#sometimes on skype if my fiance leaves the room for a second

[literalbuzzkill]

Below I'm gonna vent so y'all can ignore that XD

I'm basically making this post as a timestamp/reminder for myself about Covid2020 and what I had to deal with during it (even though it's still a relentlessly ongoing problem, as of Jan2021, yikes)

Below is my personal experience in switching from working everyday as an essential retail worker to now a stay at home unemployed/leave of absense person. Don't feel bad about not reading it, it's long, boring, and I can't really expect anyone to actually be interested because the struggle is real and who wants to be reminded of the grim reality we can't currently escape? XD

[The Start:]

I was still working retail up until a few months ago because most people left. And being short staffed already before covid at my store, things became an even worse unmanageable nightmare because they started to work the remaining staff to death because no one really knew what to do which sucked and everyone was rightfully afraid of what was happening all around them, plus everyone internally was hoping that this would all blow over in a decent amount of time and we could all return to normal and never speak of it again. Considering Covid started around late January/early February in 2019 and today's date (for my future reference) is Jan 4th 2021, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it certainly has not blown over in a decent amount of time like originally hoped for. Oof.

I was a closer but because of covid my job turned into 'every position at the store and everything/anything that you can possibly get done'. All the stuff from morning team, mid shift, and nightshift rolled into one. Cashiering, phone calls, cleaning, ship from store, backroom, covering multiple breaks, and every department on hardlines salesfloor,

(I did everything except for guest services, food service, clothing, and hr)

you name it XD because most people abandoned ship and Yeeted (which I dont blame them for, t'was a big mood) our store did not hire replacements until literally a few months ago. After I left. Nice.

We were not getting paid any extra, having to stay late, running around with an unending unfinishable list, having to deal with rude customers and cranky bosses, full 8+hour shifts having to wear a mask (even in the break room, and sometimes missing breaks all together because of the large work load) Another problem, my job did not supply masks, proper cleaning supplies, gloves etc to us until an unacceptable amount of time had passed since the start of the virus. Now I didn't expect them to be stocked and fully prepared immediately, obviously.

It was also pretty frustrating getting reprimanded by customers when supplies were low everywhere and some things necessary for existing safely could not be bought anywhere due to high demand, which was only natural, but some people actually acted like it was our personal fault for the store for being sold out of things like hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, toilet paper, and even accused us for holding it in the back for ourselves (which wasnt the case, customers are top priority at our store so the workers usually got nothing to take home or buy, even if we had pulled it from the truck or stocked it ourselves.)

Aside from the excessive draining from normal retail where we already suffer from Karen's and the often unpleasant general public, the Rona made the daily grind even more intense, as if we already thought it couldn't get any worse.

Straying away from that for a second, personal lives were now also affected greatly. Added on top of this new fear/caution/lifestyle was not being able to see my fiance or his family for months because they are all at very high risk. (Unfortunately I am too, but I really needed the paycheck so I thought I had to keep working until the inevitable, which was not looked forward to, but as long as I was potentially exposed with my job we all had to be apart unless I decided to quit and risk not having enough money to pay my bills or survive.)

(Side note for context: My fiance and I have been very lucky enough to see eachother almost every day for 4 years. Surprisingly we have not gotten sick of eachother yet and kept up with that regularity. And though we are engaged, we dont live together, but we do only live 15 minutes away so we just drive over to eachother everyday. Anyway, point being that going months without seeing him at all killed me internally hardcore. This was before zoom was popular and we were not about to resort to Skype. His parents are older and closer to me than my own family and were not comfortable with any form of in-person visits so we usually just did phone calls.)

And eventually I gave up,

I made it halfway through this pandemic working everyday, not seeing the only people I considered family, and I couldn't do it anymore. It literally didn't feel human.

Not to mention this did not help whatsoever with my pre-existing problems, bad depression, anxiety, ptsd, Self h, etc... it was all just getting way too out of hand with more stress piling up daily and taking too big a toll on me to the point where I couldn't deal with my regular lifestyle anymore. I needed a break and a change to severely turn myself around.

So a few months ago I finally went on leave of absence and it was the hardest thing for me to do but honestly the best thing I did. Because everything was so uncertain and I worried about how helpful unemployment would be towards my bills, if I'd lose my job for being gone too long due to an open ended leave of absense for the sake of my health/safety, and honestly I loved my job and my coworkers, but many of them had already left so at that point it became easier for me to leave.

I'm currently making more on unemployment than my job was paying my bi-weekly and doing leagues better mentally, emotionally, and physically, than before when I thought I could last the whole time working through covid hoping I wouldn't catch it and probably die because my health is not 100% gucci in the first place. I was too stubborn to quit until I got to a breaking point and then realised that putting my health/life on the line when I'm at risk during a pandemic for literally no reason other than feeling bad for my one really kind boss (who ended up leaving for a better job anyway right after I left)

in my brain the whole time I figured "eh if I die then I die" but there was a major upside to saying "you know what, fuck this" and leaving.

I've gotten to take up hobbies and do things that I've wanted to do for like 10 years, I improved my financial situation, bought my dream car(A 2004Crossfire), got engaged to the love of my life, had more time to read, write, learn, create, help my fiance record his first official music video, support smaller businesses, get back in better physical health, regain stability, and a new respect for life, health, friends, family, acts of kindness, and how easy things used to be before covid and how it was unintentionally taken for granted.

Not gonna lie, at first I was pretty mad that people on unemployment made more than essential workers, but I also knew that it wasn't their fault for their personal situations or reasonings for needing it. The problem was mainly that many Companies/jobs could have done more, treated essential workers better, given more help, compensated financially, offered forms of protectionagaint the virus, or done literally anything extra at all to help employees who were struggling or who stay to continue working there during a terrible pandemic, and some companies/jobs have done good things for their workers in response of the outbreak which is awesome.

Workers should absolutely be compensated for their extra efforts, time, and pleasant attitude in this difficult time, and treated better than they are. Some things should 1000% be different but some things in this world are still a work in progress.

And also, for people with health issues that are at risk but working anyway for whatever reason, there shouldn't be any shame felt for taking care of yourself or by the people who have to go on unemployment, those who can't work, lost their jobs, need help or a break, or just can't do it anymore, because it hits hard when you realise that even though your effort is important and you're doing your best, playing an important role in society, you could also be risking your health/life or even possibly someone you live withs, for a company that will replace you pretty easily if you're suddenly gone.

I worked at my store for 4 years, was extremely hard working and did everything and anything I could to stay as long as I could during this, but I realised that I'd rather not risk myself and be treated how I was.

Ultimately, the sad reality is that covid has some people forgetting that humans (whether working or not) are humans too that can die or fail at any time given the current circumstances. Some situations are unavoidable like a pandemic, but we can do our best with whatever reality we meet, whether it's being essential the whole way through like some are able, and knowing your health well enough to be able to judge what's best for you individually for now.

but regardless making sure you're not taking yourself for granted in the process.

I'm lucky enough to not have gotten covid yet, and I hope it stays that way.

If your job isnt doing what it can for you in this time, dont be too stubborn about staying

Its not worth risking yourself for your job honestly, and I really hope peoples jobs do as much as they can for those they employ.

If you aren't working, do something with your time that you'll remember (safe things obviously) and if you are still working keep up the awesome progress, stay safe, and be blessed. ❤

[randomwordprompts]

If It’s Magic | Chapter 2

A/N: This is a bit longer than the first chapter, I’m not mad at it but I’m working towards something. No warnings...yet lol

Taglist: @great-neckpectations @wakandas-vibranium @bartierbakarimobisson @wakandan-flowerz @yaachtynoboat711 @oceanscorazon @babygirlofwakanda @storibambino @reaperdeldrunk Lucy huffed as she stood in line in the cafe, giving the barista a pleasant smile once she finally reached the front.

“Hi, I ordered a macchiato on the app under the name Lucille Owens. Is it ready?”

“I’m sorry but there’s no order here under that name,” the young man said with a bored expression on his face, signaling her to move over so he could help the person behind her. Lucy gaped at him and refused to leave the spot, much to the chagrin of the people behind her.

“Excuse me?! I’m gonna need you to check again because I know what I ordered!”

“I understand, but I don’t have your order here and there are others waiting. Either put in a new order or step aside, please.”

Lucy was about to rip into him before she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked at Amira, who’d been quietly watching the two of them, and moved to make room for her in front of the barista.

“Listen, we have an Intro to Psych class to get to and it’s the first day. Could you put in two mocha macchiatos for me and my roommate, lease? She already paid and it’s only right.”

The male’s eyes seemed to glaze over a bit as Amira spoke, looking a bit dumbfounded. When she finished speaking he nodded and put the order in, letting the ladies know that they’d be called when they were ready. While waiting Lucy looked at Amira warily, unsure of what just happened.

Amira noticed and returned the look. “What?”

“You know damn well what. How did you do that?”

“Do what?”

Lucy glared at her and huffed. “Mira...the thing with the barista!! What was that?!”

“Oh, that. It’s a long story that I’ll explain later, when we’re alone. Please ask me something else.”

Seeming satisfied for the moment, Lucy decided to ask something that had been on her mind since their first night together.

“Fine, fine. Tell me about that fine ass dude that came to our place the other night! He was all tall dark and handsome. You said he was your friend?”

Amira silently wished she’d just answered the first question, she thought with a chuckle.

“Xavier is a lot of things. My best friend, business partner, ex-boyfriend, almost fiance-”

“Almost what now?! You not gone just speed past that like you didn’t just say he was almost your fiance. Explain, Canadian.”

“He proposed, I said no.”

Lucy’s eyes nearly bugged out through her glasses at that.

“Why the hell would you say no to that? He fine as hell, probably smart cause he goes here, and he look like he got money! Did he hit you?”

“Girl, no! It just wasn’t the right time. After some talking, we agreed to wait until after graduation.”

Lucy sat back and ended her interrogation for now, just when their orders were ready. With a wink to the barista, they left the cafe and headed to class, speed walking a bit so they wouldn’t be late.

“So you telling me she said no...and y’all are still friends? You’re better than me, dawg.”

Xavier and his roommate Daniel were in the gym exercising between classes. Currently, the latter was spotting the former in a bench press as they spoke.

“We’ve been friends since middle school, dude. Besides, it’s more of a not yet than a no. We talked and decided together that it would be better to wait until after graduation.”

As they continued to speak, Xavier finished his set and got up to switch places with Daniel, spotting him through his own bench press.

“Okay, that’s fair. But why not still be together while in school? From what I’ve seen you two still have chemistry.”

“Man, stop worrying so much about my love life and focus on yours. What happened with that cutie you took out last night? I didn’t expect to see you again until this morning.”

Daniel huffed a bit and rolled his eyes as he paused to meet Xavier’s gaze, “Dude, her friend ended up calling her crying right when we got back to her place. I feel like it was a set up but either way we said goodnight early.”

Xavier barked out a laugh as they continued their workout before hitting the showers and grabbing some food.

Amira sat cross-legged on her bed surrounded by notes and her laptop, hair pulled up into a loose top bun with a pen behind her ear as she typed away. She barely registered the front door opening and closing before Lucy was at her room’s threshold with an excited look on her face and a flyer in her hand.

“Mira, you would not believe what happened today!”

Without looking away from her laptop, Amira raised a brow as she spoke.

“You finally asked that dude out from psych?”

“What? No! I was heading back from buying my brushes and there were these women on 20th Street talking about something called ‘reproductive justice’. You ever heard of it?”

“Yeah, we learned a little bit about it in high school. Women taking charge of what happens to their bodies and shit. Why?”

“Apparently there’s going to be an event next week where they go more into detail on what it is. Would my roommate care to join?”

Amira paused her work and gestured for Lucy to give her the paper so she could look it over, shrugging a bit before she finally answered, “I don’t see why not, I like learning sometimes. Speaking of, I almost got kicked out of my Culture & Society class today.”

“It’s the second week, how the hell did you manage that?”

“I might have told the professor that he didn’t have any culture because he’s white...unless you count inbreeding, theft, murder, and beastiality.”

Lucy damn near fell over she laughed so hard, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes as Amira shrugged once more with a laugh.

“I mean, you weren’t wrong. But you know you can’t say that to these professors! They already think they’re “aware” because they went backpacking in Denver on their parent’s dime, or decided to stop washing their hair.”

“White people wash their hair?”

“Ya know...probably not.”

They laughed once more until Amira’s phone rang, the contact name “Peachy Kins” over a picture of Jonathan popping up and not going unnoticed by Lucy.

“Wooooow. So you can talk about white people but you got one saved in your phone looking all yummy with a pet name?! Ma’am.”

“Eh, cut that shit out. That’s my brother, he’s basically off black.”

Lucy snorted as Amira answered the phone and ushered her out of the room. “Well introduce me to the black side cause he fine. Heyyyy big brother!”

“Who the fuck was that?” Jonathan’s voice hit her ear as she closed the door, shaking her head.

“My roommate. She thinks you’re cute, ignore her.”

“I mean...I like dick, so I will. Anywhore, are you by your laptop?”

“Yeah I am, why?”

“Oh, just got something you might wanna see. Call me on Skype.”

Amira made a face but hung up her phone as she pulled up Skype on her laptop, calling him right away. When he answered it was clear he was in the basement of their office building, his usual dress shirt’s sleeves rolled up before he turned the camera to face what he wanted her to see. It turned out to be one of her workers, tied to a chair and barely conscious as if he’d been drugged. She was prepared to ask what was going on but Jonathan spoke first as he walked towards the male.

“So it seems we have a mole in our midst. I had Kenneth here followed and apparently he’s been meeting with the Chief of Police when he’s not working. But apparently, he doesn’t work with you guys anymore?”

The man in question was slowly coming to, looking dazed and confused as to where he was currently. Amira leaned back slightly and shook her head, running a hand over her face.

“Oh, Kenny. Kenny, Kenny, Kenny. Nah, he doesn’t work for us anymore because he was stealing.”

“A snitch and a thief? Heavy stuff. How do you wanna handle this?”

“Given that he has nothing the cops can actually use...just put him in the hospital. I think that’s a fair punishment.”

“Alright, will do. Later babe.”

“Oh Jon, wait! Make sure he can’t have any kids? No one needs to have that burden in their lives.”

At those words, Kenneth came to slightly, struggling to get out of the chair he was tied to with increasing strength. Jonathan snorted at his attempts before looking back to his sister.

“I can see why you’d say that. On it though, I’ll keep you updated on the other shit.”

After exchanging ‘love yous’ and ending the call, Amira grabbed her phone and texted Xavier the situation to keep him in the loop. She was surprised when he opted to call instead of replying, but answered the phone regardless.

“You know I don’t like texting.”

“I know, but I figured you were busy. Actually, what is that sound?”

The sound in question was what slurping and gagging, but Amira thought she might be mistaken.

“It’s nothing important honestly,” Xavier began, prompting the girl sitting between his legs to pull her mouth from his semi-hard dick, irritation clear on her face as she inquired who the fuck he was talking to. He raised a brow at her and smirked before putting the phone on speaker and replying so that both women could hear him.

“I was talking to someone that actually knows how to suck a dick, you might wanna ask her for some pointers because your mouth is pretty sad.”

Amira’s voice floated from the phone laced with pure amusement.

“Damn, you called me while she sucked you off? That’s sad as hell. Do better, Mr. Rose.”

At this point the girl was fuming, standing and going on about how she didn’t need this shit and Xavier wasn’t that cute anyways before she let herself out. Xavier simply pulled his sweats back up as Amira cackled on the other end of the phone, no doubt wiping tears from her eyes.

“She was trying to be cute, who does that?”

“People that don’t know how to suck dick, but I digress. Did you read my text?”

“I did. Jon’s handling it right?”

“Of course. I just didn’t want to leave you out of the loop of information.”

“Mighty white of you, beautiful. Since I have you on the phone though, you got plans next week? Daniel and I are going to stage a sit-in on administration about having a BSU and it would mean a lot if you showed up. You can even bring your loud roommate.”

Amira chuckled and stood from her bed, stretching her legs and letting out a small groan.

“Lucy’s just passionate, give her a break. But let me see what my week is looking like and I’ll get back to you?”

“No problem. In the meantime, go eat.”

“How do you know I haven’t eaten?”

“Because you sound hungry. Now go eat or I’ll come over there and feed you.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time unless you plan to follow through. But fine, I’ll eat...you can still come to feed me though,” she said with a smirk as she left her room to head towards the kitchenette.

“The hell he can! I got an early class tomorrow...” Lucy interjected as Amira grabbed some ingredients for a quick stir fry.

Daniel tried not to laugh in Xavier’s face when he relayed how he was basically shut down by Amira’s roommate, but he quickly failed.

“I’m sorry dude, but it’s funny. Why don’t you do something cute, like ask her out?”

“Because she’s my girl and I don’t have to do that? She knows how I feel.”

“And? Nigga, the same shit you did for her to be your girl, you now have to do to keep her that way. Fuck around and be single by your sophmore year.”

Xavier looked at him for a moment before shaking his head, “Nah, it’s not like that with us. We’ve always been friends first since we were kids.”

“Key word there? Kids, my nigga. Y’all grown now, and she’s gonna want to know that you don’t see that same little girl anymore.”

“...you give a lot of advice for somebody that ain’t got nobody.”

“You don’t listen and you won’t have nobody either.”

Xavier thought about Daniel’s words but brushed them off, sure that Amira knew how he felt about her already. Besides that, they’re bonded. They can’t be in love with anyone else...right?

___________________________________

Daaamn, Daniel! Did he have a point though? Tell me what you think!

#if it's magic #random writing #random stories #Amira and Xavier #my writing #randomwordprompts #original work

[angstymarshmallow]

Homesick - Drake x MC

#ChoicesCreates Round 30

[A little note:  Toyed with this for awhile, and wanted to post before choicescreates ended this week. Mostly fluff because I could really use some fluff.]

[Summary: A homesick Drake misses MC (Robyn) immensely after being away on business in Cordonia for three months.]

Prompt: Reunited Book: The Royal Romance 2 Pairing: Drake x MC Rating: T

Thanks Holly @holly-park for hosting!

Drake hated long business trips; hated them even more when they spanned over months instead of weeks. Much to his annoyance, this was beginning to become a regular occurrence after Liam had become King. Sometimes, he remained in Cordonia for weeks, maybe a month at a time before returning to New York. Other times such as this, his trip lasted far longer.

He didn’t mind being available to Liam, not truly. He felt that he owed him that much. But he could barely remember the feeling of his own bed, missed it more than the unfamiliar sheets he was sorrunded by and missed the woman he shared his bed with even more. The whiskey helped, it always did when he had to deal with nobility and the press.

Although he remained by Liam’s side, it was never enough for him to grow complacent with the duties he assisted with. At least keeping and offering council allowed him to be busy. It kept his mind from wandering too often about Robyn while he was stuck in Cordonia. And as much as he grumbled about his trips away from home, he knew the moment Liam needed him - he would never hesitate. 

He always left New York in a heartbeat. 

It had been nearly three months since the last time he saw his own bed, the smile of his fiancee or even heard the sound of her laughter. He counted, and everyday that passed increased his misery. He lost his patience with Maxwell, he kept quiet during Liam’s meetings and slinked off to be alone more than he cared to admit. 

He missed her. 

Missed her more after their irregular skype calls. Sometimes he caught her half an hour before she went to bed and other moments he was able to see her right before she left for work. 

None of it felt enough.

No matter how much he owed to Liam. He owed more to her. She had given him what he thought he could never have. Love. Acceptance. It was different with Liam; he never understood him the way Robyn had. He was indebted because pieces of him only belonged to pieces of her. She had saved him, he wouldn’t admit in so many words, but she had been his only stability when he felt his world crumbling. She was his solace, and without her presence he had trouble finding equal footing with the rest of everyone in Cordonia.

When things had finally settled into a slower and regular routine in the manor, Liam seemed to need his advice less and less. Drake spent less time with him in the public eye and the rest of the nobility, and more time planning how quickly he would leave. Eventually, after one of their morning runs, Drake had formally informed the king he was taking his leave.

Spring had turned into fall then. Three months had robbed him of an entire summer, an entire summer of her. Leaves were no longer their forest green. Months had turned them a golden brown and when autumn had finally arrived Drake had packed his bags. All he could think of was surprising her with kisses and dinner. Mostly, all he wanted were days alone together again. 

Drake attempted to leave early; heaving his luggage across his shoulder before most of the staff had awakened. His shoulders protested from effort but he managed to keep them balanced as he stalked along the hall. He wanted to quickly leave before the sun could arise high enough to take its place among the clouds.

When his feet drifted by Liam’s door, they paused of their own accord. He froze, back straightening until they pointed towards it. Before his fists could touch the door, he sighed and felt a lump form in his throat.

Drake had never been good at goodbyes. He was good at keeping secrets, and keeping quiet. He was good at being Liam’s best friend and surprisingly good at being Robyn’s fiance. However, he wasn’t good at putting farewell’s into practice. He hated them. Deciding better against it, he quickly retraced his steps until he could find the main hall again. With his luggage still solidly across his shoulders, he quickly flew down the stairs.

Maxwell had been at the bottom, when Drake spotted him. 

His expression brightened when he took in his appearance and Drake watched that annoyingly perky attitude of his practically filled the room. Damn. He thought to himself; out of all the people he had to run into, a Beaumont was apparently at the top of the list. 

Once his feet hit the last step he regarded the other man with a timid nod before his eyes flitted away. The scowl that had begun on his lips, had disappeared at the sight of Liam.

“You didn’t think you could leave without saying goodbye, did you?” Liam chuckled good-naturedly.

Drake winced. He felt a twinge of guilt as he shifted and dropped his bag by his feet. “Sorry, I wanted to but…” He trailed off for a moment, and decided it didn’t make any sense to lie to him. Liam might be king but he was always his best friend first and foremost. “I’m not really good at goodbyes Liam,” he finished lamely. “You know that. I know that.” 

Liam’s eyes flashed in understanding before he closed the distance to clap him on the back. “There’s no place like the present, right?” His perfect set of teeth were on display once he grinned. “Besides, this isn’t goodbye. This is see you later. We’re still going to your wedding right?” It was a rhetorical question but it almost caused Drake to groan.

 “Unfortunately yes. I keep hoping she’ll change her mind.” At his friend’s puzzled expression, he added. “So we could run away together instead.”

Liam frowned. “I would never forgive you for it.”

“Frankly, I’m hurt.” Maxwell spoke up, poking Drake’s sides until he swatted his hands away.

“I’m kidding.” Mostly anyway. Although his tone might have given them another impression, Drake didn’t hate the idea of a big wedding - he just didn’t like it either. He didn’t want a public affair. He preferred the company of a select few rather than invitations that spanned into the dozens. How many people did Robyn really care about on her list?

It felt closer to strangers and acquaintances than it had to friends. However when Robyn dreamed - she dreamed big, and he knew she wanted more. She was always spilling her half-thought of ideas with excitement ever since they had gotten engaged and he couldn’t bring himself to disagree with her wedding plans. Except on the occasions when he struggled with the overwhelming apprehension of the whole idea. Truthfully, he wanted to run in the other direction but kept telling himself he was mostly on board with everything she wanted.

“You can’t leave before we share a drink!” Maxwell interjected, forcing Drake’s thoughts back to the present moments before the man had jumped at him. He was beaming as he threw his arms around his shoulders.

“Please stop touching me Maxwell.” His lips nearly betrayed him at the pout Maxwell gave before releasing him. “As much fun as this has been,” he pursed his lips, “I’ve got a beautiful fiancee waiting at home for me. Probably shouldn’t keep her waiting even a second longer.”

Before Drake had gotten to the door, he caught the side glances Maxwell and Liam shared until Maxwell spoke up. “Gee, I guess we’ll have to drink all this whiskey by ourselves.”

Drake’s feet froze and he held his breath.

 “It’s a pity, because it’s Drake’s favourite.”

Cheeks lightly flushing, Drake whirled on his heels to glance at them. He coughed awkwardly before dutifully walking back. He ignored their triumphant smiles over his stint of shame. “I suppose one drink wouldn’t hurt.” He muttered, “what kind of a guest would I be if I didn’t accept?”

Maxwell raised his eyebrows, “you aren’t a guest here. You’re family.”

Liam chuckled, “I knew you could never resist a good glass of whiskey.”

Drake draped his arms around either of them. “What can I say? It’s my only weakness.”

“I’m telling Robyn.” Maxwell teased as they begun walking into the direction of Liam’s wine cellar.

He groaned. “Please don’t, I’ll never hear the end of it.”

-

The first thing Drake had noticed once he pushed past the threshold leading into his home was the distinct smell of something fresh enveloping his senses. Something with a little bit of kick in it - something tasty, that had immediately reminded him of how hungry he was after his nearly six hour flight.

At first, his laptop bag had slipped from him; startled that his fiancee would begin such a treacherous task without him. She knew how wary he felt about her cooking in solidarity without his watchful gaze, and for the most part they had agreed cooking was his responsibility. He was after all, adequate enough to prepare most of their favourites and anything he couldn’t, they usually ordered. 

He frowned once he noticed that it was his stomach speaking to him, instead of his good senses. Once he inhaled deeply a second time; expecting the wonderful scent again - it was instead the smell of something burning that made his stomach lurch. He couldn’t imagine how he had confused the two.

Quickly, he scurried towards the kitchen’s direction. That and the sound of his lovely fiancee howling as if she’d been struck by a plague made him hurry to reach her.

“Robyn!” Her name was sharp on his tongue and carried the weight of his concern. He yanked off his tie and rolled up his cuff links before his feet skittered to a stop. His feet halted in time to see her yanking off her a washed-out pink mitten, while she cooled her other with long drawn-out breaths.

“Shit, shit shit.” Robyn swore harshly. Her hair was tied into a hasty bun and sweat beaded across her forehead as she blew on her injured hand a second time. She was dressed in one of his favourites on her; dark and lacey silk. It would have made for a better sight had she not been hopping on one leg and then the other.

He stared at her.  “Tinsley,” he glanced from her bewildered expression to the nearly charcoal tray she deposited across their countertop. “What the hell were you thinking?” He scowled at the sight of her reddened flesh, and took quick strides to grab an ice pack before placing it gently across her tender flesh.

She hissed and flinched when she felt the cool pad but kept her eyes downcast until she could feel his penetrating scowl. It was practically seeing through her. “I was thinking I could surprise you tonight.” Her eyebrows drew in frustration, “but then I got the timer all wrong…and I’ve ruined a perfectly good cake.” 

An anguish cry of frustration left her lips. “I had it all planned, y’know.” She stared at their joined hands. “A dinner then desert, and then I was thinking I could give you a massage with the oil I picked up yesterday. And and and-” Her breath hitched. “I know it may seem ridiculous to you but I -”

She hadn’t expected his kiss. 

It drew a strangled cry from her lips before she began responding, kissing him fervently as proof of how much she had longed for his touch while he had been away. She felt his hand possessively drag her closer, until she felt her hair being pulled out of it’s bun. They were locked in their own world, hands and lips sought each other quickly as he pressed her petite form against the counter. His hands roamed under her silk robe and she heard his hum of appreciation low inside his throat.

When he pulled away, he was glancing at her with so much unadulterated affection that it suddenly made her forget how angry she had been moments ago. “It’s the thought that counts,” he muttered.

She peeked up at him, “you mean you’re not mad?” She bit her bottom lip, “you’re usually mad at these things.”

He tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear. “No I’m not mad.” He had been more worried than mad. “I’m just glad you’re okay, I-” Even though they had been together for over a year, sometimes it was still difficult for him just to express how he felt. “I just missed you. I missed you like crazy.” His hand drifted towards her cheek and she nuzzled inside his palm. “Only you could make me miss you so much that I mistakenly responded to the Cordonian press with your name instead of the person that was interviewing me.”

Laughing, her eyes brightened and almost seemed to sparkle. “Oh I bet they just enjoyed that. Bunch of gossipers,” she shook her head ruefully before pursing her lips. “I’m surprised they hadn’t asked where I was.”

“Oh they did, but I told them you weren’t into their political bullshit.” At her chuckle, he half-smiled. “But the best was when they asked me about the wedding you’re planning.”

“You mean the wedding we’re planning.” She corrected.

“So I do get a say?” At the raising of her eyebrows, he laughed. “I’m kidding, I know I’m involved.” As involved as any groom could be, he added silently. “But you know if I had any actual say…” He trailed off once he noticed her small frown.

“No, no way.” She protested, shaking her head. “A thousand times no.”

“Why not?” He was going to do it. He was going to give her his best pout.

She hesitated, before blinking at him. Opening her mouth, she averted her eyes as she spoke. “Our families would kill us.”

“Oh c’mon.” He complained. “Shouldn’t our wedding be about us and not them?”

“When have weddings only been only about the two people getting married?” She didn’t wait for him to answer, “please don’t respond with some gloomy and morbidly vague saying about love and marriage.” 

“Damn. You caught me.”

She slightly  scowled at him. “Does it really bother you that much?” She hesitated, “Am I asking for too much?”

He sighed; reassuring her with a quick kiss before pressing his forehead against hers. “Haven’t you realized how crazily in love I am with you at this point?” His thumb caressed her cheek. “It’s pretty much the only reason why you’re in my head 24/7. It’s also the only reason why I’m going along with this, making you happy has always been my top priority.”

“24/7 huh? I love you too,” She couldn’t help but smile. “And making you happy is what makes me happy Drake.” He stared down at her hopefully until she continued speaking, “but this is non-negotiable.”

“Damn. Maybe I should leave again and come back later.” He joked, earning him a punch on his arm. He thought he saw enough chunk missing in her armor, but in the months they’d been apart, he somehow had forgotten how stubborn his fiancee could be.

“Yeah I was definitely happier alone than apart,” her dry tone wasn’t lost on him. Then her expression softened, and the sunny smile he had fallen in love with was dazzling in all its brilliance.  

“Every night I came back home - all I could think about was how empty the space beside me was, I missed you too.” She expelled a breath slowly as his fingers drifted across her throat. He placed his fingertips on the base of her neck and she closed her eyes; savoring the feeling of his touch. “I missed you so much Drake. I didn’t think I could ache from being apart, but hell I did.”

He would never get used to this, never get tired of hearing the adoration she had for him. Some days it was easier, and other days he felt his familiar walls threatening their peace. It was a journey, one he had no intention of leaving if all the destinations always lead to her.

Although sometimes, his brain played tricks on him. Sometimes he was too happy; right now - and he waited for the nightmares to come. Only dreams would ever allow him to be this happy. It wasn’t until he felt her soft lips on his again, breathing him in and making him feel alive that his world snapped into focus again.

They had been through more than their fair share for this to be anything less than real. 

“All I could think about the whole time I was gone was how miserable I was without you.” He murmured against her lips. 

He felt her smile. “More miserable than usual?” 

His mouth twitched. “More miserable than usual,” he agreed thinly, kissing her soundlessly again. She responded immediately this time and her hands fastened around his neck before he scooped her high inside his arms.

A squeal escaped her throat. “Drake?!” She laughed, “Put me down!”

He was already moving towards the direction of their bedroom. It had been too long since he felt her, too long since he had a taste of her. He was usually a patient man, but he itched to have her after months of longingly seeing her through a screen. “Hmmm?”

A shiver of anticipation traveled along her spine. Her grin was taunting him, “What about dinner?”

“We could always order Thai. We both like Thai.” He took two steps at a time.

“And desert?” Her voice had dropped, grew huskier by the second as he lightly kicked their bedroom door open. 

An exasperated sigh fell from his throat, before he glanced down at her with so much heat that her cheeks grew red. “You’re desert Tinsley.”

Ah. “And what about -” The rest of her sentence died as his lips descended upon hers, before they tumbled across their bed. They exchanged heavy kisses, until they grew rough and passionate. Quiet hands became hasty ones, and Robyn leaned back inside her sheets as appreciative moans left her lips.“Welcome home.” She whispered softly, and she felt his grin pressing into her inner thigh before pleasure exploded inside her veins.

-

#drake x mc #the royal romance #the royal romance 2 #drake x robyn #choices stories you play #drake x mc fanfic #playchoices #trr: drake walker #choicescreates30 #i was working on and off at this #wasn't sure if i wanted to post but #here we are #drake walker #playchoices fanfic #the royal romance fanfic #edit later