The final day was a couple days ago, but I just finished this morning 😂 good thing I’m not in school anymore, cause I would have so many late assignments. Thanks everyone for participating in this fun event!!!
Prompts will be in bold!
RCDAW tags: @choicesrcd2022 @alj4890 @promptnonny
Thomas tags: @alleksa16 @kuladekiwi @lilyoffandoms @moodyvalentinestories
Warnings: none
****
Addison Sinclaire is a blonde, bubbly, energetic and outgoing woman that loves fashion and loves to have fun.
Thomas Hunt on the other hand, is a brooding, serious, lone wolf who would rather stand by himself while a party rages on.
So he asks himself, why did I come to her New Year’s Eve party?
She knows so many younger people in Hollywood who have no sense of decorum or respect for anything. Half of them do not even know how to dress themselves properly and the other half has no sense of etiquette whatsoever.
He had seen glimpses of Ryan, Holly, Matt and… her, but steered clear due to the past with Matt’s fiancé. His screenwriter had found him earlier in the night to warn him Stephanie was coming, and he still wanted nothing to do with the group. Especially with Natalia here. The past is in the past and currently his future is with her brother and Addison, dancing to some ridiculous new trend.
Landon flew out here just for Addison’s party which confirmed Thomas’ theory of why the young blonde was constantly on her phone as of late. He could hardly get her to focus the past week since they all left New York.
He snorts as Landon attempts to do the worm on Addison’s makeshift dance floor, taking a long sip from his scotch until his eyes find Natalia’s. She smiles brilliantly at him, beginning to make her way over to him.
“Quite the party.” She tries her hand at an American accent, rubbing her hand up his arm flirtatiously. “Come here often?”
At that, Thomas can’t hold in his amusement. He laughs loud enough to draw some attention from other partygoers.
“Thankfully, no.” He tugs her to a shadowed corner, pressing her back against the wall while he braces a hand by her head. “Although, if it meant seeing you, I may endure this torture more often.”
Her smile softens and she grabs his lapels, losing her forced American accent, “Well, perhaps you and I can make a habit of being one another’s dates to these sorts of things.”
Thomas takes a long draw from his glass of scotch and swallows. His eyes never leave hers as he presses his body into hers more.
“I would prefer that.” Slowly, his head lowers and they meet for a gentle, loving kiss.
In the moment, neither could think of anything else but each other. Their feelings have exploded this year. What started as a year of despair, quickly turned into a year of pure joy.
Love and contentment.
Not just in this moment, but with each other since they first met.
“It is almost midnight.” Her lips press against his jawline, the stubble tickling her gently as the taste of his scotch still dances on her tongue. “What is your resolution for the new year?”
He scoffs quietly. “I’m not ready for the new year.”
Confused, she pulls back and looks up at him, seeing his signature frown in place. “Don’t be silly. New year, new you.” She smiles, attempting to get a rise out of him.
His expression becomes completely genuine and open. Thomas’ free hand finds one of hers, holding it tightly as his eyes show utter vulnerability.
“I don’t want a new me, I want the same me and the same you.”
Understanding what he means, her smile turns reassuring and she squeezes his hand. “Thomas, that’s not what the saying means. I would never change you or I because I love you just the way you are. I love us.”
Suddenly, the entire crowd begins counting down from ten, but Thomas and Natalia focus only on one another. He releases her hand and cups her cheek softly, brushing his thumb across her cheekbone as his eyes search hers.
“3…2…1! Happy New Year!”
The crowd behind them roars with cheers of the new year. Glasses clink, couples kiss, and friends embrace.
Thomas and Natalia take advantage of the moment and meet in a passionate kiss. Holding each other close as the celebration rages around them. When they pull apart, he moves beside her and looks over the crowd, noticing a blonde woman and brunette man kissing in the middle of the room. He nudges Natalia, pointing them out and she nearly squeals.
“My plan worked!” She tugs on Thomas’ arm excitedly.
He simply chuckles and nods, “Indeed it did.”
Leaning down, he kisses her cheek affectionately, “Happy New Year, my love.”
The brunette on his arm smiles up at him, beaming. “Happy New Year.”
Well, as anyone who follows me should know, this is late. I’m gonna try to post day 7 tomorrow (I’m a disaster, send help). Buuuuut, I’ve written the dirty, lemony, naughty fic. I told @alj4890 I owed her one after she wrote one 🤣 So heads up, it’s NSFW.
Prompts are in bold!
RCDAW tags: @choicesrcd2022 @promptnonny
Thomas tags: @alleksa16 @kuladekiwi @lilyoffandoms @moodyvalentinestories
Warnings: 18+, smut, nsfw
****
As soon as the final bag was brought in from the car and the front door was shut, both Thomas and Natalia breathed out a sigh of relief. He quickly heads for the shower after a kiss for her. Deciding on a quiet night in, Natalia begins finding their favorite snacks for a relaxing evening between the two of them. First, she finds cookie dough in the refrigerator and quickly prepares the oven and lays the dough on a cookie sheet. Once she’s gotten a few different crackers and cheeses out, the oven timer goes off. She gathers oven mitts and slips them on before pulling the cookie sheet out of the scorching appliance.
Humming a Christmas song while she places the cookies on a cooking rack, she finishes her task and turns the lights down in the kitchen and living room before turning the Christmas lights on the tree. She looks at the clock on the microwave when she walks back into the kitchen and furrows her eyebrows. Thomas has been in the shower for over forty minutes. Quickly gathering the plate with cheese and crackers, she walks them and a plate of cookies into the living room. She sets them on the table before turning the tv on and then heading towards the stairs.
What stands at the top of the stairs stops her from going another step.
Thomas is standing on the very top step, decked out in formal wear. A jet black tuxedo and bow tie. His hands are interlocked in front of him and he wears an uncharacteristic smile. Yet, he almost seems… nervous.
“Why don’t you put something a little more formal on and meet me in the living room.” He walks down while she walks up, meeting in the middle.
Blushing furiously at all the dirty thoughts running through her mind, she only nods and quickly brushes past him up the stairs. Utterly confused by his behavior and what he’s thinking, she just finds the most seductive gown she can find. Because if he wants to play some sort of game, she’s certain she can beat him.
It hadn’t been much longer than twenty minutes before he hears her heels clicking down the hardwood stairs.
Her open toe, sleek, black heels are the first things he sees. But when he looks up, his mouth opens and his cheeks burn hot. His deft fingers tug at the collar of his dress shirt as his darkening eyes trail up her scantily dressed body. The short evening dress leaves her legs mostly exposed and the small slit runs all the way up her hip, showing a sliver of her rear. As she turns for Thomas to see more, he sees the majority of her back is open and the only thing holding the dress up is the spaghetti strings. The cowl front droops far below her sternum, showing off enough cleavage that makes him certain she’d never wear this for anyone but him. This dress was bought for one purpose.
Seduction.
Lust.
Passion.
The black material glimmers under the dim lights and reflects the colorful Christmas lights in the living room. Natalia’s chestnut hair is pinned back on one side, but the other has her natural curls along her blushing cheek.
“Is this formal enough for you, Mr. Hunt?”
He knows exactly what she’s doing and he knows it’s working. “I would say so.”
She simply nods and sashays past him, swinging her hips seductively as she walks into the living room. When he follows her, she points to the coffee table.
“Cookies? Check.” Then she looks at the tree in the corner. “Lights? Check.”
A moment of silence passes as he just stares hungrily at her. “Wearing this to make you speechless?”
She grins at his silence, “Check.”
Before anything more could be said, he steps to her and wraps her in his arms tightly, crashing his lips hungrily into hers as desire overtakes them both. They step back towards the couch and she pushes Thomas down onto it before climbing on top of him and straddling him.
“You are quite stunning.” His eyes have almost turned black with lust and they quickly shut when she grinds down into his growing desire.
“I could say the same of you, Thomas.” Her lips brush against the shell of his ear as she continues her teasing movements atop him.
Her hot breath urges his hair to stand up on his neck as his hands grab her ass tightly, pulling her closer to him. When he pushes his hips up to meet her, she gasps in his ear and pulls away, hurriedly unbuttoning his pants.
Without a moment to waste, he helps her push his slacks and boxers down easily before rubs her exposed desire against his own.
He groans as he looks at her with a mix of pure lust and amusement. “You had something in mind, did you?”
She grins wickedly at him as she reaches between them and places his tip right at her entrance, “How could you tell?”
Thomas pulls her hips down and forces himself inside of her, both moaning at the sensation. He pulls her close, burying his face into her neck. “You are wearing quite the… sensual outfit.”
Her hips begin to rise and fall on top of him. His teeth bite down into the sensitive skin of her neck and his hands hold her hips with a tight grip, his fingernails dig into the material of her dress.
“I believe your tuxedo started this trend.” She gasps when he thrusts his hips up quickly.
Both begin moving faster. Hips moving in time. A perfect rhythm between them as they work together to reach their crescendo. The leather couch beneath them squeaks as their thrusts become more and more erratic. Seconds turn into minutes and the minutes crowd into a growing mountain of pleasure.
“Oh, Thomas!”
Her walls clench around him and he groans as his eyes shut tightly. His hips jerk wildly as he reaches his limit. His entire body clenches and pulses as his arms pull Natalia’s slender body against him in a crushing hold.
When they both calm down and relax, she sags against his firm body, nuzzling her head into his chest.
“You are incredibly…” her accent doesn’t hide her sudden timidity.
Thomas sits up slightly, urging her to look at him. When their eyes meet, he raises an eyebrow in question, urging her to continue.
“Sexy.”
Holding in a laugh, he smirks at her. “Is that so?”
She playfully smacks his chest and pushes off him, adjusting her dress. A wide smile breaks across her face and she motions to him.
“It would be best if you fixed your appearance or else you may start something again.”
Standing, he adjusts his slacks and begins to untie his bow tie, laying it around his neck. “Perhaps I would prefer round two before our movie night. I’d like to work up an appetite.”
This gorgeous portrait of my forever OTP Thomas and Alex is by the always wonderful and talented @rosefuckinggenius!
I had a short drabble planned to go with it, but seeing as @choicesrcd2022 ends now-ish, I decided I should at least share the art. I'm hoping I can get time to write out the drabble tomorrow. 🤞
Prompts: @choicesdecember2022 kiss, @choicesrcd2022 distraction, @choicesholidays I’m so glad we found each other (always & forever)
[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [Red Carpet Diaries]
Fandom: Red Carpet Diaries
Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Avalon (M!OC)
Length: 618 words
Rating: Teen
Warnings: Mentions of sex (nothing explicit) and smoking
Prompt: "I'm not ready for the new year." "Don't be silly. New year, new you." "I don't want a new me, I want the same me and the same you." @choicesrcd2022 @promptnonny
Summary: Thomas and Avalon get ready for the new year together and discuss what comes next
"Are you ready to go?" Avalon asks, checking his outfit in the mirror one last time.
Thomas heaves a sigh, slipping his wallet and a pack of cigarettes into his pocket. "I suppose."
"Oh, now what's that supposed to mean? Do you not want to go to the party? We could always stay home... ring in the new year by ourselves..." To emphasis what he's saying, Avalon pulls Thomas into his arms, his chest to Thomas' back and his hands at his waist.
"That does sound nice..." Thomas leans into Avalon's arms with another sigh, this one softer and more content. "But it's not the part I'm unhappy with."
"It's not? Did something happen?"
"No, it's just..." Thomas frowns and shakes his head.
"What?"
"I'm not ready for the new year."
Avalon hums quietly, amused. "Don't be silly. New year, new you."
"I don't want a new me," Thomas grumbles. "I want the same me and the same you."
Avalon can't help but let out a laugh.
Thomas turns slightly to look at him, frowning.
"Sorry, sorry! But what "same you" and "same me" are you wanting? You and I have changed so much since we first met, and, honestly, I'm hoping that so long as we keep pushing each other to be better, we won't ever stay the same for too long."
"I suppose that makes sense..." Thomas relaxes back into Avalon's arms again.
"I love you, Darlin, and I love the person you've become, and I love watching you grow into the person you'll be next. No matter what this next year holds for us, I'll always love you."
"I love you, too..." Thomas takes one of Avalon's hands into his own and brings it to his lips, gently kissing his knuckles. "And what do you think the new year will bring?"
Avalon considers this for a moment. "Sex. Plenty of it."
It's Thomas' turn to let out a chuckle, and he turns in place, draping his arms over Avalon's shoulders. "Oh? What makes you say that?"
"Well, I know us, baby, and I know how... excitable you get on T days. And given our track record, it wouldn't take a genius to figure out how much suckin' and fuckin' happens under this roof alone." He pauses, brushing his thumb against Thomas' lower lip. "Plus your immediate response to me saying that was to press your thigh against my dick. So there's that too."
"You've got me there." Thomas adjusts his stance so he's not rubbing up against Avalon so hard. "...What else do you think will happen?"
"Oh... Maybe we'll both stop smoking so much." He lets out a small laugh. "Honestly though I say that I'll stop every year and it never happens."
"If that's what you think, then maybe we should stay home tonight."
"And why is that?"
"You and I both know that once we get to Matt and Macy's house, I will stand in a corner for all of ten minutes before going outside to chainsmoke for the rest of the party, and you'll join me shortly after when you get overwhelmed."
"Yeah, that sounds about right."
"If we stay here and..." Thomas unbuttons the top few button's on Avalon's shirt. "Enjoy each other's company, we'll share a single cigarette afterwards before going to sleep, as opposed to smoking a whole pack in one night."
"Mmm... that does sound nice..."
"Doesn't it?" Thomas slides a hand onto Avalon's chest, under his shirt, and leans up to kiss his jaw. "What do you say? Start the new year off right with me?"
Avalon puts his hand on the back of Thomas' head and pulls him in for a kiss. "I'd love that."
(Thomas Hunt x OC) in a Choices Red Carpet Diaries Drabble
Prompt: "Don't be silly. New year, new you." "I don't want a new me. I want the same me and the same you."
A/N: Our last day and I had to end it with my favorite love interest 🥲 Can't believe it is already over. Hope you all have enjoyed this week of RCD. I know we had a lot of fun with it 🥰 This drabble takes place three years after Premiere Date.
Rating: G for nothing but fluff to end this week on.
All was quiet in Lonsdale Castle. The only sounds were of warm, cheery fires crackling in both the sitting room and in the lord and lady of the manor's bedroom to help ward off the chill the castle was known for in the winter. There was also the occasional chuckle and softly spoken conversations of the two who called this place home for parts of the year.
The servants were given the days off from Christmas until well after New Year's. No guests were there to make unnecessary noise or interrupt stolen kisses. No one at all to disturb the couple who wanted nothing more than to be alone with each other.
Thomas had been pleasantly surprised when his wife, Amanda, suggested they spend the holidays shut away in their Highland castle. They usually were surrounded by their friends and loved ones in either their home near Hollywood or at their duchy in Cordonia.
But up here at Lonsdale, as she pointed out, no one would come around and disturb them. The cold, damp trek alone would discourage even the most devoted friend. It was a perfect place to say goodbye to another happy year together and look forward to a new one filled with endless possibilities.
Thomas wasn't about to try and dissuade her out of such a notion. There was nothing more that he loved than a quiet night in with Amanda. Giving him weeks of such was just what he needed before he began to tackle once more the life of a renowned director and newly turned noble of various titles.
After two years of marriage, he thought that they'd successfully found a way to balance all his new responsibilities while allowing him to continue to do what he loved: filmmaking.
Everything so far had been more than he could have possibly imagined. He was content in this life that Amanda helped him create. He couldn't think of anything he wanted or needed that could even add to his happiness.
Especially in this moment with her cuddled within his arms.
A blanket, done in her ancestor's plaid, was draped over them as they paid only half attention to 1941's, Meet John Doe. A tray with various snacks and empty plates from dinner cluttered the coffee table. The only lights to see by were from the black and white film, the Christmas tree lights, and the fire's orange glow.
Thomas glanced down. A soft smile formed at the sight of his wife. The warmth of his body combined with the atmosphere had lulled her into a peaceful sleep.
Plus, the fact he'd made love to her earlier might have something to do with her exhaustion.
He gently brushed her hair off her face then pressed a kiss to her forehead.
She stirred. A yawn slipped from her lips as she stretched.
Amanda blinked up at him.
"I'm sorry." She sat up, rubbing her eyes. "I must have dozed off."
"I don't mind." Thomas tugged her back within his arms.
She chuckled while placing a tender kiss upon his lips.
"You deserve a better date for New Year's, Lord Hunt."
He snorted. "Such a thing doesn't exist."
"You're being awfully romantic towards a woman who couldn't stay awake long enough for a midnight kiss." She teased.
"That's because I know I have plenty of time to collect that kiss." His lips met hers again in a more heated caress. "With interest."
Her laughter brought a smile to his face.
"What time is it?" She asked.
"About eleven thirty."
Amanda pushed herself off of him.
"Where are you off to?"
"To the kitchen." She began to collect some of their empty plates.
Thomas got to his feet to help.
"Don't get up." She waved him back down. "I can take care of this."
He ignored her argument, taking the majority of dishes out of her hands.
"Thomas." Amanda groaned as she followed him down the hall. "I was going to take care of those. I want you to continue to relax and enjoy your evening."
"I've been relaxing since we arrived." He reminded her. "And I enjoy my evenings with you."
"Just the evenings?" She teased once they were in the kitchen.
His lips curved somewhat as he rinsed the dishes.
"I didn't say that."
She shook her head over his words.
"I'll put those in the dishwasher."
Thomas took over the task instead.
Amanda folded her arms. "I think your resolution for the New Year should be to listen to your wife when she is trying to make a night special for you."
He eyed her. "Resolution?" He snorted. "I don't make resolutions."
"You don't?" Amanda's brow furrowed as she thought back to their previous New Year's together. "Oh my goodness, you really don't make them!"
His eyebrow lifted. "Why are you so shocked by that?"
"Because everyone makes them!" She pointed out.
"Clearly not everyone if I do not." He drily remarked.
"But why?" Amanda sat down on a barstool to try and figure this out. "Why don't you? Don't you want to change anything?"
His frown formed. "Is this your roundabout way of saying I need to change something?"
"Of course not! You know I love everything about you." She huffed. "I'm simply curious as to how you came to this decision."
His frown eased upon hearing that.
"I see no reason to go through the silliness of trying to find something to work on if I am completely content."
"Oh." She replied.
"It always struck me as absurd that a person waits until the end of the year to decide to improve something about themselves. Whether it is a change in their personal or in their professional life, why wait to begin making that necessary change? What has the new year coming about have to do with any of it?"
Amanda merely studied him.
Thomas met her stare with a quizzical glance.
"I suppose that makes sense." She grumbled.
He went back to finishing the dishes.
She got to her feet to prepare two glasses of a hot cranberry and orange punch she'd made earlier.
"Shall I chill some champagne for us?" Thomas came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"No, thank you." She kissed his cheek. "I think I'm in the mood to toast the new year with this punch instead of champagne."
He took the tray from her and followed her back into the den.
"Seems a bit out of tradition to toast without champagne."
Amanda shrugged. "I suppose I want it to represent a new tradition." She tugged him back down on the couch with her. "And hopefully reflect on a new me."
"A new you?"
She nodded, settling more comfortably against his side.
"Just because the clock strikes midnight, that doesn't mean you are changed." He told her.
She tilted her head up to study his profile. She could tell by the tense set of his jaw that he was struggling with not becoming irritated with her.
She did have a point she was trying to make. She just wasn't ready to do so yet.
"Don't be silly." She quipped. "New year, new you."
Thomas turned towards her.
"I don't want a new me. I want the same me and the same you."
Her smile over hearing that made his temper begin to cool down.
"You really wouldn't change anything about me?" She asked.
"Not one thing." He bit out.
The irritation in his voice made her all the happier. She knew with how angry he was over the suggestion that she change that he must still truly love everything about her.
She slipped her arms around his waist while placing her head on his shoulder. She let out a soft sigh over how incredibly sweet he could be when grumpy.
"I love you, Thomas."
His arm held her snugly against his side. He lifted his hand to caress her cheek.
His earlier smile returned.
"I love you too."
Amanda glanced at the mantle clock, seeing that it was nearly time to greet the New Year and all the changes that awaited them.
"Thomas?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm afraid I am going to change next year."
"Amanda." He muttered, shaking his head. "I believe I just started how I don't want that to happen."
"I can't stop it." She eased back some so she could look up at him.
"You most certainly can stop it." He argued. "You--"
"You're going to change too."
His eyes narrowed.
Her tender smile puzzled him.
"You see," she handed him a sonogram, "you and I are going to change into parents, " the clock began to chime the midnight hour, "this summer."
Just a couple days later 🤦🏼♀️ Now my life has settled down, hopefully I can get caught up because today is the last day of Red Carpet Diaries Appreciation Week 2022. This has been super fun and although we haven’t had much participation, but it’s all good. I really slacked on this one and only used the one word prompt.
After realizing her brother and Addison would be a perfect couple, Natalia knew she must fly her friend to New York for Christmas. She and Thomas decided to stay a full week and her family, mostly her mother, doesn’t mind the extra guest. Most of their time in New York has been relaxing and consisted of all sorts of Christmas activities. Not to mention all the dates Thomas has taken her on. Many five star restaurants have been tried or revisited and both have favorites they’ve found together.
“Landon, mother, we are home.” Natalia leads Addison and the suitcase toting Thomas into the foyer before Mr. DuBois helps them with her luggage and coats.
The blonde marvels at the estate, running her fingers across the delicate woodwork that the mantle dons. Her eyes trace each piece of artwork on the walls and each statue setting atop one of the many tables.
“Is that a true Monet? A real one?!” She squeals quietly, rushing over to it, admiring each and every brushstroke.
“Indeed, it is.” Landon strides in, wearing an easy smile while his unruly chestnut hair is freshly trimmed and combed into place. “I am Landon York, Natalia’s brother.”
Addison freezes when the handsome young man extends his hand, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of him. His olive skin is perfect and his smile could rival many of the multimillion dollar, heartthrob actor’s.
“I—erm—“
“This is Addison Sinclaire. A very talented fashionista.” Natalia nudges her friend with an elbow.
Clearing her throat and pushing hair off her reddened cheeks, she takes Landon’s hand, shaking it. “It’s so nice to meet you. Nat has told me so much about you.”
Quietly pulling Thomas away from her intended targets, Natalia whispers into his ear, “I think it’s working.”
She smiles towards her brother and her friend talking and standing close together as they admire the art around the foyer. Soon, Landon leads Addison to the great room, giving her a tour.
“Natalia, are you certain this is the best idea?” Thomas’ deep voice is hushed as he wraps an arm around her waist.
Her shoulders raise and fall in a shrug, “Worst case scenario, they never see one another again. Best case… my brother and my friend will become what each other needs.”
He squeezes her waist, sighing quietly, “I do hope your idea works and does not hurt either in the process.”
She turns in his arm and places her hands on his chest, smoothing out his blazer. “I’ll believe for the best outcome. I just want to see them both happy.”
“As will I.” He kisses her softly, cupping her cheek with a gentle hand and rubs his thumb across her cheekbone.
By the time dinner was served, Addi and Landon had started becoming quite close. Thankfully, Mr. York had a prior engagement and would not be present for dinner, so the mood is light and cheerful. Quiet Christmas music plays while the clinking of silverware on fine china accents it. Most of the conversations have died since the food has been served, save for the two sitting together and whispering between laughs.
“Landon, perhaps you two would like to share what is so amusing?” Their mother looks at him with a neutral expression, but her eyes hold a glimmer of mischief.
A deep red flush spreads across his handsome face, but Addison just smiles brightly.
“I was just telling Landon, since I’ve been here, I’ve thought about starting a clothing line for all the statues that are naked. The sculptors were so inconsiderate.”
Thomas nearly chokes on his bite of beef Wellington, he hurriedly swallows before glaring at his former student and taking a sip of water.
Mrs. York just laughs, dabbing the corners of her mouth with a cloth napkin, shaking her head in amusement. “I’ve often wondered why they must show the human body so freely myself.”
Rubbing his back and holding back a smile, Natalia looks at the flustered Thomas, still glaring and scowling at Addison who just beams at him. He leans over to Nat, pressing his lips against her ear and bracing his hand on the back of her chair.
“You’ve created a monster, Miss York.” His lips subtly brush against her cheek before he sits straight again, shooting Addi a warning glance.
A simple grin is her only response and Thomas just moves his scowl to the woman next to him.
Once the plates have been cleared and everyone is full from a four course dinner Addison stands and claps her hands together excitedly. “Can we take a picture?”
“A photograph? But why?” Landon quirks a brow at the beautiful blonde standing next to him, he looks up to her with a smile across his face.
She proceeds to grab his hand and pull him up to stand with her before looking at the rest of the group. “Because! It’s our first dinner together and all of you mean so much to me. You’ve made me feel like a part of the family.”
Wearing a motherly smile, Elizabeth stands and nods. “I agree. This is a memory I’ll cherish for a long time.”
Her soft gaze slowly travels from her son and the woman who has grabbed his attention to her daughter and Thomas. All she has ever wanted was her children to be happy, seeing them happy in this moment, it means they must savor it.
The group gathers in front of one of the fireplaces when Carlton, the butler, comes up to the family. “Would you like me to take the photo for you?”
“Nonsense.” Natalia gently grabs the older man’s arm and pulls him into the group. “You will be in the photo with us, Mr. DuBois. You are family as well.”
Thomas grumbles quietly being squished between Natalia and Addison, scowling at the blonde when she hugs him tightly with one arm. Natalia ignores his grumpiness and focuses on the way her brother’s arm wraps around Addison’s waist, pulling her smaller body tight against his.
Addi looks up to the man next to her who has quickly turned her hopeless romantic ideas into beliefs since she met him.
He’s so charming, kind, funny, and handsome.
Their eyes meet and Landon’s smile grows as he gazes into her blue eyes.
Carlton got a younger maid to take the photo, and thankfully for Thomas’ sake, she didn’t take ten minutes to simply get one good photo. Before anyone else could look at the picture, Addison squeals while she reviews it. As the whole group gathers around, smiles grow wider.
Thomas pulls Natalia a ways away to kiss her softly and hold her close to him for a moment.
“I believe you can also add matchmaker to your list of talents.” As he releases her from his embrace, they both watch as Landon leads Addison off towards the large windows overlooking the city. “I’ve noticed how they’ve begun looking at one another. It reminds me of us.”
Her brother’s fingers are laced with Addison’s and Natalia feels her heart swell at the sight. She looks up to Thomas, only to find his gaze on her already. His eyes soften as he leans down and kisses her forehead.
“Every woman deserves a man to look upon her like you look at me.”
Thomas smiles when she rests her head on his chest, tightening his arm around her shoulders.
It was a perfect evening, for Christmas cheer and love was in the air.
No matter how much time I spend with you, I can never ever get enough of you. Your love is forever mine and I need you everyday.
Thomas and Alex by the sweet and amazing @/angki.s_ (Instagram)
I absolutely love how lost in each other these two are and how beautifully they give into their passion for one another.
Prompts: @choicesdecember2022 love, @choicesrcd2022 passion, @choicesholidays I’m so glad we found each other (always and forever)
[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [Red Carpet Diaries]
Thomas gave a brisk knock to his guest bedroom door.
"Are you ready?"
"Almost!" Amanda called out. "Give me five more minutes.
He glanced at his watch. His typical frown formed over the fact that they would definitely be late to the faculty Christmas party.
He'd originally planned to skip it this year. When he knew Amanda would be coming to stay for the holidays, he had decided on them remaining mostly away from large crowds.
Of course, he should have known that the woman he was in love with would argue that they should at least make an effort to go for a little while.
Thomas couldn't think of anything less he would prefer to do this evening.
He tugged at his collar as he went downstairs to wait upon his date. His fellow instructors would insist on making this blasted thing a formal event. He'd already endured more than his fair share of such when visiting Amanda in Cordonia.
As he poured himself a drink to help dull the pain of socializing, the oven buzzer began to beep.
"Could you take those out for me?" Amanda yelled out.
"Yes." Thomas wondered at her reason for baking when they were about to be away for the evening.
It was a catered event after all. No one had to bring anything, save for a designated driver.
Since he was stuck with attending, he might as well drink more than he usually would.
"Don't forget to put them on a cooling rack!" Amanda reminded him.
He eyed what was clearly chocolate chip cookies and searched for a spatula.
Thomas then saw some trays set with various snacks and such they usually shared during a date night spent at home. He assumed she'd prepared everything for them to enjoy once they returned. He certainly would need something to look forward to since all that awaited him the next few hours would be long winded conversations.
As he began to move the cookies off the hot pan, he noticed the lights dimming in the living room. All except the ones on his Christmas tree were turned off.
He paused in his actions the moment he heard jazzy Christmas music begin to play.
"Are the cookies ready?" Amanda asked.
Thomas looked up. His brow furrowed when he didn't see her. She sounded as if she was in the doorway.
"Yes." He finished the chore and made his way back into his living room.
He blinked to adjust to the dim lighting. He noticed two glasses of Old Fashioneds prepared on his coffee table. The candles on his mantle were lit. His tree lights had been set to a slow twinkle speed.
"Let's see now." Amanda said from his dark entryway. "Cookies? Check. Lights? Check."
Thomas whirled around and stilled at the sight of her emerging from the shadowed hallway. His lips parted in silent surprise over the rich red gown she wore. He was struck with a need to touch the silky material gracing her body. The thin spaghetti straps practically cried out to be pushed off her shoulders. His eyes moved from the top of her head to her bare feet.
He now understood why she'd insisted on getting ready in his guest room. They would have never made it out of his bedroom if he'd known she was going to dress this alluring for the party.
"Wearing this to make you speechless?" A teasing smile appeared on her lips. "Check."
Thomas audibly swallowed as she made her way towards him.
She stopped right before him. Her chest barely brushed against his.
Amanda then tilted her head up, taking in how desirable he was in his tuxedo. She placed her hands up on his chest, slowly sliding them along the hard planes.
Thomas wrapped one arm around her waist as his other moved along all of the skin revealed near her bodice.
"You don't have shoes on." He remarked.
"That's true." Amanda's teasing smile began to change to the one that could make his mind stop working when flashed his way. "I didn't think I would need them tonight."
"What about the party?" Thomas pressed her closer to him.
"We can go if you'd like to." She closed her eyes to thoroughly relish the tingly heat his fingers caused with a single touch. "But I thought you might wish to remain here."
"You did, hmm?" He leaned down closer to her.
She could feel her heart race in anticipation as he brushed a feather like kiss against the side of her neck.
The two began to sway ever so slightly to the music.
With each movement, their passion for the other grew even stronger in waiting on a chance to be released.
Thomas raised his head to kiss her lips. Right before they touched, his lips quirked into a smile.
"You thought right."
Their lips met in a passionate kiss. His hands continued to do their job of keeping her pressed against him while caressing each curve. Her soft moans only fueled his actions as he began to work on getting her out of her dress.
The spaghetti straps were the first to fall. Thomas traced their path with his lips, making certain to dip down to the delectable amount of cleavage her dress revealed as he then focused on caressing her breasts.
Amanda's head fell back. Her quick breaths fell upon him like an audience's applause. He needed more.
He craved more.
With a quick spin, he had her back to him. The zipper was no match for his nimble fingers. Heated kisses dotted the expanse of her back as the silk dress dropped into a red pool upon the floor.
Thomas pulled her back against his chest so he could gaze down upon the fruits of his labor.
He'd suspected that with how the dress was designed that she'd been unable to wear a bra. It was nice to see his deductive skills when it came to her were correct.
She reached back to drag his head down for a kiss while his arms folded around her. Their tongues tangled and retreated in a sensual dance drawing moans of delight from them both.
Amanda's seductive smile reappeared as she turned in his arms to help him undress. It was difficult to concentrate on her tasks with his hands and lips teasing her with every movement.
"I think," she gasped after another lingering kiss, "that you're wearing more layers than I was tonight."
He cupped her lace clad bottom to press even harder to his groin. His hands slipped underneath the flimsy material to feel the softness of her skin.
He lifted his head to study how she looked in the candlelight and twinkle lights. Even in the shadows, he could see the flush of desire covering her pale skin. The way she looked at him. The way she touched him. A sense of pride flooded over him that he was the one to draw such passionate responses from her.
That he was the one to make her plan to skip a party for a night of sensual pleasure.
She paused in the process of divesting the last of his clothing.
"What are you thinking?"
His lips curved as he backed her toward the couch. Seeing her comfortably settled, he reached over for one of their forgotten cocktails.
"Thomas?"
There was something about his silence when seducing her that made her body tingle much more in anticipation.
Then again, his deep voice also had a similar effect.
Anything the man did could make her long for him to make love to her.
He dipped his finger into his glass then lightly traced her lips. Before she could lick it off, his mouth covered hers doing it for her. As their tongues caressed each other's, she could taste the bourbon and hints of brown sugar.
"Hmm." He rumbled against her lips. "I was unaware that you had the power to make this drink even better."
Amanda watched with baited breath as he drew pathways over her body with his index finger coated with his preferred drink.
His eyes met hers as he set the glass down. She lifted his finger to her mouth, sucking and licking the excess away. I'm the dim light, she could see his eyes darkening with desire.
He then bent his head to the task of licking his way along the traces of the Old Fashioned.
Her hands fisted in his hair as he thoroughly teased the tips of her breasts before dipping down her body.
He surged up to slam his lips against hers once more as he snaked a hand between her legs.
Each breathless plea of his name that fell from her chipped away at the control he had over his passion for her. His fingers continued their movements against her highly sensitive skin.
"Thomas, please." She breathed against his lips.
He gave up the battle and spread her legs as he entered her with one quick thrust.
They both stilled, eyes shut tight, moaning in the feel of having the other right where they wanted.
Amanda gently cupped his face to kiss him. Her words of love made him mad with need to give them both the release they so desperately craved.
At one point he withdrew to reposition them. His lips curved briefly at her cry of denial. It soon turned to one of unlimited pleasure when he urged her on top of him. He watched her, completely delighted with her new position, as she moved her hips.
His hands ghosted over all the dips and hollows of her body while her hips picked up the pace. He gazed up at her, marveling at seeing the effect he had over her. Each moan, every needy touch, and the look in her eyes made his body practically sing that he was hers.
Utterly.
Completely.
Hers.
The moment he felt her begin to orgasm , he allowed himself to let go and follow her.
Their arms gripped the other tight, as if they tried to absorb their sensations. They collapsed side by side on the couch within each other's embrace.
Their breaths began to slow. They looked at one another with soft smiles gracing their faces.
"Did you plan this?" Thomas asked.
"From the very beginning." Amanda admitted with an unrepentant grin.
(Victoria Fontaine x MC*Jessica Clarke x Chadley Fortnum) *platonic*
With the prompt: "What on earth are you wearing?" "What do you mean?" "That horrendous...thing must have been made by a blind person."
A/N I love how Victoria has so little patience and how incredibly stupid Chadley is. I wanted them to have scenes together in RCD ever since he was first introduced. In my head canon, these two are pushed together often because of their friendship with the MC and since Victoria was attempting to be nicer in Book 3, Chadley is just the one to test her sincerity 🤣
"Hey, where's your Christmas decorations?" Jessica asked.
"You're looking at them." Victoria replied.
Jessica's brow furrowed as she scanned the room.
"What am I looking at?" She asked.
Victoria rolled her eyes. "Those boxes over there."
"Oh!" Jessica eagerly went out to the sunroom to peek inside. "I can't wait to see your home decorated!"
"Since you talked about us needing a Christmas party, I realized my home would be the best place for it."
Jessica hid a smile over how easily Victoria fell in with her hints. Her beach side mansion was too beautiful not to show off.
"My mom went all out each year with decorations." Jessica continued, carefully lifting boxes listed fragile out of the crates.
"Let me guess." Victoria joined her with two cups of coffee. "You had Santa's, reindeer, and fat snowmen everywhere."
"Of course we did!" Jessica smiled at her. "It's the time of year to go all out with the lights and inflatable Christmas decorations. Our tree though was the focal point. Multicolored lights with ornaments both old and new. Some had glitter. Others were made of wood. Then the..."
Jessica trailed off when she opened the first set of ornaments. They were a muted cream color. The next box held some pale blue ones. Raising her eyes up, she took in the same color scheme throughout the downstairs part of Victoria's home.
"Oh good. You found them." Victoria dug into another crate. "And here's the lights and a few little trinkets we can set on the tables."
She dusted her hands off and motioned with her head for Jessica to follow.
"Wait!" Jessica exclaimed."Is that it?"
"Is what it?"
"Your decorations?"
"Yes." Victoria narrowed her eyes in silent warning. "Why?"
"No reason!"
For some reason Jessica felt the need to hold her hands up. She wasn't certain if it was in surrender or to ward off an attack.
"I just expected more...color."
Victoria rolled her eyes. "Look, I get that in Kansas you--"
"Iowa." Jessica corrected.
Victoria glared at her for interrupting.
"Whatever corn shucking place you came from. I get that you probably had a display so garish that it made people blink nonstop just to be able to take it all in."
She motioned around her luxurious home. "But I worked too hard to have my home cluttered with clashing colors and fat cartoon characters."
She sank down upon her blue couch. "I took the colors I not only look amazing in but also match my private beach to decorate my entire home. Naturally I'm going to keep it looking perfect for the holidays."
Jessica frowned at the thought. "Don't you enjoy Christmas?"
"Yeah, sure." Victoria flicked her hand, dismissing the sentimentality of the day.
"Well..." Jessica sat down across from her easily annoyed friend. "How did your family decorate when you were little?"
Victoria huffed, lip curled in a sneer.
"They threw everything they could find up, claiming it was beautiful."
Jessica perked up hearing that. "That sounds nice."
"Nice?!" Victoria rolled her eyes. "You Nebraska people and--"
"Iowa."
"--and your need to parade your junk from the attic every year."
"It isn't junk!" Jessica argued. "It's memories! You see something that makes you recall a special time." Her eyes narrowed. "It's what makes decorating for Christmas so special!"
Victoria snorted in response.
"What does that mean?" Jessica cried out.
"That snort means it's stupid." Victoria snapped.
"Ugh." Jessica threw her hands up in the air. "Fine. Let's just go get a tree and decorate."
"I already set one up." Victoria motioned toward a corner of her sunroom.
"Wait! That's your tree? In here?!"
"Geez Jess." Victoria huffed. "Don't have a stroke over this. I want all this out of my home. In here, at least, I don't have to see it unless I want to."
"Oh. My. God." Jessica ran her hands over her face. "I can't believe how Grinchy you are!"
Victoria ignored her, reaching over to drape her white tree in clear lights.
"Can we at least have some Christmas music on while we decorate?" Jessica pleaded.
"You are such a baby." Victoria muttered.
She flipped through her tablet until she found a station playing Christmas music.
"Happy now?"
"Thank you."
It wasn't long before Jessica got back into the happy Christmas spirit.
"You know, your tree really is beautiful like this."
"I know." Victoria replied. "I don't know why you got your panties in such a wad. I always know how to make things beautiful."
"Uh huh." Jessica shook her head. "Anyway, what kind of theme do you want this party to be?"
"Was it not clear by my decorations that it is a Christmas party?"
"Nevermind." Jessica muttered. "Don't forget about brunch Saturday."
"I'll be there."
"Good." Jessica paused on her way out. "And don't forget to dress festive."
"I'll dress appropriately." Victoria grumbled.
"Festive." Jessica repeated.
**************
Saturday...
"Victoria!"
The actress turned around, expecting to see a fan wanting her picture. She made certain her long blonde hair fell in a golden cascade over her left shoulder as her winter white dress flared out revealing long, tan legs.
Her picture perfect smile disappeared in a flash when she saw who had shouted her name.
It was that Chadley that Jessica was so crazy about. Granted the man was incredibly handsome and he even seemed to be talented.
But oh good lord. He was so stupid.
"Hey!" His smile over seeing her made Victoria feel a touch guilty for being irritated.
"...hey..." She mumbled.
There was something about his earnest, almost vulnerable innocence that caused her to try even harder to watch what she said around him. He took everything so seriously that most of her sarcasm was a wasted effort anyway.
Might as well be nice to the puppy-like creature.
Her eyes narrowed once she saw what type of shirt he had on.
""What on earth are you wearing?"
"What do you mean?" He asked. "It's clothes."
Victoria eyed the monstrosity that was half Hawaiian shirt mixed with some god awful old timey truck draped in lights hauling Christmas trees. She couldn't be certain but it looked like dancing reindeer around the collar.
"That horrendous...thing must have been made by a blind person."
Chadley looked down at his shirt. His happiness over seeing her again slowly turned to bewildered sadness.
"Jess said to wear something festive."
Victoria rolled her eyes. "There's festive and then there's whatever the hell that thing is."
She immediately regretted her comments. She'd sworn earlier in the year to be a better person. And here she was, acting like her old self and insulting someone to their face.
"My mom mailed me this shirt." He explained. "She said it would look great on me."
Victoria ran her fingers through her hair while scrambling for a way to not only apologize to Chadley but to also save face.
"Look, I uh, I guess it really is festive." She forced a smile as they got into the elevator together. "Great, er, job, Chadley."
She added a few pats on the back to hopefully send the message home.
He winced and moved away from her after the second pat.
"Crap." Victoria muttered. "I'm sor--"
Her eyes widened the moment the doors opened and he brushed past her. His long legged stride had him inside Jessica's penthouse apartment faster than Victoria could react.
Dropping her head forward, she counted only prime numbers in her head until she got her temper under control.
She was going to have to run him down and make him accept her apology.
The last thing she needed was to be reprimanded by everyone.
****************
"Looks like everyone's here." Jessica beamed at all of them as she handed out mimosas.
Addison looked around the room. "Where's the Professor?"
"Hunt said he was too busy to join us." Seth replied. "Wedding plans."
"What about Holly?" Teja asked.
"Ryan whisked her away for a romantic getaway at Big Bear." Matt told her.
Jessica poured herself some orange juice in a champagne glass.
"So..." Her smile grew as she slipped her hand in Seth's. "We've got some news to share."
"Matt and Addison already know." Seth added.
"And we've done a beautiful job of keeping it a secret." Matt winked at Addison.
"What's going on?" Teja asked.
"We're having a baby!" Jessica and Seth yelled out at the same time.
"For real? No way!" Teja swooped in to hug them both. "Congratulations!"
"What Teja said." Victoria hugged Jessica.
Chadley came up beside her and hugged the couple. He didn't make eye contact with Victoria nor did he remain close once he finished hugging Seth.
Jessica wiped at her tears, laughing when Seth claimed all the credit for the pregnancy.
"When's the baby due?" Addison asked as they all gathered around to look at the ultrasounds.
"June." Jessica settled back in Seth's arms.
"I'm so excited!" Addison began to go into great detail all the outfits she was going to make for Jessica and the baby.
"What about me?" Seth asked. "Doesn't the father get anything?"
"You already got the best wife." Teja teased. "You better hope the kid takes after her. Then you'll know you really won something."
As the rest of the group teased the expectant parents, Chadley and Victoria were unusually quiet.
And of course, Jessica picked up on it right away.
"Is everyone ready to eat?" She walked over and linked arms with Chadley. "I made your favorite."
He perked up some. "Egg whites no butter or oil with kale and turkey sausage?"
"Yep." She urged him to join the others.
She then cornered Victoria.
"What happened?"
"Nothing."
Jessica narrowed her eyes.
"Ugh, fine. I might have made a couple of comments on the way here about his shirt."
"Victoria!" Jessica harshly whispered. "You know how he takes everything we say to heart!"
"It just slipped out." Victoria mumbled. "I mean, look at that shirt!"
"Victoria." Jessica said with a hint of reproach.
"I tried to apologize!" Victoria snapped. "But he just won't let me."
"You have to make this up to him." Jessica argued. "He adores you."
"Bleh. I know." She sighed. "Fine. I'll think of something to make this better."
*************
The night of the Christmas party...
"Attention everyone!" Victoria tapped her glass with a knife.
The crowd turned towards her.
She stood on the fifth step of her stairs so she could see everyone.
"It's time for the Secret Santa exchange." She motioned towards her open sunroom. "Presents are under the tree."
Biting her bottom lip, she watched quietly as a very depressed Chadley was pulled along by Jessica and Seth.
It had been an uphill battle just to get him to come to the party. He wouldn't answer her texts or talk to her. He refused every invitation to dinner and lunch she gave.
Victoria knew she really hurt him when he asked Jessica to ask her to take his name off the guest list.
So, she did what any hard working woman in Hollywood would do. She begged Jessica for a favor in getting him to come to the party. She then found out who his Secret Santa was, demanded they trade with her, and set out to find the perfect gift that would make him accept her apology.
If this didn't work, she didn't know what would.
"Here's yours, Chadley" Matt handed him a present wrapped in blue paper with a white bow on top.
Jessica glanced at the present then at Victoria. She couldn't help but be proud that Victoria was actually putting in some effort to make up with him.
Chadley's brow furrowed as he slowly began to unwrap it.
Victoria couldn't take the wait.
"For the love of all that is holy!" She bit out. "Hurry up and open the damn present!"
Chadley blinked at her then did as she asked.
His eyes widened as he lifted the sweater out of the box. They then filled with tears.
"Oh what the..." Victoria dropped her head in her hands.
The last thing she intended to do tonight was to make a grown man cry.
Before she could react, she was lifted off the ground and swept into a tight hug with way too many muscles.
"This is the best sweater I've ever gotten!"
He set her down, beaming once more at her in that sickeningly adorable way of his.
Chadley ripped off the dress shirt he had on with little thought to all the people watching. He then pulled the sweater over his head, modeling it for everyone to see.
"Merry Liftmas?" Seth choked on his laughter after receiving Jessica's elbow in his stomach.
"Look!" Chadley eagerly went around pointing out all he loved about it. "No lifts, no gifts! That's how my trainer motivates me!" He turned toward Victoria. "How did you know?"
Victoria shrugged. "Lucky guess."
He shook his head. "No. It's because we're best friends. Best friends know everything about each other."
Victoria mentally groaned yet kept a smile plastered on her face.
He continued on, stopping everyone trying to look at their own gifts to admire his instead.
Jessica made her way over to Victoria.
"So?" She couldn't stop smiling. "You uh, went full on tacky festive with your gift, didn't you?"
Victoria rolled her eyes as she watched Chadley in utter disbelief.
"Tis the season to be ugly, Jess." She sighed over spending money on something like that. "So freaking ugly."
Thomas and Alex enjoying a night in
by the lovely and talented @/irdeinfierno
[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [Red Carpet Diaries]
I'm so excited to finally share this piece with you! I had this idea that Alex comes home completely exhausted from her press tour and rather than go on their previously planned vacation, which she was excited for, they postpone their travels for a day or two and basically just cuddle together on the couch watching movies all day/night (obviously she had to twist his arm to agree to that lol). (Fic here)
Also, nose boops!!! 😍😍😍 Only Alex could ever get Thomas Hunt to tolerate the occasional nose boop! My fluffy OTP ❤️❤️❤️
Prompts: @choicesdecember2022 love, @choicesrcd2022 travel (or lack there of), @choicesholidays I’m so glad we found each other (general mood)
[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [Red Carpet Diaries]
Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer (F!OC)
Book: Red Carpet Diaries (Post-Book 3)
Word Count: ~500
Rating: General: no warnings
Prompts: @choicesdecember2022 love, @choicesrcd2022 travel, @choicesflashfics “Let’s stay in today and watch Christmas movies.”, @choicesholidays I’m so glad we found each other (general mood); @choicesficwriterscreations : OTP takes a holiday trip
Synopsis: Thomas and Alex are ready for their holiday trip (or are they?).
"Is that it?"
Alex looked at the suitcases stacked near the door, ready for their vacation. Her mind drifted to the still unpacked bags upstairs from the whirlwind press tour she had returned from the previous day. She exhaled a quiet sigh, nodding her head. "That's it."
Her indifferent tone caught him off guard. She was typically the enthusiastic one. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." She shook her head, a smile spreading on her face. "I'm fine. Let's go." She grabbed the bag nearest her and started toward the door.
Thomas moved in front of her, his hand covering hers, pushing the luggage away. "I know you, and this is not you. Please tell me what is troubling you, my love."
"Nothing, really," she insisted. "I'm fine. Promise."
"Alex."
Her forced smile fell at the sound of the concerned tone in her name.
"I'm just tired," she admitted, her gaze drifting down.
"Do you want to cancel the trip?" His finger curled under her chin, lifting her eyes back to him. "Just say the word."
"No, I'm really looking forward to a holiday with you. We need it."
"If you're sure that's what you want."
"I am."
His brow quirked at her. "Why don't I believe you?"
"Honestly, the thought of traveling, of driving, of getting on another plane...." She sighed again, realizing there was no escaping it. "Right now, all I want is you and a night of cuddling. I want to put on something comfy, curl up with you on the couch, and watch Hallmark movies."
"Okay," he agreed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"We can't!" Alex protested, looking back at their luggage.
"Why not?"
"What about our trip?"
"We can go tomorrow, or even the day after, whenever you are ready."
"Really?" Her eyes lit up at the thought of just getting a night of rest.
"Whatever you need." He pressed a kiss to her forehead.
She wrapped her arms around him, laying her head on his chest. Warmth spread through her as he held her close, kissing the top of her head. "This is what I need," she admitted softly. "Just one night of nothing but this."
"Then it's settled," he decided. "Let's stay in today and watch Christmas movies."
"Are you sure? I know you were looking forward to the trip."
"I'm certain. I can't imagine a more perfect vacation than spending it with you in my arms."
"Even if you have to suffer through some Hallmark movies?" She chewed her lower lip, looking up at him with hope-filled eyes.
The joy and relief in her eyes were all he needed to see. That was her; that was his Alex. "Only for you, my love, only for you."
Thank you for reading. I have a really cute art of these two enjoying movie night on the couch, but I decided to post it separate. So keep an eye out for that.
As always your support means the world to me and I can't thank you enough. 💖💖💖
Sooooo, I’m a day late. Yeah…. Go me! 🤦🏼♀️ But I had this done yesterday, so hopefully it still counts 🤣 I love having RCDAW so I’m sad that I’m slacking lol
Prompts are in bold. I only did the sentence prompt and word prompt for this fic.
RCDAW tags: @alj4890 @promptnonny @choicesrcd2022
Thomas tags: @alleksa16 @lxaah11 @kuladekiwi @lilyoffandoms @moodyvalentinestories
Warnings: None
The Christmas spirit is in full swing thanks to Natalia’s decorating. And Addison’s help. Both ladies started the morning off with coffee, peppermint mochas from Starbucks, and went into full elf mode the rest of the day.
Thankfully for them, Thomas was out for the day so they had his entire home all to themselves.
Both women sigh as they sink into his leather couch, admiring their work. Garland peppered with white lights wraps around the banister of the stairs. Two stockings are hung on his fireplace mantle and in the middle is a sign that reads “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” A few trinkets accent that sign as well as some fake snow. Mistletoe is hung over a few doorways.
Addi said, “the more chances you give Thomas to kiss you the more chances we have of him being in a good mood.”
Selfishly, Natalia wasn’t going to argue because she quite enjoys his kisses.
The house smells like Santa’s workshop and a bakery all in one. Cinnamon, peppermint, fresh-cut evergreen and even sugar cookies. However, the gingerbread cookies are beginning to give off an amazing aroma in the oven themselves.
“You know, I never realized how tiring it is to decorate.” The blonde leans her head on Nat’s shoulder, sighing dramatically.
Giggling quietly, Natalia nods in agreement. “I quite agree.”
The sound of the front door opening and closing urges Natalia up, excited to see Thomas’ reaction to the decorations. She hurries around the couch, the sleeves of her sweater fall down below her wrists and rest in her palms. Addison gets up and rushes to her friend’s side, both women beaming as the director looks around his entryway. The glow of Christmas lights outside make its way through the large glass window next to the front door. Silent Night can be heard echoing through the Hollywood mansion. Every touch of holiday cheer is bright and festive, but Thomas’ scowl dampens the mood.
“I had the faintest idea of how far you two would go.” He hooks his coat on the rack and strides up the stairs, not looking back.
“Well… I guess I should go.” Addison begins to gather her things. “Sorry you’ve got to deal with that.”
Natalia’s shoulders rise in a half hearted shrug, “It’s alright. I should have expected this. It’s our first Christmas together and I know he does not indulge in childish things.”
The blonde begins to open the door, but pauses and turns around. “Nat, even if he doesn’t enjoy it, you do. That should matter to him more than anything.”
They hug and she departs, leaving an anxious Natalia chewing on her bottom lip and looking around. Since she was a child, Christmas was the most exciting time of year for her. The staff decorated the embassy, but when she was old enough, she would help them. It was the one time of year she felt like her family came together.
“Natalia.”
His deep voice wakes her from her memories and she turns around. He’s leaned against the wall near the stairs, a grey knit sweater replaced his blazer and jeans replaced his slacks. The scowl he wore earlier is gone, now replaced with a guilty frown.
“I apologize. This is as much your home as mine and you’ve brought a joy to it that I could never do on my own.” He pushes upright, looking away as his frown deepens. “You are more talented than any professional decorators I have hired previously.”
A gentle laugh escapes her, “That’s simply because it feels different when it’s done with love.”
Knowingly, his eyes meet her and he smiles softly at her. “Indeed.”
Not wanting to waste another breath, he moves to her and gathers her in his arms, pressing a deep kiss to her lips. His heated lips move across her jaw, behind her ear and settle on her neck. He nips and bites at the sensitive skin, urging moans and gasps from the woman in his arms.
“Oh, Thomas,” her hands wrinkle his sweater in a tight grip.
Suddenly, he pulls away, quirking an eyebrow as he takes a deep breath in. “What is that smell?”
“No!” Natalia runs into the kitchen and she jerks the door open, coughing as smoke pillows out. “It was supposed to be gingerbread cookies, now it’s just a pile of coal.”
Following slowly behind her, Thomas attempts to hide a smile and coughs to cover a laugh. “Is everything alright? I do hope my kitchen survived.”
Slamming the cookie sheet down onto the oven top, she huffs and turns towards him, pointing a finger in his chest. “Now is not the time for you to grow a sense of humor, Mr. Hunt.”
He barks out a laugh, not hiding his amusement anymore. “I apologize, but I do remember that appliance was quite expensive.”
Natalia stomps passed Thomas, headed straight for the stairs, “You are not helping right now.”
Glancing at the charred gingerbread men, he grimaces and begins to follow her path then pauses. Slowly, he turns back and begins scraping the black coal into the garbage before washing the cookie sheet of any evidence of burnt gingerbread. He sets the clean sheet on the counter and begins searching for the gourmet hot chocolate mix that was given to him. Once he’s finally nearly lost in his pantry, he finds it and makes his way back to the kitchen.
Natalia finished washing her face from the ash she swears was there and then heads downstairs. The scowl twisted on her lips disappears when she makes it to the kitchen and sees Thomas. His sleeves are rolled up and he’s pouring steaming milk into the cute, Christmas mugs she had bought for them. While he stirs the cocoa into the milk, he begins to quietly whistle along to Joy To The World.
As he starts to put the milk back in the refrigerator, he pauses when he turns and sees Natalia watching him. He straightens slightly, firming his lips into their normal hardened line and he clears his throat.
“I made you hot chocolate.” When he shuts the refrigerator door, he quirks an eyebrow at her knowing smile. “What?”
“You were whistling to the song.”
A bright red flush creeps up his cheeks and he looks to the ground while he unrolls his sleeves. “Yes, well…”
Her laugh makes him stop and his cheeks burn hotter.
“Thomas, it is alright to allow yourself to relax and enjoy Christmas. You do not have to be so uptight all the time, especially not around me. I’m no one. I don’t matter and I will never tell anyone about your soft side.” Her accented voice softens as she reaches him and takes his larger hands in her own smaller ones. “I love you.”
Pressing a kiss to his tender lips eases the tension in his shoulders, but when they pull apart, he frowns.
“I love you as well, but you are not a ‘no one’, especially not to me.” Thomas steps away and gathers both the mugs, handing one to her and keeping the other for himself. “If you were a no one, I would not have nearly gotten lost in my own pantry to make you a treat.”
Natalia’s small hands wrap around her red mug that reads “merry and bright”, while Thomas holds his white mug that reads “this is my Christmas movie watching mug”. He takes a careful sip and proceeds to nod after tasting the delectable cocoa.
“Addison has good taste. I suppose she has learned something from me over the years.”
He smiles when she giggles and leads him to the couch. Thomas sits, facing the Christmas tree and pulls Natalia against his side. She tucks her legs up under herself and rests her head on his chest while his arm wraps around her shoulders. The burnt smell of gingerbread has been replaced with the smell of hot chocolate and the woman beside him. Her sigh and his smile creates the perfect atmosphere of love and the real meaning of Christmas.
(Seth Levine x MC*Jessica Clarke) in a Choices Red Carpet Diaries Drabble (Taking place between books 1 and 2 before Jessica moved out of her cheap apartment)
Prompt: "Can we go ice skating?" "It's 70 degrees, where are we going to find ice?"
Song inspiration: Walking In a Winter Wonderland by Darlene Love
Jessica sniffed as she finished trimming her tiny tree. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she gazed at the pitiful little thing.
"You look like you should be Charlie Brown's tree."
Taking a stuttered breath, she tried to calm down before answering her door.
"Ho Ho Ho! Merry Chris-why are you crying?" Seth came in, arms filled with presents, and kicked the door shut.
Jessica shrugged. She swiped up a dish towel to wipe her face.
Seth set the gifts down on her kitchen table. He folded his arms and waited for her to explain.
She ignored the silent prompt and began to search for something to drink.
"You want anything?" She asked.
"Yeah." He replied. "I want to know why you're crying."
"Well I want to know why you're wearing a Santa hat." She quipped back. "I guess life is full of unsolved mysteries."
"Nice try, Iowa. But there can only be one comedian in this apartment building." He spread his arms out with a grin. "And you're looking at him."
Jessica rolled her eyes as she brushed past him to sit on the loveseat.
Seth pulled his hat off with a deep, over exaggerated sigh.
Plopping down next to her, he set his arm around her shoulders.
Tears began to fall freely once again.
"Will my work never cease?" He grumbled playfully. "Hey Jess?"
She looked up at him.
"What do you call a kid who doesn't believe in Santa?"
Her brow furrowed. "I don't know."
"A Rebel Without a Claus."
A heartbeat of silence fell between them before a tearful laugh slipped out.
"Whew. I was worried I had lost my touch there." He gently shook her. "What's going on?"
"I guess I'm homesick." She mumbled, dabbing at her eyes.
She then narrowed them at the sunshine spilling in through the windows. It was so... unnatural.
"I've never had a Christmas without my mom or snow."
"Ah yes." Seth pulled her closer. "Who can forget freezing your extremities off while shoveling snow for five months of the year?"
Jessica laughed, settling her head upon his shoulder. "We always got the biggest tree we could find on old Mr. Winslow's lot. Then we'd pull out the ornaments passed down through our family and tell the same stories we tell every year about them."
"Hard same, but with a menorah." He quipped. "Nothing like polishing great Uncle Morty's for eight crazy nights."
Jessica chuckled. "Then we'd bake goodies for all our friends and neighbors. There'd be caroling."
"Sugar comas while singing in below zero temperatures." He smiled when she laughed again.
"There'd always be a group of us who would go ice skating on Christmas Eve." She continued. "Then we'd hurry home, nearly numb from the cold to sip hot chocolate by the fire."
"Now there's a thought." Seth turned towards her. "How about a date tonight, Iowa?"
"Um," Jessica replied, a little surprised by the abrupt change in topic, "okay."
"Can we go ice skating?" He asked.
She stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. "I don't know if the heat has gotten to you, but it's 70 degrees here, where are we going to find ice?"
His smile grew. "Oh Iowa. You're in the city where the magic never stops." He got up, pulling her to her feet. "Go wash that beautiful face of yours. We are going to do one of your holiday traditions tonight.
************
"Welcome to Pershing Square's Holiday Ice Rink!" Seth gestured out where people were gliding along to music.
Jessica blinked, trying to take in the sight of an outdoor ice rink in downtown Los Angeles.
"How?" She asked.
"Magic." Seth replied.
"Sure, but seriously. How??? It was almost ninety degrees out today!"
"Oh Jess. We don't do science here." He wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked over to a skate rental booth. "I mean, I'm sure whoever runs this does. But we locals--"
"You are from Ohio." Jessica reminded him.
"I've been here long enough for the sun to burn away all those Midwest winters." He winked at her. "Anyway, we don't ask questions. We put on our skates and rock out to whatever DJ HowLy puts on."
"Walking in a Winter Wonderland is something you rock out too?" Jessica teased.
"We rock out when it's a remix of Darlene Love's version." He knelt down to tie her skates.
Jessica felt her loneliness begin to lessen as she watched him. Her heart ached over how sweet he was in trying to bring a holiday tradition from home to life out here amongst the palm trees.
He took her hand, smiled at her, and tugged her out onto the ice. He then let her go.
"Okay Iowa, let's see what all those years of ice skating taught you."
Jessica's smile made his heart race. He still couldn't believe someone like her was always ready to go out with him. After the unexpected success of her first film, he'd thought she would consider him a part of her past.
Instead, she acted as if nothing big had happened to her. She was still that sweet, gorgeous, incredibly talented girl who'd been completely lost in the big city six months earlier.
He whistled when she began to skate, doing elegant twirls and jumps around him.
"All right. You passed the test." He held his hand out to her. "I believe this is a couple's only skate."
"Oh?" Jessica pretended to think about it. With a huge smile, she took his hand, lacing her fingers with his. "Then we shouldn't break the rules."
He squeezed her hand as they skated, both belting the lyrics to songs as loud as they could, laughing the whole time.
"You know?" Jessica cut her eyes towards him. "I like this couple's only idea."
"You do, huh?"
She nodded.
He stopped them off to the side of the rink.
"Anyone in particular you'd like to be the other half of your couple?"
She lowered her eyes while a pretty blush made her cheeks rosy.
"I had a few ideas." She looked up at him. "But clearly there's only one that will do."
"A few ideas?" Seth felt the wind get knocked out of him. "Wh-wh-who is it?"
He knew she and Matt Rodriguez made their love scenes in Tender Nothing's look like the real deal. Plus he'd seen how close she was to Teja and Victoria. Then seeing Thomas Hunt talking to her after the premiere revealed a lot potential romance there. He didn't stand a chance against any of them. Not only was he not in the same league with them, it wasn't even the same universe!
Jessica skated forward, pinning him between the barrier and her body.
"It's you, you dope." She draped her arms around his neck. "Who else has gone out of their way so many times to make me stop crying and encourage me?"
His smile reappeared. "You are pretty lucky, aren't you?"
He held her close as he sought her lips.
She hummed her agreement in the midst of it.
Her eyebrow raised in expectation once the kiss ended.
Seth took her hand again and pulled her back out on the rink.
"Yes, you are very lucky, Iowa." He continued. "But nowhere near as lucky as me."
I kinda threw this one together, so I honestly have no idea whether or not it’s worth reading 😂
The sentence prompt will be bold, the one word prompt is basically the entire theme of this fic.
RCDAW tags: @choicesrcd2022 @alj4890 @promptnonny
Thomas tags: @alleksa16 @kuladekiwi @lilyoffandoms @moodyvalentinestories
Warnings: none
****
“Thomas?” Natalia’s elegant voice breaks the working silence between them.
“Hmm?” He doesn’t look up, writing notes on a script and looking through a folder simultaneously.
Setting her favorite pen down, she turns her full attention towards him. “I’ve been thinking, I’d love to go do some… cheerful, Christmas activities before the holidays are over.”
“Mhmm.” His pen keeps moving quickly across the script.
“Perhaps we can watch some Christmas movies tonight?”
“Right.”
“Thomas!”
“What?” Dropping his pen in surprise, his eyes wide as he looks up to Natalia.
“You have not been listening to anything I’ve said.” She crosses her arms and frowns, slumping into her chair.
“I apologize, I’m distracted by this scene. Nothing about it makes sense and I need to finish it.” He starts to pick up his pen, but she stops him by grabbing his hand gently.
“I think we both need a break.” Waiting for him to nod, to make certain he’s listening, she squeezes his hand and smiles brightly. “Can we go ice skating?”
He scoffs and shakes his head, “It’s nearly 70 degrees, where are we going to find ice?” This time he picks his pen up and resumes his task.
Dejected, her shoulders slump and she gets up, walking out of his office and down the stairs. Once she gets to the island in his kitchen, she finds a seat on a barstool and begins searching for “Christmas activities in LA.” Christmas concerts and markets top the list but she cannot fathom the idea of not ice skating. It was always her and Landon’s tradition. While their parents were busy with meetings and dinners during the holidays, the two siblings always made time to go to Central Park and pick up skates. Being away from him, her mother and even her father made her homesick. She hadn’t planned on staying in San Francisco, let alone coming to Los Angeles and then feelings had to attach her here. She just had to fall in love with a man across the country from her family.
Sighing, she turns her phone off just as she hears footsteps coming down the stairs. Thomas finds her in the kitchen and clears his throat, placing his hands behind his back.
“Let’s fly to New York.”
She furrows her eyebrows in confusion and surprise. “Where is this coming from?”
He takes a step towards her, “I’m certain that being here with me during Christmas, working, is not how you envisioned our first Christmas together. And, I will admit, I have been thoroughly distracted. Let us visit your home so you can enjoy this Christmas with your family and I will still be with you.”
Her smile grows brighter and brighter, “What of your sister and brother-in-law?”
A simple shrug and a glance at his watch is his only answer. “I will call on my pilot. I’m certain we can be in New York by nightfall.”
THE NEXT MORNING
“So, Nat has told me all about Hollywood, anything you’d like to add, Thomas?” Landon is lacing up his ice skates, his chestnut hair blowing softly in the breeze of the winter day.
“Everyone is pretending to be someone else. In films as well as in their own lives. It is rare to find someone who is genuine in the film industry.” Thomas simply shakes his head in disdain.
Landon laughs, “Sounds about like my occupation as well. All that matters is someone’s image.”
Natalia shakes her head with a smile, standing on her skates. “You both are so pessimistic.”
Standing to join her, Thomas takes her hand in his and presses a soft kiss to her knuckles. “Realistic, my dear.”
She rolls her eyes and quickly gets out onto the rink. Her director watches in awe as she skates so flawlessly and gracefully. The smile that lights her face up is not like any he’s seen before, her shoulder length brown hair bounces off her pink cheeks and Thomas’ eyes just follow every move she makes.
Landon notices and he smiles, clapping a hand on his (hopefully) future brother-in-law’s shoulder. “You should join her. This is her favorite Christmas activity.”
Clearing his throat and flushing slightly at being caught, he nods and goes to join Natalia.
The three skate for a couple hours, with breaks in between for hot cocoa. When they all sit on a bench to take their skates off, Natalia takes a sip of cocoa, getting chocolate on her lips. Thomas sees it and smirks. He grabs her chin gently and pulls her face towards him, kissing the cocoa off her lips.
As they pull apart, he smiles softly, “You had something on your lip.”
Natalia bites her bottom lip and looks down, her cheeks darkening under his gaze. Both break apart and finish taking their skates off, putting their shoes back on.
“So,” Landon clears his throat awkwardly, “Are any of your Hollywood friends coming for Christmas?”
“I haven’t invited anyone. Do you think mother would mind?” Natalia quickly picks her phone up, scrolling through her contacts.
“I doubt. Any buffer from father will be welcomed I’m sure.”
His sister’s phone rings on speakerphone until the bubbly voice owned by Addison rings across the air. “Nat! How’s New York?!”
“Hello, Addison, it’s great. That’s actually why I’m calling. How would you like to join us for Christmas? You told me that you didn’t have any plans this year.”
The blonde gasps and squeals so loudly the group around the phone winces, “Yes! Oh my gosh, yes! I’ll be on the first flight I can get!”
“Perfect. Send me your itinerary and we can arrange to pick you up. Talk soon.” Natalia hangs up and smiles deviously towards Thomas, winking subtly.
Looking at her confused, he is about to say something until Landon speaks up.
“Who is Addison? Besides an overjoyed individual.”
His sister scrolls through her photos and finds a picture of her with Addi, showing it to her brother. She notices the way his eyes widen slightly and a faint blush grows on his handsome cheeks.
“I see. I’ll be looking forward to meeting her.”
Natalia smirks at Thomas and nods. “I’m sure you will.”
It dawns on him. She’s attempting to set up her brother and the young fashionista.
What a little minx.
December 4-10, 2022 @choicesrcd2022 - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
