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vettelsvee · 27 days

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THIS IS THE LEAST I COULD DO | Sebastian Vettel

f1 masterlist | history series masterlist | season 1

summary: sebastian is back on track… sort of. diana is back as well —better said, she’s welcomed to red bull racing as a race engineer intern

word count: 4716

warnings: a not so good behavior from certain person towards diana. i remind you that this is a fictional work and everything represented here is just pure fiction.

taglist: [@theseerbetweenus @annewithaneofthegreengable @vincentvanshoe @formulaonebuff @roisinivy] if you wanna be tagged in each part just tell me in the comments <3

a/n: welcome back to history! hope you like this season even though is not my fave (for now, 2010 season is my top 1), but the ending is 📈

feedback, as well as reblogs and comments, are truly appreciated!

2023

"The first time I met Diana was in Jerez, in February 2009, during the presentation of the RB5. Sebastian and I had to present the car we would be using that season and she had come for a first contact with the team. I swear Seb talked to me about that intern too many times to the point I wanted to shut him up," explained the Australian, laughing. "Do you remember when, because of you, I thought Diana was your girlfriend? And then I asked Christian and he said yes!"

Sebastian Vettel remembered that as if it had happened a couple of minutes ago. His obsession with the young woman who was now his wife grew during the 2008 winter break, even though they had no contact beyond the messages they shared on that fateful Christmas Eve. When the German found out from Britta that the girl would be joining them in the Andalusian city, and no matter how much he tried not to care, he couldn't help but wish the day would come soon to see Diana Wagner again.

"You talked about her all the time, Seb," Webber continued. "It was normal for me to think she was Hanna."

"I know, I know," the German insisted in a playful tone, hitting the older man's arm. "Leave it alone and focus on what we have to talk about! I'm hungry and sleepy, so you better wrap this all up as soon as you can."

[...]

2009 February 9th

Jerez, Spain

It was February and Sebastian, who seemed to have paid no attention during Geography classes in high school and was apparently unaware of the climatic differences between countries, was surprised at how the sun shone powerfully in the clear sky over the city of Jerez. He was eternally grateful to be able to enjoy much milder temperatures than those in his native Germany, where winter was potentially colder than in the south of Spain.

The two Red Bull Racing drivers arrived in a golf cart driven by a circuit worker to an area near the circuit offices, from where they would depart to carry out that presentation that Sebastian was not looking forward to doing.

This time they weren’t alone but accompanied by Karina, a Colombian woman in her early thirties who worked as the team's public relations from possibly that moment since Sebastian, despite being the rookie, had heard of some of its members. The woman, however, was totally unknown to him no matter how hard he tried to remember.

The fresh air blowing through the city of Cadiz was hitting them directly, something to be thankful for as sweat was starting to invade their bodies due to nerves, especially the younger one. After all, it was his first contact being, what many people considered, the young man who would lead Red Bull Racing to success.

Red Bull Racing’s chosen one.

To say that Sebastian felt pressure from the expectations that fans, journalists, and especially those not so admirers of the Formula 1 world who tended to criticize, had placed on him was an understatement.

The moment they stepped out of the cart, that internal tingling increased. They were barely taking their few belongings when they were already surrounded by the press, and as they approached the room where they would meet with Christian Horner, who would come out with them on stage, the media, with their cameras and microphones ready to capture any situation to manipulate or sell it as they saw fit, surrounded them overwhelmingly, as if they were criminals.

Webber seemed used to so many people paying attention to him, although he felt a little annoyed by the treatment they were receiving. Vettel, on the other hand, felt like he was losing air incredibly surprisingly, and all he wanted in those moments was for a bubble to surround him and take him out of there. His anxiety was escalating, but all he did to cope with the situation as best he could was to wonder if he was really prepared to face fame in such a way.

If the season had just begun, he didn't want to imagine how that same situation would unfold a few months later, when half of the calendar was complete.

"I think they know us a little around here, don't they?" the younger of the two commented ironically, turning his head to Webber as he tried to put aside his intrusive thoughts.

Mark just nodded, sharing the same opinion as the boy. The Australian was much more serious than him and, at that moment, he wasn't in the mood for much joking, although deep down he felt sorry for the pale face and droopy eyes of the German. That event was not only important for Red Bull but also for them, especially for himself. Since it had been announced that Sebastian Vettel would replace David Coulthard at the end of his very first full season as a rookie, the pressure had started to overwhelm him incredibly.

Flanked by the security that had been hired for the event, Sebastian and Mark, along with the woman accompanying them, managed to navigate the growing crowd of journalists that began to accumulate in the vicinity of the venue. As they got closer and closer to the room where they would be expected, the intensity of the flashes and the impertinent voices faded away. As soon as they arrived they came across a too nervous Christian and a much calmer Britta.

"Damn, you finally made it."

The blue team director headed towards the drivers as soon as they crossed the door and the room closed.

"Were you lost or something?" the British insisted.

"No, no," explained Vettel somewhat agitated. "The press had set us up big time."

"Don't overdo it, Sebastian," Mark replied to the younger one. "This is nothing compared to what you might encounter after a race."

Christian listened carefully to the absurd dialogue the two teammates were having, trying to extract some importance from it that wasn't just a stupid argument for the reporters. As soon as he got tired of them his posture stiffened, his features became serious, and he didn't hesitate for a second to interrupt them when he saw on his wristwatch that they should have been on stage five minutes ago.

"Okay," the man began, filling the room with a sepulchral sound. "You arrived later than expected, and your nonsense conversation made us delay everything even more. Besides, I don't think Karina has explained anything to you along the way, so I'll have to tell you now, clearly and concisely," he added.

His gaze turned to the Colombian, who until that moment had been talking animatedly with Roeske. Quickly, the younger one stood up and adopted a much more serious posture, with her shoulders raised, her back completely straight, and her arms static, as if she were a figure from Ancient Egypt, totally hieratic except for a smile that she couldn't help but let escape from her lips. There was no need for any indication from Christian to know that she had to explain in detail to Sebastian and Mark what each of their roles would be in the presentation:

"Okay, guys, the presentation will be divided in three main parts. First, we'll have a brief press conference where you will be answering, together with Christian, some general questions about your expectations for the upcoming season. Then, we'll move on to a photo session with the cars, where you'll be posing for photographers and anyone who feels like seeing you," Sebastian, at this last part, added a disgusted grimace that was suppressed from a distance by his public relations. "We'll finish with Mark," she pointed to the Australian, "announcing that the preseason tests will be taking place this very week, and with Sebastian," she now addressed the blonde, "explaining that today, exclusively, you'll be driving the RB5 for the first time."

Both drivers listened carefully to everything, without putting any impediment, and nodding constantly to make sure Horner saw them taking it all in.

"During the press conference you have to be careful with what you say," Karina continued, and Sebastian felt that the message was directed especially at him. Did the girl know something about his constant screw-ups with the media? "Avoid any kind of controversial comment that could be interpreted negatively and, above all, those that could be misunderstood."

"Your answers should focus on the team and, especially, on what we expect for this upcoming year," Christian included. "Remember that there are many cameras and microphones recording everything, and if the press already misinterprets and questions everything we say..."

"It's better to tread carefully," Webber interrupted.

Sebastian, listening to all that, realized he wasn't prepared for any of what he was about to experience, but he would do his best to do the best job of presenting himself there, in front of all those people, and give the best version of himself not only for himself but for the people he worked with.

The tension increased when one of the Red Bull members who decided to come to Spain opened the door, letting the noise of the flashes penetrate the walls of the room. Christian, Mark and Sebastian were about to go out on stage, and as much as they were focused on the role they would have to play shortly, Sebastian was startled when he felt a tiny hand take his wrist.

Britta knew her client was the focus that day, and she didn't want him to make any mistakes that could not only cost him his newly acquired job but also his reputation.

"I need you to listen to me carefully," her voice was quiet, but completely firm, to the point that even she herself was alarmed. Her hand was still holding Sebastian's, and for the moment, she had no intention of letting go. "Don't mention Diana under any circumstances. Understood?"

The boy frowned, surprised by Roeske's warning. He knew he had to be careful about what he said, but he didn't expect such a direct warning, especially when it was about Di.

He loved Britta, but he hated the version that had appeared in recent months: the one that thought the only thing that mattered to him was the Austrian even though, in a way, she was right.

"Why, according to you, can't I talk about Diana?" Vettel replied cautiously. "Besides, I was only going to talk about the team that I know nothing about and the upcoming season, which I don't expect anything from."

The German sighed and, after lowering her head to gather some patience and calm before facing the boy again, she looked at him seriously.

"Sebastian, I know you perfectly," she revealed. "You're a big mouth, and when it comes to Wagner, you tend to say more than you should. By the way, I totally forgot: important: Diana’s coming today."

The guy, who had his feet supported only by his heels, stumbled and was about to bump into a table next to him. He hoped his “workmate” would be in Spain, but he hadn't thought it would be possible for her to stop by the RB5 presentation.

"Diana is going to be at the presentation? Here, today, at the event? Really?"

The young man tried to keep calm as best he could, but his stammering showed otherwise. Britta responded to him seriously, explaining that Christian Horner mentioned it that very morning just before Webber and he arrived.

"I don't know why he didn't tell anyone before," Roeske confessed. "Maybe he wanted to avoid distractions... So please: be as discreet as possible when she appears, and do not mention her name under any circumstances. Remember: try to think with your brain, not with your dick."

Seb nodded, laughing and processing the information. While it was true that he already had his own limits set, and he knew he had to be careful, the news of the Austrian being there, paying attention to everything he said, took him completely by surprise.

"Don't worry, Britta," Vettel managed to say. "I won't say anything. Thanks for letting me know."

The PR smiled at him conspiratorially. Before the boy left the room, she hugged him, and she didn't let him leave until she reminded him that he was the best and, again, to focus on Red Bull Racing and the months ahead.

As soon as he stepped onto the improvised stage, the cheers were so loud that Diana, who was approaching the circuit entrance, almost drowned in the deafening noise coming from inside.

As the girl approached the circuit entrance, the growing crowd of journalists and motorsport enthusiasts was overwhelming. She knew perfectly well what it was like to be anxious for the launch of a new car, and the RB5 had caused a stir throughout Formula 1. The cameras moved back and forth at a breathtaking speed along with the flashes. You could even hear some reporters asking questions to the people around the Jerez Circuit.

The bleached blonde, still queuing up to access the event, saw Christian Horner chatting animatedly with Mark Webber and the German who had brought so many smiles to her face every time she reread his messages.

As soon as she crossed the gates and made her way to the area reserved for the Formula 1 team, she was pursued by one of the security guards who was strictly controlling access.

"I'm sorry, miss," the man explained, tapping Diana's shoulder somewhat aggressively. "Without a credential or an invitation, I can't allow you access. If you'd be so kind as to come with me..."

Diana felt a wave of frustration washing over her. Quickly, she took off her backpack from her shoulders and opened it aggressively to search fiercely for something to corroborate that she was part of Red Bull. At the same time, the man's patience, standing there completely upright with his arms crossed, began to fade.

Again, the Austrian looked towards the stage, and saw the three men chatting animatedly, pointing at the cars under their feet.

Time was running out quickly and, with it, Diana's chances of being able to do something.

Without thinking twice, the girl closed her backpack and slung it onto her back as quickly as she could to, at that moment, start running. She didn't stop to look back, trying to dodge everyone present and the security guards who had started chasing her as best she could. Every step she took was a reminder that she needed to improve her physical condition.

In the midst of the chase and her nervousness, Wagner began to hear someone calling her by her last name. After stopping and taking a quick look around to try to figure out where the female voices were coming from, she could see Britta Roeske, a little way to her left, waving her arms, trying to get her to approach. Diana heaved a sigh of relief and, relaxing her pace, approached her savior.

"At last, Diana!" the German exclaimed, opening her arms to hug her. "Horner and I didn't know if you would make it on time."

"Yes, I'm sorry," the girl began to explain in perfect Spanish without realizing that Roeske wasn't understanding her. "It was my fault. I thought the taxi ride from my hotel to here would be faster, but..."

"Honey, can you talk to me in German, please? I would even settle for English."

Diana lowered her head when she realized she had been speaking in Spanish the whole time and, trying not to die of embarrassment, repeated, now in German, the reason for her delay, all thanks to the incredible traffic jam that had formed a few streets before reaching the circuit.

At the same time she listened to Vettel's PR, her eyes began to wander towards the stage, where the drivers and the team principal were chatting animatedly and trying to interact as much as they could with the audience. Her heart began to beat strongly when she heard Sebastian say that he was very excited for the opportunity they had given him months ago to be part of Red Bull; she felt the same way, and it was all thanks to the guy who was giving that speech.

"Wow, it looks like Christian had a luxury skiing vacation," Diana commented when she heard the story Roeske had told her about Horner's trip to Switzerland. "I wish I did."

The German's gaze became completely curious at the girl's last words. Her instinct of something being wrong had been activated, and she was determined to try to find out more about what seemed to be worrying the blonde.

"And yours?" she inquired, trying not to make a big deal out of it. "Is there anything exciting you have to tell us? Tell me you have a boyfriend," she said excitedly, although she regretted it because it seemed a bit intrusive.

"Nah, quite the opposite. It's been very quiet," she lied.

Her forced smile was telling everything to the older woman. Diana didn't want anyone to know, for the time being, the truth about her father's health, so she had to hide it as much as she could.

Roeske became concerned when she saw that Diana's eyes became somewhat watery; moreover, the tone of voice and expression that had appeared on Diana were a bit... worrying.

"Well, we all need to rest from time to time. If you ever need to talk to someone or vent about something," Britta added, trying to let the girl know that her help was there for whatever she needed, "I'm here. We haven't talked much, but that doesn't mean I can't listen to you."

Diana didn't know what to say. Although she hadn't had much contact with Sebastian's right-hand, she quite liked her. In fact, there had been a few occasions when she had wanted to approach the woman to exchange some inconsequential words with her, but her shyness always won.

Christian Horner's voice penetrated the room, making everyone, apart from the two German-speaking blondes, engrossed in the explanation of the purposes and objectives that Red Bull Racing would pursue starting the following month. Sebastian was listening attentively while trying to remember the faces of the people in the front rows, something he loved to do whenever he had any public appearance. However, his gaze began to wander a little further back when he spotted a blonde head next to Britta. Diana was having a conversation with her, her hands were moving constantly.

Even in a crowded place where he was supposed to be the center of everything, Diana Wagner captured all his attention.

To his surprise, he didn't mind at all.

For a moment, everything around him faded away, existing only that girl who, no matter how much he tried to forget her for more than obvious reasons, he couldn't. When she made eye contact with him and waved shyly, a mocking smile formed on the German's mouth, who began to feel a strange tingling in his stomach.

"Hey, Seb, are you still on Earth? Damn, I think we lost him, Christian."

Mark, upon asking Sebastian a question and receiving no response from the German, decided to throw another sarcastic remark while giving him a light tap on the arm to get his attention. Horner leaned closer to the young man's face and passed his free hand in front of him; immediately, Vettel blinked rapidly and forced himself to focus his gaze on his boss, who was subtly indicating to him to say something.

"Are you listening?" the Australian insisted again.

"Come on, Seb. We're in the middle of the presentation!" Christian shouted now as calmly as he could. If that was what he expected from the young man, what six years they had ahead of them... "Did a cat eat your tongue, or did you get lost in the clouds of Valencia?"

"We're in Jerez, but yes" the German hurried to say, earning some good laughs from the audience. "I'm sorry, I got distracted by a fan out there," he said, specifically pointing to the area where Diana and Britta were. "Where were we?"

Despite the murderous looks Britta was starting to throw his way at that moment, all Sebastian noticed was Diana's blush and her shy demeanor, clearly embarrassed, and flattered by Sebastian's words.

After a successful presentation and a much more acclaimed question session than expected, Christian Horner announced that the surprise of the day would be that Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber would be driving, for the first time, the RB5 for the crowd and the press present. The audience exploded in cheers, applauses and even started chanting, eager to see two highly acclaimed Formula 1 drivers in action.

Horner, immediately after stepping off the stage, tried to put on his best smile as he approached Diana, who was with Britta backstage. With a quick wave of his hand, he gestured for her to come closer to him.

"Be careful, okay?" Roeske whispered before the girl moved away, "Whatever he says or he does, don't lose your nerve. Nod and try to say yes to everything even you don’t agree."

Diana nodded, feeling sure of herself for the first time in her life in that world, although a little nervous. Then, she followed Christian's hurried pace, who seemed to be taking her to a more secluded place on stage where they could talk privately.

"What's this all about, Horner?" the blonde demanded, crossing her arms and trying not to let her guard down, "I thought we had discussed everything when you called me last month."

"It's nothing, Diana," the Brit clarified quickly. "I just want to talk to you again about the details of your joining Red Bull. After all, it's not the same to talk through one of those strange devices as it is face to face."

Roeske watched from a distance the conversation between the two, trying to decipher what they were saying, but it was impossible. She knew that Christian Horner had one of the most important roles in the team and that anything he wanted could be possible. At the same time, she was worried about Diana and how she would be treated. She wasn't her mother, and she wasn't trying to be, she was sure she already had one, but the fact that Sebastian spoke about her every time they saw each other had ended up generating in her a kind of special affection for the girl who seemed to matter so much to her client.

If only he wasn't so stupid and confessed what was on his mind, things would be so different...

"First of all, I want to tell you that we are extremely excited to have you on the team. Your skill and determination are undeniable," confessed the team principal. "Seb told us that it was you who came up with his strategy in Monza, and let me tell you: Rocky was completely impressed by it."

"Yes… well, it wasn't that big of a deal, but thank you," she said, trying not to give importance to a merit that publicly wasn't hers. "I am also very excited to join your team and have the opportunity to not only learn from the best, but also to become the best."

Had she gone too far by saying that last part? Perhaps the furrowed brow of the man in front of her was an indication that she had, but she couldn't care less.

"I'm glad to hear that, Wagner, but I want us to talk about more serious matters."

"I know," the Austrian replied.

Diana didn't want to show weakness, but she knew she had to control herself a little and think before saying whatever came to her mind no matter how right it was. That frankness seemed to bother the team principal, whose expression went from joy to anger in a matter of seconds.

"Diana, let me be clear," he muttered. "The conditions to be on this team are simple, but non-negotiable, so I hope they are clear to you from this moment on. You will have to dye your hair blonde as soon as you see the slightest reddish tone in it," how did he know that blonde wasn't her natural color? "Also, you have to come to work impeccably every day and only wear the team polo with a skirt and medium heels," who the hell had come up with those stupid rules? "I don't want you to socialize with drivers inside the paddock unless it is strictly necessary, as it will happen with our two.”

What were those stupid rules? Who invented them and thought they would be great if they wanted to promote equality?

"Your performance will be closely monitored," Horner continued, not giving Wagner a chance to express her apparent disagreement. “And, if you don't meet the expectations we obviously won’t count more on you.”

The young woman's discouragement was incredible, but her ambition was even greater. If she had to live from then on with those impediments to make her dream come true, she couldn't care less.

Christian knew he had gone too far with his way of expressing himself, but his pride was such that it prevented him from apologizing to the newcomer. Calming down a bit, and trying to calm the waters, he looked directly at Diana, and although he did give her another ultimatum, this time he did it much more calmly:

"I want you to know that I’ll try to trust you as much as I trust Sebastian with him recommending you," he acknowledged. "His word has proven to be much more reliable than that of many people not only with more experience in this sport. If he says you're capable, I’ll believe it too. But first, I have to see it myself."

The blonde tensed at the man's last sentence.

"Sebastian and I are just friends, Christian," she defended herself for no reason. "In fact, I would say we're not even that."

"I’ll try to trust you, Diana," he finally revealed with great effort what he had wanted to tell the young woman from the beginning, "and I'm sure more people will if you keep working and improving as you have been doing so far."

"Then why do I have to do everything you've asked me before?"

All the girl wanted to do at that moment was to calm her anger at the bipolarity that the man had shown in those moments. She knew there was a vast background behind those words and that, possibly, they didn't come from him but from some superior who wanted to test her.

"Don't screw it up, please," he simply said. "For God's sake, do not to screw it up."

The tension that had accumulated in the place dissipated as soon as Sebastian appeared, bursting in with a bottle of water in one hand and his helmet in the other, his driver’s suit open to his waist and sweat drops falling heavily from his forehead. His eyes lit up when he saw Diana, and her heart skipped a beat.

Without wasting a second, the driver placed his helmet and protective gear carefully on a nearby table and rushed to his friend. She couldn't help but smile as he wrapped his arms around her and they united in a hug that Diana wished would never end, while she kept repeating "thank you" in his ear.

It was the first time they had seen each other in person since November of the previous year, and a simple, insignificant caress was saying everything they hadn't said, and even more than they wanted to say because, at that moment, they were afraid to be honest with themselves and with each other.

Sebastian, without letting her go, gently stroked her hair and began to kiss her forehead affectionately, earning some giggles from the girl that were music to his ears.

"This is the least I could do, Di," he said when he pulled her away from him a bit, but without letting go of her chest. "You deserve this and much more, and I'm going to fight to give you everything you deserve. I promise."

#formula 1 #sebastian vettel #sv5 #f1 #formula one #vettel #sebastian vettel fanfic #sebastian vettel fanfiction #sebastian vettel x oc #sebastian vettel x female oc #f1 fanfic #f1 fanfiction #sebastian vettel fic #history #emma stone #diana vettel #history sebastian vettel #sebastian vettel history

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thegildedbee · 5 months

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Sherlock Fic Recs: Christmas Edition {2023}

❄️ Gather ~ ☃️ ☃️ ☃️ ~ 'round and 🎉 make 🎷merry🍹, all ye fic-loving fandom elves -- 'tis the season to shine a spotlight🕯️on Sherlockian Christmas fics!!! Here are some of my favorites -- I tried to pick ones that I haven't seen mentioned in recent lists that have been in my tumblr stream. Whether they're new to you, or just a reminder to re-visit faves, enjoy!!! ❄️ [In order of the year they were published.] ........................................................... 1. I'm Not His Date [2014] by objetpetita [ 17,029 words / T ] :: It all starts in a Boston coffee shop, where English professor Sherlock Holmes upends a visiting John Watson in a clever and fun "meet cute" (or "meet irritating-pompous-insufferable") in a whirlwind of Sherlockian proportions, and we're off to the races. There is a snowfight on the Common, Death Driving Miss Daisy: Lacan and Popular Culture, a Harry & Clara Christmas Eve wedding, witches, and a very boozy department party. It's as adorable as my favorite Christmas rom-com film, The Holiday. And it starts off with a corker of a first sentence: "It was morning, it was zero bloody degrees, everything around him was unfamiliar and American and cold, and John Watson was right on that inhuman precipice between still drunk and terribly hung over."

2. 5,687 (Approximately) [2015] by prettysailorsoldier [ 6,771 words / T ] :: Just a few years post-uni, Sherlock is enduring the agonies of a long-distance relationship with his boyfriend, who is on deployment in Afghanistan. During those times when John's on leave, the last people Sherlock wants to see are the idiots at the Met, so they've never caught sight of John and think he is a figment of Sherlock's imagination -- especially since he can't get home that Christmas. The set-up is sketched out with delightful fic flair, and the ending is not only sweet, but satisfyingly punitive [ c/o a very bamf John ]. The text messaging is some of my favorite writing in the Sherlock fandom -- their relationship in all of its multi-dimensionality comes through beautifully.

3. The 12 Truths of Christmas [2016] by @breath4soul [ 3,321 words / T ] :: This is a fic that has at its core the surfacing of unspoken emotional attraction betweenJohn and Sherlock via a very fun concept: “In place of some appalling or imbecilic gift inflicted upon me in the name of tradition on Christmas day, I propose that you provide me with one previously unknown fact about you for each day leading up to Christmas. 12 in total, John.” #9 has all the feels, and is a tour de force -- every time I re-read it it makes me break out in a smile, even though I know what's coming. Sherlock breaks out somewhat more: "Sherlock feels a flood of heat in several places at once. He stands up quickly and walks to his violin. He plays wild, erratic snaps of quick-paced music." The author has a whimsical and entirely understandable note to add: "You may fall in love with John reading this - I did." 4. The Romance Was There [2017] by @apliddell [ 4,011 words / G ] :: The author deserves an award for this being one of the best uses of Harry Watson in a fic, and of HW by Sherlock in a fic :-) 221B has never been cozier, Sherlock has never been more winsome, and John is a species type model of John in all of his clueless Johnness. The narrative dances along and sparkles and shines as seduction evolves, and Sherlock's rogueish charm is on full display. There's a poignant and endearing confessional letter, plus there's a Sherlock/Jeremy Brett reference that is absolute perfection in serving its role in helping the narrative quickstep the night away. 5. The Man in Aisle Ten [2020] by @blogstandbygo [ 1395 words / G ] :: Sherlock has several mysteries to unravel in the midst of Harrod's on Christmas Eve: what is the perfect gift for John? why is he having so much trouble identifying the perfect gift for John? and, incidentally, along the way to solving those, a local one. Luckily, Sherlock has Moira, master department store sleuth, to lead him to the solution. This fic is a small, perfect gift -- rather like the story's denouement --and is as witty as all of SBG's fics are. This is a veritable Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate of a fic, warm, rich, sweet, delicious, tingly, and you'll find you reach the last bit much too fast, immediately requiring a refill. [ And there's a splendid podfic by @podfixx ! ]

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*fic repost recruits, perhaps??? ❤️ @totallysilvergirl, @7-percent, @discordantwords, @helloliriels, @elwinglyre, @mydogwatson

#bbc sherlock #sherlock fic rec #johnlock #sherlock fic #reposting :-) helps the love go 'round xoxoxo #christmas #objetpetita #prettysailorsoldier #breath4soul #apliddell #standbygo

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emissaire · 5 months

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beneath a shadow, for all eternity - gojo satoru x reader

꒰꒰. WARNINGS: heavily implied! satosugu, angst, hurt no comfort, mentions of death

It was a simple mug, tucked away at the rear of the cabinet along with the other unused kitchenware, chipped a little at the lip and a bit discolored through the years. I could never fathom why Satoru never let me use it or even as much as be near it.

“It was Suguru’s, babe. It wouldn’t feel right if I let you use it.” He reasoned out to me.

I never met Suguru Geto but it feels like I have known him my entire life.

He is kept alive through the memories he and Satoru shared. I see him in the distant looks Satoru gives me when he thinks I’m not paying attention. I hear him every night through Satoru’s broken sobs behind the locked door of the bathroom when he thinks I’ve fallen asleep. I feel his presence every 24th of December when Satoru mourns for him— every year. Where some people all over the world celebrate the eve of Christmas, my lover weeps over a person who managed to occupy the biggest parts of his heart and soul. Someone who is not me. Suguru Geto lives in all things where Satoru Gojo is concerned.

It’s a tragedy, really. Being stuck in a place, hidden beneath the shadow of a man who's not even here anymore. I can never compare, for Satoru’s love for me would never amount to everything he had with Suguru. And the most disconcerting part of it all is that I cannot seem to hold any anger, or even resentment, towards Satoru. Their love was beautiful, something that built the person who Satoru is now no matter how earth-shattering it is to me, and with every reminder of this truth, I feel ill. I get sick to my stomach because how can I simply accept it without uttering even a whisper of protest? How could I allow a mere echo of a dead person’s name to paralyze me and tear me apart?

I despise Suguru Geto. I am so envious of him. He’s the reason why I feel like I am a mere placeholder to a title that was handed to me out of pity or by default because I am the one who is here. I know Satoru loves me, but not as much as he does the man who took his heart and left that one wistful day.

Am I selfish? I don’t know. I refuse to confront all these thoughts and be left alone when they’re the most destructive because I know that my love wouldn’t hold me if I dare speak of Suguru in a way that puts him in a negative light.

Maybe, in some way, my sentiments are skewed when it comes to the both of them— after all, Suguru never did anything to hurt me of his own volition— for crying out loud, the man is nothing but a memory before I even knew of him! It was all Satoru, but it’s just easier to hate the idea of a person who’s not here rather than the one I get to be with every waking day.

They say love is not supposed to hurt this much. This searing ache in the farthest reaches of my being, it physically hurts to even think about. I do not claim to understand the extent of Satoru's anguish, but I am well-aware that he is not going to mourn for me in the same regard that he did, and still does, for his departed twin flame— even dare I say it, his true soulmate. I've been with Satoru longer but Suguru will have him for all eternity.

#livre: daisy #geto x reader #geto suguru #geto suguru x reader #jujutsu kaisen x reader #getou suguru x reader #suguru x reader #geto suguru angst #jjk angst #satosugu #satosugu angst

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willowhaired · 8 months

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Fresh Start

Jeb Pyre × Reader

Summary: After shutting the case of the Lafferty brothers, Jeb finds it difficult to find his place in the church - so much so that he divorces his wife and starts anew in Boulder, Colorado. What he didn't expect was a pretty evidence handler at the Boulder PD.

(Please note that in this story Jeb has no children.)

Word count: 3,381

Warnings: mentions of religion, swearing, a bit steamy but nothing explicit

After shutting the case, Jeb tried his best to re-integrate into his community. To at least "sing the song", even if he no longer believed the words, as his partner suggested - but he was still eyed with suspicion and the forceful kindness of his fellow churchgoers became sickening. He felt as if he was tested, and they pressured him into recanting his beliefs at every opportunity. It was the worst with his wife who got him promising he'd stay faithful to the church whenever she felt uneasy, which was more often than he liked. He could see her mind turn whenever they were in the same room as if he was under constant surveillance. It angered him, but he knew showing it would throw him into a pit even deeper.

Things in the bedroom were terrible. Beca was insistent on conceiving, and he didn't blame her for it. He knew what it meant to her. Still, he was growing tired of having sex - a thing which he'd never thought was possible for a man. Somehow, whatever trick or new lingerie his wife would try just made him desire her even less. Whenever he couldn't perform, he'd blame it on work, but that opened a whole can of worms he didn't want to talk about. Arguments were frequent and even calm days were disturbed at least by a quarrel.

He got out when his mother passed. By then, the tension was palpable, not only in his marriage, but in the church. Eyes were even wider and glued to him - they expected him to turn to his faith in a time of need as such.

But he finally felt free. He divorced his wife, leaving her in shame, and the bishop was quick to retaliate by excommunicating him.

He was finally free.

He moved to Boulder, Colorado, to escape his own home, the cocoon. It was only natural that Taba followed him.

'You could stay, you know?' Jeb said one day as they were having lunch together. He bought fries.

'And be left in the snake pit alone? Not a chance.'

It made Jeb smile. He'd never conceal the amount of relief this gave him. Because he was afraid. As much as he wanted to get out, the newness of the "outside world" scared him. To have his friend by his side on this new journey gave him hope.

They both got a job at the Boulder Police Department and Jeb quickly became a favourite among his superiors and fellow officers. With no family and a pain to drown, he was always first to apply for night shifts, weekends, especially holidays. He poured his all into work.

'You are becoming a bit of a workaholic,' Bill noted on one Christmas Eve. There was a snowstorm outside, unlike anything else he had seen in Utah.

'You are here with me every time,' Jeb pointed out, watching the wind raging outside.

'Yes, but I'm not staying overtime,' his partner adjusted himself in his seat. It was getting to him not being able to smoke because of the crazy weather. 'Besides, you're young. You should find yourself someone.'

'I have you.'

'I'm flattered, but I don't like you like that,' Taba chuckled but was met with the mortified stare of his fellow detective. A lifetime of conditioning is difficult to weed out.

'What I'm saying is,' he started again. 'This is a new town. Maybe there's someone who tickles your fancy.'

Jeb honestly doubted that. He didn't find anyone interesting, and even if he had, he wouldn't be ready to open up.

That was until you came along.

You were the new evidence handler, archiving and organising everything the officers brought along, let it be testimonies or physical evidence. You were young and sweet which didn't sit right with him: he didn't want you to look at all the darkness that was out there in the world. He reckoned you should be protected from it, living in a bubble, not having your delicate features be degraded away by the horrors.

But above all, you were incredibly attractive. He saw other police officers trying to charm you or readily offer their help whenever there was an evidence box that "looked a little too heavy". Even Bill got into a harmless banter with you on occasion - you were easy on the eyes, he said, and Jeb agreed, though not out loud.

He could feel his heart in his throat whenever you passed by, and there was an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach whenever you arrived at work. Looking at you felt like a sin.

It just so happened that the two of you were very similar. Even if it meant staying longer, you'd get all the handwritten notes typed in, each piece of evidence filed away correctly. Before leaving, you cleaned your desk, despite it being a catastrophe the whole day.

It was a Thursday night and the detective was about to leave to check out a crime scene. On his way out, he spotted you, at your desk, still lost in paperwork. He checked the clock and then outside: it was already dark.

'It's getting late,' he announced as he stepped to you.

'Oh, it's alright,' you shrugged. 'Just a few more things to file away.'

He contemplated for a second before turning to a young officer:

'Deputy Jones, when Miss Y/L/N is done with her work could you give her a ride home?'

'That's really not necessary,' you knew you were blushing and you didn't want to cause any trouble to anyone.

''Course, Sir,' Deputy Jones said without hesitation. Jeb nodded to the deputy and left you with an "Evening" and completely confused.

That night, he could not sleep. He worried you might not have been escorted home, or worse, took a liking to the young deputy. He should've taken you home himself.

Even though he was head over heels for you, you got the impression that he did not like you. He was cold, distant and you'd never seen him smile in your presence. When he dropped off any evidence, he seemed as though he was trying to escape the soonest possible.

'Five forged checks and interrogation of two witnesses,' you scanned through the documents on your desk, then flashed a warm smile at him. 'Anything else?'

'No, thank you,' he replied quickly, his mouth more crooked than ever.

You watched him walk to his office. It was a shame, really, upsetting, even. For one, you never gave any reason for him to hate you, and besides… You found him incredibly handsome.

He was eyeing you from his office, sometimes glancing in the direction of Jones, even though it was a few weeks after that incident. Jeb made it a point to avoid you, but couldn't fool his partner.

'I don't blame you for liking her,' he flipped the page in the folder of their current case. 'I would be surprised if you didn't.'

'I've never felt this way,' Jeb admitted nervously. His friend had a smug grin on his face before it turned serious.

'Look, you should make your move soon. Nobody is blind in this department.'

It was this conversation that ultimately pushed him to ask you out. It was a few days later, and all of your colleagues had left already. You were still finishing up some tasks and he tried to do his own, but his nerves wouldn't let him concentrate. Finally, he gave in.

'Are you staying for longer?' Jeb had to swallow for he felt like his throat was going to close up.

'No, I'm packing away for tonight.'

'Do you… Need a ride home?' He asked, then quickly added: 'I can take you.'

'Oh, I… Don't wanna cause you any trouble,' you chuckled nervously and pushed the last folder to its place.

'I insist.'

'Well, okay,' you gave in sheepishly and grabbed your coat.

The drive home was even more awkward, if possible. You tried to strike up a conversation but he hardly replied. He sat stiffly behind the wheel and kept his eyes on the road. He parked just outside your apartment complex.

'You know, Detective Pyre, you don't have to take me home.'

'I just like to know you're safe.'

'Anyway,' you said quickly over the sound of your loud heartbeat. 'Thank you for the ride.'

You were about to step out of the car when he blurted out:

'Can I take you out for dinner sometime?'

You turned back and were muted by surprise.

'You can say no if you don't want to,' he felt as if he was being suffocated by his own tie so he pulled it looser.

'Yes,' you hurried your answer. 'This Saturday?'

'Perfect. Pick you up at 7.'

Friday, he was a mess. If it was possible, he avoided contact with you even more which left you doubting he ever asked you out. The truth was, he didn't know how to react. You made him feel such emotions he was unfamiliar with; was he supposed to just wave at you as he passed by when he felt his insides burning with the heat of a thousand suns?

'Bill, I need your help,' Jeb closed the door of their office behind him. 'I'm taking Y/N on a date tomorrow.'

'Does she know?' His partner teased, but as Jeb replied with such exasperation, he knew this was no time for jokes.

'Of course!'

'So you finally asked her out. What do you need me for?'

'I'm nervous,' he leant to his desk and pulled his hand across his face. 'I can't even look at her.'

Bill glanced out towards you: 'I think she looks pretty, still.'

'Don't do that,' his friend begged defeatedly.

'Jeb,' Bill looked at him. 'Do me a favour and relax. Just be yourself.'

'What if the church thing freaks her out? What if I make a fool of myself?'

'There's no way around it, pal,' he shrugged. 'Sooner or later, she will know. Don't worry, I haven't seen her eat anyone. Try and enjoy it.'

It was easier said than done.

Jeb knew he was done for right as he picked you up on Saturday. You had a black dress on that hugged your body, and your shoulders were bare for you had your hair in a bun. Inside of him was a raging battle between what his former church made him think about your attire and what he felt. He was hoping he could forget about both, and most importantly not mention his past, but it was unavoidable.

'No, I… I have never drunk.'

'You haven't?' You asked in disbelief. 'Surely you were a teenager at some point.'

'Yeah,' he chuckled. 'I grew up in a very strict church. Alcohol was forbidden.'

'So it wasn't the kinda wine tasting that disguised itself as Sunday church, huh?' You joked. 'Are you still part of this church? Should I not drink?'

'No, no,' he shook his head. 'I was excommunicated. I no longer hold those beliefs.'

'So…' you swirled the wine around in your glass. 'Why don't you drink?'

'I guess old habits die hard.'

'Do you want a taste? It's sweet wine. If you like lemonade, you're gonna love this.'

You held your glass towards him and he took you up on your offer. His movements were sheepish, almost fearful as he held the glass to his lips and took a small sip. It really was sugary, with an uncanny resemblance to the way he felt about you: sweet but intoxicating. Throughout the dinner you shared a few glasses, most of which you drank, but he was finally easing up by the alcohol. Jeb felt his stomach warm from the wine; he was more comfortable with his feelings towards you, while also finding it harder to keep them in control. Your eyes seemed even more alluring and your cheeks were tinted red from the alcohol. He found it cute and smiled dumbly at you throughout the whole night; and honestly, with him opening up, you really enjoyed yourself. Not only that, you realised that you did actually like him: he was kind and wholesome and made such intelligent remarks you knew he was listening to your every word. You joked and gently poked his hand and his eyes lit up like a teenage boy's. He tried to (very seriously) pick out the notes of the wine, only to add at the end that it mostly just smelled like alcohol. He accidentally kicked you under the table and you teased him whether you were getting friendly.

You had your fingers crossed that the effects of the wine would stretch into the workdays.

But apparently, you spoke too soon.

'Thank you for the night, Jeb, I really enj…' you could barely open your mouth when he stopped the car at your home, and his lips were on yours. His left hand came up from the gearshift to cup your face as his quick, eager kiss was followed by a deeper one. You leant closer to him and rested your hand on his thigh. You got so lost in the sensations (the scent of his cologne, how his tongue explored your mouth against yours, or how it ran across your lips every once in a while), that you didn't know how much time had passed. Was it minutes or half an hour?

'I'm sorry,' he broke away abruptly. 'I can't do this.'

You couldn't really comprehend his words.

'I… I don't think I'm ready for this,' he followed, seeing your puzzled expression.

'We can take it slower,' you chuckled.

'It's not about that,' his body was turned away from you. 'I can't be with you.'

Honestly, this left you in shock. You don't remember if you said anything or just left the car - the whole thing didn't make sense. He was the one asking you out, the date went well, he came in for a kiss… Which was amazing.

You were confused, and above all, hurt. You thought that there must've been something so wrong with you for him to turn you down like this.

When Jeb told Bill about the date, his friend's first excitement died away as he heard how the night ended.

'What's wrong with you?' Bill asked, almost angrily. 'That date was going great and you chose to close it like a teen girl who hasn't fucked before?'

'Language!' The other hissed.

'That girl likes you. You come to me worried you'd screw up the date but you did it in such a way I would've never imagined.'

'It's not easy, Bill. I was raised to believe everything I've just done is a sin. Even though I no longer think the same, I…' he ran his fingers through his hair. 'Can't help but feel that it's wrong.'

His partner seized him up, sighing out the frustration he felt.

'I guess I understand. You do what you feel comfortable with. But she'd be good for you.'

But would I be good for her - Jeb pondered, staring at the papers in front of him.

That was until an office party: his colleagues pressured him into beer after beer, so he'd already had more than he should've. Then, you arrived - late, but no less beautiful. The cream dress you had on was a lot more modest than the form-fitting one you had on during the date, yet its satin fabric draped on your body perfectly. You looked better than ever, which he never thought was possible: your smile was charming and your eyes twinkled in the decorative lights - though he couldn't help but notice that you carefully avoided his direction.

The other officers were quick to bring you your favourite drink and they'd made it a competition who would make you laugh louder. Hearing your chuckles turned his blood bitter, and he kept shifting between chewing the inside of his mouth and adjusting his lips.

'And you, Detective Pyre? Anyone special?' A fellow officer asked.

'Who? Me?' He said, half-stupefied, then chuckled, his eyes on the table. 'No, no one.'

To be fair, since the failed date, you had been avoiding him just as he did with you. You gave a cryptic description of the date to your friends, and your colleagues knew nothing of the encounter: they merely concluded that Jeb's past hunted him, and that's why he was so uncomfortable in your presence.

Maybe they were closer to the truth than anyone thought.

You accompanied some officers out for a cigarette; you were craving some fresh air and the cold of the night on your cheeks. You borrowed a cigarette from Detective Taba to take the edge off.

'You, dear, look prettier every day,' he took a long drag from his cigarette after lighting yours. 'Is there a gentleman you saw before coming here?'

'Nah,' you smiled sheepishly as if the suggestion itself was ridiculous. 'I was looking after an old relative and my cousin arrived late to take over.'

'Don't act so innocent,' he scorned with a grin and gestured with his cigarette. 'I bet you make every man turn anywhere you walk by.'

He wasn't wrong: you only had to take some letters to the post office to come back with a date for the next day, but lately, all you had on your mind was the kiss from a certain detective. Even at work, especially after seeing him, your thoughts would slip from your grip to morph into his firm grip on your waist or the unmatching tenderness of his lips. You'd mistyped witness names and found that you had catalogued a set of crime scene photographs into the wrong folder. You were incredibly embarrassed, despite the officers only laughing at these mishaps, reassuring you that they happened more often than ever with you.

So, you avoided Jeb's eyes, knowing that their dark brown colour would melt you right on sight.

Even though Bill was nudging him every ten minutes to go up to you, Jeb couldn't bring himself to do it. All night, he had been imagining how your dress would fall from your shoulders if he'd unzipped it and how soft your skin would feel under it - softer than the satin itself, he was sure.

The air of the venue grew heavy with each passing minute. Jeb resolved to peel the stickers from the beers, while you were constantly entertained by at least two of your coworkers. They were all respectful, although sometimes a bit loud. You needed a few moments of peace; so you excused yourself to the bathroom.

Once on your way back, you bumped into him.

'Hey,' you forced a smile.

'How you're doing?'

'Good, good. And you?'

'Pretty wasted,' Jeb admitted with a chuckle and after a brief pause (during which he stared long into your eyes and your legs began to feel like jello), he brushed a few hairs that got stuck in your mouth behind your ear. You got a whiff of his cologne, something you only caught once or twice when he brought evidence bags to your table. It always left you spellbound.

'I'm so sorry about that night.'

'Don't be,' you said. 'It was an amazing date.'

Jeb was only half-there, his thumb brushed the edge of your lip.

'Until the end I suppose,' he said dreamily, as if not even to you.

'Do you like me?' You asked abruptly.

'I'm fucking mad about you.'

His answer threw your head in a spin. You grabbed his tie and pulled him into a kiss which he reciprocated with a groan. His hands quickly found the small of your back from which one ran up into your hair. Unconsciously, he gripped a handful of your locks to pull your head back and give him better access to your lips. You were rendered weak with a wave of emotion but this very same thing reminded you where you were and that any second colleague could appear.

You cupped his face and gently pulled away.

'Maybe this is not the best place…'

'No, it isn't,' he agreed. 'I want to make it up to you. Please, let me take you on another date.'

'I'm free on Sunday.'

'Well, not anymore.'

#jeb pyre x reader #jeb pyre #utboh #under the banner of heaven #andrew garfield #andrew garfield x reader #reader insert #jeb pyre imagine #andrew garfield imagine

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callsign-phoenix · 1 year

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I wrote this as a part of my advent calendar fics, I hope you like it!

It is a Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace x female!reader imagine.

Thank you @marvelandotherfandomimagines for proofreading!

Day 12: mall Santa

Warnings: none

There was one thing that many children had done that you hadn’t experienced even once in your life.

Your family hadn’t been in tune with a lot of Christmas traditions, and so in contrast to your girlfriend you had never met a mall Santa.

When Christmas drew near and you talked about your traditions Nat was shocked as to how little you knew, and when you talked about the Santas in department stores she lost her patience entirely.

She was kind and caring but told you that you had missed out on a lot, and when you passed a department store the next day during gift shopping she pulled you inside with a loving but taunting grin.

You followed her, being pulled by her by your intertwined hands, but even though you shook your head vehemently she didn’t slow in her stride towards where all the kids were gathering.

There was no sign with an age limit so Nat and you stopped short at the back of the queue, where all the kids and parents were standing expectantly.

Your eyes were pleading with Nat to stop what she was determined to do.

But when she realized you were watching her she simply smiled, squeezing the hand she was still holding lovingly.

Santa took his time but you inched closer and closer in line to meet the man in the cheap coat and fake beard, who did his best to give everyone a special memory.

You were more nervous of the judgment of the bystanders than you were to talk to this actor, you took him seriously because you had watched him for a while, and he was very kind and sweet with the kids.

When it was your turn you stepped towards the man hesitantly, not quite sure what to do with yourself.

Nat smiled at him as she pushed you forwards, her arm reassuringly at the small of your back.

“My girlfriend has never met a mall Santa before, I felt it important for her to do it at least once in her life,” she smiled and Santa chuckled, nodding as she stepped back to wait at the spot where the parents waited for their kids.

Santa’s focus was on you and he suggested you sit in his lap, which you reluctantly did.

It wasn’t uncomfortable and you didn’t feel pressured in any way, you just didn’t know quite what to say.

“That your girlfriend back there?” He asked you softly and you nodded, a gentle but proud smile forming on your face.

“She’s the best person I know,” you answered him, and he nodded in turn.

“She seems special, but so do you. You deserve to be happy with her,” your Santa told you, and you thanked him for the compliments.

When you glanced at Nat your eyes got caught on her and a smile played at the edges of your mouth as you watched her look around the room.

There was a small pause in your conversation before Santa chuckled, drawing your attention back to him.

“What would you want for Christmas?” He asked you, and your eyes drifted back to your girlfriend for a millisecond.

“I’d like to call myself hers, completely. I’d like to marry her one day,” you told him and he nodded, smiling as if he understood what you were saying.

Nat and you went home not talking about what you had experienced but chatting about the rest of your day, and you spent the next few days preparing for Christmas.

You both dressed up for Christmas Eve dinner and you shared a date night just the two of you, your favorite music playing in the background while you shared your favorite food and drink.

Before dessert you found Nat on her knees in front of you with her hands outstretched, cradling a black case with a gorgeous engagement ring in it.

You could barely breathe as she proposed to you, looking entirely sure and happy as she smiled up at you.

You couldn’t answer her but you reached down to your pocket before pulling something out and holding it towards her.

It was also a ring box, because you had planned on proposing to her.

tagging: @wildbornsiren @mayhem24-7forever @green-socks @hederasgarden @letsfvckingdance @shadeds-library @a-reader-and-a-writer @yespolkadotkitty @whateverbagman @neptunes-curse @sweetheartlizzie07 @top-gun-rooster @iloveprettyboysblog @ateliefloresdaprimavera @imjess-themess @littlebadariell @angstyjellybean @marchingicenotes7 @midget713 @supernaturaldawning @gspenc @adorephina @gigisimsonmars @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @bespinnn @softromantist @malindacath @oliviah-25 @kwanimations @18crazybutcutealsopsycho @glowingtree @natasharomanoffisbaebby @simping4wanda @starkleila @tamix44 @ycarlii @katesmadness @eggscrambler84 @d0ingitwithpassi0n @mavericksicybabe @kendra-rose @desert-fern @mavrellover91 @allivingstone01 @rhettabbotts @withakindheartx @trikigirl271 @cherrycola27 @bonitanightmxres

(please tell me if you want to be added to the taglist, or use this link)

#natasha phoenix trace imagine #natasha phoenix trace x you #natasha phoenix trace x reader #natasha phoenix trace #natasha trace imagine #natasha trace x you #natasha trace x reader #phoenix top gun #top gun phoenix

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aydaptic · 7 months

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Do you have any headcanons for Gavin and Tina’s friendship ex. How they met, what they do in their spare time etc

Most of my headcanons are probably in my written works, but I sure don't mind sharing them here as well :)

1. Gav and Ti's Friendship

I like to think that they met in Law School and that Ti is a couple years younger. After all, she's a patrol officer, while Gav is of a higher rank. Either she's taking it slow or she's "fresh from the academy" like Chris.

There's something pure about someone having been in Gav's life for a longer time than most and still being on friendly terms. He's canonically described as having "garnered the hatred of his colleagues in record time," and yet, Ti hangs out with him... so maybe since she already knew him, she knows how much fun he is. Enough to gladly put up with his BS.

I imagine that Gav was somewhat of a wildcard back in the day bc of his extroverted nature. One that would shotgun beers and jump into pools. Meanwhile, Ti was the sensible one. She was his designated driver and stuff like that. Hell, I refer to her as Gav's "impulse control" in Adapt & Endure. Neil Newbon headcanons that he's the nicest guy at a party, so funnily enough, it adds up.

I like the idea of them reminiscing about those days as he's very career-driven now.

2. What Gav and Ti Do in Their Spare Time

Frankly, I don't think Gav does much outside of work. Aside from canonically starting fights at bars bc he "can't keep his mouth shut." I imagine he goes to a shooting range and works on his physique. No hobbies. Bc of his fit shape, I'm convinced he cooks his own food instead of grabbing a lot of takeaway. I think he participates in one-night stands on occasion bc he feels he doesn't have time for a relationship. Gives me the vibe that he takes good care of his car and has skills in the mechanic department, too. Just the idea of him fixing up a damaged Niner makes me happy.

As for Ti? Idk why, but I always headcanoned her as very tech-savvy. That she took a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or something before becoming an officer/during initiation. Probably bc she's a tomboy.

I imagine they go out for drinks together when they have spare time. I've never been a fan of celebrations like Christmas, so I'm biased... but I like to think they only really celebrate New Year's Eve in the simplest way possible: grabbing drinks.

#dbh #gavin reed #tina chen #reed900 #detroit: become human #dbh gavin #dbh tina #long post #Q&A #anonymous #*aydaptic

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sizzlingpatrolfox · 4 months

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i know there's a picture somewhere out there that has gotten lost to time with jimin and his mom walking in a street arm in arm and someone said they met him at the theater and they went to watch spiderman so around 2017. there was also that older actor fan of jimin saying he met jimin and his mom eating lunch in seoul. then there were the sightings of him and his mom and brother in gwangu visiting family when they were on break in 2019 (without his dad). i think his parents just visited him separately a lot because they both work and it's difficult to find time to be together all at once. or they're divorced, who knows. he did mention that he was alone a lot as a kid (probably middle school age) too.

Yeah, I was thinking about the time he was seen with his mom and brother. I remember something about them travelling but I wasn't sure so I didn't bring it up.

We don't really know what his mom does.

When he said that he was usually alone during Christmas I thought it made sense because his dad used to have a restaurant before magnate, and those type of places are usually open during holidays, especially in cities like Seoul. Some members of my family own a grocery store and they're always open during Christmas and New year's eve, they literally arrive to the family dinner at 23:30 because they're working until that time. So, having in mind that his parents allegedly already owned a business before, and that his dad is at magnate like every day even tho he can afford more employees, I always assumed that his parents worked in the food/ essential goods department and it was reason he was alone during Christmas.

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themculibrary · 4 months

Text

Hurt!Stephen Masterlist

A Perfect Body to the Grave (ao3) - HithertoUndreamtOf G, 465

Summary: Stephen gets kidnapped and buried alive by a group of other-dimensional beings.

A Strange Christmas Carol (ao3) - HithertoUndreamtOf T, 11k

Summary: A retelling of the classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Stephen Strange is visited by three ghosts that teach him the value of teamwork and self-preservation, all while finding the joy in Christmas again.

each night like a white noise frequency (ao3) - Phierie tony/stephen M, 8k

Summary: Stephen is no stranger to making hard choices. He doesn’t regret his actions on Titan, but months later they weigh on his mind heavier than ever; the cracks begin to show.

Even Abraxas got Cornered (ao3) - HithertoUndreamtOf G, 3k

Summary: On a hunt to find the Talisman of Abraxas, Stephen quickly learns that he shouldn't have underestimated his enemies.

Every Scar Tells a Story (ao3) - HithertoUndreamtOf G, 699

Summary: Stephen's collection of scars over the years, some of which may not be physical.

Hold Me Still (ao3) - lantia4ever tony/stephen T, 10k

Summary: Just days away from Christmas Eve, duty calls for the newly allied Sorcerers and Avengers. As Stephen departs with Tony to tackle the threat, one wrong step later he realizes the alliance might be quite short-lived.

But one should never underestimate the force that is Tony Stark.

I missed you (ao3) - DarkKitty1208 tony/stephen G, 4k

Summary: What he pulled out was nothing close to his expectations. A single piece of cloth, likely ripped off of Stephen’s ridiculous wizard get-up, but it wasn’t just that. Blood splattered and seeped into it, a unique blend of the blue in his robes with a heavy tint of red, the smell coming out of it leaving him sick to the stomach.

i’ve always known in the end, i’d be sorry (ao3) - rainbowsponge mj/peter 14k

Summary: After the world forgot Peter Parker, one man remembered. Peter is in desperate need of anyone and Stephen Strange has no idea how to be a dad.

Light is Dark and Dark is Light (ao3) - HithertoUndreamtOf T, 3k

Summary: Stephen gets mistaken as the Sorcerer Supreme in battle and used as a lab rat.

Love Never Dies (ao3) - Blondie2000 wanda/stephen M, 4k

Summary: She places her hand on his chest. Her touch causes him to shiver. He knows he should pull away but as each second passed he found himself being drawn to her. Her words had a affect on him, made him see everything from a new perspective. He has been alone for so long the need for company suddenly consumed him.

Strange smiles and draws Wanda in for a kiss

Only When I Sleep (ao3) - Laily loki/tony/stephen G, 1k

Summary: Stephen is at the end of his wits trying to convince Loki to love him. Tony tries to help.

Puppet of Agony (ao3) - Kenobi1 T, 10k

Summary: How much does it take to break the unbreakable? Stephen Strange thought he knew pain until he met Ebony Maw. He was wrong, and suddenly death seems more forgiving than life. He knows he can’t survive the unimaginable horrors on his own, so he’s lucky he has some friends to help him out. Based off the Infinity War trailer. Warning: torture.

Siblings (ao3) - KuroPlayer tony/stephen G, 1k

Summary: Stephen was reminded of his siblings and Tony comforted him.

Survivors of the Wreck of Time (ao3) - amethyst-noir (Arbonne) tony/stephen T, 16k

Summary: Stephen had been in love with Tony Stark for so long, and through so many different timelines, that the feeling had become a fixed part of his being, something that was just there, fully intertwined with his very soul. Something that was treasured, something that gave him strength and comfort when he needed it, something he held close to his heart without even consciously being aware of it.

(Sometimes a timeline has to bend and twist to make things that are supposed to be happen.)

Unceasing (ao3) - Mcufaninmydreams tony/stephen M, 668

Summary: Stephen Strange has been held captive by Thanos for as far back as he can remember. He cannot think back very far, not when metal scrapes the insides of his bones and his arms are forever bound in mystical chains.

When The Maw finds out Dr. Strange was once a neurosurgeon, he comes up with an enjoyable new way to hurt the man.

under dust and rubble (ao3) - DarkKitty1208 tony/stephen G, 2k

Summary: It happened so quickly. One slip and they're suddenly trapped under fallen rubble, unable to escape, so close to each other that their knees are touching and their breaths are mingling with the other's; Tony's surprised they aren't dead or crushed under already. Stephen doesn't currently have his sling ring in hand, and neither of them could blast their way out as doing so will only cause the debris to fall and crush them. They are painfully aware of the fact that the only way for them to even survive this is to wait until help arrives.

Basically, they're stuck.

when we have each other, we have everything (ao3) - IronMum tony/stephen G, 61k

Summary: “Take it from the top. Tell me everything,” Stephen inquired as he took the seat opposite, hands steepled together and lightly pressed against his chin.

“Got a distress call from Peter’s suit. Tracked him down but couldn’t connect to his AI. Arrived on the scene to find exhibit A: tiny child, tangled up in the Stark Suit. Kid says he’s Peter Parker and the scans confirm it. Short Stuff just got shorter.” Or… Tony and Stephen go from snarky acquaintances to friends to idiot dads who clearly love each other whilst solving the mystery of a de-aged Peter.

#themculibrary #marvel #mcu #doctor strange #masterlists #stephen strange #hurt!stephen #hurt!stephen masterlist #injury

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joe9cool · 1 year

Text

Collide-Justin Herbert- 23

a/n: Usual disclaimer, I do not know or own the Los Angeles Chargers or their families. This is all fanfiction purposes

Christmas was getting closer.

Sara couldn't believe it was the last Saturday before Christmas. She was over at Justin's with Erika, wrapping last minute things. Her gifts all came at once, so did the groceries she ordered to make her desserts for his family.

Her sisters had called and expressed disappointment that she didn't come home. Alyssa had invited her to come back to St.Louis to spend time with her and the kids while Brent was on the road for a few games. She had to make some excuse that she had booked an interview that had to be done the day after.

She felt bad, but at the same time she didn't. Sara truly felt at home with Justin's family. Even thought she hadn't met Mitch and Isabel she knew that they would get along well.

Christmas music was playing softly as the sound of cutting and tearing of wrapping paper was heard throughout the large house. Sara looked at Nova, who was sitting next to her, observing the process. She took one of the stick-on bows from the bag and stuck it on her head. The girls laughed as they watched the cat try to shake it off. Finally she felt bad and plucked it off the poor baby's head. "Sorry Novi" She patted the spot.

"Isn't it crazy how we are wrapping gifts and playing Christmas music and we can go for a swim right now? It was a cool sixty six degrees, however it was sunny and they could go for a dip in the pool if they wanted to. "When does Justin's family get here?"

"Wednesday. We are celebrating Saturday before the team leaves Sunday morning." It was a bummer that they were on the road for Christmas, but she knew what Alyssa was feeling with Brent.

Erika was leaving Sunday, with Sara dropping her off before catching the game. Justin wanted her at SoFi since Joe and his crew would be there. But Sara decided to lay low. Heidi messaged her the other day saying that there was online speculation that she was seeing someone. It had started with the smile she gave the paps being out and about. Someone had decided to start something. Well it wasn't a rumor if it was true. But the public didn't need to know that."

Luckily Heidi put out an old interview from over the summer that was published in September . Sara said she was single (she hadn't met Justin yet) and that sorta settled the small speculation down.

Still, she decided to lay a low profile. She could clean the house, get everything ready for when his family got here. As much as she loved seeing Justin in person, sometimes TV got the best angles. Erika finished up her gifts to bring for her family and took Sara's as well. She always got something for her friends' parents, as well as her brother.

The rest of the evening was filled with baking. (Sara made sure to clean up so Justin wouldn't get annoyed with any leftover baking mess) the gifts for Justin and his family were placed under the tree. She did notice a few that were labeled for her from Justin and she squealed like a little kid.

The gift she was most excited about, which was the calendar, came In a vanilla envelope the other day. AnnSophie had done an excellent job editing and putting everything together. Sara and Erika admired every photograph and giggled when she told the story on how Justin almost found out about his gift and how jealous he got thinking the sexy photoshoot was for the public, when really it was for his eyes only. She wrapped the gift and hid it on her side of his closet.

Erika spent the night in the guest room. Sunday morning they were at the airport at 5 am so she could make her flight. They hugged and wished each other a Merry Christmas. Erika wouldn't come back til the 2nd and they would depart for Abu Dhabi on the 5th together.

On the drive back to Irvine, Sara teared up at the fact that the 5th was only two weeks away. She didn't want to cling, but she wanted to spend all of her time with Justin. She regretted not going to his game. Even being in the same room as him would calm her down. After going back and forth with herself, she decided to stay at his place. She could cook, play and cuddle with Nova, and stay in her pajamas.

One she pulled into his garage she brewed some coffee and took out the eggs and veggies to make an omelet. After the meal she began stretching and looked up YouTube pilates videos. Once she did that she did Joey's meditation routine he gave her.

After that, she did a deep clean of Justin's place, changed Nova’s litter, began seasoning the salmon, and was on a zoom call with her agent. Charlie facetimed her to express disappointment she wasn't coming home for Christmas. Her heart broke, it wasn't his fault that his grandpa was a stubborn man and refused to cut off his bitch of a sister, or realize that his daughter didn't want to follow the same path as her sisters.

She occupied Charlie's sadness by having him tell her about his class Christmas party and the gifts under the tree for him and his siblings. He told her that he was hiding in the bathroom to call her so his siblings didn't find out and try to hog her time. Again, as much as she wanted to scold him for not allowing his siblings to take a turn she understood.

Once they hung up. (She heard her sister yelling for him) the game started and she put the salmon in the air fryer while she made the guacamole. So far things were looking good for the Chargers. Sara knew how important it was for them to win the rest of their schedule. Justin was very dedicated the past week. On his day off he did go to the facility to lift for a bit and then spent the rest of the week reviewing video and practice.

As Sara was cutting the ingredients up she was trying not to drool over Justin in the royal blue uniform. He looked good in everything he wore, but those and the navy jerseys were the ones she liked the best.

She was just cutting up and putting everything together during the third quarter. The quarterbacks both exchanged interceptions.

However, Justin threw another one, and the overall play calling was awful. She was nervous, the titans would soon capitalize on the scoreless period. That was all she needed, Justin to be in an awful mood.

Then things changed. There was a touchdown, and almost another one.

She was on her seat the entire game, as the fourth quarter winded down and the titans were close to scoring she began stress munching and pacing around the house, Nova following her thinking it was playtime.

Of course the titans scored and she was sure it was heading into overtime until her man threw a thirty five yard pass to Mike and set up the game winning field goal.

"FUCK YES!" She screamed and picked up the cat to run around the house. No sulking Justin tonight. She was feeling good, maybe she could blow him.

She thought long, maybe the calendar gift was better to give to him before his family came in.

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Taylor was in her office.

She was tweeting away while trying to watch all the games. She had the NFL report tomorrow and she needed to be educated. Her assignments were heavy this week due to the insanity of all the games and pushing for a playoff spot.

Watching the Chargers game, she decided to post a tweet about the throw.

There aren’t many other QB’s I’d rather have in this situation…

48 seconds, no problem.

It was a simple, professional tweet. She hit send and set her phone down.

It had been months since she had spoken with him. As painful as it was to see him last week, it hurt a little less. Maybe she was finally getting over him. Maybe it was the confidence of other players commenting on her insta photos.

TAYLOR BISCOTTI TELLS TWITTER 'THERE'S NO OTHER QB I WANT' ABOUT BOYFRIEND JUSTIN HERBERT

Twitteruser 1 : TB being a good supportive girlfriend

Twitteruser2 reply : she wants to be a WAG so bad

@twitteruser2: Herb better publicly claim her she got other players in her DM’S

It was really late by the time Justin got home, they did all of the usual routine before heading out. They spoke about Christmas plans. Justin and Sara were going to celebrate the 23rd and 24th with his family before everyone (except Sara) would head out to Indianapolis for Monday night Football.

There was a part of Justin that wished he would get over his fear and claim Sara publicly. There would be no secrecy, no sneaking around. They could go anywhere they wanted, see anyone they wanted.

As much as Justin would like that he was terrified. He wasn't well known outside the NFL, Sara was a global superstar.

He was anxious to get home to his girl, who only had a couple weeks left to spend time with. Again, he shook that thought from his head as he finally beat traffic and turned down his quiet street. Justin came into the house and immediately saw the dimly lit room with the lights on the Christmas tree and windows. Sara was sitting down by the table with a bottle of champagne and a plate with delicious food. He bent down and greeted Nova first before greeting his other lady.

She got up and met him in a heated kiss, him lifting her up easily as she wrapped her legs and arms around him. They broke away, breathless. "You did so well today." She breathed. He smiled. "Even after two interceptions?"

She rolled her eyes. "Only you would kill the moment. He set her down and she went over to the champagne to pour two glasses. Handing one over to him she held hers up. "To being the number six seed." Justin clinked his glass against hers and drank. Normally he would be irritated over the early celebration, but for the first time he felt confident that despite the injuries, despite any and all adversity this team was going to make the playoffs.

They both finished and set the glasses in the sink. Sara looked up at him and smiled. "I need you to do me a huge favor"

Justin couldn't think of anything besides getting her out of her clothes. So he was ready to agree with anything. "Yes?"

She had a shit eating grin on her face. "Say turnt"

He groaned as she laughed her head off. "Not that. Come on." Referring to his post game interview. He smiled as she calmed herself down. But she continued the teasing. "Also can we talk about last week when you said we should be booing on an off day! You are such a nerd."

He turned pink. "Do you just spend all day watching my interviews like a creep?"

She smiled "Don't deflect. You were totally that kid that reminded the teacher that there was homework." He was silent for a bit. Finally he mumbled. "Well I didn't do it for no reason." She threw her head back

"Oh my god I would have totally hated your guts in high-school!"

He laughed and grabbed her hips to pull her towards him. "I probably wouldn't have liked yours either. But now I do. I want to be all up in them." She rolled her eyes. "Okay that was smooth." He laughed and bent down to kiss her again.

They made their way into his bedroom where he pushed her down on the bed. As he began to undress he saw her get up. "Wait, I forgot to give you one of your Christmas gifts." He was confused. "Babe we aren't exchanging til my family is here."

She laughed from inside his closet. "Trust me I don't think you want to open this in front of them." She came out with a slim item in green wrapping paper. She handed it to him. "I thought you might like this."

Justin Herbert's Calendar

The cover was Sara on her knees. An Oregon Jersey with the number '10' no doubt his. "I knew I wasn't crazy! I noticed something was missing" She sat beside him and rolled her eyes. "Glad to know that's what you care about." He kissed her head. "I love it."

"Open it." He tore the plastic wrap off and carefully studied all of the months. January had her in his Chargers jersey doing the huddle pose. He laughed and then groaned when he flipped it to February. The picture was the one he got jealous of a week ago. He looked up to see her shit eating grin. "All this time you had me believing this shoot was for everyone to see yet it was for my eyes only?" She nodded. Throwing the calendar he grabbed her. "You minx" He growled as he climbed on top of her. He lifted her shirt off of her and began to suck on her neck. She moaned as he hit the spot he knew where to go every time. His lips trailed down to her breasts as he began to suck and nibble on the pebbles that were her nipples.

Her breasts were always sensitive. From the first night they spent together almost six months ago he discovered that and he always joked he was going to make her cum by sucking on her breasts. He probably could too. She was so into what he was doing she didn't notice her panties had disappeared along with his pants and underwear. They both gasped and moaned as he slipped it in.

Justin lost focus on what he was doing, every time he was in her he lost all senses around him. It was her, it was always her.

He caught his breath for a few while he thought Sara was doing the same, until he felt her hands underneath his ass and pushed him up. "Move" She moaned.

With a strength he didn't know he had, he stayed still while she whined. "Actually I think I like this better." He put his body weight on her. "Oh yeah I like this. Nice and relaxing.

She was going to fucking kill. "Justin please. I do this nice thing for you and this is how you repay me?" He smiled and kissed her. "What? We are having quality time together." That was it, he wanted to play dirty, she was going to match his level. As much as she could, she rolled her hips and clenched down so she could spasm around him. It worked. He gasped and groaned. "Damn it." She giggled and it trailed off into a moan as he began to move. Gripping the sheets, her vision blurred as Justin adjusted his speed and his strokes to hit the spot. As she was about to finish he stopped and pulled out. Before she could protest he grabbed her hips and flipped her over. He reentered her and moved at a fast pace. "God baby you feel so fucking good." He breathed.

Sara couldn't even form words, just lost in the moment. Once again just as she was about to burst he slowed down. "Justin. What-" She moaned as he hit the spot going slow. It was pure torture, also a bit surprising since this wasn't usually his style.

For Justin it was confusing as well. But something in him went animalistic. He wanted to see how far he could take this, and make her fall apart completely on him. When she went to Abu Dhabi, he wanted her to be thinking of this moment, as well as the others they shared.

As she moaned underneath him, he decided to tease her some more. He no longer was hitting the spot but sped up and she was still a mess. "Baby pleasss" She dragged out, her moans turning breathy. Justin had enough he needed to flood her pussy soon or he would explode. He pushed her down on the mattress before putting all of his power back towards her sweet spot. Once he hit it at the correct power and speed she screamed and the coil in his lower belly broke loose. Throwing his head back, he made a noise that wasn't even human.

His vision blurred and he was not even aware of where he was. His partner was face first on the bed and he collapsed next to her. There was about a five minute silence except heavy breathing. Finally the only word Justin could get out. "Wow" she nodded and looked over at him, meeting her eyes, they both shared a smile and laughter. Eventually, they got up and showered before falling asleep quickly. Justin knew that he was going to be exhausted tomorrow (or later today) but it was worth it.

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The rest of the week went by in a blur. Wednesday Justin was at practice and then had to pick up his parents. Sara had her fenty shoot. It was a candy land theme, along with the fashion show. Christina Aguilera was going to perform, as well as Cardi B during the show and the after party.

It was a long shoot, one that she didn't get home til midnight, at that point everyone was asleep, besides Justin, who waited up for her. "My family wanted to stay up, but they were too exhausted from the flight and dinner. She nodded and she was tired as well, so the last thing she wanted to do was socialize. She got ready for bed and cuddled with Justin.

The next morning she woke up to an empty bed, football didn't stop just because family was in town. She looked at her phone to see it was 10am. Fuck she hadn't meant to sleep in that long. Sara already heard voices in the kitchen. Damn it.

She quickly jumped in the shower and did light makeup. She didn't want to look dead in front of his family. Doing a once over in the mirror, Sara decided she looked presentable enough. With a deep breath she opened the bedroom door and headed to the kitchen. Holly spotted her and hugged her, as well as Mark and Patrick. Carly was back in Oregon with her family. After the initial greetings she had to ask. "I thought Mitch and Isabel were supposed to come?"

Patrick rolled his eyes. "Oh they are here, they went with Justin to work out. They are huge fitness enthusiasts." She should have figured since Mitch did play football. "Speaking of fitness, did you lose weight?"

Mark hit his son's arm. "Didn't your mother and I teach you anything?" She laughed. "No it's fine, I have been working out more. I'm walking the Fenty show. So I'm trying to tone up a bit."

Patrick smiled. "Well that's great! Soon you will be running sprints with us!"

"Oh god no, your brother ran with me on a treadmill and I wanted to die." Pat laughed. "Let me guess he bragged about it?" She smiled, remembering the little fight they got into about a couple weeks ago. "Yeah he apologized once he figured why I gave him the silent treatment for a few hours."

Holly shook her head. "Sounds like my middle child." She gestured to the healthy breakfast spread on the table. "I made this for everybody. Mitch and Isabel should be back any minute." As on cue, the door opened and Sara took a deep breath. She had to admit, of all the members of Justin's family she met, she was most nervous about Mitch. It was probably because he was the oldest and obviously the wisest being in medical school. Also he was the same age as her. Her anxiety told her that he wouldn't like his younger brother being involved with an older woman, even though the rational side of her told her that was stupid. However, anxiety was winning the battle right now.

A tall, short haired man, and an elegant woman walked in. With warm smiles on their face. After they told Pat about their workout their eyes landed on Sara. She smiled and decided to walk over and hold her hand out. "Hi I'm Sara, you must be Mitch and Isabel. It's very nice to meet you." She began to laugh, a nervous habit. "I'm sorry I'm really nervous."

They both laughed. Isabel stepped in, a slight Spanish accent. "You're nervous! I was terrified! That was the whole reason we went to the facilities with Justin! I had to burn off the nerves." She laughed again. "I'm sorry I'm such a big fan of your movies and your show!" Mitch laughed. "She made me binge all three seasons in quarantine over the phone." Sara laughed. All the nervous tension melted away. She felt bad when Isabell mentioned the picture they took in NYC back when Sara thought she was just another fan. Small world wasn't it?

Everyone got along so well, and even though Sara loved Justin's family she wished her only family had more traits like the Herbert's. She saw so much of her family except without the toxic family members running their lives. They all shared a nice breakfast before making plans to go to the grocery store. As everyone got ready to leave. Holly looked at Sara, "aren't you coming?" Sara blinked. "Um, I don't think Justin would like that very much."

"Oh come on! We will wear a disguise! Unless paps are out this early." Isabells eyes widened. Sara laughed. "Trust me paps aren't around this area unless they are scheduled."

"Celebrities call paparazzi?" Sara rolled her eyes. "It's very common, if I have a movie coming out and I'm in a very public place my team will call them, otherwise I stay very low."

Mitch jumped in. "I have to admit when he told me about you I was shocked, considering he is so private." Sara smiled

"Same." Grabbing her sunglasses, baseball cap and mask. They headed out in a rental SUV. They pulled into Albertsons and began to shop. Sara thought about doing a mini cookie day and started throwing all of the ingredients in her cart.

Overall the entire group spent almost $300, and no one seemed to know or care who Sara or Justin's family were. They loaded up the car and stopped at Starbucks for holiday drinks. Mark was driving and Sara tried to hand him her card in the drive through. He laughed and told her to put it away.

They got back to the house and Sara told Holly about the cookie tradition. She loved it and with some resistance from Patrick and Mitch, they all began looking up recipes. The entire group laughed and joked around as they got everything together.

Justin came home to a sweet smelling house and his family and Sara sipping on wine and laughing. He smiled, and his heart swelled. He walked up to her and kissed her in front of his family.

The group tried to not pay attention, but this was something they would never have thought they would see in a million years. Justin, their shy, reserved, private Justin was kissing and showing affection for a girl who was the total opposite of him. This was one for the history books. Before anyone could mention anything, Justin snuck one of the turtle cookies. Munching on one, he groaned. "Oh my god these are my favorite." Mitch and Patrick followed suit and the decision was made that turtle cookies would be made.

As they did in Oregon, the group played board games. (Of course Justin had to win) at one point they had put on Christmas movies that basically served as background noise and they continued their conversation. At one point Justin looked over at Sara, who he saw was totally relaxed and smiling. He imagined how she was with her family, it was probably tense and stiff with talks about money and high society shit.

Once again, his mind drifted to January 5th Sara leaving. He saw the plane ticket in her bag. Her flight left at 5:00am, it just made things harder for him, that he had it down to the hours, the seconds that she would be leaving him for a few months. As she was sitting on the couch seat next to him, he felt that she was too far away. As she was listening to a conversation that Mark and Isabell were having regarding biology, she felt herself being lifted up and put on Justin's laugh. At one point Holly turned to Sara. "Oh I forgot to get the spinach for breakfast tomorrow."

"Oh don't worry, it was in my cart." Justin was confused. "Did you instacart?" Sara shook her head. "No, we went to the grocery store." He stiffened underneath her. "No one saw you with my family right?"

Mitch cut in. "Jesus bro. It was a trip to the damn store. We were in and out. No one in Irvine cares." Pat laughed. "You're not that famous."

Sara turned to face him. "I was careful, had on my disguise." He nodded "hopefully no one saw you guys or had your phone out and for some reason she felt offended. She got up off his lap and went to the kitchen. The last thing she wanted to do was start a fight in front of his family.

As she pulled out a dessert plate and filled it with cookies she felt Justin's eyes on her. She met his eyes and smiled trying to mask her hurt feelings. He looked around, seeing his family involved in their own conversation, he got up and walked over to the kitchen behind Sara. Grabbing her and pulling her to him. He spoke in a low voice "What's wrong?" She shook her head. "Don't lie to me" He kissed behind her ear.

She sighed. "Later, I don't want to have this discussion in front of your family." She leaned into his embrace. They both were unaware that his family was whispering about the unusual romantic gesture and pda he was giving Sara. Sure in high school or college when he would introduce girls they would hold hands or cuddle. But this was new. Mitch and Isabell side-eyed to each other smiling as Justin was embracing with Sara, he was so wrapped up in her he didn't see his brother take a picture with his phone. Patrick was giggling. Holly decided to end her boys teasing their brother.

Getting up from the couch, she clapped her hands. "Okay guys! Let's put on some Christmas movies and have some cocoa. The rest of the group came into the kitchen and began to make the hot chocolate along with the whip cream and all of the toppings. Sara didn't even see Holly throw all of this in her cart at the store.

They stayed up, til 11pm watching the classic Christmas movies. Once again

Justin would be tired but he was happy. As he and Sara laid down he remembered he had something to discuss. They were in bed as he pulled her to him. "So what did you want to discuss?" She looked at him with confusion and he smiled. "I didn't forget. I know you were bothered by something." She sighed. "Well it's just that I felt that you were so paranoid about me not being out with your family it was just offensive." Justin nodded as she continued. "It made me think of what happens when this becomes public."

Justin thought about it. "Well I mean I don't think we have to make an official statement. We just lay low."

"But what happens If someone does discover us? Or it leaks?"

Justin stiffened. "Do you plan to reveal something? Are your friends going to say anything?" He thought back to David's words

"No, but these things always come out eventually. Baby I just want to prepare you if it happens. I don't think this is something we can wing."

They kissed, both to melt their worries away. "Well i'll be gone, so that will take any speculation or heat. Only close friends now. What about your teammates?"

"I trust them one hundred percent. We will be okay. We have been very careful, no one is going to find us out. Now let's just enjoy our early Christmas." He began to bite and suck on her neck. "We aren't having sex while your family is here."

He groaned while she laughed. Nova eventually joined them and Justin sighed.

"I'm so glad I spent money on a bed for you Nova."

A/N: Merry Christmas! I just wanted to get caught out with stuff. Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for reading and loving this story, as well as your feedback! As always my inbox is always open

#Justin Herbert #Alexa writes collide #Los Angeles Chargers #nfl #nfl imagine

30 notes · View notes

nancypullen · 6 months

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I Lost My Mind

Sorry that I dropped off the face of the Earth for a bit. I have been in a holiday frenzy. I mentioned that I'll be flying down to visit my mom in Florida for a few days. What I did not consider is that taking a chunk out of the middle of December would send me into hyper-holiday prep. I felt like I needed to have EVERYTHING done before departing on the 12th. Ev-er-y-thing. So I put my head down and trimmed the tree, decorated the house, shopped, wrapped, wrote and addressed cards, wrapped some more, baked and baked, and finally checked the last task (packing and mailing a box) off my list. When I return home on the 17th my biggest worry will be preparing for the Christmas meal. I'll have a handful of days to panic. We may have tacos for Christmas dinner if I drop the ball.

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The mister had mentioned making the hour long drive up to Christiana Mall in Delaware earlier this week. I told him that if I could get everything done on my list, I could go on Thursday. I worked like a mad woman so I could go to that damn mall. I used to take malls for granted, then I moved to Dogpatch. So I met my self-imposed deadline (the last cookie was packaged at 7pm on Wednesday night) and went to bed with a heating pad and visions of shopping dancing in my head. I was not disappointed. It turned into the best day! The most wonderful part? It snowed on us! All the way to Newark we were treated to this:

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I can't even tell you how happy it made me. After our snowy trip we walked into the mall and right into a giant Barnes and Noble. Man, have I missed browsing in a brick and mortar bookstore. I made a wish list a mile long. *sigh*

Mickey and I split up and I visited Lush and bought a couple of sparkly bath bombs for my favorite 5 year old, walked a couple of stores down and picked up a little something for my sister's upcoming birthday, browsed in Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma (swoon!), and put some mileage on my shoes poking around in numerous other shops. It was such fun, I felt like an Amish girl on rumspringa. We met for a quick lunch and then headed off to the local Trader Joe's for a few things. We didn't have snow on the way home, but at least the car smelled good from that sack of bath bombs. Tomorrow I'm volunteering at the Friends of the Library booth at Winterfest. I think I'm running the Pin the Nose on the Snowman game. I doubt it will compete with all of the bouncy houses and big stuff, but hopefully some little bookworms will find us. After the festival I'll once again become a crazy lady, cleaning this house top to bottom and getting packed for the trip. I want to come home on the night of the 17th to a house that doesn't need a thing, because we'll be hurtling right into Christmas. Note to self: never again travel in December. I know I'll have a ball in Florida. I wanted to see my mom before I start the library job and lose the freedom to travel whenever I want (I've forgotten what it's like to ask for time off!). My sister is going to join us and we'll be able to celebrate her birthday on the 15th. It'll be good for all of us, some girl time. And that, my friends, explains my absence. I'm a one-woman holiday crew. The house is pretty, the tree is sparkling, gifts are purchased, wrapped, and tagged, cookies are baked, cards are mailed, and this elf is done. Well, I say one-woman, but I am never alone. Someone is always there, watching.

See her in there, just behind the white and gold bow? I can't keep her out of there. At least she doesn't climb it. I'll try to write a bit more tomorrow, I think I'll actually have a little time. I may tromp around in the woods and look for some greenery to cut. I want to make a festive swag to hang over those ugly blinds.

Hmmm. Maybe not. Looks a little too busy. Maybe some light garland. Whatever, it's not like we're on the Christmas home tour. Until tomorrow (I hope), I hope that you're enjoying every bright and shiny bit of this season. Turn on some holiday tunes and boogie your way through your chores. That's what keeps me going.

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Stay safe, stay well, stay jolly! XOXO, Nancy

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worldofwardcraft · 1 year

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The unraveling of Mr. Trump.

December 29, 2022

When Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a Special Counsel to prosecute him, Donald Trump responded with a barrage of unhinged rants and over-the-top attacks. There then followed the House January 6 Committee referring him to the Justice Department on four (count 'em) federal felonies and the state of New York preparing to dismantle his corrupt business empire. Add in the ongoing investigations of his criminal behavior in Georgia and New York, plus the defamation lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll, and it's no wonder Trump is completely coming apart at the seams.

According to The Washington Post, ever since his announcement he was running again for president was met with a reaction that was, to be generous, lackluster, he has been "increasingly isolated" in his Mar-a-Lago hidey-hole. The Post went on to report that Trump is surrounded by just a couple of "sycophants," one of whom regularly phones around to ask his allies to call Trump to "boost his spirits with positive affirmations."

But the occasional pep talk from a pal can only go so far in alleviating Trump's psychological deterioration. Which is why his downward mental spiral was on full display over the weekend in a series of splenetic tantrums posted on his failing Twitter knock-off, Truth Social. Mostly, he continued to display his unceasing fury that the 2020 election was "rigged" and "stolen" from him. But he also has other manias. Here he is on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas to EVERYONE, including the Radical Left Marxists that are trying to destroy our Country, the Federal Bureau of Investigation that is illegally coercing & paying Social and LameStream Media to push for a mentally disable Democrat over the Brilliant, Clairvoyant, and USA LOVING Donald J. Trump, and, of course, The Department of Injustice, which appointed a Special "Prosecutor" who, together with his wife and family, HATES "Trump" more than any other person on earth. LOVE TO ALL!

He followed this message of goodwill toward men with an outburst of demented harangues on Christmas Day about how criminals are pouring in on the southern border, how great everything was when he was president (but "today, we are a nation in decline, a failing nation!") and how awful the House select committee is.

Like some mad King Lear raging on a wind-blown heath, Trump now spends much of his non-golfing time crafting these psychotic ravings. Which prompted Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe to suggest that if Trump were to be indicted, his lawyers should have him "plead insanity." Sounds like good advice.

#trump upset #trump indictment #trump meltdown #trump mental health

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dankusner · 2 months

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Man to serve 28 years for hate crime in tire shop slaying

Anthony Paz Torres pleaded guilty to federal charges in 2015 anti-Muslim attack

A Dallas man serving time for murder was sentenced to 37 years in prison Wednesday, months after pleading guilty to federal hate crime charges in a 2015 racism-fueled mass shooting at a Muslim-owned car repair and tire shop.

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Anthony Paz Torres, 39, pleaded guilty Sept. 14 to five counts of hate crime charges in the fatal shooting at Omar’s Wheels and Tires, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.

He was sentenced to the maximum penalty.

On Christmas Eve 2015, Torres shot multiple people, killing one, at Omar’s Wheels and Tires, a Muslim-owned business in Pleasant Grove.

Authorities said Torres was motivated by his desire to avenge attacks by Islamic extremists in Garland and San Bernadino, Calif.

In 2018, a Dallas County jury convicted Torres of murder and sentenced him to 35 years.

A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office said the sentences will run concurrently and account for time served in state custody.

Because Torres has spent 98 months in state custody, he will be transferred to federal prison with a sentence of 346 months, or roughly 28 years.

Federal authorities said Torres made anti-Muslim comments in a visit to the shop a few days prior to the shooting and that he said he would return.

Prosecutors wrote in the news release that Torres returned on Christmas Eve and asked customers if they were Muslim.

After employees escorted Torres back to his car, he fired shots in the direction of multiple employees and customers.

He later admitted he killed one person and attempted to kill four other people because he believed they were Muslim.

Enrique Garcia Mendoza, 25, was killed in the shooting, and three others were injured. Mendoza was a bystander, and Torres also tried to run someone over with a car, authorities said.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in the release that “as this sentence makes clear, hate crimes fueled by Islamophobia or bias of any kind, will be met with the full force of the Justice Department.”

“No person in this country should have to live in fear because of who they are, what they look like, or how they pray,” he said.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement that the shooting “is an abhorrent example of how deadly Islamophobia can be in our own country and the severe consequences that wait for anyone who commits acts of hateful violence.”

Leigha Simonton, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, wrote in her statement “no one should have to live in fear because of the way they worship.”

The FBI Dallas field office, Dallas police and the Dallas county district attorney’s office investigated the case.

Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said the organization welcomes the sentencing.

“We pray that God grants the victim who lost his life entry into paradise, and we pray that he grants the victims’ families solace and strength,” Carroll wrote in a statement.

#Youtube

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ana-swritings · 1 year

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Merry December 2022 - Day 4

Day 4 of Merry December

Prompt: Hot Cocoa

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis

Pairing: Evan Lorne x OFC (Mackenzie)

Words: 562

T.W.: N/A

Summary: A decision and a hot cocoa.

Walking down the halls of Atlantis, Evan pulled his jacket tight as he makes his way to the mess hall. It had been one of those days where all he wanted was to see Mackenzie, his girlfriend.

Stopping just outside the large room, he looked inside and saw her sitting in one of the tables near the windows. He smiled, for the first time that day, and made his way inside, ready to put the miserable day behind him.

Approaching the table, he watched Mackenzie look up from her book and smile as she saw him. He smiled back, feeling better the closer he got to her. Kissing her softly, Evan took a seat across from her, as he took his jacket off.

They made small talk until Evan got up to get a hot beverage. Asking Mackenzie what she was in the mood for, he heard ask for a hot cocoa, needing the warmth of the beverage to warm them up from the inside. Evan left and came back a few moments later with their order, placing two large hot cocoas in front of them, before sitting down again.

They took a few sips of their beverages before Mackenzie spoke up. Asking him if he had any plans for Christmas, Evan told her that other than dropping off a few late reports he had still to finish, he didn’t have any other plans.

That was when Mackenzie surprised him. Telling him that she was spending Christmas with a few of her closest friends from the medical department, she asked if he would like to join her. Taking a sip from his beverage, Evan thought for a second on what that offer really meant. She wanted him to meet her closest friends as her boyfriend, and that was a big step in their relationship.

Truth be told, Mackenzie had already met those who are closest to him in the city and they all loved her, and the same went for his team. As for him, he had still to meet anyone from her side. He had met a couple of her friends, but that was about it.

After thinking it through, he decided that if she was ready for him to meet her Atlantian family, then he wasn’t going to be the one to deny her that. Besides, he wanted to meet them, since he could really see himself having a future with her.

Taking another sip from the hot cocoa, he looked at her and told her he would love to go. The smile that appeared on Mackenzie’s face was enough to convince him that he was making the right decision. He would do anything to see her smiling like that every single day.

Mackenzie asked if he was sure and when he said he was, smiling at her, Evan could see the relief that washed over her whole body at his answer. They spent the rest of the time devising a plan for Christmas Eve and about who was going to be there, grabbing a second round of hot cocoa in the process.

As they sat there making all sorts of plans, Evan smiled, knowing he was done for it. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her, and he knew she felt the same way. This Christmas was going to be one to remember, he was sure of it.

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Hope you enjoyed it. :)

If you'd like to give me a tip, you can buy me a coffee here. :)

For all my works, please check out my vault here. :)

#merry december #merry december 2022 #hot cocoa #stargate atlantis #sga #evan lorne #major evan lorne #ofc #major evan lorne x ofc #evan lorne x ofc #fluff #day 4 #day four #ana's writings

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wingwisher · 2 years

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I wonder how different our life would be if we didn't seem to remember literally everything. So many insignificant moments are bundled up in our brain, as well as some extremely meaningful ones that weren't meaningful to the others involved.

I remember first meeting someone I'm still a little bit in love with, who I quit being friends with during a fight shortly after they converted to presbyterianism, I fell in love with them the day we met, and love them still. I never want to speak to them again because neither of us treated each other well and they had what seemed to me horrible reasons for believing all the same things we did. I remember crying for months after they said "brb" then disappeared for 3/4 of a year.

I remember probably our best friend growing up, how we liked damn near all the same things he did, and enjoyed every last moment spent with him. I remember how his mother didn't like me for some reason I still can't understand. I remember the time he got in trouble for putting something on top of the lawn sprinkler while we were over, and we were made to go home because of it even though we didn't do anything wrong. I remember the passion we had designing an imaginary space station while jumping on the trampoline. I remember him scowling at us for a reason we never understood when we said hi after not being allowed to see him for years.

I remember the recurring nightmare we had about running down the street, trying to escape the 2 lane wide giant vehicle trying to chase us down. I remember the recurring nightmare of being buckled into the car seat in the van our gene donors had, not being strong enough to open the button to get out, and then the van starts rolling, and my cries for help were ignored. I remember the recurring dream we were confused by at the time, of the older sibling there to protect us, in the top tubes of a three-floor-tall tube play structure. I remember being confused why they wanted to take us away from our gene donors, why they hated them so much, confused why they wouldn't explain why they wanted to get us away from them so bad. I remember the recurring nightmare of our abusers taking us to a department store to be sold, and absolutely forbidding us from going to the electronics section to play the videogames while waiting to be purchased. I remember the time we woke up without our dream ending, and could see the dream when our eyes were closed, until we opened both.

I remember waking up as a three year old and going down a checklist of things we needed to know to be us, the upcoming events, our name, age, and birthday, our favorite color, the names of the cats. I remember opening our eyes after and everything was normal, specifically I remember not really recalling anything vividly before that day. We now recall that day as when we first split. I know now the reason for said split.

I remember hearing our gene donors gossip about us every night. I remember getting lost in the woods and the first to come to try and help being our only actual parent, the pet cat of the people who were our legal guardians. I remember the odd holes in memory, where people would say we did things we were pretty sure we couldn't have. I remember getting punished for not apologizing to someone who punched me in the head so hard my head was still feeling light. I remember so much pointless cruelty directed at us over so many years. And how everyone always decided we were at fault because we reacted to the abuse.

I remember that time I found a cool rock that looked like a piece of cut chalk, but would sooner scratch cement than be scratched itself. I remember what our girlfriend said the day we started going out, I remember the relief I felt knowing she was with us instead of going back to her ex who only wanted her back after seeing the present she got him for Christmas, after dumping her Christmas Eve. I remember when we first found out we were "we" not "I" the sudden quiet, like a room full of people who didn't know they were screaming all quieted town and started taking turns speaking. The feeling of a knot not coming undone but the ropes sliding effortlessly past each other to come apart.

I remember the first time we enjoyed a cold shower, and were shocked by the sounds we made. I remember the strange feelings we had for someone growing up that we only in this past year or two realized was our first crush. I remember the bleak haze of our mid teens when smiles were rare and enjoyment nearly always just surface level. I remember that haze coming down again last year. I remember the first time I put sandpaper against my face as a child. I remember being frustrated by not being trusted with things I could easily do, and being chided for not asking for help with things I had no clue how to accomplish, and not being given the help I needed even when I did ask. I remember the taste of the water from the electric well where I grew up, and I remember the day our metabolism completely and permanently changed overnight. I remember spending 8 hours making something for a friend after dreaming about her, I remember the first time I ordered soup at a medium spice level as a beverage for the extremely spicy food I ordered. I remember so many things, these weren't all firsts, or important, they were simply listed for being easy to describe.

I remember damn near every conversation with every person I've ever met, and certainly all the ones I've had with people who are likely to see this. I don't think people understand quite how much they mean to us. Even if we've only talked once I can assure you it was deeply meaningful to us and I love you for it.

#Trauma tw #In case anyone has that blacklisted #Love #Rambles #Living life without a backspace button

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mjolnir-steve · 2 years

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The Knit before Christmas

Curtis Everett x fem!reader

Word count: 1520

Summary: Curtis doesn’t like the holidays much (for good reason), but maybe your gifts to him will help him see this time of year in a different light. ✨

Warnings: angst, character death (not Curtis or reader), adult situations, fluff to make it all better

This is my first entry for @stargazingfangirl18, @navybrat817, and @drabblewithfrannybarnes's Happy Hoelidays Challenge! Thank you so much to all of you for putting this together. I’m so excited to participate. 🥰

I also have to thank my bestie, Thevy (@the-sal-del-mar), for the exquisitely fluffy idea. I shared my prompts with her, and she is officially my “plot dealer,” as she would say. She also came up with the title, and I'm obsessed. This fic is for her, so I really hope she loves it! 💖

Ingredients: Curtis Everett, first snowfall, “You made this for me?”, friends to lovers, turning a holiday Grinch’s frown upside down, “Oh, honey. You know you really shouldn’t tease me.”

(Dialogue prompts are in bold!)

The ink was barely dry on the gift tag on your husband’s Christmas present when you felt a rush of cold air with the opening and closing of your front door.

“Honey, you home?” You relaxed at the sound of his voice, slightly muffled by the scarf still wrapped around his face.

“On the couch, baby.”

Another few moments passed before he joined you in the living room, laying his scarf and beanie to dry on the hearth after closing the firescreen.

“Where’s your car? You know I don’t like you driving in the snow.” Curtis kissed your forehead softly, but quickly, plopping down next to you.

“First, hello to you, too. Second, it’s snowing?! I knew I smelled it this morning.”

“You and your Gilmore Girls references.”

“You’re just pissed that you’re practically the Luke of my dreams. If only you owned a diner...” You let out a dramatic sigh, placing your chin in your hand.

He laughed softly, wrapping his arm around your shoulders. “And I’m sorry. You know how I get with this weather, Y/N.” The prickle of his beard against your cheek when he kissed it guaranteed your acceptance of his apology. “Hi, honey.”

You did know how he got with this weather.

You met Curtis when he asked to sit with you at lunch on the first day of high school, recognizing the back of your head from third-period algebra. Before long, the two of you became inseparable, spending evenings together studying and weekends together just being.

You got to know each other’s families. Curtis’ parents cared for you like you were their own. His grandmother taught you how to crochet, delighted that you took her grandson’s place when he gave up after 20 minutes. Both your parents and his loved you two together, even though you were only friends at the time.

Then came winter break of senior year. Mr. and Mrs. Everett’s anniversary was coming up, and they planned to spend it on a cross-country train, seeing all the sights in between. Their train departed the day after Christmas.

It was the last time Curtis saw them. A combination of faulty brakes and a worse-than-predicted snowstorm led to a fatal crash about an hour into the journey. Curtis’ grandmother had a heart attack upon receiving the news.

Curtis ended the first half of senior year thinking he’d finally kiss you on New Year’s Eve at the frat party your friend’s sister got you invited to. He went into his second half of senior year effectively an orphan. His only other relatives were living and working overseas at the time, so they made arrangements with your parents, who insisted Curtis live with you in order to finish high school. Instead of going to that party, he spent that night lying on the couch with you, crying silently into the side of your neck.

You snuggled closer into his side, gently kicking his present under the coffee table, pushing it out of view until you were ready to give it to him. He grabbed your left hand with his right, admiring the rings he was able to put on your finger over the last few years, before entwining his fingers with yours.

“To answer your question, though, I pulled my car into the garage. When I smelled the snow, I didn’t want you to have to park in the street. I’ll accept my Most Thoughtful Wife Award in the form of a massage. You can choose which part of me to massage, though.”

The volume of the yelp that escaped you sent Curtis into a fit of laughter as he flipped you over, rolling you onto the floor. “Oh, honey. You know you really shouldn’t tease me.” He began kissing up one side of your jawline, suddenly stopping once he got to the other. “Whatcha got under the table, Y/N?”

Before you could stop him, he reached out and grabbed the gift bag, spotting his name on the tag, written in your practiced calligraphy you whipped out for special occasions. “I thought we agreed on no gifts.” His eyes were soft when he looked back at you.

“You say that every year, Curtis, and every year, we both spoil each other rotten. I would never agree to such nonsense.” He tried to hide his smile, biting the inside of his rosy cheek. “If it makes you feel any better, it wasn’t expensive.” It will be, you thought to yourself.

“Gee, thanks, Most Thoughtful Wife!” he snorted, pretending to rattle the bag’s contents.

You sat up, folding your hands over your bent knees. “You can open it now if you want. Actually, I’d prefer it if you did.”

He squinted at you, jokingly annoyed. “You know the only thing I hate more than presents is being told to open presents early. We have a whole week left.”

“Your mouth says one thing, but your pulling at the tissue paper says another.” He stuck his tongue out at you in response, almost looking like he did when you teased each other in school all those years ago.

Once past the tissue paper, Curtis removed the first item from the bag. He smiled at the stuffed animal, a round ball of brown fluff with soft antlers, big eyes, and glittery accents.

“A toy?” He raised an eyebrow at you. “Not exactly the kinda toy I thought my hot wife would give me, but I gue- OW!” He smacked at your foot that you’d just used to poke him in the ribs.

“Don’t be gross, Curtis! Besides, that’s more of a clue than it is the actual gift.”

He pursed his lips as he turned the toy over, searching for an answer.

“Did you get me fudge? His name is Fudge…” He continued mumbling to himself for a moment before you decided to help him out.

“Sadly, there is no fudge. What kind of toy is it?”

“A stuffed animal… A Beanie Baby? I don’t get it.”

“Look in the bag, baby.” You were tapping your fingers against your knees, trying to hide your nerves as he opened his next present.

The beanie perfectly matched his own, but in miniature. He wore the original black cap you’d made for him almost every day since you’d given it to him, but he could see how much your crocheting skills had improved over the years. It was perfect and so soft in his hands, but he was confused by the small size.

“You made this for me? I love it, honey, but I don’t think it will fit my head.”

You bit your tongue so as not to comment on the size of the brain in his big head. “Think about it, my love.” You scooted closer to him. “The hat wouldn’t fit an adult, but it would fit a…”

“A Beanie Baby?” He looked down at the tiny beanie and at the stuffed animal, bewildered more than anything when you slapped your cheeks forward into your palms.

“Curtis! Come onnnnn.”

Finally, you could see him putting the puzzle together, nearly giving himself whiplash when he turned to look at you.

“Holy shit, are you- Oh, man. Really?” The tears on his cheeks glistened in the glow from the fireplace.

You nodded at him, biting your lip to keep from crying when you realized there was a happiness behind his eyes you had only seen once or twice since the accident. “There’s one more gift in the bag, baby.”

This time, he found an adult-sized beanie, but with an embellishment on the cuff - shimmery white embroidery that read, “#1 Dad”.

“Yours is so worn and I’ve already mended it so many times. I had finished it just before I thought to take the test, so when I found out, I made the mini one and embroidered yours. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but I wanted to surprise you.”

“Honey, don’t ever be sorry for this.” He stood quickly, grabbing his old beanie from where it was drying on the hearth. “This is the best surprise of my life, even if I was too stupid to put it together.” He reached for the top of the tree, placing the tattered cap over the star already there.

“Oh, Curtis.” You couldn’t help the sob that escaped you when he returned to you on the floor and rested his head on your belly after tugging his gift over his head.

“You just keep changing my life, Y/N. You made me a husband. Now you’ve made me a dad. You made a beanie for me, and now you’re making our baby.”

“Well, you had something to do with that one.”

You felt him hum in amusement against your tummy as you scratched through the short hairs at the back of his neck. “I love you, Mama.” He peppered kisses all over the exposed sliver of skin. “And I love you, too, Beanie Baby.”

You leaned down and kissed his forehead, a new warmth in your chest. “I love you, too, Daddy. Merry Christmas, Curtis.”

“I guess it actually is, huh?”

#curtis everett x reader #curtis everett x you #curtis everett fic #happyhoelidays2021 #curtis everett fluff #curtis everett angst #curtis everett x fem!reader #maggie's writing #soft!curtis everett

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