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theartoflovingthomashunt · 1 year ago

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Love Among the Pages

[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [Red Carpet Diaries]

Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer (F!OC) Book: Red Carpet Diaries (Post-Book 3) Word Count: <300 Rating: General: no warnings, all the fluffy fluff Prompts: @choiceschallenge-may2023 - love

Synopsis: Thomas and Alex enjoy a quiet afternoon reading.

This absolutely adorable and perfect art is by lovely and talented ArtbyAinna. 🤍

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”

The warm spring sun bathed the lush meadow surrounding them in its golden glow. A gentle breeze caressed their cheeks, strands of her hair blowing in front of their faces. Dandelion puffballs swayed around them, occasionally sending some of their fluffy tufts twirling in the air, showering the pair in the softest white confetti.

Thomas nestled comfortably against Alex as he read aloud from The Little Prince. The words of the story swirled between them, painting a beautiful image of one of their favorite books. The enchanting tale carried them away to a world of imagination and wonder.

Alex held him from behind, her fingers entwining with his until he had to turn a page. She nuzzled her face into his neck, letting the soothing sounds of his voice overwhelm her. The story's messages always resonated deeply with her. She laughed and cried through the Little Prince's journey, knowing all too well that moments like this were of the most beautiful in the world.

Thomas turned behind him, brushing a kiss on her cheek. His gaze met hers for a moment, their eyes filled with warmth and understanding. No words needed to be spoken, for the story of their hearts spoke louder.

With another tender kiss, Thomas turned back to the page, continuing to read the tale of the golden-haired little prince whose story reminds us that the most beautiful things—like sharing love among the pages—must be felt with the heart.

Thank you for reading this little drabble. I really struggled with it. I didn't want it to be a lot, but I didn't want it to be pointless fluff either. I hope this drabble captures the love between them that only grew through the shared reading of one of their favorite books.

The Little Prince has long been one of my favorite books, and it has been Alex's as well. I wanted to commission her and Thomas reading it for a while, and now seemed like the time. This is one of my favorite commissions simply because it captures these two so perfectly. Unlike the Hollywood love stories with dramatized big memorable moments, their love has always been the strongest in these small moments.

I love these two so so much and if you made it this far, I appreciate you for putting up with my rambling. Thank you so so much for reading!

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socalwriterbee · 2 years ago

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Sharing this amazing art commission by @artbyainna on Instagram.

After writing this New Years Fic I just had to get the last scene captured and Ainna never disappoints!!!

🥰🥰

If you’d like to read what has Ethan and Tessa under a table check it out on the link below

Better Luck Next Year

#choices open heart #artbyainna #ethan x tessa #open heart new years fic #new years superstition’s #ethan ramsey fanfiction #open heart fanfiction

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cariantha · 1 year ago

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What are your three most favorite art commissions?

Hi Kyra!😊

I haven't commissioned very many yet, but I'm going to go with the three most recent.

Artist: @/artbyainna on Instagram

A Kiss on the Hand (left) / Hey, Stranger (right)

Artist: @angkis

The Long Way Home (full image below the cut)

Warning: 🔥N5FW, ⛔18+ Only, nudity and sexual content

#thanks for the ask!#artwork #artbyainna #angkis #choices stories you play #playchoices #choices open heart #open heart #ethan ramsey #ethan x sawyer

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choicespride · 1 year ago

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Bisexual Awareness Week 2023 Masterlist

Blades of Light and Shadow

Ask Answered - f!human!MC (Daenarya of Riverbend) - @storyofmychoices

Ask Answered - Mal Volari x Tyril Starfury - @storyofmychoices & @lilyoffandoms

Love is love is love! - Mal Volari x f!human!MC (Daenarya of Riverbend) x Nia Ellarious - submitted by @storyofmychoices; art by coffeesforchloe (IG)

Picrew Mal & Daenarya - Mal Volari, f!human!MC (Daenarya of Riverbend) - @storyofmychoices

Sculpting Desires - Mal Volari x f!human!MC (Daenarya of Riverbend), Tyril Starfury x m!elf!MC (Maiele), Mal Volari x Tyril Starfury - @storyofmychoices

Crimes of Passion

bisexual awareness week '23 q's & a's - f!MC (Nora Rose) - @inlocusmads

Cover Redesign - m!Trystan Thorne x nb!MC (Gabriel Rose) - submitted by @lilyoffandoms; art by artbyainna (IG)

High School Story

Questionnaire - f!MC (Evie) - @cadybear420

Open Heart

A Quick Study - f!MC (Casey MacTavish) x f!OC (Jessica Phillips) - @jerzwriter

Ask Answered - Bryce Lahela - @storyofmychoices

Dr. Casey MacTavish Carrick - @jerzwriter

Sydney Serving Absolute Cunt - m!MC (Sydney Valentine) - submitted by @peonyblossom; art by @somewillwin

Perfect Match

Saffron Sugar, Turmeric Spice - f!Hayden Young x poly m!MC (Basil Park), f!Hayden Young x f!OC (Nilkushi Sierra), implied Sloane Washington x MC - @lizzybeth1986

#bisexual awareness week 2023 #choices pride bi week 2023 #masterlist #high school story #blades of light and shadow #crimes of passion #open heart #perfect match #cadybear420 #storyofmychoices #lilyoffandoms #artbyainna #peonyblossom #somewillwin #jerzwriter #lizzybeth1986

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jerzwriter · 10 months ago

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I think this may forever be my absolute favorite piece of fanart ever. OMFG, it's just so perfect!

Trystan x Gabriel by artbyainna (IG)

I wanted art that was in keeping with the cover photo for this book but more in keeping with the characters because I refuse to believe the detective or Trystan would go all TRR on us like that cover art is attempting to make us believe.

- aka I wanted cover art that was less generic -

I also wanted to redeem that disaster of a coronation outfit for the detective. I went with something in keeping with the whole royal vibe but something that wasn’t so stuffy and old, because I’m tired of PB making Mags designs look so boring and off. She’s better than PB, I just know it.

Ainna definitely delivered and then some! I just can’t get over how amazing she is with taking my ideas and two entirely different outfits and making something magical out of them!

[Background is a manipulation of the PB cover art]

[Gabriel’s outfit is inspired by an design from Ellie Saab’s Fall/Winter 2022 line and one from Zaid Nakad’s Spring/Summer 2023 line]

#trystan x gabriel #lilyoffandoms #artbyainna #i mean it belongs on a wall...

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storyofmychoices · 4 months ago

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Setting Sail for Tomorrow (and whatever comes next)

Calli and Flynn sail off into the sunset following the events of Veil of Secrets, starting the next chapter of their lives together in Birchport.

In honor of the finale of our VOS book club, I thought it was time to share this. I am absolutely in love with this art by the one and only ArtbyAinna (Instgram).

I'm going to post these HCs separate after the finale but here they are here as well...

After the book...

*Flynn takes over as lighthouse keeper and works to make the docks and ports a more fair place with those doing the work getting livable wages and credit for their hard work. Grant helps handle any lawsuits that need to be settled to help clean up everything at the docks.

*Calli moves to Birchport and works for their local paper. She also starts a private investigation agency (like her cousin Lilah Rose). Flynn helps when he can. Kate really wants to be a detective, but she has yet to master the art of being subtle. Naomi is Calli's main partner at her private investigation agency.

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jerzwriter · 2 years ago

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Enchanted

This absolutely stunning creation was made by the lovely and talented @/artbyainna on Instagram. I have been so anxious to share it with you - but waited for @tobias-carrick-appreciation-week. I'm so glad it's here!

In my HC, I built on the canon version of their meeting in A Deli...ghtful Meeting. But I've always wondered about the leadup. The moments when life is about to turn upside down in the most delightful way, but we don't see it coming. The only thing Tobias was willing to commit to was remaining a bachelor. Beautiful, even brilliant women were common in his life, but never captivated him for long. But after a brief meeting with this woman, he could not get her out of his mind. These are the moments before Tobias Carrick's life was turned upside down... and he never saw it coming. This story is told from his POV.

Book: Open Heart Book 2 Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey - eventual) Featuring: Aurora Emery Rating: Teen Words: 1,600 A/N: The original title was not Enchanted, but as I was writing this, my daughter was playing the Taylor Swift song of the same name, and it fit so perfectly that I went with it. Participating in @aprilchallenge - Love is in the Air.

"Come on, jackass!" The steam was practically pouring out of Tobias's ears as his hand lay on the horn, refusing to lift it until the moron blocking the intersection moved out of the way. The moron finally did… just in time for the light to turn red.

His jaw clenched as he closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, reminding himself it wasn't worth becoming this upset over. When his eyes opened, the light turned green, and only two thoughts remained. One: his best friend Kerry was really getting to him with her bullshit relaxation tips, and two, he couldn't be mad at her because they seemed to work.

His attitude improved as he drove off, but the morning traffic didn’t. A woman in a non-descript sedan waved at him as he sat in traffic, her eyes imploring him to wait so she could get out of her tight parking spot. He may have behaved differently a few moments ago, but a small smile tugged at his lips as he waved her on.

Then he had an idea. A parking spot on the streets of Boston? Unheard of. And that spot just happened to be located a few doors down from his favorite deli? That wasn't a coincidence. No, this was divine intervention telling him to reward himself with a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich from Boston Pocket. Without another thought, he parallel-parked his Santorini black Jaguar into the freshly vacated spot with ease.

It was a cool morning for late August, and he promised himself he'd go for a jog after breakfast. After all, God may have felt Tobias deserved that sandwich, but He wasn’t ensuring his toned abs. Nope, that rested squarely on him.

Bells jingled, and a delightful aroma wafted over Tobias as he opened the door. He inhaled deeply to take it all in. Yep, this would be well worth an extended jog.

"Whose next?" A young man barked from behind the counter.

Tobias raised a hand. "Bacon, egg, and cheese on a Kaiser roll. Salt and pepper."

"Want ketchup?"

"Do I look like a heathen to you?" Tobias leered, and the young man's grin made it clear that he shared his sentiments.

"Coming right up!"

With nothing to do but wait, he rested his elbow against the counter to take in the sights. Tobias Carrick had an unrivaled ability to look like he belonged anywhere, and this was no exception. So as he blended into the background, he quietly watched everyone who didn't.

The older woman dripping in diamonds and expensive designer clothes, a little dog resting comfortably in a Louis Vuitton carrier. He couldn't imagine what she was doing here. Of course, she probably knew this dive had the best breakfast in Boston, money be damned. Two high school kids uncrumpled the bills in their hands to find they did have enough to add homefries to their order. Then there was the cute little brunette with her shapely legs well-displayed in a tiny black linen skirt and matching high heels. Her eyes were waiting to meet his as they trailed slowly over her body, and he took the smirk on her cherry-stained lips as an invitation that he was eager to accept. He was about to take a step in her direction when a melodic laugh from the booth behind him created a distraction.

"It sure would!" The beguiling beauty beamed, mindlessly tucking an errant strand of her long, golden locks behind her ear. All at once, Tobis felt compelled to learn what “it” was and what it was going to do?

With the brunette who had held his attention moments before forgotten, he couldn't peel his eyes off this new vision. He stared, spellbound, as she animatedly waved her hands and joyfully conversed with her companion. Tobias Carrick observed for a living, and he had assessed her in mere moments. He was confident that no one could make a ratty, old Henley and a likely decades-old pair of jeans look that good so effortlessly, and that smile could not be faked. There was something so genuine about her, and he couldn’t look away.

He let out a little chuckle when he noticed her morning beverage of choice: a chocolate milkshake with the whipped cream already scooped off. He wasn't sure if it was revolting or adorable. If attributed to anyone else, the prior may have been the victor, but in this case, the latter undeniably won. His breath hitched when she leaned over and wrapped her lips around the straw. Never in his life was he more jealous of an inanimate object.

That solidified it. He had to work his way into their conversation. He was not leaving without her number, but how? He continued to watch her serendipitously, a pleasant smirk on his lips when he heard a loud crash.

The doctor in him took over, and he rushed toward the man collapsed on the floor, but, to his shock, the object of his affection had beat him to it.

"I’m getting his pulse!” The beauty yelled.

Was she a doctor?

“Sir!” Her companion hollered and pointed directly at him. “I need you to call 911!”

“I’m dialing now.”

He watched carefully, ready to jump in if needed, but he was a physician long enough to know that too many cooks spoil the soup, and the two women had things under control. Well, at least one of them did.

“Thank God you stopped me, Aurora!”

Thank God, indeed. He thought, then his eyes widened… Aurora? Could that be?

The paramedics barreled through the front door and made a beeline to the patient on the floor.

“Dr. Emery, what have we got?”

A smug smile came to his lips. It was her.

With the situation well under control, Tobias pulled out his phone and began texting rapidly.

… still want to snag Harper Emery?

… has she been receptive to you?

…. I’ve got an idea…

He looked up from his phone, dismayed to find Harper Emery’s niece and her stunning companion were gone.

“Shit!” he muttered, reminding himself they couldn’t have gone far.

“They were the doctors that just helped that man, right?”

The waiter stood before the abandoned table, holding a tray of food as the server behind the counter nodded.

“At least it wasn’t an eat-and-ditch,” the young man shrugged. “They didn’t eat and only ditched to save a guy's life.”

“Hey,” Tobias jumped in. “Do me a favor. Pack their food up… right away!”

“Were you with them?” the waiter asked.

Tobias pulled a hundred-dollar bill from his pocket and handed it to the waiter. “Too many questions!” He spat. “Wrap the food and give it to me… quick… oh, and keep the change!”

“I’m on it!” The waiter grinned, handing Tobias a brown paper bag in a flash.

The bells that had greeted him upon entering now heralded his exit as he rushed outside. The two women were half a block away, well within catching distance.

“Doctors! Wait!” he yelled. “You forgot your breakfast!”

He had a definitive purpose now, and he knew what needed to be done. Still, it took all his strength to forget about wooing the young Dr. Emery to Kenmore. Every primal instinct within him was screaming to forget everything except getting this angel’s phone number. But when he stood before them, he handed the bag to Aurora.

“Oh, thanks!” The young Emery smiled. “Can I pay you for this?”

“Don’t mention it,” he said with his signature grin. If there was one thing he knew how to do, it was charm. “I’m more than happy to treat a couple of heroes to breakfast.”

“Oh, we’re not heroes,” Emery replied. He may have been focusing on her, but his peripheral vision was finely tuned in to her friend, and was she ever checking him out.

“You were really something back there,” he continued.

He was impressed with his ability to focus. After all, luring Harper Emery to Kenmore would be a huge feather in his cap, and getting her niece there first could be just the ticket. This would really impress the top brass, and he had reason to want to do that. There was only one Aurora Emery. Pretty women, were a dime a dozen, right? If this one slipped through his fingers, there’d be another… eye on the prize. Then, she had to go and speak.

“She’s one of the best doctors at Edenbrook,” the beauty chimed in.

“I don’t doubt it,” he said with a broadened smile. God, she sounded like an angel. Focus! “It takes a very cool head under pressure to catch a detail like a cyanosis.”

Somehow, he managed to keep the conversation on point, wrapping it up by placing his business card into Aurora’s hands.

“Let me know if you’re ever looking for a change of pace.”

Less than a second after completing his task, the little head regained control of the big one. His eyes slowly raked over the tall beauty at Aurora’s side. He could feel the heat emanating between them, and he knew she felt it, too, when he saw the delicate blush on her cheeks. OK, she was interested. And when their eyes met, he was careful to not look away. He wanted to ask for her name. Her number. Could he buy her a coffee? Any chance she’d ditch her friend and grab breakfast with him? But he thought better of it and offered an enticing smile instead. He had to play this right, but this was not over.

After exchanging goodbyes, he turned and jogged back to the deli. But when he reached the door, he couldn’t help but look back once more. And was he ever happy that he did. He smiled with delight when he saw her staring right back at him. With his ego fully restored, he gave her a little wink before returning inside.

No. This was not over, and this is not where their story ended. If Tobias knew anything, he knew that he would see to that.

Permatags: @a-crepusculo @animesuck3r @annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @differenttyphoonwerewolf @doriopenheart @fayeswiftie @genevievemd @gryffindordaughterofathena @inlocusmads @jamespotterthefirst @jennieausten @kingliam2019 @liaromancewriter @lucy-268 @onikalover @openheartforeverinmyheart @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @secretaryunpaid @socalwriterbee @sophxwithers @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @openheartfanart

OH Tags: @alwaysmychoices @annfg8 @binny1985 @coffeeheartaddict2 @mysticalgalaxysstuff @ofmischiefandmedicine @peonierose @youlookappropriate

Tobias Only: @icecoffee90 @kyra75

#open heart fanfic #open heart fanart #tobias carrick #tobias carick x mc #tobias x casey #choices fanfic #choices fanart #playchoices #playchoices fanart #artbyainna #choices fic writers creations #choices monthly challenge #cfwc fics of the week #tobias carrick appreciation week

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icecoffee90 · 1 year ago

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I was lucky enough to be one of the winners of @jerzwriter's tumblr-versary giveaway event and I won a piece by none other than the incredible @/artbyainna on ig. And I couldn't be happier with my prize! 😊 Huge thank you to both of these amazing ladies for this commission of my two absolute favorite Choices characters! 🥰🥰🥰

The idea for this commission came from PB's promotional pics in which Maxwell visited several locations, including Edenbrook.. I figured that Maxwell and Bryce would immediately hit it off! And since there are still a few days of the Pride Month left and both of these characters are canonically queer, I wanted this commission to be LGBTQ+ themed.. That's how I came up with this "Pride office party at Edenbrook" idea..

Once again, Ainna somehow exceeded my already impossibly high expectations!! I said it before and I'll say it again - not even sky's the limit for Ainna's talent!!

#Artbyainna #playchoices art #choices fanart #playchoices #Bryce Lahela #Maxwell Beaumont #Open Heart fanart #The Royal Romance fanart #choices oph #choices trr #trr fanart #choices game #choices stories you play

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jamespotterthefirst · 1 year ago

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Golden (Ethan x Lilac)

and I can still see it all in my mind all of you, all of me intertwined i once believed love would be black and white but it's golden g o l d e n

They're engaged! This beautiful commission by the talented Ainna depicts my Lilac and Ethan moments after she accepts his marriage proposal. I completely changed my headcanon for their engagement. It used to happen during a camping trip, but I decided it happens abruptly and without much planning-- just like everything else about them. I hope to tell you all about it in a fic I am working on titled "Daylight" (I might change it because I'm so indecisive with names!)

#ethan ramsey #open heart #ethan x mc #playchoices #lilac allende #ethan x lilac #artbyainna

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theartoflovingthomashunt · 2 years ago

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Together as One

[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [Red Carpet Diaries]

Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer (F!OC) Book: Red Carpet Diaries (Post-Book 3) Word Count: ~500 Rating: General: no warnings, all the fluffy fluff Prompts: @choiceschallenge-may2023 - love

Synopsis: Thomas and Alex enjoy a quiet movie night in.

This absolutely adorable and gorgeous art is by the one and only ArtbyAinna. 🤍

The glow of the TV cast a cool light over the room. The familiar sounds of one of their favorite films playing on the screen drowned out the faint snores of their faithful black lab, Bogart, sleeping on the floor beside them.

Alex nestled her head in the crook of Thomas’s neck, taking in his scent and the feel of his soft skin against hers. A blissful smile spread across her face as his arms urged her closer.

His fingers drew mindless paths along her arm, lulling her in the safety of his embrace. The warmth of her breaths tickled his neck. He gazed down at his beautiful wife. Her brown hair fanned out beneath her head on his chest. A contented sigh slipped through his lips at the sight.

There was a time when he enjoyed films in solitude. It was only without the distraction of others that he could fully appreciate the art of the film. He spent countless hours absorbed in the media, learning and studying from those he considered masters. He took pleasure in the critique of what he watched, and rarely did he stop to just sit and let the story draw him in without any assessment of it. But, with her, everything was different.

He traced the outline of her jaw with his fingertips, lifting her chin slightly. Her soulful brown eyes met his, warming his chest. He brushed a kiss on her forehead, marveling at how much his life had changed. Now, he had come to enjoy a balance. He still immersed himself when a film warranted it, but he also took the time to enjoy these quiet moments, where the film took a secondary role and became a backdrop to his own Hollywood love story.

The once overflowing bowl of jalapeño popcorn began to dip as the movie played on. Alex’s eyelids grew heavier with each passing scene. The comfort of the familiar story lulled her further toward sleep.

Thomas held her in his arms, listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing as it gradually slowed. The blue light of the screen cast a dreamlike glow on her features as she slept, making her even more beautiful. His fingers glided gingerly through her hair, savoring her soft, silky strands.

Taking care not to wake her, he pulled the blanket further over her. He couldn't have imagined a more perfect night than this. It didn't matter that the movie was her choice and she had fallen asleep. What mattered was this—the time spent together, with her in his arms where no words needed to be spoken to know the depths of the love they shared.

The best love stories weren't the loudest or the ones with the most memorable dialogue. The best stories were the ones that were told in the quiet whispers between two lovers' hearts, dancing in tune until they began to beat together as one—a love that could only be felt deep in one's soul.

If you made it this far, thank you for giving this drabble a chance. I only had a few minutes to write today, so I apologize if there are any errors. I am trying to spend less time analyzing my writing because that's where my self-doubt kicks in and then I edit it until there is nothing left or I don't share it because of my anxiety. So I hope that you enjoyed this quiet look into their lives. If you did, please consider reblogging and leaving a comment. It means the world to me to hear what you think.

Thank you again for reading this! You are appreciated!!!

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cariantha · 1 year ago

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🍁🍂🌶️

'Tis the season...the season of smut. Here's a little teaser for a piece I've been working on.😏I was too excited about the art not to share a peek.

Art by @/artbyainna on Instagram

#wip teaser #artbyainna

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jerzwriter · 2 years ago

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Tension

This magnificent artwork was a commission from the incredible @/artbyainna. This left me breathless! Look at that lighting! Look at them! I love seeing my little people come to life!

I hope you enjoy this beautiful piece, and the accompanying story too! It's nice to take a little break from the angst in my WTD World.

Book: Wake the Dead

Pairing: Eli Sipes x F!MC (Zoe Rivera); feat. Troy Hassan

Rating: Teen

Category: Fluff / Friends to lovers / Pining

Summary: On a rare afternoon of respite, the colonists all find a way to unwind... except for Eli and Zoe. Taking the opportunity to perfect their skills leaves them anything but relaxed.

Words: 2035

A/N: I imagine this scene to take place just before the trip to the amusement park in Chapter 10. These two are fighting a hell of a lot more than zombies. :) Participating in @choicesjanuarychallenge - Day 17 - Relax

WTD Masterlist Full Masterlist

It was an unusually quiet afternoon at the lodge. The colonist’s hard work had paid off: fortifications and watch crews were keeping the drones at bay, and the gardens and livestock left the pantry full. With daily chores out of the way, most were free to enjoy a rare afternoon of tranquility.

Troy reclined on one of the couches, humming quietly as he took in the scene around him. Shannon sat nearby, gripping an old magazine she had found as if it were the holy grail. Published around the time of the outbreak’s start, she was adamant it could contain something to help her research. In a distant corner, Minna was setting up a table with May, who was eagerly prepping a tea party for her stuffed animals. Seeing his friends relaxed and experiencing joy… just as he was… brought a smile to his face. And then… there was Eli….

Troy fully expected to find him crouched in front of the fireplace, working on his bow or doing something else… productive. To Troy’s dismay, that’s how Eli defined “resting.” But today, Troy was amused, watching his friend surreptitiously as he hurriedly walked in and out of the room at least half a dozen times. Stretching his neck in every direction, Eli was definitely searching for something. Troy could have asked what he was looking for… as if he didn’t already know… but this was much more fun. Entertainment like this didn’t come along daily, and Troy wasn’t about to let it end too quickly. But on Eli’s sixth go-round, Troy took pity on him.

“Looking for something, Eli?”

Eli turned gruffly in his direction. “What makes you say that?”

“You’ve been in and out of here six times… you’re either looking for something or working up the nerve to ask me to take my night watch shift tonight… any chance on that?” Troy begged, using his best puppy-dog eyes. They might have worked on half of the colonists in Olympus but on Eli… not a chance.

“Keep dreaming, Hassan.”

“So then you are looking for something….” Troy winked. “Or better yet, someone….”

“I didn’t say I was. I….”

“She went outside… mentioned something about going to the range for target practice on the one afternoon we get some downtime!” Troy shook his head with disgust and pointed a finger Eli’s way. “I hold you responsible for this! She used to be fun. Now, look at her!”

Eli did his best to suppress a smirk. Shrugging his shoulders, he strode past his lounging friend.

“I don’t know who you’re talking about,” he replied straight-faced.

“Yeah, my ass,” Troy yelled after him.

“Troy… I will never be looking for your ass,” he mocked before heading out the front door.

The moment the fresh air hit him, his feet carried him swiftly in the direction of the range. He was moving at twice his normal speed, though there was no need to rush. No drones were on the property, and no one needed immediate protection. His chores were done, so he wasn’t completing a task. Still, just the slightest bit faster, the man would have been running. Even the elders from Sunflower Creek seated on the porch commented on it. Eli couldn’t help but overhear… then his mind went into overdrive.

This is just how he walked, he tried to convince himself. There was nothing suspicious about it. He was headed to practice himself and wanted to get there before the sun went down. Of course, the sun wasn’t setting for another five hours… but still. There was no reason to be suspect. None at all.

As he neared the range, he could hear the twang of her bow as an arrow released, then seconds later, the dull thud of a target being hit. He waited patiently for the next sound; there could only be one of two outcomes… and a smile crossed his lips when it was the one he had hoped for.

“Yes!” Zoe cheered. Followed but a string of happy little noises Eli couldn’t describe if he tried.

But another sound broadened his smile and made his heart race…. silence. She was alone, and while he’d reprimand her for being unsafe later, for now, he was delighted… Zoe all to himself. He almost surrendered to the rush that washed over him, but without warning, that voice was back in his head.

What does it matter if she’s alone? She’s not why I’m here. I’m going to practice. Zoe being here is good because we can offer each other tips. If someone else was there, that would just be more input. This means nothing. Nothing at all. His head may have listened, but his heart hadn’t heard a word, and Eli cursed it for continuing to hammer in his chest. This. Meant. Nothing.

Zoe was startled when she heard footsteps approaching through the brush, raising her bow in preparation.

“It’s me,” Eli hollered, “Don’t shoot.”

Her bright smile appeared naturally when she saw who it was, but she quickly turned it into a coy little smirk by her own design.

“Not so much fun to be on the other side. Is it, Mr. Sipes?”

“Are we ever going to stop talking about that?” he deadpanned, but Zoe was astute, and she didn’t miss the smile in his eyes.

“Absolutely never!”

He walked blithely past her and settled down on a large rock to prepare his bow. Zoe’s eyes trailed his every move, returning to shooting? It wasn’t even a thought. She didn’t flinch when he looked up, catching her in the act, and only a slight blush rose to her cheeks when he raised his eyebrows in question.

“Yes? Do you need something?”

“Oh… so, so many things,” she chirped, not missing a beat.

His lips twitched as he turned back to his bow, looking anyplace but at her. He tested the strings before standing.

“It sounded like you had a good shoot when I was walking down here.”

“Of course I did! I’m good!” she boasted, chest sticking out with pride… how he tried not to notice.

“Yes,” he chuckled, and now her heart was racing. She couldn’t describe how she felt when she made Mr. Grumpy laugh or smile, breaking that cold façade. All she knew was it was intoxicating, and each time it happened, she desperately craved more. “You are good,” he continued. “Very good. One day, you may even be great.”

“Oh,” she teased, slinking over in his direction. “And what’s standing between me and greatness?”

He all but lost his ability to think, though he knew he needed to come up with a response. He could just turn around and aim for the target, ignoring what she had just said, but at the moment… he had forgotten how.

“I.. uh… I mean… you…”

“Don’t worry,” Zoe laughed. “I know what I need… even if you don’t.”

“Oh, and what is it that you need?”

“I need to perfect my shot with a standard bow,” she offered immediately, “That’s why I’m here. Most of my training back at the tower was with a crossbow, and I rock the crossbow. But there are differences, and I want to improve there.”

“There are differences. And lucky for you, the traditional bow is my specialty.”

“Oh, I know,” she winked. “That’s why this is my lucky day.”

Her heart fluttered when he smiled again, she could tell he was trying to fight it, but he didn’t stand a chance. Again, she was left yearning.

“Come over here,” he demanded, and she quickly complied. “Now, get into stance. Remember, your feet need to be parallel to the shooting line.”

Zoe glanced over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. “I’m not a complete idiot, Eli.”

“I didn’t suggest… I’m just taking it from the top!”

“And I’m just teasing you,” she giggled.

“Zoe, if you want to perfect your shot, you should take it more seriously.”

For a split second, she almost felt embarrassed, but only for a second. Her sass was quick to return.

“And if you want me to perfect my shot, perhaps you should show me and just bark orders,” she goaded.

“Fine!”

She assumed he’d get into position, raise his bow, and pull the string with godlike precision. They’d watch his arrow fly through the air like the work of art it was until it hit his desired target… dead on. That’s what she thought would happen. Instead, she gasped silently when she felt his hands on her waist.

“Get into position,” he commanded, and her mind went numb.

Somehow, she managed to raise her bow. Her shirt rose a bit when she lifted her arms. Suddenly the sensation of the rough pads of his fingers brushing against the delicate skin took her breath away.

“Now, turn a little more. Just like this,” he instructed, twisting her the slightest bit to the side.

She wondered if he felt like she did right now, and if her heart wasn’t thumping, she would have felt his pounding against her back. For his part, being this close to her was doing things he hadn’t fully expected; the feeling was overwhelming. But Eli’s game face was unrivaled, and, despite the longing of every fiber of his being, he presented a somber, almost stone-like effect.

“Now, relax your knees….”

Was he kidding? If she relaxed her knees, she was quite confident she’d dissolve into a puddle at his feet.

“Right… relax…” she muttered.

She was flustered, and he saw it. A chill ran throughout his body, and Eli was uncertain. Was he winning or losing?

“Your shoulders should be a little more in line with your bow arm,” he began, “and you want to use your back muscles to aim….”

He hadn’t finished his sentence when her back muscles aimed for their intended target, lying flush against his chest. Neither of them could breathe, and if not for the sould of the gentle breeze rustling through the trees, they would have believed that time stood still. Each waiting, in silence….

“Try shooting,” he blurted. He had to say something.

And she did… instantly… without a single thought. The ping of her bow was followed by silence as her arrow flew through the air, ultimately falling to the ground. But Eli hadn’t moved at all, and neither had she.

“Well…” she stammered. “That totally sucked.”

The two broke out into a fit of nervous laughter, still leaning in closer to one another when interrupted by an approaching voice.

“Eli! Zoe!” Angel called.

“Over here,” Zoe shot back. “What’s going on.”

“There’s a brawl breaking out in the kitchen,” Angel said breathlessly. “I don’t even know what it’s about. All I know is even Feather looked like he was ready to flip out.”

“Oh, that can’t be good,” Zoe chuckled.

“It’s not. That’s why Troy said I should go get you….”

“Oh, Troy sent you,” Eli sneered.

Angel scrunched her brow in confusion, “Uh.. yeah… I mean, is that a problem… or….”

“No, it’s not a problem at all,” Zoe said, gathering her things. “Let’s head back now.”

“Yeah,” Eli scoffed. “I’ll handle Troy later.”

The three made their way back to the lodge, with Angel running ahead. Trailing behind, Zoe looked up at Eli with a coquettish grin.

“Yes?” Eli acknowledged with a raised brow.

“I just think I was really getting it back there,” she grinned. “We’ll need to do it again soon. I think I’m perfecting my shot.”

“Really? I wouldn’t say that based on your last one,” he half-smiled.

“I don’t know,” she said, starting up the steps. “I think certain good things could be said about it.”

“Like what?

“Like….” Zoe opened the door, and they could hear the clamoring and chaos at once. “Oh, my….” She sighed.

“It’s probably best you tell me some other time…” he smiled. “It looks like you’re needed in the kitchen.”

“Me… needed in the kitchen,” she laughed. “Words I never thought I’d hear!”

“I’ve gotta admit,” he smirked. “Neither did I. Perhaps I should join you.”

“Yeah, wouldn’t want any cooking breaking out with me unattended.”

“Lead the way,” he grinned, “then when I’m done… I’ll handle Troy.”

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