Thin, shaky fingers typed as fast as they could on a tiny phone. The series of dots and dashes stared back at Makkari. She then threw the phone on the ground and stomped on it as hard as she could. Her breath going up into the cold night air. She blew air into her hands before retreating back inside to the lair. Its tall dark windows that once held hope and light were cold and towering above her now.

She despised this place now, but she remembered why she stayed for the others on her team. BUt now it seemed she stayed for nothing being the only one still having to work under Ikaris. He became a tyrant hellbent on destroying everything that the Robinhoods used to stand for. He succeded in that tenfold and now he was the big bad of Del Mar.

Thanks to his reckless decisions it landed him on the Queen of the Assasin's hit list. Which is what Makkari was hoping for. If anyone could take out Ikaris it would be Harpy. After all that's what she did best take out the best of the bad. Makkari just hoped her last resort would get her message before then. That's all she could hope for.

Druig woke up to the sound of his phone dinging he haphazardly shuffled around for it on the nightstand. Grumbling, he may have been a criminal but that didnt mean he didnt like his sleep. The late wee morning messages were always interrupting his sleep. He usually turned his phone off because of it. He'd be The Rook when the sun was up not before that. His eyes shot open at the message on the screen. He threw the blankets off him with haste, pulled on his boxers, slipped on his discarded socks and bolted through the penthouse to the elevator.

"FUCK…fuck…no!" he screamed.

Getting into the elevator he placed his hand on the screen and pushed another button that appeared out of the panel when his hand was scanned. And down the elevator he went to his lover's lair. He tapped his foot incesstly.

As he watched the elevtor descend to the floors below. When the elevator got to the lair he slipped though its doors before they could open fully, his phone still clutched in his hands. He ran down the hallway as fast as his legs could carry him, his heart racing and nerves on edge.

"MAUVE!!!"

Mauve whipped around at the urgent cry of her name out of Druig. She looked confused then instantly concerned. She ran up to him, he was breathing rapidly.

"Baby…what's wrong?" Mauve asked him.

"M-Makkari…she's in danger." Mauve looked at him in shock. Then she hugged Druig. and whispered in his ear.

"I'll kill Ikaris, baby. Don't you worry. He's flown too close to the sun this time."

Druig relaxed in Mauve's arms holding on to her resting his head on her shoulder. Calmness washed over him before he spoke.

"I'll help you." He told.

Mauve massaged her hands in the middle of his back and felt the tension and adrenaline cool it's self over him. He shivered under her embrace.

"You sprinted all the way down here without a shirt." Mauve told him.

He shook his head. Mauve threw her hoodie at him and he scrambled to put it on before another cold shiver hit him. Mauve went over to her computer slid into her comfy chair and started typing away on the keyboard.

A few moments later all her files on Ikaris came up rapidly across the four screens. Mauve saw Druig's reflection in the screen his face furrowed eyes squinting. He cracked his knuckles. Glaring at the screen, teeth clenched a death stare in his eyes.

Ikaris would be a dead man soon.

Mauve got dressed gathering all her supplies for this hit mission. She put the ear piece in her ear, put on her black leather gloves, and black steel toes boots. She put her battle star gun on her hip holster. Looked in the mirror and was satified with her self. She turned around to help Druig who hadn't said a word all through their suit up process.

She went to go help him put on the bulletproof vest. Strapping it to his body and pulling his jacket over top of it all. Mauve massaged the sweet spot on the back of his neck a bit and he relaxed into her touch. His arms made their way to her waist and held on softly for a moment.

"Relax, baby. You know the plan." Mauve told him.

Druig hummed.

"hunt, infiltrate, take out." Druig responded.

Mauve nodded and backed away out of his arms.

Just then a jetblack sports car glided into the lairs garage.

Druig looked up as he grabbed his knuckles and his skull mask. Fred idled in the cars driver side.

"Let's go kill this asshole!" He exclaimed.

Druig got in the back seat and Mauve got in the front.

"You got your flamethrower in here, Hellfire?" Mauve asked.

"I always do."

"Good, to Del Mar!"

With that Rook, Hellfire & Harpy. the three nightmares were off on a destroy mission.

2 hr drive later…

It was nearing towards midnight and Ikaris was wrapping up one of his training sessions. He wiped his brow with his hand and caught the towel thrown at him by Makkari. It was a dark and windy night a storm must have been coming in either tonight or tomorrow. The winds were whipping up leaves and things on the ground. Rain had just started to fall on the roof Makkari could see it fall outside the window. Ikaris had walked away by now else where into the compound.

Makkari saw a flash of lighting light up the sky and saw the outline of a car with no headlights. Was she seeing things? She shook her head at it and went off on her checking the security duties again.

She flipped through the compound's camera's checking all the screens before she locked it for the night. She clicked through the backdoor feed and saw three figures gliding across the back wall. she zoomed in futher and recognized one of the masks. Skull teeth on the face part. She gasped in relief.

It was Druig! He did get her distresss call.

She pushed the unlock button, grabbed her motorcycle key, and went to go distract the other guards.

Harpy, Hellfire and Rook snuck around the compound after the lock was clicked open.

Rook was the leader of the other two peering around corners so Hellfire dropped smoke bombs behind guards not paying attention then Harpy knocking them out cold.

"Go find Kari, Hellfire. We'll go after Ikaris." Harpy spoke into the comm.

"Copy." Then Hellfire split up from them his flame thrower in his hand.

Harpy and Rook made their way into the main room of the compound. The rain outside had picked up to a full down pour at this point. It was very fitting as they creeped towards where Ikaris might have been.

All of a sudden alarms and red lights started to blare and doors locked. Harpy and Rook looked at eachother quickly and ran as fast as they could towards the main room before they were locked in the hallway. They got in the door as soon as it shut.

Ikaris was standing in the middle of the room waiting for them. He laughed darkly.

"You can't kill me, Harpy." Ikaris bellowed to the room.

"I know you're here!" He continued.

Rook watched Harpy square her shoulders, put both hands on her blaster, stand up and walk towards Ikaris blaster in front of her and a death glare on her face. He gripped his brass knuckles and went around the other way to suprise him from behind.

"Ah there she is, hello luv." Ikaris sneered.

Harpy scoffed at him. "You've been on my list for a while you prick."

Ikaris cackled.

"Murder, kidnapper, criminal, embezzlement…" Mauve listed off.

"your reckoning has come Ikaris." She sneered.

Ikaris laughed at her.

"You're just as dirty as i am, sweetheart." Ikaris says as he starts to circle Mauve just as she is doing to him.

Mauve let out a evil laugh. "I'll use your blood as bread for my toast, and feed your bones to my dogs. I'm far worse than you can imagine."

He flinched and his confidence slipped for a bit and that's all Harpy needed. She pulled the trigger on her blaster and a battle star sliced his face and arm. He stared to scream and bleed.

"You bitch!" he shouted. And went after her. Hitting and trying to kick her. Harpy slid out from his grip and kicked him hard Ikaris screamed. Rook watched Harpy fight Ikaris they were meeting eachother punch for punch, kick for kick.

But Harpy kept getting back up and dragging him down to the ground. She somehow got on his back and started to strangle him when he flipped her on her back and slammed her hard on the floor. Harpy stayed down this time. a strangled noise coming from out of her.

Rook sprang into action just as Ikaris raised his boot to kick her. Ikaris did not see the punch to his face coming as Rook hit him just where Harpy probably broke something in their tussle prior.

Ikaris knelt over on his knees he looked up at Druig slowly then surprised.

"I thought you we're dead punk." Ikaris spat blood out of his mouth to the floor.

Druig scoffed. "You can't kill me that easy."

Rook told taking his stance and putting his boot to Ikaris side. Ikaris let out a gargled laugh.

"You don't have it in ya….to kill me do ya?" he taunted.

Druig stompped hard on his shoulder Ikaris screamed in agony.

"You've hurt people I care about, your the reason Ajak and Sersi are DEAD!"

He screamed putting his foot on his chest now.

Ikaris tried to move his foot with his hands. But Druig pinned him down with his weight. Making sure his boot crushed into his chest.

Ikaris grabbed the closest thing which was a book and threw it at Rook which got him off of him. Ikaris snached Rook by his shoulders and hit him repetedly. Both men were screaming either from pain, agony and anger.

Harpy reached for her blaster gun and looked beside her at Ikaris over Rook she took aim at Ikaris's and pulled the trigger. She watched the sharp star pierce through his gut and he dropped on top of Rook. He pushed him off and watched Ikaris bleed to death on the floor.

Harpy and Rook smiled at the same time.

"It's over."

Druig wiped his arm across his face a mix of his blood and sweat ran down his cheeks. He went over to Harpy. And carefully helped her off the ground. She winced a bit.

They were both breathing heavily looked at eachother tiredly, Mauve grabbed Druig by his collar and leaned her head against his.

He hugged her letting out a chuckle of relief and tapped her suit armor with his finger. Mauve just shook her head understanding.

Soon they heard footsteps running towards them, Rook grabbed Harpy's gun and aimed it ready at whatever surprise came around the corner. He lowered it when he saw Makkari and Hellfire.

"Thank Fuck!" Harpy told.

"Thank you, Harpy." Makkari signed.

Harpy nodded. And signed back to Makkari. "You're free to go wherever you want & do whatever you want." Makkari looked around then told Harpy.

"I'll join you."

Druig smiled.

"Wait i have one more thing to do, before i leave." Makkari told.

Harpy, The Rook & Hellfire watched Makkari take expensive bottles of Vodka Ikaris had and smash them all over the floor and topped it all with lighter fluid.

Hellfire handed her his lighter and she threw it in the mess watching as the fire engulfed the entire compound to flames and ashes.

Ikaris's castle was going up in flames as The Rook, Harpy, Hellfire & Makkari watched it from a safe distance.

"Welcome to The Nightmare's Makkari." Mauve told.

Makkari rode her motorcycle beside Fred's sports car as they left the lair burned to the ground as the rain doused the flames while it was still a blaze.

Passed out in shotgun was Harpy and in the backseat was Druig. The ride back to Ominous City was a quiet one but defiantly a silence they all understood and respected.

A new era of The Nightmares was just beginning.

Mauve sat at her desk rubbing a smooth object in her hand looking at her computer screen at the blinking cursor. She stared at the words pondering some more. She was confused in her own thoughts recently.

Should I leave my vengeance for Omis city worst to rest or should I offer my services to those that want vengeance themselves but cant get it?

Her grip on the stone was firmer this idea had been bothering her for some time. Till she had a realization…Why not do both? She had the man power to do it and the resources. So why not?

Mauve hummed and started to type on her computer adding more notes to the page. FIngers dancing over the keyboard typing away.

"Yes….this is going to work perfectly." she mumbled to herself.

Druig, Fred, Kingo and Phastos mingled around the conference room table they were waiting for Mauve. Fred cancelled his botty call for this evening meeting. Pick Your Poison had closed 30 minutes ago. When Mauve texted them all in the group chat.

"Why M call us all here this late anyway?" Fred complained.

"As if you were doing anythin important anyway." Druig told.

"M always knew how to kill my--" Fred mumbled.

"We can all hear you, you know that right?" Phastos told.

Fred ran his hands down his face and groaned. this had better be good otherwise him & M would have another one of their sibling fights in front of this whole room. and that would be terrible for everyone.

Druig heard her footsteps from down the hallway and smiled. When she reached the room everyone looked at her.

"Evening Nerd's glad you could make it." Mauve looked at Fred with a smile.

"What's up with the 3am text? M I was busy!!" Fred told through gritted teeth.

Mauve scoffed.

"Everyone knows nothing good happens after 3am." She threw at him. Druig and Kingo hid their snickers. Mauve smirked at her crew.

"I have a plan that'll take us to the next levels in business." Mauve told dropping a folder down on the table.

"How?" Kingo told taking the folder.

Mauve explained everything to them in detail. How to make PIck Your Poison not just a bar but a HQ for people to make requests and hire out their many patrons. Assassins for hire. They had various types of patrons with mercenary, creative, and criminal skills that could use other places to hang out besides the bar. So M figured. Why not give them jobs?

"Who's going to be in charge of this?" Kingo asks.

"You and Phastos." M told.

"You need day jobs, something that'll make it look like someone is running the place and actually there." M explained.

Kingo nodded.

"We'll have two menus…one you can sit and just have a drink. The other you gotta know a code so you can ask for a specifc person."

"Hellfire, Rook & Myself can be requested. But its up to us to take the request or not. And No Fred you can't use it to get more booty calls." Mauve told

Fred slammed his fists on the table.

"Druig, I need you to tell all the people on the ground about it." He nodded.

Mauve gave out more details about her plans for the bars new branding and gave Kingo and Phastos all the tools they needed to pull it off. Once they asked all their questions the men got up to leave.

Druig and Fred stayed behind with Mauve.

"Your cover is cute, M. And it'll get off the ground eventually." Druig told looking at her suspiciously.

"But what are you really up to?" Fred asked looking at her curiously.

A smile spread across Mauve's face.

"You two know me too well." Mauve said.

"my reputation is known. Let's use it to our advantage." M told with a smile.

"Same. We've made a name for ourselves." Fred spoke proudly.

"Aye we have, to the people that know our wrath they call us nightmares…bad dreams that dont go away no matter how hard they try." Druig told.

"I like the sound of that…The Nightmares."

"So who are we takin out next?"

"I'm glad you asked."

Mauve pushed a button and a smartboard appeared out of the ceiling with a list of all the major supervillains still left in Omis that she wanted to kill; with Fred & Druig's help they could make this work. And finally bring down the worst of the worst, once and for all.

You kissed him on the cheek, looking for something more. The brash ring of the phone interrupted you.

Thor went over to pick it up. “Odinson.” He paused, worry furrowing his brow. “Volstagg? Are you alright, old friend?”

You frowned as you watched him. Thor cradled his phone in the crook of his shoulder as he rummaged for paper and a pen. He quickly wrote down some details. “Of course I can, worry not. Now, you and the little ones should rest up, for your wife’s sake and your own.”

“Is something wrong with Volstagg?” you asked, as he hung up his landline.

“He has the flu, and can’t play Santa at the Yule market this week. He asked me to fill the role in his stead.” Thor scratched his greying beard. “I must start tonight, do you mind, kjær?”

He knew that you’d planned a weekend of holiday films.

“Of course not, darling! Do you need any help?”

“No, it seems straightforward enough. I pick up the costume and necessary beard, then I spend the next few evenings delighting children.”

“And quite a few parents, I’d imagine,” you added playfully.

Thor laughed, sweeping you into a tight embrace. “Unfortunately for them, my heart only belongs to Mrs Claus.”

You booped him on the nose. “And don’t you forget it.”

———

After work, you visited Thor on a few days of Santa duty, bringing him coffee and warm food for his short breaks. You watched how attentively he listened to every child that sat on his knee, his smile and laugh joyful beneath the fake beard.

He was happy to take photos and accept letters and lists, and being Uncle Thor to Volstagg and Fandral’s kids had taught him the rare art of making children laugh through their tears.

You thought that being Father Christmas suited him. Though your plans were waylaid, seeing him amongst the market stalls- with their twinkling lights, decorations, and the smells of Christmas surrounding you- felt better than anything you could have thought up.

And once in a while, Thor’s eyes would flicker to you, and the twinkle in his eyes would grow brighter.

On his last night, with Volstagg smoothly on his way to recovery, Thor came home. He was still in his Santa suit, his false beard carefully put away for cleaning. The market organisers had given him a gift of wassail, a holly wreath and homemade cakes as a thank you for stepping in so suddenly.

He came back to you victorious, holding the box aloft.

“Father Christmas has returned, vennen, with gifts!” He looked around and unbuttoned the intricately embroidered Santa jacket, revealing his white undershirt and a hint of his hairy chest.

Mistletoe decorated each doorway, and the hearth now had an overflowing garland of pine and baubles. Thor smiled, pleased that you were making the cottage your home. 

As he turned to place the box down, you emerged from the hall, standing still at the doorway.

“Santa baby.”

Thor turned. He could hear music drifting from the back of the cottage. You were draped in gold tinsel, with fuzzy reindeer antlers on your head, in the midst of decorating the bedroom.

His eyes brightened. “You look like Christmas.”

“So do you. C’mere.”

He didn’t hesitate, moving to your side. He followed tradition and kissed you deeply, tasting of warm honey and cinnamon. 

“I have to say, seeing you in this costume does something to me. It suits you. Especially when it’s half-undone.” It wasn’t just his kiss that left you breathless. 

You could see hints of his tattoos peeking out, now that the beard and gloves were gone. It made his costume seem different somehow, more rugged. He looked less like jolly old St Nick and more like a yuletide god of old. It suited him very much.

Thor’s eyes became hooded, his smile transforming into a knowing smirk. “Does it now? Well, should I give you the custom Santa experience?”

You nodded, making the antler headband jingle. You both laughed at the absurdity of it.

His voice deepened, becoming serious. “Have you been a good girl this year?”

You shivered at his deep timbre. “Oh, I’ve been very good, Santa.”

He traced his thumb over your cheek. “Well, I’ve checked my list twice, and you have made my nice list this year. What would you like for Christmas this year?”

“Well Santa, I’d like to get a tattoo with my gorgeous boyfriend. If he holds my hand,” you added.

Thor’s eyes widened. “Really, my love?”

You nodded. “I need to catch up with you, don’t I?”

You could see Thor’s brain turn off for a brief moment. You tugged his hair. “Thor, honey? Are you alright?”

“I did not think that you could be more magnificent, but the thought of you with tattoos-” His voice drifted off, his eyes dreamy. “Yes, this is a most wonderful gift to give you.”

He looked at you, his eyes fierce. “That is a gift that will take some planning. But you deserve an immediate present for your unwavering goodness, one that I can happily provide.”

He plucked the mistletoe from the door frame and placed it in your hands. “Wherever you hold this mistletoe, I shall kiss. Choose wisely, min kjære.”

With a cheeky grin, you held it over your head.

“Ah, a traditionalist.” Thor kissed you with a charming sweetness.

You moved the mistletoe lower, over your chest. 

Thor’s smile was conspiratorial. “Perhaps you’re a bit naughty after all.” He lavished attention on your breasts, removing the tinsel garland and pulling the front of your dress down to ardently kiss them until your giggles became breathy.

Your hand slowly moved lower. Thor followed, placing soft, chaste kisses on your stomach as you held him close to you, softly humming carols.

He looked up at you. Your hand moved lower. He stood, his face grave.

“Vennen, this will require proper fortification if I am to give you the gift you deserve. Excuse me for a moment.”

He stood and went into the kitchen. He opened the wassail bottle and took a large swig. 

You laughed incredulously. “Really, bunny?”

“You know that I take gifting very seriously, my love. You may want to sit down.”

“Oh no, Thunderbuns, I expect you to hold me up if my legs give out.”

Thor gave a small nod of assent. He stretched before collecting a large cushion from the sofa. He placed it down in front of you and dropped to his knees. He draped your leg over his shoulder, keeping you steady against the wall. He ignored your fuzzy elf socks, nothing would distract him from his goal.

He slowly kissed a trail up your thigh, his eyes focussing on the curve of your lips as you took in a shuddering inhale. 

He disappeared underneath your dress. You grinned. In a second he’d see your surprise for him, namely your missing underwear. 

As his lips and tongue found their treasure, your hands scrabbled against the wall as you tried to brace yourself.

You shut your eyes in bliss. A molten jolt of pleasure shot to your core. Thor held you, forcing you to curve your back to remain against his greedy, perfect mouth. 

Your head fell back. All you could do was accept the gift so expertly given. Your fingers twitched as they moved through his braided hair. 

He’d have you over his knee after this, ass sore as a punishment for letting him do such naughty things to you. And after that he’d ensure that you were properly stuffed, his smile as jolly as ever. 

And through it all, one phrase kept escaping your lips. “Thank you, Santa baby! Thank you!”

Neville & Ruby sat on the couch in their living room stuffing their daughters Charlie & Daphne's stockings. Mars their cat lounged in front of the fire. The girls were away at Hogwarts and would come home soon for the Holiday. They had a big surprise for them when they'd arrive home.

Neville stuck his wand in their stockings and mumbled a spell. And he smiled proudly.

"It's done Rue!" Ruby came up and kicked him on his cheek.

"Good, now all we do is wait."

A few more days passed and soon Daphne & Charlie were home. They burst through the front door with Neville behind them and Mars their mane Coon ran towards them rubbing himself all over them as they greeted and pet him. saying how much they missed him. Neville and Ruby smiled at them and levitated their trunks into the house.

Charlie plopped on the couch in a gratifying thud. "Ive missed it being this warm!"

"Everywhere in the castle it's so cold, Daddy!" she exclaimed.

Neville looked at Ruby knowingly.

"Well you wont have to worry about being cold too much longer, Charlie."

"What'd you mean?" Daphne asked. hanging up her coat and scarf on the coat rack.

"We've got an early Christmas gift for you, sprouts." Neville teased giving each of his daughters their own stocking.

Charlie opened hers and heard something odd. Then she looked inside of it and her face dropped open.

"NO WAY!!"

Daphne looked inside hers.

"WE'RE GOING TO THE BEACH?!" Daphne screamed excitedly.

"YES! I finally get to see Turtles!!!!" Charlie squealed with joy.

"When do we leave?" The girls asked together.

"Christmas eve."

"That's in two days, pack everything you need for the beach and we'll floo out of here, presents and all."

Daphne and Charlie jumped with excitement and ran to their room.

Ruby rested her head on Neville's shoulder. "I think they love their Christmas gift, Nev." Neville agreed.

Christmas Eve came fast and soon Ruby, Neville, Daphne and Charlie were all dressed up in their annual matching holiday Pjs to go to the beach. They were matching argyle this year just like Neville's many many sweaters he adorned. the girls insisted on wearing them to the beach house, matching sunglasses and all. Soon they were all gone in a POOF!

Neville waved his wand and their suitcases unpacked themselves. Instead of the cold, snow and pine trees. The Longbottom's had endless sun, beach waves, and warm temperatures.

Charlie got to learn how to surf. She was nervous at first but hearing her Mum and Daphne cheer her on from shore gave her confidence to try again.

Neville gave her a thumbs up from his spot in the waves idling with the instructor.

She paddled out found a wave and stood up when it was the right time just like she was shown she gulped then popped up on the surf board and started to grin at herself when she was up and wasn't wobbling.

"WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!" Charlie screamed excitedly.

Neville cheered, and whistled. Charlie was beaming from ear to ear after the paddled back to her Dad.

"I DID IT DADDY! DID YOU SEE ME?" Neville nodded incessantly. And smiled proudly at his youngest daughter.

"You did Amazing Charlie!"

"I wanna do it again!"

Ruby and Neville took their daughters to the botanical gardens and Ruby watched Neville tell his kids everything about the plants there and they even got ornaments of the plants they saw.

Daphne and Charlie started making a sand castle in the sand and with the souvenirs they had so far they decorated it like it was a tree. When they got back to the beach house Neville waved his wand and conjured lights to put on the palm trees. his kids put ornaments they brought from home on the palm trees barks that stuck out. Ruby transfigured some shells she found along the beach into ornaments as well.

Daphne went to go grab her wand and Charlie's santa hat and took it back outside to the makeshift tree and levitated the santa hat till it was on top of the palm tree. It was askew but it was up there.

"Now it's a tree!" Ruby smiled.

Neville and Ruby told their daughters stories before they were born about their adventures to this beach house. Any many more stories till they were fast sleep in front of the fake fireplace. Ruby threw a blanket over them both and somehow get their bonnets on their heads without waking them up.

"I think this will be a Christmas they never forget, Nev." Ruby whispered as she snuggled into her husbands chest.

"Good."

He responded before kissing Ruby and drifting off to sleep.

The open sign turned off, Were closed replaced it in the window and chatter among the staff and crew of Pick Your Poison clustered together at the bar top. Kingo pulled out from behind the bar the spare ice bowl for the drinks and tapped a glass on the top of it. Everyone settled down to listen to him talk.

"OK, everyone this time were doing Secret Santa! Gifts can't be over $20! Yes you have to participate!" He told glancing at Druig in the corner booth with Mauve beside him.

"Close your eyes and pick a name! No peeking!"

He told shaking the bowl of paper with names already written on tiny slips of paper. One by one the bartenders, dishwashers and everyone on the crew had closed their eyes and picked a name. Druig growled at his pick, while Mauve questioned hers.

"You all have until the Holiday party in two weeks to decided what to get! This will be fun!" Kingo exclaimed.

"Who'd you get M?" Fred asked.

"Marissa, I have no idea what to get her she only works weekends." Mauve told.

"She's easy, she likes nice smelling things."

Mauve looked at him suspiciously.

"I'm not going to ask how you know that."

"Better that ya dont." Fred mumbled.

The Holiday party came quick it was at Fred's a couple of the bartenders and staff had made main dinner and everyone else brought sides to share. Giving Fred & Mauve's staff the party off to be with their families. It was nice. Everyone ate and grabbed their drinks to move to the living room for Secret Santa. Kingo looked under the tree and handed out the gifts in his ugly Christmas sweater and purple Santa bedazzled hat.

"Fred!"

"Marissa."

"Makkari!"

Once everyone had gotten their gifts that's when Kingo sat down and opened his.

Fred turned looking at Mauve beside him she didn't have a badly wrapped gift in her lap.

"M did you get one?" He whispered to her. She shook her head no.

"It's fine Freddie…" she whispered back quietly.

Fred knew Mauve better than that it was not fine. He got up from his spot. Mumbled a quick "wait a min."

He came back with a medium sized box and a big grin on his face. He handed the box to Mauve.

"Merry Christmas, Mauve. Open it" Fred told her.

Mauve looked at Fred then looked at the neatly wrapped box and smiled at it. Putting down her drink to unwrap it.

Inside were gloves with M etched onto them they were made out of leather with a matching hat and a scarf, they were also her favorite color and when Mauve put them on they were warm on the inside.

She smiled wider.

"I love this…thank you Freddie." Mauve told him.

That made Fred warm on the inside.

“Parker?! Can’t call you puny anymore, huh? Lookatcha!” You slapped his arm and he swallowed a noise. “Fucking imagine seeing you here!”

You still had a filthy mouth, it appeared. And fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. That was his old jean jacket you were wearing. The sleeves cut off to accommodate your meaty arms.

God, he wanted you to throw him like a javelin. He couldn’t contain himself.

“H-hi, Y/n.”

“Aww, listen to that mousy ass voice! Sure takes me back. What the hell are you doing here? I figured you’d’ve graduated early and be getting your masters by now or some shit.”

He was touched at the brash version of a compliment you just gave him. His eyes widening in a simper. “You did?” Technically that had been his plan until the spider bite waylaid him.

“Yeah, you were smart as shit! I know, I copied all your homework!” You laughed brightly like the way you bullied him was a joke. He should not be blushing right now.

“Th-thanks. Um, I guess I planned that but things didn’t work out. Aunt May needed me and um, U-uncle Ben…”

“Oh, fuck,” you said suddenly, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Christ, I remember seeing that, Parker. I’m sorry, of course that was some shit. Fucking bullshit, I remember being so pissed when I heard it I broke my bedroom door off its hinges.”

Jesus Christ, he was in love with you. The fact that you cared enough about his uncle you lashed out much like he did. Peter swallowed. “Thanks, Y/n, that means a lot.”

You shook your head. “Man, sorry to bring up heavy shit, don’t wanna bring your day down. I’ma get outta here, but good to see you lookin’ well.”

“Wait!” Peter practically shouted even though you hadn’t even really left his side yet. “Um, I’d… love to catch up? If you want to? I, uh, don’t have anything going on this evening if you wanted to grab a coffee or…”

You blinked at him. “Parker, you askin’ me out?”

His face flushed completely. “If that’s okay?”

You barked a laugh. “Gimme your phone.”

He handed it over quickly, you typed in a code and shook your head as it unlocked. Holy fuck you knew his birthday. His heart was gonna fall out his ass. You tapped on it for a few seconds before handing it back and he looked down to see you had sent a text to yourself. “From the nerd,” it said.

“I’ll hit you up later, Parker.”

“Okay. Bye… Y/n…”

He watched dazed as you walked away. He looked down at his phone where you’d just typed your name in like normal. Then he edited it, adding a little blue heart.

💪🏽

Flakes of snow were falling from the sky, the sounds of people talking, and the sounds of christmas music was in the air. You were walking through the snow your feet crunching on the snow that was already there. It had been a hectic hell of a week at your job so when your partner George asked if you wanted to go to a winter festival in his neck of the woods you were estatic!

You walked down a alley behind the Leaky Cauldron and tapped the bricks and walked down the twisty brick road. You'd been down this street so much you could see it in your sleep. A smile etched itself on your face as you saw the shop that George had with his brother. You always thought it was funny that it had a giant head with a top hat and a rabbit that dissapeared on top all the time.

George stepped out of the shop door locking it behind him. He checked his watch then looked up and saw you.

"Hello, luv!" He greeted you. Holding out his hand to you.

You took it and kissed him.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

You shook your head.

You two walked hand in hand towards the towns square.

"Do you not have gloves, darling?" You shook your head no.

George then gave you his. You tried to protest but he wasnt having it.

"I have a spell that can make my pockets warm, my hands will be fine. Now will you take my gloves?"

How could you argue with that. So you did.

You reached the square and the trees had icicles, tinsel, lights and decorations around them. Their were snowman that waved, kids playing in the snow, booths that were giving out bowls or mugs of steaming soups, chili and hot chocolate. In the middle of it all was a frozen pond that had walls put up around it and people were skating on it.

Your eyes lit up with excitement.

"Let's go ice skating, Georgie!" You exclaimed.

"Sure, but i haven't done it since i was at least 15, luv." George told.

"You'll be fine!" you told pulling him over to the skate rental.

You were pulling on your skates, tieing them up and pulling George along with you.

You scooted to the ice and moved around it effortlessly. George on the other hand his legs were kind of shaky. You skated back to him, laughing.

"Just shuffle a bit like this." You showed him while moving your feet. George copied and soon he had started to remember what it was like to skate.

"You've got it! Now move!" You encouraged.

George started to move and surprised himself cause he didnt fall.

He looked at you with a twinkle in his eye. Then took off as quick as he could.

"Hey!" You shouted. Then skated after him. You could hear him laughing.

"You tricked me!" You told once you caught up to him.

"No, I didn't! I said i havent done this in fifteen years love, I didnt forget." He chuckled.

He turned too quick and took a tumble to the ice. You laughed at him.

"You distracted me with your beautiful face!"

"You tricked me, luv." He laughed too.

You came back still laughing and spun to a stop. You held out your hand to him helping him steady to get up.

"Your a little shit Weasley." you told poking his coat.

He chuckled back at you.

"But you still love me." He sang.

You smiled. You in fact did very much.

"come on lets go around a few more." You told.

"Sure."

George reached for your hand and you put yours in his and you two skated hand in hand around a few more times. Before going to enjoy the rest of the winter festival.

Fred shuffled to the kitchen groaning in pain silently, he was trying to stay quiet so he didn't wake anyone. He was having a bad night even if it was 3 am. He threw his keys on the table and watched them slide to the very edge before falling on the floor.

He groaned. He was not picking those up but he slid into the chair at the kitchen island. Some of the kitchen lights came on when he leaned back in the tall chair. Tilting his head back to let out a big sigh of relief. He was just happy to be home.

The booty call he had tonight had a kid that woke up from a nightmare right after he came. Which is how he got kicked in his crotch. That lady threw him out asap as soon as she went to her kid. He hobbled to put on his pants and fell over the toys in the dark and hopped out the door didn't see the lip edge and tripped and fell. He checked in his car mirror he didn't have any cuts but he had a bruise on his face.

He could hear Mauve's voice now.

"This is what you get from being a playa'"

He rolled his eyes out of annoyance. He took his phone out of his pocket and sent the woman her payment. with a message of "see you next time."

After Fred sent the message he ran his hand through his hair scratching it. Fred opened the snack cabinet to see if their house keeper left any of her baked goods. Betty was Mauve & Fred's oldest staff member. She took good care of them and they took care of her. Which is why she worked for them for so long. He smiled when he pulled out a glass container of her snicker-doodle cookies.

He could smell the sugar and he hadn't even opened the container yet. A good baked good could make any bad news or day or night better for him he was easy. Fred opened the container and right as he was about to take a bite he heard shuffling from the other end of the kitchen. In the doorway appeared Mauve in her Pj's, bonnet, robe and slipper socks.

She approached him. Stared at him then at the cookie.

"There is only one of these left and I need it more than you, Mauve." Fred told tiredly.

Mauve's face opened up and she chuckled to herself then started laughing.

Fred didn't care biting into the soft snickerdoodle cookie Mauve's sibling insults drifted away as he savored the morsel of a cookie.

Mauve grabbed two different snacks and walked away back to her room.

Fred took out his phone again and typed a note reminder to tell Betty to make more of these cookies the next time she came in.

"Neville!" You called from outside your home.

Neville came around the corner and paused. You were tangled in the string of lights that you were trying to put up.

He couldn't help but chuckle. "You look like the tree in the loving room, luv." He joked.

"Help, I took out one end and tried to untangle it and this--" you rumbled frustratingly.

Neville came over to you and untangled the strings from your coat and your hair.

"I don't remember it being this tumultuous last year." You stood like a scarecrow so Neville would have a easier time untangling you.

"We didn't have those 5 ft shrubs in the front lawn Nev."

"Oh yeah!! I forgot about those!"

You and Neville lived in a small house on the edge of the nearest town. It was a cute little home perfect for a couple that may have wanted a kid or two and a big empty front yard. Being a landscaper and Neville loving all things plants you two made your boring front yard into a horticulture enthusiasts dream.

There was a wide variety of plants, shrubs and aesthetically pleasing brick that lead up to your door. It was yours and Neville favorite part of your home.

You weren't a wizard like Neville you had met him on a job you were working years ago. Gathering supplies for a picky client you bumped into him literally while pushing a kart with a baby tree on it and well the rest was history; that was three years ago.

"This is hard without magic." Neville told.

"Oh hush!" You told him. Once you were finally out of the net of the lights. You and Neville held both ends of the lights like a bed sheet and gingerly put them over your first giant shrub.

"Phew! Only 4 more!"

Neville got out the ladder and stood on it while you brought the web of lights over and together with teamwork and determination you put up all the lights on your shrubs, gutters, brick wall and the mailbox by the time dusk came.

"Putting up lights isn't as easy as it looks but i think we did a good job, luv." Neville told handing you a steaming mug. You took a sip it as it warmed you from the inside out.

"Well the sun is down and its time for the moment of truth." You grabbed the light remote walked in the front of your lawn and pressed the button. Soon your house was lit up in a array of multi colored lights.

Neville's face opened in awe as did yours.

"We did good." Neville smiled. You smiled too.

"yeah we did."

“Do I have food on my face?” you asked, swiping at your cheek when he continued to stare.

“No.” He swallowed his last bite and licked his lips, making your cheeks warm as you looked away. “Was just looking at you.”

You glanced down at yourself, a nervous giggle bubbling up. “Not much to look at,” you mumbled, going back to get his empty bowl. “So, you said early afternoon tomorrow to go to your place. Will 1 o’clock work?”

He leaned back in his chair, nodding. “Should be fine,” he said, observing you in continued curiosity as you finished cleaning up. You weren't used to someone observing you the way he did, and you couldn't pinpoint if the feeling in your stomach was nerves or butterflies. “You trying to kick me out?”

“No,” you said, your brows pinched as you sat back down. “Does it seem like I am?”

“Just cleaning up quickly and asking about tomorrow. Seemed like you were trying to get me out of here.” He lifted his shoulder in a shrug. “I could be wrong.”

“I’m sorry if I gave you that impression.” You hadn’t exactly planned for his company, but you didn’t mind, and you weren’t trying to be a bad hostess. You almost reached across the table to touch his hand but opted to give him a soft smile instead. “It’s nice having you here.”

His gaze softened, his lips inching upward before he cleared his throat. “Any plans for the rest of the day?”

“Not really. I do have to get on my laptop for just a few minutes, but that’s it,” you answered. Since the trip was meant to be a romantic getaway and you were alone now, you didn't have much of anything planned besides relaxing. “You?”

“No,” he said, tilting his head. “Why did you say that earlier?”

“Why did I say what?” you asked.

“That you aren't much to look at,” he said, tilting his head with another tiny smile that made your knees go weak. “You’re beautiful.”

Your eyes widened, your cheeks hot. “That’s…” You thought for a second that he was joking, but his eyes were serious. The compliment was also completely unexpected, especially from a man who wasn't too welcoming a short time ago. “Thank you, Bucky, but I’m not-”

“Don’t do that. If I made you uncomfortable, just say so.” His cheek twitched and guilt churned in your stomach at the thought of upsetting him. “You don't need to brush off the compliment by trying to put yourself down.”

You looked in your lap, not wanting him to see the sadness in your eyes. Your ex should've called you beautiful, should've made you feel that way, too. And what happened? He strayed. You couldn't hold onto him. As much as you wanted to think there wasn't anything wrong with you, there was still that voice of doubt that said you weren't good enough or pretty enough. Insecurities had a tendency to seep in like poison. What was the remedy for that?

“I wasn't trying to brush off your compliment,” you promised, lifting your gaze. He didn’t look convinced and that made you feel worse. He was only being nice. “It’s just… My confidence is a little shaken and self-deprecating is a defense mechanism, I guess.”

You wanted to run to the bedroom and hide when he regarded you. Why did you tell him that? Why did you tell him anything? He wasn’t your friend or confidant, and it wasn’t fair to unload anything like that onto him.

“I’m sorry. I-”

“Don’t apologize. I understand what it's like,” he said, glancing at his metal hand. “To have your confidence shaken.”

After what he had been through, you could only imagine. “How did you pull yourself out of it?”

“Still working on that,” he replied, his eyes distant as he pushed himself up from his chair. “I should get going.”

“Oh, okay,” you smiled politely and got up to follow him to the door. While it wasn’t your intention to push him out, you may have inadvertently driven him away. “Thanks again for chopping the firewood.” It saved you a lot of trouble.

“Thanks for the meal.” He swept his eyes over you once his boots were on. “Guess we took care of each other, huh?”

“I guess we did,” you said. And you really appreciated his compliment. It felt nice after everything.

You were reminded once again just how large he was when he straightened up, your heart racing when he stood directly in front of you. That close you could smell the forest on his shirt. “Don’t touch that axe again,” he ordered, his voice low and commanding. “If you need anything, you come to me.”

Your throat went dry. He was so dominant in his stance, something in his tone sending a delightful shiver down your spine. There was also a predatory shadow in his eyes that gave you pause. He could eat you alive.

Out here, all alone, he could do anything.

“Say it,” he whispered.

“If I need anything.” You had to clear your throat. “I’ll come to you.”

Bucky stepped back and took some of the warmth with him. “Lock the door tonight. I need you safe,” he said, leaving without another word.

The silence in the cabin was deafening as you were left alone. Bucky was… something. Curt at times, a bit defensive, and didn’t have regard for your personal space bubble, but you weren’t going to judge his social skills when yours were nowhere near perfect. He also seemed to like your company at least a little and was oddly protective of you.

“Probably thinks I’m just a damsel in distress,” you muttered, going to get your laptop.

You thought back to the conversation you had with Bucky. He was out here for nine months now and had a cat. And you… your stomach sank when you realized you told him you lived alone and worked from home. He already knew you were out there by yourself and you basically implied that no one would realize if you were gone. At least, not right away.

“It’s fine,” you said, pushing the weird feeling away. Bucky Barnes was a hero, and you were a stranger in his territory. It was natural that he’d have questions. You had nothing to worry about.

You decided to sit out on the porch so you could look at the picturesque view again. Part of you wondered what it would be like to live out here full time. To walk outside on a cool morning and inhale the fresh air. To see the sun rise through the trees. You wouldn’t have to worry about the bustling sounds of the city but could instead take in the quiet.

Which was interrupted by the sound of your phone ringing.

You smiled when you saw Kenna’s name pop up. She was one of your oldest friends. “Hey,” you answered, putting the phone on speaker so you could continue to type. “What’s up?”

“Hey, girl. Work sucked. I’m seriously considering getting a sugar daddy.” You scoffed. She would never. She hated relying on others. “How about you? How are the woods?”

“Gorgeous,” you smiled, stopping to look around. “Sorry work sucked.”

“It’s whatever. You actually get reception out there in the woods? Nice.”

“So far, so good,” you said. You expected it to be a bit spotty, but it was fine for now.

“And you're feeling okay?” she asked with a hint of concern. “That cabin was supposed to be for-”

“I’m fine. Really.” You didn't want her to worry about that. “But I may have done something kind of stupid.”

“God, you didn't call him, did you?”

“No! No way.” You blocked his number and all social media accounts. You wanted nothing to do with him.

“Then what did you do?” she asked curiously.

“Well, there’s this kind of grumpy, really hot lumberjack who lives near the cabin I’m staying in,” you said, looking around to make sure Bucky wasn’t nearby. It looked like you were all alone. “He wasn’t exactly nice to me when we met earlier today, and I may have snapped at him a little bit.”

“You snapped at a guy who was rude to you? That doesn't sound stupid. Sounds like he deserved it.”

“Yeah, that wasn’t the stupid part,” you said, taking a breath. “I may have told him that I am here all alone for the next couple of weeks,” you blurted out, leaving out that he knew you lived alone, too, and that the grump in question was Bucky Barnes.

Your face scrunched up when you waited for Kenna’s response. “Oh, sweetie…” There it was, the condescending tone complete with a “sweetie” on top. “Why would you tell him that?”

“I don't know!” you exclaimed, lowering your voice with a sigh, “Because I’m an idiot.”

“You're not an idiot.” There was a pause on the other end. “I mean, you did kind of shine a beacon over yourself that says ‘hey, take advantage of me!’ because your self preservation skills aren’t the sharpest, but I know that wasn't your intention.”

You made a face at the phone, your fingers taping the keys harder than you needed to. “Wow. So, I am an idiot and anything that happens to me is my fault?” you asked. You were being defensive when Kenna was only being honest, which you appreciated. But being in the woods, the only thing you should have to worry about was bears, not people with bad intentions.

“No! That’s not what I meant. You just see the world in a much brighter light than most of us do, you know? You feel like you can trust people to have your best interest at heart when you open up to them because you choose to see the good. But the reality is, the world isn't that bright, and most look out for themselves first.”

“Rose colored glasses, I know,” you said, softer this time.

“Listen, I shouldn't have said you put a beacon on yourself. People who do bad things are the ones at fault, not the people they take advantage of.” There was another pause. “Maybe you won’t have to worry about this guy but try to be careful.”

“I will,” you said. You had to look out for yourself.

“And before you say more, let me guess. You were nice to the grump after you snapped at him?”

“You know me too well,” you smiled sheepishly. “I fed him.”

“Oh, God, he tasted your cooking? Yeah, you’re in danger,” Kenna teased. She always praised your cooking skills. “He’ll probably be on the doorstep every day asking for a meal and you’ll give him one.”

You giggled. “Because I’m a pushover?”

“It’s because you’re a good person, so stop with the self-deprecating,” she said. First Bucky, now Kenna. “If I could just give you some of my pessimism and you give me some of your optimism, we’d be perfect.”

“The perfect blend,” you said, though you didn't think Kenna was that pessimistic. She was just realistic.

“Also in your defense, a hot grumpy lumberjack is like something out of a romance novel. I probably would've jumped his bones.”

“Trust me, you would,” you said. Bucky was drop-dead gorgeous, and he would probably have fun with Kenna. Why did that thought make you feel sick? “He has a cat. And he said I was beautiful,” you said, your heart skipping a beat from the memory.

“Oh, he did, did he? Okay, I know I just told you to be careful, but… maybe this guy can blow your back out.” You looked around again and debated taking her off speakerphone when you thought you heard a twig snap in the distance. “I mean, you deserve multiple orgasms after what he who shall not be named put you through.”

“Kenna…” you sighed, not in the mood to discuss your ex. She never liked him but tried to tolerate him for you while you dated. You were grateful she didn’t say “told you so” when you broke up. “I just met this guy.”

“And? People go to bars and leave with people all the time. And all I’m saying is that your ex is out of the picture, and you have some wounds exposed,” she said carefully, not wanting to upset you. “So let this guy lick them clean if he offers. Let him lick something. I mean, he’s a lumberjack. He’s probably pent up and a beast in bed.”

Heat spread between your thighs before you mentally dumped a bucket of cold water on yourself. No way did Bucky want you. “So, I’m no longer supposed to be careful. I’m supposed to let him, what, fuck me?” you asked.

“Be careful and let him fuck you. Establish boundaries but have fun over the next couple of weeks. Go see his cat and then show him yours.”

You burst out laughing and covered your mouth so the sound wouldn’t echo. “You’re the worst.”

“I’m also the best,” she stated. She really was. “And who knows? This could be the start of something new.”

“I don’t think…” You sat up when another twig snapped, this one closer. You couldn’t see anything when you did a quick scan from your seat. “Hey, what would you think about coming out here for a couple of days so I’m not alone the whole time?”

There was a beat of silence on the other end. She was probably looking at her calendar. “Hmm. I’ll try to swing it with work, but no promises. I’ll keep you posted,” she said.

“Yeah, just call or text me,” you said, shutting your laptop. If she couldn’t, maybe one of your other friends wouldn’t mind spending some time away from the city. “I gotta go.”

“Me, too. Take care. Carry pepper spray. Be safe,” she said, hanging up.

You slowly went to the edge of the porch and looked around the side of the cabin. There was a good chance the sounds came from an animal nearby, maybe a deer. You could blame the chill that ran through your body on the breeze. It was getting darker though and not being able to see much beyond the nearby trees didn’t soothe your sudden nerves.

With a shake of your head, you went back inside. No one was there. You were just being paranoid.

Locking the door like Bucky instructed, you breathed a bit easier and wondered what you’d cook for him tomorrow. Something not too heavy since it was for lunch, but tasty. It was nice to have someone to cook for since the plan was to cook for two for the next two weeks.

You also thought about what Kenna said. Would there be any harm if anything transpired between you and Bucky? It would be nice to have some fun, but that wasn’t really your style. You were always a relationship kind of person. And Bucky, well, you had no clue what he wanted.

“Forget it,” you muttered.

Curling up on the sofa, your heart ached as you stared between the board games on the shelf and the small fireplace. There really wasn’t much to do by your lonesome, but there was reading. Television. And you wouldn’t put stock in Bucky spending lots of time with you while you were there. He wasn’t responsible for you.

Sniffling, you curled into yourself more. The cabin was meant to be filled with laughter, sounds of pleasure, and more. Not silence. But you’d still have a nice time. You owed it to yourself. And if anything, maybe you’d end the trip with a new friend.

You were in much better spirits when you headed to Bucky’s cabin the next day. The spring in your step was partially thanks to the good night's sleep you had after reading. The bed was extra comfortable, and you woke up bright and refreshed. You could get used to that feeling.

The other spring in your step was, well, because you were having lunch with Bucky. You didn’t want to admit how long you took to pick out an outfit in between making lunch and baking cookies. It wasn’t like you were trying to get his attention or impress him, but you still wanted to look nice and presentable. And you wouldn't allow the thought of loneliness to dampen your mood.

“Wow,” you whispered when his cabin came into sight. It was larger than the one you were in, simplistic and beautiful in design, and had a wraparound porch. You wondered how often he sat on the porch swing and if he brought Alpine out with him.

Taking a breath as you walked up the stairs, you gently knocked on the door. You didn’t know why you were nervous. It was just lunch with Bucky. A handsome, brooding-

You didn’t realize that Bucky had opened the door until you blinked, his blue eyes locked with yours. How many people cowered under his stare? He took up almost the entire door frame and a tiny sound escaped your lips when you noticed he was shirtless. The man had no shirt on.

You bit your lip involuntarily, trying your damnedest not to leer. Were you supposed to look at his massive chest? The scars on his left shoulder? The metal arm? Or was your gaze supposed to dip down past his torso to his jeans and… No. No. You weren’t supposed to stare at all.

“Right on time.” His voice was gruff, holding a hand out to take your bag. “Did you have a good night?”

“Um, yeah. Did a bit of reading and went to bed early.” His fingers touched yours when you handed the bag over and you let it linger longer than you should’ve. It wasn't like there was any tension between you two, right? “You?”

“Yeah. Uneventful,” he said before he deadpanned, “You staring at me?”

Your mouth fell open as he raised an eyebrow. Saying yes would make you look like a creep and saying no might hurt his feelings. “Well, you’re shirtless,” you answered, making a point to look away when you gestured to him. You felt kind of bad looking, but it also felt wrong to not look. As if that was an excuse. “You’re not cold?”

“It’s warm in here and I run warm as it is.” He didn’t look at all embarrassed when you snuck another glance at him. “It’s also more comfortable with the arm sometimes to go shirtless,” he explained, giving you just enough room to squeeze past him. You couldn’t stop your body from pressing against his since he didn’t provide much room and you hoped he didn’t notice the hitch in your breath. “If it bothers you-”

“This is your home and I want you comfortable,” you said, putting some distance between you once he shut the door. If he wanted to go shirtless, you wouldn’t stop him. You could deal with him and his sexiness for a short time and get through a meal.

“I appreciate that,” he said, taking your coat and purse. “Make yourself at home.”

You lingered in the living room. Rustic with the exposed wood beams, but cozy and inviting with the plush sofa and chairs. The large stone fireplace drew your attention, along with the rug in front of it. The perfect place to sit and gaze into a fire on a cold night.

You moved close to the mantle to look at the three photos that rested there. One was of the sun shining on a large body of water with trees on each side. It looked warm and peaceful.

The second was Bucky with two other men, all three of them in leather jackets. You recognized them after taking a closer look: Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson, heroes just like Bucky. While they looked relaxed and happy, Bucky wasn’t smiling at all.

Was that photo taken before or after the tough mission?

But the third photo wasn’t a photo at all. It was an empty picture frame. Where was the picture?

“Wakanda.”

You jumped and spun around, nearly bumping the mantle with Bucky so close. Your racing heart didn’t go back to normal immediately. How did he move around so quietly? “Wakanda?” you repeated.

He nodded to the first picture frame. “Where that photo was taken. It was right outside of my hut, sometime after I started healing. I didn’t have any nightmares that day.” His smile was soft as he reminisced. “It was a peaceful time.”

You smiled softly, too. He deserved peace. “It’s a beautiful view,” you said. The view he had there was beautiful and peaceful, too.

“I assume you know who Steve and Sam are?” You nodded in confirmation. “That was Sam’s birthday. He made us take a picture together and insisted on framing it.” He rolled his eyes, but there was affection there that he couldn’t hide. “I only have it up here because Steve said it would hurt his feelings if I threw it out.”

You looked at the photo again. Bucky’s hair wasn’t as long as it was now and his stance wasn’t as stiff, but the brooding expression was there. “I think that’s nice,” you smiled. It was good that he had friends. “And what about that frame?”

His jaw clenched, his fingers grazing the glass. “It’ll be a family photo,” he whispered longingly. “One day.”

Your heart broke for him and the urge to soothe him skyrocketed. Before you could stop yourself you put a hand on his arm. His muscles tensed under your touch and you pulled away, regretting your action immediately. “I’m sorry I touched you.” You felt terrible. You should’ve asked. “I’m sure it’ll be a beautiful photo. A beautiful family photo for your beautiful home,” you assured him as he let out a breath. He’d have that one day like he wanted.

He leaned in close, his lips close to skimming your ear. “Your touch doesn’t bother me,” he whispered like it was a secret between you before he pulled away. If he caught you quivering, he didn’t say so. “If you think this room is beautiful, wait ‘til you see the rest of the place,” he said, leading you away and not mentioning the family photo again.

You gasped when he brought you to the kitchen, your eyes bright as you took in the room. The rustic and cozy theme continued and you wondered if Bucky built the cabinets. You envied the open concept and counterspace and you wanted to weep over the large stove. The kitchen was the heart of a home and it was very much true for Bucky’s place.

“You like it?” he asked.

“Are you kidding? I love it,” you said, running a hand along one of the counters. You didn’t miss the way his chest puffed out with pride. “My kitchen is so small, but a space like this…”

He unpacked the bag of food you brought, giving you a sideways glance. “Maybe you can cook here,” he casually stated.

Your eyes lit up. “Really?” you smiled, nearly throwing yourself into his arms. You refrained. “I can cook here?”

“Yeah, really,” he said, tucking his hair back. Standing in front of the counter, shirtless, his hair down, he looked like a wet dream. “Like I said, I’m not as good of a cook as you. It’ll be nice to get some better use out of it.”

You clapped your hands giddily and he actually smiled a full blown smile. “Thank you, Bucky. Really,” you said. You’d make something extra special. “I hope you like the sliders. I made cookies, too.”

He turned to face you, his muscles rippling as he stepped a little closer. This man really didn’t understand personal space, did he? “How did you know I wanted dessert?” he asked, that husky tone back in his voice. Was he implying… No.

It was like Kenna was both the angel and devil on your shoulders, one telling you to flirt a little, and the other telling you to play it safe. “Just a guess,” you said lightly, going for something in the middle.

You didn't feel like you could breathe properly until he stepped back. “I almost forgot…” he trailed off, sauntering from the room.

You swallowed as you stayed rooted to the spot. What did he forget about? That he was still walking around without a shirt on?

Bucky came back with a beautiful cat in his arms, and you were close to swooning. It was quite the sight seeing a shirtless Bucky Barnes holding a cat, who looked at you with a curious stare. You didn't blame her for staring. You were a stranger in her home.

“Al, this is the woman I was telling you about,” he said, making your heart flutter when he said your name. He actually talked about you to her? It didn't mean anything special. He probably told her that a new visitor was stopping by. “Can you say hi?”

Alpine gently meowed, bringing a smile to your face. Bucky smiled, too. They made quite the pair.

“You can hold out your hand for her,” he said.

You did so gently, not wanting to startle her. “Hey, Alpine,” you smiled.

Her nose tickled your fingers before she nuzzled it, urging you to pet her. You did so, which earned you a purr in response. It was nice to get her seal of approval since Bucky said she was particular with people.

“Wanna hold her?” Bucky offered.

“If she’ll let me,” you said.

As soon as you held out your arms, Alpine crawled into them. Bucky looked pleased when she got comfortable and continued to purr. “She really likes you.”

“I like her, too,” you smiled down at the feline. She was a sweetheart.

“Perfect…”

You glanced up to find Bucky holding up his phone. “Sorry. Just thought it would be a nice photo,” he said, his expression not at all apologetic as he showed you the picture he took of you holding Alpine. “You don't mind, do you?”

“Oh, no. That’s fine,” you said. Maybe he didn't have pictures of others holding her.

He glanced at the photo again and nodded. “I might have to frame this one,” he said, tucking his phone away.

Your smile wavered as he grabbed a couple of plates. That wasn't weird, was it? No. It was just a guy wanting a sweet photo of his cat.

“Let’s eat,” he said, rubbing his chiseled stomach. “I’m starving.”

We deserve a shirtless Bucky, don't we? Is that photo going in that empty frame? What do we think will happen next? Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

You also put into perspective how Reginald treats all of them. He doesn’t treat you like you’re one of Five’s siblings the way the rest of them were raised. Reginald treated you like a student and it became glaringly obvious that that’s what he sees in the rest of them. Well, students at best, weapons at worst.

So it starts as Five simply analyzing the differences. Then analyzing your berserker-like powers and how they can be used in combat. Then analyzing how you have a tentative friendship with Alison budding but something is barring you two from moving past pleasant acquaintances. Then analyzing which books you sit in the bay window reading. The snacks you finally break down and shyly request from Grace. The way you seem to prefer overcast days to sunny ones and the little smile that curves your lips when you look outside as the first droplets patter against the glass–.

NO.

He would not be like Luther!

He’d rather die actually than that, actually. The lovesick adolescent tension between him and Alison was nauseating. There’s no way he’ll let himself be in the same situation.

But then... one day he sees your cardigan left over a chair in the basement. He doesn't even think before taking it. He chastises himself, saying this is counterproductive but he really can’t help his feelings for you. Even if he’s changing inwardly he tries his damnedest not to treat you differently.

When Ben dies and you’re standing there in the rain crying, Five internally debates on whether or not he’ll comfort you. But your tears… they soften something in him and he's hooking his arm around your shoulders and tucking you into his chest before he knows it. You go where he leads immediately and that does something to him. So does the way that you automatically grip the lapel of his blazer as you cry into the fabric at his shoulder.

It's sick. Ben’s dead but what's clouding Five’s mind is your warmth. He wishes you were crying against his skin instead. He wants to feel it all, completely absorbing being this close to you.

Because, short of a tragedy, he’ll never allow himself to again.

🌂

Five has always been a good liar and readily dishes them out. But he didn’t know he’d ever lie to himself so flagrantly.

Being close to you once was too high of a high not to try and scale again. Since Ben's death, you’ve both been… not exactly close but certainly closer. Not usually even talking, but it was becoming a thing for you to be in each other’s space. Orbiting one another. Proximal but never touching again.

At breakfast you sat across from each other. You’d go to your individual training sessions and sit across from each other again at lunch. Then wordlessly, whichever one left the table first was the unofficial leader. To the library. To the basement. To the garden. Then you’d just busy yourselves in each other’s presence. Only common spaces, never each other’s room.

Until you had a nightmare. And you and Five spent all night on the balcony under the stars, looking at constellations until you both fell back asleep.

When he woke up… you were touching. Just your hands, but it was so deliberate of a connection that it couldn’t be excused to anything else but longing. Hands clasped together, his fingers wedged in the slots of yours. This was bad. Palms kissing, he’s reminded by the famous line of Romeo and Juliet. Star-crossed lovers who kissed and things fell apart around them.

Sure there was other shit in-between but the end remains the same. That story was a tragedy. And he just knows yours would be too.

Five couldn’t let this happen again. Touching you was too dangerous; a slippery slope he’d never fully stood up from after the first time. His gait still shaky, knees braced for a potential next fall. And he’d fell face first last night.

He cherishes it, soaks it in just like when you cried on his shoulder all that time ago. Because he wouldn’t allow himself to ever—.

“Is it morning?” your sleep-heavy voice broke through his internal moment, your thumb stroking over his skin a few times.

No panic to where you’d woken up, who you’d woken up beside, how you had both ended up this close and touching. You’re going to be the death of him.

“Yeah, it is.” Five answered barely above a murmur. You groaned, bringing the intertwined hands up to your face, loosening then refitting your grip just to hold it more comfortably in the position.

“I don’t wanna get up.”

Five barely wanted to breathe.

🌂

But that was the last sweet memory he had.

That day at lunch, Five had challenged his father about his training. Told him he could do more. That he should be doing more.

He stormed out of the mansion, his siblings’ voices calling his name, yours the one ringing in his head. But he rode that rage, let it take him out to the streets.

Five jumped once. The familiar feel of his powers danced along his skin.

He jumped again, a confidence building. He could feel that amorphous center of his power being stretched, tested.

He jumped again.

Utter desolation. Total decimation.

Five had lost everyone.

But he’d never forgive himself for causing you to lose one more person.

🌂

Staring at the soft muscle, Toji knew what your concentration required from him: silence, just for a while. Toji gave you what you needed, hoping somehow you knew what he meant by it—I love you, I love you, I love you.

Wondering about what you needed him to do for you Toji didn’t even notice your nails scratching behind his ears, where you knew he’s sensitive enough to melt into your palm. If he had, maybe Toji would’ve fallen asleep on your shoulder again and rest properly for once.

Toji can’t remember the name of the movie that lulled him to sleep. If he was at your home, if it was late at night, if it was during an unexpected blizzard. Toji can only remember that your eyes weren’t on him, and your touch was gentle.

Scrolling endlessly as you kept him awake, Toji thought once more about how soft your skin is when compared to his. It lacked scars. You lack roughness, precision, disgust. All those things Toji once believed being an adult meant: you don’t have any of them.

(The first time he noticed your love was gentle and quiet, Toji didn’t knew how to react.)

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

(Obviously, Toji never lets you win.)

“Just throw me, Toji”, you practically meowed his name. When he completely ignored your presence, you pinched his cheek. Toji took a deep breath. “Please. Pretty please.”

Your cold hands cupped his cheeks, trying to get Toji to look at you. Pouting, plush bottom lip on display, you stared at him through your lashes. You knew it would take one look at you for him to fold and give in.

He slipped away from your hold, so fast you only noticed he was gone when Toji was already laying down on your beach sarong. That made you giggle. He does that all the time. Moves faster than your eyes can comprehend.

It’s so alluring you couldn’t even force yourself to get mad over Toji mistaking your new sarong for a sheet.

“Brat, I’ve told ya”, he tilted his head back. Toji rest his arm over his head, in a not-so-subtle way of ensuring he wouldn’t accidentally sneak a glance at you. Toji could feel on his bones that you were pouting. “I’m not doing that.”

Maybe because you both went on a whim to a beach on a random tuesday, maybe because this one isn’t as popular as you feared, it was truly a peaceful day. No kids running around, no loud music blasting through someone else’s phone, no drunks yelling just because.

It’s so close from being a perfect day, now all you need is to hear Toji saying yes, darling, anything for you. Not that you ever heard that before. At least, not worded like that.

With a melodramatic sigh, you walked to where your stuff was. Searching among all the bags tossed around, you found just what would change his mind. As your malignant plan developed inside of your mind, a grin spread across your face.

Sitting on his lap, your soaked thighs clamped around Toji’s thick waist. Sighing once more, you rolled your hips with the poor excuse of searching for a more comfortable position. Warm fingers pressed down on his hips; nails close enough to ghost over his happy trail.

“Behave”, Toji groaned, free hand closing around your hip. He easily held you in place. You smelled like salt and malice. “I won’t change my mind.”

You bent over Toji, soaked bikini pressing down against his toned chest. Scratching his forearm, you brushed your nose against his cheek. “Can I try to convince you?”, you whispered sultry against his ear.

Softening his hold on you, Toji smirked. “You’re a fucking menace.”

Splash.

Pouring cold water on his face, you took advantage of his surprised state to run away while you’re still able to. Laughing more than you could breathe, you tilted your head back to look at Toji. “Now tell me something I don’t know.”

Just like you expected, Toji looked at you.

Just like you always forget, Toji was fast. Really, really fast.

Colliding with his chest, you frowned as your mind processed that Toji was right in front of you. As a pair of arms wrapped around your waist, you knew there was nothing you could do to escape his grip. You tried to anyway.

“That’s cheating”, you yelled. It made him laugh like hell, chest vibrating against your stomach. Lifted up far above the ground, you moved your feet uselessly. “It’s so unfair, you need to let me win sometimes too!”

A slap against your ass shut you up. “Annoying brat”, Toji threw you over his shoulders. You tried to squirm away, but decided to settle for just complaining once he bit your thigh. “As if. You can earn your victory or stop acting like a bored cat for once.”

Giggling, you pressed your elbows down on his shoulder. “Toji. My love”, your voice imbued in honey and sugar made him face you. Smiling angelically, you pointed at the cliff providing the shade you two enjoyed all day. “Throw me in the water. From up there, please.”

Another sigh. I’m almost breaking him, you thought. “Why? Just… why?”

“Because I want to jump so badly but I’m a coward”, you pouted. His eyes fell towards your bottom lip. “So just throw me. Pleeeeeeeaase. Pretty please.”

“If you drown, I’m not saving your ass.”

“Deal”, you kissed his jaw.

Another slap. “Spoiled, annoying brat.”

(Except, obviously, Toji always lets you win.)

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

(If you had asked, Toji would’ve confessed in a heartbeat.)

Toji took of his shoes and frowned at your heels fallen out of place. Murmuring to himself about how when he does it with his sneakers it’s a crime deserving of death sentence, Toji closed the buckles of your heels and put them inside the shoe rack.

He knew something was off once the silence lingered. Never one to doubt himself, Toji didn’t hesitate. He analyzed the floor, searched for different scents, checked the front door’s handler. Passing through every room with a hand near his hidden gun, Toji didn’t breathe until seeing you on your bed.

Although, what Toji saw didn’t make him any more relieved.

It’s late at night and you’re still wearing your responsible-adult clothes—that’s how you call those you buy solely so your coworkers won’t judge you. Earrings intertwined with your sweaty hair, necklace pressed against your collarbone, belt too tight to be comfortable.

Moonlight showed him your puffy eyelids smeared with mascara. Half-open as you stared at the ceiling, you didn’t seem to acknowledge Toji’s presence. You didn’t seem to acknowledge anything at all.

“Hi, love.” Toji kneeled down, whispering in order to not startle you. He pressed his chin on your pillow, hands moving your hair away from your face. “Are you here with me?”

Another tear rolled down your face once you blinked. Toji pressed his thumb against your skin, stopping it from falling into your ear. You tried to turn your face away from him, but hesitated once the warmth of his hands made to your heavy mind.

“Need to sleep”, you murmured, voice so thin Toji felt his throat shut.

Soaked in sweat, Toji ran his fingers through your hair without bothering you. He scratched your head, draw figures on your scalp, avoided any knots. Your name, his own, any other word he could think of: his fingertips wrote on your head. For what felt like hours, that’s all he did.

You tilted your head, staring at him. Toji can’t remember ever seeing your eyes like that. Dim. He wondered where you lost your light, and made a quiet promise to return it to you. “Sorry.”

“Don’t.” Toji simply continued to caress your head. “Tell me what to do.”

For the first time in hours, you thought about what you needed. With a single phrase, Toji reminded you that you had a body. “Can you get me my towel?”

Toji would’ve done anything, everything, you asked him to.

With your towel on the mattress, Toji assisted you to sit down. One hand on the small of your back, another cupping your cheek. You melted into his touch, but closed your eyes once he kneeled in front of you. Running away from his careful gaze, you grabbed your towel and forced yourself to walk into the bathroom.

It didn’t surprise you that Toji followed you. Or that he took the towel from your hands, unclasped your jewelry, slid your clothes off of you. Neither as the water hitting your body was on the temperature you prefer, as he hugged you tightly under the shower, as he didn’t make questions you couldn’t quite answer.

Not even your worst day would make you forget how soft your Toji is.

Toji relies on your body to tell him what you need, but once or twice you will say it yourself. Can you get me my towel? You want to be clean again. And knowing what you want, Toji knows what to do.

In no rush, he put your shampoo on his hand and massaged your head. Once your back found a support on his chest, he rinsed your hair while protecting your eyes. After moisturizing, he brushed your hair until he could feel no more knots. Washing the remains of conditioner away from his hands, he moved to the rest of your body.

It didn’t feel weird, and that did surprise you. To feel his hands on your naked body without feeling desire or desired. It wasn’t uncomfortable. Far from it. As Toji washed you, you just felt less lonely.

“Toji?”

He kissed your scalp, massaging your shoulders. He drawn little hearts on your skin. “I am here”, Toji hummed.

“It’s nothing”, you closed your eyes. That was a lie. You meant to say thank you, and I’m sorry but knew he would get mad if you did so. “Just wanted to hear you.”

“I am right here.”

(He would’ve confessed to mimic you, because Toji’s love is anything but gentle and quiet.)

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

(You wouldn’t ask him to. You would never.)

Ignoring the sorcerer’s terrified eyes, his movements were harsh and cold. It felt just right. To have a combat knife between his fingers again. How natural. As if his hands came from a mold, one made to wield blades and nothing more. That would make sense. For his body to be assembled instead of born.

Gun left aside; chair dragged across the concrete floor. Toji sat in front of the muzzled sorcerer, spreading his legs as he sharpened the blade. Moonlight made it clear. Cold sweat, stunned eyes, shaken limbs. He was a scared, coward animal.

“Don’t cry now”, Toji cocked an eyebrow. Spreading his legs, he admired the thin edge. Perfect. Dragging out the silence for one more instant, Toji stared at the walking corpse. “Not when you begged for this.”

A clan left behind; hellish decades erased within an insurgent decision. Toji doesn’t need to be a Zenin to have enemies. Blood-stained hands collect them just as easily. But after slaughtering enemies enough times, those smart enough to be considered dangerous by others knew better than facing him.

But rumors travel fast and, in his absence, fools gained confidence.

This late on his life, Toji couldn’t tell if it was instinct or muscle memory. He simply knew the sorcerer was about to do something stupid. The knife’s handle hit the man in the temple. As he fought to continue conscious, Toji observed his skin turning purple.

He felt proud. This night left no wound or bruise on his skin. There will be no perplexed gaze, uncertain touch, questions that can’t be answered honestly. Once he comes back to his home, you will have no reason to worry.

“You hurt her.” Toji wondered how long it would take. To get back to you. To return your caring gaze, feel your caring touch, hear your caring questions. “Now I’ll hurt you.”

It begged. It tried to negotiate, numbers rising as Toji continued in silence. If rumors travel fast, so does the truth. Toji turned soft, a rumor that thing discovered to be a lie the moment it decided to bother you. Toji can be bought, a fact that never once included you.

“What do you want?!” And the tears came back. They usually do, with loud and unstoppable sobs. Don’t matter who they are, in the end they beg just the same. “I can give it to you. Tell me your price.”

“Your right hand”, Toji tilted his head, sliding the edge of the knife against the armchair. “You touched her with your right hand.”

Toji was merely taunting the sorcerer. He would never use a combat knife to torture someone. That doesn’t sound like him at all. Toji will saw both hands with a dull knife.

(But you didn’t need to ask him to. Toji would always.)

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

(Toji didn’t need to say it.)

It took him long enough to unlock the door to your apartment. The voice of a senator on a news channel welcomed Toji. Heels inside the shoe rack, handbag and headphone forgotten on the couch. Hearing you hum in the shower, Toji turned the TV off.

He could picture it so clearly. You stretching your neck and walking barefoot into the living room, rubbing your eyes just to immediately remember about the mascara. Calling for him. Hearing nothing in response. Choosing something loud on the TV and deciding to take a long shower because it’s friday, I deserve this.

Toji sighed, relief washing over him in waves. You’re back to being you.

He put the takeout on the table and organized the groceries on the kitchen cabinet—his excuses for staying out longer than usual. Toji was careful with them. Food from your favorite restaurant, cleaning products you mentioned before. Lies build on solid truths.

He doesn’t have an excuse for the scent of antiseptic soap, but once your products made to his nostrils Toji realized he wouldn’t need one. Scents way too sweet, enough to confuse slightly his keen senses. There is no way you’re able to smell anything but yourself.

As the bathroom door opened, Toji grabbed a towel on the laundry and locked himself inside it before you could get a hold of him. He doesn’t think you would notice, and if you did you wouldn’t waste your breath on it, but Toji won’t risk it.

Washing himself once more, Toji tried not to wonder about what would make you despise him more: what he did, or that he doesn’t feel any remorse. Would it make it better for you if Toji cried in the shower? If he stared at his clean hands and saw blood on them? Toji could pretend for you. He really would.

You’re safe and sound, mere steps away from him. Toji showers hearing your loud music. Toji can picture that too. You waiting for him as your sleepy eyes challenge your determination—you always fall asleep before he gets to you. You being you. No shaky breathes, no unstoppable tears. He could never feel remorse.

Toji went after you with a towel around his hips. Following the music most likely coming from your phone, he gently opened the bedroom door to not wake you up. Leaning on the door frame, Toji chuckled.

With your eyes closed, you were far from sleeping. Wrinkled sheets falling out of bed, toes curling against the mattress. Damp towel forgotten on the floor. A hand squeezing his pillow, the other hidden between your thighs. Forearms moving in the rhythm you created to yourself; small gasps concealed by a song.

Spit gathered in the corner of your mouth, mesmerizing Toji. How he wished to sink his teeth into your glossy lips. A broken moan and your back arched, his eyebrows furrowing in synchrony with yours. You did it as the waves of pleasure became too much, and Toji as he finally saw what you had between your legs.

From the blunt and bulbous head to its thick length, it was truly no wonder why you were so quiet. All way out, then all way in. Your concentration was on fucking yourself with the dark purple dildo, the rest simply too much for you little brain.

He never saw that one before.

Wrist burning from your incessant movements, your free hand abandoned his pillow to press down on your clit. A simple and precise touch that made you whimper. Feeling shivers down his spine, Toji smirked.

Your eyes fluttered open.

A beat later, they meet his and widened. All way out. Mouth hanging open, you chuckled. It sounded like you were about to lose your sanity. Then all way in. “There you are.”

Toji crossed his arms, leaving his place at the door to a new one at the end of the bed. “Putting on a show for me?”

“Not on purpose”, you laughed it off. It felt so dirty. For you to talk normally while doing something so lewd. As if you weren’t fully exposed—as if he wasn’t too. “I could say the same about you.”

Skin reddish because of the hot water, black hair dripping wet. You followed every drop, burning him with your ravenous gaze. Veins evident on his thick neck. Long fingers pressing down on his forearms, a reminder of how bad you miss his touch. Huge thighs, even when relaxed.

He dropped the towel. “Not on purpose”, Toji lied.

A knee sunk on the bed, his hands caressing your heels. Toji forced your legs up, tilting his head to kiss the side of your foot. He put one on each shoulder, another knee sinking down on the bed. Grabbing at the fat of your thighs, Toji pulled you closer.

Toji has a way of making you feel weightless.

He bit his tongue, a hand massaging your thigh. Always the cocky asshole, Toji rubbed your overwhelmed clit with his thumb. Staring into his hungry eyes, you grinned.

Holding the firm base of the dildo, Toji pulled it out of you. The sounds your cunt let out, soaked and soft, made him squeeze your thighs. With a pop, there it was, covered in lubricant and your excitement. Your core clamped around nothing.

Toji spat on you, fingers rough against your sore lips as his other hand pumped his cock. You swallowed watching Toji compare with your dildo. You both could see the truth. How your toy was much bigger and ticker.

Salivating, Toji was so proud of you.

Bending over you, forcing your thighs against your chest, Toji admired your sweaty face. He kissed your temple, pressing the dildo’s tip against your lips. “Your collection only grows”, Toji groaned. “That’s a new one.”

“Not new”, you lapped at the protruding head. “Is for when I miss you.”

Toji sank his teeth into your shoulder, hiding his burning cheeks against your skin. Fingers ran through his hair; nails scratched his forearm. “You saw me this morning.”

His tongue was everywhere, moving too fast for you to keep up. Kissing your shoulder, licking your neck, biting your collarbone. Toji is always too much. How perfect of him. “Are you that needy you can’t go hours without me?”

“Miss you all the time”, you struggled to breath. Pulling him by the hair, you made Toji face you. Lost on his dark eyes, time seemed to stop. “Say you miss me too.”

“Miss you all the time”, Toji obeyed. It wouldn’t matter if he didn’t. Not when you can see his flushed cheeks. As a reward, you kissed the scar on his mouth—you would’ve kissed it anyway. “Think about you all the time.”

You bit his earlobe, nose sliding against his neck as you searched for that sweet spot able to make Toji stutter. Once you did, mouth sucking it without mercy, Toji gave your hips a strong squeeze. His calloused hands would mark you tonight.

Toji humped on your thigh. You could feel precum leaking against your skin. He settled for leaning his forehead against yours. “You smell way too sweet.”

“I can get new lotions”, you offered. “Something you like better.”

“Don’t.” Toji cupped your face, ignoring your clit to rub the length of his cock against your slit. Pushing your head against the pillow, he kissed your forehead. “I like you sweet.”

Toji didn’t meant to slip inside you. He wanted to taunt you some more. To fuck you with your dildo and make you scream right into his open lips. Toji wanted you drooling. And once you begged him enough, showing what a polite woman you are, Toji would make you cry with his tongue deep into your walls.

But you were so wet.

“T-Toji!” You gasped, eyes wide as you felt all of him. Pulling his hair, you bit his bottom lip. “Can feel you so deep…”

“I know”, Toji grabbed the headboard, thighs shaking. So fucking welcoming. Thumbs stroking your hips, his mind was a mess because of you. “I know.”

Your eyes meet his. A part of Toji wanted to look away. To hide how fragile you make him. How your gaze burns him deeply. The other wanted to never shy away from you. To never know what it feels like to not be watched by you.

No one ever sees him, the one who left it all behind. No one but you.

His body collapsed against yours. His hands pulled your hair, making you tilt your head so he could continue to torture your neck. Thighs forcing yours open, chest pressing down against yours. You could feel the rhythm of his heartbeat. This gigantic man crushing you against the mattress, so heavy it was difficult to breath.

Drunk on his overwhelming intensity, you admired Toji. His hips rolling up, so slow you could feel the trace of every vein on his cock. His length inside you, never giving you a break. His hair dripping on you, a blend of water and sweat.

“Remind me… to thank my new friend”, Toji tilted his head, pointing at the dildo besides your pillow. His raspy voice was more addictive than cocaine. “Got you ready to take me all in.”

Fighting his grasp on your hair, you hugged his shoulders and forced your head up. Sharing an open mouth kiss, your drool fell on your chest. It felt so cold. Or perhaps your skin was too feverish. Toji devoured your every moan, hands tightening around your hips.

“Missed you so much”, you whimpered. His forehead leaned on yours, eyes closing as Toji tried to not lose himself. You continued to admire him. “Missed being yours.”

“You’re always mine. All the time”, Toji groaned. His tip hit your most sensitive spot; your eyes closing on their own. Toji rubbed your neglected clit, a hand grabbing the roots of your head. His grip firm yet gentle. “Look at me.”

You obeyed, staring into his dark eyes again. You could swear you saw stars on them. Toji leaned his forehead on yours, your touch enough to make him forget everything but your name.

“There you go”, he whispered. “Focus on me, pretty. Don’t look away.”

Searching for those stars again, the waves of pleasure strong enough to shatter your mind. There was nothing but that spot you and Toji turned into one. Blinded by a fog, crushed by him, you came looking into his eyes.

Toji filled you with all he had. His head fell on your chest, it all too much for him to bear. It all too good for him to fully believe it was real. Gasping, he couldn’t move. He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t do anything but breath on you. Sweet you.

Running your trembling fingers through his hair, you collapsed against the pillow. Toji was heavy enough to make you breathless, but you didn’t want him to move. You wanted him as close as he could get.

“Welcome back”, Toji murmured. Mimicking you, Toji ran his fingers through your hair. You felt him smiling against your skin. “I missed you.”

You knew exactly what he meant by that. “I love you too”, you whispered.

Soft Jazz Christmas music played in the background as Neville watched the snowflakes fall outside the window. Adding to the already piles of snow everywhere, it was cold even though he had a knit sweater on and was inside. He watched the flakes fall from the sky. a solemn look on his face peering off into the distance.

Behind his green eyes he was lost in memories of the holidays spent with his Gran. Pulling him along to go visit his parents at St.Mungo's, sharing her special pudding with him growing up, decorating the tree with the family ornaments, eating candy canes with her. He definitely had some good Christmases with his Gran. Neville sighed deeply and closed his eyes.

You walked up behind Neville wrapping your arms around him from behind and leaning into his back. placing your hands in his cardigan pockets. Neville held your hand for comfort as a tear went down his check. You rubbed his back.

"Let it out, honey." You told him softly.

Neville turned around and held you close as he cried softly into your shoulder, all you did was shushh and rub his back. It took a moment but Neville wiped his tears on his sleeves and looked at you lovingly when you handed him a tissue for his nose.

"She'd be proud of the man you've become Nev."

"I know. I just miss her."

"I know you do and its ok to miss her."

One of your relatives knocked on the door frame where you and Neville stood.

"We're about to start the ornaments you two, come on!" She gestured.

You pulled on Neville's hand and he walked with you into the family room where the rest of your relatives were.

"Oh there you are!" Your grandmother exclaimed.

"We've got some new additions to the family tree this year." She smiled brightly at Neville. His mouth opened surprised.

"Yeah Neville! We got you an ornament with you and cousin on it!"

"R-Really?" Neville whispered.

You nudged him at your side.

"Yeah, they put our engagement picture in it look." You told. Neville went up to the mantle where the ornament rested and saw it, his heart warmed from the inside out. And a big smile etched its way onto his face.

"Pick where you want it to go, dear." Your grandmother told.

Neville picked it up and looked at you, you smiled back at him.

"This is the start of many new festive traditions for us Nev." you whispered to him as he put the ornament on the tree and stepped back to look at it. Seeing everyone elses around the tree gave him comfort.

From that Christmas on you and Neville added more ornaments to your family tree. A wedding one, 1st house, 1st Christmas married, and first baby. Continuing to make new holiday traditions together as a family.