#fanfic writer appreciation week

[tessa-liam]

Healing, Day 5

Brothers in Arms

Introducing my new W.I.P....

Brothers in Arms

Drake-Liam-Leo-Maxwell

✨️Artwork Commission by @artbyainna

Inspiration:

King Liam Appreciation Week creators, @sazanes & @lizzybeth1986

@lizzybeth1986 's phenomenal essays

@ao719 's 'Breaking Point' Series - her devotion for Liam

Pixelberry Studios for these characters and the Royal Romance, the Royal Heir, the Royal Finale stories /books

Premise:

STOIC: A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.

Four men, their lives interconnected. Siblings, childhood friends, on different life paths, they share a commonality. When their lives become insurmountable, they have their core alliance to depend on. This is their journey.

Musical Influence:

'You did not desert me

My brothers in arms'

🫶If you would like to join me in this new journey, please let me know...my permas are already tagged🫶

This has been an inspiring week ✨️💖✨️

Thank you so much @lizzybeth1986 & @sazanes for hosting #KLAW2024🥂⚘️

@kingliamappreciationweek @choicesmonthlychallenge , prompt 01- appreciation @choicesficwriterscreations @choicescommunityevents

[sugarpasteltmnt]

(whispers) hey friends I appreciate your excitement but gentle reminder it’s not very polite to ask fanfic writers when the next chapter is gunna come out

[alj4890]

Anticipation

(Tobias Carrick x F!MC) in a Choices Open Heart One Shot

Tobias Carrick Appreciation Week

Day 6: Family

A/N For this one, Tobias and Chris are about to have the first member of their family.

Masterlist

One week past the due date...

"I don't know how much more of this I can take." Tobias told his brothers.

Phillip and Hugh nodded in commiseration. They had both been through this more than once. Nothing was harder than waiting on your wife to go into labor.

"I still have nightmares about Veronica's pregnancies" Hugh winced. "I'd go through it again to get our kids, but I don't know if my heart could take a fourth pregnancy."

Phillip grimaced at the notion. "I don't have nightmares, but I thank God Jasmine says our two are all she wants. I can't stand the thought of losing her."

Tobias's eyes widened. "Why would you bring up that possibility?!"

"Sorry!" Phillip tried to reassure him. "I know everything will go smoothly."

"But what if it doesn't?" He asked, looking back and forth at his brothers. "What if the toxin she inhaled years ago has some dormant effect that is triggered by labor?"

Hugh gripped Tobias's shoulder. "I'm no doctor but that sounds a little farfetched."

Tobias knew it did. He knew deep down that none of the toxin was left in Chris's body. It'd been four years for goodness sake.

But...what if...

"I have to call Ethan." He decided. "I'll see what he thinks."

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

On the other side of the room, Chris was talking with her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law.

"I don't know how much more of his hovering I can take." Chris whispered to them. "Tobias is driving me crazy with asking every few minutes if I feel a contraction."

She huffed, trying to find a comfortable way for her and her belly to sit.

"Chris!" Tobias rose halfway out of his chair when he heard her deep breath. "Are you--"

"I'm just uncomfortable!" She snapped. "I promise I'll tell you if something happens."

Celeste, Veronica, and Jasmine all chimed in with their understanding.

"Tobias is acting just like his father did." Celeste told them. "Marcus nearly had a heart attack each time I moved during the last trimester with all three of our sons. I thought I'd be a widow before I became a mother."

Her daughters-in-law laughed at the image she put in their minds.

Chris sighed, as she moved once again. The pain in her back would not ease up.

"Tobias is the ultimate caregiver." She told them. "So I feel awful getting irritated with him for being so wonderful to me."

"It's the hormones." Veronica explained. "Hugh suffered a lot when I was pregnant with the girls, mostly because I told him to leave me alone half the time. With our son, either the hormones were less intense or I'd finally gotten used to being pregnant. It also may have been that Hugh had more than just me to take care of by then."

Jasmine nodded. "Phillip still worried but he had Tabitha to distract him when I was pregnant with Tobey."

She gently patted Chris's hand. "It'll be over before you know it, though it feels never-ending while you're pregnant."

"I thought it was going so fast at first." Chris winced over the pain increasing in her back. "Now it is dragging on at a snail's pace."

She looked down at her belly, wishing that the baby was ready to be born.

"When do your parents arrive?" Celeste asked.

"The day after tomorrow." Chris stood up to try and stretch.

The moment she did so, her water broke.

"Oh my--TOBIAS!" She cried out.

Tobias blanched at the shrill sound of her voice. Seeing her grip her belly and a stained skirt, he dropped his phone in the midst of Ethan reassuring him.

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

An hour later, Chris was settled in a hospital bed, breathing through the pain.

Tobias watched her, for once at a complete loss over what to do.

"Why are you staring at me?" She asked once the contraction eased up.

"Why?" He ran his hands over his face. "Because it's you."

Her brow furrowed in confusion.

"It's you, Chris. The one I want to spend the rest of my life with. The one I married so I could do that very thing." He pointed out. "And here you are in pain, because of something I more than willingly participated in creating and I can't help but worry that I might..."

He sank back down on the chair and dropped his head in his hands.

Chris silently began to cry.

Why does he have to say all those sweet things to me at a time like this?!

Tobias looked up when he heard her muffled sobs. Cursing, he moved over to the bed and took her in his arms.

She cried against his shoulder, telling him how much she loved him.

He shushed her cries, reassuring her he loved her just as much.

Then he prayed this baby would hurry and get out of his wife so that life could somewhat return to normal.

Ethan poked his head inside to check on them. He stilled when he saw the state they were in.

"You two need a moment or--"

"Stay." Chris pleaded, wiping her eyes. "Sorry about that."

"No need to apologize." Ethan reassured her. "It's typical behavior."

Tobias snorted. "I thought typical involved more cursing one's spouse to purgatory for putting them in this situation."

Ethan smirked. "Chris's contractions haven't reached that level yet."

"Ha ha." She folded her arms in a huff. "I can be calm and rational during labor. I know all that is happening and will happen with my body. There's no reason for me to panic and--'

A stronger contraction struck.

"OH!" She gripped her belly, rising up off the pillows.

"Breathe." Tobias encouraged. "In and--'"

"What in the bloody hell do you think I'm doing?" She snapped.

"Ah, I see I came in just in time for the rational segment of labor." Ethan drily remarked.

Chris glared at him.

"Smartass." She grumbled.

Ethan winked at her. "I'll go see what's holding up your obgyn."

"Yeah, you go do that." She ordered.

Ethan sent a pitying look towards Tobias on his way out.

"Asshole." Chris muttered. "So smug. I hope Sophie has ten children with him. Not that I want her to suffer, but he should suffer."

Tobias chuckled, gently rubbing Chris's back.

"That feels nice." She leaned into his touch.

"Good." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Whatever I can do to help, let me know."

"I will." She nestled her head on his shoulder. "I'm so glad you're here with me."

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

Ten hours later, Chris hated the sight of everyone and anyone that came near her.

Though she'd been given an epidural, she wished everyone would leave her alone.

The sound of those she used to love's voices made her skin crawl. Her nerves were notched past the point of anything calming her down.

Tobias, his family, Ethan, Sophie, Sienna, everyone she cared about was driving her insane.

It was too much. All of it. The labor, these people, the beeping of the heart monitors, she just wanted it all to end.

Her doctor approached and checked her once more.

Looking up with a smile, she told Chris it was time.

Chris felt a sense of panic strike the moment everyone began to file out of the room. Sitting up a bit more, she reached out for Tobias's hand.

He gripped it when he noticed how afraid she was.

"Hey?" He gently tipped her face up towards his.

Her green eyes stared into his hazel.

"We're about to become a family of three."

Tears filled her eyes but she smiled at him.

"You ready to meet our future troublemaker?" He asked.

She nodded, lacing her fingers with his.

He placed a quick kiss to her forehead and moved into position to help her sit up.

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

Two hours later...

After all the months of anticipation and all the hours of labor, the couple sat in awe of the little bundle that has been handed to them.

"He looks like you." Chris rested her head against her husband.

"You think?" Tobias studied his son.

"I do. He definitely has your charm." She added.

"How can you tell?" He asked.

"Because I already love him with all my heart." She pressed a kiss to Tobias's cheek.

"Then he definitely takes after you." Tobias captured her lips in a tender kiss. "I didn't think anyone else could be as loveable as you are."

Chris sighed into another kiss. "We've become ridiculously sappy."

"So what? We just had a baby. That right there lets us be as sappy as we want." He argued.

"True." She cuddled their son close and looked up at Tobias. "Happy?"

"Beyond my wildest dreams, Chris." He wrapped his arms around her and propped his chin on her shoulder so he could easily look down at their child.

He pressed a kiss to her cheek, closing his eyes in relief that all had gone well.

After all his years believing a wife and kids weren't for him, he was now holding those very things in his arms.

His former self had no idea just how happy he would be.

[fimproda]

Elain Archeron Appreciation Week 2024 - Day 4: Home

@elainarcheronweek

Read Splendor Solis on AO3

I wrote this OS back in July for Elucien Week, but it fits perfectly for today's theme: in my opinion, home, for Elain, is wherever Lucien is, which in this case means the Day Court.

These 2k words or so are written from Elain's POV, and it's a little worldbuilding piece in which I've poured all my headcanons regarding the Day Court and my love of my motherland, Southern Italy.

Check out this post if you'd like to know more about what inspired me to write this story; the same link is in the ending notes on AO3.

I'd love to hear your opinions, both here and on AO3, if this is what floats your boat!

[angelasscribbles]

Thro(n)es of Passion Part 2: A Bad Romance One-Shot

Series: Bad Romance Continues

Original Series: Bad Romance

Fandom: The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Pairing for this chapter: Riley x Max x Liam, Riley x Drake

Rating: NSFW 🍋🍋🍋

Warnings for this chapter: Lemons, sexually explicit

Word Count: 3,323 

I almost called it a two-shot, but these are not two distinct chapters, so really it's a one-shot in two parts. If that even makes sense. You can find part one here.

My other stuff: Master List.

Also, if you want to see the full piece of the below artwork by the amazing @rosefuckinggenius, please click here.

Drake was the last one through the bedroom door. His eyes swept around the room, taking in his lover and his two best friends. All four of them were naked. Max was the only one still completely hard. His eyes inadvertently dipped down to take it in, flushing when Max noticed.

“Like what you see?” Max sauntered over to Drake and let his gaze drift across his body, as he reached a hand out toward him, “Because I sure do…”

“Stop it, Beaumont!” Drake slapped at the other man’s hand as he stepped away from him, “I didn’t mean to look! It was just natural curiosity, that’s all!”

“So, you always check out other men’s packages?” Max raised his eyebrows.

“Have you checked out my package?” Liam asked, a little miffed that it was Max Drake had ogled.

“What?” Drake’s eyes flicked to his best friend’s face as he struggled not to let his eyes drift down, “No, of course not! I mean, I’ve seen it…”

“And?

“And what?” Drake snapped, embarrassment heating his cheeks, “Are you saying you’ve never checked me out in the shower?”

It was Liam’s turn to flush, “Let’s drop this whole conversation.”

“Gladly!”

Max pouted, “But-“

“Max, that’s enough!” Riley grabbed him by the collar and pulled him away from Drake.

He stumbled into her, “Yes my queen, but can I see his naked ass, just this once?” He hadn’t gotten a good enough peek when they were in the living room.

Riley tapped her lips as her eyes flicked back and forth between the two men.

Drake shook his head, “You’re not seriously considering-“

She twirled her fingers in the air, “Turn around, please.”

“Seriously?” Drake looked to Liam for help but found none. “Fine,” he huffed as he spun to give everyone in the room a clear view of his backside, “The shit I do for you, woman. Happy?”

“Yes,” Max breathed out, then to Riley, “Can I touch it?”

“No!” Drake spun back to face them, “Absolutely not!”

Max turned pleading eyes to Riley.

“No, Max. He does not consent to that.”

“Fine,” Max turned back to Drake with a grin, “But if you ever decide you want to experiment a little, I’ll let you touch mine.”

“Shut the fuck up, Max,” Drake snarled as the memory of Max on his knees in front of Liam sprung unbidden into his mind’s eyes. He may have slid his gaze sideways once or twice, just out of curiosity.

“Excuse me,” Liam interrupted, “Can we get back to the sex now?” Watching Max check Drake out had him at half-mast again.

“Yes, please,” Drake agreed, “If everyone is done staring at my ass.”

Riley pushed past Liam and Max to stand in front of Drake.

Liam reached for her, and missed, as she dodged around him, “What are you doing?”              

“Keeping myself between you two deviants and the straight boy!”

“Deviants, are we?”

“Yes!”

Liam moved quickly. He was suddenly pressed up against her back, one hand pulling her head backward by the hair, the other pinning her arm behind her back as he whispered roughly, “You like it when I’m deviant!”

She sucked in a hiss of pleasure.

Drake’s eyes tracked the movement. He struggled to maintain his composure as he fought against every instinct he had not to rip Liam’s hands from her body, and possibly break one. Not because he was touching her in a sexual way, but because he was touching her in an aggressive way.        

She didn’t seem to mind though.

He had not been aware she was into that. He wondered if she wanted that from him. He’d ask her later. He hoped not. He wasn’t sure he was capable of it.

He had no problem taking control during sex, and he had no issue with things getting a little rough, but even when he led, she was really in charge. Topping from the bottom. And when pain was inflicted, it was inflicted by her. He wasn’t into some of the stuff Max was (he’d seen their toys), but he liked the way her teeth felt embedded in his skin, the sting of her nails biting into his back and the sharp shock when she yanked his hair hard.

Her comfort, and her pleasure, were always the goal. Taking her to the edge of the abyss and then pushing her over it was his favorite thing to do.

Her gaze fell on him as Liam attacked the side of her neck, her hair still gathered in his fist. She took in his agitation as their eyes met. “What’s wrong?” She breathed out as she fought to keep her attention from being completely subverted by the things Liam’s mouth was doing to her.    

He shook his head, “I can’t turn it off,” he said in reference to the protectiveness she brought out in him. When it came to safeguarding those he loved, he was ruthless, brutal, and methodical. He might kill with impunity, but when it came to her….there wasn’t an inch of him that was willing or able to do her harm—even the kind of harm she apparently liked.

She understood immediately, “Liam, stop.”

“Why? What’s wrong?” He released her and looked around in bewilderment.

“Nothing…just….” She spun to face him, pinching his cheeks between her fingers, “I think you’re going to need to let me take charge tonight. For Drake.”

“Drake?” he repeated in bemusement, his lust-clouded brain spinning to catch up.

Riley brought her lips to his ear and whispered, “The protective guard thing…”

Liam’s eyes darted to Drake's face as his fingers slowly untangled from her hair, “Okay….” He regarded his best friend, taking in the scowl, the clenched fists….. the still naked body…he swallowed as his gaze roved over the sculpted muscles and the hard lines of his chest.

“My eyes are up here Your Majesty,” Drake shook his head in amused disbelief, but the tension had gone out of the moment. At least the non-sexual tension. He reached out and pulled Riley into his body, “Maybe I should handle her, you’ve got Max right there.”

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Liam pressed himself up against her backside again, but gently this time, “It’s definitely my turn.”

“Hey!” Max shot Liam a pout before turning to grin at Drake, “I can keep you company while they’re busy if you want.”

“Not gonna happen, Max.”

Liam gestured for Max to come closer, “I’m not leaving you out, love. I’m simply saying that our queen requested all three of us tonight and only one of us has complied thus far.”

“Hm, you make a fair point,” Max added himself to the tangle of bodies, pressing his erection into Liam’s ass as he laid a flurry of kisses along his neck and back.

“This is fun,” Riley giggled, Drake pressed against her from the front, Liam from the back. She drew Drake into a heated kiss and then told him, “But Liam’s right. I’m turning around now, but don’t you go anywhere!”

Riley spun in their arms, so she was facing Liam and Max. “Keep doing whatever you want back there,” she told him. He complied by running his fingers gently through her hair and then moving it to the side, giving himself access to her now-exposed neck.

Riley tilted her head to the side with a little moan as Drake’s mouth on her skin sent chills cascading down her spine.

“Don’t forget about us,” Max reminded her.

“Oh, I haven’t!” She kissed Liam first, delighting in the way his mouth hungrily devoured hers while Drake’s lips continued to caress the back of her neck. She tangled her fingers in Max’s hair as he nipped at the sensitive spot just behind Liam’s ear.

When she came up for air, she uttered one word, “Max,” and his head immediately snapped up. Their lips collided over Liam’s shoulder. Their tongues danced against each other as Liam drew soft lines along the exposed flesh just below her collarbone with his.

She let herself get lost in the moment, the sensations the three of them provoked in her, the titillation of having them all touching her at the same time. She was undeniably wet again. Her entire body was on fire as six hands and three tongues sent promises of ecstasy sparking through her.

A pair of strong arms wrapped around her body, sweeping her off her feet. She cracked her eyes open to see who it was. Liam stared down at her with a smolder so intense it turned her insides to liquid. She couldn’t have spoken at that moment if her life depended on it.

Drake watched as Liam laid her on the bed, spread her legs apart, and lowered himself between them. Max climbed onto the bed next to him and added his tongue to the equation so that they were simultaneously both licking Riley and kissing each other, their tongues twirling together in a mesmerizing dance that they had clearly done before.

Fuck. Why was that so hot? Drake’s hand wrapped around himself and started moving slowly up and down as he watched, his eyes moving from what Liam and Max were doing to her breasts as her squirming caused them to jiggle, to her face which was contorted in bliss. His eyes were locked on her face when she exploded over the summit, her cries of pleasure filling the room as her body bucked violently upward. His hand started moving faster, pumping harder, but there was no way he was going to finish that way. Not with her right there.

Liam stood up with a satisfied grin as he wiped his arm across his mouth. Pulling her by both legs to the edge of the bed, he sank himself inside her and began to thrust. He watched her face as he pounded into her, moving closer to the edge himself. He spared a glance at Max, then at Drake, both of whom were watching him fuck Riley while pleasuring themselves.

Shit! He was going to bust too soon if he wasn’t careful.

He had already known what Max looked like in the throes of passion. He was fucking beautiful with his eyes glazed and his breath coming in short jagged little gasps. But he’d never seen Drake that way before. Drake, with his head thrown back, eyes half closed, a flush covering his features, his hand fisted tightly around his cock as the muscles in his arm rippled with movement, was just as beautiful.

He pulled out of her with great effort and took a step back. “Max,” he managed to pant out, “I want you to finish inside her.”

Max didn’t have to be told twice. He was rock hard, and his dick was coated with precum. Liam’s voice was low, rough, and demanding, sending electricity thrilling through him. He positioned himself in front of Riley but before he could move, Liam’s hands grasped him roughly by the hips, holding him in place as he ordered him to stand still. Max did as he was commanded, freezing in place as Liam probed and explored his body, his fingers playing at his hole as he spread the lube on, his hand wrapping around his cock and squeezing it, jerking it a few times before rubbing it around Riley’s entrance.

Liam’s voice was rough in his ear, “Okay, you can fuck her now. I’m going to fuck you at the same time. Do you understand?”

Max felt his knees go weak and he struggled to remain upright as he slid himself into Riley. He couldn’t speak, so he just nodded.

“Make her cum,” Liam ordered.

Max moved in and out of her as his fingers played at her center, coaxing another orgasm from her. The moment her body arched off the mattress, Liam entered him from behind, slamming into him.

Drake watched in fascination as the three of them moved as one, Liam’s thrusts pushing Max forward to thrust into Riley. The strangled moans of pleasure spilling out of her were almost too much for him, even from the sidelines. Then she turned her head and made direct eye contact with him, and he realized there was no reason for him to be a passive observer. He moved quickly to the bed and climbed up beside her, capturing her lips in a searing kiss before moving his mouth lower to claim a puckered nipple, teasing it between his teeth and flicking it with his tongue.

Max’s gaze darted from Riley’s face to Drake’s as he felt her tighten around him while Liam filled him, hitting the exact right spot with every demanding thrust. “Fuck!” He called out as all the built-up sexual tension coiled tightly inside his body exploded outward, and he collapsed forward as he erupted inside her.

Riley and Max crying out at the same time was it for Liam. Pushing himself deep inside of his lover, he exploded as well. Buried in Max while Max was buried in Riley was the closest he could come to being inside them both at the same time and it never failed to propel him to heights of euphoria unequaled by any other sex act he had ever experienced.

Drake had to move out of the way to avoid Max falling onto him as he collapsed onto Riley. Liam dropped his body onto Max, pinning him between his two lovers.

Max certainly didn’t mind. Riley underneath him and Liam on top of him was the perfect ending to the night as far as he was concerned.

Liam finally pulled out and stepped back. He leaned forward and lifted Max off Riley, laying him on the bed next to her and drawing him into his body, holding him as he ran his fingers through his hair and murmured in his ear about what a good boy he was.

Riley flipped over onto all fours and crawled toward Drake with a predatory glint in her eyes, “Your turn!”

“I…” His words were cut off in a hiss of pleasure as her lips closed around his cock. He sank both hands into her hair as a guttural groan was ripped from him. He didn’t even care that Max and Liam were right there, watching. He was so on edge from watching everything that had gone before, that he would have proceeded if God himself were in the room.

His grip on her hair tightened as he thrust himself into her mouth. She clamped down as she sucked the soul from his body. She lunged forward as she aggressively forced him to the precipice. They moved together in perfect synchrony as he teetered on the edge for what felt like both an eternity and no time at all before plunging over it. She scooted closer to his body as his cock spewed its payload down her throat.

“Shit…” he breathed out as he watched her lap every last drop from him. He disentangled his fingers from her hair and dropped back onto the bed, “That was fucking intense!”

“It was,” she agreed as she snuggled into his side.

His arm went around her, and he lifted his head to look over at Max and Liam. He’d almost forgotten they were there. Max was tucked under Liam’s arm, nuzzling into his side in much the way Riley was nestled in his own embrace. His eyes met Liam’s and he quickly looked away, letting his head fall back against the mattress. It was a little awkward, but not as awkward as he had imagined. And he had Riley wrapped up in his arms, a place she would stay for the rest of the night, even if Max or Liam moved over to cuddle her from the other side.

It was worth it. He was content. The sex had been amazing, but the intimacy of the immediate aftermath was the best part. He turned his head to smile at her, sweat still plastering his hair to his forehead. She smiled back. He was happy.

Max and Liam did move closer so that the four of them were all pressed together in the center of the double king bed that graced the master bedroom of the royal suite.

No one was ready to sleep yet. Quite giggles and soft whispers spilled through the growing darkness.

Drake’s fingers traced down Riley’s arms as he listened to the other three converse, content just to be there.

“Hey, Drake…”

“What is it Beaumont?”

“Now I know what your face looks like when you cum.”

“Shut up, Max,” he tried for a harsh tone, but couldn’t suppress a smile, “I know what you look like when you suck dick.”

“You lucky bastard,” Max laughed, “I am a master at it.”

“He is,” Liam confirmed.

“What do I look like when I cum?” Max teased, “I bet I look hot, right?”

“Like you don’t know,” Liam laughed, “You literally have a mirror over your bed in Ramsford.”

“As if I can see straight when you’re making me cum.”

“That’s true,” Riley giggled, “His eyes roll back in his head and his toes curl.”

“Okay, I’ve heard enough!” Drake sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, “I’m thinking of having some dessert sent up. Who’s in?”

“Oooh, I am!” Riley sat up as she purred seductively, “Get something we can lick off each other.”

Drake turned back to her in astonishment, “You haven’t had enough yet? How many times did you cum?”

“Four? Five?” She shrugged, “I lost count.”

“I’ve seen her cum as many as eight times in one go round,” Liam interjected, “Might as well make the most of our child-free night.”

“Oh! I know!” Max exclaimed, “Let’s have dessert sent out to the pool so we can go for a late-night swim!”

“That’s…actually not a bad idea,” Drake agreed only halfway surprised. Max did tend to come up with some good ideas and was usually the instigator of most of their more questionable enterprises.

Liam snapped his fingers, “We’ll use the private pool on the west lawn so we can skinny dip if we want to!”

Riley jumped out of bed in excitement, “I’m getting that new bikini you bought me in Paris!”

“You can thank me later,” Liam smirked at the other two men.

Drake called the kitchen while Liam called the head of the King’s guard to clear and secure the area around the pool.

Ten minutes later they were walking through the halls of the palace, talking, laughing, and touching each other. Riley looked from Liam to Max to Drake, each man’s face flushed with happiness. Sometimes it was hard to believe the series of circumstances that had landed her here, but there was no doubt in her mind that fate had been at play the night these three had walked into that dingy dive bar in New York City.

She pushed thoughts of her old life aside as they emerged through a side door and arrived poolside, the Cordonian night air filling her lungs. She was in love; she was safe and protected. She had a child that she adored. She had partners that she adored. She was a literal queen. What more could she possibly want?

She nudged her husband as she watched Max cannonball into the pool while Drake pulled his shirt off and ran after him.

“Yes, love?”

“Let’s make another baby.”

“What? Now?”

Riley laughed, “No, but maybe next year?”

Liam took her hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing the back of it before wrapping his arms around her, “I will put a baby in you whenever you want my love.”

“I know.” She sighed in contentment as she laid her head on his shoulder, Drake and Max’s laughter in her ears, Liam’s warmth surrounding her, and the very stars in the sky seemingly within her reach.

[jerzwriter]

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.

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Tobias Only: @icecoffee90 @kyra75

[coffeeheartaddict2]

An unlikely occurrence

Book: Open Heart (post series)

Characters: Tobias Carrick, Harper Emery

Warnings: sexual references

Catergory: fluff

Rating: PG

Word Count: 1939

Summary: Tobias reaches out to Harper after she leaves the team and it leads to what both thought would be an unlikely romance.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry

Authors note: A request from @jerzwriter (no surprises really) who wanted to see Tobias in a romantic relationship.

🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝

Things at Edenbrook after the downfall of Leland and Caroline taking over had started to settle. Harper had left the team and Tobias along with Casey had finished the recruitment process but Tobias was still uneasy with the circumstances that Harper had chosen to leave. He knew he was harsh initially when he accused her of being jealous when Casey was accused of putting their patient into the non placebo group in a study. He knew Harper left willingly, wanting to give Casey and Tobias the best chance of running the team without any previous conflicts potentially derailing them but he still had the utmost respect for her professionally but he also respected her personally and he did not want either relationship to sully.

He proposed a dinner, Mistral. Sure this is where one normally took people on a date and this was certainly not a date but he knew Harper was a woman of exquisite taste.

Harper was intrigued. She had known Tobias, more professionally for a long time. She knew of the history between him and Ethan and she was pleasantly surprised at how well they worked together on the team whilst she was on it. She did not think events had sullied either their personal or professional relationship but she still went.

The day of the dinner arrived. They arrived at the restaurant separately. They had a very pleasant evening. Tobias apologized for calling her out so harshly. She understood where he was coming from and as the mediation process went on she was quite surprised that the underlying motive was jealousy.

“Don’t get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for Casey so it was a shock to me that jealousy was my motive.” Said Harper.

“It was a surprise to me too, Harper, I never thought you to be the jealous type.” Said Tobias.

Harper winced slightly. “To be honest, in her intern year I was a bit. I had seen some questionable interactions that had given credence to the rumours I heard and I did find it hypocritical, because he ended our arrangement because I was about to be his boss and here he was possibly with a subordinate.”said Harper, “I also did have lingering feelings for him also.”

“It makes sense, you are both very driven people and you were on and off again for so long…”

Harper interjected. “We broke up initially because I was falling in love with him and he was not on the same page. We ended it but became good friends then a few years later at a conference we were intimate and an arrangement was born.”

“Well I am glad he has found happiness.” Said Tobias.

“So am I, Tobias, truly, they are very well suited.”

“I have never seen him so beside himself like he was on the day of the bio attack, I know I still feel bad for courting him and telling June that I was but it was the beginning of what I hoped would lead to a reconciliation between us.”

They enjoyed their meal and walked out together.

“I had a lovely time Tobias” said Harper.

“Me too Harper, feels good to clear the air.”

“It does” agreed Harper. They kissed each other on the cheek and parted ways.

Tobias arrived at work the next day. He was in a jovial mood that was not missed by Casey.

“You’re in a good mood.”

“Yes I am, I had a lovely dinner with Harper last night.”

Casey raised an eyebrow. “As in a date?”

Tobias laughed, a little bit too boisterously.

“No, just as friends, I wanted to clear the air after everything with the mediation etc.”

“Right and surely a quick coffee in either office would have had the same outcome?”

“Well yes, but I have known and respected Harper for a long time, she deserved more than a coffee in her office.”

“Ahh-huh” said Casey. “Whatever you say Tobias” she said. They continued on with their work.

A few days later Harper was requested for a consult on one of the team’s patients. The consult went well and the outcome for the patient was going to be good. Harper hung back slightly.

“I really enjoyed the other night, Tobias. I would very much like to have dinner with you again”

“I had a great time too, and yes, I would be more than willing to have dinner with you again.”

“Excellent, I’ll make the booking and let you know.”

“Looking forward to it already.” Said Tobias.

Dinner was booked for a few days later, this time at Blu restaurant. Tobias was excited as he had not been here yet. The views were impressive and so was the company. Harper looked like a vision in a green dress. They enjoyed their meal and the conversation and the wine. Harper had found Tobias attractive but always found him a bit brash for her tastes but she had to admit there were many layers to Tobias Carrick that she found intriguing. Tobias enjoyed getting to know Harper more personally too. Their night came to an end but neither wanted the night to end just yet. Harper invited Tobias over for a nightcap which he agreed too.

Harper lived in an apartment building nearby. Tobias was pleasantly surprised to be offered a scotch.

“Ethan introduced me even before we were together” she said, “I still prefer red wine but I do prefer a dark spirit to end the night.”

Tobias smiled. “I introduced Ethan to bourbon back in Hopkins and we discovered various scotches together.”

Harper smiled. “It is hard imagining you as friends, you are in some ways rather similar but also in some ways very different.”

“What is the saying? Opposites attract?” Said Tobias, “I consider Ethan to be the brother I never had, our fallout hurt both of us, if I had my time again my actions that night would have been different but I am glad we are friends again now.”

“I am glad too” said Harper. “He has been the happiest I have seen him.”

“Yeah well being with someone whom you love and loves you and some closure on his past…”

Harper nodded in agreement and marveled at the man in her living room. They finished their drink and Tobias decided to take his leave. They hugged and went to kiss each other on the cheek but instead they kissed each other on the lips. It was quick but they lingered, Tobias tentatively kissed her again, Harper returned the kiss and deepened it. The kiss was remarkable. They pulled apart to breathe and Harper asked. “Did you want to continue” to which Tobias replied “yes”

The kisses got deeper and heated. Hands start roaming as they make their way to Harper’s bedroom. Sure Tobias had thought about having sex with Harper a very long time ago but had resigned himself to it not happening but that did not mean he was not happy to be here. They spent time exploring each other in their respective naked forms until Harper straddled Tobias and took charge of the evening. It had been awhile for both of them so Harper did have to spend a few minutes to adjust to his size but once she had it was on. Harper felt incredible to Tobias and to be honest he was enjoying her taking charge the way she was. The session was equal parts tender and intense. The sight of Harper succumbing to her climax triggered Tobias’s and he came hard. Both were physically sated and they fell into a deep restful sleep.

Tobias awoke with a start. As much as he enjoyed last night,he was concerned. How closely he worked with Aurora being one, he knew Ethan and Harper were ancient history, but he had concerns about that too. Harper awoke and saw Tobias deep in concerned thought.

“Are you regretting last night?” Asked Harper.

Tobias was shook from his thoughts.

“Regret last night?” He said, “No, most definitely not but if we decide that last night was not a once off… I directly supervise Aurora for starters, Ethan, yes I know that was a long time ago and he has Casey now but still…”

“Calm down Tobias, please.” Harper said as walked towards him. “Situations like this is why have HR, I know you would still treat Aurora fairly, nor let any issues between us affect your working relationship and if I am being honest I think Ethan would be happy for us.”

Tobias smiled. He knew that they needed to discuss what they were but that was a discussion for another time.

He went home and got ready for his day. Meanwhile Harper met with Aurora for breakfast. Aurora noted that her aunt seemed more relaxed than usual. Harper did not say why, feeling that it better her and Tobias figure out what they were before announcing. When arriving at work, Aurora also noted that Tobias appeared to be in a great mood also, this mood was also noted by Casey.

Aurora and Casey had lunch together.

“Can I be suspect in that my aunt and our boss were in very good moods today?”

“A few days ago, after Tobias had dinner with your aunt, he was very jovial, I have not seen Harper outside of work but I can not rule out that something happened.”

Aurora shook her head , “that was a mental image I did not need.”

“At least they are getting along, and they are both professionals so they surely can keep the personal out of work.”

“Well you and Ethan did that for how long?”

“Exactly.”

Meanwhile, in the surgical wing Tobias was having a chat with Harper. Well, it was meant to be a chat but instead they had an intense session in Harper’s office. It was quick but intense.

“What are we doing Harper, yes I know we are two consenting adults who are having some pretty unbelievable sex, but is this a with benefit situation or are we doing to have to meet with HR?”

Both had not being in a romantic relationship for a while so to be honest, Tobias was half expecting Harper to say to keep it as an arrangement but he was pleasantly surprised when Harper said she would like to pursue a relationship.

“Full disclosure, relationships have not been my thing for awhile but I am willing to give it a go.”

Harper chuckles, “It has been a long time since I have had a relationship too, Tobias.”

“I know there are some finer points to discuss but I need to head back to work.”

Tobias headed back to the DT office, with a spring in his step. He arrived back to the office and noticed Casey and Aurora working and eating.

“Ladies, I know we try to be efficient but do you always need to have a working lunch?”

“We are just reading up on the patient we have had and post surgical treatments” stated Aurora.

Casey looks up and sees that Tobias is looking very relaxed, much more than normal. She decides not to ask but is happy that Tobias is happy.

Later that night Tobias meets up with Harper again, to discuss their relationship, they made a meeting with HR and decided to host a dinner party with Aurora, Ethan and Casey to tell them their happy news. Both Harper and Tobias though were excited to embark on this relationship that even though they had not sought it, were glad that is was happening.

——-

Authors note 2: submission for Tobias Carrick appreciation week. There is a part 2 which will be up eventually.

Tagging: @jerzwriter @cariantha @liaromancewriter @jamespotterthefirst @genevievemd @alj4890 @storyofmychoices @bex-la-get @crazy-loca-blog @a-crepusculo @potionsprefect @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @lucy-268 @schnitzelbutterfingers @binny1985 @openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations @tobias-carrick-appreciation-week

[rapha-reads]

Happy Fanfic Writer's Appreciation Day! I saw this ask game going around and pick whatever you want to answer! ✨❤

— How long have you been writing fanfiction?

— Do you have a favorite word? (One that you love. Doesn’t necessarily have to be one you use all the time.

— Share a favorite run-on sentence that you’ve written.  

— Share a bit of a scene that you’ve written that still gives you FEELS.

— Best editing tip?

— What is your favorite kind of character interaction to write?

— Do you have a hyper-specific genre?

— Any personal or frequently used tags?

— Share a joke or funny moment that you’ve written that still makes you laugh.  

— What drives you to write?

— Share something about your writing that you have wished someone would ask you about. Or alternatively, something that you are just really proud of.

— Where do you draw inspiration?

— What is your immediate reaction when you receive a new comment on a fic?  

— What is your biggest challenge in writing?

— 1-2 sentence preview from your current WIP??

— What story or scene are you most proud of?

— Please link your profile so we can admire your works!

Hiii!!! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I write so sporadically and irregularly that every time someone remembers I do write sometimes, it makes me feel so good.

Let's see those questions!

- How long have you been writing fanfiction?

Hard to say to be honest. The first novel I wrote when I was 9 was based on Egyptian mythology, does that count? And then when I was 12 I started planning a rewriting of Romeo and Juliet as a novel that would cover their childhood years before the play starts, to answer a question I've always wondered about it: if they (Romeo, Juliet, Tybalt, Mercutio, Benvolio, even Rosaline and Valentine) are all the heirs and main children of the major noble families of Verona, how come they didn't know each other or barely did before the Capulet ball? Sounds like a plot hole that could be taken advantage of... So, to answer, I guess it's been 15-16 years? But I've only started sharing online things I've written in recent years.

- Do you have a favorite word?

Ethereal. I don't know why, I barely even use it. But I love it.

- Share a favorite run on sentence that you've written.

"Once, long ago, in another life, in another time, when there were still rays of sun shining upon the valley, when the mud river was a soft stream of clear water, when the trees were green and tall, the creature had a name, it had a heart, light in its eyes and people who cared about it."

(From The Creature)

- Share a bit of a scene that you've written that still gives you feels.

His temper abating as quickly as it had risen, Mercutio continued quietly :

“They don’t see you. And when they do, they mistreat you. How can you let them talk to you like that, as if you weren’t their nephew and their only male heir?”

“Juliet is the heir,” Tybalt interrupted, “I’m just the orphan, the son of the dead brother, a reminder of what this stupid war took from them.”

“No, you’re not!” Mercutio cried, grabbing his doublet. “No, you’re not just something”, he went on with passion and fire, eyes ablaze. “You’re so much more than what they want you to be! Your strength and resilience are unparalleled! You are hope against all odds, a shield for those in need, the brightest light in all this wretched city, my only solace, my other half. Mine, you hear? Mine! And if they can’t see you, if they can’t respect you, I’ll make them!”

He looked as if he wanted to say more, but Tybalt suddenly pulled him into his arms and silenced him with a fierce kiss. Rosaline closed her eyes, allowing them their privacy, tears sliding down her cheeks. She was not a romantic at heart, not like Juliet and her steadfast belief in true love, or silly Romeo and his forlorn sighs. Yet Mercutio’s impassioned tirade had stirred something inside her.

(From Ignorance Is Bliss, one of the best thing I've written in my humble opinion. Let me ramble about Tybalt and Mercutio pleaaaaase.)

- What is your favorite kind of character interaction to write?

Declarations of love. Not just romantic love (I am the definition of an aromantic romantic), but familial and platonic love too. Just characters (people) reminding the ones they care about that they do love them, truly and unconditionally. It's Tybalt and Mercutio against the whole of Verona, it's Bruce telling Jason that he's his son and he's his father and nothing will change that, it's Gwaine having Merlin's back not matter what... And even better when the words (the words are important) come right after an emotionally intense, angsty moment. Angst with Fluff is my jam.

- Share a joke or funny moment that you've written that still makes you laugh.

Humor is not my forte but there's this scene in Small Matters in Big Cities, the second part of my Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge fic that always makes me chuckle.

Raj immediately jumped into action.

“If you follow me, the car is this way! Please, let me get the bags”, he added, reaching towards the cart that Simran was still holding.

“Nope”, Simran cheerfully replied, lightly slapping his hand away. “I push the cart, you lead the way.”

“Simi, come ooooon”, Raj pleaded.

“Unless you want me to drive…?” Simran said with a threatening smile that reminded Chutki of their play-fights of old.

Raj jumped three feet back and raised his hand in surrender, shivering.

“Oh God, please don’t! Cart is yours, just please stay away from the wheel.”

[...]

“Nevermind that”, Chutki impatiently interrupted, “why can’t Simran drive?”

Raj burst out laughing at that, head thrown back, and Simran sighed and glared at him.

“It’s not that funny”, she muttered.

“Yeah it is”, Raj replied cheerfully. “Simran is forbidden from driving in London proper because she gets angry.”

“I don’t!”

“Yes you do, my love, and you become truly terrifying when you have road rage.”

“Not true”, she pouted sullenly.

[...]

“I would never dare tell Simran what she can or can’t do”, Raj intercepted, very seriously. “She’s her own person and she doesn’t need anyone’s permission. If she wants to drive through the city, she can. But after the fifth or sixth time I went for a drive with her and was hanging on to the door for dear life while she yelled at every other driver and broke every single traffic rule, I begged her on my knees to let me drive in London and she could drive in the countryside, and because she’s nice to me like that, she agreed”, he ended with his mischievous smile back on.

“That is not how it happened!” Simran protested.

“It is!”

“Is not!”

“Is!”

- Where do you draw inspiration?

In regards to fanfiction only, when a story really impacts me, there's two reactions: either I want it to never finish, and thus I want to write post-canon fics ; or I'm left unsatisfied by what exists, and I write canon divergence or missing scenes. That's the first inspiration. The second comes from the characters. A character that I can really relate to, or understand despite not identifying with them, will make me want to "try on their voice". And the third inspiration comes from music. Music is an important part of my life, and pretty much just like so many other writers, sometimes I'm listening to a song and I go thinking "hey, that could make a nice story". And sometimes inspiration comes from things I wish someone would tell me, or things I wish would happen to me, but that's rarer.

- What is your immediate reaction when you receive a new comment on a fic?

"Aaaaaaaah, someone read my work!!! Aaaaaah, someone read and liked it enougj to tell me!!! Aaaaaaaaaah, this is the nicest thing ever!!!! Aaaaah, I need to write more!!!"

- What is your biggest challenge in writing?

Writing.

Like, actually sitting down and writing.

Or to be more precise, to gather enough motivation and energy to convey all the thoughts in my mind into words. Like I said at the beginning, I write irregularly, only when the inspiration hits and meets with the motivation. Sometimes I have one, sometimes the other, but it's rare that I have both at the same time. Makes it super hard to finish things.

- 1-2 sentence preview from your current WIP?

I have several current WIPs... There's the two that I have already started to post on AO3 (the Merlin one and the DDLJ one), then there's another Merlin one still in a notebook in French, the Torchwood one started yeaaaars ago in French too... But the one I want to share with you today is a Romeo and Juliet one that I've been talking about for quite some time:

The front door slammed closed, a muttered curse following behind, jerking Mercurio out the trance this new play had put him into. Frowning, he put down the pen he had been unconsciously chewing on and glanced toward the entrance hall, just in time to see Tybalt storming in, an aura of deep frustration surrounding him.

"If it's an emergency, I'm not available. If it's not an emergency, I'm also not available", deadpanned Mercutio, immediately belaying his words by getting up from the couch and moving towards his boyfriend.

"Shut up", said boyfriend grumbled darkly, "this is all your fault anyway."

"I admit that I do a lot of things, but you're going to have to narrow it down." Considering, he added "Don't move, you're going to drop water everywhere, I'll get you a towel".

- What story or scene are you most proud of?

Ignorance is Bliss! Chronologically, Tybalt/Mercutio is my very first ship, before I even knew what shipping was. IIB is a tiny view of how I see them, their relationship and the behind-the-scenes of Verona. I have a lot, a loooot of opinions, thoughts, ideas and headcanons about this play, a lot of stories I want to write, a lot of essays I want to research. IIB is one of the few stories I've managed to write and finish and feel good about.

- Link to my profile:

AO3: Raphale

You can also check out my old blog here, I sometimes post articles and essays, both in English and in French.

[jooeeydee]

Does anyone else sometimes get sad and insecure about mulitple chapter stories they write and post on ff.net oder AO3 and receive 50, 100, 200, + kudos but only one maybe two to five people from those comment regularly and with that let you know if someone is even still reading and enjoying your story.

I do primarily write for myself and I would still write if no one gave me any feedback but it would just be nice sometimes if people shared how they felt about the chapters I post.

Did they like it? Did they hate it? Did I catch them by surprise? What did or didn't they like?

This way it just leaves me in limbo and I have no clue if people even still read it or if I'm writing it for myself and could just as well not go trough the trouble of posting it.

I don't know I'm usually fine with it but every once in a while I get sad that after hours upon hours of writing, researching, editing,... people can't even take the time to write a short comment, just to let me know people are still reading it. Is it too much to ask for after you spent the time it took for you to read it to stay another minute or two to give me a sign? There really isn't any other way for me to know.

I guess I'm just in a weird mood and it's a weird day.

It would just be nice to know if anyone even still cares about the story.

[tessa-liam]

Roses/Monuments, Day 3

"Thank you, Riley. With so little permanence in this world, there will always be this little lock on this bridge just for the two of us. I want to believe it will be here forever, no matter what else happens to us." 

A monument to eternal love and commitment....

Pont des Arts, 'Lovelock Bridge' Paris, France

Inspired by Liam and Riley's visit to this Bridge during the engagement tour....

Bridge of Dreams , Chapter 15

Turning the Page Series

✨️Artwork Commission by /@artbyainna

Thank you @lizzybeth1986 & @sazanes for hosting #KLAW 2024🥂⚘️

@kingliamappreciationweek @choicesmonthlychallenge , prompt 01- appreciation

@choicesficwriterscreations @choicescommunityevents

[pragmatic-optimist]

Reflecting on how our love of [insert fav piece of media source] is crafted— in every sense of the word—by the talented people we find in fandom.

Content creators (fic writers, gif makers, artists, meta writers, and so many others) are a fandom's heartbeat.

Thank you for all you do (or have done) to keep a fandom alive, even and especially when the source content has disappointed. Words cannot express how much you are valued and appreciated. 💕🙏🏽💐

[alj4890]

Asked and Received

A Tobias Carrick/Open Heart one shot for Tobias Carrick Appreciation Week

Day 3: WWTD? Tobias buys an old lantern at an antique store. When he gets home and places it on his shelf, a genie appears and offers to grant him three wishes. How does he react? What does he ask for?

A/N going back to Book 2's canon and my HC for Tobias's family for this one. And of course, there's no doubt what or rather whom I HC for him will also be a part of this 😉

Masterlist

"Don't worry." Tobias readjusted his phone. "I'll be there."

His attempt to juggle multiple gift bags, his phone, and the Chinese takeout he'd bought all while trying to unlock his garage door did not end well.

His phone slipped out from between his ear and shoulder. He dropped the gift bags to try and catch it, thus causing all of them to dump out on the garage floor.

The only thing he managed to save was his dinner.

His younger brother's anxious voice could be heard buried beneath the bags.

"You okay?!" Phillip yelled out.

Carefully setting his takeout down, Tobias began to gather everything else up.

"Sorry about that." He told Phillip once he found his phone. "Dropped a few things."

"A few?" Phillip muttered in disbelief. "Sounded like your whole house crashed down around you."

"It wasn't my house." Tobias snorted. "Only the gifts I bought for Tabitha."

Phillip's daughter was turning five the following weekend. The Carrick's were gathering at the family home in Greenwich to celebrate as they did with everyone's birthday. Tobias even cleared his schedule for the week just so he could spend extra time with everyone.

He needed a break. After all the turmoil of Mass Kenmore losing its funding and the mad dash he'd recently done to save a young Edenbrook doctor, he knew he needed some time to decompress. The stress of the problems growing with possible shutdowns and layoffs had finally gotten to him.

Phillip chuckled. "You should see all that Jasmine has picked out for Tabitha. Between her and Mom, my girl is going to be the most spoiled five year old in the world."

Tobias grinned at the thought. His sister-in-law went through a lot to have her two children with Phillip. Jasmine had seen many fertility specialists and had multiple procedures for a slim chance at becoming pregnant. Tabitha was the first miracle for the couple. Spoiling the little girl became the norm in the family. It wasn't difficult to do given how sweet she was.

He was beyond the proud uncle of all his nieces and nephews. He made certain that their gifts revealed just how crazy he was about them and that he actually listened to all they told him. Tobias enjoyed spending time around Christmas and their birthdays to search for special presents that lined up with their interests.

This year, his niece was currently obsessed with the Disney movie, Aladdin. Phillip joked that it was because her mother's name was Jasmine which was why the little girl wanted to be that particular princess.

Tobias didn't care what the reason was. He only knew he had to find something special for her big day.

He spent the day at various toy stores around Boston, buying new dolls, puzzles, and games. Walking past an antique store, the idea to try and find her a real oil lamp struck. He went inside and as luck would have it, he found exactly what he'd hoped to find.

After dropping all his packages on the kitchen table, he took the lamp out of the box and set it on one of his couch cushions. He squatted down to see just how it would look to Tabitha.

The old brass lamp turned out better than he'd hoped. The engravings along the sides added more to the imagined mysticism one could pretend the lamp contained. He could easily see it sitting in some forgotten cave filled with treasures from long, long ago.

"Not bad." He said, running his thumb along the intricate engravings.

"Thank you." A voice said from within.

Tobias fell back with a gasp as silvery black smoke pooled out. It swirled around the room as sounds of thunder boomed and flashes of lightning penetrated the smothering darkness. Once it cleared, a man in a three piece suit was sitting next to the lamp.

"What in the actual hell was that?" Tobias breathed. "Who are you?"

"Isn't it obvious?" The strange man replied. "I'm the Genie of the Lamp."

"Right." Tobias got to his feet. "And I'm the man who is about to force you out of his home."

The stranger clucked his tongue. "I wouldn't try that if I were you, Tobias."

Tobias cursed as he reached down to yank the intruder off his couch.

He went right through the man and hit the couch cushion.

"I told you that you shouldn't try to remove me." The genie chuckled over Tobias's fruitless attempts.

"This is a prank." Tobias said, looking around for one of his friends. "This is nothing but an image projected into my living room."

"No, I'm, as they say, the real deal." The genie got to his feet. "I can see though that you're a doubting man."

"You got that right." Tobias muttered while looking for what was causing this hallucination.

"I thought dressing like this would be less startling to a man like you."

With a snap of his fingers, the genie now looked like one from storybooks, complete with turban, a long pointy beard, and lack of a lower body. The shimmery black smoke swirled where his legs had once been.

Tobias rubbed his hands over his face in an attempt to get his vision clear of whatever the hell was going on in his living room.

When he lowered his hands, he saw the genie still waiting with his arms crossed.

"Is this better or can I look more like a man of today?" Genie gestured towards his body.

"Do whatever you want." Tobias gave up and sat down. "It isn't like I really have a say in the matter."

"I wouldn't say that." The genie snapped his fingers and was once again a man in a suit.

Straightening his tie, he smiled at Tobias.

"Now then, you are the lucky individual of three wishes."

"Yippee." Tobias grumbled. "So I can wish for you to get out?"

"My my, aren't we an unwelcoming host?" Genie responded.

"Forgive me for not wanting a weird has to be some drug induced hallucination I somehow was cursed with in my house." Tobias bit out.

"Do you do drugs?" Genie asked.

"No." Tobias said. "But I could have been slipped something in my coffee from earlier."

"True." The genie conceded. "But you weren't."

Tobias continued to glare at him.

"Make your wishes and I will leave, never to return again." The genie promised.

"Then I'll take this lamp back for another." Tobias added. "There's no way I'll let you near my niece."

The genie let out a boisterous laugh.

"Ah, Tobias. I won't appear before Tabitha. She doesn't need me."

"What?" Tobias muttered in disbelief.

"She's a happy child who has all her needs met." Genie explained. "I only appear to those who have a great need for my assistance in their lives."

He smirked while watching the doctor get irritated over hearing that he needed help with anything.

"And," the genie pointed out, "this lamp isn't my only home."

Tobias leaned forward. "Like I said before, what?!"

"All oil lamps belong to me." He continued. "How do you think I appear before people from all over the world?"

"I wouldn't even begin to guess what a character from a story does." Tobias told him.

"Where do you think all the stories came from?" Genie smiled at him with a hint of mischief. "You don't think someone like me could possibly be a work of fiction, do you?"

Tobias lowered his head in his hands. He knew he had two options. One, he could continue arguing with this thing or he could take advantage of what could be his good fortune and make some wishes.

Lifting his head he gave in to the latter. It would probably save his sanity in the long run to just let this scenario play out.

"About these wishes," he hesitated, "this isn't some Monkey Paw type wish is it?"

"Meaning something horrific must happen to get your wish?" The genie clarified.

Tobias nodded. "Is it?"

"Not at all. My wishes are free and clear of any ill intent." He leveled his dark eyes upon the doctor. "Unless your wish is one that is to harm another."

"Not my style." Tobias told him. "My wishes have nothing to do with hurting anyone."

"Excellent!" The genie rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "Now then, let's discuss some possible wishes."

"Discuss?" Tobias smirked. "Am I not capable of making my own?"

"They will still be yours," Genie replied, "but I have never taken advantage of one's ignorance when it comes to making wishes."

"For instance?" Tobias prodded.

"For instance, if you told me your first wish was to be in the perfect profession then I would point out you are currently in the perfect one for someone like you." He explained. "No need to waste a wish on something you already have."

"I see." Tobias's brow furrowed in thought. "Hmm."

"Might I make a suggestion?" Genie prompted.

"Sure."

"You are currently worried about funding for your hospital. Correct?"

"Correct." Tobias answered.

"Then I can fix that!" Genie motioned towards him. "Simply say the words and--"

"Can you fix two hospitals?" Tobias interrupted.

"Two?"

"Mass Kenmore and Edenbrook are both going to be shut down if someone doesn't intervene." Tobias explained. "And the people of Boston would suffer because of it."

"I see." Genie shrugged. "That can all be easily taken care of."

"Then for my first wish, I wish that you would make Mass Kenmore and Edenbrook have the funding needed to remain open and functioning at their best."

Genie nodded in approval before snapping his fingers. Within seconds, Tobias phone rang.

His eyes widened to see Mass Kenmore's Chief of Medicine calling him.

"Hello?" He listened to the excited doctor explain that the Board had made a deal with Solomon Health.

"We're saved!" She exclaimed. "We won't be dependent on state funding again."

Tobias ended the call. He couldn't quite believe that his wish had come true.

"Who ended up helping Edenbrook?" He asked.

The genie snapped his fingers again and an image of a man Tobias knew appeared in a puff of smoke.

"That's Leland Bloom." He turned back to the genie. "What does a tech billionaire have to do with anything?"

"He'll end up buying the hospital and keep all the staff." The genie explained. "In fact, he's now talking to Edenbrook's Chief of Medicine and their Board right now."

"Wow." Tobias sat back in awe.

"I know." Genie winked at him. "I am that amazing."

Tobias began to laugh. Only he would be the one to find a genie with an ego similar to his own.

"Now then, what shall be your second wish?" The genie prompted.

"I'm not sure." Tobias told him. "Honestly, all I've thought about lately is Tabitha's birthday and the whole funding fiasco."

"Hmm." The genie began to stroke his beard while thinking of something Tobias might need or want.

"Could I wish for my family to remain healthy and happy?" Tobias asked.

"You could." The genie responded. "But I don't see a reason to do so. They all have what they need for that to happen."

"I still wish it. Just to be on the safe side."

"Very well." The genie snapped his fingers. "Done."

He then leaned forward, a mischievous glint back in his eyes. "Now let's make this final wish more interesting."

"Interesting?" Tobias cocked an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

"Meaning something specifically for yourself." The genie explained. "You've already done your good deeds to those you care about and the city you reside in. Let's get something that will be only yours."

Tobias chuckled. "I can't think of anything I need."

The genie humphed. "I bet your mother would say differently."

"You don't mean--"

"Oh I do." The genie grinned with glee. "One of my favorite things to grant someone is the perfect mate."

"Hold on!" Tobias held his hands up. "I don't think I'm the marrying kind."

"You're wrong." Genie's smile grew larger. "You think that now, but there is someone out there made for you."

"Uh-huh." Tobias doubted that. "If you don't mind, I think I'll wish for something else."

"Such as?" The genie was quite curious what could be better than his own suggestion.

"How about a new challenge?" Tobias offered. "Something to push me on to succeeding."

The genie stroked his beard once more in thought. "A challenge, eh?"

He looked up at Tobias. "Say the words."

"I wish for a new challenge in my life, one that requires all my expertise to succeed."

An amused expression flooded the genie's face as he snapped his fingers to make it happen.

"So?" Tobias asked. "What's my challenge?"

"To win the heart of this woman." The genie waved his hand through the smoke until another familiar face appeared.

"Is that who I think it is?" Tobias gasped.

"It is." The genie responded, completely delighted to turn the wish into what he knew the man before him needed.

Tobias glared at him. "I thought I told you I wasn't the marrying kind."

"You will be once Chris gets a hold of you." The genie teased.

As he began dissolving into the silvery smoke he'd first appeared in, the genie spoke once more.

"Don't fight it, Tobias. Enjoy your life with those you love."

His dark eyes sparkled before disappearing.

"And that includes, Dr. Valentine." His voice echoed.

Tobias sat there staring at the empty spot on his sofa where the genie had been sitting. Still in disbelief over all that happened within the last few minutes, he reached over and picked up the lamp.

Giving it a slight shake, he chuckled to himself.

"Nice try, but there's no way Chris Valentine is meant for me."

He set the lamp down to begin wrapping Tabitha's presents.

A mystical voice spoke from the lamp causing him to stop mid step.

"Wanna bet?"

[like-sands-of-time]

I never thought about it in all my years as a reader on ao3, leaving my kudos as I went. But after posting my first fic , and every subsequent one, the feeling of joy I get every single time I get an email from ao3 that tells me someone left a kudos on my work? Yeah that just adds a ray of sunshine to my life.

It's made me that much more aware of what I hope all the other writers feel as well when we read their works. I left that kudos because you wrote that stunning, phenomenal piece and you deserve to be made aware of it, even if it's 18 years old and you don't even think about it anymore. Thank you for your service to the community ❤️

[angelasscribbles]

Birthday Spanking: A Bad Romance One-Shot

Series: Bad Romance Continues

Original Series: Bad Romance

Fandom: The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Pairings for series: Riley x Liam x Max, Riley x Drake, Riley x Rashad

Pairing for this chapter: Riley x Max

Rating: NSFW 🍋🍋🍋

Warnings for this chapter: BDSM D/s dynamic, bondage, erotic spanking. Language.

Word Count: 2,581 

A/N: Back in September 2022 @harleybeaumont made a request for "subby secretary Max". It only took me six months to write it. She also gets credit for the pic below as she sent it to me for inspiration.

A/N2: Here's a link just in case anyone is interested in learning more about erotic spanking and why it's pleasurable to some people.

My other stuff: Master List.

Riley walked the secretary of finance to the door of her office, “Thank you, Lord Herron,” she ushered him out as he nodded and tried to continue the conversation.

She pushed the door closed and leaned on it, breathing out a sigh of relief. Lord Archibald Herron was a lot. Like, really a lot. He was at least ninety years old, and would not retire. He talked a lot, had outdated ideas, and took forever to tell a story.

She was exhausted from the encounter and stressed the fuck out. She glanced up at the ornate Lewisburg wall clock on her wall. She had time to kill before her next appointment.

She knew exactly how to relieve her stress.

She pulled the door open to peer into the outer office. Her eyes landed on Max, who was rifling through a file cabinet for something.

“Max!” She called out, “Come in here, now! I have something to dictate to you!”

Max looked up from his filing, “Oh, um, yes, okay, coming!” He swiftly grabbed a steno pad and pencil from his desk as he walked past it.

“Hold all my calls,” Riley told the receptionist as she stood back and let Max through then she pushed the door shut and turned the lock. It was Max’s birthday and she had something special planned.

Max, completely unsuspecting, took a seat in the chair in front of the desk and flipped the steno pad open, “Okay, what are you dictating?”

Riley sauntered across the room and pulled herself up onto the edge of the desk, crossing her legs as she did so. One hand moved up her thigh, sliding her skirt up, revealing thigh-high stockings, “To whom it may concern, the queen needs to be…handled.”

Max glanced up at her, then back down at the steno pad clutched in his hand. He blinked then his head jerked back up as he realized what she was saying.

When his eyes found her again, she was sitting on edge of her desk, dangling a pair of handcuffs from her fingertips.

His eyes dipped down to trace up her legs, taking in the top of the stocking and the attached garter belt before making their way up her curves to lock on her face. His mouth went dry, “How may I be of service, Your Majesty?”

“You can get over here and let me cuff you. Now.”

The sharpness of her command sent a frisson of excitement through him as he bolted out of the chair, steno pad and pencil falling forgotten to the ground as he hurried to do her bidding.

“Turn around.” She ordered.

He complied without a sound, spinning to place his back to her and bringing his wrists together. He felt the cold metal encircle both wrists and heard them click as they snapped into place.

She tugged on each one making sure they were snug but not too tight. “Spin.”

When he turned back to face her, she was wearing a seductive smile and twirling a very familiar collar in her hand. It was black studded leather with an O ring in the front and a locking buckle in the back. He vividly remembered the day she had placed it around his neck for the first time. The day she had collared him had been the happiest day of his life.

A collaring ceremony is just as meaningful as a wedding ceremony in many circles. It meant he belonged to her, but more than that, it meant that she made a commitment to him. The collar was as symbolic as a wedding band and having her place it around his neck in front of witnesses had brought him a sense of belonging and security.

The fact that she was dangling it in front of him as he stood in her office in the middle of the day with his hands cuffed behind his back told him that she was ready to play. A shiver ran through his body as he let his eyes dip down to her legs and trek slowly back upward again.

“Kneel,” she commanded.

He made and held direct eye contact as he lowered himself to his knees in front of her, “Yes, my queen.”

A shudder of pleasure ran through her at the way he made the honorific sound so sexual, “Good boy,” she crooned as she placed the collar around his neck.

He bowed his head so she could buckle it, “You’re every wish is my fervent command, Your Majesty. I live to please you.”

“Glad to hear it,” she told him as she slid the hem of her skirt higher, revealing her lack of panties, “Your tongue between my legs would please me very much right now.”

He crawled forward on his knees and, unable to use his hands which were cuffed behind him, nudged her legs further apart using his head and lapped a soft, warm line up her center.

Her fingers twisted in his hair as she scooted closer to the edge of the desk and wrapped her legs around his neck, “God, yes….” The day’s tension melted right out of her body.

Max on his knees in front of her never disappointed.

His tongue was warm and soft as it twirled and flicked at her center, trailing sparks in its wake as it worked. Up and down, side to side, in and out, round and round, not a single spot was neglected.

Heat suffused her body as tension coiled and tightened inside her. She tried to push his head back to draw it out, but he surged forward forcing her over the edge. Her body arched off the desk and into his mouth as her repressed screams filtered out as moans and gasps. “Fuck, yes, Max!” Her fingers tightened in his hair as she pulled him closer, losing herself in the crashing waves of ecstasy as he licked her through the orgasm.

When she was done, she gently pushed him away as she scooted back on the desk, tugging her skirt back into place. “Good boy,” she told him as she slid off the desk, “Now stand up, I have something for you.”

She helped him to his feet since he couldn’t use his hands to help himself. She laid gentle kisses along his back as she uncuffed him.

“What is it?” he rubbed his wrists, an anticipatory thrill slipping through him.

“Did you think I had forgotten it’s your birthday?” She smirked at him as she rummaged around in the oversized tote she had brought to the office that morning.

“N-no…” he replied carefully, “We have plans for dinner tonight and we’re going to the peacock show tomorrow….”

“Oh, but you haven’t had your birthday spanking yet, have you?”

Max closed his eyes and groaned as a shiver of eager excitement ran through him, “No my queen, I have not.”

“Well, we have to correct that,” she told him as her eyes ran up and down his body with a predatory glint, “so drop those pants, turn around, put your hands on the desk, and bend over.”

He locked eyes with her as he slowly unbuckled his pants, “Yes, Your Majesty,” he hooked his fingers under the waistband of his pants and underwear, pushing them down to tangle around his ankles, then he turned, leaned over and placed both hands on the top of the highly polished mahogany executive desk.

Riley laid several implements on the desk in front of him. A slapper paddle with cut-out hearts carved into the leather, a flogger with soft metallic silver fronds, a crop with a split tipped top and textured handle, a black leather whip, and a small satin and leather spanking paddle.

Max felt his cock stiffen as his eyes swept across their toys. Riley’s fingers ghosted across his back as she leaned down, put her mouth to his ear, and whispered, “Your choice, my sweet, perfect, subby boy toy.”

“Fuck!” Max sucked in an audible gasp as he felt his dick throb. Precum oozed out of the tip as his heart rate spiked.

“Well? Which one?”

His eyes moved from one to the next. Each implement had its draw. The slapper paddle would make a loud, satisfying noise, but didn’t do much in the way of delivering the sharp sting he craved. The flogger would sting nicely and leave pretty red welts to remind him of the encounter, but it was quiet. The crop was perhaps the best of both worlds, providing a satisfying whoosh as it moved through the air, a resounding thwack when it made contact with his ass and the welts would last for days. The whip was too much for the middle of the afternoon. He wanted to be able to walk normally when he left her office. The spanking paddle was entirely too quiet and entirely too gentle.

“The crop,” he decided.

“Are you sure?” She picked up the spanking paddle and ran the satin side across his rear.

He swallowed thickly, “I’m sure.”

“Hm,” she replaced the paddle and picked up the flogger, trailing the fronds lightly down his back.

A shiver ran through him as goosebumps erupted from head to toe.

“What do we say?” she prompted.

“Please,” he responded immediately.

“Please, what?”

“Please spank me, my queen.”

Riley replaced the flogger on the desk and hefted the crop in her hand, debating which way to go with it. A heavy hand or a light hand would deliver different results. She could create a multitude of sensations with the impact toy, from sensuous light caresses to sharp stinging bites.

“I know what you like, Max,” She purred as she leaned her body across his back and reached around to take him firmly in her hand, stroking up and down.

Max squeezed his eyes tightly shut, his entire body trembling, “Fuck, Riley, I’m so close already.”

She released him and stepped back, her free hand smacking him on the ass before bringing the crop down onto the tender flesh of his backside. It made a whooshing sound as it cut through the air.

He jerked as the leather bit into him, delivering its stinging kisses. His hands grasped the edge of the desk tightly, the wood digging into his palms. “Oh! Riley!”

Every thwack pushed him closer to the edge.

Thwack!

His fingers pushed harder against the desktop.

Thwack!

His teeth sank into his lower lip as he muffled a grunt of pleasure.

Thwack!

His erection throbbed.

Thwack!

Darkness clouded the edges of his vision as he lost the battle to stay quiet. A high-pitched whine started in the back of his throat.

“I love you, Max,” the words dripped like honey from her lips as she brought the crop down again.

Thwack!

That was it, his hands lost purchase and he toppled forward onto the desktop, guttural cries ripped from him as his body convulsed, his cock pulsing and spewing streams of milky wetness all over the front of the desk, the floor, and his own pants that were still tangled around his ankles.

A shiver ran down his spine, his whole body tingled, and pinpricks of euphoria erupted across his scalp. He slid off the desk onto the floor, kneeling on all fours as he gasped for breath.

Riley tossed the crop onto the desk and sat down next to him, drawing his head into her lap. She ran her fingers gently through his hair, “How are you doing, my sweet boy?”

“I’m doing great!” He relaxed, lying on the office floor, his mind blissfully blank as he reveled in the sensation of floating off into the ether.  

She moved his head from her lap so she could stretch out next to him on the floor, snuggling close to him. They exchanged soft kisses and loving caresses as quiet expressions of love were murmured back and forth.

“You stay there,” she told him as she stretched and sat up.

“Where are you going?”

“Nowhere, I’ll be right back.”

She stepped around the desk and returned a moment later with a small bottle in her hand. Max lay on the floor, chin propped on his folded arms as Riley tenderly applied a soothing aloe vera cream to his reddened bottom, “You should take the rest of the day off and go take a nice warm bath.”

“Mm-uh,” he shook his head, “I want to stay.”

“You want to stay at work on your birthday?” she laughed in surprise.

“I want to stay near you, my everything. Always.”

“All right,” her voice held amusement, but her eyes were filled with warmth as she recapped the bottle, “Have it your way.”

He heaved a sigh, “Speaking of work, I should get out of here before your next appointment arrives.”

“They can wait,” she told him as she stood, “What are they gonna do? I’m the queen!”

“Thank you,” he pushed onto all fours, climbed to his feet, and pulled his pants gingerly back up.

“You don’t have to thank me,” she smirked at him, “I got as much out of it as you did and it’s your birthday!”

“I’m still getting dinner and the peacock show though, right?”

Riley tilted her back as a laugh burst out of her, “Oh, my God, Max, yes!”

Without any spoken instructions or discussion between them, Max retrieved a towel from the attached bathroom and cleaned up the mess while Riley put away the toys. They worked quickly, falling easily into their familiar routine, even though they weren’t in their usual place.

When they were done, Riley ran a hand down his face, “Happy Birthday, sweet boy,” she whispered, bringing her lips to his.

Their tongues tangled together for a few brief moments then Max pulled away with a grin, “See you tonight!”

He was almost at the door when her voice stopped him.

“Max, wait!” Riley rushed to catch up with him, “You forgot to take off your collar!”

“Oh, this?” he grinned as his fingers slid across the supple leather at his neck, “I’m keeping it on.”

“You’re not worried about what people will think?”

“Since when have I ever cared what people think?” he scoffed, “Besides, they probably all heard me in here screaming like a little bitch anyway.”

“Those were very manly screams, Max,” she corrected him.

“Glad you think so,” he took the opportunity to pull her into his arms for one last kiss.

Riley giggled as she let herself be jerked forward into his grasp.

He nuzzled into the side of her neck playfully before bringing his lips to hers and melting into the kiss. An incredible sense of contentment spread over him.

He had an entire birthday weekend planned. Tonight was dinner with his closest friends and family, tomorrow was the peacock show with Riley followed by a huge party. Sunday he was spending the day with Liam. But even if there were no parties, no dinners, and no celebrations, this was already the best birthday he’d ever had.

It was his first birthday with Riley and the first one spent with Liam as a couple. He had the man that he loved and the woman that he loved and by some miracle, they both loved him back. There was literally nothing else on earth that he wanted or needed. He was happy, he was content, and he was beyond grateful for the life they’d built together.

He still wanted to see the peacocks though.

Tagging:

All Things TRR:

@nestledonthaveone  @karahalloway  @tessa-liam  @belencha77 @lovingchoices14

@21-wishes @secretaryunpaid @lunaseasblog  @princessleac1 @bebepac

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[jerzwriter]

Almost home...

Book: Open Heart (Late Book 3 Timeline)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kaycee)

Rating: Teen

Words: 1272

Summary: Kaycee is away at a conference, while back in Boston, Ethan realizes just how much life has changed.

A/N: This fic is based on this ask. Thank you for sending it in, Nonny! Participating in @choicesmonthlychallenge Prompt: All the Fluff. Also sending to @openheartappreciationweek for Day 4 "Relationship Meter"

The last remnants of sunshine were losing their battle to stay in the sky as Ethan strolled down Charles Street. He was only a few blocks from home but wasn’t in as much of a hurry to get there as he’d normally be.  

Boston was like any other big city; people always rushing by. Getting from point a to point b was more important than the trip along the way for most, and Ethan was no exception. But when the occasional stranger passing made eye contact or perhaps offered a quick smile, he found himself returning the gesture. He was halfway home before he noticed, and a crooked smile settled on his lips. Apparently, life could change.

A portly gentleman with a kind grin jumped to attention as Ethan approached. He tugged at the hem of his well-adorned uniform before reaching over to open the door.

“Good Evening, Dr. Ramsey! A bit early today!”

Ethan nodded before glancing at his watch. 

“Seven-thirty,” he confirmed. “It’s about right for me these days, George.”

“Well, you’ll forgive me,” the older gentleman laughed. “I’m still used to you crawling in just in time to change and return to the hospital. I forget I’m dealing with a new man.”

“That’s OK,” Ethan chuckled. “Sometimes I forget it, too.”

His eyes were fixed on the elevator door as he patiently waited for the bell to announce its arrival. Though not technically home until he reached the 33rd floor, Ethan always felt the outside world slip away as soon as the doors slid open, and he found himself surrounded by the rich, mahogany walls, especially on a day like today when he had the ride to himself.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes as he ascended to the sky, a gentle snort escaping him. Small talk with the doorman? With George? He had been the doorman as long as Ethan lived there, coming up on a decade now. While he had always been polite to him, Ethan couldn’t recall engaging in conversation before… he certainly didn’t know the man’s name. Life could definitely change.

The hallway was quiet, eerily so. It wasn’t always that way… eerie, that is. His was one of only two condos on the floor, the other belonging to a foreign dignitary who only used it when he traveled to Boston. That had been about five times in as many years by Ethan's calculations. The seclusion and solitude, things he once loved most about his home, were rarities now.

He opened the door without hurry, allowing it to close slowly behind him… just like the old days. No rush to get inside. He hung his coat in the closet, gingerly walked to a side table to pour a glass of Scotch, then sunk into his favorite chair. He took a generous sip, allowing the cool liquid to turn warm in his mouth, waiting for the firey sensation to shift toward the pleasant sweetness that always followed. That’s when he used to know he was home.   

His mind rushed back to the office, just thirty minutes ago, and he let out a gentle laugh as he recalled Tobias’s words when he left.

“Heading out so early, boss? With the Mrs. out of town, I thought you’d be back to your old habits of working around the clock,” the sugary smirk on his friend and colleague’s face told him his words were in jest. “But hey, I get it… you have a bachelor pad again for one night! I’d be rushing home, too!”

“She’s not the Mrs. yet, Carrick! And, since your place is a perpetual bachelor pad, I assume you won’t ever need to leave early?” He had shot back.

“Hey… you do happiness your way, I’ll do it mine,” Tobias laughed. “But who knows? You were once an eternal bachelor too… stranger things have happened.”

Stranger things, indeed.

A bit of time had passed when Ethan checked his watch again: 8:00 PM Boston. That meant it was five o’clock in Los Angeles. Kaycee would be leaving the seminar any moment now, and he couldn’t wait for her call. Only then did it dawn on him how peculiar it felt to go without hearing her voice for so long. In this case, long could be defined as ten hours. Not so long in the scheme of things, but definitely out of the norm for him.

Not everyone was lucky enough to share an office… a home… a bed with the love of their lives, and even for those who did, no one was blessed to share those things with Kaycee. That pleasure… that joy… belonged to him and only him. She officially moved in six months before, and already her presence was missed. His hand reached over and mindlessly stroked the chenille blanket she normally wrapped herself in. Then she’d nuzzle her head on his lap as he read, or maybe sit on it, throwing her arms around his neck to discuss their day. If he closed his eyes, he almost felt her there.

Ring…..

His phone ringing broke him from his reverie, but he didn’t mind a bit.

“Hello.”

“Hello, gorgeous!” He could feel the smile in her melodic tone, and it warmed him more than his Scotch could ever dream to. “Do you miss me?”

“Miss you?” Ethan asked. “I’m counting the hours until you’re back home. Speaking of which, any luck getting an earlier flight out?”

“I’m still trying, but it looks like we have another thirteen hours before I’m back in your arms.”

“Thirteen? Who do I have to call a favor into for an earlier flight?”

“Mmmmm… God?” She giggled. “Problem is there are some storms here, and they’ve backed things up. But the weatherman says they’ll be passing shortly, so my flight shouldn’t be delayed.”

“Good! Because I don’t want to wait a minute longer than needed to see you again.”

“I know, baby. I feel the same way.”

“But the conference, the seminar… did everything go well?”

“Better than well! I’ll tell you about it after you get home from work tomorrow.”

“No, you won’t. You’ll tell me after I pick you up at the airport and we both come home. Tobias insisted he’d cover our workload so I could take the day off.”

“Tobias Carrick? A romantic at heart? Who knew,” Kaycee laughed.

“Mmmmm… either that or he’s about to ask for a favor.”

“Yeah… I did see him eyeing Jessica when she visited me last week. Little does he know she lives in Denver… or that she’s my ex-girlfriend and he doesn’t have… uhm… the equipment needed to be of interest to her.”

Ethan’s hearty laughter filled the empty room. “Well, can we keep that information from him until you’ve returned? Just on the off chance that it’s the only reason he was being kind.”

“I don’t think it was the only reason,” Kaycee giggled. “But, yeah, mum’s the word until my feet are on the ground at Logan. I’m not taking any risks… not when you’ve already got me picturing myself tangled up in the sheets with you all day tomorrow.”

“Sounds like perfection.”

“It sure does,” Kaycee cooed. “Well, I’m at the hotel. Can I call you when I get to my room?”  

“Please do,” Ethan grinned. “This place isn’t home without you.”

“Just thirteen hours until we fix that, hon. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

He placed the phone on the table, then shut his eyes. Just thirteen hours, and he’d finally be home again. 

Life had absolutely changed for Ethan Ramsey… and he couldn’t be happier.

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[harleybeaumont]

Maxwell's Jolly Holiday - Pt. 1

Book - The Royal Romance AU

Pairings -(kind of) Liam x Maxwell

Synopsis- This story gives a glimpse into Maxwell’s high school days at an all boys school where he joins the drama club and performs in his first play. This is set as a prequel to my fic, Unintentional, but can definitely be read as a standalone fic too! This 'one shot' has taken on a life of its own and will probably end up being 3 parts.

Warnings- swearing, some crude language, a few homophobic comments from bullies

Word count- 2,810

A/N- This is a late submission for @maxwell-beaumont-appreciation week - Day 3 - The Early Years.

Read the next parts here.

Part 1 - Anything Can Happen If You Let It

“This place sucks,” Maxwell said despondently as he flopped down onto his twin sized bed at the Cordonian Boys Finishing School. He held the phone closer to his ear as he prepared to explain to his friend, Prince Liam. “There’s nothing to do here. There’s nothing good to eat. I don’t even have any friends.. I miss you guys.”

Liam, as helpful as ever, attempted to cheer up his good friend. “It can’t be that bad. Rashad’s going there too, right? You guys always get along when you come to the palace to visit. ”

Max rolled his eyes, “Ya but he’s a junior like you. He can't associate with a lowly sophomore.”

“Did he say that?”

Max closed his eyes. “He didn’t have to. I sat down at the lunch table with him and his friends and they totally ignored me. Any time I tried to talk they just spoke over me. This went on for a week before I just gave up and sat alone.”

“Wow,” Liam sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“Eh.” 

Liam was worried about his friend. It wasn’t like Maxwell to be anything other than optimistic and cheerful, so this really must have crushed his spirits. It didn’t help that Bertrand had dumped Max at an all boys high school at the start of his sophomore year because he ‘couldn’t deal with him’ anymore. “Maybe you just haven’t found your ‘group’. You know.. the people who have similar interests as you. Are there any clubs you can join?”

“When Bert dropped me off, he signed me up for fencing, polo, and etiquette club.”

“Etiquette club? That’s a real thing?!”

Maxwell shuddered, “I don’t wanna talk about it.” Three days a week discussing proper silverware placement was enough for him.

“Yikes.. Well, there has to be something there that interests you.”

“Well..” Max sat up and grabbed his backpack off of the floor, yanking open the zipper and uncrumpling the neon pink flier he had grabbed from the courtyard. “There’s one thing, but I don’t know..”

“What is it?”

“Don’t laugh, ok?”

Liam smiled on the other end of the phone. “Max, you know I’d never laugh at you.”

“Well, the drama club is putting on a play and.. I was thinking of auditioning. It’s for Mary Poppins.” Max waited to see if Liam was going to tease him, but instead only heard excitement on the other line.

“Max! That would be perfect for you! You love that movie!”

“I know, but I’ve never acted before.”

“Man, you love to sing, you love to dance.. And you freaking love Mary Poppins! Remember that little bird head umbrella you used to pretend you could fly with? You’d put on your moms red coat and floral hat and hold that umbrella and-” Liam was cut off by his own laughter at the memory.

“Ya, ya.. I broke my arm that way too, trying to dance to ‘Step In Time’ on my roof.” Liam's laughter was contagious and Max couldn’t help but join in. “Fine, now it's funny. Now that my arm’s healed and I can properly do jazz hands again.”

“Sorry! I know I said I wouldn't laugh at you.. The memory is just too funny!”

“Ya,” Max chuckled. “I get it.”

“But seriously, you have to audition!”

Max shrugged as his eyes skimmed over the paper again. ‘Saturday at noon - open auditions.’ “What if Bertrand gets mad?”

Liam looked around to make sure he was alone before he replied. “Listen, fuck Bertrand. He doesn’t have control over everything you do.”

Max scoffed, “try telling him that.”

Liam smirked, “then tell him that you auditioning for the play is a direct order from the Prince.”

Max and Liam snickered and Max felt lighter than he had in weeks. “You know what? I’ll do it! I’m gonna audition.”

“Good,” Liam smiled. “Then when you get a role, me and Drake will be in the front row cheering you on.”

“Ahh! Don’t jinx it!”

Liam laughed, “Ok, sorry.. Well, I guess I'll talk to you in a few days."

Max paused for a moment, ignoring the pain in his chest at saying goodbye to Liam. The Prince’s busy schedule only allowed them one or two phone calls a week, and both of them looked forward to it more than anything. Sure they texted, but it wasn’t the same. Max sighed, “ya.”

“Hey, don’t forget to text me after the audition!”

Maxwell smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll let you know the minute after.”

___________________________________________________

Maxwell pushed open the wooden double doors of the theater and to his surprise found the room packed with students. His eyes widened and he cautiously made his way down an aisle toward the front of the room. A few guys he recognized from his algebra class waved him over. 

“Hey Beaumont!” A tall, blonde boy named Caleb, clapped him on the back. “I didn’t know you were auditioning.”

“Ah, it was kind of a last minute decision.” Max smiled, “I didn’t know you guys were into theater!”

Caleb chuckled, “were not. Hell, I don’t think eighty percent of the guys here give a shit about this play.”

Max wrinkled his nose as he looked around the crowded room, “Then why are they here?”

“Her.” Caleb nodded to the stage where a busty brunette stood speaking with the theater teacher. “Amanda Haynes.”

“What’s so special about her?” Max asked with genuine curiosity.

Jason, a boy next to Caleb, scoffed, “dude, this is the only pussy we’ll get to see here all year.. Unless you count old Mrs. Endermeyer the librarian. And this chick is fine as hell!”

Caleb watched the girl with a grin, “She’s from Welton’s all girls school, and playing Mary Poppins. And there’s rumors that they’ve turned this into a romance and whoever plays Bert gets to kiss her.”

Max felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. He was nervous enough having to go against just a handful of theater kids, but half the school was there auditioning. There was no way he was going to get a part. “Maybe I’ll just wait until the next play to audition.”

“Are you crazy? And miss a chance to get some of that?!” Caleb said, elbowing Max. 

Another boy walked up and put an arm around Max, pinching his cheek, “You guys didn’t know? Beaumont only likes dick.”

Max wiggled out from the boy's arm and rolled his eyes as the group of guys surrounding him laughed loudly. Caleb took in Maxwell’s hurt expression and stopped laughing. “Oh shit. Sorry, I thought he was joking.”

Jason snickered, “Bet this is a huge disappointment for Max then. Too bad they aren’t casting Mary Poppins as a dude, right Beaumont?”

Another boy laughed, “Naw I bet Max wishes he got to audition for Mary Poppins!”

A few more guys around them laughed and Max pushed past them, making his way toward the other side of the crowd. He was used to a few of the guys in school teasing him, but most didn’t. There were other boys in his school who were gay. In fact, at the beginning of the year, Max had his first real boyfriend. Though only short lived, the relationship was exciting and he learned a lot.

"Ahem!" The theater teacher cleared his throat loudly from the stage. Mr. Eldore was a gray haired, lanky man with thick glasses who Max had seen rollerskating around school before. He was a little strange, but that made Max like him more. He put a megaphone to his mouth and called out, “Take your seats please! Auditions will begin shortly.”

As the room quieted down, Mr Eldore cleared his throat again. “Now.. Let me start this audition by clearing up a few things. First of all, I’ve heard talk that this is being turned into a romance. That is completely untrue. I’m not sure who started that rumor, but if that’s why you’ve come to audition then you can go ahead and leave now. There are no kissing scenes in this play.”

The room erupted in groans and grumbles and half of the boys stood and filed out of the building.

Mr. Eldore grinned, gesturing to the girl selected to play Mary Poppins. “Now then, Ms. Haynes here has asked me to inform all of you that she is currently in a relationship and not interested in pursuing another one.. Despite the many offers she has received this afternoon.”

Half of the remaining boys left the room as well.

Mr. Eldore clapped his hands together, “Alright let’s get this audition started! I’m the theater teacher, Mr. Eldore, but I’m also the director of this play. You can call me ‘Mr. Eldore’ or ‘Mr. Director’, or if you’re feeling generous, ‘Sir Eldore, Lord of the Theater’.”

A few students in the front row chuckled appreciatively and then the auditions were underway.

Max took a deep breath to calm his nerves as he watched several of the more experienced kids recite their lines. They were incredible. He discreetly took out his phone and typed out a text to Liam, “I can’t do this! I’m gonna leave!”

Liam replied almost instantly, “No you aren’t!”

“They're all SO good!”

“So are you! Hey, when you’re on stage, just pretend I’m there with you. It’s just us playing like we used to. And remember, you are Maxwell fucking Beaumont and you are amazing.”

Max felt butterflies floating in his stomach.. However, these were different from the ones he had earlier. These particular butterflies only came out around Liam. He grinned and quickly replied, “thanks.”

The theater teacher called out, “Next we have.. Maxwell Beaumont.”

Max quickly stood and made his way to the stage with a renewed sense of self-worth. I can do this. Just pretend Liam is here. We’re all just having fun.

Mr. Eldore skimmed over the paper he held in his hand, “It says here that you have singing and dancing experience. What type of dancing?”

“Yes sir. Um, I’ve taken tap, jazz, and .. recently I’ve gotten into breakdancing.” Bertrand would kill him if he found out he had told anyone about his breakdancing.

“Hmm,” the teacher looked impressed as he continued to read. “Well I can’t wait to see how you incorporate that into the role you’re auditioning for.. What role are you auditioning for? You didn’t fill that in.”

Max shifted nervously on stage, “Well honestly I’ll take anything. I’ve never acted before so I don’t even know if I’ll be any good at it.” Feeling like he wasn’t doing a very good job of selling himself, Max spoke up again, “but I’m a fast learner and what I lack in skill, I make up for in enthusiasm!”

Mr. Eldore and a few other students chuckled. “Well that’s good to know. You can read for Bert. Page 39.”

“Bert?! The lead role?”

“It’s only because he has the most lines. It’ll give me a sense of your abilities.”

“Oh. Ok.” Max shook out his shoulders and held up the script. He practically knew the whole play and movie by heart and grinned as he skimmed over the lines. He took a deep breath and faced the girl playing Mary Poppins.

“Stay right there! I’d know that silhouette anywhere: Mary Poppins!”

Amanda placed her hand over her heart, grinning bashfully, “It’s nice to see you, Bert.”

“Well I must say, you do look swell.”

They rehearsed a few more lines and Max even sang the first half of the song "Jolly Holiday". Things seemed to be going well, but Mr. Eldore’s poker face gave absolutely nothing away as he randomly scribbled notes onto the paper he was holding. “Thank you, Mr. Beaumont. You can take your seat.”

Max returned to his chair, his body thrumming with energy and nerves. His audition had ended so abruptly. Was that a good or a bad thing? He watched the next few students read for Bert and they were flawless. He hoped he would at least get a role as one of the extra chimney sweeps, then he could really learn the choreography for the song "Step in Time". Liam would get a kick out of that. Liam! Max suddenly remembered he was supposed to text him and snuck his phone out of his pocket, quickly sending off a text. “I’m done!”

“Aaaaand?”

“I don’t know! It felt like it went ok!”

“GREAT!”

“I just pretended you were with me and it was so much easier!”

“I wish I was with you.”

The butterflies came back in full force and Max let out a giggle, but quickly stifled it with a hand over his mouth. Thankfully no one seemed to have noticed. “Me too.”

The typing indicator dots that showed Liam was responding, came and went a dozen times and Max held the phone, waiting to see what Liam was going to say. Finally the text came across. “Everything seems better when we’re together.”

Maxwell felt all the breath leave his body and grinned like a fool while he read the sentence over and over. Was Liam actually flirting with him? No.. no way. Liam was the prince and had never shown any real interest in him. They had kissed once when they were younger just to see what it was like, but nothing ever came of it. He typed back, “It is. 100%.”

To his surprise, Max was called back on stage with a few other guys to read a different portion of the play. He was feeling good, and even threw in some dance moves. When he was done, the theater kids actually clapped for him. They didn’t even tease him or laugh! They were surprisingly.. Nice. A boy named Eddie even asked him to sit with them once he rejoined the audience. 

An hour later, Mr. Eldore took the stage and called for everyone’s attention. “That concludes our auditions for today. I’ll have the casting sheet up Monday morning and not a minute sooner. And don’t you even think about knocking on my door tomorrow. Not only is it Sunday, but I will be busy judging the annual Duck Herding championship with my partner.”

Max hopped up and rushed off to his dorm room. He was giddy with excitement and needed to release some energy. That could only mean one thing- following along with break dancing videos on YouTube. 

______________________________________________

Max spent the next day trying to distract himself from the impending posting of the cast list that was to occur the following morning. He made it through his weekly phone call with Bertrand and even got to chat with Liam for a while that night. Monday morning he awoke early and rushed to the hallway outside the theater where Mr. Eldore was posting the list. He turned to Max and nodded before stepping aside and letting the crowd of theater kids rush forward.

He heard a few groans and some cheers from some of the guys as he made his way over to the list. Eddie clapped him on the back with a smile, “congrats man!”

“What?” Max blinked at him in surprise. “You mean I got a part?!”

“Not just a part.. the part!” Eddie grinned.

Maxwell skimmed the list starting at the bottom, and when he didn’t find his name, continued making his way up to the top. He reached the very top line and saw his name next to the male lead role, Bert. “No!!” He turned to Eddie, completely dumbfounded. “This has to be a mistake!”

Eddie shook his head, “No way! You were great, man! We were all talking about it after the audition!”

“You were all talking about.. me?! And not in a bad way?!”

“Why would we be talking about you in a bad way?”

Maxwell didn’t have an answer. He wasn’t used to people complimenting him (other than Liam) so this was a completely foreign feeling. His heart was beating out of his chest from excitement and he didn’t know what to do with himself. “I have to go call my friend and let him know!”

Eddie grinned, “go for it! And now that you’re in the play you should totally join the drama club! It’ll help you get to know everyone better and we have ‘bad movie night’ every Friday. It’s a blast!”

Maxwell was so overwhelmed he threw his arms around Eddie, “Oh my gosh! Thank you! I will definitely join!”

Eddie patted his back with a chuckle, “Ok then. I’ll see you Wednesday for rehearsal? I’m playing Mr. Banks.”

“Oh, congrats!” Max high fived Eddie awkwardly, before heading outside to phone Liam. He called out over his shoulder,  “see you then, Eddie!”