Possibly, I'm Insane

Advent Drabble 24 - Anniversary

2025-12-25T03:25:25Z

For rereader

“Today,” Eames announces, “is our anniversary.”

Arthur ponders this. It’s not their first I love you, not their first kiss, not their first meeting. Eames looks so tickled that Arthur suspects he’s making something random up, to be irritating. “What’s important about today?” Arthur asks.

“Today is the anniversary of the day I got hit by Mycroft Holmes’s car!” Eames declares triumphantly.

Actually…he’s right, and that is an important day for them. Arthur can’t dispute it.

He also knows there’s a reason Eames is buttering him up here. “What did you have in mind to celebrate?”

“A little light larceny?”

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Advent Drabble 23 - Christmas Carols

2025-12-24T01:14:51Z

For jeannyblack

Matt is incapable of just singing a song. Even if that song is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Everything has to be a performance.

It doesn’t bother Patrick, because it’s just who Matt is. But it is quite something to watch how he sets the song up, leading into it with a stream of patter, as if the kids need an introduction to the song. They watch him with the same bemused indulgence Patrick imagines appears on his face. And they applaud with appropriate enthusiasm when he finishes the performance.

Afterward, Matt suggests, “Maybe we should put out a Christmas album.”

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Advent Drabble 22 - Sussex Christmas

2025-12-23T01:19:33Z

For K2togYO

It’s a different sort of holiday altogether, to be in Sussex.

When Oliver was younger, they stayed in London for Christmas. Now that Oliver is off at school, London feels haunted by Oliver’s absence. The oddity of having him home for Christmas, but it only being a visit makes John say, “I think we should do Christmas in Sussex.”

This is also possibly why Sherlock so enthusiastically agrees.

So it’s a different sort of holiday, although the main particular is that Oliver is there. And he’s happy to be there, although he does say, “Looking forward to London at midterm.”

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Advent Drabble 21 - Organic

2025-12-22T00:15:32Z

For ghostofnuggetspast

Mrs. Hudson says that she’s trying to eat healthier. “You know, processed foods are terrible for you. I’m trying to be sure to buy organic.”

John makes vague supportive noises, because he isn’t really interested but it would be rude not to pretend.

Sherlock says, “What does that even mean? ‘Organic’ is a meaningless word. All vegetables are organic.”

“It would do you some good to pay attention to what you eat,” Mrs. Hudson sniffs, leaving the threat hanging as she departs.

“What’s that mean?” Sherlock demands of John. “Does she mean someone’s going to poison me?”

“Yes, processed foods.”

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Advent Drabble 20 - Elf

2025-12-22T00:11:45Z

For chriscalledmesweetie

(Sorry for the late post, yesterday was a busy day!)

The gift is from Mycroft, and when John opens it on Christmas morning Mycroft’s expression is unassailably bland.

“I thought,” he explains, “that it would remind the two of you how you met.”

“Very romantic,” John remarks drily, holding up the Elf on a Shelf.

Sherlock regards it critically. “Santa’s elves look nothing like that,” he concludes dismissively. “John certainly looked nothing like that as an elf.”

“I…think that’s a compliment?” says John, studying the limp stuffed elf with the determinedly grinning visage. “This thing’s a little creepy.”

Sherlock shrugs. “Don’t worry, we’ll garrote the thing when we get home.”

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Advent Drabble 19 - Yarn

2025-12-20T00:28:46Z

For sdlibrarian

The Doctor comes upon the TARDIS’s craft closet unexpectedly, overflowing with random art supplies the kids might need.

“Did you know the TARDIS has a craft closet now?” the Doctor asks Rose.

“Yes. Where did you think the kids got everything?”

The Doctor never thinks – not really – about where things on the TARDIS come from. “You know, I could have done with an unlimited supply of yarn back when I was teaching myself how to knit.”

“You know how to knit? I’d love a new scarf for Christmas, then.”

“I’m not saying I succeeded at teaching myself how to knit.”

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Advent Drabble 18 - Late Christmas Shopping

2025-12-18T22:14:58Z

For anonymous

Patrick answers Pete’s call and Pete says, “It’s Christmas Eve.”

“Yes. Merry Christmas.”

“It’s Christmas Eve,” Pete repeats urgently. “I didn’t buy any gifts!”

“Christmas snuck up on you, huh?”

“There was always tomorrow to go shopping.”

“Except tomorrow is now Christmas Day.”

“Motherfucker,” says Pete feelingly.

“I am not going shopping with you,” Patrick warns him. “The stores will be a mess. My shopping is done, my presents are wrapped, I’m going to make some hot cocoa and relax.”

“Patrick. That’s the most fucking boring thing I’ve ever heard. Come keep me company.”

Patrick sighs because…he agrees. Fuck. “Fine.”

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Advent Drabble 17 - Reindeer

2025-12-18T00:53:49Z

For rereader

Matt wants to contribute to the holiday decorations. They’ve all come out of Patrick’s storage. Matt wants to add his touch to the festivities.

“I could buy us reindeer,” he offers.

Patrick stares at him. “What?”

“Rent them, I mean. For the season. We could have them in the yard. Do you think the kids would like that?”

“Reindeer? Like, plastic reindeer?”

“No, real reindeer. What fun would plastic reindeer be?”

“Hmm,” says Patrick carefully. “I love that idea but I think that might be a bit much.”

“You think plastic reindeer would be enough?”

“I do.”

“Boring,” says Matt.

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Advent Drabble 16 - Houses

2025-12-16T23:00:44Z

For anonymous

“Do you know what would be nice?” Harrison announces. “Having a house someday.”

Drew says, “A house where? We can’t afford any houses.”

“I don’t mean now. I mean someday.”

“I’m impressed you think we’ll ever be able to afford a house in a society where housing scarcity has driven up prices beyond the capability of ordinary—” Drew cuts himself off, registering Harrison’s crestfallen. Ah, he thinks. This is that sort of conversation. “But we can fantasize about having a house someday. I would like a gambrel roof, personally.”

Harrison immediately brightens, so Drew knows he got it right.

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Advent Drabble 15 - Cozy

2025-12-15T23:52:09Z

For anonymous

There are still times when Archer misses home.

Like now, the howling blizzards endlessly blasting against the castle walls, the windows revealing only suffocating white. Archer feels trapped.

While Bennet and all of the other Euphonians are completely unruffled.

Then Bennet says, “Come here,” and bundles him up in furs by a fireplace.

“I wasn’t cold,” Archer harrumphs.

“No, but you needed to feel cozy.” Bennet cuddles closer. The room is lit only by the fire.

It maybe does feel cozy.

“Will it ever stop snowing?” Archer asks.

“Yes. I promise.”

Okay, then, thinks Archer. Think of it as cozy.

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Advent Drabble 14 - Decorating

2025-12-15T02:38:40Z

For anonymous

Matt is amazed by how many Christmas decorations Patrick has.

“What do you even do with this?” he asks, holding up a penguin wearing a Santa hat. Not made by any of the kids. Bought. Patrick paid for this.

“Aww, Penny Penguin!” Hailey exclaims, and walks away with it.

“Where are your Christmas decorations?” Patrick asks, deep in a box of fake candles. “We’ll find a way to integrate them.”

Matt considers the answer to that question.

Patrick looks at him. “Do you not have any Christmas decorations?”

Matt looks at the boxes scattered around them. “Well, I do now.”

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Advent Drabble 13 - Snow

2025-12-14T00:46:07Z

For anonymous

The snow is everywhere. Heaped on their kitchen counters and piled in drifts along the river hallways. Arthur even finds it in his closet – although their bed has been spared.

“What is this?” he asks Eames. Their slightest movement sends synthetic sparkles drifting up into the air.

“Christmas decorations,” Eames answers distractedly, already on to greenery.

Arthur considers what to say. “It’s everywhere.”

“There was a blizzard.”

“It’s fake snow.”

“A fake blizzard.”

“It’s all over the kitchen counters. We use those.”

Eames gives him a look, says, “Do we, darling?” and runs off with arms full of pine boughs.

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Advent Drabble 12 - Roundabout

2025-12-12T22:42:03Z

For hominysnark

“You are criticizing my driving and it is absolutely uncalled for,” Eames announced.

“You are failing at navigating this roundabout,” Arthur replied calmly.

“Well, who puts a fucking roundabout in a fucking dream?” Eames demanded. Then cut the car straight through the traffic to the other side.

“That was cheating.”

“I do know all about roundabouts, by the way. We are on my home turf right now. Driving on the right side of the road. The correct side, I mean.”

“And yet,” Arthur murmured. “You remain a terrible driver on both sides of the Atlantic.”

“We are in a dream!”

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Advent Drabble 11 - Frankincense

2025-12-12T00:49:55Z

For rifleman_lincoln

Oliver studies the nativity closely. “I understand the baby and the parents and that one there is clearly a shepherd but who are those people?” He points.

“The three kings,” John answers. “Or the three wise men. Same thing.”

Sherlock snorts. “As if kings are ever wise.”

“You would say nobody is wise,” John retorts.

“I would be right.”

“What are they doing there?” Oliver asks.

“Bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Oliver says, “Those are stupid gifts for a baby, they’re clearly a pretense for their plan to murder him.”

Sherlock suddenly gives the nativity his full attention.

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Advent Drabble 10 - Oliver

2025-12-11T00:34:02Z

For kleoette

Oliver has been assigned a classmate to exchange gifts with. The entire thing is nonsensical to Sherlock.

“What for?” he demands.

“For the usual reasons that one buys people gifts,” John explains patiently.

“We don’t even know these people!”

“Oliver knows them.” John smiles at Oliver. “Right, Ollie?”

“Yes, and I’m going to give them worms.” Oliver is glowing with triumph.

John hesitates. “Do you…not like the person you got to exchange gifts with?”

“Oh, no, I like him a lot. I’m going to give him the special worms Dad and I have been experimenting with.”

“Good idea,” Sherlock approves.

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Advent Drabble 9 - Niece

2025-12-10T00:16:41Z

For kageillusionz

Eames is frowning in a way that Arthur has never seen before. Arthur tries to imagine what could cause that expression on Eames’s face. Eames is cool, calm, and collected no matter what shit is going down. The world must be ending somehow. A nuclear missile strike, the final ice sheets collapsing into the sea, something like this.

“What is it?” Arthur asks, stomach already sinking in dread.

“I have been invited to my niece’s sixteenth birthday party.” Eames brandishes the apparent invitation thunderously. “When the fuck did sixteen years go by! Impossible!”

Arthur doesn’t even try not to laugh.

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Advent Drabble 8 - Wonder

2025-12-09T00:01:51Z

For queenofonions

“This is a time of wonder,” Eames is proclaiming.

“Whenever you’re around me is always a time of wonder,” Arthur mutters.

“What a lovely thing to say, darling!”

“I wonder what new and exciting way Eames will find to irritate me this time,” Arthur explains.

“Ha ha. I meant Christmastime. Christmas is a time of wonder and joy. Not just me.”

“I didn’t say you were a time of joy. Just wonder.”

“That’s okay. I have time to convince you of the ‘joy’ part later.”

“How?” Arthur asks suspiciously.

“Darling, you’re going to like it so much,” Eames promises enthusiastically.

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Advent Drabble 7 - Reference

2025-12-08T00:31:58Z

For postynotemusing .

Matt says, “It’s a very unfortunate thing for me that, if I want to get this internship, I need references, and the only people I can use for a reference are…not exactly people.”

Brem looks at him without comprehension. “What’s a reference?”

Matt sighs. “Spoken like someone who has never had to have a job.”

“I have many jobs,” Brem retorts. “I have to help save the universe a lot. It’s a big job.”

“Doesn’t require references to vouch for how good you are at it.”

“I suppose I could line up a couple of Daleks. A Cyberman or two.”

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Advent Drabble 6 - Alien Holiday

2025-12-07T00:53:39Z

For auntiesuze

“It’s just like Christmas,” is what the Doctor assures all of them as the TARDIS landed on Bop Pidiamop.

“So Father Christmas is going to be here?” says Athena.

“Welllllllll, no.”

“There’s going to be Christmas presents?” asks Brem.

“Not that, either.”

“But I bet there’s going to be pretty trees!” exclaims Fortuna.

“Ah, not quite.”

“So,” Rose says, “when you say it’s just like Christmas…”

“I mean that there are gingerbread men.” The Doctor pauses. “Living gingerbread men. Who you then have to behead to eat. Like a turkey.”

“So maybe not at all like Christmas, then,” remarks Rose.

(there are still a couple of slots available here)

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Advent Drabble 5 - Christmas pudding

2025-12-06T00:06:22Z

For chocolamousse

“I think,” says John, “that it’s a bad idea.”

“Of course it’s a bad idea,” Mycroft agrees drily.

Sherlock keeps fiddling around with his creation. “You always want me to be more festive. You always ask me to participate more in the family traditions.”

“I don’t ask that,” Mycroft denies. “Mother asks that.”

“And now I have finally taken an interest in the Christmas festivities.”

“Yes, but the Christmas festivity in question is lighting the pudding on fire,” John points out. “Using a special compound you developed yourself.”

“It’s a little experiment.” Sherlock shrugs. “What’s the worst that can happen?”

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Advent Drabble 4 - Falling

2025-12-05T00:18:15Z

For redwinterbloom

“Okay, but,” Arthur says, frowning at Eames, because he’s always frowning at Eames, “that’s not what you were supposed to do.”

“Yes,” Eames explains patiently, “but, darling, sometimes things do not go according to plan and then you have to improvise.”

“So you improvised kissing me?”

“Yes. It was important to the plan.” Eames peers out over the edge of the rooftop they’re standing on. He says, “We’re going to have to jump.”

“Not so fast. I’m not done having a conversation about—”

Which is when Eames kisses him again. And simultaneously flings both of them off the roof.

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Advent Drabble 3 - Adolescent Lucky

2025-12-04T00:03:13Z

For anonymous.

“It’s the latest thing, Arthur,” Eames says. “It’s all anybody wants this year for Christmas.”

Of course Eames would know all about the hot gift, thrusting it into Arthur’s lap.

He studies it in confusion. “It’s…a weird monster stuffed animal holding…makeup?”

“Collectibles with skincare, darling.”

“You know I don’t approve of makeup yet,” Arthur grumbles, constantly resisting this aging shit.

“Not makeup, skincare.”

Arthur gives Eames a look.

“Anyway, she’ll be the most popular girl at school with one of these. Can’t find them anywhere.”

Well. That’s a telling sentence. “Where did you get this?” Arthur asks suspiciously.

Eames grins.

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Advent Drabble 2 - Hope

2025-12-02T23:49:03Z

For anonymous.

Hope is the thing that forces Pete out of bed in the morning. It’s exhausting. Sometimes he thinks it would be easier to just give up. But he remains stubbornly hopelessly hopeful.

Patrick says suddenly, “You know, you’re the one who gives me hope.”

Pete snorts. “Me? I can barely manage my own hope.”
“Probably because you’re too busy managing mine for me. Hey.” Patrick falls silent until Pete looks at him, curious. “Thanks. I would have given up. But you never stop hoping.”

And it’s exhausting, this relentless hope, but looking at Patrick, Pete remembers why he does it.

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Advent Drabble 1 - Bang & Clatter

2025-12-02T01:45:21Z

For starrla89

Sometimes John gets a wistful longing to close one hand around a baseball, to slip the other hand into a glove, and have the outdoors equal baseball, the way it did for most of his life. Sometimes he remembers how many years he spent viewing grass only as the canvas for the field, a background for the ball to pop against.

Sherlock never seems to miss baseball with the acuteness that attacks John…but always seems attuned to when that mood hits John, showing up with ball and glove and an invitation of studied casualness. “Care for a game of catch?”

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SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL ADVENT DRABBLES!!!!!!

2025-11-29T00:01:02Z

I call these Advent drabbles because I happen to be celebrating Advent, but they are really just December drabbles. Let's make it through the slog of this last (and in the northern hemisphere usually DARK) month of the year in some style! I've been doing these now for seventeen years and times may change but many things stay the same (namely, the joy of a good fic).

So! As usual, here's how this works: Leave a comment on this entry to be gifted a drabble sometime during the first twenty-four days of December. Anonymous commenting should be enabled, so you shouldn't need a DW account. Your comment should be a one-word prompt, holiday-themed or not, and if you want you can also request specific characters/'verses. I'll post a drabble a day matching the first 24 prompts, starting on December 1.

Drabbles will be posted on DW (and thus cross-posted to LJ) and also on Tumblr. If you let me know your Tumblr username, I'll tag you on the Tumblr post so you're sure to see it! You can also remain anonymous, if you prefer.

HAPPY DECEMBER, EVERYONE!!!!!

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