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parvuls · 7 months

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A Comprehensive List Of Jack's Canon Chirps

"Bittle, HEADS UP!" [Bitty passes out] "…Or get into fetal position at central ice. That's also an option."

"You've never seen the sun rise from a rink, eh? Thought you were a figure skating champion."

Bitty: "A fist bump! I didn't know you did those." Jack: "Ha - you gotta work for them."

"The sad thing is, I can tell he's lying not because of the library part? But because he'd never leave a pie unattended."

"Oh and Bittle, before I forget. This summer? Eat more protein."

"When you get Youtube famous don't go out and chirp me all over the internet, eh? 'Night."

"How many of those tweets do you start with oh my god y'all?"

"It's way too easy to make you laugh. Make sure you tweet that." [looks over Bitty's shoulder to make sure he tweets that]

[texts Bitty a smiley face] [follows up with:] "Sorry that was a typo."

"You only tweeted twice while we were working, Bittle. That's a record."

[Bitty gets knocked over] "I guess you're looking for extra checking practice, eh, Bittle?"

"We should get going and let Bittle here text about his walk to class."

Bitty: "E-excuse you, but my kitchen is no place for checking!" Jack: "…Your kitchen?" Bitty: "Well, the kitchen! Now move your big -- uhm." Jack: "My big…?"

[At Thanksgiving] "All that turkey's gonna make you slow for tomorrow, Chowder."

[To a kid wearing a Brad Marchand jersey while asking for Jack's autograph] "You know this isn't me, right?"

"17." [At Bitty's confusion:] "That's the number of pies you baked in September. In case you were wondering where your time went."

"I'm sure you'd be done [with your history essay] too if you had tweeted it. Is that an option?"

[looks at Bitty's tweets] "I said where'd you get that camera not is that the camera you use. Come on, Bittle."

[finds Bitty's surprise cookies] "I'm surprised your cookies got through costumes Bittle."

"I told my mom about all your tweeting? She says you're not following her. I'm more surprised than offended, Bittle."

"Shitty, don't you think I should get a tweet transcript or something since he quotes me so much? For legal purposes."

"Hey, Bittle. That Daily reporter didn't rope you into an interview after that jump?"

[after meeting Farmer] "She was nice, eh? Cute. …I bet you're texting about our lunch now."

[Nursey accidentally hits a kid in the face with his hockey bag] "Nice check, Nurse."

[in the middle of the night] "I figured you'd be up baking a pie or three."

[Bitty gets shoe-checked] "Hey, it's no shoes, no shirt, no service, Bittle."

"Whose shoulders are you going to sit on at Spring C, Bittle?"

[Shitty tears up while kissing the ice] "Crying a bit there, eh?"

[SMH buy Bitty a new oven] Bitty: "I need to bake something right this second!" Jack: "Stop crying first."

"If we move the kitchen table out, you can bring your bed in."

[About graduating] "The biggest change is probably my diet. Less pie."

"And hey, it's a bit different than you and Lardo, eh? Since everyone knew you were in love with her since sophomore year."

[during Falcs Faceoff] Teammate: "Heard you've never lost one a these, I'm scared." Jack: "Yeah, you should be."

[Gets chirped for dating Bitty] "This is a Samwell hockey record. Chirps lasting longer than the ones re: Holster & Esther S." Holster: "…Jack." Jack: ":)"

Nursey: "Yo, Bitty do you remember any French?" Jack: "No." Bitty: "I can speak for myself, Mr. Zimmermann." Jack: "Well. Not in French."

[To Marty & Thirdy] "Hauling your kids around on a sled just about wore you guys out, eh?"

[To Tater] "Potato champ needs more sleep, eh?"

"Bitty? Hey, bud, come on, say something -" [Bitty passes out] "Or you can pass out at center ice. I'm getting deja vu."

#omgcp #omgcheckplease #jack zimmermann #zimbits #I meant to do a VERY SERIOUS reread of the comic but then I couldn't help myself #what do you MEAN this isn't my best post ever #text

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icycoldninja · 5 months

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1st Class SOLDIER boys spending Thanksgiving with their S/O

A/N: HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!! This year, the SOLDIER boys decide to spend Thanksgiving with their beloved Y/N; I wonder how it'll go...?

♡Sephiroth♡

-Shows up to your house bearing a large bottle of pumpkin pie flavored wine (Yes, that exists) and a jar of Cool Whip, thinking that's a suitable dessert.

-Due to having grown up in a lab, the man has no idea what you're supposed to eat for Thanksgiving. He thinks it's just a day where your entire family gets together and eats for no reason.

-This man cannot cook a turkey for the life of him. Don't even let him try, he'll find a way to burn the turkey and make the baking dish explode in the oven, regardless of what it was made of.

-Drinks the cranberry sauce, not understanding it's for the turkey, and tries to mash potatoes with the hilt of Masamune.

-Fortunately, this man is not entirely hopless; he's tall enough to hang all the decorations without a stepladder, so there's that.

-When the Thanksgiving dinner is finally ready, he'll find that he actually enjoys eating turkey, especially the crispy turkey skin, and soon becomes addicted to sweet potato casserole. Potatoes with marshmallows!? He had no idea such a combination could exist and taste this good!

-He had a great time at your place; it was a welcome change of pace, being around all your family members at once, experiencing the familial love he never had.

-He ended up eating way too much, just so he could continue hanging around you guys, and had to literally waddle out the door because of how stuffed he was. 🌝

♡Genesis♡

-Unlike Sephi dearest, Genesis actually knows what Thanksgiving is and how to celebrate properly. His cooking skills are pretty basic, so he ends up gifting you an apple pie cobbled together from store-bought dough and canned filling.

-Very talkative; gets along quite well with all your family members and gets on all their good sides by talking about memories with you.

-His favorite foods are mashed potatoes and gravy. He just cannot get over how creamy they are and how delightfully savory the gravy tastes.

-As mentioned earlier, his cooking skills are basic, so he can help out in the kitchen, but only to a certain extent. He can help mash potatoes, mix sauces, keep an eye on the turkey, etc., basically, he does the stuff an eager 10-year-old does.

-Unfortunately, with Genesis, not everything has a happy ending. Just when you think the night is progressing properly with everyone socializing jovially and having fun, Genesis decides to cause some drama over something as small and insignificant as a housefly that had the misfortune of buzzing over his head.

-The minute he caught sight of that fly, his mind snapped into Total Bitch Mode. He rises from the table with fury, knocking his drink over and sending silverware flying everywhere, shocking you and your entire family.

-He will scream like a banshee, then send a massive fireball hurtling past all your heads and crashing into the wall where that poor little fly once rested. Everyone is in shock as they try to comprehend what the actual fuck just happened.

-Despite this inconvenience, and the fact that there's now a smoldering hole in your wall, everything was quite fine. Genesis had a good time and so did everyone else.

♡Angeal♡

-Angeal is a man of dreams an honor. He knows how to cook. In fact, he knows so much, he takes over as head chef and magically turns into a dad overnight.

-According to him, it is now his solemn duty to cook the turkey, heat up the stuffing, and prep the dessert all at once, by himself. He adamantly rejects all assistance, claiming that a man with true honor can do all the cooking alone.

-Surprisingly, he pulls it off. The turkey was only a little bit burnt and the pie was only slightly too sweet.

-Angeal gets along well enough with most of your family and friends, and even ends up swapping recipes with several of them, though he very much preferred talking to you.

-His favorite foods are the deserts, believe it or not. He adores pie, especially pumpkin pie, and eats so much of it, he gets a massive sugar rush and a bloated belly. Poor guy.

-After everyone was done eating, his honor compelled him to tackle the mountain of dishes that everyone left behind, something you told him not to worry about. However, Angeal refused to listen to you, stating that it was his dream to do the dishes.

-Giving up due to his stubbornness, you left him to do his thing, only to come back an hour later to find an overflowing sink, wet dishes piled up literally everywhere, and a passed out angel on your kitchen floor. Turns out he'd eaten too much, and his food coma combined with over exertion from the daytime cooking caused him to fall asleep on the spot.

-All in all, everyone had a great time, and Angeal ended up sleeping in very late the next day.

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sunnycanvas · 6 months

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Hello, could you make one where Balwin's girlfriend is from the future and due to destiny, she is in Balwin's time and they both fall in love and she manages to take Balwin to the future where they both get married and spend Christmas with their in-laws and they want it.

It was late evening in the city with snow beginning to fall. "Darling are you sure you will be able to handle it" "The Christmas tree is too tall". Baldwin enthusiastically said"Don't worry, I am strong now thanks to you" "I can now easily handle manual labour" I smiled and shaked my head. Baldwin loved to do manual labour. Especially since he got his strength back but I couldn't help but look concern. "There" he said smiling. "Now quickly switch on the light" . I quickly ran towards the switch not before yelling a warning "Be careful with wires" Baldwin frowned and said "I know love, besides they aren't that dangerous" . "I guess you are the one who needs a professional help" "What do you say shall we hire professional helper and lie to them saying that you need learning about surroundings since you have amnesia" Baldwin IV smirked teasingly. While I flushed in embarrassment remembering our earlier days. Just then a memory striked me and I began laughing. Baldwin IV confused asked "What's so funny". His confused expression reminded me of earlier days and I laughed even more. "Remember how you used to be scared of cars and bikes" "It was cute how tightly you held my hand insisting we cross the road together and how you would try to sheild me with your body as if ready to fight for me whenever the vehicle was approaching it was cute". Baldwin IV shocked and embarassed that I would bring up the memory quickly got down the ladder and chased after me. He almost succeeded in catching me until the door bell rang "Must be my parents let me open it quick"

I had been setting food on the table with the help of my mom. As I put down the Christmas pie I thought of calling my husband, Baldwin IV for dinner but decided to change my mind once I saw him staring outside the window sadly. My heart pained knowing how much he longed his home. To ease his pain I promised to take him to Jerusalem for our next upcoming trip. I can still easily recall Baldwin IV 's face how he was shocked and fascinated when he got to know current situation of his homeland.

"So that's it, that's how the story ends" "What did I fight for, to everything to go in vain" "I wish it didn't end up how it has"

I quietly put down the Christmas pie as I watched him staring outside the window. Making note to myself to call him bit later afterwards. My mother who bought freshly cooked turkey while placing it on the table noticing my pain decided to distract me by conversation said "You know our family has a history of time traveling" "Some of our ancestors take your grandma for example had also fallen in love with someone from past but this is the first time some one was to future" "People in our family tree who refused to leave their significant other settled in past with them" "Not all had happy ending of course" "Some severely regretted their decision and came back to future"

I closed my eyes sadly and recalled how my grandma fell in love with a king and married him but he cheated on her and expected her to endure so she left. Luckily she found grandpa and has been happily married since

"You know dear please don't take offence but I am suprised, how much your significant lover was willing to fight for you" "It's rare to find someone who would be willing to go this far" "Make sure not to loose him"

I smiled and said "I know mother" "I too love him very much" "I am glad I was able to cure him thanks to medical treatment here".

My mother looked at my husband and saw him sadly staring outside the window said "He seems to miss his home"

"He sure does"

My mom patted my shoulder and went to call my husband. Baldwin IV smiled moment our eyes met. "My love" he said. I smiled and proceeded to kiss him but he said"Stop your mother is here staring at us". Both my mom and I laughed at his bashful expression. As we settled down Baldwin IV asked about my father

"He will be late and asked us to proceed without him" "By the way you both have done marvelous job in decorating the house". Baldwin IV smiled and said "Couldn't have done without your daughters help". Suddenly Baldwin IV expression became sad again as he said"I wish my nephew was here though, he would definitely love being here, I miss him so much". "Things have changed a lot, except for the snow which remains same" "It's good that I have something with me from the past " I put my hand on his hand squeezing it to reassure him. Baldwin IV noticing my expression squeezed my hand back and smiled at me to reassure me that I am fine.

"Siting on dinner table without switching on the Christmas lights". My dad yelled as he quickly sat down on table holding bottle of wine. "And completely forgot about wine, no Christmas celebration is complete without wine". "I see my daughter has done marvelous job in worsening you" I scoffed at my dad's playful remark as Baldwin IV laughed. Baldwin IV smirked and teasingly said "She sure has"

"Hey" I retorated as I playfully punched him. My parents smiled as they watched our banter. "I couldn't ask for a better son in law" said my dad proudly. "Me too" commented my mom happily. Baldwin IV grew shy after hearing this and I took a chance and kissed him on the cheek.

"Hey"

"This is payback". I happily retorated. "Now" my mom commanded sternly. "Eat your food or else it will get cold". Baldwin IV hearing this said "First let us pray and thank our lord". My parents and I immediately closed our eyes. Baldwin IV gently leaned toward me and whispered "and thanking him to bless me with such a beautiful wife" and slowly kissed my ear lobe making me blush. After we were done with prayers. Baldwin IV raised his glass and said "To my homeland and for my dear nephew, sister and mother who couldn't join me here today , Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas" We cheered back and clicked our glasses happily enjoying our food. With the snow getting making it dark quickly. Glowed our beautiful house in yellow during Christmas filled with cheers and laughter

#baldwin iv #baldwin iv imagine #baldwin iv x reader #kingdom of heaven #kingdom of heaven 2005 #kingdom of heaven fanfic #kingdom of heaven fanfiction #kingdom of heaven fandom #kingdom of heaven headcanons #king baldwin iv

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sterekbros · 8 months

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someday soon (884 words) by Winchesterek

Relationships: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski Characters: Derek Hale, Stiles Stilinski, Original Child Character(s) Additional Tags: Adopted Children, Kid Fic, Teacher Derek Hale, Fluff, Parents Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski, Werewolf Derek Hale, Human Stiles Stilinski, Werewolf Children, Slice of Life, Domestic Fluff, Family Fluff, POV Stiles Stilinski, Alternate Hale Fire (Teen Wolf) Series: Part 2 of Teacher Derek AU For @sterekweekly threshold, @sterekfests baking, @sterekbingo domestic, and @warmandfluffybingocards free space.

The first thing that hit him when he came into the house was the fragrant scent of baked apples. Fall was Stiles’ favorite season. The way the air started to chill and it was just cool enough for him to wear a light jacket or hoodie, but not cold enough for him to wear something like a scarf. It never got that cold in California anyway.

But Fall. Fall was perfect. Everyone started worshiping pumpkin spice, even if Stiles didn't care for it, and the energy surrounding the changing seasons always gave him life despite the world dying around him.

“I’m home!” Stiles called into the house, locking the door behind him with one hand and gripping a grocery bag in the other.

Several little feet came trampling down the stairs before Hailey was yelling, “Daddy!” and Scarlett and James were shouting, “Uncle Stiles!”

Stiles laughed as they surrounded him and squeezed him tight with all their little werewolf strength.

“Where’s Derek?” he asked as he rubbed each of them with one hand, making sure to scent mark each of them.

“He’s in the kitchen!” Hailey practically screamed at him with glee.

“Making apples!” James put in.

“Not apples,” Scarlett chided her brother. “Apple pie! Like grandma used to make!”

That twisted Stiles’ heart in his chest, knowing that sometimes thoughts of his family weren't the best thing for Derek to relive. But pie had to be a good thing, right? Otherwise, why would Derek be making it?

“Oh, apple pie!” James repeated belatedly while Scarlett shook her head at him.

Hailey grabbed Stiles’ free hand and said, “Come on, Daddy!”

He, of course, couldn't deny her. So Stiles followed Hailey into the kitchen with Scarlett and James following behind him.

When they crossed the threshold into the kitchen, Derek was at the oven with the door open, peering into it.

“I brought the turkey breast for our Thanksgiving trial run,” Stiles teased as he raised the bag in his child-free hand. Derek turned around and closed the oven, casting them all a smile.

“Great. But you know we’ll need a giant turkey for our actual Thanksgiving.” Derek crossed the short space between them to take the bag from Stiles and pressed a kiss to his lips. The kids squealed like they always did when they kissed each other. It still made Stiles chuckle after a year of them being together.

“More like two or three turkeys. We might need one for each werewolf that shows up and then we have these little munchkins.” Stiles fake-growled at them and the kids giggled, running out of the kitchen and back up the stairs. Any other time of day and Stiles would be chasing them, getting them ready for bed, and then tucked in for the night.

But right now he needed Derek. He smiled and wrapped his arms around Derek’s neck and kissed him again. “How many pies do you have cooking?”

“Three,” Derek replied, wrapping one arm around Stiles and holding him close. “One for the kids and two for us.”

Stiles laughed and kissed Derek again, smiling against his lips.

“Good. Maybe we can take one to bed later and have a snack ‘cause I think we might be up a little late tonight.” Stiles brushed his nose against Derek’s, teething his own lip. “I missed you a lot today…and I need you. All of you.”

Derek gave a muffled moan against Stiles’ neck before sighing and raising his head to kiss Stiles again. “Later,” he promised quietly. “I’ll knot you until you pass out.”

“My hero,” Stiles joked and reluctantly pulled away. “You want me to deal with the turkey?”

“It’s okay. I’ll do it. I’m sure the kids would love to show you their blanket fort where they’ve been having tea time. Then maybe you can get them washed up and ready for dinner? That way as soon as they’re done they’re off to bed after a story or two.”

Stiles smirked and gave Derek a once over. And damn, he was fine. Stiles knew he’d always see Derek this way, even when his hair and beard started to gray. “Someone’s thought this through.”

“Maybe just a little,” Derek replied, putting the bag on the counter. “I’ve had all afternoon to come up with a master plan”

Stiles snorted a small laugh and gave Derek a heated look, wanting to do nothing more than to push Derek up against the counter and drop to his knees until Derek was coming down his throat. But he couldn't do that. Not yet anyway. “Okay, I’m gonna go check out the blanket fort and maybe have a tea party too.”

“I’ll call you guys when dinner is done.”

“And we’ll be ready.” With one last look, Stiles turned and headed up the stairs. They’d grown so much during the last year as a family and Stiles couldn't wait for all the adventures that lay ahead of them.

And maybe someday soon he’d ask Derek to marry him. It wasn't as if Stiles hadn't bought the ring already, because some days it felt like it was burning a hole into his pocket. He reached down to feel if the small box was still there, just to make sure, and smiled.

Yeah. Maybe someday soon.

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aelsie · 1 year

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A Targaryen Thanksgiving (boy oh boy)

Rhaenyra is trying to stick to a schedule calmly but has to make sure Daemon doesn’t burn the kitchen down from his aggressive cooking, and trying to tell Alicent that really you don’t have to do that, I can take care of it. She’s starting to ask herself why she ever agreed to be the hostess.

Daemon is in charge of the turkey and he’s refusing to follow the recipe because whoever wrote it (Otto) “doesn’t know shit” and “can’t tell the difference between a chicken and a turkey so f*** this recipe!” He’s wearing an apron gifted by Rhaenyra that has all of their kids’ names.

Alicent has taken over washing the dishes even though dinner hasn’t started. She lowkey wants it all to be over already. They try to stop her because she’s wasting more water that way but she obsessively scrubs and soaps and says it’ll be better and faster this way! Much easier for all of us! Trust me, I know! *inhales sharply*

Otto is walking around the house like he owns it, bourbon in hand, commenting on the “positively scandalous” furniture. Inspecting the food with a grimace, moving things around in the kitchen, making snide comments about how HIS family did the stuffing. Daemon is ready to stab him with a tong.

Rhaenys and Corlys bring exotic wine from overseas. They’re #coololdmarriedcouple but Corlys is lowkey whispering we should have had this at our place, you would’ve been a better hostess, plus—all organic! Rhaenys side-eyes him angrily and makes him help with the Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Salad.

Aegon looks like he JUST left a Halloween party and is pacing with his headphones on. Alicent is yelling at him from the sink to change your clothes for crying out loud! But he can’t hear her because his sad boi emo music is on blast and he’s maniacally texting Aemond—where the hell are you?! Get me out of here!

Helaena is talking to herself, looking a bit nervous. She’s lost her pet, Dreamfyre the Lizard, but hasn’t told anyone. Lowkey going through the mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. Last time her pets peed in the Christmas pudding! She’s also texting Aemond—where are you?! Pets lost! Help!

Aemond comes late in a leather jacket and makes a HUGE spectacle of parking his fancy ass vintage car. Everyone rolls their eyes at his dramatics and audacity. Daemon=deja vu. He brought his own homemade gravy. Daemon very reluctantly says that it could maybe go well with the turkey. Aemond preens at his hero’s uncle’s approval.

Jace is trying so hard to help his mom with the pumpkin pie but she keeps saying next year, next year Jace! Watch over Joffrey and the babies for now please! Joffrey is aggressively waving around a lizard-looking thing in his hand and amusing baby Aegon and baby Viserys, who have gotten their hands on the bread rolls and crawling around maniacally. Baela, who Jace keeps staring at instead of the kids, is looking like a million bucks and snapping photos for the gram. Say hi to my followers grandpa Vissy! She’s in charge of music and is blasting T Swift.

Rhaena is the most gracious out of everyone but is losing her patience because no, Baela, now we got bad blood, you know it used to be mad love isn’t funny right now! Luke is helping Rhaena with the tablescape but he keeps awkwardly looking over at Aemond, who’s staring daggers at him. He scratched Aemond’s vintage car last Easter and he has not forgiven him. At all.

Finally, Viserys is in the corner, half awake (half alive?) and they keep coming up to him with plates of food trying to feed him or yelling things like did you take your medicine today father?! Or how’s your blood pressure brother?! Or you need to eat husband! He just grunts and groans. He believes that the chaos around him is everyone having a grand old time!

One big slightly sociopathic family. Happy Thanksgiving indeed!

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itsgoghtime · 18 days

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World in Color

Chapter VIII

Words : 2659

CW : good things. sad things. all the things. been waiting for the events of this chapter since I began the series and it took me a long time to finish because it hurts 🥺 - so buckle up, buttercup, it will hurt

taglist : @valmare @permanentlyexhaustedpigeon88 @horserad-ish

"Will, baby, did you buy celery at the grocery store?"

"I did, my love. It's probably buried in the right hand drawer underneath all the sticks of butter you pulled out of the freezer for rolls and pie crust."

Dinner preparation was in full swing at Pumpkin's house. Pots and pans were used, washed, then used again.

"I really hope I didn't burden Erin too much, the turkey and mashed potatoes are a big de-AL!" She squeaked as Will spun her around and lifted her to sit on the counter. "William! We don't have..."

His lips met hers softly, hands resting on her thighs before he responded. "You worry too much."

"She has stage four cancer. I'm worried."

"Erin is strong. She'll..." Will went quiet. Erin was strong, that much was true. But she had been declining so rapidly since she called that hot August afternoon that he couldn't deny the future possibilities.

Pumpkin held his face in her hands.

"She is strong. And we'll help her enjoy today as much as we can." Her kiss was light on his lips, and he moved to cut the celery for her stuffing mix as she slid off the counter, wiping it down.

Noticing his demeanor had dampened, she leaned against him.

"Hey."

Will turned to look at her, taking her hands in his and rubbing his thumbs along the backs of her fingers, she gave him a soft smile.

"It's gonna be a good day. She said she was feeling a little better today."

He leaned into the kiss she pressed on his cheek, turning back to the celery.

"Oh, and another thing..."

This time, as Will turned, his nose was covered in flour. Her giggles brought a smile to his face.

"Oh, you're going to get it." She barely missed his arms trying to sweep her up, running out of the kitchen.

"Don't try and run from me, you little trouble maker!" He laughed, trying to figure out how to corner her. She seemed to be able to read his every move, even while her eyes were practically shut from laughing so hard.

"You can't catch me, Spooky." She bit her lip.

Will smirked, and he noticed her expression shift slightly.

"What's that look?"

"It means..." He lunged forward, tackling her to her couch, beginning to tickle her sides. She squirmed underneath him, giggling uncontrollably. "...that I've got you."

"No! Please! Stop! You can't... do this to meeeee!" Her giggles only continued.

Will did pause, leaning in to kiss her neck. After she had caught her breath, she leaned into his touch.

"Feel any better?"

"A little." He smirked against her warm skin. "I think you're right - today is going to be a good day."

♡ ♡ ♡

"Just a minute, hun, doing a last minute check to make sure I got everything!"

It was almost deja vu. Almost six years ago now, he had been looking at a similar ring box before his deployment that early morning in March. He had taken the ring out and put it into his pocket.

This time, the ring would stay in the box. It would travel with them to Erin's house. He'd have to be as discreet as he could, since Pumpkin recognized the smallest of details that were subject to change. But that didn't matter. She'd be his soon - they would finally be official. This had been waiting long enough.

The next time the ring came out of it's box, it would be on her finger.

"Got everything?" Her soft voice came from the doorway, and he jumped slightly, thankful that the box was already in the bottom pocket of his cargo pants.

"Goodness, love. Didn't think I'd scare you." She chuckled.

"It's alright. I have everything." His lips met her forehead, warm as usual even with the cool air blowing outside in the early spring sunshine. "I had promised I'd bring something from my time as a Marine to show the kids, since they've been asking so much about military life."

"You feel okay about that? I know you don't love reminiscing on your time in the military."

"I think so. I'm not a Marine anymore, Pumpkin. I'm..." His brain short circuited. In just a slip of the tongue, he had almost called himself her husband. But he caught it early enough that instead, he continued, "... just an Arizona rancher."

Her eyes flickered with curiosity, studying his facial features in the same manner that she did when she'd question his tone. Will wasn't certain if he could hide the surprise if she asked, even knowing that Erin was waiting and wanted to be there, he couldn't keep this from Pumpkin if she asked.

But, she just chuckled, putting him at ease. "That is true. Well, you will be. Got to get someone to buy this house first."

"You are correct there, my darling." His lips met her temple. "We got all the dishes into the back of your car?"

♡ ♡ ♡

"Isn't it my favorite couple in all the world! Hello!" Erin smiled from her armchair in the living room.

"Erin, you're looking lively today. How are you feeling?" Pumpkin sat next to her, taking her outstretched hand as Will directed his nephews to put the food he had brought in onto the counter.

"Lively. Today is a good day. Thank you for doing so much, I feel like my husband needed more to be doing, he seemed to get bored." At her husband giving her a teasingly annoyed look, Erin chuckled. "But really, thank you. It helped a lot."

"Of course."

"I think we'll just serve everything buffet style, you can get your plate and come right through... boys! Stop fighting and get ready to say Grace. It's Easter, heaven forbid." Erin chuckled. She had been in the middle of some intense treatment and an extended hospital stay during Thanksgiving, so she had requested they do that traditional dinner on Easter instead.

Since her rediagnosis in July, Will and Pumpkin had flown up to Wisconsin a few times, for Christmas mainly, and had watched her decline. This trip would be different, their time would be extended by a few weeks, and as dinner began, they realized how beneficial their stay would be.

♡ ♡ ♡

Will was pleased with how well Pumpkin continued to mesh with his sister's family. She loved the kids, she was considerate of Erin and her every need, and made sure everyone had eaten and was taken care of.

The evening began to slow, and the kids set a movie onto the television softly as Pumpkin moved to the sink to begin doing dishes, even at Erin's insistence that her family could take care of it.

"Hey Pumpkin." Spooky kissed her cheek, beginning to rinse and dry the dishes.

"Hey, love." Her voice was soft and affectionate as she smiled at him.

A few minutes later, Will had turned around to put something away, and Erin nodded softly.

The dishes were almost done. He was running out of time.

But as the silverware came through, it all became clear. His hand 'slipped' and dropped a fork, and it made her chuckle.

This was it. This was his moment as his knee hit the floor. He took her hand in his after he had pulled the box out of his pocket.

It was only a matter of moments before she noticed he didn't need her hand for balance.

The gasp that escaped her throat as her eyes darted between his stance and the box in his hands was everything Will could have wanted and more.

"Pumpkin, sweetheart, I have been waiting an eternity for you. You have painted my world in color and I cannot imagine life without you by my side." He opened the ring box, provoking her tears. "Will you do the honor of marrying me?"

"I will." She smiled, watching as Will put the ring on her finger. Her forehead met his the moment he stood to take her into his arms, and as their lips met, Erin and her family clapped from the living room.

"I knew waiting for you was worth a million heartaches." Pumpkin whispered.

"We'll never be parted again." Will whispered back.

After another few moments to themselves, Erin's children were insistent on seeing their new aunt's ring, asking if they could help with wedding planning, asking if they could come and stay in Arizona. It made Will's heart soar with pride as he watched her interact with his nieces and nephews.

Mrs. MacPherson. It was written in the way she moved, the flicker of light in her eyes every time they landed on him, the sparkle of the ring on her finger that looked so at home there. It was in way she held him like there was no other thing on the earth more precious to her. Yes, this was the right decision.

Pumpkin moved to hug Erin, wiping her tears.

"I've been waiting so long." Erin chuckled, trying to blink away the emotion spilling from her eyes. "William has always looked for someone he could feel safe with. I'm just lucky it ended up being someone who I consider a sister. I can see how much he loves you - and how well you take care of him and treat him with the respect and tenderness he's needed since we were kids."

"He's my everything. And you have been there for me since the beginning, Erin. I don't know what I would have done without you." Pumpkin squeezed her hand.

"We have waited a long time. But now, I get to call you my sister. And that brings a peace to me I don't think I've ever known before. I know you'll take such good care of him." Erin chuckled, her knuckle running along her bottom eyelids again. "Feels like I'm finally able to give him away to someone who knows how to handle his heart."

"I promise, Erin, I'll take care of him. And we'll come and see you often, even after we're married."

Erin gave her a soft smile, fingers tightening softly around hers. "I know you will. I trust you. And I love you."

♡ ♡ ♡

Three days. Three days of peace, tentative wedding planning, and packing up more of Pumpkin's house into a moving truck.

That's all it had taken.

"I wish it wasn't snowing, it's the beginning of April, and we don't even get to enjoy the sunshine!" Pumpkin's fingers were soft on Spooky’s cheek as he swayed them to some music from her record player.

"It does feel unfair. But..." He chuckled, humming the tune of a Christmas song.

"No, don't you dare. It'll make the snow want to stay!" She giggled.

Will's phone began to ring on the counter, and after pressing a gentle kiss to her lips, released her from his arms to answer.

Erin's husband's voice immediately wiped the smile from his face.

He had never expected his life to be completely changed within a sentence.

The words coming over the telephone made his ears ring. Made him numb, tired, confused.

No. No she wasn't. She couldn't be.

"Will, what's happening?" Pumpkin asked again, concern filling her gaze.

Spooky shook his head, setting the phone onto the counter and turning away. When she picked up the phone with her usual ginger touch, he waited. Waited for the moment she'd know too.

The gasp that left her throat was enough to pull the pooling tears from his eyes, and his shoulders shook with the effort of expelling them.

"Thank you. We'll be right over." Her constricted throat barely let out a tone as she hung up the phone.

Wrapping her arms around him from behind, she nuzzled into his back and sobbed.

A symphony of sadness, their cries reached what felt like a sky of cold stone - no astronomical amount of grief could bring Erin back.

She was gone.

♡ ♡ ♡

The following Saturday was a blur, gloomy and devoid of any light that hope could bring. No, nothing could change things now. The cold was only amplified with the snow falling on top of everyone who had gathered at the cemetery.

After the service, Will went and knelt in front of the stone Erin had apparently already prepared for several months. The carved stone served as yet another twist in his stomach that she had known this was coming for such a long time, and hadn't said a word.

And, perhaps, it was his engagement to Pumpkin that she had been holding on for, as the state of her illness could have taken her much earlier than an early morning in April. Maybe the reason she had lived so long was because she had wanted Will to be taken care of.

Maybe if he hadn't proposed to Pumpkin, she would still be around.

His fiancée came and put a hand on his shoulder, her words not registering in his ears as emotions flooded his mind.

"Please, just..." Will shrugged her hand from his shoulder. "...let me be."

Pumpkin stood there for just another moment, her own tears of grief still falling, before standing and taking a few steps away from Will. "I'll be in the car."

The rest of the crowd had dispersed, leaving Will alone, crouched in the snow. He cried for what felt like a forever.

"You weren't supposed to go, Erin. You were supposed to stay... why didn't you stay?" He whispered, his hand touching the cold stone that held her name - the only physical thing in the cemetery that would lead him to her.

"I love you, Erin. Thank you." His forehead touched the stone, wishing he could have instead wrapped his arms around her one more time, instead of talking to carved rock.

Will was there for a long time. He had almost expected to have to take a bus home when he had decided he was finished - but there Pumpkin was, faithful as she had ever been, the exhaust steaming out the back of the running car. It would be warm, and that sounded lovely after freezing in the snow.

But Will would freeze in the snow any day for much longer, if he could just have his sister back.

The door unlocked as he drew closer, and he opened it to find a blanket draped over the heaters.

"I thought it might warm you up. Get in, let's go home." Pumpkin said carefully. Will noticed her tone was even more gentle than usual.

He sat in the passenger seat without a word, and she tried to move the blanket.

"I've got it." Will's tone came as more of a snap than he intended, and he noticed how fast her hand moved back to her half of the cab. Before he could apologize, she was speaking again.

"Buckle up. It's icy." The car slowly maneuvered out of the cemetery, and after his last glance at Erin's spot on the hill, his gaze watched Pumpkin as she drove them home.

He knew she was hurting - it was in the way her shoulders tensed, the way her eyes hadn't been anything but red since the early morning they had found out about Erin's passing. Her usual tapping of the steering wheel had stopped, and she didn't turn the radio on for the full half an hour drive home.

The blanket did help Will warm up, although even with her consideration of his temperature, the air in the cab of the car was heavy. Tangibly melancholy.

Will didn't try to talk to her as they pulled into her driveway. His eyes wandered to the for sale sign out front, but even the thought of their future together wasn't enough to help him feel better.

Pumpkin made him tea, warmed up a quilt or two in the dryer, and had set a sandwich on the nightstand of his preferred side of the bed while he showered. But the moment he came out, finally feeling like he could maybe have a conversation, she closed the door to the bedroom and went out into the main living area.

Healing wasn't going to be linear.

♡ ♡ ♡

previous chapter ♡ next chapter

series masterlist

#world in color #val kilmer #william macpherson #will macpherson #will ‘spooky’ macpherson #spooky #spooky and pumpkin #conspiracy #conspiracy 2008 #spooky x pumpkin #spooky x reader

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mtdthoughts · 4 months

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Moonlight Pt. 1 (Migi & Dali Fanfiction)

At the time I'm writing this post, it's New Year's Eve, and I wanted to finish 2023 with something that I've been cooking up for a while.

Never in my life did I imagine that I would write fanfiction.

But I really do love this series, and I thought that I could help fill in some of the story that wasn't shown. In particular, this fanfiction occurs during Chapter 43 of the Migi & Dali manga or Episode 13 of the anime. It is told from Migi's perspective, and I wanted to add some context based on my interpretations of the characters and my (limited) imagination.

Be warned, I am not an expert at writing, so I can't guarantee that the reader will enjoy reading this, but I hope they do. Tumblr is probably not the best place to post this, but it'll do for now. I might post the other parts here too.

I decided to title this fanfiction "Moonlight" as a reference to the "Water Flea Song" that the twins are so familiar with.

CHAPTER 1

It was the night of Christmas Eve, and I laid in bed excited, unable to sleep. Because Santa would come tonight, or at least that's what the old couple said. I don't know if Santa's real or not, but that doesn't matter, because I'm a good boy and I’m getting a present!

"Perfect, if I continue to pretend to believe in Santa, I can get presents forever. Right, Dali?"

Dali was on the other side of the bed, but I couldn't feel him move or hear anything from him.

"You asleep?" I asked. No response.

Dali has been acting strangely lately. I know that the old couple would accept us both, but Dali says he's fine with just me being happy. That can't be true, right? To be honest, I'm not sure what Dali was thinking, but I thought that if I cheered him up, maybe he'd change his mind.

"Let's split the presents in half..." I whispered.

But was that okay? Did Dali really want to share my presents?

Oh well, no use in thinking now. Better get to sleep, or else Santa won't come tonight...

I was now sitting at the dining table, and as usual the old couple was sitting across from me with smiles on their faces, and the golden beast was pacing around, looking hungry. The table was set with lots of delicious food like jambalaya and turkey, and the air was filled with the smell of cherry pie. We talked and laughed as we usually did, but then I noticed a familiar voice. I turned to my right, and there was Dali, with his scar, sitting next to me, laughing with a joyful expression that I had not seen in a long time.

Huh?

"Dali...?"

I was now lying in bed with my pajamas on. Oh, it was just a dream.

I yawned and got up from bed, and saw that Dali was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at something. At our little Christmas tree, there were two presents that looked the same.

"Huh? Did the present split in two?"

A knock came at the door. Dali reacted, and quickly ran to the wardrobe to hide himself. Right, we still needed to be Hitori. Rather, I still needed to be Hitori...

The door opened, and it was the old couple, with the same warm smiles on their faces.

"Good morning, Hitori!" said the old woman.

"Good morning," said the old man.

Before I could greet them, I remembered that it was time to open my present. I looked back toward our little tree. Oh right, there were two presents.

"Hey, I thought that each child only gets one present. Did Santa make a mistake?" I asked.

The old couple turned to look at each other, then looked back at me with the same smiles.

"Santa doesn't make mistakes," said the old woman.

"Why don't you go ahead and open them?" said the old man.

I went ahead and tore open the presents and revealed what they were.

"Whoa, a clay pasta set!" I exclaimed. I could make so many delicious-looking creations with this! Spaghetti, cherry pie, omelets, and so much more! I turned to the next present.

"And this is, an exciting and exhilarating science set?" I said, confused. Huh? I don't think I could play with this. This looked a bit too hard for me to figure out. I returned to marvel at the pasta set.

"I see," said the old woman, "It looks like this house has a gluttonous and creative child, as well as an intelligent and sensitive child."

"It took us a while to notice the differences," said the old man.

Huh? Did they figure us out?

"We'll be waiting downstairs with seats for the both of you," the old lady said, as the old couple smiled and walked away.

I can't believe this; they finally accepted us! I was so happy that tears came out of my eyes. Dali and I could finally be ourselves now! We could finally live the lives we always wanted!

Or so I thought. I ran to the wardrobe and called for Dali's name as I tried opening the door, but Dali kept it shut.

Why? What was Dali thinking? Even though we’re twin brothers, I still couldn't understand what Dali was thinking. Dali usually knew what I was thinking, so why couldn't I do the same for him?

Still, I knew that Dali was suffering, just like the time when I ran away from him. Ever since we came home from the Ichijo house, he spent every day sitting under the dining table just eating the scraps I gave him. He told me he was fine with being my shadow because we would always be together, but for some reason I still felt his loneliness and sadness.

I wanted to help him, but I wasn't sure how. I just wanted Dali and me to be happy together...

That’s it!

"Dali... it seems like we're different after all. And maybe we'll only be getting even more different from now on, with what we like, what we dislike, and how we feel about things... But there will still be some things that'll never change, like my happiness being Dali's happiness, and Dali's happiness being my happiness!"

That's right. It didn't matter that we were different, and it's okay that I didn't understand everything in Dali’s mind. What mattered was that we understood each other’s hearts, and that we would always be together helping each other.

Please Dali, let my feelings get through to you…

"..."

It was silent for a little while before the wardrobe door started creaking. As the door slowly opened, Dali came out, facing down so that I couldn't see the face he was making. As soon as Dali stepped onto the floor, I ran to him and gave him a big hug.

"Dali!" I exclaimed as I embraced him tightly.

He returned my hug, and I felt that he was slightly shaking.

A few seconds later, we released each other, and Dali had his usual confident grin.

"Well then, let's get to breakfast, Migi. We don't want to keep them waiting, right?"

Tears continued to flow from my eyes as I gave him a wide smile and replied, "Yeah!"

#migi and dali #migi to dali #fanfic

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sodo-my-beloved · 5 months

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Sodo x Aether ~ Pumpkin Pie

A lovely Thanksgiving smut about our favorite gay boys in love.

Sorry to anyone who can't eat pumpkin pie after this one under the cut or on a03

https://archiveofourown.org/works/51790873

It was Thanksgiving at the ministry and the ghouls' layer was a frenzy. Cumulus, Cirrus and Mountain were busy in the kitchen all day long, making the food and making sure the food was going to be perfect. Swiss and Rain were fighting over football teams, Sodo and Aether were sitting with them, but hardly acknowledged the two. Sodo was pressed tight against Aether's side, both of them under a soft, fuzzy blanket. They were both feeling each other up under the blanket, cupping each other's cocks through their clothes. Thankfully Swiss and Rain were too engulfed in the game to really notice. Sodo's head rested against Aether's shoulder as Aether subtly grinding the heel of his hand against Sodo's cock. The fire ghoul let out a shaky breath, sighing quietly.

"Aether, can you set the table for us?" Cumulus called from the kitchen. Sodo let out a small growl as Aether gave him a teasing smile before standing up. Sodo huffed, crossing his arms. He glared at the tv, tail lashing with irritation.

Finally, everyone sat around the table. Mountain brought the turkey out of the kitchen, grinning softly. Sodo started at Aether from across the table. Of course, he was asked to sit between Rain and Swiss, who were currently at each other's necks because of football. Sodo never really got football. It was lame, but he wouldn't say anything to his bandmates. He slouched in his chair, grabbing the armrests to keep from palming himself. Sure, he was a man-whore, but he did drawl a line on hygiene. Most of the time. Mountain sat at the head of the table, with Cumulus at the other end. Finally, Mountain gave the nod, and everyone began dishing up their plates. Football was brought up once and Aether about grabbed a turkey leg to smack Swiss upside the head, but instead took a deep breath and changed the subject.

The whole time, Sodo just stared at Aether, thinking about all the ways he wanted Aether to take him tonight. He ate his food quickly, savoring each bite. His favorite always was the sweet potatoes and cranberry salad. A lot of people had cranberry sauce, but they made cranberry salad, and it was so good.

The dinner didn't end fast enough.

"Sodo, Aether, would you mind clearing the table?" Mountain asked, knowing it'd be a death sentence to get Rain and Swiss to do it.

"Of course." Aether grinned with a nod before Sodo could say no. Sodo sent him a look as the others cleared out went around the corner into the common room.

"Seriously?" Sodo grumbled, reaching for the large platter of half-eaten turkey.

"Don't worry darling, I haven't even had dessert yet." Aether flashed him a smirk. Sodo's cheeks reddened and he smiled to himself as he carried the turkey into the kitchen. Aether came up behind him carrying dirty plates and then set them in the skin.

"I want to fuck you, baby." Aether purred into his ear as he wrapped his arms around Sodo's waist from behind.

"Please do." Sodo groaned as Aether reached up and moved his hair away from his neck.

"On the table." Aether smirked, pressing kisses against Sodo's soft neck.

"Right now?" Sodo breathed out.

"Right now." Aether growled. He grabbed Sodo by the wrist and hauled him back into the dining room. Aether shoved the pumpkin pie to the side and lifted Sodo up, pushing his back down against the table.

"But- What if someone walks in?" Sodo whispered.

"Won't be the first time they've seen us fucking." Aether smirked, unclasping Sodo's belt and pulling his pants and boxers down in one go. Sodo groaned, letting his head thump against the table.

"Awe, poor Sodo. You've been hard all day, haven't you?" Aether purred, tail wrapping around his ankle as Aether grasped his cock. Sodo sucked in a sharp inhale, claws digging into the table as Aether slowly stroked him from base to tip. Aether glanced to the side and looked back at Sodo, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"What?" Sodo furrowed his eyebrows.

"Shh." Aether whispered. He reached over and Sodo's eyes followed. Aether dipped two fingers into the pumpkin pie then the Kool whip. Sodo's eyes widened as Aether brought his fingers down to Sodo's bare cock.

"Aether!" Sodo gasped before Aether spread the pie and Kool whip up and down Sodo's cock. Sodo hissed at the slight chill, tail curling around Aether's thigh.

"Gotta be quiet." Aether whispered, kneeling down on the floor in front of Sodo. Sodo sat up, biting his bottom lip as Aether traced his tongue over the underside of Sodo's cock, licking up the pie and Kool whip.

"Aeth!" Sodo groaned, hands wrapping arounds Aether's horns. Aether moaned lowly against Sodo as he started to suck at the tip of Sodo's cock, gazing up at him through his eyelashes.

"Fuck, deeper." Sodo arched his back. Aether eagerly swallowed him down, licking the food off Sodo's cock as he went. Sodo whimpered, eyes looking over to the doorway that turned and led into the common room where the rest of the ghouls remained.

"Shit, baby. You're gonna make me cum!" Sodo whispered, his knuckles going white from gripping onto the edge of the table. Aether pulled off and licked at Sodo's cock, lapping up the pie and Kool whip. Sodo clenched his jaw shut, forcing himself not to moan. His legs tensed as Aether wrapped his lips around his tip and sent Sodo overboard. He raised a hand to his mouth and moaned into it softly as he came into Aether's mouth. The quintessence ghoul groaned, swallowing down his cum. Sodo panted, eyes rolling as he came down from his orgasm. Aether pulled away and licked his lips as he stood up.

"That- wow- fuckin' hell." Sodo whispered.

"Turn around." Aether purred.

"Wha-" He didn't have a moment before Aether lifted him up and bent him over the table.

"Aether!" Sodo groaned quietly.

"Shh, baby boy. You better be quiet or they're gonna know I'm fucking your sweet ass." Aether growled in Sodo's ear. Sodo raised a hand to his mouth, clamping it over his mouth. Aether huffed teasingly before licking over two off his fingers. Aether pressed his fingers against Sodo's hole, smirking as Sodo groaned into his hand. Aether thrusted his fingers into the fire ghoul, making him whine.

"Fuck baby, you're so tight." Aether panted into his ear before nibbling on his lobe. Sodo moaned, arching into his touch. "Making me so impatient by making me stretch you." Aether huffed with a soft groan. Sodo whined, sinking his fangs into his hand. Aether let out a growl of impatience as he pulled his fingers out and unzipped his pants.

"You gonna take me and be quiet or are you gonna moan for the whole ministry to hear?" Aether smirked, pressing his cock against Sodo's entrance.

"I'll be quiet." Sodo pulled his hand away enough to whisper. Aether grabbed Sodo's waist before ramming into Sodo harshly. Sodo squeaked against his hand as Aether railed into him. Aether chuckled, reaching up and grabbed Sodo's long blonde hair, giving it a sharp tug, making Sodo gasp.

"Fuck, firefly. So tight." Aether growled, pounding into Sodo. Sodo whimpered, feeling the table move slightly with one of Aether's harsh thrusts. Sodo moaned into his hand, hoping whatever tv that the ghouls were watching were hiding the noises he was making.

"Don't worry baby. After this, I'll fuck you in my bedroom, so then you can scream as loud as you need too." Aether growled seductively. Sodo whimpered again, clenching around Aether's cock.

"Oh, you like that idea, huh? Like the idea of me making you scream with my cock?" Aether smirked, pressing a kiss to the shell of Sodo's ear. He felt Sodo clench around him harder and he groaned.

"You close, baby?" Aether panted. Sodo nodded with another small whine.

"You cum on this table, you lick it up." Aether growled. Sodo took in a deep breath, legs shaking. He couldn't control himself as he felt the orgasm release. He came onto the table, whining against his hand. Aether swore, continuing to pound into him before finally cumming deep inside Sodo. He pulled, panting softly as he zipped himself back up. Sodo whimpered, collapsing into a chair.

"Don't forget to scrub the table!" Swiss laughed from inside the common room. Sodo glared at Aether, his face and the tips of his pointed ears going red.

"Will do!" Aether chuckled, gazing at Sodo with a soft smile. "Don't worry. I'll get it cleaned up and then we can spend the whole night together without any interruptions." Aether smiled, leaning down and softly kissing Sodo.

"Fine." Sodo sighed, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind his ear before quickly pulling his pants up, watching as Aether finished cleaning off the table.

#ghostband #sodo #sodo ghoul #aether #aether ghoul #ghost bc #sorry #thanksgiving #ghost band smut #ghost band smut ghouls

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kabillieu · 5 months

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I haven't been cooking regularly for the past three weeks because first I had my surgery and recovery, and then we had Thanksgiving and all its leftovers. I made plans for this week (creamy mushroom ramen, sweet potato and black bean tacos, chicken piccata), and then I changed my mind at the last minute each time. But they've all been hits!

On Monday I made this chicken pot pie soup. I changed the recipe pretty significantly to accommodate what I had on hand, but I kept the basics: rotisserie chicken, potatoes, and frozen mixed vegetables. It was quick and flexible, and everyone liked it enough for me to make again.

(Tuesday is our going-out-to-eat-night.)

Wednesday I made this curry that I originally was going to make to use up turkey leftovers. We ate up all the turkey before I could get around to making the curry, however, so I used rotisserie chicken but otherwise mostly made the recipe as is (I did use a whole can of coconut milk and a whole can of chopped tomatoes and recommend it). It was really good, just a solid and very flexible base for a flavorful curry. If I wasn't cooking for a bunch of heathen meat-eaters, I would omit the meat and use chickpeas and potatoes. You could put any number of vegetables in it. The spinach was good, but green beans would also be delicious. I just love how easy this recipe is.

Yesterday I made this tomato-ginger chicken and rice soup because Dominic and I both have colds. It was also delicious and easy.

I don't think I'm going to cook today. I always take Tuesdays off and usually (but not always) take Fridays off. And then sometimes Dominic will cook on Saturday or Sunday. I've gotten in a pretty good pattern of cooking most days but not every day, and that helps to keep me from getting too burned out.

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quietly-by-myself · 1 year

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Shadow By My Fireplace - Chapter 30

Masterlist

Thank you to @darkthingshappen for beta reading and hearing out all of my ideas. It's been a tougher arc to write and you've helped me a lot.

CW: group homes, children without parents and trauma relating to that, minor character death (Cyril’s friend), smoking, heroin addiction, overdose resulting in death, caretaker breaks down, ADHD/medications relating to ADHD, found family

===

When Cyril heard the other kids at his school talk about their families and what they were doing for Thanksgiving, Cyril couldn’t help but feel a sense of envy. He knew it was a sin to hate others for something he didn’t have. Cyril just couldn’t help himself.

The people who ran the group home were good people, but they weren’t parents. After all, they switched all the time. Just when Cyril thought he liked one of them, they changed. Sometimes, he got switched home-to-home. Moved around like a pawn on a chess board, but with a lot less care and thought.

Throughout it all, Oliver was there.

Oliver, the loud. Oliver, the mischievous. Oliver, his friend.

They were opposites but somehow both managed to be on Ritalin. Well, Oliver was on Ritalin. Cyril was on Concerta. But it was the same chemical for the same diagnosis, so they found a comradery. When Oliver got himself in trouble, Cyril was always there to save his ass.

Cyril was always afraid to lose him, but he never did. There was security in Oliver. When Cyril got moved, by some odd chance, Oliver always moved with him. In a way, they were a bonded pair of cats. They were unwanted strays, but they had each other.

Certain times of year were more difficult than others. November and December were always horrible months for Cyril. Holidays about family and love - both were things that Cyril didn’t have.

Thanksgiving dinner at the group homes was always the worst. Donated turkeys and sides, pie baked by a charity. It made Cyril feel less human, almost.

So, when Oliver snuck a note under the table, telling him to go out “to the bathroom,” Cyril took the invite to leave.

The two of them left out a window and went to the creek by their group home - their designated meeting spot in the rural jungle they found themselves in.

Oliver was smiling wickedly. It was never a good sign.

Out of his pocket, he pulled out a pack of Malboros.

“I got these at the store.”

Cyril looked at them in shock. Oliver was grinning proudly.

“Did you steal them or something?” Cyril asked incredulously.

“Maybe,” Oliver responded, pursing his lips jokingly.

“Oliver, that’s a crime! What if they find out? You might get sent away.”

Of course, being sent away was always the fear. Group homes were some sort of sick privilege - there was always worse. Cyril wouldn’t survive without Oliver.

Oliver gave Cyril a small shove. “Don’t worry so much.” He pulled one of the cigarettes out of the box and offered it to Cyril. “This will help you relax.”

Cyril took the cigarette from Oliver reluctantly. Oliver gave him a light the minute he had it in his mouth.

It was true. The cigarettes did relax him. Within ten minutes, he felt better.

Cyril sighed. “I’m just tired of feeling like this object of pity, Noll.”

It was easier to talk without the weight of the fear of being judged hanging over him.

“I know what you mean.” Oliver took a puff of the cigarette. “I had to sit through a talk about ‘people who don’t have families for Thanksgiving’ and being sensitive and shit. I don’t want their sympathy. I want a fucking family.”

Cyril nodded a little. They were a bonded pair of cats, but they weren’t really family. Just deeply bonded friends of the soul, perhaps.

“We’re seventeen. It’s over for us.” Cyril looked down at the cigarette. “The fuck does my life matter?”

“Because you’re here, Cyril. You’re here with me. You’re brilliant. You could become a doctor. Then, nobody can tell you that your life doesn’t matter. You have so much more of a future than me.”

It was true - Cyril had a 4.0. Oliver had maybe a 2.9 on a good day. In a world where high school grades determined their futures, Cyril was someone who would thrive. Cyril loved his friend. He tried to convince him to try community college, but Oliver wouldn’t budge.

Oliver was wicked smart. He had a good personality. All he needed was to believe in himself more.

After a while of silence, Cyril began to hum. It was “Born in the USA” - Bruce Springsteen. He always liked the opening. So did Oliver.

In fact, he started singing, “Born down in a dead man's town.”

Cyril began to sing along with him. “And the first kick I took was when I hit the ground.”

Eventually, the two of them sang it with irony. “You end up like a dog that's been beat too much. 'Til you spend half your life just to cover up.”

Yes, they were dogs that were beaten too much. It would take half a lifetime to cover it up. Cyril just didn’t realize that yet.

They talked for a while longer until they came back stinking of cigarette smoke. They got yelled at, but it didn’t really matter. Cyril was just glad to be with his friend.

—

Sacha awoke the next morning, thinking about the odd dream he’d had. Something about Cyril freaking out about needing Narcan. It had to be a dream - some odd mix of his past overdose and his housemate being a doctor.

His head pounded and he felt jittery.

What had he done last night? He used to sleepwalk. Could he have sleep-walked and hit his head?

When he went over to the counter, Sacha saw the bottle on the counter.

Hydromorphone.

Cyril’s words came back to him. That was the medicine that Cyril was shouting about in the dream.

It wasn’t a dream, Sacah soon realized. He really had accidentally taken two of a very strong opioid instead of acetaminophen.

Shit.

He’d told Cyril about his overdose, hadn’t he? He didn’t want Cyril to know. He didn’t want Cyril to think him stupid or ungrateful or any other number of horrible things.

What would Cyril think? Surely after everything, he wouldn’t abandon Sacha. But what if he was extra watchful? What if he forced Sacha on medication to ensure it didn’t happen again, just like Master had?

Sacha forced himself to take a few deep breaths.

“It’s okay. Cyril is safe.”

That was right. Cyril was safe.

—

Something was wrong with Cyril. He hadn’t spoken to Sacha much at all that day. In fact, he’d even picked Amber up in his arms and petted her gently. Cyril never picked up the cat. It wasn’t that he didn’t like her - Cyril was just always nervous about hurting her.

Was it because Sacha had admitted to attempting suicide?

Sacha didn’t know, but he needed to say something, clearly.

“Cyril, I, um,” Sacha took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”

Cyril was a little startled. “For what?”

Sacha started to quiver. “For telling you about my overdose.”

An emotion resembling discomfort and remembrance flashed over Cyril’s face, before he came back to his normal, concerned look. “It’s okay, Sacha, to be open with me.”

“It was different. I can tell something’s wrong.”

Silence hung between them for a while. Eventually, Cyril put Amber down on the ground, where she quickly walked over to Sacha.

“It’s, um, a personal topic that I don’t talk much about, my history with overdoses.”

Sacha wasn’t happy with that answer. In fact, he felt a little dejected. “Mine was a suicide attempt. It was the only time I ever had access to the means. It- it was dumb luck that I survived it at all.”

It took all the courage that Sacha had to say the last part of what he wanted to say. “I’ve said mine. Can you tell me yours?”

Cyril sat pensively for a long time. Sacha’s heart was beating out of his chest.

“I’ve never told anyone.”

“Neither have I told anyone.” Sacha was desperate. He felt so useless. “You’re always helping me and listening to me. Let me return the favor, Cyril. Please.”

Again, silence hung in the air between them.

“It’s a long story.”

“I don’t have much else to do.”

Cyril chuckled a bit. “You’ve become so much more confident. Those tattoos really did change you.”

Sacha cringed. Those thoughts came back. He was too confident. He was arguing. He was being disobedient. It was bad. He was going to be punished.

What should he say to prevent that? What could he do? Sacha had already argued himself into a corner.

“Calm down, Sacha. Take a few deep breaths, okay?”

Cyril’s voice brought him back down to reality.

Right, he wasn’t a slave anymore. He was safe. He was okay.

…

Cyril took a deep breath, wringing his hands together. He’d told his story occasionally when he needed to for essays and the like, but it was never a comfortable subject.

“I don’t have a family, Sacha. I was a foster kid. I lived in a group home.”

Sacha was listening so intently it almost broke Cyril’s heart.

“I was transferred a fair bit, but there was this friend I had who was always transferred with me.” Oliver’s grinning face appeared in Cyril’s head. “He was kind and happy and sweet, if not a bit scatter-brained and stubborn. He was the one who encouraged me to become a doctor. He was talented with writing. He helped me with my essays for college applications and again with personal statements when I applied to med school.”

Those late nights they spent together came back to Cyril pleasantly. “He was my only connection to other people. But he struggled in ways I never knew. I presume he had what you’d call an addictive personality.”

Cyril took another deep breath, his voice shaking. “I stayed where I grew up, as did he. He became an electrician - trade school. I worked at the only emergency room in the area. One day, there was a bad batch of heroin in the area. He turned up dead at the emergency room. My name is on his death certificate. I had to call the time of his death. I had to tell his mother - his mother came to be a part of his life when he was twenty. She was the one who convinced him to go to trade school. He was 28 when he died.”

Tears formed in Cyril’s eyes. When Oliver had died, a piece of him had died with him. That hole in his heart hurt each and every time he thought of his deceased friend - the other half of their bonded pair.

“I never knew he struggled with heroin addiction. God, if I knew, I would’ve walked to the ends of the earth to help him.”

Sacha moved quietly, putting Amber down, and over to Cyril. He pulled Cyril into an embrace.

For the first time, someone embraced him first - to comfort him.

Cyril broke down crying in Sacha’s arms.

“That’s hard. I’m so sorry you went through that. It- it sounds awful. Even with everything I’ve been through, I can’t imagine having to call the death of your closest friend.”

Cyril sobbed tears that he hadn’t cried since he looked over the edge of the bridge that fateful day.

With Oliver’s death, Cyril thought he’d lost all ability to form human connections. After all, he felt more like a stray cat or a beaten dog than a human being for most of his life.

However, as Sacha held him in his arms, he began to realize that it wasn’t gone forever. No, in fact, he had another way to connect to people. It was Sacha. Sacha, the stray cat that Cyril had found on the verge of death. Sacha, his little brother that he needed to protect.

“I thought I’d lost the ability to have another human connection. It was so hard back then.”

Cyril pushed Sacha back, tears still flowing from his eyes. “But I’ve found you. You’re like a little brother to me. So don’t give up on life. Okay?”

Sacha bit his lip anxiously and nodded a bit.

“I love you, Sacha. I really do.”

To his surprise, Cyril heard back a response he never expected.

“I love you too, Cyril. You’re my family.”

===

Tags: @whumpsday, @i-can-even-burn-salad, @pigeonwhumps, @darkthingshappen, @pumpkin-spice-whump, @darlingwhump, @maracujatangerine, @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi, @flowersarefreetherapy, @octopus-reactivated, @quietshae, @whump-blog, @inkkswhumpandstuff, @whumpycries, @whumpkinz

#shadow by my fireplace #whump #whump writing #whump fic #whumpblr #whump community #recovery whump #overdose #addiction #drug/substance use/abuse #smoking #sacha #cyril #mutual caretaking

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redbone135 · 4 months

Text

The Best Part of the Holidays: A Baby’s POV

My first people: For the first few months of my life I’ve been in quarantine. No shots = no people. Not that I know much about people: my world is this house and my social life is very limited to Mom and Dad. But Thanksgiving changes all of that. Mom and Dad are having company and they’re very excited. They’ve been in quarantine, too. Mom makes a feast - she’s cooking for three days to get ready. No expense is spared on turkey and pie and champagne for all of the guests to toast me and my health. Dad cleans like crazy - he puts a new table cloth in the dining room, buys new plants for the garden, even gets me a new turkey outfit to wear. They’re excited, and I can see why - because at dinner… people arrive. Like Mom and Dad, but different. They bring flowers and gifts and side dishes. But I couldn’t care less about those things - they also bring tickles and hugs and stories to share with me. I’m so excited for the new people who talk to me and snuggle with me that I can’t sleep. First, I skip my afternoon nap. Then my evening nap. Then, bedtime rolls around and I have to be swaddled in an effort to coax sleep from me. It doesn’t work. Because everyone is laughing and having fun and I don’t want to miss a second of it! And that’s when Daddy gets the call…

Grandma is holding me: My grandma is the best. She is warm and patient and happy… normally. But today she is not. She is holding me tight and kissing my head and I love that, but she isn’t smiling at me like she normally does. She normally looks at me and says “Monkey” - my family calls me Monkey - “you are my sunshine!” But today, my Dad puts a hand on her shoulder and asks, “You ready to go, mom?” and he is wearing black just like Grandma. He is not smiling, just like grandma. “Monkey,” she whispers, looking into my eyes - we have the same blue eyes - “Grandma just needs a little extra strength today.” And she looks so grim that I think maybe she has forgotten how to smile. So I show her how - eyes wide, lips parted, nose crinkled. Just the way she taught me to. And it is my first real smile, but I must do a good job with it because it works. Grandma remembers. Her whole face lights up. “Did you see that?” she asks my Dad. “He smiled at me!” And Dad remembers how to smile too. Mom goes to get the camera. “I needed that today,” Grandma says, giving me a little extra hug. “I need my boys…” “We’ll be here as long as we can, mom,” Dad assures her. And we are all smiling because grandma is holding me.

Lights: Turns out Dad can stay longer than Mom. Dad drags a folding table out from the garage and sets it up in Grandma’s attic with a computer and a headset. That is apparently all he needs to stay. But Mom has something called a job - she’s been talking about it for a few days now - and while I’m hazy on the specifics, apparently they don’t have these jobs in Tennessee. There is some debate about whether I need to go back to Florida with Mom or stay in Tennessee with Dad - but Grandma settles that debate the way she settles all my cries and fits. She hugs me tight and promises to take care of me. So I get to stay with Grandma and she takes me to look at Christmas lights in the nearest city. Christmas lights are the best thing ever. They sparkle and blink and change color and I can’t tear my eyes away. There are tons of people out, but none of them stop to look at the lights. They are rushing in and out of stores and talking on their phones and I can’t believe I am the only one mesmerized by these beautiful, miraculous things, like stars, but so close I could touch them. Every time Grandma tries to take me into the stores I cry - missing the lights so badly. “Monkey, don’t worry, I just want to get your picture with Santa,” she explains, but I don’t like it. Not until I see the blinking blue lights on the tree next to Santa. In the picture, Santa is smiling at the camera. I am smiling at the lights. Grandma is smiling at me.

Singing: On Christmas Eve Mom and Dad take me to church for the first time. The pastor pulls Dad aside and asks about Grandma. Several of the congregation gather around Mom to ask her questions. I get fussy as they find their seats and try to get situated with me between them. I whine a little because I want Mommy to hold me. Then I whine a little more when she moves her necklace out of my reach. I’m not sure about this whole church thing… and then the most glorious thing happens. Everyone starts to sing, all together, like the Froggie Song Daddy sings when he tries to comfort me, but louder. And all together. With a piano. And bells. It’s beautiful and I start to nod my head along with the music. Even when they stand up and light the candles, I am still bobbing along. It is so nice of everyone to sing for me. On the car ride home mom asks, “Do you think Silent Night is a lie? I mean, newborn baby, lots of barn animals, it can’t have been quiet, could it?” But Daddy doesn’t answer, he has his head bowed in prayer.

New PJs: When it’s time for bed, Daddy puts me in a new set of PJs. Unlike my old pajamas, these are fuzzy. They are also too big. Dad rolls up the sleeves so I can stick my little hands out, but there is nothing that can be done about the feet: they hang loose - past my toes - like little flippers, making me look less like their little Monkey and more like a frog. While I am getting used to the idea of fuzzy pajamas, I listen to Mom and Dad talk. “What kind of dad am I going to be - I couldn’t even get his pj size right?!” “So we’ll save them for a few months and then he can wear them.” “But it’s Christmas Eve, he’s supposed to have new pjs on Christmas Eve.” “So we’ll put him in one of the pairs your mom got him in Tennessee.” “You don’t get it.” "Is this maybe not about the pajamas?” I stretch my little fingers out and gently place them over the polka dots on the front of my jammies, running the soft, fur-like material over my palms. Suddenly, I’m a stuffed animal: soft and round and warm. I’m so happy I give a little kick. The feet on my new pajamas go “flip-flop”. It’s a fun noise, and the movement bounces my crib back and forth like it’s rocking. I do it again, harder. The crib rocks again. Without taking my hands from the soft fur - because I can’t stop petting the soft fur - I kick again, this time two in a row and the floppy noise from my flipper feet is so funny I give a little giggle. These are great - I wish all my jammies had flipper feet. “Honey, look at him!” “What’s he doing?” “Having fun.” “You think he likes them?” “I think he loves them. And he loves you. And your step dad loved you, too.” I fall asleep that night, little fists clutching the new soft pajamas, snuggled up so warm that I sleep for six hours straight.

Bouncer: Christmas morning Mom and Dad take all the paper off the things that they spent the last two days putting it on. I don’t get it. They hold up each object for me to look at afterward. I don’t know what any of them are. Mommy picks up a new stuffed monkey - she wiggles it over my face pretending it is kissing me. I cross my eyes, trying to focus on it, but it’s still a little too fuzzy. Daddy helps me put a new dinosaur teething ring in my mouth. I suck on it for a minute or two and then spit it out, because if there isn’t any milk, what’s the point? After the parade of things, they put me in my bouncer to make tea and call Grandma. I’m relieved to be back in my bouncer and so I kick to get a decent bounce going, one foot and then two, until I’m laughing and having a great time. My Grandma put me in my bouncer the week they brought me home from the hospital. I was too small to bounce myself then, and so she would push it for me. But now I’ve really grown into it, and I’m so good at it. Mom takes a sip of her tea from her new cat mug in the doorway and smiles. “All those new toys and the only thing he wants to play with is his old bouncer,” she chuckles as Dad joins her, putting an arm around her waist and offering her a bit of a Christmas cookie he’d been eating. “If it ain’t broke,” Dad sighs, and then with a sad smile, “I wish he could have had a better first holiday season.” But I don’t know what he’s talking about - I had the best holiday season!

#prose #writing #holidays #parenthood #new baby

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sohannabarberaesque · 5 months

Text

Postcards from Snagglepuss

So you're asking how the Thanksgiving dinner went ...

Trying not to be too predictable-sounding to the point of parroting the same general message here, I'd have to say "incredibly busy, but when all was said and done, who couldn't have asked for better?"

Never mind that the whole was in the classic "turkey-and-trims" manner, although we relied on turkey breast rather than the classical whole bird for the sake of ease. Still, the general craziness in the kitchen at Crazy Claws' retreat translated into an unbelievable sort of dinner which even the Hair Bears couldn't get enough of, and getting full rather quickly.

Commencing with a punch of cranberry and orange juices and ginger ale, concluding with pumpkin cheesecake and café aux chicory of the Puerto Rican sort ... in between, it was more or less the classic style, as I mentioned. And which my close friend, Huckleberry Hound even, couldn't resist, for the sake of tradition. Even with the mashed potatoes being a blend of more conventional and garlic such ... the stuffing being made from gifted Paxo, that peerless British cousin of Stove Top (and a tad more flavourful, for some reason) ... and the gravy made even more exceptional when pan drippings and Bisto came into the equation.

How much more filling did it have to get, even with ciabatta rolls taking the place of more conventional such, or even the notion of having pumpkin cheesecake in lieu of the more tradition-honoured pie, as well as coffee as noted before (more or less an hour or so after the dinner proper, to let folks rest things off from the effects of the turkey especially)?

But when it came to the cheesecake taking the place of pie as the dessert, perhaps the most enthused about the idea, aside from Huck and I, would have to be that peerless compadre of Touché Turtle, as in Dum-Dum. Even if such was ordered by way of an online food gift house for the sake of surprise, Dum-Dum was quick to explain that pumpkin cheesecake "might be more interesting than the overdone pumpkin pie as Thanksgiving dessert, a change of pace as well." Not to mention the Hair Bear crew, who, after some initial skepticism (especially with Square Bear, something of a culinary master himself), pronounced it "different, and then some." The Puerto Rican coffee bit, mind you, as noteworthy in that Puerto Rico is but one of two places in the United States with significant coffee production; thre chicory mainly to cut costs and produce a richer-tasting brew.

Well, all in all ...

*************

@warnerbrosentertainment @ultrakeencollectionbreadfan @jellystone-enjoyer @restroom @xdiver71 @archive-archives @thylordshipofbutts @thebigdingle @princessgalaxy505 @screamingtoosoftly @themineralyoucrave @warnerbros-blog1 @iheartgod175 @indigo-corvus @theweekenddigest @funtasticworld @warnerbrosent-blog

#hanna barbera #fanfic #fanfiction #thanksgiving #thanksgiving dinner #crazy claws #huckleberry hound and snagglepuss #yakky doodle #pixie and dixie #touché turtle and dum dum #wisconsin dells #love the dells #turkey and trims #so how did it all come out?#hannabarberaforever

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secretobsessionstuff · 2 years

Note

Maybe a Blair appendicitis one?

And Another Anon requested: could you do an appendicitis fic for blair where she mistakes it for bad period cramps but eventually dakota forces her to the emergency room? i love your fics!!

Because it's Thanksgiving weekend for all us Canadians, I figured I'd post this now since it's relevant.

CW: Major medical problem, mentions of hospital, and graphic description of vomiting!

------------------

The pain rose steadily throughout the morning and into the afternoon. It rose in intensity but sank deeper into Blair’s belly the more she moved. By noon, she had to waddled to the bathroom to change tampons. Every step there made the throbbing worse. Blair managed to make it out of the bathroom alive. She had lots of practice in dealing with the nauseating sensations. Yes, it was hell, but a familiar hell—the kind of hell she had to walk through nearly every month. By this point in her life, she was best friends with the ruler themselves.

Still, she couldn’t help but wince and hug her stomach as she walked down the hall. Dakota’s sudden presence in the narrow space made her jump. Being startled caused all the muscles in her stomach and back to tense up. More shooting pains, yay! She held onto the wall for support.

“Ah God, Kota, you scared me,” she said through clenched teeth.

“You’re the one scaring me,” he said, taking in her hunched over posture, “I can hear you moaning in pain from the bedroom. I’m guessing the heating pad didn’t work.”

“Yeah no,” she wheezed out.

“But it’s shaped like an elephant.”

“Surprisingly—” she paused to breathe and curse her uterus, “—that had no effect on its usefulness.”

“Well, did you see that the elephant has polka dots on it?” He smiled, but it was forced. “Maybe that’s the key to making it work.”

Blair patted his arm and waddled passed him. “I don’t think humour can fix this one.”

He followed after her. “This is a bad one, Bee. I’ve never seen you in so much pain.”

Blair fell back onto the bed and assumed the fetal position. “That’s because you didn’t know me in grade ten.”

“Regardless,” Dakota said as he came to sit on the edge on the bed, “You’re not doing well, babe.” He wiped the sweat from her brow with the washcloth he left on the bedside table. It wasn’t cold anymore. Her skin was warm, probably from lying in bed all day. The sheets were damp with sweat as well.

“Should I let Micah and Alexi know we can’t make it tonight?” he asked, trying to forget about the comforting meal that all their friends would have without then.

It was Thanksgiving, but Blair couldn’t find anything to be thankful for in that moment. She kept telling Dakota to be thankful that he didn’t have a temperamental organ that tore down its walls each new moon.

Despite her current mood and pain level, she shook her head. “No, don’t cancel our plans. Period cramps or not, I am eating some fucking mashed potatoes tonight and nothing can stop me.”

“Honey, there’s literally a puke bucket by my feet right now.”

“And it’s empty, isn’t it?” Blair was happy that she hadn’t needed to use the bucket, but she wasn’t thrilled that it had to be there in the first place. The nausea remained a dull constant. It hadn’t pushed her over the edge, and she planned to keep it that way.

Thanksgiving meant good food, and nausea wasn’t about to ruin that. There was going to be six of them at the dinner. The hosts, Micah and Alexi, were making the turkey and a green bean casserole. Madix and Riley were bringing the stuffing, glazed carrots, and apple pie. And Dakota and Blair were bringing the mashed potatoes, the gravy, and pumpkin pie. Fine, fine, Thanksgiving was also about appreciating loved ones, yeah, yeah. But potatoes! That was something to be thankful for.

So much food and Blair’s stomach was a tight ball of knots. She wanted to scream into her pillow. As much as she tried to play it off, this was a bad time for cramps. But it was also a really weird one. The pain was sitting higher than usual and seemed to favor one side over the other. But Blair was in too much discomfort to compare and contrast her period pain from the last decade. All she knew was that her belly was throbbing like every other time that this retched week came upon her.

“We’re supposed to be there in three hours, right?” she asked.

“Yeah.” Dakota watched her curl into a ball of misery. “But we don’t—”

“Yes, we do,” she interrupted, “I’m going to nap for two hours and then I’ll be good.”

“But—”

“Wake me up an hour before we have to leave.”

Dakota sighed, defeated. It wasn’t as if he could put up a fight. It was Blair’s body, and she knew what she could endure. The closest he ever came to understanding was when he had appendicitis. That had been the worse pain of his life, so he hoped Blair’s pain was nothing like that.

…

By 3pm everybody had arrived at Micah and Alexi’s house. The space was warmly lit and smelt like pumpkins from the candles burning in the living room. That was where they found themselves once everyone had set their dishes in the kitchen.

Madix and Riley looked dashing, sitting next to each other on the smaller couch. They both wore nice shirts for the occasion. Alexi had gotten dresses up as well and forced Micah to do the same. Of course, Micah didn’t last twenty minutes before throwing a hoodie over his better clothes.

“What?” he said when Alexi shot him a look. “I’m cold and this isn’t church.”

“Right, what did you call this?” Alexi asked.

“Friends-giving.” Micah said happily. “No homophobic relatives here.” He met Riley’s gaze on that last part.

“The house looks amazing, by the way,” Riley added, eager to move the conversation towards something light-hearted. He was right. The pumpkins outside greeted them at the door, and autumn themed decorations added warm colours to the interior.

Alexi rolled his eyes playfully at his boyfriend. “Micah went a little crazy at the décor store.”

“We’re glad you did,” Madix said to Micah.

Dakota was having trouble concentrating on the conversation because he could smell the food that his friends had prepared. Blair was having trouble as well because a knife was twisted into her abdomen. The two of them were being oddly quiet.

Blair did not have much energy to partake in the festivities. She felt guilty about huddling in the corner, but she couldn’t focus on anything other than the pain that radiated from her belly button. The nausea that had seemingly disappeared after her nap was back. And it was sharp. The pain too was no longer dull, but piercing.

There came an opportune moment when everyone was looking at the pictures from Micah and Alexi’s recent road trip, that Blair could shuffle to the bathroom. This way no one would ask her why she walked like the hunchback of Notre Dame.

She cradled her stomach, careful not to make big movements. She slowly lowered herself onto the floor by the toilet, certain that she wasn’t going to succeed at keeping the nausea at bay. Her vision swam as ripples of discomfort lapped at her insides. She imagined someone had dropped a stone in her belly and now rings of pain undulating from that sore spot.

The nausea spiked when an intense spasm of pain took over. She gagged over the toilet, feeling faint and hot. Sweat prickled at the back of her neck as she retched. The vomit splattered into the water below. The sound of her own heaving echoed in her ears, which morphed into a high ringing. Another gag tore up her throat. With each throbbing pulse, more of her stomach’s contents rushed up her throat.

Blair wanted to text Dakota, but her aching stomach made that impossible. The only thing she could do was whimper on the floor. The fact that no one came to the bathroom meant that they couldn’t hear her suffering.

But back in the living room, Dakota sensed that something was wrong. Blair had been gone too long. He was just about to check on her when Alexi stood up.

“Shall we start eating now?” he asked.

The fact Dakota wasn’t the one to mention food showed just how worried her was for his absent fiancée. “Blair’s not back from the bathroom yet.”

“Oh, no worries,” Alexi sat back down, “we’ll wait.”

“Actually,” Dakota was the one to stand now, “I think I’ll go check on her.”

Dakota’s heartrate sped up when he neared the bathroom. The sound of heaving came from the other side of the door. He knocked and let himself in. She was, as he expected, vomiting over the toilet. “Oh Bee, I’m here. I’m so sorry.”

He was sorry for all the mashed potatoes that she wasn’t going to be eating. He was sorry for the tears streaking down her face. He was sorry for the protective way she wrapped her arms around her torso.

“Gah,” Blair let out a thick sigh. The taste of sick filled her mouth. She spat into the water. “My belly hurts so bad, Kota. I can’t.”

“Shh, shh, I know.” He brushed her hair away from her face. Her skin was on fire. He was going to say something when she cried out in pain and fell back against his chest. “My God, Bee. What can I do?”

She just whimpered and hugged herself.

“Aw, baby,” Dakota enveloped her in his arms.

The only thing he could think to do was rub her stomach. He started low, knowing that was where the pain radiated from. When she didn’t protest his touch, he kept going. He pressed his palm and his fingertips into the soft skin of her stomach, moving back and forth across her midriff. He pressed his fingers into the left side, the middle, and the—

Blair gasped out loud and went rigid in his arms. Her cry was so loud that Dakota froze. The sudden outburst had terrified him, and he was scared to touch her again.

“Blair, I don’t like this,” he said, his tone more serious than it’s ever been. “I think we need to go to the hospital.”

“No,” she whined. “I can’t go to the hospital for cramps.”

“This can’t just be cramps.”

Dakota shook his head. They had to do something. Her face shone with sweat and seemed to hold a permanent grimace. But she didn’t move; she stayed curled on his lap.

“Maybe we should—” he began but was interrupted by a knock at the bathroom door.

“Is everything okay?” It was Madix. “We heard a yell.”

Thank fuck, Dakota thought. He called for Madix to come in.

Madix took in the scene: Blair whimpering in Dakota’s arms, shivering and tensing in pain. The smell of vomit in the air. Dakota’s terrified look in his eyes.

“Tell me what’s happening.” Madix knelt on the floor with them.

“She’s in so much pain, Mads.” Dakota looked to his friend as if they were drowning. “Please help. I think we need to go to the hospital, but Blair thinks it’s just cramps.”

“It is just cramps,” Blair insisted weakly.

Dakota shook his head so fast he thought his head would fly off. “I pushed on her stomach, and she yelled, and, and I think—I think she has a fever. She’s burning up, Mads, what do we do?”

“Alright, slow down,” Madix said calmly. “Take a deep breath. Kota, I’m talking to you too.”

Madix forced them both to inhale deeply. He waited until they finished their slow and controlled exhales before getting closer. “Good,” he said, reaching a hand out. “Blair, can I touch your stomach?”

She hesitated, but then nodded.

Madix lifted her shirt to expose her belly. He started with light palpations, moving around the area. “I’m going to press a little harder, okay?” When she nodded, he continued.

Without rushing, but with a knowing look in his eyes, he moved towards the right side of her belly. He pressed into her abdomen and quickly removed his hands, glancing at her expression as he did so.

But Madix did not need to watch her expression for signs of pain because as soon as he stopped applying pressure, she cried out again. “Stop, stop,” she pleaded, her voice cracking.

“Okay, no more. That’s it.” He raised his hands as if in surrender. He watched Blair’s body relax as much as it could with the pain still pulsing throughout.

He rubbed his hand over his mouth out of habit as he thought. He glanced up at Dakota who still looked helpless. The two of them had scars on their abdomens that Blair very much did not. “Blair, you do need to go to the hospital,” he told her. “It’s likely appendicitis.”

"Ugh God," Blair moaned, burrying her face in Dakota's lap.

“Right. Okay,” Dakota looked down at his poor fiancée. “You ready to stand up, babe?”

“No.” But she lifted herself off Dakota’s lap anyway. Her arms and legs wobbled. “Help me.”

“Oh, I’m not letting you go,” Dakota said obstinately. “You’re going to be so tired of my help by the end of this.”

Madix helped her stand as well and guided the two of them out of the bathroom. “We’re taking my car. I’m driving.”

“You don’t have to—” Dakota started, but Madix put a hand on his shoulder.

“Dude, you’re shaking.” Madix shook his head. “I swear, you two are the most stubborn people on the planet, and somehow you ended up together.”

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witch-and-her-witcher · 6 months

Note

Long time no see, Secret Santee!

Sorry about that, actually. Life ran me ragged for a week, and I was having a nightmarish time figuring out the plot I’ve been untangling on for the last few weeks for you, but I’m here to spread the good word that we’ve switched gears! That plot is a thing of the past and we are now—as of my epiphany 30 minutes ago—back on track to have a blast in December.

Nesta’s still going through it, but she’s going to be considerably happier about that this time around.

I’m planning to set up my own Christmas tree this weekend during my writing breaks, so I’ll ask some holiday questions this week! How early is too early to decorate for the holidays? What’s your favorite holiday dish (and least favorite, if you have one 👀)? And, finally, have you ever read any good holiday-themed books?

Hi, Santa!!! No worries about the hectic schedule - I hope things have calmed down and will remain so for you so you can properly enjoy the holiday season! ❄️

So so very excited for Nesta to go through it & for the change in direction I'm sure will be brilliant and seamless! 😍🙌 (Is this a reflection of head space? Did you need Nesta to be handling the horrors better than what you were trudging through? I project this so often ... Either my blorbos must so much better or much worse at coping than me. 🤭)

Oh, how exciting!! Do you follow any particular theme for your decor, either set or rotating? Or whatever you have collected along the way? 🌲 Any special treats you like to have while decorating??

There is never 'too early' to decorate, whether it's busy schedules or a need to feel the holiday spirit for as long as possible, I fully support the want to celebrate early! My favorite holiday dish will always be sweets because I have a rotten, rotten sweet tooth and it's hands down my Mama's pumpkin pie. (She even makes me extras so I can enjoy it for breakfast during the holidays as well hehe!) Least favorite - turkey. 🦃👎 Sorry 'bout ya', you're too damn dry.

As for holiday reads, there's several children's holiday themed books I've read and cherish with my littles ... But nothing for my age group! Any suggestions???

Thanks for letting me ramble, Santa! A gift unto itself! I can't wait to hear from you again! 🎅❤️🤍

#secret santa #someone gave cee too much sleep and coffee #asks

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mindful-of-ideas · 1 year

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A/N: Basically an excuse to write something fluffy and to write Scully x Mulder. Also, everything about religion comes from my own personal experience (changed a bit to fit the fic).

It had been quite a year. Starting college, finally finding a part-time job you liked, struggling to keep doing what you love and trying to not compromise your mental health in the midst of that. Now, it was finally Christmas. No more exams, no more end-of-semester parties, no more last-minute Christmas shopping. Just you, your mom, your dad, some turkey and mashed potatoes and the most beautiful Christmas tree.

Usually, on the night of the 24th, you would go to the midnight mass with your mom. You weren’t particularly religious, but you went anyway. Whether or not you believed in God and all that stuff didn’t really matter. It was more about spending time with your mom. The priest at your local church wasn’t half bad either. More open-minded than most even. Every year he would say something that actually touched you. Last year, it was about keeping in your prayers LGBT youths that get kicked out of their home and have to spend Christmas sometimes all alone. He even reminded people that they were accepting clothes, food and money to give to organizations that were helping them. It wasn’t a big part of the mass, but it was still a nice touch in your opinion.

But this year was different. You had worked all day, dealing with stressed-out customers, and couldn’t conceive staying up until midnight without taking a nap.

“I’m sorry, mom,” you said, “I’m just exhausted…”

“It’s okay, sweetie,” she said, kissing the top of your head, “but you actually get some rest alright?”

“Yeah, don’t worry.”

“I’ll go with you,” said your dad, coming from the kitchen.

“Fox, you don’t have to,” said Dana.

“No, I want to,” he said, pulling her closer to him, “Y/N, you’re fine with that?”

You were going to sleep anyway, what did it matter.

“Yeah! You two have fun.”

As you were settling on the couch, finding pillows and the fluffiest blanket, they got ready to go out.

“Make sure the turkey doesn’t burn down the house,” called your dad as they stepped outside.

“Sure,” you mumbled, already half asleep.

After that, you fell asleep quite quickly. Not even the twinkling Christmas tree standing right in front of you could keep you awake.

You didn’t know how long you slept like that. When you woke up, you could smell the turkey was none ready. Well, all of dinner was ready as you could now smell the pie cooking in the oven. The tree was twinkling even brighter than before as the lights had been dimmed and slow music was playing. You looked away from the tree to try and find where the music was coming from when you saw them, your parents.

Your dad had wrapped his arms around your mom’s shoulder. One of his hands was resting on top of her shoulder as if it was holding her head but had gotten tired. His cheek was ever so lightly resting on the left side of her head. Even if he was well taller than her, it didn’t feel like he was towering over her. It was more as if his body was protecting her from the outside world.

Your mom had rested her head on your dad’s right shoulder. As they turned and she faced you, you saw that her eyes were closed. Her arms were wrapped around him, going back up until they almost touched his shoulder. She wasn’t exactly gripping onto him but it was clear she was going to let go.

There was something about this, about them, they made you feel so safe, even if you weren’t part of it. The way the Christmas lights were lighting them from behind, the music almost too soft to be heard, and the way they were holding each other like nothing else mattered made you feel calm and anchored after all you’d been through.

You lifted yourself up on the couch, sitting, trying to make as less noise as possible. As they turned again, you caught your dad looking at you. He smiled and winked. You just smiled in return. This was their moment. Just watching was enough and you didn’t want to interrupt it.

They kept on dancing and once again, your dad was facing you. This time, he mouthed for you to come join them. You shook your head and mouthed ‘I’m fine’ in return. He rolls his eyes, but soon enough, he’s out of sight again.

He never sped up the dance yet the third time he came to face you seemed to be there faster. Once again he asked you to come join them. You refused as he gestured for you to come. You wrapped your arms around your knees bringing them closer to your chest, making it clear that you were going to stay seated on the couch. But as your dad turned away, you caught the eyes of your mom. She smiled at you fondly before closing them again and burying her face in your dad’s shoulder.

And for the fourth time, your dad faced you.

“Come on Y/N,” he said, gesturing once more for you to come.

This time, you got up. He opened his left arm, letting you snuggle right next to your mom. As you joined their dance, he hugged the both of you tighter. Just as you were about to complain, your mom freed her arm and wrapped it around your waist. She kissed the side of your head. You giggled as she did so.

“Merry Christmas,” she said.

“Merry Christmas,” you answered, letting your head rest on your dad’s chest.

Your dad kissed the top of your head, mumbling something you couldn’t understand. He did the same with your mom, lingering there for just a bit longer.

#mindful-of-ideas #x-files imagine #mulder imagine #scully imagine #fox mulder imagine #dana scully imagine #x-files #x files #mulder #scully #fox mulder #dana scully #mulder x scully #scully x mulder

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