many drabbles from many fandoms...
So as many of you know, I took part in the Secret Drabble Santa Project that took place throughout December. I was assigned to write for kashmir1 who I was happy to discover shares many of the same loves as I do (and I made a new friend out of it! ::waves::) and basically, I was all over the place with my drabbles. I tried my best to organize them below for sharing with everyone now that the holidays are over. It was a lot of fun to write and I had a great person to be assigned to!
The O.C. - Ryan/Anna (Drabble # 1)
Anna wasn’t sure when things had changed. For the longest time, it had been all about Seth. She couldn’t figure out if it was because he was safe or because Summer decided she wanted him too. Whatever the reasoning, it had been all consuming, making her feel stupid and childish and so not like herself half the time. Then Ryan showed up at the airport - brooding, so different from her - and told her not to leave. Said things like, “Didn’t know what he was doing...couldn’t imagine her gone...wanted to figure things out with her...” That was when she realized, somewhere in the midst of her Seth-addled brain, there were feelings for Ryan. She smiled and threw her arms around him, willing to ignore everything long enough to enjoy the moment.
The O.C. - Ryan/Anna (Drabble # 2)
How Ryan came to find himself knocking on Anna’s door was a mystery he didn’t really understand. He had been at the book store with Seth, listening to him complain about the compromises required in coupledom, when the conversation had turned to him, specifically, him and Anna. Ryan had scoffed at first - they were friends, closer than they were during her last stint at Harbor, but friends all the same.
At some point on the drive home, it became urgent that he see Anna. There was no reason for it, but he dropped Seth off and sped down the road. Maybe it was because, since her return to Newport, he and Anna had found themselves spending a lot of time with Seth and Summer...and spending time with another couple was wearing off on them. Maybe it was because he and Marissa had grown apart since she switched to public school. Hell, it was even possible that Ryan finally realized that Marissa would always love booze more than anything else.
Those were all possibilities, but somehow, he was pretty sure it had more to do with Anna. Her smile, and the way she laughed at his really bad physics jokes (whereas Seth mocked him relentlessly), and how she would never force him to talk. In some ways, she was a lot like Seth, willing to carry a conversation and allow Ryan to ignore whatever it was inundating his brain. Except, she was a hell of a lot prettier than Seth.
The light flickered on in the foyer and the door opened. Anna stood there in ratty old sweats and no make-up, and Ryan thought she’d never looked more beautiful. He forced a small smile and said, “I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“It’s eight pm and I’m not five years old.”
“Right. Good.”
“Are you okay?”
“I was talking to Seth and...”
“Uh-oh. That doesn’t bode well.”
“Actually, it might,” Ryan replied. He closed the distance between them, his arms going around her waist and up her back, and his lips moving closer to hers. His lips hovered over hers and said, “He told me to be a man of action.”
Anna smiled and replied, “So what are you waiting for?”
Ryan pulled her against his chest and pressed his lips against hers. He still had no idea what possessed him to listen to Seth, let alone drive across town, but it was probably the smartest thing he’d done in a long time.
The O.C. - Ryan/Anna (Drabble # 3)
Anna and Ryan strolled out of the elevator, hands intertwined and lost in conversation. That stopped, however, when Ryan reached the door of their destination. Ryan placed his hand in front of Anna to block her from entering.
"What's wrong?" Anna asked, shooting an appraising look in Ryan's direction. It was the type he had grown used to over the years, the type that said she knew his every thought.
However, that didn't seem to be the case right then, and Ryan couldn't help but grin. He spent all morning and afternoon worrying about his plans for Anna, sure that she would figure it out. So far, so good.
Ryan picked Anna up, tossing her over his shoulder, and said, “Close your eyes.”
“What are you doing? Put me down,” Anna replied, though Ryan noted there was no protest in her tone.
“It’s our new apartment and I have a surprise for you.”
“Fine, as long as the surprise isn't that Seth helped you decorate,” Anna replied.
She closed her eyes and Ryan managed to push the door to their new apartment open. Their apartment - it still struck him as a dream, something that never seemed possible...but there they were, two recent college graduates starting a life together. He walked across the threshold of the room and placed Anna down on the sofa.
He nudged her and said, “Now you can open your eyes.”
Anna looked around. The entire apartment, as far as she could see, was filled with lilies. In the background, a small fire burned in the fireplace and the smell of dinner wafted through the air. She jumped up and wrapped her arms around Ryan’s neck. She said, “You remembered that lillies were my favorite flower."
"Of course."
She hugged him again and said, "When I met you, I never would’ve pegged you for the overly-romantic type.”
Ryan kissed her forehead and replied, “I think I needed the right motivation.”
Anna tossed her head back in a laugh. She pressed her hands into Ryan’s chest and said, “Smooth.”
“So you like?”
“I love. It’s perfect,” she said. She kissed him, allowing her mouth to linger until her lips parted and his tongue swept across the bottom of her mouth.
Ryan groaned into the kiss, his hands taking over of their own accord. He roamed the length of her back, lifting her shirt as he went and rubbing patterns into her skin. Each movement elicited a sigh from Anna that encouraged him to keep going. He tossed her shirt to the side and moved his mouth to focus on her throat and collarbone and that spot on her shoulder that tended to make her go crazy.
Her fingers grabbed onto his hair and brought his mouth back to her own, increasing the pressure and rubbing her body against his. Then suddenly she pulled away.
“I think the food is burning.”
“Shit,” Ryan replied, trying to catch his breath.
“I’m sorry I distracted you,” she said, with no remorse whatsoever.
“I’m not,” Ryan replied. He tossed Anna her shirt and hurried to the kitchen. He called out, “Dinner in ten minutes.”
The O.C. - Anna/Ryan (Drabble # 4)
Anna has always been one of those people who believes that everything happens for a reason. She always looks on the bright side (with a bit of cynicism thrown in) and she always thinks that things will work out in the end. But that doesn’t mean she’s completely insane...and to expect the recent developments in her life would be just that - insane.
Ryan has never been her type of guy at first glance. Leave the bad boy brooders and stoic types to girls like Marissa who thrive on drama. No, Anna likes the funny ones, the guys that are dependable and can make her smile no matter what.
It never occurred to her that Ryan was more that type of guy.
Now, it’s hard to imagine him as anything but that type of guy. He tells her silly stories to make her laugh when she’s had a bad. He always knows when to encourage her to talk it out or just hug her instead. And really, despite the rumors around Newport, she doubts Ryan has every truly been a bad boy.
A hand rests on her thigh and she turns her head to see Ryan staring at her rather than the television. He whispers, “What are you thinking about?”
Anna shrugs, kisses Ryan quickly on the lips, and says, “Nothing important.”
“You sure?”
“You better watch the movie. It was your choice after all.”
Ryan rolls his eyes and responds, “Somehow my choices just happen to be the movie Seth wants to watch.”
Anna laughs, garnering looks from both Seth and Summer. She smiles an apology and rests her head on Ryan’s shoulder. She’s beginning to like these unexpected turns in her life.
The O.C. - Seth & Ryan, Ryan/Anna(Drabble # 5)
“It’s a little weird if you ask me,” Seth states.
Ryan rolls his eyes as he dumps the contents of his bag on the table. He says, “I didn’t ask you.”
"She's my ex-girlfriend."
Ryan stops going through his belongings and glances at Seth. He wonders if he miscalculated Seth's reaction. He knows Seth is happy with Summer, better than they've been in a long time, so he isn't still hung up on Anna.
"Are you...do you want..." Ryan stops because he's not sure how to ask the question and Seth looks amused.
"Am I still infatuated with Anna?"
"Something like that."
"Nope. Anna and I were finished a long time ago."
"So why's it so weird?"
"You wouldn't want me to tell you."
Ryan chuckles under his breath and replies, "You're probably right."
There is silence for a second and Ryan almost believes he’s avoided a long Seth Cohen conversation. But Seth looks up at him and says, “Not that I think Anna isn’t the coolest, Ry. I totally do. If there wasn’t my undying devotion to Summer that’s consumed me for years to contend with...well, Anna’s a good catch.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I don’t want to see her hurt.”
Ryan meets Seth gaze before he asks, “You think I’d hurt her?”
“Not purposefully.”
“Says the guy that continued to string her and Summer along because he was too scared to choose.”
“I didn’t mean...” Seth pauses. He stands up and places a hand on Ryan’s shoulder. Ryan knows by now that this is Seth’s way of maintaining the peace, of trying to keep Ryan from punching him. It usually works too.
Seth takes a deep breath and replies, “It didn’t come out right, okay? I know I screwed up with Anna and I hate what I did to her. But I do care about her and I don’t want to see anyone else hurt her.”
“And we’re back to you thinking I’ll hurt her.”
“You’re a drama guy, Ryan.” Off the look on Ryan’s face, Seth explains, “I can only imagine that’s why you tolerated Marissa for so long, or allowed yourself to get caught up in the love crises of your friends from Chino.”
“I don’t like drama.”
“You sure seek it out a lot for someone who doesn't like it.”
“I don't seek it out."
Seth rolls his eyes and says, “Dude, you totally do. You thrive on drama and it’s like...I worry that you’ll get bored with normal.”
“I like her, Seth.”
“I know. That's good.”
“I mean, I really like her. She makes me laugh. And we don’t have to talk all the time about things. We can just be.”
“Good, that’s good. If you can handle it.”
“I can.”
“Whatever you say, drama-seeker.”
“Don’t make me punch you.”
“Fair enough.”
"So, we're cool?"
Seth raises his hands in mock surrender. "Dude, you and I are fine. But Summer...if you hurt Anna, just remember Summer's rage blackouts. That's all I'm saying."
The O.C. - Anna/Ryan (Drabble # 6)
As she felt the bed shift, Anna turned over and placed a hand on the empty indent in the mattress. She groaned and opened her eyes to see Ryan hovering by the dresser, throwing on a tee-shirt. She smiled at said, “Good morning to you too.”
He rolled his eyes, but stepped closer to her and planted a chaste kiss on her lips. He brushed the hair back out of her face and said, “Merry Chrismukkah.”
Anna latched onto his hand and pulled him back down into the bed, draping his arm over her shoulder and resting her head on his chest. She said, “Rushing off on our first Chrismukkah together as a married couple. Should I be offended?”
“Not rushing off.”
She glanced at the clock and then hit him lightly in the side. “It’s six am on a Sunday morning. Not rushing off my ass.”
“I have some last minute shopping to do.”
“Excuses, excuses.”
“And then Seth wanted me to assure him that his gift for Summer would not cause her to fling him across the room.”
“Tell him to avoid comics. And his favorite band of the moment. And basically anything that he would want. Remind him what Summer likes,” Anna replied. She glanced up at Ryan and added, “Not that I believe your sad story. I still think you’re in a hurry to get away from me.”
Ryan leaned down and kissed her. Anna smiled into the kiss. He always was a man of action, rather than words. It was part of what she loved so much about him. She ran her hand across his chest and said, “Go do what you have to do, but later, I own you.”
“I like the sound of that.”
"Merry Chrismukkah, Ryan," Anna said. She kissed him again and all thought disappeared from her brain. Her grin widened and she knew that this would be the best holiday together yet.
The O.C. - Ryan/Anna (Drabble # 7)
“I’m not sure what you want me to say to that,” Anna stated. She focused her gaze on the poinsettia in Ryan’s hand in a sad attempt to avoid his piercing gaze. But Ryan kept staring at her, kept waiting for an answer, and she couldn’t help but look.
That was what did her in. She had never noticed it before, but Ryan had really beautiful eyes. The types she read about in books where it was like looking into the person’s soul. It was so incredibly cheesy, but so true. She leaned against the door and said, “I dated Seth, Ryan.”
“He’s cool with this.”
“Uh-huh.”
“And I care about you, Anna. I mean, you actually were my date that first night.”
“The one you ditched to run off after Marissa if I recall correctly.”
Ryan shut his eyes as though that fact had completely slipped his memory. Anna reached for the doorknob and said, “Go home, Ryan. I’ve already been the consolation prize once. I don’t plan to do that again.”
“It's not like that. I care about you, Anna. You make me laugh. And you’re drama free. It might surprise you considering my reputation, but I do prefer a drama-free life.”
“I never thought about you like that, Ryan,” Anna said. It was a lie. She wasn’t blind and she could appreciate the bad boy every once-and-awhile. It just wasn’t her thing, definitely not the type of guy she considered her perfect match.
Then again, Seth had fit that criteria and it had gone absolutely nowhere. “One date,” she finally said.
Ryan smiled. “Really?”
“Yes. One date. That’s it and I make no promises.”
“That’s enough for now. Seth would even call it a Chrismukkah miracle.”
Anna giggled. She met Ryan's gaze and returned his smile. She said, "Goodnight Ryan."
"Goodnight Anna."
"Call me to make arrangements for our date."
Ryan nodded. He reached out and brushed his hand over hers and said, "I'll see you soon."
**
The O.C. - Seth/Ryan (Drabble # 1)
“Have you given any thought to how we’re going to tell your parents?” Ryan asked, searching Seth’s eyes for some sign of an answer. Unfortunately, Seth seemed as lost about how to broach the topic as he was. Ryan could imagine Sandy and Kirsten’s reactions, blaming themselves for ever inviting Ryan into their house to begin with.
“You’re doing it again,” Seth said, pulling Ryan out of his thoughts.
“Doing what?”
“If you keep freaking out like this, you’ll have worry lines by the time you’re twenty. And dude, I’m not dating a guy with wrinkles.”
“And we’re dating?”
Seth shrugged and said, “Sleeping together, hanging out...let’s just avoid using the term ‘boyfriends’ or I’ll flashback to my junior high taunting at the hands of the evil jocks.”
Ryan smiled. He was never very good with words, and maybe that was why things were so easy with Seth. Seth did enough talking for the both of them. “I think your parents would prefer to hear we’re dating than we’re sleeping together.”
“Probably,” Seth replied. He met Ryan’s gaze and laughed. He took Ryan’s hand and pulled him down on the sofa next to him. He said, “Dude, stop freaking out. My parents aren’t the type to disown or scream bloody murder, you know that. They’ll be surprised, call a family meeting where they ask us if we’re sure and have thought about the consequences, and then all will be well. It’s not them we have to worry about.”
“It’s everyone else.”
“We can handle it. You and I are a dynamic duo,” Seth stated, with this tone that almost made it sound like he wasn’t insane.
Ryan chuckled and said, “Right. And which of us is Robin?”
“We’re not the dynamic duo - while you might have Batman’s brooding down to an art form, I wouldn’t look good in tights. And I think I’m better with thinking of things to say to fill silences than ‘holy unwanted clarity, Ryan, I’m gay.’ Don’t you agree?”
Ryan rolled his eyes, but smiled all the same. He leaned over and kissed Seth, allowing his hands to linger on Seth’s shoulders for a moment. He pulled back and sat down on the opposite end of the couch so that he was facing Seth. He wasn’t sure how he was going to explain this to Sandy and Kirsten when he was still so confused by how it all happened. Ryan wasn’t even sure if there were reasons. It was simply something that made sense. He loved Seth. End of story.
Ryan met Seth’s gaze and said, “So we’re a dynamic duo, but not the dynamic duo?”
“That’s what I said. A team. Inseparable because we work best together,” Seth replied.
“And we’ll handle your parents.”
Seth nodded. “You catch on quick.”
"Sometimes it frightens me that I've figured out how your brain works."
"Dude, you're not the first to say that."
"Must mean I love you."
Seth sighed melodramatically and raised his hand to his forehead as though to swoon. He said, "I'm so lucky."
Despite the sarcasm, Ryan knew there was sincerity at the heart of the comment. "Yeah. And nothing else matters. Fuck everyone else.”
Seth smiled and replied, “Works for me. Then again, I’ve lived most of my life as an loner already - another year at Harbor won’t kill me.”
Ryan kicked Seth’s leg and replied, “You won’t be alone.”
The O.C. - Seth/Ryan (Drabble # 2)
“I have a feeling that this will be the best Chrismukkah yet, Ryan,” Seth states, dropping his bag on the floor of the poolhouse and sitting on the couch. He grins lazily up at Ryan and adds, “Much more to celebrate this year...and with mistletoe.”
Ryan rolls his eyes and kicks Seth’s feet off the table blocking him from getting to the kitchen. Before he can move though, Seth grabs onto his hand and pulls him down on the sofa next to him. Ryan’s not sure when the hell Seth got so strong, but he kinda likes it.
Ryan glances around and replies, “Um...Seth, last time I checked there was no mistletoe over the sofa.”
“Semantics.”
“It’s not semantics. It’s a fact.”
Seth waves him off and replies, “You’re not looking hard enough.”
“Or you’re insane. I’m guessing I’m the one of us who’s right,” Ryan replies. He glances out the windows of the poolhouse. He knows he’s paranoid and that this is the least likely time for him and Seth to be caught by Sandy and Kirsten. It’s the nights where Seth sneaks into his bed that should really freak him out, but the thought still runs through his mind.
Seth leans over and kisses him. He says, “Nope. There was definitely mistletoe.”
“In your head.”
“As long as it exists, Ryan.”
“I don’t think that’s how it works.”
Seth kisses him again and grins. “Uh-oh. Kissed you again under my fake mistletoe. What are you gonna do about it?”
Ryan’s hands get tangled up in Seth’s hair and he pulls Seth down on top of him, needing to get closer and to get more contact. He isn’t sure where these emotions come from. He’s always prided himself on being able to maintain a distance, even in relationships, but everything with Seth continues to throw him off.
“Merry Chrismukkah, Seth,” Ryan replies, smiling into Seth’s neck as he sucks on a particularly groan-worthy spot.
Seth moans and says, “Definitely the best Chrismukkah so far.”
The O.C. - Seth/Ryan (Drabble # 3)
Sometimes Ryan wasn’t sure that college was all it was cracked up to be. It seemed to be made up of a whole lot of nervous breakdowns around midterms and finals, and ruled over by insane professors who enjoyed tormenting their students. It was more than a little stressful as he glanced down at the kitchen table, overrun with books and papers and assignments.
Ryan couldn’t help but notice that Seth wasn’t stressed out at all. In fact, Seth was splayed across the couch while he watched some reality show.
Sometimes Ryan hated Seth a whole lot.
“Have you made your Chrismukkah list yet, Ryan?” Seth asked as he flipped through the channels on the television.
“What?”
“Chrismukkah...it’s our first Chrismukkah in our own college apartment. I want to make sure it’s special.”
Ryan rolled his eyes. “We’ve still got a few weeks until the holidays, Seth.”
“So?”
“So maybe we should focus on finals first.”
Seth waved him off and muttered, “Always so serious. Who knew that the bad boy from Chino was really a goodie-goodie waiting to come out?”
“I heard that.”
“Good.”
“Seth...”
“Dude, you haven’t even started your Chrismukkah shopping, have you?”
Ryan pointed at the school books littering the table and replied, “Do I look like I’ve had time for anything outside of Physics?”
Seth shook his head and said, “That’s what you get for being a science and math nerd. Us English majors don’t have these problems.”
“Weren’t you the one freaking out about a twenty page paper on Chaucer a few weeks ago?”
Seth shrugged. He stood up and walked over to the table. He placed his hands on Ryan's shoulders and littered kisses across the base of Ryan’s neck. Ryan felt Seth grin into the curve of Ryan’s neck before Seth said, “And as I recall, you came up with a very...creative...way to release the tension.”
Ryan smiled, taking a hold of Seth’s hands and pulling them down to rest on Ryan's chest. Seth might drive him crazy most of the time, but Ryan couldn’t imagine it any other way. Ryan kissed Seth’s hand and said, “I’m pretty sure I told you to stop waiting until two days before your papers were due.”
“No, no...I’m pretty sure you just kissed me a whole lot,” Seth countered. He pulled Ryan out of his chair and wrapped his arms around Ryan’s waist, pressing their bodies against one another. Seth allowed his lips to hover over Ryan’s for a few seconds before kissing him.
There was still something about kissing Seth that left Ryan unable to think straight. He still wasn’t sure when Seth stopped being just his best friend and family and became the most important person in his life. Hell, maybe it was there all along, but he and Seth were too dense to realize it. Now, it was impossible to even consider Seth not being by his side.
Ryan stepped back out of Seth’s grasp. He sighed contentedly and responded, “Very good way to relieve tension, but I’ve got to finish these assignments.”
Seth shrugged. “Spoil sport.” Seth moved back over to the couch and sat back down. He met Ryan’s gaze and smiled. “Hurry up and finish though. I have some pre-holiday celebratory plans for you.”
**
Firefly - Jayne/River (Drabble # 1)
There are two things Jayne Cobb is certain of - his love of money and his love of breathing. He’s killed men for less, sure, even enjoyed it sometimes, but Jayne has plans for himself. Plans that involve lotsa money and lotsa living. And none of ‘em include a girl that ain’t quite right in the head. But there he is, spending one of his rare free moments looking after her rather than locating some nice whores to occupy his time. Jayne isn’t sure what to make of that.
“I see the ghosts around you.”
Jayne rolls his eyes. “Gorramit girl, I told ya not to talk crazy around me no more.”
River shrugs and smiles. She twirls around and Jayne tries to keep his eyes glued to the ground. If he looks, he’ll have to admit that there’s something about a pretty lunatic with big brown eyes who wanders around dancing barefoot. River moves around him and whispers in his ear, “Ghosts love you, Jayne Cobb.” She kisses his cheek and adds, “And so do I.”
Jayne looks up at that. He places his arms on her shoulders to keep her from jumping on top of him. She giggles and he says, “Stop that. Like I need the captain shooting me for starting something with you.”
“We want you to.”
“We?”
”Me and the ghosts.”
Jayne’s lips betray him as the corners of his mouth curl upward into a smile. He shakes his head and says, “I reckon I should stop asking things when I don’t like the answer.”
River stops dancing around and steps back out of his grip. She stares at him, the crazy look she used to get before attempting murder or the likes. “Kiss me.”
“I ain’t the good type for a crazy girl.”
“But you want to kiss me.”
“Things ain’t always about wanting, girl,” Jayne says. The words surprise him. Since when does he believe that?
She slinks closer to him. Her hands roam up his chest and she wraps his hair around her fingers. She says, “Then I’ll kiss you.” And that’s the end of it. She presses her lips against his, her body against his, and Jayne reacts.
Jayne reckons there are three things he’s certain of now - money, breathing, and pretty crazy girls that taste of mint.
Firefly - Jayne/River (Drabble # 2)
“Girl, I ain’t said nuttin’ about you wandering into my room whenever you damn well please,” Jayne hollered. He reckoned it was more important to sound angry than to scoop the little lady up and do those things he’d taken to thinkin’ about. If the Cap’n was nosing around, Jayne didn’t particularly want to find himself floating in space.
“I know what you’re thinking, Jayne Cobb,” River replied. She stepped closer to him - always moving so damn perfectly - and whispered in his ear, “You care about me.”
“I don’t do caring,” Jayne began as a response, but soft hands ran up his chest and locked behind his neck. He tried to pull back, but River was damn strong. He mumbled, “Gorramit girl, you’re wantin’ to kill me.”
“I’m wantin’ to kiss you,” she replied, mimicking his tone. And then she did just that. Kissed him right there in his room, right where anyone could see and skin him alive.
Those thoughts flickered out fast though as his lips responded of their own. It had been a long time since he’d felt a lady’s touch and there was somethin’ about a girl that could handle a knife so well, even if she was nuts.
Firefly - River/Jayne (Drabble # 3)
“I ain’t got time for babysitting, Mal. I’s got things to do…whores to see.”
Mal narrowed his eyes and replied, “I reckon you shut your mouth before you say something I regret hearing.”
“I didn’t sign on for babysitting is all,” Jayne replied. He glanced over at River who smiled at him. It left him a might uncomfortable the way her smile affected him. He wasn’t about to say that to Mal though.
“You signed on for whatever I choose,” Mal replied. He patted Jayne’s arm and said, “Don’t worry. I’m sure the little one will protect you from harm.”
Jayne growled in response. River stepped closer to him, smiling and wrapping her arms around his neck. Jayne grabbed her arms and pried away. “What in the hell was that?”
River rolled her eyes and said, “I do not think you mind spending time with me as much as you say, Jayne Cobb.”
“Girl, you better stay out of my brain or it could bring down trouble on all of us.”
“You want me.”
“Gorramit, what did I just say?”
“And I want you. I see Kaylee and Simon. You and I could have that.”
If Jayne were anyone else he reckoned he’d be blushing, instead, he shook River gently and said, “Little girl, I ain’t the right man for you.”
River slipped out of his grasp and kissed him, pressing her body against his. A moment later she pulled away and said, “Your body says different.” She stepped away from him, heading toward the docking area. She turned her head and said, “Coming?”
It reeked of trouble, but Jayne followed her anyways.
**
Entourage, Eric and Vince (Drabble # 1)
Only Vincent Chase would consider throwing away a movie over a girl. Eric still didn’t believe it was even about the girl, but rather all about Vince’s fucking ego. Vince wasn’t used to a girl not choosing him, let alone dumping him. And while Eric would be the first to verbally rip Mandy apart if Vince asked, he refused to call James Cameron and set up a meeting that would end his best friend’s career.
It just wasn’t smart. Eric didn’t need a college degree to figure out that pissing off an A-List director was a one-way ticket to Hollywood loserdom. Vince had worked too hard - fuck that, Eric had worked too hard - to blow it now that they were on the cusp of greatness.
But there Vince was, moping on the couch with the puppy dog eyes and asking Eric if he had called James Cameron to give up the role of a lifetime. Eric said the only thing he could. “Fuck you, Vince.”
“E, I can’t be near her. You, of all people, should understand the pain of losing the woman you love.”
“No woman is worth throwing your career away over.”
Vince waved him off, never moving from the sofa, “It’s just a movie.”
“It’s not just a movie. It’s a James Fucking Cameron movie.”
“That I’m not doing.”
Eric picked Vince’s phone up off the table and chucked it at Vince. He said, “Then you call him, asshole.”
Eric stormed off to his car, in no mood to deal with this new woe-is-me version of Vince. He prayed that Vince was too caught up in acting the part of the wounded soul that he didn’t actually call Cameron. As long as Vince didn’t do that, they would work it out later. But for the time being, Eric needed some peace.
Entourage - Vince & Eric (Drabble # 2)
The problem with being Vincent Chase’s best friend is the same one Eric’s had all his life - Vincent thrives on chaos. It never used to bother Eric so much when the fallout from one of Vince's theatrical moments was being shunned in the school cafeteria until Eric could smooth things over with the girl in question. But this is fucking Hollywood, and the same ‘ole shit isn’t going to cut it anymore, because when Vincent pisses someone off (and he always pisses someone off), there are real repercussions that Eric has to deal with.
“Sometimes you’re a real prick, you know that, right?” Eric states, dropping onto the couch next to Vince.
Vince shrugs and offers that aww-shucks-what-did-I-do grin that makes a lady's heart melt (it just pisses Eric off). Vince says, “I’m too young to be tied down, E. Rebecca needs to realize that.”
“Did you really have to fuck the president of Paramount’s daughter?”
“Did you see her ass?” Vincent asked. When Eric shook his head, Vince nudged him and said, “If you had, you wouldn’t be asking me that question.”
“You can be such an asshole sometimes.”
“It’s part of my charm,” Vince replies. He flips through the channels on the television and moans, “I’m bored. Let’s go somewhere.”
“Turtle took Drama to an audition and you promised to wait around for them.”
“Shit, I did,” Vince replies. He glances at Eric and says, “Stop worrying about Rebecca, E. She knew what she was doing.”
“If you say so.”
“I know so. You've gotta stop thinking of these girls as damsels in distress. That's not how it plays out here.”
**
Supernatural - Dean (Drabble # 1)
Dean was in hell. He decided there was nothing more depressing then pancakes at a truck stop as Christmas music echoed through the place and creepy old guys stared at him, silently screaming, “This is you in thirty more years.” Dean had never been a fan of the holidays. It didn’t really fit into his lifestyle of hunting ghosts, but it was even harder to ignore the glaring absences on those days.
First there mother was gone, and then Sam. Dean knew he might as well add his father to that list. His usual distant father checked out even more around holidays, leaving Dean to his own devices.
So there he was. Somewhere in Texas on Christmas morning with really bad coffee and half-cooked eggs.
“Merry Freaking Christmas,” Dean muttered. He glanced at his phone, pondering what would happen if he called Sam. What would Dean say? How would Sam react?
He decided it was best to leave that alone. Sam had made his choices and Dean could respect that. He was always well aware that his brother was a lot smarter than him, someone who had a future full of possibilities. And Dean had resigned himself to a life like his father’s long ago.
It really wasn’t so bad. He did good things, met some interesting people along the way, and maybe one day he’d be free of the pain of losing his mother.
Really not too bad at all. Well, if he could get past the terrible sludge this place called coffee.
Supernatural - Dean & Sam (Drabble # 2)
“That shit’s disgusting,” Dean said, spitting the little he still had in his mouth on the ground. He wiped his hand across his mouth and glared at his brother. “Hey Brain Boy, I'd think that you’d know better than to hand an unsuspecting driver a cup of puke.”
“It’s eggnog. In honor of--”
“And where did you get Egg Nog? Please tell me you didn't waste our last five bucks on that nasty concoction.”
“It’s almost Christmas, Dean. A better question would be where can’t you get eggnog?”
“Heaven.”
“Huh?”
“My heaven won’t have eggnog or Santa Claus' sleigh or some possessed snow man with eyes made out of coal.”
Sam stared at his brother incredulously. He knew that his brother could be a bit of a freak by most standards, but this was a whole new level of bizarre. Sam stepped around the car and looked his brother over, unsure if the stress had finally gotten to Dean. “Are you okay, man?”
“No, you tried to poison me with eggnog,” Dean replied. He gagged for emphasis and said, “I put up with a lot of your crap, Sammy. I tolerate the whining and the woe-is-me-daddy-hates-me crap, but I...what’s next? Hit me over the head with a fruitcake?”
“I don’t remember you hating the holidays this much before. In fact, you used to go around singing Christmas carols for three months at a time.”
“I did not.”
“You did.”
“Well that was before, and this is now.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Before some bastard demon trampled all over my Christmas spirit and tried to kill me with an oversize candy cane and a demented reindeer.”
Sam wanted to laugh, but he knew his brother well enough to know when his brother was being serious. And Dean...he was serious. If not a bit disturbed.
“A candy cane and an oversized reindeer? Were you fighting the ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge?”
“I was violated by a reindeer, Sammy, and I’d prefer to drop this subject right now.”
Sam bent over and laughed. A lot. He almost felt bad about it and tried to stop, but the look on Dean’s face and then the image of his brother being attacked by Santa’s reindeer...he couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m glad this amuses you.”
“S-s-sorry.”
Dean muttered under his breath, took his seat behind the steering wheel, and slammed his door shut behind him. He shook his head and said, “No more egg nog.”
“Got it.”
“And if you so much as hum ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,’ I will kick your scrawny ass.”
“Merry Christmas, Dean.”
“Bite me, Sammy.”
**
One Tree Hill - Nathan/Haley (Drabble # 1)
Haley glanced around the apartment and tried to keep from hyperventilating. She knew that she had made the right decision - like she could do anything else, but marry Nathan after he asked her - but it was finally hitting her how extreme their decision was. She was married. To Nathan. Forever.
What were they thinking? They were in high school and had their whole lives ahead of them. How was Nathan supposed to know if he’d still want her three months from now let alone in ten years? She didn’t want to be anyone’s albatross because she was insane when it came to first love.
Not first, forever.
Hopefully love lasted that long - it seemed to for her parents.
And God, she did love Nathan. So much. The way he smiled at her, the way he reached for her hand whenever they went some where, the way he said her name like it was the most important word in the world. He made her feel safe in a fashion she had never knew was possible, in a fashion that made her realize she had spent years walking a tightwire with no safety net until he had come along.
Haley shook her head, trying to stop the room from spinning as everything hit her, and sat down on the couch. She shut her eyes and breathed in as deeply as possible. She could smell Nathan’s familiar cologne lingering on the sweatshirt she was wearing.
She smiled. This was why she had done that. Nathan was her home, and the rest would all fall into place with time.
One Tree Hill - Nathan/Haley (Drabble # 2)
“Sometimes I want to kill you, Nathan Scott,” Haley muttered as she waited out in the freezing cold for Nathan to get off work. They were supposed to be at the movies twenty minutes ago. Somehow she didn't think that was still happening, and while she wasn't exactly pleased about that turn of events, Haley realized she wasn't particularly angry either.
Haley wasn’t sure when she had become this girl, the crazy type that waits around on her boyfriend, the type that avoided making other plans because she couldn’t imagine going more than a few days without seeing the guy in her life. None of it really mattered, she guessed, because she was that girl now. She knew Lucas was worried about her - he still didn’t trust Nathan - and sometimes she worried about herself. But mostly, she was happy in a way she had never been before, in a way that made her realize that love really was as wonderful as all those musicians and artists made it seem.
“Sorry I’m late,” Nathan said as he hurried through the parking lot over to where she was standing. He bent down and kissed her, allowing his lips to linger against hers for a few seconds, and he added, “There was a bit of a situation with a customer.”
“Likely story.”
He grinned and kissed her again. His hands moved up her sides and cupped her face. He said, “You’re frozen.”
“Yes, waiting out in the cold will do that to you.”
He wrapped his arms around her and said, “I guess I’ll have to warm you up then.”
Haley laughed and said, “Smooth.”
“So I’ve been told.”
“A veritable Casanova.”
“Whatever you say,” Nathan replied, resting his head against Haley’s. He motioned to the sidewalk and said, “We should start moving.”
Haley nodded as Nathan took her hand. It still amazed how far the two of them had come in such a short time. They had gone from enemies (sort of), to friends (maybe), to something a little more (highly enjoyable when not utterly confusing), to finally getting to a relationship.
“What are you thinking about?”
Haley smiled up at Nathan and replied, “Nothing important.” She rested her head against his arm as they walked down the street and said, “Sometimes I like to enjoy the moment.”
**
Lost - Charlie (Drabble # 1)
Charlie sat on the beach right at the edge, where the water meets the sand, and strummed his guitar. He’d been thinking a lot lately about all the crazy things that happened around the island, specifically the castaways. People were dying, monsters were out there waiting to eat them, and apparently there were crazy hillbilly folk who liked to steal children.
It had Claire completely rattled. Charlie tried to be supportive and to come across as all those things he wasn’t - brave, strong, capable of being a real superhero if it was needed. He wasn’t sure Claire believed it any more than he did, but Charlie was sure of one thing...he wouldn’t let anyone hurt Claire again. He remembered what it was like when Ethan had taken her. He remembered the sleepless nights worrying about this almost-stranger and her unborn baby. He remembered all too well his inability to save her.
It wouldn’t happen again. If the Others came anywhere near Claire or sprout, Charlie would give his life to keep them safe.
In the meantime, he’d have to write a few more silly songs to keep Claire’s mind off that possibility. It didn’t hurt that he loved her laugh whenever he shared one of his songs either.
He had to take the happy moments when he could.
Lost - Charlie/Claire (Drabble # 2)
Some days were easier than others to deal with life on the island, Claire realized. Sometimes she was so caught up in taking care of the baby that she barely had time to think about anything, let alone how much time had passed since the crash. She hadn’t planned on raising this baby herself, and she definitely hadn’t counted on doing it with fortysome plane crash survivors on an island in the middle of nowhere.
But that day, as she fed Aaron, she realized that it was Christmas Eve and she suddenly yearned for home. Sure, she didn’t have much in the way of family and friends, but Christmas was always a favorite of hers. Somehow it didn’t feel right that her first holiday with her baby be spent on an island.
Especially since no one else seemed to have acknowledged the approaching holiday, either unaware or unable to care.
“Claire, you alright?”
Claire glanced up and Charlie stood in front of her, smiling, and backdropped from the sun. She shrugged and said, “Fine.” She stood up and placed Aaron back in his bassinet, running her hands down the baby’s belly before focusing back on Charlie. She sat back down and said, “Just thinking. Sometimes it’s all there is to do.”
Charlie nodded and knelt down in front of her. He said, “Close your eyes.”
“What?”
“Just do it, Claire.”
“Charlie, it’s too early-”
Charlie placed his hand over Claire’s eyes until he was sure that her eyes were shut. She sighed but did as he asked. No matter how infuriating he could be, Claire was unable to resist Charlie’s requests of her. “Okay. Eyes are shut.”
She felt Charlie place something in her hands and when she looked down there was a small box, wrapped in the last of the brochures from the plane. She grinned down at the box and Charlie nudged her. “Ya don’t just stare at it. There is something inside.”
“But what is it for?”
“Merry Christmas, Claire.”
“You remembered?”
“That it’s your favorite holiday. You’ve only gone on about it every bloody day,” Charlie replied.
Claire leaned over and kissed Charlie on the lips. She said, “Thank you.”
“You might want to open it now.”
Claire nodded and opened the package. Inside were two bars of chocolate. She smiled and said, “The key to every woman’s heart.”
“That night Hurley passed out all the food, I managed to trade off for a few of the bars and saved them.”
“I love it, Charlie. Thank you,” Claire replied. She kissed Charlie’s cheek this time and took his hand. She said, “But you have to share it with me. My gift to you.” Claire pulled him down next to her, resting her head on his shoulder as she broke the first bar in half. She handed Charlie a piece and said, “Maybe the holiday wouldn’t be too bad after all.”
**
Veronica Mars - Veronica/Logan (Drabble # 1)
Veronica was never a big fan of the holidays. As far as she could recall, holidays never seemed to go right anyway, usually ending in drunken-induced confessions of some sort or the sharp reality of all the people missing.
And now she had even more proof that holiday spirit was nothing but a made up, commercialized myth. It wasn't bad enough that she got suckered into coming to Dick's Christmas Party 'o Glory, but there she was...under the mistletoe with Logan Echolls.
Logan glanced at her with that smug smirk of his that she often wanted to slap off his face. He leaned in close to her and said, “If you wanted to kiss me again, all you had to do was ask, sweetie.”
Veronica rolled her eyes and clutched her chest. “Oh, how did you know? I’ve been pining, Logan. And then I thought, ‘mistletoe, Veronica. Mistletoe will answer all your problems’.”
“Does Duncan know you’re carrying a torch for me? He is my roommate after all. Wouldn’t want things to be awkward.”
“You live for awkward.”
”Save the dirty talk for late, pumpkin.”
Veronica’s hand instinctively curled into a fist. Instead of hitting him though, she grabbed onto his shirt and pulled him against her. She kissed him, planning for it to be quick and chaste, but Logan’s arms went around her waist and he increased the pressure. When she finally remembered where she was and who she was with, she pried free. She said, “Stupid Christmas tradition intact.”
She walked off, not giving him time to comment. Veronica thought she was over this…this…weird and twisted attraction to Logan, but it appeared that one kiss under the mistletoe had awoken certain feelings.
Merry freaking Christmas, Veronica.
**
Two Very Different Chrismukkah’s For Ryan Atwood
1. That one with the Santa hat and kissing Anna...
Ryan wandered through the party, sipping on his cup of punch and smiling weakly whenever anyone looked in his direction. He reminded himself that he was doing this for Kirsten. He wasn’t in the mood to celebrate the holidays, sick of Santa and Moses and whoever else Seth mentioned on an hourly basis, but still he was at the annual Newpsie Holiday Affair.
He made his way to the back of the room and took a seat at an empty table. At least he could be alone in a way.
He spoke too soon as Anna appeared from the dance floor. She placed a Santa hat on his head and tugged on his arm. “C’mon grumpy, we’re gonna dance.”
“I’d rather not,” Ryan replied, trying to free himself of Anna’s grip. Damn if she wasn’t stronger than him.
She shook her head and pulled him up so fast that their foreheads banged against one another. She yelped and then giggled.
“Are you drunk, Anna?” Ryan asked, amused by the thought. He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen Anna like this before.
Anna shrugged and said, “Luke did something to the punch. I like it.” She raised her hands above her head and said, “Makes me feel better about being dragged to this stupid party.”
“I don’t drink.”
Anna leaned in and whispered, ‘You don’t have to. I already drank enough for both of us, I think.” She grabbed onto his hand and said, “So now we’re gonna dance.”
“I’m not a good dancer.”
“I dated Seth, the epitome of bad dancing. I’ll manage.”
Ryan nodded. He went to remove the Santa hat, but Anna swatted his hand away. She said, “Hat is a must.”
“Why is it that you’re the drunken one, but I’m the one who’ll look like an ass?”
Anna laughed - a wonderful and freeing sound Ryan had never heard before - and he couldn’t help but smile as she led him to the dance floor.
The fast song quickly ended, marking a couple’s dance, but Anna simply wrapped her arms around Ryan’s neck and said, “I like you, Ryan.”
“I like you too. Friends usually like each other.”
Anna rolled her eyes. “Boys. You’re all so...I mean, I like you, Ryan. Stupid of me really. I always fall for the ones who love other people, but what can I do?”
“Huh?”
Anna closed the remainder of the distance between them and pressed her lips against Ryan’s. He had the passing thought that he was kissing Anna and that probably shouldn’t happen. But her lips were soft and she tasted of vanilla and he found his arms pulling her closer to him, unable to get enough.
2. Mister and Mister Santa Claus?
“I’m going to kill you,” Ryan stated as he stared at himself in the mirror. Santa suits were flattering on no one. He glanced at Seth via the mirror and met Seth’s amused gaze before adding, “I thought you loved me. Why would you do this to someone you love?”
“Dude. It’s a Santa suit. And I happen to think the red suits you,” Seth replied. He wrapped his arms around Ryan from behind. He moved his hands to where the beard rested around Ryan’s neck. He pushed it up and said, “Though the beard makes you look a little ridiculous.”
“A little?”
“Okay, a whole lot,” Seth replied. Ryan turned around and glared in Seth’s direction. Seth raised his hands in mock surrender and said, “It’s for a good cause, Ryan. You’re bringing holiday cheer to sick children.”
“And I’m doing it because…”
“…Because I’ve gotten my ass kicked enough in my lifetime. No one wants that to happen again. I mean, I bruise easily.”
“You’re so lucky I love you, Seth.”
“Don’t I know it,” Seth replied. He tugged at the beard and said, “And honestly, I might be a little biased here, but you’re a pretty sexy Santa.”
“Sure.”
“Dude. I’d sit on your lap.”
“I’m sure that’s just what the little kids want to see.”
“Not sure they could handle finding out that Santa has a Mister Claus at home? Yeah, you’re probably right,” Seth replied.
"Hey, I kinda like the idea of Mister and Mister Claus. Plus, you're hotter than any picture of Mrs. Claus, I've ever seen."
"I'd hope so. She's like NINETY, Ry." Seth leaned in and kissed Ryan, allowing his hands to roam down the length of Ryan’s back and grope at his ass. Seth grinned and said, “Alas, your flattery will not work. You must go this red costume alone."
"You could be my elf."
"Kinky, but no thanks. The fun'll have to wait until later. And it will not involve clothing of any sort."
Ryan rolled his eyes, but grinned despite himself. “I’m going to hold you to that.”
Seth pulled at the fabric of the costume and shook his head. “I never knew you were into roleplaying, honey, but whatever you want.”
“Have I mentioned that I’m going to kill you?”
Seth kissed Ryan again and said, “It’s just another fun Chrismukkah adventure, Ryan.”
{Fin}
The O.C. - Ryan/Anna (Drabble # 1)
Anna wasn’t sure when things had changed. For the longest time, it had been all about Seth. She couldn’t figure out if it was because he was safe or because Summer decided she wanted him too. Whatever the reasoning, it had been all consuming, making her feel stupid and childish and so not like herself half the time. Then Ryan showed up at the airport - brooding, so different from her - and told her not to leave. Said things like, “Didn’t know what he was doing...couldn’t imagine her gone...wanted to figure things out with her...” That was when she realized, somewhere in the midst of her Seth-addled brain, there were feelings for Ryan. She smiled and threw her arms around him, willing to ignore everything long enough to enjoy the moment.
The O.C. - Ryan/Anna (Drabble # 2)
How Ryan came to find himself knocking on Anna’s door was a mystery he didn’t really understand. He had been at the book store with Seth, listening to him complain about the compromises required in coupledom, when the conversation had turned to him, specifically, him and Anna. Ryan had scoffed at first - they were friends, closer than they were during her last stint at Harbor, but friends all the same.
At some point on the drive home, it became urgent that he see Anna. There was no reason for it, but he dropped Seth off and sped down the road. Maybe it was because, since her return to Newport, he and Anna had found themselves spending a lot of time with Seth and Summer...and spending time with another couple was wearing off on them. Maybe it was because he and Marissa had grown apart since she switched to public school. Hell, it was even possible that Ryan finally realized that Marissa would always love booze more than anything else.
Those were all possibilities, but somehow, he was pretty sure it had more to do with Anna. Her smile, and the way she laughed at his really bad physics jokes (whereas Seth mocked him relentlessly), and how she would never force him to talk. In some ways, she was a lot like Seth, willing to carry a conversation and allow Ryan to ignore whatever it was inundating his brain. Except, she was a hell of a lot prettier than Seth.
The light flickered on in the foyer and the door opened. Anna stood there in ratty old sweats and no make-up, and Ryan thought she’d never looked more beautiful. He forced a small smile and said, “I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“It’s eight pm and I’m not five years old.”
“Right. Good.”
“Are you okay?”
“I was talking to Seth and...”
“Uh-oh. That doesn’t bode well.”
“Actually, it might,” Ryan replied. He closed the distance between them, his arms going around her waist and up her back, and his lips moving closer to hers. His lips hovered over hers and said, “He told me to be a man of action.”
Anna smiled and replied, “So what are you waiting for?”
Ryan pulled her against his chest and pressed his lips against hers. He still had no idea what possessed him to listen to Seth, let alone drive across town, but it was probably the smartest thing he’d done in a long time.
The O.C. - Ryan/Anna (Drabble # 3)
Anna and Ryan strolled out of the elevator, hands intertwined and lost in conversation. That stopped, however, when Ryan reached the door of their destination. Ryan placed his hand in front of Anna to block her from entering.
"What's wrong?" Anna asked, shooting an appraising look in Ryan's direction. It was the type he had grown used to over the years, the type that said she knew his every thought.
However, that didn't seem to be the case right then, and Ryan couldn't help but grin. He spent all morning and afternoon worrying about his plans for Anna, sure that she would figure it out. So far, so good.
Ryan picked Anna up, tossing her over his shoulder, and said, “Close your eyes.”
“What are you doing? Put me down,” Anna replied, though Ryan noted there was no protest in her tone.
“It’s our new apartment and I have a surprise for you.”
“Fine, as long as the surprise isn't that Seth helped you decorate,” Anna replied.
She closed her eyes and Ryan managed to push the door to their new apartment open. Their apartment - it still struck him as a dream, something that never seemed possible...but there they were, two recent college graduates starting a life together. He walked across the threshold of the room and placed Anna down on the sofa.
He nudged her and said, “Now you can open your eyes.”
Anna looked around. The entire apartment, as far as she could see, was filled with lilies. In the background, a small fire burned in the fireplace and the smell of dinner wafted through the air. She jumped up and wrapped her arms around Ryan’s neck. She said, “You remembered that lillies were my favorite flower."
"Of course."
She hugged him again and said, "When I met you, I never would’ve pegged you for the overly-romantic type.”
Ryan kissed her forehead and replied, “I think I needed the right motivation.”
Anna tossed her head back in a laugh. She pressed her hands into Ryan’s chest and said, “Smooth.”
“So you like?”
“I love. It’s perfect,” she said. She kissed him, allowing her mouth to linger until her lips parted and his tongue swept across the bottom of her mouth.
Ryan groaned into the kiss, his hands taking over of their own accord. He roamed the length of her back, lifting her shirt as he went and rubbing patterns into her skin. Each movement elicited a sigh from Anna that encouraged him to keep going. He tossed her shirt to the side and moved his mouth to focus on her throat and collarbone and that spot on her shoulder that tended to make her go crazy.
Her fingers grabbed onto his hair and brought his mouth back to her own, increasing the pressure and rubbing her body against his. Then suddenly she pulled away.
“I think the food is burning.”
“Shit,” Ryan replied, trying to catch his breath.
“I’m sorry I distracted you,” she said, with no remorse whatsoever.
“I’m not,” Ryan replied. He tossed Anna her shirt and hurried to the kitchen. He called out, “Dinner in ten minutes.”
The O.C. - Anna/Ryan (Drabble # 4)
Anna has always been one of those people who believes that everything happens for a reason. She always looks on the bright side (with a bit of cynicism thrown in) and she always thinks that things will work out in the end. But that doesn’t mean she’s completely insane...and to expect the recent developments in her life would be just that - insane.
Ryan has never been her type of guy at first glance. Leave the bad boy brooders and stoic types to girls like Marissa who thrive on drama. No, Anna likes the funny ones, the guys that are dependable and can make her smile no matter what.
It never occurred to her that Ryan was more that type of guy.
Now, it’s hard to imagine him as anything but that type of guy. He tells her silly stories to make her laugh when she’s had a bad. He always knows when to encourage her to talk it out or just hug her instead. And really, despite the rumors around Newport, she doubts Ryan has every truly been a bad boy.
A hand rests on her thigh and she turns her head to see Ryan staring at her rather than the television. He whispers, “What are you thinking about?”
Anna shrugs, kisses Ryan quickly on the lips, and says, “Nothing important.”
“You sure?”
“You better watch the movie. It was your choice after all.”
Ryan rolls his eyes and responds, “Somehow my choices just happen to be the movie Seth wants to watch.”
Anna laughs, garnering looks from both Seth and Summer. She smiles an apology and rests her head on Ryan’s shoulder. She’s beginning to like these unexpected turns in her life.
The O.C. - Seth & Ryan, Ryan/Anna(Drabble # 5)
“It’s a little weird if you ask me,” Seth states.
Ryan rolls his eyes as he dumps the contents of his bag on the table. He says, “I didn’t ask you.”
"She's my ex-girlfriend."
Ryan stops going through his belongings and glances at Seth. He wonders if he miscalculated Seth's reaction. He knows Seth is happy with Summer, better than they've been in a long time, so he isn't still hung up on Anna.
"Are you...do you want..." Ryan stops because he's not sure how to ask the question and Seth looks amused.
"Am I still infatuated with Anna?"
"Something like that."
"Nope. Anna and I were finished a long time ago."
"So why's it so weird?"
"You wouldn't want me to tell you."
Ryan chuckles under his breath and replies, "You're probably right."
There is silence for a second and Ryan almost believes he’s avoided a long Seth Cohen conversation. But Seth looks up at him and says, “Not that I think Anna isn’t the coolest, Ry. I totally do. If there wasn’t my undying devotion to Summer that’s consumed me for years to contend with...well, Anna’s a good catch.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I don’t want to see her hurt.”
Ryan meets Seth gaze before he asks, “You think I’d hurt her?”
“Not purposefully.”
“Says the guy that continued to string her and Summer along because he was too scared to choose.”
“I didn’t mean...” Seth pauses. He stands up and places a hand on Ryan’s shoulder. Ryan knows by now that this is Seth’s way of maintaining the peace, of trying to keep Ryan from punching him. It usually works too.
Seth takes a deep breath and replies, “It didn’t come out right, okay? I know I screwed up with Anna and I hate what I did to her. But I do care about her and I don’t want to see anyone else hurt her.”
“And we’re back to you thinking I’ll hurt her.”
“You’re a drama guy, Ryan.” Off the look on Ryan’s face, Seth explains, “I can only imagine that’s why you tolerated Marissa for so long, or allowed yourself to get caught up in the love crises of your friends from Chino.”
“I don’t like drama.”
“You sure seek it out a lot for someone who doesn't like it.”
“I don't seek it out."
Seth rolls his eyes and says, “Dude, you totally do. You thrive on drama and it’s like...I worry that you’ll get bored with normal.”
“I like her, Seth.”
“I know. That's good.”
“I mean, I really like her. She makes me laugh. And we don’t have to talk all the time about things. We can just be.”
“Good, that’s good. If you can handle it.”
“I can.”
“Whatever you say, drama-seeker.”
“Don’t make me punch you.”
“Fair enough.”
"So, we're cool?"
Seth raises his hands in mock surrender. "Dude, you and I are fine. But Summer...if you hurt Anna, just remember Summer's rage blackouts. That's all I'm saying."
The O.C. - Anna/Ryan (Drabble # 6)
As she felt the bed shift, Anna turned over and placed a hand on the empty indent in the mattress. She groaned and opened her eyes to see Ryan hovering by the dresser, throwing on a tee-shirt. She smiled at said, “Good morning to you too.”
He rolled his eyes, but stepped closer to her and planted a chaste kiss on her lips. He brushed the hair back out of her face and said, “Merry Chrismukkah.”
Anna latched onto his hand and pulled him back down into the bed, draping his arm over her shoulder and resting her head on his chest. She said, “Rushing off on our first Chrismukkah together as a married couple. Should I be offended?”
“Not rushing off.”
She glanced at the clock and then hit him lightly in the side. “It’s six am on a Sunday morning. Not rushing off my ass.”
“I have some last minute shopping to do.”
“Excuses, excuses.”
“And then Seth wanted me to assure him that his gift for Summer would not cause her to fling him across the room.”
“Tell him to avoid comics. And his favorite band of the moment. And basically anything that he would want. Remind him what Summer likes,” Anna replied. She glanced up at Ryan and added, “Not that I believe your sad story. I still think you’re in a hurry to get away from me.”
Ryan leaned down and kissed her. Anna smiled into the kiss. He always was a man of action, rather than words. It was part of what she loved so much about him. She ran her hand across his chest and said, “Go do what you have to do, but later, I own you.”
“I like the sound of that.”
"Merry Chrismukkah, Ryan," Anna said. She kissed him again and all thought disappeared from her brain. Her grin widened and she knew that this would be the best holiday together yet.
The O.C. - Ryan/Anna (Drabble # 7)
“I’m not sure what you want me to say to that,” Anna stated. She focused her gaze on the poinsettia in Ryan’s hand in a sad attempt to avoid his piercing gaze. But Ryan kept staring at her, kept waiting for an answer, and she couldn’t help but look.
That was what did her in. She had never noticed it before, but Ryan had really beautiful eyes. The types she read about in books where it was like looking into the person’s soul. It was so incredibly cheesy, but so true. She leaned against the door and said, “I dated Seth, Ryan.”
“He’s cool with this.”
“Uh-huh.”
“And I care about you, Anna. I mean, you actually were my date that first night.”
“The one you ditched to run off after Marissa if I recall correctly.”
Ryan shut his eyes as though that fact had completely slipped his memory. Anna reached for the doorknob and said, “Go home, Ryan. I’ve already been the consolation prize once. I don’t plan to do that again.”
“It's not like that. I care about you, Anna. You make me laugh. And you’re drama free. It might surprise you considering my reputation, but I do prefer a drama-free life.”
“I never thought about you like that, Ryan,” Anna said. It was a lie. She wasn’t blind and she could appreciate the bad boy every once-and-awhile. It just wasn’t her thing, definitely not the type of guy she considered her perfect match.
Then again, Seth had fit that criteria and it had gone absolutely nowhere. “One date,” she finally said.
Ryan smiled. “Really?”
“Yes. One date. That’s it and I make no promises.”
“That’s enough for now. Seth would even call it a Chrismukkah miracle.”
Anna giggled. She met Ryan's gaze and returned his smile. She said, "Goodnight Ryan."
"Goodnight Anna."
"Call me to make arrangements for our date."
Ryan nodded. He reached out and brushed his hand over hers and said, "I'll see you soon."
**
The O.C. - Seth/Ryan (Drabble # 1)
“Have you given any thought to how we’re going to tell your parents?” Ryan asked, searching Seth’s eyes for some sign of an answer. Unfortunately, Seth seemed as lost about how to broach the topic as he was. Ryan could imagine Sandy and Kirsten’s reactions, blaming themselves for ever inviting Ryan into their house to begin with.
“You’re doing it again,” Seth said, pulling Ryan out of his thoughts.
“Doing what?”
“If you keep freaking out like this, you’ll have worry lines by the time you’re twenty. And dude, I’m not dating a guy with wrinkles.”
“And we’re dating?”
Seth shrugged and said, “Sleeping together, hanging out...let’s just avoid using the term ‘boyfriends’ or I’ll flashback to my junior high taunting at the hands of the evil jocks.”
Ryan smiled. He was never very good with words, and maybe that was why things were so easy with Seth. Seth did enough talking for the both of them. “I think your parents would prefer to hear we’re dating than we’re sleeping together.”
“Probably,” Seth replied. He met Ryan’s gaze and laughed. He took Ryan’s hand and pulled him down on the sofa next to him. He said, “Dude, stop freaking out. My parents aren’t the type to disown or scream bloody murder, you know that. They’ll be surprised, call a family meeting where they ask us if we’re sure and have thought about the consequences, and then all will be well. It’s not them we have to worry about.”
“It’s everyone else.”
“We can handle it. You and I are a dynamic duo,” Seth stated, with this tone that almost made it sound like he wasn’t insane.
Ryan chuckled and said, “Right. And which of us is Robin?”
“We’re not the dynamic duo - while you might have Batman’s brooding down to an art form, I wouldn’t look good in tights. And I think I’m better with thinking of things to say to fill silences than ‘holy unwanted clarity, Ryan, I’m gay.’ Don’t you agree?”
Ryan rolled his eyes, but smiled all the same. He leaned over and kissed Seth, allowing his hands to linger on Seth’s shoulders for a moment. He pulled back and sat down on the opposite end of the couch so that he was facing Seth. He wasn’t sure how he was going to explain this to Sandy and Kirsten when he was still so confused by how it all happened. Ryan wasn’t even sure if there were reasons. It was simply something that made sense. He loved Seth. End of story.
Ryan met Seth’s gaze and said, “So we’re a dynamic duo, but not the dynamic duo?”
“That’s what I said. A team. Inseparable because we work best together,” Seth replied.
“And we’ll handle your parents.”
Seth nodded. “You catch on quick.”
"Sometimes it frightens me that I've figured out how your brain works."
"Dude, you're not the first to say that."
"Must mean I love you."
Seth sighed melodramatically and raised his hand to his forehead as though to swoon. He said, "I'm so lucky."
Despite the sarcasm, Ryan knew there was sincerity at the heart of the comment. "Yeah. And nothing else matters. Fuck everyone else.”
Seth smiled and replied, “Works for me. Then again, I’ve lived most of my life as an loner already - another year at Harbor won’t kill me.”
Ryan kicked Seth’s leg and replied, “You won’t be alone.”
The O.C. - Seth/Ryan (Drabble # 2)
“I have a feeling that this will be the best Chrismukkah yet, Ryan,” Seth states, dropping his bag on the floor of the poolhouse and sitting on the couch. He grins lazily up at Ryan and adds, “Much more to celebrate this year...and with mistletoe.”
Ryan rolls his eyes and kicks Seth’s feet off the table blocking him from getting to the kitchen. Before he can move though, Seth grabs onto his hand and pulls him down on the sofa next to him. Ryan’s not sure when the hell Seth got so strong, but he kinda likes it.
Ryan glances around and replies, “Um...Seth, last time I checked there was no mistletoe over the sofa.”
“Semantics.”
“It’s not semantics. It’s a fact.”
Seth waves him off and replies, “You’re not looking hard enough.”
“Or you’re insane. I’m guessing I’m the one of us who’s right,” Ryan replies. He glances out the windows of the poolhouse. He knows he’s paranoid and that this is the least likely time for him and Seth to be caught by Sandy and Kirsten. It’s the nights where Seth sneaks into his bed that should really freak him out, but the thought still runs through his mind.
Seth leans over and kisses him. He says, “Nope. There was definitely mistletoe.”
“In your head.”
“As long as it exists, Ryan.”
“I don’t think that’s how it works.”
Seth kisses him again and grins. “Uh-oh. Kissed you again under my fake mistletoe. What are you gonna do about it?”
Ryan’s hands get tangled up in Seth’s hair and he pulls Seth down on top of him, needing to get closer and to get more contact. He isn’t sure where these emotions come from. He’s always prided himself on being able to maintain a distance, even in relationships, but everything with Seth continues to throw him off.
“Merry Chrismukkah, Seth,” Ryan replies, smiling into Seth’s neck as he sucks on a particularly groan-worthy spot.
Seth moans and says, “Definitely the best Chrismukkah so far.”
The O.C. - Seth/Ryan (Drabble # 3)
Sometimes Ryan wasn’t sure that college was all it was cracked up to be. It seemed to be made up of a whole lot of nervous breakdowns around midterms and finals, and ruled over by insane professors who enjoyed tormenting their students. It was more than a little stressful as he glanced down at the kitchen table, overrun with books and papers and assignments.
Ryan couldn’t help but notice that Seth wasn’t stressed out at all. In fact, Seth was splayed across the couch while he watched some reality show.
Sometimes Ryan hated Seth a whole lot.
“Have you made your Chrismukkah list yet, Ryan?” Seth asked as he flipped through the channels on the television.
“What?”
“Chrismukkah...it’s our first Chrismukkah in our own college apartment. I want to make sure it’s special.”
Ryan rolled his eyes. “We’ve still got a few weeks until the holidays, Seth.”
“So?”
“So maybe we should focus on finals first.”
Seth waved him off and muttered, “Always so serious. Who knew that the bad boy from Chino was really a goodie-goodie waiting to come out?”
“I heard that.”
“Good.”
“Seth...”
“Dude, you haven’t even started your Chrismukkah shopping, have you?”
Ryan pointed at the school books littering the table and replied, “Do I look like I’ve had time for anything outside of Physics?”
Seth shook his head and said, “That’s what you get for being a science and math nerd. Us English majors don’t have these problems.”
“Weren’t you the one freaking out about a twenty page paper on Chaucer a few weeks ago?”
Seth shrugged. He stood up and walked over to the table. He placed his hands on Ryan's shoulders and littered kisses across the base of Ryan’s neck. Ryan felt Seth grin into the curve of Ryan’s neck before Seth said, “And as I recall, you came up with a very...creative...way to release the tension.”
Ryan smiled, taking a hold of Seth’s hands and pulling them down to rest on Ryan's chest. Seth might drive him crazy most of the time, but Ryan couldn’t imagine it any other way. Ryan kissed Seth’s hand and said, “I’m pretty sure I told you to stop waiting until two days before your papers were due.”
“No, no...I’m pretty sure you just kissed me a whole lot,” Seth countered. He pulled Ryan out of his chair and wrapped his arms around Ryan’s waist, pressing their bodies against one another. Seth allowed his lips to hover over Ryan’s for a few seconds before kissing him.
There was still something about kissing Seth that left Ryan unable to think straight. He still wasn’t sure when Seth stopped being just his best friend and family and became the most important person in his life. Hell, maybe it was there all along, but he and Seth were too dense to realize it. Now, it was impossible to even consider Seth not being by his side.
Ryan stepped back out of Seth’s grasp. He sighed contentedly and responded, “Very good way to relieve tension, but I’ve got to finish these assignments.”
Seth shrugged. “Spoil sport.” Seth moved back over to the couch and sat back down. He met Ryan’s gaze and smiled. “Hurry up and finish though. I have some pre-holiday celebratory plans for you.”
**
Firefly - Jayne/River (Drabble # 1)
There are two things Jayne Cobb is certain of - his love of money and his love of breathing. He’s killed men for less, sure, even enjoyed it sometimes, but Jayne has plans for himself. Plans that involve lotsa money and lotsa living. And none of ‘em include a girl that ain’t quite right in the head. But there he is, spending one of his rare free moments looking after her rather than locating some nice whores to occupy his time. Jayne isn’t sure what to make of that.
“I see the ghosts around you.”
Jayne rolls his eyes. “Gorramit girl, I told ya not to talk crazy around me no more.”
River shrugs and smiles. She twirls around and Jayne tries to keep his eyes glued to the ground. If he looks, he’ll have to admit that there’s something about a pretty lunatic with big brown eyes who wanders around dancing barefoot. River moves around him and whispers in his ear, “Ghosts love you, Jayne Cobb.” She kisses his cheek and adds, “And so do I.”
Jayne looks up at that. He places his arms on her shoulders to keep her from jumping on top of him. She giggles and he says, “Stop that. Like I need the captain shooting me for starting something with you.”
“We want you to.”
“We?”
”Me and the ghosts.”
Jayne’s lips betray him as the corners of his mouth curl upward into a smile. He shakes his head and says, “I reckon I should stop asking things when I don’t like the answer.”
River stops dancing around and steps back out of his grip. She stares at him, the crazy look she used to get before attempting murder or the likes. “Kiss me.”
“I ain’t the good type for a crazy girl.”
“But you want to kiss me.”
“Things ain’t always about wanting, girl,” Jayne says. The words surprise him. Since when does he believe that?
She slinks closer to him. Her hands roam up his chest and she wraps his hair around her fingers. She says, “Then I’ll kiss you.” And that’s the end of it. She presses her lips against his, her body against his, and Jayne reacts.
Jayne reckons there are three things he’s certain of now - money, breathing, and pretty crazy girls that taste of mint.
Firefly - Jayne/River (Drabble # 2)
“Girl, I ain’t said nuttin’ about you wandering into my room whenever you damn well please,” Jayne hollered. He reckoned it was more important to sound angry than to scoop the little lady up and do those things he’d taken to thinkin’ about. If the Cap’n was nosing around, Jayne didn’t particularly want to find himself floating in space.
“I know what you’re thinking, Jayne Cobb,” River replied. She stepped closer to him - always moving so damn perfectly - and whispered in his ear, “You care about me.”
“I don’t do caring,” Jayne began as a response, but soft hands ran up his chest and locked behind his neck. He tried to pull back, but River was damn strong. He mumbled, “Gorramit girl, you’re wantin’ to kill me.”
“I’m wantin’ to kiss you,” she replied, mimicking his tone. And then she did just that. Kissed him right there in his room, right where anyone could see and skin him alive.
Those thoughts flickered out fast though as his lips responded of their own. It had been a long time since he’d felt a lady’s touch and there was somethin’ about a girl that could handle a knife so well, even if she was nuts.
Firefly - River/Jayne (Drabble # 3)
“I ain’t got time for babysitting, Mal. I’s got things to do…whores to see.”
Mal narrowed his eyes and replied, “I reckon you shut your mouth before you say something I regret hearing.”
“I didn’t sign on for babysitting is all,” Jayne replied. He glanced over at River who smiled at him. It left him a might uncomfortable the way her smile affected him. He wasn’t about to say that to Mal though.
“You signed on for whatever I choose,” Mal replied. He patted Jayne’s arm and said, “Don’t worry. I’m sure the little one will protect you from harm.”
Jayne growled in response. River stepped closer to him, smiling and wrapping her arms around his neck. Jayne grabbed her arms and pried away. “What in the hell was that?”
River rolled her eyes and said, “I do not think you mind spending time with me as much as you say, Jayne Cobb.”
“Girl, you better stay out of my brain or it could bring down trouble on all of us.”
“You want me.”
“Gorramit, what did I just say?”
“And I want you. I see Kaylee and Simon. You and I could have that.”
If Jayne were anyone else he reckoned he’d be blushing, instead, he shook River gently and said, “Little girl, I ain’t the right man for you.”
River slipped out of his grasp and kissed him, pressing her body against his. A moment later she pulled away and said, “Your body says different.” She stepped away from him, heading toward the docking area. She turned her head and said, “Coming?”
It reeked of trouble, but Jayne followed her anyways.
**
Entourage, Eric and Vince (Drabble # 1)
Only Vincent Chase would consider throwing away a movie over a girl. Eric still didn’t believe it was even about the girl, but rather all about Vince’s fucking ego. Vince wasn’t used to a girl not choosing him, let alone dumping him. And while Eric would be the first to verbally rip Mandy apart if Vince asked, he refused to call James Cameron and set up a meeting that would end his best friend’s career.
It just wasn’t smart. Eric didn’t need a college degree to figure out that pissing off an A-List director was a one-way ticket to Hollywood loserdom. Vince had worked too hard - fuck that, Eric had worked too hard - to blow it now that they were on the cusp of greatness.
But there Vince was, moping on the couch with the puppy dog eyes and asking Eric if he had called James Cameron to give up the role of a lifetime. Eric said the only thing he could. “Fuck you, Vince.”
“E, I can’t be near her. You, of all people, should understand the pain of losing the woman you love.”
“No woman is worth throwing your career away over.”
Vince waved him off, never moving from the sofa, “It’s just a movie.”
“It’s not just a movie. It’s a James Fucking Cameron movie.”
“That I’m not doing.”
Eric picked Vince’s phone up off the table and chucked it at Vince. He said, “Then you call him, asshole.”
Eric stormed off to his car, in no mood to deal with this new woe-is-me version of Vince. He prayed that Vince was too caught up in acting the part of the wounded soul that he didn’t actually call Cameron. As long as Vince didn’t do that, they would work it out later. But for the time being, Eric needed some peace.
Entourage - Vince & Eric (Drabble # 2)
The problem with being Vincent Chase’s best friend is the same one Eric’s had all his life - Vincent thrives on chaos. It never used to bother Eric so much when the fallout from one of Vince's theatrical moments was being shunned in the school cafeteria until Eric could smooth things over with the girl in question. But this is fucking Hollywood, and the same ‘ole shit isn’t going to cut it anymore, because when Vincent pisses someone off (and he always pisses someone off), there are real repercussions that Eric has to deal with.
“Sometimes you’re a real prick, you know that, right?” Eric states, dropping onto the couch next to Vince.
Vince shrugs and offers that aww-shucks-what-did-I-do grin that makes a lady's heart melt (it just pisses Eric off). Vince says, “I’m too young to be tied down, E. Rebecca needs to realize that.”
“Did you really have to fuck the president of Paramount’s daughter?”
“Did you see her ass?” Vincent asked. When Eric shook his head, Vince nudged him and said, “If you had, you wouldn’t be asking me that question.”
“You can be such an asshole sometimes.”
“It’s part of my charm,” Vince replies. He flips through the channels on the television and moans, “I’m bored. Let’s go somewhere.”
“Turtle took Drama to an audition and you promised to wait around for them.”
“Shit, I did,” Vince replies. He glances at Eric and says, “Stop worrying about Rebecca, E. She knew what she was doing.”
“If you say so.”
“I know so. You've gotta stop thinking of these girls as damsels in distress. That's not how it plays out here.”
**
Supernatural - Dean (Drabble # 1)
Dean was in hell. He decided there was nothing more depressing then pancakes at a truck stop as Christmas music echoed through the place and creepy old guys stared at him, silently screaming, “This is you in thirty more years.” Dean had never been a fan of the holidays. It didn’t really fit into his lifestyle of hunting ghosts, but it was even harder to ignore the glaring absences on those days.
First there mother was gone, and then Sam. Dean knew he might as well add his father to that list. His usual distant father checked out even more around holidays, leaving Dean to his own devices.
So there he was. Somewhere in Texas on Christmas morning with really bad coffee and half-cooked eggs.
“Merry Freaking Christmas,” Dean muttered. He glanced at his phone, pondering what would happen if he called Sam. What would Dean say? How would Sam react?
He decided it was best to leave that alone. Sam had made his choices and Dean could respect that. He was always well aware that his brother was a lot smarter than him, someone who had a future full of possibilities. And Dean had resigned himself to a life like his father’s long ago.
It really wasn’t so bad. He did good things, met some interesting people along the way, and maybe one day he’d be free of the pain of losing his mother.
Really not too bad at all. Well, if he could get past the terrible sludge this place called coffee.
Supernatural - Dean & Sam (Drabble # 2)
“That shit’s disgusting,” Dean said, spitting the little he still had in his mouth on the ground. He wiped his hand across his mouth and glared at his brother. “Hey Brain Boy, I'd think that you’d know better than to hand an unsuspecting driver a cup of puke.”
“It’s eggnog. In honor of--”
“And where did you get Egg Nog? Please tell me you didn't waste our last five bucks on that nasty concoction.”
“It’s almost Christmas, Dean. A better question would be where can’t you get eggnog?”
“Heaven.”
“Huh?”
“My heaven won’t have eggnog or Santa Claus' sleigh or some possessed snow man with eyes made out of coal.”
Sam stared at his brother incredulously. He knew that his brother could be a bit of a freak by most standards, but this was a whole new level of bizarre. Sam stepped around the car and looked his brother over, unsure if the stress had finally gotten to Dean. “Are you okay, man?”
“No, you tried to poison me with eggnog,” Dean replied. He gagged for emphasis and said, “I put up with a lot of your crap, Sammy. I tolerate the whining and the woe-is-me-daddy-hates-me crap, but I...what’s next? Hit me over the head with a fruitcake?”
“I don’t remember you hating the holidays this much before. In fact, you used to go around singing Christmas carols for three months at a time.”
“I did not.”
“You did.”
“Well that was before, and this is now.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Before some bastard demon trampled all over my Christmas spirit and tried to kill me with an oversize candy cane and a demented reindeer.”
Sam wanted to laugh, but he knew his brother well enough to know when his brother was being serious. And Dean...he was serious. If not a bit disturbed.
“A candy cane and an oversized reindeer? Were you fighting the ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge?”
“I was violated by a reindeer, Sammy, and I’d prefer to drop this subject right now.”
Sam bent over and laughed. A lot. He almost felt bad about it and tried to stop, but the look on Dean’s face and then the image of his brother being attacked by Santa’s reindeer...he couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m glad this amuses you.”
“S-s-sorry.”
Dean muttered under his breath, took his seat behind the steering wheel, and slammed his door shut behind him. He shook his head and said, “No more egg nog.”
“Got it.”
“And if you so much as hum ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,’ I will kick your scrawny ass.”
“Merry Christmas, Dean.”
“Bite me, Sammy.”
**
One Tree Hill - Nathan/Haley (Drabble # 1)
Haley glanced around the apartment and tried to keep from hyperventilating. She knew that she had made the right decision - like she could do anything else, but marry Nathan after he asked her - but it was finally hitting her how extreme their decision was. She was married. To Nathan. Forever.
What were they thinking? They were in high school and had their whole lives ahead of them. How was Nathan supposed to know if he’d still want her three months from now let alone in ten years? She didn’t want to be anyone’s albatross because she was insane when it came to first love.
Not first, forever.
Hopefully love lasted that long - it seemed to for her parents.
And God, she did love Nathan. So much. The way he smiled at her, the way he reached for her hand whenever they went some where, the way he said her name like it was the most important word in the world. He made her feel safe in a fashion she had never knew was possible, in a fashion that made her realize she had spent years walking a tightwire with no safety net until he had come along.
Haley shook her head, trying to stop the room from spinning as everything hit her, and sat down on the couch. She shut her eyes and breathed in as deeply as possible. She could smell Nathan’s familiar cologne lingering on the sweatshirt she was wearing.
She smiled. This was why she had done that. Nathan was her home, and the rest would all fall into place with time.
One Tree Hill - Nathan/Haley (Drabble # 2)
“Sometimes I want to kill you, Nathan Scott,” Haley muttered as she waited out in the freezing cold for Nathan to get off work. They were supposed to be at the movies twenty minutes ago. Somehow she didn't think that was still happening, and while she wasn't exactly pleased about that turn of events, Haley realized she wasn't particularly angry either.
Haley wasn’t sure when she had become this girl, the crazy type that waits around on her boyfriend, the type that avoided making other plans because she couldn’t imagine going more than a few days without seeing the guy in her life. None of it really mattered, she guessed, because she was that girl now. She knew Lucas was worried about her - he still didn’t trust Nathan - and sometimes she worried about herself. But mostly, she was happy in a way she had never been before, in a way that made her realize that love really was as wonderful as all those musicians and artists made it seem.
“Sorry I’m late,” Nathan said as he hurried through the parking lot over to where she was standing. He bent down and kissed her, allowing his lips to linger against hers for a few seconds, and he added, “There was a bit of a situation with a customer.”
“Likely story.”
He grinned and kissed her again. His hands moved up her sides and cupped her face. He said, “You’re frozen.”
“Yes, waiting out in the cold will do that to you.”
He wrapped his arms around her and said, “I guess I’ll have to warm you up then.”
Haley laughed and said, “Smooth.”
“So I’ve been told.”
“A veritable Casanova.”
“Whatever you say,” Nathan replied, resting his head against Haley’s. He motioned to the sidewalk and said, “We should start moving.”
Haley nodded as Nathan took her hand. It still amazed how far the two of them had come in such a short time. They had gone from enemies (sort of), to friends (maybe), to something a little more (highly enjoyable when not utterly confusing), to finally getting to a relationship.
“What are you thinking about?”
Haley smiled up at Nathan and replied, “Nothing important.” She rested her head against his arm as they walked down the street and said, “Sometimes I like to enjoy the moment.”
**
Lost - Charlie (Drabble # 1)
Charlie sat on the beach right at the edge, where the water meets the sand, and strummed his guitar. He’d been thinking a lot lately about all the crazy things that happened around the island, specifically the castaways. People were dying, monsters were out there waiting to eat them, and apparently there were crazy hillbilly folk who liked to steal children.
It had Claire completely rattled. Charlie tried to be supportive and to come across as all those things he wasn’t - brave, strong, capable of being a real superhero if it was needed. He wasn’t sure Claire believed it any more than he did, but Charlie was sure of one thing...he wouldn’t let anyone hurt Claire again. He remembered what it was like when Ethan had taken her. He remembered the sleepless nights worrying about this almost-stranger and her unborn baby. He remembered all too well his inability to save her.
It wouldn’t happen again. If the Others came anywhere near Claire or sprout, Charlie would give his life to keep them safe.
In the meantime, he’d have to write a few more silly songs to keep Claire’s mind off that possibility. It didn’t hurt that he loved her laugh whenever he shared one of his songs either.
He had to take the happy moments when he could.
Lost - Charlie/Claire (Drabble # 2)
Some days were easier than others to deal with life on the island, Claire realized. Sometimes she was so caught up in taking care of the baby that she barely had time to think about anything, let alone how much time had passed since the crash. She hadn’t planned on raising this baby herself, and she definitely hadn’t counted on doing it with fortysome plane crash survivors on an island in the middle of nowhere.
But that day, as she fed Aaron, she realized that it was Christmas Eve and she suddenly yearned for home. Sure, she didn’t have much in the way of family and friends, but Christmas was always a favorite of hers. Somehow it didn’t feel right that her first holiday with her baby be spent on an island.
Especially since no one else seemed to have acknowledged the approaching holiday, either unaware or unable to care.
“Claire, you alright?”
Claire glanced up and Charlie stood in front of her, smiling, and backdropped from the sun. She shrugged and said, “Fine.” She stood up and placed Aaron back in his bassinet, running her hands down the baby’s belly before focusing back on Charlie. She sat back down and said, “Just thinking. Sometimes it’s all there is to do.”
Charlie nodded and knelt down in front of her. He said, “Close your eyes.”
“What?”
“Just do it, Claire.”
“Charlie, it’s too early-”
Charlie placed his hand over Claire’s eyes until he was sure that her eyes were shut. She sighed but did as he asked. No matter how infuriating he could be, Claire was unable to resist Charlie’s requests of her. “Okay. Eyes are shut.”
She felt Charlie place something in her hands and when she looked down there was a small box, wrapped in the last of the brochures from the plane. She grinned down at the box and Charlie nudged her. “Ya don’t just stare at it. There is something inside.”
“But what is it for?”
“Merry Christmas, Claire.”
“You remembered?”
“That it’s your favorite holiday. You’ve only gone on about it every bloody day,” Charlie replied.
Claire leaned over and kissed Charlie on the lips. She said, “Thank you.”
“You might want to open it now.”
Claire nodded and opened the package. Inside were two bars of chocolate. She smiled and said, “The key to every woman’s heart.”
“That night Hurley passed out all the food, I managed to trade off for a few of the bars and saved them.”
“I love it, Charlie. Thank you,” Claire replied. She kissed Charlie’s cheek this time and took his hand. She said, “But you have to share it with me. My gift to you.” Claire pulled him down next to her, resting her head on his shoulder as she broke the first bar in half. She handed Charlie a piece and said, “Maybe the holiday wouldn’t be too bad after all.”
**
Veronica Mars - Veronica/Logan (Drabble # 1)
Veronica was never a big fan of the holidays. As far as she could recall, holidays never seemed to go right anyway, usually ending in drunken-induced confessions of some sort or the sharp reality of all the people missing.
And now she had even more proof that holiday spirit was nothing but a made up, commercialized myth. It wasn't bad enough that she got suckered into coming to Dick's Christmas Party 'o Glory, but there she was...under the mistletoe with Logan Echolls.
Logan glanced at her with that smug smirk of his that she often wanted to slap off his face. He leaned in close to her and said, “If you wanted to kiss me again, all you had to do was ask, sweetie.”
Veronica rolled her eyes and clutched her chest. “Oh, how did you know? I’ve been pining, Logan. And then I thought, ‘mistletoe, Veronica. Mistletoe will answer all your problems’.”
“Does Duncan know you’re carrying a torch for me? He is my roommate after all. Wouldn’t want things to be awkward.”
“You live for awkward.”
”Save the dirty talk for late, pumpkin.”
Veronica’s hand instinctively curled into a fist. Instead of hitting him though, she grabbed onto his shirt and pulled him against her. She kissed him, planning for it to be quick and chaste, but Logan’s arms went around her waist and he increased the pressure. When she finally remembered where she was and who she was with, she pried free. She said, “Stupid Christmas tradition intact.”
She walked off, not giving him time to comment. Veronica thought she was over this…this…weird and twisted attraction to Logan, but it appeared that one kiss under the mistletoe had awoken certain feelings.
Merry freaking Christmas, Veronica.
**
Two Very Different Chrismukkah’s For Ryan Atwood
1. That one with the Santa hat and kissing Anna...
Ryan wandered through the party, sipping on his cup of punch and smiling weakly whenever anyone looked in his direction. He reminded himself that he was doing this for Kirsten. He wasn’t in the mood to celebrate the holidays, sick of Santa and Moses and whoever else Seth mentioned on an hourly basis, but still he was at the annual Newpsie Holiday Affair.
He made his way to the back of the room and took a seat at an empty table. At least he could be alone in a way.
He spoke too soon as Anna appeared from the dance floor. She placed a Santa hat on his head and tugged on his arm. “C’mon grumpy, we’re gonna dance.”
“I’d rather not,” Ryan replied, trying to free himself of Anna’s grip. Damn if she wasn’t stronger than him.
She shook her head and pulled him up so fast that their foreheads banged against one another. She yelped and then giggled.
“Are you drunk, Anna?” Ryan asked, amused by the thought. He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen Anna like this before.
Anna shrugged and said, “Luke did something to the punch. I like it.” She raised her hands above her head and said, “Makes me feel better about being dragged to this stupid party.”
“I don’t drink.”
Anna leaned in and whispered, ‘You don’t have to. I already drank enough for both of us, I think.” She grabbed onto his hand and said, “So now we’re gonna dance.”
“I’m not a good dancer.”
“I dated Seth, the epitome of bad dancing. I’ll manage.”
Ryan nodded. He went to remove the Santa hat, but Anna swatted his hand away. She said, “Hat is a must.”
“Why is it that you’re the drunken one, but I’m the one who’ll look like an ass?”
Anna laughed - a wonderful and freeing sound Ryan had never heard before - and he couldn’t help but smile as she led him to the dance floor.
The fast song quickly ended, marking a couple’s dance, but Anna simply wrapped her arms around Ryan’s neck and said, “I like you, Ryan.”
“I like you too. Friends usually like each other.”
Anna rolled her eyes. “Boys. You’re all so...I mean, I like you, Ryan. Stupid of me really. I always fall for the ones who love other people, but what can I do?”
“Huh?”
Anna closed the remainder of the distance between them and pressed her lips against Ryan’s. He had the passing thought that he was kissing Anna and that probably shouldn’t happen. But her lips were soft and she tasted of vanilla and he found his arms pulling her closer to him, unable to get enough.
2. Mister and Mister Santa Claus?
“I’m going to kill you,” Ryan stated as he stared at himself in the mirror. Santa suits were flattering on no one. He glanced at Seth via the mirror and met Seth’s amused gaze before adding, “I thought you loved me. Why would you do this to someone you love?”
“Dude. It’s a Santa suit. And I happen to think the red suits you,” Seth replied. He wrapped his arms around Ryan from behind. He moved his hands to where the beard rested around Ryan’s neck. He pushed it up and said, “Though the beard makes you look a little ridiculous.”
“A little?”
“Okay, a whole lot,” Seth replied. Ryan turned around and glared in Seth’s direction. Seth raised his hands in mock surrender and said, “It’s for a good cause, Ryan. You’re bringing holiday cheer to sick children.”
“And I’m doing it because…”
“…Because I’ve gotten my ass kicked enough in my lifetime. No one wants that to happen again. I mean, I bruise easily.”
“You’re so lucky I love you, Seth.”
“Don’t I know it,” Seth replied. He tugged at the beard and said, “And honestly, I might be a little biased here, but you’re a pretty sexy Santa.”
“Sure.”
“Dude. I’d sit on your lap.”
“I’m sure that’s just what the little kids want to see.”
“Not sure they could handle finding out that Santa has a Mister Claus at home? Yeah, you’re probably right,” Seth replied.
"Hey, I kinda like the idea of Mister and Mister Claus. Plus, you're hotter than any picture of Mrs. Claus, I've ever seen."
"I'd hope so. She's like NINETY, Ry." Seth leaned in and kissed Ryan, allowing his hands to roam down the length of Ryan’s back and grope at his ass. Seth grinned and said, “Alas, your flattery will not work. You must go this red costume alone."
"You could be my elf."
"Kinky, but no thanks. The fun'll have to wait until later. And it will not involve clothing of any sort."
Ryan rolled his eyes, but grinned despite himself. “I’m going to hold you to that.”
Seth pulled at the fabric of the costume and shook his head. “I never knew you were into roleplaying, honey, but whatever you want.”
“Have I mentioned that I’m going to kill you?”
Seth kissed Ryan again and said, “It’s just another fun Chrismukkah adventure, Ryan.”
{Fin}