Midnight Miracle
✧・゚: *✧・゚Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to those who celebrate! I wish you all a midnight miracle this season :) ✧・゚: *✧・゚
Jane Murdstone x Named fReader
A short Christmas story with our favorite victorian red flag ~2k words
Warnings: Talk of religion and the Anglican church (not in detail)
Wrapped in your ebony cape, you shielded yourself from the biting winter breeze that sent shivers down your spine. Usually the cold didn't bother you, but the wind was extra frigid tonight.
This Christmas Eve, the gaslit streets were adorned with an extra twinkle, buildings and shops aglow with an abundance of candles and festive decorations.
You weren't avoiding spending Christmas Eve with your family; rather, you sought a way to keep yourself occupied, and organizing your books provided a diversion.
The care of your books in your quaint store was where you spent your days. You assumed no one would venture to your store at this hour, dinner time on Christmas eve, still, you left the door unlocked. Amidst the aromatic embrace of cinnamon and pine, you immersed yourself in the quiet world of rearranging décor and organizing shelves, the dim light casting a serene ambiance.
Yet, your thoughts were consumed by a mysterious presence, a certain someone lingered in your mind despite the attempted distraction.
You couldn't stop yourself from wondering about her, you never could. Does she share your passion for books? Does she delight in the written word, perhaps poetry or prose? If so, what about? Does she spend her time writing like you?
You wondered what she could be occupied with now. You envisioned her partaking in a familial feast, while you longed for her presence, a wishful dream in the quiet corners of your mind. Your heart carried the weight of unspoken admiration for her, alas, you couldn't bring yourself to say a word to her, her cold yet enchanting demeanour both unsettled and exhilarated you.
You knew her through shared pews and hallowed hymns at the church, you observed her movements as she entered, sat, listened, prayed, sang - captivated by her every blink and breath.
She was a dark enchantress, her aesthetic seamlessly entwined with yours. Curiosity stirred as you wondered about the facets of her life that mirrored your own and the untold tales hidden behind her mysterious gaze. Perhaps she liked books, perhaps she lacked a husband, perhaps she preferred the company of women.
But alas, such thoughts remained in the realm of wishful thinking, your desires weaving through the fabric of a Christmas Eve both magical and elusive.
✧✧✧
You recollected the first time you saw her. Freshly settled in Blunderstone, you decided to venture to the Anglican church. Running late, you had no choice but to occupy a seat in the back. You leaned awkwardly to the side, nearly falling into the pews edge in an attempt to see the presider.
To your astonishment, a far superior sight unfolded—a raven-haired woman draped in black.
In the midst of prayer and hymns, you found your gaze drawn to her graceful figure, an enigmatic figure. Her dark curls were nestled beneath an even darker bonnet, adorned with silk ribbon. Instantly enchanting, her alabaster skin and, as you later discovered, azure eyes captivated your being. Despite the allure of her elegant stride and the way the corner of her mouth would occasionally turn up into a small smile, you dared not approach the subject of your admiration.
Yet, you dared to indulge in stolen glances, each soft gaze kindling a warmth within your heart.
Sundays held newfound anticipation for you, a shift from previous motives of seeking solace in the congregation.
However, on a recent Sunday, you were left devoid of joy and motivation when she failed to grace you with her presence.
✧✧✧
The ticking of the clock echoed in the shop, and before you knew it, the hands pointed to nearly 11 pm. A sense of joy and fluttering anticipation filled your stomach as thoughts of the impending midnight mass danced in your mind. The magic of Christmas enveloped the church, casting a spell that you could feel.
Heading to the back of your store, you stole a glance out the window, greeted by a gentle snowfall that blanketed the world.
You began extinguishing the candles one by one when the bell on the door rang, breaking the stillness and signalling an unexpected visitor.
You froze, who could be seeking books at this hour?
Slowly peaking through the shelves, it was far too dark to see. Creeping closer, you heard the soft shuffle of someone exploring the books.
You peered around the shelf and there she stood- the woman of your dreams, adorned in a black talma.
A gasp escaped your lips, prompting a swift retreat to the safety of the opposite shelf.
Memories of a previous encounter flooded your mind. Before one Sunday service began, you had ventured out early to pray. You stopped dead with trembling hands when you caught her kneeling with a grace that matched the intricately stained-glass windows. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on her profile, enhancing the allure that captivated you and lived in your imagination.
As she navigated the shadows of the books, you swooned, waiting with bated breath. Why had she chosen your shop? Shouldn't she be with her family, joining the congregation? Then again, you should have been with your own.
"Hello? Are you open for business?"
Her voice, a demanding melody, reverberated in the void of your shop. Your heartbeat quickened, torn between fleeing and standing your ground. This was your shop; you had to summon your strength.
Carefully, you stepped out from behind the bookshelf and surveyed the dark. When your eyes met hers, the unspoken connection between you became a silent dance, a tapestry woven with stolen glances and the shared sanctity of the church pews. You noticed the lack of warmth in her eyes and the metaphorical wall that she had up changed when she saw you. Your heart swelled with agony of unexpressed emotions and the delicate joy derived from the mere proximity of her ethereal presence. In a way, you mourned the unspoken connection, for there was no other option but to abandon it.
"Hi, I-I am open. How can I assist you?" you squeaked, attempting to mask any uncertainty or fear. The woman looked down at you, tilting her head in surprise.
"Amelia? This is your bookstore?"
You opened your mouth to answer, but your words eluded you. She spoke with less arrogance and gentler than you had known previous, but even more, she knew your name?
Of course, you were well aware of who she was, she and her brother were somewhat known in this town as the Murdstones—or, as some whispered, the Murderstones.
Perhaps she could be cruel, perhaps she was deceiving, yet she exuded a sickly sweetness, a captivating beauty in your eyes.
"Well I, yes I do" you nodded.
Jane stood tall, her eyebrows raising. You watched as a smile stretched across her face, and you couldn't help but think that this was the first time you saw her smile, a real smile; it was glorious.
"I must express my relief. I had no doubt that I would be greeted from behind the literature by a man." Jane released a small huff of laughter, and you suppressed a giggle.
"No, it's solely me" you replied with a smile.
Jane continued her exploration of the works, her long, slender fingers delicately wrapping around the spine of each one, caressing them lightly. You were entranced as she moved, perhaps she was a lover of literature after all.
Suddenly, Jane turned to you, furrowing her brows.
"Why are you open at this late hour?"
It was a valid question, why were you open at this hour? Well, for her, of course. But you pondered the same about her—why was she out so late?
"I sought fresh air after dinner, and I found myself here. I've been here for several hours" you chuckled, shrugging in embarrassment.
Jane smiled once more, averting her gaze and running her hand over the cover of a book.
"I'd love to spend several hours in a bookstore."
Silence enveloped you as she opened the book and flipped through its pages. Caught up in the enchantment of her presence, you failed to notice the book title, as your attention was wholly absorbed by the proximity of her features. She stood closer than ever before, her lips twitching as she silently mouthed the words her azure eyes scanned. The soft glow from the festive decorations cast a warm hue upon her, accentuating the grace of her features.
Jane's gaze shifted from the book to you, pulling you shamefully out of your trance.
"Do you plan to attend midnight mass?"
You nodded your head yes. "And you?"
Jane closed the book, cradling it against her chest.;
"Indeed. May I purchase this work?"
As Jane placed the book on the counter, revealing the cover and title, you paused. Running your hand over the leather, memories flooded back, reminiscent of the first time you read it. Unpopular, not for the story's shortcomings, but for its rather...unique allure—it was your favorite.
"Is this title familiar to you?" you questioned.
Jane shook her head, "I have not perused it, no."
You collected her payment and passed the book to her, long fingers grazing against yours. "Thank you."
You smiled and bowed your head, "Thank you for your purchase."
Jane's teeth shone through her smile, and genuine amusement sparkled in her eyes.
"Would you care to accompany me to the midnight mass?" she unexpectedly proposed, catching you off guard.
You blinked with surprise, was she serious?
Jane heard no reply, but she didn't budge, and you hopefully determined that she was.
✧✧✧
You and Jane embarked on a walk down the snow-covered cobblestone streets. You thought about the birth of Christ, the miracle of the season. You thought about the Anglican church and worship, you thought about Jane.
Your eyes sought out Jane's, the only eyes that captivated you, and you realized how lucky you were, for she was your sole companion in this moment. Her gaze met yours, a subtle recognition sparking between you. Jane fluttered her lashes, holding the book against her body with both hands. As you walked side by side, the snowflakes seemed to dance around you, and you longed to hold her gloved hand in yours.
As the midnight hour approached, the distant sounds of Christmas carols reached your ears. The Anglican church awaited, its doors open to those seeking solace and celebration. Together, you and Jane entered the sacred space, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on the ancient walls.
As you knelt in prayer, Jane's presence beside you added an unexpected grace to the sacred ritual, it embraced you. The air was charged with a sense of belonging, a connection that transcended the unspoken desires of wishful thinking.
✧✧✧
After the mass concluded, the two of you stepped out into the crisp night air, the world adorned in a fresh blanket of snow. Jane's gaze met yours under the glow of the moon, and a shared understanding lingered between you. The magic of Christmas had intricately woven a fabric of connection, and the possibility of your souls uniting felt more real than ever.
"This selection is commendable. It happens to be my favorite," you whispered, the words carrying a warmth that defied the winter chill.
Jane's eyes gleamed with a quiet delight, and a genuine smile played on her lips. The church bells chimed, marking the arrival of Christmas Day.
"Perhaps you'd like to take another stroll?" Jane asked, her voice soft against the stillness of the night.
As you and Jane navigated the mysteries of the night, she took a chance and let go of the book with one hand, carefully reaching out for yours.
In that moment, as the world held its breath in anticipation, you realized that the enchantment of the season had not only brought you a magical Christmas Eve, but also the mysterious beauty of Jane Murdstone. It was a midnight miracle.
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Creepypasta Christmas headcannons
Not every pasta celebrate Christmas in the manor, they're too depressed to feel any spark of happiness.
But just because it brings happy memories to then, and some other would celebrate that, the depressed ones end up going with the flow.
Sally love Christmas, she always write letters to Santa and waits for her gifts every year religiously.
Once when she were writing a letter she ended up writing Satan instead of Santa.
Toby likes making snowmen, but one day he was too bored and with an idea in his head that he thought it would be hilarious. Bro made a 4'9 (1,50cm) snow dick in the front yard and just left. To this day, no one knows who did it but it called the whole manor's attention.
Jane makes ginger cookies every Christmas, she uses molds to make the cookies in various shapes and decorates them. They always look cute.
Because everyone is an asshole, no one gives anyone gifts for Christmas. Only those who have very strong ties but it is rare to happen.
They decorate the manor with normal christmas decorations but sometimes they like to inclement it with human bones.
It's the only time of the year that they will be less jerks to others. (Yeah the Christmas spirit still lives on them)
Even Dina e Ann tolerate each other more. One day they even said merry Christmas to each other.
The cannibals prefers to eat roasted human instead of turkey, they do the same thing we do with the birds, behead and dismember it then roast.
Some pastas are childish enough to throw snowballs at each other for fun, and even make snow angels sometimes. It's common to find them playing like kids in the front yard, the same with the proxies.
They have snowball wars also, and it started when toby decided to throw a snowball at Kate.
The Christmas is the only time of the year when EJ is more social and open to people.
Even clockwork and Jeff are nicer to everyone.
That's the happiest time of the year for all of them, except LJ. It brings him some bad memories, but just because everyone is so excited he goes with the flow and forget them.
One year Jeff was so drunk that he were "rubbing" against the Christmas tree and the others were looking, they thought is was funny and recorded him.
It's the only dinner in the year were they act like civilized human beings.
When the Christmas feeling passes they go back to normal.
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