choicesnovchallenge

[choicesnovchallenge]

Thank you!

November challenge is officially over and I want to thank everyone who joined last month's event sending submissions (shoutout to @aallotarenunelma, @jerzwriter, @lilyoffandoms, @storyofmychoices, @tessa-liam and starsarewithinme), following the blog and encouraging out fandom creators with reblogs, likes and comments.

If you're feeling creative this month, please join @choicesdecember2023 and the other fandom events (check @choicesmonthlychallenge for the full list)

Happy December to all of you and see you around!

[choicesnovchallenge]

Choices November Challenge: Week Four

Edits

@choicesnovchallenge

November Babe birthday card to @/katedrakeohd

November Babe birthday card to @/iaminlovewithtrr

November Babe birthday card to @/kingliam2019

Fanart/Fanfiction

@jerzwriter

New Traditions | Crimes of Passion — Trystan Thorne x MC

I've Got You | Open Heart — MC x OC

Just Passing By | Open Heart — Tobias Carrick x MC

@lorirwritesfanfic

A Ballad To No One | The Royal Romance — Hana Lee

The Fairytale Ball | The Royal Heir — Liam Rys x MC, OC

Moodboards

@lorirwritesfanfic

Evelyn Bennington: zodiac sign + birthstone | Open Heart — MC

Daphne Wang: zodiac sign + birthstone | Desire & Decorum — MC

#choicesnovember2023#crimes of passion#desire and decorum#open heart#the royal romance#the royal heir

[choicesnovchallenge]

Daphne Wang - Zodiac sign + Birthstone moodboard for @choicesnovchallenge: Scorpio / Citrine

[choicesnovchallenge]

Evelyn Bennington - Zodiac sign + Birthstone moodboard for @choicesnovchallenge Scorpio / Topaz

[choicesnovchallenge]

The Fairytale Ball

Book: The Royal Heir Pairing: Liam Rys x MC (Jade) Characters: Liam Rys, MC (Jade), royal heir (Elise), Maxwell Beaumont, Hana Lee Rating: T Word count: 3415 Reading time: ~13min Summary: The Queen's Ball is the event of the year for the young generations. But Princess Elise isn't as happy everyone hoped she would be on her debut. Based on the prompt: @choicesnovchallenge: National Princess Day

Author’s notes:

Jade Bourbon-Rys, Elise Bourbon-Rys, Charlotte Amaranth, Zain and Gael Maldonado are creations of this author. The other characters belong to Pixelberry Studios;

This oneshot is part of Liam and Jade's universe, but I'm sure you'll have no problem reading it if you never read anything from my TRR series.

"One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three," Hana counted as she passed by, watching every young couple dancing in the ballroom. 

"Relax your shoulders, Toshio." Maxwell instructed, gently tapping a young boy's shoulder.

"That's beautiful, Marnie!" Hana praised another girl.

In the corner of the ballroom, Elise counted the steps as she tried to follow her partner's steps. Her mother and godmother always said Cordonian Waltz wasn't that hard. She just had to let her partner lead. Unfortunately, the dance partner Queen Mother Regina chose for her wasn't as good advertised. At least, not in her opinion.

"Ow!" The boy complained, wincing in pain.

"Sorry, Zain..." She said with a weak and apologetic smile.

"Is everything okay?" Hana asked, placing a hand on Elise's shoulder.

Elise grimaced. She knew her godmother wouldn't scold her as her grandmother probably would. But she still didn't wish to disappoint.

"It's alright, ma'am," Zain forced a smile as he continued to dance. 

How could he go on, given how hard she stepped on his foot? It was a mystery to her. 

The Queen's Ball was an annual ball/cotillion hosted by Queen Jade of Cordonia during Elise’s month of birthday to raise funds for the orphanages and community centers of the kingdom. It was a tradition in which all noble women she knew were involved and her mother was adamant about the princess joining the young couples dance this year. However, she couldn't say she was as excited to join as she hoped to be.

"One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two—"

"OW!" Zain whined. 

This time, however, it got a few other couple’s attention. The music stopped.

"Crap... I'm so sorry, Zain..."

"It's okay, Your Highness. I'm fine," the boy murmured.

"Watch out for Princess Klutzy, Zain!" A female voice in the middle of the room mocked. A voice Elise was unfortunately quite familiar with.

Suppressed giggles echoed in the ballroom.

Elise glared at Lady Charlotte, who replied with a smirk.

"That's enough." Maxwell called out, a rare scowl adorning her godfather's face. "Back to your places, everyone!" 

"Pay close attention to your partner, ladies. And don't forget your posture," Hana said, roughly straightening Charlotte's head.

Elise pressed her lips together to hide a smile when Zain winced again. 

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah... I'm kinda beat from football practice."

The princess frowned watching the boy kept dancing, trying to disguise he was limping slightly. 

"It's okay if you admit I hurt your foot. We can take a break."

"I'm fine, Your Highness."

"You don't have to play nice with me. And you don't have to call me Your Highness all the time. I don’t call Lord Zain of Bellmere."

"All right... If you let me lead, we'll do a lot better, you know," Zain suggested.

Elise smiled shyly. "Okay..."

Maybe she was overthinking again and just needed to chill. She had tons of dance classes over the years. Cordonian Waltz wasn't that hard after all.

For the next couple of minutes, things went smoothly between them. The princess even started to enjoy the dance and the company of the young Earl of Bellmere.

"One, two, three. One, two, three. Excellent! Now spin!" Hana instructed.

"Ready?" Zain asked.

"Yeah," Elise nodded.

But as Zain lifted her arm for the princess to spin, a couple bumped into them, pushing them both on the floor. 

Laughter rose in the ballroom as Hana and Maxwell rushed to help Elise and Zain.

"Damnit!" Zain complained, massaging his left foot.

"I'm so sorry..."

"Are you two alright?" Hana asked in worry.

"My foot hurts..." Zain winced.

Elise frowned.

"I told you Princess two left feet would hurt you." Charlotte snickered.

Something snapped on Elise as she heard Charlotte's voice again. Standing up, the princess stomped her way to the other girl and jumped over her. 

"Elise, no!" Maxwell yelled and darted to the princess, followed by the royal guards.

"You stuck-up bitch!" The princess bellowed as she mounted on the girl, grabbing her hair with both hands. 

Before Elise could do any real damage, four guards split the girls while the others sent everybody out. 

A few hours later

Steps and murmurs reverberated through the walls as Elise sobbed in her room. The Royal guard may be discreet, but the servants loved to gossip. By the time she locked herself in her room, the entire kingdom already knew she got into another fight with Charlotte Amaranth again. But having her name on the tabloids and strangers judging her was nothing compared to Queen Jade’s reaction. And the princess certainly didn’t want to face her mother now.

Just then, a gentle knock on her door interrupted her thoughts.

“Go away!” She whined.

Much to her disappointment, the door opened. 

“Hey, you can’t tell the King to go away.”

Elise sat up as she recognized the voice. The moment her father sat on the bed, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Dad!” She croaked.

“It’s okay, my Lil Bunny…” Liam murmured.

“Is it though?”

“I just talked to Lord Zain and his parents. He had already injured his toe during football practice. He just didn’t tell anyone because he didn’t want to be cut out of the team before Junior League started.”

Elise pulled away from the embrace. “But I stepped on his foot over three times!”

“Zain mentioned it, but he still doesn’t blame you. His doctor also said that landing on his feet when he fell most likely was the real cause of the injury.”

“Fine. Now what?"

“As we speak Maxwell and Hana are searching for a new dance partner for you. So now we have another matter to talk about..."

“Ugh…” The princess laid down again, pressing her face on a pillow. 

“What happened during the rehearsal?”

“You know exactly what happened," she grumbled.

"I do. But I still want to hear your version of the incident."

Her father had a point. As always. 

She then sat up again and began to speak. "I hate Charlotte!"

"Hate is one very strong word."

"It's how I feel about her!"

"Very well. Does it justify you mounting on top of Lady Charlotte to pull her hair and beat her up?" Liam arched an eyebrow.

"She said what happened to Zain was my fault!"

"Elise, you've had spats with her before, but it never came to physical fight. What happened this afternoon that made you cross that line?"

The princess looked down at her hands.

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

"She is a bully, dad."

"I see..." Liam said, not surprised to hear that Madeleine's only child took after her mother.

"I don't care when she says something about me..." Elise fiddled with the hem of her sweater. 

"Did she say anything about something else?" 

"Charlotte said Aunt Hana needs to grow a backbone. She put a melted candy bar on Sophie's seat to make it look like crap and mocked her in front of the entire school."

Liam's eyes widened in surprise. "That's why Sophie was upset today."

"The only reason I didn't beat that girl up at school was because Ava and Louis stopped me so I wouldn't get suspended."

"I assume what happened this afternoon was the last straw."

"Yeah..."

Liam pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

"Are you mad at me?"

"No. I don't approve of what you did. This is absolutely not how we raised you and your siblings, but I understand your reasons."

"How bad is the press talking about it?"

"They're loving it. The rivalry between you two is being strongly associated with the one your mother had with Madeleine during my social season and engagements."

"Do they think Charlotte and I dislike each other because of a guy?!" Elise made a face. "Tabloids are so stupid."

Liam chuckled. "They usually are. Little did they know only Jade was fighting about a guy."

"Oh?"

"That's a story for later."

"Okay... What do we do now?"

"You go back to being my sweet daughter and future heir of the throne while your mother and I talk to the Royal Communications department to handle the press."

"But Charlotte's mom is the head of Royal Communications! Lady Madeleine will make it worse!"

"How so?"

"She doesn't like me."

"Madeleine doesn't like anyone in our family except Regina and Leo. But she's still loyal to the Crown."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Whoa..." Elise mumbled in astonishment. "Okay. If you say so..."

"You still have to apologize to her."

"Dad!"

"I'm not asking you to be friends with Lady Charlotte. Just be polite."

"But she—"

"Do it for Regina's sake. Your mother and I will be present to ensure you'll keep it civil."

Elise folded her arms. "How do you know Charlotte won't be the one to start a fight?"

"I was watching the rehearsal from the security cameras when the fight started. She can't win a fight against Sophie's turtle Pabblo."

Father and daughter exchanged looks and chuckled. 

"Dad?"

"Yes?"

“I don’t wanna dance anymore.”

"Pardon?"

"I'm not going to dance."

"Sweetheart, you've been talking about partaking in the Young Couples Dance for years," Liam tried to reason.

"I lost my dance partner, I'm the talk of the kingdom today... Maybe it's for the best." She gave her shoulders. 

"You know your mother won't like this, don't you?"

"Can you talk to her?"

"Are you sure?"

She nodded.

"I can try..."

"Thanks," Elise murmured, resting her head on her father's shoulder.

About an hour later

"She's not quitting!"

"My love..."

"She's not quitting, Liam!" Jade demanded, glaring at her husband from her vanity dresser mirror. "Our daughter is not a quitter!" 

"Elise doesn't want to cause a commotion with the press and the guests being in the same room as Charlotte."

"That's it?! Fine! I'll cut mini Madeleine out of the dance." Jade put down her face cream on the nightstand with full force. "There! Problem solved."

"Jade..." Liam called, staring deadpan at his wife.

"What? No one is gonna miss her anyway."

Liam suppressed a chuckle as he sat on the opposite side of the bed. "Regina won't be happy with this..."

"I don't care!"

"Don't you?"

The couple exchanged knowing looks.

Jade rolled her eyes. "Why do you always have to be reasonable?" 

"Somebody has to be. Plus, I know you don't want to have animosity with Regina."

"I created this ball for Elise! I'll be damned if I allow Madeleine's daughter or anyone to get in my daughter's way of having her dance!" Jade fumed.

"Did you truly create this ball for her or for yourself?" 

"You know precisely why this ball exists." Jade scowled.

Liam looked back at his wife and arched an eyebrow.

"Sure... Maybe I've been daydreaming about Elise's first dance with her high school crush for years. But I created the ball because she wanted to dress and dance like a princess."

"Jade, she is a princess. It's her birthright."

"This is not about monarchy and titles, Liam. Do you remember when we attended Calenvia's Baile de Debutantes? And the Queen's Debutants Ball in the UK? How mesmerized she was by cousin Manuela dancing with her girlfriend?"

"Yes."

"Well, that's the only thing she hasn't experienced yet!"

"A fairytale moment."

"Exactly!"

"She was a five year old fascinated by fairytales. And I doubt her fairytale moment would come given how she barely seemed comfortable around Rashad's son."

"You don't get it, do you?" The queen pursed her lips in annoyance. "She has a Pinterest board with inspirations since she was seven. She booked herself an appointment with Galia Lahav to get an exclusive design for her gown. She may not have a crush on Zain, but they looked good together. We all saw the day she explicitly told Zain what type of flowers he should get for her corsage and his lapel!" Jade then stood up and sat next to her husband. "I'm telling you: Elise wants this. She cannot let go of her childhood dream just because that little project of Regina George pissed off my daughters."

"Hmm..." Liam pondered for a moment. "Fair point. But I guess we both know there's only one person who can convince her to attend," he said, giving his wife a knowing look.

"What if she thinks I'm forcing her to do it?" 

"You're fully capable of persuading anyone, my love," he said, kissing the back of her hand.

"Okay..." She heaved a sigh, resting her head on his shoulder.

Liam smiled as he once again realized how much his daughter took after his wife.

The next day

As the young princess finished her homework, Elise left the library and walked down the hallway, looking out the window. The Queen's

Ball night was near, so the servants began decorating the gardens, adding snowflake-shaped string lights on the walls and on the maze. The Winter Wonderland theme was her idea and she was completely sure it'd look amazing. Too bad it felt like a dream she would have to postpone for a while.

"Elise?"

The princess stopped in her tracks as she heard her mother's voice. They haven't talked since her mother left the palace to take Zain to the hospital. The queen looked furious then. Was she still mad at her?

The princess turned around to look at her. "Yes, ma'am."

"I heard you have a free schedule now. Follow me to the entertainment room."

"The entertainment room?"

"You'll understand why soon."

Oh, man... Was she going to use one of those educational videos just like the ones her parents showed Louis about STIs? Educational videos were part of her father's style of educating. Her mother's approach was a bit more straightforward.

Once they stepped into the room, Elise took a seat in one of the chairs on the back and Jade followed. On the cinema screen, small clips of Elise as a toddler dancing in the ballroom with the queen, watching her parents dance then joining them, clapping as she watched the first young couples and her dance lessons while growing up. 

As her eyes welled up, Jade changed seats to be closer to her daughter. "I know why you don't want to join the Young Couples Dance after what happened yesterday. Facing the press after a scandal isn't easy. But I want you to know why I created and have been hosting The Queen's Ball all these years."

"What?" Tears streamed down Elise's face. "But you always said it's an event to celebrate Grandma Eleanor and Grandma Elaine and help kids in need."

"I know. I'll keep mentioning them and their charity work they did because The Royal Communications said it'd be a good excuse to turn a ball into a charity event and attract more donations. But its first name was Fairytale Ball." 

"Fairytale ball?"

"Yes." Jade reached for her daughter's hand. "All I wanted was to give you a fairytale moment."

"Mom..." Elise threw her arms around her mother's neck and hugged her tightly. "Aren't you mad?"

"I should be." Jade replied, stroking Elise's hair. "I should scold you and ground you for weeks. But honestly? I wish I had slapped some people's faces during your father's social season and engagement to Madeleine."

"People?" Elise pulled away and stared wide-eyed at her mother. "Who?"

"Literally everyone in this palace except Hana and Max."

"Even uncle Drake?"

"Oh, sweetie... Drake was the worst sometimes..."

"Really?"

"We can talk about that later. Right now, I want to know what you want to do."

"I want the fairytale."

"Okay."

"But I don't have a dance partner!"

"Actually, Maxwell found three candidates for you. Next?

"Mom, there's the press…"

"Your father and I can handle them. What else?"

"I don't want to be anywhere near Charlotte."

"I can throw her in the dungeon." 

"We don't have a dungeon..."

"Well, not in this palace... But my guards can certainly escort Charlotte to Valtoria lower ground floor..." Jade commented with a sly grin.

"Mom!"

"I'm joking."

"You're so not!"

"You say it as if anyone is going to miss her..." 

Mom and daughter shared a glance and laughed.

"I want to dance. But I don't want to harm anyone in the process."

"I know..." Jade smiled, glad to realize how much her daughter had in common with her husband. "We'll figure it out. Now, onto more important things." Jade fished her phone out of her pocket and showed it to Elise. "These are your possible dance partners."

"A girl?!"

"And this lovely gender-fluid person who just won a scholarship at The Royal Dance Academy."

"Really?"

"What? We're keeping our options open just in case."

Elise looked at each picture, and though one person caught her eye, she prompted. "Mom, I don't know... Is there a way I can talk to them?"

The queen smirked. "I thought you'd never ask."

A few days later

Purple, blue and white lights tinted the Royal Palace walls as the guests arrived for the Queen's Ball, one of the most opulent events of Cornodia's social calendar. Among the many attractions of the night, young members of nobility and wealthy families across the world traveled to the Cordonian capitol to partake in the Young Couples Dance. Their hopes were to be introduced to the crème de la crème of world society, sharing their accomplishments and plans for the future. 

This year, however, the press was far more interested in news about the Royal Heir, Princess Elise Bourbon-Rys. After the incident between the future queen and Lady Madeleine's daughter, rumors about more spats, feuds between the princess's friends and her rival's at school and possible absence of both of them from the ball spread fast. Yet no one from the palace confirmed nor denied any information. Would the princess miss her own mother's ball? Or was it Lady Charlotte who took the fall?

"Your Majesties! A word, please!" A reporter chanted.

The king and queen smiled to the press, signaling for them to step closer.

"Good evening, everyone!" Liam replied.

"We hope you're enjoying the ball," Jade continued.

"Lady Charlotte just arrived with her family. Does it mean Princess Elise is still grounded?"

"Elise wasn't grounded. Queen Jade and I believe that encouraging our children to do volunteer work is a much more effective way to teach them about compassion and non-aggressive methods to deal with their feelings." 

"Can we expect the Princess to attend the ball then?" A paparazzi asked.

"Yes. Elise is preparing herself to join the festivities, just like all the other teenagers partaking in the Young Couples Dance," the queen affirmed.

"Aren't you concerned about another disagreement between the young ladies, sir?"

"There's no reason for concern. They've made amends that same day and they've been working together at the senior's shelter."

"Are they friends now?"

"What about the situation with Lord Zain?"

The reporters continued to ask more questions when the Queen's assistant approached her and whispered something in her ear.

"We would be glad to talk to you some more, but the first attraction is about to start. Please join us in the celebration of this magical evening honoring the children of our country," the queen stated before walking away with the king.

After outstanding performances of Cordonian Royal Ballet academy and a play presented by Queen Eleanor's children home, it was time for the Young Couples Dance. All couples were introduced by the herald and as soon as they took their places in the ballroom, musicians played a traditional Cordonian Waltz. The crowd eagerly waited for any kind of mishap or incident. Contrary to all expectations, the young couples gracefully danced to the song, making it another successful performance. 

"Maxwell and Hana did an excellent job with the kids this year," Liam commented.

"I know. Aren't they lovely?" Jade beamed as the couples spinned in perfect synchrony.

"They are. But there's one couple stealing all the attention though." The king nodded towards Princess Elise, who was all smiles to her dance partner. "Who is he?"

"Gael Maldonado, heir to the Ducado de Rivas."

"A Calenvian lord."

"Maxwell was betting on Amalas's child, but I saw how our Lil Bunny was like when she facetimed Gael."

"I see... Did Drake run a background check on him?" Liam asked, scrutinizing the boy.

"What would he—" the Queen then arched an eyebrow in amusement. "Are you jealous, Your Majesty?" Jade teased.

"No..."

"Liam..." 

"It's just a precaution."

"You don't say..." she grinned.

"Our children won't have a social season. We need to find out more about their possible..." Liam made a face as the boy whispered something in Elise's ear, making her giggle. "...suitors."

Jade chuckled, hugging the king's arm. "Honey, they just met. Let them enjoy the night with no pressure."

"Are you really not worried?"

"Why would I be? Look at them!"

Elise beamed as Gael spun her around and held her with back pressed against his chest.

The king then gave his wife a knowing look. "You already did a background check on him, didn’t you?” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about…” Jade reached for her champagne flute to avoid his gaze.

“Uh huh…” 

The king and queen smiled proudly, watching their eldest daughter dance.

[choicesnovchallenge]

Just Passing By

From Here to There Series: Because you can't expect my neurodivergent brain to do anything in logical order... I still haven't explained how Tobias & Casey got together. It's time to rectify that. I'll be working on my masterlist to make this all a little less chaotic, I swear! :) I'll also be tidying up some former parts of my HC to tie things together. In the last segment, A New Chapter, we learn how they went from exes after a whirlwind romance to making peace after the chemical attack. Now, it's two weeks later, and Casey was just released from the hospital. She's not doing well, and her friends can't seem to help. Tobias passes by the roomies apartment on a whim, and here's what happens...

Book: Open Heart (Book 2 - post Chemical Attack) Pairing: Tobias x Casey (F!MC) (Eventual) Featuring: Roomies - esp Jackie Varma Words: 2,100 Rating: Teen+ A/N: This is part of my HC for the couple. It's slightly different from canon, as @mydemonsdrivealimo's MC Jensen Valentine has been added as one of Casey's friends. He makes a very brief appearance here. In this HC, Jensen and Casey were both involved in the attack, along with their friend, Rafael Aveiro. That will be addressed more in the future.

Full Masterlsit | Tobias & Casey Masterlsit

This wasn't a planned visit. He was just driving home from work. There just so happened to be a parking spot on Casey's block... a parking spot on the streets of Boston? It had to be a sign. Right? It made sense that he'd stop in to see her. At least, that's what Tobias told himself as he made his way down the pavement toward Casey's front door. Her neighborhood didn't lie between Mass Kenmore and his townhome, but that, to him, was irrelevant.

Raised voices could be heard behind the door as he approached, but Casey wasn't among them. He may not talk to her much anymore, but he could still pick her voice out anywhere. He almost turned around; perhaps dropping by unannounced wasn't wise, but it would be foolish to turn back now. So, with a bit of trepidation he raised his hand and knocked.

"I'm coming," a woman shouted. Her voice was marked with annoyance, but when she opened the door, her expression went straight to disgust. "Oh. It's you."

Tobias looked over his shoulder, then turned around with a grin. "Sure is. Were you expecting someone better?"

"I wasn't expecting anyone," Jackie sneered. "But better isn’t really a high bar in your case."

"You’re doing wonders for my ego... Varma? Is it?"

Jackie crossed her arms and eyed him. "Trust. I wasn't put on this earth to coddle men's egos. Why are you here?"

He was about to respond when a more pleasant face appeared. "Jackie, who is it..." Sienna smiled politely when she caught sight of Tobias. "Dr. Carrick, good to see you!"

"Is it?" Jackie smirked as Sienna promptly shushed her. 

"Why don't you come in? Is Casey expecting you?"

"No, uh...I was just in the neighborhood and..." he was quickly drowned out by bickering from an adjoining room.

"Just give her time," Bryce insisted.

"I know," Elijah acquiesced. "But she can’t stay locked in her room. How will that improve her mental health?”  

"She does have to get past that," Aurora agreed, but Jensen silently shook his head, and Elijah gestured his way.

"See! You think it's wrong, too," Elijah stated. "Look at how much better you're doing, and you both went through the same thing.”  

"Everyone’s different,” Jensen shrugged. “Casey isn’t me.”

“He’s right!” Sienna scolded upon entering the room. “The last two weeks have been hell on all of us, and she’s been home three days. Don't expect miracles.”  

When they turned to Sienna, several eyes widened when they saw the handsome doctor standing behind her.  

“Dr. Carrick,” Aurora acknowledged her boss.

“We’re not at work. It’s Tobias,” he insisted.

Jackie rolled her eyes. “He’s here to see Casey.”

Bryce raised a brow and mumbled to Jensen, but it came out far louder than he planned. “So she won’t talk to us, but she’ll see him?”

Tobias shifted uncomfortably, an unusual sight for the typically confident man. "For what it’s worth, she didn’t know I was coming.”

“Good!” Jackie enthused. “Then this is where I tell you it’s not a good time, and you should leave. If she’s not seeing friends, she’s definitely not seeing you.”

“Jackie!” Sienna reprimanded.

“What? Friends vs. dickhead exes that screwed her over... I think friends would have the edge, don’t you?”

“Jackie!” Sienna said again. “If not for Tobias, Casey, Jensen, and Raf probably wouldn't be here right now. Try to be a little nice."  

“Yes. Casey, Jensen, and Raf... yet he’s only here to see Casey,” Jackie stated. “Funny how that works.”

“Look, Casey’s my friend, too," Tobias defended.

“Since when?” Elijah asked.

“Since after the...” Tobias stopped himself and sighed in frustration. “Look, can you tell her I’m here? If she doesn’t want to see me, I’m out. No questions. But I think it’s her choice to make... not yours.”

Just then, Casey’s bedroom door burst open, and she spun into the hallway with all the grace of a tornado. Her matted hair was tied into a bun that had been slept on for days, and her ratty NYU sweatshirt and pajama bottoms hadn't been changed for just as long. The dark circles under her eyes marked her exhaustion, but she found a burst of energy and was using it to set a few things straight.  

“For the record!” She blurted to no one in particular. “I never said I wasn’t going to therapy! I said I’m not going to the therapist’s office! There’s a difference! And I didn’t say I wouldn’t shower... stop acting like I am suddenly allergic to shampoo and body wash! But I’m not showering today! I know you want to help, but you guys need to let me breathe!”

“Let you breathe?” Elijah corrected softly. “Casey, you’ve been alone in your room for three days.”

“And as far as breathing, we’re the ones who won’t be able to if you don’t shower soon,” Jackie countered.

Aurora shot Jackie a look and attempted to be the voice of reason. “Casey. We’re just worried about you. You’re not talking to anyone.”

“Who said I’m not talking to anyone? I just don't want to be smothered. If I wanted that, I would have asked my parents to stay. I just...” her voice trailed when she saw Tobias. “What... what are you doing here?”

“He's leaving,” Jackie jumped in, but Tobias paid her no mind.

“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop in to see you, but I can see it’s not a good time. I’ll text you in a few days, and...”

“No, it’s fine,” Casey interrupted, taking a bit of pleasure from the shocked faces of her friends. “You can stay. Why don’t you... why don’t you come to my room.”

“Are you sure?” He asked nervously.

“Yeah... follow me,” she replied with an unceremonious turn on her heel.

“I can't believe she'll see that jackass and not,” Jackie protested, but her voice was stifled when Sienna’s tiny hand covered her mouth. “Jackie, hush!”

~~~~~

If Casey was happy to see Tobias, you wouldn't have known it by her slouched shoulders and down expression when entered her room. Company of any sort wasn't on her agenda today, particularly not from a guy she once dated when she looked like... this. But feeling it would be rude to backtrack, she gestured toward a chair next to the window as she sat on her bed and pulled a blanket around her. Tobias took a seat in the chair.

“I’m sorry for not calling first...” he apologized.

“It’s OK,” she waved. “I’m sorry for using you.”

“Using me?”

“Yeah,” she sighed. “I think I just used you to get back at my friends. I know they’ve been through a lot these past two weeks, too, and they just want to help, but since I got out of the hospital, they aren’t giving me air.”

“... so you agreed to see me just to piss them off.”

Her cheeks flushed, and a chunk of hair fell out of her discombobulated bun when she lowered her head in embarrassment. “When you say it like that, I sound like a complete bitch. I didn’t do it on purpose... Honestly, I was shocked to see you.”

“You’re not a bitch,” Tobias started. “I don’t think you are, and I don’t think any of your friends do, either. You’re coping with the aftermath of a very traumatic event. No one is going to be upset with you.”

“Still, it wasn’t nice of me to use you.”

“Hey,” he snickered, seeming to come to life. “I’ve been used for worse things and haven't complained. In fact, sometimes I even enjoyed it.”

His heart warmed when he saw a trace of a smile on her face. “Yeah, well... I don’t think you’ll enjoy my company right now... and that's all I'm using you for."

“That’s for me to decide. Besides, I didn’t come to be entertained. I came to see how my friend is doing.”

Casey laughed bitterly as she gestured at her disheveled appearance. “As you can see, I’m living my best life. These clothes may walk off my body if I don’t change them soon. I speak to...no... I bark at my friends in five-minute intervals. I won’t leave my room, much less the apartment. I’m fucking awesome. The spitting image of the woman you met at that diner last year.”

Tobias allowed the silence to hang, and both found themselves surprised by how comfortable it was. Then he sat up, leaning forward on his knees with an earnest expression.

“You’re not the woman I met at the diner last year... no more than I’m the man you met. Things happen... life happens, and people... change. You have to be gentler with yourself. When I lost my father... it was a hellish time for me. There was so much going on, and... well, I was in a bad place. When my Ma came to check on me a week after the funeral, I was wearing the same pajamas I had slipped into that night. Probably hadn’t brushed my teeth more than twice during that time. I’m confident she smelled me from outside in the hall.”

“Perhaps that’s TMI,” Casey half-smiled.

“It’s definitely TMI,” he chuckled. “I’m telling you this because you need to know it’s OK. We all go through hard times when we can’t be expected to be ourselves. We’re entitled to that. You just don’t stay there too long.”

“How long did you stay in it?”

“Me. Oh, it ended the day my Mom showed up. You don’t know her, but she’s a force to be reckoned with. She took one look at me, grabbed me by the ear, and tossed me in the shower with a bar of soap. By the time I got out, the apartment was tidied up, and lunch was being served with a side of one of her best lectures to date.”

“Can you spare me that treatment? I'm really not up for it yet.”

“Nah,” he grinned. “It’s not my place. I’m not your Mom, after all.”

“Yeah, well, my Mom only returned to Philly because I swore I’d be all right, and... I’m not all right, Tobias. I’m not all right at all."

"All right will come... then even better will follow. I promise you, one day, you’ll feel like yourself again.”

Casey turned her head toward the window, her skin appearing ashen in the late afternoon light.

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you,” she whispered so softly it almost went unheard.

“You don’t have to believe me. Not yet.   But you will one day, I promise. Now, what were you saying about therapy? You’re seeing Dr. Stevens, right?”

“I am. Well, I mean... I was... I haven’t since I left the hospital and I’m supposed to see her on Friday, but...”

“It’s important to go, Case.”

“I know,” she snapped but softened quickly. “I just... I can’t go see her.”

Tobias nodded in acknowledgment. “Because her office is right next to Edenbrook.”

Casey turned to him, surprised to see he understood. “I am not ready to go back there. I can’t go back there yet.”

“Understood. Dr. Stevens does have privileges at Mass Kenmore.”

“Privileges? Yes," Casey confirmed. But an office? No.”

“Understood. But if she’s willing to, I can arrange for space to meet you there. It’s not a big deal.”

“We could do that?” Casey asked.

“Why don’t you call her in the morning? If she’s willing to see you there, I’ll make it happen.”

Casey nodded her head with a yawn. “I’ll call her. I promise, after I get some sleep.”  

“That’s my queue to leave,” Tobias smiled. “You need your rest. But look, if you want the pleasure of my company again, promise me you’ll try to shower when you get up.”

Casey rolled her eyes dramatically as her head hit the pillow. “Fine! But if you think I’m sending you pictures of me in there to prove it or something...”

“Stop,” Tobias chuckled. “I’d never ask a friend to do that... and... we’re friends. Right, Case?”

“Yeah, we’re friends,” she said, her eyes already shutting. “Can you tell my friends I’m going to sleep?”

“Sure,” he smiled, thinking about how delighted they'd be getting that information from him. “Sleep tight, Princess,” he whispered, closing the door behind him. 

He could hear a pin drop as he walked down the hallway. He knew his past was working against him, and he had his work cut out for him to prove himself to those who loved Casey most. But he didn't mind. The biggest challenge would be proving it to himself. But he knew his intentions were good, and for once, that was all that mattered.

“She’s taking a rest,” Tobias announced as he passed the living room. “And I’m going to leave.”

He turned around briefly when Sienna called out his name. “Thanks for stopping by.”

“Yes, thanks,” Aurora concurred. "I'll see you at work."

The sun was beginning to set when he stepped out the front door. See, that spot had been there for a reason... because, against all odds, he was able to help, and for Tobias Carrick on this day, that was more than he could have asked for.

~~~~~

Next, we'll see how Tobias & Casey begin spending time together... and how each one of her friends and loved ones issues their own unique warnings. :)

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

@choicesnovchallenge / National Princess Day - because that's the first time she was called that, and she's on her way. lol

Tagging others separately.

[choicesnovchallenge]

Hello, everyone!

We're on the last day of November, but if you still want to post something, submissions will be accepted until December 7th.

❤️ Lori

[choicesnovchallenge]

November babe: kingliam2019

Wishing the happiest day to @kingliam2019!

[choicesnovchallenge]

Prompts

December is full of holidays. It is also a month of days that celebrate food, animals, people, and even clothing. Hopefully you find a prompt or two that inspire you!

[choicesnovchallenge]

A Ballad To No One

Book: The Royal Romance Character: Hana Lee Rating: G Word count: 670 Reading time: ~1min Summary: Hana carries a secret she isn't willing to share with just anyone. Based on the prompt: @choicesnovchallenge: Music/Musicians Day

Author’s notes:

Hana Lee belongs to Pixelberry Studios;

I was supposed to post this during @hanaleeappreciationweek, but my muse wasn't cooperating at the time;

I'm picturing Hana in this oneshot as a child/pre-teen, before the ball she rebelled against her parents playing a song out of key on purpose.

Hands glided on the piano keys as Hana once again tried to follow the fast paced notes of Chopin's Étude Op. 10 No. 4. At this point, she didn't even know how many times she had repeated that tricky bar in which she missed the tempo. Or how long she had been practicing that same piece since her classes ended. Her mother would host a party in two days and for some reason she couldn't fathom, her mother insisted Hana should play Étude Op. 10 No. 4. Of all Chopin's etudes, why did she choose the hardest one?

As her ring finger slipped, hitting the wrong key, she frowned. Taking a deep breath, she looked back at the sheet music, hummed the bar one more time at a slower pace, then began to play again. As she got it right, she tried again, but faster. Then a little faster. Faster! Faster! Faster! Before she could avoid it, the wrong note echoed in the room, making a strange, dissonant sound.

Huffing in frustration, Hana placed both hands on her legs and took a deep breath. If it was up to her, she could tear that stupid sheet music and never play that piece again. She didn't even like that piece. But she couldn't say no and walk out of the room. Whenever her parents told her to do something, there was no time for questions, scowls or long faces. She did as she was told and that was it. But just because she didn't protest it didn't mean she was happy to obey.

Why so many etiquette lessons? Why did she have to take such strange classes completely unrelated to one another? 'It'll prepare you for courtly life', her mother used to say. But what was the use of preparing herself to live somewhere she didn't even know, for a life she didn't choose?

Hana shook her head, as if to shake away those thoughts and looked back at the sheet music again. Tapping her right foot on the floor, Hana studied the tempo once more and played it slower again. 

"Such a dull piece..." She thought to herself. It didn't have a nice melody. it wasn't fun to play... Did anyone ever feel anyone except anxiety while playing this? Did anyone who play it had any other intention to play it except show off how skilled they were at the piano? 

Playing the piano shouldn't make her feel like this... Is music a form of art? Isn't it a form of expression for the author of the piece? Shouldn't the performer feel something about it?

Hana then stopped playing and closed Chopin's songbook. There was no point in playing it. Looking down at the piano keys, the young girl tried to remember the last time she felt something while playing the piano. It wasn't during any of the parties hosted by her parents. Nor during recitals. She always felt uncomfortable while playing for an audience.

As her fingers ambled on the piano keys again, following the chromatic scale, memories of her first piano classes flooded her mind. How exciting it felt to play for the first time, the warm ups, learning music theory, the first piece she ever played, the first song she wrote... 

Once she played the key she failed so many times, it sparkled something within her. She then played a chord that sounded nice with the note, creating an harmonic sound. Hana continued to play without any sheet music, occasionally writing the sequence of notes and chords in her notebook. 

Before her, an original piece came to life. Quite a surprise, given how rare inspiration struck. As Hana played the song once again, she pictured someone dancing, gracefully following the rhythm. She couldn't see their face, but something told her they were smiling. 

As the song came to an end, a sense of yearning spread in her chest. Composing this piece was quite fulfilling, yet she couldn't help but wish she could've seen that someone's face. Perhaps they would like to dance while she played. Carrying her notebook, Hana closed the piano lid and stood up to leave the music room. For now, no one would know about it. But hopefully, someday she would meet someone who would dance to her song.

[choicesnovchallenge]

I've Got You

I realized I had no art for Casey and Jess, and when I decided to rectify that, I knew exactly who I wanted to go to. @rosefuckinggenius did not disappoint! Look at my two sweet girls! I love them so much! Thank you for bringing my babies to life, Rose! You're the best!

I wrote a little drabble below to accompany it. I hope you enjoy it! 💕

Book: Open Heart (Pre-Series/Med School) Pairing: Casey MacTavish (F!MC) x Jessica Phillips (F!OC) Words: 696 Rating: Teen Summary: Casey & Jess are taking a little break until there is a turn of events - then it's Jess to the rescue. A/N: Participating in @choicesnovchallenge -  Go For A Ride Day - not in the traditional sense, but hey, it works! lol and @choicesprompts "Don't put all the blame on me." My Casey & Jess series takes place during Casey's med school years in Philadelphia, so this is prior to her arrival at Edenbrook.

For more on Casey & Jess, see here.

My Full Masterlist

Based on the crowds, it seemed all of Philadelphia was out to enjoy the beautiful late spring day, and Casey and Jessica were no exception. They put their books aside for a while to take a relaxing walk along the Race Street Pier. It was just what the doctors-to-be ordered... until things took a turn. Literally.

“Ouch!” Casey winced, toppling to the ground with her hands clutching her ankle.

Jess was immediately at her side. “Case? Babe, you OK?”

“Ow, no,” she groaned. “I think I twisted by ankle."

"Oh, hon! You have to be more careful."

"Hey! Don’t put all the blame on me. I was distracted by the gorgeous woman next to me. You're a hazard, Jess."

Jess was happy to see Casey maintain a sense of humor, but she was already at her feet, fully in physician mode.

“I didn’t hear a pop when you fell, and the ankle presentation’s normal... so I don't think it was a break.”

“Trust me, if it was a break I wouldn't be cracking jokes. It's just a twisted ankle," Casey said attempting to stand. "I'll just... OW!"

"You'll just sit and let me continue examining it!" Jess demanded. "You're obviously in pain... and I can feel some instability when I move it... it's probably a sprain."

“Let’s see if I can stand on it.”

“All right,” Jess agreed, quickly rising to support Casey. “Slowly..."

Casey did her best to be brave, she didn't want to be bested by a stupid misstep. She managed to stifle a yelp as a jolt of pain shot from the tender spot, but her eyes screwed shut, and that was all Jess needed to see.

“That’s it!” the beautiful redhead insisted. “You are not walking home.”

“Jess, don’t be ridiculous. We’re only about three blocks away.”

“Yup! Three blocks too many for you to walk in this condition."

"It doesn’t hurt that bad," Casey fibbbed. "I can wobble.”

“Wobble my ass!” Jess snapped, turning her back to Casey.  “Let’s go. Hop on.”

“Wait... what?”

“Hop on! I'm carrying you back to the apartment.”

“You’re giving me.... a piggyback ride? Really?”

Jess turned around with a roll of her eyes. “This isn’t for fun... and don't get excited... it’s nothing kinky, either. We just need to get you home so I can look at that ankle better. At a minimum, you'll need some ice and elevation."

“Jess, it’s not necessary... I can...”

But Jess was done. “GET ON!”

Casey knew when it was time to hush up, and now was that time. She hopped onto her girlfriend's back at once, but she wasn't done complaining.

“For the love of... Jess... I love you, but sometimes you’re just...”

“Just what?”

Hearing the concern in Jess’s voice, Casey felt her defenses thawing.  “You’re just... too good to me.  That's what you are. I’m sorry.”

“It’s OK,” Jess said with the very smile that first caught Casey's eye. “Patients in pain can be quite crabby... I learned that five minutes into med school.”

Jess lifted Casey's thighs, and Casey wrapped her arms around Jess's neck. But when it didn’t go as smoothly as they had hoped, the two women couldn’t help but laugh.

“Babe, look. I'm laughing. Are you sure I can't try to...."

“CASEY!" Jess snapped.

“But I weigh as much as you do! I don't want to hurt you."

Jess continued to walk with a shrug of her shoulders. “Why do you think I work out so much?”

Casey's brow crinkled. "I don't know? You do work out a ridiculous amount of time. Why do you?"

"Isn't it obvious? I have a beautiful, brilliant... but clumsy girlfriend... I have to be prepared for moments like this.”

“Gee, thanks,” Casey laughed, nuzzling her face into Jess’s hair, the sandalwood scent of Jess's shampoo filling her senses.  “Jess?” She whispered, squeezing her just a bit tighter.

“Yes?”

“I’m so lucky to have you.”

“You really are,” Jess grinned. “But then again, I’m lucky to have you.”

“You are,” Casey giggled. “But try to play it safe, OK? Because if this should happen to you... I couldn't do this... I'd have to spring for an Uber."

~~~~~

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[choicesnovchallenge]

You're welcome. I hope you had a great day ☺️

November babe: katedrakeohd

It's @katedrakeohd 's birthday, everyone 🎂🎈

Don't forget to drop by her blog and check her masterlist.

[choicesnovchallenge]

November babe: iaminlovewithtrr

Wishing a lovely day to @iaminlovewithtrr 🎂🎈

[choicesnovchallenge]

November babe: katedrakeohd

It's @katedrakeohd 's birthday, everyone 🎂🎈

Don't forget to drop by her blog and check her masterlist.

[choicesnovchallenge]

Choices November Challenge: Week Three

Fanart/Fanfiction

@jerzwriter

Improvision | Open Heart — Ethan Ramsey x MC

Caught in the Act | Open Heart — Tobias Carrick x MC [adult content]

@storyofmychoices

Thanksgiving’s Little Miracle: Happy Birthday, Malia! | Open Heart — Bryce Lahela x MC

Moodboard

@lorirwritesfanfic

Aisha Bhatt | Bachelorette Party

Michael x MC | High School Story

Rafael Aveiro | Open Heart

[choicesnovchallenge]

No problem 😊

Choices November Challenge: Week Three

Fanart/Fanfiction

@jerzwriter

Improvision | Open Heart — Ethan Ramsey x MC

Caught in the Act | Open Heart — Tobias Carrick x MC [adult content]

@storyofmychoices

Thanksgiving’s Little Miracle: Happy Birthday, Malia! | Open Heart — Bryce Lahela x MC

Moodboard

@lorirwritesfanfic

Aisha Bhatt | Bachelorette Party

Michael x MC | High School Story

Rafael Aveiro | Open Heart

[choicesnovchallenge]

New Traditions

Trystan may have lived in New York for years, but Thanksgiving was always just another day. This year, he's spending it with Carolina, Tommy, and their friends. He's impressed with their celebration's Latin flair and their generous, unique traditions, all of which lead him to a bit of self-discovery.

Book: Crimes of Passion (Post Book 2) Pairing: Trystan Thorne x F!MC (Carolina Rose) Other Characters: Tommy Rose, Luke Watanabe, Ruby Webster, Mafalda Ginovesi. Words: 1,800 Rating: Teen A/N: This had been in the works already, but I appreciated the ask as well! Participating in @choicesnovchallenge - Thanksgiving / @choicesholidays - I'm thankful for you... / @choicesficwriterscreations Holiday Event

Full Masterlist | COP Masterlist | Holiday Masterlist

Carolina stood quietly in a darkened corner behind the bar, eyes focused on her task. The day before Thanksgiving was always chaotic at her uncle's bar, but she had only one care in the world: slicing plantains with meticulous precision. She was grateful for the repetitive task, for while it was a happy chaos that surrounded her, it kept her out of the melee.

“Luke!” Rubby yelled from across the room, eyeing the seating chart on her clipboard. “What did you do? This table isn’t supposed to be here.”

“If we put it this way, it will give us more room to walk behind and serve food,” he insisted.

“Yes. But if we put it this way,  we can’t put another against the wall. If the same amount of people show up as last year, we won’t have room for everyone to sit.”

“But....”

“But nothing,” Mafalda scolded from a few feet away. “I personally put Ruby in charge of the seating for a reason. We aren’t expecting as many as last year; we’re expecting more, and we have to maximize seating.”

“Fine,” Luke sighed begrudgingly. “I’ll defer to the boss.”

“And in this situation, that’s clearly Ruby,” Carolina winked. “Right, Luke?”

Luke was about to retort when he was interrupted by Uncle Tommy running through the room. 

“Coming through! Coming through! I have the pernil!”

“He has the Pernil,” Mafalda sang joyfully.  “Now, we know it’s going to be a party!”

“Yeah, too bad it’s not for us,” Carolina chuckled.

Tommy turned to his niece with sympathetic eyes. “Sobrina, you know the rules. You’ll have plenty of your own pernil... tomorrow.”

“I know, I know... I’m just teasing! I love our community Thanksgiving. I wouldn’t change it for anything!”

There was a loud tap on the front door, and Carolina’s face brightened visibly when she saw Trystan outside, his arms loaded with boxes filled with baked goods. She and Ruby both rushed to greet him.

“Hello, gorgeous!” Carolina beamed, placing a quick peck on Trystan’s ice-cold cheek as Ruby helped take the falling boxes from his hands.

“Thanks for the help there, Carolina,” Ruby teased.

But Trystan wouldn’t have it. “Hey! Priorities!” He took off his jacket, and a chill ran through him. “God, it’s cold out there.”

“Well, perhaps you should begin dressing for New York winters,” Carolina reprimanded.

“Says you!” Luke interrupted. “I’ve never seen you in more than that unlined leather.”

“Yes, but style matters to me... and besides... I don’t complain about the cold.”

“She’s got you there,” Ruby agreed.

“No matter,” Carolina dismissed, “Because I have the perfect way to help you warm up.”

Trystan raised a brow as he took Carolina under his arm. “Oh, do you now?”

But she pushed him away with a giggle. “Easy there, tiger! I meant you could work up a sweat helping me slice the plantains. We have five pastelons to make, and they’re not going to cut themselves.”

He followed her behind the bar and lifted the largest plantain with an adolescent amusement.  

“Oh, slicing phallic-shaped fruits into pieces... that’s how I’m going to warm up.”

“Yes it is,” Mafalda smirked. “And I’d be careful if I were you! Because Carolina finds that task very relaxing.”

“Yeah, I’d be good if I were, pal,” Luke cautioned.

Trystan wrapped his arms around Carolina and pulled her into a kiss. “As if I’d be anything but."

“Iww. Gross,” Luke protested. But Carolina wouldn’t have it.

“Hey, you started it!”

Tommy came in from the kitchen with some appetizers, and the group gathered around the bar as Trystan and Carolina continued slicing away.

“So, what are pastelons anyway,” Trystan asked.

“It’s sort of like a lasagna, but instead of layered pasta, we use layers of sliced plantain,” Carolina advised.

“And it’s delicious,” Ruby salivated. “Pastelon, Tommy’s pernil, and some arroz con gandules... that’s all I need to be happy in this world.”

“Good to know," Luke deadpanned.

“I meant foodwise, of course.”

“While everything sounds delicious, I’ve done some research, and this isn’t traditional Thanksgiving fare.”

“It’s traditional Thanksgiving fare when you’re dating a Puerto Rican from the Bronx, my love,” Carolina smiled.

“It’s not as if we won’t have the rest,” Tommy piped in. “I have three turkeys in the oven right now, along with stuffing, and my mashed potatoes are to die for.”

“What about yams?” Trystan asked, earning him peculiar looks from all in attendance.

“Honey... no one eats yams.”

“You’re kidding me!” He gasped in mock horror. “Now, my entire holiday is ruined! I was led to believe there would be yams!”

“Babe,  you’re making far too big a deal out of this.”

“I know. I yam,” Trystan grinned.

Carolina playfully smacked his arm as the others groaned.

“How did we end up with him?” Luke asked.

“It was sheer luck on your part!” Trystan stated. “So, how did this evening's tradition begin?”

“Opening the bar to the community?” Carolina asked.  “We’ve been doing this since I was very young. My father and Uncle Tommy always loved doing this, and I followed in their footsteps.”

Tommy poured some wine for all as he began to share the story.

“Jimmy and I were working late one year, and a woman came in quite distraught.  Her husband had recently died, leaving her with three young children.  She didn’t have the money for a proper Thanksgiving dinner, but it had been her late husband’s favorite holiday, and she didn’t want the kids to go without. Jimmy and I just shot each other a look; we knew what we were going to do.  We told her not to worry about it and, on Thanksgiving Day, we brought everything her family needed to her apartment. It was the best feeling to know we could help.”

“This has always been a low-income community,” Carolina added.  “So, there are a lot of families who have to do without.”

“She’s right,” Tommy nodded.  “But it isn’t only about money.  We have a large immigrant community, and sometimes they don’t have family here, and it can be hard to spend the holiday's alone."

“Exactly,” Mafalda agreed. “Not to mention, everyone isn't blessed with a loving family. Some choose not to spend the holidays at home because their family isn’t accepting.”

“Amen to that,” Carolina agreed. “I remember when I told my father and Tio that I was bisexual.  They were great, but many of my friends were not that fortunate.  Let’s just say the holidays can be the most depressing time of the year for many people, and we like to do our part to help that where we can.”

“So we decided we’d always open The Drunk Tank to the community on Thanksgiving Eve.  No one is turned away.”

Carolina nodded in agreement. “And once local residents and businesses learned about this, they began to give us donations, and it’s gotten bigger every year that we’ve hosted.”

“Yep, and all we ask is that everyone pay it forward with an act of kindness to others.”

“This is a beautiful tradition,” Trystan said, his voice rife with emotion.  “So you have Thanksgiving with your community today and again with the family tomorrow.”

“Almost,” Tommy corrected.  “We get to have Thanksgiving with our family today and tomorrow. Our extended family today, and our closest family tomorrow.”

“We don’t do much eating tonight,” Luke informed. “Tonight, we’re here to serve. But tomorrow, make sure you wear your yoga pants, Trystan, because eating becomes a competitive sport.”

“Yoga pants?” Trystan asked. “I don’t think I own yoga pants.”

“Well, then you better squeeze into a pair of mine,” Carolina insisted.  “Because, trust me, you won’t survive the day without the benefit of spandex.”

Shortly after, people began to arrive, and the flow never seemed to end.  It was hard work, but the team worked together, and you could feel the joy and electricity in the air.  Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, Tommy was locking the door after the last guest left shortly after midnight. After quickly cleaning up, Tommy happily lined up glasses on the bar for one last tradition.

“Oh! This is my absolute favorite part of the night!” Mafalda grinned. "Coquito!"

“This isn’t my favorite part of the night,” Carolina said, grabbing her delicious coconut, rum and spice beverage. “This is my favorite part of the year."

“Yeah, why don’t we have coquito year-round?” Luke asked.

“Because if we did, then it wouldn’t be so special now.” Tommy said as he raised his glass.  “To another successful Thanksgiving, and to the most important thing of all... family.... which includes every one of you.”

“Hear, hear,” Ruby nodded as glasses clinked together.

Later that night, Trystan mindlessly played with Carolina’s hair as she nuzzled her head on his chest.  Exhausted but still buzzing with joy, they simply reveled in the thing they were most thankful for that year... each other.  Though he was silent, Carolina could tell Trystan was deep in thought. 

“What’s on your mind,” she whispered. “You’re never this quiet.”

“Are you saying I’m a loudmouth?” He asked.

“Just answer my question,” she laughed.  “I won’t be forced into brutal honesty on this special day.”

But Trystan refrained a moment longer, and Carolina felt when he swallowed hard. “That’s just it,” he said with a broken voice. “This day is special, and I’m sure tomorrow will be, too.”

“It will be.  We are pretty casual about it, but it’s a day filled with fun, food, and the people we love.”

“It’s about... family.” Trystan paused, gently lifting Carolina’s chin to face him.  “You know there are plenty of us Thorne’s; if we follow the textbook definition, it is a family.”

“Yes...”

“I’ve spent most of my life with them, and I always felt so alone.  But tonight... here with you, and Tommy, and everyone... Carolina, this is the first time in my life I’ve ever spent a holiday as part of a family, a true family... and that’s all because of you.”

With tears in her eyes, Carolina leaned over and met Trystan with a warm, gentle kiss.  When they eventually broke away, each wore blissful grins.

“It’s not all because of me,” she insisted. “We wouldn’t let just anyone in, you know. It took someone pretty incredible.”

“I am incredible,” he smirked. “Aren’t I?”

“Yes, you are.  And you’re humble... oh, so humble.”

They both giggled as Trystan pulled her close.

“I love when you acknowledge that,” he teased. “But all joking aside... I’m so grateful for what we share. You... you’re my family, Carolina.  And I never plan on letting you go."

“Damn right,” she beamed. “Because you’re my family too, and family is forever.”

~~~~ So, our Drakovian prince and New York Rican princess are happy again... I sense some drama coming soon! lol Thank you for reading!

Tagging on separate post.