Holiday prompts for all Pixleberry Studios Choices: Stories You Play fandoms. Prompts are for fics and art, whatever you are inspired to submit!
Rules and Information:
Prompts are for inspiration, they do not have to be used word for word, highlighted, or even referenced. (Of course, you can use them word for word if you like!) If the prompt inspires an idea, feel free to use it more as a theme. You can submit fics, art, edits, or whatever the prompt inspires you to create!
Event schedules, prompts, and deadlines will be included in the events themselves. Submit by the deadline and it will be re-blogged and included on the master list. That's it.
NOTE: People writing for other fandoms are more than welcome to use any and all of the prompts, but will not be re-blogged or added to the master list at the end of events.
Here is the masterlist, a little bit late. Thanks so much to everyone who participated! I had so many ideas, but alas, not enough time. I'm glad to see that the fandom is still chugging along. We are smaller, but we are still alive.
The Valentine's Day Proposal by @eadanga The Freshman
Who'd Have Known by @hazelestelle Open Heart
Valentine's Day Past and Present by @jerzwriter Open Heart
Paper Hearts by @jerzwriter Open Heart
Art for Open Heart by @yuri-on-arts for @storyofmychoices
You Belong With Me by @theartoflovingthomashunt Hollywood U
Beyond the Lights Art by the exceptional artbyainna (IG) for @theartoflovingthomashunt
Pairing: Addison Sinclair x Kenzie Bellari [HWU F!OC]
Book/Story: Hollywood U
Word Count: > 500
Rating: General, no warnings
Synopsis: Kenzie is ready to make things public with Addison
A/N: This was supposed to have art with it, but I haven't heard from the artist in a bit so I'm posting without the art for now :(
It was kinda cheesy.
Who was she kidding? It was definitely cheesy...but that was the point. Addison Sinclair was a special girl, and she absolutely loved silly romantic gestures.
Kenzie noticed the talented fashionista immediately and never really stopped. The way her blue eyes sparkled when she laughed. The way her cheeks flushed pink when Kenzie's fingers brushed against hers beneath the table as they studied.
They hadn’t been together long, but they’d been keeping it low-key while they made sure it was actually something.
And, it was.
So today was the day to make a statement.
Kenzie laughed to herself as she held onto the bouquet of red heart balloons. It really wasn't that dramatic. People had been figuring it out for the past week or so, but Kenzie decided today was the day to remove any question. If Valentine's Day wasn't the day to make a big declaration, when was?
Kenzie stood outside Addison's dorm, positioning herself in view of her window. She drew in a deep breath, her lips curling. She was ready.
It was opening night, the curtains were drawing back, and the spotlight settled on her. A soft start wasn't in the cards; it was all or nothing. Kenzie belted out the chorus of 'You Belong with Me' as if the entire campus had bought tickets to see the show, though it was only meant for one special student. Her powerful voice carried across the quad, garnering the attention of those nearby, but most importantly, it drifted into the window of one, Addison Sinclair.
The beautiful blonde stuck out her head, her face already reddening under the serenade. "What are you doing?!" She called, her eyes widening in slight panic at the unexpected gesture.
"Addison, will you do me the honor of being my Valentine?" Kenzie sang out.
She chewed her lip and shook her head before disappearing from the window. The curtains shifted back in front of the glass, and a muffled squeal could be heard from inside. The crowd that had begun to gather around Kenzie hushed at the lack of reply.
Kenzie paused, not from worry but in anticipation. She was certain Addison felt the same way. She held her head high, waiting for a sign. The sight of Addison running out of the building, her jacket dangling off one arm as she tried to get it on, and into her arms was even better than she had hoped!
"Yes, of course! Yes!" Addison threw her arms around Kenzie's neck, hugging her tight. A small group that was still interested cheered and applauded.
"I think they want to see a little more," Addison teased, whispering into Kenzie's ear.
Addison leaned in, and the world seemed to pause with her. Kenzie barely had time to blink before the kiss landed. It was warm and certain, stealing her breath... but only for a moment. Kenzie smirked into Addison's lips, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. This was her Act One finale, and it was certainly going to be one to remember. And with any luck, it would kick off what she hoped to be an exceptional Act Two!
This is my first time writing these two. I hope you enjoy it!
Another 2-day late Valentine's Day fic for Open Heart. 😊This one takes place during Open Heart, Book One - intern year. Participating in @choicesholidays Valentine event, prompt: The Secret Note.
Fandom: Open Heart (Playchoices)
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Kacyee MacClennan (eventual)
Featuring: Bryce Lahela, Sienna Trihn, Jackie Varma, Elijah Greene
Rating: General
Words: ~1,550
Summary: It's intern year, and Kaycee has received a Valentine from a secret admirer. Her friends are playfully teasing her and trying to determine who sent it when Dr. Ramsey overhears - and he has very different feelings over the matter - until later in the day, when he receives one of his own.
Valentine’s Day had a magical way of transforming Edenbrook Hospital into a magical place. While the harsh fluorescent lighting and linoleum tiled floors remained, the halls were dotted with bright spots of pink and red as far as the eye could see. Mylar balloons, paper hearts, and children’s artwork turned the normally antiseptic environment into something cheerful and borderline romantic.
Based on the amount of flowers, candy, and cupcakes filling the nurses’ stations, it was clear that the staff was appreciated, even if it wasn’t in a Cupid’s arrow kind of way.
But it was Valentine’s Day, so Cupid managed to make an appearance for a select few – and Dr. Kaycee MacClennan found herself in that elite little group.
She noticed the bright red envelope by her cubby the moment she walked up and dropped her chart onto the counter. She lifted it and tried to place it in her pocket surreptitiously, but there were too many witnesses nearby for her to achieve that.
Bryce was the first to notice, and he wasn’t about to let it go.
“Well, well, well,” he drawled, leaning back in his chair with a theatrical flair. “What’s going on over there, Kaycee. Looks like you’re Miss Popular today.”
Kaycee shot him a look, envelope still in hand. “Hush!" she said. "Is this from you?”
“Moi,” he said, feigning offence. “Not me. We said no strings, my dear – remember? And Valentine’s Day? That suggests... strings!”
“Did someone say Valentine?” Sienna squealed, popping up beside Bryce. “That’s adorable!”
“It’s not adorable, it’s gross,” Jackie added, disgruntled. “Unless there is cash or a gift card in there. If that’s the case, I hope this fool left me a card, too.”
Elijah, who had been observing with amusement, chimed in. “Well, that’s reason to open it up right now! I wanted to know who it was from, but now, all I care about is if there was cash involved!”
“If there is – lunch is on MacClennan today!” Bryce announced.
Kaycee gently shoved his shoulder. “Thank you all for being so normal about this.”
“Open it!” Sienna demanded. “Come on, Kaycee, we want to see who it's from!”
“No.”
“Open it,” Jackie echoed.
Bryce slid next to her, wrapping an arm over her shoulder with a sharpening grin. “Open it, MacClennan.”
Kaycee exhaled slowly, looking at her name written in big, block letters across the envelope.
“This is the penmanship of a serial killer,” she muttered, and Jackie quickly agreed. However, she pointed out that a wealthy benefactor who was a serial killer might be worth managing with student loans to repay.
Mostly to shut her friends up, Kaycee slid a finger under the envelope flap to open it.
Inside, she found a small card with a cartoon teddy bear holding a big red heart with the words Be Mine. A message - in the same block writing - said, “Happy Valentine’s Day, beautiful. Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m so glad I’m here at Edenbrook with you.”
No signature.
“All right, which one of you did this?” Kaycee demanded – and all held up their hands, declaring innocence.
“Well, if there’s no cash, that means it could be any of us," Elijah laughed.
Kaycee shook her head. “I really don’t suspect any of you.”
“Then who?” Sienna asked, snapping her fingers. “Do you think it is the patient in room 305?”
“Oh, yeah!” Elijah nodded. “You have to admit, Kaycee, he seems to have his hospital gown open anytime you walk in.”
That elicited a groan from Kaycee, a chuckle from Bryce – but Sienna was still attempting to find the romance in it all. “A secret admirer is so romantic!” she cooed.
“Said just like someone who has never watched a single episode of Law & Order,” Jackie chided. “Let me tell you – a poor serial killer is definitely not worth the hassle.”
Kaycee looked at the back of the card. “Well, they did spluge on three dollars to fail to write their name.”
“Three dollars?” Elijah said. “In this economy? That’s true love, right there.”
“I say we look over the staff schedules and patient lists over the past 24 hours,” Bryce chimed in. “We can narrow this down.”
“Absolutely not,” Kaycee laughed, but the fun was cut short before she could say another word.
“MacClennan!”
The single word cut through the air like a blade – and every intern straightened at once, except for Kaycee. No one needed to turn to see who it was. Dr. Ethan Ramsey’s voice alone sent waves of terror through interns’ souls – no one got out of Edenbrook's residency program unscathed.
He stood at the end of the station, his unreadable expression somehow showing more disdain and carrying more authority than shouting ever could. His gaze moved across the group, inevitably landing on the red envelope in Kaycee’s hand.
Bryce cleared his throat. “We were just trying to...”
“I can see what you were doing,” Ethan interrupted. “Or more accurately, what you weren’t doing. If you have this much free time, I’d be happy to correct that.”
“Nope,” Jackie said, already gathering charts. “No need. I was just leaving these clowns behind.”
Elijah grabbed a tablet, and Sienna vanished with impressive speed. Bryce shot Kaycee one last look, saying we’re not done here before retreating down the hall, and then just the two of them remained.
Kaycee leaned back casually, entirely unaffected by the crumudgeonly attnding’s presence. Ethan’s eyes flicked back to the card before returning them to her face.
“You’re an intern, not a high school student, MacClennan,” he said in a measured tone.
Kaycee blinked. “Are you saying I’m accountable for someone leaving a card for me?” A wicked smile appeared on her lips. “You sound envious, Dr. Ramsey.”
“I sound like your attending,” he glared.
“My attending who didn’t get a Valentine from a secret admirer,” she said teasingly.
For the briefest moment, she swore she saw amusement in his eyes, but it was gone so quickly she second-guessed her assessment.
“I assure you,” he said dryly, “I won't lose sleep over that.”
“Sure,” she smirked. “Don’t worry, Dr. Ramsey – the day’s not over, there’s still hope for you.”
“Highly unlikely,” he said, and Kaycee was impressed, because that came with the slightest bit of a laugh.
She shrugged. “You never know.”
A brief silence filled the air – it was familiar, charged, and, as always, ignored. Then a pager went off, bringing them back to reality.
“Room 412,” Ethan said, but Kaycee was already on the move.
“On it.”
She headed down the hall, the Valentine tucked into her pocket, a move Ethan didn’t miss. He watched her until she was out of sight.
"This absurd holiday is almost over," he mumbled, with a shake of his head.
~~~~~
The hospital always felt like a different place late at night - and tonight was no different. The bright feeling that filled the corridors early in the day was deflating as fast as the mylar balloons. The lights were dimmed, voices soft – it was a time Ethan had come to appreciate – heaven knows he was one of the only doctors of his stature who still found himself there this late.
Exhaustion was etched on his face when he returned to his office, and he was relieved to fall into his chair. He removed his glasses, carefully placing them on his desk before rubbing his eyes - and that's when he saw it.
A small, red paper heart was lying in the center of his desk. It was cut unevenly, as if it had been done by a child, but folded neatly in half.
He let out a chuckle and reached for it – opening it at once. Inside, he found a message written in a neat, beautiful script.
“It’s Valentine’s Day, and I’m here to say - you’re not as heartless as people say.
PS – Sorry, that’s the best I could do.
Oh, and don’t worry - that secret is safe with me.
Xo”
Ethan read it – more than once – a hesitant smile playing on his lips. A slow breath escaped him, something between a sigh and a quiet, disbelieving laugh.
“Of course,” he said out loud – knowing exactly who left this for him.
He leaned back, the paper heart still open in his hand, and logged into his laptop to see Kaycee’s schedule. He was disappointed when he realized she was already gone for the day.
For months, this woman had been getting under his skin, and he did all he could to keep that boundary in place. He was an attending, she was an intern. It was a simple line he was unwilling to cross because he knew all too well that, once crossed, they could never be redrawn, and the fall-out would be swift.
Still, this small, ridiculous piece of construction paper had warmed something inside him more than he wanted to admit, even to himself.
“You’re not as heartless as people say,” he read out loud, his faint smile growing wider.
He carefully folded the paper again, placing it into the pocket of his lab coat. He knew he wouldn’t reply – it was doubtful that he'd even acknowledge it – but he couldn’t deny this little moment had made his day. It felt good - and it felt dangerous. But as he walked toward the elevator, he knew one thing was certain: his own heart felt as light as the paper one tucked away in his pocket.
"Dangerous," he said, pressing the elevator button and watching the doors close - but he couldn't wipe the smile off his face if he tried.
[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer] [Red Carpet Diaries]
Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Alex (F!MC) [Red Carpet Diaries]
Word Count: <500
Synopsis: As Thomas reluctantly agrees to a Valentine’s Day feature with Alex, he reflects on the divide between public spectacle and private love.
Art by the exceptional artbyainna (IG)
He hated interviews.
He always hated the promotional part of the film industry. Not that he felt the film unworthy of discussion, quite the contrary.
What he disliked was the cheap, shallow, performative spectacle of it.
Interviewers may have some questions about the film, but they were never creative nor ones that mattered. And they were quickly followed by leading questions about on-set conflicts, drama, rumors, and ultimately gossip. The public didn't care about the skill, time, and talent behind the craft. They wanted tawdry tidbits that they could twist into scandal. They wanted access to their private lives to analyze and pick apart.
He hated the reductive spectacle that promotion turned art into.
He hated what it did to their privacy.
He hated the machine the industry turned creation into.
He hated interviews.
And then there were photoshoots, an entirely separate derivative outlet to commodify actors and creators.
With filmmaking, he negotiated for full creative control.
Press and promotion were something else.
For many years, he refused it. Let the work speak for itself.
But now, he tolerated it. Not always, not even often, but on rare occasions.
At least, when they included her.
Ever since their engagement, everyone had been clamoring to get an interview, to document their private moments, to see who they were when they thought no one was watching. Finally, they decided on one interview, one photoshoot, one small look into the life of "Hollywood’s Most Private Couple". Timed for a February release, just in time for Valentine’s Day. A holiday he found a commercialized excuse for selling love. At least this version would be honest. Their connection was genuine and went beyond the lights.
When Alex had suggested it. He hesitantly agreed. It was possible that granting limited access to their life would provide them with some increased privacy as they demystified their life (and relationship) beyond the public eye.
Throughout the interview, he kept his focus on her, the warmth of her hand on his, the press of her fingers against his arm, and the way her eyes lit up as she spoke of their life. His answers were short and deliberate, carefully constructed to rise above questions crafted to stir gossip. During the photoshoot, her presence beside him grounded him. He ignored the pull of the lights and camera flashes. His attention was on her, the only one to make any of this bearable. Between takes, her reassuring gaze kept him there, promising a quiet night at home. Just the two of them, just as they liked it. Their life was quite normal, despite the spotlight that followed their careers.
Beyond the lights and lenses, they were simply two people coming home to each other. No spectacle. No performance. Nothing flashy. Just a life that was theirs, and a love that was everything.
I really loved the reference photo, for Valentine's art for these two, but I didn't have a story to go with it, but at last minute, I wrote this. It's not really focused on the photo, but more on Thomas reflecting between the public life (the photoshoot/photo) and the life they have beyond that, something real, genuine, and just theirs.
Since it's last minute, it's not edited/revised, so please be kind if there are errors 🙈
I'm a day late - but surprised I was able to finish at all. Life's been busy. I miss Tobias and Casey so much. I still write for them all the time, but not to "post it" level. But on Valentine's Day, I wanted to make sure I did.
I'm participating in @choicesholidays Valentine's event - this prompt is reconnection, but in a unique way. If anyone is still here to read this - hope you enjoy it! :)
Fandom: Open Heart (Playchoices)
Pairing: Tobias Carrick x Casey MacTavish (F!MC)
Rating: Teen
Words: ~1,700
Summary: Tobias is happily planning for his "first" Valentine's Day with Casey, when someone from his past appears and casts doubt in his mind.
A/N: I'm not sure if anyone is around to remember the artwork in the header, but it's from the "Delaying the Inevitable" Days and it was created by the incredible @/artbyainna (IG). I didn't have time for any commissions this year, so I'm borrowing it from myself! :)
My Terribly Outdated and I Must Work On It - Tobias x Casey Masterlist.
Tobias had never spent this long choosing a card in his life.
In fact, it wasn’t all that long ago when he wouldn’t have stepped foot into the little gift shop he found himself in, much less spend an inordinate amount of time inside it trying to find the perfect card.
He’d already been through rows of pink and red cards, but none of them were right. Some tried too hard – coming off like a Hallmark movie. Others were too glittery or downright corny. None of them felt like Casey.
Casey. He smiled softly just thinking of her. She wasn’t a woman defined by roses and clichés. No, to him, she was the warmth that brought him through the cold Boston winter. The laugh that could make him smile on his darkest days. She was the light who changed his life, and he loved her. God, he loved her. This Hallmark holiday paled compared to what they shared.
Still, she deserved to feel special on Cupid’s holiday, and Tobias was going all out. He had already ordered the roses – two dozen to be delivered to her at the hospital where they both worked, and another two to their home – well, his home, but she really spent all her time there. He already secured chocolate-covered strawberries in a heart-shaped box – her absolute favorite. And, for good measure, he bought her favorite perfume.
There were still three days until the holiday, but he had it choreographed better than a Tony award-winning play. They’d start with a couple’s spa day at a spot they both loved. That would be followed by a candlelit dinner at Yvonne’s, and afterward, let’s just say what he had planned for her back home made even him blush as he meandered through the rows of red teddy bears and overpriced sweets.
His fingers finally closed around a simple card - ivory paper with a delicate gold script. Its inscription was simple: With you, everything feels like home.
He smiled to himself. “Yeah, this is it,” he said – when a voice pulled him from his thoughts.
“Tobias?”
He turned and came face to face with someone from another lifetime. It had been years since he had seen Rachel Graham, but now she stood just a few feet away. She wasn’t hard to recognize – she looked mostly the same, polished and composed - her delicate features framed by wavy brunette hair that was a few inches shorter than he recalled. And her perfectly arched brows lifted in mild surprise.
“It is you,” she smirked.
“Rachel,” he said carefully. “Hi. It’s been...”
“A very long time,” she replied.
They exchanged the brief, polite pleasantries expected from people who once knew each other in ways that now felt distant. It was an awkward exchange, but not unkind. Then her gaze dropped to the card in his hand, and a soft chuckle escaped her.
“So, who’s this year’s victim?”
The words hit Tobias harder than they should have, his own eyes widening in response.
“Victim?” He said quickly. “There’s no... victim. This is for Casey, my girlfriend, I love her, and...”
He paused because something in her expression caught him off guard. Leaving him feeling cold and defensive in a way he didn’t quite understand.
Rachel folded her arms. “Oh, come on, T. Valentine’s Day? It was always your favorite holiday. Wine, dine, impress… and then some poor woman wakes up in your very expensive sheets, honestly believing you might call again. I’m sure there was a local support group or two back in the day.”
Tobias’s jaw tightened. “That’s not fair, Rachel.”
“Isn’t it?”
“I was always honest back then,” he said, more firmly. “I never promised anything serious. The women I dated - they knew what I could and could not give. I never gave anyone false illusions.”
She tilted her head, not quite believing. “Maybe. But you also knew when they cared about you a lot more than you did in return – and you were more than happy to let them hope anyway – as long as you got what you wanted.”
The silence fell thick between them. He could hear the words she didn’t say, “including me.” His defences fell. He knew he had never meant to harm her, but he also knew that we don’t get to tell others if we hurt them, so he softened.
“I’m...I’m really sorry if I hurt you,” he said quietly. “That was never my intention.”
Rachel shook her head, raising a hand protectively. “It’s ancient history, now,” she replied, sternly, but not unkind. “Trust me, I’m fine, Tobias. You did no permanent damage here.”
Her eyes flicked back to the card in his hands.
“But, I’ve hoped you’ve changed – for this Casey’s sake. Otherwise – best of luck to her - she’s going to need it.”
And with that, she was gone.
~~~~~
Tobias didn’t want to admit it as he walked home on the cold city streets, but Rachel had gotten to him. No matter how hard he pushed the thoughts away, they kept returning.
Was I that bad? He thought. But the question that haunted him the most was - and have I honestly changed?
The thought terrified him. His past reputation was colorful, for sure. Even those who loved him most had him painted as an eternal bachelor – his mother and aunties had long given up on expecting more from him. But that wasn’t him anymore, he thought. He loved Casey with all his heart. What they shared was real, deeper than anything he’d ever known in his life. He was confident of that, but Rachel’s voice lingered in his mind, chipping away at that confidence bit by bit - which upset him more than he wanted to admit.
~~~~~
Casey was in the kitchen when he stepped inside. The sleeves of her blue sweatshirt pushed up, long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail atop her head as she stirred something that made his former bachelor pad smell like something he had only recently come to know. Her face lit up the second she saw him.
“Hey, you!” She beamed. “You’re early! I tried a new recipe, and I’m not sure if it’s going to work, it’s...”
She stopped mid-sentence when she saw his face. Because she could read him better than anyone in the world, and one glance told her that all was not right. She placed the spoon on its rest and wiped her hands with a towel, stepping toward him.
“What’s wrong?” she asked softly.
He hesitated, choked on his own words when he started to speak. Then the truth tumbled out without a second thought.
“Are you happy with me? Because I’m… I’m not sure I deserve you.”
Her brow knitted together. “Tobias, don’t be ridiculous,” she replied. “You know how happy I am, and we both deserve each other. Where is this coming from?”
So he told her – about Rachel, about his past, of which Casey was already well aware. But Rachel’s words wouldn’t release him, nor the fear they ignited in his heart – fear that maybe, deep down, he was still the cad people once believed him to be – and Casey deserved so much better than that.
Casey listened without interruption, and when he finished, she took his hands in hers.
“T,” she said gently, “we’ve all made mistakes. We all look back at things and wish we had made different choices. That’s part of being human. The fact that you’re even reflecting on this says something. People grow, we change – if we do it right – and I think you are.”
She gave him a small, crooked smile. “And if I remember correctly, Boston’s former Casanova did the impossible. He spent months at my side as I walked through the worst time of my life - celibate as a monk – even though neither of us knew if I’d ever be more than your friend. That doesn’t sound like a shallow, careless man to me.”
She watched him swallow.
“And, besides,” she added softly, “We’re already time-tested. I mean, our relationship is relatively new… but new-new. It may be our first Valentine’s Day...”
He huffed a quiet laugh at their ongoing argument, recalling last year’s freezing Valentine’s trip to an alpaca farm. They were two idiots hopelessly in love, but pretending they weren’t.
“That was our first Valentine’s Day,” he insisted.
“It absolutely was not,” she said, with a smile that melted his heart.
“You were never a bad person, Tobias. Sure - you liked your freedom and weren’t ready to settle down. Maybe you misjudged some situations, but at least you were honest. And... you’re not that man anymore.”
Her eyes were shining brightly as she gazed up at him.“You’re the most loving partner I could have asked for. I think I’m the lucky one in this scenario.”
He felt something inside him break loose. Warmth and love rushed in to fill the crevices where guilt and doubt had started to settle.
“So,” he smiled faintly. “You don’t mind being stuck with me?”
Her smile answered him before a word was spoken.
“I plan on being stuck with you as long as you’ll have me.”
“Then we’ll have to keep loving each other when we’re old and gray,” he murmured, brushing a lock of hair from her face. “Because I never plan on letting you go.”
“Good,” she said, jumping into his arms.
This kiss that followed was soft and slow – filled with the comfortable familiarity between them, but never devoid of the fire that burned underneath. When they parted, she reached into a small bag on the counter and handed him a tiny chocolate heart.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, baby.”
He let out a little laugh. “But it’s three days away.”
She shrugged, playfulness in her eyes. “When do we play by the rules? We can start celebrating early.”
He stepped toward her, letting out a little groan when his hands found her hips. Dinner sat forgotten on the stove.
“Then I say we start right now...”
And they did – right there and then. And for the remainder of their lives together, Valentine’s Day would always be a multi-day event filled with the playfulness and love that defined who they were. And one thing was for sure: the two of them? They were forever. ❤️
Fandom: Open Heart (probably somewhere in Book 3)
Pairing: Tobias/MC (Julia Zhang)
Word Count: 1515
Summary: Julia needs a date for a wedding, on Valentine's Day no less. Tobias is happy to help.
For @choicesholidays' Valentine's event. I can never resist a fake dating prompt.
Read on AO3
After work drinks weren’t an uncommon occurrence, especially after a hard shift, and it wasn’t uncommon to see Julia and her friends occupy the table in the corner either, laughing and chatting loudly.
Today though, Julia had been frowning at her phone, and then excused herself, and Tobias was concerned.
None of her friends seemed to have noticed that she wasn’t back yet, but Tobias couldn’t help but think about her, his eyes drawn to her whenever they were in the same room. She was brilliant and smart and funny and beautiful and a thousand other things that made it impossible to look away. He had long accepted his infatuation, even if he knew it was unlikely that anything would ever come off it. They weren’t hostile anymore, but he wouldn’t call them friends either.
Still, he reasoned, as a colleague, it would be fine to go ask if she was okay, although it was just as likely she would tell him to piss off than what was going on.
So he went outside where he found her sitting on one of the pub’s benches, staring at the sky, a frown still on her face.
Tobias sat down next to her, close but not so close that they would be touching.
“Are you okay?”
Julia didn’t say anything for a moment, and Tobias almost got ready to leave her alone, but then she sighed.
“An… acquaintances is getting married. On Valentine’s Day. And I’m invited.”
She sounded annoyed and a little disgusted, and Tobias frowned.
Sure, it was a little short notice, and maybe, if someone asked him, a bit tacky to get married on Valentine’s Day, but he didn’t see why it would warrant such a reaction.
“Okay?”, he prompted, and Julia sighed again.
“I know her from school, and she doesn’t actually like me. Which is mutual”, she added, as if that hadn’t been clear. “She’s always trying to show me up, and I just know she only invited me to show how oh-so-romantic her life is or some other nonsense.”
“That does sound stupid”, Tobias agreed, and Julia snorted, which he counted as a win. If nothing else, at least he had cheered her up a little.
“Don’t go then”, he proposed, and Julia rolled her eyes.
“Wish that I could. But she’ll see that as an admission that her life is better or something.”
“That’s even more stupid”, Tobias couldn’t help but say. “You’re amazing, and someone isn’t ‘better’ because they’re getting married on Valentine’s Day.” He put as much disdain into his voice as he could, which was a lot, and Julia smiled.
“Thanks. I know. I still have to go though. But I can’t go alone.”
“Ah.” Of course that crazy person Tobias didn’t even know seemed like she would see that as a weakness too, or something equally stupid. “Take someone then?”
“Where am I gonna find a date for Valentine’s Day this quickly?”
Tobias was sure that there were lots of people who wanted to date her, but he wasn’t going to say that.
“I’ll go with you.”
“What?” Julia turned to him, clearly surprised, and Tobias shrugged, trying to look casual and not like his heart was beating out of his chest.
“I have nothing better to do, and I’ll get free food. And I admit, I’m interested in seeing what kind of person this acquaintance of yours is.”
“Hmm.” Julia grinned, her eyes gleaming. “So does that mean you want to date me, Dr. Carrick?”
Tobias grinned back, leaning in a little, delighted when Julia didn’t pull back. Of course dating her was exactly what he wanted, but he still made it sound like as much as a joke as he could when he replied “You wish, Dr. Zhang.”
And despite knowing that she didn’t mean it, her answering cheeky “Maybe” and the accompanying wink made his heart skip a beat.
Valentine’s Day came quickly, and Tobias went to pick Julia up. He was wearing his best suit, having taken extra effort to look good. Even if it was just a fake date, he wanted to look good for her.
When Julia opened the door, the view took his breath away. She was wearing a dark blue strapless gown that accentuated her figure just right, her long dark hair was swept over one bare shoulder, and her wine-red lipstick drew attention to her full lips.
Tobias swallowed drily. “Wow.” He had to clear his throat to get more words out. “You look amazing.”
Julia blushed a little. “Thank you.”
Then she grinned, looking him up and down. “You’re not too bad yourself.”
Tobias laughed. “An almost compliment from you? I’ll take it.”
The wedding was as extravagant as he had expected, and the reception was held in a big ballroom, with tables to both sides and a huge dancefloor in the middle.
They were seated with no one Julia knew, which according to her was a jab from the bride, but she actually didn’t mind, saying that she didn’t like any of the other people from her school who had been invited anyway, and Tobias didn’t care either way.
The food had been good, and now he was content to people watch and listen to Julia’s stories about them.
His arm was draped casually over the back of her chair and she was leaning into him, and Tobias was enjoying this more than he probably should.
Julia was just pointing out a particularly bad dancer, when the bride appeared in front of them. Tobias had been wondering if that would happen or if she would just ignore them, and apparently now was the time.
“Julia”, she greeted, not even looking at Tobias, and Julia forced a smile.
“Astrid. Congratulations.”
Astrid smiled sweetly. “Thank you! Isn’t everything sooo romantic?” She sighed dreamily, and Tobias had to stop himself from rolling his eyes.
“Not that you would know about romance”, she added then, sounding condescending. “It’s always just work with you, isn’t it?”
“Well, not only is she brilliant at her job”, Tobias cut in before Julia could say anything, irritated that this stupid woman would treat her like that. “She also has a very satisfying romantic life.”
He said it with just the right amount of innuendo to leave no doubt what he was talking about, leaning forward a little, moving his hand from the back of the chair to Julia’s shoulder, his thumb brushing her collarbone and feeling her shudder at that.
She smiled brightly, turning to him. “Exactly. I’ve certainly never had any complaints.”
The way she was looking at him, her eyes dark and her lips slightly parted, almost made Tobias forget that this was all just an act.
He only just stopped himself from leaning in and kissing her, instead brushing a kiss over her cheek, risky enough, but not as bad as a real kiss.
Then he turned back to Astrid, a fake smile on his lips. “Anything else we can help you with?”
“Tch. Forget it.” She turned around, stomping back over to her husband, looking like a petulant child, and Tobias couldn’t help but laugh.
Julia laughed with him. “Thanks! That was great.”
“Anytime.” And he meant that. If he could make Julia happy, anything was worth it.
“Do you want to dance?”, she asked then, and he agreed.
It was a slow song, appropriate for a wedding, and he pulled her close, his hands on her waist. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head against his chest, and he let his head rest on hers, trying not to dwell on the fact that she fit perfectly in his arms. But there on the dancefloor, swaying to the music, he let himself forget for just one moment that this was just pretend and just enjoyed holding her. Reality would be bad enough tomorrow, he reasoned, so he could indulge just this once.
Later, when Julia had deemed it appropriate to leave without making Astrid think they were going too early or slighting her or whatever stupid thing she would come up with, they were back at Julia’s door.
She smiled up at him. “This was surprisingly fun.”
“The food was good. The company was okay, I guess.” Tobias shrugged, fighting a grin, and Julia rolled her eyes.
“Sure. But seriously, thank you.”
“Anytime”, he couldn’t help but reply.
“Yeah?” Julia stepped a little closer. “So you’re saying you’d date me anytime?”
Maybe he shouldn’t do this, maybe it would ruin their work relationship and make things awkward, but with the way she was looking at him, curious and hopeful, he couldn’t help but be honest. “Yes.”
“Oh.” She blinked, then the most brilliant smile broke out on her face. “In that case…” She came even closer, placing her hands on his hips and pulling herself up on her tiptoes. “Can I get a goodnight kiss?”
Smiling back, he leaned down and cupped her cheeks.
“Always”, he murmured against her lips, before finally kissing her like he had been dreaming of for so long.
Summary: Chris plans an Valentine's Day Emily won't forget
The Freshman: ChrisxMC
7. Let’s get married!
It’s Valentine’s day and Chris sits on the bed in their shared apartment he holds a ring box and flowers in his hands he trembles Is this a good idea what if she says no? He shakes his head No she won’t she loves me as much as I love her Chris takes a deep breath as he stands No I can’t do it like this I need to do it bigger better something she’ll never forget He grins I have an idea it shouldn’t be hard to put together long as the others help me He pulls out his phone and dials
****
An hour later Emily comes back to the apartment “Chris!” She groans as she takes off her shoes “You would not believe the day I had” She sits on the couch and massages her feet “I covered an amazing story wait till you hear it!” She walks to the bedroom “Chris are you in here?” She looks around and sees no one “Chris are you in the bathroom?” She walks over and sees an empty bathroom That’s weird he should be home by now let me call him She pulls out her and dials Chris it goes to voicemail What’s going on he always answers me let me try again She calls his phone again only for it to go voicemail again Where is he?
Emily turns at the sound of keys jingling and the front door opening she rushes to the front door and sees Chris he grins “Hi beautiful”
“Where the hell were you?” She lightly punches him “You scared me you idiot! Why didn’t you answer my calls?”
Chris holds his hands up in defense “I’m sorry baby I was busy”
“Busy doing what?”
Chris smiles “You’ll find out soon babe now come with me”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see”
Emily sighs “Fine” She grabs her shoes and puts them on “This better be good”
Chris immediately wraps her in his arms “I’m sorry baby I won’t scare you like that again forgive me?”
Emily turns to him “Don’t do that again”
“I won’t promise babe”
“Good” She smiles “Now let’s see what you have planned”
Chris smiles “Right this way baby” He leads her out the door and to his car
As they drive Emily turns to him “So where are you taking me?”
“Well we have many pit stops before we get to the final destination”
“Oh? Where’s the first stop?”
Chris smiles “Here” He pulls into the Hartfield parking lot they get out the car and he takes her hand leading her to the quad “Remember when we first bumped into each other?”
Emily smiles “Yes you made my stuff tumble out”
Chris chuckles “I made your stuff tumble out? You bumped into me so it’s your fault”
Emily giggles “No you were the one jogging with your eyes closed that’s why you didn’t see me”
Chris laughs then he smiles “But you wanna know something the minute I saw you my heart skipped a beat”
Emily smiles “I could tell from the way you were talking about me to Logan”
“What? You heard that?”
Emily giggles “You weren’t whispering” She smirks “What exactly did you tell him about me?”
“Oh look at time we gotta head to the next stop meet you at the car!” Chris dashes off as Emily laughs
“Come back here Chris Powell! I wanna know!”
“What’s that? I can’t hear you! The car is so loud!”
Emily laughs as she follows him to the car they drive off to the docks and Chris smiles as they get out the car “And this place is where”
Emily grins “You first told me you loved me”
“That’s right I would say I loved you the moment I saw you but you had both and James and Kaitlyn’s eyes on you can’t say that I blamed them after all you’re mega beautiful”
Emily giggles “Well I already had my eyes on you”
“I’m glad you did and you got me in the end”
“That’s right now to the last place”
Chris drives and stops at an over hill pass overlooking the city Emily grins “This is where we had our anniversary date”
“That’s right”
“I look prettier without all the snow”
Chris kisses her cheek “You’re beautiful”
Emily smiles “And your sexy”
Chris grabs blankets from the car and places them on the ground they sit on them he takes her hand “After so many years together we’ve gotten stronger everyday”
“Yes we have and I love spending every Valentine’s day with you”
Chris smirks “I honestly beginning to believe you forgot it was Valentine’s day you never mentioned it”
Emily sticks out her tongue “Neither did you”
Chris chuckles “Well it doesn’t need to be Valentine’s day for me to show my girl how much I love her”
“Of course not”
Chris squeezes her hand and turns to her “I have something for you” He brings out the bouquet of flowers
“Oh Chris this is sweet” She takes the flowers and smells them
“There’s something else”
“Oh really what is it?”
“I’m really hoping it’s a yes” He pulls out the ring box and opens it “Will you marry me?”
Emily feels tears well in her eyes then she smirks “Is that even a question?”
Chris’s eyes narrow “Yes and you better answer it”
Emily laughs then takes the ring out the box “Nope!” Then she takes off running
“Get your ass back here with that!”
Emily calls over her should “Why it’s mine anyway!”
Chris races after her then tackles her and they roll in a pile before stopping with him on top they both burst out laughing
“You’re crazy you know that”
Emily giggles “Yes now do I have to put this on myself” She dangles the ring in his face
“Yes you put it on”
“Chris Powell you better put this ring on me”
Chris chuckles as he slides the ring on her finger then helps her to her feet and kisses her deeply “I love you Emily happy Valentine’s day”
Welcome to Choices Holidays Valentine's Day prompts! This event will run from February 1st through February 15th, 2026.
This is open to all choices fandoms. It’s open to fan artists as well as fanfic writers.
Below are fourteen prompts meant to inspire some stories and/or artwork, mood boards, etc. Use these less as word-for-word prompts and more as a general theme (of course, you are welcome to use them word-for-word if you like). Let your imaginations run wild!
You may submit your work at any time during the event. Submissions will be reblogged as they come in. A complete master list will be posted after the end of the event.
All creative endeavors are welcomed: Fics, art, edits, mood boards, whatever you’re inspired to create!
The Rules:
Use one of the prompts, however loosely (Any Valentines Day themed creation is welcome really, just use the general "Valentine's Day" prompt).
Tell us in the header what fandom your characters are from.
Tag @choicesholidays <- This part is very important! It ensures that your story gets seen, reblogged, and added to the master list at the end of the event.
Use the hashtags #choicesholidays and #valentinesday2026
Post/submit by the deadline.
Deadline is February 15th, 2026 11:59 p.m. CST
Be sure you tag @choicesholidays #choicesholidays, and #valentinesday2026 for reblogging and inclusion on the master list at the end of the event.
Please feel free to reach out to this blog or @angelasscribbles with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Prompts are under the cut.
The Secret Note: MC receives an anonymous Valentine's card
The Magical Candy: Write a story about a box of chocolates that causes people to tell the truth.
New Traditions
Love at first sight
First love
First kiss
Let’s get married!
This is wrong/we shouldn’t be doing this…. (write a forbidden love story)
Worst/Best Valentine’s Day ever
Bittersweet Goodbye/Lost Love
Reconnection/Reunited
It’s always been you
Best Friends: use this as a friends to lovers story OR write about single characters handing out on V-day. Platonic or ACE love.
Toxic Love: Because why not?
Additionally, feel free to use prompts from previous years.
2024:
First date
First kiss
But I can’t dance…..
I know my brother/sister is your ex, but if you’ll just listen….
Last kiss
This isn’t remotely romantic, but I still wouldn’t want to be anywhere else
I don’t want to ruin our friendship but I can’t keep my feelings a secret a moment longer
Be my fake date for a wedding?
I’ve been expressly forbidden from seeing you. However…..
You’re the most toxic person I’ve ever met and honestly I can’t get enough.
Good girl/Bad boy or Good boy/bad girl
Would you shut up for a minute? I’ve never proposed to anyone before!
Okay, we stole all the valentine’s cards….now what?
Be my valentine/I love you
2023:
This isn't what I imagined a relationship would be like. It's so much more.
You broke through every wall I had. How can I resist you now?
Thank you, @jerzwriter ! 🫂 I'm back being active, I'm even currently working on a story. :)
The community is tiny, so overlapping is likely, but I'm tagging some of my mutuals who could need love and encouragement, or just know I care about them. ❤️
I have your back: @storyofmychoices @loreofyore @aria-ashryver @rjschoicesstuff @oh-so-youre-a-nerd @cassiusadalhard @zhoras-bitch @dutifullynuttywitch @missameliep @rosesnink @cadybear420 @princess-geek @twinkleallnight @angelasscribbles @lover-also-fighter-also 🫂
Thank you for still being here, even silently, even sporadically. Anytime you appear in my notifications and on my dash, it makes me happy. Any message I receive from you keeps me going, so thank you.
You all matter to me equally, whether we've known each other for a long time or just met recently, whether we interact/talk regularly or not. 🩷
And of course I can't not mention the sweetest @lilyoffandoms who I miss very much. 💛
With the dying fandom.. we really need this... Thank you @aallotarenunelma for keeping me in your thoughts. I agree that when I see these few names appearing on my dash in notifications, my heart beat increases with excitement even after all these years of reading n ogling over the TRR fics... The love will never fade away for you all n your fics...
Holiday prompts for all Pixleberry Studios Choices: Stories You Play fandoms. Prompts are for fics and art, whatever you are inspired to submit!
Rules and Information:
Prompts are for inspiration, they do not have to be used word for word, highlighted, or even referenced. (Of course, you can use them word for word if you like!) If the prompt inspires an idea, feel free to use it more as a theme. You can submit fics, art, edits, or whatever the prompt inspires you to create!
Event schedules, prompts, and deadlines will be included in the events themselves. Submit by the deadline and it will be re-blogged and included on the master list. That's it.
NOTE: People writing for other fandoms are more than welcome to use any and all of the prompts, but will not be re-blogged or added to the master list at the end of events.
Durante los días posteriores al atentado, me ocupé de los preparativos navideños en el Palacio. Las luces iluminaban el edificio cada noche, y el árbol de Navidad en la sala principal evocaba cálidos recuerdos de mi infancia, cuando mi abuela y yo adornábamos nuestro hogar. Estos momentos, junto con los Carter, siempre estarán en mi corazón.
En el centro de Cordonia, animamos a la gente a decorar el árbol de la plaza principal. La comunidad recibió la idea con entusiasmo, y me emocionó ver cómo se acercaban al espíritu navideño. Esta celebración, antes reservada para la familia real, ahora une al pueblo con Liam, revelando su lado más humano y cercano.
Liam está demostrando un reinado más humano y accesible. A diferencia de su padre, se acerca al pueblo, comparte alegrías y trabaja para aliviar penas. Aunque su liderazgo está siendo puesto a prueba tras los recientes atentados, Liam continúa esforzándose por ganarse completamente la confianza de su gente.
Juntos, visitamos hospitales y refugios, y organizamos una fiesta en un orfanato donde los niños recibieron regalos. Ver su alegría fue un bálsamo en medio del miedo que aún sentimos. Estas celebraciones ayudan a calmar la ansiedad y a traer una renovada felicidad a Cordonia, aunque la recuperación aún continúa.
24 diciembre, temprano en la mañana.
Hoy es un día especialmente emocionante para mí. Es 24 de diciembre, y estoy esperando ansiosamente la llegada de mi padre y mi hermano para celebrar las festividades juntos. Me levanté temprano, llena de entusiasmo, lista para recibirlos. Sin embargo, al despertar, noté que Liam no estaba en la habitación. Aun así, la emoción no se desvaneció; estoy feliz de ver a mi familia después de tanto tiempo.
Michell y Frank no podrán venir, ya que están reuniendo a sus familias para las fiestas. Su relación se está volviendo seria, y eso me alegra mucho. Michell merece ser feliz, y Frank es el hombre ideal para ella.
Liam, siempre tan considerado, ha ofrecido su jet para traer a papá y a Ethan desde Boston, asegurándose de que lleguen a salvo. Saber que están en camino hace que mi corazón se llene de alegría. Aunque no puedo evitar sentirme un poco nerviosa, la felicidad de tenerlos cerca me inunda.
|| ¿Cómo está mi futura Reina? || exclamó Liam, entrando al vestidor con una sonrisa radiante, interrumpiendo dulcemente mis pensamientos.
|| Hola, guapo. Estoy bien, pero... ¿dónde estabas? Me desperté y no te encontré || le digo mientras me acerco, rodeando su cuello con mis brazos y sellando nuestras bocas en un beso largo y apasionado. || Estás completamente vestido y listo para el día ||
|| Salí a trotar al amanecer, pero cuando volví, te vi tan profundamente dormida, tan tranquila, que no tuve el corazón para despertarte. Quería que descansaras. Después, me puse a trabajar en algunas cosas pendientes, aunque no puedo negar que este recibimiento es lo mejor que me ha pasado hoy || dice con una sonrisa que revela cuánto aprecia este momento. Noto que sostiene algo en sus manos, lo que despierta mi curiosidad.
|| ¿Qué tienes ahí? || pregunto suavemente, con una mezcla de intriga y emoción.
|| Oh, esto… es un pequeño regalo para ti || responde, con una ternura que me derrite.
|| Liam… 'pequeño' y 'regalo' nunca van juntos en tu vocabulario || le digo, mientras él ríe suavemente. || Pero... ¿por qué no esperar hasta la noche? ||
|| Porque no podía esperar para darte mi regalo especial de Navidad. Quería que lo tuvieras ahora, para que supieras cuánto significas para mí. Además, es mi manera de agradecerte por todo lo que has hecho en estos días. || Su voz se suaviza, y en sus ojos veo todo el amor que siente por mí.
|| ¿Agradecerme? ¿Por qué? || susurro, conmovida por sus palabras y por el cariño que emana de él. Liam acaricia mi mejilla con delicadeza, mirándome con una intensidad que me hace sentir como si fuera la única persona en su mundo.
|| Porque en medio de todo lo que hemos pasado, tú has sido mi ancla, mi fuerza. La gente de Cordonia está feliz, a pesar del incidente en el Palacio. Se sienten emocionados por los cambios y están contentos con la manera en que estoy llevando el reino. Y todo esto te lo debo únicamente a ti, Riley. Tú has sido el motor detrás de estos cambios, mi mayor apoyo, mi inspiración. Eres la Reina ideal para mí... Siempre supe que eras la elección correcta, pero cada día que pasa, lo confirmo una vez más. Eres lo mejor que ha llegado a mi vida. Este regalo es solo una pequeña muestra de cuánto te valoro. ||
|| Oh, cariño || respondo suavemente, acariciando su mejilla || La gente finalmente está viendo lo que yo siempre vi en ti: esa esencia que llevas dentro de tu corazón. Eres, y siempre serás, un magnífico Rey || le digo, señalando suavemente el lugar donde late su corazón.
|| Gracias por ser la Reina que necesitaba || susurra antes de acercarse y besarme con ternura. || Y bueno, ¿estás emocionada por ver a tu familia? ||
|| Claro que sí... Estoy muy ansiosa por verlos || respondo, mientras Liam mira su reloj y sonríe.
|| Por cierto, deben estar por llegar al Palacio. El piloto me llamó para avisarme que estaban cerca. ||
|| Perfecto... ¿Sabes algo de Leo y Katie? ||
|| Leo me dijo que Katie está a punto de dar a luz, y no quieren arriesgarse a un viaje tan largo en este momento. Pero pronto los visitaremos o, cuando puedan, ellos vendrán. ||
|| ¡Qué emoción! Finalmente, un bebé en la familia. Estoy deseando conocerlo || exclamo, llena de alegría.
|| Sí, yo también muero por conocerlo || responde Liam. Me pierdo un momento, imaginando lo maravilloso que sería ser madre y tener un pedacito de los dos en una sola persona. Leo y Katie se conocieron en Grecia hace unos tres años. Ella es estadounidense, y su amor fue tan inmediato como el nuestro. Leo abdicó por ella, buscando felicidad en Washington, lejos de Cordonia. || ¿Riley? || Liam me saca de mis pensamientos. || ¿En qué piensas, amor? ||
|| En lo hermoso que sería ser madre y tener un pedacito de los dos en una persona || confieso. Liam me abraza y me besa en la frente.
|| Yo también lo anhelo. Algún día lo haremos realidad. || Con una sonrisa, Liam me entrega una elegante caja azul. || Bueno, ahora quiero que abras esto. || La abro con cuidado y descubro una gargantilla de oro blanco con un zafiro azul en forma de gota. Sorprendida, llevo las manos a mi boca, con lágrimas asomando en mis ojos.
|| No tanto como tú || respondió Liam, su voz cargada de ternura. Con una sonrisa sincera, añadió || Quiero que la uses en la cena. Pruébatela. || Él retiró mi cabello con delicadeza y colocó la gargantilla alrededor de mi cuello. Cuando terminó de ajustarla, Liam me dijo con una mirada llena de amor || Mírate ||
Me acerqué al espejo, y la visión de la joya adornando mi cuello me dejó sin aliento. Era una obra de arte, reluciendo con un brillo que parecía capturar cada chispa de la luz.
|| Es perfecta… Me encanta, Liam. ¡Gracias! || exclamé, con la voz temblando de emoción mientras me giraba para abrazarlo con fuerza.
|| Ver tu felicidad es el mayor regalo para mí, amor || dijo Liam, envolviéndome en sus brazos con una sonrisa que reflejaba su propia alegría.
|| Bueno, ya que estamos en el intercambio de regalos anticipados || le dije con una sonrisa traviesa || Yo también tengo algo para ti. || Tomé su mano con suavidad y lo guie hacia la habitación. Una vez allí, fui a uno de mis cajones y saqué un regalo envuelto con esmero. Lo coloqué cuidadosamente en sus manos y le dije con una sonrisa || Aquí tienes, amor. ||
Liam tomó la caja con curiosidad y comenzó a rasgar el papel lentamente. Sus ojos se iluminaron al descubrir un libro antiguo y majestuoso.
|| ¡Vaya! Este libro se ve increíblemente antiguo y especial… || comentó, admirando el regalo.
|| Lo es || le respondí con una sonrisa amplia || Es un libro escrito a mano que narra la historia de Cordonia. ||
|| ¡Wow! ¿Escrito a mano? Entonces este libro en sí mismo es una pieza de historia || dijo Liam, asombrado.
|| Así es… Pero lo que realmente quiero que veas es el capítulo final || le sugerí con una mezcla de emoción y nerviosismo mientras él pasaba las páginas hasta llegar al final. Su expresión pasó de asombro a confusión.
|| Pero ¿Por qué en blanco? ||
|| El futuro de Cordonia está en tus manos, y el próximo capítulo será completamente tuyo. Espero que esté lleno de paz, prosperidad y, sobre todo, amor. Preferiría más romance que intriga. || Me reí suavemente, provocando que él sonriera emocionado.
|| Mi amor, la única intriga amorosa que me interesa es la que estoy viviendo contigo, mi hermosa prometida, que pronto será mi esposa y reina. || Liam cerró el libro con cuidado y apoyó una mano en su portada. || Es el regalo más considerado que he recibido. Que lo que me has dado siempre me sirva como un recordatorio potente de lo que realmente significa ser rey. Te agradezco desde el fondo de mi corazón. ||
|| De nada, mi Rey. || Le respondí, mientras Liam me sonreía. Depositó el libro sobre una mesa cercana y cerró la distancia entre nosotros, abrazándome y mirándome a los ojos con amor. Luego se inclinó para un beso apasionado. Lo atraje hacia mí, encontrándome con ese beso impaciente y profundo.
|| ¡Me encantas, Riley! || exclamó Liam, mientras el beso continuaba. Su lengua jugueteaba artísticamente con la mía, y sus manos exploraban mi cuerpo con una pasión ardiente. Él me sonreía mientras me guiaba hacia atrás, llevándome hacia la cama. Me tropecé y mis piernas se enredaron con las suyas, pero me negué a romper el beso. Finalmente, mis piernas golpearon el borde de la cama, haciéndome caer sobre las mantas. Liam se arrastró sobre mí, sus cálidos labios encontrando los míos de nuevo en un instante. Luego, sus labios rozaron mi piel, dejando un rastro de besos por mi pecho y cuello antes de volver a encontrar mis labios. Me besó con avidez y pasión, sus dedos deslizando hábilmente debajo de mi ropa, haciendo que mi piel se erizara completamente. Pasé mis manos por su espalda dura, descendiendo lentamente hasta su trasero perfecto. Sentí su sonrisa debajo del beso. Sus manos se deslizaron más abajo de mí, y de repente me detuve. Él intentó desabrochar mi vestido, pero puse una mano sobre la suya para detenerlo, sonriendo con picardía || Riley, ¿por qué paras? Te necesito. ||
|| Voy a desnudarme para ti. || Respondí, deslizándome rápidamente fuera de la cama.
|| Wow… Eso me encantaría ver. || Se apoyó sobre sus codos en la cama, mientras yo le daba la espalda y tarareaba una melodía baja y entrecortada. Moví mis caderas lentamente al ritmo de la música, buscando la cremallera de mi vestido y arrastrándola lentamente por mi espalda. Me burlé de él, mostrando poco a poco mi piel desnuda mientras él sonreía || Cielos, Riley, eres irresistible y … || Su voz se cortó cuando giré para mirarlo, perdiendo el hilo de sus pensamientos. Lentamente comencé a deslizar mi vestido por mi pecho, luego por mis caderas, hasta que cayó completamente al suelo. Mantuve la mirada fija en Liam y me acerqué lentamente, bailando sensualmente para él.
|| ¿Te gusta lo que ves? || le pregunté, y él extendió sus manos, jalándome hacia él.
|| Ven aquí. || Exclamó, besándome con urgencia, mientras sus manos se movían por toda mi piel desnuda. Yo, a su vez, trabajé rápido con su ropa, lanzándola al suelo para que se uniera a la mía en una pila. Mi corazón latía con fuerza mientras rodábamos juntos por la cama, nuestros cuerpos entrelazados. Enterré mi cabeza en su cuello, trazando la curva de su mandíbula con mis labios. Suspiré al sentir sus manos recorriendo mi piel, sus yemas acariciándola. Mi respiración se detuvo cuando sus dedos se movieron entre mis piernas, urgentes y ardientes || Es imposible pensar con claridad cuando te veo así… Me encanta ver cómo te hago sentir. || Sin decir nada, le pellizqué la oreja, tomando el lóbulo entre mis labios. Su respiración se aceleró, y sus jadeos se volvieron más profundos || Mmmm... Me encanta verte desnuda... perfecta... Y saber que eres mía, solo mía... ||
|| Siempre seré tuya, Liam… || Respondí sin vacilación. Él me besó con más fuerza, sus dedos moviéndose de nuevo en mí, haciendo que la pasión floreciera en mi cuerpo como un fuego salvaje. Mis gritos exclamarían su nombre. Liam no me hizo esperar. Suspiré al unirnos finalmente, nuestros cuerpos complementándose. Sus manos tomaron las mías y las guiaron sobre mi cabeza. Capturó mis labios, besándome mientras sus caderas se movían contra mí. Envolví mis piernas alrededor de su cintura mientras él movía las caderas con un ritmo cada vez más intenso, gimiendo mi nombre en mi oído.
El fuego salvaje en mí se descontroló y onduló deliciosamente a través de todo mi cuerpo, desde la punta de la cabeza hasta la punta de los pies. Clavé mis uñas en su espalda mientras un grito entrecortado se escapaba de mis labios.
♕ ♕ ♕
Un poco más tarde, yacemos en la cama, yo envuelta felizmente en los brazos de Liam. El ritmo suave y relajante de su respiración me arrulla, y siento el cálido subir y bajar de su pecho mientras suspira con satisfacción.
|| ¿Fue ese un suspiro de felicidad o uno más melancólico? || Pregunto con curiosidad, acariciando suavemente su pecho.
|| Creo que un poco de ambos... No puedo creer que esta sea nuestra primera celebración de las festividades juntos. ||
|| Es cierto, es maravilloso. Pero cuéntame, ¿cuál es el suspiro melancólico? ||
|| Supongo que vas a insistir hasta que te lo diga, ¿verdad? || Asiento con una sonrisa traviesa, y él me responde con una sonrisa indulgente || Cuando pienso en dónde estaba yo en esta misma época el año pasado, recuerdo claramente cómo mis padres insistieron en que era el momento de elegir una esposa por razones políticas y tradicionales. Yo, fiel a mi deber, me preparé para una vida de responsabilidades, pero sin amor… Y... ||
Rápidamente interrumpo sus pensamientos presionando suavemente un dedo sobre sus labios.
|| Mi amor, eso ya quedó atrás. No nos enfoquemos en el pasado; celebremos el presente, el futuro, y todo lo hermoso que tenemos y lo que vendrá. || Exclamo, mientras él se ríe, abrazándome con ternura antes de besarme suavemente.
|| Tienes razón. Con corona o sin ella, tener tu amor me convierte en el hombre más afortunado del mundo. ||
|| Liam, te amo con todo mi corazón. ||
|| Y yo te amo a ti, Riley... Más de lo que podrías imaginar. || Me besa de nuevo, con una intensidad que hace que me pierda en el calor de sus abrazos y la dulzura de sus labios.
|| Creo que tenemos que prepararnos para salir. || Digo con una sonrisa juguetona. || Pero por tu culpa, tendré que arreglarme de nuevo ||
Él se ríe y me atrae hacia él en un beso profundo y ardiente.
|| ¿Solo mi culpa? || Me responde, y yo sonrío con picardía.
|| Está bien, de ambos... Pero será mejor que nos vistamos pronto. ||
Mientras me levanto de la cama para recoger nuestra ropa del suelo, siento su mirada fija en mí, llena de admiración. Me visto rápidamente cuando, de repente, alguien toca la puerta de nuestros aposentos.
|| Riley, ¿estás ahí? || La voz de Hana llama desde el otro lado, rompiendo el hechizo del momento. ¡Mierda! Exclamo mentalmente, sintiendo la urgencia de prepararnos.
|| ¡Voy! || Grito mientras me apresuro hacia la puerta. || ¡Dame un segundo! ||
Abro la puerta principal y me encuentro con Hana, que me recibe con una sonrisa animada.
|| Amiga ¡Tu familia ya se encuentra aquí! || Anuncia Hana con entusiasmo. Al ver mi aspecto algo desaliñado, sus ojos se agrandan ligeramente. || Oh, lo siento, no quería interrumpir... ||
Un súbito nerviosismo me invadió, y traté de disimularlo lo mejor posible.
|| No, no es nada || respondí, notando que mis palabras salían un poco atropelladas. || Solo estábamos... Bueno… ¿Y dónde están? || pregunté, desviando rápidamente la conversación. Hana, al darse cuenta de mi ansiedad, sonrió ampliamente.
|| Después de dejar su equipaje en sus suites, se encontraron con Maxwell, quien los llevó a un pequeño tour por la casa. Creo que iban hacia el salón de baile || explicó, mientras yo fruncía el ceño.
|| ¿Al salón de baile? || pregunté con incredulidad || ¡Santo cielo, Hana, será mejor ir antes de que Maxwell haga alguna locura! Solo dame un minuto para arreglarme || dije apresuradamente, corriendo hacia mi habitación. Al entrar, encontré a Liam dándose los últimos retoques frente al espejo. || Mi familia ya está aquí, pero necesito retocarme un poquito antes || dije, mientras me miraba en el espejo y notaba el desorden en mi cabello y maquillaje después de nuestro momento íntimo. Mientras arreglaba mi cabello y retocaba mi maquillaje, observé a Liam en el reflejo, ajustándose la chaqueta y pasando una mano por su cabello para darle un toque final || Espero que Maxwell no intente enseñarles a Ethan o a mi papá el tobogán eléctrico || dije riendo, intentando relajarme mientras él se reía conmigo a través del espejo.
|| Con Maxwell, cualquier cosa es posible || responde Liam, sonriendo. || Pero sé que estarán felices de verte, especialmente después de tanto tiempo. ||
Terminé de arreglarme y me acerqué a él para darle un beso suave en los labios.
|| Tienes razón. No tardes mucho, quiero presentarte oficialmente como mi prometido. ||
|| Claro, mi amor… Ve, yo estaré listo en breve. || Responde Liam, con una sonrisa que ilumina su rostro.
**
Al bajar al salón de baile, me encontré con una escena que me hizo reír. Maxwell estaba en medio de un break dance improvisado, mientras mi papá, Ethan y Susan lo observaban, algunos con asombro y otros con evidente diversión.
|| ¡Por fin están aquí! || Exclamé con emoción, corriendo hacia papá y lanzándome a sus brazos. Lo rodeé con fuerza, sintiendo el calor y la seguridad de su abrazo, mientras él me devolvía el gesto, riendo con esa risa profunda y reconfortante que siempre me hacía sentir en casa.
|| ¡No nos hubiéramos perdido las fiestas en Cordonia por nada del mundo! || Dijo papá, acariciando mi cabello con ternura y mirándome con esos ojos llenos de orgullo y amor. Sentí cómo una ola de calidez me envolvía, y no pude evitar sonreír mientras lo abrazaba aún más fuerte, apreciando cada segundo de ese momento. Maxwell se acercó a mi lado de un salto, siempre lleno de energía.
|| ¡Mi Flor! ¡Estaba mostrándole a tu familia mis mejores movimientos para que los probemos durante la cena! || Exclamó Maxwell con su típica alegría contagiosa, haciendo que soltara una risita. Su entusiasmo siempre lograba hacerme sonreír. Hana también sonrió y no tardó en acercarse para abrazarlo con cariño. Decidí entonces dirigirme a mi hermano, con quien solo había podido hablar un par de veces por teléfono. A diferencia del resto, Ethan se veía serio, observando las payasadas de Maxwell con una mezcla de curiosidad y reserva.
|| Hola, Ethan. Estoy muy contenta de que hayas aceptado venir. || Le dije mientras me acercaba para abrazarlo, poniendo todo mi cariño en ese gesto. Por primera vez, sentí que su respuesta era sincera y cercana.
|| Gracias, Riley, por la invitación. Honestamente, Susan fue quien más insistió en que viniéramos. || Respondió con un tono suave, que me hizo sonreír aún más. Miré a Susan, agradecida, y no pude evitar sentir una conexión especial con ella. Aunque solo la había conocido esa vez en el consultorio, sentí que compartíamos una química natural.
|| ¡Es un gusto verte de nuevo, Susan, y sobre todo, tenerte aquí! || Le dije, abrazándola con genuino afecto. Ella me devolvió el abrazo con una calidez
|| ¡Es un placer para mí, Riley! || Dijo Susan con una sonrisa cálida y sincera || Por cierto, quiero felicitarte de todo corazón por tu compromiso. Estoy segura de que tú y Liam serán muy felices juntos || Susan me dijo con sinceridad, y me sonrió con afecto || Estoy muy emocionada por tu boda ||
|| ¡Gracias, Susan! eso nos convierte en dos || Le respondí, emocionada por sus palabras.
|| Más de dos en realidad || Exclamó Liam, mientras entraba al salón con una cálida sonrisa. Al llegar a mi lado, me rodeó la cintura con su brazo, acercándome a él y depositando un dulce beso en mi mejilla.
|| Cariño, ya conoces a mi papá || Le dije, sonriendo.
|| Sam, qué gusto verte de nuevo. Me alegra que hayan llegado sanos y salvos || Dijo Liam, dándole un fuerte abrazo. || ¿Cómo estuvo el vuelo? ||
|| ¡El vuelo estuvo increíble! Qué bueno verte, Liam. Fue muy amable de tu parte enviarnos tu jet. Gracias por la invitación || Respondió papá, claramente satisfecho.
|| No fue nada en absoluto. Después de todo, vamos a ser una familia en pocos meses. Es un placer tenerlos con nosotros || Dijo Liam con calidez.
|| Felicitaciones por el compromiso, mi hija está feliz || Comentó papá.
|| Sam, mi plan en la vida es hacerla feliz || Exclamó Liam, abrazándome y dándome un beso en la frente. Yo sonreí ampliamente.
|| Liam, quiero presentarte a mi hermano, el doctor Ethan Beckett, y a su novia, la doctora Susan Grey || Dije, señalando a Ethan y Susan. Liam les dio una cálida bienvenida y luego puso su brazo sobre mis hombros.
|| Es un gusto conocerlo, Su Majestad || Dijo Ethan, extendiendo su mano con seriedad. Susan, visiblemente nerviosa por conocer a un rey, trataba de ocultar su entusiasmo mientras admiraba a Liam. Sus manos temblaban ligeramente al extenderlas para un apretón de mano y sus ojos no podían apartarse del Liam, claramente impresionada por su presencia y su atractivo.
|| Ethan, por favor, pronto seremos cuñados. Deberías empezar a llamarme Liam || Dijo Liam, luego dirigiéndose a Susan || Y lo mismo va para ti, Susan ||
Susan, intentando calmar su nerviosismo, sonrió y asintió con la cabeza, sin responder de inmediato hasta que Ethan la codeó delicadamente.
|| Eh… este… Claro, Liam. Encantada de conocerte || dijo Susan, su voz temblando ligeramente mientras reía nerviosamente, mostrando su emoción al encontrarse con un rey tan carismático.
|| Es maravilloso tenerlos a todos aquí. Bienvenidos a Cordonia || respondió Liam, ajeno al pequeño percance. Vi la oportunidad de suavizar el ambiente y decidí presentar a los demás. Extendí las manos hacia donde estaban Maxwell y Hana, sin demasiados rodeos.
|| Bueno, ya conocieron a Maxwell y a Hana || dije, señalándolos con una sonrisa. Maxwell, fiel a su estilo, hizo un comentario que provocó algunas risas, pero no quise alargar el momento. Ethan parecía querer decir algo, pero lo interrumpí antes de que pudiera hacerlo. Justo entonces, el sonido de la puerta nos hizo girar. Drake y Sara entraron en la habitación, y su llegada fue el momento perfecto para cambiar de tema || Llegaron en el momento preciso || exclamé, aliviada por la interrupción. || Drake, ya conoces a todos, pero familia, quiero que conozcan a Sara. Sara, estos son mi padre, Sam, mi hermano, Ethan, y su novia, Susan. ||
Sara se acercó, extendiendo su mano con una cálida sonrisa.
|| Un gusto conocerlos || Dijo Sara, mientras se acercaba a saludar a los presentes. Papá, emocionado por la llegada de su familia, respondió con calidez. Sin embargo, noté que las miradas de Drake y Ethan se evaluaban con cautela.
|| ¿Sigues siendo tan grosero y gruñón como la última vez que nos vimos? || Preguntó Drake con el ceño fruncido. Ethan, con una mano en la cadera, respondió.
|| Discúlpame, pero no soy grosero ni gruñón. Soy un profesional, que es muy diferente. Y hasta ahora, no tengo claro quién eres tú ||
|| ¡Ethan! || Susan le dio un codazo en las costillas.
|| ¡Muchachos! || Exclamé, tratando de calmar la situación. Sabía que no se llevaban bien al principio. Liam observaba el intercambio, claramente desconcertado.
|| Bueno, por su reacción… ¿Supongo que ellos dos no se llevan muy bien? || Preguntó Liam, curioso.
|| La verdad es que son muy parecidos, amor. ¡Ambos pueden ser amargos como limones a veces! || Exclamé con una sonrisa.
|| ¡HEY! || Respondieron al unísono ambos hombres. Miré a Drake con severidad, esperando que se comportara. Tras sentir el peso de mi mirada, él se volvió hacia mi familia.
|| Muy bien, lo siento. Empecemos de nuevo || Dijo Drake, extendiendo la mano hacia papá || Sam, es un placer verte de nuevo ||
|| Igualmente, Drake || Contestó papá con una sonrisa || Y, por cierto, quiero agradecerte por salvar a mi hija. Fue un acto muy noble ||
Al escuchar esto, Drake pareció visiblemente nervioso. Su mano tembló ligeramente al estrechar la de papá.
|| No... no tienes que agradecerme, Sam. Lo hice por... || Comenzó Drake, tratando de mantener la compostura. || Lo que haría con cualquier amigo ||
|| Me alegra verte mejor || Dijo papá, con una sonrisa.
|| Sí, mucho mejor... Gracias || Respondió Drake, acercándose a Susan para darle un beso en la mejilla || ¿Susan, verdad? Un placer verte de nuevo ||
Susan asintió y respondió con una sonrisa cálida. Luego, Drake extendió la mano hacia Ethan.
|| ¿Hacemos las paces, doctor? || Preguntó, su tono reflejando una mezcla de nerviosismo y sinceridad. Ethan lo miró con seriedad, pero luego asintió.
|| Está bien, hagamos las paces. Solo por el bien de mi hermana || Dijo Ethan, y luego añadió || Y gracias por todo lo que hiciste ||
|| La paz || Afirmó con una sonrisa que intentaba ser relajada || Como dije, no fue nada ||
De repente, se hizo un silencio incómodo, así que decidí intervenir rápidamente para romper la tensión.
|| Bueno, ¿qué les parece si seguimos al comedor? || Sugerí con una sonrisa, buscando disipar la tensión. || El personal ha preparado algo especial para nosotros. ||
Liam asintió, devolviéndome la sonrisa, y con eso, empecé a guiar al grupo hacia el comedor, dejando atrás cualquier incomodidad y centrando nuestra atención en disfrutar de la velada juntos.
♕ ♕ ♕
Por la noche, disfrutamos de una cena exquisita en compañía de todos, donde intercambiamos regalos y compartimos una conversación amena. La atmósfera estaba llena de alegría, y por un momento nos sentimos como una gran familia unida y feliz. Aunque extrañé a mi mamá, me reconfortó tener a mi papá y a mi hermano aquí conmigo. El miedo causado por el atentado quedó temporalmente atrás, permitiéndonos celebrar estas fechas tan especiales juntos.
Casi a la medianoche, decidimos que era hora de descansar. Mientras Liam y yo caminábamos tomados de la mano por los pasillos, él se detuvo bajo un arco y señaló hacia arriba.
|| Eh, mira eso... || dijo, y allí, en la parte superior, colgaba un muérdago. Bajé la mirada y me encontré con la cálida sonrisa de Liam.
|| Vaya, eso significa que debemos seguir las reglas || respondí con una sonrisa.
|| Por supuesto, no queremos romper ninguna tradición navideña || dijo Liam, acercándose lentamente para besarme. Al separarnos, nos quedamos mirándonos.
|| Te amo, Liam. Feliz Navidad || dije con felicidad.
|| Y yo te amo a ti, Riley... Feliz primera Navidad juntos || respondió él, con una sonrisa que lo decía todo.
If anyone else wants to be tagged, just let me know. I hope you enjoy this wonderful love adventure.
The Third Annual Winter Holidays Prompt Event is officially wrapped (much like 2024 itself). Thanks so much to all who participated and all who will read these stories.
Wishing each and every one of you a happy and prosperous new year!
The Royal Romance:
Gobble, Gobble by @dcbbw
Snow Wars by @tessa-liam
Royal Adventures by @tessa-liam
Capitulo Especial: Navidad
Open Heart:
The Christmas Valentine by @liaromancewriter
It's Kiss-Mas by @jerzwriter
Merry Christmas, Baby by @jerzwriter
Under the Mistletoe by @jerzwriter
All Wrapped Up by @jerzwriter
All is Merry and Bright by @jerzwriter
A Sparkling Holiday by @jerzwriter
Just a Little Faith by @jerzwriter
Comfort and Joy by @jerzwriter
Sweet December by @cariantha
The Twins First Christmas Tree by @liaromancewriter
Pumpkin Pie Chronicles: A Doggone Shame by @jerzwriter
Christmas Giving by @liaromancewriter
Team Double Trouble by @liaromancewriter
Pumpkin Pie Chronicles: Pumpkin Pie Smackdown by @jerzwriter
Pumpkin Pie Chronicles: Pumpkin Pie for Two by @jerzwriter
Winter Wonderland by @liaromancewriter
After the Party by @liaromancewriter
The Freshman Series:
Pumpkin Wonderland by @gmsrrn98
Annual Greatest Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt by @gmsrrn98
Original fiction:
American Thanksgiving by @dcbbw
Art and Edits:
Trimming the Christmas Tree submitted by @liaromancewriter art by artbyAinna IG
Happy New Year submitted by @storyofmychoices. Art by @weetlebeetle
Premise: As one year ends and another begins, Max and Sienna treasure a quiet moment.
Book: Open Heart (post series)
Pairing: Sienna Trinh x M!OC (Max Valentine)
Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff.
Words: 475
A/N: Submission for @choicesholidays Winter Holiday event and @choicesjanuary2025 prompt New Year's Eve.
Her feet ached, the souvenir of a successful party. They had celebrated the end of one year and the beginning of another with equal fervor, and now it was time to let the night settle.
Sienna Valentine slipped her aching feet out of the golden stilettos that had sparkled under the lights, elongating her legs and making her feel effortlessly sexy.
She leaned down, massaging the tender arches, and her lips curved into a weary smile when her fingers brushed a stray piece of glitter on the hardwood floor—a tiny remnant of the magic they’d created tonight.
In the stillness, she could hear her husband’s voice—warm but efficient—as Max ushered the last of their guests out. Her ears were attuned to the faint click of the closing door and the steady rhythm of his footsteps as he made his way to join her on the living room couch.
Sienna remembered another new year’s eve party three years ago. She had been alone when the clock struck midnight, and fireworks exploded across the Boston sky. Even if she’d wanted to kiss anyone, her heart hadn’t been in it.
There was only one whose presence made her heart flutter with anticipation. She had wanted all her midnights to be with him, and knew they would always be hers if she’d had the courage to ask for them.
And now they were, and always would be.
As hosts, they had mingled throughout the evening, ensuring their guests were well cared for. But as midnight approached, they instinctively gravitated toward each other.
The final seconds ticked away, champagne bottles popped and confetti rained down, but in that fleeting moment, they only had eyes for each other.
As the ball dropped on the TV screen, their lips met in a tender kiss. Max cupped her face in his hands, tilting his head to deepen the connection. Sienna wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, her fingers clutching the back of his shirt as she drew him closer.
All too soon, the demands of others pulled them apart, tugging them in opposite directions. His parting grin promised it wasn’t the end but a vow of more to come.
Now, with the party behind them, she nestled against him on the couch and savored the stillness of the night and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
A dull throb pulsed through her aching feet. Sienna started to reach down, but Max was there first. Shifting his position, he gently lifted her feet onto his lap. His hands were warm and steady, pressing circles into her heel, then longer strokes along her arch, releasing the tension with every touch.
Sienna sighed, her body melting into the couch as her eyes fluttered closed. In this quiet moment, surrounded by love, everything felt exactly as it should be.
Premise: Cassie and Ethan enjoy the holiday decorations around town, leading to a candid conversation about their relationship.
Book: Open Heart
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine)
Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff.
Words: 1,475
A/N: This is set during the Secret Dating phase in Lia Land. Submission for @choicesholidays Winter 2024 and @choicesjanuary2025 prompt "hot chocolate:
Cassie Valentine discreetly glanced at her wristwatch beneath the table, wondering if there was still a chance to salvage her evening plans.
She had already changed into street clothes an hour ago and was ready to clock out when she received a page to report to the Diagnostics Team office. Dr. Ramsey had been clear from the start. The team’s schedule was unpredictable, and all members had to forego time off as needed.
As the latest and the most junior member, Cassie had to flex more than others since she was juggling a tough residency and diagnostics fellowship. Still, there was an upside to all the time spent at work—she got to do it with her boyfriend.
Not that anyone else knew the delectable Ethan Ramsey was hers, she mused with secret amusement. She knew, and that was all that mattered.
She side-eyed Ethan at the front of the conference table, facing the videoconference screen she hadn’t known existed until today. His eyes were alive with curiosity and interest as they consulted with a colleague in California. The virtual consult would determine if the team was required on-site for the diagnosis.
Cassie wouldn’t mind a couple of days of sunshine. Winter had Boston firmly in its grip. Of course, there was something magical about walking through a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Twinkling lights strung on palm trees didn’t have the same appeal as snow-dusted oak trees.
“Thank you, Dr. Amherst. We’ll review the patient file and get back to you tomorrow.”
Ethan wrapped up the call, and Cassie refocused her attention on the job at hand. She really hoped tomorrow didn’t mean they would be working late into the night. But, with this team, you never knew.
“I don’t know about the rest of you,” Baz said, stretching his arms, “but I could use a break before we work on the diagnosis.”
“I agree,” June said. “I’d rather come in early and approach the case with fresh eyes.”
Cassie held her breath in anticipation. Ethan seemed to hesitate, but then he nodded in agreement.
“Let’s pick this up tomorrow morning. Not much else we can do today.”
Baz and June wasted no time gathering their things and heading out. Cassie wasn’t far behind, but she stopped when she saw Ethan sit down at his desk and flip open the patient file.
“It’s late, Ethan,” she said, not hiding her exasperation. “Are you really planning to keep working?”
“I just want to go over things while they’re still fresh in my mind,” he said, sliding on his glasses.
He looked up at her. “Go home, Cassie. I’ll be fine.”
“I’m not going home,” she said, settling into the seat across from him. “I’m heading to Faneuil Hall to check out the Christmas tree and holiday decorations. Come with me.”
Ethan smirked, amused. “Isn’t that for tourists?”
“And for doctors who’ve spent fourteen-plus hours in a space that smells like antiseptic. I went last year, and it was nice.”
He rolled his eyes. “I see those decorations every day on my way to work. I’ll pass.”
“Fine,” Cassie said, pulling out her phone. “If you change your mind, you’ll know where to find me.”
When his phone pinged, Ethan glanced at the screen. “What’s this?”
“I just shared my location with you,” she explained. “I’ll keep it on until I get home.”
Almost ten minutes later, Cassie stepped out of the car, thanked her rideshare driver, and drew in a deep breath of the crisp evening air.
Just what I needed, she thought, feeling the tiredness fade away.
The scent of roasted chestnuts and pine mingled with the faint melody of holiday carolers stationed near Quincy Market. Strings of twinkling white and multicolored lights wound their way around the lampposts and tree trunks, casting a soft glow on the historic architecture.
Huddled inside her thick parka, Cassie trekked down the cobblestone streets, her boots crunching softly against the uneven stones as she admired the holiday wreaths adorning shop doors, their vibrant ribbons fluttering in the brisk evening breeze.
Tourists exclaimed excitedly at storefronts showcasing meticulously arranged scenes of snow-covered villages, glittering ornaments and festive garlands. Meanwhile, hardy Bostonians paid no mind to the spectacle, staying laser-focused on their holiday shopping lists.
Cassie treated herself to a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a bag of tiny, freshly fried donuts before settling onto a bench outside Faneuil Hall to people-watch.
A massive Christmas tree towered over the square, draped in a cascade of shimmering gold and silver lights that seemed to light up the night sky. Nearby, a family of four posed for a picture in front of an illuminated reindeer installation while a couple took a selfie, their cheeks rosy from the cold as they huddled close.
“Got room for one more?”
Cassie’s heart lifted at the sound of her lover's familiar voice. She turned to see Ethan and couldn’t help but break into a wide smile.
“Always.” She shifted to make room for him beside her.
“Christ! It’s fuckin’ cold tonight,” he shuddered as the wind picked up.
“You should’ve grabbed a hot chocolate on the way,” Cassie teased, taking an exaggerated sip from hers. “Here.”
She offered him the bag of still-warm donuts, grinning when a dusting of sugar landed on his coat and the corner of his mouth as he took a bite.
“Relax, babe,” she said with a laugh as he muttered about the mess, brushing away the sugar particles with a napkin. “You missed a spot.”
Cassie leaned in and licked the sugar from the corner of his lips. Ethan turned his head, his lips brushing against hers, and then he placed two fingers under her chin, holding her in place as he kissed her deeply and without hesitation.
Firecrackers burst in the distance—or was it her racing heartbeat and the rush of blood to her head? Cassie didn’t know or care as she fell into the moment.
All too soon, their lips drifted apart and the kiss faded into a whisper as their foreheads touched, sharing a quiet, unspoken connection.
“Excuse me?” a man’s voice interrupted. Cassie glanced up to see the other half of the couple who had been taking selfies earlier. “Sorry to disturb you, but could you…?”
He held out his phone to Ethan, then glanced uncertainly back at his girlfriend. Cassie grinned at Ethan’s hesitation and decided to take pity on him.
“I’ll do it,” she offered, stepping forward.
She took a few photos as the couple wrapped their arms around each other and struck playful poses for the camera. The last photo had them kissing softly under the Christmas tree lights. Cassie thought it might be the best one of all, envying the openness of their relationship.
As the couple walked away, thanking her with bright smiles, Cassie sighed wistfully and settled back onto the bench beside Ethan.
“What’s that sigh about?” he asked, raising a curious brow.
“Nothing,” she said, avoiding his gaze as she gathered the empty cup and paper bag to toss in the trash.
“Do you wish we weren’t keeping our relationship secret?”
Cassie was always amazed at how astutely Ethan could read her feelings. She supposed it was inevitable when two people had been in an intimate relationship of one type or another for almost nine months.
“We’re private people.”
“That’s not what I asked, Cassie.” He took her hand, intertwining their fingers. “Do you want to go public?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “Our families and my close friends know. It should be enough.”
“But…?”
Cassie rolled her eyes. He could be relentless, like a dog with a bone. She knew he wouldn’t drop it easily.
“But I hate how the nurses flirt with you at work while I have to pretend it doesn’t bother me. Or how, if we took a selfie right now, I couldn’t post it on Picta because, as far as the world knows, I’m single.”
“I’m not posing for a selfie on Picta under any circumstances,” Ethan murmured.
“Wanna bet?” she shot back, glaring at him.
Ethan smirked, his lips twitching as if to hold back a retort. Instead, he leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing. “You’d lose that bet, Dr. Valentine.”
Cassie raised an eyebrow, a challenge glinting in her eyes. “Careful, babe. I always play to win.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Come on, let’s get out of here before I freeze my balls off sitting on this icy bench.”
She grabbed her things and fell into step beside him, their fingers brushing but not quite holding. As they walked into the twinkling glow of the holiday lights, Cassie glanced at him, a quiet smile tugging at her lips.
Maybe the world didn’t need to know about them just yet. Moments like this were enough.
A/N: In case you were wondering. Ethan lost that bet. 😂
