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maybege · 2 years

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The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Summary: You make an advent calendar for the office. And someone makes an advent calendar for you.

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x fem!Reader

Wordcount: 2.9k | Rating: T

Warnings: none just softness

This is short and sweet (I hope) and part of the December Writing Prompt Challenge hosted by @/aerynwrites with today’s prompt being Unique Traditions. I am so excited that I got to write something and finish it – and for Hotch especially! I hope that you all enjoy it and have some wonderful days ahead of you ❤ Please let me know what you think in a comment or a reblog!

masterlist | crossposted on AO3

Christmas was your favourite time of the year. You loved the lights, the decorations, the way your dashboards were flooded with videos of cats being fascinated by Christmas ornaments, and – most important of all – the traditions.

“What the hell is that?”

“It’s an advent calendar,” you explained to Morgan who looked more than a little hesitant, “One for the entire fifth floor.”

“And what’s in it?” he asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“Where is the fun if I just tell you?” you joked, cheerfully straightening the little paper bags into a neat row. This had been your fun project for the entire month of November, drawing the numbers onto the bags as neatly as possible and decorating them with little stickers of trees and snowflakes and Christmas ornaments. You had even found a sticker with a reindeer on it which you had gushed to Penelope about.

“How does it work?” Morgan asked again and at this point, you were sure he was just indulging you now.

“Every day one person’s name gets pulled from the glass and they can open the bag and gets what is inside,” you smiled, “It’s pretty straightforward, really.”

“And what will be inside?” Derek asked again and you laughed, bumping your shoulder into his.

“You’ll just have to see.”

The first week of the Fifth Floor Advent Calendar went well.

On the eighth day, you watched with a smile as Anderson unpacked his bag, revealing a hand warmer and some Oreos which he immediately held up in victory to the cheers of his friends. “It’s awesome,” he grinned, looking at you, “Thank you.”

You smiled, feeling happy that everyone had such a good time with it.

“Who is not getting a bag?” a voice suddenly asked from behind you.

You turned around, coming face to face with your boss and your heart skipped a beat.

Aaron Hotchner, much to your dismay, had become the man of your dreams shortly after you had started your position at the BAU. You couldn’t help yourself. He was tall dark and handsome and wearing suits that only fuelled your dreams about him.

Today he was wearing a striped tie and you tilted your head, taking in how broad his shoulders looked in his black suit …

“What makes you think someone won’t get a gift?” you asked, then, forcing yourself to look into his eyes and not how his hands were buried in pockets.

“Well, there are 26 people working on the floor and only 24 days in the calendar,” he stepped next to you, “So there are two people who will be left out.”

“Well, Strauss did not want to participate to no one’s surprise,” you shrugged, “And, uh, I didn’t put my name in the glass as well.”

“Why not?”

“Making a calendar is about giving,” you said, “Not receiving. And besides, I know what is in every single bag, where would be the surprise in already knowing what I’d get?”

Hotch did not say anything but he looked like he wanted to. There was a furrow between his brows, the kind that let you know he did not agree with something and you opened your mouth again, wanting to assure him for some reason. But you were interrupted by JJ calling you all into the conference room and so you gave up.

It was not like Aaron Hotchner really cared about you anyway.

It was on the twelfth day when your Christmas cheer was brought to a screeching halt. You had just come back from a case in Wisconsin and felt like the cold had seeped into your bones. With the UnSub behind bars, it meant that the reports to be written were piling on your desk and so, even after a turbulent flight, you drove back to the office with Hotch and JJ.

“You sure, you don’t want to go home?” the blonde woman asked you in the parking lot, motioning to her car, “I could give you a ride?”

You smiled, catching in the corner of your eye how Hotch just kept walking to the elevator, clearly stressed from the case you just had. “Thanks, JJ, but I really need to put some work in today.”

JJ tilted her head, a slight furrow between her brows as she mustered you up and down. “Don’t stress yourself out so much,” she said quietly, “No one would fault you for taking a break now and again.”

By the time you waved her passing car goodbye Hotch had already disappeared into the elevator.

When the back letters blurred in front of your eyes, you knew it was time for a break.

You had spent hours typing up page after page and still, it felt like you had not made any significant dent in the list of reports you needed to deliver. How did the others get theirs done so quickly?

The clock said 10 pm and for a moment you debated whether it would be the right decision to make yourself another coffee or not. But when you knew there was only one answer.

Despite the late time of day, the office was not as empty as you would have thought. Maybe it was the holidays coming up or maybe it was just busier than usual, but the bullpen was busy with people on the phone and the clacking of the keyboards. What wouldn’t you do for a spot in Hotch’s or Rossi’s office where you could just close the door and shut the world away.

As you made your way to the little office kitchen, you were surprised to almost run into Hotch right at the doorway. There was a small group of people gathered around the machine and you groaned inwardly at having to wait to get your one cup of heaven.

“What are you doing?” he frowned, his coffee mug in hand as he looked down on you.

“Getting a coffee?” you answered, “What else would I do in the kitchen?”

You made to walk around him, thinking that it was one of those moments where people just did not know which direction to turn. But Hotch did not budge. In fact, he almost seemed angry as his eyebrows pulled together and you wondered for a second if you had done something wrong. You had been writing reports for the last few hours, a small coffee break clearly could not be the problem here.

But that was when the voices become so much clearer.

“Oh c’mon, it’s your turn to pick a name today, Cassandra,” you heard Anderson say, teasing his colleague, and you smiled. You had spotted that even in your absence the advent calendar seemed to have worked and you had made a little note in your calendar to ask who had gotten which day.

“Ugh please don’t make me,” the woman groaned, “It’s annoying and cheesy, how much do you have to put yourself on a pedestal to think people would want your stupid advent calendar? Yeah, n, I say she’s a kiss ass and wants a good grade on her end of year evaluation.”

Hotch shifted in front of you and you flinched, knowing that you had just gotten caught snooping.

What was also clear was that he had heard what Cassandra had said. But you could not bring yourself to admit how humiliated you felt. Certainly not in front of your crush. Or your boss.

Ugh.

“I just wanted to get some coffee,” you stuttered, turning on your heel, “I’m – It’s fine. I should probably go home anyway, uh, I’m tired and – you know, traffic.”

It was on the thirteenth day that the gifts started.

You had decided to simply ignore Cassandra’s comment, no matter how hard that might be, and instead, look forward to the holidays that were just around the corner. You had applied for some much overdue annual leave for the week after Christmas and with the snow setting in you felt like the world was granting you a little reprieve.

All would work out.

But when you arrived at your desk, you spotted a candy bar that most certainly had not been there when you had left the office in a rush.

“Is that yours?” you asked Reid, holding up the candy.

“Huh?” your colleague looked up, looking at the chocolate bar in your hands, “Uh, no sorry, that was there when I got here this morning,”

You hummed, turning it in your hands. It was your favourite one and with how it had been left on your desk, you were sure that it was meant for you.

So why not have a bite?

The next day, there was a small chocolate Santa on your desk and an even smaller post it with the number 14 on it.

That was when it hit you. Was someone making an advent calendar for you?

“Oh, Santa!” Penelope exclaimed, immediately picking it up. When she spotted the number, she looked at you with a mischievous grin, “A … Secret Santa?”

“I don’t know,” you shrugged, knowing that you could hardly hide your excitement from your friend, “There was something on my desk yesterday but I didn’t think it would in this.”

“You don’t like it?” she asked, holding the Santa to her chest, “because I will gladly take the offerings in your stead. I mean, look at this!” she whispered dramatically, “I think it might even be Lindt chocolate!”

You wanted to tell her that you were very happy about the gifts and that you would never give them up, when Hotch passed you, suspiciously eying the Santa in Garcia’s hand. “Do I want to know what’s going on?” he asked, coming to a stop right beside you and your heart skipped a beat.

He was standing so close that your upper arm brushed his whenever you took a deep breath in and suddenly you found yourself over analysing. Was this on purpose? Did it mean anything?

“Did you see who put this here, Sir?” Garcia asked your boss, pulling you out of your thoughts, “We’re trying to find her mysterious gift giver.”

“We’re not,” you corrected quickly, taking the chocolate figure back so fast that the little yellow post-it sailed to the floor. Hotch looked at you with one eyebrow raised as if to say Really now?

But you just ignored him, instead holding the Santa close to your heart. You did not need to know who it was from. Because who did not like a little secret enjoyment in their life?

With each and every day, you looked forward to the moment you would step into the office, throwing your bag into the chair and smiling when you found another treat right there in front of your keyboard.

On the fifteenth day, it was a little bag filled with an assortment of candy that you liked.

On the sixteenth day, you found a little envelope with a motivational postcard in it. It was so cheesy, you had to laugh out loud and subsequently explain the pun to Reid who took it in with his typical serious face.

That card had a special day on your desk, pinned right behind your computer.

On the seventeenth, it was a chocolate bar again. But this time, next to the number on the yellow post-it, was a little hastily drawn smiley.

You put the post-it in your bag when no one was looking.

Someone was doing this and kept doing it. Just for you. Just to do something nice for you.

The eighteenth day brought with it a chocolate praline and a little note.

Your smile brightens my day.

“What do you think has her smiling like that, Hotch?”

You looked up to find Derek grinning at you, his arms crossed in front of his chest as he winked at you. Hotch was standing next to him, a file open in his hands and when he looked up and met your gaze it felt like his eyes were piercing into your very soul. You saw his fingers shift under the paper as he looked at you expectantly, seeming not even mad that Derek had interrupted him.

You could not help but smile and held up the note.

“To brighten someone’s day, Morgan,” you quipped, “Now mind your own business.”

On the nineteenth, you did not even make it to the office.

New case. Get to the jet asap. was what woke you up instead and it was only in your seat as the pressure on your ears built up that you realized you would

And that was what kept bugging you at the back of your mind as the case dragged on your almost four days. You had not thought that you would miss the little notes so much but every free second that you had you caught yourself mulling over who could possibly be behind all of this.

The thought did not leave you – not once. And so, when you were finally landing on December 23, the snow coming down in thick flakes, you were one of the first people to suggest going back to the office.

“These reports won’t write themselves,” you announced as you carefully walked down the steps, clinging onto the metal railing for dear life as a strong wind blew against your face, “And I want it all done before the holidays.”

“No one is going back into the office in this weather,” Hotch replied loudly, his voice almost getting lost in the howl of the jet powering down, “And especially not you.”

“But –“ you wanted to interject –

“This is an order, Agent,” Hotch turned around when he reached the end of the stairs, holding his hand out to help you take the last few steps. Your breath caught in your throat, feeling his long fingers gently wrap around your wrist, his thumb brushing briefly over your knuckles as the snowflakes settled on the shoulders of his coat and his hair.

“Go home and rest.”

And so, it came that you arrived on December 24 to find six little post-its on your desk. Along with a ton of treats.

But you knew it was not the candy that made your heart pound faster, it was the scribbles on the yellow paper that had you sitting down so quickly in your chair, it rolled back a few inches. Gratefully, the office was almost empty except for Anderson and his desk and Hotch in his office.

You picked up the three notes you found, your hands shaking with excitement.

For December 19 it read: I look forward to seeing you every day.

For December 22 it was: I like your new haircut. (Reid is not the only one that noticed.)

And then, finally, you found the post-it with a little 24 in the corner.

Find me under the nearest mistletoe. (If you want.)

Your heart skipped a beat and you immediately looked around, trying to spot which mistletoe was closer. You knew, of course, that Garcia had taken it upon herself to decorate the office floor for the festive season (much to the dismay of Strauss) and part of her mission had been to hang up mistletoes everywhere.

But which one was the closest?

You walked to the elevator, knowing that Garcia had put one there with the help of Morgan. Surely, that counted as a good spot? At least prominent enough that your Secret Santa would find you.

Because, well, there were only two options now.

And you really hoped it wasn’t Anderson.

Your heart was pounding so hard in your chest it felt like you would throw up from nervousness any moment now. You just hoped you would manage it a moment longer, a mine longer, even, just to meet whoever –

A large hand appeared on your lower back, “This is not the nearest mistletoe.”

The elevator pinged and the doors whirred open. You felt like you could not breathe from nervousness, looking up at Hotch as he led you into the little cabin. The doors closed and he pressed a button.

“How did you –“ you frowned, before realizing, “You did not read the note.”

He smiled, “No, I did not.”

“So … all that was you?” you asked, trying to hide the hope in your voice, “And you … you really mean it?”

“It was,” he confirmed, “And I do.”

Your eyes roamed over his suit, noticing the way his thumb tapped against his fingertips, almost as if he was nervous.

“I really appreciate it, Aaron,” you said quietly, your hand brushing against his, “It … it brightened my day.”

The little inside had his lips quirk up and your breath hitched when he turned to face you. He was so close now, you could feel his breath on your face, the warmth of his chest against yours even through the layers of his suit and your dress.

“What can I say?” his lips tugged up, “I just wanted to see you smile.”

You laughed, your nose nudging against his. His big hands cupped your face and pulled you to him, pressing his lips against yours in a kiss that made your blood sing. His lips were soft and you gasped, feeling his mouth move against yours as fireworks erupted in your chest. Your arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer as you pondered that this was the best advent calendar anyone had ever given you.

His teeth tugged at your bottom lip and you found yourself moving against him, wanting him closer and closer still.

And if he accidentally pressed you against the Emergency Stop Button … well who were you to complain?

#maybege writes #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x fem!reader

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amyscascadingtabs · 3 years

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rare as the glimmer of a comet in the sky

It’s the perfect little getaway, exactly what they needed. It would be even better if she could only stop thinking.

“So, tell me.” Jake holds her hand over the table, forcing her back to reality. “Five top moments for us 2019, go. Countdown-stylez.”

Three different New Year's Eves, as celebrated by Jake and Amy (and Mac).

read on ao3 💕

december 31st, 2019.

The hotel guests checking in before Jake and Amy are a family. A little girl with blonde hair, maybe four or five years old, is carrying her own pink backpack and making up dance steps around her father’s feet as he goes through the information with the receptionist, and an even younger boy is hiding behind his mother’s legs as he watches the people in the lobby with wide eyes. Looking up, Amy realizes that the mother’s open coat is revealing a baby bump, too. She’d put her at six, maybe seven months pregnant. Three kids. Amy feels a pang of jealousy.

Even with the observation skills of an experienced detective, it shocks her how good she’s become at picking out families and pregnant women in any crowd. It’s an interesting talent, but measured against the pain it causes her, Amy wouldn’t call it a very useful one. She notices Jake looking at the kids as well, a daydreaming look on his face, and somehow, that makes her pain worse.

The idea behind going away to a hotel upstate for New Year’s was so they could get away from the stress for a moment; go somewhere else, rest and relax, forget about the pregnancy master calendar they’ve stared themselves blind at for a few days. Amy didn’t realize how impossible it would be to get away from all the other reminders.

She draws a breath of relief when the family in front of them gets the keys to their room, the little girl running first towards the elevator and her brother laughing as he chases after.

“Cute kids,” Jake whispers, watching them longingly.

“Yeah.” Amy tries not to think about the negative pregnancy test she threw away in the bathroom trashcan before they left. “Really cute.”

“I’m excited you said we could drink tonight.” Jake toasts his White Russian with her glass of Sauvignon. “It’s been a while.”

“I know, “ Amy feels the guilt wash over her. “Well, it’s not New Year’s Eve every day. I think we’ve earned it.” And I already took a negative test, she thinks.

“We sure have.” He gives her a closer look, pressing his lips together like he always does when he’s worried about her. “Hey, are you okay?”

“Just tired,” she says. It’s not technically a lie. “I didn’t sleep that well last night.”

“Lucky we have a huge hotel bed to help with that tonight, then. Seriously, this place rocks.”

Amy’s prepared to agree on that part – she did her research the moment it stood clear they would both get New Year’s Eve off. After getting their room, they’ve spent the evening getting massages in the hotel spa, dining at the surprisingly nice restaurant, and now they’re admiring the view from the bar on the top floor, waiting for the fireworks. It’s the perfect little getaway, exactly what they needed. It would be even better if she could only stop thinking.

“So, tell me.” Jake holds her hand over the table, forcing her back to reality. “Five top moments for us 2019, go. Countdown-stylez.”

“Number five!” She rolls the r and holds on the i, earning herself an amused look from the older couple next to them. “Okay, I’m going to go with… that date you took me on for my birthday. I can’t believe you got into the puzzle bar this time!”

“I might have convinced the guard to let me in because it was your birthday, but still a good one. Number fooo-uur… the Cinco de Mayo-heist. God, that was fun, even if the tasing hurt like a bitch.”

“Agreed. Number three – when Holt finally invited us to that dinner party and I almost didn’t lose my cool once.”

“You keep telling yourself that, babe. Number two… the Jake way. Seriously, I still think we should try that again. It was awesome.”

“It was, but also way inappropriate,” she reminds him, but he just shrugs. “Number one, then.”

“I know which one is mine, but you go first.”

Amy swallows, then sighs. “Mine is after the manhunt. When we decided to start trying. That’s still my favorite moment.”

“Mine, too.” Jake looks her in the eyes, and she knows the bittersweet feeling is shared. “It’s going to happen, Ames. I know it. Maybe this month’s the one.”

Amy doesn’t have the strength to correct him, tell him she’s already taken an early test and that she’s lacking any confidence there’s going to be a second line when she tests again in a couple of days. Luckily, she doesn’t have to, because right then, the fireworks that have been going off a few at a time in the distance begin to multiply as the countdown starts.

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four…

Amy leans forward so she can be kissing him already when the new year begins.

Three, two, one… happy new year!

The crowd around them erupts into cheers as the sky glows with colorful explosions when burning bits of metal lighting up the darkness outside. Jake kisses her deeper, seeming to forget that there are people around with a bit of alcohol in his system and his hands cupping her face. For a moment, Amy lets herself just be happy.

december 31st, 2020.

The instant Amy closes her eyes for the more-than-well-deserved nap Jake told her to take while he made dinner, Mac begins to cry from his crib again.

“McClane, please,” Amy pleads, as if reasoning with her two-month-old would solve his discontent. “You can't seriously be hungry again, that’s insane.”

She tries with the pacifier first, checking his diaper, even standing up and walking around with him for a bit to eliminate anything else, but Mac is still clenching his fists and only looking even more furious with her, so Amy gives in. She sits down with him again, unhooks one side of the bra and lets him find his grip, exhaling when the peaceful suckles begin and the desperate crying finally ceases. She swears it looks like her son is side-eyeing her for taking too long, but to her defense, she fed him for a good forty-five minutes only a little over an hour ago and it's exhausting being used like a human pacifier. Growth spurt, Camila Santiago said when Amy called her in tears yesterday, and the problem-shooting section in the 0-3 months baby-binder had agreed. Amy would argue that sounds way too innocent for something which is turning her otherwise happy and smiley baby into a constantly hungry and crying mini-monster who won't close his eyes for more than twenty minutes at a time.

There's a soft knock on the door after a few minutes, and Jake peeks in. He’s wearing his fancy kitchen apron, which Charles gave him for Christmas with the comment that there’s nothing sexier than a dad who can cook. It hasn’t magically improved his cooking skills, but Amy’s willing to admit that it does look good on him.

“You guys doing okay?”

“He is, for now. I’m going crazy. How’s our dinner going?”

“Well, I haven’t burnt it yet, but there’s still time,” he grimaces, sitting down at the foot of the bed. “Do you need anything, babe?”

“Sleep, but that’s not going to happen.” Amy rubs her eyes. “It’s fine. He’s got to fall asleep at some point, though, this is nuts.”

“Don’t challenge him, he’s breaking records,” Jake says, leaning forward to tickle Mac’s feet. Mac reacts by kicking at the boob he’s not currently feeding from, making Amy curse. “Oops, sorry. Anyway, I’m sure he will fall asleep at some point, and we can have a nice, calm New Year’s dinner. I mean, he has to be exhausted, right?”

“God, I hope so. I’m starving.” She can see Mac’s eyelids getting heavy, but every time she thinks they’re about to fall closed, it’s like he twitches and stares at her, wide awake. “He’s lucky he’s cute.”

Jake grins. “Lucky indeed.”

Mac starts pulling away at that moment, a little bit of milk still dribbling from his cheeks. Amy reaches for one of the muslin blankets that’s never more than a few feet away in their home nowadays, lifting him so he’s upright against her shoulder and patting him on the back. She expects a burp, but instead, she gets an unpleasant surprise when he spits up, managing to get sour baby puke down her back and in her already greasy hair. She groans, giving Jake an exhausted look when she sees him stifling a chuckle.

“Hey, I’ll take him. You go take a shower and I’ll put him in the BabyBjörn. Maybe that will do it.”

“That’s the hottest thing you’ve ever said,” Amy mumbles, and she’s not entirely kidding.

She makes the shower as long as she possibly can. Most days, she has to shower with Mac in the baby bouncer on the bathroom floor, so even the chance to be alone in the bathroom for more than five minutes feels like a luxury. She lets the shampoo really lather and the conditioner take its time to sink in, trying to massage the knots in her neck and shoulders under the hot water. She can hear Mac still fussing from the kitchen, and it makes her feel guilty even though he’s barely left her arms today.

“He’s fine,” she whispers to herself like a mantra. “He’s fine. Jake can handle it. He’s perfectly fine. Everything’s okay. You deserve this.”

She still skips the make-up and nicer clothes she had been planning to put on, throwing on a pair of maternity leggings and one of Jake’s old hoodies instead.

The dinner looks fantastic, some sort of chicken baked in the oven with rice and a lemon sauce, and Amy’s actually impressed. She imagines it would have been even nicer if she could have eaten it warm and together with Jake, but they only make it through toasting in orange soda and the first two bites before Mac wakes up from his ten-minute-nap, wailing as if he truly believed he’d just been abandoned. They end up having to take turns eating and walking laps around the living room with him, because he starts crying again if they stop moving for a second or as much as make an attempt to put him down. Amy is suddenly relieved they said no to her brother Tony’s New Year’s party-invite.

She can barely believe it when after what feels like the fiftieth or so feed of the day, Mac falls asleep. Curled up like a little frog on her chest and letting out the cutest of baby snores, he finally seems to relax, and Amy doesn’t even dare to breathe too sharply for the first ten minutes. Eventually, though, once it seems like he’s not going to wake up from the slightest movement or a raised voice anymore, Jake tucks them both in under a blanket and gets the Ben and Jerry’s from the freezer and orange soda from the fridge. Then he gets another blanket for himself, and they snuggle up together in the corner of the sofa in front of the tv. From live footage at Times Square, Amy can see crowds of people waiting for the ball to drop.

“Wishing you were there?” Jake winks, but she just laughs.

“Are you kidding? Cold, crowded, and you can never even get a good view. This is better in every way.” She strokes her thumb over Mac’s dark hair. “I have this one and you. That’s all I need. And ice cream,” she adds, digging out a piece of cookie dough from the tub.

“You’re right, it’s pretty damn close to perfection. Top five moments of 2020?”

Amy shakes her head, pointing to Mac. “No point. They’re all about him, anyway, and they’re all too good to compare.”

“True that.” Jake shakes his head. “Hey, isn’t it crazy that although he’s been kind of a nightmare today, I’ve already forgiven him?”

“No, it makes perfect sense, because I’ve almost wanted to give him away several times and now I can’t even remember why.”

“Having a baby makes us kind of crazy, huh?”

“Oh, absolutely. I wouldn’t change it for the world, though.”

“Me neither. Not even if I was offered a role in the next Die Hard-movie and Taylor Swift did the soundtrack.”

“That’s pretty big,” Amy laughs, leaning in for a quick kiss. “Would Taylor Swift do the soundtrack for Die Hard, though? Realistically speaking?”

“It’s a daydream, Ames!”

She has no time for a comeback, though, because right then, the countdown starts on the tv and Jake raises the volume a few bars so they can hear.

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four…

“New Year’s kiss,” Amy says, holding Mac up slightly so they can both reach him.

Three, two, one… happy new year!

They both smother his cheeks with kisses at the same time as the fireworks explode over the sky in the distance outside their windows and the crowd begins to cheer on tv. Mac doesn’t even flinch, completely oblivious to the celebrations going on outside. Amy sighs.

“How can he magically sleep through all of this, but wake up the second I put him down in his crib at night?”

Jake shrugs. “Babies, man.”

december 31st, 2021.

Amy has only started to take off Mac’s winter overall before he starts trying to flee, kicking wildly with his boots and pointing towards the kitchen where he’s already spotted Rosa. Jake notices her struggle and is quick to help her, and the instant the toddler is free, he hurries off towards his best friend.

“Wo-wo-wo-wo-wo-wo!”

“Mac! Hey, happy new year, man!” Before Amy can even take off her own jacket, Mac is already in Rosa’s arms and babbling excitedly as he plays with her gold necklace. Amy wonders how much of what Mac’s saying actually makes sense to Rosa, but she’s nodding and smiling and seems to have abandoned whoever she was previously talking to in favor of the one-year-old.

“Jake. Amy.” Kevin appears to take their coats, shaking their hands. “Welcome. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres are in the living room, and I see your small child has made himself at home.”

“He found Rosa, yep.” Jake grins. “And he has a name.”

“Ah, yes… McClane.” Kevin nods. “Very well. I have to go check on… the kitchen. Enjoy your evening.”

“He’s never going to like me,” Jake whispers to Amy the moment he’s left.

“Well, I think we both might have lost a few points with the name choice, babe.”

“He’s one to talk names, he’s got a dog named after a cheese!”

“I know, but we can’t tell him that. Come on, Jake, I have to find something to chew on before I get sick.”

“You can always blame it on the alcohol, if you do.”

“Jake.”

“Just kidding,” he grins. “You go check on Mac and Rosa and I’ll locate the snacks.”

It turns out Rosa is more than willing to guard Mac for the evening, currently showing him the model train she's found in the library. Mac is watching with focus as Rosa helps him turn on the button that makes the train drive around the tracks, laughing as it lets out a choo-choo sound.

“Your son is much cooler than the rest of these lame partygoers,” she shrugs when Amy asks her if she's sure it's fine. “He says what he's thinking, unlike the rest of all these dum-dums.”

“Dum-dums,” Mac repeats, proud. Rosa nods.

“Exactly. I’ll call you if something happens.”

And so, in an unexpected turn of events, Amy finds herself able to sit down for most of the evening without having to chase a wild toddler around to keep him from whatever dangers he could somehow manage to get himself into in Holt’s and Kevin’s house. She supposes it looks quite antisocial of her, and maybe it is, but she’s six weeks pregnant and the early symptoms of nausea and fatigue seem to be coming on both stronger and faster the second time around, so Amy doesn’t really care. She’s got lemon sparkling water for a non-alcoholic drink, a paper plate of carrot sticks, salted crisps and almonds, and she’s not going to talk to anyone unless they sit down next to her. It’s practically heaven. Jake checks on her from time to time, assuring her multiple times that they can just leave early if she wants to, but however tired she feels, Amy doesn’t want to insult Holt that badly. They’re staying until midnight as per proper New Year’s party etiquette, and then — and not a second later — they can go home so she can crash in bed.

Rosa finds her again when Mac begins to get sleepy, rubbing his eyes and yawning but still shaking his head when Amy asks if he's feeling a little tired. He crawls over to her arms anyway, laying his head on her shoulder and hugging his arms around her chest.

“Thanks for looking after him,” she tells Rosa, but she just shrugs.

“No worries. I don't get to hang out with him enough. Your kid is dope.”

“Douh,” Mac whispers, mimicking her, and Rosa laughs.

“Repeats every word you tell him, too,” Amy says. “Yeah, he’s pretty awesome. Come over to our apartment at five-thirty in the morning on any weekend and you can hang out with him all you want. I won't stop you.”

Rosa scrunches her nose. “I’ll consider it.”

“He’s in a great mood then, I can assure you that.”

“I'll take your word for it. Also, Jake was tipsy talking baby names with some etymology professor when I saw him last, and he seemed very intense about it for a guy who's not currently thinking of naming any new babies. Or?” She raises an eyebrow.

“No, he just get thats intense when somebody implies McClane is a weird name,” Amy says, and makes a note to herself to remind Jake about their agreement not to tell anyone else at least until the twelve-week mark. “Which, to be fair, I warned him that people would think. But here we are anyway.”

“It is a weird name. Couldn’t imagine him being called anything else, though, even if I still don’t understand why you agreed to it.”

“There was a really good PowerPoint involved.”

Rosa looks at her questioningly, but Amy shakes her head, knowing there’s no point in explaining the unexplainable.

“Hmm. You guys are weird. You make pretty great kids, though.”

“Yeah.” Mac has fallen asleep by now, drooling a little bit on Amy’s shoulder. She kisses the top of his head and thinks of the abstract idea of her second kid, the thump-thump of an already present heartbeat they got so lucky as to hear on an early ultrasound yesterday. “The best.”

As midnight draws closer, most of the guests take on jackets, scarves and shoes to venture out into the garden to watch fireworks. Not wanting to be left out, Amy and Jake manage to get a half-sleeping Mac, who wakes up suddenly interested when he hears about the promise of fireworks, into his overall and join them. It’s a surprisingly good view from the garden, the cold winter air waking them up, and Jake points out the vibrant displays in the sky to a drowsy Mac, who blinks at them dazedly. It’s so cute it makes Amy tear up. Being both a mom and newly pregnant does that to her; she’s given up trying to fight it.

It’s hard to believe that two years ago, she was toasting in champagne in a hotel bar and wondering if they would ever make a baby together, and now she’s standing in a garden watching Jake with their one-year-old son and knowing that next New Year’s, if all goes well, they’ll be parents of two.

“What are you thinking of?” Jake must see her tears, because he looks worried, but Amy just smiles.

“Just how quickly things can change. How happy I am. And how much I love you.”

“Love you, too. Top three-hundred-and-sixty-five moments of this year,” Jake says, hugging her close so they’re standing in a little family bubble. “Every single day I get to wake up with and then come home to my family.”

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four…

They both lean in so they can smother their son with kisses, and he laughs as he figures out what’s about to happen.

Three, two, one… happy new year!

The sky explodes with color, Jake and Amy attack their son with kisses, and as the new year begins, Amy thinks she might just be the luckiest person in the entire world.

#happy new year!#my writing #b99 #peraltiago #jake x amy #b99 fic #peraltiago fic #i've spent twenty minutes trying to fix the spacing on this and it still won't work because tumblr is a fucking hellsite #read it on ao3 if you want spaces

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swissmissficrecs · 3 years

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Word count: 20,862 Chapters: 31/31 Fandom: Sherlock Holmes - Arthur Conan Doyle Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson Additional Tags: Prompt Challenge, December Calendar Challenge of Awesomeness (Sherlock Holmes), Winter, Snow, Vacation, Recovery, Mystery, small town, Drama & Romance, Established Relationship, Fluff and Angst, Case Fic, Grief/Mourning, Death, Past Mary Morstan/John Watson, Character Development Summary:

Holmes and Watson spend the month of December in a charming village, high in the French Alps. However, it is not quite the peaceful respite they had hoped for.

For Hades Lord of the Dead's December Calendar Challenge of Awesomeness!

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Rec: This is an enchanting, atmospheric casefic set sometime after Holmes’s return from Reichenbach. He and Watson, now a couple, have returned to the Alps to recover from an unspecified yet emotionally and physically draining investigation and find themselves inexorably drawn into a mystery that may have dire consequences for them both. The mood is gothic and slightly ominous, with a looming sense of tragedy plastered over with a thin veneer of hospitality and fairytale landscapes. Reminiscences and cuddles trade off with bouts of “brown study” and even hijinks with the local children for a diverting adventure with a truly surprising and creative culmination.

#vtsuion #acd #established relationship #casefic #travel #christmas

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drjohnweston · 3 years

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Tagged by @travellingwiththedead their post (here)

Rules: It’s time to love yourself. Choose your 5 favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you’ve brought into the world. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

Thank you for the tag! I feel like I made a lot more fandom content over the year, but I think it was mostly memes 😂

Being Human Fandom stuff:

Hal Yorke: 500 years of fashion

12 individual watercolour illustrations, the 6 non-canon outfits are all based on paintings, illustrations, and garments from the time periods mentioned.

The Ikea Incident

Exploring Hal, Tom and Alex’s feelings about Ikea, because the original BH trio made their feeling clear. The first piece of fanfic I wrote in over 6 years, I’m extremely thankful for the lovely comments that encouraged me to write more!

December Drabbles

A sort of Advent Calendar of Christmas-themed Being Human fics, exploring all the different line ups and a few other characters. It’s probably not the highest quality of writing but I am extremely proud that I managed to keep it up for 15 days and at over 10,000 words it’s the most I’ve ever written!

Knitting and sewing stuff:

9 completed garments and accessories

A bit of a cheat to include this but I can’t choose between some of these and this isn’t even all of the knitting and sewing projects I completed in 2020 😅

The Egyptian Jumper + 1940s wool slacks

My most recently completed projects, this was a big technical challenge and handknit intarsia was a brand new technique I taught myself in 2020. The slacks also involved some pattern drafting which is something I want to explore more this year.

Tagging @nowwheresmynut @psmith73 @andwefaeries and @mobylace if you want to 😊

#tag game #being human uk #fan art #fanfic #knitting

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pepperf · 3 years

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2020 Creator Wrap

Favourite Works

Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your 5 (or so) favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2020. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works.

I was tagged by the frabjous @annieaceofhearts, who made this absolutely spot-on Community 2020 calendar post that you should go check out rn, I’ll wait.

Right??? I particularly loved “So this is the year we all die” bc talk about the mood for March pt 1.

Tagging @annerbhp, @geneeste, @delicatelie89, @joracwyn... oh cripes, who else wrote fic in 2020? I don’t remember past last week. Consider yourself tagged if you wanna do this.

Okay, onto my stuff...

I was honestly surprised to get anything written in 2020, never mind an entire October’s worth of ficlets. I don’t know what stars aligned to let that happen but I did appreciate it, otherwise this would be a terribly sparse post. In fact, looking at my AO3 list, prior to October, I hadn’t posted anything since December 2017, yikes. All credit for that long hiatus goes to my soul-draining previous job and my doomed obsession with The 100 (which for whatever reason I found almost completely unwritable).

But fortunately I found a fandom and a prompt challenge this year that got me writing. Everything on this list is from those halcyon days of October - because I wrote nothing the rest of the year - all based on whump prompts, and all about Diego from The Umbrella Academy. In reverse order, because that’s always more exciting:

5. Nothing Good Starts In A Getaway Car: A mostly dialogue fic, all just for the sheer joy of writing the siblings bickering, seasoned with some worrying about Diego (who is, lbr, kind of a woobie).

4. That Renfaire Life: Historical puns! Costumes! Time travel! Niche historical facts! Outright lies! Lila meets Diego’s robot mum! I really crammed a lot into this one - I just wanted them to really make use of time travel, and also to put Diego in a codpiece and Lila in fancy velvet, and for them to have an in-person ‘I love you’.

3: Box Of Rocks: Because I think I’m funny. What can I say, I just like it when Diego is being a spectacular dumbass, and Lila is yelling at him for being a dumbass while also saving his life. Also, snuggling for warmth.

2. Comin’ Home Baby: Not because I wanted to write the Umbrella Academy people with kids, but because I thought they’d be terrible with them and that was hilarious to me. I now have a whole AU in my head for this, where they basically do the Xavier Academy for Gifted Children thing, only... well, they’re trying their best, and they should get points for that.

1. Wicked Games / My Girl Is A Heartbreak (look, it’s really a two-part fic, it’s not cheating): Because once I got an image in my head of Lila as Catwoman to Diego’s Walmart Batman, it would not let me go. So much so that I even commissioned artwork (a spectacular decision, 10000/10).

So, that's me. I hopefully will get some more writing done next year, in less of a manic fashion, but let’s not jinx it.

#mememe #fic year in review: 2020 #fic by pepper #tua #the umbrella academy #diego hargreeves

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v-thinks-on · 5 months

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Holmes bent down over the corpse to make his own examination, not of the poor dead man’s body, but of his effects, riffling through the man’s jacket, and muttering to himself in a low voice.

“It appears my first conjecture was correct,” Holmes spoke to me once more.

“Oh, have you found a locket or some indication of who may be in need of assistance?” I asked, bending over his shoulder to see for myself.

“No, no, not that. It appears we are not the first unofficial investigators summoned to this charming abode.”

“How ever did you deduce that?” I said in astonishment.

Holmes slipped a business card into my palm, before using my hand to hoist himself up, onto his feet. I nearly laughed as I read the card, which of course told all.

However, I was sobered by the grim circumstances, and surmised, “There must be someone who does not want any investigation.”

“No, it appears not,” Holmes said, his own keen features turned serious, his abstract gaze lost in the gruesome message smeared upon the wall. “A wiser, nobler man might have more than sufficient cause to sound a retreat.” He glanced over at me, a delicate question in his eyes.

I stepped forward to place my hand upon his shoulder. “Where you go, I will follow behind.”

To be continued...

#v writes #ACD Holmes #ACD Johnlock #Sherlock Holmes #John Watson #December Calendar Challenge of Awesomeness #day 7 #prompt: a private detective wants Holmes's help #the prompts continue to be too perfect!#I am hoping for something a little different for tomorrow though so they can finally move on to the next room and get more clues

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kittynannygaming · 3 years

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[Advent Calendar 2020] 12 of December

It’s a little bit special today. I’ve participated to the Quick Fic Challenge n°01, by Witcher Events and Small Communities (on Discord) with my story

The Phoenix’ Song - How it began

🎶 🎶

I can only advise you to read all the stories there, they’re awesome!

In this story, Jaskier talks about a song he sang for baby Ciri, called Sòm sòm.

🎶 🎶

This is the link to the song sang by Maria Roanet (original language occitan). You’ll found the lyrics (occitan - français - english) just below! I ⬇

I’ve translated them myself so all mistakes mine!

#Advent Calendar 2020 #KittyNannyGaming!Fics #The Witcher #Lullaby #Quick Fic Challenge 01 #The Phoenix' Song #Occitan

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sarahbiathlon · 3 years

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Covid Chronicles Volume 6: New Year, Same Masks

Covid Tests: 11

Races: 9

Photo: Nordic Focus

As December turns to January and 2020 turns to 2021, it gives us a moment to reflect on the past year and redirect for the new year. 2020 shook everyone’s world with the Covid-19 pandemic and 2021 brings promise of new hope with the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines. For me 2020 started in a very dark place. I was exhausted racing poorly and not having any fun. I went home mid season to rest and recover and hopefully come back to World Championships feeling refreshed and ready to go. In my break I was so focused on getting back to racing I just tried to solve what was on the surface and never took the time to take a step back and find the root of the problem. I returned to Europe as Covid-19 was just starting to spread, I was hopeful that I had rested enough to race well but there was no amount of hope that could have helped me. I struggled for a few more weeks in Italy and Belarus before heading back to Canmore. Back at home everything was slowly shutting down as this unknown threat of Covid-19 was growing. As things closed and we could no longer visit friends and family, I was forced to spend more time with myself and really take a deeper look at how I was feeling. The spring and early summer was hard. I had to do a lot of work on myself. I needed to figure out not only what I wanted and what I needed to get where I wanted but also how to speak up for myself and my needs. This pause created a lot of isolation for everyone, but it gave me the chance to be free from distractions and things to procrastinate with. I am not done working on myself, but I now know better who I am and what I need to make me happy. Everyday is different, some are more challenging than others, but I know have a better idea of what I need and where I am going. This fall brought the return to snow and then it flowed into racing. The beginning of the season was a mystery, but I was so happy and excited to be on the start line. The first trimester brought many positives and a few more lessons. As the clock ticked on and the calendar flipped over, I am hoping to bring my lessons from 2020 into 2021, to make time for the things and activities I need so I can make it possible to show up energized, strong, and happy.

With the first trimester over, our team’s Christmas camp gave me the opportunity to reconnect with the ongoing lessons from the spring to make sure I started the new year energized. In our lovely little apartments at the Tillga Gluck, I was able to relax and rejuvenate. The team all got to cook our own meals, Aidan and I tried to make as many items as we could that you would not find at a German/Austrian/Italian restaurant. This included stir fry, curry with naan, tacos, and burgers. Even without an oven I tried to get some “baking” in which included jelly doughnuts, churros for our team Secret Santa gift exchange and some eggnog. I found the time to catch up virtually with family as well as friends, for once I wasn’t the only one attending Christmas virtually. To help myself understand my calculus course better, I took the time to refresh some of my math knowledge by watching lots of youtube tutorials. I also took to youtube to try and learn how to cut hair to clean up the mop on Aidan’s head, good thing hair always grows back. As for outdoor activities, Obertilliach gave us the perfect playground, during our stay we got two giant dumps over 1m to add to the 3m they had when we arrived. This gave us plenty of ski trails for our long skis, we didn’t even manage to ski to the end of the grooming! I got out sledding a couple of times, one time from the top of the gondola. Aidan, Nadia, Adam, and I traded our cross-country skis one day for a lovely ski tour, we got a perfect blue bird day with awesome skiing. Of course, we also did so solid training which included shooting, skiing, intensity, and strength. It was nice to be in a quiet hotel, in a quiet town and have some space and time to breath. Not every day was perfect, I had to work through the residual stress from the first 4 weeks of racing and the stress of catching up all the small things I let slide during those weeks. All in all, I would say the two weeks were well spent and I feel refreshed and excited to get back to racing this Friday. 2020 wasn’t the easiest year but I learnt a lot and I look forward to continue growing and learning in 2021!

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knightfury1895 · 4 years

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My Stories on Fanfiction.net

My Profile is becoming rather difficult to navigate, so I list below the stories which are complete at this moment. I have done my best to sort them into a reasonable order.

Ratings: Most stories of mine are rated K/K+ as per FF.net’s directions -- the exceptions are Ts, which are marked as such here. If you disagree with a rating I have given one of my pieces, please PM me in order to let me know, rather than reblogging or commenting on this post.

Sherlock Holmes stories (classical)

December Drabbles (complete) - 31 short stories written for the popular Hades Lord of the Dead's December Calendar Challenge of Awesomeness (2013). My first attempt at challenge writing -- due to the nature of the challenge, there is no specific genre.

A Series of One-Shots (ongoing... probably) - Shorts and one-shots, mostly written to prompts. Even I have no idea what might happen next.

The Adventure of Winterbourne House (complete) - Holmes and Watson are very unwelcome guests when they arrive in a little Yorkshire village at the request of a nervous client.

No Such Thing (complete) - Holmes is forced to leave an injured Watson alone on a deserted footpath in order to get help. Is all that the doctor experiences thereafter a mere reaction to shock and fear in his vulnerable state, or could there be a paranormal explanation? This story was written in response to a prompt from Watson's Woes, the LiveJournal community.

The Freezing Moor (complete) - Watson might have wanted to join his friend in his excursion to begin with, but as the slight snowstorm became a vision-reducing blizzard, soaking both himself and his companion and chilling them to the bone, he started to regret it. As, it would seem, did Holmes.

Seasonal Stories (complete) - My response to Hades Lord of the Dead's December Calendar Challenge of Awesomeness (2014).

To Return From Death (complete) - Holmes may not know it just yet, but he is fast approaching the end of his hiatus. All he wants now is to be reunited with his Boswell and walk the beloved streets of his London, but he has his fears and doubts - London may have changed dramatically and Watson may not want to forgive him. Chapter 10 revised 15-09-14 as I have never much liked it. Rated T for drug usage.

The Singular Package (complete) - A package arrives at Baker Street from from overseas. Upon inspection, it is found to contain a blanket which has been wrapped in plain writing paper, as if for protection. Why would anyone send such a parcel?

Toby to the Rescue (complete) - When Holmes disappears without a trace, Watson fears that something might have happened to him and becomes determined to search for the Great Detective. Fortunately, he has Toby to assist him.

Slick Cobblestones (complete) - A walk in the rain turns to something much more unpleasant and Holmes is given a new opportunity to witness Doctor Watson's skills as a physician.

Inexplicable (complete) - Holmes and Watson are asked to look into the inexplicable laming of a gentleman's valuable horses. It should be simple enough - hardly a challenge, for a man of Holmes' powers.

Powers of Deduction (complete) - A beaten Holmes can only be saved by the deductive powers of a friend.

Locked Out (complete) - A short story that I wrote for WAdvent (Watson's Woes, Livejournal). Watson returns from his club to find the keys missing from his pocket. What is a fellow to do?

Tales of December (incomplete - only 16 stories out of 31) - 2015's entries for Hades Lord of the Dead's December Calendar Challenge of Awesomeness.

The Most Winning Woman (complete) - Holmes remembers the most winning woman that he ever met, during one of his darker moments. Rated K+ for mentions of drug usage and general unpleasantness, but no graphic description.

Home at Last (complete) - Sometimes, it is just a relief to come home (especially when there is a kind soul to welcome a fellow and ensure all requirements are met).

Fireside Tales (complete) - My answer to the December Calendar Challenge of Awesomeness 2018, hosted by Hades. This year, I am collaborating with my boys, Paul and David.

Snowed In (complete) - Sussex can be a lonely place in the winter months. Particularly when one finds oneself snowed in, a prisoner in one's own home.

Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century stories

Time Shifts (complete) - 1st story of my personal series. A grieving Holmes is ill with influenza and, with nothing to distract him, is forced to face the emotion he has been doing his best to ignore.

One Wish (complete) - 2nd story. Holmes' behaviour and outlook has not improved much since his illness (in Time Shifts) and both Lestrade and Watson are becoming increasingly concerned. It all comes to a head when their friend begins to disregard his own health and safety needlessly as a result.

Whose Idea Was This Anyway? (complete) - Deleted scene from One Wish.

Festivities in the 22nd Century (complete) - A challenge I set myself: a story per day for the duration of December, plus New Year’s Day. This is set at Christmas, 2104.

An Exercise in Tact (complete) - Holmes always tries to be tactful, but there are days that warrant more care than usual. This story is set in the February of 2105.

Experimental Cocktails (complete) - Holmes has decided to experiment with a cocktail of drinks (because he was bored and cocaine is illegal in 22nd Century London). Rated T for obvious reasons - I do not condone drug usage or alcohol abuse.

An Eventful July Day (complete) - The date is the 7th of July and all Holmes wants is to spend a quiet, pleasant day with his Boswell.

Forgotten (complete) - Watson has made a new friend and Holmes is feeling a bit sorry for himself.

Choosing the Right Moment (complete) - The question is a simple one - more a formality or a gesture than a question in itself and he is quite sure that he already knows what the answer will be. Timing, setting and mood are all important factors, however, and Holmes is frightfully nervous.

This is Meant to be Fun (complete) - Chelsea and Lestrade take their fiancés out for a day of fun together. At least, that is the plan.

Passions and Jealousy (complete) - Holmes can be somewhat possessive when the mood takes him. Sometimes, he can shock even himself.

Heart Over Mind (complete) - Holmes is only cheerful! Why are John and Watson so concerned? Surely there is no reason to prove that he has not experimented with any substances since his 22nd Century rebirth?

Doing Right (complete) - Holmes is forced to make a decision which he has been putting off. Providing Beth Lestrade is still interested.

#fanfiction #fan fiction #Sherlock Holmes #Classic Sherlock Holmes #bookverse #Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century #SH22 #KnightFury's stories

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strugglingartistno16 · 4 years

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Let’s open that first door

A/N: This drabble is a part of @writerofbts “25 Days Of Christmas Challenge”! I really hope that you’ll enjoy it and please check her blog out if you haven’t already, she’s an amazing writer.

Prompt: Opening The First Door Of The Advent Calendar

Pairing: Kim Namjoon x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Wordcount: 1539

~ Regular Masterlist ~

~ Masterlist for 25 Days Of Christmas ~

It had been a couple of tough weeks, if not months for your long distant relationship with Namjoon. Of course, being so far away from one another for so long at a time can be difficult, but you were pushing through.

Deciding that you wanted to surprise him while he was at home and working on some new songs, you were glad to have finally reached your hotel hours after leaving your home country. As you dialed up his phone number, ready to finally hear his voice again, you made your way to his apartment.

“Hey Y/N!” Namjoon greeted you happily. “What’s up?”

“Oh, you know. Just hanging around,” you giggled as you reached his street. “Listen, there’s something important I have to tell you.”

There was a moment of silence before Namjoon answered. “Really? What is it?”

Another small laugh escaped from your lips as you stood in front of his door. “Maybe I could tell you in person?”

It only took him a few seconds before the front door was ripped open. There stood a completely overwhelmed and perplex looking Namjoon, but as soon as you threw your arms around him and plastered his surprised face with kisses, his tensed shoulders relaxed almost immediately.

“What are you doing here?” He mumbled into your hair, as he pulled you tighter towards him, the realization that you were indeed here with him finally setting in.

“I came to surprise you,” You explained, as you followed him into his home.

Namjoon nodded as he immediately headed into the kitchen, preparing a hot cup of tea for the two of you. The temperature had dropped rapidly in the last few weeks of November in preparation of the even colder months which were to come.

You watched as his long, slender fingers slipped around the kettle, filling it with enough water for the two of you and setting it aside to turn it on. How long has it been since you had seen him last? Two, maybe even three months? He had lost a bit of weight, his cheekbones and jaw more prominent, making you worry about him overworking himself. But as his head turned towards you, bright smile and dimples prominent on his face, your worries were swept aside.

“Sit down, you must be exhausted,” You tell him, as he restlessly walked around the kitchen, preparing something to eat for the two of you.

“I am the one who’s supposed to be exhausted?” He laughed, shaking his head lightly in disbelieve. “You have traveled hours upon hours just to see me.”

You waved your hand in dismiss as you let a small smile slip across your lips. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

“Wow, cheesy very much?” Namjoon giggled, as he finally sat across from you, two steaming mugs in both of his hands. He slid one across the table for you to take it, and you gratefully put your freezing fingers around it. “So, how’s life back home? How are your parents? Must be quite exhausting with the holidays coming up,” He asked you, as he took a sip from his hot beverage.

“Oh, it’s alright,” You shrugged your shoulders, but the memory of something made your eyes light up in excitement. “Actually, my parents have prepared this really awesome advent calendar for me. I’m looking forward to opening the first door tomorrow.”

“Well, have you brought it with you?” Namjoon tilted his head as he looked at you with expectant eyes.

Your smile fell as you groaned out in frustration. “I had actually intended to take the first few doors with me, just to open them here, but I have forgotten them at home.”

Namjoon bit his lip as he examined your disappointed face. How could you have left them at your apartment? Of course, you had been late for your flight once again, quickly picking up the last pieces you wanted to take with you for your week-long stay, but the one thing you so desperately wanted to travel with had carelessly been left sitting on your bed.

“I’m sorry baby. Look, if we’re lucky we can go out and maybe still find one,” Namjoon suggested but you shook your head.

“No, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it, it’s just an advent calendar.” You smiled at him as you placed your hand over his on the table. “Let’s spend some time together instead. How about watching a movie? Or going for a walk? It’s supposed to rain really badly tomorrow, so I’d suggest we go out now?”

“That sounds lovely,” Namjoon nodded.

The two of you had spend the remainder of the day and most of the night together, never leaving each-others side. The time was filled with watching ridiculous Christmas movies, eating an insane amount of cookies and cuddling under a warm blanket on the couch.

You had closed your eyes only for a few seconds as Namjoon’s warm body pressed against yours, giving you that feeling of security and home that you had yearned after the past few months, but you knew that you had dozen off and slept much longer than you had intended to do when you opened them once again. It was bright outside, the sun being dimmed by heavy, dark clouds.

You knew that it was raining, as the small droplets of water raced against each other down the windows and it must’ve been freezing outside. As you raised your exhausted body from your warm nest, you noticed that Namjoon was nowhere to be found.

You called out his name a couple of times, but there was no reply. Where was he?

After you roamed every room in his apartment in hopes of finding your missing boyfriend, you finally gave up, as you went into the kitchen and turned on the kettle for some hot tea. Even though it was warm in his home, parts of the outside world still reflected onto it, making you shiver in your light shirt and pajama pants.

You had just fished out two mugs from the cupboard above the stove when you heard the keys turn in the front door. Wiping your head around, you saw an utterly drenched Namjoon stand in the corridor, with two big bags in his hand.

“Morning,” he mumbled as he threw off his soaked shoes and put down the white shopping bags.

“What the hell,” you groaned as you rushed towards him, helping him to get the wet clothing off of his shivering body. “Where have you been?”

Namjoon gave you a small smile as he gestured towards the bags. “I’ve been a bit of Christmas shopping.”

A simple raised eyebrow from you signaled him that you didn’t believe him, but he waited with his answer until he was changed into something warmer and less wet.

As the two of you finally sat down at the kitchen table once again, his cold hands desperately held onto the hot mug in an attempt to take all the heat in. “You can look inside of them, if you’d like,” he informed you as he took a sip from his cup.

Without hesitation, you peeked into the first bag, and to your surprise there were three advent calendars. Two with different kinds of chocolate, whereas the third one was a sort of make up one.

“What is this?” You asked him in confusion as you looked into the other bag with similar content in it.

“Well,” Namjoon began as he turned to you. “You were so upset about your advent calendar at home that I went into the stores as soon as they opened this morning. I didn’t know which kind of calendar you preferred, so I bought all of them.”

Your cheeks turned a bright pink as you suspiciously examined the calendars. Had he really gone out of his way and bought you these calendars just because you had forgotten yours at home? It was freezing outside, the rain never stopping, and he still went out to make you happy on the first day of December.

The warm feeling inside of your cheeks spread inside of your stomach as well, making you feel all giddy and happy inside. “Namjoon, you shouldn’t have,” You grinned as you sat onto his lap, throwing your warm hands around his cold neck.

“But I did. And look how happy you are.” He insisted, his own smile spreading across his face.

You couldn’t wipe off your own, even if you tried, but you quickly replied, “But not because of the calendars.”

When he looked at you with a raised brow, you giggled and placed a soft kiss onto his lips. “It’s because of your gesture, Namjoon. Nobody who’s right in their mind would’ve gone out at this weather to buy their painfully forgetful girlfriend a freaking advent calendar on the first of December.”

“But I’m crazy for you,” Namjoon retorted and you simply rolled your eyes.

“I see how you’ve picked up some lines from Jin,” You teased him as he pouted at you.

But he quickly recovered and began to spread small kisses all over your face. “Come on you brat,” He smiled as he took your hand into his. “Let’s open that first door.”

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destieltropecollection · 5 years

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Destiel Trope Collection 2019 Day 25: Roommates

PB&J | @dmsilvisart Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 1785 Main Tags and Warnings: roommate au, pining Summary: Have you ever dated someone to make someone else jealous? Dean has a very important question for Cas. Cas is oblivious and apparently Dean is an asshole.

It's All Benny's Fault | @casbeanwrites Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 7904 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe - Roommates/Housemates, guinea pig, fluff, dean in denial Summary: Everything was fine in Dean Winchester's life, until the day his (ridiculously adorable) roommate forced him to adopt a guinea pig, and everything went to Hell.

Me Too | @isolemnlyswear-iamsuperwholocked Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 2736 Main Tags and Warnings: Castiel/Dean Winchester First Kiss, Alternate Universe - College/University, Alternate Universe - Roommates/Housemates, Castiel and Dean Winchester are Roommates, Based on a Tumblr Post, Inspired By Tumblr, Miscommunication, Misconceptions, Openly Gay Castiel (Supernatural), Bisexual Dean Winchester, Mentions of homophobia, Homophobic John Winchester Summary: Dean has to get a new roommate, asap. He can't deal with it anymore- the dude has no idea what personal space even is, for one. He stares at Dean all the freaking time and it's starting to make him uncomfortable. Not to mention the fact he might have a crush on the blue-eyed weirdo. Cas has to get a new roommate, asap. He can't deal with it anymore- the dude has completely no respect for his sexuality. All his friends made jokes when Cas was with them and Dean just laughs, and Dean acts way too weird around him for it to be normal. Not to mention Cas isn't ready to have another crush on someone who could never like him back.

sunday morning coming down | @reallyelegantsharkfish Rating: Mature Word Count: 2395 Main Tags and Warnings: Recreational Drug Use, Marijuana, Demisexual Castiel, Mutual Pining Summary: Smoke can do all kinds of stuff to you, maybe. Maybe make you want to touch, want to kiss. Maybe make you want to cook dinner and lay together reading and laugh together on long drives through the Hill Country, Baby’s wheels tried and true around the curves and bends.

Holiday Traditions | @suckerfordeansfreckles Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 1356 Main Tags and Warnings: roommates, best friends to lovers, mentioned homophobia, emotional hurt/comfort Summary: Ever since Dean has known Cas, since they moved in together almost three years ago, Cas has dreaded the Christmas season. Every single time, it had taken him days afterwards to find his smile again. Every single time, he came home and hid in his room for as long as possible. Every single time, Dean’s heart broke a little more for him. But Cas survived the holidays again this year, and he’s done with family for the next few months. And Dean, the awesome (and totally smitten) best friend he is, decided to treat Cas today. Make December 29th 2018 the best one Cas has ever had. Starting with breakfast in bed.

Wake Up, Sweetheart | @breathingdestiel Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 2766 Main Tags and Warnings: au, best friends to lovers Summary: Dean decides to confess his love to Cas. It doesn't go as planned.

La Vie A Plus | @thebloggerbloggerfun Rating: General Word Count: 6260 Main Tags and Warnings: Asexual Castiel, Artist!Castiel, Punk!Castiel Summary: Dean Winchester is hopelessly, head-over-heels in love with his best friend and roommate, Castiel. Castiel - with his blue hair, and his tattoos, and his artwork, and his perfect everything. Dean never stood a chance, really. It only sucks because, as far as Dean can tell, Castiel is definitely not interested. But love, much like art, has a way of being unpredictable. Even if you think you know where you're going with it.

Truth or Dare | @lemonsorbae Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 1190 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe - College/University, First Kiss, Fluff Summary: What else is there to do when the power has been out all day?

Perfect | @galaxystiel Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 6712 Main Tags and Warnings: College AU, roommates, fluff, 5+1, Summary: Five times Dean told Cas they’d figure it out, and one time he didn’t need to.

Roommate Wanted | @supernatural9917fic Rating: Explicit Word Count: 23088 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe, Roommates, Gay Castiel, Dean thinks he's straight, Switching, Dean/Cas Big Bang Challenge 2018 Summary: Dean Winchester moved to Pontiac, Illinois six months ago when his girlfriend Carmen got a new job. Unfortunately for Dean, Carmen then left him for her boss, so he needs to find a roommate ASAP. Castiel Novak needs to move out of his brother’s house before his niece is born, and when he finds Dean’s ad on Craigslist, it seems like the perfect solution for both of them. So what if Dean is ridiculously gorgeous? Castiel can keep his crush under control. So what if Castiel is gay? Totally straight Dean isn’t at all affected by seeing him hook up with dudes. They’re just a couple of completely platonic roommates. Well… that’s what they think, anyway…

Like Home | @nickelkeep Rating: General Word Count: 4549 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Mutual Pining, Cupcakes, Wedding Planning, First Kiss, Living Together, Castiel and Dean Need to Use Their Words Summary: Castiel's twin sister Hannah is getting married, and as the Man of Honor, he's been along for the Bridal Show and Wedding Planning ride. After talking about the last one with his best friend/roommate Dean, Dean suddenly wants to tag along (mostly for the free food). Can Cas handle pretending to be engaged to his best friend?

First and Only | @almaasi Rating: Explicit Word Count: 35782 Main Tags and Warnings:Romance, Fluff, Mutual Pining, Porn With Plot, Porn with Feelings, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Flashbacks, Non-Chronological, Voyeurism, Exhibitionism, Cuddling & Snuggling, Virgin Castiel, Voyeur Castiel, Demisexual Castiel, Demiromantic Castiel, Switch Castiel, Autistic Castiel, Openly Bisexual Dean, Switch Dean, Homeless Dean, Thief Dean, Moving In Together, First Time, First Kiss, Ice Skating, Alcoholism, Public Displays of Affection, Minor Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester Summary: Single bachelor Dean bets he can have sex more times within a calendar year than his happily-married brother. But when Castiel – Dean’s roommate, best friend, and total virgin – asks Dean to be his First, Dean’s plan to bed numerous strangers goes up in smoke. Over the weeks, then the months, Cas becomes his go-to guy. His “fuck buddy”, if you will. But that doesn’t sound right. It doesn’t feel right. Dean was Cas’ First, but now he wants to be Cas’ Only. Now he’s gotta figure out how the heck to court a guy he’s successfully wooed a hundred times already.

The House That Wanted to Be a Garden | @almaasi Rating: Explicit Word Count: 32982 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe, Romance, Domestic Fluff, Domestic Bliss, Friends to Lovers, Sharing Clothes, Cuddling & Snuggling, First Kiss, First Time, Naked Cuddling, Accidentally Moving In, Home Improvement, Fairies, Magic, Believer Castiel, Demisexual Castiel, Gardener Castiel, Skeptic Dean, Musician Dean, Famous Dean, Grumpy Dean, Bisexual Dean, Dean vs Gardening, Summer, Autumn, Hygge Summary: AU where Dean accidentally moves in with his neighbour, Cas, who is surprisingly okay with it. Or: Every time Dean fixes anything in this cursed house, a random plant pops up and breaks it again. The woo-woo weirdo named Cas on the other side of the river keeps insisting that Dean must've offended the forest fairies. He offers his own home's amenities for as long as Dean needs them. But with each passing night, and every bent pipe, fritzing electrical system, or shattered window, Dean finds himself returning to his own place only to sleep. And then... one night... he doesn't even do that.

Room for Two (The Mattress AU) | @almaasi Rating: Explicit Word Count: 14548 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe - College/University, Roommates, Romance, Fluff, Crack, Sharing a Bed, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss, Literal Sleeping Together, Wet Dream, Sleepy/Unconscious Sex, Accidental Sex, First Time, Insomniac Castiel, Dominant Castiel, Autistic Castiel, Switch Castiel, Comfortably Bisexual Dean, Switch Dean, Horny Dean Summary: ✔ College roommates ✔ Buying a mattress together ✔ Faking a relationship to get a discount ✔ Sharing a bed ✔ Roleplaying as a couple to "test the bed" ✔ Fake kissing becomes real kissing ✔ Fake sex is Way Too Real ✔ Cuddling ✔ Wet dreams ✔ "Oh no I thought I was dreaming but it was real life" ✔ Matchmakers Sam & Charlie ✔ Cas seems kinda clueless but actually understands everything ✔ Mutual respect, support, and understanding ✔ Friends to lovers ✔ Mutual pining ✔ Go౦ԁ sHit

Sharing the Rain Dog | @almaasi Rating: Mature Word Count: 19837 Main Tags and Warnings: Alternate Universe - Human, Historical (1999), Fluff, Romance, No Angst, Accidental Dating, First Dates, Rain, FBI Agent Castiel, Musician Dean, Singer Dean, Flustered Dean, Shared Custody, Domestic Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Moving In Together, First Kiss, Sharing a Bed, Dean in Panties, Cuddling, Uniform Kink, Clothed Sex, Sexual Roleplay, Non-Penetrative Sex Summary: When some asshole hits a dog with his car and drives off, the first two people on the scene are Dean and Castiel. Castiel's an FBI agent with a plane to catch, and he doesn't have time to take the dog to the vet. Dean's a musician, and he doesn't have the money. An agreement is reached: Dean goes, Castiel pays, and they'll exchange details and meet again to work things out. But who gets the dog? Sooner or later they're going to realise that having shared custody of one pitbull isn't ideal. She needs one home, not two. One stable, loving home...

#destiel #destielfanficnet #writersofdestiel #deancasfanficnet #destiel trope collection #tropes #roommate au #2019

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goodvibesatpeace · 5 years

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Astrology: A Brief History and the Planets

The stars offer boundless insight, which these days is frequently presented through horoscopes. Our horoscopes can illuminate our daily experiences and help us recognize how the planets' movements — such as Saturn's transition into Capricorn — trigger massive, life-changing transformation. But let's take a step back: How does this process of interpreting the locations and motions of the planets even work? What is the definition of a zodiac sign, and how are the signs impacted by the planets?

These questions are fundamental to learning the basics of reading your birth chart, which reveals the location of the planets in the sky at the time of your birth. An analysis of this chart, also called a natal chart, can provide deep insight into your personality, motivations, and desires. Let's take a look at how the art of astrology and the craft of reading birth charts formed, and how you can apply it too.

What does astrology have to do with the stars?

Humans have stargazed since the dawn of time. Over thousands of years, our prehistoric ancestors tracked awesome phenomena such as eclipses and short-range comets, as well as frequent cyclical patterns. Distinctive twinkling star clusters were deemed "constellations," while fixed, celestial bodies were identified as "planets." Underneath the calm of the velvety night sky, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn — known as the "classical planets" — were discovered.

The ancient Babylonians created the zodiac by dividing the sky into thirteen sections, each named after the largest constellation it contained. The constellations of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Ophuicus, Sagitarrius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pieces.

The zodiac calendar both tracked time and provided predictions: The Babylonians observed that the movement of planets, called transits, corresponded with both auspicious events and misfortunes on earth. With 13 constellations, there was a problem as 13 is not a round number and 13 didn't correspond to the Gregorian Calendar which has 12 months. Based on this, the Babylonians decided to leave out a constellation and they left out Ophiucus. Originally, Ophiucus would have been between Scorpio and Sagittarius with dates of November 29th to December 17th (The sun moves in front of the Ophiucus around these dates).

The Romans adopted the 12 constellation zodiac at the dawn of the first century, expanding the roles of the stars and planets through mythology. It was at that intersection of meticulous observation and epic folklore that astrology was born.

For centuries, astrology was at the heart of science, medicine, philosophy, and magick. The Hermetic axiom "as above, so below" signified the belief that the vast, mysterious macrocosm of the universe reflects the microcosm of humans' experiences. The advent of the telescope and corresponding discovery of the so-called "modern planets" — Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto — completed the celestial puzzle. Though the function of astrology has changed (it's now more frequently used to gauge romantic compatibility than to predict the fate of the harvest), today we still observe the planets as the ancient Babylonians did.

What do the planets symbolize?

Though astrology is a vast, complex, and highly specialized study, the core principles are straightforward: A birth chart is a snapshot of the sky at the moment of your birth. It reveals the precise location of each of the planets and which constellation they occupied. In some birth charts, all the planets are in the same constellation; in others, they're spread across the sky. The distance between these planets is important since each has its own celestial function.

This image is from www.thetinytotem.com

Going back to the Babylonian era, the deduction of the 13th constellation, Ophiucus, meant that a 12 constellation natal chart could easily be split into four quadrants each with three slices.... as seen in the picture above. It also meant that opposites and many other astrological traits could easily be interpreted in the natal chart. Having 13 constellations wouldn't have worked within a natal chart and it would have been a lot more difficult to make interpretations.

Anyway, let's go back and take a look at each significant entity in the sky.

The Sun

When someone asks you what your sign is, whether or not they know it, they're asking about the position of the sun at your moment of birth. The sun symbolizes our fundamental essence. This vibrant celestial body represents our ego, sense of self, basic personality, and general preferences. The sun governs the zodiac sign Leo, the vivacious, dynamic fire sign that exudes both bravery and theatricality. It takes approximately one month to transit — or move across — a zodiac sign.

The Moon

The moon's gravitational pull regulates the climate and oceanic tides. Within astrology, the moon represents our emotional inner world. While the sun exposes our outer experience, the moon symbolizes everything beneath the surface. It represents the spiritual retreat of our most private selves. The moon governs the zodiac sign Cancer, the sensitive, protective water sign that defines nurture, comfort, and security. The moon is the fastest moving celestial body in the sky and takes approximately two and a half days to transit a zodiac sign.

Mercury

The smallest and innermost planet of the solar system, Mercury is named after the Roman deity who served as a messenger to the gods. Within astrology, Mercury symbolizes communication. While the moon reflects our emotions, Mercury reflects logic and rationality. Mercury uses its clever intellect and relentless curiosity to analyze, sort, and classify, helping us synthesize and articulate complex ideas. Mercury governs both air sign Gemini and earth sign Virgo, each representing a different side of Mercury’s expression: Gemini is output, while Virgo is input. Mercury takes 13 or 14 days to transit a zodiac sign and goes retrograde three or four times per year.

Venus

Named after the enchanting Roman goddess, Venus is the vibrant planet that represents beauty, love, and money. Known in traditional astrology as a "benefic" (Jupiter is the other benefic), Venus boasts an auspicious influence. Indulgent Venus is happiest when luxuriating: Fine wines, extended baths, and aromatic moisturizers align with the Venusian spirit. Venus's highbrow tastes reflect our interest in art and culture, while its romantic sensibilities reveal our idealized perception of love. Both earth sign Taurus and air sign Libra are ruled by Venus, each representing a different side of Venus's expression: Taurus is physical, while Libra is cerebral. Venus takes approximately four to five weeks to transit a zodiac sign and goes retrograde every 18 months.

Mars

The Red Planet is known for its battle cry. Named after the Roman god of war, Mars symbolizes action, determination, and aggression. Its impassioned spirit often manifests when we're racing to meet a deadline, running to catch a flight, or competing for a selective position. Mars is the fire under our ass, providing the adrenaline-charged boost of energy that fuels movement. It also reflects our physical passion and lust. This planet governs Aries, the impulsive fire sign known for its high-octane vivacity. Mars takes approximately six to seven weeks to transit a zodiac sign and goes retrograde every two years.

Jupiter

The largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter — or Zeus, in Greek mythology — is recognized for its colossal presence. Referred to as the "Great Benefic" in traditional astrology, Jupiter symbolizes fortune, philosophy, abundance, and spirituality. This generous planet governs expansion, encouraging us to widen our scope and broaden our horizons through philosophy, spirituality, and education. Jupiter governs Sagittarius, the adventurous fire sign known for its thrill-seeking disposition. Jupiter takes approximately 12 to 13 months to transit a zodiac sign and goes retrograde each year for around 120 days.

Saturn

The ringed gas giant is associated with time, regulations, and restriction. On a good day, Saturn symbolizes hard work, professional achievements, and steadfast resilience. On a bad day, however, Saturn can be harsh and unemotional, forcing us to learn through tough love and difficult challenges. Though this planet has an odd way of showing its affection, Saturn does have our best interest in mind. It simply wants us to play by the rules. Saturn governs Capricorn, the enterprising earth sign known for its tireless ambition, and takes approximately two and a half years to transit each sign. It goes retrograde each year for around 140 days.

Uranus

Uranus is unusual: It’s the first planet discovered by a telescope, the only celestial body named after a Greek deity, and is tilted so far on its axis that it essentially orbits the sun on its side. Fittingly, Uranus symbolizes technology, rebellion, and innovation. This revolutionary planet hates the rules and is always eager to facilitate groundbreaking, dynamic change. Uranus can have surprising effects (after all, the planet loves shock value). It governs Aquarius, the free-thinking air sign recognized for its eccentricity and nonconformity. Uranus takes approximately seven years to transit each sign and goes retrograde each year for around 150 days.

Neptune

Neptune's vivid azure color perfectly complements its astrological significance. Named after the Roman god of the sea, Neptune governs the magical, mysterious vastness of the spiritual unknown. When a thick fog rolls across the ocean, it's difficult to discern the separation between the water and the sky. Similarly, Neptune's power exists at the intersection of fantasy and reality. On a good day, Neptunian energy is extremely creative and powerfully psychic. On a bad day, however, Neptune can become delusional and escapist. When Neptune's influence is felt, explore your imagination, but remember to throw down an anchor: You never want to get lost at sea. Neptune governs Pisces, the intuitive water sign recognized for its incredible imagination and psychic powers. The planet takes approximately 14 years to transit each sign and goes retrograde each year for around 150 days.

Pluto

Though this icy celestial body didn't to measure up to the astronomical definition of a planet, by astrological standards, Pluto is still a really big deal. Pluto symbolizes power, transformation, destruction, and regeneration. Named after the Roman god of the underworld ("Hades," in Greek mythology), Pluto's power is rooted in darkness. This beguiling planet seamlessly slithers into complex infrastructures, quietly transforming systems from the inside. Pluto reminds us that in order for us to manifest change, we must release the past. It is associated with Scorpio, the elusive water sign defined by its mysterious disposition. Pluto takes approximately 14 to 30 years to transit each sign and goes retrograde each year for around 185 days.

How do I put this all together and start interpreting birth charts?

Learning about the planets in relation to the zodiac is a critical step in beginning your journey into the stars. The planets with short orbits move across the zodiac frequently and are specific to an individual's date and time of birth. Referred to as the inner planets, they include the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars, and they directly impact our unique personalities and day-to-day experiences.

The planets on the other side of the asteroid belt are referred to as the outer planets. These celestial bodies — Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto — move much more slowly, changing signs every one to thirty years. The outer planets define larger life themes, as well as experiences shared by generations.

The significance of the outer planets in a birth chart is determined by the houses they occupy. A birth chart is divided into twelve sections referred to as houses. Each house represents an area of life: Houses one through six address everyday activities and mundane matters such as personal finances, the home, and routines; houses seven through 12 relate to more abstract concepts, including philosophy, legacy, and psychic abilities. The placement of the planets in the houses reveals where we store our energy, as well as our strengths and weaknesses.

Examine your own chart, and consider the planets and their corresponding signs and houses. How is a planet's function influenced by its zodiac sign, and which area of life does it impact most directly? From here, your unique interpretation of a birth chart should follow this formula: Planet + Sign + House = Interpretation

For instance, if your natal moon is in sensitive Cancer in the seventh house, the house that represents committed partnerships, your emotional happiness may be very connected to your relationships. If your natal Mars is in pragmatic Virgo in the eleventh house, the house related to humanitarianism, you may be motivated to help others in very practical ways.

The unique placement of the planets in the houses is determined by your rising sign, also known as your ascendant. This is the zodiac sign that was on the eastern horizon at the exact moment of your birth. Your rising sign creates the entire architecture of your birth chart and defines your planetary chart ruler, the planet associated with your chart (to calculate yours, identify your rising sign and then which planet governs that zodiac sign). This rising sign also defines our external experience: If your sun sign writes the speech, your rising sign is how the speech is delivered. It's the mask worn in public. It reveals how you're perceived by others and how you interface with the world.

Whether your goal is to become a professional astrologer or simply make sense of your birth chart, understanding the planets, signs, and houses can expose the complex depths of astrological wisdom. Spend lots of time with your birth chart: Your ability to interpret the placements in it will be strengthened as you apply the chart to your everyday life. Don't be afraid to create narratives and make bold observations. After all, that is how the solar system was discovered.

At the core of astrology, cosmic warrior, is the enduring belief that the human spirit mirrors the universe: Both are beautifully diverse and infinitely mysterious. And ultimately, astrology is the art of stargazing. Your curiosities will always illuminate the darkness.

Much love to all... go in peace my friends

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