#choicesseptemberchallenge

[luxurylives]

@choicesseptemberchallenge20 - Day Twenty: Cloudy

Thank you @bexsketch for drawing Tanner Sterling from Veil of Secrets 😊

[choicesmonthlychallenge]

Is there still a september challenge?

The September Challenge can be found here: @choicesseptemberchallenge21

It doesn't say anything about it not still happening, so I would assume it still is. @kinda-iconic is hosting, maybe they can give you more answers.

Hope that helps, Nonny!

[queerchoicesblog]

Misunderstandings (OH, Harper x F!MC)

This Open Heart fanfic is my first entry for the @choicesseptemberchallenge hosted by @ramseyandrys! 

You know that I’m a sucker for this (hopefully not for long) non-canon pairing and today’s prompt gave me an idea or two so...here I am! Basically, Meredith (F!MC) and Harper’s hidden, denied feelings surface when a series of misunderstandings happen. Hope you enjoy it!

Prompt: Misunderstandings

Word Count: 1830

Perma Tag: @brightpinkpeppercorn @bhavf @melodyofgraves @abunchofbadchoices @silverhawkenzie @begging-for-kamilah  @strangerofbraidwood @kamilahmykween @desiree-0816 @universallypizzataco @gayestchoices

Harper Emery x F!MC Tag: @bubblygothzombie @korrasamixfan @emeryharper @delphinusbae @noeschoices @jellymonster

____________________________

Meredith hated night shift: it wasn't just another medical legend that during night shift anything can happen and things can get super weird. And hectic. At least that new nurse - Colleen? Doreen? She never seemed to remember her name yet- would have been there too: she had spotted her at the subway station so one friendly face around. I should bring her a coffee later, she was so kind to help me the other day, she thought as she walked towards Edenbrook Hospital with her earphones on: listening to music on her way to work helped her get in the right mood.

She had almost reached the main entrance when she noticed a familiar face approaching. Her lips immediatly curled into a most cheerful smile: what a lovely surprise bumping into Dr. Emery! Valentine was a bit early so she could have even lingered for a quick chat. She waved her hi out of instinct but Harper didn't see her. She didn't even look her way. She was with a man, a finely dressed man a bit older than her: classy and expensive looking linen suit, neat shirt, impeccably laced necktie.

The two of them were laughing as they made their way out of the hospital. They also looked so...close?

"I swear, Harper, that's what he said!" the man was saying, giggling. "See what happen when I finally clear my schedule to take you out to dinner?"

"Oh apologies! I didn't mean to cause so much trouble" Harper mocked an offended tone and playfully bumped his arm.

"I'm just kidding! I'm so happy to spend some time with you: I missed you, you know?" he added, putting an arm around Harper's shoulder and pulling her close.

"Same" Harper smiled. "I know our careers are...demanding, to put it mildly, but we should do it more often"

"Yeah...maybe next time you can come over! You haven't seen the new house yet: oh you should totally stop by. Tell you what? I may even cook for you"

"You cooking for me? You sure you don't have fever, darling?" Harper made a show of checking his temperature.

"Very funny, Harper" the man rolled his eyes then burst into laughter. "I hope that that new lovely Thai restaurant downtown will do for now"

"...Maybe" Harper smirked and they walked out of earshot into the parking lot, leaving Valentine to awkwardly stand in front of the glass doors.

So, Dr. Emery wasn't as lonely as many nurses gossiped. She had a date, well most likely a new partner. Meredith diverted her eyes and shook her head. But of course, how silly of me to think...to think what? She winced at her stupid assumptions and hopes. That a woman like her wouldn't make heads turn? That we were getting closer just because she answers my questions or we chat from time to time? She sighed deeply. That an intern like me could ever get her attention? Open your eyes, dumbass: she's way outta your league. At the fancy Thai restaurant Mr. Linen Suit is taking her you could buy the cheapest bowl of noodles on the menu if you're lucky.

"But it's time to face the truth/ I will never be with you" James Blunt's voice melancholically sang into her ears.

"Thank you for the remainder, James!" she groaned and harshly removed her earphones, storming into Edenbrook's main hall.

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

A few days later, Harper gave her niece a ride on the way home.

"Thanks for having me, Aunt Harper" Aurora said, shifting to sit more comfortably.

"Don't mention it, Rory. How was your day?"

"The usual, you know. I just wonder how some interns could even get into med school if they clearly lack brain cells" the Emery girl commented sharply, making Harper chuckle. “Anyway, how did the Thai dinner with Dad go?"

"The place was neat, but I always knew Marcus had an eye for things like that. And it's almost...cute how much he cares for this little tradition we have: brother and sister night out to plan mom's birthday party. It just makes me cares so much too"

"Glad to hear, let me know the details of Nana's party"

"Of course!"

After a moment Aurora spoke again: there was a thought that kept bugging her.

"I know this is random but have you talked to Valentine recently?"

"Recently? A few days ago I guess?" Harper tried to remember as she turned into the street where Aurora lived now. "Why? Did something happen?"

"That's the thing: I don't know! But she's acting weird. I mean, weirder than usual"

"Valentine is not weird, don't be mean, Rory!" Harper protested: she couldn't genuinely understand why Aurora could ever define Meredith 'weird'.

"She is! Listen to this then you tell me! The other day I was brewing coffee when she materialized at my side and asked 'Aurora, is there a way to unfeel what you feel because you know you shouldn't feel that way? Or to tell yourself to stop feeling that way because it's utterly stupid?"

Harper furrowed her brows: that sounded a bit confusing, yeah.

"And...what did you answer?"

"I told her that the coffee wasn't even ready and there were too many "feel" in just two sentences"

"Empathy at its finest" Harper chuckled.

"I'm not a therapist and my brain needs coffee to function in the morning!" her niece protested.

"I just thought you two were friends and it seemed like she could use one"

"We might be friends, Auntie. But we don't braid each other hair and have long talks about feelings"

"But-" Harper refrained herself from telling that true friends do talk about feelings sometimes. "Nevermind, is she feeling better now?"

"I don't know but I hope so honestly, no more weird talks at the breakfast table - oh good news, he's there" she sighed in relief as Harper stopped the car.

Dr. Emery followed her gaze and saw an oddly familiar man leaning over a car not far from where they were.

"Isn't that paramedic...Aveiro?" Harper asked, failing to hide her surprise.

As if he heard someone calling his name, he turned and spotted them looking at him. He flashed them a bright smile and waved hi. The Emerys found themselves mechanically returning the greeting before he resumed checking his phone.

"Yep, the one you saved during that infernal E.R. emergency" Aurora confirmed, gathering her stuff.

"He's here to pick Valentine up: they're having dinner at his place or something like that? Whatever, a meet the grandma thing is involved in some way - I think - but I wasn't paying too much attention to be honest" she let out a relieved sigh, changing the topic. "Everyone is out on dates and work tonight and you can't believe how happy I am to have the place all for myself!"

But Harper wasn't listening anymore.

"Meet the grandma? I knew they're friends, I didn't think they were that...close" she looked back to Rafael.

He was just putting his phone away in his pocket when he raised his eyes and one of his signature smiles formed on his lips. Meredith ran into his arms a moment later and he made her swirl around before putting her back to the ground. The two of them started chatting but Harper couldn't make out any word from inside her car.

"It almost looks like they're dating" Harper noted, turning towards Aurora. "Do you kno-"

Her niece shrugged and opened her mouth to say something but her aunt anticipated her:

"You don't braid each other hair and don't have long talks about feelings" she repeated her words.

"Precisely" Aurora nodded in appreciation. "Can I go now, Auntie?"

"Oh sure! Have a good night, Rory" Harper said absentmindedly as her niece got out of the car and walked towards the front door of her new house.

Finally alone, Harper's gaze fell once again on Rafael's car now disappearing out of view. But of course, now it all made sense: Meredith being so adamant and ready to assist her during the operation, all the times she spotted her checking on him once her shift was over, squeezing his hand reassuringly as he laid in his hospital bed. The long hug they shared while Harper signed Aveiro's discharge papers. The two of them bantering and laughing with each other waking to the metro station together.

For reasons unknown, collecting the dots didn't bring any joy to Dr. Emery: on the contrary, she felt a pang of...sadness? Which upset the neurosurgeon: why would she even feel that way? Valentine was a colleague and what she did outside work, who she dated was none of her business.

Nor whose grandma she was gonna officially meet, she added mentally. She groaned: no, it's not working. But I mean...why should I care? That's ridiculous and...and...I shouldn't feel this way. I'm just happy that Valentine found such a nice match: Aveiro seems a very nice guy. And she deserved some happiness after all the rough stuff she's been through over the past months.

I just...no, nothing.

She sighed and started the car.

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

"So, you're ready for Juliana?" Rafael asked, happily tapping the wheel. "I warn you, she can be quite intense: there's a reason why we call her 'hurricane Juliana' after all. If she's too much, just let me know and we can have a walk or go dancing if you're feeling like it"

"Thank you, Raf. But I'm sure I will have a great time tonight...thank you for having me!"

"Oh the pleasure it's all our, M.! Juliana kept asking when the lovely lady doctor comes to visit us, she's overjoyed to have you. Not to mention she's been cooking for hours: hope you're hungry, Valentine" he giggled.

"I'm sure Juliana is the best cook so worry not, Superman!" Meredith chuckled.

"Cool" Rafael gave her a quick look before looking back to the street. "I'm glad you agreed to this. With a little bit of luck we will bring the smile back on your face"

"I'm not sad or...off?" Meredith protested, but she didn't sound too convincing.

"And Juliana is a great advisor when it comes to matters of the heart and love troubles" he continued, throwing her a meaningful look.

Dr. Valentine gaped at him unsure whether to deny everything or surrender.

"How did you...? Am I that obvious?" she said in the end, biting her lip.

"No, worry not, M.! I just have a trained eye after years of soap-operas" he winked and after a moment they burst into laughter. ------------------

That night, sitting at two different tables, several blocks away from each other Dr. Emery and Dr. Valentine both found themselves repeating in their heads: is there a way to unfeel what you feel because you know you shouldn't feel that way?

Because it's stupid, how could I even think that it would work somehow? Because I shouldn't feel this way: why does it even bother me if she's dating that guy?

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

Iowa State Fair

* * * The Art of Loving Thomas Hunt Fan Fiction Masterlist * * *

– – –

Characters: Alex (MC), Thomas Hunt

Setting/Notes: This takes place during MC’s vacation in Red Carpet Diaries 3, Chapter 14. It is basically a rewrite of the Matt exclusive scene with Thomas. I kept some details the same but also changed others so it wasn’t verbatim. Also, it has nods to some of my other fics.  

 Day 6-Vacation:  @choicesseptemberchallenge

Rating: PG

– – –

As they continued their walk through town, Thomas stopped to examine a sign in the shop window. “If I remember correctly, you once told me about your first county fair visit.”

Alex smiled and took his hands in her own. “That was our first date… I know its not your thing...”

“You are my thing, Alex,” Thomas kissed her forehead. “If you want to go, we should go.”

“Really?” Alex exclaimed.

“How could I pass up an opportunity to see the famed butter cow sculpture,” Thomas teased.

Before they could even make it through the gates of the fair, a sign caught Alex’s eye. She pulled Thomas toward the petting zoo. “Oh my goodness, we have to go pet the animals!”

Thomas didn’t have a chance to protest before they were already at the exhibit.

Alex stopped next to an enclosure filled with fluffy, freshly hatched chicks. Her eyes wide as she stared in awe of the new babies.

“Would you like to hold one?” The farmer attending the fence offered. 

“Do you need to ask?” Alex beamed.

The attendant placed a chick in her hand. Alex stroked its downy, yellow fluff, as it peeped quietly in her hand. 

“Aww, don’t you have the softest hair, little man,” Alex cooed, fawning over the chick.

“I expect a woman from Iowa to know they have feathers and not hair,” Thomas stated. 

“Don’t worry about him, little guy. He’s just jealous. He thought he had the softest hair but, look at you!” Alex sang. “Who’s the softest?”

Alex noticed a hen watching her severely. She set the chick down in the enclosure. “Bye, little one.” The chick flapped his wings and ran back to his mom. 

“Don’t worry. You’re still my favorite,” Alex laced her fingers with Thomas’s and guided him toward the horse’s stables. A newborn foal standing beside its mom caught her attention.

“You may be the sweetest, most precious baby in the whole entire world,” Alex gushed over the foal. His mom whinnied in response. “You’re beautiful too, Mommy”. The mare neighed.

“Did you forget to tell me you speak animal?” Thomas questioned.

“I just spent a lot of time around animals as a child. Chazz, his sisters and I would walk around and sneak into some farms to pet the animals. Best. Therapy. EVER!” Alex beamed.

The foal took a step closer to Alex so that she could pet him through the bars in the stall.

“Hi, I’m Alex. It looks like your name is Charming. Now isn’t that the most perfect name for such a charming little prince pony,” Alex raved, as she read the sign next to them. “That makes you Lady and a fine one you are!”

Thomas watched Alex as Charming nuzzled against her hand.

Alex took a step back to move closer to Thomas. She took his hand and walked back to the foal. Alex guided Thomas’s hand toward Charming. 

“What are you doing?” Thomas inquired. 

“You cannot leave the fair without petting at least one animal. It’s the rule,” Alex explained. 

“I’m not sure that’s an actual rule,” Thomas challenged. “I would like to see the legal documentation stating such.”

Alex guided his hand along the foal’s neck. Charming moved closer to them. Alex gently removed her hand as she looked up at Thomas. The country did him well. He hadn’t once mentioned his creative block. And he had been open to trying new things. She couldn’t wait to be his wife.  

“You seemed to be getting along well. Maybe one day if you need a horse for a film you can call your new friend, Charming, for a favor,” Alex teased. 

“You never know,” Thomas smirked.

Thomas and Alex stopped to pet a few more animals before washing their hands and heading on their way.

As they walked down the alleyway, Alex stopped abruptly. “Do you smell that?”

“What?” Thomas asked.

“Fair food!” Alex grinned.

“How are you always hungry?” Thomas marveled.

“It’s a gift.” Alex and Thomas headed to the nearest concession stand. “Funnel cake or Fried Oreos?”

“What in God’s name are Fried Oreos?” Thomas asked; his face wrinkled in disgust. 

“Fried Oreos it is! You will love them,” Alex proclaimed.

“I have my reservations. You already tried to poison my palette with that repugnant Slurpee. I’m not sure I trust your food judgment anymore,” Thomas taunted.

“Just try it,” Alex suggested, moving a cookie toward his mouth. “For me?”

Thomas sighed and obliged. His eyes opened wide. “That is actually not the worst thing I’ve ever tasted.”

“Not the worst thing ever? What a compliment,” Alex pushed Thomas playfully. Alex handed Thomas another Oreo and then took one for herself. “Mmmm… delicious!” 

Alex and Thomas continued until they found the butter sculpture exhibit. 

“Here it is,” Alex began. “The butter cow!”

“Huh,” Thomas expressed. “It is a cow sculpted from butter. I’m not really sure what I expected. And they do this every year?” 

“It’s tradition,” Alex acknowledged. 

“Do you ever wonder how these traditions start? Who decided ‘let me just take  this giant slab of butter and sculpt a cow’?” Thomas questioned.

“No idea,” Alex admitted. “But, it’s a lot of fun to look at. I mean sure it started with the cow, but look at how far it has come.” Alex motioned her hand around the exhibit, which showcased Sesame Street butter sculptures this year.

“I won’t deny the talent of the sculptors; however, I cannot pretend to understand the medium,” Thomas explained. 

“I know it is against your way of thinking but, you don’t have to understand absolutely everything to appreciate it,” Alex offered.

Thomas turned to Alex and cradled her face in his hand. “I know that to be true because, I appreciate you more than you know and yet, I will spend the rest of my life trying to understand all that you are and never truly know everything.”

Alex pulled Thomas close and let her lips touch his. She kissed him softly, letting her teeth graze his lower lip as she pulled away.

“Where to next?” Thomas asked.

“How about we go play some games?” Alex answered. “Maybe you can teach me how to beat one of them or at least show off your hard work and practice.”

“As you wish,” Thomas agreed with a smile. He and Alex made their way back out into the fairgrounds. They continued exploring the fair until late into the evening, enjoying every perfect moment together.

---

Thomas Tags:  @hopelessromantic1352  ;  ; @alleksa16  ; @the-soot-sprite  ;  @mfackenthal ; @alj4890  ; @flyawayboo; @twin-skltns ;  @pb-boeboe ; @lilyofchoices  ; @choicesseptemberchallenge

[luxurylives]

@choicesseptemberchallenge20 - Day Twenty-One: Vision

Thank you @clearwillow for drawing Sofia Russo from The Nanny Affair 😊

[queerchoicesblog]

Pillow Talk (Platinum, F!Raleigh x MC)

Hey folks! I’m a bit busy lately so that’s why I am a bit less active than usual but here is my new entry for the @choicesseptemberchallenge by @ramseyandrys . This fic was requested by @andi-the-cat for the prompt “Remember”: hope y’all will enjoy it, especially you my friend!

So, in short, to soothe my grief for the end of Platinum which was totally a godtier book, Raleigh and Rachel (MC) reminisced the first time they met and Raleigh shares a little secret.

Prompt: Remember

Word Count: 1139

Perma Tag:  @brightpinkpeppercorn @bhavf @melodyofgraves @abunchofbadchoices @silverhawkenzie @begging-for-kamilah @kennaxval @strangerofbraidwood @kamilahmykween @desiree-0816 @universallypizzataco @gayestchoices @embarrassingsmartphonegame 

F!Raleigh x MC Tag: @hellospunkiebrewster @furiouscloddonutpeanut @captainquiros @jellymonster @noeschoices

_____________________________

"Do you remember when we first met?"

Rachel asked out of the blue as Raleigh lazily played with her hair. It had been a while since they had the chance to enjoy a lazy morning in bed as tours, tv interviews and recording sessions kept both of them busy and apart for a while. But there was nothing better for Raleigh than indulging in bed with the familiar and comforting warmth of Rachel's body at her side and to Rachel waking up to find Raleigh's tattooed arms protectively draped around her waist was the definition of happiness.

"Well good morning to you too, nena, and...should I be offended by the subtle implication that I could have forgotten it?" Raleigh teased, her voice still a bit groggy from sleep.

"I'm not saying that you forgot, I just ask-"

"How could I ever forget the day I met the one and only girl who didn't even know who I am, I mean me, Raleigh Carrera?" 

Rachel playfully punched her arm, trying and failing to refrain laughter.

"O c'mon, that's not true! I knew who Raleigh Carrera is! I just didn't recognize you straight away!"

"Yeah, which is weird. Oh wait, does it mean you're weird?"

"I'm not!" Rachel protested, rising to sit. "Am I, Big Tease with a Cocky Smile?"

Raleigh grinned and grazed the singer's arm with a finger.

"Nah, you're not...you were just obsessed with Avery Wilshere" she added, sticking out her tongue.

Rachel rolled her eyes but a smile formed on her lips. Raleigh always knew how to draw a smile on her face.

"Fine, I guess a bit awkward back then, but..." she conceded before leaning back down to her girlfriend. "...but in the end I think I made clear what celebrity I want to be with, didn't I?"

She sealed her words with a deep kiss, her lips still smiling over Raleigh's. When they parted the R&B Queen looked fondly into her eyes as a winning sly grin curled her lips.

"I warned you I was a bad influence"

"Not quite as bad as you think though, babe" Rachel noted: it was amusingly endearing how Raleigh kept calling herself a bad girl after she showed her the soft and caring side she hid deep inside her.

Raleigh raised an eyebrow to her in a display of amused skepticism. Then, as if those words echoed as a personal challenge to her, she wrapped her arms around her waist and in a swift move she rolled Rachel over. When her back hit the mattress, the girl shrieked before bursting into laughter again.

"Okay, I take it back" she giggled.

"You better: how did you dare question my bad reputation?" Raleigh asked, squeezing Rachel's side, full knowing that hitting that ticklish spot would make her squirm.

And she did. It didn't take long before she begged the Puertorican star to stop. When she finally caught her breath again, she spoke again.

"I don't question your bad reputation, you will always be my bad girl. What I meant is that I love all of you. Your bad, wild side and your soft and sweet one equally. I love you, Raleigh"

The sly playfulness on Raleigh's face immediately disappeared, melting into tenderness and devotion. This time she even refused to hide her face not caring if Rachel, and Rachel only, would see the pink coloring her cheeks. She stared deeply and fondly into Rachel's eyes and gently caressed her face. The young woman leaned to the touch and a comfotrable silence settled as Raleigh tried to find the right words to express what she wanted to tell. What she needed to tell.

When she finally did, she flashed Rachel a shy smile and spoke again:

"Do you know when I realized you were the one?"

"No, you never told me. When did you know?" the girl answers in her softest voice, placing a kiss on Raleigh's wrist.

The Puertorican singer bit her lip before continuing.

"Do you remember that time we bumped into each other in the backstage of One In A Million? And you were so surprised that I don't enjoy being famous much?"

"Yes, I do recall that moment actually" Rachel nodded after a moment.

"It was...what you said next. I mean, I didn't realize it at that very moment but you know, later, when we got closer thanks to that fake relationship stunt. When I started catching feelings for you I found myself thinking back to that conversation. Don't even know why but it got stuck in my head and didn't go away. So one day I was traveling to the studio to have a meeting with my agent and a message from Fiona reminded me of our fake date for the night and...again, I don't why but your words echoed in my head and I couldn't think of anything else for the whole day. I was probably distracted that night, you might have thought I was playing distant and cold but the truth I kept thinking of when you said that I needed-"

"...someone to keep you grounded" Rachel completed, smiling fondly.

Raleigh was caught off guard by the interruption but after a moment smiled softly back at her girl.

"Exactly. Nobody has ever told me that. Ever, since I moved here, since I became Raleigh Carrera. And it was so...shocking at first hearing you saying that as if it was the most natural thing to say. It is, it was actually and it was true...but it was also completely new to me. And this beautiful girl out of nowhere just came by and figured me out as if she knew me for ages. I may not have fallen in love with you at first sight but you had my curiosity and my attention very soon. You...looking back, it's crazy but it's almost like you had always had the key to uncover what I hide to the world or" -a tender laughed escaped her- "...or as if those amazing glasses of yours could see right through me from the start"

"Didn't I mention that my glasses are magic?" Rachel giggled even if she could feel a lump forming in her throat at Raleigh's confession.

"Nice try but I'm sad to inform you that they're not, nena. Good news: you look hot wearing them no matter what" Raleigh pecked her cheek. "But now let me finish. I'm trying to be serious here!"

Rachel laughed and pretended to zip her lips.

"Good girl" Raleigh giggled before composing herself again. When she did her voice was the sweetest sound Rachel had ever heard:

"Everyone wants to know how it is to be around Raleigh Carrera, what wild stunt she will pull this time...you didn't give a damn about it. The only thing you wanted to know was who I was. Who Raleigh truly was beneath that bad girl persona. I saw it in your eyes when you looked at me...you scared me, I'm not used to this but I should have known- " - she took a deep breath and smiled down at Rachel - "I guess I should have known that you were special from the very beginning. I should have known that it was always you, nena."

Before tears could stream down her face, Rachel propped herself up and pulled Raleigh in for another kiss that could hopefully convey all her feelings for the woman she loved. When she couldn't contain tears anymore she buried her head in the crook of her neck and wrapped her arms around her waist, making the two of them lose balance and fall back to the mattress.

"Hey, no need to cry, Rachel!" Raleigh smiled holding her close.

"Good tears, babe. These are good tears, no need to worry" Rachel sniffled. "Thank you so much for sharing this...I...can we stay like this a bit longer?"

"Of course, I'm not going nowhere" Raleigh reassured her, placing a kiss on the crown of the her head.

"Thanks a lot"

"No need to thank me. Oh and nena?"

"Yes?"

"...Te amo"

[queerchoicesblog]

The Meaning Of Happiness (D&D, Annabelle x MC)

This fic was requested by the lovely @nextheirofslytherin​ and it’s my second entry for the @choicesseptemberchallenge hosted by @ramseyandrys  😘

I don’t know if this is what you had in mind, sweetheart, but I hope you and you all enjoy it!

Set ideally after at the beginning of book 3, Elizabeth (MC) reflects about the true meaning of happiness, reminiscing her past and her mother before her train of thoughts lead her to the source of her affection, Miss Annabelle Parsons.

Prompt: Happiness

Word Count: 916

Perma Tag:  @brightpinkpeppercorn @bhavf @melodyofgraves @abunchofbadchoices @silverhawkenzie @begging-for-kamilah @kennaxval @strangerofbraidwood @kamilahmykween @desiree-0816 @universallypizzataco @gayestchoices

Annabelle x MC Tag: @noeschoices

________________________

Elizabeth couldn't sleep that night. A relieved smile kept lingering on her lips: Duke Richards was finally defeated, probably rotting in Her Majesty's jails for the rest of his miserable life. A new beginning was about to come: granted, the unexpected arrival of revenant  Viscount Harry cast a little shadow over the latest party but, as far as she could tell, the future looked certainly brighter than ever for the new lady of Edgewater.

For the first time in months, Elizabeth finally allowed herself to be unapologetically happy. She toyed with a fleeting thought: how the meaning of happiness had changed through the years of her life. She could still remember all the little things she called 'happiness' once.

For her child self, it was a sunny day, playing with Briar, Mr. Danforth’s delicious apple tarts, Mrs. O'Malley allowing her to try on one of those fancy hats only true ladies owned. Lizzie spotted them riding in their carriages across the village and gaped in awe at the beauty of the dresses they wore. Her younger self used to beam with pride to her reflection as she stood in front of the mirror wearing her consumed country clothes, a pair of boots stained with mud or covered with dirt and that fancy hat. She even tried to mimic the pose of those ladies she saw on the nobles' carriages.

“Mary, you didn’t inform me that a lady was stopping by today”, Mrs. O'Malley would say, winking.

“Oh it must have slipped my mind, ma'am!” mom would answer, moving to stand behind her daughter. “Let me introduce you to fair Lady Elizabeth of Grovershire” she would add solemnly, smiling down at her little girl.

Happiness once was Mary ruffling her hair or holding her tiny hand into hers. It was her melodious voice singing Lizzie the old opera arias she used to sing on the stages of London opera houses. When she grew up, it was Mother asking her to rehearse a few lines so that she "didn't get too rusty" even though she never was an actress and a singer anymore. Winning a competition at the Harvest Festival, venturing outside the village with her loyal friend Briar. Dreaming of a better future: a life out of a novel or simply a happy life full of adventure and blessed with eternal love. "Just like one of those heroines dramatists write for but with a much fortunate fate" as Mary would say.

Remembering her lost yet dearly loved mother, Lizzie's heart tightened but the sorrow was soon replaced by a new brighter train of thoughts.

With a contented sigh, Elizabeth turned her head and laid her eyes over the sleeping beauty beside her.

Happiness now was Annabelle's arms draped around her waist and holding her close as if the fearless lady who dueled against a Duke was secretly afraid that she could fly away during the night, just like a dream or a fantasy. But she, her devoted Lizzie, wasn't a dream and she soon -oh so soon!- she would have been her wife "in heart, in soul, in spirit, even though sadly not by law. They would have finally lived together and had a place of their own, a room of their own. They would have been true companions and she could have had Miss Parsons all for herself!

The source of her sweetest affection soon became the source of her purest joy: Annabelle was now everything Elizabeth needed. A light in the darkness, a safe harbour in the tempest.

Her contagious laughter never failed to make Elizabeth merry even for no reason, her smile...oh the way her beautiful visage softened whenever their eyes met in the crowd or across the room. And her dark eyes...oh she had drowned into them so many times. Her wit, her silver tongue, the softest touch of her hand over hers whenever they could steal a moment.  The sweet taste of her lips and the fierceness of her kisses behind closed doors: Annabelle was a bold, even naughty yet most reverent lover devoted to her love's pleasure and wellbeing. She would worship her body and features with the touch of her lips and slender hands and later sing the most romantic love ballads to her Lizzie as a tender lullaby while holding her in her arms punctuating singing with tiny kisses over Elizabeth's shoulders, temples and blonde hair.

But Miss Parsons was more than simply that. She was the most careful confidante and soundboard Elizabeth could have ever asked for: "I know you are your own person, my love, I only want you to know that you don't have to go through all this alone as I'm with you, always and till the end of time, if you have me" she said once, pressing a feather-like kiss over Elizabeth's knuckles. Miss Parsons was one of the brightest mind as well as one of the bravest woman the new Countess of Edgewater had ever met. She was the fierce lady who put her life on the line for love, just like the hero of one of those romantic novels Mother was so fond of.

Annabelle, her Annabelle...was truly perfection.

Elizabeth slowly propped herself up on one elbow, being careful not to wake her love. She tucked a loose strand of her dark curls behind her ear and leaned down to press a gentle kiss on her temple.

"You make me so happy, my love" she whispered before cuddling up at her side.

[queerchoicesblog]

Welcome Home, Lily (TF Series, Kaitlyn x MC)

This fic was requested by my lovely friend @bhavf and is part of the @choicesseptemberchallenge hosted by @ramseyandrys !

Thank you so much for requesting this, sweetheart, I had a lot of fun writing this! So, folks, I don’t know if you remember but I kinda wrote Kaitlyn and Hayley having a lovely baby girl named Lily in a previous fic: this is the story of how the TF series couple welcomed the new little sweetheart into their house. Hope you enjoy it!

Prompt: Baby

Word Count: 1124

Perma Tag:  @brightpinkpeppercorn @bhavf @melodyofgraves @abunchofbadchoices @silverhawkenzie @begging-for-kamilah @kennaxval @strangerofbraidwood @kamilahmykween @desiree-0816 @universallypizzataco @gayestchoices @embarrassingsmartphonegame  

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"Okay, I'm scared, Kait. No, not scared...terrified is the word"

Hayley was sitting on the living room couch grabbing her head and taking deep breaths as Kaitlyn came back from the baby room. They had finally brought home the baby girl they adopted after much consideration. They had been focusing on their careers since they graduated but over the past year, after attending a charity event hosted by the New York International Adoption Center they started reminiscing a conversation they had once, during their senior year a Hartfeld University.

"When you picture your future life and I'm talking pie-in-the-sky, best-case-scenario, who's there with you? Any...kids?" college Kaitlyn asked one day, resting her head on her girlfriend's lap as Hayley played with her hair. They had never had such serious talk about the future before, not to mention talked about kids. Hayley considered it for a moment and they both agreed that starting a small family would have been nice. "Just you, and me, and our rockin' little rugrat. I can't imagine anything better."

The rockin' little rugrat had now a cute chubby face and a name, Lily.

Kaitlyn moved closer and took a seat beside her wife and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"It's gonna be okay, Hayley" she reassured her, kissing the top of her head.

Hayley turned to face her. Concern was written all over her face.

"But she's so tiny and beautiful and...and fragile! What if I break her while holding her? What if she slips out of my arms and gets a major injury? What if I forget t-"

"Hayley, slow down!" Kaitlyn silenced her with another kiss.

Then she tucked a loose strand of hair behind Hayley's ear as she frowned.

"What if none of this happens and you're just gonna be a good mom?"

"I appreciate your support, love" the writer smiled weakly at her. "But I don't have the best record with kids. Do you remember that time we babysitted Rico? I didn't know what to do! He didn't stop crying and I panicked and called you for help. If it wasn't for you he would still be screaming"

"That may be true"- Kaitlyn conceded- "but I also remember the day you read him The Cat With The Boots and he was so caught by the story and your reading that Gabriela invited you to stay the night because every time you tried to leave Rico started crying and hugging your knees refusing to let you go. Or our graduation day when the two of you wandered around the Hartfeld quad hand in hand as the little rascal flooded you with questions and smiles. You're not as hopeless with kids as you think, my love"

Hayley looked a bit more -yet not entirely- relieved now.

"I just...I don't want to be a disaster with Lily. She is our little girl"

"You won't be a disaster, I promise you" Kaitlyn smiled at her.

"I hope so..." the writer sighed, returning the smile.

"I know so"

Then she pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her wife close before they decided to get some sleep.

The next morning Kaitlyn rolled herself in the sheets to spoon Hayley as she loved to do but the bed was empty. She blinked a few time and when she finally was fully awake, she raised. Still yawning she started looking for her after checking if Lily was okay or needed anything. But the crib was empty too.

That's when she heard Hayley's voice coming from another room. Her wife was speaking in a low voice -most likely she didn't want to wake her- so she couldn't make out any word. Maybe Lily woke as I was sleeping and she took care of her, she thought, following the voice.

When she finally reached the living room she stopped on the threshold: her lips immediately curled into a sleepy smile seeing Hayley sauntering around holding their baby in her arms. Since Hayley was giving her her back and couldn't see her, she lingered there not to miss this cute daughter-mom moment.

"And this is the living room." the writer was saying to Lily, showing her around. "See? There's a television you will watch cartoons on one day, a couch, two armchairs...a huge window! It's so big, huh? Then what do we have here...oh the wall library! That's huge too, isn't it? There a lot of books there...we already got you some for when you're a bit older. Mom Kaitlyn and I don't know what you like and what you don't like...maybe you don't know it too yet so please be patient with us. We're doing our best and some of those stories are classics, every kid read it...don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you're ordinary, you're special, sweetheart, but you know, we hope you'll like them. Oh and here are mom Kait's vinyls and albums. See what a collection she has? Yeah, it's impressive! Just a warning, little one: momma will let you listen to them if you ask but please be extra careful around them, she's so fond of her collection"

Hayley moved past the library as the baby looked around with her tiny big eyes.

"Here we have a wonderful painting uncle Zig sent from Tokyo! Do you like it, Lily?"

As if on cue, the baby made a sound close to a cheering. Hayley looked down at her and smiled.

"I don't speak toddlerese but I take that as a yes. We'll let him know then...oh you don't him but you'll adore him. He's funny and amazing with kids like you, we'll invite him over one day so you too can properly get to know each other. And over here we have-"

Hayley slowly spun to show the baby the other side of the room and saw Kaitlyn standing on the threshold in her nightwear. A tender smile spread across the writer's face.

"...and over here there's mom Kaitlyn. Say hi to momma, Lily" Hayley said, taking one of the baby's tiny hands into hers and waving it to Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn smiled affectionately as her hearts filled once more with the purest love for her girls. Lily was looking at her with curiosity and finally seemed calmer than the day she moved in. She closed the distance between them and pressed a quick kiss on her wife's lips.

"Good morning, momma Hayley. Excellent living room tour"

"I tried, you know" Hayley giggled.

Kaitlyn smiled tenderly at her then looked down to their daughter peacefully nestled in her love's arms. She gently stroke the top of her head and leaned down to place a kiss on her tiny forehead.

"Welcome home, Lily. Your moms love you so much, baobei"