#chocies fanfic

[jerzwriter]

Book: Open Heart Characters: Tobias, Merida Rating: Teen Words: Approx. 1100 Summary: When Merida receives startling news, she hunts down the source to get answers. And he better hope he has the right ones. A/N: So, whenever we have our little "MOC" (Merida-Oliva-Casey) world stories, I always feel like Merida and Tobias have their own special friendship, their own little vibe. After the two tag-teamed trolling Ethan again in the last fic, I wanted to explore their dynamic a little more. An idea popped into my head, and I thought it would be fun. @lilyoffandoms (to whom the incredible Merida belongs), this one is for you.

Merida stepped out of Edenbrook onto Boston’s busy streets with fire in her eyes. Ethan hadn’t realized he was setting the stunning resident off on a mission when he innocently uttered five words.

“I ran into Tobias at Derry’s...”  The unflappable doctor was brought to silence with just one stare. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Derry’s? He’s there now?”

“Yes, he...”

But Merida had already turned on her heel, waving off any further attempts at communication.

“I’ll be back," she muttered as she stomped out of the office and whisked down the hall... heaven help any fool who considered getting in her way. Derry’s was a fifteen-minute walk when strolling at a comfortable pace. But there was nothing comfortable about the way Merida’s designer heels carried her took double steps today, marching single-mindedly toward her target.

She pushed the coffee shop's door open with a brusque thrust, her eyes searching the crowded room for her prey. They narrowed with wicked delight when he was spotted. Mindlessly scrolling through his phone in the back of the cafe, Tobias was blissfully unaware that the sharp cadence of stilettos on the hardwood floor was heading directly for him. But there was no mistaking his friend’s presence when her well-manicured hand smacked the back of his head.

“Ow!” He startled, turning to see who the assailant was, but Merida had already claimed a seat on the other side of the table. Arms crossed in defiance, her demeanor demanded answers before she uttered a word.

“Mer?” he perplexed. “What the hell?”

“What?” she scoffed. Didn’t think it was me? Where did your mind go? A bitter ex? Perhaps a one-night stand you walked out on while they slept?”

Tobias shook his aching head with a gentle snort. “Maybe at one time... but not now. So, care to tell me what’s up before I file assault charges?”

“You’re dating her? For real, you're dating her?”

Tobias brought the coffee mug to his smirking lips, taking an exaggerated sip before fixing his eyes on Merida’s.

“Good news travels fast, I see.”

“Tobias, what the fuck? How could you?”

“How could I what? Date Casey? I thought you’d be thrilled.”

“Thrilled?”

“Yeah. I mean, she’s your best friend… I’m your friend. Honestly, I don’t know why you didn’t suggest this sooner. It’s perfect! Now, you don't have to worry about not liking whoever we end up with. We can have movie nights, go on double dates…I’m not seeing the bad part here.”

“The bad part is you’re my friend. Which means you’ve confided in me. Which means I know your track record. And no judgment from me, you should unabashedly do you... or whoever the hell else you want to do... but... Casey? She's over the moon happy thinking this is real, and if you fuck her over... so help me, I’ll kill you.”

Tobias leaned closer, hoping to assuage his friend. “Look, Mer... Casey is...”

“Casey’s incredible!” She jumped in. “I know! I don’t blame you for wanting her. But what happens when you go your usual week and a half and then tire of her? I’m telling you now, I’ll be taking her side, not yours... and that will be the end of this beautiful friendship.”

Tobias sat back defensively. “And what makes you think I’ll tire of her in a week and a half?”

 “Please, Carrick,” Merida mocked. “I know you. What’s your record, two weeks? Three tops?”

“Actually, wiseass, I’ve gone a whole month in the past.”

“Wow! I stand corrected!” Dropping her shoulders, Merida let out a cleansing sigh, continuing with a softer approach. “Seriously, Tobias. The two of you mean so much to me... did you have to date her? I mean, we all work together?”

“Oh!” He barked. “OK, and you and Ramsey, don’t?”

“That’s different!”

“Different, how?”

“Can we circle back to your illustrious reputation when it comes to matters of the heart... and groin?”

“You know, I’m hurt, Mer,” he replied, and she couldn’t tell if he was being serious. “You know me better than most; I thought you knew I’m more than that.”

“I do,” she empathized. “But let’s be honest... you’re that, too. And look, Casey’s a big girl; I know she can take care of herself. If she wants a ride on the Tobias train, so be it. But you had to see her when she told me. She had "that look". She's so happy, and when this inevitably ends, I don’t want our whole friend group to be in tatters.”

Tobias was grinning from ear to ear. “She had “that look”, huh?”

“Can you focus!”

“I am. But who says it’s ending?” He broke off a piece of his bagel, casually popping it in his mouth with an impish smile. “I’m not as stupid as I look. Casey and I knew that if we got together and things didn’t go well, the damage could reverberate beyond us, and neither of us wanted that. That’s why we decided to keep our relationship on the down low until we were sure, and now that we are...”

“Wait just a second,” she cut in. “What?”

“We’ve been dating for months. Casey’s not some conquest, and you know I don’t play games... I love her, Mer... and for some crazy reason, she loves me back. This is the real thing.”

Tobias had to stop himself from laughing as an astonished Merida sunk back into her chair, hand reaching up to cover her gaping mouth.

“Come to think of it, neither of you have told me about any dates or hotties you spotted at the bar for at least...” she counted back in her head.

“For at least four months. Yeah, that’s when we started seeing each other. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed in you, pal. A diagnostician as good as you should have picked up on this.”

As she reached over the table to playfully smack her friend, she noted the sincerity in his eyes. Tobias Carrick could easily fool many, but never Merida. She could read him like a book.

“You’re really serious. You love Casey?”

“I’m freaking crazy about her."

Jumping from her seat, she rounded the table to give Tobias a hug. “Oh my God! You and Casey! My bestie and my dear friend! My bestie and my boyfriend's bestie... are in love!”

“Yeah, pretty wild, right? Does this make us, like, metamours or something?”

Merida shot him a sarcastic look. “I don’t know. Are you and Ethan fucking without my knowledge?”

“No, we're not,” Tobias laughed. “I guess you’re right. I mean, just to confirm, you’re not sleeping with Casey either, right?"

“Babe, please!” Merida snorted. “If Casey and I had gone that route, I assure you, you would never have been a consideration."

“Of that, I have no doubt. So, do you feel better now?”

“A little,” she grinned. “But you should buy me breakfast for the mental duress you’ve caused me, at the beginning of the day, no less!”

“ME! You should be picking up my tab so I don't file assault charges on you!"

“Tobias, if I had intended to assault you, you'd be sitting in the ER by now."

“So,” Tobias winked. “We good?”

“We’re better than good. This is so exciting! Does Ethan know yet?"

"No, I was going to tell him today."

"Great! Because we're going on a double date this weekend. I’ll make all the arrangements.”

“Do you seriously think he’s ready for that?”

“Oh, hell no. But the man will have to acclimate.” 

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

#open heart #open heart choices #open heart fanfic #choices open heart #chocies fanfic #tobias carrick #tobias carrick & mc #choices stories you play #playchoices #playchoices fanfic #MOC world

[february2024choiceschallenge]

Choices February Challenge - 6/7 Seven Types of Love Pragma

Pragma is a practical love founded on reason or duty and one’s longer-term interests. Sexual attraction is not as important as as compatibility and "making things work". Pragma is often at the root of arranged marriages and is often seen as the opposite of romantic love. However, it can be something that started as romantic love and changed over time. It is not indifferent; it is still compassionate, and the partners care for each other, and its almost always a long-term commitment.

Please use the photos or words above or a prompt below to inspire your creations. Any fiction or art that reflects pragma will be accepted for this challenge.

This challenge is for the Pixelberry Choices fandom only. There will be an individual post for all 7 Types of Love, then a masterpost containing all.

All types of creations will be accepted for this event: fics, art, moodboards, edits, headcanons, etc.

IMPORTANT NOTE!!!

I am not receiving tags for this blog, and I have little to no hope that Tumblr will fix this before the month ends... so please tag @jerzwriter or send me a link with the DM - thank you, and sorry for the inconvenience.

Prompts:

Write a fiction or create something about...

Tell us about an arranged marriage - even if it's an AU. How do your characters feel about entering it? Are they committed to it from the start? Does the nature of their relationship change over the years? Be creative - is it a political alliance, a celebrity pairing, a marriage of convenience, or is arranged marriage a cultural norm?

Two best friends getting married because the other one needs medical benefits (yes- this is limited to the US because we're uncivilized...but I digress). But after the friend's health crisis passes, they decide to stay married, even though they're not "in love."

Show a progression of your character's relationship - one that started as pragma but developed into something more.

Show us a de-escalation of your character's relationship - one that started as another form of love but eased into pragma over time. If that happens, how does it change their relationship? Some couples open a relationship at this time (or at least turn a blind eye). Would that happen with your characters?

Perhaps this type of love is something your character sees in their parents or grandparents. Write a story where they are telling their partner or a friend about the relationship, and their thoughts on it. Would they like to model their own relationship on that or not? Why?

Give us an example of a pragma relationship in your character's life that is not based on romantic or sexual attraction of any kind. What does it look like? How is it important to them? How does it bring them security, comfort, joy?

Any work about practical love will be accepted.

Be sure to tag @choicesfebruary2024 and use the tag #Pragma or #Practical

#choices monthly challenge #choices february challenge #playchoices #playchoices fanfic #playchoices fanart #chocies fanfic #choices fanart #choices stories you play

[choicesficwriterscreations]

MC / OC of the Month

Each month, one of our fandom MCs or OCs will be selected at random to be highlighted as our MC / OC of the Month!

For more information about this event, including eligibility and selection, please see here.

MCs of the Month:

2024

May 2024: It could be YOU! Click here to learn how! April 2024: Olivia Hadley, OH, @storyofmychoices profile March 2024: Evie Ayana, HSS, @cadybear420 profile February 2024: Cassie Valentine, OH, @liaromancewriter profile January 2024: Nora Rose, COP, @inlocusmads profile

2023

December 2023: Luca O'Rinn, ID @aria-ashryver profile November 2023: Riikka Lovisa Yläkorpi, ILITW @aallotarenunelma profile October 2023: Victoria Clarke, OH @potionsprefect profile September 2023: MC and OCs of the Month - This month, we had a special event and highlighted eleven MCs and OCs. Please click on the link to learn more about them! August 2023: Jensen Valentine, OH @mydemonsdrivealimo profile July 2023: Harper Gale, TRR, @karahalloway profile June 2023: Casey MacTavish Carrick, OH, @jerzwriter profile May 2023: Daenarya of Riverbend. BOLAS, @storyofmychoices profile April 2023: Sawyer Brooks, OH, @cariantha profile March 2023: Kiera Tomoe, WTD, @julia-highstorms profile February 2023: Marchia Bisognin, OH @a-crepusculo profile

#mc of the month #oc of the month #playchoices #open heart #wake the dead #chocies fanfic #choices fic writers creations #cfwc mc / oc of the month #meet my mc / oc

[moodmusicmonday]

AAAAAAND We found our culprit to the weird tags! It's the embedding of that playlist right up there. Why did it just start doing this a couple of months ago. *shrugs* What does this mean going forward? *shrugs* I do apologize for the unnecessary tags, though.

Another lovely MMM! Special thanks to all of our content creators for sharing with us their music inspo for their upcoming fics/recently released fics (Look for 📖--this means this fic has already been released and there is a link to link on!)! Remember to check these fics out, and while you're stopping by, be kind and leave a comment or a reblog!

~🎵~

@alj4890

📖 “Bad Idea” - Loi; Reconnecting, from the AU When We Were Young [TRR AU; m!OC x f!OC (Jackson Nevrakis-Walker x Nichole "Nicky" Beaumont)]

@ao719

“Ruin My Life” - Zara Larsson; The Pact, Part 5 (TRR; Liam x f!OC)

@bebepac

📖 “Meet Me at Our Spot” - THE ANXIETY; The Rotten Apple, The Best Part [TRH & Beyond; Eleanor x m!OC (Nico)]

@writing-not

“Animal Farm” - BIBI; Nevertheless (TRR; Prince Liam x f!OC)

Bibingka (Foreign Affairs; Tatum Mendoza x nb!OC)

- “Used to Me” - Luke Chiang - “Bibingka” - Ben&Ben

~🎵~

Tags in the Comments (please let us know you'd like to be added/removed from our list)

#mood music monday #moodmusicmonday #choices mmm #choices fanfic #chocies fanfiction #choices music inspo #music inspo #choices trr #choices fa #spotify #Spotify

[alj4890]

Day 1: Distraction

(Thomas Hunt x OC) in a Choices Red Carpet Diaries/ The Royal Heir crossover fic.

Masterlist

Rating: PG for some mentions of sexual situations. Mostly fluff all over.

@krsnlove @my-heart-beats-for-ya ​ @aworldoffandoms ​​ @flyawayboo ​​ @trappedinfanfiction ​​  @sophxwithers @twinkleallnight @hopelessromantic1352 @tessa-liam @choicesrcd2022 @promptnonny

Premiere Date

Two months earlier...

"Maxwell said the premiere for The Royal Romance will be December first." Amanda balanced her phone on her shoulder while finishing up reviewing the servants' wages. "Would you like to be my date for it?"

"Of course." Thomas jotted it down on his calendar. "I believe we made it official last month that I would be your date from now on."

Amanda couldn't help but smile when she looked at her engagement ring. "Yes, we did but I thought since it is a Tommy Phelps film, that might stretch your affection for me.

Thomas snorted in response. "There are not enough explosives in that man's mixed bag of mediocre cinematic tricks to ever stretch what I feel for you."

"I love how you're able to take an insult to someone else and turn it into something romantic for me." She replied with a giggle.

His lips curved. "As was my intention. I should be in the process of editing my film by then." He double checked the date. "Are you able to remain in Los Angeles after the premiere?"

"I believe so." Amanda flipped through her own calendar. "I don't have any court events I have to attend until after the holidays."

"Good." Thomas motioned for Holly to bring him his schedule for the day. "Then we can begin our plans."

Amanda smiled even more. "Our wedding plans?"

"Exactly." He quickly scanned the day's shots. "I don't intend to start any film projects until the end of next year so that we can enjoy the beginning of our marriage."

Thomas glared over at Holly and Addison making aww noises. He turned away from them in an attempt to keep his conversation private.

"Plus I want us to have a honeymoon away from everyone we know."

His frown eased when he heard Amanda laughing.

"Have you got your usual audience around you again?" She teased.

"I do." He grumbled.

"I see." Amanda smiled softly. "I suppose this means no, I love you, at the end of this call, hmm?

"Of course not." He replied. "I'm not going to let a few irritating individuals stop me from saying that."

"Then I will let you get your day started while I wind down for the evening." She replied. "I love you, Thomas."

"I love you, too." He sent another glare over his shoulder when he heard Addison and Holly's overly dramatic sighs. "Sleep well."

"I'll talk to you tomorrow, my love." Amanda promised.

"I look forward to it." Thomas ended the call with a dark frown towards his two assistants. "Don't you have something you should be working on?"

"Just waiting upon your usual demands, boss." Holly replied.

"Is Amanda coming to visit?" Addison asked.

"Unfortunately," he quickly counted the weeks, "not yet."

"You miss her a lot, don't you?" Holly prodded.

"I do." His frown reappeared at them involving themselves in his private life. "Well, don't just stand there! Make sure everyone is waiting on the set!"

Their grins let him know they weren't the least cowed by his bluster of anger. He knew he'd have to do something about that at some point. A soft smile formed as he realized he wasn't too worried about it.

In eight weeks, he'd be back with the one he loved.

*************

Seven weeks later, Taos, New Mexico...

This had to be one of the inner circles of hell Thomas was trapped in. There was no other explanation that could make sense better than that one. All his plans, his intentions, everything was one monstrous nightmare.

Nothing about filming his new take on the western genre was going like he'd envisioned.

He'd lost numerous supporting actors due to some type of food poisoning. Two of his stunt doubles were in the hospital due to accidents off set. The hotel they were originally at caught on fire and most of the costumes were damaged from the smoke and embers.

Holly fell while hiking and twisted her ankle all while dragging Addison with her and causing the costume designer to break her wrist and three fingers.

Matt Rodriguez had to leave for a few weeks, halting production since his character was the one the entire plot revolved around, when his father suffered a heart attack.

Jessica Clarke, Hollywood's favorite new actress since her starring role in Thomas's The Last Duchess, had to stop filming her own horseback riding scenes the moment she found out she was pregnant.

Thomas was certain that all of this was occurring at just the right moment to drive him completely insane.

There was no way he'd be able to up and leave to start over. They were halfway done with filming the needed scenes on location. Plus, the backdrop to this desert town was exactly what he needed to convey the sheer hopelessness of Matt's character finding peace and redemption.

He eyed his phone, knowing he'd have to make the dreaded phone call.

He wouldn't be able to be Amanda's date for the premiere.

He needed to stay and combat these problems.

He knew she would understand. It was one of the many things he adored about her. He simply hated the thought of letting her down. And to be honest, he wasn't looking forward to seeing her in pictures on the arm of anyone else.

Who else was more perfect to be her escort to a movie premiere than the one man many regarded as a cinematic genius?

Thomas rubbed his face, softly groaning at what must be done.

He visibly jumped when his phone vibrated loudly on the table with an incoming call.

"Hello?" He tried to not sound so disgusted.

"Oof." Amanda replied. "That might be the most depressing hello I've ever heard."

Thomas pinched the bridge of his nose. He didn't know how to begin letting her down.

"Production must be going rough." Amanda softly said. "I'm so sorry."

"What do you have to apologize for?" Thomas snorted. "Unless you have become some maniacal sorceress and placed a curse upon my film, you have nothing to be sorry about."

He realized how bitter his tone was when he was met with nothing but silence.

"Amanda, I apologize." Thomas began again. "I didn't mean to sound like--"

"I know you didn't." She quickly interrupted before he spiraled on with guilt. "I only meant how sorry I am that I can't do anything to make it better for you."

"You make everything better." He grumbled. "In fact, hearing your voice is the only thing keeping me from yanking my hair out right now."

The sound of her laughter bubbling up brought a softening to his frown.

"We can't have that." She sighed. "I hate I won't get to see you next week."

He blinked. "How did you know I wouldn't be able to take you to the premiere?"

Her chuckle held a touch of sadness.

"Because I know how hard this shoot has been for you and I know you need to be there to complete it."

Thomas shook his head, marveling at how she always knew what he needed before he even said a word.

"I'm going to miss you terribly." She continued. "If Maxwell hadn't made us all promise to stick by his side, I'd find a way to sneak over to Taos."

"I understand." He slumped in his chair. "I was looking forward to finally having a chance to be with you." He rubbed a hand down his face. "I'm sorry I can't be there as your date."

"Then you better make plans for when you are free for the two of us." She replied.

Thomas could imagine the smile she must have just by the sound of her voice.

"What kind of plans would you like me to make?" He asked.

"The usual kind, Mr. Hunt." Amanda replied. "Time where we can be alone without anyone or anything else bothering us. I want no distractions taking your attention away from me."

"My favorite kind of plan." His lips curved. "And you should know that every time I am with you, nothing can take my attention away from you."

"That's all I want to hear." Amanda softly sighed. "I probably should let you go so you can get some rest."

"I doubt I'll get any sleep." He grumbled. "I've got another rewrite to work on with Holly."

"Try for my sake." Amanda gently urged.

He groaned.

"I will for you."

"Good. I love you so much."

Thomas relaxed some in knowing she must truly not be upset with him for canceling their plans by hearing her say that.

"I love you, too."

After he ended the call, he sat there staring at nothing in particular while thinking of Amanda. His frown formed once more in knowing she'd be coming to America and he couldn't enjoy her visit.

He reached over for the script, picked up his pen, then paused.

He wondered if there was a chance she could come here after the premiere.

*************

December first...

"Earth calling Thomas, Come in, Thomas."

He looked up, blinking the world around him back into focus.

"Welcome back." Holly grumbled, handing him a new cup of coffee. "Are we going to change up the scene with the argument Jonah and Marlene have since Jessica can't chase him down during the stampede?"

"Hmm?" Thomas glanced at the script. "Yes, of course."

Holly waited for him to give her something to write down.

Thomas stared at the scene for a few silent seconds.

"Okay." Holly threw her pen down. "Talk to me, boss."

Thomas quirked an eyebrow at her.

"We've been moving at a snail's pace with this script. You've barely shot any new footage. Every time I come into your trailer, you're staring off into the distance." She folded her arms. "There's only two possibilities for you to lose focus."

His eyes narrowed.

"The first one," Holly continued, unfazed by his glare, "is that this desert town has now drained your heart of filmmaking."

He rolled his eyes in response.

"Or you are distracted with a serious issue." She concluded.

He averted his eyes from her.

"What's wrong?" Holly repeated. "Come on, Thomas. I've worked with you too many times to be ignored."

He cleared his throat. "I don't know. Each time I think about the scenes that need to be addressed, I find myself..."

He squirmed in his chair, glaring down at his cup of coffee.

"You find yourself, what?" Holly prompted.

"I find myself thinking of Amanda."

Holly sat back with her jaw dropped.

"It isn't that shocking." He grumbled. "She is my fiancée after all."

"I know that." Holly leaned forward. "But I've never known you to be so lost in thought over her that you weren't able to work!"

"I am working!" He snapped.

Thomas snatched his pen up and x'ed out the entire scene. "There!" He threw it down. "I just made a directorial decision!"

"Thomas!" She scolded.

He rubbed a hand down his face.

"Why don't you take the next couple of days off and go see her?" Holly asked.

"Because I have a job to do, here." He argued.

"Which you're sucking at." Holly mumbled

"That was unnecessary." Thomas bit out.

"No. It's pretty necessary." She took the script and set it back in her portfolio. "Take a break. Everyone else has needed one for various reasons. You need one to clear your head so we can finish this shoot strong."

Thomas groaned, shaking his head.

"You know I'm right. Go surprise Amanda. It will put you in a better mood." Holly swiped up her stuff on her way out. "And we certainly need a more pleasant director right now."

"I won't make it in time to take her to the premiere." He mumbled.

Holly paused at the door. "Then get there in time to take her home."

His eyebrows raised while he calculated the hours he'd need to do just that.

*************

"What'd you think?" Maxwell eagerly asked.

"It was amazing!" Riley exclaimed.

"I never said any of that." Drake snapped. "Why did you--"

"I loved it!" Hana interrupted before Drake could destroy Maxwell's excitement. "I wish I was as graceful as Cassandra Leigh."

"You are even more graceful." Liam told her while slipping his arm around Riley. His smile grew when his wife kissed his cheek. "And I am moved seeing our love story come to life."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "At least you made me true to form." She eyed Amanda. "You're awfully quiet."

"Hmm?" She looked up at her friends. "I'm sorry, did you ask me something?"

"The movie?" Maxwell took her by the shoulders to playful shake her. "Remember seeing it just a few minutes ago?"

Amanda laughed. "Yes. It was great."

"It's a shame you were out of the country during all that." Maxwell slung his arm around her shoulders as they followed everyone out to the lobby. "Then you could have been cast as someone awesome."

"I doubt anyone is more awesome than Ryan Summers." She teased. "You lucked out."

"I know!" Maxwell grinned at her. "Wasn't it like looking at my twin brother?"

"Sure."

Once they were out in the lobby, the group looked around at the crowd.

"Now what?" Drake asked.

"After party, baby!" Tommy Phelps joined them. "We are going to celebrate our success!"

"I've been waiting all my life for an after party." Maxwell exclaimed.

"My man!" Tommy fist bumped him. "I knew you would be down for one." He eyed the other Cordonians. "You're all coming too, right?"

"We are." Riley replied. "Right guys?"

Liam, Drake, and Hana answered in the affirmative.

Olivia rolled her eyes with the pleading looks from Maxwell and Riley.

"I suppose I could go for a drink or two." She responded. "Amanda?"

She nudged her when the duchess remained quiet.

"Hmm?" Amanda tried to focus on the conversation. "Oh! No. I'm not going."

"No!" Maxwell pouted. "How come?"

"Jet lag." Amanda latched on to the excuse. "I think I'll go back to the hotel and get some sleep."

After another firmer refusal, she was able to escape her friends.

All she wanted to do was to go back to her room and call Thomas. It felt so wrong being in Los Angeles without him. Her first premiere had been as his date for The Last Duchess. She'd assumed as quickly as their relationship developed that all premieres would be spent by his side.

She could just imagine his reactions to the overly dramatic scenes, the unneeded explosions, and the way the scenes were framed. Her lips curved into a sad smile as she also thought of how he would have remained by her side, his arm around her or holding her hand, whispering that he thought she looked lovely tonight.

She could almost feel the kisses he would have placed upon her knuckles and temple as they sat through the film. Her skin tingled with how he would have insisted they not go to the after party so that they could return to his home for an evening alone.

Her imagination was vivid enough to conjure all they would have gotten up to once within that peaceful, empty of all well meaning friends, and able to express their love. The kisses and caresses that would follow once the door was shut. The clothes slipping off.

Her cheeks colored as she walked outside of the theater. Her eyes scanned the now empty red carpet, searching further for a taxi or town car to take her back to her hotel. The number of limos lined up made her softly groan over the possibility of having to walk a few blocks in her uncomfortable heels.

As she dismissed each limo and waiting driver without a second glance, she doubled back on the sight of a tuxedo clad man leaning causally against a limo.

Thomas watched as recognition flashed in her expression. Unfolding his arms, he broke out into a smile as she rushed to greet him.

Chuckling, he caught her in a hug that lifted her off the ground. His lips sought hers as she slipped her arms around his neck.

"You came." She breathed against his lips.

"I did." He deepened the kiss, feeling at peace for the first time in weeks. "I've missed you."

"Nowhere near as much as I've missed you." She leaned back to look into his handsome face. "I can't believe you're here!"

He took her hands while motioning with his head toward the limo. "Shall we go home?" He eyed the people beginning to spill out. "Unless you have other plans."

Keeping his hand in hers, she got into the limo, tugging him in behind her.

"My plans only involved returning to the hotel and calling you." She snuggled against him once he settled his arm around her. "Now that you're here, I'm rethinking them."

"Oh?" He pressed his lips to the side of her neck. "I hope they align with my own."

She melted against him as his hands began to wander along her curves. Their lips met again and again in a more heated exchange than the last one.

"I feel very confident that our plans are going to align perfectly."

#rcd2022 #rcd appreciation week #choices red carpet diaries #choices thomas hunt #thomas hunt x amanda #thomas hunt x oc #chocies the royal heir #choices trh #choices fanfic writers creations

[ask-dametagala]

Infiltrating the castle!

[Cut content, part 5 (finale)]

There would've been more detail in the part where DMK stays at GK's house. They would've had a little slice of life moment. The atmosphere was PERFECT! It was cold outside and the only warmth was in GK's hot chocy and wings. They'd have small talk (which i have loads of ideas for) and open a few gifts that Gala receieved for christmas.

Then GK would offer Dark to drink some of the fancy wine he was gifted.

Of course, DMK wouldn't pass up an opportunity to try some of that sweet expensive alcohol, so he accepted!

After a few drinks though, he notices that GK still remains the same. His face wasn't red or anything, it was like he just drank grape juice! While DMK already felt his cheeks warming. He asks if Gala was beginning to feel tipsy, to which he replies that he feels exactly the same as before. Dark was impressed by his alcohol tolerance. Though, he did want to see how Galacta Knight would act if he was drunk, so he persuaded him to drink more. Gala catches on and edges him to have a little competition with him. Dameta gets REALLY enthusiastic and plows through the bottles with Gala.

In the end, GK still wasn't drunk and DMK had fainted in defeat. Gala felt bad for going a little overboard with the teasing and taunting so he carries Dark to his couch and tucks in him with his fluffy cape.

Aaaandddd that's all the cut content that I remember for this fanfic! Hope you guys enjoyed it lolol

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]

#kirby nintendo #infiltrating the castle! #dark meta knight #galacta knight #dametagala

[tearyeye-private-i]

So, I'm getting into the "Leauge of Extraordinary Gentlemen,' and Mina's use in the series, baffles me. Like, Jonathan is gone, he leaves her because he was disgusted by her scars, from Dracula biting her. While she is the leader of the group, she's placed in all these confusing and fanfic scenarios to where Alan Moore just wrappd her character.

Which, it's his creative reinterpretation. She isn't the first public domain, literary character he's done that to. While I like some of his ideas of the Leauge, I don't agree with all of it.

Like, the more I'm learning about Mina, I question why he thought it was a good idea to include her, when he had to change so much of her to do it. Originally, he wanted Irene Adler (from Sherlock Holmes) in Mina's place, but reconsidered it, thinking she was too obscure.

I wished he just went with Irene. 😞

But anyway, in trying to write my own little reimagining of the leauge. I was tryna figure out how old Mina was during the events of Dracula. From what I saw on Google, she was 19, and Jonathan was 30 (possibly late 20s?). I thought it made sense, due to Mina and Lucy being so close. I heard that in the Victorian era men and women were encouraged to have romantic interactions with friends of the same sex. As a way of practicing for marriage. I'd also forgotten that Mina and Jonathan weren't married during the events of Dracula, they were engaged.

So, I'm writing this post to ask if anyone knows how long they were engaged?

And if the ages given by Google are true? There's been so many adaptions, I'm sure there's been a cross contamination in whats cannon, or whatever. 😅

Though, if true that Mina was several (or more) years younger than Jonathan, that changes my view of her for my story. I assumed she was in her mid to late 20s in Dracula, and 30s in Alan Moore's version. And although, I know it was the Victorian era, I'm still unnerved at the thought of Jonathan and Mina being engaged for longer than a a year prior to the events of Dracula. I'm a bad reader, but if I remember correctly, their engagement is recent.

Which adds to the whole Dracula being a metaphor for Jonathan's closeted desires, and Mina's romantic love for Lucy. But tryna make sense of all that for my story, based on what little the book shares and Alan Moore's confusing chocies. It's just got me like ��‍💫

#dracula #mina harker #mina murray #Bram Stoker #Alan Moore #Dracula Daily #jonathan harker #Leauge of Extraordinary Gentlemen

[cordonian-literature]

The Aftermath - Ch. 11

Informative Phone Calls

SUMMARY: Olivia and Hana return to Lythikos, and Liam has a discussion with Riley’s mother.

Word Count: ~3.2k

Warning: Mention of character death

*All characters belong to Pixelberry, except those that are unique to my story (I’ve also used some characters and fictional instances from Donna Tartt’s “The Goldfinch”)*

Catch up here!

Tags: @captain-kingliamsqueen @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @gkittylove99 @lovablegranny @loudbluebirdlover @mom2000aggie @kingliam2019 @queenrileyrose​ @shanzay44 @cordonianroyalty @hopefulmoonobject @hopelessromanticmonie @cinnamonspongecake @queenjilian @kuladekiwi @twinkle-320 @iaminlovewithtrr @charlotteg234 @amandablink @texaskitten30 @tinkie1973 @louiseingram1208 @queencatherynerhys @pens-girl-87 @missevabean @ladyangel70 @sanchita012 @cordonianprincess

I hope I got everyone tagged! If I missed someone, or if anyone wants to be added/removed, let me know!

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

- Olivia - 

The rolling landscape of frozen mountains sent a welcoming sense of familiarity through Olivia’s skin, which cooled her down from the fiery anger she had unleashed yesterday.

During the Tea Ceremony, the entire court was in attendance for no other reason than to gain the king’s favor via their wives and daughters, all of whom dressed in elaborate embroidery that depicted some sort of Cordonian symbolism. But once they realized that King Liam would not be making an appearance — and that the rumors of him being in New York were proved true through photographs that had surfaced the day before — instead of focusing their attention towards the tea or each other, they began to badmouth their monarch.

Throughout the past decade, many of the Great Houses’ loyalty had been tested after attempted assassinations and coups: House Nevrakis, due to Olivia’s aunt’s assisting the Sons of Earth, and House Beaumont and House Amaranth’s loyalties were both analyzed due to the treasonous actions of Barthelemy and Godfrey. The remaining members of those houses were put under severe scrutiny, but their undying fidelity to King Liam was unmatched by any of the other Houses.

Later on, as Cordonian citizens began to criticize Liam’s actions and decisions as king, Olivia took it upon herself to show her faith in Liam by condemning any person who dared speak ill of him.

During the Tea Ceremony, that job occupied her actively. She had simply carried around her cup while she spoke, and didn’t even get to take a sip of tea.

Such disgusting things were said about Liam and his behavior that Olivia wanted to throw her full cup of boiling tea at anybody who spoke his name. She decided not to though, because she knew that if she did, she would look like his hound, and that would be enough for them to create even more rumors about Liam’s relationship with her.

The Beaumonts being gone did not make it easier, and in fact increased the amount of rumors about how Liam was favoring childhood friends instead of those who could help better the country. The court believed that they had taken their leave of Cordonia to discuss some ducal advancement for Ramsford on an international level. Even though Olivia and Hana knew that wasn’t true, they said nothing. The Beaumonts and King Liam’s absence threw a wrench into Olivia and Hana’s plans, which was to join them all in New York today. Olivia had not yet told Hana that she had canceled the flight this morning.

Hana sat opposite Olivia in the limo, staring out the window. Olivia regarded her, and noticed a certain numbness in her features: her face seemed empty as she stared out into the beautiful terrain. She sat as straight and proper as ever, though. Olivia expected Hana to pull her into unnecessary friendly banter that she used to share with Maxwell and Riley, but she had been completely silent since the beginning of their trip.

Olivia looks out the window, and once they come across a familiar expanse of talon trees, she turns to Hana.

“I canceled our flight,” she tells her, trying to sound dismissive, as if it didn’t break her heart that she couldn’t be with Liam during his time of need. “I decided that it would be better for us not to go.”

Hana gives a small nod, her expression still emotionless. “Based off everyone’s reactions yesterday, I think that would be best. We should focus our attention on convincing His Majesty to return, and not give him any reason to prolong his visit.”

Olivia sighs and stares out the window. “I believed that we could help retrieve parts of Riley’s memory if we were there, seeing that we both played somewhat large roles during her time in Cordonia.”

“It would have helped Liam,” Hana states. “But we don’t know how long it will take for her to recall everything.”

Olivia sighs. “We need to find a way to speed up the process. But right now, Liam needs to come back to Cordonia. He can’t risk staying away for so long. People are unsettled by it. They’re losing trust in him.”

“But what about Riley?” Hana shakes her head. “If she gets her memory back…say a month after he returns… will she still want to stay in New York, even if she knows he came to bring her home?”

“We can get them to bring her here. And if they can’t, perhaps Maxwell can stay with her. Or Drake.” Olivia reaches into her purse for her phone, but once she takes it out, finds it dead. “We can call them after we get in,” she decides.

Hana turns to regard Olivia for a moment. When they make eye contact, Hana gives a tight smile, and by the twitching of her lips, Olivia can tell that it took Hana an unusual amount of effort.

“I don’t know if I got the chance to tell you,” Olivia starts again, “but Drake told me that Riley has two children.”

“Yes, I know. Maxwell told me,” Hana tells her. “I called him after our lunch with the Queen Mother and told them most of what she said.”  

Olivia raises an eyebrow. “Did you know that the older one is Liam’s son?”

Hana’s eyes bulge. “No… Maxwell left that part out.”

Olivia scoffs. “Leave it to Maxwell to keep you well informed.”

“I heard Bertrand say something about Cordonia’s heir? He was yelling at someone.”

“I wonder who….”

“But if what Bertrand said was true, that Riley’s child is Cordonia’s heir… the only reasonable choice is to bring them both back.”

“That is what I hope to convince Liam to do.” Olivia takes her phone back out. “Hana, do you happen to have a phone charger?”

Hana pulls a wire out of her bag. Olivia reaches for it, and plugs it into the car outlet.

“But…,” Hana continues. “Maxwell said that she has two children… so what about the second one?”

“The second one’s name is Eleanor. Her father passed away in the accident.”

“What I meant was that the Queen Mother said she deterred Riley eight years ago, yes? Riley disappeared ten years ago. Almost eleven.”

Olivia’s eyebrows furrow, a dull sense of understanding falling over her. “Yes, so… she was pregnant with Liam’s son when she left court.”

Hana leans forward in her seat, worry shaded over her features. “And that the child was already born when Riley tried to come to Bertrand’s wedding.”

“She was married when she arrived for the Beaumont wedding….”

“Do you know how old her daughter is?”

“No…,” Olivia tries to recall her conversation with Drake. “But I don’t suppose the two are very far in age.”

“So it’s possible that Riley was pregnant with Eleanor when she tried to reach out to Liam?”

Olivia leans back, slightly confused. “What makes you think that?”

Hana shrugs. “I mean… whoever Riley’s husband was… he can’t have married her for nothing, especially if he had to raise a child that was not his own.”

“Are you suggesting that man wanted something in return for agreeing to marry Riley? That he wanted her to give him a child?”

Hana’s eyes give a grievous flash, as if Olivia’s words were too familiar to her. “I don’t know what to think anymore…. I wonder what type of man Riley’s husband was.”

Olivia’s phone turns back on and dings. She goes to dial Liam’s number.

- Bertrand -

The day of the Cordonian Tea Ceremony, Bertrand was in a nervous fit. Every chance he got, he told his king that they should return for the ceremony, and that even if he made a late appearance, at least people would not be upset. But King Liam told Duke Bertrand not to speak of it around Riley or her children, and that he would not consider returning to Cordonia until her health improved.

And so they spend the day with Riley. King Liam and Drake helped her use her crutches, and even though she was incredibly lightheaded, she still managed to walk around the house with them. Charlotte Brooks mostly avoided the group, and always gave them a displeased look every time they would speak to her.

Bertrand wanted to tell King Liam to plead his case again, but was afraid that Liam would reprimand him. Before they had all arrived at Riley’s home, he had told the group not to do or say anything that may stress out her or her children.

And so yesterday and the day before, they had to leave Riley’s home a little past midnight in disguises so that they would not be spotted. King Liam was visibly bothered at having been spotted, and Bertrand heard him tell Drake that because people knew that he was in New York and were trying to find him, he could no longer take Riley’s children out to spend time with them.

Today, Liam ordered a large pile of pancakes, fruits, juices, bread, eggs, and oatmeal to be brought to Riley’s home. While they all were enjoying breakfast together, King Liam’s phone rings.

“Who is it?” Drake asks.

“Olivia,” Liam says. He puts the phone on the table, answers the call, and puts it on speaker for everyone to hear. “Duchess Olivia? Is everything alright?”

“Hello, Liam.” Olivia’s voice sounds tired to Bertrand. “I wanted to call and talk about the Tea Ceremony yesterday.”

Liam resumes his meal. “Ah, yes. How was it?”

“Oh, the ceremony went by without incident or delay, but there were many people… concerned about your whereabouts.”

He stops chewing. “How so?”

“Quite unsavory things were said…,” she continues, and there’s a sense of irritation in her voice. “And after hearing many people’s opinions, I believe it would be best if you returned to Cordonia immediately.”

Liam raises his eyes to look at Charlotte Brooks, then looks back down at his phone. Riley’s children and Bartie continue eating, but everyone else stares at Liam.

“Olivia,” he says. “Considering the current situation, I do not think it best for me to return before she gets better. There are a lot of things that need to be settled and planned out.”

“With the children?” Olivia asks, but she doesn’t give Liam a chance to answer before she continues, “You can just bring them and Riley with you. Ask her doctor when it will be safe enough for her to travel.”

Liam glances at Charlotte Brooks, then at Riley’s children. Riley herself continues speaking to Rowan. “I will look into it Olivia. In the meantime… I want you to figure out how and when Regina forced Riley away.”

“Of course,” she promises. “Hana and I are on our way to Lythikos. I’ll call you once—”

The phone starts to vibrate, and Olivia’s voice cuts out.

“What happened?” Maxwell leans over the table to look at Liam’s phone.

“Leo is calling me…,” Liam announces. Bertrand expects him to excuse himself and answer the phone elsewhere, but Liam answers the call and says, “Leo?”

“Liam! Good to hear from you! I, uh… I didn’t see you at the tea ceremony yesterday. Wanted to check in and see how you’re holding up.”

“You were at the ceremony yesterday?” Maxwell speaks up. “By the way, hey, Leo! But seriously… you went to a royal event voluntarily?”

“Yeah, I… I wanted to check in on Liam.”

“Well,” Liam says. “Thank you for your concern. We’re all in New York at the moment, which is why I was unable to attend. How are Katie and the children?”

“Uh… yeah, they’re fine. Look, Liam… I heard that there are rumors being spread on an international level about… y’know…. And… Regina wanted me to see if you were doing good. She thought that you would open up to me rather than to her.”

Liam scoffs.

“Listen, brother, whatever’s going on in New York… you’ve got to go home to Cordonia. Do you know how that looks, when a leader leaves his country for weeks at a time without explanation? Not only does it look like you’re doing something suspicious, but you just left your country vulnerable. You think Auvernal’s gonna pass by the chance to take up another military occupation in Cordonia?”

“Your Majesty…,” Bertrand speaks up. “You have to admit, there is truth behind his words.”

Liam balls his fist, but says nothing.

“Listen, Liam,” Leo speaks. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll call you again later. I know you, little brother. I know you’ll do the right thing for Cordonia. And I get that you’ve been having a hard time lately, but don’t abandon your people now.” Leo ends the call.

The group continues eating in silence, though Bertrand is itching to discuss the situation with Liam. The children mention that they will be going back to school next week. Bartie asks them what their school is like, and they start answering his questions excitedly.

Once the meal is over and everyone returns to the living room, Liam turns to Mrs. Brooks.

“Is it possible that I may speak to you a moment?” he requests.

She crosses her arms in front of her chest. “Go ahead.”

Liam glances over at the group. Riley is in the process of walking around the living room on her crutches after Drake had told her to practice. Liam motions Mrs. Brooks back into the dining room, and Bertrand follows.

Liam begins: “I believe it’s time we had a conversation about… well, everything.”

She nods.

He straightens up. His posture is commanding, but not regal. He tilts his head down slightly and continues, “I came to New York to bring Riley back to Cordonia, but not to take her away from you or the rest of her family. And now, as you heard from my brother and the Duchess’ conversations, I need to return as soon as possible.”

“Because that’s all you ever cared about, isn’t it?” she questions. “Your country was always your top priority. Riley never was, was she?”

Liam seems surprised. “Of… of course she was. Is. Riley… finding her this past decade has was the only thing I thought about. During the social season and Engagement Tour, her safety was always on my mind. Please understand that what happened during my coronation was something that I regret to this day. I could not do what I wanted because of—”

“Because of what your country expected of you, I know. Riley has tried to make excuses in your favor.”

He pauses for a moment, taking in her words. “Ma’am, I know that you hold a grudge against me, but know that I hold one against myself, as well. I have never stopped blaming myself for the actions that caused Lady Riley to want to leave. I…,” his voice cracks a little, and he clears his throat. “I have regretted ever making her think that she anything less than my top priority. I’ve wanted to make it up to her for the past decade. And… I cannot imagine the pain I put her through, having to raise Gabriel….”

Bertrand’s heart squeezes. He knows exactly what that felt like, and he pitied his king who was suffering a greater deal of such pain.

“I came here to make it up to her,” Liam says. “I wanted, more than anything, to make her my queen. I understand your hesitation… but I need to bring Gabriel back with me. And as his mother, Riley will have to return as well.”

“Mrs. Brooks,” Bertrand butts in. “If you will not understand his feelings towards Lady Riley, consider his position as a king. He has a child, whose mother is still alive. They both must be presented to Cordonia. As heir, Gabriel will be safe in the sense that—”

“Why do they have to be presented?” she asks. “To give your people another opportunity to shame her? Don’t you think that having a child out of wedlock will send a negative image on her?”

“I know that western culture regards these things differently,” Liam states, “But the rules for monarchs and for people in Europe overall is different.”

She stares at him, saying nothing.

“I am a man of my word, Mrs. Brooks,” Liam goes on. “I will not allow anything like that to happen to Riley or Gabriel or Eleanor. I’ve only known the children these past few days, but I’ve begun to regard them as my children. I care for them as I care for Riley, and I will do so until my dying breath.”

She takes another moment to regard him. Bertrand notices anger in her eyes, but her tense face begins to loosen up. She looks… tired. There’s a glimmer of hope in his heart, but when he turns to look at Liam, his expression remains stoic.

“…Fine,” she says. Bertrand lets out a sigh of relief. “I’ll talk to her doctor when I go to work today and ask if it’s safe for her to travel. But you have to convince Riley. Without stressing her.”

Liam smiles warmly, “Thank you for your understanding. Do you plan on… returning with us?”

Charlotte and Bertrand both make a face at Liam. Bertrand is shocked that Liam would allow the woman who wanted him to stay away from Riley to come with them.

Thankfully, Charlotte says, “No, I’ll be staying here. Theodore’s company is having a little trouble, so I have to help fix that. I also have a job, in case you forgot. But I will visit often.” She steps closer to Liam. “And if there is even the slightest whisper that you hurt my daughter or my grandchildren, your citizens’ disapproval will be the last thing you’ll have to worry about.”

Liam bows his head. “Understood, ma’am.”

She squints at him, and hesitates to continue. “You can all bring your things over, too. That should prevent people speculating. And it’ll save you some of your citizen’s tax dollars.”

Liam opens his mouth to say something, but she walks away. Liam turns to look at Riley, still walking around the living room with Rowan and Drake by her side.

“Well,” Bertrand comments. “That was quite a hassle.”

Liam chuckles a little. “I never expected her to agree.”

“For a moment I believed she was going to have you kicked out!”

“Yes. I heard Rowan speaking to her the other day. I hope their conversation made her understand that this is more about my relationship with Riley.”

“Sire?”

Liam turns to look at him. “It’s about Gabriel, and what the boy deserves. Though his life in New York is pleasant, there are many things he must be given by birthright that he has not received.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.” They both turn to look at everyone in the living room. “Though it still seems as though you’re on thin ice with Mrs. Brooks. I hope she will not change her mind.”

After a few moments, Eleanor walks up to Liam with a small booklet in her hands. When she reaches him, she holds out her finger.

“What is this?” he asks.

“A sticker!” she tells him. “For you!”

“Ah, thank you! What for?” He puts the sticker on his chest. It’s a smiley face.

“It’s the first time Grandma didn’t yell at you. Good job!” She gives him a thumbs up, and goes to follow her mother.

#the royal romance #theroyalromance fanfic #trr fanfiction #trr fandom #chocies fanfic #choices fandom #choices trr #trr liam x mc #trr liam x riley

[tempesrature]

Hi!! Can you do 2, 51 and 89 for Colt × mc??

Angst/fluff prompt list

Ellie’s heart pounds against her chest, the roar of the Cavalieri is a familiar feeling to her as it moves through the stretch of road before them. It’s been almost a year since she’s left LA behind and somehow he still found her. Then again, it’s not that hard. She’s stationary, rooted to a dream that seems more and more like a nightmare everyday, but he’s free and untethered with the time and freedom to get on his Cavalieri and drive. 

That’s why it didn’t surprise her that much when he knocked on her dorm room door at ten in the evening with no prior call or text, took her hand and told her that he was taking her out for a ride. 

The Cavalieri stops in front of her dorm building, the sound of the engine harsh and loud in the quiet night, and she hops off and she looks at him, her eyes taking in every detail she has missed and continues to miss. She watches him as he expertly dismounts the bike before leans against it, his eyes boring into her, searching for traces of the Ellie he knew and appreciating the Ellie he sees now.

“I thought you forgot about me.” 

Colt scoffs, his arms folding in front of his chest. “Didn’t I tell you that I’d forget my own name before I forget you? I could never forget you, El.” 

“It’s been a year,” She reasons, even though her heart leaps at the confession. 

“I’m aware,” Colt moves forward and stands in front of her, his height towering over hers. He tilts his head towards the towering buildings of Langston. “Is it fun?” 

“No,” She answers too fast—too honestly. “I miss LA…I miss a lot of things.” 

“I’m sure,” a smile tugs on Colt’s lips, “I could take you away. Bring you home.” 

Home. The word tugs at the edges of Ellie’s heart. Nowhere in her life has ever felt home—not LA, not Langston, not even the shop. It’s only with him that she’s ever felt home. 

But she’s not ready to have that conversation with herself. Not when she knows the how heavy her words will feel in the solemn and comforting lull between them. 

“Stay here tonight,” Ellie suggests, her voice more vulnerable that she’d like it to be. 

Colt leans forward, his face close to hers. “We could get caught.” “We’ll be quiet,” but Ellie knows they won’t be. Nothing about Colt is ever quiet when it’s only them alone. 

“That’s not happening,” Colt promises as he settles his hands on her hips, his nails lightly digging into her skin over her skirt. 

Ellie bites her bottom lip, the words hanging on the edge of her tongue: take me with you, I’m not happy here, I miss you, I still love you and you make me feel alive. But she keeps them at bay, she’s not ready to say those words—not ready to give them life when some parts of her still uselessly cling to her old dreams and to her old self. 

 “Let me text my roommate at least,” Ellie says as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out her phone. The blue light of her phone between them illuminates their faces and she takes the opportunity to glance briefly up at him. Her heart flutters at the soft smile directed at her and she’s a little comforted that even if it’s only for tonight—mere hours with each tick of the clock—she finally feels like she’s home.

#i kinda cheated on the last dialogue my bad #i hope its still okay anon! #chocies rod #colt x ellie #fanfic prompt #my writing

[pirateofprose]

Choices Secret Santa

Happy Holidays @made-me-deep-blue, I’m your Secret Santa! I tried to include several things that you wanted, so, enjoy this present in fic form ;) Based on the soulmate prompt "everything you write on your skin also appears on your soulmate skin. After I finished I figured the song kind of fitted with Kamilah. Have a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year! Lots of love.

Also, huge thanks to @andi-the-cat for hosting this great exchange! Happy holidays for you too.

I Don't Wanna Live Forever - Kamilah x MC

The event hall was crowded, full of people with clothes that seemed more expensive than Amy's rent. She glanced at her half-empty champagne flute.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Kamilah's voice rang behind her

“Huh?” Amy turned around, a little startled “Oh, yeah. It's pretty cool, and the drinks are amazing.”

“Yes, I suppose.” Kamilah lowered her look to her glass of wine with a grimace

“Don't be that uptight, it’s a party!” she jokingly bumped her shoulder on Kamilah's arm

“It’s a celebration, technically”

“Oh, come on! Loosen up a little”

“You are very bored, aren’t you?” the corners of her lips slenderly rose into a small smile

“Well, obviously. I don’t know anyone but Adrian and you" Amy pointed at Adrian, who was talking to several people

"Don't worry, I don't enjoy the company of most people here either"

"Did you just say that you enjoy my company?" Amy smiled

"I didn’t say that," Kamilah took a flute of champagne from a passing waiter "But, you are more tolerable than everyone else here"

"Aww. I like being around you too."

"Don't flatter yourself"

Amy smiled to herself and both of them fell in silence again, she looked at the other people in the room.

“Have you ever played Never Have I Ever?” Amy suggested without quite looking at her

“I-- what, now?” Kamilah frowned, very confused

“Never Have I Ever! Is a drinking game, are you in?”

“Just the two of us?”

“Come on! It’ll be fun.”

Kamilah looked around, let out a defeated sigh and turned to Amy “How do you play it?”

“See, one of us says a thing we haven’t done and if the other one did it, she has to drink?”

"I'm not sure-"

"I suck at explaining" Amy quickly commented, "I say: never have I ever… uh… slept with a celebrity. If you have, you drink"

Kamilah took a sip from her glass without adding anything.

"You have?"

"Of course" Kamilah defended herself as if it was the most obvious thing.

"What's that suppo-- you know what, nevermind. Your turn."

"This is ridiculous," Amy heard her murmur before clearing her throat "Fine. Never have I ever… worked for Adrian Raines"

"Boo!" Amy pleaded and took a sip from her beer "It has to be more general! Never have I ever... broken a bone"

Kamilah drank again "Never have I ever stolen anything"

Amy happily gulped the last of her beer, and asked a waiter for another one "Now you're getting it! Never have I gotten a tattoo I regret."

"No follow up questions," Kamilah stated after another drink

"Oh god! Where is it? What is it?"

"I said no follow up questions," Kamilah groaned, before adding with a smirk "Your turn"

They played as the night went by. Every question was more absurd than the last one. Alcohol started to kick in a little bit into Amy's brain, making her tipsier than before.

"Alright," Amy said with a laugh "Never have I ever tried to cut my hair and failed"

Kamilah laughed but didn't drink.

"You haven't?"

"No, I'm not that stupid to fail at making my hair"

"Oh, shut up!" Amy laughed and after giving a good look at Kamilah, she stated: “You are very hot, how come you are single?”

"What makes you think I'm single?”

"Tell me I'm wrong"

“You are very drunk" Kamilah laughed, looking at Amy

“I’m drunk but not wasted, I'll be wasted after ten more beers. Don’t underestimate me.”

“I wasn't”

"You, ma'am, are a very bad liar" Amy laughed and drank from her bottle

There was something about Amy's ajar lips, that Kamilah couldn't resist. Amy sat closer to her, smelling her delicious perfume.

"I'm more capable than you think" Amy dared, examining into Kamilah's deep eyes, quickly glancing at her lips

They were too close to each other. Amy's heart was beating fast and strong, suddenly aware of every movement on her and Kamilah.

"Change my mind" Kamilah whispered boldly

That was the incentive Amy needed. She quickly closed the distance and hungrily kissed Kamilah's lips. They were softer than anything she had ever felt, a tingle growing in her whole body; her right hand went to Kamilah’s neck, holding her close to her.

Kamilah lowered her hands to Amy’s hips and curled her fingers around it. Amy cupped Kamilah’s face with her left hand, she needed to hold her closer. A soft sigh escaped Kamilah’s nose, as she boldly moved her hands to Amy’s inner thighs. It was too late when Amy wanted to resist a moan from escaping, it only impulsed Kamilah to leave Amy’s lips alone and travel to her neck, caressing every inch of her skin in the way with her lips. Amy could feel the warmth on Kamilah’s body, while her own was on fire.

“Yes,” Amy whispered with her eyes closed, feeling Kamilah’s glorious lips descending on her neck.

“Would you like to take this to my place?”

Kamilah murmured going back to kiss Amy’s lips with fervor. Amy murmured a "please" drowned in pleasure, and she only realized what they were doing when the night’s cold air hit her face

“Wait, but the party--”

“They won’t miss us, trust me,” Kamilah assured

Kamilah’s confidence was definitely a turn on the second they met, and this very moment it just fed the fire that was Amy’s body. Next thing she knew, they were on Kamliah’s luxurious apartment, making out on the couch. Well, Amy simply assumed it was luxurious, by the few things she had seen for a few moments. She realized she was sitting on Kamilah's lap, kissing her fervently.

•

"Good morning," Amy walked outside Kamilah's bedroom to find her sitting at the dining table, focused on her phone.

"Good morning," Kamilah said without looking away from the screen "Coffee?"

Amy followed Kamilah pointing at the kitchen counter to find the coffee maker and a cup at its side.

"Thanks"

With a nice hot coffee on her hand, Amy took a seat at Kamilah's table.

“About last night,” Amy began, looking at her coffee, trying to break the uncomfortable silence between them “It was amazing, thanks”

“My pleasure,” said Kamilah with a smirk “And you weren’t so bad yourself”

“God, what do I have to do for you to give me a proper compliment” Kamilah laughed, and Amy followed with a smile

Another heavy silence fell in between both of them, and Amy had a question bothering her since she realized she was naked in Kamilah's bed. For her surprise, it was Kamilah the one who spoke first

“I don’t mean to be rude,” she said politely, with a slight frown “but what about your soulmate?”

Kamilah looked at Amy in the eyes, with a drop of genuine concern inside them. Amy snorted and looked to the ceiling with a mocking smile on her face.

“Don’t worry” she made a gesture with her hand, not giving it importance “I don’t really… believe, I mean- I know for a fact they exist, but I don’t believe in soulmates” she stated, “Why can’t I be with whoever I want, you know?”

“So you have never had writing on your skin?” Kamilah couldn’t believe it for a second. She had been longing for something, anything, on her skin for over two thousand years, and yet there were some people out there who just were not interested.

“Nope. I think that has helped to it," she took a sip from her coffee again "Also, my parents aren’t soulmates, so I’m living proof you don’t need a soulmate to be in love.”

“Interesting take” Kamilah murmured more to herself than to Amy

“You?”

It took Kamilah a while to answer, and as the seconds went by, Amy wondered if she had stepped too far. She was about to apologize went Kamilah spoke

“I believe there is no one for me," she carefully said "Or if it was, they are most likely dead. I just-- I got tired of waiting."

Kamilah's voice had a glum tone, and her expression showed the endless nights she had spent hoping for someone who was truly supposed to be with her.

"Man, that's a sad take" Amy murmured "So, like, no writing on your skin either"

"I stopped trying around two hundred years ago," she slowly shook her head

"How old are you?"

Amy found out a couple of months ago that vampires existed. It certainly took her a while to come to terms with it, but now was just another weird part of her life.

"Two thousand and sixty… three."

Amy choked with her coffee, and Kamilah rolled her eyes.

"I thought you were gonna say, like, five hundred!"

With a little of an exasperated look, Kamilah was about to comment on her, but she got interrupted by her phone ringing. Amy didn't notice her head hurt until the sharp sound hit her on the temple. Kamilah immediately switched her focus to the phone, unlocking it.

“Sorry” she murmured while she typed

“Well, this was fun, but I think I should go, you seem busy enough,” Amy said standing up, even though a little part of herself wanted for Kamilah to tell her to stay

“Yes, I-- I have to go too,” Kamilah said distractedly, also standing up.

“Thanks for everything,” Amy grabbed her purse from the couch, where she left it last night and headed to the main door

“Wait, Amy,” Amy stopped and turned around, a little spark of hope in her chest

“Yes?”

“I don’t want things to get messed up. This was a one-time thing.”

Somehow Amy managed to not burst out an unbelieving “what?!”. Yes, maybe Kamilah was the best sex she has ever had, but it was pretty obvious there weren’t any feelings attached. Kamilah was right. She nodded and presented a very convincing smile.

“Yeah, no biggie."

•

Amy was laying on her bed. She didn't want to think about Kamilah, but her mind had other plans. It was either her or… soulmates. So there are people who actually long for their soulmate's writing on their own skin. But what if… what if she could actually meet the love of her life. It was all a story, but it couldn't hurt to try, right? It took her a good ten minutes of thought into it before making a decision.

Stretching a little, she got a marker from her nightstand. What could you write to the person who was made for you? It could be anyone. What if they don't speak English?

Amy, being herself, drew the best happy face she could on her left wrist. A colon and a parenthesis. That was universal, right? She waited a few moments. Nothing. She didn't think much before taking her phone and started to write "hello" in a couple of languages with the translator's help. She stopped after ten languages when she read a small "Hello" in neat calligraphy. She stared at it in awe. Her soulmate was writing back.

"Hello," she wrote back after a minute of staring at it, very close to the one that had appeared on her left arm "Who are you?"

"Your soulmate" the nice calligraphy answered

Amy rolled her eyes, of course, her soulmate was a Captain Obvious.

"I know that. What's your name?"

"I don't want to tell you yet, this is new for me. Is that okay?"

"Fair enough"

•

Mondays were always movie night. Serafine would cook some delicious snacks, Amy would buy some nice drinks and Lily would pick the movies. Two movies in, Lily and Serafine booed Amy when her phone rang loudly in the middle of a very intense scene where Chris Winters was threatening Victoria Fontaine at gunpoint.

"Adrian, is everything okay?" Amy asked once she closed the balcony door behind her.

"Yes. Well, I need your help." Adrian sounded a little ashamed over the phone.

"Sure thing. What's up?"

"I need you to do me a favor. Could you come to my office?"

“Right now?” she looked back at her friends, too focused on the TV. She needed to be back before the car chase “I’m kinda busy right now-- can’t you tell me on the phone?”

Adrian sighed “I need you to fly to Prague. To represent me in some business.”

“I- what?”

“I’m very sorry, but it is a very important business and I really can’t go because-”

“Because of the Trend interview you kept canceling” she finished for him with a groan. Ana de Luca was very angry the last time “I get it. I’ll go.”

“Thank you! Thank you.”

“But what’s the business or whatever?”

"Remember those Swedish lawyers that loved your hair and kept complimenting you?”

“As if I could forget"

“Yeah, well, I need you to charm them again. We need to get them to support me in some investments that we are going to take with Ahmanet Financial. You just need to be there in representation of Raines Corp. No need to say or state anything, just attend. Okay?”

“Sure boss, I’ll do it.”

"Again, I'm very sorry to bother you, but I only trust you with this."

"It's okay, Adrian. Don't worry."

"Great. I'll have Jax to drive you to the airport tomorrow at eight-thirty. You don’t have to worry about anything, I’ll have Nicole arranging that for you.."

"Thanks-- hang on. Ahmanet Financial? Does that mean Kamilah is going?"

She was seriously hoping for someone else to represent Ahmanet Financial instead of Kamilah.

"Yes. She is the one in charge, she is going with you. Just… just try to be nice, please."

"Don't call me out! She was the one to threaten me"

Amy said in a very convincing tone. She did not want to tell Adrian she had slept with Kamilah. And she was kind of sure Kamilah would not tell him either. So she had to pretend everything was like the first time they met.

"I know, I'll talk to her. She… she's just overprotective sometimes."

"Fine, I get it. Goodbye, Adrian."

"Bye."

•

"You have to send us pictures of the jet!" Lily shouted on the other side of the line

"And Prague! If you can go visit the Charles Bridge, I've heard wonders about it" Serafine added, excited as well

"Okay, okay, guys!" Amy laughed and looked over the window "I'll try to get you pictures"

"Gosh, to be you! You're traveling to Europe with the Prettiest Woman I've Ever Seen, in a private jet!"

"Lily!" Serafine called her out

"I don't know what I'd do without you guys," Amy said with a grin.

"Aw, we love you too, Ames."

"We gotta go, text you later!"

"Bye guys"

"Charming, your friends" Kamilah commented coming out of the pilot's cabin and taking a seat

"Sorry about them. They can be…"

"Loud?"

"Complicated"

"I see" Kamilah took her laptop out of her suitcase, placing it on her lap

"Are you gonna work?"

"Being the prettiest woman your friend has ever seen does not exempt me from working."

Amy blushed intensely "Did you hear that?"

"As I said, they are very loud."

"Sorry," Amy said, and smiled at Kamilah before putting her headphones on “Oh, and, um… I kinda thought about what you said about… soulmates”

Kamilah lifted her eyebrows “Really?”

“Yeah, so, just to thank you. I have a different, um, perspective on it now”

“You are welcome”

•

"I thought you said this was a one-time thing," Amy said in between heavy breathes

Kamilah bit her lip "Is not my fault there was only one bed"

"Of course it is! This is your place!" Kamilah didn't say anything but couldn't help a low chuckle escape her lips "Whatever"

And there is when it hits Amy. Her soulmate. She knows for a fact this isn't wrong, but somehow it feels like it? Like she… cheated? Her perfect match was somewhere out there; she wasn't very invested in the whole soulmate thing, but it didn't feel right somehow.

"I'm gonna go take a shower," Amy stated with a more serious expression and walked to the bathroom choosing to ignore the beautiful cityscape of Prague.

Instead of calming her down, the shower just confused her more. Should she apologize? Should she tell her soulmate anyway? Should she keep it a secret? As she put the towel around her chest, some writing appeared on her left forearm. Great timing.

"I think we should have a conversation. A serious one, for that matter." Amy slowly read as the ink wrote it down.

Oh no. She felt sudden desperation to find something to write back. Amy stormed out of the bathroom, startling Kamilah, who was sitting in her underwear, on the bed.

"What's wrong?"

"This," Amy states bitterly, frantically looking for a pen, a marker, anything "This shouldn't have happened."

Kamilah seems surprisingly shocked by the comment, "What do you mean?"

Amy doesn't answer. She is too focused walking around the place, opening drawers until she finally finds a pen. She holds it up, pointing at Kamilah in a reproachful way.

"This whole thing was a mistake"

Kamilah turns to face her and her expression falls when she notices something. There is ink, nearly the same size, in the same place in Kamilah's arm. Kamilah seems to notice this as well, her eyes going wide.

Amy slowly, in disbelief, takes the pen and writes a messy "sorry" on her wrist. Then quickly turns to look at Kamilah, who's staring at that same place on her skin. They both go breathless as the same word, in the same calligraphy slowly appears on her wrist.

#chocies #playchoices #choices stories you play #bloodbound #bb #bb mc #kamilah sayeed #kamilah x mc #choices kamilah #fanfic #choices secret santa

[jerzwriter]

Abundance

Book:                   Open Heart (Book 2)

Pairing:                Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kaycee)

Rating:                 Teen

Category:            Fluff

Summary:   It's Valentine's Day at Edenbrook, and things are a little different for Kaycee this year. It's their first Valentine's Day together, but they still have to keep things secret... and Ethan isn't helping.

Words: 1475

A/N: In my world, Ethan & Kaycee are official after the chemical attack, but they keep their relationship hidden from most for a bit longer. This plays off the events that took place on Kaycee's first Valentine's Day at Edenbrook, Acts of Kindness, but you can read this as a standalone. I'm participating in @choicesficwriterscreations Valentine Event; @choices-february2023 Day 18, Romance. @choicesmonthlychallenge "To Be" ILY and @choicesholidays Prompt number 2, You broke through every wall I had. How can I resist you now? Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!

It was obviously not an ordinary morning. People seemed more pleasant than usual, and all but a few donned at least some pink or red attire. When the elevator doors opened, the scent of carnations and roses permeated the air, and it was impossible not to recognize what day it was. Last year, Kaycee had marveled at how electric the atmosphere felt and was delighted to see it wasn’t a fluke. Because Kaycee MacClennan loved Valentine’s Day, and apparently, Edenbrook did too.

Feeling like she found her holiday tribe made her giddy with delight, but it served a practical purpose too. While she had to put on a brave face last year when her heart longed for one particular, grumpy doctor. This year, that same grumpy doctor was hers, she was his, and they were as in love as two people could be. Nothing could make the day better… except it would be nice if others could know. To most, she was your standard overworked resident who had no time for a love life with anyone, much less her boss. And therein lay the rub. For now, precious few knew how happy they were, of their love, or how this spunky lady melted the hard of the seriously confirmed grinch. So they still had to live in the shadows, for now….

Edenbrook’s love for Valentine’s day provided the perfect mask. She didn’t need to make an excuse for her extra-bright smile or the radiant glow on her face. No one needed to know that it came from waking in her lover's arms or that she couldn’t keep her mind off their plans for that evening. Only she was aware that her heart was beating out of her chest when she reflected on how far they had come in just one year. To the average observer, it was just a special day, and Kaycee was embracing it.

“Coming through!” a voice blurted, and a blur barreled past her.

Bryce and Raf made haste as they carried bushels of roses to the nurses’ station. When Kaycee arrived moments after, Bryce handed her a single stem. Silently, she lifted it to her nose and inhaled the sweet fragrance, her smile growing wider.

“Is this for me?” she teased.

“You better believe it! What kind of man would I be if I didn’t buy a rose for the only person who can give me a run for my money playing Foosball!”

“I think that’s part of Valentine’s lore, so… you’re right,” she laughed. “Thank you, Bryce. But how many others did you buy? I don’t recall the nurses having to replenish their rose supply so early last year.”

“That I had nothing to do with!” Bryce insisted.

“No, he didn’t,” Maureen interjected. “Someone left an envelope on our desk. It contained two hundred dollar bills and instructions. They said they were buying every single rose, and we should place them in all the recipient's cubby. Of course, there was no way to fit that many roses wouldn’t fit there, so….”

“Oh, my God!” Kaycee covered her mouth with a gasp as she saw her cubby overflowing with pink and red roses from across the room.

“Well, I guess we know who the recipient is!” Raf grinned. 

“Since you don’t have your own office, we sent the rest to the Diagnostic Team’s space,” Maureen smiled. “Someone really likes you!”

“Uh… and… do you know who that someone is?” Kaycee asked, trying to hide her fear.

“The purchase was made anonymously.”

“Damn it!” Bryce complained. “Now, we’ll never know!”

“Not for certain,” Maureen winked. “But the nurses already have a pool going, and I have a hunch I’m right!”

Kaycee could feel sweat beading on her brow. If Maureen began naming names, she was confident everyone would see right through her if Ethan’s name was spoken; and she knew Ethan would be spoken.

“Oh, uh, I should get these roses out of here,” she said, gathering bunches in her arms. “They need water, and my mail cubby isn’t the proper place for them.”

“Come on, Kaycee,” Raf teased. “Can we at least get a hint about who it is?”

“You would if I knew,” she fibbed. “Because I have no clue who they’re from.”

“Mmm-hmmm,” Bryce hummed after her. “I’ll speak to you at Donahue’s after a drink or three….”

~~~~~ 

Kaycee barreled into the DT team's office, slamming the door behind her. Ethan, who had been quietly reading at his desk, jumped at the sudden disturbance.

“What the hell… are you trying to send me into cardiac arrest?”

She was about to be witty, answering with a pun about the holiday at hand, but when her mouth opened, words failed to escape. Ethan watched her with a satisfied grin; after all, he got the very response he craved. Leaving her breathless, in the best possible ways, had become his favorite pass time.

“Cat got your tongue?” he teased.

“Ethan,” she whispered, taking in what seemed to be hundreds of roses filling the room. “What did you do?”

“You don’t like them?”

“I love them! They’re beautiful, but….”  

Sliding his chair out, he circled his desk and approached her, eager to take her in his arms. But as he neared her, she plucked a single stem from the bunch and struck him on the forehead with it.  

“Hey!” he protested. “Is this some strange way to thank me?”

“No!” she frowned, but that quickly turned into a playful smirk. “I’ll show you my gratitude tonight. But Dr. Ramsey, if we’re to keep our relationship a secret, this,” she motioned all around her, “is not the way to do it!”

“So you don’t like them?” He mockingly pouted as Kaycee fell into his arms.

“Oh, Ethan! I don’t like them, I love them! But what possessed you to buy all of them for me?”

He shrugged as if it was the only option, nonchalantly adding, “The money goes to a good cause.”  Then he kissed her temple, once, then again… his warm breath fanned down the side of her face.

“Yes,” she said, trying to keep her senses. “it does. But the nurses are now betting on who bought these for me!”

“Mmmh,” he said, lowering his lips to her neck. “That’s tragic.”

“It will be if they figure it out,” she insisted. “I love that you did this, but you didn’t have to go so overboard. I thought we said we’d limit our celebration to tonight.”

“We did,” he said, pulling back to meet her gaze. “But it seemed cruel to expect me to go the entire day without doting on my Valentine. Besides,” he teased. “Since you turned the single rose I bought you last year, I decided to go big. There was no way you could turn down this many, could you?”

Kaycee dropped the roses in her arms onto a nearby table, then pushed Ethan onto the sofa against the back. He smiled impishly as she straddled his lap, peppering his face with as many kisses as there were roses in the room.

“I will never turn you down again, Ethan. And not just because you spoil me needlessly. It’s simply because I love you. Today… and every day. Happy Valentine’s Day, baby.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, beautiful,” he smiled, then peered at his watch. “But, if you’re never turning me down, we could put this couch to better use before the team meeting begins.”

“The meeting begins in fifteen minutes,” she laughed.

“Have you ever heard of the concept of a quickie?”

“Oh, I’m familiar with the act,” she blushed. “But I’m not too eager to have Baz and June walk in on us in that, uhm, position.”

“Baz would keep our secret,” he winked.

“And June certainly wouldn’t!”

Ethan tossed his head back with a sigh of frustration. “I hate it when you’re right, Dr. Mac Clennan.”

“That’s a shame,” she beamed. “Because it happens so often.”

“Of course, you could meet me in my office during your lunch hour….”

“Why? Would you like an appetizer before tonight’s main course?” she purred.

“Sometimes the appetizer is the best part of the meal,” he grinned.

“I don’t disagree.” She gave him one last lingering kiss before jumping to her feet. “Can I let you in on a little secret?”

“Anything.”

“I like this Valentine’s Day so much better than the last.”

Ethan smiled softly and reached out to cup her cheek.

“Me too, Rookie, Me too. But, how are you going to explain all these roses to Baz and June,” he grinned sheepishly.

“I’m going to tell them one of my patients has a mad crush on me. And as much as I’d love to share their identity, patient confidentiality prohibits me from doing so.”

“Damn,” Ethan replied. “You’re good.”

“You better believe I am. And we’re not even near my specialty yet!”

“Which is?” he chuckled.

“The main course, my dear.  You know it’s the main course.”

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Tagging additional tags separately.

#open heart #open heart fanfic #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #ethan x kaycee #valentine's day #choices montly challenge #choices fic writers creations #choices holiday challenge #chocies fanfic

[mrsrhys23]

The burden of the crown

Paring: Liam x MC

A/N: All characters belong to Pixelberry.

Permatags: @desireepow-1986 @cordoniaqueensworld @texaskitten30

Issac had grown accustomed to getting his own way. He was a prince, his parents, older sister and brother, were always busy and nannies the king and queen had hired were pushovers- in the nine year old's opinion.

Prince Issac was in fact the youngest, there was a considerable age gap between his sister Eleanor who had just turned twenty and his brother, Antony, who was eighteen. He was the baby in the family so naturally he was given more attention- when his parents were actually home that was.

Liam and Riley of course hated that they didn't get to spend as much time with their son as they’d like to.

Being Royal, yes sounded glamorous and luxurious but it wasn’t all it was made out to be. Being a member of the royal family could be tough. Their lives were constantly being talked about, every move to be praised or criticised on top of all of that were the responsibilities they had, all the meetings and paperwork that the press and people weren't aware of that was happening behind the scenes. All in all it could be a curse rather than a blessing sometimes.

Riley was in her office typing away on her laptop. She didn't even know how long she’d actually been staring at the thing by now- there was just so much to do.

Riley and Liam were getting older- yes they were only in their middle to late forties but that didn't make it any easier. You would think with over two decades of experience they would know what they were doing but they still made mistakes but learned from them nonetheless.

She closed the lid when she heard someone knocking on the door. “Come in!” she called.

She relaxed somewhat when her daughter peeked her head in- she was kind of dreading that someone was bringing her more work to add the seemingly bottomless amount of work she already had.

Eleanor shut the door behind her and plopped down into a chair in front of her mother’s desk. “You okay?” Eleanor asked. Riley raised a brow. “You seem stressed. Anything I can help with?”

“No, I’m fine, it’s not your job. I can handle it,” the queen insisted.

Eleanor nodded, “Okay.”

“Is there something wrong, Elle?”

“No...but Issac I know that he’s been misbehaving and I know he needs to be punished but I think he’s only doing it to get your attention.” Riley went to speak but the princess continued, “I know that you and dad are busy but look at it from his perspective. He’s aware you spent time with Antony and I growing up and I suppose he’d can't quite grasp why you can't now with him. I know that you had help, Grandma Regina, Uncle Drake, Uncle Maxwell, Aunt Liv and Hana that allowed you to spend time with us but now they have their own children and are off doing their own things...He just feels left out, Mom. I’ll help with anything I can, you know you can always ask me. I just don't want my little brother to feel like he’s not as important.”

Riley felt tears clouding in her eyes. She didn't know that Issac was feeling that way, of course he was just as important as his siblings, the damn crown just made it difficult to always be there.

“D-does he honestly think that?” Riley asked, holding back a few tears.

The princess nodded solemnly.

“It’s not your fault,” Eleanor insisted.

“Yes it is. I’m his mother- this is my responsibility. Does your dad know?”

“Antony has gone to speak to him. We’ve spent a lot of time with him and yeah we have fun but we’re not his parents. He just needs you and dad to-”

“Be his parents,” Riley finished.

“Yeah. Mom I’m sorry i didn't mean to upset you or-”

“No,” Riley said, cutting her daughter off, “No, I'm glad you told me. I should have noticed I- We’re just so busy that- I know we don't spend time with him and when we do it’s brief. I don't even remember the last time I tucked him in at night or had a proper, decent conversation with him.”

Eleanor reached out and placed a comforting hand on her mother’s arm. “I’m here if you need help. One day, I’ll be queen. I could do with some actual experience.”

“I know,” Riley sighed, “It’s not your job neither is looking after your brother.”

Eleanor patted her mother’s arm and got to her feet, smoothing down her clothes. She turned to leave but looked back at Riley. “Just...don’t beat yourself up too much about this, okay?” Eleanor advised, giving her mother a soft smile then left the office, leaving the Queen to her work.

Riley rubbed her hands down her tired face. She had never felt more guilty than she did now. Running the country was her duty as Queen but she wondered if it was worth it. Her family, her kids were the most important people in her life- they always would be.

Riley picked up her laptop and stood from her desk, flicking the lights off as she left her office.

She passed Antony on her travels. They both exchanged a ‘hello’ as Riley continued on to her husband's office, her eldest son understood his mother’s reluctance for a proper conversation. Liam and Riley were the type of people to overthink everything, to worry about everything, however, this time it was somewhat warranted.

Riley tapped her knuckles against the king's office door. She was soon given permission to enter. She pushed the door open to see Liam stood by his drink cart, looking like he was just deciding on what to drink. He twisted his head to face the door when it was pushed open, allowing his wife to see his red, puffy eyes.

“Liam…,” she said, quietly. Liam didn't often show his emotions, he always put everyone else first, except today he was faced with the realisation that he wasn't putting the most important people in his life first. In all technicality, he was putting...strangers first but at the end of the day, that was his duty as king.

He made a vow a very long time ago not to be like his father, to always put his family first, to make sure they always felt loved and wanted….but he failed. Riley also made a similar vow, her own parents were hardly award worthy, so she strived to be different, they both did.

Eleanor absolutely had a point earlier on. Liam and Riley had their friends, Regina to rely upon when Eleanor and Antony were children and now they were off doing their own things or looking after their own children. That shouldn’t be used as an excuse though, plenty of parents work and still have time for their children. Time to make sure they felt loved and cared for.

Riley just gave her husband a small, sad smile and gestured they both take a seat. Liam sat on his chair behind the oak desk and Riley took one of the hard, frankly quite uncomfortable, leather seats in front of it.

“You okay?” Riley asked, although she knew what the answer would be. She knew her husband, she knew he’d be beating himself up over this.

“Are you?” Liam retorted, avoiding her question like she thought he would.

Riley shook her head, looking up from her lap, where she was currently wringing her hands together, back up to her husband. “What are we going to do?”

“Make it right,” Liam said simply. “I don’t know how yet but...he’s our son. We just need to be there for him. I know that it’s easier said than done right now- with everything going on in our lives, running our country but...this is our children were talking about.”

She nodded, taking in his words, “I got a call from Carly this morning-” Carly was the nanny. The call being about something the mischievous Issac Rys had gotten up to that morning shortly after the King and Queen had headed out.

It was Friday, the royal children all attended school as a stride to make each of their childhoods as ‘normal’ as possible, however, Issac had been misbehaving and the school was forced to take action to prevent the young prince from distracting other students from their learning and so he was consequently suspended for the rest of the week. The school in question had been told to treat the prince and his parents like ordinary people because at heart they were. It was just some fancy titles that set them aside from everybody else.

He raised an eyebrow, encouraging her to continue. “Apparently, he’s been misbehaving again. She didn't exactly go into detail on what that means but...she thinks he’s doing it to get our attention.”

He nodded. He had tried that approach once or twice when he was a child and craved affection and love from his father. It made sense.

“Well, not that i’m condoning his behaviour or rewarding it when i say this but...why don't we head to Applewood tonight for the weekend? You, the children and I for some family time? Your schedule is clear, correct?”

She nodded, “Except I wanted to do some research before i headed to that school Monday and I still need to finish my presentation for the council meeting Tuesday morning.”

“I’ll help you with anything you need. I'm aware you don't need my help but if we get it done together then we’ll be able to spend more time together over the weekend or we could come home Sunday morning, that way it’ll give you the rest of the day.”

“Sounds good,” she replied, smiling up at him. “I’ve written all of it out. I just need to edit it and make sure it’s alright but a weekend in Applewood sounds amazing right now.”

“I’ll ask Bastien to make the preparations if you want to go and tell the children?”

“Okay,” she nodded, picking up her laptop off the desk. She headed over to the door but hesitated to turn the doorknob, she spun around on her heel to face Liam.

“Something the matter, Ri?” Liam asked. Riley didn’t say anything as she headed back over to his desk, placing her laptop down and wrapped her husband into a hug. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. He didn't actually know when the last time they were this close to each other, all he knew was that he missed his wife...missed his kids.

They both were really just starting to feel the burden of the crown but they had battled far worse demons together.

#choices the royal romance #playchoices #liam x mc #trr #trr liam #trr riley #trr chocies #the royal romance #trr fanfic

[choicesficwriterscreations]

The Royal Romance FotW - Oct 16- 22

🖤 = Adult Content 🔥 = NSFW ORANGE = NAUGHTY & NICE 😈 😇

An Ear to the Ground | Kiara Theron - @lizzybeth1986 Coitus Interruptus | Liam Rys x MC - @dcbbw 🔥 Love Everlasting (Series) | Mariquise (Liam) Rys x MC - @khoicesbyk (N) Trust Fall Part 1 🔥 Trust Fall Part 2 🔥 Nailed It | Liam Rys x MC - @sfb123 🔥 The Full Beaumonty | Maxwell Beaumont x MC - @harleybeaumont 🔥 The Pact | Liam x F!OC - @ao719 The Promise | Liam Rys x MC - @phoenixrising308 Part 8: Atonement 🖤 The Vampire Lives On | Liam Rys x MC - @bebepac

CROSSOVER

The Royal Romance / Veil of Secrets

The Other Nevrakis (Series) - @harleybeaumont Lady Lilith (One Shot) | Flynn O’Malley x F!OC 🔥😈

CFWC Main FotW List

Open Heart FotW List

#the royal romance fanfic #the royal romance fanfiction #chocies fanfic #playchoices fanfic #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week

[ao719]

WIP Wednesday

Thanks for the tag @zaffrenotes 💞💞

From tomorrow’s chapter of Full Disclosure:

He had been so worried about her the past twenty four hours that he hadn’t allowed himself to truly have a moment to process everything properly. Not that he was complaining. He would give every waking moment of his to Charlotte should she ever need it. Liam brought his hand up, hesitating for a brief moment before he rested it on top of her stomach, being careful not to wake her. And suddenly, just like that, it hit him. His eyes began to grow wider and his heart started to race as he thought about everything to come. How his entire life was going to change. Holy shit. I’m going to be a dad. His gaze flickered to Charlotte’s face as he stared at her again, more nerves settling in. Jesus Christ, I hope this kid is coordinated, or I’ll be taking care of two people with the same motor skill level. They’ll be the Prince or Princess of Klutzville. Their mother...the Queen.

From the next chapter of New Beginnings:

Tara sat behind the nurses station at a computer working on her charting for her patients. She finished one and leaned back in her chair stretching her arms above her head before adjusting the stethoscope around her neck. The secretary from the triage desk in the waiting room came in and walked over to Tara, leaning down next to her. “There’s a woman out in the waiting room asking for you.”

“Oh...ok,” Tara politely smiled before she stood from her chair. She walked out into the somewhat crowded waiting room and felt her chest sink seeing an angry looking Leslie standing there, glowering at her.

MotY one shot:

“You...you know you can talk to me if something is bothering you, right?” Zoey looked at him for a moment, her cheeks lightly blushing. “You just seem to have something on your mind. You don’t have to talk to me if you don’t want to, if you’re not comfortable, and that’s ok. But I just wanted to let you know that if you did want to...that I’m here to listen.”

“I...” she trailed off looking down at her water again, tucking her bottom lip between her teeth.

“Hey...” She looked up and Thomas patted the stool at the counter as he sat in the one next to it. Zoey walked over and set her glass down, climbing up onto the stool, sitting on her knees facing him. “What is it, kiddo?”

Whatcha working on 👀 (sorry if you’ve already been tagged): @dcbbw @burnsoslow @bobasheebaby @iplaydrake @debramcg1106 @annekebbphotography

#wip wednesday #current wips #chocies #trr #moty #choices trr #choices moty #trr fanfic #moty fanfic

[moodmusicmonday]

It's Beginning to Look a Lot like... MMM!

~🎵~

Music inspires a ton of fanfiction by creating another element of a story’s setting that otherwise can’t be written. MMM is a bimonthly opportunity for creators to share songs for recently published fics or for upcoming fics (a teaser, if you will) to get readers excited about reading your newest adventures!

🎵 When submitting your song(s), PLEASE include the following:

Title and Artist of the song

Title of your WIP; if it’s part of a series, include things like series title, part/chapter number and/or title

Choices Book/Universe (TRR, OPH, PM, TNA, etc)

Pairings (if there is one)

A link to your published fic (if you've already posted)

🎵 There are TWO (2) ways to enter your songs:

Comment on this post (reblog or comment)

If you want to make your own MMM post with your own header (similar to SSS or WW), that is totally fine! Just make sure you tag this blog (@moodmusicmonday )

🎵 Songs must be submitted by 8:00 AM (CST) on the following Tuesday. Spotify playlist will be posted on Tuesday afternoon! I will also post a link to the playlist so you can take the songs with you.

🎶 Let’s go! 🎶

Tags in the Comments: if you would like to be added/removed please let us know; if you have been overlooked, please be gracious and just let us know! We love you guys! Thank you for your support!

#mood music monday #moodmusicmonday #music inspo #music inspiration #choices fanfic #chocies fanfiction #choices mmm #spotify

[angstymarshmallow]

Demons - Zig x MC Fanfic

Demons - Zig x MC fanfic. The Freshman.

[A little note: Something small, something simple.]

Summary: Zig can’t seem to squash those pesky demons. They’re always there, lurking just beneath the surface.

The familiar smell of coffee usually brings him back. It takes him away from the uncertainty, from the burden of remembering. Its the next best thing to having a cigarette in between his fingers. But the coffee isn’t doing it today. Frustration ebbs away at him. It’s insistent and he can’t shake it off. 

He can’t help but think about all the skeletons inside his closet.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he sees that bastard’s insidious smirk and he hears the light jingle of the cuffs before they’re clasped around his wrists. He remembers his sister’s insistent pleas for him to get off of him. He remembers the blood, the look of horror in her eyes. He remembers seeing red and his bruised hands throbbing when he finally pulls away. He remembers the look of disappointment in his mom’s eyes as he’s thrown in the back of the cruiser.

And just like that, he pulls away - nearly dropping a hot cup of chocolate from his hand. He curses lightly under his breath. The customer glances up at him in surprise and he tries to play it off as a silly mistake and smiles off-handily at them. He pushes away those thoughts for now, as he brings the hot beverage over. But the memories are always there, waiting for him.

His shift will be over soon. 

He’s usually not the type to complain about work; he likes to keep himself busy, he likes to work with his hands. But right now all he can think about is getting out. He wants to put as much distance as he can between himself and all the dark things looming inside his past. Those damned memories that he can’t seem to shake off. He thinks about the open road to distract himself. He thinks of the sound the wind makes, humming gently inside his ear. He thinks about these things to pass the time. 

On a whim, his eyes drift towards the clock.

Less than twenty minutes.

He sighs as he half-listens to the next person’s order. Maybe he’s lying to himself. After all; he’s not the type of person to run away; to have regrets. He likes rushing into things, meeting them head on without really giving it a second thought. It’s just his way, how he’s always been. His mom calls him hot-headed but he perfers the term intense. 

His eyes restlessly checks the clock again.

Eighteen minutes.

The memories burn a hole in his brain. It takes an ugly root and refuses to budge no matter how much he yanks. He can hear his dad’s laugh; one of the better memories he has of him - tossing him high in the air before catching him into a gentle hug. He remembers bitterly, the night he left.

Fifteen minutes.

Maybe all he needs is to see her again, for her to bring his world back into focus. It’s always easier around her, the memories aren’t so loud. She helps him forget.

On a whim his eyes dart towards the entrance in the same moment that he spots her. 

She hasn’t seen him yet. She’s checking something on her phone.

He takes this chance to admire her. The way she delicately bites her bottom lip as she stares at the screen, the way her hair always seem to out of place - a messy bundle that he remembers often running his fingers through. He keeps watching her, nodding to the customer absently until he catches her eye.

He watches as a dazzling smile breaks out, and the crinkle across her forehead disappears as she struts with purpose towards him. It causes a familiar feeling of longing inside his chest. Something he’s quite not good at hiding when he’s around her. 

As she approaches, he cocks his head. “You’re early,” His eyes drifts momentarily towards the clock. It confirms his sentiment. He hands the next person in front of him their coffee before she quickly slinks behind them.

She looks like she’s had a rough day and he remembers that she’s been having more of those lately. There’s a smidge of bags under her eyes that he wants to whisk away. 

Her shoulders relax as she props an elbow on the counter. “It’s just been a really long day.” She releases a tired breath. “And seeing you, makes it better.”

He hides a smile. He knows the feeling, but he can’t focus on that now. His shift isn’t done yet. “Let me guess, suitemate drama?” He quips. He knows that there’s been tension between her and them recently. Even when she doesn’t talks about it, he knows how much it weighs on her. It’s in the simple things she does.

“Is it that obvious?” She snorts. “I can’t seem to catch a break this semester.” Her shoulders slump a little and she hugs herself.

There’s a clear of someone’s throat behind them and it stops him from reaching over to brush her hair out of her face. He wants to comfort her the only way he knows how.

Just a few more minutes. He thinks wistfully.

“How about you sit over there,” He jerks his head into the direction of a table in the corner, “and I’ll bring you your favorite when I’m done.” He adds a smile for her benefit. 

She pretends to think about it for a moment but he knows she’ll stay. She always does. “Sure, just don’t make me wait too long.” She warns playfully. Before he can respond, she tips on her toes to place a chaste kiss on his lips. It barely last seconds and it takes all his willpower not to pull her back, to greedily sink into her before she can put distance between them.

He watches her go before he remembers that other people are waiting. 

[This was sitting in my drafts box for awhile; and with the latest The Freshman chapter update I wasn’t sure if I should post. But I’ve been pretty active today and I figured why the heck not.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ]

#zig x mc #trying new things #playchoices #zig #tf3 #the freshman fanfic #chocies fanfic #zig fanfiction #mc x zig #someone help me pls #this was just sitting here