#winter specials

[webkinz-t0yb0x]

pikachu's winter vacation 🎄

[crimsonshadetress]

26!

Within Your Embrace, Heavens And Hells Are Only Words To Me & A Mistletoe Kiss 🎄

Before | Present | After

Long ass title, isn't it, lol. But it was made for this song, so it's perfect. Also, well, still, it's that time of the year again, so another attempt to bring back Jaq's mistletoe kiss tag game! No pressure tagging of course, I just still like it way too much as an excuse for a holiday special. This one's also so funny, because it takes place the same night, right after last year's mistletoe kiss for Yune and Liahn, plus I'm already working on a not kiss, but a "continuation" of this night if you will from Inseo's perspective, so. Yay. Also this is the 56 yo Fang and 54 yo Bongju, hehe. 💚🤍

Rules from before: If anyone wants to join in and turn this into a mistletoe tag game for the holidays, I’d love to see yall’s OCs kissing under a mistletoe, or your WIPs version of it! Whether in-world or a modern AU version where mistletoes exist.tagging: @bloodlessheirbyjacques, @tc-doherty, @did-i-do-this-write, @thegoddesswater, @cee-grice, @aalinaaaaaa, @forthesanityofstorytellers, @approximately-20-unwritten-wips, @italiangothicwriteblr, @wildswrites, @odysseywritings

NON-CANON (PROBABLY) | FLUFF | WC: 1,364

The soulful singing gently tumbled outside as Bongju stepped into the cold winter night. His light fabric coat instantly gathered a thin layer of mellow snow, while the flakes touched and melted against his pomaded hair, loosening it up just enough so he felt cared for.

"Did you see them?" he asked, softly clicking closed the terrace door behind Dae as she, too, followed him through.

She cradled her sip of celebratory sour lemon wine. "Who?"

"The girls." Bongju nodded towards the windows, which through a scene oh so warm bloomed, it thawed the glass' crystal-frost into sparkling dew. When he glanced over, Fehn, most definitely in a flurry of teasing, poked apart the rose-tinted reverie Liahn and Yune conjured around themselves. And soon enough Kil and Pheni joined their little group of youth, too, leaving the tumult to themselves to continue the carols alone. They added to the exchange of smiles, laughs and visible grunts, as their words made Liahn's expression gradually more pained. Bongju smiled himself. "They're so openly happy now."

"Mhm," Dae agreed, leaning back against the illuminated stone railing. She was looking into the room with the same solemn contentedness that nestled in Bongju's chest as well. "Good for them. It was way past due."

"Yeah."

Their visible breath crawled towards the stars-littered sky, snow falling ever so softly. Dae seemed comfortable in her long, dark coat, even though Bongju needed to pressure her into it before they headed out. He would have loved to stretch the coaxing out longer, though, so he could bring out his most cherished method of playing into her well-hid vanity. She'd find a way to dismiss his nudges and worries but never when he'd tell her, time after another, how much he adored seeing the heavy fabric drape around her, deep brown complementing her almost black eyes. Or how her white suit fit like a dream, now gleaming under the bright winter moon, some of the golden light from inside reflecting over it, too. He missed his opportunity for such talk for now, but he privately smiled at the rich, dark red shirt under all, that he picked out for her at home before they came. Something that happened more and more.

Bongju rummaged in his coat pocket for warmth and his ornate cigarette holder, careful not to crush the delicate, thin little branch stashed in it. He offered a smoke to Dae first.

"Thanks," she accepted, handing him her drink, so he could finish the glass for her. She still smiled while grimacing at him gulping it down. "I still can't understand how can you all drink that. Liahn at least has some sense, she pushed it aside too. It's dishwater."

Bongju chuckled, lighting her cigarette after he placed the glass down. She wasn't much for sour stuff, still. "If you drink enough, it becomes sweet."

"I doubt that's how it works."

"Why? Sour tends to sweeten with time. Look at you," he teased, and she snorted.

Then, Dae reciprocated the playfulness in his grin. "You can't sweeten something that's always been that way."

"Oh?" Bongju chuckled, mock incredulous, as he slowly sauntered closer. He took one of her crooked lapel in his hand, smoothing it over her chest. The nice fabric caressed his palm gently. "Has it been?"

"You don't think so?"

Bongju hummed, slowly trailing down his hand on her arm, while carefully stepping between her legs. Her teasing's spell would not blunt with the years, as it tempted him into an irresistible proximity. He slid his fingers into her palm that slumbered deep within her pocket. Only to frown when he touched something slender and solid instead of her enveloping, roughened skin.

Dae did not bat an eye when he pulled out the decorated, white berry-spotted branch. Bongju couldn't help the quick, surprised laugh.

"Gods, you." He lifted it into the moonlight, sweet accusation in his gesture. "I didn't expect to see this in your hands ever."

"Well, you tend to be wrong a ton. Besides, it started to become embarrassing that Zhetor sent these over every winter knowing they'll be left unused."

She kept smiling at him with that signature small curl, yet her face wrinkled into a soft beauty. Tiny snowflakes gathered on her eyelashes, some stumbling over her whitening locks, making her eyes and hair sparkle as they melted. She glowed faintly under the winter night.

Bongju's lips only widened, his chest an explosion of warmth. "When did you ever worry about embarrassment?"

An easy shrug as an answer was all he expected, and all he got. Or so he thought. Dae took a drag from her cigarette without hurry, yet her cold-pinched, reddened cheeks seemed to brighten a hue, barely.

A dazzling sight. One that Bongju could still not get used to, let alone get enough of. And which, for some utterly foolish reason, brought a heat into his face as well.

"You're not the only one who never used them, though," he said, embracing the subtly nervous lilt of his voice. He inhaled his smoke, before putting the stub out on the snow with a soft sizzle. He pocketed the half-finished cigarette for later, as he continued. "Seo didn't ever, either. Though, I know Gyeong did when he first started courting Miseo, and I think Shen, too, found some unfortunate candidate."

Dae chuckled with him, a tinge of mourning colouring the darling sound.

"Right. Seo's been collecting them. Unlike you," she said, keeping his gaze. The jingles, and the people's joy filtered through the windows in a muted grace. A tenderness lingered in the air, Dae radiating it into the night as well. Her eyes glinted from all the lights around them, clearly speaking to him in a language of hers that he only learnt in the last decade. On the tongue of an unintrusive expectation. A gentle hope.

It made Bongju's soul quiver. After all these years, he still didn't deserve such a care. Not with such a past. But she didn't mind it. She surely didn't know half of it, and still she didn't ask about it. She didn't care. So, he came to terms with it. He needed to, when he could be looked at like that — as Liahn could at Yune —, from someone like Dae.

The touch of schoolboy heat in his cheeks spread, as he revealed his own branch, head lowered for a second in sheepish glee. Showing a true face of him that did not erase at fifty-four, either, but what could only come out around Dae in their youth, and gradually more around others as he aged. Contrary to popular belief within his clan, he felt embarrassment like any normal person, even when he used his gifted branches to stole kisses from every lover he'd have. It was a game back then, yet it was a desire, a wish in the moment.

Dae's smile widened subtly, lighting up like the winter stars around them.

"You were right again, after all," he offered in quiet, yet not at all unpleasant, defeat. He placed the branches carefully beside Dae on the wide stone railing. He channelled just a hint into his frozen hands, so when he stepped closer and placed them on her face, cradling like he'd do a gemstone, they were as warm as she'd make him feel, time after time. He stroked her cold cheek, basking in her overwhelming attention a second longer. Then, he leaned over and their comfortingly warm breath entangled when he whispered, "You've always been sweeter than love itself."

She scoffed into their kiss. A muffled, invigorating huff that he swallowed in a a slow indulgence. The sour lemon wine turned candid on her tongue, making Bongju smile. There was no rush in the waltz of their lips. His heart poured into her through every little, gentle movement. And hers did, too. Dae slid her hands under his coat, along his sides, and pulled him into an easy embrace against herself. She held him, as if there wasn't a worry in the world. As if he'd been made for her arms.

And Bongju knew, without a shred of doubt, that he indeed had been.

[thatlongspringnight]

Christmas Cheer (Mitsunari/MC)

Mitsunari +11 ( I’m a barista and you keep making weird faces when you drink the “Christmas cheer in a cup” coffee I make, why do you keep ordering it?)

This is for darling @frywen-babbles   I hope you like it! <3

Tagging: @han-pan and @dear-mrs-otome  

The first time, I just shrugged it off. People often come into the shop, unsure of what to order, disappointment was not an uncommon thing.

So, when the rather serious, and seriously attractive, man came up to the counter, looking at the menu with an almost ferocious stare it didn’t raise a red flag.

In fact, I was just glad he ordered a drink. 

This wasn’t the first time he’d come into the shop. The first few times he came in, he just sat in the corner, reading. Not that I minded, with that beauty mark and those glasses, he was the best eye-candy around.

I waited, he stared, I waited some more, wiping the counter. It was an odd time in the coffee shop, that period between mid-morning and the afternoon, where the place was mostly empty so he could take his time.

“I’ll take the…Christmas cheer.” Finally, he ordered, and I stood there a moment, taken aback. The Christmas cheer was my personal drink design and more of a spiced hot chocolate than coffee.

This guy definitely seemed like a strong coffee person.

“Well?” He spoke again, irritation evident.

“Oh, okay.” I managed, shaking myself from my shock. “One Christmas cheer, extra cheer, coming up.” I grinned at him, and his frown only deepened.

Just my luck. I quickly made his drink, doing my best to put as much cheer into it I could, before handing it back to him, almost ashamed of how anxious I was to see his reaction.

He took a sip, his frown transforming into…something else? A deeper frown perhaps.

I sighed, deflating instantly.

He just took the drink, retreating to his corner for the rest afternoon.

The second time, I was more confused.

He came in, same time as before (and all the previous times) strode up to the counter, and ordered.

“Christmas Cheer.” I swore he grimaced as he said it.

Still, I allowed it, after all, maybe the first time he tried it something was off. Maybe he was tasting it again to make sure?

This time, the shop was empty and I couldn’t help but try to make small talk, learning that he was a University student like me.

“But you work during the day.”

“I take some online classes, but most of my classes are in the afternoon and night.” I shrugged. “I have to afford an apartment somehow and school won’t pay for itself.”

He didn’t say anything to that, and when I handed him his drink he took a sip, the strange look from last time planted firmly on his face.

Before he retreated to his corner I managed one last effort.

“What about you? What’s your plan?”

“I don’t see why I would need to tell you that.” Well, he shut me down, didn’t he?

“Okay-“ I sighed. “What about your name then? So, I know who is always taking the corner spot.” Honestly, I’m not sure why I even bothered.

He rolled his eyes, mumbling something I assumed was rude under his breath.

“Mitsunari.”

This Mitsunari’s presence in the coffee shop became more frequent. Always at that time of day. If I was lucky and the place was empty, he’d even talk to me.

Slowly but surely, he talked to me. At first about nothing at all really, but as his visits became almost daily, more things. His mother, his school work – it turned out he was majoring in Library science – and his suitemate Hideyoshi.

He talked about Hideyoshi a lot.

More often than not, he’d tell me about whatever book he was reading, he seemed to bring a new one every day.

I would listen, almost entranced, until the lunch rush arrived and he slipped out of my life for the day, leaving an increasing hole in what remained.

Oh yes, I had it bad.

Still, every day he came in, and I expected that day would be the day he wouldn’t order Christmas cheer. And Every day I was wrong.

Wrong as his fingers brushed against mine, making me blush.

Wrong as the gazes I shot him grew longer, more yearning.

Wrong as I even went so far to write my number on a napkin, only to have him throw it away without looking.

He was going to be the death of me, I knew it.

He didn’t come in for the holidays. His presence as abruptly gone as it had been there. I hung garland, helped to put up a tree, decorated said tree, and everything.

We workers even put up our stockings.

And I waited.

Making Christmas cheer whenever I was asked to, but with less cheer than normal.

The thought of him not coming back into the shop made my heart hurt in a way I wasn’t used. I went so far as to ask around to see if maybe the beautiful guy who always sat in the corner had been coming in at other times.

All that got me was some not-so-gentle ribbing from my coworkers.

After all, how silly was I? To have a crush on a guy I barely knew, and be so torn up about it.

“What’ll you have?” I smiled at the brown-haired guy in front of me, noting the twinkle in his eye.

“Well, I’d like to have a chance to stand with you under that mistletoe.” He grinned even as I rolled my eyes.

“Slow down tiger.”

“Most people just call me a monkey.”

“Is that your given name?”

“You can call me Hideyoshi if you’d like.” Hideyoshi, eh? What were the odds?

“Well, Hideyoshi, what can I get you this Christmas Eve?” I was tired, the guy who was supposed to cover the evening shift had flaked at the last minute, meaning that I got to cover both your morning shift and his evening shift. 

All on Christmas Eve, still a tip was a tip.

“Actually, I’m here for a friend.”

“Oh, really? What can I get your friend?”

“Well, he always is talking about this hot chocolate drink, it's very...festive, from what I’ve gathered.”

“Oh, the Christmas cheer.” I filled in for him.

“Yeah, that’s the one!”

“Is there a chance your friend is a very attractive, glasses-wearing, guy. Beauty mark right here?” I pointed to my face as Hideyoshi laughed.

“That depends, are you the Barista with the bad taste in literature?”

“That’s me.” I turned around, setting out to make the most cheerful drink you could imagine.

“Oh, well won’t he be disappointed.”

“Why d’you say that?” I said, half-listening.

“He made me come because he figured you wouldn’t be on shift.”  I paused, a sort of flutter taking hold of me. Now, what did he mean by that?

“You don’t say.” I was glad my back was turned so he couldn’t see the blush on my face as I hastily scrawled something onto the cup.  

“I do say.” He managed as I turned back to him, thrusting the drink into his waiting hands.

“It’s on the house.”

“Now-“

“Don’t start with me.” I wagged my finger at him. “Bring the coffee to him and let him know he’s been missed.”

“Can do!”

I finally, finally undid my apron, relishing that this event could only mean that I’d be headed home soon. The rest of the night had passed rather easily, but now, it was closing time.

Well, almost closing time.

Just as soon as I locked the door.

I stepped over to the door, reaching for it as it swung back, putting me face to face with-

“Mitsunari.” I blinked, his name slipping by my lips unknowingly.

Sure enough, there he was, looking down at me, that impassive face I think I was more than a little in love with.

“Your shop isn’t supposed to close for another two minutes.” He frowned. A frown that only deepened as I laughed.

“I’m- I’m sorry, I didn’t think I’d have any late nighters.”

“Why’d you write such a stupid question on this cup?” He held the offending object in his hand. “It’s a disgrace that you even had Hideyoshi deliver such a nonsensical thing to me.”

“Well, it got you here didn’t it? So I win either way.” My quick reply brought a redness to his cheeks he couldn’t hide. Stunning him to sullen silence.

“Do you have an answer? “

“To what?”

“To the question.”

“It isn’t obvious? You’re being a dullard.”

“Enlighten me, Oh great one.” I kept him at the door, I was serious about it being closing time.

“Because- Because” He was struggling, clearly.

“Because?”

“I like the drink because of the face you get when you make it!” Finally, the answer I sought was delivered, like a blow to the chest. I stared at him, wide-eyed, the blush on my face almost as dark as his.

“W-What?” I squeaked. He got it because of the face I made? What did that even mean?

“You look so…so…sickeningly cheerful.” He continued, biting the bullet.

“Just tell her she looks cute.” A voice cut in, making us both jump.

“Hideyoshi!” Mitsunari turned his head. “What are you doing-“

“You know what would fix both of your problems? Let me tell you. This would be so much easier if you both just…looked up.” His wide smile was almost unsettling as I looked up.

Oh.

Oh.

Mistletoe.

“Hideyoshi you cannot possibly expect-“ Oh nope, I wasn’t about to waste the opportunity. I cut him off halfway, pressing my lips to his, my hands clutching his jacket.

He was frozen for just a moment before his eyes fluttered shut and he tugged me closer to him.

Well, Merry Christmas to me, then.

[crimsonshadetress]

Until Tomorrow

I mixed three prompts from the list: Until Tomorrow, Mystery of Love song and First Snow. It was just too perfect. This one also an experimental piece with Sasin’s main couple, because I never explored their dynamic as young adults, or in any age in that matter. Plus this scene kind of lived in my head for winter.

DYNAMIC EXPLORATION | FLUFF IG | WC: 531

Twilight withered away a long while ago, the twinkling stars and the brilliant moonshine beginning to fade from Yune’s sweet, laying form beside Liahn. They faced each other, a serene light shining in Yune’s dark gaze. She shivered faintly when a winter breeze slipped inside the room, attempting to keep the frozen time still a little longer.

“It’s coming. I can smell the snow,” Yune whispered with a small smile.

Liahn’s cheeks thawed from the soft, warm breath that touched her face. Yune’s hushed voice was the only sound after hours of silence. Her words smelled of mint tea they shared before night fell, but the scent of calm and cold was hidden underneath that sweet tinge. Winter gently brushed aside the last of autumn’s crisp little nostalgia, like a lover kissing you goodbye.

Liahn pulled the blanket higher on Yune when she shivered again. The reflection of that smile found her lips, too.

“We can build something later, then. Whatever you want, I won’t complain. I promise.”

“You do?”

The night turned into a washed-out version of itself as the dark began to wane. Liahn scoffed goodnaturedly, the tips of her fingertips itching to pull closer to Yune. To press to her skin softly, feeling the warmth that already kept them awake.

Yet she remained inches apart, looking into those brilliant eyes.

“I do.”

Yune’s smile broadened. She leaned closer on the pillow, stopping far enough so their noses hovered beside each other. Her eyes twinkled, a rarely found mischief alighting in them.

“It’s a promise then. An official pact, if you will. We are now bound, so you can’t pull yourself out of it,” she whispered still.

Liahn kept her breathing even, and her guard down. Yune didn’t pull back as she did when they were younger.

They didn’t talk louder than the soft rustles of the trees outside, half-listening to the sleeping world. For hours, they lay in Liahn’s bed, watching each other like they had since their childhood. For hours, they were completely alone.

“I wouldn’t dare,” Liahn breathed, smiling. Two little birds fluttered into view outside, their synchronised shadows casting their quick kiss at Yune. They, also, seemed to freeze for a moment there, captured between yesterday and tomorrow— just like Liahn and Yune. The slim gap between time, when their noses could press together gently, hearts pounding in unison, warm fingers tangling eventually. Liahn ached to close her eyes, to lean forward, just a touch. Just an inch. Yet, she didn’t. She smiled with Yune, watching the shadows of snowflakes dance on her hair while the first weak light of tomorrow teased the room’s walls.

“Dawn is coming, too,” Yune said, eyes searching.

A moment of faint disappointment washed over Liahn. She tightened her hands over Yune’s ever so slightly. Their time had expired, the silence loud and the proximity heavy. Still, there was no worry, no rush. Somehow, Liahn believed; no, knew they would be alright.

She closed her eyes, leaving a ghost of a kiss on the corner of Yune’s lips.

“Let it come.”

[itmocca]

Gardeners’ World 2021 Winter Specials episode 2

In the second of two special programmes, Monty and the team look back at the horticultural highlights from the latest series and celebrate the very best inspirational gardens and gardeners up and down the country. #gardenersworld

Gardeners’ World 2021 Winter Specials episode 2: In the second of two special programmes, Monty and the Gardeners’ World team look back at the horticultural highlights from the latest series and celebrate the very best inspirational gardens and gardeners up and down the country. There’s also another chance to see what viewers were getting up to in their gardens throughout the year.     In the…

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[itmocca]

Gardeners’ World 2021 Winter Specials episode 1

Gardeners’ World 2021 Winter Specials episode 1: Monty and the Gardeners’ World team look back at the highs of the latest series. #garden #gardening #gardenersworld

Gardeners’ World 2021 Winter Specials episode 1: Monty and the Gardeners’ World team look back at the highs of the latest series.     In the first of two special programmes, Monty and the Gardeners’ World team look back at the horticultural highs of the latest series and celebrate the very best inspirational gardens and gardeners up and down the country. There’s also another chance to see what…

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[missy-kitten]

Olympia Fog w/crushed rose petals 

[partitiondesiredcitiesrr]

Linworth Tavern: Unveils Original Vernal 2013 Specials

Linworth Tavern: New Winter Specials Come (Linworth\Worthington) 2151 W. Dublin-Granville Rd.<\p>

Linworth Tavern, located at 2151 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Worthington, Oh 43085 - [phone] announces that Winter Ever Specials Begin The present age!<\p>

BUCK NIGHT perk! Below are the daily specials.<\p>

As you will see, there is not only a famous Convincing Hour from 4-7pm, we also have a duplicate special called the 10PM GOOD as well as a WEEKEND LUNCH SPECIAL...<\p>

A. Happy Hour 4-7pm B. The 10pm Special C. The Weekend Lunch Special<\p>

A. DAILY SPECIALS<\p>

Monday: "Margarita Monday" $4 Margarita's $3 Appetizers<\p>

Tuesday: "Buck sunset" $1 Wimpy's (sliders) $1 Domestics $1 Beer battered Fries<\p>

Weds: "Martini Wednesday" $5 Martini's $3 Appetizers<\p>

Thursday: "WTF Night" After all M, T, W makes themselves chime "WTF" $5.99 WTF Giant Deep Fried Grilled Cheese $4 Rust<\p>

Friday: "Friday Fish Fry" $6.99 Prodigious Grand & Chips $2 Imports $3 Advert to IPA's<\p>

Sat: "Kill time Lunch Way train" 12pm-3pm Cheapest Lunch Irruptive Shire $5.99 Sandwiches & Pendant<\p>

Weazen: "Weekend Lunch Freight train" 12pm-3pm Cheapest Lunch In Citified $5.99 Sandwiches & Such<\p>

B. THE 10PM SPECIAL<\p>

1. FROM 10PM-11PM 2. 50% erroneous Bar Ledger (Appetizers) 3. 25% off Anchoritic Bottles<\p>

C. THE WEEKEND LUNCH SPECIAL<\p>

1. From 12-3pm 2. $5.99 Sandwiches & Such 3. Saturday & Sunday<\p>

Lastly...<\p>

1. The popular website is 90% complete and she can visit us at http:\\www.linworthtavern.com <\p>

2. The new drink menu will roll out this seven<\p>

3. The auxiliary provisions menu should be assenting by the end of the millennium<\p>

4. The new aflame sign have got to live accepted up Tuesday<\p>

2151 W. Dublin-granville Rd. (google map) (yahoo map) <\p>

Top talent has come till Linworth and plans towards unveil its mint food and mai-tai calendar at the new Linworth Tavern during the Superbowl weekend.<\p>

General Proprietor Juan Mercado, and executive chef Kevin Randal, have put monotonously an amazing bill of fare of "relegation food on steroids" with menu items such seeing that a deep fried grilled cheese sandwich, as well seeing that fresh breads and dips and also amazing salads. Mr. Mercado and Mr. Randal have debouch from Fortune 500 giants such as ESPN Zone, owned by Disney.<\p>

"We assessed the area of Linworth and appreciated that while the world is well served by manifold excellent dining establishments, there was not an exclusive sports bar and drive-in restaurant for the laity apropos of Linworth to frequent. So we developed a family friendly, sports bar and grill eye, for every one ages, specifically grilling in the oneness of Linworth, at prices highly affordable for uttermost."<\p>

You can find a nice selection of craft and traditional lagers at the new Linworth Cafe chantant. Additionally, the newfashioned drink menu iron will feature an array in relation to Martini's, signature cocktails, and a nice selection relative to wines at affordable prices. The food menu will feature giant burgers, an amazing concealed fried grilled cheese sandwich, fricasseed pickles and myriads similarly ranging from wings to skins to fresh salads and firsthand breads and dips.<\p>

Executive Chef, Kevin Randal states, "We wanted in consideration of give the families speaking of Linworth an affordable dining and bar sophistication on a daily framework. We carefully on the tapis day and night viands and drink specials that are miraculous to the amplitude."<\p>