#JatPAdvent2021

[innytoes]

So @hawkguyhasstarbucks made me this adorable ‘Bass Boy At Christmas’ moodboard, and I couldn’t get over the giant teddy bears at the café. So I drew them a thing. And then I wrote a fic to go with it.

“So I just passed the music store on my way here, and from the looks of it Luke and Bobby are going to be very, very late and what the hell are you doing?”

Reggie looked up at Alex and beamed. “Having hot chocolate!” With extra whipped cream and sprinkles, because he may or may not have flirted with the girl behind the counter.

They’d all split up to buy each other holiday presents, and had agreed to meet up here at the cafe at four. Reggie had gotten there early, because he’d been planning out what gifts to buy the guys since forever, calculating and recalculating his budget, doing chores around the neighbourhood to earn some extra cash. He’d been in and out of the stores in no time.

“And your… date?” Alex said, motioning to the giant stuffed bear sitting across from him. It was wearing a little Santa hat and had its own cup and saucer.

“They were offering them along with the hot chocolate to people who didn’t want to sit alone,” Reggie explained. He’d told the girl his friends were coming later, but honestly, having a conversation with a giant teddy bear was an amazing way to keep people from stealing the chairs from the table for four that he’d snagged. People were definitely avoiding the punk in the leather jacket discussing Dolly Parton with a plush animal. “I’ve named him Bearimy. He likes country music and making snow angels.”

Alex’ face did that thing where he wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or say something sarcastic. He settled on an exasperated ‘okay’. Then, his face turned calculating.

“Luke and Bobby are going to be late,” he said.

“Probably,” Reggie agreed. If they were at the music store, most definitely.

“I’m getting one,” Alex said decidedly, going back up to the counter. The girl behind the counter grinned and came to set up the bear next to Reggie, while Alex slid across from him with his own hot chocolate. It did not have extra whipped cream and sprinkles, because Alex was not great at flirting with girls.

It was totally worth it when Luke and Bobby slunk in forty minutes late and started squawking when Alex icily informed them their seats were taken, and by much more interesting company at that.

#I blame hawkguyhasstarbucks #JatPAdvent2021 #julie and the phantoms #reggie peters #alex mercer #I wrote a thing #fanfic #I drew a thing #christmas #alex' bear is named Bearold #no he did not get a say in that

[jatp-adventevent]

🎄 JatP Advent Event 2021 ⛄

Even if it’s a little late to launch it, here is a JatP Advent Event for 2021! Posting will start 1st December and will end 24th December ~

How does it work?

This is pretty simple: you have prompts for each day and you can post whatever you feel like creating for this day. You don’t have to do all days, and can post as many things as you want per day. Arts, Fics (Drabbles, One Shot, Long, Multi Chapters, Sonfic, no limit), Graphics/Gifs or even Playlist, Moodboard or whatever you can imagine (even cakes), you can post it. The only rule is it has to be JatP themed.

There is one prompt per day, you’re free to interpret it as you want. It doesn’t have to be Christmas themed, even if the prompts are. You can use just the title, or just one, two or all of the keywords. It’s up to you, just have fun ~

Don’t forget trigger warnings and use proper tagging, so it can be safe and enjoyable for everyone!

A collection will be available on AO3 too. Stay tuned!

Please, use the tag #JatPAdvent2021, so we can share your work and you can @ this blog too ~

If you have any question feel free to contact us!

The Prompts

Here are prompts for each days. Enjoy ~

Happy creating!

Day 1 – Dirty Advent

Waiting, Chocolates, Eggnog

Day 2 – This Bread is Baked

Cookies, Gingerbread House, Burn

Day 3 – Christmas Spirits Club

Cryptids, Elves, Magic AU

Day 4 – Late Last December

December, Last time, Angst

Day 5 – Edge of Eve

Christmas Eve, Preparations, Stocking

Day 6 – Finally Snow

First Snow, Snowflake, Hope

Day 7 – Get Frost

Jack Frost, Frosting, Getting Cold

Day 8 – Holidays are where my Holly is

Holidays, Holly, Decorating

Day 9 – I got the Tinkle

Bells, Singing, Dancing

Day 10 – Julie and the Snowmen

 Snowball Battle, Snowman, Ice Skating

Day 11 – Kiss Tall

Mistletoe, Kissing, Tree

Day 12 – Long Wishlist

Letter, Writing, Shopping

Day 13 – My Name is Rudolph

Reindeer, Red Nose, Costume

Day 14 – Naughty or Never

Naughty or Nice, Pranking, Helpers

Day 15 – The Other Side of Nutcracker

Ballet, Workshop, Twisted

Day 16 – Scrooge and the Presents Pushers

Nightmares, Coal, Scrooge/Krampus/Grinch

Day 17 – Candlelight Reflection

Candles, Matches, Warmth

Day 18 – Sunset Claus

Secret Santa, Exchange, Family

Day 19 – Crooked Tin Soldier

Toys, Tales, Dreams

Day 20 – Unsaid Santa

Secret, Confessions, Regrets

Day 21 – Voice of an angel

Carols, Angel, Miracle

Day 22 – Wrap up

Wrapping paper, Blanket, Dressing up

Day 23 – You got nothing to gift

Late Gift, Forgotten Ones, Boxing Day

Day 24 – Zero flying sleigh

Sleight, Fun, Shooting Star

#jatp #julie and the phantoms #jatpadventevent2021 #jatpadvent2021

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

@jatp-adventevent Day Five: Edge of Eve <-AO3 link

Pairing: Emily & Luke

Warnings: Allusion to a miscarriage, character death, grief

The first time Emily got pregnant, it was completely unintentional. She was sixteen and stupid, convinced she and her idiot boyfriend were meant to be, meant to take over the world with his music, and her right beside him. Yet he leaves when she tells him about the baby, which she lost soon after, and those two events make her lose a lot of childhood naivety and hope. The boy has a more tragic end, fuelled by too many dreams and not enough inhibitions. This hardens Emily against big dreams, deciding that practicality is the way to go. So she puts away music, everything to do with it, and takes up knitting.

In a few years time, Emily is more settled. Married to Mitch Patterson, a good, if quiet and meek man. This time, when she falls pregnant, she doesn’t get abandoned, but supported. She ends up knitting the baby a blanket, several hats, and an oversized Christmas stocking, embroidered with his name; Luke.

As Luke grows the steady pattern of the clacking needles morphs into the thrums of guitars and drums in his head. Luke adores music, belting along to every song on the radio, banging on every pot, using every implement he can as a pseudo air guitar. By eight he’s begging for the real deal, and Emily finally relents, hoping the hobby will keep him out of trouble, keep his restless hands focused long enough that his mind will calm and allow him to focus on his schoolwork. She knits him a strap for that first guitar, a plain blue one, but he loves it all the same, wearing it until it breaks.

Emily keeps knitting, creating several beanies for Luke who wants to keep his head full of cowlicks out of his face, but refuses to cut or tame his hair, claiming it’s more rock and roll that way. And every year without fail, she makes him a new stocking. She knows it’s impractical, but he’s so fascinated with the new design, pleads for one every year, and Emily is weak when it comes to this simple request.

Yet as time goes on, Luke becomes more and more obsessed with music, forming a band with his friends, staying out at all hours, putting off homework, and then classes in favour of playing music. Emily and Mitch are firm, saying school has to come first, but he keeps skipping, sneaking out to play and write music, showing no interest in academics. It all comes to a head in mid December, the school calling to inform Emily that there is no way Luke will pass the year, he’s missed too much. The resulting screaming match shakes the house with its intensity, and Luke grabs his things, and leaves.

Emily is devastated by this, and wonders later if she had simply sat him down, explained her fears, the tragic fate of her first boyfriend, the life she almost led because of her own obsession. She sets aside the half finished stocking, not wanting to complete it without Luke there, watching in fascination as her fingers and the needles created his yearly work of art.

Yet the stocking remains unfinished through the holiday, and eventually Emily stores it safely away, hoping that next year this will be a silly story they tell. Then July happens, confirming all of her worst fears and worries. She casts aside her knitting after that, to lost to the mire of grief and regret to even pick up the needles. It’s twenty five years later, and a visit from a young girl named Julie that finally has Emily digging up the abandoned stocking. She sits down and finishes it, tears trickling down her face as she does. She knows Luke is gone, but maybe now, now that she has that peace of mind, she can finally let this part of him go, and move on.

#JatPAdvent2021 #my stuff #writing #fanfic #emily & luke #julie and the phantoms

[rudbeag]

Day 1 - Dirty Advent.

Text for the JatP Advent Event 2021.

Day 1 - Dirty Advent.

Keywords; Waiting, Chocolates, Eggnog Ship; None Characters; Reggie - Luke - Bobby - Alex. Notes; Hi. This is the first JatP writing I've shared publicly. I feel so nervous! So...

If you find any kind of error, please tell me!

I've added some HCs in there, such as favorite colors and birthdays and all. It was to fit the story but yeah. If you don't like it, it's fine.

This is a pre-slash. Peterpatter, if you please.

No insult is allowed, for any reason. Constructive critics are allowed. Don't talk about the ship, though. I won't change it.

I'll probably publish this writing on AO3 soon.

Reggie knew that winter was coming. For sure, he did. But that didn't mean that he wouldn't have been impatiently waiting for its arrival. Or that he hadn't started putting Christmas decorations as soon as Halloween had ended. He loved Christmas. It was an irrevocable fact that everyone who knows him - or just met him - had known right away. He loved Christmas.

Primarily because he hadn't really had the chance to enjoy one on his own as a child. His parents didn't make a lot of money, and his mother made sure he knew that Santa didn't exist, so he wouldn’t be devastated if he didn’t receive what he wanted or any present at all. Reg had run to his father crying, and he asked him, tried to ask, with strange words, all the while sniffing, bawling, and trying to breathe while talking and crying. They fought until the day after New Year's Eve.

They also fought the next Christmas; this time because the tree wasn't good enough. The year after that, too. Well, Christmas was anything but enjoyable. He actually hated Christmas. And he didn't even enjoy the gift-giving either because they would fight (not good enough gifts, too expensive or something), and he wouldn’t get what he wanted or any present.

Then, he met Luke, Alex, and Bobby and Christmas became something great! Something that made him enjoy Christmas.

However, this year's Christmas was special. Luke, Alex, and he had left their homes, so this was the first Christmas they had together. Luke had left that same year, while he and Alex did it between the end of last year and the start of that year. It was the same thing in the end. Bobby's parents were nice enough to let the cook give them food. The cook was also an angel and send them eggnog, Yule log cake, and so much more, like brownies. Bobby's cook was a delight and Reg loved her. She also was delightful and give him advice about cooking if he asked. And even if he didn't.

This year, Christmas was going to be the best and for that, Reggie had an idea. He had help from Alex, so it was in no way a dumb idea. They made a special Advent Calendar for Luke since it was approaching his mother's birthday. And instead of only chocolates, they added sweet, corny, cheesy messages in it and some quotes from singers he liked the most.

Reggie wanted, mostly, to do it to make Luke happy because he knows how much Christmas meant to him and his family and because he was gone during the holiday, so he couldn't really enjoy it. And, to Reggie, he deserved to have the best Christmas.

Alex and Reggie had the idea, and Bobby helped too. He built the Calendar, the doors and give some decoration ideas, he also added small decorations inside the boxes, as gifts. Alex wrote the messages and the quotes, he also found the best chocolates that would last long and wrapped them neatly, and he organized the calendar. Reg found the quotes and messages, checked the Chocolates (because who better than him to try and rate the chocolates), and helped with the overall appearance. Reggie also had the mission of shifting Luke's attention from them, and keeping him occupied somewhere.

They painted the calendar out together, with Reggie's suggestion. He made each little box/day be named after one of Luke's songs. The 19th, being Emily's birthday, was called Unsaid Emily. It was, by far, the day they took time to make perfect. The chocolate they put in it was the one Luke and Emily loved and used to eat together watching Christmas movies. The color was orange and light pink, both of their favorite colors.

They had a wonderful time doing everything while trying to be as discreet as possible, but nothing could compare to when they gifted it to Luke. They all pretended not to notice that little tear falling from his eyes as he noticed the 19th day. They had never experienced a hug like that before. The hug was long, a little uncomfortable since they were all bundled into Luke's arm. But it was a perfect hug.

Any hugs from family is perfect.

#JatPAdvent2021 #jatp fanfic #fanfiction #fanfic #i wrote this in one setting #i hope it's worth it #no ship but i ship peterpatter #peterpatter #julie and the phantoms #luke patterson #reggie peters #alex mercer #bobby/trevor wilson

[reginaldpatterson]

Day Fifteen - The Other Side of Nutcracker

Parings: Willex (Alex/Willie), PeterPatter (Luke/Reggie)

Luke, Alex and Reggie are peaceful citizens and there is a terrible thing happening in the kingdom that shatters everything, making the world literally shake. They are saved unexpectedly by a nutcracker who brings them to the wizard.

Note: I did it. It takes me time, but I write it. I had this idea and it sounded good at first, but writing it was way more difficult than I expected, so I hope you'll enjoy it anyway.

Read on AO3

@jatp-adventevent

#jatpadvent2021 #JATPAdventEvent2021 #peterpatter #Willex #👻{//Fanfiction ~ My handwriting sucks}

[innytoes]

“One last present,” Luke said, surveying the mountain of wrapping paper and opened boxes. “Reg, close your eyes.”

“Me?” Reggie asked, surprised. He thought he’d been quite spoiled already, with his cool new Star Wars socks - proof socks for Christmas could be awesome, as long as you put Baby Yoda on them - and his homemade cookies and his new banjo.

“Close your eyes,” Luke repeated impatiently, and Reggie laughed and put his hands in front of his face, closing his eyes for good measure. Behind him on the sofa, Julie hooked her chin over his shoulder, cheek pressed against his. She was humming a Christmas Carol into his ear, either because she was happy or to mask the sounds of whatever Luke was doing. Probably both.

He felt something being placed into his lap, something soft and kind of wriggly and...

“Open them.”

The puppy on his lap stared up at him adoringly, wagging its tail and planting its little paws on his chest to be able to lick at his chin.

“Great job, Luke, you made him cry,” Alex snarked from the other side of the coffee table, where he was leaning against Willie.

“This is the best Christmas gift ever,” Reggie managed between his tears, wrapping his arms around the tiny bundle of fluff. “Yes you are! Whosagood present? You are!”

#JatPAdvent2021 #julie and the phantoms #reggie peters #juliexlukexreggie #aesthetic #I made a thing #I wrote a thing #fanfic #willex #give reggie a puppy dammit

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

@jatp-adventevent Day Eighteen: Sunset Claus <-AO3 link

Pairing: Ray & Reggie

The boys are back to life, including Willie.

If you were to ask Ray Molina about suddenly gaining four new teenaged sons into his family, he would enthusiastically go one about how happy he is to have them. He feels he owes these boys so much, they brought his little girl back to him, brought music back into their lives, so why wouldn’t he offer up his home, his heart to them?

Of course, the reality of having four freshly alive former ghosts is a bit more problematic. Finding them identification, getting them set up to finish school, especially with Luke protesting the institution is a major hassle. Thankfully Victoria has connections, though the less Ray knows about them, the better. She had offered them a space at her house as well, given Ray can really only give them the studio to stay in, but the boys had wanted to stay together, so they did up a space for the boys to actually live, not just rehearse.

Then Ray has to deal with the financial burden. Four boys, let alone teenage boys who haven’t been able to eat in ages shred his grocery budget to pieces. Plus the extra money for water, electricity, all their essentials. It adds up quickly, and though Ray has done well for himself, he has to dip into his savings more than he’d like to admit.

Now the boys all volunteer to help, getting after school jobs to keep their phone bills covered, gas for the car once they re-passed their driver’s tests, and though they think Ray doesn’t know about it, they slip so much into a jar to give him to help recoup costs. He plans on turning it down should they ever try, or putting it towards a family vacation, but he does appreciate the sentiment. However, with the holidays coming up he doesn’t know what to do.

He’s tossing around ideas with Victoria, who has already agreed to do all the stockings this year, but that still leaves him with six kids to get presents for. That’s when Julie wanders in proposing an idea. ”What about secret Santa? We all pick one person to give gifts to, and that way no one is left out. The guys want to get gifts for everyone, but their jobs don’t afford much, so this will help them out. Carlos has more than enough allowance saved up so he can do it too.”

Ray agrees, and with everyone else on board, they all draw lots. Ray gets Reggie, and he smirks. Reggie is simple, since he’s the boy that Ray spends the most time with. They’ve bonded over 80’s movies, cameras, and bad jokes. Had Ray met Reggie as a young man, he thinks they would have become the best of friends, but right now, he’s a wonderful boy, and Ray thinks the world of him. Julie had confessed that Reggie’s parents hadn’t been the best, so having Ray, a good man, a good father dote on him made Reggie’s day.

Through spending time with all of the boys he’s the impression that none of them had the best home lives, and only Luke really knows anything about where their families are now. He’s floated the idea of seeing his parents, but so far, hasn’t gone yet, worrying that the shock may be too much, or that he won’t know how to convince them he’s real, that he’s back. Ray has offered to go with him, but Luke had just shook his head, claiming he wasn’t ready yet, but when he went, he should probably go alone, or only with Julie.

Suddenly, Ray gets an idea, and calls up a lawyer friend, beaming. This would be the best Christmas ever!

Come December 25’th, everyone is up early, squashed around the tree, gleefully tearing open their stockings. The boys are also sneaking bites of candy when they think Victoria isn’t looking, not keen on her lecturing them about spoiling their appetite for their big meal later. Then it’s present time, with Willie presenting Victoria with a gorgeous scarf, and receiving a new helmet from Carlos. Alex hands Carlos over the new game he had been craving, and gladly accepts an oversized pink hoodie from Julie, earning a chuckle from the group, as his old one had been stolen so much by the rest of them it was in dire need of replacing. Julie blushes fiercely when Luke hands her a new jewellery box, with a lock, and Ray has to wonder about the story there. Victoria gifts Luke with a pile of vintage records, some of her own collection, others she had found. Plus new guitar straps and picks, all of which he crows over.

Then it’s Reggie's turn, his face warm as he timidly hands Ray over a slim package. Inside, there lies an expensive looking frame holding a picture of the whole family that Reggie himself had taken once they realized the boys could appear in photos again. Everyone is laughing and smiling wide, a perfectly imperfect shot. Underneath that, there was an apron, the words mejor papá del mundo imprinted on it in bright red.

“Mijo… it’s perfect, thank you so much,” Ray says, gathering him into a hug. “And kind of perfect, since my gift…” He hands Reggie the last present under the tree, Reggie ripping off the paper to take in the camera that Ray had started learning on. His hand is shaking as he holds it, but the smile on his face is worth it. That’s when he notices the paper still in the box, picking it up, and when he reads it, his eyes fly to Ray.

“Really?”

Ray nods, “If you want.”

“What is it Reg?” Luke asks, his arm slung over Julie’s shoulder.

“A-adoption papers.”

Then all of them look at Ray, equally warm and shocked looks on their faces. He had, of course, already asked Julie and Carlos who were all for the idea. “I have them for all of you, if you want them. You aren’t obligated to agree, or change your name or anything. We’re all family, you’re all my sons regardless. But the option is there, if you ever want it.”

Reggie was half way through filling out the forms when he looked up. “Can I be Reggie Molina then?” Ray nodded, and found himself with an armful of one grateful son, the rest of his family soon piling on, laughter and smiles all around. Ray may still have a heap of worries, but this moment here erased every one of them, because gaining this family made it all worth it.

#JatPAdvent2021 #my stuff #writing #fanfic #ray & reggie #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

@jatp-adventevent Day Fifteen: The Other Side of Nutcracker <-AO3 link

Pairing: Willex

Everyone is alive and aged up.

Willie would be the first to admit that he wasn’t exactly a cultured fellow. Sure, he enjoyed the odd museum, but he usually broke into them to scream and skate rather than enjoy the various pieces of art. Especially since his graffiti was a far stretch better than some of the pieces he’d seen.

So maybe Willie wasn’t big on what the upper crust would call art, but he would still endure it for family. As a teen, Caleb Covington took him in off the streets, a move for which Willie was forever grateful. Caleb tried taking him to operas and exhibits, but they weren’t really Willie’s scene. Yet he never complained, because as a young orphan he never would have gotten the chance to experience these things, so even if he wasn’t the biggest fan of Italian expressionism or Wagner, he still went every time Caleb asked.

This time was no exception, when Caleb told him that he had tickets for this year’s production of The Nutcracker. Now ballet, Willie could get behind, loving how the dancers told a story with their bodies, expressing the gamut of emotion without a single word. Plus The Nutcracker had become tradition, a kick off to the holiday season in the Covington household. Willie threw on his suit and prepared to enjoy the show.

There was a new dancer playing the titular role this year, he noted; watching the man’s strong muscles and toned body pirouette and jeté across the stage. The lights caught in his golden blonde hair, showcasing his handsome face. Willie sat there enraptured every moment the man was on stage, unable to tear his eyes away. At intermission he flipped through the program, stopping when he got to the dancer’s bio. Alex Mercer was his name, he had been dancing for years all over the country and had finally come back to LA to join their dance company for the new season.

Willie had to meet this man who moved him with his dancing. He wondered if Caleb could use his connections to get him backstage. The rest of the show went the same way, with Willie only having eyes for Alex, his heart giving a little zing when the man took his bow, the bright smile he gave the crowd doing Willie in.

“You want to meet him?” Caleb whispered as the applause died down and the dancers went off stage, Willie’s eyes trailing after Alex. Willie sputtered for a second, but then gave a meek yes. Caleb grinned, pulling them towards the stage manager, who was of course, a good friend. Backstage it was chaos as dancers and crew ran around everywhere to get the stage packed up and get home before it got too late. Then Willie saw him; Alex was standing there, dressed down in an oversized pink hoodie and sweats, throwing on his bag. The stage manager called his name, and beckoned him over.

“Alex, this is Caleb Covington, he’s a big patron of our company. And this is his son, Willie. They wanted to meet you.” She pushed them forwards and then giving Caleb an air kiss, rushed off to whatever task she had been in the middle of before he ambushed her.

“Good job young man, I hope to see more of you in the future,” Caleb said to Alex with a sincere smile. He then turned to Willie “I’ll be in the car, take your time.”

Willie flushed but nodded, then turned to Alex who looked a little flustered to be alone with him. “Your dancing was…breath-taking. Almost as much as you are.”

Alex scoffed, but his pink face told another story. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

“I was wondering if maybe I could take you out sometime? Get a coffee?”

Alex looked away, biting his lip, and Willie slumped in defeat. Of course this gorgeous, successful dancer would have a partner already, or at least, had no interest in Willie. “I’d like to,” Alex spoke up, “but I’m doing eight shows a week until Christmas. Doesn’t leave me much time to date. Maybe we could do something on New Years? I get a bit of a break then until we launch our new show in February.”

Willie beamed and handed over his phone, Alex grinning as he entered his number and texted himself. “See you New Years,” he promised as he ran off when the stage manager called his name once more. Willie beamed as he watched him walk away, looking at the simple fireworks emoji Alex had sent himself. He promised himself to make it a reality come their date, and with one last glance at Alex who blushed at his gaze, went off to find Caleb to thank him for insisting he always try to culture himself.

#JatPAdvent2021 #my stuff #writing #fanfic #willex #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

@jatp-adventevent Day Twelve: Long Wishlist <-AO3 link

Pairing: Ralex (Reggie/Alex)

Reggie prided himself at being good at a lot of things; playing bass, photography, being able to eat an entire pizza in one sitting. Shopping was not one of those things however, which meant the holiday season totally sucked.

Every year he struggled to find decent gifts for his friends, usually resorting to gift cards for places he knew they liked, and throwing in some yummy treats to go with whatever sparkly card he'd picked that year. But this was different, this year he had an honest to god boyfriend to get a present for, so a gift card definitely wouldn't cut it.

The problem was that he still had no idea what to get for Alex, and whenever he tried probing for ideas, he always got the same response. "I don't need anything Reg, you're gift enough for me," Alex would say, punctuating it with a sweet kiss.

Reggie would always blush at that, but it still didn't help him decide on a present. He wanted to do this right, be a good boyfriend who could manage this simple task. Of course, he knew lots of things that Alex liked, but none of them seemed like an appropriate gift.

He asked his friends but none of their suggestions sparked anything in him. He scoured the local mall, the little Indies stores, getting frantic as the date grew closer and closer. He wished he was a crafter, he could make Alex something, anything would be better than the big fat nothing he has right now. He searches his room in desperation, hoping it will inspire him, but then gets caught up when he knocks over a box full of photos. Some of him, of his friends, but overwhelmingly, there are tons of Alex, some of them together, some alone. Alex smiling bright as the sun makes his hair golden and his eyes like the sea. Sweaty and hot as hell while wailing on the drums or dancing up a storm. Reggie thanks his lucky stars for landing such a handsome man, wondering, not for the first time, what on Earth Alex saw in him.

But the next picture shows the two of them; Reggie smiling wide, eyes scrunched up for the camera. Yet Alex isn’t looking at the camera; he’s looking at Reggie, love radiating from his eyes, the softest smile on his lips. Reggie loves this picture, has a copy of it on his nightstand in fact. Alex has another copy sitting on his desk. Then Reggie gets an idea, grabbing his wallet as he rushes off to the local craft store.

On Christmas, Reggie is thrilled to spend time with Alex in between family obligations. Even more thrilled that Alex gave him a day pass to a local dude ranch for the two of them in the new year, given he knows Reggie is a cowboy at heart, though he refuses to wear the hat. Reggie shakes his head with a grin, promising himself to get Alex in a cowboy hat one day. He shyly hands over his own present, biting his lip as Alex carefully peels back the paper. He stops when he takes in the scrapbook before him, Reggie had filled it with photos of their adventures together, little souvenirs he had kept, with plenty of blank pages in the back for them to grow on.

“Reg… this is beautiful. I love it. I love you,” Alex whispers, bringing their lips together for the sweetest kiss.

“I-I love you too,” Reggie stuttered as they pulled apart, and that present blew every other gift he got that year out of the water.

#JatPAdvent2021 #my stuff #writing #fanfic #ralex #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

@jatp-adventevent Day Nineteen: Crooked Tin Soldier <-AO3 link

Pairing: PeterPatter

The boys never died AU

Luke would always say it was pretty hard to scare him, but being forced to be in a toy store a few weeks before Christmas absolutely terrified him. Everywhere there were crazy kids running around, tired and stressed parents grabbing everything off the shelves, and harangued employees who looked like they had lost the will to live long ago. If it weren’t for Reggie, he would never have set foot in the place.

Reggie wanted to get something super cool for Rose's new little girl, Julie. She would only be a few months old by Christmas, but Rose was one of their closest friends, and they all doted on Julie, so an awesome present was essential. Luke had been fine finding something online, as a lot of stores had websites where you could buy things from now. He, Alex, and Bobby had all gone that route, wanting to avoid the hectic shops as much as possible.

But not Reggie, who said you couldn’t really tell the quality of a product if you got it off the internet, wanting to ensure that whatever he got Julie was well made and suitable for a baby. Then he had broken out those big damn pleading eyes of his, begging Luke to accompany him, and well, Luke was always weak when it came to Reggie.

Thankfully, they had a game plan, going straight for the stuffed animals, figuring that was the best sort of toy for a small infant. Reggie clutched onto Luke’s hand, pulling him through the throngs of people towards the section, which was fairly picked over, but Reggie was undeterred. He rummaged through the pile that was left, lifting up toy after toy, assessing each one, sometimes asking Luke’s opinion. Luke didn’t think Julie would care one way or another, but he gave a thumbs up or down for each one Reggie held aloft anyway.

Finally, Reggie lifted one up triumphantly; a stuffed golden retriever toy that looked perfectly cuddly and just right. “Looks just like you Reg,” Luke quipped, earning a playfully shove, but Reggie was still smiling, so he counted that as a win.

They were making their way out of the store when Reggie got distracted by the large Lego display. There, in all her miniature brick glory, was the Millennium Falcon. Reggie stopped and stared at it, mouth hanging open. “Man, I would have loved to have that as a kid.”

“It is pretty sweet, though I don’t recall you being all that into Legos as a kid,” Luke said.

“You know what my parents were like man, no way would they let me waste money on something like that. And they weren’t about to buy me something with a ton of tiny, easily losable pieces. I asked, believe me. I got by playing with Alex’s, he had this one space station set, man I must have built it and taken it apart to build it again a hundred times. Was so sad when he got out of them and then his parents gave them all away to some cousin or another.” Reggie then gave a little melancholy sigh before shrugging and pulling Luke towards the cash register, but Luke’s eyes stayed trained on the Lego display until they left the store.

That year for Christmas, the guys all gathered at Rose and Ray’s house to exchange gifts, given they had space compared to their tiny apartments. Julie was sitting in her mother’s arms babbling away, and when Reggie shyly presented her with the stuffed puppy she let out a loud giggle, grasping it with her tiny fist. “It’s perfect cariño,” Rose said, pressing a sweet kiss to Reggie’s cheek. He flushed but his eyes never left Julie, and Luke wondered how much Reggie wanted that; the marriage, house and children. They were rising up as a band, so their lifestyle didn’t really lend itself to that nuclear household kind of life. Maybe after they put out the next album Luke could look into the two of them settling down a little more.

Gifts were quickly passed out, everyone exclaiming their delight and thanks to each other. Luke left his gift for Reggie until last, handing him the rather large box and smirking as Reggie tore off the paper. “Lu-Luke…”

“That’s the right one isn’t it?” Luke asked, gesturing to the Lego set in Reggie’s hands. It was a space station from the late 80’s, a simple set compared to the Millennium Falcon that was also there. But Reggie was still stuck on the Lego set that he had so coveted as a child. He threw himself into Luke’s arms, plastering his face with kisses.

“You-You got me my very own Lego set. You’re the best!” Reggie exclaimed, pressing one more kiss to Luke’s mouth before he gleefully sat down to pull out the instructions. Luke sat back, satisfied that he had made Reggie so happy, even if the rest of them were looking at him confused, except Alex. Alex gave Luke a small, warm smile, reaching his fist out for a bump.

“How did you even find that?”

“Ebay! Was sadly more expensive than the Falcon, but he’s worth it,” Luke replied, then sat down next to Reggie, the two of them happily building away as Julie babbled away, providing the perfect background noise for Lego construction.

#JatPAdvent2021 #my stuff #writing #fanfic #ruke #peterpatter #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve Masterlist

You can find the whole thing on AO3 HERE or the individual tumblr posts below:

Day One: Dirty Advent (PolyPhantoms)

Day Two: This Bread is Baked (Regal Jewelry)

Day Three: Christmas Spirits Club (Willex)

Day Four: Late Last December (Past Lobby)

Day Five: Edge of Eve (Emily & Luke)

Day Six: Finally Snow (Rulie)

Day Seven: Get Frost (PeterPatter)

Day Eight: Holidays are where my Holly is (Rulie)

Day Nine: I Got the Jingle (Juke)

Day Ten: Julie and the Snowmen (Alex & Julie & Luke & Reggie)

Day Eleven: Kiss Tall (Rukebox)

Day Twelve: Long Wishlist (Ralex)

Day Thirteen: My Name is Rudolph (Rukebox)

Day Fourteen: Naughty or Never (Rukebox)

Day Fifteen: The Other Side of Nutcracker (Willex)

Day Sixteen: Scrooge and the Present Pushers (Caleb/Reggie)

Day Seventeen: Candlelight Reflection (Julie)

Day Eighteen: Sunset Claus (Ray & Reggie)

Day Nineteen: Crooked Tin Soldier (PeterPatter)

Day Twenty: Unsaid Santa (Emily & Luke)

Day Twenty One: Voice of an Angel (Rulie)

Day Twenty Two: Wrap Up (Rukebox)

Day Twenty Three: You got nothing to gift (Regal Jewelry)

Day Twenty Four: Zero flying sleigh (Rukebox)

Day Twenty Five: Merry & Bright Forever (Rukebox)

#my writing #masterlist #JatPAdvent2021

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

For the @jatp-adventevent Day Three: Christmas Spirits Club <-AO3 link

Pairing: Willex (Alex/Willie)

Willex as Christmas elves, discussion of Rose being ill.

Willie smiled as he rushed around the North Pole. He loved getting the chance to be one of Santa’s helpers, making toys and granting wishes. The joy of helping others, of seeing their happy smiles made Willie’s day. Well that, and the time he got to spend with Alex, a fellow elf who worked answering letters from the children. Alex delighted in updating Willie about his favourite children each year, what they wanted. Yes, that was part of his job, but not every letter elf did this task over hot cocoa.

Today, however, Alex was sad, as one child he had been particularly fond of was having a crisis of faith. “I don’t think she believes anymore. She hasn’t written, and when I check in, she always seems sad. I just want her to be happy, to keep that magic alive for her just a bit longer.”

Willie looked at Alex, concern painting his features. He rubbed over Alex’s back gently, then pulled out a candy cane, knowing the minty treat always cheered Alex up. He murmured his thanks, but merely fiddled with the sweet instead of enjoying, showing how distressed he truly was. Of course, children would always stop believing, it was the way of things, but it still upset Willie to see Alex so affected by this one. So he resolved to do what he could to restore this young girl’s faith.

Julie, as it turned out, had lost her belief as her mother had gotten sicker and sicker. She had asked the mall Santa to make her mother better, and his placating answer and her mother’s worsening health made her doubt. Willie could do little to make Rose better, Santa could only work so many miracles, and that was one that he was incapable of performing. Willie could however, grant her a small reprieve, see her through the season.

He went to Santa, pleading his case, leaving Alex out of it, making it his own request, but of course, the jolly man saw right through him. He chuckled at Willie’s blush, and thought for a moment. “I’ll see what I can do.” He then laid a finger alongside his nose and winked, so Willie let out a sigh of relief.

Come Christmas, Alex invited Willie to watch various children opening their gifts, it was always a pleasure to see their joy and excitement. “Have you checked on Julie? I know she didn’t write a letter but I still sent her a little something,” Willie said, nudging Alex’s side.

Alex’s smile dropped a little, but he shook the magic snow globe they were using, and then his face brightened as he took in a happy Julie. Rose was still weak and pale, but she was still there, celebrating with her family. “That’s more than a little something Willie.”

“It was all Santa,” Willie said with a flush, but his grin was a pleased one.

“I think he only did it because you asked him to,” Alex whispered. “Thank you Willie.”

Willie bit his lip and nodded. “You know I’d do anything for you Alex.” Alex pulled him in for a hug, surrounding Willie in the scent of chocolate and peppermint, beaming smiles and bright blushes on their faces as they pulled away. They kept their arms around each other as they kept watching Julie celebrate, paying no heed to the singing doll that Willie had sent as a gift.

#JatPAdvent2021 #my stuff #writing #fanfic #willex #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

Every year around this time, I used to participate in the Klaine Advent Event, but since I drifted from that fandom, I didn't know what to do with myself this year. Then, the amazing @reginaldpatterson decided to run with the idea, and now we have our first official @jatp-adventevent! Forever grateful to them for creating this event, and hopefully you enjoy what I did with the fills!

Day One: Dirty Advent <-AO3 link

Pairing: Polyphantoms (Alex/Luke/Reggie)

Warnings: Underage drinking

“Alright boys, drink up!” Luke crows as he fills their glasses with eggnog, then a hearty splash of rum. “We have fucking earned this drink after such a stellar show!”

Alex looks at the concoction wearily, as it’s more alcohol than the sweet mixture of cream, eggs, and spices that he’d rather. Reggie has half of his gone before Alex even takes a sip, and Luke looks to be pouring himself a second at the same time. Alex brings the glass to his mouth tentatively, almost gagging at the smell of rum, and takes a tiny sip, grimacing at the burn and the taste.

“Come on Alex, drink up! It’s Christmas!” Luke hoots, tossing back his second drink, with Reggie glugging back his, though not at quite the same rate. Alex really doesn’t want to drink that vile concoction, but Luke has had a haunted look in his eye for weeks now, as the holidays grew closer, but not now with his system fuelled by rum. Alex wished he could do anything to keep that look out of Luke’s eyes, but since he ran away at Christmas last year, Alex knows there are heavy memories associated with the holiday. So he plugs his nose and shoots back the rest of his drink.

The boys cheer, Luke pouring himself and Reggie third, and Alex a second, with Alex stealing the rum bottle from Luke after that, declaring they had all had enough. He could already feel the liquor affecting him, and Reggie, a total lightweight, was already hiccupping as his shaky hands brought the cup up to his lips. Luke pouts, but shrugs as he drinks, then slumps over on the couch after he drains the glass.

“Th-that was delicious,” Luke slurs into the cushions. Reggie, who had been uncharacteristically quiet all evening just nods, though his eyes are glassy as he lays on top of Luke.

“You two have no taste buds,” Alex remarks, but he still downs the drink, finding it even more repulsive the second time around, but he would do anything for his boys, even if it means he’ll probably be throwing up the mixture several hours from now.

“Lex… Lexie, come cuddle,” Reggie whines, reaching out for him.

“How about we pull the bed out and get into something comfier first?” Alex bargains, and though the other two are pretty floppy and useless, they somehow manage to find themselves all stripped down to underwear and shirts on the bed, snuggled together.

The alcohol is hitting faster, as Alex is pretty dizzy. But maybe that’s just a factor of being surrounded by Luke and Reggie, their limbs an intertwined mess. One of them is asleep, drooling on Alex’s chest, and the other is snuggled so far into Alex’s neck that all he can hear from that ear is their whistling snore. Yet, there’s nowhere else Alex would rather be, and he smiles as he lets his eyes close, drunk as a skunk, but surrounded by love, and that makes their mutual hangovers the next morning all the more worth it.

#JatPAdvent2021 #my stuff #fanfic #writing #polyphantoms #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

@jatp-adventevent Day Twenty Four: Zero flying sleigh <-AO3 link

Pairing: Rukebox

So this is my little tribute to the wonderful @bananakarenina's want your midnights verse, which if you haven't read yet, go do that. I just love that verse, and Katie so damn much, so I hope this is worthy of her.

Merry Christmas Eve all!

Luke woke up January 1'st very much disoriented, as he didn't feel the lumpy studio pull out below his back. Blinking open his eyes he took in the soft palate and little touches that made up Julie's bedroom. He remembered now, last night, or well, very early that morning, finally telling Julie and Reggie how he felt. Getting to kiss them, and then cuddling the two of them all night long.

Looking down he could see Julie and Reggie snuggled into his chest, breathing softly, and looking like his most perfect melody made life. Glancing off to the side he could see Flynn sleeping on the couch, the only way Ray had agreed to a band sleepover. He couldn't see Alex and Willie curled up on the air mattress on the floor, but the snores certainly let him know Alex was there.

Luke let himself drift back to sleep, content to be warm and loved between the two stars of his galaxy, a soft smile on his face as he fell. He was awoken some time later by a smattering of kisses all over his face and when he opened his bleary eyes, he saw brown and green ones staring back at him, happy smiles on their faces.

"Hey," he whispered, voice sleep rough and warm. "Guess last night wasn't a dream then."

"Dream come true maybe," Reggie quipped, grinning as he bounced out of the bed. "Everyone else is already up, we should go before breakfast is all gone."

"Reggie you guys can't even eat it," Julie said kindly, stretching out her arms as she slowly exited the bed. Which was... mostly still true. They found that some times food cooperated, but usually only when Willie smuggled them the ingredients from the club, which he assured them were edible to ghosts and lifers alike, with or without Caleb's influence. He couldn't do it often, but the boys relished the rare opportunity every time he did.

Reggie shrugged, he still enjoyed sitting down with them for every meal, giving him some sense of normalcy, something he had lacked even before becoming a ghost. He held a hand out to Luke, easing him up out of the bed, the two of them poofing out to give Julie privacy to get ready.

"Hey boys, sleep well?" Ray asked, looking at them over the rim of his mug. The both of them froze, wondering if he saw them in bed with Julie and more importantly if he knew about the three of them. Neither thought Ray would mind or kick them out over it, but he could object and that would crush them all. Reggie especially, who had bonded with Ray even more since they became visible.

"Yeah, no bad dreams or anything," Luke replied, though he could feel the sweat drip down his back. Reggie had run off to make Julie her coffee, and Luke rushed after him, Ray chuckling once they were out of hearing range. Julie had let him know of their new relationship before she went to bed last night, and while he had some misgivings, he was going to be supportive, but that didn't mean he couldn't have fun in the meantime.

Julie bounces down the stairs later, kissing her father hello, and sits between her boys to enjoy breakfast. Flynn is finishing up as she sits, and soon has to leave, but sneaks Julie away to congratulate her once again on her new boytoys. Julie flushes, and shoves her a little before bringing her in for a hug. Flynn still doesn't get the whole being into ghosts thing, but whatever Julie needs is fine by her, and those two dorks make her happy, so why not? She had been trying to get them together for long enough, why not be happy that they had finally gotten over themselves and finally realized how much better they were together.

After breakfast they have a lazy day planned, so they spend time together as a band, some jamming, some song writing, and end the day by snuggling together for a movie. Alex and Willie go off after for a date night, having plans to crash a few museums before dawn. “Do you guys wanna plan our first date?” Julie asked, her voice a little sleepy as she was snuggled between them.

“I-I have a plan. If you two trust me,” Reggie stutters out.

“Of course button, you just tell us where and when,” Luke replied, pressing a kiss to his temple, Julie nodding and snuggling into his chest. The guys share a fond look over her head and eventually poof her up to bed, tucking her in and going off to the studio to curl up together on the pull out.

A few afternoons later, bundled up in nice winter gear, arms linked, Reggie poofed the three of them to a snowy farm scape, where a horse drawn sleigh was waiting. Julie gasped in delight, and the three of them took a seat, nodding at the driver who started the horse on a trot. Snuggled together under a blanket and sharing a thermos of hot cocoa they enjoyed the landscape and each other’s company. Before long the stars peaked out, and then, a few started streaking through the sky. They came to a stop, exchanging a few wishes, and even more kisses as they headed back to the farm.

They soon had to poof home where the sun was still setting, sitting down for a meal, sitting on a blanket in the studio, toasting with sparkling cider. Luke leaned over to capture the taste from Reggie’s lips, tart apple, a hint of cinnamon, and then pure Reggie, warm and sweet, and Luke could drown in that flavour. He pulled back slowly, then had his head turned towards Julie by her fingers, pressing their mouths together, and then his senses were full of Julie; the faint hint of chocolate from their dessert, the whiff of coconut from her hair oil, the subtle scent of flowers that followed her everywhere. He blinked his eyes open when they parted, not even sure when they had slid closed, but he got to see Julie pull Reggie down for his own kiss, and gosh if the two of them together weren’t the epitome of beauty.

All too soon it was time for Julie to head to bed, though she winked as she wished them a good night, and sometime later they silently poofed into her room, snuggled down to either side of her, smiling softly as they got comfy. Luke knew she had set her alarm early so they could sneak out, and relished the thought of doing this as often as they could. With one more sleepy glance at the two halves of his heart, both already drifting off, Luke slept, the light from the stars shining in on them as he fell.

#JatPAdvent2021 #my stuff #writing #fanfic #rukebox #peterpatterlina #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

@jatp-adventevent Day Twenty: Unsaid Santa <-AO3 link

Pairing: Emily & Luke

Grief and angst abound in this instalment.

After The Orpheum, the boys wonder just how far Julie's friendship magic works, how much more alive they are. They quickly figure out that anyone connected to Julie can see and touch them, but no one else. They still can't eat, and sleeping is finicky, and well, they're essentially still ghosts. But they are way more alive than they had been, so they take what they can get.

This is made all the harder when one day not long after, Julie opens her door only to find Emily Patterson standing there. She looks furious, and teary, holding her phone up to Julie's face. The screen shows their music video for Edge of Great, frozen on a still of Luke, smiling bright and playing his guitar. "Do you care to explain how my son and his friends are playing with you when they've been gone for almost three decades?"

Oh boy.

Julie called for her father, who had already gone through the whole explanation, and they try to tell Emily the truth. She scoffs, and starts going on about using the images of Sunset Curve without permission, and it was cruel. Julie bites her tongue on her criticisms of how supportive Emily had been of the band back in the 90's, but she can still see the woman's point. Julie knows if someone used an image of her own mother without permission she would be livid too.

Julie is frantic, but then she hears the tell-tale sound of a ghost poofing in, looking up to see Reggie. He's smiling but then his eyes land on Emily, and he stops. She doesn't seem to notice him, angry eyes still trained on Julie. "You want me to get Luke?" he asked.

Julie nodded subtly, and Reggie poofed away, coming back moments later, Luke in tow. He was beaming but the smile quickly faded as he saw his mother there. He sat down next to her, whispering "Mom?" but Emily didn't acknowledge him.

Alex then poofed in, taking in the scene. "Do you wanna play her song for her? Julie can play some backing piano so we're visible." Luke nodded, though he looked like he was ready to burst into tears. The boys poofed out, and Julie gently took Emily's hand.

"I know this sounds fantastical, and impossible, but if you'll give me five minutes, I promise it'll be worth it." Emily gave a curt nod and let Julie lead her to the garage.

"This is where they played… lived wasn't it?"

Julie confirmed that it was, taking her space at the piano. "He wants to play the song I gave you. Please." She pressed down lightly on the keys, picking out a sweet melody.

Then the strumming of a guitar, and with a flash, there before Emily stood three faces she thought she would never see again. Alex and Reggie gave her timid smiles as they played, but it was Luke who she focused on. There, standing before her, was her son looking barely any older than the day he ran away. Her son who had died at seventeen some twenty five years ago.

"H-how is this possible?" she stammered, approaching him, but when she went to cup his face, her hand went right through. "Oh god. You really are a ghost."

"Musician spirit. Or well, when we play we go by The Phantoms, as in Julie and the… but yes, ghost," Luke rambled, and Emily teared up hearing his voice. "We don't really understand it, Julie seems to have some weird powers. She summoned us here accidently, and people can see us when we play with her. She can touch us, but other people vary."

"Luke… I'm so sorry. For everything. If only…" Emily began to sob.

Luke looked at Julie pleading, and she got an idea. "Alex toss me an egg shaker or something." Catching the instrument she kept shaking it but got up, touching Luke's back gently. "Give your mom a hug."

With Julie's hand on him, Luke felt more solid, and letting his guitar fall, he started humming the tune to the song, and tentatively reached out. His hand made contact with Emily, and he cried out, before humming once more, letting himself be gathered into her arms. There were many murmured apologies, Julie trying hard to not listen in, letting them have this moment. Reggie and Alex stopped playing, but they were still there, and crept closer, hands on Luke’s shoulders, letting him know they were here.

Emily glanced up, and gave a watery smile. “Reggie, Alex, come on, doubt you two have gotten a good mom hug in ages either.” The boys were a bit astonished that Emily could still see them, but they weren’t about to turn down hugs, wrapping their arms around Emily and Luke. Julie could feel the tears flowing down her face but she didn’t dare stop touching Luke or absently playing the egg shaker, just in case.

Finally all the boys moved away, Luke giving his mom a watery smile. “Love you Mom.”

“Love you too Luke,” Emily said, looking at Julie, “Thank you so much for this. After I get Mitch to believe me, would it be okay if I brought him by so he can hug Luke as well?”

“Of course. And we’ll let you know when we play another show, if you want to see us play sometime,” Julie replied. “We have a few gigs coming up next month in fact.”

“Definitely!” She faced Luke then, clutching at his hands. “I’m doing it right this time. You were born to make music baby, I’m going to be your biggest fan, make sure you never forget that, never doubt how much I love you, support you.”

After that, Emily gave them all a tear filled goodbye, reluctantly leaving, eyes trained on Luke until she got into her car. Luke turned to Julie, hugging her tight. “Thank you Julie, you have no idea how much this meant to me.”

“Anything for you guys.” She glanced up, and it was only a second before she got trapped in the second group hug of the day, but she didn’t mind, because in the arms of these three ghosts was where she truly belonged.

#JatPAdvent2021 #my stuff #writing #fanfic #emily & luke #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

@jatp-adventevent Day Sixteen: Scrooge and the Presents Pushers <- AO3 link

Pairing: Caleb/Reggie

Oooh boy. So I blame this one entirely on @astorytotellyourfriends and @merihn, who write this pairing so well with the understanding that Caleb is a good guy and Reggie has been aged up. I followed suit, because that is the only way I can read and enjoy this pairing. So this is for them, since it's their fault.

Also, this is based entirely on A Christmas Carol

If one thing was known about Caleb Covington it was that he was a hard and cruel man who had made his way in the world through crooked deals. Some likened him to the devil himself, claiming he stole their livelihoods, if not their souls through his contracts. Everyone who met him described him as cold, ruthless, and as one who was known to prey on the innocent. There was no room for warmth, kindness, or compassion in his heart.

Caleb let none of this bother him, insults rolling off his back like water off a duck. He had no time for the opinions of lesser men, for their cheer and goodwill. The world had shown him no mercy, why should he do anything but return the gesture?

This was made worse when he lost the only soul in the world he cared about. Before then, Caleb had been loving and kind, if a bit ruthless in his business. Yet afterwards... His nightmares were haunted by their pale skin, their eyes the colour of sea glass, then dim and gone as the disease stole his one true love. After that, well Caleb closed off his heart, letting nothing else into it, not if it would only result in loss.

That had been many decades ago, when Caleb had been a younger, more foolish man. Now he was old, solitary, and quietly, he would admit, miserable. He knew no kin, no friends, and though he would protest, he knew himself to be lonely.

Then, one Yule, he was not alone, as an apparition, a spirit arrived, looking every bit the love of Caleb's life. Caleb rushed to them, trying to cup their soft cheek, but his hand went through the cool mist. "My love… is it really you?"

The spirit nodded, a sad look on their face, but did not speak. Caleb wanted to ask why now had they appeared, but he knew he would receive no answer. He simply followed where his love led, a long mirror that was hazy with swirling images.

Caleb looked into the glass, seeing his past, present, and future all the once. The small acts of kindness he had forgotten, the lively young man he once was. How he had hardened as he grew, lost to grief and greed. How he missed the simple pleasures, the goodness to be found in the hearts of those around him. How he would end up; forgotten by all, mourned by none. Never to reunite with those he had lost, doomed to an eternity of torment.

"Is it too late to change? To make amends to those I have wronged? Please, my love, give me some sign that this won't be my story." Yet there was no reply, and Caleb wept, collapsing to his knees before the silent, mournful spirit.

"Caleb?"

Caleb's eyes flew open, looking into the concerned sea glass green of his husband's eyes. Reggie swiped at the tears tracking down his face. "You okay my love? Seemed like a bad dream."

Caleb's eyes flew around the room, no longer the depressing suite he had just been in, but the warmth of his bedroom, the one he shared with Reggie. "Yeah, you can say that. Dreamt I was Scrooge."

Reggie chuckled at that. "You? You're the kindest, warmest, most loving man I know. Plus you are crazier about Christmas than I am, which is saying something." Reggie was about to go on when a cry ripped through the air, and he got up from the bed.

Reggie stood over the bassinet, cooing softly, then lifting up the slowly settling child. "Come on Finley, let's go to papa, see if we can get you back to sleep."

Caleb beamed as he took their daughter into his arms, rocking her slowly, Reggie leaning on his shoulder, humming a quiet lullaby. Caleb pressed a kiss to both of their heads, feeling so lucky, so blessed, and he knew that the nightmare had been just that, a bad dream, never to come to pass.

#JatPAdvent2021 #my stuff #writing #fanfic #caleb/reggie #julie and the phantoms