100 Shadow Work/journal Prompt Ideas

Listen, i don't have a knife kink

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BUT☝🏼

I mean...

ya'll ever see a fanfic synopsis so fucked up you experience the five stages of grief simultaneously and briefly lose the ability to see colour

Dating Peter Parker would include

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Notes/Warning: this is really just a quickly typed up thingy because I wanted to have some more Peter Parker content on my blog oops (tbh I changed the timeline a bit)

Keep reading

DONT SEND THEM HERE

Y/N: I know the Bible talks about forgiveness

Thanos:

Y/N: But Jesus would hold my purse while I absolutely kicked your ass.

Title : I’ll Always Want You

Pairing : Loki x Reader

Summary : Sigyn returned many many years later after Loki and her broke up. She is unconscious and Loki wants to put an end to this chapter with her and share how much he loves Y/N with her. What Loki didn’t realize was how long he had been spending at Sigyn’s bedside and how much he was hurting Y/N, his fiancé until she takes a life threatening mission.

————

It's been months since Sigyn came back. She remained unconscious but Y/N's fiancé, Loki, would constantly come home in all hours of the night. She rarely saw Loki anymore let alone felt his arms around her in something as simple as a hug. Sigyn was Loki's first love and his first fiancé. But when she left him, Loki was devastated, Y/N was the one who brought him out of the darkness. So she decided to start bringing her brother, Heimdall, his meals every night so that way she wouldn't be alone. She had held off on taking missions for a while just to be present for Loki but that all changed recently. She decided to take a risk.

"You are going on this mission alone little sister?" Heimdall asked as she had brought food to him every evening during his watch. "I know it's hard between you and the prince but..."

"I need a break alright? He's either with her unconscious form or fighting with me. At this point, I would be fine if I never came back..." Before he could respond to his little sister she teleported away to Loki and her's chambers.

"And where exactly have you been?" Loki snarled. She jumped, she had grown used to having the place all to herself and Loki had grown used to her always being home when he arrived. When she made eye contact with Loki, he looked angry and hurt. She scoffed and went to their room to pack her things. Loki went wide eyed at the cold response. Y/N had always been kind and caring towards him, not once has she ever been cold to him, even when they were fighting. His eyes practically jumped out of his skull when she replied to him coldly.

"You don't see the irony in your statement, 'my dear fiancé'?" The sarcastic tone on the last part stung him. She was his dear fiancé. He loved her with everything he had. He had just been waiting to close on that miserable chapter that is Sigyn for years. How could she not be understanding of that? How could she keep fighting with him on this? And now she was leaving on a hugely dangerous mission alone? Where she could die? Over his dead body! He followed Y/N as their fight continued.

"What irony is there?! You know where I am at all times!" Loki shouted. "Unlike you, I never know where you go!"

"And whose fault is that?! And you're right, I do know where you are, with your unconscious ex-fiancé!" She was surprised that she had tears left at all. "So what do you care where I have been?! You haven't cared in months!" She threw her stuff haphazardly into a bag. Refusing to look at him because in her mind, he no longer deserved to see her cry. She no longer trusted him with her vulnerability.

"You know I'm waiting on closure! You accepted it at the beginning!"

"YEAH 6 FUCKING MONTHS AGO!" She roared. She closed her bag and flung it over her shoulder. He was frozen in their bedroom's door frame. Had it really been that long? Had he been really so blind? She laughed coldly when she saw his face. "What? Didn't realize how long it had been since you have really been home and spent time with me? Time must really fly with your oh so precious Sigyn!" Loki's face paled. He then quickly hardened his face and stalked over to her. She stood her ground.

"SHE IS NOT MINE!" Loki roared. "YOU ARE MINE AND I REFUSE TO LET YOU GO ON THIS MISSION!"

"AM I YOUR'S LOKI?! HOW AM I YOUR'S?! AM I YOUR TOY?! YOUR POSSESSION?! OR YOUR FUTURE WIFE?!" Loki just stared in her cold, angry eyes for a long time. He studied her face and he grew to hate himself more and more as he stared at her. She then teleported away to the barracks to get her weapons and to not hear what she deemed already to be a lie, leaving a completely stunned and heart broken Loki who was also enraged. Enraged that Y/N was willing to risk her life rather than spend a moment with him to talk it out. Enraged with himself for doing this to the only woman who stuck by him through it all and she was supportive of Loki with getting closure. But he didn't have to wait in Sigyn's room. He could have been home, enjoying the life he now had with Y/N. He teleported to the bifrost but Heimdall said he was too late. She had already left and he explained the events he had missed over the past 6 months.

——

A couple days when by and Loki had not been to see Sigyn once. In fact, he never left their bedroom. Clinging to her pillow that still smelled like her. He messed up. When he first lifted the pillow he saw one of his favorite shirts and his heart shattered. The shirt was stained with tears. Her tears. How long had she been crying and Loki wasn’t here to comfort her? Loki now was wearing the shirt and crying himself to sleep, clinging to her pillow. He prayed to the Norns that she would return to him safely.

——

"Damn it..." Y/N muttered as she stumbled into their chambers. She clung to her side that still has a giant tooth sticking out of it. She was bloody and scratched up but refused to go to the healers ward. The mission itself was successful, if not for the difficulties. "FUCK!" She shouted as she fell face first to the floor, knocking over a stand by the couch as she did so. She groaned in pain as she rolled over onto her back. Her blood staining her clothes and now for sure the carpet.

"Darling?!" Loki rushed out of the bedroom to see her on the ground, blood all over her. She looked at him wide eyed, she didn't expect him to be home. "No... no no no NO! Where are you hurt?! I’ll help you." Loki shouted quickly running to her as he grabbed her first aid kit. He saw the huge tooth in her side as he lifted her onto his lap.

"I'm fine... just let me..." She started as she reached for her kit and Loki moved it just out of her reach as he interrupted her.

"Absolutely not! I know you are a grand warrior who has stitched herself up thousands of times, but you need help this time!" Loki looked at her with tear filled eyes. Pleading with her to let him help her. "Please... I can't let you die..."

"Ok..." She let Loki take the tooth out and stitch her up. She didn't say a word. She was sitting up and leaning against the couch. Loki was beginning to clean her wounds as she stared blankly at the wall ahead of her. "Why are you thinner? Didn't you eat the food I left you?"

"I... I haven't left our bedroom..." Loki said as he looked up at her. She was so hurt by him and she still made sure he would have been taken care of.

"Except to see Sigyn right?" Her voice cracked as she asked. More tears escaped her eyes and Loki couldn't help but gently pull her to his lap. If she weren't so tired and sore, she would have fought back but she also missed him. Even if he was most likely about to break her heart more. "Loki I..."

"I never left the bedroom... not once... I didn't want to see anyone..." he held her protectively and she went wide eyed. She wasn't expecting that answer. "Darling... I'm so so so sorry... I... I have neglected you for so long and just expected you to be there to support me. I have hurt you in a way that I promised myself I wouldn't. And I..."

"What happens when she wakes up Loki?" Loki was stunned when she held up the surprisingly clean engagement ring. She had slipped it off, which she only did to do dishes, mop, or clean the ring itself. Loki could tell by its state that she cleaned it before she returned home and must have every night she was gone. "Are you going to want this back? Might as well just tell me now." Her voice was broken.

"How could I have let this go so far?" Loki waived his hand then scooped her up bridal style. He took her to their bathroom and helped her stand. With one arm around her waist, pulling her close, Loki slipped the ring back on her finger. "There is no one else in the nine realms that I want more than you. I promise that I will never want this ring back. I was being selfish all these months and I promise to make it up to you for the rest of my life." Her tears fell freely and as she cried Loki helped her gently undress and into the hot bath he used his magic to draw. She winced though the temperature was perfect, it was all her cuts that stung. Her eyes were still spilling tears as Loki gently took care of her wounds and the blood caked in her hair. She melted into his touch, wishing that he truly would choose her over Sigyn, the girl that left him.

"L-Loki?" He smiled sadly at her. Even though she was calling for him in such a broken state, hearing her call his name sounded so sweet. He grabbed a towel and helped her out of the tub, carrying her bridal style to their bedroom. When he went to stand, she grabbed his hand and he bent back down to kiss her forehead.

"I'm just grabbing your night wear and your hair brush my love. I'm not going anywhere." She nodded and reluctantly let go of his hand. Even if his time with her was temporary, she wanted to cling to him while she had him. She didn't realize that Loki was being true. He had no feelings for Sigyn, he had feelings on how it was left. He didn't get closure because she ran away without so much as a word to him. Sure she left a note, telling him she no longer wanted to be with him but he needed to really close it on his end. He needed to tell her about the most amazing woman in the world and how Sigyn leaving brought her to him. But with that in his mind, he souly focused on that and in turn he had practically abandoned the love of his life. Leaving her in a touch starved state where she doubted her self worth and his love for her.

"Here Darling." Loki helped her get dressed, Y/N could do that much but the sentiment behind Loki's actions brought tears to her eyes again. Once dressed, Loki sat behind her and began to brush her hair. Gods she missed him so much and the weight of all the pain she was feeling was finally being lifted from her shoulders in tiny sobs that escaped her lips. She hated herself for crying so much, she tried so hard to not cry in front of him. "Oh Love..." Loki pulled her close to him after using his magic to change his blood stained shirt.

"I missed you..." She sniffled out. She buried her face into his chest and Loki felt his heart ache. He didn't realize how starved from her he truly was.

"I missed you too my love..." Loki began to cry himself. How could he be so stupid? Why did Sigyn matter at all? Why did he do this? He pulled her closer and feathered kisses all over the top of her head. She giggled a little and Loki's heart fluttered. "Oh it's been way too long since I have heard that sound." Loki gently placed her on her back and hovered over her. Feathering more kisses all over her face as she blushed brightly.

"H-Hey..." Loki stopped looking at her puzzled. "You keep missing..." She suddenly felt very shy like when they were first dating. Loki smirked knowing exactly what she wanted. He captured her lips slowly, savoring her taste. Y/N cried yet again as she wrapped her arms around Loki to pull him closer. It grew needier and their hands began to roam up each other. The kiss broke when Y/N winced. She pouted when Loki chuckled and left a lingering kiss on her forehead.

"When you are better Darling I promise to take excellent care of you."

——

A couple weeks went by and Loki never left Y/N's side. Anywhere she went, he went. He saw what she had been up to for 6 months and he was shocked. She had kept up with Frigga's garden after she died last year and he absolutely had no idea that it was her. He thought maybe Frigga's servants were doing it but no, it was his fiancé. They then went to help train the royal guard. Of course Loki didn't allow her to do so but he followed her instructions to the letter. Then she told him she would take tiny missions but she went silent when he asked why the tiny ones. He felt it best to just drop it since he figured it was because she wanted to be back the same day in hopes to see him. And finally he went to take Heimdall's meal to him and gaze out at the universe.

"How long... does she stay out here?" Loki reluctantly asked Heimdall. He chuckled and sighed at the prince's question.

"She usually stays to talk to Mother and the Queen, asking for guidance on what to do and to avoid going home alone." Loki just stared at Y/N who clearly was enjoying the view. "I hope the troubles are over."

"They are. I promise." Heimdall was about to say something when a healer ran into the bifrost.

"My prince... she is awake and asking for you." Loki's eyes widen and Y/N's figure stiffens. She looks down at her ring and plays with it with her thumb.

"Darling I..."

"It's ok..." Y/N turns to him with a sad smile and tears brimming her eyes. "Go." Her tone was kind and heart breaking all at once. Loki rushed to Y/N and captured her lips with his.

"I promise you on my own life, I'm not leaving you. I won't leave you... In fact..." Loki pulled her close to him and teleported to Sigyn's room. Sigyn doesn't jump like Y/N does when Loki teleports in surprise. Immediately comparing herself, she bows her head down.

"It appears I am too late." Sigyn simply states. Loki turns around to face his ex.

"You came back because you were lonely. Your lover died so you quickly abandon your new home to come crawling back. You didn't think I would find someone else." Loki takes Y/N's hand and her eyes wide in shock. "This is the real love of my life. She has never once left my side and I have done more heinous things than when I was with you. She stood by me and catered to me. She isn't afraid to call me out on my crap. Y/N isn't just along for the ride to fill some void. She truly loves me and I truly love. So I demand that you leave us be."

"How can I argue with that when you haven't looked at me once since your arrival here." Y/N looks up at Sigyn in shock at her words then turns her attention to Loki, whose eyes were watching Y/N intently. Y/N opened her mouth to say something but Loki smiled at her silencing her immediately. He really was choosing her and not Sigyn. Tears fell from her eyes as she sniffled.

"Damn it... I keep crying..." Loki chuckled, kissing his fiancé's head.

"I told you that there truly is no one else? Do you believe me now?" She nodded as she sniffles.

"Not that I don't find this moment touching and not that I don't find it interesting to see a decorated warrior cry so much, but if you two could do this somewhere else?" Sigyn stated. Loki didn't respond to Sigyn, he just teleported the two of them to their chambers. Loki refused to let go of Y/N.

"Mine." Y/N giggled at Loki and nodded her head.

"Yes, yours." Y/N smiled up at him. "As long as you want me."

"I'll always want you."

everything happens for a reason - zuko x fem!reader // masterlist

⇦ back to masterlist ⇦

status: wip, tag list is open!

summary: As a servant in the Fire Nation, you’ve learned that life is often unfair. But as you venture through a tumultuous relationship with a certain prince, you come to realize a very tricky lesson: everything happens for a reason.

warning(s): angst, hurt/comfort, hurt without comfort, threats of death, parental death, betrayal, there is a lot of sadness but that comes along with a zuko fic lmao. there is a happy ending though! i promise 

timeline | playlist | ao3

current wc: 50,688

CHAPTER 1 . I am not your concern

CHAPTER 2 . And out of the blue, I fell for you

CHAPTER 3 . I feel so much, I get carried away

CHAPTER 4 . The night was full of terrors and your eyes were full of tears

CHAPTER 5 . I can go anywhere I want, I can go anywhere just not home

CHAPTER 6 . The thing about forever is that it’s a fucking lie

CHAPTER 7 . I think my ways are wearing me down

CHAPTER 8 . Used to do these things so effortlessly, somehow

CHAPTER 9 . I fell in love with a war, nobody told me it ended

CHAPTER 10 . I hate you for what you did, and I miss you like a little kid

CHAPTER 11 . Memories, where’d you go?

CHAPTER 12 . Living in the state of dreaming

CHAPTER 13 . But there was one thing missing, and that was the moment I knew

CHAPTER 14 . How could you be so reckless with my heart?

CHAPTER 15 . I thought I had you figured out

CHAPTER 16 . I miss you more than anything

CHAPTER 17 . And maybe I don’t quite know what to say

CHAPTER 18 . Don’t speak, I know just what you’re thinking

CHAPTER 19 . Can we go back to the world we had? With a love so sweet it makes me sad

CHAPTER 20 . Guess it’s true, I’m never getting over you

CHAPTER 21 . Meet me in the afterglow

CHAPTER 22 . I’ve been waiting on you

CHAPTER 23 . You’re coming back, and it’s the end of the world

CHAPTER 24 . Finally, I have found a way to be happy

Dating Loki Odinson Would Include:

masterlist

he constantly talks about his mother because he trusts you with his feelings

he’s definitely the type of boyfriend to get super jealous

someone will look at you for too long and he can’t control is jealousy and possessiveness

you mean the world to him so you wouldn’t really fight a lot but if you did they were huge and sometimes would get out of control

but you make up with angry sex so it’s all good

he wants to give you everything he didn’t have because he knows what it feels like to have nothing

like if you want a throne he’ll give you one, all you have to do is ask

his love language is 100% touch but soft touches i.e. hand holding, cheek strokes, playing with your hair etc.

he has trust issues...shocker...but once he lets you in he tells you everything because he trusts you so much

will definitely gossip with you, especially if it’s about thor...i mean who are we kidding

FOREHEAD KISSES

NECK KISSES

he needs to be reassured a lot, so expect days were he’s pouty and comes back to his normal self when you smother him with love

would always try to prank or scare you with his illusions but you always see right through them, making him believe that you’re truly his soulmate

will cry on your shoulder after frigga’s death

loki would protect you with everything he has, even if that means with his life

he would literally make fun of you after trying on his helmet and looking like an idiot

you would definitely have a sarcastic-type of relationship where you poke fun at each other constantly and people around you are confused if you’re serious or not

but god forbid someone else makes fun of you...they might as well flee asgard or new york depending on where you’re currently staying

you are always his number one priority

late night walks

stargazing

staying up late and talking about everything and everyone

being disappointed in him when he ordered the attack on new york

and he realised he messed up big time

he was so disappointed in himself for hurting you and took out the hurt on himself

you would constantly be surrounded by words like, ‘why are you dating him?’ ; ‘he’s evil.’ ; ‘how can you love someone like him?’

he loves sleeping next to you

he just feels so safe

Cuddling with Loki would include:

A post no one asked for but I was sad after the first ep of Loki so...Here you go!

- Loki's cuddles are needy. He's so starved for genuine affection and love that despite initially being guarded and dismissive when you ask, he'll quickly submit

- If you tease him for initially being reluctant and change your mind, he'll get playfully annoyed and pull you toward him, winding his arms around you and not letting you go

- He would be content to stay wrapped up with you for hours (or longer really) doing nothing else

- Plays with your hair, rubs your arms, kisses your head every so often and nuzzles up to you a lot

- No little spoon or big spoon nonsense! He'd lie facing you, staring at you with expectant eyes as you tried not to let yourself get too flustered

- Melts into your touches, literally. He'll draw closer wherever you touch him, following you slightly when you pull away

- Loves when you play with his hair:( Will close his eyes and rest his head in your lap if you let him, smiling slightly at the feeling

- He's more vulnerable when you're like that, often times opening up about things he wouldn't usually, while you listen patiently and reassure him

- He won't stop talking some days, going on about things and often drowning you with honey-coated words about how much he adored you and was grateful for you

- ...Which often makes you laugh, if only because you're embarrassed and he's so direct. He'll grin deviously, always happy to get a smile or laugh out of you

- He'd really adore that time and would be so grateful he had you. Someone spending time with him like that is new to him and he'll never tire of it

- Won't be able to stop smiling the whole time. If you catch him he'll tone it down to a small smirk, but he can't help himself

- If you aren't careful, he'll want cuddles all the time. You'll walk by him while he's sitting somewhere and he'll just take your hand and look at you like 🥺 before gently pulling you toward him

- He's always happy to oblige your (his) need for cuddles and affection, after all :^)

‘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!!