#ignore the date i drew this in my empty diary x]]

[alienssstufff]

yippee! wahoo!

[hyuckles-chuckles]

promise you’ll stay — h. renjun

you meet a boy in your english class and he draws in your book during the class.

pairing ; huang renjun x reader

genre ; fluff, art boy!renjun, college!au · word count ; 0.7k · rating ; pg

request ; “renjun + ‘corduroy dreams’ by rex orange county + ‘how could i ignore you? trust me, i adore you’” by anon

masterlist ; 2 years of adobe

a/n ; happy renjun day!! i hope you all enjoy this renjun fic for his bday, we love artboy!renjun + this boy got me changing when i post things bc i wanted to post something for his bday lol ++ posting a bit earlier than i would because i want it to still be his bday internationally!

promise you’ll stay is copyright 2020 hyuckles-chuckles, all rights reserved.

First Day

You take the seat closest to you in your English class, the lecture hall already filled with many students in their first year just like you. You get your stuff out and lay it on the section table that’s meant for you to use to be ready for your class to begin.

Your professor walks in and greets the class, ready to start the lesson — not before a boy enters shortly after.

The boy apologises and finds an empty chair — next to you. He smiles to you as he shuffles behind your chair, taking the available seat. You notice the art supplies he lays on the table with his books and dried paint on his fingertips. He must be an art major.

He slides a page next to you and you decide to read it: what page are we on? You write back page 1.

You slide the piece of paper next to him, receiving the paper with the words oh, duh.

You chuckle to yourself, thinking your English class just got a whole lot better.

Third Day

You happily walk into your next English class, seeing your art boy already in the chair next to the one you sat in first.

“Hi,” you say when you reach your chair, smiling at the boy.

“Oh, hi,” he says, raising his head from the beautiful drawing in his book.

“You’re really good…” you pause, wanting him to tell you his name.

“Renjun,” he informs you, shaking your hand. “And I should be, it is what I want to do.”

“Well, it’s really cool, Renjun,” you smile. You’re about to tell him your own name when your professor greets you and starts the lesson. You look to Renjun who seems to be frowning, until it looks like a light bulb turns on in his brain as he takes a book and draws — only it was your diary.

He slides your diary back to you and your heart flutters as you see his doodle. It’s a drawing of two Moomins, one that says what’s your name? and the other has no words in the speech bubble. You take your pen and write down your own name, sliding the book back to him. He smiles as he writes more in the corner of your page. He slides it to you and you see his number underneath the drawing — as well as the date accompanied with his signature.

You smile as you continue with the lesson, stealing glances of Renjun continuing to sprinkle some doodles in your book.

Ninth Day

You and Renjun walked into class together, taking your seats and getting your things out. You first take out your diary and hand it to Renjun, as this was usual at the beginning of English.

You and Renjun became good friends since that third day of school since Renjun made it a mission to fill in a page of your diary with doodles and jokes. Your favourite one was when he hadn’t read your texts the day before your second week at school. He drew more Moomins — his favourites — the first one saying how could I ignore you? trust me I adore you as it hugged the other Moomin because he had spent time on a painting. It was your favourite one because it made you think that he thought of you as more than a friend.

Your class started and you looked to Renjun, covering your diary with his body. He would usually finish his first drawing by now, but you didn’t make a big deal out of it. You knew he was a perfectionist and just wanted to give you the best.

It was the end of the lesson and Renjun was still busy using colour — which he hardly used. “I’m almost done, just wait a few,” he mumbled.

“You’re really into that, huh?” you asked, trying to get a peek at the drawing.

“Here you go,” he said as he handed you a closed book, his cheeks going pink. “I hope you like it.”

You opened the book and it revealed two huge Moomins, one on each page. The first Moomin held red roses and a box of chocolates with the speech bubble date? And the second Moomin was drawn cutely with an empty speech bubble.

Renjun was asking you out on a date.

“Pass me a pen?” you asked, a smile on your face. He handed you a pen and you wrote yes!

You handed it back to him with your answer and he smiled from ear-to-ear, enveloping you in a hug. “Where do you want to go?” he asked you grabbing his bag and then your hand, walking you out of class.

come and celebrate my 2nd year anniversary with me! if you see this before the 14th of march 2020, then feel free to send a request my way! just look in my bio to see the guidelines!

© hyuckles-chuckles, 2020. please don’t copy or repost without permission.

[alj4890]

RCD Appreciation Week Day 7 Prompt

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) with the day's prompt of anything goes and with the prompt of a marriage proposal as requested by @krsnlove

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) A Choices: Red Carpet Diaries Fan Fiction

A/N My bff requested another type of proposal between these two. Not a part of my AU's but seemed appropriate to end this week of co-hosting RCD prompts with the lovely @hopelessromantic1352 @lilyofchoices and @moodyvalentinestories

@lxaah11​ @alleksa16​ @penguininapinktuxedo​ @blackcoffee85​ @stopforamoment​ @hopefulmoonobject​   @krsnlove​   @annekebbphotography  @cora-nova @hopelessromantic1352 . @sunflowergirl05 @desiree-0816 @greywitchyshots @lilyofchoices @moodyvalentinestories @emceesynonymroll @dr-nancy-house @aworldoffandoms @ab1901 @pixieferry @lolablackwrites @flyawayboo @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @trappedinfandoms @rcd-appreciation

Masterlist

Rumor Has It

In other entertainment news, look who was caught leaving a very well known jeweler's in Los Angeles! Could it be that the famous director has finally decided to take the marital plunge? Sources close to Thomas Hunt claim that the duchess from Cordonia that is more often than not by his side has somehow caused that cold heart of his to melt. Will we soon see something special on her left hand?

Amanda stared at the screen with jaw dropped. Could it be true? Was Thomas planning on proposing? She fumbled with the remote control and quickly turned the channel when she heard his shower shut off. She finished applying her makeup then tried to zip her dress.

Warm hands brushed hers aside and took over the task. She smiled at Thomas over her shoulder.

"Thank you." She leaned back against him when he placed a kiss along the curve of her neck. Tingling sensations shot through her veins from his touch and imagining him proposing. Good thing sources close to her had not shared how crazy in love she was with him.

"My pleasure." He murmured, lifting his eyes to the mirror. He smiled softly at their reflection.

She kissed his cheek then wiped the lipstick mark off. She couldn't stop the slight blush nor her laughter when he teased her about marking him for her own.

She turned in his arms to kiss his lips tenderly. "I do love you being mine." Amanda admitted.

Thomas gripped her to him and continued the kiss. "Not nearly as much as I do." He stepped back to admire her in her cocktail dress. The green satin had turned her hazel eyes a deep forest green with flecks of gold. He glanced down at her hand. "I believe this is missing something."

Her eyes widened as he held up her left hand. "You do?"

He walked over to his nightstand and picked up a box out of top drawer.

She wondered if he could hear her pounding heartbeat from over there. It looked a little bigger than a ring box but perhaps--

He pulled out her watch. "I found this shortly after you left the last time you visited. The clasp was broken and I took it in to be repaired." He placed it on her wrist and snapped it closed. "There. I know how much you hate not knowing what time it is."

She swallowed down her disappointment. This was what she got for watching all that gossip news show. "Thank you. That was very sweet of you to take it in. How much do I owe you?"

Thomas placed his arms around her once more. "I think I can afford to have your watch fixed." He pressed a kiss to her palm. "Ready to go?"

"Hmm? Yes. Of course." She walked out of his arms and grabbed her purse. Amanda looked at her watch and felt her heart plummet that it seemed to not be the time for Thomas to admit his feelings for her. She decided to not dwell on the rumor being untrue and to enjoy their time together.

He followed her downstairs while putting his blazer on. His eyes remained on her and held a bit of heat as they traveled her curves. "I appreciate you agreeing to attend this dinner with me that the university is hosting."

"Well, I am hungry." Amanda teased.

"So that's the reason you agreed, is it?" He asked, lips curving as he pulled her flush to him. "And here I thought it might have something to do with me."

"It might." She replied, trying her hardest to breathe normally. After all these months dating, his touch combined with the way he looked at her still managed to her heart race.

"I hope so." He softly kissed her.

_____________

A short time later...

Amanda listened with a pleasant expression on her face to the conversation Thomas was having with a few other professors. As the trio debated Ingmar Bergman's films and their influence on today’s cinema, she started daydreaming of this being her possible future. Could I be happy being the wife of a Hollywood director?

She did share his love of movies. She found this particular art of storytelling fascinating. She loved listening to him talk with such passion about it. His dedication to this art form made her excited to see more of the creative process. Thomas might possibly be the most interesting person she knew.

His personality intrigued her. He was a somewhat quiet, serious minded person; yet with her a sweet tenderness and dry sense of humor appeared. He never ceased to amaze her with his thoughtfulness nor his ability to make her smile.

He was completely different from the other men she had dated in the past. Being a member of Cordonia's nobility had put her in the path of a number powerful, confident men in the diplomatic and business professions. A chance encounter with Thomas had been a breath of fresh air. His confidence had come from his accomplishments rather than those of his ancestors or in some form of nepotism.

His deep voice drew her attention back to the conversation. Her eyes traced his handsome features, causing her senses to ruffle with thoughts of past intimate conversations. His eyes met hers, as if reading her thoughts, and he slipped his arm around her waist.

The other two professors walked off to mingle, leaving the couple to a moment of privacy.

"I hope you aren't too bored." Thomas set his empty glass down and gently caressed her cheek.

"Not at all." Amanda quickly assured him.

Thomas lifted an eyebrow in disbelief. "You've been very quiet this evening. Is something wrong?"

"No. Nothing's wrong." She softly kissed his cheek.

He slipped his other arm around her. "Do you think you will enjoy your visit? It will be fairly uneventful while I finish up these next few weeks of lectures."

"Thomas, I prefer the non event days." She linked her arms around him. "I love it when we can just relax and be together, just the two of us."

His concerned frown eased with her reassurance. He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead and then addressed the next person to call his name.

_____________

Middle of the night...

"There you are." He came up behind her and leaned against the railing of his balcony. "Can't sleep?"

Amanda shook her head while looking out over his backyard. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I usually stand out on my balcony at night when I can't sleep back home."

Thomas settled his hand over hers. "What's on your mind?"

She looked down while a rueful grin formed. "Life in general I suppose."

"Much too complicated to figure out at four in the morning." He pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Come back inside." He tugged her back into his room.

She climbed back into bed and let out a deep, contented sigh when he scooted closer behind her. His hands caressed her back and shoulders while his lips touched the back of her neck. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment. His hands moved around to her front and pulled her back against his chest.

She turned over and smiled sleepily. "I thought you wanted me to go back to sleep."

"I don't recall saying that." He replied. The way he looked at her made body tingle.

"I see." Humor lurked in her eyes as she met his steady gaze. "So your concern for my being outside had an ulterior motive."

"Not completely ulterior." He argued, while kissing up to her lips. "I believe I have never hid this from you."

She laughed while kissing him. "You are very lucky I adore you."

He paused before giving her a thought stealing kiss. "Yes, I am."

______________

A few days later...

While Thomas lectured, Amanda quietly slipped into one of the empty chairs. She looked around at the class hurriedly writing notes to what he was saying. She propped her chin on her hand and observed him for the first time in professor mode.

She had been curious after hearing Addison's description of his teaching methods. Since he planned on taking her to an early dinner and movie, they had decided to meet at the university. It had been her idea to come a little earlier than planned to sneak into the auditorium and watch him in action.

As he spoke of Leo McCarey's method of mostly improvisation instead of script for the 1937 movie, The Awful Truth; Amanda felt herself fall for this side of his persona. His fierce frown at some of the more asinine questions posed by his students made her lips tremble with suppressed laughter. Though he was harsh in his impatience, he still made the effort to answer each student's query.

His dark eyes swept the class, checking to make certain there were no other misconceptions when he doublebacked on Amanda. Her smile brought his own out. His students stared at him in shock before searching for the source of this strange phenomenon. Thomas realized what he had done and quickly dismissed the class early.

Amanda gathered her jacket and purse.

"A word, Ms. Bridgerton." He called out in a stern tone.

She coughed on a laugh as she approached. "Yes, professor?"

He stepped down with his satchel and stopped before her. He cupped her face and kissed her tenderly. "If I had known you would be observing the class, I would have attempted to make it more interesting."

She smiled and straightened his tie. "I found it very interesting. Most of what you discussed has some of my favorite moments with Cary Grant." Her eyes met his. "Plus it helped that the professor is so handsome. Very difficult to ignore."

He smiled before urging her out of the classroom.

_______________

Amanda's eyes widened at the table set with candles and roses. "I thought this was supposed to be a more casual dinner." She tugged at her short black knit dress with whimsical stars on it.

Thomas's warm hand moved up and down her back in a soothing caress. "Just because it's casual doesn't mean it can't be romantic." He pulled her chair out for her.

She sat down and thanked the waiter once their wine was poured. "Are we celebrating something?"

"No." He took her left hand in between his hands. "Can I not occassionaly try and make you feel special?"

Amanda gently squeezed his hand. "I think I could live with that."

His expression remained serious. "Could you live happily with that?"

She chuckled. "I can't think of anyone who doesn't enjoy being made to feel special."

He looked down at her hand. "Do you ever think of the future?"

She picked up her glass and nodded. "Of course. Doesn't everyone?"

He frowned for a moment. "Have you thought about a future with me?"

She coughed in her wine glass. She set it down while she strangled on the sip and tears came to her eyes. Oh Lord. Why did I have to have something like this happen at such a moment? She avoided all the curious looks cast her way from the other patrons.

Thomas rubbed her back while she tried to breathe. She wiped her tears and spoke in a raspy voice. "In case that was misunderstood, I have thought of a future with you."

His lips curved briefly. "And what do you see?"

Her cheeks flared with color. "I...I see us having a life together, one with a home and a family." She squirmed under his unwavering stare. "It is difficult not thinking of the possibility when you make each time we are together so lovely."

"And here I thought it was your fault for such thoughts." He teased.

Her entire face was red. She looked out the window their table was near and tried to get her thoughts together. "I can't see that I have done much of anything."

"Only made me fall for you more and more each and every time we are together." Thomas looked down at her hand. "I did not expect nor look for it to happen. Then meeting you threw out my eternal bachelor plans."

Amanda's lips parted in surprise. She sat there silently while he raised her hand to his lips. "I do not admit to such lightly. I am not one to succumb to love as easily as others. I'm also certain I'm not expressing this as one would typically...but I do love you with all my heart."

Amanda gripped his hand. "I love you too."

He studied her eyes as if to make certain it was true before pulling out a ring box. "Then perhaps you would be willing to marry me." He opened it and lifted a diamond ring from the velvet interior. He gently slid it over her finger.

He waited for her to respond. She seemed incapable of both words and looking at the ring. Right when he was about to take back his proposal, she leaned forward and kissed him. Her hands gripped his blue dress shirt while her lips moved over his again and again. He held her close and ignored the surprised gasps and whispers of the restaurant's patrons.

She slowly ended the kiss. "I would love to marry you." She whispered against his lips. "I can't think of a single thing on this earth that would make me happier than spending my life with you."

He slammed his lips down on hers. Their waiter cleared his throat and nervously asked if they were ready to order

"Can we go home?" Amanda whispered in Thomas's ear.

He stood up so quickly the waiter jumped. "Here. Keep whatever is left over for a tip." Thomas quickly handed the waiter a couple of hundred dollar bills while yanking Amanda along with him out the door.

He gently pushed her into the car and followed in after her the moment paparazzi appeared. As the driver pulled away, Amanda rested her head against his shoulder and looked down at her hand. Her engagement ring sparkled in the passing streetlights.

"When did you know?" She asked.

Thomas looked down at her. "Knew what?"

"That you loved me?" She swallowed nervously. "I knew I was falling in love with you shortly after we started spending time together."

Thomas's expression softened. "I believe I knew fairly early on that I was losing my heart to you."

"Why didn't you ever say something?"

He smoothed her hair behind her ear. "You were not exactly as forthcoming with how you felt about me."

He could see her blush in the darkness.

"I wasn't certain you would want me to admitting to being in love with you." She confessed. "You do have a reputation for ending relationships quickly."

He softly groaned before cuddling her closer to his side. "I supppse I do." Thomas nuzzled her neck. "And yet you came along and changed all that. I actually wanted to prolong every visit. Planning for the next time I could see you was the only aspect that made saying goodbye each time easier."

Amamda turned her head and met his lips in a kiss. "I believe this ring is a promise that one day we won't have to say goodbye."

Thomas looked into her eyes. Her hand softly caressed his cheek. He pressed his lips there and held still for an extra beat. "I am going to need that day to be soon."

"Good." She replied. Her lips curved with all the happiness she was feeling. "I was hoping I wasn't the only one who needed that too."

_______________

Three weeks later....

Breaking entertainment news tonight: Thomas Hunt ended his dating relationship with Lady Amanda Bridgerton this past weekend. In what was believed to be an invite to a Christmas party, ended up being a secret wedding ceremony for the couple. Those nearest to the couple were surprised not only to find out the two were engaged but that they were marrying right then.

Our own Ana de Luca was one of the guests invited. She reports that the touching ceremony was held in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in Hunt's living room. Friends and loved ones from both Cordonia and Hollywood celebrated late into the night with the bride and groom. The newlyweds are rumored to be postponing their honeymoon until after the holidays. When asked by Ana what their plans are until then, they are reported to have smiled at one another and said, "Nothing, except spend time together."

[eureka-its-zico]

The Diaries of Foreign Lovers

Anonymous Requested: 21 and TOP for the Valentine's Day prompts? “You’re out of town and I guess phone calls and skype will have to do.” Part of the Valentine’s Day prompt series.

Genre: TOP x Reader

Words: 1450

Warnings: Smut

The ringing wouldn't stop. It was constant, and a part of you hoped it was just an annoying piece of your dream. The next set of annoying tones letting you know it wasn't. A groan escaped you as you lifted your head from the pillow and took in the time. 2:04 a.m. Your head dropped back into its warmth. A silent prayer the phone call would just end, only to pick up in between the seconds worth of silence. Your hand shot out blindly to the bedside table, knocking over things in its searching until you picked up your phone and brought it to your ear.

“Hello?”

“Y/N?”

At the sound of Seunghyun’s voice you shot up in bed. The covers bunching around your waist as your brain struggled to fully wake.

“Seunghyun? Is everything alright? You’re calling so late -”

“I had to hear your voice.”

His voice rattled in the receiver. A heavy sound that resonated from his chest through the line with a pleading you knew all too well.

“Seunghyun, where are you?”

You waited in the silence of the room you shared together, in a bed you’d shared with him in throws of passion and cold shoulders. The bed whose presence lacked his own since he’d left. You listened intently to his breathing, and waited as patiently as you could for his answer.

“I'm in a phone booth not far from boot camp.”

“You need to get back before you get caught, Seunghyun.”

“I know. I know, and I will, but first I needed to hear your voice. I need to hear your voice say my name.”

You couldn't see him, but you could picture him. When his desperation held him close to the edge, and left him feeling crippled. His forehead was probably pressed against the dirty glass of the booth.

“I’ve said your name plenty of times since we’ve been on the phone.”

“No. Not like that. The way you say it when I'm inside you. How you say it when you’re at your peak just before you come beneath me. I need to hear you say it like that. Please...for your valentine.”

Seunghyun’s last statement made a smile tug at your lips. Of course, he of all people would remember that he’d left just days before the date. That you would be without him for the first time in the oncoming years. You moved around the bed until you were on his empty side and laid down. Your head sinking into the pillow that still held the reminiscent scent of his aftershave.

You nuzzled the fabric one last time before you turned to face the ceiling, knowing he was silently waiting for you to comply.

“Seunghyun.”

His name had left like a whisper from your lips; something soft that only the receiver could pick up. You waited for his reaction and listened to rhythmic timing of his breath.

“No, that's not it.”

You adjusted your head in agitation into the pillow as you did a raspberry.

“It's a little hard to do when you're not here.”

“I know, Jagiyah. I know. How about you touch yourself so I can hear.”

You grew still at his request. Seunghyun knew it wasn't easy for yourself to come by your own hands. Not when you had his, but now you didn't. Two years felt more and more like forever.

“Seunghyun, you know I can't that way. Not when -”

“I’ll help you,” he interrupted, his voice frantic. “Close your eyes and believe it's me. I’ll talk you through this. Please.”

You let out a heavy sigh through your nose, but your eyes were already closed at his request. Your back settled into the mattress as you waited for his orders.

“Okay. Tell me what to do.”

A hiss sounded over the receiver causing your body to tighten at the sound. It was one you’d grown very familiar with when you were a good girl. His instructions came right after.

“Don't remove your nightgown; keep it on. Use the material how I would.”

You knew exactly what he meant and felt your hand move to do as he asked. The tip of your index touched down on the material running teasing circles around the outside of your nipples. You moved it in slowly until you felt it begin to tighten at your touch; as if it was Seunghyun. A sigh left you as you dragged it across to the other side, repeating the motion until both nipples strained against the fabric.

“Good girl,” he rasped into the phone. “Now, trail your hands down your stomach, and further, until you reach the end of your nightgown.”

You didn't stop to tell him you were wearing his shirt and not your usual nightgown. With your eyes clamped tight, you were able to imagine he was beside you and it was his hand, not yours, that trailed achingly slow down your body. When you reached the hem of his shirt you stopped. Your breath shaky as you waited for his next string of instructions.

“Move your fingers between your thighs. Let them caress there before you skim them over your panties to lift up the nightgown.”

Your fingers already started moving while he spoke. They dipped between your thighs and made patterns that Seunghyun himself usually traced there, until they reached the edge of your panties. At the first touch of your fingers against the fabric you let out a hiss, taking notice of the wetness that began to soak through. You moved them upwards achingly slow and a stutter of breath heaved from your shaking chest as they skimmed past your clit. You drew the shirt up to your belly.

“Let your hand slid down the front. Let a finger dip into your wetness. Jesus, I bet you're soaked.”

You whimpered, “Yes,” without thinking. Your hand already was already inside your panties with a finger coated in your juices. Your memory easily seeing the way his eyes hungrily watched your face for even the slightest tick of pleasure. He did it all before he moved the same finger up to coat your clit in your own wetness. Two of your fingers were already massaging the swollen bud when a moan escaped into the receiver. It earned a shuddered breath from him in return making your fingers work even faster.

“Slide two fingers inside, jagi. Tell me how wet you are.”

Your fingers followed his request and tore a gasp from your throat. You moved them inside you like he did; his fingers curling and fluttering  to find that delicious spot that left you mewling and pleading. It took a few times but you found it and your body bucked on the mattress.

“How wet are you. Tell me.”

His voice was harsh and deep with sex and you practically imagined his lips at your ear. His teeth biting teasing nips against the skin that left your hand halting at the imagery.

“My hand - is -is soa -soaked,” you moaned.

“Go deeper.”

You moved your hand to find a better angle, and when you found it a loud moan ascended from your chest. Your other hand almost dropped the phone as you felt your orgasm building as yours fingers -his fingers - kept moving inside you.

“Seunghyun, I'm close.”

“Keep going, jagi.”

And you did. You worked the digits in and out; twisting your wrist to keep up the angle. Your arm aching, but you ignored it as your hips began to move into your hand. No longer did you imagine his fingers as you imagined it was his cock thrusting without mercy inside you. Every inch of him stretching you out,  filling you until your calves burned as they flexed, and your orgasm was sweetly close.

Your fingers thrust in one last time hitting your core just right and your orgasm exploded behind your eyes in molten white dots that left you gasping out his name. You worked your fingers over and over to ride it out. Your  breathing frantic and panting, as you moved the digits out to furiously work your clit, feeling your come drench your panties, and the sheets.

When it began to subside you let your arm fall limply to the bed and waited to hear from him.

“Good girl, jagi. I can't wait to be home so I can watch you next time.” You couldn't have agreed more. “And by the way: Happy Valentine’s Day, jagi.”

[fanfic-shiz]

Happenstance (A Tom Hiddleston Story)- Part Two

Part One Part Three

A/N: Short update but the next one should be longer and ready to go by tomorrow. Happy reading! :)

I woke up five minutes before my alarm the next morning. I could already hear Mia moving around in the next room as she got ready for work. I laid in bed, waiting for the alarm to actually go off. Unlike me, Mia had no problem getting up and going most mornings. Also unlike me, Mia had a successful and interesting career. That she had also studied and worked hard for. Also unlike me who had never even attempted college. My alarm suddenly began ringing shrilly, abruptly ending my personal pity party.

It was my day off. However, I'd been attempting to be more of a productive human by forcing myself to get up anyways. Otherwise, I'd lie in bed all day and watch Netflix or prowl youtube and never get anything done.

I didn't just work in the coffee shop, though. I was also trying to write a book. This had been increasingly hard, though, considering my laptop was still trapped inside of Shawn's apartment. I refused to go and get it.

Actually, I refused to speak to him in general or partake in anything that had anything to do with him.

So instead, I'd bought a crappy, cheat little laptop that broke down on me approximately once a month. I'd taken it to the computer doctor at the beginning of the week and was looking forward to picking it back up. I'd been trying to write in a notebook and it just wasn't working. Hand cramps. Smeared ink. No thanks.

I dragged myself into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. Mia was just shrugging on her jacket.

"Morning!" She grinned at me. I made a face at her. Mia was a morning person. I was not. "Come on, it's gonna be a good day! You get your laptop, you get a day off...you met Tom Hiddleston yesterday."

I rolled my eyes. "Still don't know who he is."

"Who cares? You have eyeballs, right? He's gorgeous." She countered.

I shrugged, mainly to annoy her. Of course he was gorgeous. However, I preferred to deny Mia the satisfaction of showing any sort of interest in any male specimen. No matter who he was. "He's okay."

She pursed her lips. "You're a horrible liar, you know."

I shrugged again before taking a sip of my hot coffee.

"Well, hey, here's some good news for you." She ignored me and I smirked a little. "Landon had to leave early for that shoot."

I knitted my eyebrows together, leaning back against the counter. "And why is your boyfriend being out of town good news for me? Oh, wait...is it because I no longer have to watch you be all gross and cute together?"

Mia perked an eyebrow. "I'm immune to your sarcasm. So no, that's not why. He's out of town so he can no longer be my date to that charity gala next weekend." She paused, looking at me expectantly.

It took me a few seconds to get what she was trying to say. "Oh no...no way! Last time it was a total disaster."

"Oh come on! It was fun!" She insisted.

"I spilled wine all over that Vampire Diaries girl." I groaned, the traumatizing memory resurfacing from where I'd tried to bury it. "And she was pissed."

Mia wrinkled her nose. "Well, yeah. She was pissed. But I mean, other than that it was fun."

I gave her a glare. "We have very different ideas of fun. You fit in...you do their hair and make-up and know all their secrets. You're like a chameleon. And I'm your awkward...chimpanzee friend who just is an embarrassment."

"Chimpanzee?" She snorted.

I nodded. "And that's me being nice to myself."

Mia was shaking her head as she picked up her purse from the island counter and shouldered it. "You need to take a good long look in the mirror, my friend. I'm running behind, but we'll talk tonight. You're going. You need to get out, Stells..." She trailed off, and the conversation instantaneously took on a more serious tone. "Look, I know it sucks. But living like a hermit isn't doing you any favors. I miss the real you."

I sighed, staring into my coffee cup. "Yeah, I know."

She squeezed my arm as she walked past towards the door. "They're both assholes. You're a thousand times better."

I knew she meant Shawn and Catherine. I didn't know if she was right, but I loved her for saying it anyways. "It's too early for this sap. Get outta here." I forced a grin at her.

She rolled her eyes. "The gala. You're going." She didn't give me a chance to respond before slamming the door shut behind her.

"Am not!" I shouted to the closed door. It was silent on the other side, though. "Am not." I muttered again despite the fact that I knew I would. Or more likely, Mia wouldn't give me a choice. Deep down, I was a little grateful for that.

#

Right before I was due to leave to pick up my laptop, the phone rang. Ironically, it was the laptop people calling to inform me that my device was a little shittier than expected, therefore wouldn't be ready until the following day. Perfect. I'd hung up the phone feeling a little deflated.

I sat down at the kitchen table and pulled my notebook towards me, flipping it open to the last page I'd been working on. I skimmed through it and made a face. I still couldn't figure out a logical way to get the main character and her love interest together. Everything I tried seemed to too cliche. Too overused, or possibly too far-fetched to even be believable. On this page, I'd sketched out ideas of them meeting at the super-market. Their carts would accidentally bump and they'd laugh it off before discussing...what? The nutritional value of eggplant? I drew a huge 'X' over the page. Boring. Besides, grocery stores weren't cute or romantic.

An idea suddenly popped into my head and I flipped to a blank page. In the empty margin, I wrote two words accompanied by a question mark: coffee shop?

I tilted my head slightly to one side as I studied the words. Not a bad idea. Coffee shops could be cute. And possibly romantic. I'd seen plenty of couples cozying it up in Common Grounds. And I'd seen plenty of strangers strike up conversation in line. Once a girl I worked with even wrote her number on a cup for a customer. Of course I had a rule against giving my number out to complete strangers, but apparently that wasn't the case for all of humanity.

I thought about what Mia had said the night before, about how I should've given Tom the actor my phone number. I imagined myself writing it on the cup and handing it to him...only for him to immediately frown at me and throw the cup in the trash before walking out. Whether or not that was a realistic scenario, I had no clue. However, it was still a possibility. Hence why I never gave my number out and why never in a thousand, million years would I try and think a celebrity would willingly take my number.

Still, that didn't mean my main character couldn't give hers out in a coffee shop.

I opened Spotify on my phone and scrolled through my dozens of playlists. Mia made fun of me because I had a playlist for every occasion (including cleaning the bathroom and doing the laundry). I found writing playlist #4 and hit shuffle. As the music started playing, I set my pen to paper and got to work orchestrating a meeting between a girl and a boy in a coffee shop.

[alj4890]

None But You

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda)

Request from @pixieferry for (Thomas x Amanda) in a Regency Era Romance. Currently a Choices Red Carpet Diaries Fan Fiction. Other characters from the choices library will soon join.

Chapter 2 Summary: Lord Thomas receives a visit from a concerned friend and then escorts Lady Amanda and her aunt to the opera.

@graceful-popcorn @krsnlove @alleksa16 @hopelessromantic1352  @pixieferry @emceesynonymroll @buzz-bee-buzz @greywitchyshots @hopefulmoonobject @rainbowsinthestorm

Masterlist

Chapter 2

"Do you need funds?"

Thomas looked up from his book. "I beg your pardon?"

Lord Ryan Summers, the Marquis of Andsleyden, walked into the viscount’s study and sat down across from him. "Are you being blackmailed?"

Thomas closed his book and set it on the small table beside his chair. "Summers, what the devil are you talking about?"

"Thomas, as your oldest friend, I hope you realize that if you are in trouble that you can come to me. I will help you out of this coil you are in." Ryan explained.

Thomas rolled his eyes at his friend's tendency to overdramatize situations and went to the sideboard. He picked up one of the crystal decanters and poured whiskey into two glasses. He handed one to Ryan and resumed his seat. "Either you are in need of this or I am. Start from the beginning and tell me what has led you toward the conclusion that I am in financial distress."

Ryan took a sip and set his drink down. "You went to Almack's on its opening night of the season."

"Oh." Thomas took a gulp of his drink. "That was nothing, I assure you."

"Nothing! Thomas, men of our caliber do not go there except under duress. Blackmail was my first guess for the reason you entered that hallowed den of innocence." Ryan shuddered dramatically at the thought of being surrounded by conniving mothers. "Only a lost wager would force you to attend."

Thomas rolled his glass between his palms. "There are other reasons a gentleman would spend an evening there."

Ryan paused with his glass halfway to his lips. He cursed when the only other possibility hit him. "No. Tell me it is not true."

Thomas swallowed the last of his drink and quirked an eyebrow in question.

Ryan studied his friend. "Good Lord! Are you contemplating matrimony?"

Thomas frowned into his glass. "Don't be absurd. I have plenty of time before I am forced to pick some chit to marry and produce an heir."

Ryan's eyes narrowed. "So you say. Then why were you at the opening of the Marriage Mart?"

Thomas got up and refilled his glass. He looked in question to Ryan, who held his glass out. As he poured, he began to explain. "I encountered a lady at the bookshop on Bond Street."

"And?" Ryan prompted when Thomas became silent.

"And I found our conversation to be rather...unique. I was curious about her. I discovered through my visit with Lady Mardson that she was attending her first season. It seems her debut into London society was postponed with the deaths of her parents and uncle over the course of three years." Thomas took a sip and grimaced slightly. "That was my reason for attending Almack's."

"So due to her unusual conversational skills, you not only visited Almack's, you also discussed this young lady with the ton's most notorious gossip!"

Thomas glared at him. "You are making much from nothing. I was curious about her and simply posed a question or two to her ladyship during my luncheon with Lord Mardson. As for going to Almack's, I knew someone of Lady Amanda's intelligence would be bored to tears and I merely stopped by to see how she was."

Ryan's jaw dropped. "You exposed yourself to being trapped by overly eager mothers, who as we know want nothing more than their empty headed daughters to become your Vicountess of Kirkwood, to check up on one lady!"

Thomas waved away his concern. "Do not trouble yourself over it. I shared a dance with Lady Amanda, was introduced to her aunt, and offered to escort them to the opera on Thursday. After which, I left. All accomplished with little trouble to myself."

Ryan grabbed his glass and downed the contents. "Let me see if I understand this. You are not planning on marrying this season, correct? Yet you purposely attend a function and single one lady out. You then make a point to secure an opportunity to see her at a later date."

Thomas pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. "Once you meet her, you will see why I did so. I am only forming a friendship."

Ryan began to laugh. "Oh Thomas. Men and women can never be friends. One or both will eventually feel something stronger. It is rare for the two to remain platonic."

__________________

"I think the green satin is the one." Lady Lucy decided. Once she was certain her niece's maid had all she needed, she left to make herself ready.

Amanda slipped the dress over her chemise and looked critically at her reflection. While her hair was being styled, she reached over for the box with the seashell. Her lips curved with the thought that Lord Hunt might come to care for her.

Once she was ready, she eagerly grabbed her wrap and went downstairs. Hudson was leading Thomas to the drawing room when she was halfway down. They both paused and looked up at her. Lord Hunt snapped out of staring and bowed. "Lady Amanda, I hope I find you well this evening."

She smiled and finished her descent. With a proper curtsy, she gave him her hand. "I am very well, thank you." She leaned close as if to share a secret. "I believe Aunt Lucy is more thrilled than I at attending the opera."

He chuckled and pressed his lips to the back of her hand. "I hope you also enjoy it."

Her smile softened as she looked up at him. "I know I shall."

Before he could question the overwhelming urge to pull her closer, Lady Lucinda came downstairs.

"Lord Hunt. How nice to see a gentleman who is punctual." She smiled warmly at his placing Amanda's hand in the bend of his arm.

He nodded his head in thanks. "Shall we?"

Thomas led them to his carriage and assisted their climb. Lucy entered first and sat directly in the middle of the seat. Amanda paused climbing in.

"Dearest, I do hope you will allow me to sit alone. I have been overly warm of late." Lucy quickly pulled her fan out of her reticule and began to cool her face.

"Of course." Amanda replied dryly. The previous night, her innocent aunt had sent her for a blanket and had Hudson stoke the fire.

Thomas climbed in and sat in the only available spot beside Amanda. On the way, Lucinda asked him of his family and estates. Amanda listened quietly to his deep voice answer her questions in detail or either through a brief anecdote. She found herself fascinated with his descriptions.

He in turn asked about Snowfield. His were more inquires of how Amanda spent her days there. Very little was asked about the estate itself. It was quite different talking to him than it had been with Lord Comery.

When they arrived, Thomas helped Lucy down and then reached for Amanda’s hand. She slipped on the carriage step and he caught her to him. She gripped his shoulders and closed her eyes briefly in embarrassment. His strong arms were around her waist with hands flattened against her back.

She averted her eyes from his as he set her safely down. "Are you injured?" He asked.

"No." She forced her hands to release him. "Forgive me. I am quite clumsy."

He held her a moment longer. Concerned she was downplaying her fall, he tilted her face up so he could look in her eyes.

"I am fine." She said softly while thinking one could become lost in those dark depths.

His thumb brushed her cheek as he stepped back. He took her hand and placed it on his arm. Thomas offered his other to Lucy who had observed the entire incident. He frowned slightly at the knowing smile on her face.

He cleared his throat. "This way ladies."

He guided them toward his box. They entered and looked around at the gilded opulence of the theater. Thomas observed Amanda’s smile glow as she teased her aunt over her excitement. Lady Lucinda’s smile was indulgent as she returned each quip with her own. While enjoying seeing this glimpse of closeness between the ladies, he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned with a groan.

“Good evening everyone. Hunt, aren’t you going to introduce me to these fair creatures that you have been blessed with?” Ryan asked with a charming smile.

Thomas stood and quickly made the introductions. Ryan’s eyes lit with interest when he held Amanda’s hand. “My lady, I have heard much about you.”

Her cheeks darkened. “Oh?” Hopefully nothing too terrible.”

He smiled warmly. “None at all. I understand that you are rather fond of reading.”

She glanced over at Thomas before focusing on Ryan. “Yes, I am.”

“Marvelous.” Ryan exclaimed. “Simply marvelous. Lord Hunt here is always found with a book of some sort in his hand. Why just the other day I encountered him in his study completely lost in a novel. It took a very interesting topic to make him put it down.”

“I find myself often in such a state.” Amanda offered when she noticed Thomas glaring at the marquis.��

Lady Lucinda’s sharp green eyes looked back and forth between the two gentleman. Her knowing smile slowly formed. “What subject finally drew him away Lord Summers?”

Thomas’ eyes widened in alarm. Ryan leaned toward the matron, recognizing a kindred spirit. “It was on this season’s offerings of all things.”

Amanda's brow puckered in disbelief. “The parties and balls?” She asked.

Lady Lucinda chuckled. “Perhaps dearest.” She looked at the viscount and smiled even more. “Then again, perhaps the excitement offered in these events are what drew him away from his novel.”

Ryan, ignoring the glare coming from Thomas, nodded in a serious manner. “It must be. He is rarely pulled away from such a singular activity. I believe he has found something else to improve his mind and hold his attention. Study alone is not enough.”

“Happens to the best of gentleman.” Lucy added. “Why, I myself have witnessed the same occurring when--”

Thomas abruptly stood up. “Lady Amanda would you care for something to drink? And you Lady Bridgerton? Lord Summers and I would be more than happy to fetch something for you.”

Amanda blinked and looked at the gentlemen and her aunt. “I...yes, please. Thank you.”

Lucinda nodded in agreement. Thomas gripped Ryan’s arm and nearly pulled it out of socket when he yanked him out of the box. Once they were out of earshot of the ladies, Thomas rounded on him. “What the devil are you doing?!”

Ryan placed a hand over his heart while innocently looking at his friend in surprise. “Me? I was being my usual handsome and charming self. It is my duty as your friend to help you entertain the ladies you escort. I would expect you to assist me in such an endeavor. If Lady Amanda is to become a friend, as you say, then I expect to become friendly with her as well.”

Thomas held his hand up. “Not another word.” His dark eyes flashed with irritation as he retrieved two glasses of punch. 

“Far be it from me to not do as you wish.” Ryan replied. “I wouldn’t dream of speaking another word. There are so many of our acquaintance that lack the good sense to know when one should speak and when one should remain silent. How fortunate you are to be friends with a man such as I that possesses incredible restraint. I can not think of another soul in London who is as quiet as I. Just the other day, I was telling Winters how perfectly quiet I can be when the moment calls for such.” He grinned at Thomas’ growing annoyance  and continued to torment him as they made their way back to the ladies.

Thomas grit his teeth and handed one of the glasses to Amanda. “My lady.” he muttered.

She thanked him and turned her attention to the orchestra tuning up. Lucy looked around the theater and gasped. “Oh! There is Lady Mardson. I haven’t seen her in an age.” She stood up and handed her glass to Amanda. “Do excuse me. I must go and speak with her.”

Amanda began to set the glasses down to follow when Lucy waved her back. “Do not trouble yourself, my dear. I will be but a moment.”

Ryan stood up with a wicked gleam in his eye. “I need to also speak with her. I heard the most extraordinary story the other day and would very much like to hear her opinion on it.”

Thomas paled. “I do not think that is necessary. You heard the pertinent parts the other day. Surely nothing else is needed.”

“One would think so, yet I find my curiosity about it simply too strong.” He bowed to Amanda. “I will be back in a thrice.” He held his arm out to an amused Lucinda and left the box.

Thomas let out a groan. Why did he attempt to explain anything to Ryan? Amanda looked over her shoulder at him and smiled softly. “My lord, I--” Some of the candles were snuffed as the opera began. “Oh!” She gasped and tried to see where her aunt was.

“Do not worry, Summers and Lady Bridgerton will most likely remain in Lady Mardson's box until the first act is complete.” He whispered in her ear.

She looked back at him and nodded toward the empty chair beside her. “You should take her seat then so that you can see better.” 

Thomas got up and moved beside her. He watched her from the corner of his eye. His lips, typically in a frown, softened at the quiet joy on her face when the curtains opened and revealed the scenery of a village in the Italian countryside.

During an aria, an attendant came in and whispered in Thomas' ear. He nodded and returned his attention to the stage. He noticed the curious look Amanda cast his way. He leaned close to whisper in her ear.

Her clasped hands tensed with his nearness. She lowered her lashes and barely breathed. Something about being alone with him in the shadowed environment affected her unexpectedly.

"I was informed your aunt felt unwell and asked Lord Summers to escort her home. She asked that you be assured it is nothing but a headache and that we stay and enjoy the rest of the performance." She looked at him in alarm. "Do you wish to stay?" He asked softly.

He stilled as she leaned closer to whisper in his ear. "I do hate to be selfish and remain if she is unwell. Perhaps I should return."

He reached over and placed his hand over hers and gave a reassuring squeeze. "I believe if she were in need of your care she would have sent for you immediately. Summers is not the type of gentleman that would leave her unattended. He would have sent his own message for us to come quickly if he saw a need."

Amanda's worry eased at his logic. "I believe you are right." Her smile slowly appeared. "Thank you. If you wish to remain then so would I."

He gently ran his thumb over her knuckles. "It is settled then. We will stay." He removed his hand when he realized he had left it on hers for too long.

When the opera ended he smiled at her enthusiastic applause. "That was heavenly!" She exclaimed to him.

"Are you to become a patron of the arts, my lady?" He teased while helping her with her wrap.

She laughed and turned her head to look at him over her shoulder. His hand brushed under her chin as he smoothed the material. They both paused. She looked away first, breaking the spell. He stepped back and allowed her to precede him from the box.

They nodded to acquaintances as he settled his hand under her elbow. While encountering a crowd she walked in front of him. The bodies around them became quite a crush and she continuously stopped every few steps, causing him to bump into her. To keep from knocking her forward, he set his hands on her waist.

Her cheeks burned at his touch. She tried to find a way through the mass and began to squeeze through any opening she came across. "Good gracious." She muttered once they were outside. "That was sheer madness."

He chuckled and wrapped her arm with his. "Quite." He searched for his coachman and led her to the carriage. He held her hand and placed his other at her waist in case she slipped again. He then climbed in and sat down beside her.

Companionable silence fell over them as the carriage drove through the darkness. Thomas smiled softly when he realized how it was rare for him to meet a lady that did not feel the need to chatter whenever he was quiet. He looked over at her. She seemed lost in thought while gazing out the window. The faint moonlight illuminated her face.

His dark eyes traced over her features, pausing at the faint curving of her lips. He wondered what thought could cause such an action.

"Penny for your thoughts."

She looked at him and smiled. "I am afraid they are not worth so much. I was simply reliving our night at the opera."

He leaned closer to her. "I take it then that you enjoyed yourself?"

"Very. Thank you for offering us your box and escort." Her breath caught as he took her hand and pressed a tender kiss to it.

"I am more than happy to do so again if you wish to see another performance." His gruff voice and the feel of his lips brushing against her skin with each word caused goosebumps to pepper her skin.

She swallowed and tried to retain her smile. She hoped he could not hear the thud of her heart as it picked up speed. "That is most generous of you, my lord." She somehow managed to say. 

“How far have you gotten in Persuasion?” He asked, lowering their clasped hands.

“Not very. I prefer to read in bed and--” She closed her eyes at saying something so uncouth. What must he think of me?

“I have always found reading to very relaxing myself.” He gently squeezed her hand in commiseration. 

“I’m afraid with our invitations of late, I have been falling asleep a soon as I walk through the door.” She teased.

“Do you not mean you are asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow?” He was a bit puzzled.

“Sometimes I find I can not wait and sleepwalk the rest of the way.” She smiled at his chuckle.

“You, my lady, are something very unexpected.” His deep voice gentled with his words.

“I am?” She asked while her nerves seemed to be sitting on edge for something to happen. For what exactly, she was not entirely sure.

His smile flashed at the tremble in her voice. "You most certainly are. Lady Amanda, I think I --" the carriage stopped.

He climbed down before helping her. As he walked her to her door, she prompted him to continue. "You think what?"

Thomas realized he had nearly allowed romantic moonlight and opera mixed with her attractive presence to make him say words he was not yet ready to commit to. He was going to have to keep his guard up when around this particular lady.

"I think I will see you at Lady Westford's affair on Saturday." He bowed and barely kissed her hand. He took a step back when Hudson opened the door for her. "I bid you good night, Lady Amanda."

She watched him walk away before she could thank him again. Had she done something for him to suddenly become so standoffish? Hudson cleared his throat and urged her to come in before the cool night air chilled her.

She obeyed and looked over her shoulder at the viscount's carriage turning to travel further into Mayfair.