair tighten, pulling gently and creating gentle tingles all over your scalp. The man waiting for you at home is not even a concern anymore, all that matters is this. Her.

Dull surprised groans are swallowed and muffled between you. Strong arms shove you onto the bed in the back of the room. It's soft and fluffy. She clearly made sure to prepare everything for your clandestine meeting. Your lips are freed from hers, swollen and stained with scarlet lipstick. Arlecchino’s expert hands make quick work of the leather strap wrapped around your throat— unbuckling the metal smoothly. Relief floods over you. It's like you can finally breathe properly, without the stupid choker restricting you.

“It has been far too long.”

Her voice is darkened, deep and overladen with desire.

“I missed this…”

“Are you sure it's not me you missed?”

She teases, slowly climbing on top of you. Her hands plant themselves on the mattress beside your head. From down here, she looks heavenly. It couldn't be farther from reality. She is evil incarnate. Sin and temptation in a human form. There's no other reason you fell under her spell- into her bed— so easily.

“That's basically the same thing, Arle.”

Her knees gently push your legs apart, settling between them. As she leans down, her smooth hair grazes against your skin— tickling your face. Warm puffs of air sweep over the side of your neck. The closeness is causing your head to spin. You're left paralyzed— unsure of what to do or say next. This does not go unnoticed by Arlecchino's sharp eyes.

She smiles. For the first time that night. The pressure of her body weighs pushes you down, further into the bed. It’s hot. Despite the heaviness against your chest, you can feel the soft flesh of her waist and chest. Nothing has ever felt better than this, Part of you wishes this is how you would die, underneath her. Those men got off lucky being murdered by her. Her alluring voice was the last thing they heard.

“It's really not. Just admit you missed me.”

Her red-stained lips brush against your jugular. Your hands itch to touch her, to take any part of her you can't— but they are too busy being held down by her strong grip. Sharp pain shoots up your spine as her pointy teeth nip at the thin skin of your throat. The words are stuck in your esophagus, unable to get out. And although the choker is gone, the suffocating sensation has not gone away.

Bony, deft hands hurriedly undo the buttons of your shirt, pushing it open. Her pointed nails scratch down your chest and tummy. It feels like you're being cut open— with her making an incision right over your heart and carving it out. Knowing her, she has every intention to.

A trail of spit and lipstick are evidence of the harbinger’s messy kisses on your skin. A quick shower could remove the makeup stains left behind, but by tomorrow your stomach will be adorned with deep red and purple bruises- intensifying and darkening as the days go on. Any crouching or bending afterwards will probably sting and ache.

Intense, x pupil eyes rove over your body hungrily. Your half-stripped body is feverish despite the frigid blizzard raging just outside the window behind you. Unsteadily, your arms wrap around Arlecchino’s shoulders— wishing that she would hurry up. Sooner than you can complain, she interjects.

“I know, I'll give you what you want soon.”

“You always say that, and it always takes forever.”

She rolls her eyes, playing with the waistband of your pants.

“There is nothing wrong with enjoying my food.”

A light sting makes your hairs stand on end as the black- and white-haired woman presses her nail into your flesh harshly and traces the hem of your waistband.

“Ow!! I’m not one of your victims; you have to treat me with care!”

“Oh please, you like it when I'm mean.”

Taking matters into your own hands, you find the edge of her jacket and push it open. The fabric resists when going over her shoulders, and she does not assist even a little bit. After watching you struggle for a few seconds, she smirks— tenderly shoving your wrist away.

“You need help there?”

Provocatively, Arlecchino shrugs off her jacket and easily removes the shirt underneath. Your mouth waters at the sight of her bare chest. It's like seeing the full divinity of an archon for the first time. If she had asked you to denounce your loyalty to the Tsaritsa at this moment, you'd do it without hesitation. Your greedy hands grope and grab at the tent in her pants.

“Already…? Were you that excited to see me?”

“Did you want me to be unprepared?”

Thumbing at the button on her pants, you watch as more of her pale skin is uncovered. Only you get to see her like this. The leather of the harness digs into her hips and the small bit of fat around her tummy swells over the material. Eyes wide, you look up at her, running your finger over the edge of the strap.

“What are you waiting for?”

She sits up, pushing your head towards her pelvis.

“Get to work.”

Tentatively, you shove her pants down until they’re caught around her knees. The bright red silicone springs up— almost hitting you in the face. Crouching over, your hand wraps around the base as you glance up at her. It is unfair how heavenly she looks even at this angle. Your lips wrap around the thick head. It stretches your jaw unpleasantly.

“Mmmm.”

She grunts impatiently.

“Come on, I know you can take it.”

The harbinger’s large hand descends down to rest on the back of your head— encouraging you to take her deeper. Your eyebrows furrow. It's a struggle to take everything at once. Tears spring up as the hard silicone nudges at the back of your throat. A low growl vibrates in her esophagus as her fingers curl in the threads of your hair, pushing you down further.

Coughing and gagging from the sudden force, you swallow around the intrusion. Just the thought of her feeling your mouth working for and pleasing her through the strap makes your stomach do little flips. You press your thighs together— It's nearly unbearable to have to hold back.

“Taking me so well, such a good girl.”

Her voice is rough, tinged with pleasure. Nasty squelching fills the room as you’re choked on her cock. Saliva coats your lips and chin, dripping down the base. Blood rushes to your face, overheating and setting your nerves alight.

“Fuck... You love this don't you? You like being under me, serving me.”

Nodding, wet salty tears trickle down your cheeks. It's arduous work to get proper air into your lungs. They simmer and throb from the lack of oxygen, but the burn is thrilling. Finally, she lets up. Her hands let your head snap back up.

Gasping for air, you can feel the blood rushing back into your fingertips and your face finally returning back to a normal temperature. A thick glob of drool still connects your shiny abused lips to the strap hanging from Arlecchino's hips. Your hands feebly grip onto her thighs for purchase. A cold, delicate thumb ghosts over your jaw— compelling you to look at her in her crazed red eyes. They're glowing, charged.

“You don’t think you're done yet, do you?”

It's not a question. It's a command to keep going. Your mouth opens up, accepting the dull head of silicone in. There's an ache in your cheeks and lips that draws a shaky sigh from your gut. She tsks softly, thumb massaging your jaw.

“I thought you were better than this. We worked so hard to get you to this point and you can't do it for more than a few minutes?”

Her claws hook into the flesh of your cheeks, squishing them together and forcing you further down. Viscous spit does little to lubricate properly— the friction inflames your throat, but Arlecchino still demands more. Her hips jut forward, pushing onward. You bob your head— observing every jerk of her hips and the way her abs tense with effort.

Your fingers absentmindedly trace the edges of the leather, hooking around the material, and dragging her closer. She didn't slow down even for a second, thrusting into you brutally. Your head is rocking back and forth frantically. The violent movement is making your brain spin. Her ragged breathing and the lightheaded trance you've been put in motivates you to push past the cramp in your jaw.

Just when you're sure your lungs will collapse— when your vision starts to cross, and your legs are beginning to tingle from inadequate blood circulation— Arlecchino tenderly draws you off the strap. Relief washes over you. Sweat is dripping down your forehead, spit coats your lips and chin. Your lungs greedily wheeze and seek out fresh oxygen, laboriously expanding and filling with air after being compressed for so long.

She chuckles evilly.

“Too much?”

You shake your head.

“I can handle it.”

Your voice is rough and shaky— completely ruined by her forceful thrusts. Her rough fingers wipe away your tears.

“Well, you did wonderfully.”

The praise cascaded over you like boiling hot springs. Your skin was blistering and tender— unused to her sweltering warmth. Arlecchino was never one for kind words of approval. It's nearly too much. The comforter is hot, and the room is too stuffy, and you can't think straight even when you close your eyes. You swallow hard, fingers roughly burrowing into the sheets.

“Come on...”

Her frigid hands lightly push you onto your back, putting a pillow underneath your hips. Savagely, she rips your pants and underwear off— like a beast craving its next meal. Jagged nails dig into the meat of your inner thighs, easing them apart, your legs wrap around her hips. She reaches across from you, grabbing a tiny bottle filled with cherry-scented oil.

Arlecchino pours the light pink liquid onto her hand, working it over the spit-slicked toy and moving closer, intertwining your hands together and planting them beside your head.

“Are you ready?”

Her face is so close that you can feel her excited breaths grazing your neck. You nod. It's a good thing you're not standing because your legs feel so weak you would have collapsed by now. There's a small ripple of anxiety in your stomach growing bigger and bigger the more she waits to push in.

“Good, good. Stay relaxed for me.”

A loud whine builds in your throat, difficult to stifle, as Arlecchino pushes in— punching the air out of your lungs. Your body easily accepts the intrusion, but it burns. Her pelvis is pressed against the flesh of your ass, completely sheathed inside you, waiting for you to adjust. Your eyes shut tight while Arlecchino started pressing soft tender kisses down your sternum, her coarse tongue laps at your nipples.

“Agh f-fuck-”

“Relax, baby. Relax.”

Her nails bite into your flesh painfully—- scratches and blemishes are sure to dye your thighs in dark purples and reds. Your head feels like it's swimming, drowning underneath the thick layer of shame and arousal. Arlecchino's hips pull back and snap back towards your warm cunt. She sets a brutal pace, spearing you open on her cock, pounding against your sweet spot.

“So good for me... That's it, just take it.”

Electric sparks scatter at the base of your spine. You choke on your own spit as she drives herself back in savagely, dragging against your sensitive, pliant walls. Your toes curl, hips rolling back against her, letting out a string of garbled wails and whimpers. She captures one of your nipples between her sharpened teeth, clamping down.

The bed frame bangs against the cold stone wall loudly. It's a wonder people haven't found the two of you yet. Her hand comes up to thumb at your other nipple. She knows it's impossible, but she swears she can feel you pulsing around the silicone cock— pulling her in.

“God Arle… you feel-”

“You just can't stay away huh?”

Admiring the view beneath her, Arlecchino hikes one of your legs up and to the side, until your knee is practically touching your shoulder. Your thighs shake with effort. Even after so many nights spent with her, this is never something you fully got used to. Your mind struggles to think straight, movements are slowed and dulled— the sensation of your precious lover is making you more drunk than the eggnog ever would have.

“Please!”

“Fuck… you have no idea how you look right now.”

Your fingers claw and cling onto her shoulders, slipping with the sweat pouring between your bodies. Arlecchino seems feral. Her eyes glow bright red and your head lolls back. Your eyes are filled with overwhelmed tears as a lump forms in your throat. A knot forms in the pit of your tummy, straining and tensing. She carves a space for herself inside you— pelvis whacking against the supple flesh of your ass.

“Are you feeling full, baby?”

Back arching, you desperately try to get closer somehow, but you just barely lift off the bed. All the blood rushes to your head, your body is overwhelmed by the sensation of her— by the heat searing your skin. Her mouth sucks at the junction of your throat. Slick drips down onto the bed, leaving an embarrassing wet spot in the freshly cleaned sheets.

“You're getting there huh? Come for me”

Pitchy mewls get caught in the base of your throat. Your hips twitch— overextended. The knot bursts open and ardent fire burns through your veins. The heat is all-consuming. You gurgle and spasm as wave after wave of white-hot pleasure wracks your body. She works you through your orgasm, thrusting gently a few more times before stilling.

As your bodies cool down, Arlecchino peels herself from you, thumb tracing circles on your waist as she checks on your condition. She pulls out slowly, making sure to not hurt you. A loud grumble bubbles up your throat.

“Yeah, yeah I know, stop bitching at me.”

Time drips by slowly. Your mind is barely awake— held together by her affectionate kisses and gentle massages. Her cold thumbs press into your muscles, trying to get ahead of the inevitable soreness that will veil your entire body. Sweet mango slices are pressed against your lips. It's hard to chew thoroughly, it's exhausting.

“Tired?”

You nod.

“I'll be out of your hair soon, just eat a little more for me.”

She kisses your forehead softly. Soon, the bowl of mango slices is completely gone, and Arlecchino lays you down on your side, climbing into the bed with you. When did she get cleaned up and in her sleepwear? Were you really so far gone that you didn't notice before?

Of course, you were left undressed.

At her mercy.

The rest of the night and early morning is spent sleeping. You wake up with her warm arms wrapped around you— tightened like vines trying to cage you in. Breaking free is impossible. Any movement just makes her pull you in harder. The heat radiating off her skin is starting to get excruciatingly uncomfortable. In a fit of anxiety, you finally manage to shake her off you.

Despite being a light sleeper, Arlecchino still hasn't stirred from her deep slumber. You try to get dressed quietly— It's the least you could do. She definitely deserves more sleep. Your nose scrunches as you're forced to wear what you brought. Putting on day-old panties is not exactly ideal.

“You're leaving already?”

The rough voice startles you. Head snapping up, you make eye contact with her. A shiver runs down your spine at the look in her scrutinizing stare.

“Yeah, it's like 6 am… He was expecting me to come back hours ago. He'll worry.”

“Who cares? You don't even like him. I want you here.”

You're stunned. Arlecchino had never talked like this before, it's not in her nature to show affection— let alone imply that she wants you with her.

“First of all, I never said i didn't like him-”

“I can tell.”

“... Well, I have to go, I don't have time to talk about this.”

“Not going to lie and say you like him?”

You quickly gather your shirt and pants, throwing them on as fast as possible. It doesn't matter if she hears you anymore. She's already awake anyway. Grabbing a tissue, you try to wipe off the red stains Arlecchino left on your neck.

“I'm not talking about this anymore.”

“Why, because you know I'm right? You shouldn't even be with him. He doesn't please you like I do. He doesn't care about you.”

Irritation welled up in your chest. Why the hell is this even a discussion?? Not only is she pestering you about something irrelevant, but the stupid lipstick marks she left on your chest and neck are visible above the collar of your shirt— she just had to use makeup that was practically impossible to remove.

Rubbing it only made it worse.

“Did you use paint?? This won't come off!”

“Don't change the subject.”

“I’m not, I need this off.”

Arlecchino throws the blankets off, stomping over you and ripping your weaker hand away from your neck.

“You don't like him. What is the point of going back to him exactly? So he can mold you into the perfect wife that you'll never be?”

“Maybe I want to be the perfect wife. Did you ever think of that? Just because you're miserable in your love life, doesn't mean that the rest of us are.”

“You cheat on him regularly. You're not fooling anyone but yourself”

There's no way you're staying here any longer. The room seems smaller, and the air is so thick you can barely breathe. Neither of you speak for a few moments. Her eyes burn so brightly you think you may just catch on fire.

“It's not cheating. My heart is still with him, this is just… casual fun.”

Arlecchino's face twists. Her grip on your wrist tightens. It's like you're ensnared in a hunter's trap, destined to be prey.

“And that's how you really feel?”

Her voice is strangely calm— all the cold tension in her body melts away.

“Yes.”

You watch silently as she lets go of your wrist, makes her way back to bed calmly, and sits down.

“Okay.”

“...What?”

She shrugs, leaning back.

“If that's how you feel, I think our… affiliation has come to an end.”

“You're breaking up with me?”

“Like you said, this isn't anything serious right? It's casual fun, I would hardly call it ‘breaking up’.”

Blood bubbled and seethed through your arteries— Your veins are pulsing underneath your skin. Without another word, you stomp through the room and gather your things. Leaving for good.

In a corner of Zapolyarny palace, away from prying eyes, you managed to scrub every last visible trace of that woman's lipstick off. Your throat aches and the skin feels as though it's about to rip from the incessant, aggressive rubbing. You slip on the collar your boyfriend brought you, which only made things worse. Now, not only is it constantly chafing against your neck, but it's also practically strangling you.

The blizzard raging outside the safe haven of the castle sends a chill through your bones as you step outside. It's a long, isolated walk back home. Wind whips around you so furiously that, for a second, you think it may just carry you off with it. Honestly, it would be preferable to living the life you've been leading.

Arriving back at your house is no easier. As soon as the door is unlocked, you're bombarded with questions regarding your whereabouts. You don't answer. Locking yourself in the room, you ignore the knocking and constant pestering from your boyfriend through the next week. Eventually he drops it. You suspect he already knows anyway, but he didn't confront you directly.

There's not a complete lack of contact with Arlecchino, however it's not the same. As a lower ranking fatui officer, you had to work with the harbinger to a certain degree. Her eyes always lingered on you more than others, but there was no more warmth in her gaze, only freezing apathy. Is it possible for her to have moved on so fast? It shouldn't be. After all those rushed meetings throughout the years, after what she said about wanting you to stay, was it a lie? It wasn't meant to be more than casual fun.

Deep down something in you wishes it was more.

—

It's supposed to be the best day of your life. Every little girl's dream.

Why doesn't it feel that way?

Nothing about this feels right. Millions of mora spent did not make you any more excited to put on the dress or see the venue. He insisted you wear the wretched piece of leather he bought for you months ago, and he didn't seem to like the way you did your makeup during the trial. The lack of lipstick felt too boring for him. Maybe going against his wishes will finally make him leave.

All of the harbingers and the Tsaritsa herself were invited, but none of them decided to attend. Deep down, you wish Arlecchino would come. But she would never do that, you knew better than to get your hopes up.

It feels like a death sentence walking down the aisle. Like a lonely sailor stuck in the arctic sea, waiting for the unstoppable enormous wave to take over and drown you. Falling into the hands of a man you feel, at most, ambivalent about. The music is beautiful— it somehow sounds like the lively orchestra from the party on that one fateful night. At the altar, he grabs your trembling hands.

Your mind wanders as the officiant blabbers on and on about the beauty of matrimony— would Arlecchino be the one standing in front of you if the fight had not happened?

Most nights, you can't help but think of what could've been. You never took her for someone to be committed but that day she seemed almost… vulnerable.

You feel a tap, as people wait for your response. Looking at the man in front of you, expectant with his mouth popped open, you realize what's happening. The choker around your neck tightens, seemingly attempting to kill you on the spot. You wish it would.

“...I do.”

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife!”

You're pulled into a breathtaking kiss, and a curious nauseating feeling develops in your stomach. it's just not right.

[misctf]

What do you think about that idea?

A homophonic nerd who hates christmas. Get a present of the local frats and turns into a new member of the frats and celebrating Christmas by getting fucked by his new bros or/and fuck them.

Jeremy groans as he hears aggressive knocking at his door. Maybe if he ignores them, they'll leave. But after a few more minutes, the aggressive knocking returns. He looks up from his chemistry textbook and sighs.

“Its finals season, don't people have better stuff to do? He grumbles as he walks and opens the door, “This better be good.” He mumbles, but as he opens the door, his eyes narrow.

Jeremy glares at the burly fraternity brothers standing on his doorstep- half naked despite the cold. Their obnoxious Christmas caroling grating on his nerves. 

“Can't you see I'm trying to study?” he snaps, crossing his arms over his thin chest.

The frat boys' smirks falter momentarily at Jeremy's harsh tone. They shift uncomfortably, seemingly surprised by the reaction. One of them, clearly the ringleader, steps forward.

“Hey, chill out man! We were just trying to spread some holiday cheer.” he says, attempting a grin.

His biceps flex as he crosses his arms, mirroring Jeremy's posture. The others snicker behind him, their eyes roving over Jeremy's slender frame. 

“Yeah, you could use a little 'cheer' yourself, nerd.” another one sneers.

“Fuck off 'bros'.” Jeremy mocks, “Don't you have anything better to do? Maybe get drunk and give each other bro-jobs?” He smirks, clearly proud of his taunting.

The frat boys exchange angry glances, but their leader holds up a hand, silencing them. He turns back to Jeremy, a smirk playing on his lips. 

“Alright, alright, let's not escalate things here.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out something small, holding it out to Jeremy, “Here, consider this a peace offering.” It's a gingerbread man, intricately decorated to resemble a buff, muscular figure, “I hope you appreciate the effort we put into this.” the frat boy says, chuckling, “We figured since you're so into...books and shit, maybe a little holiday baking would brighten your day.”

The others snicker, but there's an undercurrent of tension still lingering in the air. Jeremy narrows his eyes suspiciously at the gingerbread man, but takes it. After an awkward and begrudging thank you, he slams the door in their face. Jeremy slams the door shut, annoyed at the interruption. He sets the gingerbread man down on his desk, eyeing it skeptically. It's ridiculous how detailed the decoration is, almost like a caricature of muscle-bound masculinity.

“What a joke.” He mutters.

Jeremy picks up the gingerbread man, examining it closer. Despite himself, he feels a pang of hunger. He breaks off a leg and pops it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. There's a sweetness to it, but also a savory depth that's surprisingly satisfying.

“Huh, not bad. Maybe those assholes actually know how to bake.” He chuckles at the thought of burly frat bros baking together.

Jeremy barely notices the subtle tingling sensation starting in his legs. At first, it's almost imperceptible - a slight heaviness, a tightening of the skin. He absentmindedly rubs his thigh. As he continues munching on the gingerbread man’s legs, the sensations intensify in his lower extremities. Muscles begin to swell and thicken beneath the surface of his skin, straining against the fabric of his jeans. The denim stretches taut, creaking softly as it struggles to contain the rapid growth. His calves bulge outward, transforming from a lean, wiry shape into a thick, corded mass. Veins pulse visibly along its length, prominent and throbbing. Higher up, Jeremy's thighs begin to balloon, expanding into a formidable pillars of raw power. His quadriceps and hamstrings hypertrophy at an alarming rate, bunching and rippling beneath his skin.

“Fuck.” He mumbles, shifting uncomfortably on his new pillowy bubble butt, “I should move around a bit.”

He stands up to stretch and takes a bite out of the gingerbread man’s torso. As he does, he feels a surge of energy course through his body. His stomach rumbles hungrily, craving more of the sweet, spicy flesh. He devours the rest of the torso in greedy mouthfuls, savoring every morsel. With each bite, Jeremy's transformation accelerates. His midsection expands, the once-skinny waistline now a chiseled expanse of defined abs. Each ripple and groove is etched into his skin like the finest marble sculpture. His chest broadens, pectoral muscles growing dense and powerful. His nipples harden into pert, masculine buds, standing proudly atop newly formed pecs. Shoulders widen, trapezius muscles bulging with strength.

Still unaware, Jeremy's hands tremble slightly as he brings the gingerbread man's arm to his mouth. He bites into the soft dough, feeling the texture melt between his teeth. The flavor explodes across his tongue, a perfect blend of spices and sweetness. As he chews, Jeremy's arms undergo a dramatic metamorphosis. Biceps and triceps swell, growing massive and imposing. Forearms thicken, veins popping out in stark relief. Wrists broaden, tendons standing out prominently as they anchor the gigantic muscles above. With each swallow, Jeremy's sense of balance and coordination deteriorate further. He stumbles backwards, dropping the gingerbread man's head onto the floor with a soft clatter. 

“Oh fuck!” He falls backwards and lands on his ass with a loud thump.

At that moment, his clothes rip from the strain of his muscles, falling away from his chiseled frame. Jeremy gasps when he sees his new figure. He surveys his new physique, hands reflexively reaching out to touch the ridged planes of his chest. His fingers trace the defined edges of his pectorals, marveling at the sheer size and hardness of the muscle beneath. Beneath the gaze of his own awestruck reflection, Jeremy becomes acutely aware of the substantial bulge straining against his underwear. He shifts uncomfortably, feeling the fabric dig into the newfound mass. With a sharp tug, the elastic waistband gives way, allowing the underwear to slip down his thighs and pool around his ankles.

“Holy shit... what did that gingerbread man do to me?” Jeremy gasps as he stares at his growing erection and he instinctively wraps a meaty hand around his cock.

A shiver runs down his spine as he realizes the full extent of his transformation - not just physical, but also primal and instinctual. His mind reels, struggling to comprehend the sudden shift in his desires and needs. Jeremy's gaze drifts to the remnants of the gingerbread man lying on the floor. The head, still intact, beckons to him with an unsettling allure. A part of his mind screams at him to resist, warning of unknown consequences, but the allure of the sweet, spicy treat proves too strong to ignore. With a sense of trepidation, Jeremy plucks up the gingerbread head. He brings it to his lips, hesitating for a moment before taking a tentative bite and then devouring it. The flavors explode across his taste buds, a potent cocktail of sugar, spice, and something darker, more primal.

“Oh fuck...” He grunts as he feels a pressure in his skull.

His features begin to shift, contorting into a more brutish, angular visage. His nose flattens, becoming wider and more prominent. Cheekbones sharpen, giving his face a harder, more chiseled appearance. His eyes, once a mirror into his sharp mind, become dull, gleaming with confidence and arrogance. A cocky smirk spreads across his lips, drawing attention to a set of perfectly straight, pearly white teeth.

“Oh yeah, I'm fucking beast mode now!” Jeremy boasts to no one in particular, admiring his reflection in the mirror, “Look at these guns!”

He flexes his massive biceps, watching in awe as the muscles ripple beneath his skin. He gives them each a kiss. His ego inflates with each passing second, replacing any semblance of humility or empathy.

“You know what? Fuck school. Who needs books when you've got a body like this?” Jeremy scoffs, kicking aside his textbooks and notes. “Time to live life to the fuckin’ fullest.”

A knock at the door pulls Jeremy away from his self-indulgence. He quickly grabs a pair of his old red briefs, which strain against his ass and cock, and strides over to the door. The frat boys who had earlier disrupted his study session stare wide-eyed at the towering, musclebound behemoth now standing before them. But their silence quickly turns into snickers and low whistles as they take in Jeremy's exaggerated physique and the prominent bulge straining against his skimpy underwear.

“Well, well, well, looks like that’s the way the cookie crumbled.” one of them jokes, elbowing his buddies and grinning wickedly. 

The others chuckle and high-five each other, clearly amused by their friend's successful prank. The ringleader steps forward, patting Jeremy's shoulder roughly.

“Welcome to the team, big guy! Now that you've got the right look, why don't you join us for some holiday cheer?”

Jeremy’s dull mind processes the request, and he grins as they hand him a Santa hat. And despite the cold, he joins his new brothers in their caroling. Belting out the words to various songs. Enjoying the looks of pure lust as he shows off his masculinity. As they walk back to the frat house, Jeremy felt a firm hand on his ass and feels the lustful eyes of his new frat bros on him.

“I think it might be time to frost our gingerbread man.” One of his bros snickers, adjusting his bulge, “You ready Jer?”

Jeremy's grin widens, his dull mind now consumed by a single-minded desire to please and impress his new fraternity brothers. He nods eagerly, a spark of excitement igniting in his chest at the prospect. He licks is lips, imaging their cocks in it- his ass pulsing with need. Yeah, he was going to give them a Christmas they’d never forget.

[unknownati]

xi. christmas!

a/n: guys part of this was supposed to be the PROLOGUE to a 12 part sfw and nsfw winter/christmas themed drabbles (mini fics?) but i got too busy 💀 literally had 4 days left to write but then the 12th went by and i was like... damn

its ok tho i might upload the finished days just as separate fics

while we're here why does nle choppa have a christmas song

warnings/tags: none rlly, just fluff, SO corny, SO sappy, no use of y/n, no description of reader's features, gn!reader, decorating w/ ekko 🎉, reader is a THIEF, pre-arcane plotline (choosing happiness)

_______________________________________________

christmas in zaun was nothing close to ideal. it was never if people celebrated, but more if they could afford it, which most of the time was a no. unless people had kids, they weren't going out of their way to make it a whole thing. not only that, but people didn't really care for it, anyway. they had other things to do. sure, maybe you'd see some extra lights around, or maybe a few lopsided wreaths hanging on a weathered door, but it was always the bare minimum.

but ever since you snuck into piltover as a kid right at the tail end of december, your world was absolutely rocked by the blinding lights and stars and bows and garlands and wreaths and the huge tree sitting smack dab in the middle of the city, illuminating the night sky.

after that, you were obsessed with the idea of christmas. you never had the funds, nor the time, nor the energy, nor enough friends or family to make anything happen all by yourself. but the dream stuck to you.

and then came ekko, and with him, a chance. a huge tree? with an abundance of people living there? it gave you the best idea.

*✲ﾟ*｡⋆

cool november air was giving way to the first hints of winter, the sharp bite of cold nipping at the cheeks of zaunites. warm colored leaves were shriveling into themselves and trembling down onto the concrete, scattering through the town. settled in uneven piles, nestled in corners, where the wind could push them no further. christmas has long began to be advertised in piltover, and your excitement was uncontrollable.

quiet as a mouse, you slipped into ekko's work room. he's sat on his stool, elbows rested on the table with his figure shadowing over his work. your fingers glide across his biceps, chin resting against his right shoulder.

"hey handsome," you chirped, working your digits over the curves of his muscles. your lips curled into a grin you were incapable of withholding. "y'got a minute?"

"for you, always." he turned, hands hoisting the weight of his upper body on his knees. his eyes softened upon looking at you. "what's up?"

you slid on his lap, feet swinging back and forth, pendulum like. "soooo," you begin, leaning back on his shoulder. "i'm sure you know what christmas is."

"yeah, why? want me to get you something?" his fingers twisted at the hem of your sweater. you shake your head—not the goal right now.

"no. well, yes, but not what i'm asking you for right now," ekko's head tilts in response. your voice dropped into a playful yet unsure murmur. "iiiiii wanted to know if you'd maaaybe be willing to decorate the base and celebrate it this year?"

his thoughts stutter, and then he laughed. "baby, you know i'd love to, but i can't. don't have the time or the money."

a pout formed on your face, lips jutting out. "we don't have to spend money, we can use what we have lying around! and i have some extra money on the side. we're not flat broke."

"doesn't solve the whole time thing."

"oookay, make time. we'll have the kids help, too! you won't even have to do much, like—seriously, think about it. we don't even need to get a tree because the firelight tree, duh. we can use big cardboard boxes to look like fake presents, we can steal lights 'n' other stuff from the pilties—"

you rambled on, every idea you've ever had since childhood resurfacing and bubbling out of you in an unstoppable torrent. each thought, each plan, all of it spilled out, an overflowing pot.

"hey, hey—" he interrupted, thumb stroking your thigh. "listen, those ideas are great. but we can't. and you have got to stop stealing from topside."

your smile faltered. "but why!? think about the kids, think about me!" ekko hesitates to speak, eyes darting around the room as your face transitions into a pleading pout. "please? pretty please? i'll do the dishes for a month?"

"fuck," your eyes filled with stars. ekko groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. "fine! fine, jeez."

the squeal that exited you entered directly into his ears, lips pressing kisses into his face in rapid succession.

"thankyouthankyouthankyou!!! oh my god, it'll be great, we can have the kids make little snowflakes, we could have a little fucking wish box to get gifts for some of the kids—" you gasped loudly upon a realization, planting your hands onto his shoulders. "—you can be santa!!!"

he scoffs, brushing a loc of white hair out of his face. "don't push your luck."

you sigh in mock defeat. "fine, hiemerdinger's got that. i'll take what i can get."

"isn't he kinda short for santa?"

you shake your head. "don't height shame."

*✲ﾟ*｡⋆

ekko rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, a small groan rumbling in his throat as he reached over on the bed to find you.

empty.

his head flipped. you've left a now cool dent in the bed in your wake, blanket left in a wild mess.

he frowned, sitting up and looking around. you're nowhere to be found.

maybe you got up to use the bathroom, he thinks, standing up to search the place for you.

the second his feet hit the floor, his brows furrow.

'...glitter?'

his gaze lifts, and his eyes widen as they follow the specks of glitter scattered across the floor, which caught the faint morning light that bled through the curtains.

he followed the trail, small drops of glitter turning into discarded cardboard scraps, which turned into unfinished rolls of ribbon, which lead him to his workroom, where the door was slightly ajar.

he slowly pushed the door open, finding you hunched over a box that you were decorating to look like presents. you tilt your head up to look at him, a smile spreading ear to ear.

"w'ssup?"

he glanced at the small clock on his desk. "it's...five in the morning, why are you up so early?"

you gestured towards the pile of finished boxes in the corner. "working!" the sound of tape ripping off of the roll fills the air as you took a strip, taping the box shut. "i already collected a bunch of paper for the kids to make snowflakes, borrowed some lights 'nd garlands from topside, aaand i'm almost done making all these boxes."

a lot done considering you had had that conversation just the night before.

ekko crouched down to your level, eyes meeting yours. "but...you're gonna clean all this up, right?"

silence.

"right?" he repeated.

your eyes narrowed. "yes?"

"why is that a question?"

you scoff, pressing an empty roll of wrapping paper into his chest. "why are you asking me so many of 'em? get to work. and i need you to use your hover board to fly around and get those lights up," you nod towards a pile of lights on his desk without looking away from your box. he opened his mouth to reply, but you cut him off. "thank you!"

he rolled his eyes and stood, tossing the wrapping paper roll into the recycling bin.

at a more appropriate time in the day, you stood at the top of the firelight tree after capturing everyone's attention. public speaking wasn't exactly your thing, but ekko insisted you do it since everything was your idea.

you cleared your throat as the crowd settled into silence, all eyes on you. you shifted your weight onto your other leg.

"um—wow, okay, hi guys. so, i'm sure you've all...heard of christmas. and i know it's usually kinda lame, but truuust me, this year i'm gonna make sure it's—" you gather your fingers, kissing the tips of them and flaring your hand out. "—chef's kiss."

eyes leave you to glance at other's reactions, the silence lifted by an excited murmur.

"yeah, but i'm gonna need help. i have a bunch of paper that i need to be made into snowflakes, so that by the end of the day this place can look better than it already does."

you shifted their focus to scar, who carried a large bin of scissors, string, and paper of various colors. (earlier, scar questioned how you got all these supplies. you just smiled at him.)

after a quick tutorial, children started racing to gather around him, picking their colors and scissors. within a few minutes, the kids were gathered in groups on the floor, cutting out their best attempts at snowflakes.

pride swelled in your chest and you looked up into the bulk of the tree's leaves, ekko's form flying around in circles with lights being strung along behind him. with fists on your hips, you beam. "i'm amazing," you praise, making your way back inside.

everything came together surprisingly quick. ekko had never seen you that focused—hanging up lights, making paper bows to place at the points where lights held, and placing those big fake presents around the tree. of course, other people helped too, which made the work lighter.

you mostly left the mural alone, only placing a few extra candles and waving to the colorful portraits.

by the time night fell, the project was close to finished. it wasn't perfect, but to you, it was. the entire base was illuminated in warm, white lights, paper snowflakes dangling from the branches and twisting in the wind. the beat in your chest stuttered. it all felt...magical.

*✲ﾟ*｡⋆

over the next few weeks, you kept adding and adding to the scene. and it was all finished just in time for today, christmas eve.

by now, you'd forced ekko into so many christmas activities, some more enjoyable than the others. he thoroughly enjoyed making matching pajamas with you and drinking cocoa that was overflowing with marshmallows—being constantly tricked into mistletoe kisses, not so much. at least, he acted like he hated it. he secretly adored accidentally walking right into your trap of a hidden mistletoe and being attacked by an onslaught of messy kisses.

ekko finds you at the balcony again, glancing out into the scene below. "hm. not bad." he leans against the railing, hips bumping into yours.

"yeah, cuz it's awesome. i did that, thank you."

warm lips meet your cold cheek. "mhm. you did." he paused, tongue running over his molars. "i-um...got you something."

you perked up at his words, head whipping around to face him. "ooh, you just reminded me that i have to finish making your gift, i—"

as you're speaking, he pulls a little box from his coat pocket, black with a messy red bow.

"it's not perfect, but...y'know," his voice trails off. he pops the box open and offers it to you.

inside rested a delicate necklace, light reflecting off of the silver metal and glimmering into your eyes. the chain was thin, the links very neatly melded together, and a little circular locket hanging off the center.

you take the box and reach in, mouth agape in awe, gently pushing the locket open. inside was a tiny picture of the two of you, laying in bed, with you sound asleep on his shoulder. ekko's eyes were shut as he was in the middle of pressing a kiss to your forehead.

you smile down at the picture, warmth flooding your chest. for a long moment, you're just staring at it, ekko awaiting your reaction. your lips press together, your vision starts to blur, and a tear rolls down your face and into the velvet lining of the box. then they just kept streaming down.

ekko's face drops, immediately reaching to wipe your tears. "hey, it's okay, if you don't like it i can get you something else."

you hiccup, shaking your head. "shut up, i love it so much, this is just everything i've ever wanted for my whole life, and it's so stupid but you've literally made this the best christmas i've ever had a-and this necklace is really cute and this was so worth doing the dishes—"

you could've kept going but your joyful sobs cut you off. it was all too much, all the decorations and all the traditions you once wished for finally coming into fruition. ekko's arms wrap around you and you return the gesture, fingers twisting into his coat.

"i'd do it again in a heartbeat." he whispers, moving to peck your wet cheek. once, twice, three times.

"boo," a voice calls below you. "get a room."

*✲ﾟ*｡⋆

[blackmoonowl]

𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨

Robert Joseph MacCready x reader

Contents: Your first Christmas out of the vault, and you try to cling to the past with a small celebration with your new wasteland partner.

A/N: This one was late chat, my bad.

"You old people really love your holidays, don't you?"

MacCready leaned against the outside wall of your home, cigarette hanging between his lips. For ten minutes he's been watching your sad attempts at decoration.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up," you grumbled in return as you 'accidentally' let a part of the Christmas lights fall, letting it drop onto his head, knocking his hat down onto the ground.

"Hey! Watch where you're swinging that thing!" MacCready scolded you as he knelt to pick it back up. "Where'd you get that thing anyway? Never seen it before."

"Picked it up while I was searching one of the grocery stores when I was looking for pre-war food," you replied with a smile as you stood on the ladder. "Lucky find."

"Found something actually useful? Could use a few extra caps in my pockets." You rolled your eyes at those words, looking down at him.

"Caps, that's all you ever think about, huh?" You replied, hanging up the rest of the lights.

"Mostly, I also think of you, sometimes." He showed you a cheeky smile, showing off his crooked and messed up teeth, worn down by the wasteland.

"Charming," you replied as you finished, stepping down from the ladder, landing on the ground with a small thud. You looked up at the lights decorating your humble new home. Not all of them worked, but it was better than nothing.

"Can we go inside now? Don't fancy freezing out here." The mercenary wrapped his arm around you, his head on your shoulder with a mildly annoyed expression.

"Oh, stop complaining, Christmas spirit and all that," you teased, gently smacking his hat down in front of his eyes as you walked past him towards your crooked front door.

"Never really had much with Christmas, not like anyone left me a gift," MacCready replied, fixing his hat and trudging behind. "Never had anyone to celebrate with. Well, not anymore, I suppose."

A small frown crept on your face as you rubbed his back. The mercenary's muscles relaxed under your touch, a sigh escaping his lips.

"You have me now... right?" You tried to cheer him up. "I know that doesn't fix anything... but it's something." MacCready didn't reply at first, opening your front door and shutting it after both of you had entered.

You prevented it from going further, your hands planted on his shoulders. MacCready looked at you.

"Sorry, I just..." he rubbed his face with his hand, trying to find the words to explain how he felt.

"Don't apologize, I understand. You've had it rough." You gently grabbed the back of his hand, gently pulling it off his face, wrapping your fingers around his rougher, calloused ones. "I'm just glad you're here."

"Thanks doll, you just know how to make me feel better." It was meant to sound like his usual flirting, but you could hear his emotions brewing beneath the surface as he leaned down to press a swift peck against your lips before pulling back.

"That's it?" You asked with a small smile on your face. You gently grabbed his face with both your hands, pulling him close again so you could kiss him, allowing the moment to linger.

MacCready's eyes lit up slightly despite his complex feelings. He moved his head slightly to kiss the inside of your palm before you pulled your hands away from him.

"Next year we'll celebrate with Duncan, I promise," you finally mumbled, and he nodded.

"Thanks, I'd like that," MacCready replied. There was an awkward moment of emotionally charged silence between the two of you before he spoke again.

"Still so damn cold around here, I'm gonna go get firewood if you make us some decent grub to eat." He grumbled as he tossed his hat onto the table before making his way out the door.

"Are you kidding me? I'm going to make the best Christmas dinner you ever had," you replied, leaning on the old, worn-out couch you had somehow managed to drag into your house.

"That's putting the bar pretty low," he retorted his hand on the doorknob. His brief grin turned into a softer smile. "Still though... thanks, for everything. I really don't deserve you."

"Don't be ridiculous," you replied, crossing your arms over your chest as you shot him a scolding look. "I'd be dead without you, you know?"

"Guess that makes two of us." Was the last thing he said before disappearing out the door, wrapping his arms around himself to keep somewhat warmer. You on the other hand, began searching through your rations. There was leftover Radstag meat with wasteland vegetables like corn and tato's. There wasn't a whole lot to work with, but you were determined. Grabbing old, sharpened knives you scavenged from a vault, you got to work.

As you worked, MacCready walked back in with his arms full of firewood. He dumped it in the makeshift fireplace as he got to work, making a fire.

After rubbing the limited range of wasteland spices into the meat, you put it in an old pot before placing it above the fire, standing next to your partner.

"Smells good," he commented, placing his arm around you. "You might just convince me to like Christmas. Got a gift for me next?"

"Greedy much?" You huffed in response, bumping your hip against his, causing him to chuckle.

"Worth a shot," he hummed, smiling more genuinely now. "You're the best gift I could hope for, though. I've felt more at peace now than I have in years." MacCready walked over to the couch, plopping down and pulling you with him. You let out a small laugh as you were squeezed to his side.

"I mean it," he spoke, leaning on you. "I love you."

Glancing up at him, your smile widened.

"I love you too."

[fanfictiongirlie]

Marvel: Unplanned Chapter Fifteen

Masterlist

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader (First person written though)

Description:

"It says...it says it's positive doll" His voice matching mine in a quiet shaky whisper.

"Fuck... I'm pregnant?"

"Yeah doll, you're pregnant"

"Fuck" I whisper.

Rating: Explicit

Chapter Warnings: Swearing, smut, descriptions of injuries nothing gory though

Chapter Words: 2,701

Hope everyone had a good christmas (Or a good day, if you don't celebrate. Enjoy this chapter!)

A few weeks later, the day Bucky had been dreading came along, he looked up at me sadly, whilst Jamie played happily on the carpet with her toys. I was getting ready, dressed in my Avengers outfit, my custom rifle was strapped to my back, my knives strapped along my belt. It felt good, my outfit was tight against my skin, it sucked in parts of me which were less defined since having a baby, not that I minded those parts anymore. 

Bucky's eyes darkened as he watched me, he hated this, he knew how important this was for me, but he hated the idea of me leaving him and Jamie. I knew he was trying to keep his expression neutral but he sucked at that. 

"You all set? Got everything you need?" He asks, I pat along my body and smile widely at him. I was excited, I started exercising the moment it was safe too after having Jamie, so my body was ready, I needed to be back in action.  

"I have, it's a quick in and out mission, a day tops" I smile at him, hoping he'd smile back. He nods, his jaw tensing. He forced a smile, I frowned a little. 

"Yeah..okay..Just...you be careful doll, come home safe to us" He asks. 

"I promise, I'll be home before you know it" I smile leaning down to kiss his lips, I lingered for a moment, feeling my body flush as my lips touch his. I moved away and crouched down to Jamie. 

"Jamie, say bye bye to mama" I say, she looks up at me, her eyes wide and innocent, her face lighting up when she looks up at me. 

"Mama bye" She says, along with a few incoherent syllables, waving her tiny hand in a wobbly wave. 

"Love you sweet girl" I whisper, kissing her forehead for long enough she started to wiggle against me. I step away, watching the two of them for a moment, feeling my heart ache. I took a deep breath and left the room, I jogged to the mission room where Nat waited for me. She smiles when she sees me. 

"Ready?" She asks. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus and push away the thoughts of Bucky and Jamie. I meet Nat's gfaze, my expression determined. 

"Yeah I'm ready, let's do this" I grin, we climb into the jet and Nat gives me a run down to the mission. I listen intently as she flies the jet, it's straightforward, a simple intel mission, though I know better than to underestimate anything. I asked a few questions to clarify things when needed. I struggled a little during the mission pushing Jamie and Bucky from my thoughts, but Nat and I worked together, I loved working with her, she was my favourite mission partner. 

The mission goes easily, we get the information we need, there was a small fight, but nothing we couldn't handle, I was left with a few scratches and bruises, but I was happy to be back in the game. When we got back to the Avengers Compound, I hung up my weapons and the on sight nurse checked me over, none of my injuries were deep. A strange part of me enjoying seeing the bruises, being back on missions was something I was very excited for. 

We had been gone for two days, I was ready to see my two people. Once Nat and I finished up writing the mission report, I rushed out from the room and travelled through the compound until I reached my apartment, I opened the door seeing Bucky pacing the room, one hand stroking his beard and the other resting on his hip. 

"Miss me?" I ask as I step into the room. Bucky's eyes instantly rake over me, his expression flickers from worry as he spots the bruises and scratches over my body. He moves forward and I'm in his arms as he holds me close in his arms.

"Like crazy doll" He whispers, his arms tightening around me. 

"Oh I missed you" I whispered my voice muffled in his shoulder. 

Bucky holds me tightly, his grip bordering on possessive. He buries his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling the familiar scent. His voice is gruff when he speaks again. 

"You have no idea doll...Everything go okay? You're not hurt, are you?"

"A few scratches and bruises, nothing I couldn't handle" I answered. 

Bucky pulls back, his eyes roaming over me again, looking over the injuries I had. I watch as his jaw clenches, his protective instincts probably kicking into overdrive. 

"Oh Bucks, it was so fun, such a rush!" I grin excitedly "Now where's my girl?" 

Bucky rolls his eyes, his worry mixed with fond annoyance at my excitement over the mission. "She's in her room, down for bedtime"

"I wanna see her" I whispered, I take Bucky's hand into mine as I lead him into Jamie's bedroom. She was asleep in her crib, her tiny body wrapped up in a baby blanket. I sigh happily when I see her, I reach down to gently stroke her sleeping face. 

"Missed my girl" I whispered. 

"Not nearly as much as we missed you" Bucky whispers, his hand touching my back.

"Baby, I was fine, back to my Avengering days" I say happily as I turn to face him. Bucky lets out a huff. 

"You say that now doll, but next time you come home with more than bruises and you're laid up in bed for a week, we'l see how 'fine' you are then" He grumbles. 

"Mmmm you can wait on me then, can't you" I grin, stepping closer to him. I watch as he rolls his eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. 

"Oh is that right? You think I'm gonna be waiting on you hand and foot, doll?" He asks. 

"I know you will, you worship me" I giggle quietly, aware Jamie was still sleeping. I pull Bucky out of Jamie's room, and shut the door. 

"Damn right I do" Bucky says, his jaw clenching. "But don't get used to it, just because I can't say no to you most of the time, doesn't make you the boss of me"

"Sure Bucks" I say smirking, I move a little closer to him, pressing my lips to his neck. I hear his breath hitch, a small shiver ran through his body and he coughed slightly to hide it. But I noticed. His hands moved to rest on my hips, he held me closely. 

"Dammit doll, you always rile me up" He mutters as I nip at his neck. 

"I could always stop?" I say quietly against his skin. 

Bucky's hands tighten on my hips, pulling me flush against him, he lets out a low growl, his voice a mixture of desire and warning. 

"Don't you dare"

Suddenly he pulls me away from outside Jamie's room, and pushes me against the opposite wall. His body presses against mine as he captures my lips against his in a demanding kiss. I sigh happily into his kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck. Bucky's hands gripped my hips, his fingers digging possessively into the flesh. His tongue explores my mouth, tangling with my own in a hungry, insistent dance. A low growl rumbles in his chest, his body presses into mine harder, pinning further to the wall. 

Bucky breaks the kiss and moves his lips to my jaw. 

"Gonna fuck me against this wall Bucks?" I ask breathlessly. A low, dark chuckle escapes Bucky's lips as his teeth nip against my jaw. His voice is a rough, possessive rumble, his eyes darkened with lust. 

"Damn right doll, right here, right now" 

"Fuck...yess. I love you"I groan loudly, my hands move to lift his shirt up. He yanks it from my hands and pulls it off, discarding it carelessly on the floor. He leans forward to suck marks into my neck as his hands grab my waist again, pinning me hard against the wall. 

"Fuck Bucks" I whine. 

"That's right doll, say my name" He says quietly, his metal hand moving to the waistband of my trousers. He nipped at my skin, his teeth sinking into my lower neck and shoulder, just hard enough to leave a mark, he grinded his hip against my hip as his metal fingers slip under my trousers. 

I use my own hands to rip off my shirt, and undo his belt. He stepped backwards suddenly, I pulled down my trousers and he did the same, we both took our underwear off, needing to be naked. His eyes looked over my body, I could tell he was focusing on the bruises littered over my body, on the mission, I was thrown against a wall, and my body showed that. He moved forward, his hands caressing my skin, his touch soft and careful as he traces along the bruises on my body. I sighed loudly, it hurt, but the lust in Bucky's eyes as he touches me made me feel less pain as my own pleasure built. 

"Whatcha thinking?" I asked my head cocking. 

"Seeing you like this...I hate the idea of you getting hurt, but at the same time, seeing you all marked up...It's driving me crazy" He explains, his eyes dark as he looks over my body, I shiver at his words, feeling the wetness between my legs pool. 

"Aw baby, you like the idea of covering me in bruises and marks you make?" I ask quietly, my voice low and full of lust. Bucky grunts, his expression intense. 

"You have no idea doll..The urge to cover you up in my own marks, to claim you as mine, it's nearly irresistible" He groans, I smile softly. 

"I am yours"

Bucky lets out a possessive growl his hands tighten on my skin, he eyes move to lock onto mine. 

"Yeah, you're all mine" He whispers leaning forward, his mouth finding my neck, his teenth scrap along my sensitive skin. "No one else's"

"All yours baby" I whimper as his fingers move from my hip to my clit, he slowly moves two fingers against the nerves. I moan softly, my head falling back against the wall. "Fuck, I wanna marry you...Fuck!" 

Bucky pauses, his lips still against my skin, his body tenses at my words, but his fingers don't stop, his flesh hand moves up to hold my chin, he pulls my head to look at him, our noses bumping. His eyes meet mine, a mix of love and possessiveness in his gaze. 

"You want to marry me, doll? Make me a husband?" He asks quietly. 

"Yes, fuck, I want you forever" I whisper, nodding my head slightly. I watch as his expression softens, he cups my face, his thumb gently caressing my cheek. His voice is gruff, but full of emotion.

"You already have me forever doll, from the moment we met, I was yours" He says carefully, I wonder if he really means that, we hated one another from the day we met. Our first meeting was an argument. "But marrying you, making it official...I want that. I want it more than anything" 

He says each other whilst putting his fingers into my, I spread my legs giving him more room. His fingers stretching my tight hole ready for him, it didn't take him long, we both liked it when I was tighter, the pain of him stretching my was, addicting. He lifts one of my legs and moves forward angling his cock to my hole. 

"Fuck, I'm yours Buck" I whisper as he pushes inside of me. He moves down to kiss my neck as he thrusts into me. 

"You're damn right you are, you're mine, and I'm gonna make sure you remember it every day" He groans, his hips thrusting up into my hard, my pussy stretched around his cock, feeling every vein as he fucks hard into me. I moaned loudly feeling my release my pussy tightening around him. I feel his lips grin against my neck, he pulls away and looks at me with a mixture of love and possession in his gaze. 

"Love you" I whine as I feel my legs getting a little weaker. He holds my leg against his hip a little tighter, using it to fuck into me harder. 

"The sounds you make...I could listen to them all day, I love hearing you say my name doll, say my name?" He begs, his voice becoming a little pathetic. 

"Bucky" I whine as I come on his cock again. His voice hitches, his hands grip my skin harder, his body flush against mine, he leans down his lips moving against my ear as he speaks in a low, ragged voice. 

"That's it doll, say it again, I wanna hear you moan my name, over and over"

"Bucky!" I moan again, and again. He closes his eyes, his body responding immediately to me as I ramble his name again and again. He growls moving his hips faster, his cock slamming into me. 

"Yes, doll! You're so perfect, so perfect for me, all mine, mine, mine" Bucky rambles as he spills into me. We were breathing heavy, our foreheads now pressed together. His eyes were stilled closed as he chest heaved as he struggles to catch his breath. 

He opens his eyes, looking at me through half-lidded eyes, his body trembling from the intensity of his release. I was glad he was holding me up, my legs had gone slack, and I wasn't sure if I could hold myself up. My hands were on his shoulder, holding myself up, my chest moved up and down, as I try to calm my breathing. 

"Doll, you're gonna be the death of me someday" He lets out a bark of laughter as he speaks, his voice happy and exasperated. 

"Let's hope not" I whisper, breathlessly. Bucky chuckles softly, his body still pressed against mine. He reaches up and brushes a strand of my hair away from my face, his touch gentle. 

"No let's hope not, I've got a long life of loving you ahead of me" He whispers lovingly. 

"I hope so baby, bed time?" I ask, my body exhausted from both the mission and mine and Bucky's activities. He peeled himself away from me, his arms still holding me steady against the wall so I wouldn't fall. He reaches down and scoopes my body into his arms, holding me close. He carried me to our bedroom and we crawled into the bed, I moaned softly at the feel of the bed under me, I was happy to be back. 

"Comfortable doll?" Bucky asked, he pulled me close, wrapping his arm around my waist, he pulled me so my head rested on his chest, he pressed a gentle kiss to the top of my head. 

"Very much so" I answered. He rests his chin over my head, holding me close, as he lazily traces his fingers over the skin of my back. 

"I love holding you like this, makes me feel like I'm protecting you, even though I know damn well you're more than capable of taking care of yourself" He whispers into my hair. 

"Sweet man" I whisper back, my voice drenched in sleepiness. 

"Don't be spreading that around ya? Can't have my grumpy, tough as nails reputation ruined" He murmured as he let out a short chuckle, his fingers continuing to trace patterns on my skin. 

"Think that reputation was ruined a long time ago" I replied. Bucky laughed softly, his chest vibrating with the sound against me. He nips playfully at my ear, his tone teasing. 

"Yeah, maybe you're right. I'm a big ol' softie"

"Soft boyfriend to me, soft dada to Jamie" I smile softly. 

"Soft as damn cotton wool for you and a big ol' teddy bear for Jamie" He answers, his voice soft and playful. 

"We love you" I whisper as my eyes shut. 

Bucky smiles to me, he tightens his arms around me, holding me close as he whispers back, his voice a low rumble.

"And I love you both, more than anything in the universe"

Chapter Fourteen - Chapter Sixteen

Taglist:

@quinquinquincy @jaybbygrl @wintrsoldrluvr @sebastians-love @learisa @hi172826 @ravennablue @purplecolordeer @a-small-blue-nebula @buckitostan @knyaotjjkbiatch

If you want to be added to the taglist, just comment on this post <3

[haveyouseenthisskeleton]

Can I get ut sans, toriel, alphys, mtt, and undyne's reaction to finding out that their human friend has royalty in their family bloodline?

Undertale Sans - Yeah, and? It's not changing anything. Well, he can do more royalty puns now and looks for more material, but that's pretty much it. If you don't know what to do with all your money, yo can buy a new couch though, the old one is dying.

Undertale Toriel - She's quite interested, actually. She knew a lot of royal human bloodlines before the war, and she would love to know if you're from one of them out of curiosity. She might have some anecdotes about your ancestors!

Undertale Alphys - Are you a runaway prince/ss like in those cheesy Christmas telenovelas? OH. MY. GOD. Alphys won't stop asking you questions about what's your relation is to your family and if you have an evil stepmother that wants you to marry an asshole guy against your will but you're secretly in love with that random journalist from a small town that is the son/daughter of Santa Claus. You tell her that it's stupid because the only person you love is somehow a lizard scientist, but in a small town. Alphys gets really excited about that before she realizes you're talking about her and suddenly flushes and tells you to shut up.

Undertale Undyne - Well it's not a competition or anything but Asgore officially adopted her so she's also a princess and not to insult you or anything but she looks way fucking cooler than you as royalty. You might have an ego problem thingy on the arms now as Undyne won't stop challenging you to fight her to fight to get your crown, no matter if you told her a million times that you actually have no crown at all.

Undertale Mettaton - How are you so calm about it when you could be a major celebrity in town? You ask him to please not do anything stupid. The next day, you found a crowd of journalists in front of your door because Mettaton screamed on national TV that he found the lost heir of a random king in a country that you don't even know. ... You're going to get sued, are you?

[midnight-mourning]

Sending a couple request ideas!!

Mayhaps some sharing Christmas with the merbois, giving them presents (maybe some mistletoe smooches)

Or alternatively! An au of your choice where the bois see snow for the first time :0

Fishy Traditions

❄️❄️Midnight's DCA December Day 28❄️❄️

back at it again with ANOTHER mer au (making this my second mer fic ever, yippee), enjoyed writing this one as well, hope you all like it too ^-^

Prompt: See Above

Word Count: 1502

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

"Put more over here, Sunbeam!" Sun calls out to you. "And here, and here, and here!"

You laugh, but oblige him, heading over to the sections of the cave he directed you towards, bundles of holiday greenery in your hands. "Okay, okay. I'm on my way."

You'd considered other, brighter decorations, but you worried about things that were artificial potentially harming either mer. There was also the concern of them trying to eat it, given they've attempted such with things like your phone before. You wouldn't outright say you didn't trust them but... you were certainly thinking it. 

So, you settled on what you were assuming—hoping—were mer-safe decorations. Things like fir boughs, mini Christmas trees, and of course, mistletoe. You hadn't told them the significance of that last one yet, you think they might go a little crazy over it and you want the place to be decorated before that happens. 

Moon tsks as Sun points to other spots for you to set things. "You're going to crowd the place and then it won't look good anymore. And all their hard work will be for naught."

"I'm not doing anything of the sort! You're just jealous I have a better understanding of this holiday than you." Sun sticks his tongue out at the other mer, who growls in response. 

You turn around to continue hanging things up, laughing at the two of them. When a wave of water hits you in the back. You jump, turning around in time to watch the two of them wrestle in the water, bickering about who's right and who's wrong. 

You clear your throat loudly and the stop, looking over to you as you turn around and point to your back. "Let's settle down now, yeah?"

Mumbling apologies, they separate, but not before grumbling and shoving each other at least one more time. 

You shake your head, sighing as you trudge over to a rock and sit down, having to remove your jacket and shirt to change. Luckily, you'd been planning to stay the night with them, so you could celebrate the following morning. Therefore, you had pajamas to change into, laying your wet clothes out to dry. Now the only issue was making sure you stayed dried the rest of the evening. A daunting task in and of itself. 

Once you're settled, you get back to it, finishing up decorating their cave a little bit after that. All that was left was to decorate the tree, with fish-safe ornaments or course. 

This meant two options really, candy canes and strings of popcorn. Both of which had your mers eyeing the tree hungrily. Maybe you should have left it bare after all. 

"You can't eat the decorations." You scold, swatting Sun's reaching claw away from the tree's base. "At least wait until tomorrow, anyway."

"But I know they'll taste so good." Sun whines, making grabby hands for a low-hanging candy cane. "Just a nibble! You won't even notice!"

You laugh, using both hands now to push back against his forehead. "No, then you'll want more, and more, and then we'll have a sad looking tree!"

"Sunshine I'm starving. Please, I'm going to wither away here." Sun's hands grip your wrists, pouting as he looks up to you. 

You huff. "We literally just ate dinner!"

Finally, you have no choice but to relent. Tossing not one, but both of them a candy cane to quiet their begging. 

You almost don't want to put their presents under the tree, knowing it won't end well for you. 

However, you think you're able to distract them with explaining more of your traditions. Keeping your gifts safe in the meantime. 

"And as a kid, we'd go drive all throughout the neighborhood to look at the lights. I always ended up falling asleep before we made it home." You're lying on your stomach, facing the water, as you explain to them. 

"I still don't understand these 'cars' you talk about, but that sounds similar to how we'd stargaze during winter migration." Moon's floating on his back, gaze unfocused as he reminisces. "The sky always seemed clearer in the colder months, brighter."

"You always fell asleep earlier, you missed all the good parts." Sun snickers. He's closer to you, holding your hand and snuggling it against his head as he rests against the pool's edge. 

You divert that argument before it can start, snapping your fingers on your unoccupied hand. "Oh! I haven't even told you one of the best ones." You reach behind yourself, grabbing a little bundle of mistletoe you had left over. "You see this herb?"

They both nod, heads tilting as they watch you curiously. 

It makes you laugh as you scootch closer to Sun and once you do, you lift the mistletoe above the two of you, giving him a kiss on the cheek. 

You pull away after a moment, grinning. "When two people meet under mistletoe, they're supposed to kiss. It's like a cute way to—hey!"

Sun snatches the mistletoe from you, now holding it up himself as he starts to pepper your face with kisses. You start laughing and putting your hand up to get him to stop but it does nothing. All of the sudden he's stopped, and looking up you see that Moon's dragged him under the water. You push yourself up into a sitting position and watch the two of them fight under the water. 

Suddenly, Moon emerges and swims over to you, grin sharp as he holds the soaking wet herb above his head. 

You roll your eyes, and give him a quick kiss. "You act as if I'm not going to be fair."

"Best not to take any chances, Star." He snickers, kissing you several more times before Sun gets revenge, dragging him back under the water. 

By the time they're done the mistletoe is unrecognizable. And to settle things you have to give them each their own bundle so to stop their arguing. 

After that, it becomes a game for them of who can get more kisses with you in the shortest amount of time. It gets to the point you have to back away from the water's edge to catch a breather. You're reveling in the attention, but damn. 

Finally, after sharing more traditions in the form of singing carols and telling stories, you start to tire out. You're ready to curl up in your sleeping bag and go to sleep, when you're suddenly surrounded on all sides by mers. 

"You two cannot be out of water for eight hours." You protest. "It's not safe!"

Sun flicks his tails and you hear a small splash. "We're partly in, that's enough."

"Besides, we at least want to give you your gift up close." Moon says, and shifting presents you a package wrapped with dry seaweed. 

You sit up slightly, taking the gift into your hands. "Oh, you guys didn't have to get me anything."

"Of course we did!"

"You got something for us."

You shake your head. "Still, thank you."

"Go on, open it!" Sun encourages. "We think you're really going to like it."

"We do, at least."

Sun hushes the other mer, hiding his face for a moment as Moon snickers. 

You're not sure what it means, and let it go as you unwrap your present. 

Lying inside is a beautiful necklace, consisting of tiny shells and little glass beads. Sea glass, you recognize. The center charm is a small sand dollar, with a sun and moon carved into it. Looking closer, you can see writing in their language. If you remember correctly at least part of the inscription includes their names. 

"Guys, this is, incredible." You rub your thumb over the carvings. 

"We wanted something that suited you best, compared to the typical choices."

You aren't sure what he means by that, but you don't get to ask as Sun rests his head on your shoulder, eager. "So you like it? You really really like it?"

"It's beautiful. I love it. Help me put it on, yeah?" You hold it out, and they take it, putting it around your neck together. 

Once it's done you reach up, adjusting it so the main charm rests properly. 

"Well, how's it look?" You ask. 

"Amazing."

"Just like you."

You feel heat briefly rush to your face. "Thank you."

You give them each a quick kiss, then settle back in their hold, content to fall asleep then and there. 

"So, can we open our presents now?"

You crack an eye open, frowning. "You've got to be kidding me."

"It's only fair, Starlight." Moon argues. 

You sigh. "And I was just about to fall asleep. Alright, fair's fair."

You haven't even got the words out before they're reaching over, shredding open the packaging to see their gifts. The chaos of it makes you laugh, and you bask in their excitement and joy at the presents, clutching your own gift in your grip. 

It's a Christmas to remember, that's for sure.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Thank you for the request @baby-bloos! Twas a fun one to do esp since it gives me the chance to take another crack at mer things :)

Masterpost link

Tag list (if you would like added, see this post for more info, you can also dm me!):

@scarletcowboy @beemyhuneybee @fishm0ther @deviouscrackers @elsajoyagent8 @luckyyyduckyyy @zenkaiankoku @jogimote @local-shrub @milosmantis @robinette-green @everlightreader @sinister-sincerely @starredeclipse @dangerva @juukai @crystalmagpie447 @mothgutz236 @lizyxml @divinit3a @amarynthian-chronicles @crystalfay

[gunnerfc]

🎄WOSO FICMAS: Dec. 18 - Kyra Cooney-Cross 🎄

Kyra Cooney-Cross x Reader (Arsenal) | WC: 753

Dec. 18 prompt - finding yourself under the mistletoe with the person you have a crush on

-> woso ficmas masterlist can be found here!

Leah had decided to host a team Christmas party after the last game of 2023, wanting everyone to have a chance to celebrate the holidays together before everyone left to go home. As you got ready for the party, you could feel the nerves starting to grow within you. Your crush on Kyra only growing by the day and you weren’t sure what to do about it. You hadn’t told anyone on the team, knowing the second they found out, they’d tease the hell out of you.

You were one of the first to arrive at the party, offering to help Leah finish setting up and making sure everything was ready to host the entire team. In rushing around to finalize everything, you failed to notice the mistletoe that was in the doorway leading to Leah’s kitchen. Had you known about the little plant that was up there, you would have avoided being alone with Kyra even more than you would have naturally.

It wasn’t until everyone had arrived that you truly noticed the nerves. Watching from the living room as Kyra made small talk with her fellow Aussies, you felt your face flush as you heard Leah sit beside, you clearing her throat to get your attention. When you met the blonde’s eye, she didn’t say anything but the knowing smirk on her face let you know your secret crush had just been discovered.

You quickly excused yourself to the kitchen, needing to find something to drink and to calm your nerves. Standing in the doorway, now with a cup in your hand you let your head rest against the siding, your breathing evening out.

“Hi, Y/N. you good?” the familiar Aussie accent caused you to jerk your head away from the siding, making eye contact with the one person you were trying to avoid tonight.

“Yeah! Yeah, I'm good! How are you?” you were sure Kyra could hear how shaky your breath was but she didn’t comment on it, a small “me too” leaving her mouth.

Kyra moved closer to the doorway, now standing under the mistletoe that neither of you knew was there. Neither of you spoke, both feeling the nerves of being this close to the person you had a crush on, even though the other had no idea.

Just as you were about to speak, planning on asking about how she planned to spend the holidays back in Australia, Katie walked in between you, focused on getting a drink from the kitchen. You and Kyra both moved to let the Irishwoman pass, not expecting her to stop right in front of the two of you.

“Y’know you're under the mistletoe, ya gotta kiss now.” Katie didn’t bother to stay to see if you followed through.

You and the midfielder stood staring at each other with wide eyes before slowly looking up, coming face to face with the mistletoe. A small part of you was hoping Katie was just fucking with you but she had in fact been telling the truth.

Both you and Kyra locked eyes again, both feeling your nerves. Though a part of you saw this as an opportunity to finally tell the Aussie how you felt.

“We don’t have to! I'm sure they won't even know that we didnt.” Kyra spluttered, not wanting to make you uncomfortable.

With a quick shake of your head, you muttered “I want to.”

Neither of you moved at first, but Kyra made the first move, stepping closer to you giving you time to leave if you wanted. You quietly exhaled a breath you didn’t know you were holding as you moved a hand up to rest on the side of the midfielder’s neck. Kyra gave you a little nod before your lips met in a short but sweet kiss.

You both pulled away, faces flushed from having finally made a move. Neither of you spoke and soon the quietness between the two of was broken as you heard Caitlin calling for Kyra. Despite the other Austrialian’s yelling, Kyra didn't move.

“If I don't go see what she wants, she’s just gonna keep getting louder.” the Aussie joked, but before you could respond, she added, “We can talk about this later I promise. I really like you and I wanna take you out on a date.”

All you could do was nod, not fully trusting your voice. Kyra’s smile grew, the Aussie leaning in to give you a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving to find your teammate.

[kissitbttr]

hello! i read you miss having asks and i don't know if you maybe miss having some requests (in case you aren't taking any you can ignore this and i hope you'll have a good day <3)

but what about some domestic Miguel and spending your first Christmas together? just imagine sitting on the couch in front of the TV, with a blanket covering both of you, watching some way too romantic soap opera, while drinking some hot chocolate and just enjoy the moment <3

(i know this is so early and we are still in November, but I swear, I can already feel the nostalgic feeling of Christmas </3)

xmas with miggy? say no more baby!!

-

it is absolutely one of your favorite holiday, ever. the music, the decorations, the presents for your loved ones, the cooking and baking. everything about christmas just screams fairytale,

miguel has never been the one who’s fond of this specific holiday, or any holiday for that matter. he would drown himself in work to avoid any invitations from friends. sad but anything to get away from interacting with strangers.

now ever since you stepped into his life, he can’t help but see how this year’s christmas would be different. having you with him to celebrate together just changes his perspectives. now he has someone to hold and love, this christmas would bring joy into his life.

you and him had been pretty busy with the decorations and stuff. buying a Christmas tree, getting pretty ornaments, looking for presents etc.

“need a hand, baby?” miguel steps into the kitchen, seeing you take out fresh cookies from the oven. you look so… comfy. dressed in his old t-shirt with your hair tied up in a bun—his clothing is basically a dress so there’s no need to be putting on some pants other than underwear—

you nod, looking up at him before setting the cookies on the counter. “can you put those hot chocolates on the table, my love?” you ask with a smile,

his heart soars at the nickname before grabbing the two cups of hot cocoa with tiny pink marshmallows in them. “you pick or i pick the movie?”

you’re quick to raise your hand in a child-like manner, causing him to laugh. “me, duh!” you answer as if it’s the most obvious thing. “we’re tuning in The Mafia Dolls and La Reina Del Sur”

miguel groans at the choice, shaking his head as he put the tray down on the table before grabbing a blanket. “you just want to watch Kate Del Castillo because you have a crush on her” he points out,

shrugging you showcase an expression of no shame. “she’s hot. you know i would leave your ass for her”

miguel jaw drops open, hand over his heart as he watches you stifle a giggle. “i’ve had enough time dealing with men trying to hit on you on a daily basis and now i have to compete with Kate Del Castillo too?!”

“her and Eva Mendes” you nod, arms crossed, smiling to yourself as he rolls his eyes before throwing you a playful glare and sit on the couch. “you’re going to pay for that comment”

you give him a cheeky smile. grabbing two cookies as you stride towards him, his large arm coming to wrap itself around your waist. he gently pulls you down on the couch, letting your head rest against his chest as you feed him a cookie.

“mhmm” he hums in approval. “new recipe?”

“yeah. you like? grandma sent the recipe to me. said that i have to treat my man something nice every once in a while” you giggle to yourself as he put his arm behind you. his lips plants a kiss on top of your head.

“tell her i said thank you” he mumbles as he turns on the tv. “i like this you know?”

a hum rumbles from you as you lay your back comfortably against him, taking another bite of the cookie. “what is?”

then he smiles, eyes landing on you. his fingers move to stroke your soft hair gently, catching that sweet scent of your strawberry mint shampoo that he finds obsessed over.

miguel can’t exactly remember when he had something like this. probably in his childhood? not quite sure. even if it was true, he doubts that it’s actually memorable. he remembers there were a lot of screaming match and broken plates though. maybe that’s why he avoids christmas like a plague. it was never magical.

but you… oh god, you.

you changed it for the better. the decorating christmas tree, wrapping up presents for each other, counting fails at an attempt to create gingerbread house, cooking up delicious traditional food instead of unseasoned dish that he sees people are making. and it might not be a big christmas party like in movies or how his co-workers do it, but that’s okay really. that’s just how he prefers it.

you, him and christmas.

“being with you” he responds, not minding the chatters coming from the tv. “estoy agradecido por ti, princesa”

“so, so grateful” he mumbles, pressing another quick kiss on your temple.

his words cause your gaze to soften. you slowly turn your head to look up to him from the tv, who’s eyes glued into the screen. your heart warms at the sight of miguel being comfortable with you, a small smile attached to his face.

leaning forward, you give him a soft kiss on the corner of his lips. he sighs out of contentment at the gesture, hand around your waist tighten.

“i’m grateful for you too.”

-

aaa this feels like it’s rushed but i hope u like it anon! I’m sorry it took too long:(

[a-simple-imagine]

That Warm Christmas Feeling

Synopsis: Your spending the holidays with Jordan but you wake up feeling hot…

Pairing: Jordan Li x fem!reader

Words: 1k+

A/N - Happy holidays my lovelies. I woke up feeling absolutely awful which sucks but here’s a little gift. It's short and messy but enjoy.

WARNINGS - swearing

a blanket of white snow paved the way for joyful celebration and family festivities. the festive season had been deep in your bones since late November. the cheesy Christmas movies. the bright flashing lights. and jolly old men in beards. you never cared much for the festive season by any means, it almost seemed like too much but you were making a conscious effort to try and enjoy it. you want the first holiday season together to feel even just a little special. you had been dragging them along to all kinds of festive events. you had been ice skating and drank hot chocolate. Christmas shopping around the markets. it was all just fun and games. the main event was to take place at their home. your first time meeting their parents. it seemed like such a big step for a rather new relationship but you weren’t against the idea. it would be fun.

a loud groan forces its way past your lips as you roll onto your back. a dull ache settles deep in your bones. a thick fog invades your head as your brain throbs. a blocked, tickly nose. great. you’re sick. on Christmas day of all days. you pull the covers up over your head to escape the sun peaking through the windows. couldn’t have picked a worse day. “good morning,” whispered in your ear. there’s an edge of excitement to their voice. their hand comes up to remove the duvet and reveal your less-than-pleased expression. You move away from them, burying your fave deeper into the pillow. “You good? I thought you'd be more excited. My parents have a full day planned, you're gonna love it.”

A pit of guilt or nausea grows in your stomach. You really wanna get up and enjoy the day but you also just wanna go back to sleep. “Please don't be mad,” you mumble against the fabric of the pillow.

“Why would I be mad?”

“I feel like shit,” you admit. “I think I'm sick.”

“Oh,” there's a pause that almost allows you to drift off again. “That's shit.”

“I’m sorry,”

“no no don’t be,” they reassure you. “You should stay in bed if you're not feeling up to it.”

“is that okay?” you ask quietly.

“Sure, they’ll understand. go back to sleep and I’ll check on you in a little bit, okay?” your only answer is a slow nod that pushes the fabric of the pillow roughly across your cheek. The door clicks shut and you drift off into sweet, sweet unconsciousness.

The time is a mystery when your eyes flicker open next. The world doesn't feel real as your head hammers with an uncertain pain. You sniffle as you fall onto your back. That's when you spot Jordan approaching with a steaming hot beverage in their hand. “How you feeling?” you just groan extra loudly emphasising just how awful you felt about the entire situation. “so good then yeah,” the bed dips beside you and he reaches over with a free hand to check your head. you don’t feel particularly hot so it probably wasn’t a fever. “Mom made you some tea, said it’d fix you right up but don’t feel like you have to.”

pushing up into a seated position, Jordan hands over a mug decorated with little Christmas trees and snowflakes. a heavy sigh leaves your lips. it really did feel like more effort than it was worth just sitting up straight. you take a cautious sip and warmth spills through your veins. “I feel like I ruined today,” you mumble into your cup. staring down at the swirling liquid. “I should have mentioned earlier.”

“you didn’t ruin anything,” Jordan expresses, a calming hand placed on your leg over the covers. “it’s not your fault you got sick.”

“I haven’t really felt great the last couple days but I thought it’d just go away.” you shrug, taking a much larger sip. “I really wanted to do Christmasy things with you. your parents probably think I’m awful.”

“They don’t think that,” they chuckle softly. “just focus on getting better and we can do Christmasy things tomorrow. they won’t mind.”

“thank you for the tea,” you reply handing back the drink.

“and besides,” he takes the drink back. “you’re giving me an excuse to get away from them. I need a break every now and then.“are you hungry?” you shake your head slowly. falling back down against the bed.

“tired.”

they just chuckle. “I’m gonna sit here a moment longer before I brace my parents again. just ignore me.”

the room is shrouded in darkness when Jordan enters once more. a crack of light filtering through the door. you don’t bother acknowledging them; just pull the thick duvet closer to your chest. a heavy sigh fills the air but it doesn’t come from you. the bed dips beside you. “are you awake?” they ask but you don’t bother answering. a silence a silence falls over the room as they shuffle about doing god only knows what. “I’m sorry you got sick,” Jordan speaks aloud. “I wish you could have spent the day with us. my parents can be a lot but they do go all out for Christmas… and I was looking forward to giving you your present,” their voice is quiet and you’re not sure if you should admit to being awake now. “my parents would have loved it. they’re already obsessed with you and they’re so happy I finally brought someone home. and I was gonna tell you I love you” After a moment you know they’re climbing into bed with you. an arm around your waist. you roll over to face them. “maybe tomorrow.”

“you’re gonna get sick,” mumbled out.

“I don’t mind,”

“Are you sure?”

“mhmm,” hummed softly and you don’t bother arguing. you just snuggle closer to his chest. they feel safe and comforting. a welcomed addition to your cosy domain. “I’m glad you’re here,”

“I’m glad you’re here,” you repeat against their chest. “and for what it’s worth. I… love you too.”

“you heard all that,” you don’t respond just shuffle further into his embrace. falling asleep to the sound of their heartbeat as a gentle kiss is pressed against your head.

[canirove]

Canary boy | Chapter 15

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Masterlist

“Pedri, what are you doing?”

“Dancing.”

“Why?” I laugh.

“Because I'm cold, Inés” he replies.

“How can you be cold with all the layers you are wearing?”

“Maybe because it is winter? Also, you should not judge me. You were cold in Tenerife.”

“Yeah, but because I was wearing a summer dress in winter with no jacket or anything like that.”

“And I am a Canarian boy living in Barcelona. I'm not used to this weather.”

“Yeah, my canary boy” I smile. Wait, did I just say that aloud? Oh… my God. I did. The way Pedri is smiling is all the confirmation I need and oh… my God.

“Inés!” a familiar voice calls. “Inés, over here!”

“Mum!” I wave when I see her.

“Oh, Inés, finally!” she says, giving me a hug that almost leaves me breathless. “I can't believe you are finally here!”

“Yeah, but can you please stop squeezing me so tightly?”

“Of course, of course” she chuckles, taking a step back and cupping my face. “Oh, look at you. Don't you look beautiful? Doesn't she look beautiful?” she asks Pedri.

“She always looks beautiful to me” he smiles.

“Even when she's all red and sweaty after running around playing football?”

“That's kind of sexy” he shrugs. 

“Yes, well, ummm…” I mumble. Why is Pedri telling my mum that I look sexy when I'm sweaty? Why is he telling anyone that I look sexy? Why is he saying that I look sexy at all? Like… what? “I guess we should do the proper introductions.”

“Oh, yes, of course!” my mum says. “It's so nice to meet you, Pedri” she says, letting go of me and hugging him as tightly as she had hugged me.

“Nice to meet you too” he smiles. 

“Now, c'mon, let's go. They say it is snowing later today, and we don't want to be stuck on the road on the last day of the year, do we?” my mum says. “And Matt is waiting in the car and didn't park properly, and we don't want to end the year stuck on the road and with a parking ticket, do we?” she laughs.

“She talks a lot, doesn't she?” Pedri whispers while we follow my mum, who is now telling us about the last parking ticket she got.

“You have no idea” I sigh. Why did I think that bringing him with me to Manchester to celebrate the New Year with my mum and my sisters was a good idea? I don't know. But after seeing him getting along so well with my dad's side of the family, it just made sense, you know?

“Inés, are you sure about this?” he said when I told him about it.

“100% sure. You've only met half my family and I met everyone in yours in Tenerife, didn't I? We aren't done yet.”

“I know, but…”

“If you are worried about the plane tickets, don't. They will be my Christmas present. And” I said when he was about to protest again. “You don't have to get me anything in return. Just being there with me will be enough. I prefer experiences over material things.”

“Good to know” he chuckled. “But Inés, I don't know. I…” he said, running a hand through his hair.

“You told me you've never left the country, that when you first flew to Barcelona it was your first time on a plane.”

“It was, yes.”

“Then think about this as some kind of holiday! We can do more than just be with my mum and my sisters, you know? Manchester United is playing against Arsenal, so we can ask Matt to get us some tickets. Did I tell you that his brother works for the club?”

“You did, yes. But…”

“And since neither my sisters or my mum like football, we can be on our own. We could go on a date. First the game, then dinner just the two of us…”

“All that sounds amazing. But are you sure about this? Are you really really sure?” he asked me.

“100%, I already told you. C'mon, Pedri. Say yes.”

“Pouting doesn't work on me, Inés” he smirked. “It is the other way around.”

“Ok, fine. And if I do this?” I said, kissing his cheek.

“Meh.”

“And this?” I said before giving him a peck.

“Not enough.”

“And if when we are back home I do that thing you liked earlier?” I smirked. 

“You mean… when you went riding?” he whispered.

“Yeah” I nodded, my face on fire. I had wanted to try something new and… wow.

“Ok.”

“Really? Did I just convince you with… sex?” I said, mouthing that last word. Even though we were alone in one corner of my grandparents’ living room, everyone else busy talking to each other, you never know who could be listening.

“But just this time. The next time you come out with another crazy idea, you'll need a lot more.”

“Noted” I chuckled. “Does this mean that we are going to Manchester, then?”

“We are, yes.”

“Yes! Thank you, Pedri!” I said before kissing him, my cousin Daniel yelling again for us to get a room. 

Also yes, I properly kissed Pedri in front of my whole family. And yes, it still haunts me. Though it was a really good kiss, so remembering it isn't that bad. 

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“So you are the famous Pedri who finally put an end to Inés’ Trivial tyranny, uh? Welcome to the family!” my sister says, making me roll my eyes.

“Thank you, Ingrid” he chuckles.

“I'm not Ingrid, I'm Irene.”

“Wait. Wasn't the one with the mole on her cheek Ingrid?” he asks me.

“Urgh, Inés. What did you have to ruin all the fun?” 

“Sorry” I shrug.

“But good for you, sis. You've found yourself a man who actually listens to what you say, he is a keeper!” Ingrid laughs, making me roll my eyes once again and Pedri do a weird laugh that makes me look at him and… is he blushing? Pedri? Because of what Ingrid said? What? “Jules confused us a few times when he first met me.”

“He confused his girlfriend with his sister?” Pedri asks.

“And almost kissed the wrong one” I add.

“What?” he says, his eyes going wide. Oh, his eyes. I'm always talking about his lips, but his eyes? Urgh. Gorgeous gorgeous brown eyes. 

“Yep” Ingrid nods. “When I realized what was happening I slapped him, and since that day he hasn't gotten confused again. He is lucky he isn't my type” she chuckles.

“Who isn't your type?” my mum asks her, walking into the living room.

“Jules” she says. “Though he could be Inés’. Or yours. You all like your men with dark hair and brown eyes, don't you? So boring.”

“And how did the last girl you introduce us to look like, sweetheart?” my mum says. “And the one before her? And may I remind you of Aida?”

“That's… umm… whatever” she says. Now Ingrid is the one blushing. Good. 

“We are engaged!” someone yells from the main door. 

“What?” my mum, Ingrid, Pedri and I say at the same time.

“We are engaged! Look!” my sister Irene yells again, storming into the room. “Look, look, look!” she says, showing us her hand, a huge diamond on her finger.

“Oh my God, Irene. You are engaged!” my mum says before running towards her and hugging her. “She's engaged!”

“I am!” she says, both of them starting to jump.

“Did you know she got engaged? I think she hasn't said anything about it.”

“Oh, Ingrid, don't be jealous. You will also find your one one day” Irene says.

“Maybe I don't want one” she shrugs.

“Which will be their loss” Irene says, letting go of my mum and hugging her.

“Congratulations, Nene” she says, hugging her back and making me jealous. I've always wished I had the sisterly bond they share. I know they both love me and would do anything for me, but… 

“Inés!” Irene suddenly says, turning around to look at me. “You are here!”

“I'm here” I chuckle. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

“Thank you” she smiles, giving me a quick hug that isn't anywhere close to the one she just shared with Ingrid. “And this must be Pedri!”

“The new Trivial champion” Ingrid says.

“It was about damn time someone put this one on her place” Irene laughs, nodding towards me. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too. And congratulations” Pedri says.

“Thank you! Because I am… engaged!” Irene yells before showing us her ring again, my mum and Ingrid surrounding her to get a better look at it.

“She is… excited” Pedri chuckles when she lets out a squeaky scream that almost leaves us all deaf.

“You should have seen her when I got down on one knee.”

“Oh my God, Jules!” I say, turning around. “I hadn't seen you there, I'm so sorry.”

“It's ok, don't worry” he smiles. “It's nice to see you again, Inés.”

“You too” I say before hugging him. 

Jules and Irene have been dating since I can remember, and while my sister has sometimes ignored me because she doesn't like football, he's always been there for me, supporting me and showing interest in my career and my life in general. 

“And you must be Pedri. Welcome to this crazy family” Jules chuckles.

“Thank you” Pedri smiles, shaking his hand. 

“They can be a lot to handle sometimes, but they are totally worth it and you'll end up loving them all as much as you love Inés, trust me” Jules says. “And if you ever need a break from them or just want to vent, Matt and I are there for you” he laughs.

“Good to know” Pedri chuckles while my brain still is stuck on “you'll end up loving them all as much as you love Inés”. Like… asdfghjklñ. 

“I think we should celebrate, don't you?” my mum says, stopping my internal freaking out. “Ingrid, go to the kitchen and bring one of the champagne bottles, I'll get the glasses. And call Matt! He is working in his office and may have not heard the screams with his headphones. This is going to be the best New Year's Eve we've had in… forever!” my mum smiles. “I have all my girls with me, the oldest one just got engaged…”

“For two minutes!” Ingrid yells from the kitchen.

“And the little one is the happiest she's ever looked. I could not ask for anything else” my mum smiles.

“Oh, you could” Ingrid says, joining us again. “Grandchildren.”

“True” my mum chuckles. “But there is time for that. A lot of time” she says, looking at me and Pedri. “Gonna go find the glasses. Did you call Matt?”

“I'm here” he says as he joins us all in the living room, wrapping an arm around my mum's waist and kissing her cheek, making her giggle. 

“Urgh, please don't start” Ingrid complains. “I want to make it sober to midnight.”

“Oh, shut up!” my mum laughs, finally getting the glasses. 

“I'm sorry” I whisper to Pedri.

“About what?” he says as Ingrid pours some champagne and Irene does little jumps while looking at her new ring.

“About them. Like Jules said, they are a lot to handle.”

“I like how chaotic they are.”

“You won't be saying the same at the end of the night.”

“I will, you'll see” he says before kissing my cheek just like Matt had done with my mum. But unlike her, I don't giggle. I just turn into a real life tomato.

“So, what are we toasting to?” Ingrid asks when she's done pouring champagne for everyone.

“To love” my mum says. “To love and family.”

“And to me” Irene adds. “I mean, us” she says, smiling at Jules. 

“To love and family” my mum says again, ignoring her.

“To love and family” we all repeat before drinking.

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“Inés” Pedri says, kissing my shoulder.

“Yeah?” I yawn.

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah, just tired” I say, curling up a bit more against him. We are finally in bed after celebrating the New Year with my family for hours, my back against his chest and his arm around my body, spooning like we always do. Unlike his mum, mine didn't mind if we shared the same bed. 

“Nothing else?”

“Maybe a bit tipsy too. Ingrid's cocktails were quite strong” I chuckle.

“Then you aren't regretting bringing me with you?”

“What?” I say, moving on his arms to face him.

“I don't know… I had that feeling when I met your sisters. That you regretted bringing me with you.”

“What? No. No, no, no, no. I just… I… I was overwhelmed.”

“Overwhelmed?”

“They can also be a lot to handle for me, you know? Not only because my mum talks too much, Ingrid has no filter and Irene believes herself to be the centre of the world . They…”

“They what?” Pedri says, caressing my cheek.

“Sometimes they make me feel like an outsider” I confess. “Especially my sisters. We are so different… And then besides the age gap there is the fact that they are twins and share that special bond and I…” I say, biting my lip. 

“You?” 

“I wish my family was like yours, Pedri. I love mine, don't get me wrong. But with them I've never felt the type of happiness I felt in Tenerife when I met yours just by seeing them interact between each other and with you. I wish I had with my sisters the relationship you and Fer have. I wish I had gotten to see my parents look as happy as yours do, have those memories of them instead of just arguments because someone had been late to pick me up from school. Your family is perfect and mine is just… just...”

“Oh, Inés” he says, hugging me against his chest when I start crying. 

I had never told anyone I felt like that about my family. Pedri is the first person I am opening to like this. The first person I'm feeling comfortable enough to share it all, to be that vulnerable with. 

“But there are no perfect families” he says. “You got to see mine in a good moment because they all were happy I was back home, but we also argue and there are days where we can't stand each other.”

“But they still are together and support each other while my parents and my sisters can't even get together to support me on big moments in my career like the Real Madrid game. There always is something that comes first and that is more important than me, like their jobs, their partners, a friend that needs their help with something... And I'm tired, Pedri. I'm so tired of always being left behind. Of looking up at the stands after a game and never seeing them there supporting me. I am so fucking tired.”

And as I cry my eyes out while he hugs me tighter, kissing my head and whispering the loveliest and nicest things to comfort me, I feel as if a weight is lifting from my chest. As if by confessing all these things to him I'm doing like what Elsa sang in “Frozen”, and finally letting it go. 

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“Inés… Inés, wake up.”

“Uh?”

“Wake up, c'mon” Pedri says.

“It's too early.”

“It isn't. Get out of bed, c'mon.”

“No.”

“Then you asked for this.”

“What the fuck!” I say when I notice something freezing cold on my cheek. “What was that?”

“Snow.”

“Snow?”

“It is snowing, Inés” he smiles before moving towards the window. The opened window.

“Pedri, you are gonna get sick.”

“I don't care. It'll be worth it” he says, extending his arm to touch the snow.

“Being your nurse won't” I say, getting out of bed but taking the duvet with me. “Here” I say, putting half of it around his shoulders while the other covers me.

“Thank you” he says, still smiling from ear to ear. He may be crazy for standing next to an open window just on his pyjamas while it snows, but he looks so cute. So… happy. “I had never seen snow before.”

“What?”

“I'm from Tenerife, Inés” he chuckles. 

“But you have the Teide there. You must have seen it with snow.”

“From afar, yeah. But I had never seen snow like this, coming from the sky. Or felt it” he says, moving his arm again to catch one of the snowflakes. 

“And now that you have, what do you think of it?”

“It's beautiful. Though not as much as you” he smirks.

“Oh, stop it!” I laugh, giving him a little push. “My face probably is all puffy from last night's crying session and everything I drank.”

“You look beautiful, Inés” Pedri says. “You always do. But now that you mention last night… How are you feeling? Are you ok?”

“I am, yes” I nod. “I really needed to let all that out. So thank you for listening and being there for me, Pedri.”

“Always” he says, caressing my cheek and making me flinch. “Cold?” he chuckles.

“A bit” I smile.

“We should probably close the…”

“It's snowing!” Irene yells from somewhere in the house.

“Dear lord. Does she always scream like that?” Pedri says.

“Yep. Especially when she gets excited.”

“Poor Jules. I don't know how he isn't deaf already. They've been dating for years, haven't they?”

“They have. But I guess he doesn't excite her that much” I shrug.

“Inés!” Pedri gasps while closing the window. 

“I didn't mean it like that! I meant that… I… Ummm…” I mumble, my face on fire despite the cold.

“You meant it like that and you know it” he smirks, wrapping his arms and his side of the duvet around me. “Do I excite you like that?”

“You…” 

“Inés?” my mum says, knocking on our room’s door.

“Saved by the bell” Pedri winks, making my face feel even hotter than it already was. Face, and other parts of my body too.

“Yes, mum?” I manage to say.

“Are you guys awake?”

“We are.” We are so awake right now. Especially yours truly.

“The girls want to go outside on the snow and take some pictures, maybe make a snowman. Why don't you get dressed and join them?”

“Yes, sure. Give us five minutes.”

“Ok” she says before I hear her walk away.

“Ready to freeze your ass off?” I ask Pedri.

“Ready” he smiles.

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“Don't you dare, Pedro. Don't you… dare!” Ingrid yells before Pedri hits her with a snowball and runs away. “I'm murdering your boyfriend, Inés!”

“You’ll have to catch me first!” he replies with a childish giggle.

“Oh, Inés. You should see your face right now” my mum chuckles, sitting down next to me.

“What? Why?” I say, touching it. 

“Your smile” she says, giving me a mug with hot chocolate.

Once Pedri and I joined everyone else downstairs, we all went outside into the garden, where Ingrid organized a couples snowmen competition. Mum and Matt were the winners according to her, but if you ask me, mine and Pedri's snowman was way better despite being the first time he was making one and me spending most of our time taking photos and videos of him smiling or struggling with the snow. It was just too cute, and I knew he would want to remember it all. 

After that they decided to start a snowball fight, but since I could not take part of it due to the risk of slipping, falling and getting injured, I sat on the garden’s deck and watched them scream at each other, snapping photos from time to time while my mum sneaked out with the excuse of making us some warm breakfast for later. 

“What about my smile?” I say, taking a sip from my mug.  

“You love that boy, don't you?” 

“What?” I say, almost choking. 

“Pedri” my mum says. “I've been keeping an eye on you, and I've noticed the way you look at him and the way you smile at him. Because of him. It's like your face literally glows. And I think I've never seen you that happy, not even while playing football.”

“Maybe because you haven't seen me playing since you moved here” I say to myself.

“Inés, you love him” my mum says.

And the thing is… that I do. 

After what happened last night, after the way I opened myself to him and how safe and understood he made me feel, I realized that I wasn't falling in love with him anymore. I realized that I was in love with him. 

That I am in love with Pedri. 

“I'm glad you found him” my mum says, taking my hand on hers and giving it a squeeze. “You deserve to be happy, Inés. To be loved. And he is giving you that. Happiness, love. So enjoy it. Cherish it.”

“Dad said something similar” I say, my eyes fixed on my mug.

“Then you know this is serious, because for your dad and I to agree on something…” she laughs. 

“Yeah” I smile. “Thank you, mum.”

“Of course” she says, kissing my cheek before walking back inside the house. 

“Urgh, Inés, you don't know what you are missing” Pedri says, running towards me and sitting down where my mum was a moment ago.

“Getting soaking wet because of the snow?”

“That too” he laughs. “But this is so… so… I don't know how to explain it.”

“You don't need to. Your smile says it all.”

Look at me, basically quoting my mum.

“Does it?”

“Yep” I nod. 

“Does it also say that I could do with a sip from that chocolate?”

“It does. Because your lips are turning purple.”

“You could help me warm them up, you know?” he smirks, moving closer.

“Starting the new year horny, uh?” I chuckle. Wait. Did I just say that aloud? Oh… my God.

“A bit, yeah. That's what happens when you sleep next to someone as beautiful as you are, Inés” he winks. He's horny and cheesy. Cool. “Anyway, mind sharing?” 

“It doesn't taste as good as the one we make when we eat churros, tho” I say, passing him my mug.

“It's warm. That's enough for now” he says before drinking. 

“Pedri!” Jules calls. “Pedri, I need reinforcements!”

“I gotta go. My boy needs me” he says, getting up and leaving the mug where he had been sitting.

“Your boy?” I laugh. “Since when?”

“Since last night when he, Matt and I had a little chat. And I better go. I fear Ingrid may leave your sister with no fiancé to marry.”

“Yeah” I chuckle. “But before you go…” I say, also getting up and holding his face by the chin and rubbing my finger over his upper lip. “You can't go to war with a chocolate moustache, can you?” 

“I cannot, no” he smiles. 

“There. Perfect” I say, not being able to contain myself and kissing him, not caring about my family seeing us. They had already done it the night before, so…

“Pedri!” Jules calls again. 

“I have to go, Inés” he says against my lips.

“Urgh, fine. Go” I say, rolling my eyes. “Go save Jules and be a hero, my canary boy.”

Oh God. I said it again. And aloud. Is there something in Manchester's air?

“My lady” he smirks, giving me one last kiss that leaves me giggling like an idiot while I watch him run towards where Jules is, picking some snow and making a ball to throw at Ingrid. 

[fushipurro]

Merry Christmas

☆ Content: sfw (with some nsfw undertones), pet names, established relationship, domestic fluff

☆ Notes: the one who left it all behind and his overwhelming jolliness

"toji, can you hold this part for me, please?"

"do we really need all these lights and shit strung up everywhere?" he scoffed, doing as you asked nonetheless with one hand while the other hovered near your back.

something about you and ladders forms a bottomless pit in his stomach but he won't dare take the smile beaming from your face.

"uh, yeah we do? it's our first christmas together as a couple, i want to make it extra special!"

"it's already special with you here."

you leaned down and planted a kiss on the man's forehead, his ears dusting pink in surprise.

"i love you, toji, but you're going to get a full decked out holiday celebration."

"if it makes you happy, but can you at least let me do this?" he furrowed his eyebrows, watching you move the step stool everywhere there was a blank spot in need of holiday cheer.

"no can do, we'll decorate the tree together but i don't know about your eye for decorating." you teased, looking at the man with a smug expression.

he scowled, but softened when you went back to focusing on what you were doing. toji loved watching you so intently focused, the slight pinching of your brows or the twiddling of your fingers while you were debating options, the smile you made when it worked out.

all of this was a first for him, his own family had no need to celebrate just another day that served no use to them. you were shocked but expected as much when it came to the zenins, but resolved yourself to make the season special for toji.

when it came time for the tree, you had to do everything in your power to not be a bridezilla about it. toji was willing to decorate it with you, sure, but the idea that putting four of the exact same ornaments so closely together was so painful.

you snuck a few around from time to time when he wasn't watching, but still let him be creative in his own way since in the end it doesn't really matter so long as the two of you are happy.

"anything else?" he asked, looking at the nearly empty bin. his eyes led him to a small wrapping that he took into his hands.

"oh perfect, you're holding the last thing we need!"

he unwrapped it to reveal a beautiful stained glass star full of colors. "where does this go?"

"at the very top of the tree, i'll go grab the ladde─" toji's arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you against his body.

"i have a better idea." he smirked, handing you the star while lifting you up from your hips, allowing your legs to wrap around his own. he moved closer to the tree, giving you the extra height you needed to reach the top, placing the final cherry on top.

"okay, now to just plug this here and... voila!" the tree came alive with lights and colors, brightening up the evening room in a beautiful display. "well? what do you think?"

toji took a few moments to take in the sight, leaning down to your lips to kiss you passionately. "pretty, but still doesn't come close to you, sweetheart."

"toojjjiii, you're so sweet." heat rushed to your face as you hugged the man, admiring the tree together. his hands rubbed your back up and down while he held you, looking down at your eyes that reflected the twinkling lights.

you walked over to the couch, taking the remote in hand, "now we have to watch the best christmas movie ever."

"this isn't going to be some sappy chick flick, is it?" he scowled.

"even better, and i know you'll love it."

toji plopped down on the couch next to you, throwing his arm over your shoulder, "yeah?"

"get ready for some die hard, baby. a christmas classic!"

"who are all these cookies for?"

of course he had to ask, the kitchen counters were consumed with several different doughs, pans and cooling racks covering every free inch.

"for us, but there will be plenty to share with others too. we've got gingerbread, chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, and my family's sugar cookie recipe."

"is that what you're working on so intently?" he asked, looking at the rolled out dough and cutouts in front of you. an array of different colors were displayed in small bowls in front of you.

toji moved behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist and resting his head on the crown of yours. you could feel the warmth coming off of him, like you were enveloped in a heating blanket that was your lover.

"it is! the icing is my favorite part, i've always loved to decorate them."

he looked down at the snowflake shape you were beginning to drizzle white icing on, "is it supposed to look like... that?"

"like what?" you questioned before quicking realizing, lightly smacking his thigh making him chuckle, "toji! don't be a perv... it'll turn more opaque when it dries."

toji began to adorn your neck with kisses, tickling you and causing the icing to splatter around your work. his fingers easing their way under the hem of your clothes.

you took the snowflake cookie and shoved it up into his mouth, "you can wait for your present, mister, i've still got plenty of baking to do."

he groaned in disapproval, but took the cookie willingly as he snagged a few more from under you. "save some of that icing for later." he winked, pressing his lips to yours before you could respond.

you laughed, "glad to see you coming around to being jolly."

"if it makes you happy, then i'm happy."

you put the bag of icing down and trotted up behind him, grabbing his wrist and turning him to face you.

"merry christmas, toji." you smiled, pointing your finger upwards. he followed your finger to see a mistletoe hanging above the two of you.

toji leaned down to meet your lips once more, pulling you into his body, "merry christmas, y/n."

[someforeignband]

there's red & green everywhere (but i'm so blue) WC: 1.8k this is for all the christmas haters who have partners that are christmas lovers

Theoretically, Eddie should hate Christmas. It’s an amalgamation of everything he stands against, from organized religious celebration to conformism to capitalist gift-buying bullshit.

And, it’s not like Steve hates Christmas. It wasn’t like that, he swears it’s not. But, this year he didn’t even bother pulling decorations from storage because he knew his parents weren’t coming home.

And that was that, the garland and tree and mistletoe could stay boxed up in the garage. Steve wouldn’t have to worry about breaking his back to decorate the house. He had a partner that not only loved him, but liked him, so he didn't have to worry about impressing someone with unrealistic expectations of him.

For the first Christmas ever, Steve was without obligations.

Christmas might, for once, not be a massive disappointment if he didn’t spend the next few weeks building up excitement for something that would never happen.

It should’ve all been fine and dandy, should’ve been good. Steve could rest easy knowing there wasn’t anything he had to do in preparation for the holiday season.

But, to Steve’s absolute shock and horror: Eddie Munson loves Christmas.

Eddie loves Christmas in a way that he actually owns a copy of Frank Sinatra's Christmas album on tape and apparently keeps it in his car year round. Eddie loves Christmas in a way that means he has a whole box of recipes reserved just for the Christmas season. He loves Christmas in a way that means that he goes all in, just like he does with anything else Eddie loved.

The Munsons love Christmas in a way that means that Eddie and Wayne have a massive advent calendar that they take time every day to open. The Munsons love Christmas in a way that means that there’s VHS tapes of A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life sitting out just begging to be watched.

Eddie Munson loves Christmas.

So much so, that it pretty much looks like Santa and his Elves exploded all over the northeast corner of Forest Hills Trailer Park.

“Holy shit, Ed,” Steve shakes his head, looking around the trailer in disbelief. “This is crazy.”

“Isn’t it incredible!” Eddie grins, unwrapping another string of multi-colored lights.

“It’s-uh...” Steve stammers, trailing off, sort of dumbfounded by the insane amount of holiday cheer.

Not that he cared that Eddie loved Christmas. It was nice, actually, to see him so excited about something so... normal. Maybe this was a minor re-direction of the current timeline. No biggie.

Except that Steve supposed he’d have to rethink just about everything regarding the upcoming holidays. There’d have to be gift buying, and event planning, and meal prepping, and cleaning, and all of this pressure to do things he's not good at.

He's never been good at holidays, or gifts, or family, or love, or any of that stuff that comes with this time of year.

"Wayne needs some help outside with the lights, he's too old to be up on the ladder." Eddie calls over his shoulder, having migrated across the trailer to top the tree with an angel.

"Do you mind helping him out?"

"Oh-uh... No, no not at all. I got it." Steve murmurs, backing toward the door, still reeling from seeing Eddie like this.

Wayne greets him outside, smiling, nose red from the early December air.

"He's serious?" Is all Steve can say, exasperated, breath fogging up in front of him.

"As a heart attack, son," Wayne shrugs, grinning. "The kid loves Christmas." "Oh, no, yeah," Steve barks out. "I got that much."

"He's a little intense," Wayne chuckles.

"Got that, too," Steve laughs.

"I think he gets that from his momma," Wayne shrugs.

Steve moves toward the pile of lights and begins untangling. He's still in a near-trance, thoughts swirling, trying to figure out what this meant for Eddie, what this meant for their relationship-

"Don't work too hard over there, boy," Wayne chuckles, plugging a string of lights into an extension cord.

"Oh, I wasn't, I'm just-"

"C'mere," Wayne beckons him over, pointing at the painter's ladder leaned up against the side of the trailer. "Eddie'll lose his mind if I get up there." And so they go about hanging lights, and Steve's so focused on the fact that Eddie likes Christmas to even recognize that he was on a rickety old ladder, that it was higher than he was probably comfortable with, or even that it was cold.

Eddie likes Christmas.

He climbs down from the ladder, shoving hands in his pockets, just looking at Wayne, whose brows were furrowed, mouth all tensed up like he was trying not to cough or something.

"All done," Steve offers, brightly, slapping on a smile.

He's trying, alright. But, the imminent Eddie likes Christmas won't stop screaming at him, like it's a box he can't check.

"You okay, son?" Wayne asks, and it's like all the air gets sucked out of Steve's lungs.

"I don't think I can do Christmas like Eddie does," He confesses before he can stop himself, tears prickling at the corners of his eyes.

Wayne laughs, shaking his head, resting a hand on Steve's shoulder. "Nobody does Christmas the way Eddie does."

Wayne was entirely too unserious for the situation at hand and was obviously not understanding what Steve was saying.

"I've never really liked Christmas," Steve says quietly, like it's a secret, like he's afraid Eddie will hear. "I just don't want to disappoint him."

Wayne stops laughing, blinking a few times. "Oh, Steve, it's not that big'a deal."

"I didn't even plan on getting him a gift, I didn't even know we were celebrating Christmas, I thought he would hate it."

"Steve," Wayne cuts him off, placing his other hand on Steve's shoulder. "Eddie doesn't care about any of that."

Steve shrugs his hands off, shaking his head. "I just wish I would've known so I could better prepare."

"Prepare for what exactly?" Wayne asks, wetting his lips.

"So I'd do all the things he needs me to do to make Christmas special, you know? Ugly sweaters and presents and baked goods and all of that Christmas crap."

Wayne's eyes flicker downwards, like he's thinking something he's not saying.

"You wish you could've better prepared? To what? Pretend to be somebody you're not?"

"Well," Steve groans. "Don't say it like that."

"Son," Wayne sighs, and his hand is back on Steve's shoulder again. "The most important part of Christmas for Eddie is being with the people he loves. You are what makes Christmas special for him."

It takes everything inside Steve to not roll his eyes, it would be like Wayne to give him the 'Christmas is about love and family' bullshit. From the way it looked inside that damn trailer, like the North Pole had suddenly relocated to Hawkins Indiana, Steve had a snowball's chance in hell of making Eddie's Christmas special.

"The most important present Eddie will get this year is you spending Christmas with us," Wayne presses further.

And this time, Steve can't help it. He feels his eyes roll, ever so slightly. He sighs, giving Wayne a defeated shrug because this guy can not be serious. Did they see the same Eddie inside throwing fistfuls of tinsel onto every free surface?

But, before he can get into all of that, the front door to the trailer is slamming open and Eddie's skipping around all excited, looking at the lights.

God, Steve felt like shit.

"Look, kid," Wayne tries one more time, squeezing Steve's shoulder, pulling his attention back to the task at hand. "Eddie loves Christmas because it helps him be close to the people he loves. Don't go off trying to be somebody else for him, that would ruin the whole damn point."

That would ruin the whole damn point.

"They look so good, you guys!" Eddie grins, feet crunching over frozen leaves as he trots over to Steve and Wayne.

"And, I didn't get on the ladder even once," Wayne grins, eyes flicking between Steve and his nephew.

Something in the middle of Steve's chest tugs, painful but good, like rubbing out a sore muscle or itching at a sunburn.

"I wouldn't let him," Steve offers, end of his mouth twitching up into a soft smile.

"I knew I could trust you," Eddie grins, dimples on full display, cheeks already going red from the winter Indiana air.

Wayne waves a hand, feigning frustration, scoffing. "You both act like I'm a sneeze away from the grave. I'm goin' inside."

He storms away, but Steve knew he wasn't actually upset. His shoulders were shaking in silent laughter as he trudged toward the trailer's front door.

The door slams, and Steve feels Eddie's hand just barely grace his own. They stood a respectable distance apart. Steve's hand tingles from the featherlight touch, and his stomach flutters, watching Eddie look over his shoulder at the lights.

"Thanks for helping him," Eddie whispers, eyes bright and full of pure happiness. "He makes me so damn nervous on that stupid ladder."

Steve nods and a gust of wind makes him shiver, cutting right through him. It was damn cold out, and yet he hadn't noticed.

"Come inside, bug," Eddie gives his hand a quick squeeze. "It's gonna start to snow."

Steve looks up, and almost serendipitously a frozen flake hits his nose.

"Oh," He whispers, wiping his forehead.

Eddie giggles, "C'mon, baby. I was gonna make us some cocoa." He pats Steve's arm gently, nodding towards the trailer.

"I even bought a real gallon of milk for it! No powdered shit."

There's that feeling again, like cracking your knuckles or ripping off a bandaid.

The most important present Eddie will get this year is you spending Christmas with us.

Steve sighs, feeling another flake hit his ear, then another, and then another. He looks at the lights he just spent the better part of the last couple hours hanging, a few of them didn't light up fully, blinking dull and slow.

"Coming," He says, feeling the frozen leaves and grass crumbling under his steps. Eddie's holding the door open for him, grinning ear to ear at him like he was the one who put the angel at the top of the tree.

He picks up his pace, knocking his hip against Eddie's as he shuffles through the door of the Munson's trailer.

You are what makes Christmas special for him.

"I love you," Steve breathes, quiet and hesitant, as soon as the front door closes.

It feels weird, the warm lighting, the smell of hot cocoa on the stove, the Frank Sinatra Christmas album playing in the background.

Sunburns heal. Sore muscles get stretched out. Ripping a bandaid off only hurts for a second, and sometimes you have to crack your knuckles, so your fingers will feel better.

"I love you too, sweetheart," Eddie responds easily, without obligation.

For the first Christmas ever, Eddie had Steve. For the first Christmas ever, Steve was without obligation.

[stellar-constellations]

(Very late) Christmas special! Yuri Briar

Yuri Briar x Fem! Reader

        Beware! This fic DOES contain SPOILERS for the manga and for the Yuri Briar x Fem! Spy! Reader series: An Alliance (part 1)!

        This can be read with or without reading my Yuri Briar x Fem! Spy! Reader series: An Alliance (part 1).

        Series information: Setting is AFTER the reader rejoined WISE (so Yuri and [Y/N] are married and [Y/N] becomes an official double-spy).

        This is NOT a replacement or part 10 for the Yuri Briar x Fem! Spy! Reader series!

        The city air smelt like hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts. The town’s street lamps were decorated with yellow christmas lights and green wreaths. Children squished their faces against the cold windows of toy stores, gazing at what they want on their Christmas lists. Candies filled with marshmallows and peppermint advertised at the local grocery store. Yuri and I strolled through the town hand-in-hand, looking for gifts for the Forger family.

        “Do you have any idea what they’d want for Christmas?” I questioned, looking into store windows for anything that caught my eye.

        “I’m not sure. Yor said that she was fine with anything.” Yuri spoke, just as lost as me. 

        “Well what about Loid and Anya?” I asked, turning my head to look at Yuri.

        “Do we have to buy them gifts?” Yuri grimaced. 

        “They’re family.” I huffed. “Don’t be mean. And don’t even think about going to the Christmas party with an attitude to Loid. I’ll whack you.” I threatened.

        “I don’t even know what we’d give Loid. He’s so… reserved?” Yuri spoke. “He doesn’t talk much about himself other than work.” 

        “I see what you mean.” I hummed. “So work is obviously an important thing in his life.”

        “His main priority should be caring for Yor…” Yuri huffed.

        “We can talk about this later. The shops will close early because it's Christmas Eve, so we have no time to be complaining about stuff like that.” I pointed out. "Loid values work, we could get him something for work. Like, maybe a new journal to write notes? He is a psychiatrist after all.” I suggested.

        At least his public cover is. I thought to myself. 

        I tried to think more deeply on what Twilight likes without accidentally revealing to Yuri that I know him more than just his sister's husband. Of course I know things about him that Yuri and Yor won't, I did basically grow up with him almost my entire life, so I consider him like a brother and my best friend. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I basically knew nothing of Twilight's interests or hobbies. He's always been so work-oriented compared to my laid-back nature. 

        My realization led me to questioning everything I knew about Twilight. Is the personality I've associated with him almost my whole life a cover personality? Am I such a bad sister and best friend that I don't even know his favorite damn color? What he likes to do in his free time? 

        While I had an internal existential crisis, Yuri dragged me out of my thoughts. 

        "Hey, there's a bookstore over there. We can go find Loid's journal there?" Yuri suggested, pointing his finger at a small bookstore.

        "Yeah, okay." I nodded, dragging Yuri into the store with me. "Along with a journal, we can get Loid a book too. I'm just unsure of what types of books he'd enjoy." 

        "We have to get him more than one gift?" Yuri sighed, obviously displeased at the idea. 

        "Just wait till we get to Anya." I hummed. "She's a child, so she should get the most presents." 

        "When I was a kid, I didn't celebrate Christmas." Yuri pointed out.

        I did. Growing up as a West spy, the Handler would put time aside and host a Christmas party at HQ. She made sure to give small gifts to all spies (most likely to avoid promotions). Since I was a kid and the youngest on the team, she made sure my gifts were a little more special than my fellow spies. I remember the first year I joined WISE, she gifted me a warm sweater with comfortable short fur inside and the exterior was soft and gray, along with a raspberry candy cane. I cried so hard that day because I was so touched she bothered getting me something despite our relationship being something of a teacher and student. Now a days, I see her more of the closest thing I have to a mother in my life, and I make sure to give her a present every year too. 

        Speaking of the Handler, I need to find a gift for her too. I might be able to sneak out later and buy something while Yuri is sleeping. I thought to myself. 

        "Maybe a book on psychology?" Yuri questioned.

        "No. I wanna get him something for him to enjoy that's not all work-related." I spoke.

        Besides, me and him already know quite a bit of psychology as it is. I thought. 

        Maybe something like mystery? No, he'd figure out the mystery too quick. Suspense? No, he'd just get mad at the character's decisions for being stupid. Romance? Nope, he seems to have little interest in the subject. Maybe something dystopian? Eh, we've faced a war together and live under oppressed governments with the possibility of war, we have our own silent dystopian going on. Maybe something involving self-help, like how not to be robotic. It'd be a good gag gift, but like I said, I want him to enjoy it. Historical? No, we know just about everything in history.

        "Ah! Science fiction!" I exclaimed loudly. 

        "Like... robots?" Yuri questioned. 

        "I dunno, maybe. I think Loid would enjoy the genre." I spoke. 

        "How so?" Yuri questioned.

        "He's smart, he is a psychiatrist after all. He'll probably like something that's mixed with reality but still have hints of fiction in it. Smart people like smart things like science! It'd be something to get his brain working and still enjoy it." I spoke.

        "Pssh, anyone can listen to a person's problems and give out solutions." Yuri huffed.

        "That's not all they do, Yuri. They also—" I paused, deciding it wasn't worth going in depth. "Ah, never mind. Let's just find something good for him to read." 

        Me and Yuri walked to the science fiction section, looking for anything that caught our eyes. Yuri didn’t exactly do much of the searching since it included being “too buddy-buddy with Loi-Loi” so I did the searching myself.

        “Oh, what about 1984? I heard that was good.” I spoke. “I remember hearing it was featured in the newspaper, it’s relatively new, published in 1948.” 

        I might steal this after Twilight finishes reading it. I thought to myself.

        “Yeah, sure.” Yuri spoke.

        “Hm… what do you think Yor would like? I was thinking of giving her a new set of earrings as my gift. What’s on your mind?” I questioned. 

        “Well… she likes apples, specifically this Whistle Candy we had as kids, the apple flavored ones.” Yuri explained. 

        “That’s a good start. We can go to the market and buy those.” I smiled. “I want to stop by a jewelry store and buy her a set of gold earrings, I noticed her jewelry was gold so I figured she’d might appreciate it.” 

        “You noticed.” Yuri spoke, tears in his eyes.

        “Why are you tearing up?” I questioned, a little confused.

        “Just… you’re so thoughtful of her too. She loves you so much as her sister-in-law so it’d make her so happy to know you paid attention to her interests.” Yuri cried, wiping his nose.

        I resisted the urge to tell him I was observing her to make sure she wasn’t an obstacle in STRIX’s mission or a hazard to Twilight’s mental health (now that I’ve spent time with her, I’m aware she’s a wonderful person, but I was on my guard when we first met, especially knowing how hard she can hit someone). 

        “Of course I care, Yuri. She’s family to me, just like Anya and Loid are.” I smiled.

        The names of his sister’s husband and daughter leaving my lips immediately dried his eyes and made him grimace. “Blegh…”

        “Wow. I should use that more against you when you’re upset if it makes you forget what you were crying about in the first place.” I smiled, a little impressed.

        “Don’t you use those two… imbeciles... against me.” Yuri threatened, a glint in his eyes.

        “Yeah, yeah.” I hummed. “Let’s find an empty notebook now. I'm thinking something blue, or blue and white." 

        Yuri nodded as we walked together, looking around to find a journal. I've seen empty journals in bookstores before, so surely this bookstore can't be an exception. I took Yuri to the front of the bookstore where there would usually be little souvenirs or many pens. I found a plain midnight blue journal and held it up to Yuri. 

        "What do you think?" I questioned.

        "Looks like a journal." Yuri spoke.

        "Helpful." I hummed sarcastically, before opening the journal.

        I felt the texture of the pages and the cover, along with the page colors, the spacing and colors of the lines, and the sturdiness of the spine before deeming it acceptable. 

        "Okay, Yuri. Let's go pay for these then we can go for Yor's presents." I spoke. 

        Yuri nodded, grabbing my hand as we walked to the cash register together. 

        "How about you pay for Loid's and Anya's gifts, and I'll pay for Yor's? Her earrings will probably be expensive." Yuri spoke.

        "I mean, I have certain earrings I'm looking for, so I can buy them." I explained.

        "No. I got them. Loid's and Anya's gifts will probably tally up to around the earrings price." Yuri explained.

        "And you wanna buy your sister's presents yourself?" I smiled.

        "Yes." Yuri admitted quickly. 

        "Well, if you really insist." I sighed, deciding it wasn't worth fighting him. 

        When we got to the cashier, I took out my wallet from my purse and handed the cashier the amount of dalc they wanted from me. The bagged the books and handed it to me, telling us "happy holidays" as we left.

        "Okay. Let's go to the jewelry store first, then the grocery store for that whistle candy you were talking about." I hummed, rearranging the fluffy red scarf wrapped around my neck.

        Yuri nodded as I grabbed his red mitten, having him follow me. During our walk, I looked around at the shop windows to see if I could find any present for Yuri. I wasn't exactly sure what to get him; he was a pretty simple guy who'd love just about everything I'd give him, but I wanted to give him something that was actually meaningful and something he could really enjoy. The problem is Yuri doesn't have many interests besides Yor and work, so I'm really limited with potential gift ideas.

        "Why are you glaring at me like that?" Yuri questioned, confused.

        "I'm cold." I lied.

        I'm glaring at you because you're a troublesome brat to make happy. I thought.

        "Even in all those layers? We'll be at the store soon enough, so don't worry." Yuri spoke.

        I nodded, thinking of what I could get him. Maybe he likes whistle candy like Yor? But that's so boring, not to mention unoriginal since we're getting Yor it. I could get him something like a candle? But that's not long lasting, and I have no idea what his favorite scents are.         

        "Yuri, I'm thinking of changing my perfume sometime soon. What do you think I should go with?" I questioned.

        "I don't know? Something floral or citrus like most perfumes? It's your perfume." Yuri hummed.

        "Yeah, but I want your input. You're my husband so I don't want to get a scent you don't like." I explained.        

        "I doubt there's a perfume that I don't like. Just don't have it too strong?" Yuri spoke.

        Sometimes I wanna punch his stupid face for being so damn hard to shop for. Seriously, how can someone simple be such a challenge to shop for? Even Twilight is easier to shop for! 

        Yuri and I walked to the store to get the whistle candy Yuri said Yor liked. During the time, I thought of what good gifts Anya would have. I wanted to spoil the kid and give her a good Christmas. I've always wanted to be a cool aunt but now that I lost my entire family I can't do that anymore.

        No, I didn't lose my entire family, only a part of it. I still have Twilight and the Handler, and Yuri and Yor and Anya. My mother is still out there too, somewhere in this world. The thought left me feeling a little better from the other sudden intrusive depressing thought I had. 

        Anya likes peanuts and stuffed toys, I know that. She likes that one spy tv show too, whatever it was called. The episodes I watched with her are a little interesting, I might watch it myself to be honest (perhaps I can learn a thing or two I'm unaware of). I briefly thought about getting her a coat or a cute dress, but then I remembered being a kid and disliked getting clothes as gifts. She does like sweets too. 

        Oh! They have dog too! I remember Twilight telling me about that, trying to train it to attack on command. Apparently the dog is a rescue from Project Apple, where he was trained along with many other dogs to become highly intelligent military animals. I wonder if the dog is huge and scary, like a German Shepard or a Pit Bull with that kind of reputation? Hey, maybe I can convince Yuri to get a dog or a cat!

        Wait, focus. We're here for gifts. 

        "Yuri, when we get the candy let's go to the toy section next." I spoke.

        "Aren't you a bit old for toys?" Yuri smirked, earning him a glare from me.

        "Shut it." I huffed. "It's for Anya, I wanna see if there's any good toys around here she might like. I always wanna get her peanuts and stuffed animals." 

        "Peanuts?" Yuri spoke, making a face. "What kid wants peanuts for Christmas?"

        "Apparently Anya." I shrugged. "Don't question it, kids are weird and have weird Christmas lists. Besides, it's better than like, I dunno, a 20 dalc dolly or something."

        "I guess that's true." Yuri hummed, grabbing a bag of candy from the shelves.

        It was the whistle candy Yuri was talking about. It's comes in a pack of eight circular candies with a hole in the middle. Yuri grabbed two apple flavored packs, holding them in his hands since we didn't grab a cart.

        "Hey, it looks like the American candy Life Savers!" I pointed out. "This whistle candy you speak of, does it actually make you whistle?" I questioned, glancing at the candies.

        "Yeah. You can whistle through them." He nodded.

        "That's cool." I smiled.

        I took a look at all the candies, grabbing a few chocolate peanut candy bars and other candies like gummy bears, Fun Dips, marshmallow Circus Peanuts, and Jolly Ranchers before my eyes spotted a familiar and bittersweet candy—M&M's.

        "Oh hey, I remember these!" I spoke, grabbing a tube. "Hey Yuri, do you know how these were invented? Or more specifically why?"

        "Wasn't it something about the war?" Yuri questioned.

        "Yeah. During the war, normal chocolate bars couldn't be transported or eaten because it'd melt in the heat, so Ostanian soldiers couldn't eat them. Forrest Mars Sr copied the idea of Rowntree's Smarties, a British-made sweet small chocolate candies covered in hardened sugar syrup, when he saw soldiers from the Spanish Civil War eating them." I explained. "I had a buddy who would eat these like no tomorrow." I chuckled, before frowning. 

        Well, I guess he did eat them like no tomorrow, cause he's not alive anymore.

        I remember infiltrating a small town and killing a couple Ostanian soldiers. Rancher was looting the bodies to see if there was anything interesting or see if there's any extra ammo that matched his gun model. While he didn't find ammo that could be shot with his gun, he did find a small brown and tan tube with the title "M&M's" on the tube. He opened it and ate one of the small candies, then he became hooked and popped them in his mouth like a pill junkie. Sometimes, I think he killed soldiers just to see if he could find some of that candy on them. 

        Yuri noticed how my smile faded and patted my shoulder, an attempt to console me. While it didn't quite work, I was happy to know he was trying, especially considering that war was where he potentially lost his parents and started his hate for the West. He doesn't talk about them, but I can naturally assume he lost them in the war considering Yor was the one who raised him. 

        "Do you have a favorite flavor?" I questioned, breaking the silence.

        His hand left my shoulder as he thought, before speaking, "Maybe cherry?"

        I nodded, making a mental note in my head for later. 

        "Well, we got the candy. Let's head to the toy section and see what's there." I smiled, keeping the M&M's in my hand along with the other candies I grabbed.

        We both walked to the toys as I tried and figured out what toys I wanted to buy for Anya. I didn't want something lame or boring, and I didn't want to give her something too generic that every other kid has. Knowing Twilight, he probably got her stuff that's popular with the other kids along with things she liked, I wanna give her something meaningful other than snacks. 

        I noticed the toy guns and thought about getting her a toy cap gun, a small toy that made a small bang to represent a bullet and came with it's own bang roll cap refill that even made a smell, before I realized that not only would they have to purchase more paper roll caps every time it ran out, but I also didn't want to influence her with violence and guns (especially after I heard about her punching Donovan Desmond's son, Damian). I thought about those toy handcuffs, before realizing how boring they were since she couldn't really do anything with that when playing alone. Maybe snap-its? Nah, I don't want her throwing it at her parents or other kids, not to mention the hassle it is to clean them up. Maybe I can code a little morse robot for her to learn morse code (by me coding, I mean Franky). 

        I decided to ditch the entire idea of spy things in general, she's too young for such things, and I don't want her to start getting suspicious of Twilight and I's second-lives, children have an insane ability of calling out bullshit and having some damn accurate hunches. Maybe if I find pajamas or a jacket of her spy show, I'll buy it. 

        I grabbed multiple different teddy bears, a blue one (Twilight), a pink one (Anya), a red and white one (Yor), a red and black one (Yuri), a white one (their dog Bond) and a grey one (me) to represent her family. You can't do much with stuffed animals, so I grabbed other toys too such as a rainbow slinky, a Candy Land board game, silly putty, dominoes, and some coloring books.

        "Does a kid really need that much toys?" Yuri questioned.

        "Yes. Yes she does." I nodded. "This is her first Christmas with us! Christmas is a day that kids are always thinking about, she deserves a good one."

        "Well, if you think so." Yuri sighed, deciding not to fight on the matter. 

        Yuri carried most of the toys while I carried most of the candy. I noticed the struggle between us and mentally scolded ourselves for not getting a basket, it sure would've made this whole process easier.

        "Why don't we get a wagon?" I questioned. "Like a toy wagon for Anya?"

        "That's stupid. What would she use that for?" Yuri questioned.

        "Don't call it stupid without hearing what I gotta say." I huffed. "It can be used to carry her toys around the house, or when she's out and about with Loid and Yor, she can sit in the wagon as they roll her around—it's cute and convenient." I explained.

        "Sure, whatever you want." Yuri waved off.

        Yuri just doesn't understand the importance of Christmas. For an energetic and cheerful kid like Anya, Christmas probably means a lot to her. I remember when I was a little kid and still had the income, I was excited for Christmas too; Yuri probably stopped caring for Christmas when Yor started raising him instead since they would need to direct their funds to something nonessential that doesn't include food or shelter, so I can see his perspective on this matter.

        Even though he doesn't quite care about Christmas, I still want to be able to buy a gift for him, I mean, I have some festive spirit this year and I'm excited to spend Christmas in a place that's not Wise HQ with people I have genuine attachment to outside of work.  

        Me and Yuri grabbed a red toy Radio Wagon, placing all of Anya's (and Yor's) candies and toys inside of it. I also grabbed a classical music and a IIse Werner vinyl record for Loid. I thought and decided that I'll come back to the store later when searching for Yuri's gifts, that way I can get Franky and The Handler a gift too. We grabbed red and white striped wrapping paper (Yuri’s choice) and white snowflake wrapping paper (my choice, along with green and blue ribbons. We also grabbed Bond some treats, I heard he was a big dog so I got him large bones and chew toys. 

        Yuri rolled the wagon to the receptionist as I followed, paying for all the gifts and gift paper. We paid and left the store, heading to the jewelry store next. I wanted to get Yor a set of earrings. I noticed she wore gold spike-like earrings (the only set I've seen her wear really), so I wanted to get her a different pair instead, a pair where me and her match together so that the gift is meaningful. Yuri rolled the wagon down the streets as I guided him to a jewelry store, opening the door for him so he can walk in with the wagon as I advanced. 

        "Do you have a set of earrings in mind?" Yuri questioned.

        "Yep. I have a perfect vision for what I want." I nodded. 

        I spent three days going to every jewelry shop to try and find the perfect set of earrings for Yor that I actually liked and that would match her taste. It took some work and searching, but I found The Set. I lead Yuri to the jewelry shop I wanted to go to called "Himmlischer Ketten." 

        "The wagon is probably going to be troublesome inside of the shop, so you just wait outside with it, okay?" I spoke.

        Yuri looked at me with a blank face, thinking, before making a pout. 

        "But I wanna see what you're buying for Yor." He whined.

        "I'll show you after I pay for it. I'll be in and out in a flash, you'll barely know I left." I smiled. 

        Yuri sighed, his pout still relevant on his face but it had decreased, "Fine. Just hurry up."

        I nodded and walked into the store, looking around to find the set of earrings again. I found the ones I was looking for and told the jeweler, grabbing my wallet from my purse and payed for the price. I also got the second set of earrings so Yor and I could match together. She handed me the two boxes of jewelry inside, handing them to me in a small bag. I walked back out to Yuri and placed the bag of jewelry inside the wagon where the rest of the gifts were.

        "How much did it cost?" Yuri questioned.

        "One hundred dalc in total." I answered.

        Yuri reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, handing me a bit over 100 dalc.

        "Whaddya doing?" I questioned as he took my hand, placing the currency in my palm.

        "I told you earlier that I'd pay for the jewelry." He spoke. 

        "Yeah, but it's my gift to Yor." I pointed out. "Besides, I got a set for myself too."

        I can very well pay for it too since I'm working two government jobs...

        "Consider it one of your Christmas presents." He reasoned. "Besides, you spent enough at the store for Anya and Loid."

        "Wow, you actually said his real name without much thought." I chuckled, causing him to glare at me.

        "Shut up. It just came out of my mouth before I could stop it." He huffed.

        "Sure, hon." I smiled. 

        "Doesn't matter, let's get home and get these presents wrapped." He spoke quickly, changing the subject as he rushed ahead of me, dragging the wagon with him. 

        He can be such a tsundere at times... I thought. Though I guess it's a little endearing in its own stupid way. 

        I followed Yuri back to our apartment, getting home and wrapping the presents in our chosen gift papers we bought. Yuri did the wrapping while I placed bows and ribbons on the boxes since it turns out, I'm terrible at wrapping presents. I wrote the names of who the presents belonged too (most belonging to Anya, but it's still fun to write the names). 

        Yuri and I conversed as we did our own assigned roles together.    

        "You sure like going out for Christmas, huh?" He commented.

        I hummed, thinking of the comment and what to say to that. 

        Perhaps I'm making up for loss time? I don't have a family I can spoil, so I should spoil this one while it lasts. I might not live long being this double-agent, whether I get backstabbed from one of my jobs (most likely the SSS), or whether I die on a mission, or even just some sickness or such, I want to die knowing I at least meant something to someone, or die someone I can be semi-proud of. It's not like there's much I can ask for in life after all I've done, or even deserve much really. Sometimes I wonder if I should even be allowed to enjoy myself with this family, even if it'll potentially be my death. 

        Oh well, I guess it's a bridge I'll cross (or jump off) when the time comes.

        "I like Christmas. I like the pretty lights, the snow, and buying presents for people I care about." I spoke, deciding to go for a simple answer.

        It's not technically a lie or anything, so I'll go with it. 

        Yuri nodded, cutting wrapping paper for one of Anya's stuffed animals to wrap with. "Well, I think it's kinda endearing. You seem very excited when you were choosing the gifts, and I could tell that you were putting much thought into it."

        I blinked, surprised at his sudden adoring words.

        "Are you tryna get something outta me? Like a hint for your gift or a kiss?" I joked teasingly, choosing to ignore how my heartbeat sped up at his words. 

        "I don't got any ulterior motives. I was just pointing out an observation of mine." He huffed, his face turning red. 

        "Well, thanks." I chuckled. "I guess I just like Christmas so much since I didn't really experience much of it as a kid." 

        That's true, even when I still had my parents, Christmas wasn't much except a few toys and candy. Buying presents for five kids a lower-class town like Luwen, it was hard to find money to spoil my siblings and I with when we had to pay for necessities like food or water. 

        "Well, you can experience it more now." Yuri smiled. "Besides, Chihuahua Girl will probably appreciate the gifts, even if she is spoiled enough just being in Yor's presence." He huffed, envious of his niece's everyday life.

        "You're weird." I sighed, placing a blue bow on one of the white snowflake-wrapped gifts. "But I guess that's kinda my fault for agreeing to marry you." I chuckled, writing Anya's name onto the present. 

        "I'm not that bad." He huffed. "I think I'm a pretty good husband."

        "Whatever floats your boat." I teased, causing him to send a pouting glare at me. "I'm just messing with you, honey." I laughed. 

        "I know that." He lied defensively. 

        "Sure." I hummed. "Let's finish this up so that we can make some desserts for tomorrow. I don't want Loid and Yor to do all the cooking."

        He nodded, agreeing. "Yeah, I'm ready to get all this done and go to bed so we can see Yor." He smiled.

        "And Loid and Anya." I added.

        "Ugh..." He groaned, his face contorting into disgust. "Yeah... those two."

        We continued finishing up wrapping the gifts until we finally finished, heading to the kitchen and preparing sweets and appetizers together. When we finished, we put them in containers and aluminum foil, calling it a night. While Yuri slept, I carefully snuck out of bed and changed clothes, sneaking out of the apartment to go get gifts for Franky and the Handler. I got the Handler red camellias and dutch chocolates with a red envelope that has a thank you card and 100 dalc. I got Franky the same thing too, except I gave him an extra 100 dalc so he could have extra money for his inventions. 

        Speaking of Franky's inventions, I decided to go to Franky's place to give him his gifts (and get a favor out of him). After spending the whole day with Yuri and trying to figure out what to get him for Christmas, I finally came up with the perfect gift idea. I walked to Franky's apartment and knocked on his door, waiting a minute or two before he opened the door. 

        Franky looked surprisingly awake for it being two in the morning. 

        "Oh? I didn't expect you to be awake." I spoke, a bit surprised.

        "I'm working on some new inventions. Did you need something?" Franky questioned.

        "Actually, I have something for you..." I spoke, handing him yellow roses. 

        "Oh? Really? Thanks!" he smiled, accepting the bouquet. "What's the occasion?"

        "Merry Christmas." I cheered. "Did you forget or something?"

        His face paled as he turned his attention to the calendar on his wall. "It's Christmas Eve already?!" he exclaimed.

        "What?! You didn't know?!" I shouted back, surprised. "How long have you been cooped up here working your ass off?!"

        "I don't know?! Maybe the 14th? Or... or like the end of November?" He spoke, his brain looked to be scrambled.

        "Sheesh man, take a break from work." I suggested (more so demanded). 

        "Yeah... Good idea..." He sighed. "Uh, you wanna come in?"

        "Yeah, I got a favor to ask anyways." I accepted as Franky opened his door wider, allowing me to slip in.

        "Just don't mind the mess." He spoke, having no embarrassment.

        It's not the first time I've seen his place like this. I've known him since the war, and we rekindled when I joined WISE, so I've seen him in this pitiful state many times. A good inventor is always has a scrambled brain (or workspace). 

        "So, what's the favor? Do you need me to get intel or something?" he questioned, sitting down on his blueprint map-scattered couch.

        "I actually need help learning something." I spoke. "You know how to weld, right?" 

        "Of course I do. I've invented all sorts of powerful and useful machines and inventions." He smiled pridefully, glad to boast. 

        "Can you teach me how to weld? I wanna make something for my husband for Christmas, and I wanna do it myself so that it's more meaningful." I explained.

        "Huh... So Twilight was lying when he said you and Briar's marriage was fake?" Franky commented.         

        "Oh..." I paused, thinking.

        Well, shit. I kinda completely forgot about that.

        "Well... we got recently engaged, however it's best not to tell Twilight. You know how he is, 'don't form attachments' and yada yada." I spoke quickly.

        "Yeah, that's Twilight there." He spoke, before smirking pridefully. "Once again, you and Twilight come to me for help, pleading for my assistance."

        "Dude, don't start it." I sighed. "I don't got time for this. I gotta get this done in at least six hours, so I need you to help me get it done as quickly and as perfect as possible." 

        "Six hours?!" he spluttered. "How do you believe that I can teach you all about welding in six hours?!"

        "Don't teach me everything! Just what I need to know to get this done!" I retorted.        

        "Fine. Fine. Let's hurry up, I wanna get back to my inventions as fast as possible." He sighed. "Do you have an idea on what you're trying to make?"

        "I got the perfect thing." I nodded.

        Franky helped me create the perfect gift I had in mind. Surprisingly, it ended with not much cuts or burns, so I feel happy about that. I only needed three band-aids for my fingers! I gave Franky an extra 200 dalc for all the trouble. In total he's received 400 dalc from me for Christmas, so I don't ever want him to complain about helping me again. I also convinced Franky to give my gifts to the Handler since I wasn't going to WISE's HQ anytime soon (and I didn't want to be stuck giving an update on what's going on with the SSS. I want to enjoy the holidays, not think about work). 

        I made it back home to Yuri and I's apartment, deciding to ditch sleep since Yuri will be awaking soon; I don't want him to know I snuck out while he was sleeping and if I sleep now then I certainly won't wake up in time for the Christmas party. I changed back into my pajamas so that it looked like I never went anywhere, and I used some light makeup to hide the evidence of no sleep under my eyes. I decided to get started on breakfast since I wouldn't be sleeping, making apple pancakes, sausage, and coffee.

        Yuri came out of our room in his pajamas and bedhead, looking a bit tired but refreshed (compared to how I currently feel). 

        "Morning." He yawned.

        "Morning, hon." I smiled, placing breakfast on the table. "How'd you sleep?"

        "Slept good, though it felt a little cold last night..." He spoke. "Must be cause of the winter weather."

        "Yeah, I thought the same thing too." I agreed, ignoring the fact he was so in tune with my body heat that he subconsciously knew I was missing during his slumber.

        "What are you doing up so early? It's unlike you to be awake in the morning." Yuri questioned, taking his seat at the dinner table. 

        "I was so excited for the Christmas party, I couldn't sleep." I lied, taking my own seat at the table. 

        Yuri and I ate our breakfast, Yuri doing the dishes afterwards since I cooked. To pass the time, we did our own things such as reading and watching TV in the living room together, waiting until it was time to get ready and leave. 

        When it was time to leave, I changed out of my pajamas and grabbed a grey coat and red scarf to protect myself against the cold. Yuri and I grabbed the sweets and appetizers we made together yesterday; pfannkuchen, bethmännchen, and bratkartoffeln. 

        Yuri and I walked to the apartment, Yuri dragging Anya's wagon filled with all the gifts while I carried all the food, my gift for Yuri inside of my purse. We made it to the apartment and I watched Yuri struggle to find a good angle to pick up the wagon and carry it up the steps (no, I didn't help him, I wanted him to suffer a little since it was so hard trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for him). When we got to the Forger's front door, Yuri knocked for us, being greeted by Twilight and Yor. 

        "Yuri! (Y/N)! Welcome back! Always good to see you!" Yor greeted, a big smile on her face.

        "Hi-ya, sis!" Yuri cheered. 

        "Thank you for coming. Come in." Twilight spoke, opening the door further, causing Yuri to glare at him once he realized Twilight was present. 

        I placed the food down on the table as Yuri placed the wagon near the Christmas tree in the living room. Anya was sitting on the ground near the TV watching her spy cartoon while the Forger's dog laid next to her. 

        "Hi, buddy." I smiled, crouching down and slowly placing my hand near his nose so he could sniff me. "You're a good boy, huh?" I spoke, petting his head as he let out a 'borf!' "Hi, Anya." I greeted, sitting down on the couch as Yuri took a seat next to me.

        "Hi, Auntie." Anya spoke, keeping her eyes on the TV screen. 

        Yuri looked disinterested in the show while I stared at it every now and then. Yor joined us on the couch and talked with us as Twilight was in the kitchen cooking, jumping into the conversation easily whenever he pleased. After an hour, all the food was done and ready, allowing us to eat Christmas dinner together and converse with each other. Twilight and Yuri talked about business together (Yuri sending him his infamous glares) while Yor and I talked with Anya about her cartoons and how school was for her. 

        We finally got to presents and watched Anya open her gifts, each one she unwrapped having a big smile on her face and her voice getting to loud enough volumes to potentially disturb other residents.

        Yuri and I gave Twilight his gifts. He seemed appreciative of them, mentioning how he'd put them to good use. Twilight gave me a book and Yuri an expensive bottle of wine (to repay him for the expensive wine Yuri bought the first time we came over). 

        I gave Yor the set of earrings I picked out, a set of golden suns, and showed her the golden moons I bought and told her the symbolism of us matching and being sisters now. It was enough to make her cry and earn one of her death hugs. I'm almost 99% positive that she would've broken my rib if Twilight didn't calmly tell her to not squeeze so hard. Yuri also gave her the apple whistle candy along with some other gifts he bought her. In return, she gave me a fruity perfume and Yuri a comfortable sweater.

        Anya was happy about all of her toys and candies, excited and hyper about it all. It was like it was her first time celebrating Christmas. Even Bond was happy, showing his joy by jumping up and down with Anya and barking (borfing). Bond seems like a surprisingly emotionally intelligent dog, though I supposed that's probably expecting considering it's Twilight (and because Twilight got him from the Project Apple situation).

        We all stayed and talked more before it was time for Yuri and I to go home, considering how late it was getting. Yuri and I walked back home, getting to our apartment before I gave him his gift.

        "I got you something. I made it myself." I spoke, reaching into my purse and handing him a small wrapped up box. 

        Yuri opened it, revealing a small square card, made out of pure silver (just like our wedding rings) and a small poem on the card 

Your eyes shine like the twinkle of mars, How I wish to claim and explore every part of you as if you were a new constellation. Your lips are like warm pillows, How I wish to forever rest my own against yours. Your voice could never compare to the delicate silk of Asia, the waves of the Pacific, or the luminous of the Aurora Borealis. How you make me lose my voice to utter sweet delicacies in your ears, so let me express it to you in another way: I love you, Yuri Briar...                                                                                    - Love, (Y/N) Briar

        "I just found a stupid poem for you..." I muttered, suddenly feeling a little flustered for how stupid and cheesy the writing sounds now. 

        "You liar." He smirked, a noticeable fondness in his eyes. "Thank you. You said you made it yourself?"

        "Yeah." I nodded. "It took some time, but I made it from scratch. I welded the silver together and welded the words... Of course words from a poem in a book." I coughed the last part out. 

        "You don't gotta be shy~" He teased.

        "Whatever..." I chuckled. "But I figured I'd get you something you can always have with you. You can put it in your wallet or pocket or something."

        "Thank you. Really." Yuri smiled, grabbing his wallet and placing it inside gently. "You really beat me this year in presents." He chuckled. "I kept tryna think for a while what I should get you, you're surprisingly difficult to shop for even though you're so expressive."

        "I'm a little eccentric." I smirked.        

        "That's an understatement." He smiled. "But, here." 

        He walked to our room and I heard him rummaging through drawers, before walking out with a large heart-shaped chocolate box, candies I enjoy, some books he noticed I've been eyeing over the months, and some fake flowers. 

        "it's definitely not anything compared to what you got me." He spoke.

        "Nonsense." I smiled. "I love all of it. I really do." 

        "Yeah, I knew how much you liked sweets and books." He reasoned. "And I figured it must be a bit annoying replacing the flower bouquets whenever they die, so I decided to get some fake flowers, to make it easier to tend to, and to show permanency in our relationship since we're married."

        "How romantic~" I teased. "Thank you, Hon."                

        "Merry Christmas, darling." He smiled. 

        "Merry Christmas, love." I hummed, kissing his cheek.

        "You know, you didn't have to get me anything. You're the best gift for me, (Y/N)!" He spoke, a light blush dusting his face. 

        "Yuri please, never say such sappy words again." I sighed. 

        I apologize sincerely for the huge delay! I had a hard time trying to figure out what I want, and I got busy indulging myself in reading about German foods and such, and I had little time to write due to work so the only time I had to write was when I was supposed to be sleeping or relaxing, but I finally got this done! Better late than never!

        I honestly do feel a little silly writing that poem since it's my first time ever writing poetry/a love note, so I do hope it wasn't too bad or cringy!

         Want more Yuri content? Check out the Yuri Briar x reader masterlist!

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[things-arent-what-they-seem66]

I’m probably over stepping boundaries on this one but how about Adam and Lucifer celebrating Easter or Christmas or at least Adam is trying to get Lucifer to celebrate either holiday for him

No it's not overstepping! Lol

"Come on Luci, why not?" Adam whined as he followed the King of Hell around. He just didn't understand what the big deal was, they celebrated this holiday in heaven?

Lucifer sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. "For the last time Adam, we don't celebrate Easter here in Hell."

"Why the fuck not? You against bunnies?" Adam teased, he thought that Lucifer was being ridiculous about this.

"Why would I celebrate a heavenly holiday? It was created by angels for humans and since I am neither there is no point. Now let it go."

Adam can't believe he is really going to pull this card. "I'm human."

Lucifer stopped walking to turn and look at Adam. "No, you're a mortal soul. You haven't been human in ten thousand years and you weren't even alive when any holidays came about."

"So? Toilets weren't invented when I was alive either and I have no problem with indoor plumbing." Adam folded his arms. "Plus, Charlie will like it I'm sure."

"No."

"Why the fuck are you so against it? Everyone gets together for a big meal, you attempt to look for eggs that you don't find until months later, and you eat some fucking chocolate an overgrown rabbit gave you. What's wrong with that?"

"Okay fine. You want to know why? It has nothing to do with the holiday and more with what happened that day thousands of years ago." Lucifer said, it might have been years but it still hurt.

"What are yo-" Then it hit Adam. Oh. That was the day that Lucifer fell into Hell bringing sin to the earth. "Oh."

"Yeah oh."

Adam sighed. "What if we made new memories for that day instead? Replace the old of that day."

"How?" Lucifer raised a brow.

Adam pulled him in for a hug, he was still new to all this comforting stuff. "Celebrate Easter with me and Charlie. It'll be the most kick ass day of your life or your money back."

Lucifer chuckled and hugged Adam back. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah, except you didn't actually pay. What do you say?"

Lucifer thought about it. He looked at Adam and smiled. "Fine. Just this once."

Adam literally squealed with joy and squeezed Lucifer so hard the king thought he was gonna pop like a balloon. "Fucking sweet! Oh shit there's so much to do. Charlie!" Adam ran off to find the princess.

Lucifer shook his head amused. For the two people he loves most he would do anything once.