#also ‘hes been telling himself’ likeee omg the fact that he says ‘this is what ive decided’ and not ‘this is what i believe/feel’ is sooooo

[blueiight]

Sgr is a girl’s girl fr….. [creds]

[moose-muffin]

im new here (hiya from the hazbin tag lol) but if you do character + character requests than please PLEASE gimmie a lee!vox with ler!alastor 🙏🙏🙏hear me out... the two are fighting and al (sHocKINglY) wins out, and vox expects to like.. be beaten into the ground as a result, but nope!! he gets tickled!!! to tears!!!! smthn smthn he wasnt smilin and, yk, youre never fully dressed w/o a smile!!!

/nf to do tho ty for reading!!! <3<3

OMG OMG HELLO WELCOME I HOPE YOURE DOING GOOD YIPPEE

SO FUN FACT I WAS VERY LIKE NEUTRAL TO RADIOSTATIC BUT TONIGHT HAS BEEN (HAHAH GET IT) AN ADVENTURE AND THIS ROAD HAS BEEN SUCH A BLAST <3 THOSE TWO FUCKERS ARE SO INSTIGATIVE ITS CRAZY.

I KNOWWWW THIS AS A FIC WOULD GO C R A Z Y!!!!! IDK IF ANYONE HERE WRITE FOR VOX AND ALASTOR AND PERHAPS DOES COMMISSIONS BUT I WILL PAY!!!! PLEASE HIT ME UP OR ILL PROBABLY GO TAKE A PEAK FOR MYSELF TMR <3 AS LONG AS THATS OK ANON. (I WILL ABSOLUTELY LET IT BE POSTED AS LONG AS THE AUTHOR IS OK WITH IT WHICH USUALLY THEY ARE!!!!) IM GONNA TAKE SOME CREATIVE LIBERTIES AS I TYPICALLY DO HEADCANONS!

IM NOT USUALLY A CHARACTER + CHARACTER GIRLY SO BEAR WITH ME BUT I WILL DO MY VERY BEST!!!! HOPEFULLY I CAN DO THIS JUSTICE! IT WILL BE RANDOM HCS THAT ARE UNRELATED TOO. MY BRAIN IS A MESSY PLACE HWBSHWDBD

OK SO LIKE I KINDA MENTIONED, THEY BOTH LOOOOVE TO JUST GET UNDER PEOPLES SKIN. LOVE IT!!! ESPECIALLY ALASTOR. HES SUCH AN ASS (affectionate)

I’D EVEN SAY HE’S KIND OF AN INSTIGATIVE LER???? BRO IS DOING EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO GET TO TICKLE VOX LIKEEE IDK IF THAT EVEN MAKES SENSE BUT I KNOW ITS TRUE. HE WILL CASUALLY WIGGLE HIS FINGERS IN CONVERSATION, TWEAK HIS RIBS FROM BEHIND, LITTLE THINGS LIKE THAT. WELL THEYRE NOT LITTLE. ESPECIALLY NOT TO VOX WHO IS SO FLUSTERED BY IT… ITS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING

BUT! VOX HAS STARTED TO FIGURE IT OUT. AS HE IS ALSO ONE WHO LOVEEES TO GET UNDER SKIN, HE DECIDES HE’LL DO EVERYTHING TO TRIGGER A LER MOOD IN ALASTOR. IF HE CAN TELL HE ALREADY HAS ONE, HE FINDS WAYS TO SUBTLY (WE ALL KNOW HE ISNT SUBTLE THOUGH) LEAVE A SPOT UNPROTECTED. BUT ALASTOR DOESNT WANT TO GIVE HIM THE SATISFACTION!!! HE TRIES SO HARD TO NOT GIVE IN TO VOX BC HE “WANTED TO BE THE ONE IN CONTROL” AND NOW HE ISNT AND HES #PISSED

ALSO VOX ABSOLUTELY IS HORRIFIED OF VULNERABILITY. YET HE IS ABLE TO MOVE PAST IT WITH ALASTOR HERE. SOMEHOW HE ISNT AS WORRIED ANYMORE. MAYBE HE KNOWS ALASTOR WILL REACT. HE LOVES THAT SO VERY MUCH.

AS FOR THE SPECIFIC PROMPT, OH THAT IS SO REAL!!!! ABSOLUTELY YES!!!

I DONT WRITE GOOD ROMANCE BUT LIKE UGH IMAGINE IT NOW. Alastor definitely just got himself to the V’s tower and was planning on fucking with Vox only to see he had already been kinda pissed off. Alastor wouldn’t be as satisfied if he knew he didn’t cause the frustration. He realized he could just stir the pot again. Problem solved, and what better way to solve it than using his weakness against him.. being tickled.

I’m being a little silly but genuinely Vox is so ticklish. Like most ticklish person in hell would go to him if it were an official title. That’s what I’m thinking. That being said, Alastor also knows how quickly he could get him to crumble… but wouldn’t it be more fun to take it slow.

Vox notices his presence almost immediately. He tried to ignore it as he feels his face get warm. He can’t fuck this up. He takes a deep breath and turns around. “Why hello, Alastor! What brings you to our building this evening?” He said in a semi newcaster voice. He wasn’t ready to drop the act

“Well Vox, I came here for a reason of my own but then I walked by your office and you looked so sad!” He began to walk closer to Vox. “You know, t they say you’re never fully dressed without a smile!”

Vox let out a laugh that was quite clearly untruthful. “Yes Alastor I am aware! I was alone in here and so I figured I’d just save up some energy. I’m sure you understand.”

“Quite frankly I don’t,” Alastor paused, “I think maybe I could help you get that smile back.”

Vox didn’t even have to think. He knew Alastor meant he was going to tickle him. You could ask Velvette. She’s seen those two in tickle fights that lasted for DAYS. she knows what they’re capable of, or more so what Alastor is capable of.

Vox puts up a fight for maybe a couple seconds but he just loves tickles more than he can play pretend that he doesn’t <3

It works out well for them both, Alastor gets to fuck around with Vox and well, Vox gets his shit rocked!!! And he loves that more than a lot of things.

OK IM GONNA CUT IT OFF HERE BUT PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COME BACK!!!! IM ALWAYS DOWN TO HEAR WHAT PEOPLE ARE THINKING!! MAYBE ID DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS AGAIN OR LIKE ADD ONTO THIS!!! BUT I AM JUST ALL OVER THE PLACE CURRENTLY HEHE. I HOPE THESE ARE ENJOYABLE!!! (LOWKEY I WANNA ADD MORE TO THISSSS MAYBE TMR MAYBE TMR WE’LL SEE)

apologies if anything is ooc, i just do this for funsies <3

THANK YOU FOR THIS ASKK

[romanceforransom]

OK HEARTSTOPPER S2 THOUGHTS INCOMING

(spoiler warning ofc)

I love the fact we got to see so much more of the characters than we did in the comics. Like the Elle and Tao storyline was so much more fleshed out and there were more Tara and Darcy scenes too which was amazing

And the fact we got to see more about Darcy and her home life - however heart-breaking those scenes were I LOVED the way they were shot. Like the constant purple shadows compared to the bright yellows and pinks at Tara's (the lesbian flag compared to the straight flag/the implications of repression) will forever go insane over the colouring

The teachers storyline OMG, I adore Mr Ajayi and Mr Farouk they really just added so much to this season (and the friendship between Mr Ajayi and Miss Singh was adorable!!! Never knew I needed it but definitely did). I'm pretty sure that was the only story they got in the comics??? As far as I can remember... But I'm really hoping there is something more for them in the next season, since the side stories are getting more scenes.

SAHAR AND IMOGEN??????? Look I adore Imogen and I have been hoping for her to be sapphic (lost hope a bit when they did the ben plot) and the fact they might actually be doing it??? I'm not just being delusional right that was clearly setting them up? Like the whole 'token straight' thing SCREAMS being in the closet because I swear that happens to almost every person that constantly reiterates they are the token straight lmaoo. Then the cuddling after the party, and the HEARTSTOPPER MOMENT AT PROM!! Imogen literally getting heart eyes when she saw Sahar playing the guitar likeee

Also the way they all have different doodles for their heartstopper moments. The leaves for nick and charlie, butterflies for tao and elle, and musical notes for imogen and sahar <333

The aroace rep in this season was also everything. When the trailer came out and everyone was clinging onto that one clip of James and Isaac and hoping they would get together I was so worried about what was gonna happen (like I thought they would just make Isaac ace and not aro - which would have been fine ofc like that's valid!! but I don't think I've ever seen an (established) aro character in media before and having a character not in a relationship would be so good) so it was really nice that they actually did it. Tbh I was almost tearing up during Isaac's scenes because everything he was saying was something I've felt before still struggling with that tbh because the hopeless romantic in me doesn't want to be aroace?? if that makes sense?? idk i'm tryna deal with it but that's not the pointtt I'm just really happy Isaac got his moment, and really excited to see him fully embrace himself and be happy with who he truly is :')

And Nick and Charlie's storyline this season was so.. I just love them. They are so supportive of one another - and just one small thing I adore is how much they hug each other. Like not a lot of shows present a lot of physical affection besides the hand touching and pining before hand, and then just kissing. But they hug so much and just show their affection and love for one another and I really love that.

Also the way Charlie stood up for himself this season was just *chefs kiss*. For a character who has to be banned from saying the word 'sorry' it's so nice to see him be confident in himself and not just accept the first half hearted apologies that people give him. Like slamming the door on Harry, and actually telling Ben all the things he did that affected him. Like I wanted some violence tbh LMAOOO like the whole time Ben was practically begging for a slap, but those scenes were a good substitute. Also Ben's last scene where he steps away from all of the pride posters and rainbows... Heart breaking, but I can't feel too much sympathy bc being closeted still doesn't accuse assault and all of his general asshole behaviour, yknow??

AND TORI MY LOVEEE!!! never have i related to a character more omgg, like I kid you not every single one of her lines is something I would say/have said before. She is me I am her fr. And the phone kicking scene, WHAT A QUEEN I actually love her. She wasn't in this season enough honestly.

One last thing (I have way more thoughts but I can't remember what they were rn) Sarah deserves the best parent award, there is no competition here, the other parents in this show need to step up their game because she is unmatched in her supportiveness. She's the best.

[eleanorbloom]

For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was no longer a criminal. In an ironic twist of fate, he was the one putting people behind bars. And he relished in every win. 

I love thisss, likeee yesss, what a way to do justice, and you’re just as hot as if you were a surgeon (right???? or MORE?? tough question).

So for the first year in the big city, he spent his free time partying hard. With his quick rise to fame, everyone wanted a taste of the majestic Bryce Lahela. He didn’t hesitate to throw himself into the throng. 

This, please, excuse me if there are kids out here reading but this turned me on and it’s only 5 PM here (7PM now, I’ve been writing this comment for too long thanks to our convo XD) TASTE OF BRYCE LAHELA IN SUIT, WITH SWAGGER, LAWYER LAHELA, PLEASEEEEEE I WANT EVERY FLAVOR OF THIS MAAAAAAAN.

Pulling off his sunglasses and tightening his slick striped blue tie, he grabbed his suitcase from the passenger seat and got out of his car

I read sunglasses and literally I heard “Greenback boogie tsss” from Suits here HAHAHAHAHH  damn, Conch, Bryce in suit will come to haunt me every night and every day of my life thanks to you 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥵🥵🥵

He strode into Edenbrook Hospital with confidence, getting glances from several attendings and nurses as he walked the hallways.

*Me if I was at Edenbrook at that moment*

His brow quirked a little, a fit of curiosity fleeted through him 

Curiosity? Who are you trying to kid, baby? We know very well that look of yours 😏😏

Oh, I bet you do. 

you little cocky shit 😂😂😂

He couldn’t stop thinking about her ever since. 

Awwww I’m melting, Conch 🥺🥺🥺

If only PB’s MC would have been like Heather, cautious about Travis!!!! (well, we wouldn’t have had the colossal angst we had in the book, but, anywaaay)

But getting up close and personal with her that day made him realize that like him, she was at the top of her game. 

Power coupleeeee

She was professional and insightful. Bryce was also impressed with how she carried herself. Graceful and poised, yet fierce and tenacious. There were a lot of times that he thought he was hearing himself in the way she talked. And for that reason, he like spending time with her. 

aaaaaaahhh OMG I love this. Very alike but I’m anticipating clash of personalities ???!!! I’d love that, tho

But he admired her more when she made it her mission  to help him with his runaway sister. She went out of her way to spend time with her, bridging the gap between the siblings.

That was when he irreversibly opened up to her, telling her about his past. Making her see through him, who he really was.

And the way that she embraced it without inhibitions was a breathe of fresh air. He never knew he needed someone like her in his life, the one thing to complete his do-over.

It didn’t take much for him to he admit to himself that he adored Heather. He felt a deep connection to her, something he never felt for someone else.

YOU’RE KILLING ME, I LOVE THIS SO MUCHHH, he adores her. She helped him with his sister. AAAh I know this happens in the book, but the fact that they’ve only met for a few months and that he opened up to her is just 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺beautiful. My heart, Conch! ❤❤❤

But in a sudden turn of events, the hopefulness he had turned out to be just a mere figment of his imagination. 

dkjfdslkfjslkfj  WHYYYY THIS HURTS SO MUCH. I’m dying, my poor baby! 😭😭😭😭😭--says the same bitch that has been torturing Bryce for 18 whole chapters--

I love the concept of having brunches. I’m an alcoholic that always think about hanging out at Donahue’s but never ocurred me brunch. If you see brunch in my series someday, it’s because of you XD

Yet when he was finally learning to ease her out of his mind, she came crashing back in. 

DAMNMNMNALDKJSALFK

“Oooh, I’m not liking your arrogance. Being junior fellow got in your head already?” he teased her, sipping from his own glass. “Has all of your student loans been paid off so you have spare money to buy your own fancy wine?” 

you little cocky shit lksdjalkdj you’re so confident only because you parents paid your education. I love their banter.

He saw her bite her lower lip, and instantly felt the hurt she was going through. 

Awwww, baby!lfkjlkfj Empathetic Bryce IS MY KINK. YES, I SAID IT, SO WHAT?

“You know I’ll always be here for you, Heath,” 

Dani, don’t squeal, don’t squeal *DANI SQUEALS AAAHAASKDFJASHKDJAHKD*

He just held her, wishing so hard that one embrace can take all of her fears away. He closed his eyes, letting his beating heart speak for the rest of his unspoken emotions. 

AAHHHHHHHH CONCH, WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO MAKE ME SQUEAL LIKE THIS, I FUCKING LOVE THIS BABYYYYYYYYYlkjdlakjdlskj

If I hadn’t left her alone. If I just fought for her the first time. If I just have been brave enough to let her know…

CONCH AAAAAHHHHHHH  MY HEART, MY HEART, HOW COULD YOU DO THIS??????!!!!!

Even the smallest of maybes was more than enough for him. Bryce was willing to risk it for her. 

AAAHHHHHHHHH I’M SQUEALING, I’M CRYING I’M AAHHHHH I LOVE THIS SO MUCHHH, AND YOU WROTE IT SO BEAUTIFULLLY 😭😭😭😭

FIGHT FOR HER BABY, GIVE HER WHAT SHE DESERVES, AND PLEASE NEVER LET HER DOWN, PLEASEEEEEEEE.

Conch, it took me sooo long to catch up with the rest of the chapter, I still have one left but aahhh this was soooooo fucking goooooooooood. I fucking love Bryce so much, you did  him divine justice, I swear, is beautiful and I wanna protect him so bad (I wanna protect Heather too) but baby 🥺🥺❤❤

This is so great, you’re doing an amazing job sweetie! And I honestly love your writing. As I said in our convo, your writing is my thing ❤ So I’m sooo loking forward what’a coming next!

Keep the amazing work and I’m going to read next chapter now ❤

Two Old Friends

Chapter 3 of Ricochet (An Open Heart AU).

Catch up here: Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Chapter Synopsis: As Bryce takes Heather in, a facade that he has blocked out for several months begins to disintegrate.

Pairing: Rafael Aveiro x MC (Dr. Heather Song) | Bryce Lahela x MC (Dr. Heather Song)

Words: 2.3k+ | Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Romance

Rating/Warnings: None for this chapter, it's pure fluff! (Yay!)

Author’s Notes: Majority of the characters are owned by Pixelberry, except the main character Heather Song. I was listening to Maybe this Time on repeat when I wrote this chapter, I think that song encapsulates it perfectly.

8 months ago

Bryce Lahela was stoked to have been assigned the Ed Farrugia case. He dreamt up of an opportunity like this ever since he graduated top of class from Stanford Law School. It wasn't out of self-ambition, it was part of his grand plan - to go opposite the direction of his white-collar criminal parents.

At first, Bryce's parents was overjoyed when he told them he's pursuing a law degree. It never occurred to them that it was all part of his scheme.

He soldiered on through law school, bagging an internship in the San Francisco DA. When his efforts to build his network provided an opportunity in Boston, he didn't hesitate to pack up his bags and fly across the country, farther away from Hawaii than ever. It was a big risk, but it eventually paid off given how his career imploded once he got the job.

But perhaps the most memorable experience was when he told his parents that he was to become Boston's newest ADA. They were nothing but furious, there were no counting the amount of expletives he heard that day.

No turning back, mom and dad.

The timing to tell them couldn't be more perfect, because it was only a week after they turned over his trust fund, a "graduation gift". He knew it was just a bribe for him to do the dirty legal work to keep them away from prison for free.

After toiling for so many years, he was more than ready to abandon his past behind and start his life over. More than it was revenge, it was Bryce's sweet and merciful justice. No more crosses behind his back, marking him as his parents' criminal son.

That wasn't his reality anymore. So he focused on work and did his best to shine. And shine he did. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was no longer a criminal. In an ironic twist of fate, he was the one putting people behind bars. And he relished in every win.

However, being the Chief DA's golden boy wasn't providing him the opportunity to build new friendships. Although he tried to make friends with his colleagues, he began to be seen as a threat. So for the first year in the big city, he spent his free time partying hard. With his quick rise to fame, everyone wanted a taste of the majestic Bryce Lahela. He didn't hesitate to throw himself into the throng.

And in that fateful sunny morning, he felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. He built the foundations of the State versus Perry case over the weekend, not even taking a single drop of alcohol. With the help of Agent Aveiro, he collected mountains of evidence for his breakthrough day at court. He knew his case was airtight. Today, he plans to put the cherry on top.

Pulling off his sunglasses and tightening his slick striped blue tie, he grabbed his suitcase from the passenger seat and got out of his car.

He strode into Edenbrook Hospital with confidence, getting glances from several attendings and nurses as he walked the hallways. He smirked at each of them back, wondering which one he should make of a mission after he wraps up this case. God, these doctors are hot, he thought, as he slid into one of the elevators. He punched 7, and the button lighted up.

Once he arrived at the right floor, he followed the directions pasted on the walls and eventually found the diagnostics team's office. As he neared the sliding glass doors, he heard an exchange of voices in rapid succession, as if they were discussing something important. As he raised his gaze through the glass, he saw two female doctors and two males. His eyes automatically landed to the young brunette, whose hand is on her waist as she listened intently as the others debated.

His brow quirked a little, a fit of curiosity fleeted through him. She was prettier in personal. Television didn't do her justice.

Immediately shaking off the unnerving attraction, he tapped gently on the glass door. All doctors turned to him. One of the male doctors with piercing blue eyes let him in, he later found out that he was the world-renowned diagnostician, Dr. Ethan Ramsey, the head of the team.

"ADA Bryce Lahela, I'm here for Dr. Heather Song?" he walked into the room exuding confidence, burying the distracted innuendos he was currently having.

In response, she moved forward and offered her hand, smiling brightly at him. "Dr. Heather Song, at your service. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

Oh, I bet you do.

He answered mentally, stepping closer to look at her soft features. He took her hand and shook it, returning the warm welcome with a smug look in his face. He couldn't stop thinking about her ever since.

He spent almost the whole day with her, going through her testimony in detail. She spoke in a very confident manner, ascertaining every small observation she made about Travis Perry, and how he raised her suspicions. She also walked him through how she confirmed her theories, and how she decided to report this to the hospital's chief. He was amazed with the way how she mapped out every step, and acknowledged how her actions made the case straightforward and uncomplicated. Certainly controversial and sensational, given that it was involving one of Massachusetts' senators. But getting up close and personal with her that day made him realize that like him, she was at the top of her game.

She was professional and insightful. Bryce was also impressed with how she carried herself. Graceful and poised, yet fierce and tenacious. There were a lot of times that he thought he was hearing himself in the way she talked. And for that reason, he like spending time with her.

Over the course of the next few months, he spent more time with her. It was the perfect opportunity to keep in touch, as she was the star witness after all.

Beyond work, it was easy for him to befriend her. She was warm and open, sensitive and caring. Eventually, she introduced him to her exclusive group of doctors, who readily welcome him.

But he admired her more when she made it her mission to help him with his runaway sister. She went out of her way to spend time with her, bridging the gap between the siblings.

That was when he irreversibly opened up to her, telling her about his past. Making her see through him, who he really was.

And the way that she embraced it without inhibitions was a breathe of fresh air. He never knew he needed someone like her in his life, the one thing to complete his do-over.

It didn't take much for him to he admit to himself that he adored Heather. He felt a deep connection to her, something he never felt for someone else.

But in a sudden turn of events, the hopefulness he had turned out to be just a mere figment of his imagination.

He learned about her relationship with Rafael. Once he saw the way she looked at him, he knew it was time to draw the line.

Ever since, that was all he thought it would be between them - an unexplored and faraway frontier.

Gradually, his presence in her life became nothing more but group hangouts in the form of brunches or night outs in Donahues. He learned to withdraw whenever she and Rafael was around, cautious to not let others know about the way he felt. He himself went back to his string of one night stands.

He kept her at arm's length, repeating to himself that he was contented with the friendship that they had. Yet when he was finally learning to ease her out of his mind, she came crashing back in.

***

Present Day

With warm bowls of noodles in front of them, they caught up with each other's life. Bryce poured them both a glass of white wine to chase down the saltiness off of their taste buds.

"Hm, this certainly is an upgrade from that cheap bottle you had the last time," her mocking voice freed him from his thoughts. He grinned at her, leaning towards her.

"Oooh, I'm not liking your arrogance. Being junior fellow got in your head already?" he teased her, sipping from his own glass. "Has all of your student loans been paid off so you have spare money to buy your own fancy wine?"

"Certainly not. I think you're the one getting ahead of yourself, hotshot. That plaque hit you in the head and made you forgot that you're a just a noob?" Heather quipped back, her index finger pointing to the square-shaped glass on one of the living room shelves.

"Psh. It's not like my colleagues skip a day to remind me of 'my place'," his one hand mimicked air quotes, feigning a look of disgust, invoking a genuine laughter from her, her skin illuminated by the late afternoon sun as she glowed in delight.

They went at it as they ate, exchanging insulting banters, trying to one up each other as they went. It was just the way they were, at ease. Two old friends who loved their careers first, always putting their self in second place.

It was the first time in months that they were together alone, Bryce realized now how much he missed spending time with her.

He didn't want to spoil the mood, but he couldn't shake off his interest on what went down between Rafael and her. He waited a few more moments as they settled into a comfortable silence, running out of casual jokes to throw at the other. He drew a deep breathe, taking up the courage he needed to raise the sore subject.

"So, you and Raf huh?"

He saw her flinch and his heart irked a little. Her hand shivered as she set down the empty glass and grabbed the bottle of wine to refill it.

"He wasn't what I thought he was," she swirled the contents of her glass once it was full, looking distracted. "Apparently, it only took him less than a month to reveal his true self." Bryce nodded opposite her, as she shrugged casually. He saw her bite her lower lip, and instantly felt the hurt she was going through.

Without second thoughts, he approached her and opened his arms, inviting her in.

After a few excruciating seconds of hesitation, she finally leaned in and received his embrace, tears falling. She didn't think there was any left, but Bryce's offer of solace was a comfort she didn't think she needed. Her dams of pain overflowed once again, and with the horrible scare that happened this morning, her resolve to put up a brave face in front of everyone crumbled.

"You know I'll always be here for you, Heath," he whispered to her, his senses being flooded by the familiar jasmine scent of her perfume.

"I know, thank you for that," she replied in a hushed voice. "I'm just... just tired of it all, Bryce, I'm sorry."

"Hey, don't be. I got you."

He just held her, wishing so hard that one embrace can take all of her fears away. He closed his eyes, letting his beating heart speak for the rest of his unspoken emotions.

He tried to soothe her as he brushed her hair, rubbing the palm of his hand on her shuddering back. His grip tightened with her every sigh, pulling her ever closer.

For the first time in months of keeping his distance, the feelings he had for her, those he tried to bury deep within his heart, started to resurface. He was feeling the way he felt way back then.

In between her deep sighs and sobs, a flood of regrets raced through his mind. His chest constricted, as his thoughts lingered on what could have been.

If I hadn't left her alone. If I just fought for her the first time. If I just have been brave enough to let her know...

But he knew he couldn't what already happened define what should be and what it will be. Just like he dealt with his past, Bryce knew that with enough willpower, he can turn it all around.

He focused forward. A rush of possibilities, a promise of a future, it overwhelmed him.

Maybe this time, it'll be more. She's free now. Maybe now is a better time than before. Maybe now, it won't have to end. Maybe this time, he wouldn't need to let her go.

His heart burned with a fiery resolve and determination.

That late afternoon, when the setting sun's light began to shine upon his face, he decided.

Even the smallest of maybes was more than enough for him. Bryce was willing to risk it for her.

TAGS: @choicesficwriterscreations @ramsey-lahela

@eleanorbloom - I hope I'm doing Bryce justice 😬