I Found Out Freedom Is Empty When It's All You Have

if hopeless romance, fantasy, a cottage with garden, museum of art and colour palette would be a person, it’d be me.

━MARCH 2023; susan's recs

LOCKWOOD&CO

knock knock. who's there? @klineinie

━━ANTHONY LOCKWOOD

a taste of normalcy @websterss

the stray from arif's @↑

everything @frogserotonin

marker mayhem @oblivious-idiot

no one else @vi-trying-to-survive

public displays @↑

the language of longing. looks and stolen glances @fleetingvow

at times like these @teaandransacking

out the window @givemea-dam-break

patch you up @↑

you left me @↑

anthony @↑

i know it hurts @warrenposts

love me, forever, always @klineinie

dancing with our hands tied @bloodcanbehot

i wish you would @↑

you talk too much @helloooofandoms

TOP GUN: MAVERICK

━━JAKE 'HANGMAN' SERESIN

tiktok trouble @ultralightpoe

do you want me to lie, sir? @simpforrooster

the princess and the hangman @↑

howdy, darlin'; part2 @↑

━━BRADLEY 'ROOSTER' BRADSHAW

daddy would say yes @roosterforme

GRISHAVERSE

━━KAZ BREKKER

six months @grimbanes

the king @magpiencrow

bejeweled @honeyfict

━━NIKOLAI LANTSOV

i want you to want me; part2 @sophierequests

the one you think about as you lie awake; part2 @↑

young royals @clairecrive

stars in the night @↑

currents @lantsovsupremacist

august @↑

sick & stubborn @fleurspun

healer’s duties @↑

the art of pretension @↑

speak up @prince-septimus

SPIDER-MAN

━━ANDREW!PETER PARKER

you're not peter parker; part2 @curseofaphrodite

coffee run @↑

caviar and cigarettes @↑

MARVEL

━━DRUIG

unrequired; part2 @givemea-dam-break

MARAUDERS ERA

━━JAMES POTTER

getaway car @curseofaphrodite

mortal enemies @↑

━━SIRIUS BLACK

collide @curseofaphrodite

━━REGULUS BLACK

drunk nights; part2 @curseofaphrodite

the door @↑

words unsaid @↑

the break-in; part2 @↑

wishes and a gift @↑

of monsters and men @↑

the best man @↑

tricks and charms @↑

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

━━PRINCE CASPIAN

my prince @heliads

OUTER BANKS

━━JJ MAYBANK

assigned seat @quin-ns

fiending for something, might just be a meaning @idcntlikedarkness

a visceral feeling, that i can never leave behind @↑

throw another stone at a glass house @↑

went out searching for an angel, then you came to me my darling @↑

━━RAFE CAMERON

whipped @mrsstarkey1

said you’re smoking less, and then you ashed it on your chest @idcntlikedarkness

this too shall pass @probably-writing-x

another? @↑

country club @a-aexotic

rafe defending pogue!reader @↑

no for one night stand @↑

i'd choose you over anyone @↑

cuddle buddies; part2 @fantasylandloser

tear-stained cheeks @sunraies

BULLET TRAIN

━━TANGERINE

safe house @quin-ns-moved

ÉLITE

━━GUZMÁN NUNIER

out of love; part2; part3; part4 @probably-writing-x

THE BEAR

━━CARMY BERZATTO

the way to his heart; part2 @adore-laur

little by little @↑

Hii! I don’t know if you still take requests, also I’ve never ever really requested anything. What would you say about the prompt "I'm sorry, I just really need a hug right now." With avenger Bucky? Just a comfort bubble with Bucky to brighten up a cloudy day, that’s what I see here. Or a cheer up after a miserable mission that went sideways. Just anything to get a hug from Bucky. It’s just a suggestion though, no pressure! Sending love ❤️

M, I loved the plot. I love writing fluff for our grumpy supersoldier <3

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x F!Reader

Summary: He thinks that the world owes him this—a safe haven. A special place that's only his, and that never fails to make everything fade to white noise. When Bucky is having bad days now, all he needs to do is find comfort in your arms.

A/n: Feedback is really important to me. Tell me what you think and I’ll adore ya forever :)

Word count: 1.1k

Warning(s): I also do not allow for my work to be copied, translated, or re-uploaded anywhere else.

Main Masterlist | Marvel Masterlist 

Send me a prompt + Character!

ㅤㅤㅤ — getting used to receiving —

His dark days used to be cold and lonely.

Not just any type of cold—the permeating one which sinks into your bones like leeches sink their teeth in whatever they find. Bucky used to feel so cold all of the time, that he grew used to it. In both lives, before and after the fall, his days which were not so good always felt like that: the old and uncomfortable tinge of ice in his veins.

Now, there's you, and nothing brings him more warmth than the way you put him in his embrace.

When he comes back from the mission, it's all he wants.

Therapy. Avengers. Captain America.

(Winter Solider. White wolf. Bucky Barnes. Sgt?)

Sometimes, Bucky finds himself.

Other times, he disassociates, uses punching bags in Sam's basement, drinks with Yori, and even cries now.

Being alive is exhausting, but sometimes, Bucky finds himself and something beautiful as well:

The sight of the Shield which means so much to him in the right hands.

People being good. Forgiving.

The exquisite joy a good food that melts on the tongue brings—those little things that are beautiful and make life worth living are his favorite bits, and the ones he holds onto.

(His therapist is proud of him. What a wild concept, he thinks.)

Still.

Through all of the colorful things piercing the white noise, the favorite beautiful thing he's found while being alive in this 21st century is undoubtedly you.

When you open the door for him, Bucky thinks thank fucking god.

I'm home.

Your hand leaves the doorknob and your arms open wide, and that single image is the reason why he smiled more times these few months than he has in years.

"Hey, you," you say.

His two favorite words.

Bucky throws his duffel bag somewhere behind you and then steps into your embrace.

It's all he wants a lot of the time.

After missions — especially the hard ones like this one they're still stuck on — is everything he wants and craves.

Something about the way you hold him is holy to Bucky.

He's aware that love is supposed to be such a strong, gripping feeling—the drowning sense of peace in being with a person, but you terrified him at first with that power.

The one to bring him peace.

Your arms fit around Bucky's shoulders and in his arms, you melt. Always. As if he was a hot pan and you were butter, your body becomes as relaxed as it can be, surrendering inside both his warm and cold cage.

It terrified him the first time Bucky felt you so comfortable in this position.

You had laid your head on his chest for so long on the couch that his heart had started to pound right where you laid.

"Doesn't—isn't the metal arm a little... uncomfortable? For this?"

"Nope," you said. Softly. Sleepy.

"Oh." He was surprised. He'd always imagined it was. "Okay."

"Never been comfier," you mumbled. Bucky's heart had lept because something told him not only your words were true, but that you were almost asleep.

Since that day, it was here that Bucky liked spending a lot of precious time.

Whenever you hugged him, Bucky was able to think about only the good bits.

Whether he was holding you more or you holding him like right now, fitting your bodies like a puzzle became his founding pillar for peace.

(Sam had even joked about it.

"Dude. You look so chill lately," he had laughed.

"Do I?" Bucky asked, deadpanned.

"Look! Not even now—man, the corner of your mouth just quivered tryin' to be funny about this," he had laughed. "This is golden."

Inevitably, Bucky joined him in laughter. "I'm glad you're entertained."

"Oh, I'm more than entertained," said Sam. "I'm happy for you.")

Bucky felt you sighing against his chest, slowly.

Then, he felt your cute nose nudging his neck, right below the ear.

He chuckled—little wolf.

In probably two seconds, you'd make a comment about—

"You smell like dust," you sounded whiny, but then the feeling of a kiss blooms on that spot of his neck, and Bucky's brain goes even a little quieter. "It's ok. We'll shower."

"Will we?" he asks, interest peaking. You laugh at him, but now with the offer on the table, Bucky switches his plans of cooking you dinner and asking you to update him on the last episodes of the series you were talking to him about over the phone. He picks you up by your thighs, laughing at the squeal that comes out of you. "Alright. Let's go."

"Bucky!"

"What?" He plays dumb, kicking the door behind him with his foot. "You don't wanna shower with me?"

You laugh at him, and Bucky leans his head to get a kiss from you. "I'll cook for us later."

Mouth still touching his, your words come off muffled by both the kisses and the smile. "I've been waiting—hm—for your food for—weeks."

"And you'll get it," he switches to place one last kiss on your neck, then pays attention to hold you right as he switches your weight onto only his metal arm so he can open the bathroom door. "Shower first. I don't wanna see those little faces of yours every time you get your nose on me. They distract me, and the kitchen is not—"

"—a place to be distracted," you join him, holding on for dear life on his neck. "I know."

As if I'd let my most precious thing drop, he rolls his eyes internally.

Bucky gets inside the bathroom but still keeps you in his arm for just a moment longer. He likes to hold you in any way he can. "Let's shower. Then food. Then more hugs on the couch 'cause I need to tell you some stuff, then..." he lets his words drift off, and shrugs his shoulders.

You shake your head, smiling at him. "Coy comes out as a terribly smug look on you, and you know that."

"You love it," he says, pressing a kiss to your mouth as he lets you down gently.

"I do. Love every bit of you," you say, a little shy as you always are when telling him cheesy things.

(If the world could only see the nasty, filthy things you say with a smile on your face.)

He holds your face in his hand and kisses you a little more. He missed being able to do that. "I love you more, angel."

You fought him on it, but Bucky liked to believe he was right.

And it would always make him smile to think you also believed your words.

🏷 b.b. tag list ☆ @undiadeestos ; @keepingitlokiii ; @hallecarey1 ; @mardema ; @mollygetssherlockcoffee ; @justlovelifeblog ; @fallenoutofrose ; @rvgrsbrns ; @tripletstephaniescp ; @mal-edictions-blog ; @rippl3s ; @barnesafterglow ; @vintagepigeon ; @dirtyweenerking ; @couldabeenamermaid ; @winter-soldier-sebstan ; @leyannrae ; @nerdwholikesword ; @andreead ; @ren-ni ; @pastamomma ; @fiftyshadesofokay ; @peonyophelia ; @murdermornings ; @bvckysmoon ; @buttybarnes1917 ; @rebekahdawkins ; @tylard-blog1 ; @xbeauxny ; @fandoms-writings ; @thatblondebrownie ; @carrotfantasimp ; @teenagedreams-bucky ; @buckspumpkin ; @sltwins ; @i-beg-your-pardon-laufeyson ; @mrsbarnesinmyimagination ; @pineprincess ; @cpag7 ; @iambeeee ; @sstan-hoe ; @weirdowithnobeardo ; @hdbngsprnva ; @itsdawnashlie ; @sweetdreamsbuck ; @slutforsteve ; @maladaptivexxdaydreaming ; @holl2712 ♡

Going on a job interview:

Them: what is your biggest weakness?

Me: NOSE SCRUNCH

Hi, this is my first post! Here are some of my fluffy head cannons about our favorite cat loving hacker

7 knows how to dance (Waltz, tango, ect) so he would dance with you whenever he has free time. Even if it means interrupting you doing daily tasks.Cooking/cleaning? Not anymore. this man has already swept you off your feet, and taken your hand in his and is currently twirling you around whatever room your in.*him humming howls moving castle*

You are currently cleaning up the kitchen after putting dinner into the oven when in comes Saeyoung. His crimson hair all messy from his nap. Coming up behind you, gently sliding his cold hands up your shirt resting them on your stomach. Slowly rocking you both side to side. He mumbles an “ nice and warm” while burring his head into the crevasse of your neck placing a little kiss right under your ear. His hair tickling your neck you let out a small breath and tell him to be careful and that it tickles. Your words just egg him on and if you didn’t realize your mistake sooner he would have caged you in and tickled you to death. You sharply say “don’t even think about it” feeling a light smile form on his lips you pull from his grasp and turn around to face him. His gives you a gentle smile, his eyes sparking like the stars he adores. You reach up and rub your thumb over his cheek “I know you to well by now sweetheart, but nice try” he rolls his eyes and brings his hand up to hold yours his fingers intertwining with yours. His other hand makes it’s way up to your hip gently holding onto you. His fingers gently pressing into you, subconsciously making sure you are there and not just a dream. He pulls you away from the counter and to the middle of the kitchen, you gently push some of his hair out of his eyes, “you are my North Star thank you for guiding me home” he quietly says while pushing his forehead against yours. “Your ufo crash landed on my heart alien boy” you retort. After a few minutes of silence just holding each other like it would be the last, he pulls back a bit. “May, I have this dance my love? Being held by you helped recharge my batteries” you smile at him sometimes even after being with him so long it makes your heart flutter like the wings of a sparrow, you say yes but not with words, placing a gentle kiss to his lips. He has a light blush dusted on his cheeks, his smile still bright. He takes your hand and bings it above your head and twirls you. Falling into his his arms you feel him dip you down and press a kiss onto your lips, his smile still there as he pulls you back up to continue. No music was needed just yours and his laughter. Nothing could be more pure than the love you felt for him, and he felt for you in this moment. Your souls danced like the two of you. Forever tied to each other, not even death could do you apart. (Hope you all enjoy!! sorry that it’s super long 😩 I just love him so much)

Tarot - Major Arcana

These are just short basic descriptions to help get through the cards

Fool

Upright

Beginnings

Innocence

Spontineity

Free spirit

Reversed

Holding back

Recklessness

Risk-taking

Magician

Upright

Manifestation

Resourcfulness

Power

Inspired action

Reversed

Manipulation

Poor planning

Untapped talents

High Priestess

Upright

Intuition

Sacred knowledge

Divine feminine

The subconious mind

Reversed

Secrets

Disconnected from intuition

Withdrawal and silence

Empress

Upright

Femininity

Beauty

Nature

Nurturing

Abundance

Reversed

Creative block 

Dependence on others

Emperor

Upright

Authority

Establishment

Structure

A father figure

Reversed

Domination 

Inflexibility 

Excessive control 

Lack of discipline

Herophant

Upright

Spiritual wisdom

Religious beliefs

Conformity

Tradition

Institutions

Reversed

Personal beliefs 

Freedom 

Challenging the status quo

Lovers 

Upright

Love

Harmony

Relationships

Values alignment

Choices

Reversed

Self-love 

Misalignment of values 

Imbalance 

Disharmony

Chariot

Upright

Control

Willpower

Success

Action

Determination

Reversed

Self-discipline 

Opposition 

Lack of direction

Strength

Upright

Strength

Courage

Persuasion

Influence

Compassion

Reversed

Inner strength

Self-doubt

Low energy

Raw emotion

Hermit

Upright

Soul-searching

Introspection

Being alone

Inner guidance

Reversed

Withdrawal 

Loneliness 

Isolation

Wheel

Upright

Good luck

Karma

Life cycles

Destiny

A turning point

Reversed

Back luck

Resistance to change

Breaking cycles

Justice

Upright

Justice

Fairness

Truth

Cause and effect

Reversed

Unfairness

Lack of accountability

Dishonesty

Hanged Man

Upright

Pause 

Surrender

Letting go

New perspective

Reversed

Delays

Resistance

Stalling

Indecision

Death

Upright

Endings

Change

Transformation

Transition

Reversed

Resistance to change

Personal transformation

Inner purging

Tempernace

Upright

Balence

Moderation

Patience

Purpose

Reversed

Imbalence

Excess

Self-healing

Re-alignment

Devil

Upright

Shadow self

Attachment

Addiction

Restriction

Sexuality

Reversed

Releasing limiting beliefs

Exploring dark thoughts

Detachment

Tower

Upright

Sudden change

Upheaval

Chaos

Revelation

Awakening

Reversed

Persoanl transformation

Far of change

Averting disaster

Star

Upright

Hope

Faith

Purpose

Renewal

Spirituality

Reversed

Lack of faith

Despair

Selt-trust

Disconnection

Moon

Upright

Illusion

Fear

Anxiety

Subconcious

Intuition

Reversed

Release of fear

Repressed emotion

Inner confusion

Sun

Upright

Positivity

Fun

Warmth

Success

Vitality

Reversed

Inner child

Feeling down

Overly optimistic

Judgement

Upright

Judgement

Rebirth

Inner calling

Absolution

Reversed

Self-doubt

Inner critic

Ignoring the call

World

Upright

Completion

Integration

Accomplishment

Travel

Reversed

Seeing personal closure

Short-cuts

Delays

And as always, merry meet <3

Atti

Can I have either a fic or hc where Peter comforts a sad reader? I'm really depressed rn cause of some personal thing and just need some hugs from my boy Pete

Peter would HATE seeing you down

like he physically deflates when he sees you upset about anything

to the point where he has to convince himself not to cry for you

he’d be wrapping you up in blankets and his arms and maybe one of his hoodies, anything to keep you warm and feeling safe

if you’re at that point in your relationship, definitely telling you he loves you so much

cuddling wherever you are, no matter where

couch? sharing a blanket, huddled together, drinking some cocoa or tea

bed? cuddling and back rubbing and whispering until you fall asleep

floor? sitting between his legs with your back pressed against his chest and his back against the sofa

sometimes it took you some time to tell him what had happened that made you so sad

and that was okay with him

he just wanted you to be comfortable

homeboy would wait years just cuddling you until you’re ready

and when you do, he’s supportive, and understanding, no matter what it is

Peter is the kind of bf who actually listens.

he gives you his undivided attention, eye contact, responsive, and hanging on to every word you say

he wants you to know he cares

and you do

being with Peter always manages to lift your mood by 10000%

we love a soft and safe boi

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas | Steve Harrington

★ Warnings: dad!steve, mom!reader, husband!steve, fem!reader, no use of y/n, established marriage, domestic fluff, mentions of parenting and child behavior, playful family banter, holiday traditions, mild chaos caused by kids, Steve being the ultimate dad, tender family moments, sweet kisses, references to Home Alone, soft nostalgia, and an abundance of Christmas warmth.

★ Summary: It’s Christmas Eve, 1995, and the Harrington family is in full holiday mode. Between their six-year-old son Ethan’s endless questions, their four-year-old daughter Sadie’s knack for causing adorable mischief, and Steve’s playful dad jokes, the night is full of warmth and laughter. 3k

★ Pairings: steve harrington x fem!reader

★ Fic Inspiration: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” - Frank Sinatra (again)

★ Dividers: thank you to @bernardsbendystraws for the adorable divider, it’s greatly appreciated!

★ Author’s Note: husband and dad steve harrington. goodness. anyways this should be the last Christmas and overall fic of the year (be on the look out for new year’s day) unless i get inspiration again. this is horribly messy and terribly written but nonetheless enjoy!

Snow fell steadily outside the Harrington home, muffling the usual sounds of Hawkins under a thick, sparkling blanket.

The rooftops were capped in white, the snowdrifts shimmering under the glow of streetlamps. Icicles hung from the edges of the roof, catching the twinkle of the colorful Christmas lights that Steve had painstakingly strung up a week ago, with the help of 6 year old Ethan’s enthusiastic, yet, chaotic help.

Each light blinked in perfect rhythm, painting the snow below in shifting hues of red, green, and gold. Through the fogged-up windows, the warm golden light of the Christmas tree spilled onto the lawn, offering a glimpse of the cozy world within.

Inside, the kitchen was a war zone of holiday cheer. Flour clung to nearly every surface—the countertops, the floor, and even the stool where little 4 year old Sadie stood, perched like a determined little artist. It dusted the tip of her nose and her wild curls, making her look like a miniature mad scientist as she meticulously squeezed green frosting onto a gingerbread man.

Her tongue poked out in focused concentration, her small hands gripping the frosting tube as if her life depended on it. Beside her, an array of cookies lay half-finished on the counter, buried under uneven layers of sprinkles and frosting swirls. Each one was a testament to her boundless creativity, if not her precision.

“Santa loves sprinkles,” Sadie declared with absolute certainty, her little face scrunched in concentration as she scooped a generous handful of the colorful confetti-like decorations from the nearest bowl.

The sprinkles scattered across the gingerbread man with wild abandon, tumbling off the edges and onto the counter, onto the floor, and even into the air, as if they were little bursts of festive confetti.

“Santa doesn’t want to eat cookies that are all sprinkles,” Ethan countered from across the counter, his voice dripping with the kind of exasperation only a six-year-old with a perfectionist streak could muster.

He was working on a star-shaped cookie, his movements precise, deliberate. The tiny silver balls he was placing on the edges of the cookie were perfectly symmetrical, each one spaced exactly the same distance apart, as though he were an engineer and this cookie was his blueprint.

Sadie, undeterred, shot her brother a sideways glance, her lips twisting into a defiant pout. “Santa loves all cookies!” she shot back, her voice high and firm, as if daring him to challenge her further. She grabbed another handful of sprinkles, her tiny fingers clumsily but lovingly adding them to her gingerbread creation with a look of pure determination in her eyes.

Steve, who had been quietly observing the sibling exchange from his spot leaning against the fridge, let out a low chuckle, his arms crossed loosely across his chest. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched his children, clearly entertained by the growing battle of wills between his two little ones. “You know, Sadie,” he said, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm, “I think Ethan might have a point. That gingerbread guy looks like he just survived an explosion at a sprinkle factory.”

Sadie gasped dramatically, clutching the cookie to her chest as if Steve had just insulted her entire artistic vision. “He’s festive, Daddy!” she protested, her eyes wide with faux horror. “Santa will think he’s beautiful!”

Steve raised his hands in mock surrender, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Alright, alright. Festive, got it. You win, kiddo,” he said, backing off, but his smile never faded.

You glanced up from where you were carefully transferring a fresh batch of cookies onto the cooling rack. You’d been absorbed in your task, the warm scent of cinnamon and vanilla filling the room, but the sounds of your kids’ banter had been too amusing to ignore. You shot a smirk over at Steve, catching the tail end of his playful exchange with Sadie. “Don’t encourage them, Steve,” you said, your voice a mix of amusement and mock exasperation. “This kitchen already looks like a bomb went off in a bakery.”

Steve turned to you with that familiar, mischievous grin that always seemed to pull at your heartstrings. He pushed off the counter and sauntered over, his presence a comforting warmth that seemed to fill the space between you. As he reached you, he slipped his arms around your waist, pulling you close, his chin resting on your shoulder as he kissed the side of your neck, his lips soft against your skin.

“Oh, come on," he said, his voice a playful murmur, "It's Christmas. A little chaos is good for the soul."

The warmth of his touch and the affection in his kiss made your heart flutter, but before you could respond, you heard a chorus of groans from behind you.

"Eww, Daddy, gross!" Ethan wrinkled his nose, his six-year-old voice full of dramatic disapproval. Sadie was standing beside him, her eyes wide as she tugged at his sleeve, mimicking his disgust.

"Yeah, gross!" she added, her voice just as playful, though her face was scrunched in exaggerated annoyance. "Get a room!"

Steve pulled back slightly, his smile widening as he laughed. "Hey, you two can't appreciate true love yet," he teased, raising an eyebrow at them. "When you're older, you'll understand."

You chuckled, shaking your head as you met Ethan’s wide-eyed gaze, his expression a mix of surprise and genuine concern.

"They're right, Daddy," you teased. "We'll have to save the romance for later."

"Yeah, later!" Sadie agreed with a dramatic sigh, making a show of fanning herself with one hand, as if the display of affection had been too much to handle.

Steve gave a mock sigh of defeat, but his arms tightened around you, pulling you closer for another kiss, this time to the top of your head. "Guess we'll have to keep it PG for a little while, huh?" he murmured with a playful grin, his voice soft but full of affection.

As you hold onto his arms that wrap around you, the warmth of his embrace grounding you, you couldn't help but smile at the chaotic love that surrounded you. The kids' teasing, the laughter, and the warmth in the room-all of it felt like exactly what you needed. It was chaotic, but it was perfect.

The kitchen was, indeed, a disaster—sprinkles everywhere, frosting streaked across the table, and flour footprints leading from the counter to the floor. And yet, in the midst of the mess, there was something so perfectly Christmas about it all. You couldn’t help but shake your head fondly at the sight of your two children, Sadie with her chaotic artistic flair and Ethan with his precision, both creating their own little pieces of holiday magic in their own ways.

You let out a soft sigh, your heart swelling with a mix of warmth and contentment. This was your life now—messy, loud, and filled to the brim with joy. The kind of joy that came from every moment spent together, it was imperfect, but it was yours. And you wouldn’t change a thing.

“I suppose a little chaos is good for the soul,” you muttered, leaning into Steve’s embrace, your back resting against his torso. “But we’ll have to clean it all up before Santa comes.”

Steve’s grin widened as he kissed the top of your head. “Deal,” he said softly, his voice warm, full of affection. “But for now, let’s just enjoy it.”

And in that moment, amidst the mess, the laughter of your kids, and the hum of Christmas music playing softly in the background, you truly did. You couldn’t imagine a better way to spend Christmas Eve.

By the time the last batch of cookies had cooled, the kids had moved on to decorating with gusto. Sadie was a whirlwind of frosting and sprinkles, her hands sticky but her smile wide. Ethan’s creations, on the other hand, could have been featured in a magazine—each one neat, symmetrical, and perfect in its own way.

“Do you think Santa will like mine better?” Ethan asked as he placed a gingerbread snowman carefully on the plate.

“Santa loves everything,” you replied diplomatically, shooting Steve a look that warned him not to stir the pot.

“He’ll love Sadie’s too,” Steve added, crouching down to examine one of her creations. “Especially this one. It’s, uh… very colorful.”

Sadie beamed, clearly taking this as the highest of compliments.

Once the cookies were arranged on a plate, along with a glass of milk, the four of you moved into the living room. Ethan darted ahead to claim the best spot on the couch, while Sadie grabbed her stuffed reindeer and curled up in Steve’s lap.

Steve held up a VHS tape like it was a trophy. “Tonight’s pick: Home Alone.”

Ethan pumped a fist in the air. “Yes!”

Sadie giggled, clutching her reindeer tightly. “Kevin’s so funny!”

You settled onto the couch next to Ethan, draping a blanket over your lap as Steve popped the tape into the VCR. The kids quieted as the familiar opening music began, their eyes glued to the screen.

The living room was warm and cozy, the fire crackling softly in the hearth. The Christmas tree lights cast colorful patterns across the walls, and the faint scent of pine mingled with the sugary sweetness lingering from the kitchen.

As Kevin McCallister navigated his hijinks, Sadie giggled uncontrollably at the Wet Bandits’ antics, her laughter ringing through the room. Ethan, meanwhile, provided a running commentary.

“They’re so silly,” he said, shaking his head as Harry slipped on the icy stairs for the third time. “Why don’t they just give up?”

“That’s not the point, buddy,” Steve replied, chuckling. “They’re supposed to be silly. It’s funny.”

“Kevin’s really brave,” Sadie whispered, clutching her reindeer as Kevin faced off against the burglars. “He’s all alone, but he’s not scared.”

You smoothed her curls with a gentle hand. “He’s smart too, just like you.”

Steve caught your eye, his expression softening as he smiled at you. These moments—the quiet, ordinary ones—were the ones he cherished most.

By the time the credits rolled, Sadie was fast asleep in Steve’s lap, her tiny hand clutching the fabric of his sweater. Ethan was valiantly trying to stay awake, but his head kept nodding forward, his stubbornness no match for his exhaustion.

Steve glanced down at Sadie, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Looks like it’s bedtime for these two.”

You nodded, sharing a glance with Steve as you both made your way toward the kids. Without a word, you reached down to gently lift Ethan into your arms. He squirmed slightly, grumbling under his breath, but didn’t protest as you settled him against your chest, his head resting on your shoulder. Steve, in turn, scooped up Sadie with ease, her small body curling instinctively into his hold. She mumbled something incoherent, her voice muffled by sleep, but didn’t wake as he cradled her against him.

The two of you made your way upstairs in comfortable silence, each step echoing softly through the house. It felt like a peaceful rhythm, this simple act of carrying your kids to bed, a reminder of how much you both cherished these little moments.

You reached Ethan’s room first, carefully lowering him into his bed. He groggily shifted under the covers, his sleepy eyes flicking up at you with a mix of curiosity and exhaustion. You helped him into his pajamas, smoothing out the fabric with a practiced hand before tucking him under the covers.

“Do you think Santa’s gonna like the cookies?” he asked, his voice thick with sleep but still filled with that unmistakable childlike wonder.

Steve, who had followed you into the room, chuckled softly as he leaned against the doorframe. “He’s gonna love them. Especially that one with all the sprinkles,” he said, grinning.

Ethan let out a small giggle, his eyes already fluttering closed. “Good,” he mumbled, his face relaxing into sleep as he drifted off, his soft breathing the only sound in the room.

Meanwhile, Steve took Sadie to her room. As soon as he placed her on her bed, she curled up into her blankets, her little reindeer toy tucked under her arm. She sighed contentedly as he adjusted the covers around her, kissing her forehead gently.

“Goodnight, lovebug,” you whispered from the doorway, watching the tender moment unfold.

Sadie mumbled something sleepy and incoherent, her eyes fluttering closed as she snuggled deeper into her pillow. “Goodnight,” she whispered back, her voice already soft with sleep.

As you and Steve stood in the doorway for a moment, watching your kids drift off into peaceful slumber, a sense of quiet satisfaction settled over you both. The house was still, the Christmas lights outside casting a gentle glow through the windows. Everything felt right. You turned to Steve, a soft smile tugging at your lips. “They’re going to be so excited when they wake up tomorrow.”

He nodded, his arm naturally finding its way around your waist as you both quietly left the room. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure they’ll be up before the sun is,” he said, his voice a mixture of amusement and fondness.

You smiled up at him, leaning into his side as the two of you headed back downstairs, the soft hum of Christmas music filling the air around you. It was a quiet night, just the two of you, in the calm after the chaos. And as the two of you settled back into the warmth of the living room, the love and laughter of the night still lingering in the air, you couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of contentment. Christmas was here, and your family was exactly where they belonged.

“Think they’ll notice if we eat one?” Steve asked, breaking off a corner of a gingerbread man with a playful grin. He popped it into his mouth, chewing slowly as if savoring the moment.

You looked at him over the top of the cookie jar, raising an eyebrow. “Not unless you want to explain why there are bites taken out of the cookies they spent hours decorating.”

Steve shrugged, his eyes glinting with mischief as he reached for another cookie. “Eh, they’ll never know. Besides, Santa can always come up with his own cookies.”

You smirked, swatting his hand away as you grabbed one for yourself. “I’m pretty sure Santa’s going to have a sugar high with how much we’ve put out for him.”

He laughed, popping a piece of cookie into his mouth. “I’m sure he’ll appreciate it. I mean, we’ve done all the hard work, haven’t we?”

You took a bite of your own cookie, sighing in contentment. “True. These are way better than store-bought.”

Steve’s grin widened as he leaned in to kiss your cheek. “I think we’ve officially earned it. We’re doing all the Christmas magic around here.”

You laughed as Steve pulled you into his arms as the fire crackled softly behind you. The glow of the Christmas tree bathed the room in warmth, and Frank Sinatra’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” played faintly in the background.

As you leaned against him, the quiet of the moment settled over you like a blanket.

"This is it, you know," Steve said suddenly, his voice low and serious. His eyes were soft, distant in a way, as if he were taking in the entire scene-the glowing lights, the quiet of the house, the warmth of it all.

You looked up at him, your eyebrows furrowing slightly. "What is?" you asked, curious but not entirely sure what he meant.

"This," he said again, his gaze sweeping across the room, lingering for a moment on the kids' cookies on the counter, the half-empty mugs of hot chocolate, the soft Christmas lights casting a warm glow over the space. Then, his gaze landed back on you, his expression tender.

“The kids, the house, you. Everything I ever wanted. It's right here."

The way he said it-so genuine, so full of admiration-caught you off guard. Your chest tightened with emotion, and for a moment, you couldn't find the right words.

You reached up instinctively, cupping his cheek, feeling the stubble there beneath your palm, the warmth of him as you held him close.

"You deserve it, Steve," you said softly, your voice thick with emotion. "Every bit of it." You didn't need to elaborate. You knew what he meant.

Steve's gaze softened even further, a look in his eyes you could only describe as reverent.

Slowly, he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead, lingering there for a moment as if savoring the feeling of being with you in this quiet, perfect moment. When he pulled back, he looked at you, his eyes filled with something deeper, something that made your heart swell.

"I don't know how I got so lucky," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"But I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for this. For us." His hand slid down to your waist, pulling you gently against him. He didn't rush it, just held you there, his lips grazing against yours in a kiss that was soft, slow-like he was trying to memorize the feeling of being close to you.

You smiled, your chest tight with affection. "I love you.”

There was a quiet stillness between you both, a peacefulness that wrapped around you like the softest blanket. The house was quiet, save for the faint hum of Christmas music drifting from the speakers and the distant sound of snow falling outside. But in this moment, nothing else mattered.

You were together. The life you had, the love you shared-it was everything, and it was yours.

Steve's hand gently brushed the back of your neck, and he kissed you again, his lips soft, lingering. It was a kiss that said more than words ever could-more than any ‘thank you' or 'I love you' could ever express.

You had everything. And you wouldn't change a single thing.

thank you so much for reading! please like/reblog or comment if you did, it would be greatly appreciated. have a great day and a happy holidays!!