The snow softly tumbled from the inky sky, dressing Seoul in a delicate blanket of white. Mn pulled his coat tighter around him as the cold nipped at his cheeks, his breath visible in the frigid air. The convenience store, glowing warmly a few blocks away, promised a refuge from the biting wind and the promise of snacks.
His mind was a whirlwind of clients and his upcoming convention, but the thought of indulging in some comfort food and a quiet night away from his responsibilities gave him a sense of peace. Just as he quickened his pace, eager for the warmth that awaited, a slick patch of ice maliciously hidden beneath the fresh snow caught him off guard. His feet slid from under him, and with a sharp intake of breath, he tumbled backwards, his hands instinctively reaching out to break his fall.
The impact against the cold, hard ground sent a jolt of pain up his arms and behind, and he grimaced, his hands stinging from the cold and the force of catching himself. That's when he heard it—a voice, soft and concerned.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Mn wasn't expecting anyone to notice his fall, and he certainly wasn't expecting the face that came into view as he looked up. His eyes widened as he recognized the familiar features, the same ones he saw every time he looked in the mirror, just a bit younger.
"Innie?" Mn's voice was a mix of confusion and disbelief.
Jeongin's eyes mirrored the same shock, his breath forming clouds in the cold air as he reached down to help Mn up. "Hyung? What are you doing here?"
Once on his feet, Mn found himself quickly pulled into a tight embrace, the kind that can only come from years of brotherhood, the youngers grip tight around Mn's waist tight. Mn returned the hug just as tight, the familiarity of his brother's presence suddenly making the Seoul night not so cold.
"I'm here for work," Mn managed to say, his voice muffled against Jeongin's coat. "Client wants me to paint for their daughter's wedding and there's an art convention that invited me to show my work."
Jeongin pulled back slightly, his face beaming with pride. "I didn't know you started traveling. That's amazing, N/n!"
The street around them felt deserted, the world narrowed down to just the two of them in their unexpected reunion. Mn's grip around Jeongin's shoulders didn't loosen; if anything, it tightened as he saw a look of guilt take over the younger males face.
"I'm sorry I couldn't make it back for Christmas this year, N/n."
Mn shook his head, a smile breaking through his surprised expression. "Don't worry about it, Innie, you had your reasons. Bumping into you here... it's like a Christmas miracle. I wouldn't have been at home anyway if you did go home."
Jeongin's eyes softened, and he looked at his older brother with a mixture of relief and affection. "You shouldn't be alone on Christmas. Come to the dorm with me. The guys would love to see you."
Mn's heart swelled at the invitation. Without hesitation, he pulled Jeongin into a tight hug, his right arm wrapping around the ravenette's shoulder as his left tightened around his lower back, burying his face in the crook of Jeongin's neck, more like in his scarf, and swaying them slightly, hugging the boy with all the pent-up homesickness and love that had been building inside him since he'd left Busan.
"Thank you, Innie. I couldn't ask for a better holiday."
They stood there in the middle of the sidewalk, two brothers holding onto each other, the cold night air no match for the warmth of their reunion. Mn finally pulled away, his hands resting on Jeongin's shoulder and side as he gave him a reassuring smile. "Let's get out of the cold, yeah? And maybe get some more feeling back into my hands."
Jeongin nodded, his own smile spreading across his face as he giggles. "Come on, Hyung. The boys are gonna be so happy..."
They walked side by side, making their way through the snow-filled streets as Jeongin went on about what they were planning to do for the holidays. The convenience store was forgotten, its warm glow left behind as they headed towards the second place Jeongin called home. The crunch of their footsteps on the snow was a gentle rhythm in the quiet night.
As they approached the dorm building, Mn threw an arm around Jeongin's Shoulders, a protective gesture that reminded Jeongin of their childhood as he wraps an arm around Mn's middle and stepped further into Mn's side. "The guys are going to be surprised," Jeongin chuckled. "I didn't even know you left Busan, that you left home. Eomma didn't say anything and I assumed you were too busy to reply to me."
"I wanted to tell you," Mn admitted, "but I also wanted to surprise you, try to find you and then show up. Was gonna message Chan after I went back to my hotel so I could do that. Guess we both got our surprise, huh?"
Jeongin's laughter was a sound that Mn didn't realize he'd missed so much. "The best kind of surprise."
They entered the dorm building, the warmth inside immediately enveloping them. The sound of laughter and music trickled from the door at the end of the hall. Jeongin pushed it open when they made their way down the hall, and the noise spilled out louder. Seven faces turned towards them, a mix of surprise and happiness on each one.
"Guys!" Jeongin announced with a wide grin. "Guess who I ran into!"
One by one, the members of Stray Kids approached, offering handshakes and hugs, their welcome genuine and warm. Mn was swept into the camaraderie as if he'd always been a part of it. The cold night outside was now a distant memory, replaced by the laughter and warmth of his honorary brothers.
As the night wore on, Mn found himself surrounded by stories, music, and the kind of joy that only comes from being with people who care. Jeongin stayed close, always making sure Mn was included, his eyes occasionally meeting Mn's with a silent understanding that no distance or time apart could ever break the bond they shared.
As they settled down later, Mn found a quiet moment to lean over to Jeongin. "This really is the best Christmas present, Innie. Thank you."
Jeongin just smiled, shuffling over to Mn and almost throwing himself into his brothers side, cuddling up to his brother and resting his head on Mn's shoulder as the older wrapped his arms around him in return "Having you here is the best present I could ask for, Mn. Merry Christmas, hyung."
And in that small dorm, surrounded by his brother and friends, Mn now realizes that he won't be alone for Christmas like he thought he would be. Even if he reached out to his brother he thought he'd be too busy. The homesickness that had gnawed at him was gone, chased away by the warmth of an unexpected Christmas miracle.
Sulu got everybody sweaters, Chekov drank a bit too much eggnog, and Bones is still getting used to the Christmas spirit- its a merry time all around :D happy holidays yall!!
he really went. blep. hi user @ilyuu. im proud of this one so congrats wanderer takes home first gift wooo
lmao id like to apologise in advance as this was brought on because of me but I got super burnt out drawing like 20 of these over the course of 2 days... if you see the quality of the drawings declining ( which you will ) please don't mind it!! thank you.
@anonbinaryweirdo. sigh. i get whiplash whenever you're super nice and then in the span of the next three seconds immediately do something vile
@soleillunne. we don't talk much but from what I know you are such a sweet person omg !! and your works??? dies inside (in a good way). the way you write xiao maks me so. puddle like
@realkavehgf. we agree on one things (amongst others) and that is that kaveh is. kAVEH IS. MALFUNCTIONS PERISHES.
@emphasisondrvgs. you scare me. please take your ranpo and quietly see yourself out LMAO /j
@pjsk-writin. AMIMI ONE OF MY FIRST EVER MOOTS !!! im so proud of mikoto. sighs. straitjackets are smth else to draw .. BUT HES SO. MMMMMM !!!!
@circyexistforcontent AAAHHH HI PRECIOUS. I LIKE YOU BUT I DONT REALLY LIKE DILUC SO. TAKE THIS... quietly throws up
@whats-it-mean. puka puka. head empty. puka puka. please stop your affairs with my mother.
@falors. UGLY SOBS. UGLY CRIES. I LOVE YOU /P SM. WAAHHHH TEARS TEARS TEARS you are the most talented person ever I S T G gRAAAHHH YOU BETTER GET 18412409128410948 FOLLOWERS THIS YEAR OR I WILL RIOT. mwah.
@dustofthedailylife. omg. hi dust... tbh ive been so concerned for you recently with how much life is running you over with a pickup truck so wishing for your improved health soon !! alhaith is a smort guy what can I say
@the-white-void. DEAREST. literally one of the first people I ever interacted with on this platform and you're actually. like. literally one of the sweetest people I have ever met. KLEE IS SUCH A CUTIE FJSFJDK
@kaeffeinee. OMG. m..my kitten- woah WHO just said that. wild shit right there. have something you don't like?? have something that's been pestering you for far too long?? no worries. its the official nag seal of mendokusai !!!!
@lillonvia. sobs. I didn't do the man justice.loud sobs. DFSDDSF YOUR ART MAKES ME WANT TO LIKE DISENTAGRAT INTO GLOWING BALLS oF FUZZ AND FLOAT INTO THE HEAVENS I DONT KNOW HOW ELSE TO DESCRIBE IT. WE ARE SO DELULU oVER XIAO. FOAMS AT THE MOUTH
@absolutelyobsessedkiya. HELP WHY IS MINORI SO BRIGHT.... she's literally shining what. we need to talk more pspsspsp I just now found out that you're a fan of milgram!! remember like last year I was all 'whose that pretty pink person on their pfp??' AND NOW I FINALLY KNOW THATS ITS MUU RAHHHH
@auroratumbles. meow. cat. what a sweetie. I don't even know what my art style is doing here anymore Istg what even. what even BYE LETS TALK ABOUT XIAO LATER !!
@papiliotao. mwah. a kith for you. mWAH. ANOTHER KITH. SJFKSDJFLS GRAHHH YOU ARE THE SW E. E T E ST AND YOUR THE SWEETEST AND YOUR CAT IS THE SWEETEST AND YOUR VOICE IS MAKING ME WANT TO ELEVATE INTO THE CLOUDS AND YOURE SO SILLY EVEN THOUGH YOU DONT LIKE AKITIO SHINONOME
@yinyinggie. hihihi ying !! it honestly amazes me how you're able to juggle so many events and servers at once. im actually in awe. always look at xiao he's so emo and short
@solxima. GRAHHH HI. I DONT LIKE HOW JINGYUAN LOOKS IN THIS BUT. DLJFLSDJ DIES> I CANT DO THIS AN Y M O RE. your honor. hes so cat coded hes so cat coded he's so PERISHS
@yelshin. WAIIIIT NO YOUR NAME GOT CUT OFF> iM SORRY. I don't know why he looks... so r e g a l in this but its definitely giving off oRAtRice MecAnIquE DAnAlySe CARdiNAle .
@vennnnn-diagram. LOUD SCREAMING N O . YOUR NAME GOT CUT OFF TOOOODJSKFLSD JGAIJFAD JKLJFD:LFS. anyways. I need to see nahida smiling more she deserves everything and then some. aranaras are so silly giggles
@lume-nosity. I hold the slightest bit of guilt for putting your angsty ish drawing right next to happy lil nahida buT AHAHAH IT MAKES IT HURT MORE IG. took some inspo from your blog title... mwah ily lume. I WAS SO SCARED TO TALK TO YOU AT FIRST WHEN I SENT YOU THAT MOOT ASK BUT I AM EVER SO HAPPY THAT I DID !!!
th end. im actually so dead lmao my fingers actually were starting to bleed afklsdjfaskdjfklsdjflkasdjflksjflkjowejtoij enjoy your Christmas gifts mooties !! if anyone asks why I haven't been posting fics as promised. this is why. ill be in a coffin for a while please let my soul rest
OH AND FORGOT TO MENTION I DREW THESE BASD ON THE MOOTIES THAT COMMNTED ON MY THINGY LIKE LAST WEEK WHICH ASKED WHICH CHARACTER THY WANTD I LOVE YOU ALL PSPS I PROMIS
It was the first christmas since his accident, and the first one without his friends and family... well asides you of course. Hes not much of a holiday person, but hes still.. visibly hurt and miserable with it being a reminder of how everyone but you abandoned him in his darkest moment. He doesn't want to do any huge.. event for the day.. he might entertain you with wearing a matching sweater with you and getting you some gifts... but he'd much rather sit in bed and keep his mind occupied, trying to not become increasingly aware of the fact no one else is wishing him a merry christmas or returning his calls. Its very hard for the day not to become at least a little sour from his mood
OBLIVIOUS
Youd been throwing flirting attempts his way ever since you started working at alchemax. Each and every one of them would be met with a clueless look from the scientist, no sign of him realizing what you just said to him. If it werent so frustrating you might just find him even cuter.. but boy is this getting old fast. Oh he is definitely the type to sit straight up in his bed suddenly in the middle of the night when he realizes that you were flirting with him.. added salt if that happens after he comes spot
CAMPING
He is torn. He hates the outdoors and hates working himself physically... but he loves being able to observe stuff up close. Probably screams if a bug launches itself onto his face. Does not believe in cryptids and monsters yet stiffens when theres a noise off in the distance. Will immediately shut down any attempt of telling scary stories by the fire, too. Very good at keeping track of stuff and what direction you guys are going in... probably knows basic first aid and insists he knows what plants are what. He proceeds to walk through poison ivy
FIRST DATE
Oh this poor man he has no idea what to do.. you're not his first date ever but trying to impress someone new is always going to be nerve wracking. That confidence that hes putting on display for you? It's so obviously fake... hes stumbling over his words a little, he probably knocks over his water. You're a little surprised he didnt make note cards to read off of. I'll be nice.. this can be pre collider, he would be even more of a nervous wreck if he was.. a faceless thing.. though his nerves are kind of. Endearing and he does find his footing when the night really kicks off. Charming if not a chatterbox when it comes to topics that really catch his interest. Would try to kiss you after the first date, cannot read if it is appropriate or fits the mood. Hes simply.. a pathetic dork
🐱: Hello, everyone. This is EXO's Xiumin. Everyone, Merry Christmas! 👋🏻 Wooo~~ You've worked hard and done such a great job this 2023. I've spent such a happy time with you guys, our EXO-Ls and it was a great year. Everyone, I really love you guys so much~ Merry Christmas! 👋🏻
🐰: EXO-L, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (in English) 👋🏻 I hope you wrap up the year well and I wish that only happier things will come your way next year. I love you~🫰🏻
🐶: Merry Christmas, everyone! 👏🏻 Everyone, have an enjoyable merry Christmas. I hope you'll celebrate Christmas happily together with us, EXO with our hearts united as one as well. Everyone, make sure to eat lots and be careful not to catch a cold. Bye~ 👋🏻
🦖: Merry Christmas! Everyone, Christmas 2023 has finally come! This also means that 2023 is now almost over. You guys have worked hard and done such a great job this past year. I hope you spend this Christmas (season) staying warmer than anyone else. Merry Christmas once again! Bye~ 👋🏻
🍒: Merry Christmas! 👋🏻 Hello, EXO-Ls~ You've worked hard and really done such a great job in 2023. Thank you so much for being with me, and for being with us. I hope you'll spend your Christmas well and also the end of the year well. I hope we can do even more fun things in 2024 and spend next year staying even healthier. I will enjoy it as well. Merry Christmas! 👋🏻
🐧: Merry Christmas, everyone! The weather has gotten really cold lately, but please be careful not to catch a cold. Also, I hope you'll spend the end of the year happily. Please be happy, everyone. Bye~ 👋🏻
🐥: Merry Christmas! 👋🏻 Everyone, I hope you wrap up the year well and stay warm this winter. Thank you~ 👋🏻
summary: one super random night you and your friend went to a rave party. and then it happened. you met the guy of your dreams, but sadly he only wanted a drink. nothing more nothing less. or at least you thought so.
I have so many 😭😩 I genuinely live Christmas songs so much…from traditional carols to more secular stuff…the music is straight FIRE
Of the secular stuff I like White Christmas (cuz I sure am dreaming of one) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (“we all will be together if the fates allow” 🥺) Silver Bells (xmas time in the city !!) I’ll Be Home For Christmas (🥲 so full of longing) and probably others tbh
I think I like every traditional carol WOOO. What Child is This has always been a fav cuz its in a minor key and the lyrics are dope (“nail, spears shall pierce him through/the cross be borne for me, for you”) ALSO I LOVE every verse of O Come O Come Emmanuel. Also O Holy Night!!!!
Some underrated carols are Fum Fum Fum, The Holly and the Ivy, and Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming.
My family have two carol books that are great and I could go for any carol in them really
As for more non-traditional stuff, I love Lemon Demon’s Christmas EP, The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album, Louie Zong’s Christmas EP, the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, and the Christmas songs from the musical A Year With Frog and Toad. (I like Pentatonix Mary Did You Know but literally nothing else on that album.)
I also really love choral, orchestral, and instrumental arrangements of Christmas songs. Some favs this year have been jazz arrangements, dulcimer covers, and orchestral/band arrangements.