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leafkingofbirds · 4 months

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Week 64 flashfic prompt

This is my first fic here! I saw the prompt from @choicesflashfics and got inspired, so I hope it's ok to participate. I believe I followed all the rules but lmk if I forgot anything!

Title: And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going

Book: The Cursed Heart

Words: ~1500

Pairing: Prince Kieran x genderneutral MC/reader (second person, no y/n)

Warnings: 1 mild curse, angst, hurt/comfort. takes place early in book 2 but no major spoilers

Prompt 1: "I'm here with you. I'm right where I belong."

*~*~*

"Beloved...you should return to your village."

"What?" You bolt upright. Kieran is gazing at you with a strange absence of emotion as you blink away the drowsiness that had begun to descend over you. There's something deadened in his shadowy eyes, twin pits of empty anguish, and for a horrible moment you're reminded of the heartless, cursed prince he once was. An ice-cold knife of fear slides painfully into your chest. "Now? But why? Has something happened?"

"Something has already happened," he says, voice heavy. "And I was powerless to stop it. The palace is no longer safe for you. This realm is not safe.”

"This realm was never “safe” for me. And the palace isn't safe for you either!" You pull yourself to sitting. He's sitting on the edge of your bed, already fully dressed, a sword in a shiny black leather scabbard at his side, a new addition since last night. He's never carried a physical weapon since you've known him, but he must have decided to pick up the sword now. You shudder in apprehension. “Kieran, what are you saying?”

His expression doesn't change, and you know the look in his eyes: he's made his decision, accepted his fate, and will brook no argument. "Jack will keep coming after me until one of us is dead. But if you return home to your mortal life, you at least may escape his wrath. He has no reason to chase you if you’re no longer my consort. Whatever's to come...this need not be your fate."

You stare at him in horror. “I’m not leaving you.”

Kieran’s face is a carefully constructed mask devoid of emotion. “I’ve made my decision.”

“I won’t do it!”

“You will, beloved. If you love me, you will go without argument. Fight me, if you must, but you will not win. Either way, I am taking you home. Today.”

Your heart races, fear and grief and anger rising in one horrible wave. Would he truly do this? He’s right; you couldn’t win against him if he made up his mind to deliver you back to your village and leave you there. For your own good.

For a horrifying moment, you see your future: withering away the short years of your life, back where you started from, and away from everyone and everything left that you love. Never to return to the Fae realm.

Banished.

Tears well in your eyes and you swallow them down.

"You're giving up," you accuse, eyes narrowed.

"Never." Kieran's eyes blaze in response, his power flaring in a way that chills you. "You, of anyone, should know that I would sooner tear my heart from my chest than send you away. But if it may save you, beloved, I will do anything. I would rather lose you to the mortal realm, where you may at least live out a full and peaceful life, than have you die in my arms because I could not protect you.”

Kieran's voice shakes, and you realize suddenly he has already pictured this. Whether from old age or Jack's blade...this is his greatest fear. This man who was betrayed by a lover, lost his father as a child and witnessed his mother torn to shreds before his eyes cannot bear to witness the death of the last person left that he loves.

He knows you will die before him. He's always known. But he thought you had more time. And he doesn't believe himself strong enough to witness it happen so soon, not like this.

“I can’t,” you whisper. "I'm not leaving you. How could you ask that?" A shiver of fear runs through you. "If I return home without you...Kieran, there's no knowing how many years of my life I'll spend wasting away, waiting for you. Even if you defeat Jack, that's precious time we'll never get back.”

You expect anger at this defiance to your prince's orders. You don't expect what happens instead.

The cold stoic expression breaks, allowing you to glimpse the rare welling of anguish in his eyes, and you realize he understands exactly what he's asking. He knows that if you leave the mortal realm, you will begin to age faster. Years will pass for you and mere moments for him every second you're apart.

He knows this. He's willing to sacrifice life with you so that you may have a chance to live.

Whether you stay or go, he will lose you.

His large, powerful hands grip yours hard, engulfing them in bony strength. "Please, my love. I beg of you...I'm not strong enough to keep you safe. I won't allow my pride to be your downfall. You must go home. Now."

"I am home," you answer fiercely, clutching him back. "You can't truly think I would ever leave you.”

He scowls as his anguish turns to anger. "You will if I order it. Do not argue with me. Not now. Please.”

You're half furious, half terrified. Kieran's anger stems from fear; you know this. You are the only one who could ever talk Kieran down when he's made up his mind, but…this may be beyond even you. “How can you ask me to leave you now?” You whisper brokenly. “How can I leave my heart behind?”

Kieran swallows. His hands shake, then he sets his jaw with determined stubbornness. “If you love me at all, spare me the knowledge that you died because of my own weakness. I can't live knowing I failed you."

Tears fall from your eyes freely now, hot tracks down your cheeks. It feels wrong, so very wrong, to even consider leaving him. You make your decision. “No, Kieran. Even if you take me back to the village, I'll only return to you.”

Kieran glares at you and the power in him channels in full force, waves of freezing cold anger at your defiance. “I won’t allow it. I will spend my last breaths keeping you safe, if I must. Do you think I haven’t considered this from every angle? Do you think I would readily or easily admit I’m too weak to defend you from our enemies? I cannot protect you. We have no choice.”

“You told me the choice would always be mine,” you snap back. “If I am to die, then I will die with you, and we’ll return to the wind together. That is my wish. You are my fate. I don’t want a long peaceful life alone in my village! There is no life for me without you. "

Kieran’s breath escapes him in a shuddering exhale, and his emotionless facade shatters. He covers his face with his hands and doesn’t answer.

“Please, my love, please don't lose heart,” you urge, voice breaking. “I know it’s so hard to see the light. Your life has been a string of tragedies, and I understand why you can’t see any reason to hope. But I refuse to believe this is how our story ends. I won't allow it.”

You wrap him in your arms and feel how much he’s shaking trying to keep everything inside, and squeeze him for all you’re worth as if you could steady his doubts through sheer force of will.

“We beat the odds before,” you remind him, gentling your voice.

“I’m not willing to gamble with your life,” Kieran replies bitterly.

“My love," you cajole. "We’ll find a way through this. We’re stronger together. Believe in me, if you can’t see anything else to hold on to. Bet on us.”

You rub his back, slowly, mindful of his healing wounds. For a long moment there is silence.

“There’s that steadfast optimism in the face of impossible odds again,” Kieran finally mutters, defeated. "Are all mortals as stubborn as you?"

You muffle laughter into his shoulder, sensing the tide turning in your favor. “It’s worked for me so far. I believe I recall you saying something about winning you over with just such a trait.”

Kieran just looks at you for a long while. Multiple emotions pass across his face. Hope, despair, admiration, frustration, tenderness…love.

Then his eyes slide closed and he tilts your head to kiss you, tentative and fragile, and you know you have won. At least this time.

“Are you certain?” is all he asks. His voice is a whisper, his eyes still closed as he holds you, fingers stroking lightly over your hair.

“With all my heart,” you answer, holding him tight. "You aren't facing this alone. You'll never be alone again, Kieran. I'm here with you. I'm right where I belong."

You feel Kieran's change of heart as surely as if you still held a piece of it in your own chest; his iron will melts and his rigid body finally relaxes in your arms, taking the comfort you offer at long last. He buries his face in your shoulder and holds you as though he never plans to let go.

"Damn it," he mutters, then sighs, and you feel his power wrap around you like wings, protective and loving. "It took all my willpower to order you away. And somehow, you have outdone me, once again."

"Let's hope my powers of persuasion are just as powerful against Jack," you reply, and with a burst of relief, feel Kieran's breath of laughter against your hair.

#choicesflashfics #choices prompt challenge

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lilyoffandoms · 2 months

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Weekend Portraits

From top to bottom + left to right:

Marguerite Thorne (Choices CoP)

Aiden Zhou (Choices HSS)

Luke Watanabe (Choices CoP)

Lancelot du Lac (Choices Guinevere)

Zoey Day (Choices MOTY)

Marcus Barnes (Choices Alpha)

Gabriel Rose (Choices CoP)

Vera Reimonenq (Choices Nightbound)

Trystan Thorne (Choices CoP)

Elam (Choices TCH)

Jospehine Vance (Choices ILB)

Sean Gayle (Choices ES)

Autumn Nightbloom (Choices Blades)

Christie Jane Hayes (Choices TUH)

Ava Cunningham (Choices ILWI)

Gabriel Adalhard (Choices ID)

Rams Erndheart (Choices TE)

Wind (Choices LOA)

Yael Greene (TWC)

Amelia Langford (TWC)

Jason Lin (TWC)

Aryan Langford (TWC)

Lucas Kingston (TWC)

Evan Batra (TWC)

Clem Hawthorne (Choices TPS)

Nolia Julivert (Choices TPS)

#weekend portraits so far #will update as i finish more #my art ish thing #i polish nothing especially these sorts of hasty things #playchoices #choices stories you play #i’m gonna try and get two more of these done today since i find myself with an unexpected day off #anything yall desperately wanna see?#will give preference to flower prompts for this months choices challenge and that’s that list a character and a flower prompt

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choicesseptemberchallenge2023 · 8 months

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[Masterlist]

Welcome to Choices September Challenge!

Hello everyone! I'm Aura (@midnightmelodiz ). This is my first time hosting this monthly challenge, so I'm really excited about it. I really hope you all will like the prompts chosen for this month.

🍁GUIDELINES🍁

This is a prompt based contest. There's a prompt given for everyday, using which you'll have to create a content. Some days have multiple prompts, and different types of prompts. Feel free to use them all in the same work if you want.

You can use multiple prompt for the same work if the prompts are for same day. Don't mix and match prompts from different days.

Almost all kind of contents are acceptable. List of acceptable contents : fanfictions, drabbles, short-story/one-shot , poetry, microtale, art, mood board, theme, banner or other graphics etc.

Work based on any book from the Choices universe are welcome.

Submitted works will be featured on a weekly masterlist.

You can participate as many times as you want throughout the month.

Multiple entries for the same prompt, or same day prompts are allowed.

If your work contains NSFW/mature or triggering content, please use appropriate warning.

Mention/list the prompt(s) you are using in your content.

If possible, in stories, drabbles etc., write the prompt(s) in bold.

You can use the tag #choicesseptemberchallenge2023 & #choicesmonthlychallenge .

Please tag @choicesseptemberchallenge2023, feel free to tag me too : @midnightmelodiz . You can dm me your entries as well since Tumblr glitches a lot. Honestly I'd prefer if you dm your works, as Tumblr tags don't always work.

If I don't mention your work in the weekly masterlist, please send me a dm with the link.

🍂PROMPTS🍂

🍁 DAY 1 : Memories •||• "I can't be who you want me to be"

🍁 DAY 2 : Stars •||• Two people who keep crossing paths but miss actually meeting.

🍁 DAY 3 : Sea, Ocean •||• "You really like it?" "No, I was kidding."

🍁 DAY 4 : Moonlight, Moon •||• They have been secretly in love with each other for a long time.

🍁 DAY 5 : Diary, Journal, Notebook •||• "We're here now. Everything's alright."

🍁 DAY 6 : Dreams, Day Dream •||• "I'm in love with you!"

🍁 DAY 7 : Hope •||• Sharing something personal about them that they've never shared with anyone before.

🍁 DAY 8 : Coffee, Hot Beverage •||• "Come back! I'm not ready to get up yet. So you aren't either."

🍁 DAY 9 : Date Night •||• "I'm home, sweetheart!"

🍁 DAY 10 : Gift •||• "I care about you. I always will."

🍁 DAY 11 : Travel, Holiday , Vacation •||• Sharing an ice-cream together.

🍁 DAY 12 : Books, Reading, Writing •||• "You and me, it's never going to happen."

🍁 DAY 13 : Flowers •||• "I want to be with you." "I don't."

🍁 DAY 14 : Polaroid, Picture •||• Clicking candid pictures of their S/O to capture the special moments.

🍁 DAY 15 : Childhood, Nostalgia •||• "I love you. It's always going to be you."

🍁 DAY 16 : Cooking, Baking •||• Pretending to date each other to get out of a situation.

🍁 DAY 17 : Picnic •||• "That's all I really need. Some time with just you."

🍁 DAY 18 : Cuddle, Snuggle •||• Taking care of the other when they're sick or feeling low.

🍁 DAY 19 : Museum, Library •||• Picturing a future together even though they know it might never be true.

🍁 DAY 20 : Blue •||• " Are you saying that there's hope? Maybe in the future-" "No."

🍁 DAY 21 : Love, Kiss •||• Sending love letters to the other.

🍁 DAY 22 : Friends, Friendship •||• "It feels like I've known you forever."

🍁 DAY 23 : Fall •||• "I'm seeing someone."

🍁 DAY 24 : Serene •||• "Guess all those romance novel paid off after all, huh?"

🍁 DAY 25 : Secret, Surprise •||• "Is that my shirt?"

🍁 DAY 26 : Chocolate •||• Predicting the other's words or moves.

🍁 DAY 27 : Sunset •||• "Why did I know you would say that?"

🍁 DAY 28 : Wedding •||• "I always knew you would get together someday. What took you two so long?"

🍁 DAY 29 : rêveur, rêveuse •||• " You are all I could ever ask for."

🍁 DAY 30 : Home, Heart •||• "I'm here for you. Always."

**{Credit for most of the dialogue prompts goes to this blog~ @youneedsomeprompts}**

Have fun creating!

#choices stories you play #choices #choices monthly challenge #choicesmonthlychallenge #choicesseptemberchallenge2023 #choices september challenge 2023 #writing prompt #dialogue prompt #fic prompt #prompt challenge #word prompt

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jerzwriter · 10 months

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I'll Have What She's Having... (1/3)

OK - I had too much fun writing this! This is for @choicesprompts Rewrite Event. I selected this iconic scene from the best romcom of all time, When Harry Met Sally. I will be posting two other scenes from the movie as well.

Background: In this AU, Tobias & Casey are good friends. They're two doctors working at neighboring hospitals. They have a lot in common and love each other's company, but they decided to keep things friendly. Today, they're meeting for lunch, and Casey's becoming annoyed because Tobias is late... again. I hope you enjoy this!

Book: Open Heart (Choices)

Based on: When Harry Met Sally (Movie)

Featuring: Tobias Carrick, Casey Mactavish (F!MC)

Rating: Teen + / Sexual situations (not explicit)

Words: 1,500

A/N: As mentioned above, participating in @choicesprompts Rewrite Event

Casey felt a slight chill run through her as goosebumps formed on her skin. She rubbed her arms to warm up, though she wasn’t complaining. The cafe's arctic air conditioning was a welcome reprieve from the sultry Boston day outside. She glanced at her watch and sighed. Punctuality mattered to Dr. MacTavish. Most people knew that and tried to respect it. Unfortunately, that didn't include her dear friend, Tobias. She was beginning to wonder if he was purposefully late every time, but… her mind shifted as the front door opened, ushering in a hot summer breeze, the sounds of honking horns, and one handsome, smirking physician. Most would look sheepish for making her wait, but not Tobias Carrick. His bravado was as present as the defined muscles visible, even through his t-shirt. All she could do was shake her head.

“Hey there, sunshine,” he beamed, sliding into the booth across from her, and instantly reaching over to grab one of her fries. Casey smacked his hand away, but he was too quick, and happily chewed on the fried treat as she huffed.

“You’re late again! And for your punishment, you can’t eat any of my food! You'll have to wait until your own arrives!” She slid her plate away and protectively leaned over it, inadvertently offering a peek down her tank top. Not one to miss such things, Tobias clearly noticed but looked away quickly. He was not letting himself think of her in that way. He'd give her this battle; she could keep her fries.

“I’m not that late,” he grumbled as he flagged the waitress over.

“You’re fifteen minutes late.”

“If we’re being honest, I walked in the door two minutes ago, so technically, I’m only thirteen minutes late, and I had… reasons.”

“Mmm,” Casey sighed, playfully taunting him with her fries. “Let’s see, you didn’t drive… the T is running on schedule… you’re off from work today… a good reason… what’s their name?”

“Whose name?” He asked that sheepishness suddenly appearing.

“The reason’s name,” she grinned. “Whose bed did you have trouble crawling out of to come to have lunch with little ol’ me? You know you really have to start scheduling better.”

Tobias’s face tensed up as a rare look of exasperation appeared.

“I wasn’t… I didn’t… I wasn’t crawling out of anyone’s bed… OK!” He insisted. But Casey refused to look away, her lips curled into a knowing smirk as her eyes locked on his.

“Fine! We never made it to the bed… it was more like the couch… wiseass.”

Casey popped another fry into her mouth… victorious.

“OK,” he chuckled. “Stop being so cocky… it's not like you know everything.”

“Oh, I know enough! For example, I know. I’m so glad I never slept with you.”

“Really?” He answered, appearing to be insulted. “And why is that?”

“Because… I’d just be another notch on your belt. Another person you rushed out of bed... or off the couch from... to go have lunch with a friend. Late, of course.”

“So you’re happier with the role of friend?”

“Absolutely! I mean, you’re a halfway decent friend..."

"Gee, thanks!"

"Would you shut up," she scolded, reaching across the table to playfully smack him. "I mean, we have longevity. I'm confident you'll still be in my life this time next year, but if I was one of your conquests? I'd just think you were an asshole.”

“An asshole?” His voice and brows were raised, and Casey was unsure if he was really mad, but she didn't back down.

“Yes, an asshole. No one is saying that you have to settle down and get married, Tobias. But you’re like the walking definition of wham, bam, thank you, ma’am. At least I hope you get the thank you out before you’re rushing to the door… manners are important!”

“You know,” he said, dropping his just-delivered sandwich to his plate. “I don’t promise anyone anything more than that! I’m not a total dick! Besides,” he smiled smugly. “They seem happy enough with the results.”

“Of course they do. You’re out the door before they can offer any constructive criticism. I'll bet half of them never even get your number.”

He aggressively took a bite of his sandwich, confidently catching Casey’s gaze. “Trust me. They’re pleased.”

“Really? How do you know?”

“What do you mean? How do I know… I know.”

“Why? Because they have an orgasm?”

“An? An implies one. That's for amateurs. Please, I'm insulted," he winked as Casey chortled. “Why are you laughing."

“Because unlike your… species… we can fake it... even more than once. So you don't really know.”

“Do you fake it?”

“Me? Never. I'm not about to give someone a prize for something they haven't earned."

“Mmm, but you’re saying the women I’ve been with do?”

“I'm not saying all of them,” she shrugged. “But sadly, far too many women still do it, so yeah, I’m sure at least a percentage of them have faked it.”

“No, they haven’t,” he snickered, quickly grabbing one of her fries.

“Oh, yes. I forgot,” Casey chided. “You know… because… you’re a man.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning most women have admitted to faking an orgasm, and most men say it's never happened with them… so you do the math.”

“Well, I'm not most men,” he said cockily and returned to eating "I'd be able to tell the difference."

Casey decided not to say another word, but her wheels were spinning. With a sardonic smile, she put her plan into motion.

“Ooooh,” she gasped softly. Doing it again to ensure she had his attention.

“Case?”

“Oh… oh, God…” she whispered, leaning forward the slightest bit."

Tobias’s brow furrowed in concern. “What is it? Are you sick? You need to leave?”

“I… I… oh God,” she muttered, the volume of her voice increasing as she let out a soft, languid groan. “I just… I just… Oh my... GOD!”

Tobias sighed and placed his food on his plate. The look on his face was a mixture of mortified and amused, and he wasn't sure which side he was going to land on.

Her eyes screwed shut, and her well-manicured hand ran slowly through her long, wavy hair as the other desperately clutched the table, balling the tablecloth in her fist. Her face flushed pink, her breath more jagged, then her head flung back with dramatic flair.

“It’s… you’re… oh my, God… right there… right… you're right there... don't ... don't stop... AHH!” She wailed, now commanding the attention of everyone in the tiny cafe. Normally unflappable, Tobias appeared to blush as the attention grew, offering a half-smile and slight wave to those watching the show unfold.

“Oh, God… Oh, God… that’s it.. that’s so good, oh, God… Tobiiiasssss,” she hissed in a graveled tone as he squirmed uncomfortably in his seat, alarmed at the effect her saying his name in such a way had on him. “Tobias, you’re … you’re… Oh God… Oh God... Yes! YES! YES! YES!! YESSS!” she screamed as her back arched and her head thrashed wildly from side to side, her hands desperately grabbing the table, causing the ice cubes in their drinks to jiggle with her every gyration.

Without an ounce of remorse, she sat upright, and fully composed, she returned to eating as if she didn’t have ten cell phones pointed at her, capturing her award-worthy performance that was bound to go viral.

Bemused, Tobias studied her with an impish grin.

“Are you done?” he finally asked with amusement.

“Oh, absolutely,” she smirked. “And hopefully, so are your delusions.”

He shook his head with a chuckle. “You know, now I’m kinda happy we never slept together, too.”

“Oh really? I already told you I don’t fake it, I can, but I won't… so you wouldn’t have to worry about that.”

“No, but apparently, I’d have to worry about everyone in my neighborhood hearing.”

Casey’s eyes locked on his, a smile so innocent it defied the moment on her lips. “And that would be a problem for you?”

Tobias reached for his glass, downing the contents in their entirety in the hopes it would quench the heat rising in his body. Heat that had nothing to do with the temperature outside.

“Honesty, no,” he grinned. “That’s not a problem for me.”

“I didn’t think so,” Casey giggled.

“Say, what are your plans for the rest of the day? Wanna go see the game tonight?” he asked, compelling himself to change the subject.

“Can’t,” she replied as she chewed her food. “I have a date tonight.”

“Oh? With who?”

“A resident at Kenmore… but I’m not telling you who unless we decide to go on a second date. I don't need you antagonizing them.”

“Like I would?” he answered as she shot him a knowing look.

They fought over whose turn it was to pay the bill, each insisting it was their own. When Tobias grabbed the check and headed toward the counter, Casey Venmoed him for her portion. And he thought he won?

The hot air hit them the moment he door pushed open. And while Casey relished it for a moment, Tobias did not. He had yet to cool down from all that had transpired inside, and this wasn't helping. He rocked on his feet as they stood outside.

“So. You’re really not going to tell me who it is?”

“I will,” she replied bashfully, “if there’s a second date…maybe.”

“Well, that's definitive," he laughed. "Fine. Have fun… and don’t fake anything.”

“I never do,” she laughed, reaching up to give him a friendly kiss on the cheek. “Hey, you up for brunch tomorrow?”

“I can do brunch,” he answered, quicker than anticipated.

“Good," the smile on her face went all the way up to her eyes, then with a twist of her hips, she was walking away. But not before stopping once more to offer some advice. "Oh, and Tobias," she smiled, “don’t be late.”

He watched her walk away and kept watching until she was lost in the crowd. Then he took his phone from his pocket and lifted it to his ear as he turned to walk in the opposite direction.

“Hey!” he said enthusiastically when his call was answered. “Sally, it’s Dr. Carrick. Listen, can you do me a favor and look at the schedule… what residents are on duty tonight?”

“Great,” he replied. “And can you send a copy of that list to my e-mail? You’re a doll, Sally. I’ll make sure to mention it to your boss!”

His mind kept wandering as he walked home. He'd figure it out. It would be easy, he thought. A simple process of elimination. He’d have the person’s name by tomorrow at brunch. In fact, he’d have tonight before he headed to bed… early. After all, he needed a good night’s sleep because there was no way he was going to be late for brunch tomorrow.

Tagging on reblog.

@choicesficwriterscreations

#choices fanfic #open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart #open heart fanfic #tobias carrick #tobias carrick x mc #tobias x casey #playchoices #choices prompts #choices monthly challenge #when harry met sally #scene rewrites

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potionsprefect · 8 months

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Midnight Cuddles

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word Count: 611

Summary: Ethan wants a cuddle, Victoria isn’t overly keen

Rating: General Audiences

Category: Fluff

For @choicesmonthlychallenge (prompt is highlighted)

Victoria huffed as she tried to shift in the large king size bed, kicking back the thin duvet with one foot. It was not ideal trying to sleep whilst being heavily pregnant but there wasn’t long to go now. Victoria wanted these last few weeks to hurry up.

Boston was going through a heatwave and it was not ideal being pregnant in this weather. The nights were equally as warm and it was very uncomfortable for Victoria.

She looked over at her husband who was fast asleep beside her. He was lying on his back, the sheets pooled around his waist, exposing his perfectly carved body. He was like a Greek god and Victoria couldn’t believe that this perfectly handsome man was her husband and soon to be father of her children.

Ethan turned on his side and moved closer to Victoria, wrapping an arm around her. Victoria could feel the sweat on his arm and pushed him away, trying to get comfortable.

“What are you doing?” Ethan sleepily murmured.

“You’re all sweaty. And it’s too hot. Don’t touch me.” Victoria grumbled.

Ethan opened his eyes. “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are when you’re grumpy.” He smirked.

Victoria glared at him. “Stop trying to be funny. That’s my job.” She huffed and rolled onto her side, grabbing the pregnancy pillow.

“There she is.” Ethan chuckled as he moved to spoon his wife.

Victoria tried to shrug him off as he wrapped his arms around her. “I don’t want a cuddle.”

“Why not?” Ethan asked.

“It’s absolutely sweltering, how can you still want to cuddle?!”

“Because I love my wife and my two unborn children and I want to show them some love.” Ethan replied.

“I wish you would do it when it’s not like a sauna in here.” Victoria laughed.

“Unfortunately I can’t control the weather. But if you want space.” Ethan got up out of the bed and headed towards the window. “Then here you go. But how am I supposed to sleep standing up?”

“One would think you already know how to. Giraffes are known to sleep standing up.”

Ethan rolled his eyes. “You’re lucky I’m sleepy because I would be answering you back.

“Lucky for me.” Victoria grinned. She patted the space beside her. “I’m only teasing anyway. I do like sleeping beside you.”

Ethan climbed back into bed. “So do I. Is there anything I can do to make you feel more comfortable?”

“You could turn the fan on please. I didn’t realise how much I needed it.”

Ethan grabbed the remote by his bedside and switched the fan on. Cool air was low being blasted around the room. “Anything else?”

“I’ll let you wrap one arm around me.” Victoria laughed.

Ethan chuckled as he slung an arm across Victoria, gently stroking her back. “Not long to go now.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“I want it to be over.” Victoria sighed.

“I know you do. And it will be soon. Let’s enjoy these last few weeks together before the journey begins.” Ethan smiled.

“I think I can do that. But for now I’m going to try and sleep”. Victoria said.

“Good idea.” Ethan said.

Victoria shut her eyes and dreamt of all the exciting things that were heading hers and Ethan’s way. Soon their family would be complete and they couldn’t wait.

Victoria felt Ethan tighten his arm around her as he too fell back asleep. She smiled to herself, knowing she has the most amazing man in the world by her side.

She fell asleep knowing she had everything she could possibly want. And so much more was to come.

Tagging in reblog

#open heart #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan ramsey x victoria clarke #ethan x victoria #playchoices #prompt #choices monthly challenge

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aprilchallenge · 1 year

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Choices April Challenge

Looks like spring is in the air 🌷

I am so honored to be able to host the monthly challenge for a second time. Thank you to @choicesmonthlychallenge for letting me host April Monthly Challenge 💚

You’ll be able to create something on any day, as I didn’t assign prompts to each day. So feel free to use the prompts as inspiration strikes 💓

I was hoping to spread some joy so hopefully everyone will be able to create something amazing 💙

Just be sure to tag @aprilchallenge and state the prompt you used 🧡

Hopefully the tags will work. If they don’t you can dm me on my personal blog @peonierose too 🌸

Prompts

#Choices April Monthly Challenge #prompts #April #choicesmonthlychallenge #spring is in the air

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choicesjanuarychallenge · 1 year

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January Challenge Prompts

Taking inspiration from Janus, there are two opposing prompts for each day, and a third prompt based on common themes/topics from New Year resolutions.

New Year’s Eve | New Year’s Day | Mindfulness

Morning | Night | Money

Breakfast | Dinner | Cooking

Dating | Break-up | Self-reflection

Love | Hate | Drink

Always | Never | Satisfaction

Before | After | Hobby

Clear | Stormy | Travel

Dark | Light | Plants

Easy | Hard | Exercise

Important | Trivial | Yoga

Angry | Happy | Spa Day

Sunny | Grumpy | Partner

Private | Public | Cuddle

Quiet | Noisy | Books

Nice | Rude | Charity

Black | White | Relax

Truth | Lie | Procrastinate

Early | Late | Kitchen

Blame | Praise | Shopping

Clumsy | Graceful | Music

Dangerous | Safe | Job

Full | Empty | Water

Give | Take | Friends

Humble | Proud | Makeover

Open | Shut | Routine

New | Old | Explore

Tight | Loose | Clothes

Wet | Dry | Walk

Sweet | Sour | Sleep

Rich | Poor | Adventure

Check out submission guidelines here.

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txemrn · 1 year

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Wounded

Book: TRR/TRH Post-series

Pairing: Liam Rys x MC (Riley Brooks-Rys)

Word count: ~2500

Song Inspo: "Wounded" - Maddie Wilson

Warning: for mature audience only; the TW are the plot twists in this story; if you are not sure if you want to read this and/or you are a fairly sensitive reader (nothing wrong with that!), scroll to the very end of this post (right above the tags) for a more specific list of TW

A/N: I am SUPER pumped to be participating in week 9 of @choicesflashfics prompt challenge! I chose prompt #3: “I don’t know what I thought was going to happen, but this was definitely not it.” The prompt will be in bold.

A/N 2: Most of the characters and some of the plot points belong to our friends at Pixelberry; HUGE thanks to my dear friend (and birthday girl) @sfb123 for pre-reading this for me. Please excuse my errors! Also, if you are curious about Royal Roulette: it's a fun little challenge you can do anytime for yourself! Take your music and hit mix! Take the first song that pops up, and use it as a muse for a fic! No need to credit me, but do tag me if you do it because I LOVE reading other RR!

~🖤~

(Present)

It's just past 8PM, and I find myself in the tiled coffin of my personal sanctuary: my shower. The balmy steam hides the evidence of my swollen, tear-stained cheeks, my own words replaced by wails of mercy. The sweltering water stings across my porcelain skin, the unbearable discomfort distracting from the emptiness, the nothingness of my shattered, lifeless heart.

Today. Of all days, why today?

If only my body didn't complicate things...

If only my body did what it was supposed to do…

If only my body did what I was crowned to do…

Liam and I have spent over six years testing every last inch of my body for an answer. The simple answer is polycystic ovarian syndrome… if only life were that simple…

------

(Yesterday)

"PCOS isn't what it used to be, though. There are so many women living with it–myself included!" Savannah takes another bite of cake, and I've never been more grateful in all my life for the reprieve from her voice. This is my fourth time hearing this speech about PCOS, and how the diagnosis is taken 'too seriously'. I mean, afterall, we are at her baby shower for Beaumont baby number two. And three. "They gave me the same talk, blah blah blah, percent this and that, and after taking Clomid for only two months," she smiles joyfully, massaging her rounded belly.

I fake a smile, shoveling some fruit salad in my mouth in hopes of keeping my sharp tongue quiet. I'm happy for her; I really am. .

But she's also never lost a baby. Or three.

Two months? 'Only' two months? God…

Liam and I have been prescribed every drug on the market to conceive; we've even tried more natural, holistic remedies, like crushed up superfoods and tree roots, tiny needles being stuck in my eyelids and in between my toes, religious relics and crystals

God, if you've never experienced humility before, the struggle with infertility will strip you bare of any pride left in your body, and after six different specialists, we finally resorted to my biggest–our biggest fear: in vitro fertilization.

But, IVF might actually be the answer to our infertility story.

As Savannah answers more intrusive pregnancy questions about her own body from our close family and friends, my mind disengages. Shielding the bright sun from my eyes, I look across the palace's heavily-decorated back lawn. Soft petal pink and pearl-colored balloons litter the divine scenery. Signage that boasts kitschy baby phrases seem to be multiplying before my eyes.

I feel a sudden shift in the atmosphere, one that is making me feel– I don't know… funny? I don't feel like myself. In fact, I'm starting to feel slightly ill.

An abrupt piercing shrill of pressure shoots through my temples as my breathing quickens. A trickle of sweat courses down my back as everything begins to spin wildly around me. The laughter of the group of women I'm with becomes sinister and terrifying.

I need to get out of here…

"What an exquisite group of lovely ladies!"

Leo Rys, my ever-charming, newly-divorced brother-in-law. He is well-trained in managing a crowd, but the heart-throb is a master at wooing a very specific demographic: women.

Case in point.

"Sav," he tenderly takes her hand in his, "you look absolutely radiant. Where is that foolish husband of yours, leaving your beautiful self alone–" he slows down his flirting rampage, and I instantly look up, making contact with those familiar Rys crystal-blue eyes. He mouths, 'Are you okay?' before taking out his phone, no doubt to text Liam. "'Scuse me, ladies," Leo nods with a forced, jubilant grin.

With a skip in his step, my brother-in-law takes a knee while placing a tender touch on my clammy arm. "You're looking a little green there, sis," his lips curl softly as he pushes back my careless wisps.

"Kermit the Frog did warn us that it's not easy being green,'' I chuckle. The vibrations of my voice soothe my slightly queasy stomach. I relax further into my chair, fanning myself as I pull my oversize sunglasses over my eyes. "I'm fine," I grin cheekily, welcoming a sudden cool breeze over my skin.

His phone chimes. "Eh… negatory," he snickers under his breath, holding out his hand for me to take it. "The queen has been summoned to his majesty's presence."

Damnit, what did he say to him?

"You better not be making my husband worry about me–"

"Someone needs to keep an eye on your bad self," Leo jokingly winks. "C'mon."

And maybe it was a good thing for me to get away from those women, to get away from this party and out of the sun. I do have a lot on my mind as well–too much actually. Enough to make anyone unwell.

I hate exiting groups earlier than expected. I just… I just know the inevitable will happen when I leave: they will talk about Liam and me. Worse, they will look at us as if… as if we're wounded.

Gone are the days of hailing us as the 'it' couple…

Gone are the days of discussing our bright future…

Gosh, I really don't feel all too well as I stand up with Leo's assistance, but we make it inside the palace to a secluded sunroom. Bracing myself, I ease into a lounge chair while Leo helps me prop up my feet.

He really is a kind man, much like Liam. I hope he knows how much his return to Cordonia has meant to us as a family, especially his brother. Sure, we have staff that can help us with the countless doctor's appointments and emergency trips to the hospital, but these are intimate times that should be spent with family. And I'm glad it's with Leo.

"Are you okay, love?" Liam appears at the opposite end of the quarters. Worry is etched across his face as he slowly saunters to my side. "I got here as soon as I–"

I wave my hands in the air. "I'm fine, babe. I think I just got a little overheated," I playfully roll my eyes.

He lets out a slow exhale, wiping the perspiration off of my forehead. "You know better–"

"I know, I know," I raise my hands in surrender as he kisses my head. He's always watching me closely, so carefully, especially with so many hormones pumping through my veins.

"I'll leave you two alone," Leo clicks his tongue as he casually shoves his fists into his khaki shorts. "Text me."

Liam stops him, leaning in closely to whisper, "Grab us some seltzers please. And crackers." Leo nods as Liam makes himself comfortable next to me.

I sit up, adjusting the pillows around my husband before I quickly find the crook of his arm. My crook. By the time I am settled, my gaze is happily met by his.

God, I love him.

Even after all of this time, he still looks at me like I'm the only woman in the room. He doesn't see my shortcomings as a wife or as a queen. He sees me… and still loves me.

I study his face, counting the fine lines around his eyes. He's beautiful, but this has taken quite the toll on us, aging us both. I reach up to caress the perfectly smooth skin of his jaw, my thumb tracing over his dry lips.

He pulls my hand from his face, peppering the inside of my wrist with sweet kisses. He finally rests my palm on his chest, weaving his finger through mine.

I hate that it takes loss to make us appreciate life more, but watching each rise and fall of our hands reminds me that right now, in this moment, we have each other. And each heartbeat, each breath is to be cherished.

Suddenly, we hear a voice clear behind us. "Are you not well, your majesty?" Gretchen, our part-time nurse, carries a tray of snacks and seltzers into the sunroom.

"Oh, Ms. Gretchen," I quickly wipe away my tears, brightening to her approach. "We're fine."

She is an older woman who actually helped care for Liam's mother in her pregnancies, and also for his father in the end. Liam trusts her, and he thought hiring her would be immensely helpful to us right now.

And he was right; she's been a perfect angel. I don't know what I would've done without her help.

"Leo told me what happened." She pulls up an end table, setting the wooden tray down. "It’s too early for your medicine, but I figured some refreshing snacks might be in order."

"Mmmm," I hum with approval as Liam helps me sit up. "This looks absolutely perfect. Thank you."

Gretchen kindly bows before excusing herself.

I grab a piece of toast, spreading some fresh apple-butter on top. "Have you eaten today?" I pass him a ginger ale as I take a sip of my drink.

I abruptly stop fumbling with the tray when I feel his steely-stare boring holes into me. I glance once, then twice as I watch a large Cheshire grin crawl across his mouth.

"What?" I chuckle as I take a bite of my toast. "You have trouble written all over that face."

He wiggles his eyebrows as he pulls me safely back into his arms, our lips instantly meeting. His tongue swipes eagerly in my mouth. "Baby!" I squeal, pushing back from him as I wipe the corners of my mouth.

He snickers, swiping his thumb across his lips before sucking on it. "Mmmm," he quietly moans, "just what I thought." I raise my eyebrows in curiosity. "That's the best damn apple-butter I've ever tasted." He tenderly squeezes my bottom as I claim his lips again. And again.

I love this man.

I rest my head back on his chest, listening to the deep thrumming of his heart. My home. We lay in perfect silence, watching the shadows shift throughout the afternoon glow.

But as the sun sinks lower into the earth, I feel my body cling tighter to Liam.

"What are you thinking?" he whispers gravelly.

Damn him. He knows me too well. I reposition myself, sitting up on my side. My eyes begin to sting as tears threaten to fall. I grip his shirt as his fingertips lightly trace the freckles on the back of my arm.

"About tomorrow," I quietly exhale.

"The doctor's appointment?" He drops his hands to my lower abdomen, giving it a hopeful caress.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I can only nod my head, my breath hitching in my chest as I nuzzle into his shoulder.

Damnit, why us?

"Riley," he croons, enveloping his arms around me. His fingertips become lost in my waves as his lips press intimately against the shell of my ear.

"I–I'm so scared, baby," I whisper, my voice rattled with hoarseness as I wrap my arms around him.

"Shhh," he pulls me closer. He gently rocks my body, a hand tracing soft figure-eights across me back. "Me too."

------

It's early. Liam and I sit in the doctor's office, waiting for her to return with our test results so we can form the next plan of action for our family.

I've been sick most of the morning, my nerves getting the best of me. But Liam remains steadfast, my rock. He's been reassuring me all morning, wiping my anxious tears away. He refuses to let go of my hand.

A child needs a father like him; this can't be the end of our journey. It… it just can't be.

We hear a click, and Dr. Nguyen walks into the room with a thick file folder. I can't read her as she takes a seat, but suddenly, I see my husband's knee begin to anxiously bounce.

She finally makes eye contact with us, revealing her swollen, red eyes as if she's been crying for days. She clears her throat, dabbing at her cheeks. "Your majesties, I–" she stops to gain control of herself. “I don’t know what I thought was going to happen, but this was definitely not it.”

Her voice trails off as a subtle ringing forms in my ears, and suddenly, everything seems to be moving in slow motion. Liam let's go of my hand; he rests his elbows on his knees, burying his face in his hands.

I take a deep breath, shaking my head. What just happened? I've missed something. I frantically look between my husband and his oncologist. "I–I'm sorry. What?"

"I'm sorry, your majesty," she swallows back the lump in her throat having to deliver the news again. "The cancer? It–it didn't respond to the treatment. And from his scan last week, there are new spots on his kidneys, liver and lungs."

I blink a couple of times, feeling as though I don't know what all of this means. Because it can't possibly mean what I think she is saying.

He's not dying. He can't be dying…

"So," I swallow thickly, "you have a plan. Right?"

"Well," the physician folds her hands on the desk. "We… can… make him as comfortable as possible–"

"I'm sorry," I interrupt. "Are you–are you saying that my husband...?" I pause as I gasp for a morsel of air. "The love of my life is, that he... he's–?" I clamp my hand over my mouth. No, I can't-- I refuse to say it.

But through the blur of my tears, I see the truth.

She’s nodding.

------

(Present)

"Riley?"

I break from my thoughts as I turn towards the deep voice. There at the entrance to the shower towers the most handsome man I have ever seen… or will ever see. His golden curls have been gone for months; he and his best friends shaved their heads when he first started chemotherapy a year ago. His shoulders are still broad, but with his colon resection and loss of appetite, he's thinned out quite a bit.

He is weaker; his skin has weathered. But he's still my Liam. Even in all of this, he remains my North Star, my hope and my strength.

Which is why I can't get out of the shower. Not yet.

He flashes me a crooked smile, handing me a towel. "C'mon, love," he turns off the shower.

I carefully stand up, wrapping the towel around my damp body. Liam extends his large hand towards me, my petite grip finding his palm. He leads me out of the shower and twirls me into an embrace, my back against his chest.

He buries kisses into my hair and across my shoulders. "I need you," he lovingly growls.

Then he tenderly drops his hands to my growing, pregnant belly. "And I need you too, my little peanut."

My poor husband… how do I do this?

Without warning, a rush of agony roars around my 22-week abdomen, the abrupt sharp pain causing me to double-over. I grab onto the sink in front of me as I groan from the intense throbbing.

This can't be happening.

"Riley?" Liam steps out of the bathroom, and hollers down the hallway. "Leo! We need help!" He takes me back into his arms. "What is it? What's wrong?"

The pain subsides, and I begin to sob. I can't look at him.

Today. Of all days, why today?

"Liam," I choke out , "my water broke."

~🖤~

TAGS (updated 09/2022; please let me know if you wish to be added/removed):

PERMA

@21-wishes @alj4890 @ao719 @charlotteg234 @issabees @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nikirennie87 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam

ALL TRR

@3pawandme @alyshak92 @iaminlovewithtrr @lovingchoices14 @malblk21 @rubiwalker @sfb123 @twinkleallnight

***

TRIGGER WARNINGS: discussion of infertility; discussion of cancer; insinuation of a major character death; miscarriage

***

#the royal romance #choices trr #trr fanfic #choices fanfic #liam rys #king liam rys #liam x mc #liam x riley #royal roulette #choices flashfics #prompt challenge

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choicesflashfics · 3 months

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Week #71 Prompts

This week’s prompts are:

Prompt 1 — “Are you flirting with me?” -> “I’m always flirting with you, [name]. Keep up.”

Prompt 2 — “I don’t want anyone to see me cry.”

Prompt 3 — “Why does this always happen to me?”

Guidelines:

You have to use at least one of the prompts, but you may use all if you’d like.

The fic can be no more than 2500 words. Word count must be present. Text fics are welcome as well.

The prompts must be used exactly as they are.

Whether you use one, two, or all three, the prompt(s) must be bolded. Please put in your A/N which prompt(s) you’re using.

Use proper warnings/tags for the fics if they require any (nsfw, etc.)

Tag @choicesflashfics when you post and your fic will be reblogged. If your fic isn’t reblogged within 48 hours of posting (because we all know how tumblr tags are wonky sometimes), send a message with the link.

Post your fic by Saturday, February 10th (11:59 EST).

Happy writing!

*just a reminder that asks are open for those who want to submit their own prompt suggestions!*

Tags: @aallotarenunelma @ao719 @bebepac @blackcatkita @boneandfur @burnsoslow @cadybear420 @charlotteg234 @choicesfanaf @choiceskatie @choicesmonthlychallenge @dcbbw @deb-1106 @emkay512 @foreverethereal123 @jerzwriter @katedrakeohd @kristinamae093 @leelee10898 @lolablackwrites @lucy-268 @mariemarieohcontrary @myglassesareinkansas @neotericthemis @niaellariious @ownworldresident @peonierose @petiteboheme @phoenixrising0308 @polishchoicesfan @queenrileyrose @sfb123 @sincerelyella @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight @writing-not @zaffrenotes

(If I’ve missed anyone, I’m so sorry. Please let me know if you’d like to be added to or removed from the tags. If I’m unable to activate your tag, I will try to reach out in the comments!)

#choicesflashfics #choices fanfiction #choices fanfic #choices prompt challenge #choices #playchoices

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bisxualbucky · 1 year

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40's stucky in deadman's gun for my friend elliot (@t4tstevebucky)

#i LOVE these colors elliot excellent choice #i'm also working on the other prompt you suggested so be on the look out ☺️😘😘#i made the executive decision to leave this very messy/sketchy and NOT blend it because of reasons #(I liked how it looked and I'm lazy lmao)#anyway THANK YOU for the prompt!!!#stevebucky #fanart #stevebucky fanart #stucky #stucky fanart #my art #palette challenge

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subukunojess · 9 months

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DJTober 2023: A Monthly Fan Creation Challenge

Introducing, a new Fan Art/Fan Fiction Challenge for the Month of October 2023!

Links: Archive of Our Own and Spotify Playlist.

I always like monthly fanfiction and fan art challenges in certain months that create new work and get the creative flow going. So I decided I wanted to make my own challenge that anyone could join.

Information and Text version of Prompts under the cut:

So what is DJTober? It is a challenge where you can draw or write based on random songs and verses as the daily prompts. I picked the name because it was different and I think Songtober was already taken. You can either post fan art or write fanfic or create a gif or anything that you feel like creating! Will this be a thing? Who knows? Will I make a side blog for this? It depends. Either way, I'm going to try this challenge myself and share it with others.

A couple of things to note:

In order for me to see your work on your platform (either Tumblr or AO3), please use the tags: #DJTober and #DJTober2023.

You can write a one-shot or multiple chapters, one fandom or multiple, and dark/whump/NSFW are allowed as well. Just make sure to tag appropriately and be mindful of triggers/content warnings.

Having said that, I do not allow things like pedophilia or similar in the works. I will immediately remove it and/or take drastic measures if need be.

Your fic can either be inspired by the song itself or by the suggested verse in the picture, or a different lyric of your choice. You can even have someone say the lyric in a quote. Your fic does not have to be a songfic.

You do not have to go in order of the list and you can start as early or late as you want. Just be aware that the collection that is opened now will remain unmoderated until the end of the first week of November.

Without further ado, here are the prompts:

Life's no fun without a good scare. (This Is Halloween from Nightmare Before Christmas)

2) All of your time spent keeps us alive. (Larger Than Life by Backstreet Boys)

3) Think of it as my desire for you. (Chant from Hadestown)

4) Tell me you love me in private. (Montero (Call Me By Your Name) by Lil Nas X)

5) I'm wearing my heart like a crown, pretending that you're still around. (The Great Pretender by The Platters)

6) I'm far renowned in the underground and you can't take that from me. (Land of the Dead by Voltaire)

7) Because you're mine. (I Put A Spell On You, either Screamin' Jay Hawkins or the Hocus Pocus version)

8) No one else takes care of me. (Independent Women, pt 1 by Destiny's Child)

9) Just what to do. Help them to help you. (The Pitiful Children from Be More Chill)

10) Talk so pretty, but your heart got teeth. (Teeth by 5 Seconds of Summer)

11) Go ahead and kick it up a notch if your life is at a level too low. (Kick It Up A Notch from Starkid's Starship)

12) Don't have the heart to live in the fast lane. (Worthless from The Brave Little Toaster)

13) And no one's gonna save you from the beast about to strike. (Thriller by Michael Jackson)

14) May your feet serve you well and the rest be sent to Hell. (Let's Kill Tonight by Panic! At The Disco)

15) This plant is talking to you. (Sominex/Suppertime II from Little Shop of Horrors)

16) Your beauty never ever scared me. (Mary on a Cross by Ghost)

17) Music and passion were always the fashion at the Copa. Don't fall in love. (Copacabana by Barry Manilow)

18) Part of life's eternal rhyme. (Mother Earth and Father Time from Charlotte's Web)

19) You can't reason with a headless man. (The Headless Horseman, any version)

20) With a taste of poison paradise. (Toxic by Britney Spears)

21) Ain't it the sweetest noises in town, that beautiful sound? (That Beautiful Sound from Beetlejuice the Musical)

22) What you gon' do when there's blood in the water? (Blood // Water by grandson)

23) Because a caricature is all they know. (Candle Queen by Ghost and Pals)

24) If you stay close to me in my dreams tonight. (Dreams to Dream from American Tail: Fieval Goes West)

25) Don't ever laugh as a hearse goes by. (The Hearse Song, any version)

26) We're hand to hand, chest to chest, and now, we're face to face. (Don't Stop the Music by Rihanna)

27) Would you please send directions on how I can get where you are? (T.E.A.M./The Baseball Game from You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

28) Sip the gossip, drink til you choke. (Gossip by Maneskin)

29) So sweet. So cold. So fair. (St. James Infirmary by Cab Calloway)

30) Every day, I'll take you higher and I'll never let you fall. (Let Me Be Your Wings from Thumbelina)

31) Writer's Choice/Request/Free Space (You can either choose a favorite song of your own, request a song on your blog for others to suggest, or use this as a free space/day to write whatever you want).

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me. Please reblog to spread the word!

#DJTober #DJTober2023 #fanfiction #fanfic #ao3 #fan art #challenge #song #music #verse #prompt #october #I jut noticed now that I spelled notch wrong oops #I already picked a song for my free space #it's on the playlist #I'm hoping to add to the playlist for all other choice songs someone comes up with #please reblog and spread the word #more detailed rules are on the AO3 collection #if you have questions please ask me

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blackrosesandwhump · 1 year

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Whump Drabble 40: Ripped Out

2023 Year of Whump, February 19: "I'm your only choice now"

CW: blood, gore, heart ripped out, vampire whump, murder, revenge

The vampire’s heart pulsed under hero’s fingers, a glistening organ dripping blood onto the ground.

Hero watched it beat. Horror crept up from his own heart into his throat, threatening to choke him.

The elder. He had just killed the elder.

His gaze traveled slowly from his hand up his arm. His entire sleeve was drenched in crimson. The scent surrounded him, rich and—terrible.

He had just killed the elder.

The heart slipped from his hand and fell, reflecting the sputtering glow from the streetlight around the corner. The same light flickered across the elder vampire’s body, glinting in the pool of blood spreading underneath him. His red eyes stared at nothing; his slack mouth revealed a pair of fangs sharper than hero had ever seen. Fangs that had fed on—

Hero’s breath caught as fresh rage crawled up from his chest. Elder had fed on his sister. His human sister, untouched by the everlasting curse that plagued her brother. His sister, who loved him even though he was a monster.

Elder’s heart had stopped beating now. Hero raised his foot over it, bloodied hands clenched at his sides.

“You can stop there.”

Hero froze, then whipped around, anger throbbing in his teeth.

A man was watching him, arms crossed, a strange smile twitching the corners of his mouth but not reaching his eyes. “You’ve done enough,” he said, nodding toward the body. “More than enough. I’ve been trying to take that one down for—I don’t know how long.” Uncrossing his arms, he strode forward and picked up the discarded heart in his gloved hand, weighing it thoughtfully. “Well done.”

Hero’s anger started to subside. He swayed a little on his feet. The stranger cocked an eyebrow at him, and a new kind of fear spiked in hero’s chest.

“Who…who are you?” he gasped. He already knew the answer. A hunter. The stranger was a hunter. So why hadn’t he pounced on his quarry?

The stranger chuckled hollowly. “Someone who can help you. You’re a traitor. You killed the head vampire of your clan.”

“I know,” hero mumbled.

“You can’t return to them. They’ll kill you.”

“I know.” Hero fixed his eyes on the heart lying in the hunter’s palm. I would be dead too.

“But you can come with me. I need a partner anyway.”

Come with…hero examined his hands in a daze. The flickering streetlight flashed across them, across the elder’s corpse, across the hunter’s face. A crisp breeze sent the sharp odor of blood roiling around them.

Hunter pulled a sealed bag from his pocket and dropped in the vampire’s heart. “Well? I’m your only choice now.”

In the erratic dark, hero stood silent for a moment as the truth crashed over him. Hunter was right. I have to stay alive.

He took a deep breath.

“Then take me with you.”

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twinkle-320 · 2 years

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Hold On

“Quote Me on This” Prompt Challenge: I was given the quote “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other”. It appears in the mood board below and will be bolded in the story.

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Riley & Drake, Liam & Olivia

Rating: MA

Warnings: Grief, mentions of death, mildly graphic details of injuries

Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare professional, all details of medical care and injuries are fictional dramatizations for the purposes of this story and I do not proclaim them to be accurate in real life.

Word Count: 3796 (sorry!)

A/N: After receiving multiple requests for a follow up to my Choices Prompt Challenge submission ‘Promise Me’ (read here), I decided to use this challenge to answer the call. If you haven’t read that one, this one won’t make much sense. There is a time jump between that story and this one, and this is long so I could wrap this up without turning it into a mini-series :)

A/N 2: I kept this in the first person from Riley’s POV in keeping with the style of ‘Promise Me’ but it does jump between present and past tense with Riley thinking back on the time between where that story ended and where she is now. Please forgive any errors in grammar or tense, as this is not my usual style.

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“I’m sorry, Lucas. I really am, but I can’t come back yet…” I nod as if I’m on a video chat, but I know my boss can’t see me. “No, no…it’s fine. I understand and I appreciate you accommodating me as long as you have. I’ve loved my time with the firm and I’m grateful for the opportunity you gave me…Yes, thank you Lucas…you too.” When the line goes dead, my body shakes with the sob I’ve been holding in.

Outside it’s a rainy day but there is just enough light from the setting sun to allow me to catch my reflection in the window. In the mirrored image, the tears running down my cheeks blend with the raindrops on the window. Just beyond the glass, life goes on and the world moves forward, but inside these walls, I feel like time is standing still.

It’s been seven months since I returned to Cordonia and I’ve been trying to balance life back home with my need to be here. To say it isn’t going well would be an understatement.

For the first time in my life, I was just fired from a job or, ‘let go’, as Lucas had delicately put it. It should feel crushing to lose my dream job but honestly, I can’t blame them. My clients need and deserve an attorney and agent that can give them undivided attention and I can’t do that right now. I’ve been working remotely, filing motions, writing briefs, and negotiating contracts but I can’t provide that personal touch from thousands of miles away and when you’re dealing with athletes and actors like I am, that personal touch means everything.

I feel myself on the edge of a breakdown and I can’t allow myself to lose my shit right now; not here. Mere feet from where I stand, watching the sky weep with me, the man I love is lying in a bed, still fighting for his life. Machines beep as they monitor every aspect of his body and vitals, and the spikes on the brainwave monitor are all the proof I need that he can hear me, so losing it in front of him is not an option.

Moving to the far side of his bed, away from the monitors, I brush his chestnut brown hair away from his eyes and place a gentle kiss on his forehead. “You are in desperate need of a haircut, my love,” I whisper. “I love you. I’ll be right back.”

Across from me, the monitor beeps, registering another spike. It always does after I tell him I love him. While I long for nothing more than to hear his voice, I’ve started to think of the beeps as him saying ‘I love you too’.

Unable to fight the tears any longer I rush from the room, and head for my suite right next door. Most people would exploit their friendship with a king by asking for political favors or seeking personal gain but all I want is permission to stay here around the clock. Of course, I have a room at the palace too for those days where Liam insists that I need a break which was initially once a week but he has become more insistent more often recently.

My visits to the palace are bittersweet. I love spending time with Olivia and the kids but…I hate myself for the resentment I feel. I never let it show, it wouldn’t be fair to Liv. She is carrying around a hefty dose of survivors’ guilt as it is but…I can’t stop myself from thinking it.

Five minutes after I curl up on the bed and fall apart, my breakdown is interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Excuse me, Riley?” Dr. Hastings says, peeking his head in. I’m not pleased with the intrusion but I’m glad I’ve finally broken him of calling me Ms. Nevin.

“Hi Dr. Hastings,” I say, sitting up and wiping away my tears.

“Shift change is coming up, I just thought I’d give you a run-down of today’s tests and vitals.”

All I can do is nod my head and prepare myself to hear more of the same. I used to hold onto hope for each update but now that the physical wounds have healed and the threat of infection is gone, the updates are nothing more than a recitation of fluctuating brain activity and stable vitals.

I nod along, glassy-eyed as Dr. Hastings goes over the usual.

“I’m sorry, Riley. I know you’re hoping for big changes and progress,” he says, registering my disappointment. “But I continue to be encouraged by Drake’s brain activity. His mind is reacting to stimuli with more frequency.”

“Then why hasn’t he woken up?” I cry.

“I wish I had an answer for that,” he replied sadly. “All we can do is continue to push his body to respond in the same way his brain does. We’ve been seeing results. If you’d like to stay for tomorrow’s tests, you can see for yourself.

“No,” I shake my head, “I…I can’t.”

I used to stay for the tests but it’s terrifying and heartbreaking. The tests consist of weaning Drake off the ventilator gradually. His lungs do respond, and he attempts to breath on his own which I know is encouraging, but every so often he makes sounds like he’s choking or struggling, and I can’t handle it.

“I understand,” Dr. Hastings nods. “I hope you get some rest; I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Just as he turns to go, we are both surprised to see Liam entering my room.

“Riley, Dr. Hastings…good evening,” the king says. “Did I miss today’s update?”

Dr. Hastings bows. Though he finally uses my first name, he refuses to break protocol when it comes to royalty. “I’d be happy to go over it again, Your Majesty.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Liam replies. “I’m sure Riley can give me a run down.”

I nod, knowing that Liam can already tell by looking at me that nothing’s changed. With a final bow, Dr. Hastings departs and Liam takes a seat beside me on the bed.

“Rough day?”

“You have no idea,” I sigh.

“Why don’t you fill me in?”

“Well…for starters, I lost my job…”

“Oh, Riley…I’m so sorry.”

I shake my head. “Don’t be…I knew it was coming eventually. I’m surprised they worked with me this long. But, without an income, I’m going to have to put my condo on the market.”

“No, don’t do that. I can assist you in holding onto it.”

“I can’t take money from you Liam…”

“You wouldn’t be. Rashad is quite busy with Sloane Enterprises these days. I could use another contract attorney on my legal team to pick up the overflow work.”

“Liam…I’d be happy to help but I’m still selling the condo. There’s no reason to keep it and I can’t keep asking my dad to make the drive to Tampa to check on things for me. For now…my home is wherever Drake is,” I say, feeling the crushing weight of sadness again.

“I got the sense that Dr. Hastings didn’t have good news.”

I shrug. “It was the same as any other day, no better, no worse.

“This is to be expected when dealing with traumatic brain injury.”

“All the imaging shows his brain is healing,” I protest.

“Yes,” Liam nods, “which is all the more reason to be hopeful. You know how extensive his injuries were. I truly believe this coma is his body’s way of taking all the time it needs to heal. He’s been beating the odds since you got here.”

Logically, I know Liam is right. Drake’s body went through hell and on the night I arrived seven months ago, they didn’t expect him to make it beyond another twenty-four hours. The first time I walked into that room, Liam had to keep me on my feet; I could barely tell it was Drake in the bed.

On our flight from Philly to Cordonia, Liam had tried to tell me what to expect but it was a difficult conversation to get through and quite honestly nothing could have prepared me. I was shocked to learn that Drake had joined the guard. Liam had tried to convince him to finish his veterinary degree and refused to appointment him to the guard, but Drake didn’t want an appointment handed to him anyway. He earned his way in by joining the military; after two years of exemplary service, he earned the Cordonia Medal of Honor and his commanding officer recommended him for the guard. Drake was immediately assigned to head of Olivia’s detail. In true Olivia fashion, she had scared off all her previous guards and they hoped Drake could put up with her. I still can’t believe that those two managed to coexist as long as they did but Liam assures me they had become quite close.

I learned all about the Sons of the Earth and their leader, my former press secretary, Justin, AKA Anton Severus…his secret marriage to Olivia, his plots to kill Liam and take the throne, his death, and the rebel factions that carried on his evil legacy. Olivia had been relatively safe when he was alive because he needed her for his plan, but once he was gone and she was married to Liam, she became a target of the rebels.

Two days before Liam came to Hill Heights, a rebel uprising attacked Olivia’s motorcade on their way out of Lythikos and isolated the lead SUV. On a hunch, Drake had anticipated a possible attack and ordered Liv into one of the secondary vehicles with a whole team of guards while he rode lead with a decoy. A rendezvous point had been established as a contingency if the motorcade got separated. Off their plotted course, the lead car encountered a roadside bomb which flipped the car and sent it up in flames and the rebels riddled it with bullets before taking off. By all rights, no one should have survived but the driver managed to free himself and pull Drake out just before the car fully exploded and succumbing to his own injuries.

When they failed to arrive at the rendezvous point, Liv ordered all but the six men guarding her back to look for them. That’s when they found Drake and the driver on the side of the road, unconscious with life-threatening injuries, and the other two guards in the car, dead. Both men were airlifted to the Capitol where the race to save their life began. Drake had suffered a head injury from the blast and multiple gunshot wounds from the rebels’ indiscriminate firing spree. Two bullets struck major organs. Hours of surgery were required, and it was touch and go.

I can’t try to explain the extent of the injuries or even all that went into attempting to save him, but I do know he looked like he’d been to a war zone when I saw him. His skull was open to relieve the pressure on his brain, vacuum drains were attached to multiple wounds where they had opened him up to repair internal damage and remove bullet fragments, and his left leg was in a cast, suspended by a sling above the bed. Looking at him now, you’d never know any of that. There is a thin scar on his head where hair still won’t grow but it’s hidden by his full head of hair around it, and he of course has scars from the bullet wounds, but they are hidden by his clothes. Just looking into his room, aside from the ventilator, you might think he’s just asleep, but…he’s not waking up.

“Are you headed back over to sit with him?” Liam asks, pulling me back to the present.

“In a few minutes,” I sigh. “I came here to have my daily breakdown. Ever since the nurse told me he shows signs of distress when he hears me cry, I try not to do it in front of him.”

Liam takes my hand giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You must try to focus on the positive, Riley…he hears you.”

“How are you so optimistic after all this time?”

“A well-crafted facade, I assure you. I have breakdowns too, but I try to be strong…for you, for Liv…”

“How is she?” I ask.

“You should ask her yourself, she’s right next door.”

I gasp in surprise. “She’s here?” Olivia hasn’t come to the hospital since Emily was born. Of course, having a baby keeps her busy, but Liam and I know it goes beyond that. Liv feels responsible for what happened and the guilt that she carries makes seeing Drake difficult for her.

“Yes, she asked to come. I decided to give her some time with him by coming in to check on you. Fabian and Emily are across the hall in the family suite with the nanny if you wish to pop in to see them. I’m going to go sit with Olivia, join us whenever you are ready.”

Visits with Fabian and Emily always bring a smile to my face, even on hard days…especially on hard days. I pop in for hugs and snuggles before joining Liam and Olivia.

“Riley,” Olivia exclaims. Rising from her seat she pulls me into a hug. I’m still trying to get used to an Olivia who hugs.

“Hi Liv, it’s good to see you.”

“Of course it is,” she quips. Motherhood has softened her, but she hasn’t lost her wit. “So, tell me…what updates did this inept medical staff have to share today?” she asks.

“Not much,” I sigh, “small progress like every other day.”

“What more can we do?” she says, turning to Liam. “We need to bring in a new medical team, the best of the best.”

“My Queen, I assure you, Drake’s team is the best Cordonia has to offer.”

“Then look outside Cordonia,” she snaps.

I can hear the anxiety in her voice. She’s here but she’s still struggling and taking charge is her coping mechanism.

“Liv, I am more than willing to bring in more doctors, I’d scour the globe for the best but…his care is not up to me. Any decision to change doctors has to come from Savannah or Bianca.”

“They’re both twits,” Olivia retorts. “Bianca can’t even be bothered to come here.”

“After what happened to Jackson, can you blame her?”

“You’re damn right I can! That’s no excuse not to be at your son’s side…your child! But what would she know about that…she abandoned them.”

Drake’s monitor starts to beep, and my eyes jump to the screen. I know what to look for and his elevated blood pressure is a sure sign that our conversation is affecting him. “Liv…we should take this somewhere else.”

Olivia frowns and I see the tears welling in her eyes. “I’m sorry…I’m…” Going to Drake’s side, she takes his hand and leans down to his ear. “I’m sorry…I’ll stop. Please calm down…I just want you to get better.”

I’ve never heard her speak in such a calming tone and to my surprise, Drake’s vitals slowly return to normal levels.

Liam looks at me with hopeful eyes. “That’s a direct response to stimuli if I ever saw one!”

I nod, unable to speak as I fight back tears. Liam comes to my side and pulls me into an embrace. “I’ll speak to Savannah but in the meantime, we will leave you two in peace.”

Olivia gives me another hug before they leave the room hand in hand.

Taking the seat beside Drake, I wrap my hand around his, rest my head on his shoulder, and settle in for our nightly talk. Having a one-sided conversation felt awkward at first. In the early days I did little more than tell him I love him and beg him to hold on. I’ve gotten used to it now and talk as much as I can, hoping my voice will pull him from whatever darkness he’s trapped in.

“Everyone wants you to get better, but no one more than me. I’m trying to be patient but it’s so hard, baby,” I cry. “Every minute of those four years without you, I felt like I wasn’t really living…I built a life and moved forward but something was always missing…you. And now I’ve been by your side for seven months, which is where I belong but…I still feel that void because you won’t wake up. We’ve lost so much time already…I’m…I’m so sorry I left. Even when you said you couldn’t be with me, I should have stayed…I should have fought for us. Going our separate ways was never the answer, Drake. We held onto the guilt we felt over falling in love, we held onto the pain we had cause Liam, we held onto all our own insecurities, and we let it drive us apart. By holding onto the bad, we missed the bigger picture, we failed to see that the best thing to hold onto in life is each other. I’m holding on now, Drake…I’m here and I am in this for good. I love you with every fiber of my being and I can’t…I won’t…live a life without you in it. I need you to come back to me baby.” As my tears fall against the soft fabric of his hospital gown, I hear that beep and feel a mild sense of peace as I doze off at his side.

I wake in the morning to the blazing sun shining on my face and the sound of voices carrying into the room from the hall. In a normal hospital, it wouldn’t be unusual, but in the private royal wing where Drake is the only patient, it’s not something I’m used to hearing. Rising from my chair, I decide to go investigate, surprised to see Liam and Savannah having a passionate conversation as Dr. Hastings and the head nurse, Holly, look on.

“Savannah, you must see reason…I have complete faith in Dr. Hastings, but a second opinion could make all the difference. I have a world-renowned neurological team on standby, ready to come to Cordonia. You haven’t been here, you haven’t seen his progress.”

“Liam, you have to understand how hard it is for me to see my brother like that! Being here everyday would be torture; I don’t know how you and Riley do it. But I have been in constant contact with Dr. Hastings and I get the same updates you do. I understand the small progress gives you hope but that’s all it is…small progress. I can’t just go on blind faith, Liam, I have to do what’s best for my brother…for all of us, and allowing him to hang in a medical limbo is not a life.”

I see the tears falling from Liam’s eyes, he makes no effort to hide them. “What are you saying, Savannah?”

“I’m saying…I’m saying I think it’s time we let him go,” Savannah replies, breaking down in sobs.

“NO,” I scream, charging toward her filled with anguish and rage. Liam wraps me in his arms to keep me from reaching her. “You can’t do that! I won’t let you do that.”

“It’s not your decision to make, Riley. I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry? That’s all you can say?” I yell, giving into my rage. Savannah looks terrified of me, and she should be. I sob, struggling against Liam’s hold on me, barely registering the sound of machines over my own yelling. “You ran away and left him to worry about you for over a year, but he never stopped looking for you. He never gave up! How the hell can you justify giving up on him now?”

“It’s not giving up, it’s mercy,” she cries.

“No, please, no Savannah, don’t do this…don’t do this, please,” I wail as my knees give out.

“Look what this is doing to her…to me…” Liam cries as he struggles to hold me up. “Look what it will do to everyone that loves him…Savannah, please…”

“Do you think this is easy for me?” she cries. “I love him too.”

“Then give him more time, that’s all I ask. Let me bring in another medical team. Don’t do this…”

“Liam, I have t…”

“LET ME GO, I HAVE SOMEWHERE TO BE!”

My heart feels like it is going to beat out of my chest the moment the shouted words echo through the corridor, drowning out our own voices and cries. I know that voice, I’d know it anywhere. Looking around I finally see Dr. Hastings and Holly are gone. Ripping at Liam’s hands, I free myself from his hold and race back to Drake’s room.

“I have somewhere to be, you have to let me go…I have somewhere to be!”

“Drake?” I gasp, paralyzed and frozen in place from shock. I watch as Dr. Hastings, Holly, and two other nurses struggle to restrain Drake and I can’t tell if it’s real or just my mind’s trauma response to my fight with Savannah.

“He was awake when we responded to the alarms,” Dr. Hastings explains. “We managed to get him extubated, but he’s agitated and disoriented.”

I try to make sense of what I’m hearing but I feel like I am in a daze. “Drake?” I cry again.

“Nevin? Nevin!” Drake shouts, ripping at his IV’s and fighting against the doctors’ hold.

The sound of my name from his lips breaks me from my trance. “No, no, no,” I rush forward, full of longing to touch him and convince myself this is real.

“If he can’t calm down, we’ll need to sedate him,” Dr. Hastings says.

“No, No,” I shake my head, sitting down on Drake’s bed. Clutching his hands in one of mine, I bring my other hand to his cheek. “Calm down…you have to calm down.”

Drake shakes his head, disoriented and trying to talk between coughing fits. “I needed to get to you…to the cemetery…I needed…”

I wrap my arms around him, and I feel the tension roll off his body as he relaxes into me. “I’m here, I’m here…” I soothe, running my fingers through his hair.

“How? When?” he asks as his body starts to shake with sobs. “What happened?”

I pull back and cup his cheeks. “Don’t worry about that right now,” I whisper, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. “I’m here, and I love you, and right now, you just need to stay calm and let the doctors check you out.”

Drake returns my kiss fervently before feathering kisses all over my face and pulling me desperately into his arms. “Hold on to me…hold on to me…” he mutters as he cries.

“I will, Drake…I will…and I promise, I’m never letting go.”

#quote me on this challenge #choices fic writers creations #writing prompt #trr #trr drake x mc #trr drake #trr mc #trr fanfic #the royal romance #the royal romance fanfic #drake walker

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jerzwriter · 1 year

Text

In Another Time...

Book: Open Heart (Pre-Series/Hopkins Years)

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!OC (Chenza), Ethan Ramsey

Rating: Teen

Category: Angst

Summary: Vincenza wasn't the only thing that came between the former best friends, but she may have been the final straw. Now, as Ethan seethes, she and Tobias make plans for a future together until one night changes everything.

Words: Approx. 2,250

A/N: A little background on my HC for "the Hopkins Girl." Ethan and Tobias both fell for Vincenza, who was dating someone else when they all met. The three became friends, but when her relationship ended, Ethan made a move. Though he was displeased initially, Tobias realized they were crazy about each other, and he wasn't ready to commit, so in time, he let it go. But wrapped up in studies and his competition to be the best, Ethan didn't make her a priority, and they split. She leaned on Tobias a lot to get over the breakup, and while neither felt it was a good idea to become more, in time, they did. Time at Hopkins was nearing an end, and they decided to keep things quiet until after graduation. They planned on selecting residencies in the same area and building a future together until...

A/N 2: I'm participating in @choicesprompts first prompt for January 2023; it got me thinking about this timeline of their story. Also, @choicesjanuarychallenge Day 4, Dating/Break-Up/Self-Reflection. (I didn't get to edit much; forgive me! lol)

“I didn’t mean it like that!”

“How did you mean it then?”

“You know…in a good way!”

“In what universe could what you just said be construed in a good way?”

They stood facing each other, hearts pounding, chests heaving with emotion.

Neither wanted to be the first to admit their feelings to the other.

“I’m leaving!”

“Wait! Please don’t! I… I’m ready to tell you the truth!”

Vincenza spun around with fire in her eyes. She had been determined not to let him see the pain in her heart, so she cursed the emotion in her voice that quickly betrayed her.

“The truth, Tobias?” She quivered. “Now? What exactly have you been saying for the past six months? All this time? I assumed it was the truth... until tonight!”

“It was the truth! It is the truth!” He insisted, attempting to take her hand, but she pulled it away as quickly as if his touch were fire. He hung his head low, staring at the cracked, ice-covered ground beneath his feet. Perhaps he should just walk away. He was known to be smooth, but even he couldn’t spin this. There was no way to convince her what she overheard was misconstrued. If only he could hit rewind….

“Do we have to go tonight?”

“Chenz!” he grinned, completely disarming her. He knew the power of that smile, and he used it, which is why she turned away, but the spell had already been cast. Her eyes shut, and her head flung back when he began working his magic on her shoulders. He always did this to ease her tension, but deep down, he knew tonight, he was trying to get his way.

“This is going to be the last big party of our med school career. Do you really want to miss it?”

She slipped from under his grip and turned to him with pleading eyes.

“We’ve been trying to keep our relationship on the down-low… if we go to Stanley’s party tonight, that’s going to be blown sky high.”

“Is that such a bad thing?” He implored, and she noted the hurt in his eyes.

“Of course not, but… we both agreed to wait until we left Hopkins to be fully public. I would never deny you… deny us… but we both felt rubbing it in Ethan’s face wouldn’t be wrong.”

“Yeah, six months ago, I believed that. But the novelty has worn away,” he frowned. “You mean everything to me, but we’re a dirty secret. You got to go everywhere when you were on his arm, never a reason to hide.”

“That’s not fair!” she spat. “We are out of here in two months. The future is ours! Yours and mine… not Ethan’s. But while we’re here, I want to add salt to his wounds. Nor do I want to be seen as ‘that woman.” Because you know as well as I do, you’re both men, you’ll get a pass, but I’ll be that whore that came between two best friends!”

“That’s not what happened, Chenza!”

“You know that! I know that! Even Ethan knows that, but it doesn’t matter if that’s not what anyone believes.”

“So it’s other people we’re concerned about? Other people who don’t matter to us for shit.”

“Tobias, I….” she stopped and stared out the window; the sky was already dark. She knew this wouldn’t be easy, but when they both decided they couldn’t fight their feelings any longer, eight months didn’t seem too far away. After that, Hopkins would be a distant memory, and it would have been worth the sacrifice, but now… “Tobias, why don’t you go without me. I want to spend some time looking at my residency offers anyway. So….”

“Forget it,” he sighed, “We’re all adults, and you and Ethan have been apart for over nine months. But… if we have to remain a dirty secret, I’ll stay home too. I know it may be hard for you to believe, but I don’t really want to be out celebrating if I can’t do it with you.”

Tobias headed to the bedroom and threw on his sweats. He assumed this arrangement would be easier, but as he lay in bed listening to the deafening silence, he hoped he could make it just two months more. It wasn’t much later when he heard Chenza walk in.

“Come on,” she said. “We can’t go to Stanley’s with you dressed like that. I have a reputation to uphold.”

He should have been amazed, not much time had passed, but she looked like she had stepped out of a magazine. His breath was taken away. The black velvet dress he bought on their trip to New York, her chestnut brown curls falling over her bare shoulders, and the make-up he swore she never needed looking perfect nevertheless.

“You look… you look beautiful. What are you doing?”

“I’m going to the party,” she smiled. “And I was hoping you would join me. I picked your black suit up from the dry cleaners,” she winked. “It’s in the closet. I’ll be downstairs.”

“There is no good way, Chenza," he started. "But that was only the second dumbest thing I said tonight; the first was back at the party…. I’m… I’m so sorry!”

“Are you?”

“Yes,” he hissed, insulted, though he knew he had no right to be. She had every reason to doubt him. “I was an idiot. I had way too much to drink, and when Ethan started talking shit, I just….”

“You just put him and your stupid rivalry before me! The way it always has been!”

“No, I didn’t… I mean, I did… but I didn’t want to….”

“It was in your control, Tobias!” She scoffed. “Don’t act like you’re the victim.”

“I didn’t say I was... Chenza, can you let me explain?”

The smile on his face was unmistakable; hers was too. He was crazy about her, but even he was surprised at how fast his heart was racing. At how much his chest was filled with pride. Her arm was tucked into his, and when she looked up at him and smiled, he was on top of the world.

“This means so much to me,” he whispered as they walked the path to Stanely’s door.

“You know what, I’m glad we’re doing this too. We shouldn’t have to hide.”

“No, we shouldn’t.”

“But, Tobias….”

“I know,” he grinned. “We don’t need to hide, but there is no need to rub it in.”

She let out a breath she hadn’t known she was holding and smiled. “Exactly.”

The door opened, and the night began. There were some whispers, of course, but mostly smiles. Truthfully, most had suspected they were an item for some time. She and Ethan split over nine months before due to no fault of her own. She had nothing to feel guilty about, she reminded herself as Tobias shot her a smile from across the room. While she had been apprehensive, now, all she felt was a relief. The future was theirs, and it was time everyone else knew it too.

Ethan was cordial at first, greeting her warmly if only nodding at T. She wished she could have told him, but he refused to take her calls. But she wasn't going to be overt; she and Tobias would act the way they always had. She was confident the evening would end just fine.

Tobias joined some of the guys in the billiard room down the hall as Dr. Stanley introduced Chenza to his wife, one of the top psychiatrists on the East Coast. He had told her about his top student and her plans to unseat her. Chenza insisted that wasn’t possible, but the lovely woman insisted that’s just what she wanted her to do, she laid a foundation for others to build on, and she couldn’t be more delighted.

Vincenza was simply beaming, the evening seemed to be going better than planned. No one noticed that Ethan had slipped away. With a bottle of the best bourbon from the bar in one hand and a glass in the other. He found a quiet corner where he could seethe. Tobias’s drinking was celebratory, but he also had more than a few. Still, when Ethan entered the room and sparring began, he thought he was in control. But it took only one question from a well-intentioned professor for things to spiral.

“Have you settled on a residency program yet, Tobias?”

“I’m still weighing my options. I have it narrowed down and hope to decide by next week.”

“And you’re heading to Edenbrook, is that correct?” The same professor asked Ethan. “You must be very proud.”

Ethan stood taller, and his chest stuck out with pride. “I am, despite the best efforts of others, there could be only one selected…, and I’m happy to say… it was me.”

Tobias lowered his eyes and turned away, downing the drink in his hand. Though he had made dozens of excuses, he knew what he’d done to Ethan was wrong. Still, it didn’t lessen the sting of Ethan winning once again. Four years... every time, he came out ahead. Maybe by a point or two, but always ahead. Now, it had been announced. Ethan was graduating first in class. He won the residency they both coveted. He was Dr. Banerji’s next protégé. He won… again.

But Tobias was happy. He was in love, though he wasn’t quick to admit it. He and Chenza had plans, and she was there on his arm tonight. So he wasn’t going to let this get to him. Ethan could have the floor, and it didn’t bother him a bit… at first.

Chenza looked at the clock, it was late, and she was more than ready to go home, but she wanted to spend a little more time with Tobias before they did. She was stopped a few times along the way but finally made it to the billiard room, surprised to hear raised voices. That wasn’t… she considered just turning away; it was probably best not to insert herself. Still, she wasn’t one to run. Making her way down the small staircase, the voices became more clear.

“… I’d be delighted if you selected Boston,” Ethan slurred. “In fact, if something ever opened up at Edenbrook, perhaps I could put in a good word for you with Dr. Banerji. That is if his opinion of you isn’t already set in stone.”

“Obviously, if I’m in Boston, it will be at Kenmore or Brigham, not Edenbrook. Because I have….”

“Burned every damn bridge you had at the best program in the country. So no matter what else you select, you’ll always be second best. Right, Carrick?”

“Second best?” Tobias seethed. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. How about we meet at the ten-year reunion and see who’s second best, Ramsey.”

“I look forward to it. You haven’t bested me once in four years. With your entitlement and morals, or lack thereof, I’m sure the next decade won’t be any different.”

Still unnoticed, Chenza rushed across the room, eager to steer Tobias out of the party before things got worse… but as fate would have it, she was a moment too late.

“Awfully big words there, Ethan. But don’t you worry about me. I’ll still be in a top-tier program watching my star rise. But unlike you, my skills aren’t limited to my chosen profession. So while you’re spending all those late nights huddled close with Banerji, just remember, I’ll be across town in bed with Chenza, reminding her why she made the right choice.”

The room went silent except for the sound of Chenza’s gasp. Tobias’s face fell, and hers crumbled as she ran to the door.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Ethan smirked as Tobias rushed away.

“There’s nothing to explain, Tobias. I’ve been a goddamn fool!”

“You haven’t been a fool.”

“Oh! Yes, I have! I’ve wasted four years of my life loving two men who never loved me in return. Do you know how that makes me feel! I’ve never been more than a pawn in your twisted little game!”

“That’s not true! Chenza, we’re picking residencies together. We’re going to build a life together because I love you… not because you’re some prize I stole from Ethan.”

“Really?” She laughed sadly, tears building in her eyes. “I might believe you more if you lowered yourself to utter those words to me once before now."

“Chenza…”

“Chenza, nothing! I’ve said them to you, right? Countless times! And what have you said in return? You mean everything to me. You have no idea how happy that makes me. But God forbid you ever told me you loved me."

“But I did! I do! I should have said them, but I always thought actions mean more than words, and….”

“...and tonight, your actions told me all I needed to know.”

The tone of her voice struck him, and his stomach wretched; he knew her well, and at that moment, he knew the battle was lost. He loved her, it had never been more clear to him than it was now, and now it was all slipping away.

He watched her collapse against a lamppost, wiping away tears that stung her cheeks in the bitter cold. Delicate snow began to fall and the moonlight cast a magical glow. They should have been laughing, her under his arm, kissing her as they made their way home. They should have shared one last drink, talking about their debut to the world, and the bright future they planned. That was the night he had envisioned.

Instead, he stood several feet away, ashamed of the broken expression on her face. He had seen it before after she left Ethan, and he promised himself he'd never make her look that way... He could have tried harder, he could have begged... he knew he loved her... but he also knew how good it felt when he saw the look in Ethan's eyes when they walked in that night... and he knew it was wrong. He could have tried harder tonight, but Chenza had been put through the wringer by two fools who had a lot of growing up left to do, and she deserved better.

She wiped her face and stood tall; he wasn't surprised at her strength. He had seen it before.

"I'm going to stay with my old roommate, Dawn, tonight. I'll stop by to get my things tomorrow. I don't want to drag this out... it has to be done."

"I'm so sorry, Chenza..." was all he could offer.

"So am I," she smiled sadly. "I really loved you... I really loved you both."

"I know you don't see it now, and I don't blame you. But we both loved you, too. We're just... idiots.... and you deserve better."

"You're right," she smiled. "I do."

"Can I walk you to Dawns?"

"No need," she said, nodding to an approaching car. "She's here to pick me up."

Chenza walked past him and slipped into the passenger's seat., turning to look at him one last time. "Goodbye, Tobias."

"We probably just should have stayed home," he said with a broken voice.

"It's OK," she swallowed. "I'm glad we didn't."

A/N 3: In my HC, Chenza was not the bad guy ... no one was really the bad guy. Tobias and Ethan did love her. They were just two men who were still dealing with a lot of damage from their past and too caught up in themselves to make anyone else the center of their world. In the future, they both apologized to her at separate times. She graciously accepted and thanked them, for helping her to realize her worth.

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