sent at 14:28 07/02/26
E: are u, perchance, free at the moment??
R: yeah, why?
E: i look like a pencil.
R: got it. omw
* * * *
“Thank you for coming!” Emily said, a hand over her forehead. She paced around the apartment like a chicken with its head cut off. The floorboards creaked with each stomp. “I was just trying to trim my goddamn bangs and–”
“Slow down! How bad is it?”
Ruby shut the front door. Hair shears sat on the coffee table beside some leftovers. Emily dropped it half-hazardly in the sink once Ruby locked eyes with the day-old ramen. Remnants of Emily’s impulsivity were scattered in front of a full-length mirror.
“Bad!” She scratched her neck with her other hand. The floors went quiet. “I was–uh–thinking of asking Mags for help, but I didn’t…”
“Didn’t wanna look…?”
“Even worse? Yeah. Sorry–”
“No, I get it. The gown for the Iverson Ball? I didn’t exactly–”
“Right? Anyways. Please do not laugh at me. Please.”
Emily unveiled her forehead, bowl-cut bangs out on display. Ruby sucked in a laugh.
“Well. I can see much more of your forehead.”
“God! It’s horrendous. Are these even bangs?”
“Microbangs. Definitely microbangs.”
Emily groaned into her hands. “What detective has fucking microbangs?”
“You do! And you look great!”
“Can you fix it?”
“You think I can fix two inches of hair?”
“Ruby.”
“I mean, I can even them out, but that’s about it. You’re just gonna have to grow them out. Or…” She grabbed the shears with a smirk.
“Or what?”
“When was the last time you got a haircut?”
She shrugged. “I’ve had the same hair since I was fourteen. I trim the ends when it gets too long.”
“Have you ever thought about changing it up? I mean, it’s been almost twenty years.”
“Please do not remind me of my age.” She crossed her arms, leaning against the kitchen counter. “I’ve definitely thought about it. When I was in college, I thought about getting a mullet. Never got around to it. Obviously.”
Ruby tapped her foot, still smirking.
“What?”
“It’s never too late. You can always change it up!”
Emily fiddled with the cabinet knob. Seventeen years flew by, and all it left was stagnation. Eight years of grinding away at school. Two years of Holbeck and Morris’ shitty quips. Seven bodies worth investigating. To hell with that!
She grinned. “You know what? Give me a mullet.”
“Yay!” Ruby squealed. “Now, please sit.”
Emily sat criss-cross in front of the mirror, the living room rug nipping at her ankles. Ruby sat behind her, running her hands through her hair. Disheveled and choppy, like a bed skirt torn at the edges. Ruby separated it into sections with the bobby pins splattered across the ground. She maneuvered to her side, trimming her bangs.
“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you with your hair down.”
Emily scoffed. “Not true! Remember when we went to Katana Kitten? You spent the night here. I always sleep with it down.”
“Ha! Sharp memory. That was like, four years ago.”
“Mind of a steel trap and all that.”
Ruby combed out the bangs, stomach grumbling. “God. I want garlic wings.”
“You ever been to Boka?”
She shook her head, now sitting behind Emily.
“Theirs are pretty good. All you can eat. Would you wanna go tomorrow?”
“That’ll be fun!” Ruby said, cutting rows of vertical lines at the back of Emily’s hair. “It’s been a while since we’ve had dinner at the boss’s house.”
“Mafalda’s too busy playing soccer mom. Maybe we can do it next month.” Emily played with the hem of her sweater. “You’ve been busy. What’ve you been up to?”
“Oh, you know. Lots of work. Last month, I went to a medical examiners’ conference in Albany. Did a four-hour forensic sculpture workshop.”
“Sounds riveting.”
“Quite. I’ve also been writing some…stuff.”
Emily raised a brow. “Really? Has Luke finally gotten you into journaling?”
“Pft! No. I’ve actually been writing about you. And Trystan.”
“I’m sorry?”
“It’s fun! Since I stopped reading Nick Bastion, I’ve been writing short stories about you two. Beating up bad guys, solving crimes. Stuff like that.”
“Oh, my God!” She laughed. “That’s fucking amazing. What was the last one you wrote about?”
“Remember the culatello robbery?”
Emily snorted. “That was crazy. I had to chase that old lady for five blocks! You think you’d ever let me read it?”
“Hm. Maybe. I’ll think about it.” Ruby zhuzhed up Emily’s hair, shifting the front layers around until it framed her face. “And…I…am…done! What do you think?”
A tornado swept through Emily’s head, leaving both short and oblong layers in its wake. The two-inch bowl-cut bangs were no more, replaced with wispy ones that curtained out. Everything else was unkempt, strands choppy and tousled. She grinned from ear to ear.
“I love it. Ruby, you’re amazing!”
“Thanks! I tried my best.”
The front door opened, a gust of wind blowing through the living room. Trystan barged in, hands behind his back.
“Hello–oooo-oooo!” He glanced at the two women. “Emily! You look magnificent. What is the saying – business in the front, party in the back? Now I can kiss your forehead and not have to move your bangs.”
“Aw, shucks.” She pecked his cheek. “You hiding something back there?”
Trystan pulled out a box of pastries. “I stopped by our spot. Your favorite’s back, by the way.”
Emily bit into a hojicha-filled donut, still warm and pillowy. She hummed. “It’s delishush, fhanksh.”
Trystan chuckled. “You’re as graceful as ever.”
“You’re as grasheful as ehver.”
“Ruby!” Trystan pointed the box at her. “Can I tempt you?”
“You don’t even have to ask.” She grabbed a mango tart, adorned with a glazed raspberry and a sprig of mint.
“Did you give her the mullet?”
“Mhmph,” she mumbled between bites.
“You’re quite talented. Mags would cut my hair when we were teenagers–well, when I was a teenager. She was nine or so. I looked absolutely marvelous.”
Emily and Ruby snickered.
“What?”
“Nothing!” Emily shook her head, laughing. “Don’t even worry about it.”
* * * *
a/n: emily is my silly little friend with a mullet! i figured it was about time she had a little change...thank you for reading! ♡
tags: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesmcappreciationweek @choicesjulychallenge2026 @jerzwriter @jahrobin @urcowboygirlfriend @calisomnia @tessa-liam @dutifullynuttywitch @juudaimes-true-form @im-the-galactic-starfish @tinytimism @loreofyore (if you’d like to be removed or added to my tag list, please let me know!)
click here for a masterlist of all my written works!
Pairing: F!Cas x Sammy; M!Gabe x Sammy,
Book: Immortal Desires (Book 1, post Chapter 4)
Word Count: 1,130 words
Warnings: Teen, nothing beyond canon warnings
Synopsis: Sammy reflects on some of the events that have happened over the past couple of weeks.
The cool metal of the bracelet tickled her wrist as Sammy flopped onto her bed, letting her head fall back against the sea of pillows. She held her wrist above her face, watching as the gold color seemed to shimmer in the light.
"Take this," Gabe's voice echoed in her thoughts as he held the golden bracelet toward her.
Her thumb brushed over the white stone at the center of the eye on the first charm. A sensory talisman, he had explained. It would let her know if nearby vampires had malicious intent toward her.
Sammy's stomach turned, and her eyes closed tight. Her fingers gently held her wrist beneath the bracelet. She had just fallen asleep when it felt like her wrist was on fire. Another nightmare, thanks to the night's events, at least that's what she had thought until—Clyde.
She shook the memory away. So much had happened since then.
The blue stone at the center of the second talisman pulled her in. The color of the lake below and the sky above them. She could still feel the rush of the cool water surrounding her as she jumped down into the lake. The feeling of power, of freedom, of possibility. It didn't last long, but it was enough. The disorientation talisman's stone would always remind her of that afternoon with Cas, for better or worse.
Her heart beat faster, and a metallic taste tingled her tongue. It had been a few days since she'd last seen Cas.
While the memory of their time at the lake warmed her body, with each passing day, it grew weaker. The vision of that girl begging for her life in those same woods bled into it. Each time she went to join Cas on the lake's shore, she was gone. Nothing there except the screams of that girl held in Cas's grasp.
Sammy let out a long sigh. Her fingertips touched her lips—lips that had confidently sucked Cas's blood from her finger.
"Your heart gives you away every time," Cas's smooth voice whispered in her ear as she leaned against the door frame to her house.
Sammy wasn't sure she could deny it. Not then, at least. Cas made her heart race and her pulse quicken. Maybe it was the allure of danger. Maybe it was the softness she saw beneath all the leather. Maybe it was her teenage rebellion finally settling in.
Most of all, she worried none of it was real.
She couldn't figure out how it happened so fast. How could she care about Cas after one afternoon together, when her only other real memory with Cas resulted in the death of someone?
The only thing she could think of to make sense of it all was Cas's blood. She wondered if it had affected her beyond the abilities she gained. Could it have left her inhibitions open and drawn them together? The rush she felt with Cas was like nothing else. It was a high she couldn't explain... unless vampire blood was like a drug to humans and it pulled her in completely.
Research was not on her side. Beyond the journal she had found in the school library, there wasn't much to go on besides fiction. True Blood seemed to be the main source of information supporting her theory based on her internet searches. But how much help was an internet search about supernatural beings living in a small town, if your only source of evidence is a book and television series? No one would believe her, and who would she even ask? Lewyn. She chuckled at the thought.
"Hello, Count Cravat," she imagined. "Can I ask you a question about a topic you told me not to interfere in, and also in asking, I might cause another trial, but like, no big deal, right?" Her lip twitched up at the corner. It might be worth it to see his face, but she couldn't put herself, her mom, or even Cas at risk.
It didn't matter anyway, for now, Cas was gone. There were no answers. Only growing questions and with them, an ocean of emotions, each threatening to pull her under.
"Where'd you get that?" The memory of his voice pulled her thoughts from Cas. Sammy could still feel his hand on her wrist, holding the bracelet in view. She focused on the warmth of his touch, his grasp a bit too tight, and a darker expression threatening the comfort she always found in his eyes.
Her gaze fell away from his for a moment. She wouldn't lie to him. He was the only one she could trust with everything. He had been there for her every step of the way. She knew he wouldn't like the answer, but he deserved it. With a measured breath, she met his gaze. "Cas."
His brows knitted together, his lips drew tighter. She could almost feel his muscles tensing.
"Sammy—" As her name fell from his lips, his body eased. His hand on her wrist relaxed. "You don't understand how dangerous she is."
Sammy turned her wrist, slipping her hand into his. "I think there's more to her than you know. She's a... well, you know, but she has this light in her. It might be buried down, but I feel it. She's not all bad. Maybe she just needs someone to believe in her."
"So... that's where you were when you left the festival prep meeting?" His voice deflated, losing the confidence she'd grown accustomed to.
She nodded. "I'm sorry. I should have told you."
"I just don't want you to get hurt." His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you."
She squeezed his hand. "Thanks to you, I'll always know if she wants to harm me."
"What about when she has you alone in the woods, and her intent toward you changes without warning... what then?"
She nodded, knowing it was reckless but finding she couldn't resist following her. She watched as his gaze fell in the silence that settled between them, his focus seemingly on the new charm dangling from her wrist.
Her thumb hovered over the stone as she reflected on everything from the safety of her bed. She hadn't had an answer then, but now? Gabe gave her a warning system, but Cas gave her a way to stop her...if it ever came to that.
She thought the realization would ease her nerves, but it didn't. Because each charm was not without history. She could still feel the weight of what Gabe shared in the graveyard. She knew where the first charm came from. But where did Cas get the second? If Gabe’s family paid for one talisman with blood, what had Cas paid for hers?
Yay! My first Immortal Desires fic! Will there be more? I have no idea, but inspiration struck with this one so here it is!
(Maxwell Beaumont x OC) in a Choices The Royal Romance one-shot
A/N I know I'm behind on Maxwell and Olivia's crackship series and all its angst, but I need some fluff, LOL. I haven't written for my original OTP of Maxwell and Amanda in a long time and I've actually gotten inspired for a new series with them in between all the chaos of my life. This one shot isn't from any particular series (though it kinda goes along with my new series idea), but this particular fic came about when I found the above gif.
Fair warning: it's a long one 😐 completely got away from me. But hey, I finally wrote something!!!
@choicesjulychallenge2026 swimming pools
Masterlist
Ramsford, Cordonia...
"So, what's in store for us?" Riley eagerly asked as she plopped down beside Maxwell. "Fire eaters? Maybe some kind of aquatic ballet show in the pool? Tightrope walkers?"
Drake shuddered at the thought of another Beaumont Bash. He still felt like he was recovering from the one held before Liam's coronation three years ago.
Hana giggled over the excitement in Riley's voice. "I for one can't wait to see what culinary adventures you have planned for us."
Maxwell rubbed the back of his neck. He knew what he was about to say would come as a huge shock to his friends. His only hope was that they would understand and help him.
"It's, uh, it's just a normal dinner party."
Liam chuckled as he settled more comfortably next to Olivia. "I think your idea of normal is slightly different from ours."
Maxwell coughed and squirmed a bit as all waited for him to continue.
"Nope. Just a normal, average, run-of-the-mill dinner party." He mumbled. "I thought with the nice weather, we could host it outside. Bertrand said since he and Savannah are going to be away, I could-"
"Hang on a sec!" Riley interrupted.
She placed the back of her hand on Maxwell's forehead. A frown formed as she narrowed her eyes in study.
"This isn't our Maxwell." She declared to the rest of them. "He'd never plan an average party."
Drake rolled his eyes. Only his wife would encourage this particularl Beaumont to act outrageous.
"It's me." Maxwell argued. Groaning softly, he got up to pace. "I just want to show that I can plan and host a perfectly, normal evening."
He grumbled mostly to himself.
"Prove I can be mature."
"Who said you were immature?" Hana gently asked.
"Who hasn't said that?" Olivia quipped.
"No one in particular." Maxwell quickly explained. "It's just been hinted at in the media. You guys know my track record with having fun and I just want to prove to everyone that I have mature ways."
When his friends remained in silent study of him, he dropped his head back in frustration.
"I'm doing it to impress a girl." He admitted.
Expressions of understanding dawned on everyone's faces. They were quickly followed by advice and concern.
"Is this the absentee duchess we've heard you talk about?" Riley asked.
"She must like you a lot already." Hana added. "You've been spending so much time together in Hollywood."
"You shouldn't change yourself for someone." Drake argued. "You'll only make yourself miserable."
"This type of change could be good." Olivia countered.
"How?" Drake snapped.
"It doesn't hurt to work on one's self when it's an attribute that you already have that can be made better." She replied in a brusque manner. "Are you telling me, you haven't attempted to be more accommodating with Riley's wants and needs?"
He hesitated before slowly conceding that she had a point.
Liam tilted his head somewhat as he looked at his oldest friend. "You must feel very strongly for Lady Amanda to give up something you truly love."
"I do." Maxwell happily admitted. "This past month with her in L.A. has been the best of my life."
He rubbed his hands over his face. "I just want her to see that I can be serious, not only in everyday activities, but hopefully lead her to realize that I mean it when I say she's the only one I want to be with."
"Does she doubt it?" Hana asked.
"Not exactly..." Maxwell mumbled. "I haven't actually told her yet how I feel."
"You haven't?" Hana and Riley exclaimed at the same time.
He shook his head. "Each time I'm about to say the words, I freeze up." He gestured towards himself. "I'm not the kind of guy girls want to go out with more than once. Amanda says yes every single time I ask her for a date!"
He slumped into a nearby chair.
"Who does that?" Maxwell asked to no one in particular.
"She clearly likes you." Riley pointed out. "That should reassure you that you can throw any type of party you want."
"You don't get it." He argued. "She's friends with a lot of people in Hollywood. They're the kind who host calm, low-key events. Not the kind of parties I'm notorious for."
He looked towards Liam to agree with him. "She must prefer that sort of thing, right?"
While the others grumbled about that not necessarily being so, Liam instead agreed with Maxwell.
"One does tend to be friends with those that share similar interests." He reminded them all.
"I still say that you ought to show her the real you." Drake added. "If you're in love with her and want her to feel the same, then she needs to see who you really are."
"I have shown her the real me for the most part." Maxwell sighed. "I don't want to run her off by revealing all the crazy things I love to do."
When it looked like his friends were going to argue once more, he pleaded for their help in planning the menu and possible music options for a quiet dinner party.
Unable to deny their friend, they reluctantly did as he asked.
****************
St Orella, Cordonia, a few weeks later...
Amanda could hardly believe that not only was she back in her home country for good, but she was finally going to an infamous Beaumont Bash. After years spent taking care of her various estates outside of Cordonia, she was more than ready to get reacquainted with those she'd only known as a child.
Plus, she was anxious to see how her relationship with a certain Lord Beaumont would be now that they both lived in the same place.
Meeting Maxwell at a Hollywood party might be the best thing to happen to her in a very long time. She'd had a horrible crush on him as a little girl. Now that she not only saw how handsome he'd become, but also that he'd remained incredibly sweet; she lost her heart to him within minutes.
Their dates only intensified her feelings. She always returned to her hotel with a huge smile after time spent with him. How could she not when he made every effort to make her feel special?
She was trying her best to not get her hopes up that he might feel like she did. She knew his romantic history and she knew she wasn't necessarily the most exciting lady in his world.
But...
She hoped he might fall in love with her. He was so easy to love. It took all her willpower not to spill her heart to him after each and every kiss.
Perhaps tonight would be the night she could show him that she could fit into this aspect of his life. She enjoyed shenanigans. She might not participate in everything, but she felt she was a good enough sport to at least try most of it.
What if I'm still not fun enough?
Just as she began to worry that he might see her differently and not in a good way after tonight, she received a text from him.
Can't wait to see you tonight.
She smiled while quickly texting back.
I can't wait to see you either. I've missed you ♥️
Instant regret flooded through her over her sent text. Just because they hadn't seen each other in weeks didn't mean she should go overboard. That heart was too much along with her words. What if Maxwell felt smothered by her feelings? What if-
Her heart jumped into her throat as the ellipsis bounced with his incoming text.
You're all I've thought about these past few weeks 😘. Any chance you can come early and spend a little extra time with me???
She melted. How could anyone resist him?
I'll see what I can do.
Sighing once more, she hurried to get ready for the three hour drive to Ramsford.
************
A few hours later, Ramsford...
Maxwell knew he was grinning like an idiot as he reread Amanda's texts. He loved that she always let him know she missed him. No one ever said that to him.
No one had ever made him feel the way she did.
I'm in love, he thought to himself, smiling even bigger at the notion.
He'd tell her tonight. He would rest easier when she was his. Once he was secure in her love, he'd carefully reveal the few pieces of himself he was afraid she wouldn't like. Maybe he could then ease her into his type of partying as time went on.
While double checking how preparations were going in the kitchen, the Ramsford butler alerted him to Amanda's arrival.
Maxwell ran out, pausing at the drawing room doors to walk slower in the calm, cool manner he'd perfected for Hollywood.
His heart thudded when he saw her. Her semiformal blue gown that hugged a figure that made his pulse race had a few sequins sewn here and there that twinkled in the lamplight. Her eyes that had the power to lose all train of thought were unfortunately directed outside towards where the party was being set up. A slight, pensive frown graced the lips he loved to kiss.
Does she already hate what I've planned, he wondered in a near panic. She hasn't even experienced it yet!
He cleared his throat a touch nervously.
She turned around, her smile blooming with warmth and delight at the sight of him.
"Good evening, my lord." she greeted playfully with a curtsy.
He sauntered over and took her hands in his. Tugging her close, he captured her lips in a long, deep kiss.
"Hmm." Amanda attempted to keep from sinking against him. "If that's how you normally greet your guests, then I will insist on invitations to all your parties."
He laughed, wrapping his arms around her.
"I only greet special guests that way." He admitted.
"Is it wrong I hope I'm the only guest you greet with a kiss?" She asked, slipping her arms around his neck.
"Nope." He pressed another kiss to her lips. "I can promise you that you are the only one I'll kiss tonight."
"You better say that." She teased. "Or I will have to lodge some complaints with Ramsford's party planning committee."
He snorted in his laughter. His eyes met hers. The words were on the tip of his tongue, yet fear held him back.
"I've missed you so much." He instead told her.
Amanda blushed, lowering her eyes. "Not nearly as much as I have you."
Stop it, she silently ordered herself. Remember what everyone has told you. Maxwell Beaumont does NOT do serious relationships. You have to be careful or you'll run him off!
Before she made an even bigger fool of herself, Amanda gestured outside.
"Looks lovely out there."
"I'd hoped you'd approve." He took her hand and led her to the backyard.
The large area had a pool with lanterns lit. Tables were placed in neat lines around three fourths of it. Soft music drifted out from speakers. Large floral arrangements of blue hydrangeas, white roses, and star lilies along with romantic candlelight completed the elegance.
Amanda looked about, searching for something that resembled all she knew about Beaumont Bashes. There were no weapons lying about to open champagne bottles. No places for acrobats to perform. No unusual animals to surprise guests with were anywhere near the area.
Surely those she'd talked to and all she'd read in Maxwell's books hadn't been exaggerations.
Right?
Perhaps they were. As dinner followed mingling, Amanda was left even more puzzled. She overheard many guests commenting on how the party wasn't at all what they expected.
One particular conversation caught her attention.
"It's hard to believe Maxwell planned all this." Penelope remarked. "I thought we were to have a true Beaumont Bash."
"Hmph." Madeleine's nose wrinkled. "I suppose there is a significant lack of drunken debauchery along with people doing ridiculous stunts."
"I heard he planned it this way because he invited the Duchess of St Orella." Kiara told them in a hushed voice. "She doesn't approve of such entertainment. Il doit vouloir l'impressionner."
"Then she might be a lady I can get along with." Madeleine grumbled. "It's hard enough to find someone with class now that certain people have joined the Court."
She pointedly looked towards Riley and Drake when she made her comment.
Amanda eased further into the shadows. Surely she hadn't presented herself as some snobby, cannot enjoy anything type of person. Had she somehow convinced Maxwell, a man she knew was fun loving, into thinking she needed staid evenings amongst people?
Running her hand through her hair, she slipped away, determined to find a way to make things right, when she bumped into someone.
"Oh!" Hana gently grasped Amanda's arms to help her remain upright.
"I'm so sorry!" Amanda said at the same time.
Hana smiled at her. "It's my fault."
"I doubt that." Amanda reassured her with a grin. "You're known for your grace whereas I've been dubbed clumsy throughout most of my life."
Hana laughed. Linking her arm with Amanda's she walked with her around the perimeter of the party.
"How are you enjoying everything?" She asked. "Maxwell made all of the plans with you in mind."
Amanda hesitated. Her eyes found the man she adored. She wanted so much for him to enjoy tonight too. Was he? Or was he doing something he hated? All for her?
Does that mean he might feel something more for me?
Taking a deep breath, she decided to do all she could to give him a good time.
"It's been lovely." She swallowed nervously. "Hana? May I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"This isn't a typical Beaumont Bash, is it?" Amanda asked.
Hana shook her head.
Amanda's heart broke. "Maxwell must think I'm so boring."
"Not at all!" Hana insisted. "He has said more than once that ever since the two of you began to date that it's been the best time of his life."
"He has?"
"Yes." Hana nodded towards him. "Just look at him."
Amanda did as commanded. He was watching her. When their eyes met, he smiled a touch bashfully as if hoping she liked him.
"See." Hana told her with a gentle nudge. "He's never been more anxious for a night to go smoothly as he has tonight."
Amanda looked about. She needed to repay the favor. Her eyes fell upon the pool while a wild notion came over her.
"Hana, will you help me turn this into a real Beaumont Bash?"
Hana's eyes widened. Once she saw the determination in the young duchess's face, she immediately gathered her friends and fell in with Amanda's plans.
************
"Hey." Maxwell wrapped his arm around Amanda's waist once she rejoined him. "Having a good time?"
Amanda nodded.
She could feel his tension lessen. She hoped what she was about to do wouldn't upset him. With Hana's help, she'd gotten a few more guests in on her plan to liven things up.
Now she was simply waiting on her cue.
"What the hell?" Maxwell muttered when the classical music was abruptly switched to a club remix of Summertime Sadness.
Amanda abruptly turned to face him, grasped his face, and kissed him in a manner she knew wasn't appropriate at all for a stuffy Court dinner.
She then kicked her shoes off, hiked up her skirt, and ran straight towards his pool.
"CANNONBALL!" She shouted before jumping in.
She resurfaced, laughing and encouraging others to join her.
Maxwell's jaw dropped. He could only stare as most of his friends followed Amanda in jumping into the pool fully clothed.
She pushed her wet hair out of her eyes and searched for him in the gathering crowd. A huge smile slowly formed on his face as he took a running leap.
Amanda laughed in delight when he resurfaced and started a splash war with Liam. Squeals and laughter took over the previous low hum of conversations as many more dove into the water.
Bobbing for a few more minutes, she knew she'd never be able to get near him to hear what he thought about her impulsive act due to the many guests swimming and goofing off between them.
"This was a great idea!" Riley told her as she swam past.
"Thank you." Amanda replied.
Maybe now he'll think I'm fun enough for a relationship.
Smiling at those around her, she swam over to a nearby ladder and climbed out. She shivered on her way towards a table set with the towels she'd had delivered. Amanda turned back around to observe the pool party and saw Maxwell sitting on the edge, laughing and splashing people.
It was the first time since she'd arrived that he actually looked like he was enjoying himself.
I can't believe he thought he needed to be miserable for my sake.
Sighing softly, Amanda headed to the bar for a drink.
**************
Maxwell scanned the pool for his date. When she first jumped in, he thought he was hallucinating. Amanda was fun but he'd never seen her indulge her spontaneous side before tonight. He couldn't help but think that she was definitely someone who'd keep him on his toes.
Now if he could only find her so he could tell he hoped she'd always want to keep him on said toes.
"Hey!" He interrupted Hana's attempt to get Madeleine to jump in. "Have you seen Amanda?"
"Not since she climbed out." Hana replied.
"She got out?" He stood up, searching the grounds for her. "Did you see where she went?"
Madeleine pointed towards the back entrance. "Last I saw her, she had a towel and was heading inside."
"Thanks." Maxwell ran towards the door, pausing long enough to grab a towel, then dashed inside.
His eyes darted over the floor until he saw the telltale path of dripped water leading him further down a hallway.
Amanda stepped out of a nearby bathroom, almost colliding with him.
"Oh!" She gasped when she saw him in the dim light. "You startled me."
"Sorry." He grinned, propping his hand against the door jamb. "I was looking for you."
"You were?" She hoped he thought the tremble to her voice was from the cold and not her nerves. "I, um, I wanted to check my makeup and make sure I didn't look too much like a raccoon."
He laughed, leaning closer to her.
"You make a gorgeous raccoon."
"Thank you, my lord." She responded with a smile.
"By the way," he added, "that was an amazing cannonball you did."
"I have won trophies in the past for that particular dive." She teased.
He snickered, moving even closer. "I can see why."
"You cold?" He asked, taking her into his arms.
"A little." She stammered.
Maxwell ran his hands up and down her back to try and warm her up.
"Better?"
Amanda nodded. Somehow, everything was better in his arms.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" She blurted out the question right as he was deciding to tell her how he felt.
"Of course I am." He answered. He was puzzled she even thought she needed to ask. "I always have a great time when you're around."
"But you weren't earlier." She mumbled.
His eyes widened that she could think of something like that. He'd thought he'd done great at dinner, talking about a wide variety of subjects. He'd tried to be a gracious host to everyone even though he mostly focused on her. He managed not to hover around her in case she was tired of his company. He'd done all he could to make tonight pleasant.
"Maxwell?" She hesitated. "Do you think I'm boring?"
"What? No!" He exclaimed. "Not at all!"
She eased out of his arms. "I heard people talking earlier about how this wasn't a normal party for you." Taking a deep breath, she continued. "I heard them say it was because of me."
She raised her eyes to his. She knew her heart was breaking at the thought that this was the reason he didn't want to be in a serious relationship with her. He didn't think she fit in with his idea of fun.
He groaned softly while rubbing his hands over his face.
"I did plan this party for you." He admitted. "I wanted it to be something you enjoyed."
"I did enjoy it." Amanda folded her arms, hugging herself as if to ward off what might happen next. "I just didn't expect tonight to be so," she searched for the right description, "tame. I've heard of the infamous Beaumont Bashes and thought I'd get to experience one tonight."
Maxwell felt his heart drop. How had he managed to disappoint her? He thought a Beaumont Bash would run her off. He never imagined not throwing one would be what would keep her from wanting to be with him.
"It was so sweet of you to think of me with your party." She added when she noticed how silently despondent he'd become. "But, I want to see you enjoy the night too."
Amanda cupped his cheek, waiting on him to look up at her.
Maxwell lifted his eyes and waited on the hammer to drop.
"I feel such joy when I see you happy." She admitted in a near whisper. "When I saw you smile after I jumped in, it made my night."
He wondered if she could hear his heart pounding. Now was the perfect moment to say what he'd been dying to say all night.
"No wonder I love you so much." He pressed his forehead to hers.
Amanda stilled. "You love me?"
"I have for a while." His nose rubbed against hers with his nod. "I've been too scared to say anything in case you didn't feel the same or don't see me as a serious type of guy you could trust with your heart."
"Are you kidding?" She looped her arms around his neck. "It has taken all my self-control to keep from blurting out how head over heels in love with you I am."
His smile, identical to the one she'd witnessed when she jumped into his pool, appeared once more.
"Head over heels, huh?" He cuddled her closer. "Feel free to blurt it out anytime you want."
Laughing, she tugged him down for a kiss.
"So?" He asked after a few breathless minutes. "Want to go for another swim?"
Amanda eagerly nodded.
"Good." Maxwell laced his fingers with hers. "This time, stick close to me. In fact, do that all the time."
Squeezing his hand, she rested her head against his shoulder as they made their way outside.
Every form of creative work can be submitted: fan fiction, drabbles, moodboards, edits, drawings, poems, songs, sketches, and more.
Work from any book and story from the Choices (and Pixelberry) universe are welcome.
You can participate as many times as you like.
Clearly list the prompt your work is based on.
Please add a cut to avoid long posts and exposing other fans to triggering/disturbing content.
NS*W work must be labeled as such, and appropriate warnings must be used. Adult content should be hidden under the page break. You must be at least 18 years of age to submit and interact with adult content.
No AI-generated content, please.
Please tag @choicesjulychallenge2026. You can also tag @endlessflame.
