[selfshipmas]

welcome to twelve days of selfshipmas! this event is hosted over the course of twelve days, december 14th to 25th, where winter related prompts are made available to inspire thoughts of you and your f/o(s) in the wintertime.

this is your hub to learn about the event, ask questions, and see what people have to share!

selfshipmas 2025 ✧ faqs ✧ tags ✧ participants

[breakdawn-avenue]

Can’t deny what’s deep inside my soul

Summary: Hayato would consider baking to be one of his hobbies, especially cookies. Usually, you help him with pleasure. When you come back home on this day, you see him partly covered in floor and the whole kitchen in an unusual disarray. Considering what happened the evening before, Haruka and Akihiko breaking up – no, just taking a break from each other, it’s probably better not to be all too miffed about it. Hajime calls for an emergency meeting. Thankfully, he doesn’t force you to be there. You wait for your man to come back home but then you spend the night with someone else.

Words: 2.222 CW: (light) angst, I kind of want to witness Hayato making an absolute mess in the kitchen when baking... 🤭 the fifth entry is up on ao3. I’m somewhat pretty busy these days and I’m still trying to get my muse to work so I’m sorry if these one shots are (very) sloppy. still, thank you very much for reading! 💕

[lovingyuuta]

12 Days of Selfshipmas ❆ Day 12: Gatherings

When Yuuta and I move into our first apartment together, we host a holiday party for all of our friends, everyone gathering in our cozy kitchen on a snowy evening, decorating gingerbread houses and cookies together. Yuuta decorates some cookies that resembles me, him, and each of our friends, while I, such a meticulous artist with an insane attention to detail, spend way too much time decorating a gingerbread house, only to get about halfway through finishing it in the same amount of time that it takes most of our friends to finish theirs. Yuuta rubs my shoulder and tells me not to worry and that I will have all the time in the world to finish it when the party is over. We end the evening sitting around the tree, exchanging gifts and being grateful for another year of the friendship and looking forward to starting the new year together.

[songbirdandstars]

𝟙𝟚 𝔻𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕊𝕖𝕝𝕗𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡𝕞𝕒𝕤

𝕕𝕖𝕔. 𝟚𝟜 ✧ 𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 ✧ 𝕨𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕓𝕒𝕝𝕝

ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤 𝕎𝕒𝕝𝕥𝕫

ℙ𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘: Wiliam J. Moriarty x Eliza Swan (oc/s/i) [Moriarty the Patriot]

𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤: not proofread, fluff, established relationship

𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕤: 613

𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕤 ℕ𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤: Last one of the year for selfshipmas! I had such a fun time doing these and so happy I got to do it again this year!. Bow divider by @estrelinha-s

Eliza was standing by the window. Champagne glass in hand. As a noblewoman she had been invited to a masquerade Christmas party of all things. The manor full to the brim of stuck up nobles and men who think they’re better because of some title.

“Careful my lady, you’re going to shatter your glass at the rate you’re holding it.”

Eliza turned around, recognizing the voice instantly. The pushed back blonde hair and ruby eyes also gave it away. So the owl mask perched on the top half of his face did nothing to hide who he was to her.

“Hello William. And I’m fine, just a bit impatient to leave.”

“Was I that obvious?”

William smiled gently, a true smile he didn’t use often in public, one that Eliza had the privilege of seeing in their private conversations.

“A little, how did you spot me?”

“The swan mask is a little on the nose my dear.”

“Is it?” Eliza tapped the white swan like mask on her face. The animal a reference to her last name and her identity as the black swan, that she used alongside William’s lord of crime.

“I wished you’d came earlier, could’ve saved me from a dance with Lord Camron.”

“I apologize my love, I had a task to see to.”

William gave her a look, one she knew. One that showed the ‘task’ was successful, and one less corrupted noble was in their way.

“Well, you’re here now. Care to join me for a dance?”

William raised his eyebrows, still smiling, “my dear Lady Eliza,” he took the champagne glass from her, placing it on a waiters tray, “you know I have two left feet with dancing.”

“Just pretend it’s us striding across rooftops. You’re quite graceful when it comes to that.”

William sighed, knowing he was not getting out of the dance. He held out an arm for her which she took, the professor leading her to the dance hall.

As the swayed to the small orchestra playing some kind of holiday waltz, Eliza leaned in and whispered to Wiliam.

“I’d much rather be at home this Christmas. With you and your brothers, not these people.”

“We can leave soon, but I need to do some investigating on Lord Percy. Apparently he’s been involved in a—“

“Stopping your right there. It’s Christmas, we can think about work later.”

William spun Eliza gently, staying in beat with the instruments being played.

“I suppose. I must admit, I’m eager to give you your gift later. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

“Well now I’m excited. And don’t worry, yours is special too.”

“I had no doubts my love.” William then looked down at her dress, a deep ruby red color that matched a certain aspect of himself.

“Did you do that on purpose?”

“Do what?” Eliza responded cheekily.

“The dress, did you mean to match?”

“Oh this old thing,” she looked down at her gown as they danced, “I suppose I may have matched your eyes.”

“Red suits you. You should wear it more often.”

“I’ll tell Dorothy to buy me more of the same color.”

William spun her again, making sure to press her directly to his chest as he brought her back to him, “What would we do without Dorothy?”

“I honestly have no idea.”

As the dance ended, William took Eliza away from the crowd. Towards a window where she could see the snow falling outside.

William lifted the mask off his face once he was sure they were alone, pressing a kiss to Eliza’s nose.

“Merry Christmas Ellie.”

Eliza smiled, standing on her toes to copy his move.

“Merry Christmas to you too Liam.”

[breakdawn-avenue]

Like a river always knows where to flow

Summary: The holidays in December are usually a very busy and bustling time. There are rarely moments to sit down and simply be in the present. Lighting up candles to do so and remember lost loved ones is not how you would’ve imagined to rest your mind. Usually, you’re the one who has these unusual ideas. Not that you would complain, though.

Words: 1.900 CW: none, just a bit of nostalgia / remembering. fluff fluff fluff overall the third entry was surprisingly easy to write! it’s up on ao3 now. and look! I can write small chapters 🤭 let’s see for how long lmao... either way, thank you for reading! 💕

[lovingyuuta]

12 Days of Selfshipmas ❆ Day 11: Winter Ball

Even with a mask, I would always be able to recognize my sweet darling's beautiful, stormy, dark blue-grey eyes in a crowded room. We make our way through the crowd across the ballroom to each other. One of his gentle hand settles on the small of my back, as he presses me into his chest, so close I can feel his breaths against my lips. His other hand glides down my arm, the light touch slightly tickling across my bare skin, until our hands meet and our fingers interlock. He leads us to the beat of the instrumental string music, never getting upset the couple of times I accidentally step on his toes. The crowd around us seems to fade away, like we are the only two people in the world, dancing the night away in his arms, and finishing each song with a kiss.

[breakdawn-avenue]

Tried to hide my feelings

Summary: The temperatures are starting to drop noticeably. After a hard day at work, all you want to do is crawl into your boyfriend’s arms. You only make a quick detour to Kiryu’s place to see if he’s really okay, even though he’s played it down before. If only you had accepted his offer to walk you home.

Words: 2.145 CW: (light) angst, canon-typical violence, otherwise it’s pretty much tame finally put down the fourth entry! you can read it on ao3. without further ado, thank you for reading! 💕

[lovingyuuta]

12 Days of Selfshipmas ❆ Day 10: Naughty or Nice

I awaken to Yuuta nuzzling his face into my shoulder, his arms snaking around me, mumbling something about how much he loves me. I snuggle closer to him but he suddenly startles me with his freezing cold hands sliding up the back of my shirt. I jump away at his cold touch, while he laughs at my reaction. "Dumbass," I roll my eyes, smiling at the innocent smirk he make. I slot my body next to his again, nestling myself against his warm chest. His arms pull me in and— again with those freezing fingers, this time lightly stroking the back of my neck, just above my shirt's collar. I raise an eyebrow at him. “Are you done yet?” He smiles, raising his hands in defeat, before pulling me back into the warmth his chest, being cautious that his cold hands don't touch my skin. When we fall into a cozy embrace again, his leg draped over my hips, his content smile and calm, closed eyes, his soft breaths against my cheek, I kick the blankets over our legs around and press my ice cold toes against his shin, giggling as he tenses up trying to act like my revenge didn't affect him.

[honeyedmelon]

DAY TWELVE; gatherings

selfship fic | selfshipmas sunee | sunday x dee

sunday stands in front of the mirror, straightening the collar on his sweater for probably the fifth time in a row. it's a soft material; light, perfectly reasonable for a little get-together in the party car of the express. it's not what he typically wears, but he was stepping out of his comfort zone. so was his girlfriend.

if he thought he was restless, she was probably worse. this was new to the both of them, holiday parties and gatherings that weren't some ploy for the family or just to appease penacony's elite. the express accepted both of them, and learning their place among the crew was a learning curve.

he's silent, as she moves to stand beside him in front of the mirror. his sweater matches hers in a way, the subtle colors connecting just like every aspect of the lives together. sunday gives her a faint smile in the reflection, his wings fluttering subtly against his neck.

"are we ready?" she whispers, fiddling with the charm around her neck. it's the charm she always wears, one he gifted her years ago. her eyes meet his and her lips pull into a small smile.

sunday mirrors her expression. "mentally or physically?"

her lips purse at that, but he can see the faint glimmer of amusement.

it's a small tease. still testing the waters, even after all this time.

his hand finds hers, thumb running along her knuckles in a tender swipe. "i'm ready if you are, dove. we can get through this."

a breath leaves dee's mouth, shaky-- but laced with anticipation. "let's do it then."

[sylviegirly]

🎄 12 days of selfshipmas ; zhongvie edition

dec. 25 ✧ day twelve ✧ gatherings

gatherings when it comes to zhongvie always looks different each year; it's heavily dependent on where they are and who is around. if they are in sumeru, it will be spent with the people sylvie (and subsequently who zhongli) knows/has met, if they are in liyue, it will be spent with the adepti who are present, and any others who are close in nature (hu tao, etc).

if they are outside of their homes, and unable to get back to either liyue or sumeru in time, it will be spent as a gathering with the community if they are doing festivals/celebrations during this time. so it's hard to really give an example for one gathering when the people who join vary from year to year. sylvie definitely makes food for it though if they can, and so would zhongli. both would enjoy giving their help and aid (haha) in doing decorating, buying needed supplies, sending invites, and just talking with people.

they're both very naturally 'hosts' in a sense, and bounce off each other well to keep up conversations with everyone. though time alone also is very much welcomed in those moments; just as it is a joy to be around those you love and cherish, there is joy in taking a moment to yourself too to reflect.

[madam-mem]

Day 12 of Selfshipmas: Gatherings

Flins x Mem ✨ 1.7K words Divider by @/diviniyae Song mentioned at the end is 'Song for a Winter's Night' by Gordon Lightfoot

A/N: I ran completely out of steam for this prompt so the ending might be a bit lackluster. It's my own fault for being stubborn and insisting that I need to do all 12 prompts and not setting off enough time to take proper breaks when my creativity dips without feeling guilty.

And yes, I absolutely would ask 'what is it?' just seconds before opening a gift. I'm stupid like that 😂

"Are you certain this is all you were asked to bring?" Flins gestures with one of the baskets he's carrying.

Mem sighs at his question, hoisting her own basket up into the crook of her arm.

"Yes, Kyryll, I'm very certain. Varka asked me to bring a salad and dessert from my region, and nothing else! He has the main meal covered. Does he really seem like someone who wouldn't make sure there's plenty of food for a holiday gathering?"

"No," Flins admits, "he does seem more like the type to have an abundance of food."

"Exactly! Now will you please stop asking? Besides, we're nearly there so it's too late to get more anyway."

Arriving at the clearing which the Knights of Favonius has claimed as their camp, Flins notices two long tables buckling under the amount of food. A scent of roast meat and vegetables permeates the air. Mem has truly understood Varka's character better than he did in this instance.

Mem was also quite right when she told him some days back that they wouldn't need to keep their coats on. Several bonfires have been erected, flames roaring and melting most of the snow in the clearing. And, much like in their own home, a tall pine tree stands with glittering decorations.

A group of children are chasing each other around the tree. One grabs the shirt of another and shrieks tag! They change direction, dashing towards Mem and Flins. Aino, who has just become 'it' in the last round, slaps her hand against Flins' arm as she runs past.

"Tag, Uncle Flins! You're it!"

Flins looks after the group, cocking his head. Whatever does being 'it' mean?

"It means you're supposed to chase them," Mem explains, as if she has read his mind. "Touch someone and they'll be the new 'it'. I think it's so sweet that Varka invited the entire Conch Gang when Aino didn't want to come on her own."

"Aw, my ears are burning!"

They turn, seeing Varka come up behind them.

"What can I say," he continues, beaming, "the solstice is better with kids around. Some of the older kids chose to stay in Nasha Town, though, to help Katya keep the Speranza running. Can't really blame 'em for that. Frohe Sonnenwende!"

"Frohe Sonnwende," Mem repeats. Or she tries to, but Varka pulls her into a bone-crushing hug, squeezing the air from her lungs.

Flins tries his best at the Mondstadt holiday greeting, but he stumbles over the unfamiliar sounds. Varka lets out a bark of laughter, grasping Flins' hand and shaking it vigorously, clapping him on the shoulder with his free hand.

"Not bad, not bad! And I see you've dressed for the holiday!"

Flins lets his fingers run over one of the knitted rimehorn deer peeking out from under his coat.

"Indeed," he says. "Mem gifted me this specifically for today, how could I possibly resist?" He pauses for a moment, then adds, "And Varka? Since you shook my hand I believe you are 'it' now."

"Nefer isn't coming?"

Jahoda fidgets in her seat, the tips of her ears red with embarrassment from the attention Mem is giving her.

"Nah, Boss Nef declined. Said that she has other plans. She insisted that I should go, though, said it might be fun for me. Miss Lauma happened to be visiting when Mr. Varka stopped by with his invitation and she also declined, saying that she and Miss Columbina would be too busy with their own celebration." She paused for a moment, then continued, almost as if talking to herself, "I wonder if that's where Nef is going…"

Mem shrugs. "Well, they seem to be pretty close so it'd make sense that Lauma got to Nefer first with an invitation. Still, I'd think that the Frostmoon Scion's celebration would be too stoic for someone like Nefer."

"Ah!" Jahoda's face grows pale, her eyes widen. She begins waving her hands back and forth. "Yeah, maybe, maybe not, I-I dunno, I don't know anything about what Boss Nef is doing tonight!"

Grabbing onto her plate, Jahoda begins shoveling food into her mouth, stopping herself from saying too much.

Flins, sitting on the opposite side of Mem, has been casually eavesdropping on the exchange. He can't fully blame Jahoda's behavior; knowing Nefer, she'd be quite displeased with anyone sharing her private business. And since Jahoda -as Nefer's employee- is both privy to more of Nefer's private life and more efficiently punished for stepping out of line, Flins fully understands her need to make sure she doesn't divulge any more than strictly necessary.

Mem just shrugs. Picking up her fork, she pierces a caramelized potato from Flins' plate, bringing it to her mouth.

"Let the man eat!" someone calls from down the table.

Mem giggles. "Don't you know that stolen food tastes better? He doesn't mind, he can always get more." She steals another potato.

Flins truly doesn't mind. In fact, this is something they've discussed beforehand. Mem stealing food off his plate makes it seem like he's eating more than he really is, and it allows him to try foods without needing to finish anything that doesn't agree with his palate. And these sugar-coated potatoes taste vile to him.

The exchange makes him thankful once again that Mem doesn't mind navigating the disadvantages that comes with their relationship. She has no problem making herself seem ill-mannered and bossy while aiding him in his masquerade.

Lowering one hand, he gently places it on his coat which lies on the bench next to him. The gift is still there, hidden in an inner pocket. Now he just needs to find the right time to present it.

The song slowly dies out between the trees. The lady knight, who grasped Flins' hand as they began the slow parade around the tree, finally releases him. He flexes his fingers, trying to get some blood flowing again; her grip was steely, as if she was holding her sword hilt instead of an acquaintance's hand.

Mem is on his other side, her hand still in his.

"Wanna go for a walk," she whispers to him. "I need some peace and quiet after this."

He readily agrees.

Mem picks up the shawl she left with their things in case she gets cold. But she keeps it bundled up in her arms.

They walk in between the trees, leaving the noise of the gathering behind. Mem takes a breath of the cold, clean air. Then she turns to him.

"Once the singing is done, it's usually time for presents. At least that was the case where I grew up. So… here."

She unbundles her shawl, revealing a present wrapped in brown paper and red ribbon, a small sprig of holly tied into the bow.

He accepts the gift, gently freeing the holly and placing it behind his ear, making Mem giggle. Then he unties the ribbon.

Inside the paper lies a scarf in a deep green hue, as soft as the petals of a frostlamp flower.

"I hope you like it!" Mem says nervously. "I'm not great at knitting, and I didn't have a lot of time to make it. I thought the color would suit you but also stand out just a little bit and--"

Flins leans in, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"I will wear it with pride," he says. "If anything will help me appear more human it will be wearing something handmade by a loved one."

Mem smiles at him. "Kyryll, I…"

"I have something for you as well."

Opening his coat, he pulls out his gift, wrapped in the same brown paper but tied with string and dressed up with a red paper heart.

Mem gently takes the gift. She turns it in her hands, then holds it up to her ear, giving it a light shake.

"What is it?"

Flins chuckles. "Who knows? Open it and you will see."

She pulls the heart from underneath the string, slipping it into her coat pocket. Then, slowly, she unwraps the string. The paper falls away to show a small wooden box. Removing the lid reveals a silver locket sitting on a red velvet pillow.

"Kyryll, it's… it's beautiful."

"There's one more surprise," Flins says. "Open the locket."

Mem reaches into the box, gently undoing the clasp. The locket springs open, revealing a small, hand painted portrait of the two of them.

"It's from the photo…" Mem sounds almost breathless.

"The one you like so much, yes." Reaching into the box, he picks up the locket by its chain. "You lament that the photo is too big to carry around, so I thought a smaller painted replica would be a suitable replacement."

"You painted this?"

"I did. I am hardly an artist, I merely dabble. But I believe it turned out rather well." Gesturing at her with the locket, he adds, "May I?"

Mem doesn't turn to let him put the locket on her like he expects her to. Instead, she throws herself at him, flinging her arms around his neck.

"Kyryll, this is one of the best gifts I've ever gotten! Thank you, thank you!"

Reaching up, she grabs him by the cheeks, peppering his face with kisses. Then, finally, she turns her back to him and brushes her hair out of the way, letting him clasp the chain around her neck.

Leaning in, he presses a kiss to her shoulder. Then he spins her around, watching how the locket settles over her collarbones.

"A perfect fit."

Mem looks down at the locket. "Should I hide it under my shirt?"

"That is up to you, my love. I will not feel slighted if you wish to avoid questions about it."

She turns it between her fingers. "No," she says thoughtfully, "no, I think I'll leave it out. Wear it with pride, y'know. Then I can easily explain why I'm so happy."

Mem is leaning up against him on the bench, one arm wrapped around his, her head against his shoulder. She's singing along under her breath to a song performed by a knight, a bittersweet song about being alone for the holiday and longing for a loved one.

But as poignant as the song is, Flins can't help agreeing with one part of the chorus. Even long after the song has ended and the campsite has grown quiet, the words repeat in his mind.

I would be happy just to hold the hands I love On this winter's night with you

[yourlocalcryptidbee]

⭐We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas ya’ll! Charlie can’t wait to celebrate with everyone and Lucifer can’t wait to take a bath. I hope you like Lucifer’s final gift to you. Grab some snacks and a beverage, get comfy and enjoy <3

Word Count: 1.4k

Warning: Fluff, F!Reader, canon noncompliant, after season 2, no use of Y/N

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - First Chapter

“IT’S CHRISTMAS MORNINGGGG!” 

Charlie jumped up and down, the plush mattress of Lucifer’s bed bent with the weight of the adult princess. She watched as the lump in the blankets moved with every bounce. The two lovers intertwined even while asleep. 

While the Morningstars had their own traditions on Christmas, Charlie had this one of her own. Every year, on Christmas morning, she would wake up at the crack of dawn and run to her parents room and wake them up by bouncing on the bed and yelling at the top of her lungs, that it was in fact Christmas. Like the jumping wasn’t enough of an indication it was Christmas. 

An ash coloured arm stuck out of the pile of blankets, begging for mercy. Lucifer turned to lay on his back. His eyes were still completely closed and his brain was still half asleep but the fear of being squished by his daughter was stronger than his need for sleep. Charlie stopped as soon as she saw both you and him were awake, or at least as close as you could be at this hour. 

“Morning char-char,” Lucifer’s voice was gravelly as he greeted his girl. “You know the drill, go make something in the kitchen. We’ll be down in a bit.” 

Lucifer and Lilith had gotten creative when it came to making up ways to keep the hyperactive princess busy, especially on a day like today. They had made it tradition for Charlie to go down to the kitchens and make some kind of treat after she had woken them up. It was also tradition for Lucifer to go and take a long bath in the morning, Lilth never liked baths so she never joined him. Those baths let Lucifer have the time to relax before he had to assemble Charlie’s presents, the hour still too early to even be awake. 

These traditions weren’t going to change and both Morningstars knew that. Lucifer had been courteous enough to tell you about Charlie’s traditional wake up call though. 

You rolled yourself in the blanket as Charlie raced out of the room and down to the kitchens to bake something, now probably with Vaggi. Lucifer stretched his hands over his head,‘his muscles flexed with the movement. He didn’t have a shirt on anymore, so the display was obvious. The shorts he wore had little ducks and swans with Christmas hats on them. 

Lucifer stood up and turned to you, “I always take a bath on Christmas morning, do you…want to join me? You don’t have to!”

“That’d be nice, I’ll join you hun.” You stood up. It didn’t bother you to get naked in front of Lucifer, there was some awkwardness when it came to sex because of the action but you could do regular naked no problem. It was just a body in the moment, not something for pleasure. This would be much easier than convincing yourself premarital sex was fine. 

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

You were regretting that yes at the moment, this wasn’t as easy as you remembered. You had to slap your hands over your eyes when Lucifer had peeled his shorts off of his body. To be fair to you, his body had been carved out of marble. Your face hurt with how red it was. The burning only increased when Lucifer had lightly pulled at your hands. Your eyes going to his backside that was exposed in the mirror. 

“What’s wrong angel? You shy?”

“No!” You threw your hands down, annoyed at him getting it bullseye. “I, I just um” you tried to find a good excuse, “I don’t want us getting distracted and you make that hard!” It was a half truth. 

“I’m hard, hm?” Lucifer smiled at you, his hands still on your wrists. He took a small step towards you. The sound of the water filling the tub covered the sound of your indignation. 

“That is not-“

“Relax Sunshine, now turn around, let me help you.” He moved his hands to hold your hips as you spun on your heels. The tile of his bathroom cool against the sole of your feet. Lucifer’s hands worked quickly at the buttons on the back of the nightgown you wore. It was, admittedly, very gorgeous. The gown was white and had an empire waist and puff sleeves. There were pearls embroidered around the neck and waist lines. The beads were, somehow, never uncomfortable to lay on. The dress looked like it was modeled after the regency period on Earth as it fell to a puddle at the floor. Without a word, Lucifer went to turn the water faucet off, turning back to you only to lift a hand to help you into the humongous claw footed tub. You took it, the silence nice against the slight discomfort as you did your best to not make eye contact with Lucifer’s exposed crotch. Lucifer however, was not as strict with his celibacy for the day as he pinched your butt. You smacked him on the chest as he laughed at you. Your own giggles escaping as you sat down. 

Lucifer had pulled a bottle of champagne and some glasses out of the air. The expensive drink a nice addition to the bubble bath you shared with your Lucifer. You sat facing him, your legs pulled up slightly to make room for him. Lucifer legs sat outside of your own, knees coming to knock against yours at times.  You spoke in hushed tones with him. The crackle of the bubbles the most intense sound in the suite. The definite chaos of the downstairs was miles away from the two of you. It was a nice way to start your morning. 

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

The downstairs was surprisingly calm when you and Lucifer stepped through the portal he conjured. You had a pile of presents to add under the tree, and were happy to see the already full skirts. You were once again pleasantly surprised at the goodwill of some sinners. Charlie had whipped up some simple sugar cookies for everyone while you and  Lucifer had bathed. You grabbed one and sat with Lucifer on a large arm chair near the tree. You sat half on his lap and half on the chair. He moved his hand to wrap around you and sit on the top of your leg. His claws flexed in the fat of thighs as he spoke to Vaggi who was sat on the sofa beside you. 

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Overall, the presents had gone well, Nifty had made a play with the roaches and performed it all for you. The plot was… a little morbid and very much against angels but she put a lot of effort into it and you’d admire that aspect. At some point, Lucifer had whispered to you that he had a little surprise for you after everyone was done. There was an obvious nervousness in his voice with the shake of the words and pauses he took. The way he shifted in his seat, his hands going to his pocket did nothing to aid in his fight to seem controlled. You let it be, he would have told you if something was wrong. 

After everyone was done with their gifts, Lucifer made good on his promise and guided you to the centre of everyone. You saw the little thumbs up Angel gave Lucifer. You were getting more and more intrigued as time went on. What could you possibly have for me my love? While in Lucifer’s mind, he was begging his father for the first time in a long time. Asking him for his silver tongue to not fail him now. 

“Sunshine, I want to give you one last gift. This gift is a symbol of not only my love for you but is a promise.  I love you my plum, most ardently. Mind, body, and soul you possess me. Therefore I ask, if you will accept this ring,” Lucifer knelt down on one knee, his hands steady to his genuine surprise as he lifted and opened the ring box. Inside was the ring he saw at that store in the mall. “as a promise to you that I will cherish and love you forevermore.”

Both you and Charlie were crying. Vaggi had to hold Charlie up, without her,  the princess would be a pile of tears on the floor. 

“Yes oh Luci yes! Dear God I love you.” You wrapped your arms around him as he put the ring on your right ring finger. The left he needed to leave for a different ring. He rocked you back and forth, joy bursting out of him at this little success in your relationship. 

“Merry Christmas Baby.”

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - First Chapter

Merry Christmas!

[pupparti]

12 days of selfshipmas - Pupparti

dec. 24 ✧ day eleven ✧ winter ball

you are cordially invited to the annual winter ball! this year, it's a masquerade ball, so be sure to bring a mask to hide your identity! will you and your f/o be able to find each other? what are you wearing?

I ended up designing a whole thing for this

Design notes:

The mask shapes resemble each other's usual make up

The jewelry is in each other's theme colors

The painting in my mask is inspired by swan eyes

Both my coat and Puppet's vest have the same lace pattern, but I'm not able to show it in *this* art

This prompt will have a second entry

[azxremoon]

SELFSHIPMAS DAY 3. LIGHT.

pairing : nell (natural harmonia "n" gropius x champion elluka)

ingredients : post-bw. implied b2w2 timeline. implied spoilers for the end of bw. soft angst. slight dark humor. i used the theme both literally and metaphorically, i hope that's okay lol platonic dynamic with my serperior i luv her. n pls come home, i miss you.

word count : 1.2k

The snowfall that drapes over Unova is like a blanket. It encompasses the cityscapes, the towns and villages, the mountains, all the way to the horizon that wanders to regions to beyond Elluka's own. The cold air wanders in first like a shadow washing over sunlight and leaves the tickles of a chill against bare skin in its wake. Its always followed by the descending flurries that pile up and up and up. The number of times snow has poured into her sneakers because she mistook it for "not being that deep" is two-times effective against her ankles.

And yet, it's so gentle. The cold can be harsh, unbearably so, and yet it feels like the convolutions of everyday life aren't as heavy. It wraps the earth in its delicate, protective coat with the gentility of heaving her heart being cradled in another's hands. It's hardly her first year of Unova's winters and the sight of the snowy expanse is downright elegant, but for some reason, it feels completely new. Different, somehow.

Nimbasa City, as glamorous as ever, is no different. Elesa surely had a hand in dazzling the city from top to bottom until it shone as radiantly as she does on the stage. Pokémon have been sculpted into magnificent still poses of ice, some more dynamic than others but no less incredible. Some of the decorative shrubs have been fashioned with garlands and strands of festive lights.

The city's iconic Ferris wheel is no different from its surroundings in regards to the festive apparel it's been decorated with. Though the cabins themselves maintain the red top and white bottom, iconography anyone could recognize, strands of lights line the inside above the handlebars and over the sealed door. Short but adorably seasonal curtains are tucked at each side of the windows snowflakes and smears of snow chunks cling to. Some are a solid red, but Elluka finds that her preferences lean towards the cartoon Delibirds behind a green cloth.

Her fingers weave around the thin cords belonging to the decorative lights. The ovular bulb is warm against her fingers and though it almost feels scalding, she doesn't let go immediately. Green reflects off of her skin, but it's not enough to overwhelm the moonlight that pours in alongside it. Her thumb traces the bulb in a slow, tentative stroke. The lights tap against the metallic wall as the string each red and green light is attached to falls back into place with a slight sway that makes the reflections off the cabin shift.

Elluka turns away from it and her hand loiters in the air before settling with the other in her lap. Rather than the face of a passenger that may or may not recognize her after two years of chasing Looker's leads someplace faraway from Unova, the space across from her is empty. No crease in the leather seating. No idle talk slightly too fast for her ears to process. No comfortable silence that etches a conversation of its own. Not even that distinct scent of wood and dirt that clung to him like a cologne of his own design.

It's just...empty.

Sometimes, when she's alone like this, she can see him across from her. See the outline of his figure in a series of black dots. The intensity of his truth yet the distance that came with it like a horrid curse. The messy fluff of green that fell down his back and over some of his face. The Void Cube dangling at his hip that he would cradle like it was a physical representation of his conviction and the weight of it was too much to handle. it always made his eyes so far away and pained like whatever memories he harbored were an unhealed wound.

It was only a couple of years ago since Elluka last saw N and yet her memory paints his face so indistinguishably that it's like her brush smeared over the final product before it could dry. It feels like a special kind of betrayal she doesn't know how to repent for. She has the pieces, the qualities, but they never align properly or in the way she wants — needs — them to be.

If only you were here to see it, N, I think you would like it — the sights and all, Elluka thinks. Oh Arceus, that makes it sound like you're dead. You better not be or I swear—

Dragging a hand down her face, Elluka manages a laugh and a shake of her head. The sound is a bit weak, even to her own ears. Breathy. Strained. Hollow. She reclines back with an exhale through her nose and extends her legs in front of her. The back of her head presses against the window and she can feel the chill across her scalp, sharp but not unpleasant.

The days without him go by so quick, yet they drag. It's not dissimilar to the snowfall, how slowly the tiny flakes descend before they find a place upon the ground. It's inevitable that they'll land, wherever it may be. It's simply a matter of time and patience. That alone is a small comfort and it's better than none. And one day, N will be the snowflake that flutters down from beyond her reach and settle in her palm.

A hiss rattles beside her and drags her attention from her thoughts. The Regal Pokémon slithers over the leather it was coiled on top of beside her and makes itself comfortable over Elluka's shoulders like a scarf. With a massive serpentine body around her, the position forces her a little forward but she doesn't mind. Serperior lowers her head until red eyes are staring at her trainer with that unfathomably knowing gleam. She hisses again, sharp and adament to express her concerns despite her pride.

Elluka's palm settles over Serperior's nose and gently scratches with her nails. She leans her cheek against the Pokémon's, inhales through her nose, and exhales through her mouth. Her shoulders sag with the motion. Serperior's tail curls around her arm for security, and maybe an attempt at comfort.

"I'm alright," Elluka assures in a murmur. The words are gentle and assuring, but no matter how sweetly they come out, they're still hollow within. "We'll find him one day. We just have to keep searching."

Serperior rolls her eyes. It's almost comical how expressively exasperated the snake-like Pokémon is, like she's tired of hearing it. A Pokéball attached to the belt around her thigh twitches. And when she looks down, she recognizes it as the one belonging to Zekrom. It no doubt picked up on her spoken ideals. And maybe it, too, was hoping for the same thing — to reunite with its other half that stood alongside N.

Her eyes wander from her Pokémon, the empty space and the memory that clings to her like a Gastly, and settles back on the window. It's then that the Ferris wheel cart's closed-in cart reaches the apex of its incline and from here, the world below truly looks so small as the world above grows clearer. The moonlight above shines brightly and pours through the glass of the compartment. Dark clouds are smeared across the sky as stars — ever brilliant despite how tiny they appear — are speckled behind them and shine through the veil trying to hide them away.

And maybe someplace far away, her other half stares at the stars, as well. Wherever he may be, she hopes that same snowfall drapes over N beneath the stars, too — if only to know he's still within reach.

[oathkeeperslight]

Selfshipmas: dec. 25 ✧ day twelve ✧ gatherings

it's always fun to spend time with loved ones. what do gatherings with your f/o look like? are you hosting? who else is attending? what activities do you all do?

wc: 600

featuring: Boothill

The Astral Express was definitely not where Syn had expected Boothill to bring her when he’d mentioned a holiday gathering. Then again, maybe she hadn’t really had any idea what to expect when he brought it up. The second he’d set off the intruder alarm in her ship, trying to surprise her, things had taken a turn into unknown territory. This being all completely new to her.

The parlor car of the express was decked out with holiday decorations and lights that twinkled and sparkled. There was food from all different planets out to taste, and drinks of all different colors. A tree that was far too tall and somewhat leaning stood in a corner with lights and tinsel. Glowing orbs of ornaments, and homemade ones as well. Some looked to be gifts from children as well. There was mistletoe handing from the ceiling in a spot some avoided, and some mischievously headed towards. Somewhere around here, Syn was pretty sure her Wubbaboo was playing pranks on the poor conductor of the train.

People Syn had never met before, some she did know, and of course the crew themselves, milled around. She herself hung off to the side, watching the people chat with each other, ears flattened back against her head. The company wasn’t the problem, just how loud it was here. Far nosier than the quiet of her workspace. Mismatched eyes trailing after Boothill as he greeted their hosts and those he knew.

She stiffened when he looked back at her, waving her over to come join him. Taking a deep breath, she approached the group. Stopping at Boothill’s side, she looked up at him when his hat landed on her head, pressing her ears down gently, and muffling the noise around her. A small blush creeping across her cheeks. Of course he’d noticed her unease, even without her tail giving her away.

“Darlin’, you doin’ alright?” he asked her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her into his side. That southern drawl of his holding concern as he looked down at her, and making her heart skip a beat.

Syn smiled and leaned into his side. “Better,” she agreed. She looked back at their hosts and gave them a polite smile. “Thank you for inviting me,” she said, and she meant it, loud or not. “It’s beautiful here.” There was also that small nagging in the back of her head of wanting to go touch the main controls of the Express. It was an amazing machine after all, but she’d keep that to herself.

With his hat on her head to muffle the noise, the rest of the party went far more smoothly. Sharing drinks, swapping stories, little gift exchanges. The Express full of good friends, good people, and laughter all around. It was towards the end when everything was calm that Boothill pulled Syn off to the side.

He pulled a small box from his pocket and offered it to her. Confused, Syn opened the box, and her eyes widened at the small wound ring inside the box. Looking back up at Boothill and taking a second to let her heart calm down. Thankfully he wasn’t kneeling. “Cowboy? What is this?” she asked him carefully, using her petname for him.

“A promise ring,” he said a little nervously. “I can’t promise that I’m the best man for ya. And I can’t promise that dealing with me is gonna be easy for ya either. But I can promise that I’ll always be here for ya and be by your side, so long as you’ll have me. And one day, maybe down the line when things are settled, we can revisit this promise again. Would ya like that?” he asked her.

Syn smiled, pulling the ring from the box and slipping it onto her finger. She looked back up at Boothill and nodded. “I would love that, Cowboy. Dealing with you has never been easy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she promised him, stepping closer and tilting his hat back to kiss him softly.

[written-and-readen]

SELFSHIPMAS - DAY 12: Gatherings

Kieran Armiste (OC) x Luka

Word count: 1.1k

a/n: Putting a word count for this one mostly as a warning because oh my gosh this ended up so long. And I really think I could make it even longer if I had time. I guess I really missed talking about them.

"Luka!" Gray eyes light up when the door opens. Kieran pulls him by the arm out of the snow storm raining down on Belobog. "Get in here before you freeze. I'm glad you could make it!"

The foyer he steps into is nicer than any place he's seen in the Underworld. The chandelier casts warm light across the space, reflecting off the shiny silver and gold decorations that have been strung up. His eyes then travel to Kieran who's gentling brushing a few stray snowflakes from her hair, trying not to mess up the way it's been pinned back. Her usual purple dress has been swapped for a white one detailed with silver.

"Hello? The weather didn't freeze your brain, did it?" She waves a hand before his face with a laugh that sounds like bells in his ears.

"No! Sorry. You just look really pretty."

"Aw, thanks!"

"I'm not underdressed am I?" He panics slightly at choosing to stay in his Wildfire outfit.

"No, don't worry about it. My parents don't really care how people dress at these parties. They just make me do it so the family looks nice. Let's go in!" She grabs his hand, leading the way and pushing past a set of double doors into a bustling hall. The crowded space is intimidating, but she navigates it like an expert, waving and giving brief greetings of "good to see you!" and "so glad you could come!" while pushing through the sea of people.

"Oh look, there's Natasha!" Luka stumbles slightly at her burst of speed.

"Luka! Kieran!" The doctor smiles as they come into view. "How are you two doing?"

"Great! Nothing's gone wrong so far which is good."

"I don't think I've seen so many people in one place in my entire life," Luka adds, making Natasha laugh.

"The Armistes love hosting parties. Their Christmas celebration is one of the biggest. It's been a while since I've been able to attend one after the Underworld got closed off."

"You do this every year?" He looks at the girl beside him incredulously.

"Yep! As long as I can remember." So that's where she developed that high-energy attitude.

"Who else is here?" Natasha asks.

"I saw the Landaus and Pela. Mechanical Fever might play a song or two later in another room. Bronya is stopping by for a little bit. She also told me she'd try to convince Seele to come."

"And where are your parents?" Kieran stands on her tip toes in an attempt to look over the crowd.

"Uhhhh, somewhere. They're always so swamped, but I'm sure they'd love to see you!" She tugs on Luka's arm. "They really want to meet you too!"

"Well, I'll leave you two to continue socializing." Natasha waves goodbye before disappearing amongst everyone else.

"Where do you want to go next?" Kieran turns back to Luka excitedly.

"Um, I'll leave that up to you. You probably know what's going on better than I do." She bites her lip as she thinks for a moment.

"Oh, do you want to dance?" Once more, she's pulling him through the crowd. Somehow, she bumps into nobody while it feels like he's bumping into everybody. They exit the main hall through a set of doors and into a smaller, more dimly lit, and slightly less busy room. Luka's glad she takes him to a corner of the dance floor. At least now it's less likely he'll hit someone else.

"I'm not sure I'm good enough yet to be honest," He laughs sheepishly. Kieran's casually given him a couple lessons in the back room of the fight club, but he can't say he really picked up any of it.

"Then I'll lead. It'll be okay. Promise." Luka nods, trying to summon up any amount of courage, before Kieran takes his hand and starts pulling him along. It's just like navigating the party—her steps practiced and sure while he's unsteady. How comfortable she is in this world he knows absolutely nothing about. He grits his teeth when he accidentally steps on her foot, but she barely winces, continuing the dance until the song ends.

"Hey, that was pretty good!" Luka's not sure he can agree with the pride radiating off of her. She playfully punches him in the arm, just like he always does to her. When he doesn't reply, she holds out her hand again. "Come with me." He takes it.

The two move into a much quieter room, fireplace crackling as people chat on velveted sofas. Kieran heads towards an empty one, sitting down and patting the spot next to her for Luka to take. Ever since stepping into the party, this is the first time he feels like he can catch his breath.

"What are we doing here?" He asks.

"Taking a break," She replies simply, "I'm sorry. I know being here can be overwhelming. I'm so used to it that I sometimes forget."

"It's alright. I'm not exactly suited for these kinds of things. If you want to go talk to some other people, you can—"

"No!" Kieran turns sheepish when her outburst draws the attention of other people momentarily. "I'm not just going to abandon you. I invited you because I wanted to spend time with you."

Her fingers intertwine with his, and she gives his hand a light squeeze. And suddenly, his heart's doing that funny thing where it pounds in his chest as it speeds up, almost mimicking the pace of the girl before him when she runs like the wind.

"Even if I can't dance?" Luka asks with a smile, twirling a stray piece of her hair with his free hand and leaning closer.

"Even if you can't dance. But I wasn't lying when I said you did pretty good." Kieran leans towards him as well. This close, he can see how the firelight reflected in her gray eyes makes them shine like silver.

A pause. Something unspoken but mutual as they sit there inches apart.

"Are you sure you want to with other people around?" His blue eyes flicker down and then back up to meet her eyes.

"Do you not want to?" Kieran teases. He most certainly wants to. A pleasantly surprised yelp leaves her mouth when he puts a hand on the back of her neck before he closes the distance between their lips.

It probably lasts longer than a kiss in public should, but it's worth it when Luka sees her looking at him, slightly out of breath and cheeks flushed. He doesn't think he could ever get tired of her looking at him like that. Is that how you look at someone you've fallen in love with? Is that how he looks at her? He hopes it is.

A smile breaks across her face. "Merry Christmas, Luka."

"Merry Christmas, Kieran." He pulls her in for another kiss.

[sunflower-emoji]

Twelve Days of Shipmas: Winter Traditions | Shouto Todoroki x reader

word count 561 (ish); fluff

You could almost set your watch to it, the way your immune system crumbled at the first hint of winter, heralding the new season better than a groundhog ever could. A tradition of the worst kind, it currently had you under a pile of blankets, waiting for the medicine to kick in, or for death to fully embrace you. Whichever put you out of your misery faster.

It's in this fevered state that you make the mistake of responding to Shouto's good morning text with a too honest "high-key dying i think i caught the flu lololol," who in turn promptly responds with "Be there soon."

A wave of nausea hits you immediately as you try to walk your dramatics back.

wait i was just being whiny it's not that bad haha <

Unfortunately, your stupid caring boyfriend wasn't having it.

> I'm still coming to check on you

nooo don't leave work on my behalf i swear i'm fine <

>You actually stayed home for once. There's no way it's mild

>I'm going to let you rest now.

With a groan, you toss your phone to the other side of bed. "I hate him so much," you tell your cat plushie. It stares back with what you swear is judgment.

Too drowsy to concentrate on anything and too sick to actually sleep, time starts moving sideways. It's only when you hear the opening of a door and quiet yet heavy footsteps that you force yourself to sit up, grasping for your phone and something next to semi-functional.

That better be the world's most polite burglar rummaging around in my kitchen.<

Shouto I swear to god.<

SHOUTO.<

The man in question steps into your room a moment later, a tray carefully balanced on a forearm. It's laden with everything a sick person might need, and then some. "It was me in the kitchen. Sorry to disappoint."

"As if you ever actually could," you huff, features softening into a weak smile as he places the tray carefully in your lap before moving to fix your pillows. "I really appreciate you coming, love, but I can't just take you away from your job."

A cool hand on your forehead pulls a relieved sigh from you before you can stop it, like Shouto pressed a pause button on your protests. "It's just an office day. They won't miss me."

"It'll be more than just an office day if I get you sick."

"If Midoriya sneezing directly into my mouth didn't get me sick then you won't either."

"Jesus fuck."

"I know. Do you want to pick something to watch, or shall I?"

You glare at him (or at least try to) for trying to change the subject. "Shouto. I'm serious."

"So am I." His eyes are all steely resolve, but his voice is barely above a whisper when speaks again.

"Please. Let me take care of you."

His gentle plea drains both the fight and guilt from you. With a slow exhale, you close your eyes and lean back against the headboard. "Can I cuddle your left side?"

He smiles, pressing a quick kiss to your forehead before crawling in next to you. "Of course."

"And do you mind choosing the show?"

"Not at all."

With a murmur of thanks, you let yourself sink into the solid body next to you, and privately you admit it feels much better than muddling through alone. Time begins to blur again, only now you had Shouto's warmth and love to ground you, just like it would all winter long.