#playchoices fics | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

cariantha · 1 month ago

Text

Sweet December

Book: Open Heart, Book 2 (post-attack) Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Category: Fluff, Christmas Word count: 1K Summary: Ethan eavesdrops on a conversation between Sawyer and her best friend. A/N: This fic was inspired by this Instagram reel and a little “Caption This” fun with a friend. It was meant to be an angsty fic, but then I listened to Sweet December by Brett Eldridge and Kelly Clarkson and changed directions. Merry Christmas!🎄

Events/Prompts: Participating in Winter Holidays 2024 hosted by @choicesholidays | Cuddling by the fireplace

With plans to spend their day off together, Ethan insisted that Sawyer come to his after her late-night shift at the hospital. The apartment was dark except for the glow of his bedside lamps, drawing attention away from the living room and the surprise he had set up for his girl.

The tactic worked. An exhausted Sawyer entered the quiet apartment well after midnight and headed straight for the bedroom like a moth to the flame. After a quick kiss and a much-needed shower, she draped herself over Ethan’s body like a blanket and passed out within minutes.

It was mid-morning when Sawyer padded into the kitchen, still a little groggy, with her phone pressed to her ear. Finding no evidence of Ethan's morning coffee, she assumed he was still at the gym, which was his usual weekend routine.

“That sounds like so much fun. I’ve always wanted to visit New York during Christmas time…” Sawyer told the person on the other end of the line. “Maybe next year.”

When she put the phone on speaker so she could start the coffee, her best friend’s voice filled the room.

“What about you? Are you going home to Arizona for Christmas?” Christian asked.

“No. I love my family and know they are concerned, but they have been so overbearing that I’ve started dodging their calls,” she confessed.

“Oof.”

“I know,” Sawyer grimaced guiltily, “and I know they mean well, but I just need time to process things on my own. I can’t take any more time off, anyway. I just got back to work and need to catch up on my clinic hours. Besides, I’m looking forward to experiencing a Christmas like in the movies. You know, someplace cold enough that it snows, and you can cozy up by the fire and drink hot chocolate."

“Will you spend Christmas with Ethan, then?”

From the living room, Ethan watched as Sawyer shrugged her shoulders. He’d been listening to their conversation while he lounged in front of the fireplace, waiting for her to turn around and notice him.

"I don't want to assume, but I hope so," Sawyer answered softly, then sighed deeply. "God, Christian, I know it sounds so corny, but when I start feeling all upside down, he turns me right around."

"Awww..."

Ethan continued to watch and listen as she tinkered with the coffee machine.

"We’re both working on Christmas, but a wintery night cuddling by the fire like we had at Dagger Mountain would be amazing. As for anything else, I think Ethan’s more the ‘spirit of Christmas’ type than the ‘holiday spirit’ type. Last year, when I came over to help with Naveen's case, I brought him one of those potted tabletop trees from the hospital gift shop because he didn't have a tree or a wreath or anything. It made me sad for him."

Ethan raised his brows in surprise, then looked to the corner of the room where, the night before, he set a five-foot balsam fir into a tree stand. Boxes of ornaments and garland that the doorman helped carry into the apartment sat on the floor nearby.

Christian chuckled. “You sound like Cindy Lou Who talking about the Grinch. Girl, he's been a bachelor for a long time. Guys don't care about that shit. Sam wouldn't bother either if it weren't for the boys."

"Yeah, I guess you’re right."

A loud pop from the living room made Sawyer jump. She quickly spun around to find Ethan reclined in front of the fireplace. Christian’s voice faded into the background as Sawyer's senses awakened with the warmth of the roaring fire. The smell of fresh pine needles. The twinkling of white lights in the corner. The soft crooning of Bing Crosby’s “Silver Bells.” The taste of creamy chocolate and peppermint from the cup that Ethan walked over and offered her.

“Sawyer? Hellooo… did I lose you?”

Reaching for her phone, she apologized to her friend. “Sorry about that, um, Ethan just surprised me… Can I call you back later?”

“Of course! I should go anyway. I think Sam and the boys are ready to leave for the ice rink.”

“Have fun and send me pics. Love you.”

“Love you, too, babe.”

Sawyer ended the call and set her phone aside. “Hi,” she greeted, standing on her tiptoes.

“Morning,” Ethan answered, bending down to meet her halfway for a tender kiss.

Gesturing to the living room, “What’s all this?”

“Since you're not going home for Christmas, I thought we could celebrate together. Here.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really,” he confirmed with a peck to her lips.

“I’d love that...” she blushed with embarrassment, “as you probably heard.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and looked at the glowing tree. “You bought a real tree?”

“Given your family’s Christmas tree business, I knew anything else would be considered sacrilege.”

She smiled up at him. “You remembered that?”

“When it comes to you, I remember everything.”

Pressing herself tighter against him, Sawyer rested her cheek on his chest. “It’s so cozy in here. And look! It’s snowing outside.” Sawyer moved to sit on the sofa, tugging the sleeve of Ethan’s robe to get him to follow. “Come cuddle with me.”

Ethan sat, draping an arm over her shoulder, tucking her into his side. But just as they got comfortable, Ethan moved to stand up.

“Where are you going?”

“I forgot,” he started, “I bought one of those big fluffy blankets you said I needed for cuddling on the couch. It’s in the hall closet.”

Sawyer smiled so big. “You are so sweet sometimes.”

“Sweet?! Uh-oh, my reputation for being a Grinch is in jeopardy.”

Reminded again that he heard every word of her conversation, she scowled at him. “Hasn’t anyone ever told you it’s rude to eavesdrop? You could have cleared your throat or something.”

Ethan winked, letting her know there was nothing to worry about. “Let me grab the blanket.”

“No,” she demanded, catching his hand before he walked away. Lying back, she pulled him down and on top of her. “A blanket’s good, but you’re even better.”

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @peonierose @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction

@jerzwriter @queencarb @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @jamespotterthefirst

@liaromancewriter @tveitertotwrites @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate @kyra75

@socalwriterbee @txemrn @midnightmelodiz @snoopdogcone

@rafasgirl23415

#open heart #open heart choices #open heart fanfic #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #ethan x sawyer #choices stories you play #choices open heart #playchoices #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #choicesholidays #winterholidays2024

36 notes · View notes

storyofmychoices · 3 months ago

Text

Happy Birthday to my beautiful Bryce Lahela 💖

October 23 is his birthday in my AU so I'm happy to finally have been able to post something. It's not much but it's all I had time for!

A/N: The first post references the fic "Will You?"; The book featured in the second post is a customizable book by Wonderbly.

[Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley Masterlist]

39 notes · View notes

nifaraswife · 1 month ago

Text

Tethered

Book: Blades of Light & Shadow

Characters: (F!Elf!MC) Reinys x Valax

Rating: T

Warnings: Fantasy violence, near-drowning

Length: 5.8k

Summary: Reinys and Valax navigate their way through the shadow realm after being bound to one another.

Tags: @mikaelsrose @watatsumi-island @steadycattaco @dutifullynuttywitch @luthorsxrojas @gaiuskamilah @niaerinisms @brycesgirl @harbingerofdespair @choicesficwriterscreations

A/N: Chapter 12-13 rewrite :)

Falling through the portal to the Shadow Realm had felt like stumbling into a dream.

She found that the landscape surrounding her was different than it had been when she first laid eyes on it for herself. Back then it was an infernal nightmare, with rivers of lava erupting into volcanic geysers and thick smoke so dense it obscured the horizon, concealing whatever horrors lied beyond it from view.

Now, it looked serene. Almost beautiful, even. The land still remained scorched black and felt rough beneath her hands like charcoal, and jagged rocks emerged from the surface in the distance to form sharp, unnatural cliff-faces at bent and uneven angles, but the sky above was illuminated with starlight. The hues melted from violet to indigo and then sapphire, adorned with stars shimmering like crystalline jewels among the celestial canopy high above.

She found herself struck with awe by the view, but that brief moment of peace didn’t last. Her companions soon tumbled onto the ground behind her, and she remembered where she was and who they were yet to face.

The Ash Princess.

Valax stepped through the portal behind them, her shadow panther snarling at her side and iron glaive wreathed in darkness. Her eyes locked onto Reinys like a wild animal about to seize its prey. The victim of another hunt, she had found herself caught in an endless chase across the realms, an eternal pursuit meant to end with her spilled blood.

Rage twisted Valax’s features, contorting her face into something sinister as her gaze burned through her, dangerously irate. At last, the huntress had reached her limit, finally weary of her target’s incessant toying.

“I’m growing tired of your games, Realm-walker.”

“And I’m sick of running from you.” Reinys scrambled to her feet as she reached for the chain at her hip fastened to her obsidian armour. “I won’t let you take my blood.”

The panther snarled from behind her and reared back as it prepared to strike, but she spun just in time to conjure an orb of Light in her hands. It seemed brighter in the darkness, almost blinding, and through strained vision she caught a brief glimpse of the panther’s pupils narrowing in fear before it hissed and went slinking off into the shadows.

Valax lunged to strike at her in retaliation before Tyril blocked her attack with his flame-wreathed sword. Reinys drew her blade, stabbing at a weak point in her armour until dark blood seeped from the wound that now marred her mottled skin and Valax whirled to glare at her. Nia moved to intervene but was thrown backwards into a nearby rock, clutching her head as she sunk to the ground.

“Nia!” Reinys moved to run to her, but her path was blocked as Valax continued to attack her companions. While the others kept her distracted with their weapons and magic, Reinys flung her chain forward, seizing Valax’s glaive. She pulled with all her strength until the pole was flung from the princess’s grasp, sailing through the air before embedding itself in the cracked ground several feet away.

“That’s it!” Valax snarled, and her body flared with darkness as tendrils of shadow emerged from her hands, reaching out towards them like vicious snakes. They wrapped themselves around her and her companions throats, forcing them off the ground as they struggled for air.

“Enough.” Nia rose from the ground, her skin turned grey and illuminated with the same dark energy Valax was wielding. She flicked her wrist and a bolt of shadow burst furth, circling around Reinys’s wrist and then Valax’s before forming what appeared to be a spectral chain. It snapped into place, creating a tether between the two of them before slowly fading from view.

“What is this?” Reinys asked as Valax watched on with unveiled contempt.

“I have bound her to you.” Nia said flatly. “If she tries to run or betray us, she’ll suffer like she has never suffered before.”

“Great,” Reinys sighed. “Because being bound to the murder princess is just what I need.” She tugged on the invisible chain just for the sake of it, and Valax speared her an irritated glare.

“You really think your meagre attempts at magic will stop me?” She sneered and attempted to send a blast of shadow towards Reinys, but fell to the ground as the chain pulled taut and she gripped her head in agony.

Nia nodded towards her crumpled form. “Now she has no choice but to help us.”

Reinys retrieved the glaive from out of the ground before kneeling down by her side, using the sharpened tip to lift Valax’s chin. She grinned and leant in closer, raven hair falling over her shoulder as she tilted her head. “Oh, I think I’ll be keeping this.”

Valax seethed and broiled with rage. “You—”

She turned back towards Nia and the others. “The next rift is in a place called Shroudwatch. This one will be leading us there.”

Reinys gestured to Valax, who scoffed at her words. “I would sooner lead you off a cliff.”

“Not if you want to make it back to your mother still in one piece.” She lifted her wrist to remind her of the chain. “You’re stuck with me, princess.”

Dawn had pierced the sky with pale light by the time they came across a worn-down village, the paths overrun with straggly weeds and nestled between buildings with cracked roof-tiles and walls of flaking paint. Not a soul was in sight, and Reinys felt a solemn sense of familiarity stirring deep within as she took in the town around her.

“This place, it can’t be…”

She noticed Valax was staring at her as if she had grown a second head. “You cannot possibly be familiar with this village.”

“It looks just like my hometown.” Reinys insisted. “Though it seems much worse for wear than…”

She trailed off as a strange-looking child came into view from around the corner, with ears akin to those of a sheep and a pair of antlers protruding from their head.

“Visitors! Mama, papa! Come quickly!” Just as suddenly as the child had appeared, they vanished into a nearby house only to re-emerge accompanied by an even stranger man and woman.

“Oh, it is good to see travellers again! It has been far too long.” The man spoke kindly, with even larger horns jutting from his head and dark hair worn over his shoulders in two thick braids. “I am Mithar. This is my wife Aderyn, and our child, Ellinae.”

Aderyn beamed, and Reinys noticed the golden feathers sprouting from her skin. “What brings you here to Ironbreach?”

“Ironbreach?” She echoed before shaking her head. “We’re just looking to reach Shroudwatch, we were hoping to find some horses here.”

“Well, we do have a few, but…” Mithar exchanged a glance with his wife.

“Our village is in dire need of repair,” Aderyn frowned. “If we could trouble you to spend just a short while aiding us, then you are more than welcome to take anything that would help ease your journey.”

“We’d be happy to help.” Reinys said, and Mithar led them all to the town square to show them the areas that needed attention the most. Nia stalked off as Tyril went to assess the vegetable gardens, while Mal and Imtura took to fixing the broken windows and fences, leaving Reinys with Valax to repair an old wooden cart.

Reinys ran her hand along the edge of the wheel. “Some of the spokes are rotten, we’ll have to replace them.” She noticed the wood was an unusual colour, a faded grey that matched the bark of the decayed trees surrounding the village.

“And you expect me to take orders from you?” Valax scowled.

“I think I’m right in assuming you’ve never had to mend a cart before, princess.” She said as she rummaged through the spare parts Mithar had given her. “But you’re welcome to prove me wrong. These are your people you’re meant to be helping, after all.”

Valax seethed with rage and conceded to handing her a small spanner, and Reinys found herself silently indulging in the fact there was nothing the princess could do to retaliate against her.

“You did not have to help them,” Valax said slowly as Reinys began dismantling the wheel’s rim. “They are defenceless villagers. You could have simply chosen to steal their horses and they would have been unable to stop you.” She tilted her head, studying Reinys like a puzzle she didn’t know how to solve. “But you still stayed here to aid them. Why?”

Reinys busied herself with inspecting the rotten pieces of wood. The cart hadn’t moved for a long time, and water from excessive rainfall had deteriorated the wheel, corroding it and making an ideal home for the insects she found festering within. “You still doubt my motives?”

“These are my people, Reinys. I don’t find it intrusive to question your intentions with them.”

She sighed and laid the spanner back down in the dirt. “It’s just that Ironbreach reminds me of my hometown, Riverbend. The people there took me in when I was a child who had nothing.”

“These are not the same villagers you grew up with.”

“I know, but it doesn’t make a difference. Even if this place had nothing in common with Riverbend, I’m not stealing from innocent people. Especially not when they’re struggling to get by as it is.”

Valax pondered that for a moment before turning her gaze away. The two worked on replacing the spokes and reassembling the wheel in silence until finally Reinys stood.

“There,” she grinned and patted the side of the cart. “Good as new.”

Just as Valax hauled herself off the ground, the winds around them began to shift and howl, growing eerie and cold. The sky turned dark almost in an instant as blackened clouds coalesced into a twisted, menacing omen of destruction, illuminated with sinister sparks of shadow flickering from deep within.

Mithar rushed towards them, panic rising in his voice. “Storm coming in! We need to get inside!”

“What kind of storm is this?” Reinys asked as she ran after him, shielding her eyes as harsh rain assailed the village from above. There had been no signs of it earlier, as though it had simply materialised from nothing.

“A normal one, here.” Valax answered, almost too calmly. “Storms in the shadow realm are caused by rampant magic, when wild and unrestrained they can cause great chaos.”

Mithar led them towards the Ashen family’s home for shelter, but as they arrived at the door Aderyn burst out in a hurry, her gaze frantic. “Ellinae’s not here!”

Reinys turned to peer through the darkness, wet hair clinging to the side of her face as she assessed the town for their whereabouts. “I see them by the riverbank!”

“But it could flood any minute now—“ Mithar said in alarm.

“You two just stay here, we’ll get Ellinae!”

She and Valax tore off running towards the riverbank, the rain only growing harsher until they were forced to shout over the torrential downpour.

“I don’t see them!” Valax yelled in frustration, but then a small figure appeared in their range of view, obliviously singing and twirling in the rain as a wall of water crashed around the river-bend.

“Look out!” Reinys called, but Ellinae didn’t hear. She leapt into the riverbed and grabbed the child, using all her strength to toss them up to Valax who still stood on the edge of the bank.

“I’ve got them!” Valax said as she caught Ellinae, and Reinys stepped forward to join them. Before she could even react, a towering wave smashed into her, sweeping her up in the raging flood as she stood in its path where Ellinae had been only moments earlier.

Reinys felt water roaring in her ears as the maelstrom enveloped her, and she found the world turning dark and cold around her as she was dragged helplessly to the depths below.

Reinys managed to breach the surface of the river just long enough to gasp in a deep breath before another wave sent her crashing under once more. As strong of a swimmer as she was, even she couldn’t escape the pull of the flood, flailing her way through the water as branches and debris scraped viciously at her arms and legs.

The next time she emerged for air, she thought she saw another figure fighting their way through the current amidst the rain and water, but when she sunk under once more, they were gone.

She felt her strength waning as the water chilled her to the bones and her muscles grew weak, struggling to stay afloat as mouthfuls of water invaded her lungs.

Just as she was sure she was going to drown, a familiar face carved her way through the water towards her, eyes brimmed with disdain. Valax gripped her by the arm and dragged her through the current, not releasing Reinys from her iron grip until the two of them had finally reached the shore.

Reinys collapsed onto the hard rock surface, barely conscious and unable to cough up the excess water. Valax loomed over her, face only inches from her own as her lungs burned and vision began to blur.

She gave a few quick, sharp prods to her chest until at last Reinys rolled over, expelling the water from her lungs as she heaved and gulped in her first deep breaths of precious air before lying flat on her back.

“That…feels better.” She spluttered, coughing.

“I would imagine so.” Valax said flatly. “Half the river came out of your lungs, after all.”

Slowly, Reinys hauled herself upright and leant against the stump of a fallen tree, head pounding. “How the hells did you just swim through a flood like it was nothing?”

Valax didn’t answer, refusing to meet her gaze as the river continued rushing.

“…Alright then, why did you rescue me?” Even after nearly drowning and now completely soaked, Reinys couldn’t conceal the smirk that curved her lips. “I thought you wanted me dead.”

“I do.” She snapped finally, raising her wrist where the shadow chain keeping them bound together was barely visible. “As you said, I’m stuck with you. If you die, I pay the price for it. Why else would I have dragged you from the water?”

“I don’t know,” Reinys grinned. “Maybe you’re starting to actually like me.”

“Ridiculous.” Valax scoffed. “You’re nothing but a nuisance to me, and have been ever since I started pursuing you.”

Her gaze softened slightly before she swiftly looked away. “Still, you saved an Ashen child. A life for a life, that is all.”

Surprised by the sincerity of her words, Reinys found herself speechless before they both shivered as the frigid winds around them froze their dampened skin.

“We need to seek shelter,” Valax said and stood to her feet, frowning as she glanced towards Reinys. “You don’t look well enough to travel, and we must make haste before the storm worsens.”

Before she could comprehend what was happening, Valax had hoisted her from the ground and tossed her over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes with ease.

From behind her, Reinys gaped. “What are you—”

“Don’t ask questions.” Valax snapped and briskly began walking uphill. “I won’t let you slow me down, and this whole ordeal would be a lot less taxing if someone hadn’t chased off my panther.”

“Yeah, you seemed pretty pissed about that.” Valax continued to carry her in silence, Reinys muttering under her breath the whole way until she was well enough to stand once more.

She followed Valax as she marched towards a series of jagged black rock pillars jutting viciously from the ground, surrounded by a copse of dead trees with skeletal branches and bark like charcoal, but Reinys nearly slammed into her back as the princess stopped abruptly in her tracks.

“Scorching suns.” She cursed lowly. “Shadestalker.”

“Aw, using pet names already, princess?”

“No, look.” She shoved Reinys forward so she could see the sinister shape emerging from the tree line. A monster of grey, scaled flesh, from which tendons and raw sinew were visible through ripped patches of skin beneath a mouth lined with several rows of sharp, deadly teeth.

“What the hells is that?” She whispered, almost too startled to speak.

“As I said, it’s a Shadestalker. This creature has been pursuing me across the Shadow Realm for the past year.”

“Sounds familiar.” She said, but Valax remained unamused. “And here I thought there was nothing you couldn’t beat.”

“I have defeated it countless times, but it always comes back. We need to leave.”

“Why not fight it together?” Reinys asked. “There are two of us, it’s outnumbered.”

Valax shook her head. “Perhaps the lack of oxygen you suffered is affecting your competence, but you are not fit to fight it in your current state. It will tear you apart before I can.”

“Alright then, let’s just…back away slowly…”

The two moved to step backwards, but the Shadestalker whirled as if already sensing its prey. The monster let out a bellowing roar that pierced the air around them, and even the winds trembled as Reinys clamped her hands down over her ears.

“Wait,” Valax tried to warn. “Don’t look at its—”

The golden eye in the centre of the Shadestalker’s chest began to pulse in time with her heartbeat as Reinys stared, entranced as it radiated a captivating, golden glow akin to warm sunlight. A beacon of light amidst the vicious storm, it emanated a gentle, lulling rhythm, one that filled her mind with beautiful music as it lured her under its control, calling her like a moth drawn to a flame.

She knew what she needed to do.

“Reinys? What are you—”

Her gaze turned towards Valax, irises lit up with an eerie, scarlet hue as she reached for the blade at her hip. “Oh, this will be fun.”

Reinys slashed at Valax, who narrowly sidestepped her attack, but she was far from finished. She struck again and again, with all the strength of the unrelenting storm that continued to assail them as lightning flashed each time she charged.

“Stop letting it control you!” Valax yelled over the torrent, deftly dodging another hit although several cuts now marred her arms.

Rainfall whipped at their skin and thunder shook the sky as Reinys thrust the knife forward, plunging it into her chest, but the princess barely reacted beyond exhibiting a short twinge of surprise.

She seized the chance to tackle Valax to the ground, and she clawed at Reinys’s arms as she struggled beneath her.

“Are you ready to meet your end, princess?” A terrifyingly malevolent grin lit up her face as she leered over her victim. “Will your mother be sad when she finds you torn to bloody pieces?”

“Reinys, snap out of it!” Valax grunted as she kicked and thrashed from below.

“It’s…” She came back to herself for a brief moment. “It’s not me!”

She felt that same, powerful force begin to take over once more, flooding her mind with visions of destruction and death until a sharp bolt of pain pulsated from her temple. When she opened her eyes there was blood trickling down the side of her face, and Valax was lying beneath her with a jagged, bloodied rock upturned in her hand.

“Ow,” Reinys groaned, feeling dazed as the scarlet hue faded from her eyes like mist. “That hurt, but it worked.”

“Good. Now get off of me.”

Reinys felt her cheeks grow warm as she realised she was straddling her torso, knife still raised above her throat. “Ah, right.”

They both scrambled to their feet as the Shadestalker approached them, and it snarled as it lashed at them with clawed hands and razor-like teeth. Reinys reached for her chain and flung it forward until it ensnared the monster, deadly steel blades embedding themselves painfully in its scaled flesh.

She held the creature in place until Valax plunged her shadow-wreathed glaive straight through its glowing, golden eye, and a sickly river of ichor ran down the Shadestalker’s chest before it teetered and fell to the ground, dissolving into a pile of blackened ash.

“It’s gone.” Reinys murmured, re-coiling the chain before fastening it back to her belt.

Valax stared down at it with disdain. “It will be back.”

The two turned towards the outcropping once more, wordlessly continuing their search for shelter as darkness shrouded the world around them.

The further they walked, the worse the storm became, and dark sparks and wisps of shadow streaked the air around them, flickering amid the wind and rain.

Reinys swore she could hear the distressed wails of what sounded like a small creature, the noise barely audible over the downpour cascading all around them. She glanced around the darkness until she found it, an owlbear cub huddled beneath a small, narrow overhang of obsidian-like rocks. The cub’s feathers were matted together, and he held his paws over his large, round eyes as he trembled in terror.

“Poor little guy, she murmured, turning to Valax. “Where’s his mother?”

“Owlbears don’t leave their cubs alone.” She said, and for the first time Reinys saw her eyes tinged with sadness. “She likely died defending him.”

Memories flashed across her vision as she thought back to her own parents, sacrificing their lives to save her own.

“I’m not leaving him here.” Before Valax could say anything, Reinys had vanished into the rain, realm-walking toward the rocks in favour of pushing against the winds.

“Hey, little guy.” She crooned as she knelt gently by his side. The owlbear cub shrunk back, feathers quivering, and she slowly held out her hand for him to sniff. Several minutes passed before he inched closer, cautiously clacking his beak before allowing her to stroke his soft head. “I’m Reinys. Wanna get out of this storm?”

“Quickly, I’ve found a cave!” Valax’s voice echoed over the winds, her silhouette barely visible through the dense fog. Reinys scooped the owlbear up lightly in her arms, causing him to emit a confused squawk before he nestled his head against her chest.

She followed Valax into a deep cavern just as bolts of shadow magic began to strike at the ground outside. “What the hells are those?” Reinys asked, and the cub tried to bury himself deeper into her embrace.

“Shadow missiles.” Valax said, a little too casually. “It is a good thing we found this place when we did.”

She shifted her gaze towards the owlbear cub Reinys still held in her arms. “If you are to keep him, he will need a name. That’s what parents do, give you a name and purpose.”

“I think his purpose is to be cute.” She booped the base of his beak. “And he’s doing a very good job of it.”

Valax scoffed. “You are impossible to understand.”

Reinys sat down against the cold cavern wall, running her fingers through the cub’s soft feathers thoughtfully. “What if I named you…Nox?” She watched him as he curled up in her lap, and he tilted his head to look up at her with large, shining eyes. “Would you like that?”

The owlbear chirruped happily, and Valax stared at her in confusion. “You would name him after darkness?”

Reinys shrugged. “He was born here, it suits him.”

Valax began scouting out the depths of the cave as Nox drifted off to sleep, but when she returned, she appeared displeased. “There is no wood here to start a fire, without one we’ll freeze to death.”

Reinys lifted her hand, conjuring an orb of Light that drifted into the air like a small sun, gently illuminating the cavern and offering a pleasant wave of warmth. Valax physically recoiled as her eyes widened, and she took an abrupt step back.

“You don’t have to be scared of it, you know.”

“I am not scared.” Valax’s expression twisted into one of contempt as she eyed the orb warily. “I merely know what that power is capable of. You are a fool for not feeling the same.”

Reinys was silent for a moment. “Power can be capable of anything, it just depends who’s wielding it.” She said eventually, after careful thought. “I’ve believed the same about Shadow for a long time.”

“And I’m supposed to believe this power is safe in your hands?”

She noticed Valax still hadn’t moved. “Well, you can either come sit here in the warmth or continue to freeze. It’s your choice.”

The princess glowered at her from where she stood on the opposite side of the cave before she begrudgingly moved to sit closer.

“You know,” Reinys continued, “I couldn’t help but notice that you rescued me again back there.”

“I’ve already said, you’re no use to me dead.”

“If that’s what you need to tell yourself.” She said smugly.

Valax scowled, dark lips curling into a scornful frown. “You get more infuriating each moment I spend with you. Not to mention you stabbed me twice.”

“One of those was an accident!” She said. “Besides, you spent fourteen days draining my blood, you don’t get to say anything.”

Reinys found her gaze flickering down towards Valax’s torso where dried blood surrounded the wounds she had inflicted, and glanced back to her face guiltily. “I suppose…I could heal them for you.”

Valax raised an eyebrow, her voice still tentative. “Heal? With the Light?”

“You were going to make a fire.” Reinys pointed out. “Aren’t they the same? They both have the power to keep you alive or destroy you. Unless you would rather bleed to death?”

Valax snorted. “That won’t happen.”

“You sound awfully confident for someone who was just complaining about being stabbed.”

She was silent as several seconds passed, before a strange flicker of vulnerability wavered across her features, illuminated by the orb of Light. “You asked earlier how I was able to swim through the flood when you could not.”

“Yes. You weren’t very subtle about brushing me off either, by the way.”

“I wasn’t trying to be.” Valax snapped. “I was able to do so because I am a construct. I’m not bound by mortal frailty as you are. I am my mother’s will incarnate.”

“Woah,” Reinys managed, unsure how to react. “So you’re, what, immortal?”

“I was designed to be infallible, yes.” She said, though her patience was beginning to strain.

“I guess that’s why it feels like you never stop hunting me.”

“Indeed. You can run all you like, Reinys, but there is nowhere in all the realms I won’t find you. You cannot outlast me forever.”

The words should have struck a chord of terror deep within her, but Reinys found her attention drawn back towards the princess’s wounds. “So your injuries are…”

Valax waved a hand. “Merely an inconvenience.”

“I still can’t imagine they’re particularly comfortable.” Reinys reached outwards to the exposed, firm muscle of her upper stomach, fingers gentle as they brushed against Valax’s damp, mauve skin.

“What are you—” Valax elicited a light gasp at the coolness of the sensation and found that her breathing grew shallower at her touch, watching entranced as Reinys began to imbue her fingers with Light. A delicate warmth danced across Valax’s skin as the wounds seemed to slowly knit themselves back together before her very eyes.

“Returning the favour,” Reinys said curtly before she gingerly withdrew her touch. “Not that you see it that way.”

Valax’s dark, sodden hair still clung to her temple, the faint white streak piercing through like a bolt of lightning against a storm-strewn sky. She pressed her back against the cavern wall and cleared her throat. “You are ridiculous.” Her voice grew soft as she glanced downward, avoiding her gaze. “But…thank you.”

Valax stared at her hands for a moment, as though uncertain what to do with them without a weapon in her hold. “You…seem less hesitant in the presence of Shadow than your companions, but yet you still wield the Light. Why?”

Reinys paused to run her fingers through Nox’s raven-blue feathers. “I was raised by a witch.”

“A witch?” She asked, unable to hide her intrigue.

“A rogue acolyte from the Temple of Light. She witnessed the horrors their priests deemed ‘righteousness’ and chose to flee.” Reinys mused. “Almost everything I know, I learnt from her.”

Valax’s brows furrowed. “Then why continue to wield the same power as her oppressors?”

Reinys found that the corners of her mouth curved upward slightly at the memory. “Defiance, mostly. She had spent most of her life being told how to use her power, so once she had her freedom she wished to take control of it for herself, even if that meant living outside of the law.”

“And what happened to her?” Valax asked.

“Eventually her Light ran out.” She answered. “Though she lived to be old. Normally that’s a feat within the temple only high priests get to obtain, hoarding their Light while forcing those beneath them to expend their own.”

“…My condolences.”

“It’s alright.” Reinys said. “She always said she’d prefer a natural death over being hanged in the city square.”

The Ashen princess scoffed. “You Daywalkers are as barbaric as I’ve always believed.”

“And what does your mother do with her insubordinates?”

Reinys looked at her pointedly, and Valax gave a defeated sigh. “She has them thrown into the moat.”

“Hang on, the moat of lava? Gods…”

From outside, the howling winds formed a haunting melody, and Valax was silent for a moment in thought, staring outside wistfully before she spoke once more. “Mother calls this ‘chaos’.”

Reinys glanced towards the cavern entrance, where darkness assailed the land beyond, and blasts of shadow magic fell swiftly like rain. “Certainly looks chaotic.”

“Storms like these are where chaos thrives. Shadow feeds on it, which is why overexposure corrupts the mind.” She continued speaking even as thunder shook the cave. “It’s a power that lurks deep within, often found within memories as a result.”

“Memories?” Reinys asked.

“Shadow is a tempest, chaotic and unrestrained. Memories are the greatest form of chaos, a shifting whirlwind of times long since passed.” Valax was quiet for a moment before she spoke once more. “Navigating them is often like trying to find your way through a storm. Do you not find your mind clouded by them in the same way?”

“Sometimes.” She admitted.

“The power to search through another person’s mind, their memories, is an ulterior form of shadow magic that we deem advantageous. If you know your enemy’s mind, you know how to break them.”

“Ominous.” Reinys muttered. “But I understand what you mean.” She looked back towards the cavern entrance. For a moment the passing shadows appeared utterly still, like darkened water unperturbed, before the maelstrom resumed devouring any remnants of tranquility still lying in its path. “And I see why you’re so fond of this chaos.”

“It’s the only beauty I have known.” Valax murmured. “Until I met you.”

Reinys assumed Valax spoke of the brief glimpses she had seen of the Light Realm between their sporadic hunts, but she still couldn’t resist the chance to tease her.

“Oh?” Reinys propped a hand under her chin, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “So when you were chasing me through the Whimsywood, you thought I was pretty?”

“Hm,” Valax pondered, though her cheeks began to turn a deep shade of purple. “You are not completely repulsive.”

“How charming.”

“Don’t patronise me.”

Reinys leant back, grinning. “Wouldn’t dream of it, princess.”

The smile began to fade from her face as a heavy gust of wind surged into the cavern, bringing with it a biting chill that numbed her skin. With her strength fading, the orb of Light began to flicker and dim, taking the last remnants of warmth as it barely remained hovering in the air.

“What’s wrong with it?” Valax asked.

“It’s too cold here for me to keep it lit.” Reinys said. “We’ll have to huddle for warmth.”

Valax frowned. “I do not huddle.”

“Well, it sure would be a shame if I died here and all my blood went to waste before you could use it.”

“Fine.” She snapped, and begrudgingly inched herself closer, her arm barely brushing against Reinys’s own.

“You’re not very good at this, are you?”

“I’ve never needed to huddle because I’m not a frail mortal who could not even withstand a single storm.” Valax goaded.

Reinys began to sulk, but another gust of wind sent them both shivering, and they leant towards each other instinctively.

“Not a word of this to anyone.” Valax warned.

Reinys smirked. “Don’t want your generals thinking you’ve turned soft?”

“That is one reason, yes.” She shifted a little, seeming agitated by the close proximity. “But I cannot have anyone knowing I’m fraternising with an enemy of the empire like this.”

“Interesting way of putting it,” Reinys said. “But your secret’s safe with me.”

She looked back down at her lap, where Nox emitted occasional soft hoots as he slept, before returning her attention towards Valax once more. “You realise this only works if we’re actually close enough to warm each other up, right?”

Valax scowled. “I thought this was sufficient.”

“Sure, if you want to become an icicle by sundown.” Reinys tilted her head. “Unless…are you afraid?”

“You don’t know what nonsense you speak. There are far more terrifying creatures in this world than you.”

“Ah, like our creepy stalker friend.” She watched as Valax refused to meet her gaze. “You know…you don’t have to pretend you’ve never felt fear before.”

“I’ve already told you, I am not scared.” Her eyes burned with ire, but behind it she swore she glimpsed a tinge of apprehension.

“Not even of this?” Reinys reached over to skim her fingers lightly along Valax’s arm, the skin like lavender marble mottled with shadow, but she pulled back when Valax stiffened.

Instead, she settled down and wrapped an arm around her back, surprised when the princess slowly began to melt into her touch as several minutes passed.

“Fear is a weakness.” She said eventually, her voice soft but laced with sorrow. “One it seems even I am not exempt from.”

Reinys didn’t dare speak further, the atmosphere already far too brittle to risk interrupting the fragility of their embrace by enkindling the princess’s temper, a skill she seemed to have mastered as of late.

Valax leant her head on her shoulder, eyes blinking slowly, and Reinys found herself doing the same as her weariness finally caught up to her.

“I don’t trust you.” Valax whispered into the darkness.

“I know.”

“I’m still going to rend your limbs from your body.”

“If you say so.”

Reinys smiled softly as Valax yawned, their heads resting against each other as the wind and rain swirled in a destructive dance far beyond, until finally they found themselves lulled to sleep by the melodic song of the storm.

#this was way longer than expected 🥲#blades of light and shadow #playchoices #choices stories you play #cfwc fics of the week #valax #princess valax #valax x mc #choices fanfic

24 notes · View notes

potionsprefect · 2 months ago

Text

Everything Has Changed

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word Count: 802

Summary: After the Senator attack, life at Edenbrook Hospital will never be the same

Rating: Teen

Category: Angst

The hospital was bustling like it always did but at this current moment in time, it was in the media spotlight. After the terrible events of the last 24 hours, Edenbrook was adjusting to a new normal.

Sienna Trinh looked out of the window of the hospital. Everything carried on as normal outside, no one seemed to be aware of the horrors that had occurred inside just hours before. Why did it have to be Edenbrook to suffer?

No one’s lives would ever be the same again, they would forever be haunted by the events of the last day. The last day they never wanted to experience.

Sienna walked to her best friend Victoria’s room where she was sleeping. She looked so peaceful. It was hard to imagine the ordeal she had been through, how she had been so close to death. Sienna couldn’t imagine losing her.

“It’s hard to imagine isn’t it.” A voice said. Sienna turned to see Ethan walking up the corridor.

“I was so sure we were going to lose both her and Rafael. I’m glad we didn’t.” Sienna sighed.

“Me too. How are you holding up? After everything that happened with Danny?” Ethan asked.

Sienna closed her eyes for a second, thinking over the answer in her head. “I don’t really know how to feel. I’m so relieved Victoria and Rafael are ok. But Danny… he’s gone.”

“I know. And it won’t be easy. We’ve all felt a sense of loss. But I think Danny would want us to remember we did a good thing. And I think we should remember that going forward.” Ethan smiled as he looked at Victoria.

“Well there’s no time like the present. Go in there and be with her.” Sienna smiled.

Ethan chuckled before opening the door. He went and sat by Victoria’s bed, grasping her hand as she continued to sleep.

“I’m so glad you’re still here.” Ethan said as he pressed a gentle kiss to Victoria’s hand.

As if she heard him, Victoria opened her eyes. “Me too.” She said.

“Did I wake you?”

“No I was just resting my eyes. How is Raf?”

“He’s doing well. There’s still a long way to go but he’s going in the right direction.”

“That’s good. Although I don’t think life for either of us will be the same again. My lungs are scarred I’ve been told.” Victoria said.

“That’s no surprise. None of us really know the after effects. It looks like you both might be useful for science in the future.”

“Hopefully not for a few years. How is everyone coping?”

Ethan sighed. “They’re not really if I’m honest. Life for all of us is going to be different.”

“Do you think people will expect us to say something? It’s on the news.” Victoria said.

“Not right now. And even if you did, there’s no way you will be saying something without the approval of HR.” Ethan replied.

“You don’t like HR. I’d love to see you interacting with them.” Victoria laughed.

“Never in a million years.” Ethan said. He noticed a box by Victoria’s bed. “What’s that?”

Victoria looked over at what he was pointing at. “Oh it’s my inhaler. I’ll need to use it if I ever get short of breath. I guess that’s the new normal for me now.” Victoria sighed.

“There was always a chance of some effects. But you’ll learn to live with it. It’s better that than the alternative.”

“I suppose. How are you after everything? I haven’t really asked.”

Ethan sighed. “Lots of things. I’m relieved you’re alive along with Rafael but sad that Danny died, angry that the Senator escaped.”

“I know. Me too. I have a lot of unanswered questions. But right now, all I need is you by my side to help me recover.”

“Well that is a guarantee. I need to update Naveen on what’s happened. I’ll be back later.” Ethan stood up and pressed a kiss to Victoria’s forehead before leaving the room.

Whilst Ethan was telling the truth, he made a detour. He headed towards the men’s bathroom. He rested his hands on the sink, head bowed and he could feel himself shaking. Without thinking about it, he broke down, tears streaming down his face and his cries leaving his body one by one. He had been holding it in for so long, he wanted to be strong for Victoria. But now he was letting it out, finally allowing all his emotions to be spilled out.

Ethan washed his face and wiped his eyes before he headed to see Naveen, each step feeling much heavier than the last.

He knew life would never be the same, but for now, he had to be strong. For himself, for the hospital.

For Victoria. And she mattered more than anyone.

Oops I wrote angst lol

Tag list: @ohchoices @swiftiexstarwarssimp @queencarb @genevievemd @choicesaddict5 @schnitzelbutterfingers @gryffindordaughterofathena @sophxwithers @romewritingshop @coffeeheartaddict2 @mm2305 @nikki-2406 @maurine07 @nishas-paradise @replayfootsteps @mainstreetreader @lsvdw-blog @kiara-36 @quixoticdreamer16 @headoverheelsforramsey @shanzay44 @itsjustamesshonestly @josiesopenheart @mysticalgalaxysstuff @custaroonie @ireneadlerisseggsy @takemyopenheart @kachrisberry @rookiemartin @jamespotterthefirst @a-crepusculo @natureblooms24 @jerzwriter @wanderingamongthewildflowers @rosebudde @lucy-268 @liaromancewriter @bex-la-get @writer-ish @toadfrog26 @tessa-liam @peonierose @cariantha @kyra75 @openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations

#open heart #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan ramsey x victoria clarke #ethan x victoria #playchoices #fanfic #open heart fanfic #open heart fanfiction #choices: open heart #angst #choices fic writers creations #fics of the week

27 notes · View notes

liaromancewriter · 7 months ago

Text

Inconvenient Truths

Premise: When Ethan’s mother is brought to the hospital after a drug overdose, it raises emotions he’d rather stay forgotten.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angst Words: 860

A/N: Set during 2.13. Submission for @choicesjunechallenge2024 prompt: Growing Sideways by Noah Kahan.

Tears flowed down his cheeks, but the darkness of the on-call room hid them from the shadows. Ethan Ramsey didn’t even know why he was crying or for whom.

It’s not like he didn’t know Louise was an addict. He’d learned that secret a long time ago and accepted it.

It also wasn’t like he needed a mother anymore. He’d done quite well for himself without one for twenty-five years.

So, why had seeing her wheeled into the emergency department on a gurney shaken him to the core?

For a second, he hadn’t recognized the deathly pale face beneath the oxygen mask. It wasn’t until Cassie cried out that it was his mother that he connected the dots.

He remembered being rooted to the spot, unable to get his legs to move or for his brain to process the scene. But then his medical training kicked into gear, and Louise was just another addict who had overdosed on opioids.

He leaped into action, scanning the patient with a clinical eye. Blue lips and fingertips. Shallow breathing. Pupils small and unresponsive….

And on it went. It was just another day in the hospital, with Dr. Ramsey working alongside his colleague Dr. Valentine to diagnose and treat a patient.

But it wasn’t that simple. Cassie Valentine wasn’t just any doctor. She was the woman he was in love with. American royalty with a perfect family and class leaking from her pores.

She hadn’t grown up hearing taunts about her mother running off with another man or seeing her father trying to save face and provide for his only child while working long hours as a single parent.

Truth be told. Ethan had never wanted Cassie to see that or know about his past. He was what he had molded himself into. A cultured and sophisticated man who kept a box at the opera, vacationed in five-star resorts and could call in favors at the American Medical Association with one quick phone call.

He was not the motherless man weeping in a darkened room, hunched over a cot, hands balled into tight fists, wishing for the impossible.

Ethan heard the door click and hurriedly wiped away the tears with his hands.

Cassie peeped cautiously through the crack before she rushed into the room, letting the door close behind her, and sat beside him on the small cot.

Leave me alone, he wanted to scream. Leave before I drag you down with me.

But his lips didn’t move. His voice seemed stuck in his throat like a lump of coal.

She gently ran her hand over his back, telling him without words that she was there for him. He supposed it was meant to be comforting. But right now, it felt like a vine of brambles stinging him with their sharp leaves.

“Ethan, are you alright?” Cassie asked softly, concern in her green eyes.

Somehow, the sympathy coating each word was worse than being comforted. Ethan was not that boy anymore. He didn’t need nor want her pity. So, he fell back on anger, an emotion so powerful he could sense it coursing through his veins.

“She does not get to do this to me,” he hissed. “She does not get to make me feel bad for her.”

“It’s okay to be sad,” she said.

“I’m not sad,” he countered vehemently. “I’m… I’m… angry.”

“That’s okay, too,” Cassie said gently. Her voice was calm and steady, as if taming a wild beast. “Anything you’re feeling right now is okay.”

No, it wasn’t, Ethan wanted to shout. Nothing about this situation was okay!

“I’m…”

For a second, the grief he bore for all he’d lost bubbled to the surface, and he felt tears sting the corner of his eyes.

Sensing his distress, Cassie pressed her lips against his, pouring everything she felt for him in the tender kiss.

When her arms circled his back, holding him close, he gripped her shoulders tightly and let himself take and take. His lips turned greedy, and he ignored her shocked gasp as he sucked out all the love as if he was a vampire hungry for blood.

The kiss was almost his undoing. His heart ached to believe that it was okay. That his mother showing up like this wasn’t a reflection of who he was.

But it was a lie. Just like this kiss was a lie.

He tamped down the vulnerability she brought out in him and brutally ended the kiss, pulling himself away.

Huffing in frustration and anger, he stood up. “I have to get back to work.”

Undeterred, Cassie stepped in front of him. “That was your mom, Ethan. She nearly died.” She placed one hand on his chest and cupped his face with the other. “You can take a minute. It’s okay——”

“No, it isn’t,” he snapped angrily, unable to hide his disbelief at how she didn’t understand him after all this time. “There are patients that need me much more than she does.”

Ethan marched out of the room before he said something he couldn’t take back, slamming the door behind him.

It was not okay. That much he was sure of.

--------------

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @jerzwriter @lady-calypso

@mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16

@justyourusualash @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @youlookappropriate

#open heart #playchoices #choices open heart #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #open heart fanfic #open heart fanfiction #choices fanfic #choices fanfiction #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #ethan ramsey x cassie valentine

54 notes · View notes

ladylamrian · 19 days ago

Text

Female Main Character: Clara (Desire & Decorum)

Pairing: F!MC × Ernest Sinclaire

Summary: A Winter Fairytale AU - Young Clara receives from her father a nutcracker as a gift.

Word Count: 4K words

Rating: General (Fluff, Fairytale AU, Christmas)

Warnings: none (just ugly Richard much uglier)

-> My complete Desire & Decorum Masterlist <-

Desire & Decorum Fanfiction Taglist: @bri1234 ; @tessa-liam ; @princess-geek ; @gmsrrn98 ; @rosesnink ; and whoever wants to join... @choicesficwriterscreations ; @choicesdecember2024 [Christmas ; ...] & @choicesjanuary2025 [Light ; Joy ; Connection ; New Love]

Comments via Reblog wholeheartedly welcome

Author's note: Inspired by the (Ballet) Fairytale called "The Nutcracker" where the heroine has the same name as my Desire & Decorum Main Character, Clara of Edgewater.

In this magical rewrite and retelling, Clara, a young girl with a kind heart, gazed in wonder at her new Nutcracker toy gifted by her father, Vincent, the Viscount of Edgewater.

"Oh, my Nutcracker, you're so handsome!", the girl praised as she held her wooden toy in her hands which looked almost like a human.

"Clara, dear! Clara!!"

The girl heard the grandmother call out from downstairs, so she immediately placed the wooden figure on her bed sheet, left her chambers, and hurried toward the calling woman.

After helping her grandmother, the young girl returned to her chambers only to find her younger brother, Harry, next to her broken toy. The figure lying on the floor with a missing arm.

"Oh no, my nutcracker!! What have you done?", she panicked and quickly grabbed the wooden figure from the floor. Then she picked up the missing toy arm which she found from under her bed.

"I only wanted to play with this soldier but it broke so easily. That's a dumb toy."

"Hey, don't say that about Father's gift. And that's my Nutcracker and not yours. Go and play with Edmund.", she scolded, wanting him to leave.

"Hey children, why the shouting? What happened.", a gentle voice called out. It was Viscount Vincent, the father of the children.

"Father, Harry broke my nutcracker!", little Clara sobbed and pointed at her sibling. Harry tried to avoid his father's gaze as he spoke.

"I'm sorry, father. I was just playing, and it happened by accident."

And then the boy left, leaving his sister alone with the father. The viscount discovered his daughter's sadness which broke his heart. How happy he made her with just a simple toy.

"My darling dear, please don't cry. I promise to fix your toy."

"You would do that, father?", she asked as she slowly calmed herself down.

"Anything for my Clara.", Vincent softly whispered before planting a gentle kiss on his daughter's forehead. She was the only daughter and a father who would do anything for their baby girl. He carefully took her wooden toy and its dispatched arm.

"Thank you, father. You're the best."

"I just don't want to see you sad, my child. Especially not on Christmas Eve. I'll be right back."

Determined to help, the viscount left Clara's chambers with her toy in hand, ready to fix it. Despite the challenges, he successfully reattached the arm. After just half an hour, he returned the toy to Clara, looking as good as new.

"Yayy, my nutcracker got fixed. Thanks father.", she happily squeaked.

In the dead of night, after everyone else had retired, Clara decisively woke up in her chambers to check on her nutcracker. She confidently reached for the cupboard next to her bed as the clock struck midnight. In an instant, hordes of mice flooded the room, and the walls, furniture, and everything surrounding her expanded to dizzying heights.

"Aaahh, what's happening?! Is everything growing or am I shrinking? Help!", she panicked.

Little Clara shrank into the size of a doll. The same size as her Nutcracker. She discovered her toy standing next to her with features like a real human. There was nothing wooden of him anymore. He looked more handsome and real. Light skin, chestnut curls, and stormy, blue eyes.

"Uhh, who are you?"

"Why your nutcracker, of course, milady. They also call me Ernest Sinclaire. And this gentleman is at your service now.", he spoke before raising her knuckles to plant a kiss on them which made the girl blush.

She found her nutcracker already beautiful as a toy, but now even more. Handsome, dashing, and those perfect manners. A man of her dreams.

"You're so kind. Dear Nutcracker,... I... I mean... Dear Mr. Sinclaire, were you always a nutcracker? How did this happen?"

"My Clara, it's only fair if you know the truth. I wasn't always a nutcracker, but a human like you. I got cursed."

"What?", she gasped and he nodded.

"Yes, cursed by no other but the evil Mouse King."

"Mouse King? And is there a way that your curse can be broken"

"Only by the sweetness of the Sugar Fairy."

"First a mouse and now a fairy? What does that mean?", the girl got confused than before.

"I sadly don't know either what the sweetness of the Sugar Fairy is or if she even exists, but that doesn't stop me from fighting. I won't give up that easily."

"Oh Ernest, your story is so sad. I wish I could help you."

"Clara, you helped me already. You're a wonderful girl and treat me perfectly. You don't see me as a toy but as a real human. Someone with real feelings. And thank you for stepping before. It kinda hurt when your brother was messing up with my arm.", he chuckled.

"Does your arm still hurt?" she whispered and gently stroked the injured part.

"Not when I have you, Clara. Besides, your father took great care of me. He's a good man who raised a beautiful girl."

"Oh, Ernest. You're...", she blushed.

"Yes, dear Clara?"

"Oh shut up, you're gorgeous. I like you being more human and real. You're so sweet, kind, and just perfect. You're the best gift I ever received. Even as a toy I love you."

"Clara darling, it fills my wooden heart to hear this. I wish I could spend more time with you in my human form and dance all night with you forever."

"Oh Ernest, why not dance now?"

Clara created delicate ballet movements that were pleasant to watch for Ernest. The movements of the feet were graceful, the movements of the arms and the fingers were very fluid, and the whole body got synchronized.

"Love, may I join for this dance?", he asked and extended his arm to her. She happily accepted and both started a powerful waltz. Everything around them faded away and they only focused on themselves and their dance.

"My beautiful... Clara, look out!!", her nutcracker panicked as their dance suddenly got interrupted by unwanted intruders.

"Ernest, what's happening?"

Clara was shocked and now found herself amid a battle between an army of gingerbread soldiers and the mice, led by their king.

She discovered her nutcracker shouting orders to the gingerbread men, who were joined by tin soldiers, and by dolls who served as doctors to carry away the wounded. The Mouse King returned. As the old, gray-haired being tried to advance on the nutcracker, Clara immediately threw her slipper at him to protect her nutcracker.

"Hey, you ugly rat!! Back off!!"

"Who dares to call me an ugly rat?!! The powerful Mouse King Richard!!", the almost human-like animal hissed at the girl.

"Leave Ernest and the toys alone!! Your army is hurting innocent people.", she dared to answer back while Mr. Sinclaire and the other toy soldiers were too busy fighting off some rats, Richard's minions. One of them was a light-gray human rat called Sir Gideon, who was now swordfighting with Clara's nutcracker, Ernest Sinclaire.

"My, my, what gorgeous piece do we have here? A pretty girl in my kingdom."

"Excuse me, I'm not a piece!!"

"That anger... How fierce! I like that. Why don't you join me, beautiful? I'm a King. Fight by my side and I'll make my Queen.", he spoke as he tried to move closer to her.

"Ewww, no thanks. I love Ernest Sinclaire and not you, old rat. Stay away from me."

"Nobody rejects me. And you...", Mouse King Richard got interrupted as he analyzed the battlefield.

Many of his minions sustained injuries and were defeated while the toys claimed victory in the battle. Unable to tolerate defeat, he issued a command to retreat, vowing to return and strike back harder. Mouse King Richard and Rat Sir Gideon escaped with a handful of their minions, fully intent on scheming for revenge and launching a powerful counterattack.

"Wohooo, Ernest!! They're gone. You defeated them!!", Clara cheered before running towards her soldier for a hug.

"My Clara darling, my love, are you alright? Did he hurt you? I'm so sorry I couldn't keep Richard away from you."

"It's alright, we're both safe now. Is your arm alright?", she wispered in worry.

"Well, I'm used to losing some parts of me while battling, and it doesn't hurt. But this time it feels strange. For the first time, I feel like I used to feel when I was human, Clara. That means the Sugar Fairy must be near."

"Then we have to find her to make you back human again. Does your arm hurt?"

"Manageable, Clara. But for keeping you safe, this pain is nothing to me."

"Then let's find the Sugar Fairy. Lead the way, my love."

Ernest confidently journeyed to the magnificent Land of Sweets alongside the girl. This vibrant realm was under the rule of the Sugar Fairy. The paths were adorned with colorful toffees, and towering lollipop trees captivated young Clara. They boldly crossed a candy cane bridge over the rich chocolate milk river. Energetic bees buzzed around, offering them delightful honey as they soared through the air. In this land, everything and everyone exuded a powerful sense of harmony and joy.

"It's like heaven here, Ernest."

"I was genuinely surprised to uncover this hidden world that embraced me. Nonetheless, I firmly miss the experience of being human again."

"Listen, you're still human with a heart of gold. You can feel happiness, pain, and love. Your mind is sharp and capable of strategy. While you may be made of wood at the moment, that doesn’t diminish your humanity. Together, we will break this curse."

As they stepped into the enchanting Land of Sweets, a vibrant kingdom ruled by the whimsical Sugar Fairy, they were greeted by an extraordinary assembly. Gingerbread soldiers, with their gleaming icing decorations and candy buttons, stood tall and proud. Colorful dolls with sparkling eyes danced joyfully, while fluffy teddy bears flanked them, their soft fur inviting hugs. All around, toys of every kind chimed and chimed with delight, their laughter ringing like bells in the air. The joyful procession celebrated the young couple's bravery, honoring them for vanquishing the wicked Mouse King, Richard, earlier that day.

"You were so heroic.", a ballet dancer sang as she twirled around them.

"Mister Sinclaire saved us again! How will we ever thank him?" Ginger, the teddy bear cheered.

"All hail, Mr. Sinclaire!!", the crowd joined.

"Who's the pretty girl with you, Mr. Sinclaire?" an elderly woman asked and winked at them. Everyone got curious too.

"Madam Tarte, may I introduce Clara? She's with me and together we are here to meet the Sugar Fairy."

"The Sugar Fairy? We have never seen her."

"To the Sugar Fairy? Mister Sinclaire, take my horses for the travel.", Mister Crumble offered.

Ernest, the nutcracker, gratefully accepted the warm words of encouragement and generous help from the villagers. In a display of kindness, they lent him two magnificent mares. Clara, with her spirited demeanor, perched elegantly on a chocolate-brown horse named Caramel, whose rich, glossy coat shimmered in the sun. Meanwhile, Ernest chose a striking white mare with delicate snowflake patterns dotting her fur. She was named Marzipan.

With a sense of adventure, they took off, riding swiftly through the meadows as if propelled by the very wind itself, their laughter echoing through the air. The journey led them to the enchanting crystal palace, where the fairy was said to reside. Upon their arrival, the pair dismounted and led their horses to a gentle stop, leaving them tied outside before stepping into the palace, ready to discover the magic within.

The walls of the palace were magnificently adorned with exquisite marble, showcasing intricate carvings that told stories of a bygone era. Each detail in the craftsmanship added to the grandeur of the surroundings. The floors, meticulously polished to a near-mirror finish, gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, creating a mesmerizing reflection that enhanced the opulence of the space.

"So this where the good Sugar Fairy lives. It's beautiful.", Clara admired.

A cheerful gingerbread soldier adorned with colorful icing and a shiny candy button for a uniform greeted them with a warm smile, his sugary frame exuding a delightful aroma of cinnamon and spice.

"Greetings, I am Ernest Sinclaire, accompanied by Clara. We have journeyed a considerable distance to seek an audience with the esteemed Sugar Fairy. We hold a deep respect for her and sincerely believe that she possesses the power to assist us in lifting the curse that has been cast upon me. Would it be possible for us to visit her?"

"Greetings, Mr. Sinclaire. We have had the pleasure of hearing numerous accounts of your remarkable adventures throughout the land, particularly your courageous confrontations with the nefarious Mouse King. It is our honor to welcome esteemed heroes like yourself to our community."

"Thank you, Sir Luke."

"Regrettably, I am unable to assure you that you will have the opportunity to meet the Sugar Fairy today, or at any time in the future."

"Why is that?" the nutcracker asked with concern.

"I regret to inform you that the Sugar Fairy has been absent for an extended period and has yet to make her return," the soldier announced, eliciting a concerned reaction from the couple.

How can they possibly break the curse on Mr. Sinclaire now? The Sugar Fairy was their only hope, and the thought of him remaining a nutcracker forever was heartbreaking. He deserved the chance to be human again.

"I'll never return back into my human again."

"Please don't say that, Ernest. I know things feel overwhelming right now, but we will find a way through this together. Trust me, my love. I'm here for you," she said softly, wrapping her arms around him. He pulled her closer, seeking comfort, and she gently stroked his soft hair, hoping to calm his racing thoughts.

"Clara, I thought I'll be soon back human but..."

"I completely understand how you feel, my love. Believe me, I share those sentiments too. But please always remember that my love for you remains unwavering, whether you’re human or a nutcracker. You are, and always will be, my Ernest Sinclaire. My hero, my love, my everything. Your kindness, generosity, loyalty, and wonderful heart are what drew me to you, and I cherish that deeply."

"I truly love you too, Clara."

As she heard these little heartfelt words, an overwhelming warmth spread through the girl's heart. In that moment, she stood on her tiptoes, yearning to connect with him, and leaned in for a kiss. Their lips met in a tender, passionate embrace, a beautiful expression of their deep love. An experience that felt like the sweetest thing Ernest had ever tasted.

They found themselves surrounded by a radiant light that enveloped them with hope. It was a glow so captivating that toys from the nearby towns and villages rushed toward the mysterious source, eager to uncover the wonders that awaited them.

When Ernest Sinclaire slowly opened his blue eyes, he found that the girl before him had transformed. No longer was it just Clara, the girl he had known so well. Instead, it was Clara in a dazzling new form as the Sugar Fairy herself. Her brown hair shimmered like spun sugar, cascading down her shoulders in soft waves, and she wore a gown that sparkled with hues of pastel pink and blue. The air around her was sweet, filled with a hint of candy as she smiled down at him. Her radiance illuminating the room and filling Ernest with a sense of wonder and magic.

Clara of Edgewater stood enchanted. Her eyes wide with astonishment. She was dressed in a breathtaking gown. Its fabric shimmering like liquid silver as it cascaded down to the floor, each fold and flare danced gracefully with her every movement. The gown was adorned with tiny sequins that twinkled like stars, adding a touch of magic to her appearance. On her feet, she wore delicate ballet slippers, soft and pastel-hued, embellished with sparkling accents that caught the light with each step she took.

Perched atop her flowing hair was a radiant tiara, a masterpiece of artistry that sparkled with an array of precious gemstones. Each gem seemed to reflect its own story, glistening in hues of sapphire, ruby, and emerald, casting a gentle glow around her. Strikingly beautiful, she felt as if she had stepped straight out of a fairytale, transformed into a princess wrapped in elegance and grace. In that moment, she truly was a vision of purity and enchantment, completely bejeweled and captivating.

"Clara darling, you look like an angel."

The same radiant light enveloped the figure of Ernest Sinclaire, illuminating him in a warm glow. As the transformation began, the once solid wooden form gradually shifted, its hard exterior melting away into soft, supple skin. Flesh and blood filled out the structure, revealing a body full of life and vitality. Before anyone’s eyes, the inanimate wooden toy had transcended its limitations to become a fully realized human being. Indeed, he stood there as a true man, embodying the very essence of humanity as it was always intended to be.

"I'm... I'm back human. After all these times, I'm back in my own body and not a nutcracker anymore."

"Ernest, what happened? I don't understand. Just look at me... What is going on?" she begged for an explanation as she couldn't understand what just happened.

"All the time we were searching for the Sugar Fairy without knowing that you are the Sugar Fairy, Clara. You broke my curse and made me human again."

The enthusiastic crowd surged around them, their cheers rising to a deafening crescendo, echoing the excitement in the air.

"All hail Clara, the Sugar Fairy!!"

"No, that's impossible. I'm not the Sugar Fairy. I'm Clara, just an ordinary girl," she asserted firmly. The man gently placed his hands on her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes.

"Dear Clara, I truly understand how difficult this is to accept. I felt the same way when I transformed from a human into a nutcracker and entered the Land of Sweets. Your sweetnes, your loving kiss was what broke the curse of the evil Mouse King Richard. It was only the sweetness of the Sugar Fairy that could accomplish this, which is why I believe you are the Sugar Fairy. You have given me the gift of humanity once again."

In a dazzling celebration that filled the air with sweetness, the young heroine was honored and formally welcomed as the Sugar Fairy. The festivities featured an impressive array of delectable treats from around the globe, each one more inviting than the last. Velvety chocolate from Switzerland, with its rich, creamy texture. Spiced gingerbread from Germany, bursting with warm flavors. Fragrant coffee from Arabia, with its enticing aroma. Delicate tea from China served in vibrant porcelain cups. And colorful candy canes from Russia, gleaming under the twinkling lights, were all beautifully displayed.

As laughter echoed throughout the Land of Sweets, the toys danced joyfully and captivated the crowd with their spirited performances. The atmosphere was electric with joy and happiness.

As the dawn approached, it was time for Clara to awaken soon. The night was coming to an end. Mister Sinclaire bowed to her respectfully and kissed her goodbye.

"Ernest!" she shouted, her voice breaking the tranquility of the early morning. Clara’s eyes fluttered open to find the golden sunlight streaming through her window, painting a warm glow across her room. The gentle rays danced on the walls, illuminating the delicate patterns of the wallpaper. Snuggled comfortably in her soft, plush blankets, she felt cocooned against the cold of the winter morning. She lay nestled in her cozy bed, surrounded by the familiar comforts of her chambers, momentarily lost in the peacefulness before the day began.

All the memories of Ernest, the Land of Sweets, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Fairy were still fresh in her mind, which she couldn't forget or shake away that easily. It felt so real. Was it all a dream, or did it happen? The only way to find out...

The girl swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet brushing against the cool wooden floor. She glanced around her room, eyes scanning every corner in search of clues. Clenching her fists, she imagined what she might find a glimmering piece of candy cane or perhaps a fragrant piece of gingerbread. Her mind even wandered to the thought of an ugly rat with a tiny crown.

"Wait a second, where is the nutcracker which father gifted me yesterday on Christmas Eve?", she thought loud as she discovered that her toy was missing. It wasn't lying in the cupboard at her bedside anymore, which made her panic.

"No, no, it can't be... There must be a logical explanation. I bet Harry took my Nutcracker again. That boy..." she groaned and rushed downstairs. As she entered the main hall, she began shouting.

"Harry, come here!! Where is my nutcracker?!!"

"Are you searching for me?", someone chuckled which surprised her.

It was a young man who entered the parlour with Clara's father, Vincent, as their new guest. He was good-looking, tall, with curly brown hair, gray-blue eyes, and fair skin. He wore a white shirt with a scarf wrapped around his neck, a beige vest, and a navy blue jacket paired with brown trousers. A smile spread across his face as he noticed the girl.

"Ernest?" she whispered with surprise.

The handsome man she danced with last night in Nutcracker form was now standing in front of her, alive. Maybe it wasn't a dream after all? Or was it just a coincidence? But where was her Nutcracker then?

"Sugar Fairy.", the man whispered to her and winked which made her blush. Maybe the adventures of last night did happen. She would happily trade her toy for the dashing man in front of her.

"I hope you don't mind having a guest with us tonight, Clara.", Viscount Vincent suggested, which the girl didn't mind at all.

The entire family gathered around the beautifully adorned Christmas tree. The warm glow of the lights cast a festive ambiance in the room. They savored a traditional meal together, filling the air with the tempting aromas of roasted meats and seasonal dishes. At the table sat Father, whose jovial laughter rang out. Grandmother, with her wise and twinkling eyes. Harry, who eagerly shared stories with Edmund. Clara secretly stole glances with the special guest, who added an extra touch of joy to the occasion. It was a moment of togetherness, warmth, and cherished memories.

"Soooo... Do we know each other?" she dared to ask without letting anyone notice their interactions.

"You might know me already, Clara. I hope you're not sad that you don't have a nutcracker anymore."

"This Sugar Fairy rather wants to have you, my hero. Now Mouse King Richard won't stand a single chance against my man.", she confessed as their hands met under the dining table.

#choices fanfiction #desire & decorum #winter #christmas #nutcracker #fairytale au #ernest sinclaire #choices fic writers creations #choices #playchoices #choices fanfic

23 notes · View notes

thequeenb · 7 months ago

Text

The Perfect Ending

2 whole years..who would ever believe that Poppy would be the relationship type? Not me. I know what a lot of you are wondering what the hell we were up to the past years..well let me fill you up.

“Are you done packing? The flight leaves in literally 40 minutes” I say with a pinch of annoyance because one thing about being with Poppy is that you will always be late

“You can’t rush beauty darling” she looks at me over the bathroom mirror and gives me a wink. Ugh sometimes I hate how attractive she is

After Collage ended and we graduated with both our degrees we decided to take a holiday to her Miami Beach house..I know right?

We arrived to our gate and we finally settled down to the plane, of course we sit first class you didn’t even have to wonder.

“Well we have 2 hours so if you excuse me I will get on with my skincare routine” she says and the flashbacks come back almost immediately of our first hookup in her room

“Well your skin looks like shit Hughes so let me do you a favour” she straddle my lap and I am probably looking up at her with starry eyes because she has a satisfied smirk on her face

“I didn’t knew you had a soft spot for me Poppy but a girl can take a break” I wink at her and she rolls her eyes at me..how adorable I always loved when she did that

“If you are my rival you better look good” she casually says and why did I get turned on suddenly? I realise how close she is and how her breasts are pressed against mine. Damn it stop being so horny! But how can I not? Her perfectly glossed lips, her beautiful silk blonde hair..her soft hands working on my face..it’s almost too much

“Bea for the last time do you want champagne? Sorry she apparently has a hearing problem” Poppy says to the flight attendant and I roll my eyes nodding

“I thought after you asked me out you would stop bullying me” I stick my tongue out and I can see a small smile playing on her lips

“Well tell me what got you all parched” she hands me the champagne flute and gives me a smile I could never resist

“That’s for you to find out Min-Sinclair, in the meantime I want to focus to you” I place my hand on her thigh ever so flirty and she lets a small gasp escape her lips

“Careful what you wish for Bea..I don’t play nice, you should be the only one who knows that”

And she is right..if I close my eyes I can pin point the exact moments she tried to ruin me, but on the other side i can almost feel all the times she made me feel like no one ever did before

“Well? Are we playing dirty?” She locks eyes with me and I settle my champagne down.

Her eyes never leaving mine she watches me flip my hair back seductively

“I feel so worked up Poppy..maybe you can help me” this phrase reminded me of that time we fought for the crown..how we had a cat fight in the fountain..how much I wanted her

“I feel so worked up Poppy” it’s the only words that escape my lips “maybe you can help me unwind” are you kidding me? You literally slapped her, dragged her across the fountain and ruined her manicure and that’s what you are going to say?

Interestingly enough she doesn’t look angry anymore..I can feel her heat radiating off her body and she slams me against the fountain, water splashes everywhere as her tongue goes playfully in my mouth and all I can feel is her

I blink a few times trying to cool down and she knows what kind of effect she has on me because she smirks and gets back on her seat. Sigh she is not someone to play with I learnt that from the first time she approached me

Our plane finally lands and a private car was waiting for us to take us back to the house.

I didn’t expect anything less..the car pulls up to a gate and when they open I can see a beautiful house and palm trees everywhere decorating the big garden

The car finally stops and Poppy hurries to open my door. I step out and I try my best not to gasp

“You can gasp Farmsville this is far from the land you grew up on” she winks at me and I roll my eyes

We walk inside and the house is beautiful as expected but what catches my eye is the big window where you can see the beach, the waves the sunset

“This is where I came when you humiliated me in front of all my father’s clients and the whole school” she casually says but a pinch of guilt fills my heart, it wasn’t my proudest moment

I hold the award in my hands and I can’t believe I finally beat Poppy Min-Sin bitch at her own little game. She stormed out after I humiliated her and her parents but why do I feel guilty? Isn’t that what I planned for since I first got here?

“Make a speech make a speech make a speech” everyone is chanting and I finally feel the weight of the award in my hand..the weight of what I just did to Poppy

I hold her tight, a small tear escaped my eye but she just smiles at me giving me a gentle kiss on my forehead “Don’t be sad..remind me to punish you later for that night”

I laugh and I wipe my tears getting my attention back to the window. The waves perfectly collide with the sand and I get the perfect idea

“Let’s go to the beach I am dying to watch the sunset with you” is it my idea or did my proposition made her nervous? She quickly recovers and offers me a smile. Sure she says and she leads me to the coast

She holds my hand tight and for a moment everything looks perfect. The sun is going down and the deep orange colour blends beautifully with the blue sky..the birds fly freely in the air and Poppy looks more than gorgeous under the sunset

I must have been daydreaming for a moment because when I regain my focus Poppy is down on one knee. Excuse me!?

“I get my dress dirty for this so you better say yes” she takes a deep breath and continues

“Since the moment that I met you you have been nothing but a challenge for me, even in the beginning you didn’t know how to dress”

I roll my eyes but I can start feel the tears forming in my eyes, I can’t believe this is happening

“I didn’t even bat an eye at you but you decided to make my life a living hell and I promised to make yours even worse”

“I fell for you since you first kissed me but then I heard that hog calling video and I wanted to go deaf” she chuckles

“I didn’t imagine I could feel this way but you proved to be a worthy opponent and someone who kept me always on my toes..when I found out of your affair with Kingsley I should have used it and destroy you but it only made me more sad”

Now my tears run freely like a waterfall but she is quick to wipe them for me..I didn’t realise I fell to my knees to her eye level..holding her hand so tight

“And since then I knew I didn’t want to be with anyone but you..someone who always challenges me and changes me for the better so that only leaves me with one question”

I gasp when she reaches and opens a small velvet box revealing the most beautiful diamond ring I have ever seen

“Bea Hughes will you marry me?”

I immediately scream yes and she struggles to put the ring on fast enough, we are already covered in sand kissing each other like there is no tomorrow

“I can’t believe you proposed!!” I scream happily and I am not the only one cheering because when I turn around I watch all our friends and family smiling at us “No you didn’t!!”

Zoey hugs me first spectating on my beautiful ring and then comes my parents which I am surprised Poppy flew from Farmsvile.

“From a farm girl to your fiancé how are you feeling?” I smile at her and she simply roll her eyes at me

“Don’t make me regret proposing Hughes”

And that’s how our story ended..watching the sunset with my fiancé gasp! From enemies to lovers and from lovers to newly weds..who knew the two hot rivals from Belvoire could ever end like this? I bet the T would love an inside story about our wedding..I am just kidding..or am I?

Kisses, the T

Tag list: @indecisive-chaos @kiara-36 @ognenniyvolk @somewillwin @ghalind @sergeant-pepper-loves-choices @dibberdipper @aiswood @alexlabhont @uselesslesbianfr @wolfietheduckyou @somin-yin @stanzoeywade @uhh-the-green-thing @jmojellybae @simp-pony @made-me-deep-blue @samanthadalton @crazzyplays @thepotatobleh @thatwhorefromnextdoor @cloud9in @promisedneverwrite @calraquin

#playchoices #poppy fic #poppy x mc #queen b poppy #queen b mc #queen b choices #pb choices #pb #choices: stories you play #poppy min sinclair x mc #poppy min sinclair

42 notes · View notes

twinkleallnight · 2 months ago

Text

Book: TRR AU/ Once upon a time prequel

Belongs to my series: Estranged part 5

Pairings:Liam x Savannah

Word count:2502

Disclaimer: All characters belong to pixelberry.

Rating: Mature

Warning: none

Prompt: The @kingliamappreciationweek (day 2:Vanilla ) thank you @lizzybeth1986 beta reading this.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

Liam had promised Savannah that he won't meet Fabian without her permission but he couldn't control himself. ‘I am only going to watch from a distance. I am not meeting him so technically I am keeping my word.’ he thinks. And so when Savannah walks down to Fabian's day care he discreetly follows her.

He eagerly waits behind the dense hedge of the Mastic tree, for Savannah to come out of the day care. Liam's heart soars high at the first sight of his son. He is mesmerized at the sight of his own miniature form trotting down along with a grown up Savannah. He steps back to keep away from them. They cross over, Fabian busy narrating the events of the day to his mother. He picks up on their conversation. Fabian is explaining, “....I told her it's simply milk, cream and plain vanilla, isn't it mother?” Savannah nods. Fabian punches his fist in air. “I knew it. I couldn't be wrong with my favourite drink.”

‘He likes Vanilla, just like me!’ Liam is excited on discovering a tiniest detail about his son. He wants to know more but he has to patiently wait for Savannah’s call. He starts walking back to his hotel. Seeing Fabian with Savannah takes his mind to the memories of yesteryears when he was with his mother…..

Little Liam walked with a skip to his mother. She could see through his focused eyes that he had an agenda in his mind. He stopped a few steps away from her and stood with his arms pushed back, his fingers wrapped tightly around each other behind his back.

“Mother, when are we going to visit Drake’s place?” He asked, hiding his nervousness.

“After two days my son,” Eleanor replied wondering where his thoughts are wavering. “why?”

“Oh, it is nothing, mother.” Liam tried to make it light.

Eleanor pulled him to her holding both his arms. “I can see you are pretty excited about something. What is going on in that smart head of yours?”

He brought his hands ahead, fidgeting with Eleanor’s scarf. Coyly, he raised his eyes to her. “I… I am fond of the vanilla shake that Drake’s mom whips.”

“Aahaan ! So you want to visit them just for that milkshake. I bet I can make one too” Eleanor teased.

Liam jerked back. “Not just any milk shake, mother. It’s Bianca’s special vanilla milkshake. Besides, playing around their cozy little rooms with Savannah.” He tried reasoning.

“I never knew you like to play with that little girl.”

“I meant Drake and Savannah.” Liam added.

“Hmm. So Drake and Savannah?”

“And Vanilla shake.” Liam reminded her.

“And the vanilla shake.” Eleanor repeated. “You are sure you are not hiding anything else ?”

“No mother, it’s Vanilla milkshake.” Liam laughed shyly.

Savannah’s home. Lozzi village, Corsica.

Savannah had narrated many bedtime stories about King Liam to Fabian and she had narrated many stories about his father though she was always careful not to overlap any of those. But today everything seems difficult. She tries to speak to Fabian throughout the day and each time she finds herself beating around the bush. She always thought she would be ready and exhilarated to introduce Fabian to his father. Now she is at a loss of words.

After dinner, Fabian makes his bed with his mother and gets under the covers. Savannah keeps roaming around his room still pondering where to start.

“Mom?”

“Yes, baby.”

“Are you worried about something?”

She stops replacing things idly and looks at him, “Not exactly, dear.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

Savannah leaves everything aside and moves towards his bed to sit beside him. “You didn't…Why would you say that?”

“Because I can see you picking up the same things and placing them back again, going round and round the room. You do that when something is bothering you.”

“Oh Fabian!” Savannah bends down to place a kiss on his forehead. “You are such a sweetheart . Always so observant and caring.” ‘Just like your father’, she thinks.

“Does this mean there is something nagging you?”

“Nothing, dear. Actually it's just that… I want to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

She pats on his blanket and moves her fingers gently through his golden locks. “You remember, you lost that set of colour pens I gifted you last Christmas?”

“That one? I found it, mom. It was just misplaced under the pile of my colouring sheets.”

“And how did it feel, getting it back?”

He claps his hands gleefully, “I was so glad, I found those. They are the best gift.”

Savannah smiles. “What if I tell you that you are going to get the best gift you could have ever wished for?”

“What could that thing be?”

“Fabian, it's not a thing. It's a person who wants to meet you.”

“Do I know them?”

“Yes, you know him by certain names , now you will see him right in front of your eyes.”

“Does he know me?”

“Yes, very well.”

“Is he important to you, mother?” he asks in a serious tone making Savannah smile. His change of tone taking the matter at hand seriously reminds her again of the similarities he shares with Liam.

“Yes. He is someone very important.”

“Someone like….do you mean… like is there... is he… is he your boyfriend?”

Savannah laughs out loudly at that and starts shaking her head in denial.

Fabian pouts his lower lip and lowers his eyelids in embarrassment. “I am sorry. I just…”

Savannah cuddles him up. “You don’t have to be. Fabian, it’s time you meet your family, my child. He is one of the important part of our family. Let’s just meet once and then we take it ahead from there.”

The word family has Fabian thrilled. He has been patiently waiting to see uncles and aunts, grandparents and cousins like all other children do. He leaps at the opportunity. “Okay, when are we meeting?”

“Whenever you are comfortable.”

“I am ready, mom. Like, right now .” he emphasizes with his small hands.

“That’s great. Although right now won’t nd possible. How about breakfast tomorrow?”

“I would love that, mom” he beams at her.

“Okay, tomorrow morning then it is. Breakfast.”

“Will you be able to make some vanilla shake?”

“Why not. See you my sunshine. Good night. “

“Good night mom.”

Savannah trudges to the bedroom still smiling at Fabian’s vanilla shake request. ‘Like father, like son.’ She remembers how Liam too used to like Vanilla shake . He had once visited with Drake after a polo match and they all had shake made by Savannah.

She got into her bed, remembering the young age fun.......

“What man! I defeated the prince and all I get is a vanilla shake?” Drake whined to Liam.

“Vanilla shake is a good celebration, Drake.” Liam tried to convince.

“Yes, try it.” Savannah said walking in with three tall glasses in a tray.

“Cheers!” said Liam, picking up his glass.

Without a minute to waste he took a big sip and so did Savannah while Drake just watched them in disinterest.

“Who has vanilla shake for celebrating a victory?” he was mumbling when he heard his sister giggle.

He followed her gaze settling on Liam’s face that had a big white moustache of cream. Drake smirked.

“What ?” Liam asked looking between both of them.

She pointed out snickering, “ You got a big Moustache like an old man.”

Instead of wiping it off, Liam got up to look into the reflection on the TV’s black LED screen.

He turned towards Savannah and boomed, “Ho,Ho,Ho. I am Santa Claus. I am here to give you the Christmas present. What do you wish? Tell me young lady and I will grant it.”

Savannah shied looking at Liam’s playful manner and giggled more while Drake rolled his eyes.

She shakes her head to come back to reality and messages Liam inviting him for the breakfast. Next moment she goes into a deep slumber while thinking about the golden days. It has been a long day.

Next morning

Savannah greets Liam and ushers him into her humble abode. There in front him stands his replica. Fabian’s sandy blonde hair and ocean blue eyes are a straightforward giveaway for anyone to see.

Savannah awkwardly smiles and tries to break the ice. “Fabian, Come meet William.” She introduces.

“Good morning Fabian. I am William.” Liam says.

“Good morning sir,I am Fabian.” He moves ahead and shakes his hand in a very formal manner. Liam is surprised and impressed too.

“Pleasure meeting you.”

Savannah guides them to the dining table where Fabian already has his glass placed. “Please have a seat. I will be back in a minute”

She goes to the kitchen leaving them alone for sometime.

Fabian is slurping his favourite Vanilla shake while his eyes are fixed on the man who has come to meet him. Surprisingly his looks are too familiar to him. So he is observing him with his big blue eyes.

Liam smiles at him waiting for Savannah to join them.

“You like Vanilla Shake?”

Fabian nods, “Its my favourite drink.” He swallows in another sip and asks, “What is your favourite?”

“Same as yours.” Liam bends over the small round table, to whisper.

Fabian imitates bending towards him and whispers back . “My Mommy makes the best vanilla shake. You can ask her for some. She won’t deny. She has a big heart.”

Liam straightens. “I know, Fabian. I love the one she makes.”

Savannah walks out of her kitchen holding two glasses and offers one to Liam.

Vanilla shake. His favourite drink that Bianca made, that Savannah learnt and mastered from her mother, that his son is also fond of. He gives out a heavy breath that he didn’t realise he was holding up and takes the drink from her hands and places it on the table.

He gives a dry smile, first time at loss of words.

Savannah nods slightly telling him to wait. She is going to handle it. ‘The way she handled everything in her life. Alone.’ Liam thought. She is stronger than anyone can think of. She is stronger than him. He knows. So he lets her take the reins of this moment.

She sits down beside Fabian, her son and starts. “Fabian, you remember those bedtime stories?” she pulls him into her lap.

“Yes, Mother.” He answers and Liam thinks. ‘Oh, he answers like me!’

“Do you remember, you always felt strongly about one person in particular, in those stories?” Savannah continues.

Fabian nods, stealing a glance at Liam.

‘Was it me?’ Liam questions himself silently.

“Mommy?” Fabian holds on to her hands, “Is he really King Liam?”

While Liam is surprised that his son has recognised him, Savannah isn’t. She knows how her eight year old was smarter than any kid around. She simply nods.

Fabian’s gaze is intense making Liam squirm in his chair. The fear of rejection grappling him. ‘What if … ? ‘

Before Liam’s mind could wander into the threatening possibilities, Fabian shocks him with another question. “Are you my father?”

Liam expected Savannah to tell Fabian about him. But his son is intelligent enough to connect the missing dots. Liam loses control over the stoic appearance he carries. His emotions are raw as he looks at Savannah. She nods at him.

He Is scared, ‘What if…?’ his mind is continuously taking him down the spiral, ‘What if Fabian doesn’t accept me? What if he hates me?’ He shakes away the wild thoughts and swallows. He doesn’t realise his mouth has gone dry. A heavy minute passes before he answers, “Yes.”

Fabian breaks away from his mother’s arms and leaps to hug Liam taking him back with surprise, yet again. His short arms circle Liam’s neck as he hugs tightly, resting his head on Liam’s broad chest.

“I knew it.” He utters. “I knew it, father. I am glad you could come. I am very happy that you came.” He keeps repeating. “ I am sorry, you had to go through so much, Father. I am sorry I couldn’t help you. I am sorry, I wasn’t there to tell you that we love you and we care for you, father. We do, we really, really do. Both Mommy and I do.”

Savannah had told Liam that Fabian knew about him. But he didn’t expect the little one to forget his own hardships and instead console his father. Liam hugs him back, tears falling unfiltered from his eyes, breaking his strong façade of a king. Fabian has not only accepted him but is pouring out all his love and affection forgetting all the wrong that happened. His little boy is already so grown up and he has missed it all! His heart brakes at the thought and he looks up at Savannah.

She sits there, quietly watching the reunion, wiping away her tears. Fabian made her proud. And then, this man! She catches his gaze and he mouths the words at her, ‘Thank you.’

He caresses Fabian, moving his hand over his head and then placing a kiss in his hair. His other hand is still snuggled around his son’s little frame. Fabian looks up and Liam cups his face placing kisses on his forehead and cheeks and the nose and his eyes. He can never get tired of kissing his son but Fabian shakes his head. Liam stops. ‘Does he not like my kisses?’

Fabian shakes his hand while he raises his tiny little fingers and starts wiping Liam’s tears.

‘Oh dear God! I need to learn a lot from my son.’ Liam thinks and smiles through the tears, hugging his son again. He stretches out an arm for Savannah to join in and Fabian circles his one arm around his mother other arm latching on to his father.

After a long time, they finally sit around the small circular table, Fabian settled in Liam’s lap.

Savannah pushes the vanilla shake that sat idly on the table towards Liam.

Liam instantly indulges into his drink. After a gulping half the glass in one go, he smiles at Fabian.

Fabian looks wide eyed at Liam and then back at his mother . He is not sure if he can react in front of his father. When he sees his mother chuckling, he joins in.

Liam gives them a confused look.

“What happened ? He asks.

“You got moustaches like Santa!” Fabian splits into a laughter.

Liam catches Savannah go stiff at mention of Santa. The memories come back to her like a whiplash. Before Fabian could notice his mother’s sad face, Liam jumps at him and grabs him. “Ho,Ho,Ho. I am Santa Claus. I am here to give you the Christmas present. What do you wish? Tell me young boy and I will grant it.” Liam circles his arms around Fabian

Fabian rolls out laughing, “Really?”

“Always!” Liam beams hugging Fabian and looking at Savannah with a promise in his eyes.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Tags : @angelasscribbles @alj4890 @tessa-liam @lizzybeth1986 @3pawandme @annabellewynter @bascmve01 @bebepac @busywoman @dcbbw @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @iaminlovewithtrr @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @neotericthemis @mom2000aggie @phoenixrising0308 @princess-geek @sazanes @secretaryunpaid @sfb123 @sillydg @tinkie1973 @txemrn @walkerdrakewalker @rubiwalker @703cowbarn @kyra75 @likealotus @kskvb20 @marietrinmimi @aussiegurl1234

#twinkleallnight #pixelberry #playchoices #the royal romance #trr fandom #trr #king liam #choices fic writers creations #liam rhys #kingliamappreciationweek #klaw day 3

27 notes · View notes

kinda-iconic · 6 months ago

Text

Summer Nights

Author's note: Started off as a drabble (was in need of some fluff); turned into something more.

Words: 1800+

Pairing: Adrian Raines x Human!MC (Amy)

Tagging: @bloodboundismylife @choicesfannatalie22

Don't know who else to tag, nowadays.

Amid the summer months, Amy was not known to spend her nights confined inside the sanctity of her apartment. Instead, she often found solace at Adrian’s penthouse, the city’s skyline providing her with a newfound comfort that her own simply could not provide.

Last night was no exception.

A trickle of golden light illuminates her features, the radiant warmth of sunrise gracing her skin with an iridescent glow. A soft groan escapes her as she reaches up, her forearm sleepily draping over her face; she lays like that for a moment, basking in the tranquil embrace of morning before slowly sitting up, silken bedsheets falling to rest above her thighs. Amy smiles softly, placing her hand amidst the rays, tilting her head as she admires her fingers from afar.

A strong arm wraps itself around her waist, drawing her further into their embrace. Amy shakes her head in amusement, tracing her fingertips across its surface. She inclines her head towards her companion, leaning down just enough to press a tender kiss to his temple, her voice soft and comforting.

“I need to get out of bed, Adrian.”

He shakes his head despondently, expressing his displeasure with a pout, brows creasing slightly as he slowly opens his eyes, smiling drowsily up at her.

She giggles softly, carefully caressing his face in between her palms.

“I need to go.”

He groans, shaking his head once more, his arm constricting around her midsection.

“No.”

“Adrian…”

He lazily pulls himself flush against her, burying his face in her side, his warm breath ghosting her skin.

“Call them and say that you’re sick,” he murmurs.

“And what would I say?”

“Tell them that you have the flu,” he mumbles groggily, his nose wrinkling as it encounters the hem of her pyjama top.

“They’ll never believe that.”

“They will if you cough a couple of times,” he turns over, resting his head on his forearm as he gazes up at her, his expression softening as his eyes befall hers; he reaches up, his knuckles grazing the nape of her neck as he speaks with conviction, his next utterance spoken with jest. “A little sniffle here and there…an occasional cough…”

“Are you encouraging me to pull a sickle?”

“If it means that I get to keep you in my arms a little bit longer…”

She playfully pats his chest; a mischievous laugh escaping him as his fingers enclose around her wrist, drawing her closer. They look at one another for a moment before he leans in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss, their bodies entwining as he carefully pushes her back down onto the bed, a soft gasp leaving her as her back connects with the mattress. He kisses her once more, his hands grasping onto her waist before moving down to her hips, his kisses growing more impatient as they trail along her jaw and neck. She closes her eyes, truly enjoying the moment…

“Is that Mr Harrison?”

Her eyes open, widening in disbelief as they fall upon Adrian, who remains in place, a triumphant smirk blossoming on his features…

…holding her mobile to his ear.

“Adrian!”

She reaches for her phone, but he manages to block her, lightly swatting at her hand every time she attempts to retrieve the phone.

“Unfortunately-“ she makes a second attempt for the device, but is swiftly deterred as he pins her wrists to her stomach; once she has ceased, he continues, “Amy is unable to come into the office today.”

“Adrian-”

“She woke up with a fever this morning. A slight cough, blocked nose…the usual…”

He looks down at her once more, just to be met with a feigned scowl. He chuckles quietly, his grin widening as he returns his attention back to the call, listening to the man on the other end of the line.

“Uhuh…uhuh…yes, I’ll…I’ll let her know. Thank you, Sir.”

Adrian ends the conversation, tossing the phone across the bed.

"Clyde hopes that you make a speedy recovery."

“You’re unbelievable.”

“But you love it.”

He nuzzles her shoulder, pulling back just enough so that he can see her face.

“Looks like you’re stuck with me for the rest of the day, after all.”

She shakes her head in disbelief, the corner of her mouth curving upward.

“You are full of surprises, Mr Raines.”

“That I am,” he kisses her forehead before wrapping her in his arms, his chin resting in the crook of her neck, “that’s why you love me.”

“I can think of a hundred reasons, but…sure. Let’s go with that.”

He lets out a contented sigh, holding her close to his chest as he begins to sing.

“Look at the stars…look how they shine for you-“

She turns abruptly, regarding him with a quirked brow.

“Serenading me with Coldplay, huh?”

“I’ll serenade you with anything you want,” he beams, sliding the strap of her pyjama top down her forearm, exposing her shoulder; he presses his lips against her skin, exhaling softly as he moves to repeat this action on her adjacent side, “Coldplay…Taylor Swift…you name it, I sing it.”

“What about the Beatles?”

He hums his approval, “especially the Beatles.”

She closes her eyes, leaning back as he begins to pepper kisses along her collarbone.

“Which one?”

“Which song did you have in mind?” He replies quickly, “I know them all.”

“I am happy with whichever song you choose.”

“Careful now,” he collects her hair into his fist, draping it over her right shoulder as he regards her inquisitively, “or I might bless you with your very own concert…” he pauses momentarily, grazing the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip, “live from the comfort of our bed.”

“Well, I am ill…” she smiles coyly; he returns the gesture, their shared happiness evident in the gentleness of his touch as he cups her chin with his palm, his gaze drifting down to her mouth.

“Maybe too ill to attend this performance.”

“I might need to see a doctor.”

He places his hand on her forehead just to briskly remove it, feigning a wince.

“You definitely have a temperature.”

“Oh?” She tilts her head, “and what do you intend to do about cooling me down?”

“Who said anything about cooling down?”

She tuts, swatting his chest.

“Smooth.”

“I thought that was more presumptuous than flirtatious, personally.”

“It can be whatever you want it to be,” she rests her head on his shoulder, “do we have any waffles left?”

“I brought a new pack yesterday.”

“Good,” she rubs her stomach, “because I am in need of sugary goodness.”

Amy begins to move towards the edge of the bed, but Adrian beats her to it, gently easing her back down onto the covers.

“You think I’m going to let my sick girlfriend get her own breakfast?” He walks over to the dresser, collecting a fresh pair of joggers; he starts to dress himself, only stopping to pass her a bottle of water from the side, “what kind of boyfriend would that make me?”

“A busy one?”

“I’m never too busy for you.”

He walks back towards her, pressing a loving kiss to the top of her head.

“I’ll be right back.”

He disappears into the kitchen, the door closing quietly behind him. As the silences settles in, Amy moves over to the window, opening the curtains slightly as she admires the city down below, a soft warmth enveloping her a mere moment later as Adrian embraces her from behind, waffle in hand. He passes it to her with a smile, kissing her temple.

“You can’t be in the sunshine,” she frowns, “you’ll burn.”

“A few seconds won’t hurt,” he whispers softly, following her gaze to the busy streets, “besides, if it means that I get to share in this moment with you, then I shall remain here until I am nothing more than a pile of ash.”

“Please don’t say that.”

“You’re right,” he sighs, “just think of the cleaning bill you’d have for this rug.”

“Adrian!”

He laughs heartily, “I’m only joking.”

She nudges him slightly, taking a small bite of her waffle, “you really should get in the shade, though.”

He shakes his head.

“Just a little bit longer.”

The pair remain like that for a minute more, neither one able to take their eyes off the beautiful sunrise before them. It is only when Adrian speaks that the silence is broken, replaced with a feeling of melancholy.

“I think that was the first sunrise that I have seen in a while.”

“Do you miss it?”

“Sometimes,” he pauses as if lost in thought, but it isn’t long before he returns his attention back to her, his once sad demeanour replaced with one of gratitude, “but why should I mourn my mortality when I have been blessed with something even more precious in return?”

“What’s that?”

“You,” he smiles lovingly down at her, “I love you, Amy.”

“And I you,” she replies, holding her breakfast up to his mouth; he takes a generous bite, eliciting a soft smile on his behalf, “more than you know.”

"And I will be eternally grateful for that."

He exhales, placing a comforting hand on the small of her back.

“I would like to spend more time with you.”

“You already do,” she beams up at him, “we’re pretty much inseparable now.”

“Do you think that it is too much?” He questions, a sudden vulnerability seeping into his tone, “I don’t want to stop you from living your life.”

“My life is a lot more exciting with you in it.”

“Do you mean that?”

She nods, her demeanour one of reassurance and compassion, “I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true.”

“Even if it means that we can’t do anything during the daylight hours?”

“I’m more of a night owl, anyway.”

He grins sheepishly; she reaches upwards, the pad of her thumb tracing along the curve of his jaw.

“I work at nights, remember? Being your PA and all.”

“Unless a certain Mr Harrison requires your assistance,” he replies comically, “did he not need your guidance opening a document on his computer last week?”

She shakes her head; Adrian’s brows crease in befuddlement.

“Is that not the story?”

“He never got that far.”

“I…I’m afraid that I don’t - ”

“He didn’t know how to turn the computer on.”

He opens his mouth to speak, but his words fail him. His shock elicits a chuckle from Amy, her attention never straying from his face.

“Not what you expected, huh?”

“And he is…”

“One of your new IT guys.”

“Ah,” he grimaces, cupping the back of his neck, “maybe I should ensure that he receives adequate training, seeing as that is his job and all.”

“He’s a nice man.”

“Who doesn’t know how to turn a computer on, apparently.”

“I think he was overwhelmed.”

“That’s a possibility,” he appears hesitant, as if unsure as to how he should continue, “I’ll get on that tomorrow.”

She greets him with a puzzled look, uncertain.

“Are you not at work tonight?”

“Oh no,” he playfully swats the back of her thigh, causing her to gasp in surprise, “I have a sick girlfriend to look after.”

#choices: stories you play #playchoices #choices bb #bloodbound #adrian raines #adrian x mc #choices fic

34 notes · View notes

jerzwriter · 2 months ago

Text

It's Kiss-mas! A Carrick Family Holiday

Once again, @/artbyainna (IG) hits it out of the park! I have not done many commissions lately, but I wanted something special for my OTP for the holidays, and she delivered! Look at my babies with their babies!!! ❤️I'm simply in love with this!

I wrote a story to accompany it below.

Book: Open Heart (Post-Series) Pairing: Tobias x Casey Carrick (F!MC) Featuring: The Carrick Girls: Samantha, Brooke & Kayla Rating: General Words: 1,300 Summary: The Carrick family has opted to have a quiet Thanksgiving at home, and the girls have unknowingly started some new traditions.

Thanksgiving Morning

Thanksgiving morning was finally here, and the Carrick household was buzzing with activity. Tobias and Casey were in the kitchen perfecting their holiday meal while their daughters were in the adjoining family room. Toys were scattered about as Samantha read a poem about being thankful, Brooke busily colored decorations at the coffee table, and little Kayla sat nearby, babbling with delight. Casey watched the peaceful scene with a full heart; this was exactly the kind of holiday she had hoped for.

A short time later, Kayla’s sweet babbling stopped, and she waddled toward the kitchen with her dark curls bouncing and the look of joy that could only be found on a child’s face this time of year in place.

“It’s Kiss-mas!” she announced triumphantly, beaming as she raised her arms in the air.

Samantha, who remained on the couch, rolled her eyes in true big-sister fashion. “It’s not Christmas, Kayla. Today’s Thanksgiving.”

Brooke looked up from her coloring, her brow slightly furrowed. Ever the peacemaker, she wanted to settle things quickly. “It is Thanksgiving,” she agreed. “But we can start celebrating Christmas today, too.”

Kayla’s tiny body appeared to tremble with glee. “Kiss-mas!”

Tobias scooped his youngest into his arms, pressing a kiss onto her chubby cheek. “You know what, sweetheart. We can start celebrating the Christmas season today.”

“Really?” Brooke gasped, her eyes wide. She had been trying to broker peace before but never imagined they’d get this lucky. “Does that mean we can put up the tree today?”

Casey joined the conversation, a soft smile on her lips. “We don’t have big plans,” she reminded Tobias. “Just us and the girls. So I think we could start decorating, don’t you?”

Tobias turned to her, Kayla wriggling happily in his arms. “I don't see why now. After dinner, we’ll make it happen. Tree, stockings, the works!”

“Yey!!!” Brooke squealed as she danced around the living room. Even Samantha couldn’t help but smile as Kayla happily declared, “It’s Kiss-mas!” once more.

Dinner Time

The house was filled with the aroma of roasting turkey. Samantha helped Tobias set the table, and Brooke and Casey were finishing up in the kitchen as Kayla chased the family cat, Pietro, all around the room. While Tobias and Casey were eager to dig into the delicious meal, the girls were more focused on the promise of Christmas decorating to come.

Samantha was the first to push her plate forward. “I’m done!” she announced with a broad grin.

“Done?” Tobias asked with a raised brow. “You barely touched your food, hon. You’ve gotta eat more than that.”

“Daddy’s right,” Brooke chimed in, clutching a dinner roll. “We need energy for decorating!”

Casey laughed softly, sharing an amused glance with Tobias. “We do need energy,” she agreed. “But there will be no decorating until after we have the pumpkin pie. That’s non-negotiable.”

Kayla sat tall in her high chair, clapping her hands. “Pie! Pie!” she giggled, pointing to the dessert on the counter.

“You can have pie, sweetie,” Casey promised. “As soon as you finish that turkey.”

Despite the older girl’s minds already being set on the tree, the meal was filled with tender moments, especially when they shared what they were most thankful for. Samantha had a long list prepared, covering everything from her family to her books and dolls. Brooke quickly added Mommy’s bedtime stories and Daddy’s pancakes as Tobias playfully whispered into his wife's ear, “Note, it’s not your food,” he laughed. Kayla’s contribution was a little less cohesive—“Cat! Turkey! Kiss-mas!” She yelled as Tobias grinned and told her that was a perfect list.

Decorating the Tree

The girls had barely cleared their plates before they asked their father to get the tree. Almost as eager as they were, he needed little prodding. He returned from the basement with plastic storage bins containing their decorations before Casey finished clearing the table. The girls squealed when he placed them next to the fireplace, where their stockings would soon hang.

Casey knelt beside one of the bins and pulled out their beloved angel tree topper, holding it up with a smile. “Remember this?” she asked Tobias, gently taking his hand. “We bought it our first Christmas together.”

“Before you had us?” Samantha asked, seemingly shocked that her parents had a life before she and her sisters entered it.

“Yep,” Tobias laughed. “Mommy and Daddy actually did things before you were all born, too, you know.”

“But I’m sure they weren’t as fun!” Brooke giggled as she pulled their stockings from another bin.

“Daddy, you have to start with the lights!” Samantha called out, already wrestling with a tangled string. Casey chuckled as Tobias groaned. She knew this was his least favorite part, but Samantha had already assigned the job to him.

The room quickly filled with laughter as holiday music played softly in the background. Brooke worked diligently on the lower branches while, with Tobias’s help, Samantha worked on the higher ones. Casey watched with a smile as she kept Kayla occupied, and they both kept Pietro away from the tree.

“Can we do the stockings next?” Brooke asked eagerly.

“Of course,” Tobias replied, then he helped Brooke hang them carefully along the mantle while Casey added the finishing touches to the tree.

With everything finally in place, they stepped back to admire their work - their faces aglow from the tree’s twinkling lights. It felt like magic. Tobias wrapped his arm around Casey, placing a kiss on her head. “This is perfection,” he whispered, and nearby, Kayla apparently agreed. “It’s Kiss-mas!” she yelled, bouncing up and down with delight.

The End of the Night

“What can we do next?” Samantha asked, hands on her hips.

Tobias exchanged a look with his exhausted wife. “I say we watch some Christmas movies,” he suggested, settling back into the couch.

“Can we have popcorn?” Brooke asked, though her tone left little room for negotiation.

“There’s no other way to do it,” Casey laughed, and as the girls piled onto the couch, Tobias joined her in the kitchen to make popcorn. With the quiet hum of the microwave filling the space, he slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.

“Do I tell you how thankful I am for you often enough?” he asked, his voice low and filled with emotion.

She tilted her head to meet his gaze, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “You tell me quite often,” she replied. “Do I do the same for you?”

“Yes,” he smirked. “But feel free to lay it on me more often. My ego isn’t as big as you think.”

Casey’s laughter filled the room as she gently smacked his chest. “Oh, please. Your ego couldn’t possibly get any bigger.”

They glanced into the living room, where the girls were snuggled under a blanket. Samantha and Brooke already bickering over what to watch first, while Kayla, nestled between them, looked completely unphased by the commotion.

“Our lives have sure changed since our first Thanksgiving together,” Casey said, leaning into Tobias’s chest.

He nodded, his voice full of reverence. “You can say that again, and they just keep getting better.”

“I love you,” she murmured.

“I love you too,” he replied, pressing a kiss to her temple before they carried the popcorn into the living room.

Settling onto the couch, Tobias announced, “All right! It’s Kayla’s turn to pick!” The toddler squealed, pointing at the screen. “Kiss-mas show!”

“Well, that narrows it down,” Casey laughed.

“Don’t worry, girls,” Tobias assured. “We’ll watch all of our favorites tonight.”

A gentle snow began to fall outside as Rudolph appeared on the television screen. Snuggled under the blanket with their daughters on their laps, Tobias and Casey’s hearts couldn’t have been more full. They shared a quick kiss before they turned back to the TV, basking in the glow of their tree and the simple joy of being together.

It was the perfect Thanksgiving, after all.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @openheartfanart

@choicesholidays New Traditions, Cuddling by the Fireplace @choicesmonthlychallengenov2024 thankful, television, pies, happiness

Tagging others separately.

#open heart #open heart choices #open heart fanfic #tobias carrick #tobias carrick x mc #choices #choices fanfic #playchoices #playchoices fanfic #choices stories you play #thanksgiving fics #holiday fics #holidays 2024 #choices fanart #playchoices fanart

66 notes · View notes