I personally am someone who cannot enjoy horror movies but one thing I've always really admired about them is how they show the unlimited hope and resilience humans have when faced with horrifying circumstances. I know survival instinct isn't exclusive to humans but I think there's something special about humans continuously getting knocked down and then getting back up for another round

The Apple of His Eye

Chapter 3: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Pairing: Nanami x f!reader

Word Count: ~3.9k

cw: celebration of Christmas Eve (no religion mentioned), fluff, established relationship, implied sex

Summary: You and Nanami celebrate your first Christmas Eve together. 

Author's Notes: This is the third and last fluffy side story for A Bento For Kento! Thanks for all the love and support throughout this series. Appreciate you all and happy holidays! Divider credit to @/saradika.

Previous Chapter | The Apple of His Eye Masterlist

It’s the day before Christmas Eve. Ren navigates through Netflix on your TV as you sit on the floor, wrapping presents. “Shall we do a classic Christmas movie, like Home Alone? Or should we do a horror holiday movie, like Krampus? Honestly, I could go either way,” Ren suggests, clicking on the remote to scroll through the different options. 

Distracted, you respond, “I’m down for whatever.” You finish wrapping Nanami’s gifts. With a smile, you pick them up and place it on your kitchen counter, ready to be exchanged tomorrow. Your boyfriend has been out of town since yesterday for a mission. Tomorrow, you’ll be reunited to spend Christmas Eve together, arguably the most romantic day of the year. It’s taken all your willpower to not spoil the presents you got for him. You’ve always been horrible at keeping secrets. 

“Krampus it is, then!” Ren exclaims, grabbing the bowl of popcorn off the coffee table. “Ready?”

“Yes! I finished wrapping his gifts.” You sit next to your brother on the couch, grabbing a handful to toss into your mouth. 

“I wish I could see his reaction when you give him the apron. I bet he’s not used to silly, prank gifts. Then again, I’m sure Gojo has tortured him plenty of times with pranks.” Your brother starts the movie and adds, “So, you think he’ll propose tomorrow?”

You whip around to face him with a shocked expression. “Ren! Of course not, we’ve only been dating for five months!”

He smirks. “So? Nanami is head over heels for you. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a ring already and is just waiting for the appropriate time.”

“Don’t put ideas in my head.” As if you weren’t already thinking it.

To be honest, you love Nanami. Absolutely love him. Head over heels, smitten, match made in heaven, every cliché expression in the book you can think of, you feel that way about him. It’s been five months of paradise together, and not the kind that feels too good to be true. It’s natural, as if you’ve known each other for years, with the excitement of still learning more. You never thought you’d be the type of person who could fall in love so fast, but here you are, imagining the rest of your life with this man that you are completely infatuated with. 

Marriage has crossed your mind. You’d be lying if you said it didn’t. You can’t help but picture Nanami as a doting husband, the two of you starting a family, going on more vacations, growing old together. It’s a dream that is slowly looking like a reality the more time you spend with each other. 

Ren’s voice is soft as he says, “Remember what I told you, right before you two got together? I said you deserve the universe. He’s proven time and time again that he can give that to you, that he wants to give that to you. Whatever you and Nanami have is special. It’s the kind of love that I want to experience. The kind that Mom and Dad have for each other, the kind that people write movies and novels about. I know you think it’s too soon, but when you know, you know. Right?”

You stare at him, a little dumbfounded at the wisdom he just casually bestowed upon you. When you don’t speak, he just grins. “Yeah, I know stuff!”

You scooch over to him to give him a big hug. “Booger! When did you become such a romance expert?”

He tries to escape your grasp as he scoffs, “I blame it on the K-dramas I’ve been watching with my friends from school. But seriously, not that it matters or anything, but you have my approval. That is, if Nanami has the balls to actually propose tomorrow.”

“I highly doubt he’ll propose tomorrow. We haven’t even talked about marriage with each other yet. We’re just taking it one step at a time. We’re in no rush.” Before you let go of him, you add, “And for the record, it does matter. Your support means more to me than you know. I love you, booger.”

With a smooch on his head, you finally release him. He rubs the spot where you kissed him, smiling. “Love you too, sis.”

As the two of you sit back to watch the movie, you let your mind wander. You mean it when you say you’re in no rush. You’re just enjoying your time together without expectations or a timeline. The only thing you know for certain is that you love Nanami and Nanami loves you. That’s all that matters right now.

~~~

Nanami sits on the train next to Gojo. It’s the morning of Christmas Eve. They’re heading back to Tokyo after being away for a mission the last two days. He shakes his leg anxiously, excited and nervous for the night to come.

Tonight, Nanami is going to ask his girlfriend a very important question. 

He’s going to ask her to move in together. 

It makes sense to move on to this next stage in their relationship. They spend nearly every day together, either at his place or hers, mostly at hers. He dreads the few hours they are apart, whenever he needs to go to his apartment to make sure things are still running or to pick up extra clothes. Frankly, he doesn’t care much for his place; it’s always felt empty and lonely. It reminds him of his time as a bachelor. He pays rent for it every month without having any attachment to it whatsoever.

But when he’s in her home, he’s comfortable and cozy. He loves snuggling up next to her in bed, taking naps on the couch in front of the TV, cooking dinner in her kitchen. He adores the little splashes of her personality scattered throughout her house, from her solar powered Lucky Cat constantly waving at him from the windowsill to the Hello Kitty figurine displayed next to her Nintendo Switch. He’s started leaving traces of himself, like his toothbrush, clothes, an extra pair of shoes. 

He can’t get enough of her. And that’s why he wants to live with her.

Gojo nudges him. “Relax, buddy. She’s going to agree to it.”

Nanami tries to stop his leg from shaking but ends up moving his other instead. “I don’t know. She may still want her space.”

“I don’t blame her if she does, you can be so overbearing sometimes, Nanamin!” When Gojo’s joke is not received well, he reiterates, “She’ll say yes, don’t worry. She absolutely adores you.”

They love each other. Nanami knows that for sure. But he still can’t help but feel nervous. What if she’s not ready? What if she still needs time? What if she still really wants her own space?

He sighs, unable to shake the nerves that are getting the best of him. Thankfully, Gojo takes the hint and leaves him alone for the rest of the train ride. When they get off the train to part ways, his friend says, “Merry Christmas, Nanamin. Tomorrow is going to go great. Also, please tell her thank you again for the gift. I already texted her, but I want you to tell her again. I love it.” They gave Gojo a new pair of sunglasses, that he is currently donning as they speak. “See you guys on New Year’s!” 

Nanami walks the rest of the way to her house, luggage in hand and heart beating a tiny bit faster. He’ll pop the question tonight, after dinner, when they are exchanging gifts. They plan to order takeout from their favorite sushi restaurant and celebrate at home. 

He unlocks the door, to which he already has his own set of keys for, and enters the house. The familiar scent fills his nostrils and gives him a sense of warmth and happiness. When he doesn’t see her in the kitchen or the living room, he yells out her name. 

“Kento? Hold on! I’m changing!” he hears her shout from the hallway. 

He removes his shoes and places them next to his other pair by the door. He hangs his coat on the rack, right on top of another jacket of his. Everywhere he looks, there is something of his right next to something of hers. He sees the newspaper that she started subscribing to for him, on the table, next to her empty coffee mug. The bottle of wine they opened a few nights ago sitting on the countertop, next to the Hello Kitty bento box that hasn’t been packed since he left. A pair of his slippers that he wears around the house right by the couch, where he last left them. 

He wants to call this place his home. This is the realization he comes to. 

When he sees her, his jaw almost drops. She walks out from the bathroom in one of his dress shirts and boxers with a bright smile on her face. “Baby! I missed you! Welcome home!” Her arms wrap around his neck as she presses her lips to his. 

He kisses her back eagerly, linking his arms around her waist tightly. She looks so good in his clothes. He can’t hold back. “Why are you wearing this?” 

She giggles, pulling away from him to answer, “I wanted to surprise you. It’s part one of my Christmas present to you.”

He chuckles. “This certainly is a wonderful treat.” He pulls her back towards him to scatter kisses on her neck, reaching his hands over her butt to give it a nice squeeze. “I missed you so much, sweetie. Can I unwrap my beautiful gift now?” he whispers into her ear, fingers sliding to the waistband of the boxers, tugging them down slightly. 

She smiles, unbuttoning the dress shirt from the top. They both stagger into the bedroom, Nanami leaving his luggage by the front door, forgotten and abandoned as they start their Christmas Eve celebration making love in bed.

Two hours later, after some post-coital cuddling, napping, and showering, they sit on the couch, looking through the menu of their favorite sushi restaurant. Nanami has his arm wrapped around her as they scroll through her phone, selecting a variety of dishes to order for dinner. She’s still wearing his dress shirt, but with sweatpants this time.

As they wait for their food to arrive, she asks him, “Can I give you part two now?”

“Why did you get me so many things?”

“These are small! Please don’t feel bad.” She gets up to walk to the kitchen counter and returns with a small gift bag in hand. “Open it.”

It’s a dark blue tie with little foxes as the pattern. He grins. “A fox tie?”

“Yes. Because you’re foxy.”

He sputters a laugh. How can she be so cheesy and adorable all at once? He leans in to kiss her cheek.

“Do you hate it? It’s just a little gag, you don’t have to actually wear it.”

“A gag?”

“Yeah, a gag gift. Like a prank. A joke. I honestly think it’s rather stylish.”

“Ahhh, a prank. I thought you meant…Never mind.”

“Kento Nanami, what are you thinking?” she looks at him with a raised brow and a slightly amused smile. 

“No. I shouldn’t say. It’s naughty.”

“Kento!”

“I love it. I promise I’ll wear it. You’re right, it is rather stylish. We’ll just have to use one of my other ties as a gag next time. I mean, a gag gift.”

“Nanami!” she responds, using his surname for emphasis, shoving his bicep playfully, chortling over his racy joke. 

“Seriously. I love it. It’s from you, so naturally, it holds a very special place in my heart.” 

She beams at him, cheeks round and cute with joy. He’ll never get tired of making her smile. Never. He takes a mental snapshot each time, memorizing all the different reasons and ways he’s managed to make her happy, to make her laugh. He takes her hand in his and raises it up to his lips, placing a soft kiss inside her wrist. “Do you want yours now?”

“Not yet! I have one more small one I want you to open. We can do our big gifts after dinner.” She walks over to the countertop again to retrieve another bag. How did he get so lucky to meet such a kind and generous woman? He constantly thanks the universe for this serendipity. 

Giggling, she hands him the bag. He eyes her suspiciously with an amused grin and comments, “You’re making me nervous. What’s in here?”

“Just open it!” More giggling. He loves her so much. 

Inside is a folded black apron. As he unravels it, he turns it over to the front to see the cause of her impish behavior. “Mr. Good Lookin’ is Cookin’…?” he reads out loud, warmth creeping to his cheeks, unable to contain his smile. 

“Please put it on! I want to take a picture for Ren.”

“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.”

Pouting, she whines, “Why not?!”

“Because knowing your brother, that picture will end up in Gojo’s hands. And he will harass me about it well into the new year.” Even as he explains himself, he pulls the apron over his head and ties it around his waist. 

“What can Gojo even say to you? You are good looking! And you do cook! There’s nothing wrong with that statement! Please, baby? For me?”

Ahhh, his weakness. How can he deny her when those words come out of her sweet lips? The magic words that turn him into putty right into her hands? Chuckling, he relents. “Fine. Take the picture. If Gojo says something at the New Year’s party, you owe me.” 

“I’ll give you whatever you want,” she smirks, taking the photo. 

In all honestly, he loves the presents so far. Knowing she put thought into each one, no matter how silly it is, makes his heart swell with affection. He should have known that the same charm she exudes in her everyday life, the charm he fell in love with and continues to love each passing moment, would translate well into her gifts.

They cuddle and chat on the couch for a few more minutes until the doorbell rings, signaling that their dinner has been delivered. Nanami gets up to fetch the food and starts opening the bags to set on the table. 

“Honey! Change of plans. I actually want to give you your last gift now, before we start eating. Is that okay?”

Confused, he replies, “Sure.”

“I just realized how perfect of an opportunity this is. You’ll understand as soon as you open it.” With a mischievous grin, she disappears into her bedroom. “Oh! And let’s eat on the couch! You can set the food up on the coffee table,” she yells through the closed door. 

At her suggestion, he moves the setup over to the coffee table and starts playing a random holiday movie on the TV as he waits for her big reveal. After a few minutes, she comes out wearing her set of wasabi green sushi pajamas, a medium-sized wrapped box in her hands. 

He loves these pajamas. They hold a special place in his heart. During their summer lessons, Ren showed Nanami a picture of her holding up giant meatballs with the brightest smile on her face. These were the pajamas she was wearing. It was the second thing that caught his attention, after her beautiful smile. It captivated him so much in that moment, he even imagined a scenario where she stood in front of him in those pajamas, with an offering of a bento box and a smile. The world is a better place with you in it. Always remember that. I love you, Nanami. 

She walks up to him, smiling, holding the box out to him. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.” A scene almost exact to what he conjured in his head months ago, before they even met. But it’s better this time; it’s real.

He unwraps the box carefully, sliding his finger under the folds and creases, savoring each second of this wonderful gift. There’s no inkling in his head as to what it could be, but regardless, he’s going to love it. Almost instantly, he notices the wasabi green color poking through the tissue paper as he opens the box. It’s a matching set of sushi pajamas in his size. 

He’s speechless as he marvels at the fabric, taking it all in. There’s a familiar tightness in his chest, similar to the first time they said “I love you” to each other. He’s not exactly sure why he is so emotional from this. It’ll silly how flustered he’s getting. Maybe it’s because this is the first time in a long time that he received a gift that had so much thought put into it. So much love behind it. 

They are officially the kind of couple that has matching pajamas. Nanami never thought he’d be in a relationship like this. He’s thrilled. 

She breaks the silence first. “Do you like it? You always say how cute these pajamas are on me, so I wanted us to be cute together. And sushi is our favorite food to eat. I thought this would be fitting.”

Gulping loudly, trying to keep his composure, he responds, “I love it.” He lets out a small laugh. “I absolutely love it.” He drops the clothes on the couch to wrap his arms around her. Kissing the top of her head as he rubs her back, he whispers, “I love you so much.” 

Nanami never thought a pair of wasabi green sushi pajamas could bring him to the verge of tears, but here he is, nearly in shambles in front of her. He thinks back on his life before this. If he knew then what the future had in store for him, he wouldn’t have wasted so much time brooding. Having her in his life has been well worth the wait. And if he had to, he’d wait decades more to have this kind of happiness in his life, to have her in his life. 

They continue hugging for a while longer until he finally releases her, feeling calm again. He picks up the pajamas and says, “Let me go get changed and we can start eating.”

She claps her hands giddily. “You read my mind!”

A few minutes later, they sit beside each other on the couch, filling their plates with different sashimi and nigiri, all while wearing their matching sushi pajamas. The TV is on, volume low but enough to hear the buzz of whatever classic movie is playing. 

Domestic bliss with the person he loves the most. It’s everything he’s ever hoped. After years of working endlessly, living through monotony, he’s finally made it. All because of her.

~~~

After dinner, the two you digest on the couch, watching the remainder of the movie in peace. You’re snuggled next to each other under a fleece blanket, wearing the matching pajamas. His hand rests on your thigh as you lay your head on his shoulder. Every so often, he’ll turn his to give you a soft peck on the cheek.

When the film is over, you sigh. “What should we watch now?”

Turning off the TV, Nanami gets up from the couch. “I want to give you your present now.”

“Oh yeah! Okay. Let’s do it.”

He walks over to his luggage by the front door and rummages through his belongings. When he comes back, he takes his spot next to you on the couch and hands you a bag. “Merry Christmas, sweetie.”

Excited, you dig through and the first thing you find are two lacey slip dresses, one in a forest green color, the other in maroon. These look very similar to one he bought you not that long ago, during your first vacation together at the hot springs resort. The steamy memories from that weekend come rushing back as you smirk at him. “Are you sure this is a gift for me? Or more of a gift for you?”

He chuckles. “Okay, I’ll admit it. It’s a treat for the both of us. I’m sure we’ll make use of it tonight.” He leans in to kiss you, his hand sliding up your thigh suggestively. 

You push him away, laughing. “From sushi pajamas to lingerie. We have quite the range, don’t we, Mr. Good Lookin’?” Setting the dresses aside, you search through the gift bag to make sure you didn’t miss anything. There’s a small box at the bottom that you notice. When you open it, you find a dainty gold chain bracelet inside. You let out a small gasp, taken aback by the beauty of it. “Kento, I love it. I love it so much.” 

“Good. I know how much you like this style of jewelry, but I wasn’t sure if you had something like this yet.”

“I absolutely do love this kind of jewelry and I definitely don’t have something like this yet. Thank you, baby. It’s so pretty,” you muse as he helps you clasp it around your wrist. 

When it’s on, instead of pulling away, he holds your hand in between his. “There’s one more thing.” The look in his eyes is serious as he clears his throat. He always clears his throat when he’s nervous about something. “I love you. So much. More than you’ll ever know. More than I’m able to express to you in words or actions or gifts. And I want to move forward to the next step in our relationship.” He pauses, gauging your reaction so far. Your eyes are wide, full of anticipation for what he’s going to say next. 

“I want us to move in together. I want to live here with you.”

Fireworks, butterflies, confetti. Every cliché reaction to happiness bursts through your body. Kento Nanami, you’re very handsome, extremely sweet and thoughtful amazing boyfriend wants to live with you! You fling yourself on him, laughing. “Kento! Yes! Let’s move in together!” Grabbing his face in your hands, you pepper his cheek with kisses, smiling and giggling, unable to contain your emotions. 

“You mean it?” His voice is soft and precious. 

“Yes!” You kiss him full on the lips now, sitting in his lap. “I’m so happy. I’m so, so happy. I’d love to live you. I love you.”

“You’re okay with me moving in here? In your home?”

“I’m more than okay. And our home. It’s our home now, Kento.”

Honestly, it’s felt like home for the both of you for a while now. Nanami is everywhere around the house, blending in seamlessly with you. His coats hanging next to yours on the rack. His toothbrush set next to yours in the bathroom. His clothes next to yours in the closet. Everyone you are, he’s right there, by your side. And as much as you like visiting his apartment with his king-sized bed, something about being here at home with him is comforting. As if this is where the two of you are meant to be together. 

~~~

Our home. It’s our home now, Kento.

Nanami can’t stop replaying the words in his head as he continues to kiss her passionately, unable to hold back any longer. They celebrate with another round of love making, this time on the couch, with his gorgeous girlfriend wearing the maroon dress and the golden bracelet around her wrist. In their home. Not his, not hers. But theirs.

Home is wherever she is. He’s finally home. 

Taglist: @moonmalice @bloombb @strawberry1042

Another day in the red room

situated in episode 17 of season 2, it’s a bit of a shit post, and it’s not meant to be serious 😭

inspired by one of @sillydeafwitch ‘s post where B&J can see what they’re doing in the real world

characters : og mystery inc (minus Pericles), mayor jones, Ed machine, Darrow family, nova etc etc, in the red room

another day in the red room.

-What in the living hell did you do this time ?

Cassidy was watching over a mirror-like window serving as a link between the red room and the real world, where mystery incorporated was already facing a new mystery.

-I honestly don’t even want to know.

Judy sighed, glancing over Cassidy’s shoulder.

-It looks like he found another way to waste my money…

Both turned their head, spotting an understandably pissed younger Ricky, sitting in one of the room’s seat.

-Can you even imagine how much hundreds of mutated cows cost ?! All that money, to track down teenagers and to find a stupid disk !

He sighed.

-Beside, I never wanted to hurt anybody… and yet it still happened…

Mrs Darrow put a reassuring hand on the boy’s shoulder, trying to comfort him.

-Honey, nobody here wanted to hurt anyone… Don’t be too hard on yourself.

-Beside, nothing that’s happening right now would be happening if some interdimensional creature whose name I will keep silent had deigned to mind their business and had left the human race alone.

Ed Machine growled, glancing at Nova who simply ignored him by walking to the center of the room.

-We have to be patient, the new mystery incorporated will be able to beat the demon, we have to trust them.

-That’s easy to say for you, said Cassidy, scoffing. You have nothing to lose, it’s not even your world that’s gonna get destroyed !

-I don’t see the problem, even if it’s not my dimension, I can still care about your world.

-Ah ! Shouted Danny Darrow, the kids have trapped the Queen, they are taking it out of Crystal Cove !

A sigh of relief was heard from everyone in the red room.

-See ? You have to trust them.

-Oh cut it out ! Jones snapped, before curling up on one of the red sofas in the room, that’s easy to say for you. Your body’s not being used by an evil entity who’s acting like a freak and neglecting your son !

He sighed.

-My meddling Fred, I hope he’s okay…

-Eh, I don’t think so, well, surely not after that.

Judy and Jones simultaneously turned their head to Cletus Darrow, who was worryingly watching trough the multi dimensional window.

-Brad’s launching a missile at Fred and their friends.

-I’M DOING WHAT ?!

Brad had been a complete mess since the Krampus incident and who had spent the week in a corner whimping and crying, no longer able to stand seeing himself in the real world. Seeing himself betray his son, snap at his wife, and blindly follow a mad parrot who had betrayed him years ago made him want to strangle himself. Literally.

-Why do we even HAVE a missile ?! And why on earth would I launch it on Fred ?!

-I don’t know, but you did. But you missed it so I guess they’re okay.

No answer came from the ex-redhead who had once again curled up in a corner, whimpering.

-Oh for god’s sake Bradley, Judy scoffed, clearly annoyed by her husband, stop whining, your son nearly died !

Another sniffle, coming this time from the mayor, accompanied those from Brad.

-My poor Fred… my meddling Fred…

Cassidy sighed, before shooting an exasperated look at Judy.

-You should go talk with those two stressed out whining idiots before I whip their ass.

-Got you.

Nova observed the rest of the room with an odd look, before clearing her throat.

-Well, the important part is that we have to trust the new mystery…

But before she could actually finish her sentence, the whole room turned to her, shouting their lungs out.

-SHUT THE HELL UP !

Hello, hello, all you holly jolly people! It is the first day of my “12 Days of Prompts” event and we're starting off with something a little scary.

Every Christmas season there are two horror movies that my family and I watch over and over again. The first one as you can call see is “Krampus” and the second you’ll see later on!

Krampus is by far one of my favorite Christmas movies, I know that sounds strange, but it’s the truth. I love the monster designs, how the characters a portrayed, and how it still feels more like a Christmas movie than a horror movie, even during some of the actual horror parts. Plus, I like that it doesn’t try and take itself too seriously.

So if you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it!

Like always if you do use these prompts please tag me so I can see what you’ve made!

I hope you all stay blessed and safe throughout your day.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays: Celia ❤💚❄⛄🎄

“It started with the wind, on a cold night, much like this,” - “It's Christmas. Nothing bad is going to happen on Christmas!” - "That's what a family is, baby. People you try to be friends with, even when you don't have a lot in common,” - “You're not thinking of going after that snowplow alone, are you?” “A Shepherd's gotta protect his flock,” - “It's the blizzard, honey, nothing's working right now,” - “They can see dust specks on Mars, but no one noticed a giant blizzard hurtling towards us,” “Well, as soon as the power's back, you can write an angry e-mail to the National Weather Service,” - “I would just be calmer if I knew how we were gonna survive Christmas with 12 people stuck in a house with no hot water, no heat, and no electricity,” - “You know, she and I, we butt heads, but I can't imagine life without her,” Yeah, I know what you mean,” _ “And that night, in the darkness of a howling blizzard… I got my wish,” “Oh, lay off of him! The kid deserves a prize for telling the truth!” - “It's just a scratch,” “Oh, my gosh,” “It looks like something bit you.” “Nope! Probably a bear trap under the snow or something,” “We don't have bears here,” - “Dear Santa, I know I haven't been great this year and I'm sorry for that, but I was really hoping you could help out me and my family this Christmas,” - “So, where’s the nog? I need to get merry,” - “Come on, kids, I'm gonna teach you how to make peppermint schnapps,” - "A little sugar, a little spice, makes everything nice." - "I haven't been this hungover since the Pope died." - “But Krampus didn't take me that night… He left me, as a reminder of what happens when hope is lost, when belief is forgotten… and the Christmas spirit dies,” - “They too had given up. And eventually, so did I,” - “What’s she saying?” “This… This is all our fault… he’s come for us all... He?” - “And for the first time, I didn't wish for a miracle, I wished for them to go away… a wish I would come to regret,” - “I'm old enough to know when life is coming at me with its pants down,” - "Listen, why don't we just leave? Right? We can all pile in the truck and we'll just see as far as we can get, and we can pick up-” “The truck's gone,” - “And I just wanna say I’m sorry for… thinking you’re such a spineless dick all these years,” - “Poor bastard must have sailed clear through,” “Looks more like the opposite,” “What’d you mean?” “The glass is punched in,” - “Don't suppose you got me a backup generator for Christmas, did you?” “Yeah, it's under the tree next to your ties and underwear,” - “Blah blah blah. Bullshit, bullshit. Ah, here we go, the wishlist!” - “Enough with the sappy crap, let's open up the damn presents,” - “See? Let them out of your sight for one second, and boom, shotgun wedding,” “Can you not, please,” “Well, you ought to know,” - “What did you see up there?” “You don't wanna know, sweetheart,” "Honey, I just got my ass kicked by a bunch of Christmas cookies, so trust me when I tell you I can take it!" - “It's not starting! It's not starting! Why isn't it starting!?”

“I think our best bet is to stay put, board up all the doors and windows, and as soon as the weather breaks, we'll go find her,”

“Hey, asshole! I take back my wish, I take it all back! Give me back my family!” - “I, um-- I just wanna say thanks for, uh, you know, saving my ass back there,” - “Twisted fairytale horseshit!!” - "I've hunted a lot of game in my day, those are hooves. Big ones too. Could be an elk or a goat,” What kind of goat walks on its hind legs? - “How much ammo do you have?” “A couple shells still loaded, maybe a dozen in my pocket. Why?” - “What? “She said we're screwed,” - “They had forgotten the spirit of Christmas, the sacrifice of giving. And my family was no different,” - “And as he had for thousands of years, Krampus came not to reward, but to punish, not to give, but to take,” - “I tried to help them to believe again, but we were no longer the loving family I remembered,” - “I knew Saint Nicholas was not coming this year. Instead, it was a much darker, more ancient spirit. The shadow of Saint Nicholas. It was Krampus,” - “I just wanted Christmas to be like it used to be, but forget it! I hate Christmas! I hate all of you!” - “Evil Santa? She’ll be yammering about a rabid Easter Bunny come Spring,” - “What are we gonna tell the kids?” “I don't know. The truth?” “Sure, which version of it?” - “Yeah, well, you know-- she always gets a little weird around Christmas,” - “Baby, please don't do this, listen, we can figure something else out,” “This is how I figure things out,” - “You had mom's angel this whole time?” “Yeah, I thought you knew,” “No,” - “It was almost Christmas, but this Christmas was darker, less cheerful. But I still believed in Santa, in magic and miracles, and the hope that we could find joy again,” - “I'm sorry, I just wanted Christmas to be like it used to be,” - “Our village had given up on miracles, and on each other,” - “Remember we used to fight over who got to place her?” “Yeah, you fought dirty, I still have the scars,” “Where do you think my girls get it from?” - “I don't like this,” “Whoever did this is a demented son of a bitch,” - “Come on, come on, please,” “I'm trying! I don't even know how to drive a stick! We have a hybrid! - “The snowplow?” “The keys were in the ignition-” “And it was beat to hell!’ “But if it runs, I drive it back here, and then everyone piles in the car and follows while I clear a path in front of us,” “And go where?” “The mall doubles as an emergency shelter, and if it's empty, we'll try the police station,” “And what if they're gone too?” “Then we keep driving till we see lights or people, plowed road, somewhere safe for the kids,” “And then we bring help back here,” - “I think it's panicking, trying to get outside,” “Well, we boarded everything up,” - “What are you doing? We've got four other kids here to protect,” - “It's not what you do, it's what you believe, and what you've given up," - “I think all this might be my fault,” - “What are we gonna do now?” “We keep the fire hot,” - “Oh, hey, there you are! Hey, kiddo. we thought the sugarplum fairies may have gotten you,” - “Everybody, hold on to each other,” - “Be good,” - “Wow, what's this all about?” “It's nothing just… merry Christmas,” “Merry Christmas to you too, baby,”

Winter Whumperland Day 2: Krampus (Sensory Overload)

Fandom: The Batch Batch

Summary: Hunter is sent to meet the leader of a cartel so they could take the cartel down. However the meeting place was one of the city's most popular bars and well, Hunter doesn't do well in crowds.

    Hunter wasn't ready. He hadn't expected to be told to meet such a prominent cartel member at such a bright bar. It was crowded, people bumping into each other on the dance floor and a million different conversations happening all at oncs.

    Every now and again the batch would be assigned to more civil cases. Most of the time the other party would agree to help in the war effort if someone helped them in a civil dispute.

    This time, a wide spread drug cartel was getting out of hand on a back world planet. Hunter had been instructed to meet with the owner of the cartel with a deal that was too good to refuse. The rest of the batch was to hold onto the fake drugs the Republic had been trusted with.

    When the man walked into the bar, Hunter almost wasn't sure it was him. He was a human and stood at about 6'2. He had a tan completion. His hair was short and a dark shade of brown and he wore a very put together outfit consisting of some black dress pants and a lavender vest with a loose, but nice fitting, black jacket. He had a matching lavender pocket square and pocket watch.

    Hunter sighed. He knew this man would be a piece of work. He seemed impossibly nice as he walked towards him. "You must be Hunter, right?" His voice was smooth.

    "Depends, who's asking?"

    The man chuckled. "You're tense. Henry is asking." He sat down and waved over a waiter. "I'll have a dry martini and get my friend here a dark and stormy."

    Hunter tried to listen around him. It was so loud. Not that he wasn't used to loud, but this kind? This kind of loud was new. There were women screaming as 'thier song's came on. There were pushy men asking those same women to go home with them.

    Drinks clicked as some group in a corner were celebrating an engagement. Henry was talking up the wayter, trying to talk hims way out of paying his tab that day. The bright lights hurt Hunter's eyes. They changed from color to color without a pattern or a warning.

    And it was loud. To loud. The clone couldn't think. The bar smelled so strongly of alcohol and of cheap perfume. It was overpowering. Focusing felt almost impossible.

    "Look at that woman. I need to feel her up and soon." Some man said.

    "Ahhh! Girl! Give him a chance! He is so into you!" Someone said. "

    Drinks clicked and one glass shattered. "I knew you'd been fucking her! That it I'm leaving!" "Baby please!"

    "Hey girl, wanna dance?"

    Loud music drowned out most of these conversations to everyone else. But not Hunter. He listened to every crude comment some man made about the women at the bar. He hears every bit of drama and every happy memory.

    It was overwhelming. He physically shook his head slightly to try to clear him mind. "Something in your mind?" Henry asked. He took Hunter's hand and handed him his drink. "We can talk about the deal later. Now, we drink!"

    Hunter took a sip of the drink. Not his style. He wasn't supposed to drink anyway. It didn't take long before Henry was done with his first drink. "We need to talk about the deal. That's what I'm here for" Hunter pushed.

    "Come on Hunter, relax. Our deal will be made but let's take some time. Maybe I'd like to know you a bit first. Where's your family from?"

    "Here."

    "Oh? Never got to get off this rock."

    "Nope."

    "Well mine are from Coruscant but that just seems boring now."

    "You know me, let's get this deal done."

    "Not so fast, let's dance maybe you'll meet a girl, or guy, if you swing that way." Before Hunter could fully comprehend what he said or disagree, Henry had pulled him onto the dance floor.

    'Kriff.' Hunter tried to go back to the table. He tried to avoid everyone. It was already too bright and too loud. Now the smell was harsher and now there were bodies in the equation. And he couldn't have his armor.

    Normal clothes weren't bad but when there are people all around you, armor would have made Hunter more comfortable. Instead he was in nicer black pants and red shirt with a less nice black shirt. It was hot so he had put his hair into a half up bun.

    Someone bumped into him and their drink spilled slightly onto his sleeve. A loud Twi'lek girl yelled "sorry" and kept dancing with her friend. The drink was sticky, making the jacket cling to his arm a little.

    That was it. Everything was too much. The lights were too bright, the smell too strong, the people who kept touching him, the sticky drink on his sleeve, and the noise. The noise was the worst part. It was too loud, it was to fucking loud.

    The man needed a way out. He couldn't breathe. There was too much. The thought of the mission pressed in his mind. Hunter needed to find a way back to the table. He looked around at the sea of being, all having a good time.

    Henry danced with some girl. He noticed that Hunter looked lost and excused himself. "Hey buddy!" Hunter jumped then looked at him. "Why don't you come chat this girl up?! Maybe she'll even let ya-"

    "The deal. Now." Hunter's voice was shaking but his tone was stern.

    "What are you, afraid of fun?" Henry chuckled. "You seem nervous." His voice dropped. "Something you're not saying?"

    "Come to the table and find out."

    Henry smirked. "You know how to get attention." He flowers Hunter to the table.

    When they arrived, the clone wanted to sink into the chair and hide. Instead he sighed and sat down. "It's getting late. Take this seriously."

    "Okay okay, but what is your problem?"

    Hunter wayed his opinions. He had to give him an answer. "I don't do crowds. Too many people."

    "You know, we can leave. I'll take you back to my place and-"

    "No. We finish this here. Do you want the drugs or not?" Hunter kept his head tilted down. He looked back up and watched as Henry looked around.

    "Alright, let's seal this deal. You have the stuff around or?"

    "My guys are just waiting for my word." Hunter stood but was pulled back into his seat.

    "If I learn this is a set up, so help me you will never see the light of day again. I won't kill you but you'll wish I had. It would be a shame, you're hot." Hunter pulled out of his the man's grasp.

    "Don't do that again." Henry stood and smiled.

    The music got louder as a voice came over the speakers. It said something about happy hour starting. Before Hunter could think to stop himself he slammed his hands over his ears. The lights changed more frequently and the occupants of the bar got louder.

    "Let's get out of here." Henry grabbed Hunter's hand and led him out of the bar. It took being outside and a few feet away from the bar before the clone even realized he was outside.

    Hunter felt stupid. How could he let the enemy drag him out of the bar like that? How could he be so overwhelmed by something so simple as a bar? He was a soldier, a crowded bar should be nothing.

    "Where are your buddies? I'll get my girl to bring your money. You really can't stand crowds can you?"

    "They'll be here and no, I can't."

    "Well you know what, that's fine. Not like you need to be around them anyway. Hey, let's wait over here."

    Hunter listened to his surroundings before walking over to the corner the man led him to. Now they wait.

Nightmare Before Microbe-Mas

Corey and Oats in…

Nightmare Before Microbe-Mas

It was the 24th of December 2022 and it was in the middle of the afternoon, the microbes were in their home at 28 Rosemary Avenue Forest Hill with Mel and her associate Jill and they were all relaxing and having fun and waiting for a holiday adventure. That’s when Mel told them she had a special surprise for them and they couldn’t wait to see what it was.

“A special surprise?”

“What is it, mommy?”

She went into the bedroom and picked up a key which she used to open a secret passage-way, Corey and Oats followed her as they walked inside the passage-way and arrived in a winter wonderland area with a rather interesting gothic theme to it. ‘My friend Tim Burton lives here, he is going to help us with this year’s microbe-mas.’ ‘Yaaay.’ Corey cheered and summoned his fellow microbes before knocking on the door of a life-size gingerbread house. ‘Tim!’ Mel exclaimed as she hugged her friend.

Tim Burton smiled as he hugged Mel back and he recognized Corey and Oats, Oats trotted over to him and gave him a present he had found which was a music box that played ‘Sally’s Song’ from Nightmare Before Christmas. He showed them into his gingerbread house and showed Corey the magical things he used to bring his characters to life on the screen.

Corey found himself turning into a halloweentown style version of him with bat-like ears and stitches that made him look like a cute living bat-creature doll, while Oats turned into a ghostly ballerina and the duo did a song and dance together. The duo followed Tim through the hall and that is where they met Jack Skellington and Sally and hung out with them.

The duo had lots of festive spooky fun and even went into a maze where they saw sentient snow-people, yetis, and even some gingerbread animals as well as numerous Halloweentown citizens. They encountered Oogie Boogie and played some of his games, winning some prizes in the process.

Oats found a broken pony toy on the ground and he used some magic to fix it, the duo were also told the story of Krampus who was the evil counterpart to Santa and they even found out Krampus wasn’t really evil and that he was just doing his job. ‘Yeah, you’re not a villain, Krampus. You’re just trying to teach a lesson to bad children.’ ‘Exactly, I don’t know why everyone thinks i’m evil.’ ‘Evil? You’re a nice guy who is only doing his job.’

Krampus nodded as he gave the duo some presents, they decided to go for a stroll in an icy cave as they saw sentient ice sculptures and a woman with long snowy white hair who was also a type of ghost, the woman was known as a Yuki-onna.

The duo learned a lot about spirits and the supernatural and also of different holiday monsters from all around the world, as they picked up ice crystals and made things with them, after they left the cave they had lunch outside and had some ice cream,and both of them had some yummy snacks and shared some stories.

A couple of hours later Mel gestured to them to come with her once more, which they did and she showed them the passage-way and they said goodbye to Tim Burton and all their friends before parting and heading back home, when they arrived back home, they arrived in 28 Rosemary Avenue and back at their house where Jill was waiting for them, Mel decided to freshen up as she went to shower and Coreyy and Oats watched.

Corey told Jill of his wintery adventure and told her all about what he had done, and after showering Mel got out and got dressed, Oats sat in the chair and had his mane dried and combed and after that they went back to having fun, that early evening they all relaxed and began working on a Christmas story, which was this very story.

But their adventures aren’t over yet, stay tuned for more adventures with them…’Is there anything you’d like to say to our fans before we end this tale?’ Mel asked. ‘Merry Microbe-Mas, and happy holidays to you all…and a microbial new year!’, Corey and the microbes all exclaimed in unison.

And to all of us to you, we wish you a very Corey Christmas and a microbial new year.

A Kelly Society Christmas by S.K. Andrews (The Kelly Society #2)

Vivien Kelly’s Christmas list: Pick up Christmas tree—check, buy Christmas gifts—check, order pumpkin pies—check, save my friend Josh from Krampus the Christmas demon—check! After killing a demon and saving the modern world, paranormal cleanser Vivien Kelly only has three days till Christmas. She scrambles to buy gifts, grocery shop for holiday feasts, and get a Christmas tree. She’s on track when suddenly, her young friend Josh calls the wrath of Krampus, the Christmas demon. Can Vivien buy gifts, cook Christmas dinner, decorate the tree, and also save Josh before Krampus drags him to an eternal hell? Vivien must call upon the most frightening goddess of all for help—Hel, goddess of the underworld.

Universal link for the book on Amazon

My Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this well plotted, compelling, and highly entertaining story: it made me laugh, kept me turning pages, and had fun. It’s the second in a paranormal romance series but it can be read as a stand-alone as the author explains who the characters are and what happened. I loved the Christmas atmosphere, the realistic and well developed characters, and the world building. Krampus keeps some of its original characteristics and it’s an interesting and well-developed bad guy. The author made it a character of the Nordic mythology and referenced that mythology in the world build. As a matter of fact, Krampus is a character of the Alpine tradition and the book talks about Krampus Nacht and how the previous events made this story possible. This mix of different traditions could sound a bit weird but I liked the world building and liked the creative use of different elements joining them in a intriguing setting. I want to read other stories in this series, this one is recommended. Many thanks to S.K. Andrews and Henry Roi PR for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.

The Author. When S.K. Andrews wasn’t swimming in the Pacific Ocean in her hometown of Laguna Beach, California, she busied herself by writing fantasy stories and acting on stage. Having grown up watching Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone and Night Gallery shows on TV, S.K. quickly fell in love with paranormal tales with a message of wisdom and love. Also, being a fan of romance novels and non-fiction ghost stories, she decided to marry the two and write paranormal novels of suspense, adventure, and intrigue with a strong romantic foundation. The sense of adventure inside her came from summers of camping with her family in Mexico (Baja California) and walking along beaches with no other footprints but hers, as her family members unpacked the camper and got ready to collect clams right off the shoreline for dinner. After attaining a B.A. degree in Theatre from University of California, Irvine, and a Professional Acting Certificate from LACC Acting Academy, an idea sparked for interviewing actors to help student actors entering the theatre arena. Her non-fiction book The Pursuit of Acting; Working Actors Share Their Experience and Advice was published by Praeger Publishers. In The Kelly Society book series, S.K.’s heroine, paranormal cleanser Vivien Kelly and her team are in a race to rid the modern world of deadly Celtic creatures. Bay of Darkness and A Kelly Society Christmas (July 2022) are the first two books in the series. Bay of Darkness won the Finalist prize in 2019 from N.N. Light’s Book Heaven and also placed Finalist with Readers Favorite in 2020. The beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York is where S.K. calls home.

https://www.skandrews.com https://www.facebook.com/starra.andrews https://www.instagram.com/starraandrews/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6dzir_I6LhEIWOYCJQFCw?disable_polymer=true

AAAAAAAAHHHHHH OH MY GAWD YOU START WITH TMA AND THEN TELL US YOU ALSO WATCH ARCANE? WE HAVE THE SAME TASTE! I finished it yesterday and it destroyed me too but I would love to hear your thoughts on it if you wanted to share them ~ after seeing you post about the Firelights vastaya guy (the bat one) I'm curious

Aww :). I powered on with The Magnus Archives while I was painting krampus yesterday, and I’m now near the end of the second season. Enjoying it a lot so far, and I’ve definitely got headcanons popping up for that too, though I’m a bit too shy to share those just yet, especially since it’s my first time listening to it, and I’m sure I’ve missed a lot of details.

As for Arcane, yeah, I wasn’t expecting to get into it really - I’m normally a ‘medieval fantasy’ kind of person, but I really enjoyed it. It’s one hell of an emotional ride though. Oof my god. Favourite characters so far have been Viktor, Vi, Caitlyn, and yeah, the bat-eared friend in the Firelights. The chemistry between Vi and Caitlyn was everything I wanted and I loved them wholeheartedly. Interested to see where that goes in Season 2 whenever that happens.

I had to look up what ‘vastaya’ was since I’ve not played any of the game and know almost nothing about the lore, but if you say he’s a vastaya then that works for me!

Spontaneous ‘bat-ear guy headcanons’ below, though really I’ve just created a character/OC inspired by him, rather than fixing on that character from the show. I said ‘single dad’ in my other post, and I’m ammending that to ‘widower’, just so folks are aware. No other warnings, I think...

My character based on the guy from the show is called Dex, and he grew up in Zaun. He used to work ‘security’ for a shitty bar somewhere in the depths of the city, and lost his wife to illness brought on by the toxic atmosphere. With just his newborn daughter left, he joined the Firelights and is now an integral part of their community. He fights for a better world, knowing it won’t happen in his lifetime, but he hopes to lay the groundwork for his daughter’s future.

He’s quiet - because of his mouthful of sharp teeth, he doesn’t speak all that much, and finds human language tricky - but he listens (no ear puns intended) and is very observant and thoughtful, liking to work things out all the way through before acting or speaking, which sometimes frustrates the more impulsive members of the Firelights.

He would do literally anything to protect his daughter, and he finds comfort and peace in holding her in his arms.

He’s very wary of topsiders, but also of strangers. He does not trust easily, and it takes a lot for him to open up, but usually once you’ve won him over, he’s very loyal.

He’s panromantic, though he tends to lean more towards women when it comes to physical attraction, but since his wife died, he hasn’t wanted to have any kind of intimacy with anyone. It’s just not been there.

Because of his heightened hearing, he’s sensitive to loud noises, so doesn’t tend to enjoy going out into the city or into the bars and clubs. He’s also colourblind, seeing only in greyscale (it was the green layer over his species’ eyes that made me think of it). He can use a sort of echolocation in the dark. His ears are also extremely touch-sensitive......... do with that information what you will.

He’s got claws on hands and feet, and he tends to keep them pretty sharp. He trains with a spear, and prefers that to guns and most other weapons. His martial arts style is all about kicks and using his long leggies (forgive my taekwondo background here. Think Spike from Bebop as a fighting style?).

He’s also had some medical training, though it’s more along the lines of ‘field medicine/first aid’ than anything you’d find ‘topside’.

I think that’s it for my new OC Dex. If you want any scenario headcanons or whatnot, please just ask.

Oniwaka in the Mountains - Date scenario / Fanfiction - PART 2

Oniwaka kept his word through most of the time and kept holding your hand throughout the walk. Only to let go when there was a challenging part of some sort that required both hands on the ground or the supports. But immediately after you were in the clear he would find out your hand with his. Oniwaka didn't say much, but you caught him glancing at you a few times always making him smile slightly in content. Having spent so much time with him you were able to read his face and catch those minuscule changes. And you swear that he was a bit more possessive than usual. The Oni seemed prepared for any eventuality, his shoulders tight as rocks, his head checking every direction and listening to any sound or noise. Thinking of that you realized what was the familiar aroma you could smell in the air before. "You know you are not very effective in hiding if you wear perfume. I could smell it for a long time." "Who said I was trying to hide?" Oniwaka answered still busy listening to the surroundings. "It was a gift from you so I wear it every day as a sign of gratitude." He continued stating in a very matter of fact way. Without saying a further word you gently squeeze his hands and continue the climb. After a while you notice a change in your surroundings, thinking this must be the influence of one of the world collisions a bright orange building catches your eye. "Look! Quickly! Oniwaka come on!" You suddenly pull the Oni by the hand and begin power walking to get closer. "Hey! What are you? We need to be careful! Slow down!" But before he can protest any further, you reach the building you saw which reminds you very much of the Kumando Kodo waterfall shire you have seen in geography classes. In fact, to your surprise, there was a small valley surrounded by many waterfalls dropping down to a river with ponds surrounded by blooming peach trees. "This must be the place Zao was talking about." You say quietly with awe turning around to take in the view. The air felt like it was shimmering thanks to the water droplets. Oniwaka didn't say anything regarding his surroundings with raised eyebrows. "This is just like the Crimson Mountain and the Valley of Dancing Cranes. " You can barely contain your excitement babbling things to Oniwaka who follows you cautiously down a path leading to the valley below. "The what? Has somebody hit your head a few times too much?" The Oni sighted. You turned around to him with a grin on your face. " I've been watching recently this old movies collection about Kung Fu and warrior monks and Ronins and all sorts of amazing mystical fighting. There were dragons and demons, and the fights were just out of this world. And there is always one elder monk who teaches everyone and he is the master of wisdom, who is tough as steel but incredibly kind and generous." A whole waterfall of words spills out of you. The truth was you spent a lot of time talking to Krampus and you shared your love for action movies, especially when you were depressed and sad it was a sort of relief. "Kung Fu and Warrior monks huh? That's just stu-" Oniwaka started but you interrupted him with a gentle cough. "I was thinking about you watching that". You clear your throat embarrassed. The Oni behind you did say anything else but you are sure he puckered his lips. " Ehhh... I just wish I could be half as amazing as those warrior monks in that movie." You say quietly embarrassed as both of you reach the valley. There is a specific kind of quiet in the air, undisturbed, gentle. The waterfalls drop into a large lake which then separates into a few large streams and connects several small ponds. All surrounded by an orchard of blooming peach trees. The path has been carefully covered with decorative stones, and small bridges were connecting it up to an old fashioned small house. Probably a sanctuary guesthouse. As you turn to Oniwaka to say something you see him take off his white hoodie and pass it to you. "Hold this for me, will you?" He adds with a wink and walks to the water crossing. Then completely unexpectedly he performs a perfect backflip then performing a pole vault and another jump and another, all of this in front of you with a grace of a dancer, then to stop almost I'm the middle of the lake on one of the flat stones sticking out of the water performing a perfect staff balance pose for a couple of seconds then to slowly, with a circling motion of his legs, jump down on the surface of the stone. His movement was so perfect and beautiful with a promise of deadly strength. "Today, I will reach you the way of the three-headed dragon. You will know the true meaning of fear. Come now, you have much to learn." Oniwaka's low voice beams with an echo through the valley. Like a true child at heart, you are you can't stop yourself from shouting "OMG that was amazing! How did you-!" The Oni keeps his zen position with a mysterious half-smile on his face. "Uhmm... How are you going to come back?" You ask loudly concerned as the water looks quite deep. "Shut up! I'm meditating on my next move." Oniwaka growls in return making you only laugh. You patiently wait for him to find a way back to the shore, Oniwaka managed to perform more acrobatics getting just the reaction he wanted from you. While you try to return his hoodie he responds "Keep hold to it for now, for me. I'm wet and need to refresh myself when we get to the guesthouse." You hold tightly to the material wrapping it neatly when Oniwaka wasn't looking or you thought he wasn't you burrowed your face in the warm smelling material. Only for a few seconds not to get caught. The stone path leads straight to the guesthouse, surrounded by a small decking overlooking one of the ponds. The inside was refurbished and had all modern amenities. It was simple and very clean looking. "This is... Nice." Oniwaka pondered. "I'm surprised, I thought it would be more Spartan." You enter through the sliding door, finally taking off your backpack which started feeling heavy on your shoulders. "So this is what they call a Tranquil Zone. Zao has said it works like a safe house but it covers a certain area which would be this valley. " " I know what a Tranquil Zone is." Oniwaka cuts in slowly, he circles the rooms opening doors and cabinets, performing a full inspection as if there were supposed to be ninjas hidden somewhere. After a few minutes, he comes back to you. "It looks safe. There is plenty of food. You go relax now and I will prepare you a meal." "Hey, not so fast." You weren’t going to let Oniwaka boss you around. "You said you need to refresh yourself so you can start with that. I've made food before I left. " The Oni have you a challenging look, putting his hands on his hips. "Is that so? I can easily have my way with you." "I can't relax if you won't." You look at him without a sign of caving in. "Please? For me?" "You know that doesn't-... Sigh ok fine! I can't believe I'm letting myself be pushed around by such a little creature." Oniwaka ruffles your hair and walks to the bathroom. In that time you take out the food you prepared before leaving and move it to a small fridge in the kitchen section. On a small window overlooking the sink, you notice an envelope that says "To my mountain friend. From Zao." Curious you open the Letter and start reading. "My dear friend, I'm glad you have arrived at the guesthouse. My hope is you will enjoy your time here in your beautiful surroundings. Your friend was very persistent asking many questions about your trip. He requested if you two can be left alone without anyone interrupting. I agreed, in exchange, I advised him that if he keeps making you sad I will show him the peak of the black mountain and what lays below it. Enjoy your stay. Zao" You read the letter three times, slightly smiling each time, then for it to drop going back to one line - Oniwaka specifically requested for us to be left alone. Yes, you remembered Zao mentioned he would join you for some time to make sure everything is alright. With the letter in hand, you go into the bathroom and without knocking you open the sliding door. "Oniwaka Houzouin what did you tell Zao?" You say loudly. Oniwaka was standing in front of the bathroom mirror shaving ande has just finished and turned around surprised. He was naked from the waist up which made you kind of lose your words. The Oni grinned seeing your confused look and grabbed your t-shirt pulling you into the bathroom and then pushing by the wall. You always forget how big Oniwaka is and now he was towering above you with his huge body. Both of his hands next to your head, with nowhere to run. Well maybe if you tried really hard. "I was making sure we are undisturbed." He breathed heavily into your ear. " I told you earlier, there are some really bad Oni around that may carry you away to the woods if you aren't careful.  "Oh really," you say looking into his eyes. There was something wild in the way he looks at you. "Yea, but there is this one Oni that's the worst out of them all. " He picks your chin up with his hand. "And this Oni is not worth a broken coin. Are you sure you want to spend your time with a monster like this? What if I decide to take whatever I want from you. There is nobody here to save you." "You are here to save me from all of the monsters. " You say quietly embarrassed. "Didn't you listen to what I just said?" He grumbled louder. "Just shut up and kiss me." You say impatiently. Oniwaka looks at you for a split second with a wild sparkle in his eyes and reaches out for your lips. "I'm a monster. You know that and you keep coming back for more." He pulls away breathing heavily. His self-doubt is worse than ever. "I've been told every monster has a week spot. I'm trying to find yours..." You add carefully not to put oil into the fire. Oniwaka looked into your face sitting in his hand. "You are my weak spot. I feel in love with you." "Then you are not a monster anymore. You are my Oniwaka, my. Do you understand?" "Your Oniwaka. I'm yours." He repeats quietly to himself, shocked or embarrassed even. His muscular frame shifted closer to you, almost squeezing you to the wall. Now there was no way or place to run, and you could feel the heat of his body and your own emotions rising to your face. "The things I want to do to you, the things I want... They are so bad." He leans forward to your ear. "I want you so bad." Without a word said you get up on your toes and reach to kiss him only to be swept up in his arms and his lips greedily tasting yours.  You don't know when Oniwaka turned on the shower, but his huge arms lifted you and carried under the stream of water. You giggled in panic trying to remind him you are fully dressed but he ignored your pleas silencing you with his lips. It was the longest shower of your life. 

24 little kinks | Door 6 🎄

“You remember that chocolate advent calendar I got you for December?”

“I do,” he chuckled and pressed a tender kiss to your temple. “You made me display it in the kitchen so I would not eat it all at once.”

Your smile widened. “How about we get another one?”

Loki raised an eyebrow, only now paying proper attention to the sex toy ad. Then, he frowned. It was an odd mixture of disgust, genuine curiosity and even a hint of arousal flashing in his blue eyes.

A/N: Happy Nikolaus Day to everyone who celebrates! Remember the Krampus will come and get you with rods and whips if you’ve been naughty. ;-)

“It’s Friday, Steve, give us a break. We’re still groping in the dark but Loki and I are doing our best. Enjoy your weekend for once, it’s Christmas.”

“Let me know when you two have a lead.”

“Will do. Bye, Steve.” You couldn’t hang up quickly enough. It was freezing cold in spite of you being wrapped in your warmest pullover and fluffy winter jacket, along with a giant scarf which covered half of your face. Being a Frost Giant, Loki had no problem with the cold whatsoever. Besides, he was still mesmerised by all those delicious Christmas treats you had introduced him to, along with the concept of hot mulled wine.

After all the unease the Chitauri had recently caused, a cosy Christmas market was just what you needed. You could tell Loki was impressed, for it truly was beautiful. Countless Christmas lights decorated the street lanterns and the various stands, not to mention the massive Christmas tree in the middle of the piazza.

There was a petting zoo for children and a pick-up train for tourists—and a Santa Clause taking pictures with children.

Loki nodded in his direction when you put your phone away. “Who is he?”

“Santa Clause. He’s the one who puts the presents under the tree. He climbs down the chimney every year, travelling the world in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeers.” Loki frowned, then opened his mouth in an almost disturbed manner, making you giggle. “It’s just a story you tell the children here. They write letters to him which their parents pretend to send to the North Pole, which is where he lives. He’s making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty or nice…” You sang.

“That is ridiculous.”

You giggled once more. “No, it’s not. And on the night of Christmas Eve, you prepare some milk and biscuits for him to eat.”

“Let me rephrase that, my sweet. Midgardian children are told that on Christmas, both burglary and theft are acceptable and that an old fat man with a long beard keeps an eye on them all year to find out if they have been naughty.” He paused, smirking a little. “And here I was thinking the Midgardian tales of my alleged adventures were brutal.”

You smiled up at him. “There are countless movies about him, you know. We should watch one tonight. The Santa Clause films with Tim Allen are a must-see every December.”

“Whatever you wish…” Loki replied tenderly, still a little taken aback by the costumed man in the red and white coat taking pictures with children on his lap. “Now, what about those Christmas treats you promised me?”

You came to a halt in front of the stand you had passed already. “I am eager to try everything.” The store owner snorted. He either recognised him or thought Loki to be a rich snot. Well, merry Christmas to you too, sir.

“Everything? Loki, I didn’t bring that much money. We can’t just buy the whole store.”

“Whyever not? You know I could simply duplicate those banknotes of yours in a heartbeat.” He whispered in your ear.

“You could but that would be… wrong. Look, why don’t we get the candied almonds, the chocolate strawberries and then that baumkuchen you were so fascinated with from that other store and then head home to warm up? Pretty please? I am freezing.”

“You forgot the mulled wine.”

“And we’re of course getting mulled wine.” You confirmed, shaking your head in an amused manner. Loki really was a sweet tooth. The biggest one you’d ever met. His blue eyes had lit up like those of a child whenever you passed something sweet and edible.

For the past hour, before Steve had called, you had been exploring the local Christmas market to the fullest, passing stands whose owners sold candles, wooden ornaments, real sheep wool clothing and other Christmassy trinkets. The most beautiful stand, however, had by far been the one with the dozens of snow globes. You had loved the one with the golden castle and reindeer… but then again, seventy-five dollars for a piece of decoration was way too much—even if Loki had insisted on you buying it if you liked it so much.

Half an hour later, you finally returned home. The warm air enveloped you like an old friend, slowly warming your frozen fingers which were completely stiff from carrying the many bags full of Christmas candy. On the way back, you had even bought some candy canes for your Christmas tree.

The mulled wine had done little to warm you up, however, made you a little tipsy. You started grinning once you had kicked off your boots.

“We haven’t opened our advent calendar yet.”

“That is a circumstance we will have to remedy, my sweet.” The alcohol had not affected him at all. Still grinning, you carefully dropped your purchases and took his hand, leading him straight to the bedroom. You could still watch those movies later.

Loki took the small box and opened it, revealing a pair of dice. Words were printed on each side.

“That does not look like a sex toy.” He concluded.

“Oh, but I know what that is. It’s a game. You roll the dice and do what they tell you to. Here, look. This side says ‘kiss’ and this one says ‘lips’. If you dice those two, you’ll have to kiss me on the lips and vice versa.”

Loki smirked. He instantly liked the idea. “I never lose games.”

You chuckled. “I doubt you can really lose this one.” But you guessed the winner would be the one cumming the most… you swallowed. Gods, it had been one cup of mulled wine.

“Alright then… let us play.” Loki had the audacity to wink at you. Your pussy clenched in joyful anticipation.

-

Munching on another chocolate strawberry, you waited, impatiently, for Loki to dice again. You had long lost most of your clothes sitting on the floor on a cosy blanket at the living room table and eating your Christmas treats. The game kept getting more and more interesting. The dice clattered on the glass surface.

“Kiss… toes. Off come those ravishing stockings, my sweet…” Loki pulled them off of your legs so painfully slow you moaned, then lifted them both up to kiss every single one of your naked toes. You shivered, pleasure having taken control over your body since you had started playing.

“My turn.” You whispered breathlessly. Once more, the dice clattered. “Nibble… ears.” You giggled. Loki’s ears were rather sensitive. Unceremoniously, you straddled him and brushed away his beautiful raven hair. You gave his earlobes a quick lick before you started nibbling on them in turn, even sucking a little and making him hiss. He wrapped his arms around you when you attempted to move away again.

“Where do you think you are going?”

He kept you on his lap as he diced again. Not that you would complain. “Tease… nipples. With pleasure…” he added. Blue eyes sparkling with desire, he cupped your breasts and rubbed your nipples with his thumbs, enjoying how they hardened under his touch. You arched your back to give him more access, allowing him to play with the stiff nubs until he had his fill.

You were panting when you took the dice again. Clatter. “Touch… penis.” Just touch? You almost pouted as you cupped him through his leather trousers, making him groan. Loki’s eyes never left yours. You squeezed him a little, making him long for more. He was rock-hard.

“Give me the dice.” He demanded hoarsely. Obediently, you let them fall into his palm. Clatter. “Lick… pussy.” He read, a mischievous smile spreading on his lips. As if Loki saying something so dirty and colloquial like ‘pussy’ wasn’t tempting enough already, you squealed when he lifted you up and laid you back on the floor, prying your legs apart hungrily. Your knickers came off so fast you didn’t know what was happening to you until he gave your dripping cunt a long lick, tasting his meal with relish. You were shaking already… but he did not stop there.

Abandoning the game altogether, he wrapped his arms around your hips to keep you in place, then ate you like his life depended on it. His teeth would gently bite your outer lips and nibble at your clit, his tongue pampering both your wet entrance and circling your sensitive bundle of nerves. Every now and then, he sucked it into his mouth, teasing it with the tip of his tongue until you whimpered. You moaned when he thrust his tongue inside of you, lapping up your juices like a thirsty tiger.

Silver tongue… he reminded you of this title of his every god damn time he buried his face between your legs.

Your orgasm hit you out of nowhere. Sending strong waves of pleasure through your body, you squirmed with Loki’s name on your lips. The God of Mischief moaned in approval. He drank you like the fountain of youth, greedily and eager for more of your pleasure.

You started to whimper when the stimulation became too much but he would hear none of it. Still in frenzy, he held on to you even tighter, massaging your clit with his tongue until your eyes rolled to the back of your head. Another orgasm tore through your body all too soon.

Loki helped you ride it out before he retreated, his chin glistening with your arousal. Satisfied and pleased with his work, he licked his lips, then hovered above you to give you a passionate kiss.

“My turn…” You stated when you broke apart. You knew were to lick and blow next, no dice needed.

-

A/N: Door 7 will be opened tomorrow, on December 7th!

This door included an anon request!

Check out my blog to find more Imagines and take a glimpse at my first (to be) published novel! Also, if you enjoyed this story, I would appreciate so much if you supported me on Kofi! ko-fi.com/sserpente ♥

The Apple of His Eye

Chapter 3: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Pairing: Nanami x f!reader

cw: fluff

It’s the day before Christmas Eve. Ren navigates through Netflix on your TV as you sit on the floor, wrapping presents.

“Shall we do a classic Christmas movie? Like Home Alone? Or should we do a horror Christmas movie, like Krampus? Honestly, I could go either way,” Ren suggests, fingers clicking on the remote to scroll through the different options.

Distracted, you respond, “I’m down for whatever.” You finish wrapping Nanami’s gifts. With a smile, you pick them up and place it on your kitchen counter, reading to be exchanged tomorrow.  

Your boyfriend has been out of town since yesterday for a mission. Tomorrow, you’ll be reunited to spend Christmas Eve together, arguably the most romantic day of the year. It’s taken all your willpower to not spoil the presents you got for him. You’ve always been horrible at keeping secrets.

“Krampus it is, then!” Ren exclaims, grabbing the bowl of popcorn off the coffee table. “Ready?”

“Yes! I finished wrapping his gifts.” You sit next to your brother on the couch, grabbing a handful of snacks to toss into your mouth.

“I wish I could see his reaction when you give him the apron. I bet he’s not used to silly, prank gifts. Then again, I’m sure Gojo has tortured him plenty of times with pranks.”

Your brother starts the movie and adds, “So, you think he’ll propose tomorrow?”

You whip your head around to face him with a shocked expression. “Ren! Of course not, we’ve only been dating for five months!”

He smirks. “So? Nanami is head over heels for you. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a ring already and is just waiting for the appropriate time.”

“Don’t put ideas in my head.” As if you weren’t already thinking it.

To be honest, you love Nanami. Absolutely love him. Head over heels, smitten, match made in heaven, every cliché expression in the book you can think of, you feel that way about him. It’s been five months of paradise together, and not the kind that feels too good to be true. It feels natural, as if you’ve known each other for years, with the excitement of still learning more. You never thought you’d be the type of person who could fall in love so fast, but here you are, imagining the rest of your life with this man that you are completely infatuated with.

Marriage has crossed your mind. You’d be lying if you said it didn’t. You can’t help but picture Nanami as a doting husband, the two of you starting a family, going on more vacations, growing old together. It’s a dream that is slowly looking like a reality the more time you spend with each other.

Ren’s voice is soft as he says, “Remember what I told you, right before you two got together? I said you deserve the universe. He’s proven time and time again that he can give that to you, that he wants to give that to you. Whatever you and Nanami have is special. It’s the kind of love that I want to experience. The kind that Mom and Dad have for each other, the kind that people write movies and novels about. I know you think it’s too soon, but when you know, you know. Right?”

You stare at him, a little dumbfounded at the wisdom he just casually bestowed upon you. When you don’t speak, he just smirks, “Yeah, I know stuff!”

You scooch over to him to give him a big hug as you yell, “Booger! When did you become such a romance expert?”

He tries to escape your grasp as he scoffs, “I blame it on the K-dramas I’ve been watching with my friends from school. But seriously, not that it matters or anything, but you have my approval. That is, if Nanami has the balls to actually propose tomorrow.”

“I highly doubt he’ll propose tomorrow. We haven’t even talked about marriage yet. We’re just taking it one step at a time. We’re in no rush.”

Before you let go of him, you add, “And for the record, it does matter. Your support means more to me than you know. I love you, booger.”

With a smooch on his head, you finally release him. He rubs the spot where you kissed him, smiling, “Love you too, sis.”

As the two of you sit back to watch the movie, you let your mind wander. You mean it when you say you’re in no rush. You’re just enjoying your time together without expectations or a timeline. The only thing you know for certain is that you love Nanami and Nanami loves you. That’s all that matters right now.

~~~

Nanami sits on the train next to Gojo. It’s the morning of Christmas Eve. They’re heading back to Tokyo after being away for a mission the lasted two days. He shakes his leg anxiously, excited and nervous for the night to come.

Tonight, Nanami is going to ask his girlfriend a very important question.

He’s going to ask her to move in together.

It just makes sense to move on to this next stage in their relationship. They spend nearly every day together, either at his place or hers, mostly at hers. He dreads the a few hours they are apart, whenever he needs to go to his apartment to make sure things are still running or to pick up extra clothes. Frankly, he doesn’t care much for his place; it’s always felt empty and lonely. It reminds him of his time as a bachelor. He pays rent for it every month without having any attachment to it whatsoever.

But when he’s in her home, he’s comfortable and cozy. He loves snuggling up next to her in bed, taking naps on the couch in front of the TV, cooking dinner in her kitchen. He adores the little splashes of her personality scattered throughout her house, from her solar powered Lucky Cat constantly waving at him from the windowsill to the Hello Kitty figurine displayed next to her TV. He’s started leaving traces of himself, like his toothbrush, clothes, an extra pair of shoes.

He can’t get enough of her. And that’s why he wants to live with her.

Gojo nudges him. “Relax, buddy. She’s going to agree to it.”

Nanami tries to stop his leg from shaking but ends up moving his other instead. “I don’t know. She may still want her space.”

“I don’t blame her if she does, you can be so overbearing sometimes, Nanamin!” When Gojo’s joke is not received well, he reiterates, “She’ll say yes, don’t worry. She absolutely adores you.”

They love each other. Nanami knows that for sure. But he still can’t help but feel nervous. What if she’s not ready? What if she still needs time? What if she still really wants her own space?

He sighs, unable to shake the nerves that are getting the best of him. Thankfully, Gojo takes the hint and leaves him alone for the rest of the train ride. When they get off the train to part ways, his friend says, “Merry Christmas, Nanamin. Tomorrow is going to go great. Also, please tell her thank you again for the gift. I already texted her, but I want you to tell her again. I love it.” They gave Gojo a new pair of sunglasses, that he is currently donning as they speak. “See you guys on New Year’s!”

Nanami walks the rest of the way to her house, luggage in hand and heart beating a tiny bit faster. He’ll pop the question tonight, after dinner, when they are exchanging gifts. They plan to order takeout from their favorite sushi restaurant and celebrate at home.

He unlocks the door, to which he already has his own set of keys for, and enters the house. The familiar scent fills his nostrils and gives him a sense of warmth and happiness.

When he doesn’t see her in the kitchen or the living room, he yells out her name.

“Kento? Hold on! I’m changing!” he hears her shout from the hallway.

He removes his shoes and places them next to his other pair by the door. He hangs his coat on the rack, right on top of another jacket of his. Everywhere he looks, there is something of his right next to something of hers. He sees the newspaper that she started subscribing to for him, on the table, next to her empty coffee mug. The bottle of wine they opened a few nights ago sitting on the countertop, next to the Hello Kitty bento box that hasn’t been packed since he left. A pair of his slippers that he wears around the house right by the couch, where he last left them.

He wants to call this place his home. This is the realization he comes to.

When he sees her, his jaw almost drops. She walks out from the bathroom in one of his dress shirts and boxers with a bright smile on her face. “Baby! I missed you! Welcome home!” Her arms wrap around his neck as she presses her lips on his.

He kisses her back eagerly, snaking his arms around her waist tightly. She looks so good in his clothes. He can’t hold back. “Why are you wearing this?”

She giggles, pulling away from him to answer, “I wanted to surprise you. It’s part one of my Christmas present to you.”

He chuckles. “This certainly is a wonderful treat.” He pulls her back towards him to scatter kisses on her neck, reaching his hands over her butt to give it a nice squeeze. “I missed you so much, sweetie. Can I unwrap my beautiful gift now?” he whispers into her ear, fingers sliding to the waistband of the boxers, tugging them down slightly.

She smiles as she starts unbuttoning the dress shirt from the top. They both stagger into the bedroom, Nanami leaving his luggage by the front door, forgotten and abandoned as they start their Christmas Eve celebration making love in bed.

Two hours later, after some post-coital cuddling, napping, and showering, they sit on the couch, looking through the menu of their favorite sushi restaurant. Nanami has his arm wrapped around her as they scroll through her phone, selecting a variety of dishes to order for dinner. She’s still wearing his dress shirt, but with sweatpants this time.

As they wait for their food to arrive, she asks him, “Can I give you part two now?”

“Why did you get me so many things?”

“These are small! Don't worry.” She gets up to walk to the kitchen counter and comes back with a small gift bag in hand. “Open it.”

It’s a dark blue tie with little foxes as the pattern. He grins as he asks, “A fox tie?”

“Yes. Because you’re foxy.”

He sputters a laugh. How can she be so cheesy and adorable all at once? He leans in to kiss her cheek.

“Do you hate it? It’s just a little gag, you don’t have to actually wear it.”

“A gag?”

“Yeah, a gag gift. Like a prank. A joke. I honestly think it’s rather stylish.”

“Ahhh, a prank. I thought you meant…Never mind.”

“Kento Nanami, what are you thinking?” she looks at him with a raised eyebrow and a slightly amused smile.

“No. I shouldn’t say. It’s naughty.”

“Kento Nanami!”

“I love it. I promise I’ll wear it. You’re right, it is rather stylish. We’ll just have to use one of my other ties as a gag next time. I mean, a gag gift.”

“Nanami!”  she responds, pushing on his bicep playfully as he snickers behind his hand over his racy joke.

“Seriously. I love it. It’s from you, so naturally, it holds a very special place in my heart.”

She beams at him, cheeks round and cute with joy. He’ll never get tired of making her smile. Never. He takes a mental snapshot each time, memorizing all the different reasons and ways he’s managed to make her happy, to make her laugh.

He takes her hand in his and raises it up to his lips, placing a soft kiss inside her wrist. “Do you want yours now?”

“Not yet! I have one more small one I want you to open. We can do our big gifts after dinner.” She walks over to the countertop again to retrieve another bag. How did he get so lucky to meet such a kind and generous woman? He constantly thanks the universe for this serendipity.

Giggling, he hands him the bag. He eyes her suspiciously with an amused grin and comments, “You’re making me nervous. What’s in here?”

“Just open it!” More giggling. He loves her so much.

Inside is a folded black apron. As he unravels it, he turns it over to the front to see the cause of her impish behavior.

“Mr. Good Lookin’ is Cookin’…?” he reads out loud, warmth creeping up to his cheeks as he smiles.

“Please put it on! I want to take a picture for Ren.”

“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.”

Pouting, she whines, “Why not?!”

“Because knowing your brother, that picture will end up in Gojo’s hands. And he will harass me about it well into the new year.” Even as he explains himself, he pulls the apron over his head and ties it around his waist.

“What can Gojo even say to you? You are good looking! And you do cook! There’s nothing wrong with that statement! Please, baby? For me?”

Ahhh, his weakness. How can he deny her when those words come out of her sweet lips? The magic words that make him feel like putty right in her hands? Chuckling, he relents. “Fine. Take the picture. If Gojo says something at the New Year’s party, you owe me.”

“I’ll give you whatever you want,” she smirks, taking the photo.

In all honestly, he loves the presents so far. Knowing she put thought into each one, no matter how silly it was, makes his heart swell with affection. He should have known that the same charm she exudes in her everyday life, the charm he fell in love with and continues to love each passing moment, would translate well into her gifts.

They cuddle and chat on the couch for a few more minutes until the doorbell rings, signaling that their dinner has been delivered. Nanami gets up to fetch the food and starts opening the bags to set on the table.

“Honey! Change of plans. I actually want to give you your last gift now, before we start eating. Is that okay?”

Confused, he replies, “Sure.”

“I just realized how perfect of an opportunity this is. You’ll understand as soon as you open it.” With a mischievous grin, she disappears into her bedroom. “Oh! And let’s eat on the couch! You can set the food up on the coffee table,” she yells through the closed door.

At her suggestion, he moves the setup over to the coffee table and starts playing a random Christmas movie on the TV as he waits for her big reveal. After a few minutes, she comes out wearing her set of wasabi green sushi pajamas, a medium-sized wrapped box in her hands.

He loves these pajamas. They hold a special place in his heart. During their summer lessons, Ren showed Nanami a picture of her holding up giant meatballs with the brightest smile on her face. These were the pajamas she was wearing. It was the second thing that caught his attention, after her beautiful smile. It captivated him so much in that moment, he even imagined a scenario where she stood in front of him in those pajamas, with an offering of a bento box and a smile. The world is a better place with you in it. Always remember that. I love you, Nanami. 

She walks up to him, smiling, holding the box out to him. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.” A scene almost exact to what he conjured in his head months ago, before they even met. But it’s better this time; it’s real.

He unwraps the box carefully, sliding his finger under the folds and creases, savoring each second of this wonderful gift. There’s no inkling in his head as to what it could be, but regardless, he’s going to love it.

Almost instantly, he notices the wasabi green color poking through the tissue paper as he opens the box. It’s a matching set of sushi pajamas in his size.

He’s speechless as he marvels at the fabric, taking it all in. There’s a familiar tightness in his chest, similar to the first time they said “I love you” to each other. He’s not exactly sure why he is feeling so emotional from this. It’s silly how flustered he’s getting. Maybe it’s because this is the first time in a long time that he received a gift that had so much thought put into it. So much love behind it.

They are officially the kind of couple that has matching pajamas. Nanami never thought he’d be in a relationship like this. He’s thrilled.

She breaks the silence first. “Do you like it? You always say how cute these pajamas are on me, so I wanted us to be cute together. And sushi is our favorite food to eat with each other. I thought this would be fitting.”

Gulping loudly, trying to keep his composure, he admits, “I love it.” He lets out a small laugh. “I absolutely love it.” He drops the clothes on the couch to wrap his arms around her. Kissing the top of her head as he rubs her back, he whispers, “I love you so much.”

Nanami never thought a pair of wasabi green sushi pajamas could bring him to the verge of tears, but here he is, nearly in shambles in front of her. He thinks back on his life before this. If he knew then what the future had in store for him, he wouldn’t have wasted so much time brooding. Having her in his life has been well worth the wait. And if he had to, he’d wait decades more to have this kind of happiness in his life. To have her in his life.

They continue hugging for a few more seconds until he finally releases her, feeling calm again. He picks up the pajamas and says, “Let me go get changed and we can start eating.”

She claps her hands giddily and exclaims, “You read my mind!”

A few minutes later, they sit beside each other on the couch, filling their plates with different sashimi and nigiri, all while wearing their matching sushi pajamas. The TV is on, volume low but enough to hear the buzz of whatever classic Christmas movie is playing.

Domestic bliss with the person he loves the most. It’s everything he’s ever hoped for as an adult. After years of working endlessly, living through monotony, he’s finally made it. All because of her.

~~~

After dinner, the two you digest on the couch, watching the remainder of the movie in peace. You’re snuggled next to each other under a fleece blanket, wearing the matching pajamas. His hands rest on your thigh as you lay your head on his shoulder. Every so often, he’ll turn his head to give you a soft peck on your cheek.

When the film is over, you sigh. “What should we watch now?”

Turning off the TV, Nanami gets up from the couch and states, “I want to give you your present now.”

“Oh yeah! Okay. Let’s do it.”

He walks over to his luggage by the front door and rummages through his belongings. When he comes back, he takes his spot next to you on the couch and hands you a bag. “Merry Christmas, sweetie.”

Excited, you dig through and the first thing you find are two lacey slip dresses, one in a forest green color, the other in maroon. These look very similar to one he bought you not that long ago, during your first vacation together at a hot springs resort. The steamy memories from the weekend come rushing back to you as you smirk at him and say, “Are you sure this is a gift for me? Or more of a gift for you?”

He chuckles. “Okay, I’ll admit it. It’s a treat for the both of us. I’m sure we’ll make use of it tonight.” He leans in to kiss you, his hand sliding up your thigh suggestively.

You push him away, laughing. “From sushi pajamas to lingerie. We have quite a range, don’t we, Mr. Good Lookin’?” Setting the dresses aside, you look through the gift bag to make sure you didn’t miss anything. There’s a small box at the bottom that you notice.

When you open it, you find a dainty gold chain bracelet inside. You let out a small gasp, taken aback by the beauty of it. “Kento, I love it. I love it so much.”

“I know how much you like this style of jewelry, but I wasn’t sure if you had something like this yet.”

“I absolutely do love this kind of jewelry and I definitely don’t have something like this yet. Thank you, baby. It’s so pretty,” you praise as he helps you clasp it around your wrist.

When it’s on, instead of pulling away, he holds your hand in between his. “There’s one more thing.” The look in his eyes is serious as he clears his throat. He always clears his throat when he’s nervous or uncomfortable about something.

“I love you. So much. More than you’ll ever know. More than I’m able to express to you in words or actions or gifts. And I want to move forward to the next step in our relationship.” He pauses, gauging your reaction so far. Your eyes are wide, full of anticipation for what he’s going to say next.

“I want us to move in together. I want to live here with you.”

Fireworks, butterflies, confetti. Every cliché reaction to happiness bursts through your body. Kento Nanami, you’re very handsome, extremely sweet and thoughtful amazing boyfriend wants to live with you!

You fling yourself on him into a big hug and start laughing. “Kento! Baby! Yes! Let’s move in together!” Grabbing his face in your hands, you pepper his cheek with kisses, smiling and giggling, unable to contain your emotions.

“You mean it?” His voice is soft and precious.

“Yes!” You kiss him full on the lips now, sitting in his lap. “I’m so happy. I’m so, so happy. I’d love to live you. I love you.”

“You’re okay with me moving in here? In your home?”

“I’m more than okay. And our home. It’s our home now, Kento.”

Honestly, it’s felt like home for the both of you for a while now. Nanami is everywhere around the house, blending in seamlessly with you. His coats hanging next to yours on the rack. His toothbrush set next to yours in the bathroom. His clothes next to yours in the closet. Everyone you are, he’s right there, by your side. And as much as you like visiting his apartment with his king-sized bed, something about being here at home with him is comforting. As if this is where the two of you are meant to be together.

~~~

Our home. It’s our home now, Kento.

Nanami can’t stop replaying the words in his head as he continues to kiss her passionately, unable to hold back any longer. They celebrate their decision to live together by another round of love making, this time on the couch, with his gorgeous girlfriend wearing the maroon dress and the golden bracelet around her wrist. In their home. Not his, not hers. But theirs.

Home is wherever she is. He’s finally home.

Postwoman au (part 7)

Finally, write the Krampus and Kitty time travel adventure.

@dannybagpipesarecalling @muninandhugin @tieflingteeth

In all honesty, if you ask Kitty with tact-something some people in her life lack- Kitty took this job without feeling she has a saying whatsoever in the matter. Maybe, it was true, maybe Galaticus in all his wisdom and all his status as an Outer God-one above everyone and everything. No one should forget this. Kitty felt she have no saying so, yet that didn´t stop her to form opinions.

At this very precise moment, Kitty is on her knees watching-even admiring the brazes of the fireplace- each aspect, each small detail of this strange room. It has an ancient vibe, as if Kitty travel back in time, at the same time it feels modern-she saw the TV near. Looks like a new model, at least it looks like.

It certainly isn´t how one imagines Krampus´s room. Kitty let a grin grace her rounded face as she develops some silly ideas for his room. She´s ever grateful Krampus can´t read minds. Those ideas are too dumb and Kitty has no sense of fashion.

"Your hair" his voice jolts Kitty back to reality. Krampus is looking at the ponytail and taking some hair locks in his azzure hand. Feeling the texture. Her hair is fluffy.

"Oh, yeah...I love to use ponytails" slowly her hands undo the ponytail letting her hair free once again. "You know, you don´t have to do this...." she trails off fidgeting with the ribbon used to form the ponytail.

Krampus hummed in response. Playing with her hair as a counter-response to everything.

"Really, is just hair..." Kitty is grateful Krampus is only watching her back. He doesn´t need to see her redden cheeks nor how the color is spreading to the neck.

"I want to do it, plus, you´re here already and you already undo the ponytail..." there´s mirth in his voice. Kitty won´t face him. "Your fingers are dexterous...is almost erotic to watch"

Kitty now has every reason to not turn and see his handsome face.

"I didn´t mean to make you uncomfortable!" he promises kindly. Isn´t it a bit funny? Krampus is kind but he´ll take your misbehaving kid-and sometimes your wife. Yet, he´s here being kind with Kitty just because. What a strange ancient man!

"I´m just saying...if you´re born in my...time, let´s call as such, many men would want to marry a woman with such fluffy hair and dexterous abilities" Kurt is kind.

Kitty could flirt. Could ignore. Kitty, however, has no real game in regards to some social situations.

"I´m Jewish...pretty sure German people wouldn´t like marry me" no shame on her part. Kitty wears her roots proudly. If Kurt has a problem...

"I know...in my time,  Jewish women are just women. Romani women are just women and black women are just women." his tone looks sad. "Until it was a point to distinguish and separate them..." she can feel him shaking his head. "In my time, when a woman presents to...the Gods, to the old temples, we judge her by her skills not her origins...you would get a good match" now his tail has a brush.

Her face turns slightly to the side-still feeling her checks burning- to see golden eyes staring at her amused. Mischievous. The woman pouts and turns back to her view of the fireplace.

"You´re a mysterious figure, you know that" Kitty begins as Kurt chuckles to prove his feelings. "That´s why I did my own research on you!" Kitty confesses to focus on the fire. It´s almost as if the fire is dancing.

Kurt humms again. Starting brushing her hair- Kitty will deny with all her heart if anyone claims she´s purring-slowly and Kitty closes her eyes, incline her head slightly and again if anyone says purring ...they´ll be so wrong.

"Oh, your research about me? I´m flatter, what my little postwoman found" Kurt is brushing her hair without any hush. Without pointing out certain sounds Kitty is making. Not purring, sure!

"Yes, I found out about you and Amanda"

"Uhm, not a secret, Katzchen"

"She was your secretary!" she starts not minding Kurt not an impressive response. "She was the daughter of Margalia Szardos. The lower totem of the magical community and thought if she had you like her...." now she stumbles with words.

"A weapon?" Kurt suggests amused.

"Yes, that. She thought if you were on her team she could conquer the witch community and be the Queen of the Witches" Kitty smiles as Kurt comments she´s correct.

"Margalia was killed by the council...and Amanda had a son with.....her brother" now she stops smiling. Incest sort breaks anyone´s victory.

"Oh, yes. She slept with Stefan. She named her own daughter as Amanda. She has killed as well Stefan" his tone is somber. Kitty wonders if she treads in dangerous waters.

"And the council spare her, the baby, you spare the baby...because you don´t believe in punishing a baby for the parents´ crimes" Kitty amends.

"Yes, Amanda gave her name to the baby but not the last name..."

"A witch without a surname is an outcast" Kitty pipes in. "Yana explain this to me...she´s the Demon Queen of my heart" she states and Kurt stops brushing her fluffy hair.

"Are you two...close?"

"Platonically speaking, of course. We´re platonic soulmates"

"Oh, it makes sense! I meet Yana.....she´s intense" Kurt offers this as an explanation. "She once tried to be the Zombie Queen for lols...she talks about you and her friends"

Kitty wanted to ask if he tried to hit on Yana. Yana doesn´t swing to this team at all.

"I didn´t hit on Yana. Not only Yana doesn´t swing to this team...she is 100% not a good match for me in any way...not a fan of zombies and she would claim herself as a Zombie Queen"

"Oh, that´s Yana. She was a Vampire Queen until she got bored"

"...Your platonic soulmate is all yours!"

Now his fingers are working on her fluffy hair. Time to braid it. "Your hair is lovely than Yana"

"What?"

"Shush, I´m braiding your hair!"

After a few moments. A few pushes on her hair-it may be intentional or not- the hair is done. Kurt takes the mirror to show the hairstyle.

(how it looks)

"What you think?"

"Krampus steals your kids, your wife, also do your hair. What you think?"

"Good, no one will believe the last part anyway" ________________________________________________________________________________________

Meggan Puceanu is a succubus. The world never will let her forget her such fact. NEVER. Succubus are fun for the night, no one wants to hang out with them in the day.

Meggan is all too used by now.

Brian, however, seems to not get the memo in regards to the succubus´s interaction as he´s still talking to her. Still here.

"I found some leads about the Black Queen. Selene is not being supported by Shaw, but, she has money enough for her plans...and Meggan, are you ok?"

"You still are talking with me...are you sure of that?"

And Brian was never the epitome of emotional sensibility or anything like that, in fact, not even his sister was-she tried to sleep with a married man once. Yet, Brian is not completely dumb to ignore the elephant in the room.

"When I ask you to be in Excalibur...you know the invitation is serious, right? I´ll not kick you out tomorrow"

"That´s ...new, really new to me"

"Working with someone else is also new to me...we can learn together"

Meggan wants to probe more of these feelings. Meggan has questions. Gloriana, however, is too professional to let work slide in favor of feelings.

"Do you think Krampus made the right call? Sending someone to the past is a bit dangerous..."

"Who is Krampus?"

"Kurt Wagner"

"That...doesn´t answer my question"

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Krampus is restless. Never a good sign as Santa can confirm. The two figures exchange one final look. Full of answers only for them and only them. Kitty must be oblivious if she wasn´t Kitty that´s it.

"So, my mission is to travel in time. Collect some magic rocks and return...all while not gathering the attention of the ancient figures of there. Smaller gods, right?" Kitty summarizes the situation as brief as she can.

Kurt´s face looks twisted in worry. His tail touches her hands. "You really don´t have to do this..." he looks at her braid hair and typical dress linked to the paganism era. "You can keep the dress and hair...I´ll not mind, but, please...there´s nothing forcing you to do this..."

"Is my work, Kurt, of course, I´ve to do it" Kitty answers resolutely. Even winking at him.

Kurt lowers his head a bit and rests his forehead on hers. Oh, how the height differences are a bit sometimes. Kurt did have to lower himself to do this small action. He could have lifted her up...but it would be too intimate.

"Kurt?" Kitty can´t hide her emotions very well. She tried.

"Stay away from Chernabog, promise me"

"I promise you"

With such small words, Kurt leaves Kitty and conjures the portal. Santa takes from there. "Once you collect the magical rocks...just use your key and you´ll be back in no time"

Kitty nods. Is not a hard task...

She jumps through the portal and Kurt watches as the portal closes.

"You could have tell her...you´re Chernabog"

"I...don´t know how she would reach this"

Greek Myth Asks

by @wonderbreadwoman and @spidcrsman

GODS: Life

Zeus: What’s your name or nickname?            Knox, which gives you K and Knoxy ig lmao

Hera: Where are you from?            Michigan born and raised, unfortunately

Athena: How old are you?                 No<3

Hephaestus: When is your birthday?                        February 26th

Aphrodite: What’s your relationship status?                   Complicated. I’m polyamorous so...available? lol

Poseidon: What are your pronouns?                    he/him

Dionysus: Are you and extrovert or an introvert?                   ambivert 

Demeter: Do you have any pets?                   oh Boy do i. one dog and nine cats

Apollo: What kind of music are you into?              absolutely everything. corpse and rare americans are my favs

Artemis: What do you first notice about new people?                 appearance wise, hair, otherwise it’s body language i suppose, what your pose is/are you using your hands to talk/do you look relaxed

Hades: What’s a big fear of yours?                physical? spiders. hate em. otherwise abandonment, neither unique 

Ares: What’s a big pet peeve of yours?             Crumpled Dollars I Hate Them So Much

Hestia: Where do you consider home?               for the longest time it was in my church basement, where youth group is held but right now i don’t suppose i have one

CREATURES: Lasts

Pegasus: Last movie you watched?                   baby driver, 100/10 would recommend 

Mermaid: Last tv show you finished?                  ooo good question, i think legend of korra? 

Centaur: Last book you read?                 the body in the library by Agatha Christie, it was So boring

Siren: Last song you listened to?             currently listening to time adventure by Rebecca Sugar on loop 

Gorgon: Last thing you ate?                apple fritter 

Cyclops: Last time you cried?                  like teared up or Cried cried. 1 is at the poem i reblogged and 2 is two nights ago because people Suck<3

Minotaur: Last time you were truly happy?                  uh. shit. two nights ago before things went south 

Sphynx: Last text you sent?                making fun of my friend for going to public school 

Chimera: Last call you made?                  i genuinely Cannot remember i dont make calls almost ever 

Griffin: Last thing you did before going to sleep last night?              drank water? i think

Nymph: Last dream you remember?                last night and it was a Destiel dream. it was adorable

Satyr: Last time you couldn’t stop laughing?             it’s been a long time since i laughed like that, i dont remember 

HEROES: Experiences

Heracles: Have you ever had a dream come true?                   literally or figuratively Be Specific With These Questions Op also idk

Theseus: What is your worst regret?                  i was 13 and i felt so alone and i did really stupid things to feel loved

Perseus: Have you ever been arrested?                  nope

Cadmus: Have you ever had your heart broken?                 HAH                  ..yeah

Achilles: Have you ever had to be hospitalized?                 nope

Actaeon: Tell about a memory you wish to forget.                   omegle video chat. need i say more

Bellerophon: Have you ever passed out?                          nope. im very boring lmao

Agamemnon: What is an achievement you’re proud of?                         moving forward 

Oedipus: Have you ever been in love?                 many times. some more than others

Jason: Have you ever travelled abroad? Where?              oh jeez no

Atlanta: Have you ever stood up for someone else?               every chance i get

Hippolytus: Tell an experience you will never forget.                       love. true love. i’d never felt like that and i don’t think i will again                         i miss them, even after this long. i still love them and ill never stop

MAGICAL ITEMS: Favorites  

Trident: Who are your favorite people?                 i only have one real friend honestly, A. love her to death

Lightning Bolt: What are your top three favorite movies?                            the dark knight, the losers, and the a-team

Sun Chariot: What is your favorite mythological creature?                        how dare you make me pick a favorite child.......dragons

Lyre: What are your top three favorite songs?            u h the soulmate song by Carson James Argenna, time adventure by Rebecca Sugar, andddd miss you by corpse. for now anyway

Caduceus: What is your favorite color?                     soft warm yellows, cool pale blues, purple almost as dark as black

Aegis: What is your favorite book or series?             the fnaf og series or the o’malley series

Scythe: What is your favorite tv show?                 fuckkkkk idk man im really diggin hannibal rn

Bident: What is your favorite way to spend free time?                 music and art

Harpe: What are your top 3 favorite places?               any water. literally anything. please i miss swimming

Cornucopia: What is your favorite place to eat?                        deluca’s omg their seafood pizza is to Die for

Winged Sandals: What is your favorite thing to do when you hangout with your friends?                             laugh

Golden Fleece: What is your favorite animal?                             any and all cats ever

PLACES: Goals and Wishes

Olympus: Describe your dream job.                   recently i’ve been really thinking about tattoo artist. idk man

Tartarus: What’s a short term goal you hope to achieve?                  having a bf. that’s it. im lonely. 

Underworld: Describe your dream vacation.                       W a t e r

Styx: How would you like your life to look like in 10 years?          happy. warm. preferably with a cat and someone i love away from here

Athuna: If you could live anywhere in the world for the rest of your life, where would it be?                 Not In America

Sparta: Do you have a bucket list? If so, what’s on it?              i reeeeeeeeeeeally want to see a krampus run at Least once. germany here i come babey

Elysium: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?                 earthbending. that would be Awesome. or shapeshifting bc obvi

Ogygia: Describe your dream husband/wife/life partner?                kind

Troja: What is the craziest thing you wanna do before you die?             i’d love to sit in the passenger seat of a racecar on the track

The Labyrinth: Have you ever died and came back to life as a vampire?                           hahahah what no ofc not what a weird question

Delphi: Are you currently doing anything to pursue your dreams?              im trying to draw everyday, and just hang in there honestly

12 Days of Dean Winchester. -Part 4

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

December 16th

“Sam, I think I know what you’re hunting.”  

That made you sit bolt right up. Dean too

“what is it?” you asked climbing out of bed and going to join Sam at the table.

“Not a what, a who.” Charlie explained.

“Care to elaborate” It was Dean who spoke, approaching the table rubbing his eyes before leaning on the back of your chair.

“I think it someone called Hans Trapp.”

“Never heard of him.” You muttered.

“He’s and anti-Santa figure kind of like Krampus.”  

“Oh great, as if he wasn’t bad enough to try and kill” Dean rolled his eyes.

“You guys killed Krampus? How has this never come up? I mean it’s Christmas for Dad sake, it should of come up.” you couldn’t help but chuckled at Gabriel's outburst.

“It was years ago Gabe.” you told him.

“But still.”

“Anyway Charlie, how do we kill him?”

“I’m not entirely sure.” She admitted.

“Why not?” Dean asked.

“Well the lore I can find says he was a wealthy man, but he was greedy and just down right evil. It doesn’t say why but he was exiled by the catholic church, so sold his soul.”

“Great demon deal, this is getting more complicated by the minute.” You complained.

“It says here that he was basically ran out of town and ended up living in a nearby forest. So, to take revenge I guess on the townspeople he started disguising himself as a scarecrow by stuffing his clothes with straw and kidnapping children to well eat them.”

“That explains the human bite marks in the clothes.” Dean added.

“So, what happened after that.” Sam asked.

“Well it says that god got sick of his evil ways and basically struck him down with a bolt of lightning.”

“How are we supposed to get him to get hit by lightning?” you were just thinking out loud at this point.

“Here’s where it stops making sense though. It says here that like Krampus he teamed up with good old St. Nicholas. Except where Krampus punished bad children, Hans Trapp tried to convince them to change their ways so they wouldn’t end up like him.”

“Well that just doesn’t make sense. Why would he start killing if he wanted children to change their ways?” Sam asked.

“Maybe were dealing with a ghost, you know the longer they hang on the angrier they get, who knows maybe this’ll just be a simple salt and burn.” Dean said hopefully. Maybe his plans to give you the perfect Christmas wouldn’t be completely derailed after all.

“Well that still leads to another problem.” Charlie added. Damn it could never just be simple could it.

“What is it Charlie?” Sam asked

“The legend of Hans Trapp is based on a real guy; Hans von Troth. He was a knight back in the 15th century. In Germany. And he died in a fire. There isn’t a body.”

“How the hell does a German knight who lived 600 years ago end up haunting a small town in Kansas?” Dean asked dropping his head into his hands.

“I think I can help with that.” It was Cas who spoke this time, making Charlie jump a little as he appeared behind her.

“Based on Charlie’s research, I did a google? Is that how you say it?” you all couldn’t help a little at Cas.

“After a while of searching it turns out the town you are in has a Christmas display at a museum, featuring the origins of Christmas legends. They might have something that belongs to this Hans von Troth.”

“that would make sense he could be haunting an object and that’s why there were no murders until a few days ago.” You added.

“Thanks for your help guys.” Sam said before hanging up the phone.

“Guess we better check out that museum then.”

You all got ready and headed out to the museum. When you got there, there was barely anybody inside, the exhibit clearly wasn’t that popular. You and the boys walked around until you found the section on Hans Trapp. Looking over it there was barely anything in it, mainly just the lore Charlie had told you about earlier. However, inside a nearby glass case there was one item that supposedly belonged to Hans von Troth, an old sword.

“Damn she’s a beauty.” You said admiring the sword.

“She shore is, shame we have to burn her.” Dean whisper coming up behind you.

“You guys do realise you're referring to a sword as she” Sam rolled his eyes. Before you could reply you hear a bit of a commotion behind you. It was one of the staff members arguing with a little boy.

“Iv’e already told you no Children without a parent or Guardian” she snapped. Who speak to a kid that way. The boy spoke up in a small voice

“But I am here with an adult.” he lied.

“Really?” The woman sneered. “Then where are they?” She clearly didn’t believe him. You weren’t going to listen to this.

“I'm right here.” You said stepping towards the little boy. “And don’t speak to my brother like that.” you snapped. The woman just glared at you before saying “Well don’t let him touch anything, children just get everything dirty.” She screwed her face up before walking away.

“Are you ok?” you asked the little boy.

“Yeah I'm fine.” He replied “I’m Ollie” he said putting his hand out to you making you smile.

“Well hi Ollie I'm y/n, it’s very nice to meet you.” You said shaking his hand. “What was that all about?”  

“she doesn’t like children.”

“Well I gathered that. But do you know why?”

“No but she doesn’t let us in the museum without adult supervision, but my parents are at work and I wanted to see the exhibit.”

“How old are you Ollie?”

“9” you smiled at him. The kid was smart he reminded you a lot of a younger Sam.  

“Would you like to meet my friends?”  

“OK” Ollie followed after you.

“Ollie this is Sam and this is Dean. Boys this is Ollie.” You introduced them.  

“Hi Ollie” Sam said. Dean just waved.

“The bitch who works here won’t let kids in without and adult so if anyone asks, he’s my brother.” You explained. Ollie smiling and running to look at the Krampus display. Dean couldn’t help but smile at that. He walked over to Ollie looking over the Krampus display with him.

“So kid, what you doing spending winter break in a museum?”

“I like myths and legends.” he said simply moving to a different display. “I like y/n, she’s pretty” Ollie added innocently.

“Yeh she is.” Dean said glancing back over to you as you were talking to Sam.

“Is she your girlfriend?” Ollie asked finally looking up at Dean.

“Err no she’s not.” Dean felt his cheeks flush a little. Awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.

“Why not, She’s pretty and nice. Don’t you want her to be your girlfriend?”  

“jez kid you ask a lot of questions.” Dean tried to avoid the subject. Being an inquisitive kid though Ollie didn’t give up that easily.  

“My mom said if you like somebody you should tell them because you never know if they like you back.” Dean couldn’t help but wonder if he really was that obvious about his feeling that even a kid he had just met could tell.

“Your mom sounds like a smart lady.” Dean commented before turning his attention back to you. You stayed in the museum until Ollie was done, using the time to stake out the security for later. When you were leaving you turned to Ollie and asked “Are you going to be able to get home ok?”

“Yeah I live just there.” He told you pointing at a house across the street.  

“OK well see you later kiddo.”

“Bye y/n, bye Dean, bye Sam.” Ollie called cheerily as he walked away. You watched him until he was inside before climbing into the impala. You leaned forward in your seat and asked the boys “SO what the plan?”

“all the victims have died at some point after 8pm so Come back as soon as it’s dark and they’re closed, they have a pretty simple security system, just a few cameras and an alarms system. It's a duel code system though, one code to disable the door alarms another to disable the display case alarms.” Dean explained

“You know Dean in another life you would have made a great thief.” You laughed.  

“Yeah, the only problem is I only got one of the codes, watched her put the door code in 5639. Hopefully the other code is on the computer somewhere, maybe Charlie could find it.”  

“Gotta say Dean I'm a little impressed.”  

“I’m gonna hang back and try and get into their camera system to disable them while you two break in.”

“Sounds like a plan”

Later that night

You were dressing in all black so was Sam and Dean you parked a little away from the museum as not to draw attention to yourself, and walked over. Sam staying in the car. Before going inside, you walked up to a metal box on the side of the museum, plugging a small device Charlie had built from an old flash drive into the internal paneling. That gave Sam access to the cameras. Dean had a Bluetooth device in his ear to talk to Sam.

“Right Dean I'm not great at this and Charlie will be busy getting into the computer so move when I say.”

“Ok Sammy.”  you started to pick the lock since you were quicker at this than Dean. Within a few seconds you felt the lock click and slowly turned the knob.

“Sam we’ve got the lock you ready with that first camera?” you heard Dean ask after a couple of seconds he gave you the nod to open the door. Dean rushed to the alarm panel and typed in the code before the alarm could go off. You went to walk towards the computer when you felt Dean Grab your hand and tug you back. You turned towards him he nodded towards the next camera. You saw the light was still on. A few seconds later it went off and you moved quickly to the computer.

Sitting down in the chair you powered on the computer and started looking around in the draws before pulling out a post it note and typing int the password. Dean raiser and eyebrow at you.

“What?” you whispered.

“How’d you know the password would be in there?” He asked  

“The man who owns the place is in a photo by the entrance he has expensive clothes but a cheap security system. It's not because of cost but ease. He's terrible with technology, so it was a safe bet he would of wrote the password down and kept it nearby.” you explained. The corner of Deans lips turning up a little.

“I’m impressed Singer.” He said sitting on the edge of the desk.  

“You’re not the only one who’d make a good thief.” you smirked. You pulled out your phone dialing Charlies number.

“You at the computer?” She asked as soon as she answered.  

“Yeah what do I do know?”

“Open up the email and give me the email address.” You did as she said.  

“Ok you should get an email any second from an untraceable account, it’ll contain a link click it. It’s a virus it’ll allow me to hack into the computer and download the virus to find the alarm code.” After a few seconds you saw an email pop up. You almost died when you saw the email address Charlie had picked. your face went bright red and you coughed a little, taking Charlie off speakerphone.  

“Really That’s what you picked?” Dean gave you a weird look but didn’t question it.

“What?” Charlie acted innocent but let out a laugh, you were going to kill her. The first part of the email address was y0u25h0uldk155. Or you 2 should kiss. You were really glad Dean was sat on the other side of the computer. You clicked the link and Charlie downloaded the files. After 30 seconds she half yelled in your ear “ok y/n I've got it. The code is 1309.”

“Dean 1309. Charlie I'll see you later.” you hang up as Dean waits for the camera at the alarm panel to go off before walking back over and typing in the code.

“Sam said we have 90 seconds before the alarm resets.” you wait for the camera pointing at the sword to shut down before walking over and picking the lock. When you’re done Dean carefully removes the sword and shuts the case just as the alarm resets.  

“Let's get out of here.” You said powering down the computer and following dean outside. You grab Charlies device from the camera system as Dean heads towards the car you quickly catch up. Climbing into the car, Sam shuts down his laptop. Dean chucks you the sword and starts the car driving off. You pull up behind your motel in a secluded area. You throw the sword on the ground covering it in salt as Sam pours Something flammable over it. When your done Dean Sparks his lighter throwing it on the sword the thing burning better than you expected. You glace at your phone. 19:59. You'd mad it just in time.

After you’d all got something to eat, Sam decides to call it a night. You were sitting on the other bed when Dean walks over carrying Sam’s laptop.

“What’s that for?” You ask as he sits down.

“Well the case is officially over so, I figured we can actually celebrate Christmas.” He smiled putting on a Christmas movie. It was your favourite. That’s why he had picked it. He moved so he was lying down with the computer in his lap. And pulled you closer so your head was on his chest, Dean playing with your hair. And that’s how you fell asleep.

December 17th

You woke up the next morning to the sound of the door slamming as Sam left to go for a run. You groaned and turned over burying your face in Deans chest. “It’s too damn early.” You muttered annoyed, making Dean chuckle. He just wrapped his arm around you tighter. “go back to sleep then.” That’s exactly what you did.

An hour and a half later you woke up to the sound of the door slamming again.  

“Jesus Sam, can’t you shut the door like a normal person.”

“Guys we have a problem.” his tone instantly waking you and Dean up.

“What is it?” Dean asked.

“Another kid was killed last night.”

“So, we didn’t burn the word early enough.” You said sadly.

“No y/n, the kid was last seen around 20:40. 40 minutes after we burned the sword.”

Part 5

Christmas Promises

Pairing:  Bakugou x Koge (OC) Genre: Fluff / Romance / Humor Rating: Teen Warnings: Cursing, kissing, cuddling a/n: Why am I writing something about Christmas when it’s.... not Christmas?? Because I started this when the Christmas chapter came out, and I just now finished it, but I’m gonna post it anyways. So enjoy lol. 

Finally, it was over. 

Although that tired relief flooded through Bakugou as he trekked up the stairs to his dorm room floor, he did have to admit that the whole Christmas party wasn’t as horrible as it could have been. He had been annoyed that his multiple attempts to flee had been thwarted, as did his wanting to not wear the stupid Santa coat and hat. Though, it was of little consequence, as the good food and semi enjoyable company had kept him in a decent mood. All in all, not quite what he had been anticipating, but it did still have one major flaw. 

He hadn’t been able to include his stupid blank-faced girlfriend in the festivities, as each class for UA was having their own party with their classmates. She wasn’t allowed to jump ship and join him instead, and he found himself thinking about her often. It wasn’t just him that was bummed out at her absence, as she had thrown a bit of a pouty fit herself when she couldn’t join him. Now it was very late, and with the presence of Aizawa in the building, he doubted that he would get to see her until morning. Sure, they could exchange gifts then and have their own time together, but he knew very well that she wouldn’t have the patience for that. 

Bakugou highly anticipated that his cell phone, which he had left in his bedroom, was full of messages or pictures from her. Unlike him, she absolutely loved Christmas, and he was sure that she enjoyed herself even if he wasn’t there. She had already gone on and on about how fun it was to decorate their dorm common room, and even her dorm room looked like it threw up Christmas. He could hardly stand to be in there from the overwhelming scent of peppermint and whatever other stupid candle scents she had going, but he did have to admit that seeing her so excited made him… happy. 

They had only been dating since Summer, which sat them at a little over five months now, but he had been friends with her since they were children. He had always known she was obsessed with holidays, Christmas in particular, but she seemed extra excited about it now that they were dating. It was the intimacy, he assumed, that had her so soft and warm, and besides her decorating obsession, he couldn’t complain. He was positive that she would complain herself, however, when she saw the pictures of him in this stupid Santa coat and hat, when he had viciously refused to wear anything similar even for her. They would have to vanish before she saw them for sure, or he knew he’d be subjected to more nonsense. Though forcing her to wear it wasn’t a bad idea, either… 

Giving a hefty yawn as he stopped in front of his dorm room door, Bakugou took a moment to rub the back of his neck, the white fluff of the coat tickling his skin. With the thought of sleep foremost in his mind, he opened the door and walked inside, letting it shut behind him and shower him in darkness. It soothed his tired eyes, and in that moment, he decided that he didn’t even care about changing or even taking off the coat. Removing his slippers as he shuffled over to his bed, he crawled onto the plush comfort before flopping down onto his side, facing out towards the open room with his back to the wall. 

Although he knew that he should look at his phone, the mattress began to swallow him, his body heavy with sleep. That is, until he felt… something. A soft, warm breeze on his face, like someone was… breathing on him? Other things began to creep up on him, like the feeling of a body beside him and even the sheets moving with each breath that was made. Holding his own breath, he opened his eyes, glancing about in the darkness to try and see who was there with him. The instant he noticed the shuffling of the black blob beside him, Bakugou didn’t even take a moment to think about who it might be, shoving them out of his bed roughly before sitting up and pressing his back to the wall beside him. “What the fuck?!”

The squeal that filled the air was familiar, Bakugou’s stomach instantly clenching in a confusing mix of worry and annoyance. “Utsuro?! What the fuck!” Fumbling over his bed, he snapped on the lamp that rested on his nightstand, glaring down at the lump on his floor. “I could have fucking killed you! What are you doing here?!” 

With a groan, Koge, rolled over onto her back, reaching up to rub the side of her head that had impacted with the floor. “I wanted to surprise you, Katsuki, but I didn’t think you’d come to bed without turning the light on first!” Pout on her lips, she propped herself up on her arms, glowering up at him with that pale blue gaze he adored. “I just wanted to come visit you on Christmas Eve… So I snuck in while you were all cleaning.” 

“It’s not Christmas Eve anymore Utsuro, it’s Christmas Day now… technically.” He glanced at his clock, which glared at him in its bright green color that only made the late night hour more irritating. “You shouldn’t have snuck in, Aizawa’s still up and about in the main room.” 

“He’s about to leave, I know little Eri needs to go to bed.” With a sigh, she hopped up onto her feet, adjusting her t-shirt and sweatpants that had gotten jumbled in her fall. Bakugou noted that those were actually his sweatpants that she somehow got to fit decently, and that she had helped herself to out of his dresser. 

“You stole my clothes. Again.” 

“I did.” Koge lifted a leg out in front of her, displaying the pants that she had rolled up to fit around her ankle. “I was cold when I got here, my little pajamas weren’t enough. Aren’t you gonna apologize for shoving me to the floor?” 

“Me? Apologize to you?” Bakugou scoffed, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “You, who snuck into my room with the intent to scare me in the first place?” He took her hands as she approached him, standing between his legs. 

Koge gave a small shake of her head, smiling at him sweetly, bringing a heat to his ears. “Not true, I hadn’t come to scare you, I just wanted to surprise you when you came in. Surprise and scare are two different things.” 

With a soft grunt in reluctant agreement, Bakugou released her hands to instead wrap his arms around her waist, pulling her in closer. Caressing his cheeks tenderly, Koge placed a soft kiss on his lips, which Bakugou returned without hesitation. He may have been annoyed with her little attempt at a prank or whatever it was, but he couldn’t resist her. It had been hard on him at first, to go from best friends to lovers, but now he couldn’t imagine it any other way. The way she looked at him with such sweet adoration and her touch as soft as silk was something that he never wanted to lose, even if he couldn’t find it within himself to tell her such things. At least, not yet. 

When the kiss ended, he glanced over her for a second. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” 

“No, Katsuki, I’m okay. But there’s something else I’m more concerned about right now.” 

“What’s that?” 

“How the hell did they get you to wear a Santa coat when I couldn’t?!” 

With a roll of his eyes, Bakugou gave an annoyed groan and shoved his face into her chest, squeezing her body tightly in punishment for bringing it up. “They wouldn’t leave me alone! If I wanted a moment of peace, I had to do it… It’s not like I enjoy it!” 

Koge giggled softly, only making the heat in Bakugou’s ears spread to his cheeks. “Aw, but it looks good on you. You have a hat, too?” 

Reaching into the pocket of his sweatpants, Bakugou pulled out the matching hat, letting her take it before latching his arm back around her. He couldn’t stop an annoyed growl as she wiggled it onto his head, though he didn’t try to stop her. “I don’t want it.” 

“No c’mon, let me see it! Please.” She gave a light push to his shoulders, trying to get him to sit up. “I deserve at least a little peek at how cute you are. If your whole class gets to see it, then I do, too.” 

With a hefty groan in annoyance, Bakugou peeled himself away from her, glaring up at her flushed and smiling face. The smile on Koge’s lips only grew, adjusting the hat to fit him better. “Adorable. My little Santa Katsuki.” 

“If you keep this up I’m turning into Krampus.” 

Giggling, Koge shifted herself up to sit on his lap, facing him. “Ooh, so you’ll just steal me away, huh?” 

Bakugou took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her waist, keeping her body close. “Damn right. You’d be easy to stuff in a sack.” He trailed kisses along her neck softly, her sweet sigh making his stomach flutter. 

“And then what would you do to me?” 

Smirking against her skin, he moved his hands to her ribs. “Eat you.” With that, he chomped down on a ticklish part of her neck while squeezing her ribs, making Koge squeal and erupt with laughter. As she tried to escape, he used his grip on her to scoop her up, playfully slamming her down onto the bed beneath him. With her arms latched around him, he couldn’t help but to kiss her, muffling her giggles with a final surprised squeak from her lips. He could easily get lost in her touch, and he surely would have, if not for the voice that rang from his dorm room entrance. 

“Hey Bakugou, we’re gonna stay up later and watch some scary Christmas movies, you wanna-- oh shit!” 

The sound of Kaminari’s voice made Koge jump, knocking her forehead into Bakugou’s and forcing him to release her with a hiss. Before he could even snap back, the door was shut and Kaminari could be heard whining about his eyes being on fire and how they should lock the door. Kirishima and Ashido could be heard cackling down the hallway, which only made the fire in Bakugou’s cheeks flush hotter, his passion now replaced with anger. 

“Fucking dickheads, don’t they know how to knock?! I need to kick their asses--” Before he could get up, Koge latched onto the front of his shirt with a strong grip gaining his attention. Although her cheeks were bright red, she shook her head, pout on her lips. 

“No, you stay here. They’ve gotten to have you around all night, now it’s my turn.” Koge wrapped her arms around him again as he settled back against her comfortably. After sharing another kiss, Bakugou shoved his face into her shoulder, still struggling with the embarrassment of being caught. “Someone’s selfish.” 

“When it comes to you, Katsuki, I’ll be as selfish as I want. I want all your attention.” 

“Sounds like eventually you’ll have me tied up in the basement.” 

Koge gave a playful, menacing laugh, digging her fingers into his hair to massage his scalp. “Oh yes, you will be my prisoner for life. You’ll cook me dinner every night, rub my feet and tell me you love me.” 

“Sounds more like marriage.” 

“Exactly.” 

Bakugou scoffed, pulling himself from her before standing. “Who said I’m gonna marry you?” 

“Me.” Koge smiled up at him, instantly making his face flush again. Bakugou hated how she could do that, making him a flushing mess just by putting a smile on her face. Most of the time, he didn’t know how to process or even understand the way she made him feel. The emotions and feelings were so foreign to him that they still baffled him, but how could he talk to her about it? He knew that she wouldn’t make fun of him, but she very well may not know how to explain it either. In time, he figured, they would start to make sense, and he was willing to wait to see where they would lead him. 

Grumbling, Bakugou made his way over to her bag that rested by his desk, squatting down to dig through it. Koge sat up when she realized what he was doing, standing and hopping over to him. “Ah no, Katsuki, you can’t just go through my bag! What are you doing?!” As she leaned on his back with her arms around his neck, Bakugou ignored her demands to stop, pulling out a gift bag and a wrapped up box. 

“I knew you had presents in here for me.” 

“Rude! You can’t just demand your presents.” She huffed as she was forced to sit on the floor as Bakugou did, already ripping the paper off of the wrapped up box. Koge nuzzled her face into his back between his shoulder blades, squeezing his torso with no real consequence. “You’re supposed to let me give them to you!” 

“No, I’m Krampus. I’m just going to fucking steal the presents. Or is that the Grinch? What the fuck ever. Oh shit, these are nice, what are they?” 

“Hm?” Koge wiggled herself over to sit beside him, though she never released her grip. “Oh, they are specially made gloves for drummers. Though they are extra special for you. They have the normal ability hold sweat, but even better, they work to counteract your nitroglycerin. So not only do you not sweat, but it makes it had for explosions to happen. They’re basically the opposite of your hero costume gloves.” Koge took one from his hand, feeling the soft orange fabric and observing the details. “Ever since the culture festival, you’ve gotten back into drums, and I thought you could use a good pair.” 

Bakugou tried one on his left hand, testing the fit and flexibility by clenching and opening his fist. “Pretty good, Utsuro. They’re fucking awesome.” As he removed the glove and placed them both back into their package carefully, Koge smiled, pressing her cheek against his shoulder. 

“You’re welcome.” 

With a quick kiss to the top of her head, he moved on to the bag, tossing the paper out of it haphazardly. When he finally noticed the items, he first leaned over a bit, looking into the bag with confusion. “The fuck are these, CDs?” 

“Hey! They’re collectors editions, butthead.” 

“Hm.” Pulling them out, Bakugou flipped through the cases. “These are good bands… And these are hard versions to find. Where’d you get them?” 

Koge shook her head, sly smile on her lips. “I’m not telling. Then you’d know where I buy a bunch of your gifts and you’d be able to get them first yourself.” 

“That has to be a good fucking website then or whatever, these are rare and in like… perfect condition.” He opened one of the cases, observing the disk inside. “No scratches, either. I don’t know if I’d ever use them, but they’re cool to have and brag about.” 

“You like them?” 

“They’re awesome.” Bakugou kissed her softly, calming the obvious worry she had that he didn’t appreciate them. “Shitty Hair will be jealous.” 

Koge giggled as she watched him set them aside, before going back to digging through her bag. “Wrong pocket, big guy.” 

With a grunt, Bakugou opened the front pocket, pulling out a smaller rectangular box that wasn’t wrapped. After sharing a quick glance with her, he could see the true excitement and anticipation in her eyes, giving him a hint that this was the most important gift out of the bunch. Turning to face her, he opened the box, a bit surprised at what was inside. A silver thick chain metal bracelet, which was chunky and decently heavy from the feel of the box. What caught his attention at first, though, was the long rectangular metal plate, which hate two clear stones - diamonds, he assumed - on either end. There was nothing engraved on it, which baffled him even more, prompting him to take it out of the box. 

As he looked it over, Koge timidly reached over and touched the metal plate. “It’s blank right now because… Well, you don’t have a hero name yet. But when you do, we’ll get it engraved. Like you did for me.” Bakugou’s gaze followed her hand as he reached up to tenderly touch her necklace, the silver plate resting delicately under the curve of her collarbone. The petite diamond that hung from the metal plate shimmered in the low light, the necklace striking against her pale skin. He had just given it to her for her birthday a little over a month ago, and he hadn’t seen her without it on since. Crystalline was the word engraved on the front, something that was so important to her and showed just how far she had come. It was a sentimental gift that he had been worried about giving to her, but after seeing how emotional it made her and how much she adored it, he wasn’t surprised that she would come back to him with something just as touching. 

Flipping the plate over on his new bracelet, there was already an engraving on it, which matched the back of her necklace. Two capital K’s, separated by a heart. Running his thumb along the engraving, he couldn’t resist the small smile on his lips. “You’re such a copycat, Utsuro.” Pushing up his Santa coat sleeve, he plopped the bracelet into her hands, prompting her to tenderly put it on his wrist. 

“I wanted us to have something that matches… do you not like that?” 

“Would I want you to put it on me if I didn’t like it, Utsuro?” After she got it in place, he reached up to caress both of her cheeks, leaning forward to kiss her sweetly. It was quick to grow more passionate with his excitement of the gift, allowing her to wiggle her way up and onto his lap facing him. When the kiss calmed, he carefully moved some hair out of her face, smirking against her lips at the flushed and happy expression on her fair features. “It’s perfect. Cheesy as shit, but perfect. Thank you. For all of it.” 

Koge’s face somehow flushed darker, smiling as she shyly played with a lock of his hair, twisting it around her fingers. “You’re welcome. I’m so happy that you liked everything.” 

“Just don’t get all sad if you don’t see me wearing this as often as you wear the necklace.” 

“I know, I know. I won’t, Katsuki. But, I did make sure it’s strong enough to withstand one of your explosions. So if you’re wearing it on a casual day and there’s an emergency… It won’t go anywhere.” Koge moved her fingers down to his neck, softly massaging his skin. “It should be very durable.” 

“Good. You think of everything. Even if you are an airhead.” 

“I’m only an airhead when you kiss me and take my breath away.” 

With a roll of his eyes, Bakugou gave her a rough and playful kiss, tightening his grip on her and standing. Giggling, Koge kept a tight grip on him, though she let go when he placed her down on the bed. “Time for bed, now?” 

Bakugou raised an eyebrow at her, kneeling down and opening up a drawer in his bed frame that he used as storage. “Don’t you want your gifts?” 

“Mine? Oh- Geez, Katsuki, that’s so many!” Koge gave a small gasp as she looked into the drawer, counting at least fifteen gifts all varying in size and style of packaging. “Now I feel bad, I didn’t get you this much!” 

“Don’t feel bad Utsuro, you’re not getting all these right now.” 

“Oh.” Koge leaned over, trying to see them all. “Well why not?” 

“These are all things that I have for you, but couldn’t ever… figure out when would be best to give them to you. So tonight, you get to pick three.” 

“Why only three?” “Because I only got three.” 

“That’s not how Christmas works!” Koge flopped to lay down, half of her body hanging off the bed as she pouted. 

“You’ll get all of them eventually, just shut up and pick.” 

Grumbling, Koge peered down at the gifts, trying to gauge what each one might be according to its size and wrapping. After a moment of contemplation, she pointed to a flat rectangle box, wiggling her finger a bit. “That one. That’s gotta be clothes.” 

Picking it up, Bakugou handed it up to her, satisfied with her first choice. Though, he did grow a bit annoyed as she first observed the wrapping, like she was scared to rip it. “Go on, what are you doing?” 

“If you were planning on giving everything to me, then why did you wrap them all so perfect? Wasn’t that a waste of your time?” 

“Nothing’s a waste of time if it’s for you Utsuro. Besides, I had Kirishima and Nene help me do it. Can’t you tell some of them are overly done with Nene’s stupid artsy bullshit?” He flicked a curly ribbon that was placed on the top of a different box, which was indeed very fancy compared to some of the others. Koge smiled as she sat up, digging her fingers into an edge and pulling the paper away. 

“You’re sweet. You did pretty neutral wrapping at least, so you can just leave them all wrapped.” 

“Exactly.”

As Koge opened the box, she instantly burst out into giggles, picking up the shirt and holding it out from her a bit to observe it better. “It says my name on it!” Well, it didn’t exactly say her name. The shirt was a pale blue cropped long sleeve top, with the word ‘Utsuro’ across the chest in white letters, both with actual letters and the kanji spelling of it. “It’s so soft and cute! I love the fabric- Oh, shorts, too?!” As she peered back into the box, a pair of shorts and sweat pants were waiting for her. Both pieces of clothing white in color, the word ‘Utsuro’ was across the butt of the shorts, and down the front left leg of the sweatpants in blue text that matched the shirt. “You custom made these?!” 

“Mhm.” Bakugou nodded, watching her closely. “They were having a buy two things get one free so… Bonus shorts.” 

“Thank you, Katsuki, it’s so awesome and funny. I love them.” Folding the clothing back up and leaving it in the box, she pushed it aside for now, turning her attention back to the pile of gifts. “Next… that little purple bag?” As Bakugou handed it to her, he couldn’t help but feel confused as to what was in it. For some reason, he couldn’t remember, and he could only hope that it wasn’t something particularly important. 

As Koge took the white paper out, she first stared down into the bag with confusion apparent on her face. “Katsuki…?” 

“What? Is it empty? I don’t even remember what was in that one--” He choked on his own words as Koge pulled out the small black ring box that was inside, nearly sending himself into a coughing fit. “W-wait, Utsuro, don’t open it!” 

Koge held the small box tenderly to her chest, looking down at him instead as her brow furrowed. “It’s a ring? Katsuki--” 

“It’s not anything that important! Fuck, they weren’t supposed to wrap that one. Damn it!” He moved to sit beside her, trying to control his urge to just rip it out of her hands and hide it. “You’re not… I wasn’t ready to give that to you.” 

He knew that the panic was clear on his face, but he couldn’t help it. That ring was important. It was a promise ring that he had bought for her in plans on giving it to her either on their first anniversary. Or maybe their second? On her birthday? He didn’t know when or how he wanted to give it to her, but this was something he wasn’t ready for. Not because he didn’t feel that strongly for her, but because he thought it was too soon. He had bought it on impulse in the first place, and giving it to her within the next year wasn’t something he had been prepared for. Now it was in her hands, and he wasn’t sure he was going to be getting it back. 

“You weren’t… ready?” Koge turned her gaze back down to the box, running her fingers along the velvet surface carefully. “You know I don’t wear jewelry unless it’s important, so it has to be… No way it’s a wedding ring--” 

“Don’t try to guess Utsuro, seriously.” Bakugou held his hand out, hoping she would hand it over. “Just… Just give it to me, okay? It won’t be the last time you see it. When you do get it, it will… mean much more than it does now.” 

Looking back up at him with a bit of confused concern, Koge placed the box into his hand, though her reluctance was obvious. How much she wanted it was clear, but how could he possibly give it to her now? He had no speech planned, no cute date or romantic evening to go off of. It was just them, in their pajamas during the middle of the night with not another soul around them. But maybe… that is exactly how it should be. 

Clutching the box tightly in his hand, Bakugou gave a heavy sigh, glaring down at it. He wanted more than anything for her to have it, to see her wearing it proudly just as she did her necklace. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind about how happy she would be to receive such a sentimental expression of how much he cared for her. But again, the thought crept up in the back of his mind… What if it’s too soon? 

He knew that his thoughts of ‘too soon’ were set by society's standards of what was acceptable. Even still, there was no one in the world who knew the way they felt about each other. Not even Nene or Kirishima could understand it. Their connection that was built over a lifetime of bonding, and this was merely a promise that he wouldn’t hurt her. 

After a moment of sitting in awkward silence, Bakugou shook his head, turning a bit to face her. “Look… I thought that maybe I should of planned this better. A fucking fancy date or a… I don’t know, I’m not good at this.” 

“Katsuki…” Koge reached up and caressed his cheeks, pulling his crimson glare off the box to instead look at her. “I don’t need all those things. All I need is you… You know that. If there’s something you want to do or say to me, you don’t have to wait. If you want to wait, then that’s fine. I’d wait an eternity for you…” Leaning up, she kissed him with such a tender and loving passion that Bakugou was sure his heart was going to melt. How was she able to do this to him? How had she wormed her way beneath his skin, to set fire to his soul? Nothing had ever been as important as his goals to become top hero, and yet, there she was, teetering at the top. If she truly meant this much to him, then there was no reason why he shouldn’t give her the ring. 

When she pulled away, they sat in silence, foreheads pressed together in a tender moment that didn’t need words. Finding his strength, Bakugou reached up and took one of her hands gently, bringing it down a bit to place the small black box on her palm. With the return of the gift, Koge’s face flushed as she looked down at it, obviously contemplating if she should accept it or not. 

“It’s… It’s a promise ring?” 

“Yes.” 

Smile crossing her lips, Koge scooted closer to Bakugou, leaning her body against his as he put an arm around her back. Resting her head against his chest, she observed the little black box for just a moment longer before slowly opening it. The small gasp that escaped her lips instantly made Bakugou’s stomach clench, unable to see her face to gage her reaction. Tenderly, Koge removed the ring from the box, holding it up closer to see every detail. In truth, it was very simple, just a silver band with four embedded stones, alternating with two clear and two aquamarine which very closely matched the color of her eyes. With a sniffle, she checked to see if it had the typical engraving, which it did. 

“It’s so beautiful, Katsuki. I don’t think it’s too soon for this at all… I love it. But, uhm…” Koge turned her teary gaze to look up at him, the softness of her expression making his ears flush hot. “You’re supposed to wear it on your left ring finger. That doesn’t bother you?” 

“No, Utsuro. I’m sure that there will be fuckheads that ask if I proposed to you already or some shit, but they can just fuck off.” He took the ring from her, carefully slipping it onto the finger in question. Much to his relief, it fit perfectly. “Just… never forget what it stands for. No matter what.” 

“You mean, no matter how much of a brat you are?” She kissed his cheek sweetly, making his face flush as he grumbled in annoyance. “Or how much you pick on me.” 

“Exactly.” He gripped both cheeks with one hand, squishing them together to make Koge burst out in giggles. “Because you’re my stupid Utsuro. Now stop being so fucking cheesy. You want your last gift?” 

Forcing one last kiss from him, Koge scooted back over closer to the pile of gifts as Bakugou stood. “Yes! Gimme that big one. No not the bag, the big flat one.” Wide grin on her face, she took the present as it was handed towards her, though she fumbled it a bit when she wasn’t quite ready for the weight of it. “Oh geez, it’s a little heavy.” 

“If you break that I’m going to kill you, Utsuro.” Bakugou glowered up at her as he shut the drawer that the presents rested in, set on only giving her the three for now. Placing the gift on her lap, Koge carefully removed the wrapping, though the loud gasp that escaped her lips was surely powerful enough to wake every person in the dorms. 

“Holy shit, Katsuki, this is the laptop I wanted!! I can’t believe you got this for me!”

“It’s all you complain about, with your other computer in the shitter, so no fucking shit I got it for you just to make you shut up.” 

“It’s even the blue color I like! And you remembered all the specs, too. This one’s even better, though! You’re the best boyfriend in world.” 

“Just the world?” Bakugou came to stand in front of her, prompting Koge to put her gift aside and wrap her arms around his hips. She couldn’t resist smiling up at him, her chin resting on his stomach as he softly ran his fingers through her hair. 

“No, Katsuki. The entire universe. And you’re all mine. Merry Christmas, babe.” 

“Damn fucking right I am. Merry Christmas, Koge.” 

Everything Is About to Change (part 3)

Previous chapters

Words: 1334

Since Hope had definitely told Josie everything at the Old Mill, Lizzie took three of her father's best wines from his personal reserves, expensive looking bottles that probably were a gift from one of his old vampire friends, maybe the same one that give them the car, but since Josie swore he had stopped drinking he wouldn’t miss them while they desperately needed to have fun; if she could prove to Hope that she hadn't changed a bit, she wouldn’t have to face the nerve-racking talk about the non-sire bond and nothing could’ve make her happier.  So she forced the two girls to make themselves comfortable on the bed with the freshly changed sheets and began to serve them a 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion in crystal glasses stolen from the kitchen which she was certain were only used for big events.

"I guess there's something to celebrate." Josie said smiling, taking small sips from her glass. She was so joyful that one could almost wonder if some Christmas monster had returned but in that case she wouldn’t have complained: she needed Josie to get drunk and knock out if she really had to come to a confrontation with Hope and she couldn’t stand her resting pout face when she needed to discuss her sexual life, without considering that the hobbit with which she had to do it had dumped her for another girl, who was in the same room at the moment. In short, it was a complicated and above all delicate situation but fortunately Lizzie knew how to deal with it without too many dramas.

"Just being friends again and that the monsters never showed up at our door again." she replied with a smile, raising her glass for a toast.

"To friends, then!" exclaimed her twin before throwing the whole glass down. Lizzie took a polite sip the fact Hope hadn0t yet touched the glass she poured her didn’t escape her watchful eye. Was she afraid that Sebastian wanted to hurt her and he controlled her to the point of doing what, poisoning her glass? If so, she had let herself be sucked into a paranoid vortex the size of Malivore from which there was no return. Anyway, the answer came shortly after, when she asked her where her boyfriend was.

"With the other vampires, he is trying to integrate." she replied, a veiled little shot at Landon, who did nothing but get away even from those who would’ve thrown themselves into the fire for him even though they weren’t Phoenixes. It wasn’t a match for the best boyfriend but Lizzie didn’t need to read her mind or any diary to know that Hope’s feelings had changed, that her tormented dear boyfriend who wrote sloppy love songs and made great and daring escapes every two days was no longer what she really wanted. Judging by the sad looks she kept throwing to her phone, it had something to do with the Muggle, whatever his name was. That would’ve been great nonsense, not to have sex with a sexy vampire over six hundred years old who treated her like the queen she was, which no one else had ever deigned to do, but on her contrary, she wasn’t there to judge and if she needed anything she would’ve been here to help her. Furthermore, it was also easier to gradually introduce a handsome boy to that world, if it was necessary, than to make Landon attractive or intelligent. She just couldn't understand how Josie had managed to fall into his shabby charm’s net, but even that wasn’t really his problem; maybe they simply have begun to develop a different taste in partners, even though it was evident from Penelope's times.

"I know you're not really his greatest fan but in a way he changed my existence so you couldn't put your hatred aside, at least for tonight?" Lizzie asked when Hope threw yet another dirty look but the youngest of the Mikaelsons didn’t had time to respond as Josie intruded on what could quickly become the biggest fight in the history of the Salvatore School, suggesting, for their all-female evening not to mention boys.

"Besides, I also prepared myself properly and I have something for you." she said, sinking a hand into her Mickey Mouse black backpack Lizzie brought her at Disneyland and pulling out a reusable plastic bag with what looked like weed inside.

"It's not drug, calm down." he explained, trying to stifle laughter in front of their astonished expressions. "It is a tea that serves to open your mind. Your aunt Freya gave it to me when she last came here: we hadn't left ourselves particularly well in New Orleans and she claims to use it when she needs mental clarity or just to relax. I would say it's worth a try, don't you think?”

 Several cups of tea and glasses of wine later they were all dancing. Hope finally felt light-headed, free of the burned she had carried all her life and every trifle she had considered vital until a few hours before had lost meaning, or maybe she was finally giving things the importance they really had. Josie had gotten rid of her striped sweater, later she would’ve to tell her it was horrible or she would’ve been a really bad friend, and was now clumsily dancing with her in front of the fireplace, whose flame crackled merrily. She had never been a great dancer, at least she wasn’t when it came to letting instinct drive and not strict rules, but now she was having fun, they were having fun together, and that was the important thing. She should’ve suspected that everything was going too smoothly, since she hardly cared about where Landon was and whether or not her human friends would respond to her messages, which she had sent on impulse before Lizzie suggested putting some music on, especially after what had happened with Krampus, but she just couldn't stop thinking that she too deserved a little happiness every now and then so she didn’t care if someone would soon come to ask them to turn the volume down or if Dorian would’ve sent them all to bed because they were having one of the best evening of their life, even better than the 80’s dance, with silly photos and jumps on the bed on Lizzie’s very soft mattress.

"Will we open another one?" Josie asked, giggling hysterically and waving the empty bottle.

"I think you drank enough for tonight." Hope replied, grabbing her by the waist before she could fall after yet another twirl. She was definitely drunk and if tomorrow she didn't want to feel really bad maybe it would’ve been better if she had gone to bed.

"I'll go with her." Lizzie offered, but Hope had already put Josie’s arm around her shoulders and she was ready to change her in her pajama if necessary. Once she would’ve paid for that type of physical contact but it was probably alcohol that brought back the memory, although she should’ve been the one who managed it better, thanks to her werewolf part.

"As soon as I'm done I come to help you tidy up." she said to Lizzie when she was at the door, with Josie trying to drag her down the corridor to a new adventure.

"Don't bother." replied the other twin, who had already turned the music down and put on a slow song. Maybe Sebastian really hadn't done anything to her, maybe she really had just changed, grown over a few days, her mind and mood stabilized by the love she had been chasing for so long. If only she had looked around, if only she hadn't ignored the signs, she would’ve found it earlier, but probably Lizzie Saltzman would never have been happy with a kid full of insecurities unable to control his instincts. Maybe she needed someone like Sebastian, but she would’ve kept an eye on him anyway, just to be sure.