#playchoices fics | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

thequeenb · 4 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

34 notes · View notes

liaromancewriter · 4 months ago

Text

Shades of Gray

Premise: Only one woman can turn Ethan’s world upside down, and yet another who can ground him.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angst. Words: 1,450

A/N: This is a follow-up to Inconvenient Truths and is set during 2.15. Submission to @julychallenge prompt "emotional"

His heart unwittingly carried him to the fifth floor, and the woman he wanted to see as much as his head cautioned him avoidance was the better solution.

Ethan Ramsey couldn’t remember a time when he’d been this indecisive. Privately, he referred to it as the Louise effect. His emotions had been on a rollercoaster since his father told him his mother had returned and wanted to see him.

Depending on the time of day, his moods swung from surly to downright depressed to pretending indifference. He wouldn’t blame his dad for not taking his calls or Cassie for telling him she wanted a break.

Somehow, without meaning to or realizing it, he’d managed to drag everyone he loved onto the tumultuous ride.

His feet faltered as he neared the hospital room. Through the window, he caught a glimpse of sunny blonde hair. He stood off to the side, close enough to look inside but far enough away so Louise couldn’t see him.

Ethan saw the pain etched on his mother’s face as she gripped her stomach and the compassion in Cassie’s eyes as she adjusted the drug protocol and noted the change on the patient chart.

He wondered what she thought of the situation and his mother. He knew he had Cassie’s support; he always had that, even when he behaved like an ass.

His eyes were cool as they scrutinized the scene. A lifetime of drugs had aged Louise, giving her a hardened look, especially around the eyes.

His eyes, he realized. While the rest of his features resembled Alan, the shape of his eyes and the light blue color came from his mother.

What else had he inherited from her?

Lost in thought, he didn’t notice Cassie leave the room or stop beside him until she nudged his elbow.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said cautiously. “It was good of you to admit her.”

“Good has nothing to do with it. She’s a patient. We’re doctors.” He couldn’t help the detached tone accompanying his words. “She’s entitled to three days of detox like everybody else.”

He must have sounded harsh, for Cassie’s eyes widened in surprise.

“And then what?” she asked.

Ethan knew she was frustrated by his evasiveness. Aside from their late-night conversation at Dagger Mountain, they hadn’t discussed this topic. Tip-toed around it? Yes. But sat down and talked like adults? No.

Cassie had tried; his father had, too. But he’d shut them both out, not ready to dissect the complicated mess of emotions and thoughts that crowded his brain.

Ethan straightened his coat, locked his hands behind his back and stared intently into the hospital room. “Since we got back from the resort, I’ve been looking for an addiction clinic to send her to that isn’t a scam.”

Unable to bear it any longer, Ethan looked away from the room in time to catch the resolve on Cassie’s face as she took a deep breath.

“She really wants to spend some time with you, Ethan,” she said softly. “It might do you both some good to just sit and talk a little.”

The latent anger inside him flared without warning. “I'm already doing more for her than she ever did for me. If it's not enough for her, tough.”

And waned just as quickly, replaced by uncertainty and guilt. “I don't know what I’m doing here,” he sighed deeply. “I’ve gotten her the help she needs. The rest should be up to her.”

Ethan wasn’t sure who he was trying to convince. He felt his eyes glisten and turned away before Cassie could see the tears spilling past his cheeks. He’d spent too many years crying over what couldn’t be, but it never seemed enough.

“She’s suffering,” Cassie said, reaching for his hand. “It's normal to want to check on her.”

“She deserves to,” Ethan snapped, unable to control the anger that boiled over, ready to burn everyone and everything in its path. “After what she did to me? To my father? She’s spent twenty-five years hurting the people who cared about her most.”

Why did Cassie still not understand what Louise’s abandonment, her betrayal of their family, had done to them?

“That may all be true,” Cassie inclined her head toward the window, “but look at her. She's not faking this.”

Ethan gritted his teeth at the tone in Cassie’s voice. It was the same one she used when dealing with a difficult patient—infinite patience overlaid with sympathy.

He sighed, swallowing down a nasty retort, and walked away from the window. Cassie followed, but then he’d expected her too. Her stubbornness was just one of the qualities that made her a good doctor, even if it could be annoying on a personal level.

“I keep catching myself thinking that she deserves to feel worse than this for what she did to us,” he said, halting, trying to find the right words to explain the conflict brewing inside him. “But I can't let myself think like that. Nobody here deserves worse. Nobody deserves better. That’s not how life works.”

He waited for Cassie to respond, but she remained silent as they walked down the busy hallway. Likely keeping her distance in case he bit her head off again, he thought morosely. He’d done it enough times since Louise’s reappearance that she could probably read the signs.

Just how infinite was her patience? He was sick of his attitude and his damn mood, so he could only imagine how others felt being around him.

They were nearing the elevator bank, out of sight of the nurses’ station, and Ethan couldn’t take the silent treatment anymore. He grabbed her wrist and hauled her into an empty patient room, slamming the door shut with the back of his foot.

Incensed, she pushed his arms away. “If you plan to shout at me again, I don’t have the time. Nor am I in the mood to be your punching bag. I know your automatic reaction is to shut me out when things hit too close to home. But the world isn’t black or white, Ethan. It’s shades of gray. Deal with it!”

Ethan could always tell when she was furious from how her entire body vibrated, hands clenched in tight fists, ready to slug. If violence weren’t anathema to her, she probably would’ve taken a swing at him already.

“I’m not gonna shout at you,” he barked, brows snapping in annoyance.

“You already are, Ethan,” Cassie huffed in exasperation, hands on her hips.

Of course, he was. Only two women in his life could make him lose control like this.

Ethan muttered, “Christ” under his breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. He took deep breaths, reining in his temper and frustration.

“I’m sorry,” he said, crossing the floor to take her hands and hold her close. “Louise brings out the worst in me.”

“I know!”

He grinned at the exaggerated eye-roll that accompanied the quip.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever act reasonably when it comes to her, but I shouldn’t take it out on you.” He placed two fingers on her chin and tilted her face up. “Forgive me?”

“Yes, but I need something from you first.”

He quirked one brow in question, curious about the mischievous glint in her green eyes despite the serious tone.

“You owe an apology kiss,” she smiled, running her hands up his chest to rest them on his shoulders.

Ethan laughed softly, the tension between them easing with the sound. “An apology kiss, huh? I think I can manage that.”

His fingers trailed from her chin to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over her skin. Their eyes locked, and the world around them seemed to fade. It was just the two of them standing there, inches apart.

He leaned in slowly, savoring the moment, his breath mingling with hers. Hers hitched in anticipation.

When his lips finally met hers, it was tender and sincere, an unspoken promise lingering in the warmth of the kiss. Her hands tightened on his shoulders, drawing him closer as she melted into the embrace.

As they parted, Ethan rested his forehead against hers, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

“Well? What do you say?” he murmured, his voice filled with affection.

Cassie nodded, her eyes shining with the remnants of her playful challenge and a deeper, more profound emotion.

“It’s a good start,” she whispered back, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “But don’t think you’re off the hook just yet.”

Ethan grinned, feeling lighter than he had all day. He captured her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

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

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

46 notes · View notes

kinda-iconic · 3 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

29 notes · View notes

zigtheeortega · 10 months ago

Text

they're flipping tyril off <3

i wiped my computer recently and found this in the depths of my commissions folder when backing everything up – i can't believe i forgot about this gorgeous piece! thank you so much to @plejaades for capturing my vision! i miss zilyana and mal a lot and i have not played blades 2... but happy book finale day to all who celebrate !!! :)

#playchoices #blades of light and shadow #mal volari #mal volari x mc #choices fanart #my commissions #i cannot remember what tags i use for the life of me #i'm so sorry about posting this literally like two years late KMDKMDKF #i def planned to post this a long time ago but since i've been so mia i guess it completely slipped my mind #i also miss writing them SO MUCH you don't even know .. some of my fav fics of all time have been them

133 notes · View notes

aces-and-angels · 1 year ago

Text

Lovely humans- the time has come for ILW to get its well deserved beach filler episode! I've been posting sneak peeks for a bit and I'm so happy that I can finally share the finished product with yall~

I would love to hear your thoughts (or concerns- there may be a few bugs/hiccups lol). This is a purely self-indulgent project that was fun to make and hopefully fun to read as well 🖤 and as always, a big thank you to @itlivesproject for creating such a wonderful story to begin with

Please read content warnings before proceeding to read the entire story

Content warnings: this story takes place two years post-finale, following my Mixed Route with Rowan (F!MC) x Abel and contains NSFW material. Any ‘dirty thirty’ scenes are optional to read and can be skipped entirely/fade to black. That being said, Abel x Rowan are depicted to be in an established, long-distance relationship, and certain dialogue/references are made based on that.

162 notes · View notes

a-cloud-for-dreams · 7 months ago

Text

Do you think we'll be together in another universe?

I think I'll miss you forever (summertime sadness) Like the stars miss the sun in the morning sky (summertime summertime sadness) Later's better than never (summertime summertime sadness) Even if you're gone, I'm gonna drive (drive), drive I got that summertime, summertime sadness Su-su-summertime, summertime sadness Got that summertime, summertime sadness Kiss me hard before you go Summertime sadness I just wanted you to know That baby you the best

Fanart Credits Respectively: frostkitsuneart (VK) & The_mandywalker (Instagram)

#if you thought I would shut up about them you're unfortunately wrong 🤷🏽‍♀️ they EXUDE the same energy #playchoices #romance club #kali call of darkness #open heart #chandini ramakrishnan oc #amala basu #cute prompts #gabriel grant #ethan ramsey #amala x gabriel #ethan & chandini #ethan ramsey x mc #spotify #fic ideas #fave fanart tag 🖼️#lana del rey #arctic monkeys #mir falls in love <3

40 notes · View notes

jerzwriter · 5 months ago

Text

Ethan and Kaycee have a little secret... there's a big reason to celebrate Father's Day this year. But when Kaycee's plans go awry, she learns Ethan's were just falling into place.

Story/Fandom: Open Heart (Post Series) Pairing: Ethan Rasmsey x Kaycee (F!MC) Rating: Teen Words: 1,600 Summary: Please see above A/N: Last year, I wrote Mother's Day fics and left the poor dads in my world unloved. lol This year, I switched that up a bit (sorry, moms!) I hope you enjoy this! :) Participating in @choicesjunechallenge2024 - Threshold/new beginning - I didn't have much of a chance to edit. I hope it's not dreadful! :)

Kaycee had locked herself in the bathroom. A pretty drastic step for remaining undetected, considering Ethan was still fast asleep, but she wasn’t taking any chances. Confident her emotions were finally under control, she attempted to stand up from the bathtub’s edge where she had been perched, only to sit back down when another wave of tears washed over her.

“This is ridiculous,” she mumbled as she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her bathrobe.

She was never out of bed before ten on a day off, but that had changed lately. Ethan finally respected her sleeping habits; based on the snoring she heard coming from down the hall, he had even adopted them for himself. But morning sickness was something else. Morning sickness had no respect, so being awake at 8:00 on a Sunday morning was no longer very strange.

Six weeks earlier, they celebrated Mother’s Day – at least Kaycee did. She had told her parents Ethan couldn’t get time off of work, but that wasn’t entirely true. Mother’s Day was difficult for him – he sold it as his disdain for Hallmark holidays, but Kaycee knew better. What she hadn’t known was a reason to change his mind already existed. Something she’d discover a week later, alone, in this same bathroom, and she still found it hard to believe it was true.

It was still early—so early that the only others who knew were Kaycee’s parents and Sienna. Based on the side-eye and attentiveness received by the rest of her team at Edenbrook, Kaycee was pretty sure they suspected, but she and Ethan had decided that until the first trimester ended, no one else was to know.

They had no way of knowing last Mother’s Day was of significance to them, but their baby-to-be made themselves known early enough for Father’s Day to be viewed differently, but Ethan put the kibosh on any celebration.

“It’s too soon,” he whispered, with his hand protectively laying on his wife’s stomach. “I don’t want to jinx anything.” “Jinx!” Kaycee sputtered. “You’ve never been superstitious! Not once, and now you decide to be!” “Maybe I finally have something to be superstitious about,” he smiled.

She had wanted to argue the point, but exhaustion took over, and when sleep was possible these days, she took it. But as the day got closer, Kaycee couldn’t let it go by without acknowledgment. Ethan Ramsey was going to be a dad! And as much as she wanted to scream that from the rooftops, she would respect his wishes and refrain. But the man wouldn’t deny her making the day special for him, of that she was sure.

So, she set her alarm for 7:30, just in case the nausea didn’t come through. Her goal was to make him a special breakfast—his favorite: eggs benedict with Hollandaise, rosemary-roasted potatoes, and mimosas—at least mimosas for him.

Kaycee being in the kitchen was a rarity – as much of a miracle as Ethan’s pending parenthood, some would say. But as she quietly took out the pots, pans, ingredients, and utensils that would make her husband’s first Father’s Day breakfast, she couldn’t have been more excited or relieved.

The waves of nausea that had become commonplace were nowhere to be seen until she attempted to drop that raw egg into the boiling water. Poaching an egg, how hard could it be? At another time, perhaps not hard at all, but during her first trimester, the faintest smell of boiling eggs sent her running to the bathroom. By the time she was well enough to return to the kitchen, the potatoes had started to burn. Tossing everything in the trash, she gave up. At least she could order in.

But that didn’t go as planned, either. The order had been placed, and instructions were to leave the bag with the doorman. The app notified her of their delivery, and she rushed downstairs, only to be disappointed again.

Henry, her favorite doorman, saw her face fall and was full of concern. “What’s the matter?” he asked.

“These aren’t eggs benedict! They sent tofu scrambles!”

“Well, that doesn’t sound anywhere near as appetizing!” the old man empathized.

“Ethan would hate it,” she said with a sigh. “Would you like it?”

Henry crinkled his nose. “I’m afraid I’ll have to side with Dr. Ramsey on this one – a true rarity,” he chuckled before offering to give it to someone in the maintenance department who would appreciate it. Grateful it wouldn’t go to waste, Kaycee got back into the elevator. But by the time she reached their floor, her hormones took over again, and her thoughts began to race.

She couldn’t get anything right. Why had she even attempted to cook? Everyone knew her skill set was best served outside of the kitchen. Would she be able to cook for her baby? She was going to be a terrible mother. She had already ruined Ethan’s first Father’s Day, after all, no matter that he was still sleeping. When she stumbled in the condo door, she headed right to the bathroom again. That’s how Kaycee found herself here, perched on the bathtub with a face full of snot and tears. Her only consolation? Ethan was unaware of any of this, but a knock on the door changed all that.

“Kaycee, honey? What’s going on in there? Are you OK?”

“Uh, yeah,” she said, splashing cold water on her face. “Just uhm, going to the bathroom.”

“Why are you in the guest bathroom?”

“I, uhm... didn’t want to wake you.”

Ethan always understood Kaycee, even when he was determined not to. But after their years together, she couldn't fool him.

“Kaycee, open the door, please.”

She opened the door, her face red and eyes puffy, and fear struck his heart.

“Kaycee...”

“I'm fine," she reassured. "Come with me,” she said, taking his hand and leading him back to bed.

“I’m sorry,” she cried into his shoulder. “I just wanted to do something nice for you.”

“Nice... for what? What are you even doing up this early? You know if you’re sick, you should get me.”

“I wasn’t up because I was sick, well, at least not at first. I wanted... I wanted to make you a nice breakfast, but everything went wrong!”

She relayed the story of the eggs that betrayed her – no wonder they’re called Benedict! – then the burnt potatoes. She attempted to rectify it with delivery, only to receive a tofu scramble. Ethan waited patiently, rubbing her back soothingly until she was done.

“That’s terrible,” he acknowledged with a half smile.

“I know!”

“First, it appears the alarms I set up to keep you out of the kitchen failed miserably, and then... a tofu scramble? No wonder your morning sickness returned after that!”

"Ha-ha-ha," she jeered, poking his chest as her tears turned into laughter. “I know you said you didn’t want to celebrate Father’s Day; you think it's too early, but I wanted to make the day special for you.”

“Well, you’re wrong about something. I did want to celebrate it in my own way. In fact, I already had plans on how to do it.”

“You did?” She marveled.

“Yes. The plans were me, and you, home alone with me spoiling you as much as possible."

“But, it’s Father's Day. Shouldn't I be spoiling you?"

“Not at all, without you, I would have never even imagined being a father, yet look at me now. So I’m going to spoil you rotten today, and you're going to let me."

“Ethan," she sighed.

“Ethan, nothing. If all goes well, you have years of making cards with handprints, buying gifts, and preparing meals with our child – God help them..."

"Hey!" She said with a smack to his shoulder.

"This year is extra special, but you’re doing all the work to get our little one here, so let me spend Father’s Day the way I want to... by showing you the kind of husband I am and the kind of father I intend to be."

Kaycee broke into tears once again.

"Are you OK?"

"No! How dare you say something so sweet to me when you know my hormones are a freaking mess!"

"Come on," he smiled. "Let's get you in the bathtub and I'll make breakfast for you. What do you want?"

"I have to think on it, but not eggs benedict, and definitely not a tofu scramble."

“Well, whatever you decide? I'll make it happen."

A short time later, the couple sat on their balcony overlooking the Charles River. Kayce, in a fresh new bathrobe, with her attentive husband at her side.

"You really don't have to eat this, too," she said, biting into her breakfast.

"Why not?" he asked, trying to swallow his bagel with peanut butter, bananas, greek yogurt, and lox. "This is a delicacy in some... you know what, I can't even lie. This is horrible. The thought of eggs benedict made you sick, but this doesn't?"

"Hey, I don't make the pregnancy rules! If we did, we’d both be otters and then you would be the pregnant one!"

"Kaycee, you're being otterly ridiculous."

"Kaycee, you’re being otterly ridiculous."

"Thank God you're gorgeous and a brilliant doctor," she laughed. "Because you would have never made it as a comedian."

"I love you," he smiled, then leaned over to kiss her cheek.

"I love you, too," she replied. "Now, what do you have planned for the rest of the day."

"Easy. Romcoms. If your emotions can handle them."

"You're watching romcoms with me! Willingly!"

"Mmm-hmm, until we cap the day off with watching the Eras Tour again."

Kaycee let out a soft gasp. "The world has no idea what a big softie you are, Ethan Ramsey."

"Shhh," he whispered. "Let's keep that our little secret."

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Perma: @alj4890 @annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @justyourusualash @kingliam2019

@kyra75 @secretaryunpaid @stars-are-within-me @tessa-liam @thosehallowedhalls

@trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks

Open Heart: @coffeeheartaddict2 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @liaromancewriter @peonierose @rafasgirl23415

@tveitertotwrites

Ethan x MC: @brycesgirl @cariantha @custaroonie @cryomyst

@mrs-ramsey @youlookappropriate

#open heart #open heart fanfic #open heart choices #choices open heart #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x kaycee #choices fanfic #playchoices #playchoices fanfic #choices stories you play #fathers day fics

59 notes · View notes

storyofmychoices · 1 month ago

Text

A Date to Remember

[Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley Masterlist]

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley (F!OC)

Book: Open Heart

Word Count: 360

Rating/Warnings: general, no warnings

Synopsis: Bryce has a very important question for Olivia. (iykyk)

Her focus was on the patient file in her hands. She flipped through the pages, searching for the biopsy results. The breath she had been holding released as her eyes settled on the two words she had been hoping to find: "not cancerous." Her heart fluttered in her chest. There was nothing she loved more than being able to share good news with a patient and their family.

Her steps quickened as she headed to share the good news. Not taking care as she turned the corner, she was met by a strong chest in pink scrubs and a familiar set of arms.

"Someone's in a hurry."

"Bryce! I didn't see you." Her surprised expression faded, giving away to delight.

"I noticed." He grinned, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Where are you heading in such a rush?"

"I just got incredible news for a patient." She held the file close to her chest. "I was on my way to share it!"

"Then, I won't stand in your way." He brushed a feathery kiss on her forehead and stood to the side, watching as she flitted down the hall.

"Oh, Liv, just one quick thing." He leaned against the wall, his arms folded in front of him.

She turned back to him, her eyes bright as she met his gaze.

"What day is it?"

Her brow pulled in confusion for a moment, not expecting such a question. She glanced down at her watch, a smirk growing as she read the date, now understanding his insistence on wearing his pink scrubs this morning even though it wasn't Wednesday. She took a step back toward him. "It's October 3rd."

"Ah," he nodded his approval, shifting closer to her. "Indeed it is."

"You came all the way up to the peds ward for that, didn't you?"

"You know I had to do it," he offered with a light chuckle.

"Have you been waiting all year for this?"

"I mean, not the whole year," his voice trailed away.

Her brow rose challengingly as a smile spread across her features. "Bryce!"

"Yes, Liv, the whole year. This year and every year." His words trailed away as she met him with a kiss.

Just a quick pointless drabble I wrote. It's nothing exciting or special but it's the first thing I've written in a month? Maybe more? so I figured I'd share it. 💖💖💖

#bryce lahela #bryce lahela x mc #bryce lahela x oc #bryce oph #open heart #playchoices #choices #choices game #olivia hadley #bryce x olivia #brylivia #lovealexhunt #oph bryce #fan fiction #open heart fan fic #october2024 #storyofmychoices

37 notes · View notes

cariantha · 6 months ago

Text

Jealous

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: Teen Warning: Foul language Category: Fluff Word count: 2K Summary: Sawyer and Ethan react when they find themselves in situations that stir up feelings of jealousy. A/N: This was my first stab at writing in the first person. Hopefully, I did Sawyer and Ethan justice.

Sawyer

I toyed with the bottom of Ethan’s tie, absentmindedly tugging, wrapping, and swaying it back and forth while we took a few moments to catch up after a busy morning. “What are your plans for later tonight?”

I looked up from where my knuckles tenderly grazed over his shirt for his answer. Despite our proximity, I was disappointed his focus was not on me. Something behind me was much more interesting. Something that made his lips turn up at the corners. Turning my head over my shoulder to see what had stolen his attention, I saw Naveen’s new - and very attractive - administrative assistant walk past. Her long, auburn hair flowed to her waist where a silky blouse was tucked into a form-fitting pencil skirt.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

A piercing trill came from my pager as if echoing the alarm suddenly going off in my head. “It’s a code blue for my diabetes patient. I gotta run,” I explained after reading the message. Grabbing my lab coat, I tried to shake off the icky feeling of jealousy as I quickly darted from the office.

It was like déjà vu a couple of days later as I stood before Ethan in the diagnostics office. Though no one outside those walls could hear, my back to the window gave us a sense of privacy for our intimate conversation.

“Come home with me tonight. It’s been too long,” Ethan urged.

“It’s been three nights,” I countered with a laugh.

Slipping under my lab coat, his hand gripped my waist and squeezed. “Like I said, it’s been too long.”

I smiled. I secretly loved it when he acted starved for my attention. “Okay, but I need to go home first to grab some stuff and I promised Sienna I would help with…”

Ethan’s gaze shifted over my head as I continued my explanation, and I caught the exact moment when his mind wandered off. Like the last time, that same pleased grin appeared on his face.

This time when I looked over my shoulder I saw Harper strolling past.

“Wow,” I whispered incredulously under my breath. Stepping out of his reach, I turned for the door.

My abrupt departure finally snapped Ethan from his lustful ogling. “Where are you going? What's wrong?” he asked urgently, reaching for my arm.

With a huff, I reacted. "What's wrong? Really?” I pinched my eyes shut and took a breath to control my boiling emotions. “Look, I know we haven’t officially defined our relationship, and that’s fine. So, believe me when I say that I don’t mean to sound like a jealous girlfriend… but Ethan, we’re standing here making plans to hook up tonight and you are blatantly gawking at your ex as she walks by!"

Ethan seemed taken aback. He looked out the window again and then returned his gaze to me.

Ignoring the confusion on his face, I quickly added, "And it's not the first time. You did the same thing the other day. Right before the code blue for my diabetic patient. That time it was Naveen’s new assistant."

Ethan shook his head with an amused grin. "Sawyer, come here." When I hesitated, he reached for my arm and guided me back to where we had been standing. He spun me around so I could see the view from his perspective.

"What do you see?" he asked.

“A window.”

"And?"

“The hallway. People walking by,” I clipped.

"Look closer at the window."

Exasperated, I shrugged. “I don't know… our reflection?”

"Yes."

“You expect me to believe that you were looking at the reflection? When you had that I'm-checking-you-out-and-liking-what-I'm-seeing grin on your face,” I asked, turning back around to face him.

Ethan groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes. Because I was checking out your ass! I wasn’t paying attention to anyone else. I was checking you out.” Trading places with me, so his back shielded us from the outside world, Ethan took my hand and placed it over his pants. “I was remembering our first time together…” his voice softened, “up against the window in my bedroom.” His truthful eyes bored into mine as I felt the remaining evidence of his daydream.

To hide my flushed red face of embarrassment, I dropped my forehead to Ethan’s chest. “I’m sorry,” I mumbled, “I must sound so insecure and pathetic.”

“Perhaps defining our relationship will help with that.” Ethan hooked his finger under my chin to make me look up at him. “We are dating. Exclusively. Agreed?”

I nodded. “Agreed.”

“Is anyone walking by right now?” he asked. “I want to kiss my girlfriend.”

Smiling so wide it hurt, I peeked around his towering form. “The coast is clear,” I answered.

Ethan leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on my lips. “You’re mine, Rookie. There’s no need to be embarrassed. I don’t mind one bit that you got jealous. I like it...” he kissed me again, “because it means that I'm yours too.”

<><><><><><><><><><>

Ethan

There’s my girl.

The clinic has never been busier. We’ve been working seven days a week, fourteen hours a day, trying to treat as many patients as possible before the hospital closes its doors. It was late afternoon when I exited an exam room and spotted Sawyer jotting notes at the nurses' station. She was wearing her favorite jogger scrubs, having foregone her lab coat, and her cute ass jutted out as she hunched over the counter. She spent the last two nights at her place, and aside from a passing smile here and there, I haven’t had a chance to speak with or get my hands on her today.

“Hi,” I said, sidling up next to her.

“Hey you,” she looked at me with an excited smile, “long time no see.”

We angled our bodies toward each other and I reached for her hand, our fingers discreetly tangling together as we caught up about our day. I had just insisted she clock out at a reasonable hour and come home with me when another doctor stepped out of a nearby exam room.

Dr. Haute, a popular dermatology attending, had stopped taking on new patients and joined the hospital-wide effort to expand the free clinic’s access to the community before Edenbrook’s final curtain call. Several of the nurses seemed to be quite smitten by his good looks and charm. And to my immense aggravation, I saw firsthand how he shamelessly flirted with the clinic staff, none off limits, including my girlfriend.

Standing in the hallway swiping a tablet, the rash inspector cast a side-eye glance toward us. I stepped back from Sawyer and pointed with my chin over her shoulder letting her know we had an audience. Dr. Haute approached the nurses’ station, settling a few feet behind Sawyer.

“Doctors,” he acknowledged.

Turning in his direction, Sawyer politely greeted him. “How’s it going, Dr. Haute?”

“Significantly better now,” he winked.

Not happening, asshole.

Sawyer bit back what I assumed was a flattered smile and with a quick shake of her head, she sent a silent warning to the prick who was hitting on her, in front of her boyfriend.

When she turned back to face me, that goddamn pimple popper had the nerve to look up and smirk at me.

Oh, it’s on, motherfucker.

Sawyer often teased me about acting like an alpha wolf, especially when barking orders at interns. And I was about to play the part. This alpha would stake his claim and ensure the pup knew his place.

“Jackie and I are neck and neck on patient counts. The loser has to clean the bathroom for a month. So, I’ve got to get back to work. I’ll catch up with you later,” she said with a quick squeeze of my hand. Before she could step out of reach, I grabbed her wrist and tugged, folding her tight against my chest. She looked up in surprise and subtly tilted her head back to the puss squeezer. “What are you doing?” she whispered.

“What’s it look like?” I answered, running my hands down her back. When I felt the eyes of the other doctor on us, I moved my hand south and gave her ass a gentle slap.

“Ethan!” she gasped, looking around to see who might have witnessed my inappropriate and unprofessional display of affection. “What’s gotten into you?”

“I’ve missed you and wanted to show you how much you mean to me. Not too long ago, you told me you didn't need flowers, fancy dinners, or love letters-”

“All I need is for you to slap my ass and say I'm yours,” she remembered, flashing me an approving smile.

With my hand still on her butt, I gave another tap and squeezed her ass cheek. My eyes connected with Dr. Can’t-Mind-His-Fucking-Business as I leaned down and whispered in Sawyer’s ear, so quiet that only she could hear. But I made sure the boil drainer behind her could read my lips. "Mine."

Message sent.

Message received.

The other doctor dipped his chin and chuckled, then walked away.

The following Tuesday, I worked out in the hospital gym with the boys and Sawyer.

“I was thinking of inviting Dr. Hottie to work out with us,” Bryce said as we warmed up on the treadmills.

Rafael looked up into the mirrored wall and glanced in my direction then back to Bryce. “You really think that’s a good idea, man?” he asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Dude got me the hookup with the Botox rep. I’m seeing her again this weekend,” he shrugged, then looked at Raf and Sawyer in the mirror with a mischievous grin. “I figured I owe him one.”

“Bryce.” Sawyer shook her head.

“What?” Bryce laughed, clearly amused with himself. “Worried there might be some competition?”

“No, but you should be. That guy looks cut,” Sawyer responded.

That remark got my attention and suddenly I was very interested in this conversation.

Bryce hopped off his treadmill and flexed in front of the mirror. “More cut than this?” Sawyer laughed at his antics while he flipped his hair to the side. “Brooks, do you think he’s prettier than me?”

“Not gonna lie, Bryce, he’s very easy on the eyes. He’s the flavor of the month in the clinic and has quite the fan club. You might need to step up your game, buddy.”

“Well, if that’s the case, maybe we shouldn’t invite Dr. Hottie to join us. I can’t have him getting any more ripped and stealing attention away from me.”

Sawyer rolled her eyes. “You know it’s pronounced like H-oat, not Hottie, right?”

"Wait…” I interrupted. A heat crept up my neck and to my cheeks and it wasn’t from my workout. “Are you talking about the fucker that can't keep his eyes off Sawyer?" My little show last week did nothing to divert the wart remover’s attention. He was inconveniently around every time I caught a minute with my girl in the clinic.

Sawyer snapped her head in my direction, her mouth falling open in shock, but I didn’t care that I sounded like a territorial asshole. She sucked in her lips, looking over at Bryce and Rafael. And after a moment of silence, the three of them busted into a fit of laughter.

I brought my treadmill to a stop and glared at them. “Does someone want to fill me in on what's so goddamn funny?”

“Dude, Dr. Hottie is not interested in Sawyer,” Bryce wheezed.

“Like hell, he's not. I’ve caught him checking you out several times,” I said to her.

Sawyer giggled and walked towards me. "Babe, those times that you've caught him looking in my direction, were you standing next to me?"

Now that I think about it… "Yes." I figured he was taunting me, staring at us at every opportunity and passing me crooked grins in the hallway, letting me know he’d try to steal my girl the minute I fucked up.

My three gym companions watched with irritating smiles and raised eyebrows as I connected the dots. When I pinched the bridge of my nose, they burst into laughter again.

"Now that we’ve established he’s not into Sawyer, what do you say, Ram-Man? Can we invite Dr. Hottie to join us?" Bryce teased.

Before I could form a response, Sawyer interjected. "No, he cannot..." She pressed herself into my chest, reaching her arms around and cupping my backside. "Because this ass is mine."

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

@jerzwriter @queencarb @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @jamespotterthefirst

@liaromancewriter @zealouscanonindeer @tveitertotwrites @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate

@kyra75 @socalwriterbee @txemrn @midnightmelodiz

#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

63 notes · View notes

potionsprefect · 3 months ago

Text

Achievements

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word Count: 957

Summary: Luke and Lily are eager to learn about their parents

Rating: General Audiences

Category: Fluff

“Mom says we’re not allowed in this room.” Luke said as Lily searched for the key.

“And since when did you listen to what Mom says?” Lily looked up from the cabinet.

“She said it was an important room! We shouldn’t go in there unless they said we could!”

“Oh lighten up Luke, since when did you become a goody two shoes?” Lily rolled her eyes.

“I’m not!” Luke huffed.

“Then help me search for the key!”

Luke rolled his eyes before he helped his sister. Both he and Lily had been eager to learn about their parents achievements since they were old enough to know what they did for a living. There was a room in their home dedicated to books, certificates and trophies. They often heard their parents talk about how they were running out of room and might have to build another shelf.

“Found it!” Lily said as she held up a key.

“What if Mom and Dad find out? You’ve made a mess of the drawer!” Luke said.

Lily looked at the drawer. He was right. The drawer was very messy but she just shrugged and grabbed Luke’s hand before dragging him to the room.

“Keep a look out.” Lily said as she unlocked the door but Luke didn’t need to look for long as Lily had unlocked the door.

“Why are you so interested in this room anyway?” Luke asked.

“Because I don’t get why we’ve not been allowed to look in here. I’m just intrigued.” Lily shrugged.

As she opened the door, her eyes widened. There was far more in here than she realised. Books and certificates adorned the walls but there was also pictures and pieces of paper on the desks.

“Wow.” Luke said.

“Wow indeed. What are you both doing in here?” A voice from behind them said.

Luke and Lily jumped and turned around. Victoria was stood behind them, arms folded and with a raised eyebrow.

“Hi Mom!” Lily said in an attempt to act like nothing had happened.

“I’ll ask my question again. What are you both doing in here?” Victoria came in and shut the door.

“We wanted to see what was so important that we’ve never been allowed in here.” Lily replied.

“We? I was forced to help you out!” Luke crossed his arms.

“You know you have to ask if you want to come in here.” Victoria said.

“But why?” Lily asked.

“Your Dad and I did not want things to get damaged or broken in here. And from remembering what you both were like when you were toddlers, that very well could’ve been the case.” Victoria said.

“We just wanted to know what was in here.” Luke said.

“Would you like me to show you?”

The twins nodded. For the next hour, Victoria showed them all the books that had been written by her and Ethan over the years. Lily tried to decipher the words but couldn’t understand any of them.

“And this here.” Victoria pulled out a paper. “Was my first research paper. I used to read these to you as an alternative to a bedtime story. You fell asleep right away.” She laughed.

“Did Dad do the same?” Luke asked.

“Your Dad started the trend. We found it a great way to get some extra sleep for us.”

“You can say that again.” A voice said.

Ethan was stood by the door, an amused look on his face.

“The twins were eager to see what was in this room.” Victoria laughed.

“It was always off bounds for a reason.”

“But it doesn’t have to be anymore right?” Luke asked.

“I guess not.” Ethan said.

“What’s this Dad?” Lily pointed to a trophy.

Victoria and Ethan shared a look. They couldn’t tell them yet. They weren’t old enough and they wouldn’t quite understand the significance. It was a trophy to celebrate the achievement of the cure during the Senator attack, the most prized possession out of everything in that room.

“It’s a special award. Probably the most special one in this room.” Ethan said.

“What was it given for?” Luke asked.

“You’re a bit too young to understand for now. But one day, we will tell you about it.” Victoria said.

“Why can’t we know about it?” Lily said.

“You can and you will. But not right now. I promise one day. I need to go and start dinner.” Victoria said as she left the room. Ethan knew how she was feeling.

“Sit down a second for me will you please.” Ethan instructed the twins to sit down on the chairs in the room.

“Is everything ok Dad?” Luke asked.

Ethan knelt down in front of the twins, a stern but compassionate look on his face.

“I know you’re both interested to learn about our jobs. This award was given after something terrible happened. For now, you’re too young to understand what happened. So I want you to make me a promise. I want you to not go searching for what this award means until you are old enough to remember. We want to be able to tell you ourselves and we don’t want you to find out what happened on the internet. Do you understand?” Ethan said.

Luke and Lily could grasp the severity of what their Dad was telling them and nodded. He pulled them in for a hug to which they reciprocated.

“Shall we go find Mom?” Ethan said.

The twins nodded and they ran out of the room. It was great that they were taking an interest but there were some things that were best kept from them for now.

One day they would find out. And they would learn why it was the greatest achievement of all.

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 #fluff #choices fic writers creations #fics of the week

36 notes · View notes

liaromancewriter · 7 months ago

Text

Stand By Me

Premise: Cassie experiences the downside of having Ethan Ramsey as a mentor.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angsty Fluff Format: Prose + Text and Pic Fic Words: 2,610

A/N: Submission for @choicesaprilchallenge24 prompt, two-word sentence starter: "you're wrong"

Part 1: The Calm

Cassie Valentine had never traveled quite like this. The cargo plane’s interior was cavernous and dimly lit, a stark contrast to the tightly packed but bright commercial jet that had flown her and Ethan Ramsey from Boston to Miami for the first leg of their trek to assist humanitarian efforts after an earthquake in Haiti.

Cassie thought idly that the jet had been more comfortable with its plush seating. She sat cross-legged on the cold, metal floor, a duffle bag shoved behind her, cushioning her lower back from the unyielding steel, and scanned her surroundings.

The sparse interior was devoid of the usual comforts of commercial flights. There were no overhead bins, seatback trays or in-flight entertainment to pass the time. Just an expansive, unadorned metal hull echoing with the sound of the engines, a constant, deafening roar that made any attempt at conversation futile.

“Hope you’re strapped in tight, folks,” Hank, the team leader, shouted above the noise.

Standing in the center of the plane, his legs spread for balance, he stretched his long arms to grip one of the loops hanging from the ceiling.

“It’s going to be a bumpy ride, but at least there’s no middle seat to fight over,” Hank continued matter-of-factly as the plane gained speed on the runway, its sides rattling in response. A few people chuckled.

He finished his safety instructions a minute or two before the wheels lifted off the tarmac, and quickly strapped himself into a jump seat on the far side. He caught her watching him, and winked flirtatiously.

Back on the ground, Ethan had greeted Hank with an easy familiarity borne out of their shared experience during the Amazon mission years earlier. The casual insults had rolled off their tongues as they needled each other jokingly.

Cassie suspected this trip would be eye-opening in more ways than one as she spied on Ethan’s relaxed profile out of the corner of her eye. As if sensing her scrutiny, he glanced askance at her and she gave him a thumbs up signal.

She huddled inside the leather jacket, shivering from the chill that permeated the aircraft as it began its ascent. Leaning her head on Ethan’s shoulder, she smiled ruefully at Libby, the petite red-haired fifth-year surgical resident strapped in across from her.

They’d gotten to chatting in the hangar as they waited for the plane to be loaded with boxes filled with medical and food supplies and humanitarian aid packages. Libby, on her third trip to a disaster zone, had been a fount of information on what to expect and advice on how to manage in crude living conditions.

Cassie felt a sense of adventure mingled with apprehension. The headlines coming out of Port-au-Prince had painted a bleak picture of destruction, death and despair.

When Ethan’s contact in the WHO reached out asking for medical volunteers, Cassie knew she wasn’t going to be left behind this time. She might not have experience in field hospitals, but it was time she got it.

Ethan hadn’t argued or tried to talk her out of it. They were doctors; this is what they did.

As the plane reached cruising altitude, Cassie peered out of a small window near the floor. The view was obscured by a thick mesh covering the outside, but it did little to diminish the sense of wonder at the vast blue sea below, the calm surface broken only by the white crests of waves.

The flight was long, longer still, with nothing to do to pass the time. Cassie found herself drifting off to sleep, lulled by the monotony of the engine’s roar and the comforting feel of Ethan’s arm around her.

The next thing she knew, he was nudging her awake. The plane’s vibration beneath her had changed, gradually descending as they approached their destination. The atmosphere inside was abuzz with anticipation. Shortly after, the plane touched down on the tarmac, the landing rougher than the take-off.

“Ready?” Ethan asked as they unstrapped themselves once the plane had come to a halt.

Cassie nodded, stretching her arms and legs to shake off the stiffness. “Next time, remind me to grab a sleeping bag and some snacks.”

He chuckled, but his smile was soft as he stared into her green eyes. He ran his index finger down the side of her face, tucked back a lock of blonde hair that had escaped her ponytail, and tilted her face up.

The kiss was a mere brush of the lips, whisper soft, barely there before it was gone. It was the last moment of normality. Once they disembarked, everything would change.

Part 2: The Storm

The oppressive heat and humidity were unlike anything Cassie had experienced before, although she’d certainly been to the tropics. Her brother’s island home on St. Thomas was a few hundred miles east, but its luxurious, air-conditioned environs were worlds apart from the rows of beige-colored tents spread out in every direction.

The back of her short-sleeved cotton scrub top was damp from perspiration, so she lifted the hem to air it out. Exiting the stuffy interior of a medical tent housing non-urgent cases, Cassie took a deep breath. The pungent smells of human waste and unwashed bodies hit her nostrils immediately, and she started gagging.

Sweat dripped down her face, and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. In the last few days, she’d lost her weight in fluids as they dug latrines, carried supplies from one end of the field hospital to another and spent hours in airless spaces treating patients whose eyes were inconsolable with loss.

It had taken her more than a minute to get her bearings, but Ethan had been in his element. She knew he’d volunteered with Partners in Health when he was a resident and fellow. But she’d had a hard time picturing the sophisticated, opera-loving Dr. Ramsey in such crude surroundings, digging ditches, boots covered in mud, grime staining his clothes.

They had both been busy in their respective areas, retreating every night, bone tired, muscles aching, to their assigned bedroom in staff housing near the hospital. All they did was sleep before waking up early to do it all over again.

Suddenly missing him and desperate to feel his arms around her, Cassie marched down the dirt path between tents, her green eyes searching for him or someone familiar who could tell her if they’d seen him.

Her ears pricked when she heard his deep voice and distinctive laugh close by. Changing directions, she followed her instincts and turned left, slowing down when she saw him standing in the middle of a clearing, his back to her.

Ethan was with an older man she hadn’t met before. His gray hair was long from the back, brushing past his collar, with deep-set eyes and a hooked nose. He spoke English with a heavy accent, gesticulating with his hands for emphasis.

The other man caught her spying on them, and his voice boomed, chiding. “Ah, another acolyte for my young friend. It’s always the same story, eh, Ramsey?”

Cassie flushed when she realized he was referring to her.

Surprised, Ethan spun on his heels and relaxed when he spotted her. “Cassie.”

Her earlier euphoria faded, replaced by a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach as she joined them.

“You know each other?” The other man asked, glancing between her and Ethan.

“Klaus, meet Dr. Valentine.” Ethan made the introductions. “Cassie, this is Dr. van Rijn, special missions head at the WHO. We go way back.”

“Valentine, Valentine. Why do I know that name?” Dr. van Rijn tapped one finger against his lips before his eyes cleared in recognition. “Ah, yes, of course.”

Cassie felt a momentary high at being recognized by someone of his stature, but his next words had her deflating like a balloon popped with a pin.

“You’re the intern!”

“That was six years ago,” Ethan shook his head in amusement. “She’s hardly an intern anymore, Klaus. Dr. Valentine is—”

“Your mentee, or rather, your protege,” he interrupted. “Yes, yes, Ethan, I remember. My hair is more gray than when we last saw each other, but my memory is sharper than ever.”

“But your hearing could use some work,” Ethan retorted, shoving his hands in his pant pockets. “As I was saying….”

Cassie saw herself standing in a long tunnel, the dismissive words spoken by the other man echoing around her. Intern. Mentee. Ramsey’s protege. Reduced to nothing more than that.

“Cassie, are you alright?”

Ethan’s concerned voice broke through her reverie, and she looked up, startled. They were both staring at her, one in disquiet and the other with curiosity.

“Sorry, I was miles away,” Cassie said. “What were you talking about?”

“Ethan was just telling me you’re now leading his former team,” van Rijn said. “That’s quite an accomplishment for one so young. You made a smart decision when you chose to train under Dr. Ramsey. He’s one of the best and most astute physicians I’ve ever met. You’ll go far if you keep following in your mentor’s footsteps.”

Incensed at the implication that her success was not of her own making, Cassie opened her mouth to deliver a cutting retort or at least defend her record. But Ethan stepped in front of her, figuratively, and beat her to it.

“That’s unfair, Klaus,” Ethan said sternly. “Dr. Valentine is brilliant. She diagnosed and found a cure for Naveen when he and I had both given up. She’s the keynote speaker at this year’s AADM conference, just like I was all those years ago, and is a special advisor to a Congressional national committee on healthcare affordability.”

He paused, frowning slightly before continuing. “And before you shove your foot even further down your mouth, you’ve apparently forgotten that she’s also my wife.”

Cassie stared in shock at Ethan, her ears ringing. His wife?!? That’s how he chose to end this? She thought they were partners and equals first, but clearly, she’d been mistaken.

“I heard you’d gotten married,” van Rijn said, flustered, “but I didn’t realize it was to…”

His words trailed off, and his cheeks turned red with embarrassment as he glanced at Cassie.

Ethan, too, watched her warily as she continued to stand there in stony silence, arms folded tightly across her front.

As she grappled with her emotions, feeling the old imposter syndrome return, Cassie knew she would blow her top if she didn’t walk away now. Preferably with her dignity intact.

“It was a pleasure,” she almost tripped over the word, “to meet you, Dr. van Rijn. I have to get back to work.”

She nodded rigidly at Ethan. “I’ll see you later.”

She was practically running once she was out of sight, unable to slow down despite the heat making her lightheaded.

Cassie often counted her blessings that she’d gotten a chance to work with Ethan, the compassionate and caring doctor who’d captured her heart. But for the first time in her life, she wished she’d never met Dr. Ramsey.

Part 3: The Aftermath

Part 4: The Closure

Ethan poured Malbec into a long-stemmed wine glass for Cassie the moment he heard her keys rattle in the apartment door. He’d had his ears cocked for the last half-hour, the trepidation building with every passing minute.

He heard the swoosh of the hallway closet door as she likely hung up her coat and the clatter of her shoes hitting the hardwood floor. Just as she walked into the living room, he took a large swallow of his wine and promptly started coughing when it went down the wrong pipe.

“Are you okay?” Cassie asked, her brow furrowed in concern as she approached him and brushed her hand up and down his back.

Ethan nodded, wheezing as the cough tickled his throat. He set the glass on the counter before he spilled the drink all over the kitchen floor. Finally, he managed to get himself under control.

Cassie lifted the glass of wine he’d poured for her and sipped slowly, her eyes closing as she savored the taste.

“You always know just what I need,” she said with a deep sigh. “M&M was particularly long and exhausting. Tell me, why did I choose to stay in academic medicine?”

“You’re wrong,” Ethan said quietly, causing her eyes to drift open and stare at him in surprise. “I don’t always know what you need. Something’s gone wrong between us. Things haven’t been the same since Haiti.”

Cassie pursed her lips and watched him above the rim of her glass, not reacting to his statement in any other way. Then she finished her wine and set the glass down on the counter.

“We already discussed this back then and today on text,” Cassie reminded him. “What else is there to say?”

She shrugged, and then her eyes turned hard like steel. “I need to stand on my own, but who you are, what you are…well, it casts a long shadow. I didn’t like how you and Klaus reduced me to someone who exists only because of what you saw in me. And not because I worked hard for it.”

“I didn’t mean—”

“I know,” Cassie cut him off. “You might not have meant to, but you defending me without giving me a chance to do it myself, you might as well have.”

“Why can’t I stand up for you?” Ethan said, frustration leaking through as he stabbed his fingers into his hair.

“I need you to stand by me, not for me,” Cassie said, her tone measured in response to his heated one. “I will always be measured by your reputation, just like you have to contend with Naveen’s legacy. We can’t control what others say or do. I’ve accepted it.”

“Then why are you angry with me?” Ethan shot back.

“I’m not angry.”

Cassie closed the distance between them, her smile throwing him off. When she took his hand and laced her fingers through his, he felt as if the tight band around his heart loosened.

“I’m not angry,” she repeated, squeezing his fingers. “But I resent that, despite what we talked about in Haiti, your natural inclination on seeing that Pictagram post was to respond defending my honor.”

“Don’t deny it,” she cautioned when he started to do just that. “If I wanted to shoot down small-minded individuals, I’m more than capable of doing it myself.”

Ethan took a deep breath in and then exhaled. “I did want to do that,” he admitted. “I saw red because what they said was so far from reality.”

“If you thought that was bad, it’s good you’re not on Reddit,” Cassie said, twisting her lips in a wry smile.

“You know, if someone attacked your reputation, I’d be upset too.” She nestled against him, and he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“But we both know the truth. I respect you enough to let you tear into shreds anyone that came at you. Give me the same courtesy, at least professionally,” Cassie added, angling her lips to kiss the underside of his jaw.

“If it was a personal attack, you have my permission to destroy them with that deathly Dr. Ramsey glare.”

Ethan snorted with laughter when she perfectly mimicked his angry expression.

“You’ve got yourself a deal,” he said, framing her face between his hands. His lips hovered above hers, waiting, prolonging the anticipation.

“You may kis—”

But she didn’t need to finish for he was already kissing her, and she was kissing him back. Everything was finally right in their world.

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

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

56 notes · View notes

kristinamae093 · 1 year ago

Text

Ghosted

Ghosted - Two Steps Back (Chapter Ten)

Series Summary - Prince Liam fell for Riley Brooks hard and fast. A marriage filled with love and devotion was within his reach. But everything changed when she vanished just before the end of the social season. As everyone voices their concerns regarding her scandalous departure, a confession from an unlikely source turns Liam's world upside down and makes him question everything around him.

Book/Pairing - TRR - Liam x MC (Riley Brooks)

A/N 1 - This AU starts right before the beginning of the engagement tour. There is a two-month lapse between the coronation and where we pick up, but we will stray from canon. Please excuse any errors found.

Characters belong to Pixelberry.

After the Regatta

Penelope hobbled to her room on a sore foot and a painfully bruised ego. This wasn’t going as expected; advisors told her toward the beginning of the season she might stand a chance, but after only the first few events, they hastily changed their tone. Between Madeleine, Riley, and Olivia, they knew Penelope would not be the new king’s choice.

Regardless, Penelope was enjoying her time away. The friends she’d made were irreplaceable; she and Kiara formed an everlasting bond. Even Riley was incredibly friendly, despite her commoner status. Penelope was rooting for Riley to win it all because she was genuinely a nice person, and Penelope was looking forward to what Cordonia could look like with her as queen.

Penelope approached her door whilst humming to herself. The day was long, and she was relieved to be in the comfortable solace of her own space. She planned on calling her parents for their daily video chat, and to get some doggy face time to tide her over while away. Her anxiety was through the roof without having them close, but the friendships she’d made were a momentary distraction. She was glad the ladies were nice enough; otherwise, this experience would’ve been a nightmare.

Penelope entered and made a bee-line for the bathroom. She did her business, washed her hands, and bounced her way over to the dresser to get more comfortable for the evening. Just as she opened the drawer, a stern knock sounded on her door. Penelope scrunched her face; she was expecting no visitors but thought perhaps Kiara wanted to hang out.

As Penelope opened the structure, a thunderous force shoved through her and entered, slamming the door shut. Penelope stumbled backward but caught her footing. She could only stare at the person in front of her as panic flourished through her body. She didn't recognize them, but the death glare plastered on their face told her that notion was not applied on both ends. Her instinct told her to scream for help, but the visitor addressed her before she was given the chance.

They spoke in a low, raspy voice. “Have a seat, Lady Penelope. We have a lot to discuss.”

“W–who are you?”

“You need not worry about who I am, only what I know.”

“What do you mean?”

The person clasped their hands behind their back and stalked around Penelope; like a vulture circles its prey. “Everyone around you thinks you're the sweet, poodle-obsessed Penny, but I see otherwise. I know all about you… The things you’ve done… What your daddy tries his damndest to hide…”

Penelope’s already increasing heart rate spiked. “I don’t understand.”

“Of course you don’t. It’s alright, I wouldn’t want anyone to know, either.” They dismissively shrugged.

“Know what?”

The person snickered at her attempts to deflect, but they could see the panic rising in her eyes. “It’s quite a common expression — young and dumb. But, when you’re in the nobility, there are no secrets unless you know the right people.”

Penelope thickly swallowed. “I don’t – I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Really? So, then you’ve never been — joined in holy matrimony, right?”

Penelope’s eyes widened. “I–”

“Enough with your attempts to feign confusion; that will only prolong this process and I am not in the mood to play games. I know of your estranged marriage; how your father pays plenty of hush money per month to keep his mouth shut. I imagine it would be fairly difficult to talk yourself out of that situation if the press were to catch wind; considering Portavira continuously requests the Crown’s compensation. And I do believe the monarch would not be happy to learn your family has developed a slush fund, either.”

The intruder gave Penelope a wicked smile and added, “Not to mention the — fatality that was caught amid your poor life choices…”

Penelope visibly tensed. “That’s not – I didn’t–” she stammered before snapping her mouth closed; her flustered state prohibited her from forming an argument.

“It’s a matter of opinion, I suppose. Regardless, I attained the records from your procedure.” They waved a piece of paper in Penelope’s face, and recognition swept over her instantly. She released a shuddered breath as the document came to a stop, her tearful eyes centering on the text.

Despite Penelope’s panicked state, the aggressor continued, “Tell me, do your parents know of your aborted fetus? I mean, I saw you on security cameras entering the clinic alone. It was smart of you to use a fake name, but unfortunately, that was not enough to cover up your mistakes.”

Penelope never answered, but the assailant watched her swallow thickly with shame etched in her features. She couldn’t fathom how this stranger had found her deepest secrets that she was certain would never see the light of day.

Penelope found out she was pregnant the day after her annulment was discreetly settled. Terrified wasn’t a strong enough word to describe how she felt, as she stared down at the positive test; she went to the clinic in disguise to find out about her options and decided abortion would be the best solution. Being only nineteen years old, Penelope was practically a child herself and didn’t believe she was at a point to care for a baby like they deserved. And she was alone; when she dreamt of this moment, it happened completely differently in her head. She longed for the fairytale love, where they would start a family together; not single and inevitably disgraced.

Her parents didn’t know, she was too afraid to tell them — especially after her father agreed to pay a continuous hefty fee for Guy’s silence. Penelope was always well-behaved; the perfect trophy daughter. The look of pure disappointment held in their eyes when they found out about her marriage haunted her; she never wanted to do anything out of line again. All Penelope desired was to move on from her mistake, but life had other plans.

Panicked and ashamed, Penelope made the impossible decision alone, not wanting anyone to know of the stupid decisions that led her there. Her fear and guilt only increased after the procedure, but she grieved what could have been and pushed it into the deepest pit of her mind.

She never told a soul – nobody knew – or so she thought.

“All it would take is a small whisper to the press and it would destroy not only you, but your fraudulent parents as well…”

Penelope gasped as her tears freely flowed. “No! P–please, don’t!”

The person laughed; the sound sending an involuntary chill down Penelope’s spine. They stalked forward until her back hit the wall and they breathed over her. Penelope squeezed her eyes closed, but felt them draw nearer. The tangy scent of alcohol mixed with cigar smoke filled her nostrils, as they whispered in her ear, “If you want my silence, you’re going to have to earn it.”

Penelope’s eyes shot open as she frantically nodded her head. “Okay, j–just tell me what you need, and I’ll do it.”

“I knew you’d see reason,” the unknown presence spoke while taking a small step away. They produced an envelope from their jacket and handed it to her.

Penelope opened it and started skimming over the information; it was an email address with a set of instructions and a few other notes. She didn’t understand what it all meant; the main thing that stuck out was the location of where they wanted the photographer to be.

“Why are they going to be outside Riley’s room?”

“The less you know, the better.” They once again reached into their jacket, this time pulling out a small vial and handing it to her. “You need to give this to her beforehand. I do not care how it happens, just make sure it gets in her system; the earlier, the better.”

“W–what is this? Is this a drug?” Penelope stammered as she stared down at the bottle in her trembling hands.

The person smiled; a dark, wicked smile. “You don’t need to worry about that; just make sure she ingests it at an early enough hour.”

Tears once again streamed down Penelope’s cheeks as she frantically shook her head and tried to hand the items back. “N–no. I can’t do that, and I won’t. I would rather disgrace myself than–”

“You’re going to do it.”

Penelope stood a little taller and yelled, “No, I won’t! I–”

Penelope received a sudden, sharp backhand to her cheek. She fell to the floor cradling her face but was soon flipped over onto her back, her aggressor pinning her to the ground. She opened her mouth to scream, but quickly closed it as she saw the gleam of a blade in the light right in front of her face.

“Make a sound and I’ll kill you right here, right now.” The attacker moved the knife to hover over Penelope’s throat, applying just enough pressure to keep her subdued. “You have two options — you either comply and do as you’re told, or this is where your life will end. If you refuse to cooperate, you already know too much, and I will ensure you don’t live to tell the tale personally. But I won’t stop there, no – I’ll ruin your parents as well; the entire world will know what a fraud you and your family are.”

“No… P–please. I – I can’t – I –” Penelope frantically stammered, trying to develop a coherent sentence.

“You can, and you will. Otherwise,” they leaned forward, close enough to touch noses with Penelope. “I’ll dig your grave myself and throw those mangy mutts in with you after. Perhaps we can make it a family affair and shove your parents inside, too. After all, being exposed to the world and losing their only disappointment of a child would leave them with nothing left to live for; especially once they know of your treacherous sins.” They sat back with a vile chortle, letting the words linger.

Penelope cried harder, her breathing rapid and erratic as her panic boiled over. She opened her mouth to shout for help despite the blade at her throat, but a firm hand abruptly pressed against her lips. “I think I’m being very understanding, actually. I could just end you and move on to the next useless suitor, but I’m allowing you to make the correct choice; to answer the call of service for your country. That commoner has no business being here; you know it, I know it, everyone knows it! We have to deal with her!”

After a tense moment of silence, her intruder grew restless. They rolled their eyes and huffed, “You’re running out of time. I’ll gift you ten seconds; agree, or...” The blade on Penelope’s throat suddenly held more force; hard enough she could feel her skin being lightly pierced. “I don’t think I really need to finish that sentence, do I?”

Penelope subtly nodded her head, afraid to move too much. Although she didn’t want to betray Riley in that way, she saw no other way out. Not only was her own life being threatened, but her parents as well; she was not willing to let them die because of her secrets they knew nothing about.

Her attacker soon chortled and sat up. “I had a feeling you would see it my way.” They patted her cheek, hard, before they stood and adjusted their clothing.

The intruder walked to the door and turned back around to address a whimpering Penelope. “As a reward for your service, I will make you a lady-in-waiting for the soon-to-be queen. I’d suggest you take the position and use discretion whenever necessary from here on out. If you do anything to compromise this operation, you will be sorry. Am I clear?“

The following afternoon, Olivia met with Liam, Leo, and Ray as they discussed the events of the night prior. The court just arrived in Portavira, although there was a break in events until the polo match in a few days. They gathered in Olivia’s room, as that’s where Ray set up his equipment and continuously ensured the area remained free of compromises.

Olivia told them about Penelope’s involvement, and Liam was certain Olivia was lying or playing some kind of sick joke. However, after seeing the proof himself, he knew it had to be true. He wasn’t close with Penelope by any means, but still felt betrayed. Riley was kind and warm to those around her, not a malicious bone in her body; what made Penelope want to get rid of her?

“We have to question her. I can’t be sure, but she might know we’re onto her. The look in her eyes –” Olivia shook her head with a heavy sigh. ”– I can’t explain it, but I don’t like it.”

“I agree,” Leo interjected. “We need to know why she did it, man, because this makes absolutely no sense. I mean, Penelope – of all people? Did she accidentally eat some dog food or something, and it made her go kookoo?”

Despite his overflowing anxiety, Liam laughed. “I really don't know. But we’re not all going to question her. I think it’s best if myself and Leo did this, so we don’t overwhelm her.” He spoke to the entire group.

“Are you… okay to do that?” Leo tentatively asked. “I can take Olivia — or hell, even Maxwell or Drake, if you don’t think you can keep your cool. We can’t really risk her shutting down and withholding anything important...”

Liam remained silent for a long moment. Honestly, he didn’t know if he could control himself. The selfish side of him wanted to confront Penelope face-to-face and demand answers. However, he knew he was teetering on a dangerous ledge, and her confession could provoke several different reactions.

He didn’t remember the last time he’d slept or ate a full meal. Days were molding together, and he had no sense of time unless it pertained to the tour. Liam was simply muttering through, doing the dutiful checklist a monarch should on the daily and trying his hardest to stay afloat; even though in all reality, he felt like he was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. No amount of training could prepare him for something like this; he was simply in limbo until one of the many open ends finally led them to something of importance. As the King he held mighty authority; yet, he’d never felt so powerless. Every second of not knowing something was torture; he just wanted to see Riley with his own two eyes.

“I… don’t think I can, actually. If you wouldn’t mind questioning her, I would very much appreciate it, Leo.”

Leo patted Liam on the back with a reassuring smile. “No problem. Care to accompany me, Livvie?”

“I suppose if we want some kind of answer, I’ll have to, won’t I?” Olivia smirked.

“Are we doing this now, or?”

“Yes. The sooner, the better.”

“And we’re certain she’s here?” Liam asked.

“She was out earlier with her dogs,” Olivia answered with an eye roll.

Liam nodded as he rubbed his palms together. “This is a decent plan. I have a good feeling about this, guys.”

For the first time since he opened his eyes to the truth about the narrative against Riley, Liam felt like this could take them somewhere relevant. This was a solid lead and although he knew it probably wouldn’t provide him with all the answers he was seeking, it was a damn good start.

Liam spoke again, “Any other updates?”

“I received the diagnostic report on Lady Riley’s dress on the way here." Ray explained. "The blood was mostly Riley’s, but traces from Tariq were present as well. There were a few hairs and skin cells noted, but the DNA only registers those two.”

“Oh… okay…” Liam quietly responded. He hoped deep down the mess was from someone else, but immediately felt foolish to let himself believe such a thing. Hearing it confirmed out loud made his stomach burn with anxiety; this is what he blinded himself to, this is what he ignored. The overwhelming guilt Liam was fighting momentarily took his breath away.

“Otherwise, there are no new leads.” Ray briefly met eyes with Olivia, the both of them having a silent conversation; unbeknownst to Liam. It wasn’t technically a lie, but not the entire truth. Ray found something — interesting, but Olivia decided now was not the time to bring it up to Liam, at least until after they learned what exactly Penelope knew. “Where Tariq is concerned, I’ve hit a complete brick wall; there’s absolutely nothing.”

“Nothing?”

Ray shook his head. “Not a trace. His accounts show no transactions, and his family has not heard from him in months. I’ve checked every mode of transportation available to leave the country and he wasn’t on any of their databases.”

“How is that even possible? There has to be something, somewhere. Seriously – Tariq has the IQ of a fucking peanut.” Leo interjected.

“It could be a collection of reasons,” Ray answered. He suddenly stopped typing on his keyboard and took in everyone’s curious expressions. “Either he’s just incredibly clever and has an immaculate ability to cover his tracks, has hired someone to do that for him, or…”

“He’s dead…” Liam quietly inserted, just above a whisper. His palms started trembling in his lap, and the only thing he could feel was his heart erratically thumping.

The deeper this web went, the further Liam felt himself slipping from reality. All he wanted was a sign, a concrete clue, anything to put him one step closer to finding Riley. The longer that time passed, the more he believed there was a grim reason they couldn’t find them. Just when the light at the end shined brighter, Liam was suddenly drug further down into the abyss of questions, making him doubt everything.

“We can’t confirm that right now, Your Majesty. I’ve searched hospital records and there are no reports of him checking in at any of them and nothing solid to point to that conclusion. There are a lot of open ends regarding his whereabouts, but I have a couple more places to look before we should start truly discussing that possibility.”

“Right…” Liam quietly responded as his mind raced. If Tariq’s DNA was on her dress, does that mean he’s the one who injured her? They already knew he was close to Riley; the pictures obviously showcased them together, but was Tariq responsible for attacking her, too? Those thoughts created a storm of rage he’d never felt before; just when he thought the fire had sizzled out, another splash of gasoline was poured onto the diminishing coals. Liam may not have felt a lot of hope, but he sure as hell felt the rage consuming his entire being.

Leo noticed Liam's forelorn expression and reassuringly gripped his shoulder. “Don’t worry, man. We’re going to get an answer — soon.”

A short while later, Olivia, Leo, and ‘Harold’ walked the halls of the Portavirian estate, searching for Penelope’s room. Liam opted to have a drink with Drake instead of being alone, as his already overflowing anxiety seemed to increase with every passing second.

They rounded the corner and Olivia tapped on Penelope’s door, but received near silence; muffled barks rang out beyond the structure, although seemingly at a distance. After a few moments, she stepped forward and repeated the process, but again, no answer. Leo knocked a few times a little louder, but heard nothing — aside from the dogs. He reached for the handle and tried to turn it, just to see, only to find it locked.

“What should we do?” Leo asked Olivia.

Olivia tapped her index finger against her chin. “I don’t know…” She furrowed her brow and stared at the door in front of her. “The poodles are inside, so she shouldn’t be far… Maybe we search around and see if we spot her anywhere? It’s still relatively early; she could have stepped out for a moment.”

Leo and Ray both agreed, and the trio began their trek. They started outside by the pool and checked the lounge area, but Penelope wasn't located anywhere. They searched nearly every floor, even the roof, but found no signs of her. Everyone else was already in their room for the night, the estate nearly deserted as they scoured the abandoned hallways. After a while, everyone agreed to take their chances and return to Penelope’s door, as a good hour passed since they last attempted.

A voice called out to them as they made their way up the grand staircase. They turned around to see Landon making his way to them with a grin on his face. “Good evening, Your Majesty, Duchess, a pleasure to see you both. Are the two of you just strolling, or have you been out on the town?” He chuckled with a playful side eye directed at Leo.

“You know me,” Leo smirked, “but actually, we’ve been looking for your daughter.”

Landon’s smile faded, instead replaced with a perplexed expression. “What do you need from Penelope?”

Leo and Olivia shared a hesitant look. “Actually, it’s confidential… Do you know where she is?”

“She said she was retiring to her room earlier.”

Olivia spoke next. “We checked there. We checked everywhere and we have no clue where she’s at.”

“Perhaps she’s already in slumber; she is quite the heavy sleeper. How about I come with you? I was headed there anyway, as she was acting fairly strange earlier.”

“Strange how?” Leo asked.

“She kept hugging her mother and me, and told us how much she loved us. She just seemed — sad, as if she would burst into tears at any moment. And she asked me to ensure Merlin and Morgana get plenty of treats.” Landon furrowed his brows and shook his head. “I asked her what she meant, and she just gave me another hug. Emmaline thinks she’s getting ready for her time of the month, which is why I came prepared.” He held up a wad of chocolate bars and laughed.

“I take it Merlin and Morgana are the poodles?”

“Oh, yes. They’re practically her children. It’s been hard on her to leave them at home, but she’s done fairly well. The unexpected route changes actually ended up being very beneficial to her, since she gets to be with them for a few days. I’m certain she’s going to have a hard time leaving again, but I know she appreciates getting to see them. When it was time to leave for the engagement tour, she was practically inconsolable; she didn’t want to leave, to the point we weren’t sure she would attend at all.”

“So, she didn’t want to return, then?” Olivia inquired, hanging on his every word.

Landon sighed and looked away. “I don’t believe so, no. But we made sure she knew how much of a tremendous opportunity this was for her. She was incredibly reluctant, but finally agreed. In all honesty, I think most of her reservations were regarding the fact that she was going so far away. Penelope is a very timid girl; she doesn’t particularly enjoy the crowds or being away from home. I’m confident staying in Cordonia where things are a little more familiar will turn things around for her; perhaps she will enjoy herself a bit.”

“Right…” Olivia trailed off, as her mind swirled around these new little bits of information. She questioned if Penelope's reluctance to come back had to do with Riley's disappearance. The haunting look in Penelope’s eyes as that cab drove away told Olivia she could be correct.

“Lead the way, then,” Leo inserted with a forced smile, as uneasiness crept into the pit of his stomach. The hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood at attention, an involuntary shudder traveling through his body; he shook it off and politely smiled at Landon, who returned the gesture before starting the journey.

Everyone strolled through the halls together and within a short time, they were nearing Penelope’s room once again. Leo and Landon made small talk along the way, but Olivia didn’t listen most of the time. A bad feeling rapidly grew as they walked; why, she wasn’t sure, but it was becoming impossible to ignore. As they got closer, the air suddenly felt cold, raising goosebumps on her skin and sending a shiver down her spine. The hallway had an eerie aura to it that was beyond explanation; judging from the cautious expressions of everyone around, Olivia knew her feelings were not in her head. Landon appeared to be the only one who didn’t notice the atmosphere shift, although he hadn’t stopped talking long enough to take in the environment.

Just as they were about to arrive, they heard muffled voices speaking not far away. Olivia furrowed her brows and started walking faster, practically running, with Ray and Leo not far behind.

She came to an abrupt stop as she saw a litter of guards standing outside of Penelope’s room; dressed in full riot gear with what she assumed to be loaded assault rifles, all appearing to be awaiting instructions. Standing toward the back of the mass of people was Liam, who was speaking with Bastien in hushed tones. She could tell even from afar he was talking sternly; his angry demeanor instantly drew Olivia to him. Drake lingered close-by, wearing an expression of pure confusion.

Olivia approached them and inquired, “What’s going on?”

“There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you,” Liam replied. “Did you question Penelope?”

“We were looking for her, that’s why we’re here, now.”

“But you didn’t find her?” Liam snapped, not even trying to hide the annoyance in his tone.

“Not yet…” Leo answered as he took in Liam’s tense shoulders and ticking jaw. “Liam, what is going on?”

Before Liam could respond, Landon interjected himself. “What is the meaning of this?!”

Liam took a deep breath to calm himself and spoke in a calm, yet authoritative voice. “Duke Landon, I understand this may be hard for you to hear, but we have to take Penelope into custody.”

“Custody?! On what grounds?!” Landon hollered.

Liam swallowed down the ball of anger and agitation lodged in his throat and spoke in a flat voice. “She is the prime suspect in the murder of Rhonda Floros.” Everyone’s eyes widened as their jaws hit the floor. “We will investigate further, but she has to be detained until we can–”

“I – what?! You have no proof! This – this is an injustice!” Landon yelled as he frantically paced in front of Penelope’s door.

Leo hesitantly spoke in a hushed manner. “Li, all we knew about was the photographer. How can you jump to that conclusion?”

“The forensics came back and Penelope’s prints were all over the murder weapon. Her DNA was on everything else as well, but I’m focused on that knife.”

“Impossible! There has to be some kind of mistake!” Landon pleaded.

“I’m sorry Landon, but the forensics does not lie,” Liam replied with a sad smile. “Trust me, I don’t want to believe she could have done something like this and I intend to figure it out, but we have to locate her first!"

Landon quickly stepped toward Penelope’s room and pulled a set of keys from his pocket. “She is in here — I know she is; she’s sleeping. I’ll wake her up and we can figure out this mess together, because I know for certain she is innocent.” He spoke as he unlocked the door and turned the handle. He entered and flipped the switch on the wall, the area becoming illuminated.

Liam motioned for the guards to stay outside and followed closely behind. Olivia entered next, followed by Ray. However, a stern hand on Ray’s chest halted him in the doorway.

“You are unauthorized personnel,” Bastien snapped.

Liam quickly intervened. “No, he’s not.”

“Your Majesty, with all due respect, I entered his credentials myself. I know for a fact what clearances he has and doesn’t.”

Liam stepped up to Bastien with narrowed eyes. “Poof.” He snapped his fingers. “I just gave him access. Now, step aside.” He growled through clenched teeth, the vein in his neck profusely popping out.

To be honest, Liam was stalling until he found Ray and Olivia; the three of them were going to question Penelope together. His earlier worries about keeping his cool were well out the window; now he was simply confused. Why did she hire the photographer? Did she really kill that maid? Did Penelope know they had spoken to her? Every piece of random evidence found had Penelope’s DNA – and only hers – on it in some fashion. Although the legitimacy of the scene was still in question, her fingerprints on the murder weapon were more than enough to detain her for questioning.

Bastien never once took his eyes off Ray during the entire interaction. Ray observed Bastien's face crack slightly and saw him swallow and clench his jaw when Liam commanded him to stop. He finally moved his hand to allow Ray entrance, but held his intent gaze for just a moment too long. Olivia watched and noted how she wasn’t stopped, nor Drake or Leo — only Ray. She couldn’t help but wonder why Bastien didn’t want him specifically there.

Liam glanced around as he entered and saw no signs of Penelope and nothing raising any kind of alarm. He’d never been inside this room before, but to the naked eye, not a thing was out of place. However, Liam couldn’t deny the sudden chill he felt as he stepped over the threshold. His skin instantly clammed up, and his heart rate increased substantially with every tense second that passed.

Everyone else followed behind and did the same, but Landon circled the room while frantically calling Penelope’s name, only to get no response. He ducked into the bathroom to check there, but saw no traces of his daughter. Everything appeared just as it was earlier that morning when he personally prepared everything for Penelope’s arrival.

“This doesn’t make sense,” Landon huffed as he reemerged. “She said she was coming to bed. Where else would she go? Should we contact Lady Kiara? They had grown quite close.”

Liam sighed and ran a hand down his face. “Bastien, send someone to Lady Kiara’s room to check.” His patience with this situation was dissipating. An answer was right there dangling in front of his face; he could practically taste it. Even if he had to turn the entire continent upside down, Liam was going to find Penelope and make her answer for her part in this mess — whatever that could have been.

“Yes, sir.”

Olivia glanced at the dresser and saw a jewelry box. Something on top of it quickly caught her attention; it was a piece of paper neatly folded with the words read me written on it in red ink. Her breaths immediately stopped as she stared at it for a long moment. Goosebumps raised on her skin as she realized the penmanship was strikingly familiar.

She slowly reached out and brought it closer; Ray noticed and came to stand beside her to see what she had found. Liam and Landon continued to speak on the other side of the room, completely unaware of their discovery. Olivia carefully unfolded the sheet and quickly scanned over the contents. As she started reading, the color suddenly drained from her face, her hands trembling, and even tears were forming in the corners of her eyes. Her mind instantly started spiraling, trying to decipher what this meant.

Olivia and Ray stood gawking at the paper in a trance for an unidentified amount of time. The sound of Landon’s thunderous voice suddenly brought both out of their dazes. “This is absurd! She did nothing wrong!”

“I understand your frustrations but as I said before, the forensics does not lie,” Liam answered in the calmest tone he could muster. “I have questions about all of this, Landon! But one way or another her DNA was littered–”

“Bullshit! Run the tests again! Something is going on here!”

Liam winced at Landon’s volume, but shook it off and stood to his full height. “Duke Ebrim, you’d do well to remember who you’re speaking to and watch your tone. While I understand why you’re upset, I’m only here to figure this out. If you want to clear her name, help us find her so we can speak to her!”

Landon frantically looked throughout the room, desperately trying to make sense of what was happening. At that moment, they heard a bark, followed by another softer cry; everyone suddenly stilled and an eerie silence took over, as they glanced at one another with furrowed brows. It sounded undeniably close, but there were obviously no dogs in the area. The silence in the air was deafening, but then it happened again and Landon finally pinpointed the location — the closet. It would make sense; Penelope heard the commotion and retreated in there with her poodles to hide because she was afraid.

Landon made a bee-line for the door and wildly swung it open. He took a step back and two fluffy dogs slowly came out with their heads down, causing Landon to take a few steps back; they laid at Landon’s feet and whimpered.

“What is it, Merlie?” Landon asked as he rubbed one of the dogs’ heads, their howls intensifying.

The room’s air suddenly felt incredibly thick at the interaction. Liam felt physically sick to his stomach as recognition swept over him from head to toe — something was waiting for them in that closet. His hands shook at his sides, his breathing shaky and uneven as he stared into the dark, open doorway.

Landon stepped over the poodles, who went and lay on the bed, but continued whining. As he entered, he ran a hand along the wall until he found the switch. The small area came to light, and his worst nightmare suddenly became reality right in front of his face.

“NO!” Landon wailed at an ear-piercing volume as he dropped to his knees near the doorway.

“What’s wrong?” Liam sought, but Landon broke into a fit of sobs and crumpled to the floor.

Liam swallowed thickly and took a couple of cautious steps forward. Olivia suddenly appeared and tried to redirect him, but Liam was steadfast; whatever it was, he needed to see it for himself. As he got closer, he could see a chair lying on its side. His eyesight started on the floor and slowly traveled upward. He hadn’t made it very far before the color drained from his face with sweat immediately beading his brow at seeing a pair of dainty feet dangling in the air; one heel on, the other nowhere to be seen.

Liam looked away but with a shuddered breath followed the body back up to the face, and sure enough, it was Penelope.

Landon suddenly shoved Liam out of the way. “MOVE!” He rushed over and held Penelope’s lifeless form, lifting her easily with one hand; the other quickly moving to remove the belt from around her severely bruised neck. Her limp body dropped into his arms and he cradled her to his chest as he rocked back and forth, making cries that would haunt Liam until the day he died.

Liam regained his footing but remained cemented in place. This was it; this was their big break, but they only received more unanswered questions. Hopelessness flourished, as he saw no other solutions in sight. He felt like a mouse, mindlessly running through a maze just trying to reach the end for the reward. Penelope's testimony was that reward, but instead of finding the end of the maze, he encountered a sudden, abrupt wall.

Regardless of their actions, they faced a grim reality where a devastating setback countered every advance they made; one step forward, only to be met with two deadly steps back.

Liam suddenly couldn’t breathe; his lungs felt like fire with every rapid, hollow breath. The room started spinning, his vision hazing at a rapid rate. His heart pounded mercilessly, the sound overpowering Landon’s continuous wails filling the room. His hands flew to his chest and he stumbled backward, Leo and Drake quickly moving to catch him before he hit the floor.

They lowered him to the ground and sat over him as Liam’s vision slowly faded out, their faces disintegrating into a pixelated, blurry image. He blinked his eyes a few times to regain himself, but found the rapidly spinning room made him nauseous. He felt Leo lightly tapping his cheeks, but when he tried to open his mouth, only an anguished cry escaped.

Liam stared at the ceiling until the bright lights suddenly dimmed. His eyelids grew incredibly heavy until he succumbed to the weight of the world forcing them down. Darkness consumed him as he slipped into unconsciousness, a still silence overcoming his being.

"Goddamn it," Leo grumbled to himself, as he watched Liam’s body relax. "Get a fucking ambulance! Now!" He hollered over his shoulder before his teary vision centered on his brother again. "Cummon, Li..."

Tags (if you'd like to be added or removed, please let me know): @choicesficwriterscreations @ao719 @txemrn @imashybish @queenrileyrose

@kingliam2019 @riseandshinelittleblossom @dcbbw @tessa-liam @amandablink @cordonia-gothqueen @sfb123 @jared2612 @harleybeaumont

@bebepac @charlotteg234 @busywoman

@malblk21 @angelasscribbles

@bascmve01 @iaminlovewithtrr @hopelessromanticmonie

@mysticalfangirl @umccall71 @fuckitweball0000 @differenttyphoonwerewolf

@lovingchoices14 @emersyn-in-cordonia

@karahalloway @aussiegurl1234 @the0afnan @nestledonthaveone @gabesmommie1130

97 notes · View notes