He Had Multiple Chances To Do The Right Thing But Still KNOWINGLY Chose Cruelty, Even When The People

Benjy Fenwick

Marauders Era Masterlist

FC: Benny Emmanuel

MBTI Type: INTP

House: Ravenclaw

Friend group: Caradoc Dearborn, Emmeline Vance, and Dirk Cresswell

Other:

Muggleborn

Childhood best friends with Caradoc Dearborn

Roomates with Dirk Cresswell

First met Emmeline by accidentally spilling ink all over her in the library

Tends to accidentally make messes

He had a bunch of papers and pages hung up messily around his bed because it “helps him think”

Has a cat he found in the dumpster and has kept it and loved it like it was his own child

Her name is Nelly

Collects old books and newspapers

Likes to make collages

Can kind of play the guitar (Caradoc has been teaching him since they were kids)

Plays a lot of music to “help him think”

Claims he’s an amazing drawer but draws stick figures

Caradoc once took him to the beach with his family on vacation and he’s been begging to go back ever since

Has a big crush on Amelia Bones ever since she helped him take care of his cat, Nelly, when she was sick once

Jace Herondale in a relationship with someone who has anxiety

Jace Herondale Masterlist

Note: A little self-indulgent here because I have diagnosed anxiety

Warnings: Anxiety, crowds, food, among other things.

|PICTURES ARE NOT MINE|

He picked up on it really fast

He might not have realized it was anxiety but he just knew that you were uncomfortable

Jace tries his best to help you

If you feel overwhelmed by a crowd he’s quick to pull the two of you in an alleyway so you calm down

Afraid of speaking? He’s got you

He knows your thoughts and motives so he has no problem communicating your thoughts to someone else

Also has no problem telling someone off or punching them for making you uncomfortable

If your nervous from someone staring at you he steps in between the two of you

Nervous about a fight? He’s never out of your sight

He likes to name the facts or his observations

For example: you think everyone is staring at your outfit while at a restaurant

He catches your eye

“Everyone is here to eat.”

“This place is pretty, they’re admiring the scenery.”

“Did you see the way his eye just twitched?” He’s on a first date with that girl, he’s too busy trying to impress her to notice anything around him. Like how he’s about to spill the water right down his shirt.”

“You don’t know these people. They don’t know you.”

“Even if you were ever to be in the same room again, you wouldn’t recognize each other.”

“You look stunning.”

If it’s too loud in a room and you’re okay with it, he wraps him arms around you and pulls you to his chest so you can listen to his heart beat

Will defend you from anyone

This man would fight to the death for you

Overwhelmed by the amount of work you need to do? He helps you plan it out with plenty of breaks inbetween

Has an endless amount of patience for you

Would sit with you for hours to help you on whatever you’re doing

He’s really good at massages too

If you’re having a headache or you’re stiff he doesn’t mind rubbing your back, shoulders, head, etc.

But he would like one in return

If you’re feeling overstimulated from talking to so many people he’ll find an empty area where you can be alone, or he’ll just take you home

He doesn’t care if it’s an important event you are his #1 priority

He’s subconsciously making sure that you’re eating enough and drinking enough water

He’s probably showed up to your room before with either a nice snack or meal saying how, “You have not eaten.”

He’s your emotional support person when you go out into the wild public

He doesn’t care if you cling to him or follow him around at a social event the entire time, in fact, he enjoys it

if he’s not with you, he’s worried the entire time

Like seriously, he’s acting like a parent

doesn’t like to be away from you if he knows you could be put into a situation where you get anxious (which is a lot)

Big on praising you

He’s good at noticing what your most self-conscious about and he just spends so much time praising it

He has a really nice voice too

Sometimes he just whispers to you while in public events about nonsense just to distract you or to make you smile

Doesn’t give a fuck who sees the two of you (unless it puts you in danger)

If you’re insecure about other people finding him attractive he’d probably make out with you in front of them just to remind you that you’re the only one he cares about

He probably has some anxiety too

He just doesn’t realize it

TASM!Peter Parker Masterlist

TASM Masterlist

More works in progress…

Imagines:

Tree Lighting

You convince your boyfriend, who also happens to be Spider-Man, to give in to the public’s wishes and light the big Christmas Tree in Central Park. WC: 928

Game Night

You, Peter and your friends have annual game nights, this time around, you all want to try something new. WC: 1k

|PICTURES ARE NOT MINE|

Sunrise | Hiccup Haddock

Hiccup Haddock Masterlist

Word Count: 1.3k

Genre: Domestic-ish fluff

Pairing(s): Hiccup Haddock x Fem!Reader

Summary: An early morning ride turns into a race between you and Hiccup.

Warnings: Heights

Notes:

Reader is a dragon rider

Readers dragon is never specified

Take place on Dragons Edge

|PICTURES ARE NOT MINE|

——————————————————————

Hiccup makes handling dragons look easy.

It’s not.

It seems that Dragon Hunters have a never ending schedule of making your life difficult.

All you wanted to do was sit outside your hut (that you spent far too much time trying to decide where to place) and enjoy the beautiful view with your dragon, your boyfriend, or your friends.

Easier said than done.

When your boyfriend is Hiccup Haddock who has devoted most of his life to protecting dragons, free time doesn’t come often.

Hiccups values are part of the reason you fell so hard for him, but sometimes it seems to take from your relationship.

Laying in your bed thinking all of this over in your head is not a great start to your morning.

So, you climb out of your bed and throw on some clothes.

You whistle as a sort of wake up call to your dragon who is sleeping soundly.

Your dragon groans and moans barely opening one eye to look at you. This was their way of saying, “Do you know what time it is?”

You scoff under your breath completely aware they could still hear it, "Don't worry, I haven't lost track of the time. Let's go for a ride, just you and me." You move to get their saddle as they move around loudly in protest.

"Weren't you the one who wanted to start doing this?" You bring up the time Hiccup mentioned that he and Toothless go for early morning rides often and your dragon looked at you as if to say, "We should do that!"

Your dragon lets out a regretful moan in response.

You throw the heavy saddle over their back with little difficulty.

"Come on, if you really don't like it, we'll end it early."

____________________

Your dragons behavior has done a full one-eighty. How the dragon you're riding on now and the one you argued with this morning were the same creature baffles you.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" You tease, watching your dragon close their eyes at the feeling of the wind hitting their face.

They snort and suddenly drop a few feet in the air.

A shriek makes it's way out of your mouth and it takes you a few moments to realize that you aren't falling anymore.

"Not funny." You ground your teeth a little.

All your dragon does is laugh in response.

Just when you got over the shock in your body does a familiar voice startle you.

“Good morning, milady!”

Turning your head to peer over your shoulder, you make eye contact with the voice, returning his wide grin with your own.

“Good morning!” You laugh, only needing to wait a minute more before Hiccup and Toothless were right beside you.

Your own dragon and Toothless exchange greetings as you and Hiccup chat.

“Didn’t expect to see you out so early. Something on your mind?” Hiccup questions

You shake your head, grin never faltering, “Just wanted some fresh air, before everyone wakes up. But it seems someone is up.”

Hiccup chuckles, “Oh, you know, just out looking for some adventure. Right, bud?” Toothless grumbles in agreement.

“Adventure, you say? Well, do share with the group.” Your tone is playful.

Hiccup waves his hand in dismissal, “Unfortunately, me and Toothless have seen quite enough adventure for one day. But, I wouldn’t be opposed to sharing our stories to you, milady.”

“You’re all out of adventure for the day? Don’t say that, Snotlouts not even up yet.”

Hiccup's laugh echos around you.

—————————

"So this is where you run off to hm?" You tease sitting down on what you previously believed to be a watch tower. Now realizing it was Hiccup's camouflaged hideout.

Hiccup scoffs playfully, "I don't run off anywhere."

"You're right, you fly." You add

Both Hiccup and your dragon roll their eyes but Toothless lets out a snort of amusement.

"At this point he barely walks himself anywhere, isn't that right?" You look over at Toothless, who happily humors you.

"All right, all right. I guess I won't take you on any morning rides anymore bud." Hiccup voices looking a little smug.

Toothless no longer looks amused.

"Nothing to say Toothless?" Hiccup pokes, earning a glare from the Nightfury.

"Don't worry, Toothless. If he doesn't take you on any morning flights, I will." You whisper loud enough for the other two to hear you, earning a protest from both.

Toothless lets out a laugh and hops around in satisfaction.

Your dragon makes loud noises of detestment and even goes as far as glaring at Toothless.

"What?" You address the cranky dragon, "Do you know how hard it was to get you out of the hut this morning? I'm sure Toothless wouldn't make it so hard for me?" You tease

"Now wait a minute, who said you could steal my dragon?" Hiccup says

"Your dragon." You reply and hear Toothless agree behind you.

Hiccup's mouth opens but no words come out.

You were too busy soaking in the satisfaction you felt from Hiccup's response that you didn't notice your dragon make its way over to you until they knocked you over with their head.

"Hey!" You shriek as your dragon "attacks" you.

You can hear Hiccups laugh in the background and Toothless' sound of surprise.

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry, I was just teasing!" Finally they let up looking satisfied with themselves.

"Like rider, like dragon." Hiccup comments

You scoff, "Says you."

Hiccup leans back against a rock, "Says me." He agrees.

You lean back against your dragon and shake your head.

After a few moments of comfortable silence you reopen the conversation, "Any news from Johann?"

Hiccup sighs, "No. I know he's scouting almost as much as us but it's as if they've gone completely underground."

"Maybe they finally feel defeated. With the more people we meet and become friends with, the more unpopular the dragon hunters get." You add

"Maybe. Or they're planning their next ambush on a new dragon. I feel uneasy with how quiet they've been." Hiccup confides

"We'll keep looking Hiccup. Once we find them we'll stop whatever they're doing, just like we've done before."

Hiccup nods in agreement.

You find a way to bring up your next sentence, "While the dragon hunters are quiet maybe.. we could spend some time to enjoy it." At Hiccup's confused face, you continue, "It's been a long time since we've hung out together, just the two of us."

"We're hanging out together right now?" Hiccup says.

"I know. But just the two of us." You repeat

"Oh. Oh." Hiccup understands

"I know everything has been chaotic, I was just wondering since we seem to finally have some downtime. It'd be beneficial spending it doing something other than talking about the dragon hunters." You explain

"No, you're right. It has been a while since we've hung out, just the two of us. What were you thinking?" Hiccup asks

"I don't know, I wasn't even sure if you wanted to so I didn't really think about what." You say

"You think I wouldn't want to hang out with you? Of course I'd want to hang out with just the two of us, I enjoy your company more than anyone else." Hiccup says

You smile genuinely, "I've been wanting to go down on the beach and examine the shells, see if I could find any fossils or something. How about that?"

Hiccup grins, "Yeah, that sounds really fun."

Your smile grows and you stand up feeling high on adrenaline, "Come on. The others we'll be up soon and we don't want them setting the edge on fire before breakfast again." You offer your hand to Hiccup.

"No we don't." Hiccup takes your hand, "Thank you milady."

"So..race you back to the edge!" You hop on your dragons back.

"Wha-Hey! Wait a minute!" Hiccup calls after you hopping on Toothless' back, "That's not fair!"

-------------

edited on 05/13/2024

Cannon because I said so.

marauders handwriting headcanons

Ashlynn Ella and Briar Beauty Headcanons

Ever After High Masterlist

Warning: Some topics might be triggering

Mentions of; panic attacks, Hyperventilating, and more

Since Ashlynn was a little girl she dreamed every night for her happily ever after

Romance quickly became her favorite genre

Pansexual, she doesn’t care for gender, she just wants someone who loves her for who she is

When she was really young she spent most of her time outdoors

She’d run around barefoot and bring things she found interesting to her mother

She always liked how the rough ground felt on her feet for some reason

But when she was old enough to recognize the judging looks people would send her she stopped going at as much

Or at least where people could see her

Her mother was often busy with royal duties so while her mother could only sit outside with Ashlynn, she couldn’t play with her

So Ashlynn occupied herself by finding new animals or plants

She learned to adore a lot of her wilderness friends and was so honored to be invited into their games

She also adores flowy things

Ashlynn hates tight clothing

Her closet being full of nice flowy dresses, shirts, skirts, pants, etc.

She doesn’t mind tight shoes though

She feels they keep her grounded in her High imagination

Ashlynn went to balls a lot as a kid and loved seeing all the flowy gowns and the way the dancers moved

Her favorite was always the ballet dancers

But when she tried to do ballet and quickly realized how uncomfortable her feet were, she stopped

Because while her other shoes might be a bit uncomfortable, ballet shoes were so much worse

She cried all night when she gave up ballet because it was just too much for her

But her mother quickly enrolled her in other dancing classes

She quickly loved ballroom dancing, waltzing, and even began to do figure skating

She adores both winter and summer

Summer because of all the beautiful flowers and animals

Winter because she can figure skate in the big lake by her castle and the romantic ideas of cuddling by the fire

She probably expects very highly of herself but nowhere near Apple

She’s the therapist friend

Sweet>Salty

Briar Beauty

Briar prefers tighter clothes

It’s kind of a reminder that she is awake

Bisexual (pref for girls)

The reason she falls asleep randomly is because she is sleep deprived

She has and will do some unhealthy things if it means staying awake

When she learned that a spinner was the reason for her long slumber, she was only seven and it scared her so bad

She would start hyperventilating at the sight of the needle

She’s had SO many nightmares in her life

Briar was given a therapist very young to try and accept her destiny

It didn’t really help

A lot of the reasons she tries to be bold and out their is because she hopes that just maybe someone will know who she is in 100 years

Has totally done something random like cut off all of hair on a whim

Once she finally believed she wouldn’t have to sleep for 100 years she had to go back and kind of figure out who she wanted to be rather than who she felt she had to be, in order to be known

Ashlynn was definitely there trying to help Briar figure out a healthy sleep schedule

It was very difficult for Briar for a long time because she would wake up drenched in sweat

She’d panic because she thought she had slept for 100 years

Briar has probably woken up in panic attacks before

The thought still plagues her

She wants to try so many things but gets bored of things quickly because she thinks she has to try everything

Salty>Sweet

The thought of love made her so nervous because she was worried she’d lose everyone

She loves strong floral scents

But cannot keep a plant alive to save her sleep schedule

Coffee, coffee, coffee.

She was probably in a relationship with Melody Piper at some point

Loves mixing edgy with feminine

Also has really learned to love to express herself through makeup and hair

Poor girl had a hard childhood and has a really hard relationship with sleep

She is getting better but that fear wills always be present

Routine | Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin Masterlist

Word Count: 1.6k

Genre: Fluff | angst? (Rem in discomfort)

Pairing(s): Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader

Summary: When the full moon comes around some things are always the same while some things differ. All you and your friends can do is your best to comfort the werewolf you all love.

Warning(s): Nightmares, depression, cursing, food, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, mentions of blood, and wounds (let me know if I missed anything)

Characters: Remus Lupin, the marauders

Note(s):

Established Relationship

In the beginning all characters are in their 6th year

Key:

Cariad = Love (welsh)

————————————————————

|PICTURES DO NOT BELONG TO ME|

No one could truly ever tell how Remus would act around the full moon and to whom. So you could only ever prepare for the constants.

Remus was always physically and mentally drained as his body was preparing him for the transformation. His body would ache. Some months could be much more painful than other months. He was always tired, unable to sleep more than three hours if he was lucky. He was normally restless and tended to bounce his knee, chew on his nails or lip, and fidget with things around him.

Some months he was more angry than anything, others he was more depressed. A week before the full moon was the earliest these side effects occurred. It might start earlier in the week or the middle or at the latest a couple days before.

Walking into the great hall, your eyes immediately searched for your love. Upon seeing him you examined his posture and believed you knew what type of day today would be.

When you got closer you saw James piling some of Remus’ favorite foods on the plate in front of him. Your boyfriend had his hands covering his ears. You believed this to be a subconscious movement to keep out all the noise of the great hall.

James noticed you first, sending you a grateful smile as you sat next to Remus. Far enough to not startle him but close enough so that he could sense your presence.

“Hey, honey.” You said softly to alert him that it was you beside him, but not too quietly that he couldn’t hear you.

You didn’t hear what he mumbled but you took it as a greeting. You gently placed your hand on his back and rubbed it in hope to ease his tension.

Remus was always distant at first, the insecurities plagued his mind. You just needed to be consistent and slowly move towards him.

In the beginning you sat awkwardly next to him. James chatted with Sirius as the black haired boy played wizards chess with Peter. James continued to stuff more food on Remus’ plate, doing his best to encourage him to eat.

Soon enough, Remus allowed himself to find comfort in your presence, and ate a few bites of the food James had given him. It wasn’t enough, but you knew he was trying.

Sirius slammed his hands on the table in frustration from the loss of the chess match. Remus jumped slightly, which earned Sirius a glare from you.

“Sorry, Moons.” He sounded sorry, so you let it go.

Remus just snuggled further into you, taking deeper breaths in an attempt to calm himself. The position the two of you were in was odd to the eye, but it was the best, and most comfortable you could do at the grand tables.

Soon, the owls entered, dropping packages, and hooting loudly. Two packages that were nearly the exact same in size and shape landed in front of James and Sirius.

The two of them grinned and picked their packages up at the same time. If you weren’t so worried about Remus, you would’ve laughed at how similar James and Sirius’ movements were.

“Gifts from Effie.” Sirius grinned at your questioning gaze.

You watched curiously as James and Sirius opened the packages. They both pulled out a delicately wrapped box of sweets and a pouch of coins. 

“For the upcoming Hogsmeade trip.” Sirius said absent-mindedly, he gave Remus a sympathetic look knowing that the full moon was this weekend.

“Come on, let’s go back to our dorm.” James said, after he placed the items back into his own box.

You nodded, and rubbed the back of Remus’ neck before whispering James’ words to Remus.

He nodded and stood up, swaying slightly. You were quick to grab his hand and walk with him out of the great hall. You tried to persuade him into leaning on you but he was still well aware that if he were to fall, he would crush you.

Thankfully, Peter was at Remus’ other side, helping support some of his weight. While Sirius hung behind, and James led.

You saw his shoulders visibly relax when you were far enough away from the noise that was the great hall.

————————————————

“Under the cloak you go.” James said, throwing his invisibility cloak over you and Remus.

If someone were to see you going into the marauders dorms, talk would arise and it wouldn’t be good for any of you.

When in their dorm, Remus subconsciously moved towards his bed and flopped down as if he had worked tirelessly all day long, even though it wasn't even noon.

You sat on the edge of his bed. Remus, sensing your proximity, moved so that his head laid in your lap.

All the marauders kept glancing at Remus in worry. James the most. So it wasn’t a shock when said boy spoke up, “He should stay in the dorm today.”

You nodded in agreement, “I’m gonna stay too.”

“You sure?” It was Sirius

“One of us could stay with him.” Peter offered

You shook your head, sending them off to class with a murmur of thanks.

Looking down, you noticed Remus had fallen asleep. You smiled, knowing around these times he got all his sleep from naps.

———————————

Hours later you were awoken from the firm grip on your thighs. Remus’ head was shaking, eyes scrunched up and he was sweating.

You caressed his face, trying to comfort him. He seemed to relax a little.

“Remus.” You called gently, shaking him awake.

It took him a few minutes to come to terms as to where he was.

“What time is it?” He asked quietly.

You glanced around for a clock, before noticing the muggle kid watch you had bought for James last year as a gag gift. You squinted trying to make out the time.

“About two hours after noon.” You answered, trying to relieve the tension in your back and shoulders without disturbing Remus.

Remus groaned in annoyance. He moved to try and get up, but the hand you placed on his back easily convinced him to give up and continue to lay down.

“You should try to get some more sleep.” You said, pushing the strands of hair that stuck to his sweaty forehead away from his face.

“No use.” He answered and your heart aches for him.

“I should start you a bath.” You moved to gently lift Remus’ head from your lap but he halted you with a grab of your wrist.

“Don’t leave.” He whined, “I don’t want to be alone.”

“I’m just gonna run a bath for you so you don’t have to sleep in your own sweat.” You tried

“I don’t care.” Remus begged

You effectively placed Remus’ head into the bed despite his protests.

You were more concerned when he moved to sit up. Even in pain, he moved fast, so you couldn’t stop him.

He delicately wrapped his arms around your waist and pressed his forehead against your stomach. Despite having his arms around you, you could barely feel him. You knew he was denying the want of tightening his hold on you, afraid of being seen as selfish.

You moved for him, pressing his arms around you tighter and moved closer to him so he could bury his face in your stomach.

“You’re allowed to want things, Rem. All you have to do is ask me.” You said, rubbing up and down the back of his neck.

“I don’t want you to leave me.” You knew he meant more of a break-up sense than a physical sense.

“I’m not going to, my love.” The sound of your endearment caused a small cry from his lips.

“I hate it so much.”

You couldn’t even imagine all the pain and suffering Remus had to constantly go through.

“I know, is there anything more I can do to help?” You asked

“Just be here.” He answered quietly

“I promise.” You assured him.

———————————————

Eight Years later 

“Don’t fuss, Cariad, It’s not that big, I swear.” Remus chuckled painfully, watching you tend to a wound on his stomach.

“It’s bigger than I’d like.” You mumble through the flush on your cheeks.

“It was quite an angry moose, but I rather a wound from him than my own claws.” Remus said

You froze for a moment then picked back up where you left off, not sure if or how you should respond to that.

Remus’ hiss stopped you from a rabbit hole of negative thoughts.

“I’m sorry.” You said absent-mindedly

“That’s enough cleaning, don’t you think, love?” 

“Just a little more.” You promised.

When Remus was all bandaged and done he hummed gratefully. 

“So,” He began, resting his hands on your hips as you disposed of the bloody cloths. “How should I repay you for taking such good care of me?” 

You hummed, acting as if you were in deep thought, “A kiss or two should be enough payment for me.” 

Remus chuckled, “Have I not given you enough kisses today?” 

You shook your head, “You never do.”

The man scoffed teasingly, “I thought I gave you a healthy amount, but it seems I've begun to spoil you.” 

“Your fault.” You said affectionately, leaning down while making not to touch a wound. 

One kiss. Two kisses. Three kisses. 

He hummed, pressing one kiss to your cheek, “I thought my payment was two kisses.” 

“I changed my mind.” You smiled, resting your forehead against his. 

“My silly women.” He caressed your cheek.

“Sorry, Rem. You’re stuck with me.” 

“Then I shall die the happiest man.”

---------------

edited on 05/16/2024

Jace Herondale Masterlist

Mortal Instruments Masterlist

More works in progress…

Imagines:

An Angels Arms

You fall asleep after spending an evening surrounded by your family and friends, and you wake up in your husbands arms. WC: 1.7k

Late Night Demon Hunting

You go demon hunting and Jace decides to tag along. WC: ~1.2k

Dinner and Bane

When Jace is under house arrest in Magnus’ apartment, you come to keep him company. WC: 1k

Dancing Under the Stars

You attend the anniversary of the new accords with the Downworlders. But you find that you enjoy the party much more when you’re out under the stars. WC:1.2k

Breakfast

WC: 1k Your morning are normally all over the place. But there is one constant thing. Or perhaps you should say person.

Headcanons:

Dating Jace Herondale HCs

Jace Herondale x Anxious S/O

|PICTURES DO NOT BELONG TO ME|

Note: I did not write this, the person that did write this has their username at the top.

A Day to Remember | Gwen Stacy

Gwen Stacy Masterlist

Word Count: 1.1k

Genre: fluff | established relationship

Pairings: Gwen Stacy x gf!reader

Summary: A winter day with the blonde you love.

Warnings: Food, large crowds

Characters mentioned: Peter Parker

Good to know/notes:

no homophobia

Gwen and Peter never had a romantic past

no labels for Gwen or Readers sexuality

|PICTURES ARE NOT MINE|

New York City was especially beautiful during winter. The number of tourists skyrocketed only proved that.

You’ve lived in New York City long enough to tell the difference between residents and visitors.

Currently, It’s mid-december. The streets are covered in white powdery snow with hundreds of bundled up figures walking here and there.

You were sitting inside a cafe. Your favorite drink in front of you as you waited for your girlfriend to walk through the cafe doors.

Soon enough, the blonde emerged from the cold streets. She was no exception to all the other pedestrians walking the streets. She was bundled up quite nicely. But she still looked exceptionally beautiful.

Not a surprise to you, of course. 

The blonde's eyes observed the cafe looking for someone. When her eyes landed on you she smiled. A smile you couldn’t help but mirror, feeling like a love-sick idiot. 

“I really thought we were gonna be snowed in this morning.” She said coming up to you

“Well I suppose I'm lucky we weren’t.” You say standing up to properly greet your girlfriend. She gave you a quick kiss on your lips before beginning to unzip her heavy coat. You sat down and watched her, mesmerized by her entire being. 

“The wait to get a cab was a nightmare, though. I think my fingers are gonna fall off soon.” Gwen pulled her hands out of her gloves but they were indeed red with chill. 

You frowned, reaching over and engulfing her hands with your own in an attempt to warm them up. She watched you with a smile before she leaned in for a more passionate kiss. 

“Do you still want to go ice skating later?” You ask, threading your fingers through hers and resting them on your lap. 

She nodded, “I’ve been looking forward to it all week. I’m not gonna bail out now because of the cold. Besides, I have you to keep me warm.” 

You huff out a laugh, unlacing one of your hands to take a sip of your drink as one of the waitresses comes up and asks Gwen for her order. 

“Yes, Hi. I’ll just have a hot chocolate and a chocolate chip croissant, please.” She asked the waitress, watching as the waitress scribbled down her order

“You don’t want to try something different?” You ask after the waitress left

She glanced at your cup, “I could ask you the same.” She raised an eyebrow

“Nothing wrong with tradition.” You say 

“Agreed.” The blonde replies

“Did you see Spider-man on your way here?” You laugh a little taking another sip of your drink

Gwen laughed as well, “I’m sorry to say I didn’t. Not to worry, I'm sure he’ll show up sometime soon.” 

The two of you were well aware of the identity of Spider-man, considering the amount of romantic dates he interrupted with his need for medical assistance. You adore Peter, truly, he’s one of your best friends, but you also adore spending time with your girlfriend, un-interrupted.

“Here you are.” The waitress set Gwens order down in front of her. 

“Thank you.” Gwen mumbled as the waitress walked away

“It looks like a Christmas Card out there.” You comment looking out the window

Gwen nodded after taking a bite of her croissant. 

“I still need to get some gifts for my brothers while we’re out.” Gwen commented and you nodded.

------------------------------------

Walking hand-in-hand with your girlfriend while walking down main street was certainly a memory to last. Pointing out all the Spider-man merchandise (and buying quite a bit) while laughing and speculating what Peter's reaction to them would be. Walking through the stores with Christmas music playing while looking at the toys and the ornaments. You felt that this holiday season was going to be one to look back on for many years. 

“Look at this!” Gwen squealed, turning around with an ornament in her hand.

The ornament in question was one of the good old Spidey caught in a Christmas tree. 

“I’m buying this.” Gwen said excitedly, walking towards the cashier 

----------------------

Gwen, unsurprisingly, was quite skilled at ice skating. She stepped onto the ice with a state of grace only she seemed to possess.

“Just put one foot in front of the other…there you go! Now step…and slide. Amazing! You’re doing wonderful, my love!” She praised you, watching as you got the hang of it.

The ice arena you were skating on was outside with beautiful scenery. Many couples could be seen, hand in hand, tripping over their feet and falling. Your heart warmed, happy to be able to experience other people's joys as well as your own.

“What are you smiling about?” You hadn’t realized she had been watching you until you had heard her voice. Her eyes were filled with adoration, something you were sure reflected in your own.

“I’m happy.” You answered honestly. You’ve always enjoyed winter, but these past few years being able to experience them with Gwen was…something out of a story book.

You looked down at your feet suddenly caught up in your movements disrupting your rhythm. You chuckled a little to yourself. Squeezing Gwen’s hand tighter when you thought you might fall.

“I’m happy too.” You didn’t have to look at her to know she was telling the truth. Gwen was a decent liar, you’d seen her do it enough times to say that with confidence. But, sometimes, her voice or her eyes gave her away. You loved being able to read her. It felt safe. Knowing that she could read you as well. Even if one of you had lied the other knew the majority of the time, so lying wasn’t something that occurred often in your relationship.

“We should convince Peter to do the tree lighting ceremony.” You commented suddenly. Peter- or Spider-man you should say had been offered to light the tree in Central Park. He hadn’t given them a definite answer, not sure if he should. You and Gwen had said it would be a fantastic idea but he wasn’t so convinced. But if Gwen truly wanted to convince him you knew she could.

“We should.” Gwen agreed, smiling

You smiled back, at peace, with your life. The majority of your life you always wanted something to be different. And sure there were things that you still wished to change. But, right now, those things didn’t matter. Not right now. Not when Gwen’s hand held yours, not too tightly, embracing your fingers in warmth that was underlined with love. Today was a good day, you decided.Today wasn’t a day that you would never look back on, a day that you felt like you were simply a being in something bigger. No, today you felt like today was meant to be a good day. That you were something bigger than an everyday citizen, even though you didn’t have any powers like Peter, or a wicked brain like Gwen’s. Today is a good day.

-------------

edited on 05/17/2024