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[judeschoices]

You Love It When I’m Bad

Book: Foreign Affairs

Pairing: Jude Gittens x Blaine Hayes (BlackMale!MC x BlackMale!Blaine)

Rating: E (Explicit)

Tag(s): Humor, Smut

Summary: In the relationship of Blaine Hayes and Jude Gittens, First Sons of Ardona and Rutherland respectively, Blaine is known to be the wild one. He loved to annoy his boyfriend when he was bored and more than ready to jump his bones if he was in the mood, even if the timing is inconvenient for Jude. While Jude is many things, he’s definitely not above getting a little payback every once and awhile...

In the relationship between Blaine Hayes and Jude Gittens, Blaine was usually known as Jude, like to call him "A menace to society." Or if he's being a little shit, "A terrorist." Either way, Blaine takes on these titles with pride because it is worth seeing his boyfriend's reaction whenever he is bored, turned on, or mischievous.

Jude, his sweet little (according to Blaine's 6'1, 5'9 is little in his books) boyfriend, would usually glare, blush, or throw something at him.

"Blaine, quit being a bloody menace! I'm trying to study!"

"But babe, I want a kiss..."

"You can kiss my ass, Ardona."

"That can be arranged."

"Wha-?! AH! BLAINE, GET OFF-"

At least more than half of those interactions lead to Jude withering against him, clawing at his back as Blaine fucks his brains out.

It's incredibly rare for roles to be reversed, where Blaine is subjected to Jude's advances...

...but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

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

"You know your father's re-election is coming up, Blaine. You should try talking to the dean to arrange something to help boost the campaign and gather good press-"

"Mom, you've told me this for the past three days. I said I'd talk to the dean on Wednesday," The First Son of Ardona said with an eye roll.

"I don't understand why you couldn't do it when I first told you about it," her mother refuted. The young man pinched the bridge of his nose, mentally counting back from 10.

"I told you I've been busy with another project with Jude. I'm sure I won't hear the end of it if my grade suddenly tanks because I'm organizing an event and not focusing on an assignment that costs 35% of my final grade," he drawled. Amid that moment, his boyfriend walked into his room, already toeing off his sneakers and leaving his bookbag abandoned on one of his chairs.

"Speaking of which, how is he? I haven't heard from him in forever." When Blaine came out with his relationship with the First Son of Rutherland, his parents had mixed reactions. From seeing how well Jude conducted himself, his mother was an instant fan of his new boyfriend. His father was a bit more reserved toward him but still respectful, maybe because he didn't want to cause any issues with Jude's mother seeing how they were all under the new peace treaty she implemented... or because he didn't want to admit that he liked a Rutherlandian.

At least... not yet.

"He's doing great. He's right here if you want to say hi," Blaine offered, thankful to catch a breather. Jude silently chuckled at his boyfriend's reaction, taking the phone from his outstretched hand.

"Hi, Isabella! How are you," Jude greeted sweetly. Blaine stared at his man with an amused grin. To think that they were supposed to hate each other at the beginning of the school year, and now they're in a relationship where Jude was on a first-name basis with his mother.

What a beautiful world he lives in...

"Haha, okay, I'll pass the phone back to your son. But I'll help set up something to help with your husband's campaign. Tell him I said hi when you get the chance. Heh, alright, bye, Isabella," Jude said, handing the phone back to Blaine. The dark skin Ardonian let out a mute groan before taking the phone back.

"Such a sweet young man Jude is! When you're planning to put a ring on that, Blaine?" Blaine felt his eyes near bug out of his skull at the question.

"So! What ideas do you have that I can pitch to the dean for Dad's campaign," Blaine asked hastily, trying to redirect the conversation. His mother huffed.

"Young man, I may have been born at night but wasn't born last night. It's a genuine question-"

"I rather not answer right now. NEXT QUESTION." Jude, listening in, was barely keeping it together as Blaine tried to steer his mother back to the original topic. Just months ago, he was advised to steer clear of the First Son of Ardona. Now the First Lady of Ardona was pestering her son when he would get down on one knee and pop the question.

Isabella is always gushing over him, and it was a bit embarrassing but endearing. Blaine found it a bit annoying from time to time, often complaining how his mother won't shut up about how "sweet" and "proper" he was.

Jude smirked. She doesn't have to know how untoward he could be when her son is concerned...

Catching his boyfriend's eye, Jude slowly raised the helm of his shirt, revealing the toned muscles of his stomach. Blaine could feel his mouth dry up as Jude pulled off his shirt, tossing it in a random direction.

"Blaine!" The Ardonian jolted back into awareness.

"I'm sorry, what," he asked while still eyeing his boyfriend's hands, which were slowly making their way down his chest to the button of his form-fitting jeans.

"I said if you're not going to answer my question about your future wedding, which would be extremely beneficial to both our countries, could you at least arrange some dates. If the press sees you two out together and happy, it will show how open your father is keeping the peace..." Blaine slowly tuned his mom out as Jude dropped his pants, kicking them aside. Blaine's eyes took in every inch of caramel skin exposed to him. Full lips pulled into a smirk as Jude moved towards his motionless boyfriend with a slight sway in his hips.

'Oh shi-' Blaine's mind went blank as Jude crawled towards him on the bed, straddling his hips. Soft lips made contact with the sensitive skin of his neck, leaving soft kisses in their wake. Blaine bit his bottom lip, swallowing back a groan that threatened to escape him.

"So, will you do it?" he heard his mother ask. Blaine forced himself to remember what his mom was asking in the first place.

"Y-Yeah, go on dates. I'll make sure to be the p-perfect gentleman. For g-good press and all that jazz," he answered, a little breathless. He could feel Jude's teeth gently pulling at his earlobe.

"Mom, hold on just one quick second," he said hurriedly before muting the phone.

"Damn, Jude. What are you-"

"Take yourself off of mute," Jude whispered heatedly in his ear. Blaine let out a shudder.

"But I'm on the phone," he protested. Jude rolled his hips, grinding against Blaine's very interested friend.

"I know." Blaine turned to find a devious grin on his boyfriend's face before blushing.

'I've been a bad influence on him, and now I'm about to pay for it...'

"Jude-Ah~" One of his boyfriend's hands found its way under his shirt, lightly scratching his stomach. His head almost banged against the wall; thankfully, Jude's other hand was there to catch him before he gave himself a concussion.

"Take yourself off of mute, Ardona..." Blaine bit his lip. As sudden and risky as this situation was, he found it arousing. The chance that his mom could clue in on what he was up to if he slipped up made his pulse race. Plus, seeing his boyfriend in this dominant position was so rare-where he was at his complete mercy.

He let out a stuttering breath.

"Challenge accepted, Rutherland," he whispered before unmuting his phone.

"Hey, sorry about that, Mom. I had to use the bathroom real quick," he said, resting his other hand on his boyfriend's hip.

"Oh, that's fine. Though, why are you breathing funny?" Blaine let out a small wince when he felt Jude's teeth sink roughly into the skin of his neck.

"I-I hit my knee while I was in there... still have yet to shake it off," he answered.

"Okay... by the way, have you looked into..." The call went on for several more agonizing minutes. Blaine felt like his mother knew what Jude was doing and was trying to see if he'll crack too because just how much stuff could she talk about?!

He's been holding out quite decently, though he let out an occasional shaky breath or a sharp hiss whenever Jude hit one of his sweet spots. His mother would question him, but he just chalked it up to his knee injury. It wasn't until Jude pulled down his sweatpants and boxers that he felt he would break. Feeling Jude's soft lips press teasing kisses and playful licks before taking him in his hot mouth nearly made the Ardonian scream.

And it wasn't at all helping that Jude's near-black eyes were staring into the depths of his soul while his mouth was full of him-

"Blaine, I think you need to check that knee out. It sounds like you're really in pain," his mother said, her voice tinged with worry.

"Y-Yeah, I must've hit it harder than I thought, u-usually it would've faded by now. I'll see if I could get-J-Jude-ah," Blaine let out another hiss, feeling Jude's teeth light graze his sensitive skin.

'Fuuuuuccccckkkkkk, he knows that's one of the quickest ways to make me buss. I need to get off this phone call, NOW.'

"....get Jude to get me an ice pack before we continue our project," he rushed out. His mother let out a hum in agreement.

"Alright, son, you do that. Tell Jude I said goodbye. And don't forget to talk to the dean," she rattled off.

"Mhm, alright, mom. Bye," he rushed out before hanging up and tossing his phone. Jude gave the head a particularly hard suck.

"Fu- Damn babe, you're ruthless today," he groaned, thrusting his hips to get more of his boyfriend's mouth. Jude let him go with a filthy smirk on his face.

"Consider it payback for all the times you terrorized me whenever I was busy," he teased. Jude crawled up to give Blaine a kiss, which he responded to almost immediately. Blaine's hands trailed down Jude's back before reaching the boy's ass. The Rutherlandian sighed softly when he felt his boyfriend's large hands massage his butt.

"So damn thick," Blaine mumbled against his lips as he squeezed the soft mounds. Jude's back bowed into an arch, pushing back into his hands.

"Like that, baby boy," Blaine asked, his accented voice taking on a husky edge. Jude shuddered.

If there's one thing that could get him hot and bothered, it was the sound of his boyfriend's voice mixed with that pet name.

"Yes..." Blaine smirked, tugging at his boxers.

"Off. Now," he softly growled in his ear. Jude bit his lip, tugging the material off his hips before settling in Blaine's lap. Before he could get too comfortable, Blaine landed a hard smack on his ass.

"Ah-!" Blaine soothingly rubbed the skin, allowing Jude to relax again with a little moan.

"That's for being such a tease," he said with a lazy smirk. Jude rolled his eyes.

"Admit it. You love it when I'm bad." Blaine's heated gaze said more than his mouth could ever say. Jude smirked at him, stroking his hard length. Blaine lolled his head back, groaning freely. He tried to thrust his hips in time with Jude's strokes, but Jude minimized his grip to a phantom touch.

"C'mon baby, no more teasing... I need you," Blaine mumbled, squeezing Jude's waist. Jude pressed his lips against the corner of Blaine's mouth.

"Say please," he drawled. Blaine gave the Rutherlandian a half-hearted glare before melting when he felt Jude cup his balls. Jude may seem innocent and playful to the public, but Blaine knew how much of a freak he could be in the bedroom. Jude could play with him for a good minute if he wanted, and Blaine didn't have time for that torture today.

He's been aching for him ever since Jude's impromptu strip tease. He needed him badly.

"Please, baby boy. Don't make me wait anymore..." Jude rewarded him with a soft kiss as he positioned himself over Blaine's throbbing member. A long, low moan escaped Blaine's throat as he felt his boyfriend slowly sink down on him.

"Mmm, missed this," Jude murmured under his breath. Blaine cocked an offended brow at him.

"You're saying you miss my dick more than you miss me," he asked with narrowed eyes. Jude smirked.

"Your dick doesn't give me a headache, unlike you," he sassed. Before Blaine could reply to the jab, Jude slowly rose up before sinking down onto him again.

"Fuuuuccccckkkkkkk, baby boy. Just like that..." Jude smiled gently, leaning in to kiss his boyfriend's lips. Blaine returned to kiss, thrusting up whenever Jude came down. Little moans escaped him as Jude felt him brush against his spot.

"Blaine," he gasped against his boyfriend's full lips. Another smack landed on Jude's ass, causing him to whimper.

"Keep riding me, baby boy. I want you to come just like this," Blaine said roughly. Jude threw his head back, bouncing on his boyfriend's lap in abandon. Blaine's teeth caught his bottom lip as he watched Jude give in to his pleasure. The unrestrained lust that grips the proper First Son of Rutherland was a sight to behold—a thing of beauty.

And Jude was all his.

Jude could feel Blaine's hot lips on the tender skin of his throat, starting as slow kisses before sealing his lips near his Adam's apple, giving the patch of skin a hard suck. A shudder overtook the young man, grasping at his shoulders for leverage.

"Shit, Blaine-"

"C'mon baby boy, give in..." A rough bit to his neck had the First Son of Rutherland crying out.

"Blaine!" Blaine could feel his boyfriend tighten around him as he rode out his orgasm. He tightened his grip on the trembling body in his lap, releasing inside his lover.

"Jude..."

A few minutes later, the two lay down in Blaine's sheets in the messy tangle of lax limbs. Jude could feel his boyfriend leaving soft butterfly kisses on his neck and shoulder, causing him to giggle.

"Babe cut it out. That tickles," Jude said with a soft chuckle. He could feel Blaine's full lips morph into a smile.

"No, I don't think I will. I like the sound of your laugh. It's adorable. Like you." Jude forced him back from his neck so he could properly glare at him.

"I'm not adorable, Hayes," he said. Blaine chuckled, placing a kiss on his forehead.

"Yeah, yeah, shortcake. Whatever you say."

"Bloody menace," Jude grumbled under his breath. Blaine laughed softly, pulling Jude to lie on his chest.

"Well, you're stuck with this "menace" forever. Better get used to it, baby boy." As hard as Jude tried, he couldn't fight off the affectionate smile off his smile. He kissed Blaine on the cheek.

"I'm already all in, love..."

[judeschoices]

To Be Not Heard: Kiara, Penelope and the Question of Validation

TW: Discussions about mental health (including anxiety and trauma), minimization of the same, references to bullying, some of the screenshots I put up can be a bit distressing.

Author’s Note: This essay emerged partly out an anonymous ask that about the writing for Madeleine, specifically in relation to her treatment of Hana. In that essay, I spoke about narrative treatment, and how some characters get validation more easily than others. But I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been itching to talk about this ever since I finished my fail play of the TRR series.

In this essay I was be focusing particularly on Book 3, and the interactions the group have with the ladies of the court during the Unity Tour - with specific focus on Kiara and Penelope. The MC for my failplay is Persephone, and the one for my successful play is Esther.

This essay is going to be a long, long one folks. If that’s not your thing, the tldr is that TRR will not be very fair to you if you’re a woman of colour, that’s for sure.

–

The ladies of the court - specifically Penelope and Kiara - are a constant in the TRR narrative, outside of our closer friend circle (the LIs). They’re the ones who represent the court to us, and they fulfill different roles in different books.

In Book 1 the ladies of the court are competitors - most of whom become potential allies by the end. In Book 2 they do not provide us open support but maintain cordial relations with us regardless. They recede a little more to the background in this book (except for the point where the MC discovers Penelope had betrayed her), but are a constant during our engagement tour.

Book 3 is where the ladies of the court, and their families, finally come to focus. The narrative is centered around the Unity Tour, around earning support from the reluctant nobility, who struggle to see the “bigger picture” that the MC and LIs want them to see, because they’re so besieged by their own personal and professional issues. To do this, the group has to explore the issues plaguing these families, and resolve them. This also involves speaking to the courtly lady, and finding out what personal issues they have.

Why is it important to pay attention to the lady though, and not just pander to her parents? Madeleine tells us in Chapter 4, when highlighting why it is essential to get the ladies involved: Having an entourage at court is not about vanity, it’s about influence. Showing that you have support from the houses around you. (a neat little fact that Madeleine herself had ignored, considering her treatment of the women in her court). In some cases in Book 3 (not all), half of that support comes from the way you treat the daughters of that house.

So, not only are you required to listen to these noble families and figure out how to help them - you also need to address what a courtly lady in that House is facing as well. But does that happen in all cases? That’s a question I’ll answer in a minute.

Before we get into the Book 3 treatment specifically for Kiara and Penelope, we need to examine briefly how the two were written before the third book began. I have, unfortunately, heard people in the fandom justify the bad treatment Kiara does get by creating a false narrative around her, and forgetting the worst parts of Penelope’s story. Therefore, it is essential I go through how they’re built IN the narrative before I move on to how their pain is addressed.

Keep reading

[judeschoices]

I’ve come to realize I have probably 3 types when it comes to LIs from Choices who never fail to steal my heart every time:

Menaces to Society who are Shameless when with MC (but soft teddy bears in certain moments) i.e.:

-Cas Harlow (Immortal Desires)

-Blaine Hayes (Foreign Affairs)

-Logan (Ride or Die)

-Trystan Throne (Crime of Passion)

Sweethearts that Dote on MC i.e.:

-Adrain Raines (BloodBound)

-Griffin Langley (The Elementalists)

-Grant Emerson (Veil of Secrets)

-Tyler Woods (Murder at Homecoming)

-Liam Rys (for me, Christian Rys; The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir)

-Luke Harper (Desires of Decorum)

-King Arthur (Guinevere)

Hardasses with a Soft Spot for MC/Trying to do Their Jobs but Fall for MC i.e.:

-Kayden Vescovi (The Royal Masquerade)

-Elijah Sipes (Wake the Dead)

-Everett Flynt (Slow Burn)

-Marco di Vincenzo (Hot Couture)

-Prince Kieran (The Cursed Heart)

-Bastien (Wolf Bride)

-Synphax (The Courtesan of Rome)

-Noah Harris (My Two First Loves)

-Manu Nakeli (Shipwrecked)

-Gabriel (Gabe) Ricci (Laws of Attraction)

-Tyril Starfury (Blades of Light and Shadow)

If I play any more books, this list will only get longer. Someone, please send help 😭😅

[judeschoices]

Quick reminder from Edwin: You're a MAIN B*TCH.

Stream UnPrisoned on Hulu now!

[judeschoices]

Captivated

Book: The Royal Masquerade

Pairing: Judith Aster x Kayden Vescovi

Rating: T (Teens)

Summary: Kayden wasn’t never really fond of the nobility, save for a few people who didn’t look down at him as if he was something they found stuck to the bottom of their expensive shoes. So when the queen released him from his duty from her side to attend the Masquerade Ball, he was far from pleased. Though that all changed when he found himself captivated by a pair of honey brown eyes.

'Oh for heaven's sake, Kayden! Go out and have some fun while you're still young!'

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as Queen Kendra's words rang in my head as I silently did my rounds in the ballroom. As much as I've come to care for the aging queen, she's as pushy as ever.

I enjoyed my post by her side in the quiet throne room perfectly fine.

Being amongst the glamour that was the Masquerade Ball wasn't my idea of a reward I could enjoy.

I glanced around at the nobles as they mingled amongst themselves.

Her Majesty certainly outdid herself by picking the theme. An event where everyone gets to hide behind the safety of a mask.

Not that anyone here has ever been willing to show their true face, to begin with.

Couples who came together would gaze longingly after another in hopes of another rendezvous encounter over the shoulder of their partner.

Allies laughed and chatted with one another, while one of them is gaining intel to undermine the other in hopes of gaining their assets.

Gold and jewels decorated their necks and fingers to flash in front of others as a way to hide the crippling debt their house is in.

To show one's true face within this corrupt court is asking to be stabbed in the back.

Which is why I much rather be anywhere than here...

"Now presenting Lady Annalisa of the House of Aster and her entourage!" None of the nobles turned to see the newcomer. To my knowledge, the House of Aster is a common House welcomed by Queen Kendra.

However, none of the nobles approved of this.

To break centuries of tradition and allow new blood to enter their circle was simply far too scandalous to them. Anything new or unfamiliar is something that all the nobles feared.

Whether they realized it or not.

Glancing in the direction of the entrance, I studied the new lady in court.

A rather tall but slim woman. Fair skin, long curly dark brown hair, and blue eyes. Lady Annalisa was indeed a vision. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the noblemen took a fancy to her if they were willing to get their heads out of their arses long enough to look past what house she came from.

The new lady at court seemed to be busying herself by chatting with another woman.

One I have never seen before either.

She stuck out like a sore thumb in the sea of fair and pale skin women with her dark skin tone, much similar to my own. Her hair was done in an updo, however, I could see that her hair wasn't loose but in a style, I've heard to be called "locs". As different as the style seemed... it suited the young woman. With her hair up, it revealed her smooth shoulders and elegant neck for all to see. An admiral blue dress clothed her short figure. I could spy the gold and silver accents in her dress.

Her back was turned to me so I couldn't continue my assessment of this woman. Lady Annalisa gave the woman a cheeky wink before disappearing into the crowd.

The mysterious woman finally turned around and I found my breath catching in my throat.

Honey brown eyes sparkled behind a black and blue mask decorated with a feather, eerie similar to a quill. She took in the ballroom with childlike innocence. I resisted the urge to smirk when she delicately sniffed the air, catching a whiff of a servant's fresh bread on a platter.

There was something that was utterly adorable about this mysterious woman.

I narrowed my eyes at her, curious about who she could possibly be.

Just as I turned to walk towards her, her posture stiffened suddenly.

Following her line of sight, I resisted the urge to frown.

In midst of a sea of desperate women grappling for his attention, stood Hunter Fierro.

Heir to the House of Fierro and unproclaimed heir to the throne of Cordonia.

Since Queen Kendra never had children of her own, she looked towards the other Houses to find an heir. Hunter was the one who caught her eye. I could never be more glad of this, seeing how vain and greedy everyone else is. Save the House of Beaumont, of course.

Though I would be more glad if Hunter never locked eyes with this woman.

Disentangling himself from the too-friendly hands of those noblewomen, he approached the dark skin beauty. I was still too far away to hear their conversation, but it wasn't hard to guess that he was flirting with her.

The kiss on the hand cemented it.

I fought back a growl that threatened to crawl up from the back of my throat.

With one last flirtatious glance, Hunter left her alone. Without wasting a second, I planted myself by the woman's side. She turned and let out a soft gasp, raising her gaze to meet mine.

I ignored the odd flutter in my chest.

"You've made quite the mysterious appearance," I muttered softly, sizing her up. She eventually got over her initial shock once she heard the sound of my voice, narrowing those honey-brown eyes ever so slightly. Her full lips quirked up in a small smirk.

"I could say the same for yourself." I raised a brow at this.

'Cheeky.'

"There are rumors of people sneaking in," I said casually, eyeing her reaction. If she was nervous, then she gave away no obvious tells as her smirk only grew wider.

"Interesting how a man in a mask is questioning my motives for being here. I'm sure we only have our faces to hide," she chuckled.

'A woman who could hold her own. Interesting.'

"Oh? If that's the case, then you should have no issue showing me your invitation." I was intrigued to see how she was going to dodge this one.

"Why, aren't you eager to know my name?" I blinked, taken aback by her boldness before schooling my features.

"And what if I am," I asked, daringly taking a step closer to her. She glanced at me under short, curly lashes.

"Then you have to be far more charming than that." I narrowed my eyes at her faux innocence.

"I can't decide if you're being cunning or coy," I pondered aloud. The woman let out another chuckle.

"Then I'll leave you to decide in peace. If you would excuse me, kind sir..." I felt my heart drop to my stomach as the mysterious woman turned to leave. Despite our short conversation, I wasn't ready to let her slip out of my grasp just yet...

"Wait," I called out to her. I held out a hand to her, bowing at the waist.

"May I have this next dance?" Her questioning gaze was trained on me once again.

"First you were questioning my presence here and now you're asking for my company?"

"Consider it a pleasant way of me keeping my eye on you," I replied smoothly. Her eyes narrowed and her lips formed into a thoughtful pout. As if she was trying to pick me apart and figure me out.

She's most certainly not like the average noblewoman.

"Unless there's someone else you've promised your next dance to?" As if on cue, her eyes glanced over to the dancefloor. Where Hunter was waiting idly beside it.

I bit the inside of my cheek.

Whilst I had a fair share of women throw themselves at me, I could never compare to Hunter. He's far more charming than I. As well as pure blood. I wouldn't be surprised if she said-

"No. I haven't." If it wasn't for the years of training myself on schooling my emotions, she would've seen the evident surprise on my face.

A woman declining a dance with the unproclaimed heir to the throne?

That's something one doesn't hear every day.

But I can't say I'm displeased with this turn of events...

"Wonderful," I said, offering her a small smile. The dark skin beauty placed her small hand in my larger one as I escorted her to the dancefloor.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Hunter perk up at the sight of her. He was ready to make his way toward her until he realized who she was with. The disappointment flashed in his eyes for a brief second before he offered her another charming smile.

"Enjoy your dance, my lady," he said. She returned his smile.

"Perhaps we'll dance another time. Have a wonderful evening, kind sir." He nodded at her before sending me a brief stern look.

'Message received, Your Highness.'

"You're quite popular this evening," I said as we reached the center of the dance floor. She bashfully shrugged her shoulders.

"It's a nice change of pace." We took our initial positions just as the band started a new song. With her childlike innocence, I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to take out a few of my toes.

Though I was pleasantly surprised to find her following my lead with ease.

"You seem to know your way around a dance number," I observed. She smiled and gave me a cheeky wink.

"Perhaps you're just an excellent lead." Whether she knew it or not, this is the second time she's surprised me with her flirtations. The first woman ever to really achieve such a thing.

"It would be the first that anyone has said that," I replied slowly. She laughed freely, a deep but sweet sound escaping her throat. The sound of her laugh reminded me of the feeling of drinking a cup of hot chocolate. Just warm and rich. The sound was addicting...

"Oh come now. I'm sure many ladies simply envy to have a dance with you. It wouldn't surprise me if I had several eyes trying to burn me alive by being able to have the opportunity to," she said, two rows of pearly whites winked at me as she smiled.

'Just who are you?'

With her vote of confidence, I grew bolder with my movements and she was able to match me step for step. Bracing my arm around her back, I dipped her back, never breaking eye contact with the beauty in my arms.

Her eyes spoke of her trust in me as well as her evident delight. Pulling her back up, she followed as we spun with grace.

"Very few move with such little effort..." She smirked.

"One mustn't belabor grace," she informed me. I cracked a smile at this. Twirling the woman under my arm, she spun effortlessly against me before I brought her close to my chest.

Her honey brown eyes sparkled under the chandelier lights as she locked eyes with me.

"Who are you, really," I whispered. She tilted her head at me.

"Tired of our game already," she teased.

"Why play games if one can ask directly," I questioned. The music started to fade and people were looking for new partners. I bit my lip, unwilling to release her.

"Looks like our dance has come to an end and I still don't know who you are," I said. She smiled cheekily at my misfortune.

"You had your chance." I held her hand.

"I would like another." Her smile grew wider.

"That isn't something I have to give..." Normally I would be tired of useless banter but with her, I feel like I could go all night.

"A bargain, then. We continue our dance on a private balcony and can use that chance to... discover the other. If I can correctly guess your identity, then I will allow you to guess my own." She looked as if she was raising a brow.

"You seem to be going through an awful lot of trouble in figuring out my identity... And you truly believe you can guess it from only a few tells," she asked in disbelief. I resisted the urge to smirk.

‘Got her.’

"Only one way to find out, my lady..." She paused for a single moment before squeezing my hand.

"Alright, you've convinced me," she chuckled. Perfect. With her hand still intertwined with mine, I lead her to the balcony. The soft echo of the music could see be heard from where we were. I turned to find curious eyes already looking up at me.

"Now, I believe we were near our dance's end?" She chuckled.

"I believe you are correct," she affirmed. I allowed my hands to snake around her lower back, preparing to lift her. Naturally, the mysterious beauty followed, delicately grasping my shoulders to hold herself up. Her eyes were trained on the city lights below as I spun her in the air, the moonlight bathing her in its eternal glow.

Almost enchanted by the sight, I carefully set her down.

"That was breathtaking," she said after a moment of silence.

"For you as well," I asked, knowing full well I wasn't talking about the scenery. She met my gaze for a moment before lowering her eyes, holding a hand to her cheek.

"So... about this bargain... I'm intrigued to know when questions you have floating around in that head of yours." I raised a brow, resisting the urge to smirk. It's incredibly rare for me to make a woman blush, partially because I was no charmer. That was more of Hunter's lane, even my half-brother's. But also due to the fact, that the women at court wouldn't spare me a second glance.

After all, who would want to flirt with the son of a bastard?

To make this mysterious beauty blush... felt invigorating.

But I decided to indulge her in her not-so-subtle subject change.

"If I only have one chance, I want you to tell me if I'm right or wrong," I said, even though I felt extremely confident about who she could be based on our short time together. She regarded me with a head tilt, waiting for me to continue.

"You've been in awe of the palace, so you're no regular at court. This must be your first party. As we dance, I could feel the calluses on the tips of your fingers, right where a quill should be. And your mask... the feathers look like that found on a quill as well..." Wide eyes regarded me as I placed the final nail in the coffin.

"You're a starry-eyed scribe from the library, and you snuck into the ball." The masked woman squared her shoulders before clearing her throat.

"I'm... I'm exactly as you say." I rose a brow, slightly surprised she didn't deny my claim. Whoever this woman is... she's quite bold and confident in who she was.

And doesn't seem to be ashamed of any of it, in the most humble ways possible.

"Welcome to the palace. Is it everything you hoped it to be?" She bit her lower lip, eyeing me wearily.

"Everything and more... you're not going to tell anyone, are you," she asked softly. I shook my head.

"Even though I should... but you impressed me." She let out a small sigh of relief.

"You're not the only one, kind sir. I didn't expect you to infer so much on so little." I smirked a little.

"It's a skill of mine... Now as part of our bargain, it's your turn..." Those honey brown eyes looked over me carefully, as if she was picking me apart bit by bit.

"Hmm... for you to be such an excellent lead, you must be a veteran at these events. You display a sense of confidence and wear a unique mask, so that could symbolize a sense of importance. However, you dress practical, not at all like the other noblemen here, as if you need to be ready for anything. Your clothes are also dark making it easier to melt into the shadows. You were able to sneak up on me with ease so you must be used to being a background character to get around..." Despite my poker face, I was surprised at her intellect.

"So you must be the black sheep of the family. A possible spy or special guard for the crown," she concluded, waiting to hear my answer. I chuckled.

"There are some things a mask can't hide." She gave me a cheeky wink.

"Not when I have a clever eye," she teased. I shook my head fondly at her boldness before gazing out over the balcony.

"This view is one of the few good things about the palace," I mumbled softly.

"It's gorgeous..."

"If you look up, you can see all the stars in the sky. Some say that they hold our fates." She let out a soft hum.

"And I take it that you're not one of them," she asked knowingly.

"If our destinies were truly set, then you wouldn't be here tonight," I answered. She let out a small sigh.

"However I could only live this fantasy for a night..."

"Until you decide to live it again," I challenged. She lifted her gaze to meet my own.

"I can't simply shape my future on command," she retorted.

"You've given me cause to disagree, my lady." I took a step closer to her, placing my hand a mere inch away from hers before returning my gaze to the night sky.

A comfortable silence fell between us and I felt compelled to turn to face her once again. I allowed a lone finger to trace along the side of her mask. The woman turned to me as I mumbled a soft request,

"I would like to see your face." She graced me with another smile.

"Only if I'm able to unmask you as well," she offered. I chuckled.

"Another bargain then. I accept." The young scribe stood still, eyes closed, as my fingers danced along the delicate skin of her jaw and around the mask before carefully pulling it off.

Her eyes fluttered open, gleaming under the moonlight. I felt my breath hitch softly in my throat.

Soft smooth dark skin. Dark full arched brows. A button-like nose. Full plush lips. Those honey brown eyes...

'Gorgeous... she was gorgeous...'

"I've wanted to put a face to a person, but I didn't expect that face to be so beautiful," I whispered softly with a fond smile. She let out a chuckle, low and sweet.

"Then I expect to be greeted with a similar feeling." I felt her fingertips dance along my jaw before lightly grazing the edges of my mask. Slowly, she lifted it off.

I felt my heart begin to race as she gazed at my face. A slow smile formed on those full lips.

"We finally meet face to face," she said softly, almost breathlessly.

"It was well worth the wait," I answered in kind. She rose a brow, smile still in place.

"So? Did you find what you were looking for," she asked.

"In a way..." Our eyes were trained on each other as we seem to slowly gravitate toward one another. Her lips were just mere inches from mine and I felt something stir within me. We reached out to each other.

My arms snaked around a slim waist.

Hers found purchase around my broad shoulders. I lowered my lips close to her ear.

"Tell me what you want," I whispered softly. She shivered in my grasp, wearing down the plump flesh of her bottom lip with her teeth. My eyes narrowed at the sight, the feeling in my chest growing strong with need.

"Anything you ask, it's yours... but you must tell me," I urged, my voice coming out in a hoarse rasp. The woman drew herself closer, tilting her head upwards at me in an inviting manner. Our lips were just a mere inch apart.

"I... I want you to-"

"Ahem." Glancing over my shoulder, I found a well-dressed servant, averting his gaze from our intimate embrace. The woman rolled her eyes before pulling away from me with a soft chuckle.

"Yes, Vasco? How may I help you?" I wanted to groan. But of course, she knows him. The servant, Vasco looked both alarmed and flustered.

"Apologies, my lady! But this is somewhat of an emergency." I silently watched as the dark skin beauty straighten her spine, eyes narrowing in a serious gaze.

"Emergency? What happened?" I rose a brow. Her voice went an octave deeper, still smooth as honey, but commanding.

"I found the queen's invitation, which means I gave your sister the wrong one! I would remedy this situation myself and offer my resignation at once, but I cannot find your sister. I fear that she's been summoned to meet the queen early. She would look foolish handing out the wrong invitation," Vasco quickly stated. Her lips quirked upward for a split second at him mentioning his resignation, as if it was some inside joke before growing serious once more.

"Then I'll give it to her. We don't have a second to lose, Vasco." The man nodded before handing her the invitation and instructing her on where to find the throne room. She slipped on her mask once and before turning to leave, I reached out and held her hand.

"Before you go... may I get your name," I asked softly. She let out a soft laugh.

"Judith... Judith Aster. And you, kind sir?" I gave her a rare smile.

"Kayden... enjoy the rest of your night my lady." Before she could fully slip from my grasp, I pressed my lips against her knuckles. I glanced up to find a soft look in her eyes as well as a shy smile. She thanked me and hurried off, leaving me alone to my thoughts.

'Judith... such a lovely name for an equally lovely woman... There's no telling when I will get the chance to see her again, but at least she left me with the sweetest memory a man could ever ask for. I never would have thought I'd see the day a woman has captivated me so, but I know we met for a reason. I hope to see this to the end...'

Just as my night seem to be looking up, the sound of screams brought it crashing back down.

[judeschoices]

my favorite trope is when someone believes they’re hard to love and someone who loves them like it’s breathing.

[judeschoices]

my face when we’re in Hanoi, Vietnam and that French bitch really just said he named his restaurant ‘Le Colonial’

[judeschoices]

Lmao it me

Everett Flynt, the Gordon Ramsay of Choices, the grumpy rude man, had the cutest scene with mc where they fed each other behind the cameras- and Zara wants me to sabotage the relationship that's forming?

Be gone witch!

[judeschoices]

His Little Sunshine

This is an old work of mine, revamped, of my ship JudithxGriffin from The Elementalist. Because this Earth-Att deserves all the love and affection in this galaxy. I hate the fact that this series was limited to 2 books plus a holiday edition. Sighs...

Side Note: I’m going to give the TE MC a twin brother instead. Just cause, I find it a bit amusing (seeing how I grew up with a brother).

Book: The Elementalist (Book 2)

Pairing: Judith Gabriel x Griffin Langley

Rating: T (Teens)

Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Fluff

Summary: Griffin hasn’t seen much of his girlfriend as of late. He knew there was a lot going on with her. Between her twin, finding a missing Source, wanting to reunite with her mother, and deal with school on top of that. After seeing her sent away because of her lack of focus in Thief practice, he made plans to find her. He didn’t have to look far, seeing how she found him instead.

Griffin could hear every muscle in his body screaming bloody murder as he made his way back to his dorm. Due to being champions for the past two years, once thanks to him and another thanks to his girlfriend, it didn’t surprise the Earth-Att that their captain was pushing practice harder than usual. A weary sigh escaped him.

Though he wasn’t very merciful to those who couldn’t keep him. The senior caption had to send Judith away due to her lack of focus. The young Sun-Att looked upset about being dismissed, but she didn’t protest. Griffin didn’t know too much of what was going on with her personally. But from what Zeph told him at the end of practice, Atlas wasn’t speaking to her. Griffin knew how much Judith deeply cared for her brother and for Atlas to be avoiding her like this is probably killing her. It hurt the junior that he didn’t know about this sooner. Once practice was over, he booked it to his dorm to take a much needed shower so he could go see her.

Walking into his room, Griffin immediately went into his bathroom. Throwing off the dirty Thief uniform, he hopped into the shower. Tension melted away from his body under the warm spray. As he washed away the dirt and grime, his mind wandered to the girl who fell into his life. 

Literally.

He remembered feeling a warm, powerful presence that suddenly appeared on campus grounds. Thinking it was some important visitor, he immediately went to find out who it was. That said person turned out to be a girl falling head first into the campus lake. When she didn’t resurface quickly enough, he instinctively jumped in after her. As he swam up to her, Griffin could see how disorientated she was. Delicate fingers clenched at her throat, trying to keep what little air she had in her. He could remember how warm she felt as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to the surface. When they were on solid ground, she clung to him, coughing up any water that tried to get into her lungs. When she finally looked up to meet his gaze, Griffin could feel his heart skip a beat.

Despite looking confused and soaked to the bone, the girl was absolutely beautiful. Warm dark brown skin was glistening with water, long brown-black locs were heavily drenched, soft looking flushed cheeks, full lips gasping for breath, and chocolate brown eyes that seem to bore into his soul. Her curvy body pressed intimately against him as he held her. 

The young Earth-Att knew he was in trouble from that very moment.

After drying them both, he helped eased her into campus life the best he could. Thankfully, they’ve met Zeph and Sherya on the way while she tried settled in. Griffin was glad that Judith was making new friends, though he did want to spend as much time with her as he possibly could. When he took her to see the secret waterfall, he slowly began to open up to her. Judith proved to be patient and kind as she listened to him speak, but wasn’t afraid to tell him what he needed to hear. 

That’s when he knew he was developing feelings for her…

Her warm personality as a Sun-Att would soothe him, while she grounded him like a true Earth-Att. She made feel like him can take on the world and come out on top…

A smile tugged on his lips as Griffin rinsed off the suds from his body. 

‘She was so strong, kindhearted, fierce, loving, and apologetically herself. God, do I love that woman…’

After putting some cocoa butter lotion on his skin, Griffin wrapped his towel around his waist and walked back into his room. As he made his way to his dresser, that’s when he noticed a lump on top of his bed that wasn’t there when he walked in earlier. The lump moved and sat up. Griffin couldn’t help but smile at the sight before him.

His adorable little girlfriend was sleepily rubbing her eyes while she was wearing one of his hoodies, which was obviously a few sizes too big for her. Griffin spied a pair of black shorts and a pair of Converse at the foot of his bed. Dark brows shot up to his hairline. 

‘So, she not wearing any pants and there’s a chance she’s wearing a tank top under my hoodie...’

“Griffin...” he heard her say softly as she yawned. Blood rushing else where and he willed himself to breathe. If there’s one thing that could get him going was the sound of her sleepy voice. Something about that particular husky tone as she spoke has caused a few daydreams of a few lazy mornings in his bed to pass his mind...

‘Down Griffin,’ he mentally chided himself. ‘No need to jump your sexy, cute girlfriend whose wearing your clothes and in your bed. At least not yet…’ he walked over to her and kissed her forehead.

“Hey sleepyhead,” he cooed softly at her. Warm brown eyes blinked a few more times before looking up at the towering man. Those same eyes finally focused and widen.

“Oh-I-um…” she spluttered helplessly, blushing as she stared at her boyfriend, in just a towel- 

A mischievous smirk tugged on his lips.

“C’mon babe, there’s nothing that you haven’t seen before,” he teased her. Judith’s blush worsen and she fiddled with the strings of the hoodie.

“Don’t worry babe, I’m gonna put on some clothes,” Griffin reassured with a wink. Judith didn’t say anything as she looked up at him with her big brown eyes. Griffin bit on the inside of his cheek. 

‘Damn, she’s really asking for it…’

His hand moved down to undo the knot of the towel. Judith’s eyes widened and she quickly threw on the hood over her face just as the towel dropped to the floor. Griffin cackled at how cute she was acting towards the motion of seeing him in his birthday suit.

“It’s not funny,”  she mumble from under the hood. The howls of laughter quiet down to soft snickers as Griffin pulled out a pair of boxers from his drawer, slipping them on.

“Yes, it is. As I said, there’s nothing you haven’t seen,” he playfully shot back. She flipped him off as he put on a pair of red gym shorts and a black wife beater. Griffin snorted and climbed onto his bed, invading his precious girlfriend’s space.

“Are you dressed,” she asked. Griffin gave an impish grin.

“And if I’m not,” he said cheekily. She punched his arm in protest.

“Griffin… stop it,” she hissed. He chuckled.

“Yes, I’m fully clothed,” he reassured her. Judith peeked from under the hood to find that he was telling the truth, finally pulling it off. The girl let out a yelp as her boyfriend pulled her closer, adjusting her so she was straddling him as he leaned against the wall behind them. The feeling of the soft, warm skin of her thighs cradling his hips caused Griffin smirk lazily.

“Mind telling me what you’re doing in my dorm, in my bed, and wearing my hoodie,” he teased. Judith’s arms found their way around his neck, leaning in closer. A large set of hands rested on top of her hips.

“I didn’t feel comfortable being in my dorm right now. So I snuck into your room to take a nap. I just found your hoodie in your closet and… it smelled like you, so I wanted to wear something that reminded me of you,” she whispered, feeling a little shy. Griffin let out a soft laugh, leaning in and kissing her soft lips. Judith sighed at the contact and returned the kiss. 

It was sweet and lingering, as if to silently communicate how much they’ve missed each other… 

With Judith finding out her mother is a Source, Atlas avoiding her, and the mission of trying to locate Gemma in order to stop Kane, they haven’t seen much of each other as late.

Griffin broke the kiss in favor of kissing her neck. Full lips trailed teasing kisses to under her ear, one of her hidden sweet spots.

“Ooohhhh… Griffin~” she moaned sweetly. Slender fingers work their way into dark curly hair, gently pulling the seasoned Thief star closer. Griffin lightly sucked on the spot before blowing on it. Judith shivered and rocked against him, trying to alleviate the ache that started to grow in between her thighs. A deep groan escaped his throat as he tightened the hold he had on her hips.

‘Easy there, Griffin. Comfort your girlfriend before you jumped into any loving.’

The junior boy pulled away from her neck to look his girlfriend in her eyes. Arousal and love danced in those pretty brown orbs of hers, just barely masking the sadness she felt. He rubbed her back slowly.

“Judith,” Griffin whispered her name as he began to shower her face in kisses.

“Hm?” She hummed softly, allowing her boyfriend to show her some much needed love and affection.

“You know how much I love you, right?” She nodded.

“Mhmmm… I love you too, Griffin,” she said softly as she gazed into his eyes. Hearing those words never fails to make his heart stutter out a dreamy sigh. Griffin pulled her to his chest, letting her listen to his heartbeat while he bury his face into her hair.

“You know you can always come to me when something is bothering you, right,” he said, kissing her hair. Judith didn’t say anything and Griffin let out a sigh.

“Judith, please talk to me. It hurts me seeing you like this,” he pleaded with her. It broke the boy’s heart seeing her look so lost and defeated. That was nothing like the Judith he knew. No matter how dim the situation, she always had this inner light that would radiate with hope and strength. She’s always there for everyone in Golden Jaguars. 

‘Now it’s my turn to be there for her.’

Judith bit her lip.

“I hurt him, Griffin,” she whimpered into his chest. Griffin squeezed her reassuringly.

“What do you mean, love,” he asked softly. A small sniffle escaped and the dam broke.

“I HURT MY BROTHER, GRIFFIN! After the mermaid party, Atlas came into my dorm. He was accusing me of losing sight of our mission of finding Gemma and worrying about our mother who he says doesn’t give a damn about us! His magick was flaring up because of his anger and it was causing mine to react. I tried to get him to leave so I wouldn’t hurt him, but it was too late! I accidentally used Blood magick and hurt him! He was losing c-consciousness a-a-and there was so much b-blood staining the floor. His blood was on my hands and I…” she cut herself and she submitted herself to her tears. Griffin held her tight and rocked her in his arms. 

He spoke to her in a gentle voice, coaching her to breathe with him. She struggled to get in control of her breath, sobbing heavily into his wife beater. Slowly, but surely, she matched the raise and fall of his breathing, relaxing in his strong arms. Messy tear streaks ran down her cheeks as she looked up at him with red, puffy eyes. Full lips kissed away any more tears that tried to escape the corners of her eyes while his thumbs wiped away the tears from her soft cheeks.

“I want nothing more but to meet my mother and get to know her, but I don’t want to lose Atlas in the progress. I miss him, Griffin,” she sniffled. He gently hushed her, kissing her forehead.

“I know you do, Judith. I understand that it’s hard for you to wait for Atlas to come around. I know it’s hard to hear, but he’ll come around on his own terms. He knows how sorry you are, but he needs time accepting the fact that your mother is alive somewhere. He feels hurt and expressing it in the only way he knows how. You know better than anyone else that he’s not accepting of people, and it will that awhile for him to open up to others. We all know how stubborn your brother is, he wouldn’t do something unless he does it willingly… I believe that he come around sooner than you think. He loves you, Judith. It’s impossible not to love you,” he told her, pecking her lips. She giggled and tried to hide her smile from her boyfriend, but he still saw it.

There’s that beautiful smile I love,” he cooed at her, leaving multiple kisses on her cheeks. She squealed and tried to push him away.

“Nooooo~! Griffin, stop it,” she giggled, squirming around on his lap. He swiftly pinned her under him, drinking in her features. Her locs formed a pretty halo around her head. Her eyes were sparkling in mirth. A huge smile brighten her face as little laughs escaped her lips. Griffin nuzzled her cheek with the tip of his nose. A small pair of hands cupped his face, bringing him closer.

“Thank you for being here for me, Griffin,” Judith whispered against his lips.

“Anything for you, Sunshine,” he said, kissing her lips. Griffin could feel her smile against his mouth as she happily returned the kiss. He lowered himself so his body would be pressing against hers. As they continued to kiss, one of Griffin’s hands crept up the hoodie and the other found her ass. Judith gasped against his lips and he smoothly slipped his tongue into her mouth. The young girl moaned helplessly beneath him. The sound alone was enough for Griffin to feel himself harden against her thigh. The pair separated for air.

“Griffin, you’re poking me,” Judith said, a cute flush coloring her cheeks. Griffin smirked.

“Not my fault you look so damn sexy in my clothes,” he said, kissing along her jaw.

“You sure you want me now? I was just balling my eyes out few minutes ago. I’m pretty sure I don’t look the best right now,” she mumbled, tilting her head so he can have more access to her neck. Griffin rolled his eyes and sucked at the soft skin.

“I’ll always find you beautiful, Judith… and I’ll prove it to you like I always do,” he said huskily against her skin, squeezing her ass. Another moan left her lips as Judith gripping the back of his wife beater.

“Griffin…” she gasped as a pair of teeth lightly bit her neck. Griffin pulled away enough to pull off his hoodie from her body. A white tank top hugged her upper body. He licked his lips, looking very much like a man who hasn’t eaten in days.

“So damn beautiful,” he whispered, brushing his fingers against the birthmark on her shoulder. Judith sat up and pulled off her tank top, revealing a sexy red and black number that was hidden underneath. Griffin stared wide eyed as she pushed back so he was sitting and crawled into his lap. She lightly traced imaginary patterns on his warm skin while looking at him from under her lashes.

“I’m yours, Griffin… if you’ll have me…” he gave her a gentle kiss on her lips, holding her closer to his chest.

“You’ll always be my little Sunshine,” he whispered softly against her lips. Judith beamed at him, kissed him with more force. The older boy responded eagerly, running his hands over her soft skin. A smirk tugged on his lips as he gave her ass a smack. Judith let out a loud squeal, pulling away blushing.

“You’ve had such a stressful past few weeks but don’t worry, baby girl… I’m gonna give you that loving you need,” he growled in her ear. She shivered and grinded down on him.

Needless to say, Judith didn’t leave Griffin’s room for the next few hours...

[judeschoices]

Good Enough

A Tyler Woods story because I highkey don’t like how PB was setting up his character in the beginning. So I wanna do him some form of justice with a fanfic because he deserves better. Just to make it crystal clear, I don’t condone violence unless it’s a last resort sort of thing.

Thankfully Tyler got more character development as time passes but to satisfy my growing disappointment, I’ll create a backstory for him.

You should know I name my MCs Judith (I actually did a guy route for COP, so any male MC would be named Jude). So it’s gonna be Tyler Woods x Valentine Judith Stone (both characters are black, surprise surprise).

On with the story!

Book: Murder at Homecoming

Pairing: Tyler Woods x Valentine “Judith” Stone

Rating: Teens

Tags: Reflective, Fluff, Mutual Pining (ish)

——————————————

Tyler Woods grew up as someone who was always questioning his worth. With the life he’s lived thus far, it’s been a common thing where he would ask himself the question:

‘Am I good enough?’

His mother worked endless hours at a diner to help support the family and to get Tyler into a good school where he can get a good education. His father has been in and out of jail for selling drugs around the block. This has been happening since he was eight years old.

After seeing what his father is doing with his life and how his dear mom went through so much to put him a better position, he silently vowed to be someone great. Only… it didn’t turn out that way.

Growing up as a kid leading up to his now late teenage years, Tyler didn’t live in a safe gated community like his peers. Where he lived, drug dealing and robberies were common. His version of a lullaby was the sound of police sirens and gunshots. He didn’t wear anything flashy or brand names since his mom couldn’t afford such things. This didn’t go unnoticed by his richer classmates.

They would laugh and jeer at his hand-me-down clothes and sneakers. Whisper amongst themselves to watch their stuff closely just in case he would try to steal it. Talk down at him for what type of family he came from. He was constantly picked on for his lanky build, an easy target for bullies to vent their own anger out on.

His teachers were no better. No matter how many times he’s told an adult or even gotten his mother involved, the bullying didn’t stop. Tyler knew it was because the last thing the school needs is to lose a rich future beneficiary. They’ll gladly expel him first before even thinking about have a parent teacher conference for one of those stuffy rich kids. Gladly tell him that he would never become anyone worth remembering.

Tyler tried keeping his head down best he could but it wasn’t until one day one of his bullies slammed him against the lockers. He was already having a sour day. He missed the bus early that morning and had to run several blocks to the next bus stop if he wanted to the slightest chance to getting to school on time. He failed another one of his math tests for a third time in a row. He forgot his essay at home since he spent most of the night writing and falling asleep at his desk, thus making him miss his alarm and late for school. He almost fell asleep in his last class for the day and the teacher made a show of hitting his knuckles with a ruler with the entire class laughing at him.

With all that and now his supposed daily dose of bullying, something in the young boy snapped. His hand curled into a fist before he could think twice about what he was doing and he swung.

Tyler could never fully remember what happened. The next thing he remember was being the office, both him and the bully dawning quite a few bruises.

He and the kid were suspended for fighting. While he was upset about having to stay home and disappointing his mother, he felt a bit better that there was a bit of justice in the situation. 

That he finally stood up for himself.

He didn’t want to be other peoples’ doormat anymore. 

Granted he didn’t go looking for fights, he didn’t want to jeopardize the opportunity his mother worked so hard to give him. So he took up running. Running was his personal escape from reality. Where he felt free. Where he could be himself. Where he knew it didn’t matter what was your background or what your status was, it was about your athletic prowess. He tried out for the track team and easily got on the team. His skill made him recognizable among his peers. 

But he never got over his anger and trauma from dealing with the upper crest of society. 

It only grew worse as he entered high school. It was like no matter what he did, it was like someone was out to get him. Everyone seemed to hate him because some low life from the rough part of town could easily smoke them on the track field.

He hated what happened to Brett’s sister.

He hated that he stressed his mom about the potential expulsion.

He hated that once he was expelled, they’ll easily replace him with someone else.

He hated that he was never good enough.

When Gabbie offered to save him from himself, he took the opportunity. He couldn’t let his mom down, he couldn’t let himself down. Gabbie had an influence he could only dream of having. She was his friend.

Though he wished how the next several months played out differently. After the incident, she asked him to be her fake boyfriend. While he did want to ask why, he held his tongue. She helped him when he needed it most, the least he could was to do the same to her.

It’s not like he was interested in someone else for him to say no... or so he thought.

It was two months before Homecoming that he really noticed her.

Infamous kid detective, Judith Stone. 

It’s not like he really spoke to her before, it was by chance he even got to interact with her. 

She seemed to be in a rush somewhere, but she didn’t seem to notice that he was walking past the corner she about to round. She collided with him like a speeding bullet. After stumbling back a few steps, he was able to steady the both of them. 

“Are you okay,” he asked her, holding the girl up by her waist. The head of soft bouncy curls looked up, revealing a pair of big dark brown eyes. Tyler felt his mouth dry up as those eyes blinked slowly as him. Full lips parted as Judith spoke,

“Yeah. Thank you, Tyler.” The girl pulled away from the track star’s embrace before rushing off.

Tyler watched after her with a dumbfounded expression and a fluttering heart.

Tyler had little crushes in the past. But Judith was a different story. It wasn’t something that died in a few days or even a few weeks. It lasted for months and showed no signs of fizzling out.

Tyler tried to talk himself out of liking her. Like many of the girls he’s crushed on, they would never give him the time of day. People already look at him sideways for “dating” Gabbie. He would always hear how he wasn’t good enough for the likes of her and how she could possibly see something in him. 

Judith couldn’t possibly see him like he saw her. No matter how desperately he wished for there to be some sort of chance.

Then Homecoming night came.

When he saw Judith slide into the limo, he almost choked. The short shimmery 20′s style dress hugged her figure perfectly. Her hair was braided back and formed a low bun, revealing her face. Those dark brown eyes scanned the car’s occupants and finally landed on him. He could feel his heart kickstart in his chest as she greeted him with a small smile.

On the way to the school, he kept stealing glances at the girl detective, wishing that it was her that was wrapped under his arm...

Then the news of Gabbie’s death came crashing down on all of them. He felt crushed that his friend died, believing it was his fault. During their “relationship”, Gabbie was being highly secretive. It drove him crazy sometimes because he would have to cover for her and he had no idea what exactly he was helping her hide. He even considered following her to get some answers but decided against it, not wanting to risk getting caught.

Though he didn’t expect Gabbie’s death would lead to him talking to Judith...

...well after she broke into his locker, broke into his car, hopped out of his moving car, sent him on a wild goose chase into the woods, nearly smacked him with tree branch wielded in her small hands, and accused him of murdering Gabbie.

What a crazy start to their story.

Even when she looked ready to knocked his head clean off his shoulders, he couldn’t help but to find her beautiful. The setting sun bathe her in a breathtaking glow. He couldn’t look away from her eyes.

No matter how angry those eyes seem to be, he couldn’t help but to be captivated at how they lit up from a dark, almost black, color to a rich mahogany brown. 

They sat and chatted by the cliff side once she was through with interrogating him. Not willing to let the girl go just yet, he invited Judith to the diner where his mom used to work at. He never brought anyone else there before. Not even Gabbie.

The place was one of the few places that was near and dear to him. He had memories of sitting at one of the retro booths, watching his mom flit from table to table while he did his homework. The workers adored her, him as well.

Whether Judith knew it or not, he was letting her in on something he would never show to others.

...and he may or may not have been treating it as if it was date.

What? You can’t blame a guy for wishing for something more with the girl he’s been pining after for months.

Hearing her talk about herself intrigued him. Especially when he learned Judith wasn’t even her real first name. He knew she preferred to go by her middle name but he hoped that maybe one day he would be special enough to call her Valentine.

For her to be his little Valentine.

Though he felt his hopes were being dashed as they started working together. He almost found himself getting into fights with their persons of interests, nearly ruining their chances of gathering any intel. Judith had to step in each time do some level of damage control because his sorry ass couldn’t control his temper.

He felt ashamed with himself.

The last thing he wanted was for her to see him to be more of a hindrance rather a beneficial partner. See him as some bullhead jock.

All he wanted was to be good enough for her...

The dwindling hope he felt sparked anew when they shared their first kiss. At first, he couldn’t believe it. After she basically cornered him into confessing on why the track had it out for him and how he almost got expelled, he felt like she was going to shun him. As if the last shred of good that she possibly saw him whittered away.

Hearing her say that she didn’t hate him and she saw that he was trying to make amends to what had happened in the past nearly made him sag in relief. He really did care about how she thought of him and wanted nothing more but to stay in her good graces.

He wanted to be more than that little boy who was shunned by everyone because his social status in society was beneath theirs. More than the kid that thought that standing up for himself was using his fists first and words later. More than some fake boyfriend.

He wanted to be Tyler Woods, someone who was more than his circumstances. A young man with a promising future ahead of him and was making his hardworking mother proud. A boy who had the heart and affections of a certain girl detective. 

He remembered giving her a small smile when she shifted forward. The solid thump his heart gave against his ribcage when those full pouty lips he secretly daydreamed about brushing against his own nearly made him breathless. He immediately leaned in the rest of the way, kissing her with all the pent up emotion he’s been feeling for months. Feeling her cup his face as she kissed him back with the same energy made him melt a little on the inside. He tried leaning over on her side as much as he physically could, wanting to make the moment last between them.

As much as he wanted the special moment to last forever, they both needed to breathe at some point.

Pulling apart, he felt as if he was blinded by her breathtaking smile.

“I honestly wanted to do that for so long...” Judith raised an amused brow at the track star’s breathless confession.

“Oh? How long are we talking,” she asked. Tyler could feel his face heat up and he knew she could probably feel it, seeing how she was still cupping his face with her delicate hands.

“Since... since you ran into me that one time. Few months before Homecoming. I wasn’t sure if you would even like me and with everything that’s been going since Homecoming, it probably would be weird to confess such a thing,” he shyly admitted. The girl let out a chuckle, the sound was rich and warm. It reminded Tyler of drinking a cup of hot chocolate.

“Dork. It just so happened I like weird,” she mumbled, looking into his eyes. Tyler could see the sincerity in those dark irises and he felt a goofy grin break out on his face and he leaned in for another kiss.

Since then, Judith seemed to be opening up about her feelings towards him, and Tyler couldn’t be anymore happier about it.

The night they stayed out together to share the cheesecake they won with Donovan and Stevie was growing proof that she returned his feelings. She was going out her way to get him alone and that thought alone made him feel giddy on the inside.

He originally didn’t really want to do the trivia night. Donovan, Judith, and Stevie seemed so much smarter to him, what could he possibly contribute. But once they all got a groove of things, he found himself enjoying their company. When Donovan and Stevie left, he felt his heart flutter at the smile Judith was giving him.

They laughed at their first real interaction outside of Homecoming, she comforted him on his insecurities, and got to share something sweet with her. 

And it wasn’t just the cheesecake.

Tyler had been secretly hoping to experience another kiss with her. He hasn’t stopped thinking about their first kiss. Her lips were the softest thing he’s ever felt and she tasted like vanilla. Tasting that familiar vanilla bean chapstick mixed with the cheesecake they shared was a heady combination. He wrapped an arm around her waist, eager to have her closer to him.

The kiss was curious and sweet. As if they wanted to explore their feelings in this new tender way neither of them would have suspected months ago.

“Mmm... I was wondering when we were going to do that again,” he mumbled, gazing into those dark eyes. Judith graced him with one of her bright smiles, slender fingers fiddled with his necklace as she gazed back.

“Whenever you want,” she said, kissing his cheek. He chuckled at the mental image that popped up in his mind.

“I don’t think Donovan and Stevie would like that very much. Especially Stevie,” he challenged with a cocked brow. Judith let out a chuckle of her own.

“Okay, fair. How about this, you can kiss me any time you want to and we’re not with either of them,” she concede. Tyler leaned in, pecking her lips a few more times. When he opened his eyes, Judith could see his eyes darken with want as he slowly licked his lips.

“Oh, you’re definitely gonna regret saying that,” he mumbled, his voice taking on a more huskier edge. Judith smirked at the track star.

“Somehow I don’t think I will,” she teased, her voice coming out as a purr as she ran her fingers over the back of his neck. Tyler mentally groaned.

‘She’s going to be the death of me...’

Despite them coming together under unique circumstances... Tyler never felt like more of a normal teenager before. Some days, his basic goal was just to make the stoic girl smile she rarely lets anyone else see.

Like when she texted him hours before the party.

Well... when he mentioned “pre-game”, he was hoping for a few kisses as well.

Tyler was quickly developing a sweet tooth for Judith kisses, he is man enough to admit he melts a little when she offers him one.

Though when he notice how stressed the girl seemed to be, he was more than happy to take her mind off of it by spending time with her and her adorable fluffball of a dog, Puck.

He loved their afternoon stroll. Tyler secretly hoped when he found the courage to ask her to be his girlfriend that they could do this more often. Seeing Puck bounce around his owner, seeing her smile adoringly at him. The feeling of her hand intertwined with his. Her head on his shoulder. Seeing Judith try to hide her amused giggle behind her hand as he played with “Pucky-Poo”.

The moment between them was something he never felt before in his life...

He felt like he was finally good enough...

Good enough to be with such a beautiful and captivating girl who so happens to go by the name Valentine Judith Stone.

“I’m just some guy. You’re Judith Stone,” he remarks as he sat on the girl’s bed. They were waiting for Donovan and Stevie to show up so they could all go to the party. Judith was standing in front of him as he said this. Her dark eyes soften as she gazed at him, taking the track star runner by surprise.

“Tyler, you’re definitely not ‘just some guy’. Not to me,” Judith said softly. The air surrounding the two seemed to have shifted. As if both them suddenly realized that they were no longer co-detectives working on a case but two teenagers, alone together in a room... 

Judith stepped closer, standing in between the space of Tyler’s knees. Their hands naturally gravitated towards each other. Judith’s hands finding purchase on Tyler’s shoulders, while his hands found the curve of her hips. Their lips met in a gentle kiss, testing the waters and their resolve.

Tyler could feel Judith’s fingers dance along the sensitive skin of his neck before tangling themselves in his curly hair. Her neatly filed nails gently scratched his scalp. A low groan escaped the back of his throat as he tugged the girl closer. Judith seemed catch the hint, straddling the older boy.

“I was hoping this was why you called,” he mumbled against her lips, looking at the young detective with a hooded gaze. Judith gave him a familiar flirtatious smirk.

“Just here for the smooches, are you,” she teased. A low laugh escaped him as he spread kisses all over the girl’s face. Judith giggled at the quick butterfly kisses tickling her cheeks. Tyler gave her a kiss on her forehead, another on the tip of her nose, before finally returning to her lips. Judith let out a small moan when she felt one of Tyler’s hands run up her back, pressing against the space between her shoulder blades to pull her closer. Tyler pulled away to look into her eyes.

“I hope I’ve made it clear that I like you, Judith. Kisses or no,” he whispered in her ear. The girl shuddered at the tickling sensation on her ear. She chuckled.

“But the kisses don’t hurt, now do they,” she teased, running her small hands over his shoulders. Tyler answered her with another kiss.

Tyler knew he would never tire of this act. Getting the chance to feel his crush’s lips against his in an intimate way. Being able to hold her this close. To be surround by the scent of warm vanilla and a sweet musk scent. He let out a soft hum when he felt her arch against him, her thighs tightening around his hips. One of his hands slid in her hair while the other felt along the muscle of her thigh.

He nipped on her lower lip, coaxing her to open up to him. Just as their tongues met, there was a knock at the door.

“Judith! The rest of your friends are here,” her mom called. The pair sprang apart, blushing deeply. But there were twin goofy smiles on their face. Judith place one more kiss on his cheek before answering her mom.

Tyler stared at the teen PI like a lovesick puppy.

‘One day Valentine... one day, I hope to be good enough for you to call me your boyfriend...’

[judeschoices]

Under The Night Sky

Some NSFW of Eli and Judith because I miss them and would like to write more content surrounding them. Based on Chapter 13.

Book: Wake the Dead

Pairing: Elijah Sipes x Judith Archer

Rating: E (Explicit)

Tags: Grief, Romance, Sexual Tension, Smut

Summary: Eli and Judith have been walking on egg shells around each other ever since Eli got bitten and Judith refused to shoot him. Eli couldn’t handle the eyes of everyone looking at him and Judith sought the one person whose presence made her feel the most at ease, even when he’s looking to keep her at arms length. The two had a much needed heart to heart and a passionate embrace under the night sky.

A lone man sat under a massive tree, some ways away from the newfound colony, Olympus. After everything that's been happening recently, Eli felt the familiar need to be alone for a while.

Away from the curious and wary gazes of everyone who looked at him.

Away from her.

Dark hazel eyes gazed down at calloused hands with a grimace.

It's been a week since he's been bitten. A week since Judith went on to confront the Raiders and broker a deal to get medicine to save his life. A week since he nearly killed her.

No words could describe the man's shock, his fear, when he finally came back to himself. Seeing his hands squeezing down on her throat and the light fade from her lovely eyes threatened to destroy what was left of him.

"Judith! Oh no... no no no... Judith, please! Wake up! D-don't... don't leave me..."

The iron grip that squeezed down on his heart immediately released when her eyes snapped open and she took in a gulping deep breath. Eli's first instinct was to touch her.

To hold her close and never let go.

To rest his head on her chest, listening to the soothing beat of her heart. Ensuring him that she was still alive.

To kiss her as if she can breathe life back into him and mend the fracture that formed in his heart.

But he didn't act on any of it.

His thoughts told him otherwise.

'You don't deserve to do any of that. You don't deserve her. You tried to kill her.'

Even when injured, Judith tried to convince Eli that it wasn't his fault. But he couldn't listen to her.

Because his conscience was right.

He didn't deserve her.

Every time he saw her, his eyes would immediately find the finger-shaped bruises around her delicate neck. Reminding him of his transgression against her. Eli found himself shying away from her and her company, feeling unworthy to experience such a privilege. Anytime he was forced to talk to her, they would be in a heated argument about how she should've killed him when she had the chance.

Hearing her say that she didn't regret trying to save him, trying to get through to him, made Eli want to shake her stupid and kiss her as if his life depended on it at the same time.

The man knew that he was in too deep. He cared about her more than he should. But a small selfish part of him didn't care. He wanted her.

He craved her.

He needed her.

A bone-weary sigh escaped the man's lips.

'What are you doing to me, Judith Archer...'

The sound of approaching footsteps reached Eli's ears, causing him to tense up. With Judith's old colony still out for their heads, it wouldn't surprise him if her old leader would send more spies to try to find their home. His fingers twitched toward his hunting knife, only to relax when Eli saw who it was.

'Speak of the devil and he shall appear...'

"I hope I'm not disturbing anything," Judith spoke as she walked up to him.

"I came out here to be alone," he answered. Those honey-brown eyes widen before gazing down at the ground as Judith rubbed the back of her neck. It was the rare, almost adorably shy side of her that made the older man soften.

"O-Oh... Then I'll just-" The young woman's offer died in her throat when she noticed him shaking his head.

"I didn't say you had to go," Eli added gently. To further prove his point, Eli made room for her to sit next to him under the night sky. After a moment of hesitation, Judith made herself comfortable against the sturdy tree trunk before falling silent once more.

Eli studied her out of the corner of his eye before turning his gaze to the sky.

"Something happened," he asked. Though that was Eli being polite. He knew something happened. No matter how hard she tried to hide her pain from others, Judith could never hide it from him. It was almost like looking into a reflection of each other, which both terrified and soothed Eli.

Because he knew that he couldn't hide from her either.

Judith let out a small sigh, a slight tremor could be heard at the end of it.

"Just... bad memories. That's all..." Eli rose a brow at this, glancing at her again. Judith was hugging her knees to her chest as if she was trying to make herself smaller than she actually was. A frown tugged on the older man’s lips.

Last he saw her, she went to talk to a drunken Dirk. It wouldn't surprise Eli if Dirk said something to her to bring up said memories. But if Judith wasn't looking to tell him what it was, Eli wasn't looking to push her. After a few beats of silence, Judith spoke again.

"What about you? What'd you come out here for?"

'Damn...'

Eli didn't look at her as he answered.

"Doesn't matter." Eli could hear her shifting as she turned her body to face him.

"You need to open up, Eli. You don't always have to keep this "lone wolf" act. No one's gonna judge you if you're feeling down," she said softly. The man let out a low grunt.

"I feel fine," he grumbled under his breath. From the corner of his eye, Eli can see the arched brow directed at him.

"Really? You mean to tell me that's why you came out here to be alone in the middle of the woods," Judith asked, the sharp edge of sarcasm can be heard in her voice. He turned to face her with a glare.

"We're not having this conversation." Her pretty features twisted into a scowl as she glared back.

"What the hell is your problem? I'm just asking you to tell me what's on your mind," she hissed.

"And I'm telling you to drop it," he fired back. Judith paused before letting out a bitter chuckle.

"Now I see what your damage is. This is about earlier. And what I said, isn't it," she asked. He looked away, fists clenched at his sides.

His lack of a response was all she needed.

"Tch, I'd figured. I can't imagine any other reason as to why you'd be getting pissed off just because I asked how you are," she huffed. A growl rumbled in the back of Eli's throat before he met her gaze with blazing eyes.

"Goddammit, Judith, I care about you! More than I should!" The anger and headstrong stubbornness melted away to reveal honest shock and a surprised flush.

"And that's a bad thing," she asked, a hint of hurt can be heard in her voice. Eli let out an explosive sigh, harshly rubbing his face. He wasn't looking to admit this to her but now he knew she wouldn't let him get out of this.

"Yes, 'cause I can't do it again! I..." The anger and frustration he felt faded, replaced by sorrow.

"I can't lose someone like that again. If I'd left more than a bruise... if I had really hurt you that night... I could never forgive myself," Eli finished quietly. He can feel her eyes burning into his skin as he confessed his fears. A small hand landed on a broad shoulder.

"You've never really told me what happened to your family... You don't have to if you don't want to, but..." Judith trailed off and Eli finally turned to look at her again. Instead of finding pity in those eyes, he found empathy and understanding.

"I'm here to listen," she finished softly. The weight that resides in his chest lessen at hearing those four little words. He took a deep breath before telling her about that fateful day.

A day that will forever be etched in his memory. Finding David amongst the sea of dead bodies of those who turned. His mangled bloody arm. His tear-stained face as he stared at their father's gun in his shaky hand. The last hug Eli received from him before shooting him...

Alongside his parents who were already in the process of turning.

At the end of his tale, Eli can feel himself shaking.

"There are times where I can't help but think about what would have happened if I had stayed home... if I had been there," he confessed softly.

"Eli, I understand..." Dark hazel eyes met honey-brown ones.

"I think about it all the time... If I hadn't said anything to that guard, if I hadn't followed Cassidy and the truck..." her voice trembled as she stared at Eli with teary eyes.

"Jamie would still be here..." Eli swallowed back a wince, remembering Judith's heartbroken cries as he pulled her away from her older sister.

"I'm sorry I took you away from her," he whispered. Judith gave him a teary smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"You'd seen your own family die... You didn't want me to go through the same... Which is why I admire you. You're so strong. You went through all that and you're still here, you're still fighting... That's incredible, you're incredible." Eli let out a better laugh.

"I don't feel incredible... Especially when you're the one who's given us a home, even while you're still hurting," he said while looking into shocked brown eyes. Judith bit her lip before silently interlacing their fingers, squeezing softly.

"If there's one thing I've learned in these last few weeks is that you can't let the past define your future. We've lost so many people... and tomorrow isn't guaranteed... Which is why we have to live every day to the fullest," she whispered, her gaze never leaving their intertwined hands.

"It's not that easy," he refuted. At this, Judith looked up to meet Eli's eyes.

"You're right, Eli. It's hard as hell. But I know one thing for certain. I know that my sister would want me to find some kind of happiness with whatever time I have left here... and-" Judith's grip tighten as she slowly spoke her next words.

"I bet your family would want the same for you." Eli let out a shaky breath.

"I don't want to lose you, Judith..." Those honey-brown eyes soften as Judith cupped his cheek, gently rubbing along the stubble that grew there.

"You haven't lost me, Eli... I'm right here..." As if to cement her claim, she drew him in for a soft kiss.

Eli immediately tensed up against her, faintly hearing the single thought that has been haunting his mind since that day,

'You don't deserve her...'

But the needy organ that beats within his chest says otherwise.

'You do deserve her. She's willing to have you if you let her...'

And for the first time since their first kiss...

He listened.

Closing his eyes, Eli pulled Judith tight against his chest, deepening the kiss. He sucked on her bottom lip with a low moan.

"Judith... The things you do to me...” he whispered against her sweet mouth. Teeth gently sunk into the soft flesh of her bottom lip, allowing a soft gasp to escape her. With that opening, Eli slipped his tongue past the seams of her lips, exploring every nook and cranny of her mouth. Her arms made themselves at home around his neck as Judith tried to pull him in closer.

She was the one to break the kiss, pressing a kiss below his ear.

"And what is it that I do," she whispered softly. A pleasant shiver ran down his spine as Eli felt the ghost of her breath fan over his skin. His lips found the soft vulnerable skin of her neck. Judith sighed, feeling Eli's warm lips lovingly brush over her healing bruises. Those same lips started sucking and lightly biting just enough to leave his personal mark, causing her to shudder as she let out a soft moan.

"You... you make me lose control," Eli answered in kind, leaving a soft but possessive kiss against the love bite. Tugging on her locs, he pulled her in for another kiss that quickly became a heated battle of tongues. Those slender fingers that were originally lovingly massaging the nape of his neck were now impatiently pulling at the tattered scarf.

Eli pulled away, panting, gazing up into her eyes.

"Wait, Judith... are you sure?" Her eyes darken, matching the same look that she could see in his eyes.

"I want you, Eli..." The low, seductive tone brushed against his eardrums, erasing any doubt in his mind.

'She wanted me. She wants me... Just as much as I want to her.'

Eli watched silently as she stripped off her armor and weapon, leaving her in her thin long sleeve shirt and jeans. Their lips met again as she unbuttoned the top of her shirt. Eli slid his hands under her shirt, feeling the soft skin of her toned stomach.

A spark of eagerness ignited in his blood and he nudged the fabric up in a silent question. He could feel Judith smiling against his lips before she pulled away, raising her arms overhead. Carefully, Eli removed the fabric before tossing it aside. Dark hazel eyes watched mesmerized as she undid her bra singlehandedly, revealing her bare torso.

Bracing a hand in between her shoulder blades, Eli tugged her closer. Full lips latched onto a dark brown nipple while a rough hand cupped her other breast, rolling the other bud in between his fingers.

"Ohhh~" The noise that came from Judith's throat was soft, almost like she didn't want to be too loud to draw attention to herself. A sharp canine wore done her bottom lip as the younger woman tried to contain her pleasure. The act alone sparked something in Eli.

He wanted to hear her. Wanted her to melt against him and let go. He wanted her to lose that sense of control the same way he was right now.

Eli pulled away just as Judith removed her boots and unbuttoned her jeans. His hands slid down to her hips to help remove her jeans. His eyes left a heated trail down her body causing the colony leader to blush.

"W-What," she asked. Eli's hands made their way down her back before squeezing her ass. Eli bit his lip.

"You're incredible," he murmured, hooking a finger into her underwear before peeling it off her hips and down her legs. Rough hands ran up a pair of thick muscular thighs, curvy hips, a small waist, and full soft breasts. Judith trembled, trying to calm her rapid-beating heart as she sat on Eli's lap, completely bare for him to see. She never bared herself like this to anyone before. The most she's done was have a clumsy first kiss with Troy but she never saw him in a romantic light. And any guy she did have a crush on while in the Tower only paid her any attention when they were bullying her just to look cool.

To be on the receiving end of a man's heated gaze, this man’s heated gaze, felt... intoxicating. Empowering. Vulnerable.

"I've dreamt about this... though I never thought I could get to..." Eli fell silent as a slender finger pressed against his lips, only to be replaced by her own. Eli allowed himself to touch and caress the warm body on his lap. Ever since their first kiss on the Ferris Wheel, Eli has been secretly wondering what it would be with her more intimately. To learn all her sweet spots and tease her with them. To her sensual moans and breathless sighs.

It felt all too good to be true...

Judith bit his lip as she removed his scarf from his neck.

"Why are you still dressed," she whispered huskily in his ear. Eli squeezed down on her ass as he felt her lick the shell of his ear. Not wasting another second, Eli worked on taking off his shirt as he felt her work on his belt. He let out a low groan when her small hand brushed over the hard mass under his zipper. Judith crawled off him to remove his pants and boxers in one go.

Honey-brown eyes wandered down Eli's body, a small blush forming on her cheeks. Eli's body was ripped and littered with scars from years of battles. And he was nothing to sneeze at either. Judith felt both turned on and nervous. She knew that she wanted this, wanted him, but didn't squash her fear that she may need help walking later.

Eli pecked her lips, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"You okay," he asked, rubbing her back. Judith nodded.

"Yeah... I just need a second," she replied. Eli nodded, pulling her back on his lap before lazily massaging her ass. Judith nuzzled his neck, leaving soft kisses on his skin.

"Mmm..." The low sound rumbled in his chest as Judith's soft lips continued to explore. He felt her hand brush over the claw marks on his arm as she pressed another kiss on the edge of the healing bite.

"I'm glad that you're still here, Eli..." he heard her say against his skin. As if she wanted to tattoo those words on it. He pulled her away briefly to peck her lips.

"Me too..." Judith's breath got caught in her throat as Eli gave her a gentle smile. It was rare to see Eli give anything more than his usual half smile. It was like this look was for her, and her only.

Warmth filled the bit of her belly as Judith lavished more kisses on Eli’s scars. The man lulled his head back, eyes shut as those soft lips explored his skin. One of his hands found her sensitive thighs, causing Judith to hum her appreciation. His rough fingertips danced along her slit.

"Ah-ah~" she gasped. Dark hazel eyes opened to find a lovely sight. Judith's eyes fluttered closed, full lips parted, and back beautifully arched. Eli gently played with her hidden bud, watching her reactions to his touch. Judith whimpered angling her hips towards his hand, wanting more of the delicious feeling he was giving her. Eli bit his lip, carefully slipping a finger inside her. A grimace made its way to her face, causing him to slow down a bit.

With a thumb on her clit, Eli slowly pumped his finger in and out of her. He could feel her grow wetter.

"Eli," she moaned breathlessly in his ear, slowly riding his hand as she threw her head back. Eli let out a low growl that left her trembling.

"Look at you..." Judith could feel the rough stubble against her collarbone. Another finger made its way inside her and Judith found it damn near unbearable-

"Woah-" Eli found himself on top of her, her leg wrapped around his waist with her heel digging into his lower back.

"Eli, please... I need you," Judith begged. Eli took a second to imprint this image of her in his mind. Long colorful locs splayed across the ground, forming a halo around her. Beautiful dark skin warm to the touch. Her chest heaved as she let out soft pants. Kiss swollen lips caught in between her teeth. Honey brown stared up at him, the moonlight lighting up the warm color in her iris.

He couldn't deny this beautiful angel even if his life depended on it.

Powerful arms boxed her in as Eli aligned his hips with hers before slowly pushing in. Judith's nails dug into his shoulders as she felt him slowly push in. Eli silenced her whimpers of pain with a kiss. Eli stilled his hips when he was fully seated inside her.

"You okay," he whispered, eyes never leaving her face. Judith let out a shaky sigh.

Of course, she knew it would hurt. It was her first time after all. Other than the painful stretch, she never felt so full. The sting of pain slowly faded as she coached herself to breathe, relaxing her muscles.

"I... I'm okay. You can move," she whispered. With that confirmation, Eli slowly pulled out until only the tip remained and moved back in.

"Nnnghh..." came the guttural groan from the back of his throat. He started a slow but steady rhythm, coaching himself to breathe through it so he wouldn't finish so quickly. But damn, she was so warm, so wet, so tight-

'I never want to leave...'

Judith felt the pressure of discomfort begin to fade, slowly feeling the sparks of pleasure ignite with each thrust. Her small moans were a sign of encouragement for Eli to increase the intensity. Judith let out a gasp when she felt Eli grab her hips in a possessive grip before driving into her, angling his hips until it brushed something inside her that made her see stars.

"T-That feels... Ah~" Judith felt herself blush at the sudden high noise that escaped her. She immediately clapped a hand over her mouth, only to have it pinned to the grass, fingers intertwining with Eli's. Eli looked down at her with a heated gaze as he grinded his hips against hers, his tip rubbing against her sweet spot.

"Let me hear you," he murmured huskily into her ear, giving her a sharp thrust. Honey brown eyes rolled as Eli continued to target the one spot that drove her wild. Her cries increased in volume and pitch, nails digging into Eli's back as she moved with him. Eli rubbed her overly sensitive clit causing her to clench around him.

"Yeeeeesssssssss~ Don't stop, I'm close!" Eli leaned in, biting the vulnerable skin of her throat.

"Come for me, beautiful," he whispered. Judith couldn't ignore that soft command if she tried.

"Eli~" she moaned, clinging onto him as if he was life itself. She couldn't see, hear, or feel anything else but him. Eli felt her contract around him and that did it. With the last few stuttering thrusts, he came inside her. Marking her.

"Judith..." he said in a hushed whisper. Eli rested his head on her heaving chest, listening to her heartbeat. The sound of it thundering against his ear was more relaxing than he would ever outwardly admit. He allowed him to lay on her for a few moments, even going as far as to absentmindedly rub the soft skin of her leg, before rolling off her. Eli studied the beautiful woman with warm eyes.

What he would give to have her next to him like this every day...

Judith opened her eyes, glancing over at Eli to find that look in his eyes. The young woman blushed. Never has she ever been on the receiving end of such an affectionate look.

Seeing it from Eli, a man she found herself falling for each day...

Never felt so right.

Unfortunately, the look didn't last. The moment Eli realized he's been caught, he turned to gather his clothes.

"We should start heading back before someone reports us missing," he suggested as he put on his boxers. Judith sat up, crawling up (with a bit of effort thanks to the beginning soreness she could feel in between her legs) behind him. She pressed a lingering kiss on his shoulder. Eli drew in a sharp inhale.

"Okay... but if you need to talk, I'm here for you..." Eli met her gaze, a bit of lingering warmth could be found in his eyes.

"I know... thanks, Judith."

[judeschoices]

The legacies people leave behind in you.

My handwriting is the same style as the teacher’s who I had when I was nine. I’m now twenty one and he’s been dead eight years but my i’s still curve the same way as his.

I watched the last season of a TV show recently but I started it with my friend in high school. We haven’t spoken in four years.

I make lentil soup through the recipe my gran gave me.

I curl my hair the way my best friend showed me.

I learned to love books because my father loved them first.

How terrifying, how excruciatingly painful to acknowledge this. That I am a jigsaw puzzle of everyone I have briefly known and loved. I carry them on with me even if I don’t know it. How beautiful.

[judeschoices]

How To (Try) Ask Out Your Crush

This is going to be my entry to @choicesficwriterscreations contest “Naughty or Nice” contest. It was hard to pick one idea seeing how I found out about it late but I think I got something here.

I’m going for the Nice section for Coffee Shop and a few pick up lines. It doesn’t really have to do with the actually story since I’m not sure how it’ll end so AU it is!

Book: Murder at Homecoming (brief mention of Crimes of Passion)

Pairing: Tyler Woods x Valentine Judith Stone (both are black) (brief mention of Trystan Throne x Jude Rose)

Prompt: Coffee Shop, with Pick-Up lines

Rating: T (Teens, a few swear words here and there but nothing serious)

Summary: Tyler Woods had girlfriends in the past who were easy to woo with his boyish charm and his “popularity” when he was in high school. Now a sophomore in college, he would’ve thought he wouldn’t have any issues with getting with a girl he liked. Enter Valentine “Judith” Stone, a young freshman studying criminology who frequents the campus coffee shop. With an incredible poker face. Tyler finds her both beautiful and intimidating, but is more than determined to get her attention. Even if he has to pull out the most corniest lines from the Internet he’s ever read. Good thing Judith finds him to be cute all the same.

“Okay, today’s the day,” Tyler spoke to his reflection in the mirror. The sophomore boy went through a mental check list as he studied his reflection.

‘Clean teeth and fresh breath?’  He flashed a smile, two rows of decently white teeth winked back him. He quickly smelled his breath, pleased that the scent of his mint mouthwash greeted him. ‘Check.’

‘Hair washed, conditioned, and styled?’ Tyler carefully picked through his curly fro until he was satisfied with the volume. ‘Check.’

‘Showered with my best bar soap, used lotion so I don’t look like I come from Ash City, and used my best cologne?’ His dark skin glistened under his lamp light, faintly smelling like cocoa butter, vanilla, and tonka bean. ‘Check.’

‘Deodorant?’ A quick spray under his arms before capping the the bottle. ‘Check.’

‘A good outfit?’ Tyler studied his outfit of choice with a critical eye. A plain white T-shirt, a red flannel, black jeans, clean pair of socks, his usual silver necklace and watch, and his brand new white sneakers (well, after he did some scrubbing, used a shoe whitener, and a spot of bleach brand new... what’s it to you?). Putting on his clothes, he gave a satisfied smile. ‘Check and Check.’

‘A proper but unique introduction?’ His smile faltered. ‘Ah crap...’

One might wonder what could Tyler Woods possibly be preparing for?

Was it a group presentation?

Was he looking to make good first impression to his girlfriend’s parents? Or an important scout that was visiting his college?

Was he meeting a new group of people he hopes to befriend?

No. Nay. Nope. And absolutely not.

He was going to finally introduce himself to his crush and ask her out on a date.

Tyler has had girlfriends in the past, even though they dated for superficial reasons. But he had no issue using his boyish charm to draw them in. 

Though he might need a miracle for this round.

Who’s the girl in question?

A criminology freshman by the name of Judith.

Tyler remembers being on his morning run around the campus. It was still pretty early, dawn just breaching over the horizon, bringing forth a new day of headache inducing classes and anxiety ridden deadlines. He was just making his way by the coffee shop on campus when he noticed her through the window. He ended up skidding to a stop before turning around and peeking through the window to get a second look at the girl.

The young black girl was sitting a booth, seemingly engrossed in whatever book she was reading as she took in a few sips of her drink in between. She had a big dark mane of soft looking curls with two small buns on top of her head. Thick full brows framed big dark brown eyes. Full plump lips were naturally laxed, save when she took a quick swing of her drink. She looked cozy in her little cream sweater dress.

Tyler was a goner.

From then until now, he would frequent the coffee shop where she seemed to be at most mornings. He would sit not too far from the beauty, studying (when really at least 75% of the time he’s stealing glances at her). On one his failed attempts to edit a paper, he heard the barista call out her name.

And what a beautiful name it is...

But other than that and her major (after walking by her and seeing a book from her major), he knows next to nothing about her.

Tyler squared his shoulders, giving himself a firm nod.

But that was going to change today... he hoped.

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Judith was already in the coffee shop, nose deep into book with a steaming cup of tea sitting nearby. Tyler made sure to place an order before squaring his shoulders and walking up to her.

“Excuse me?” Big brown eyes peeked above from the top of a plain black book, a questioning brow regarding the athlete in curiosity.

‘Sweet baby Jesus and all his merciful angels, she’s beautiful... Don’t back down Tyler! You can do this!’ The boy plastered on a charming smile.

“Hi, I’m Mr. Right. Someone said you were looking for me?” The girl’s brow inched higher before her eyes returned to the page she was reading.

“Nope, wrong girl,” Judith replied smoothly. ‘Well damn...’

“Haha, right... I’m Tyler by the way,” he laughed awkwardly before taking a seat in front of her. Judith didn’t look up at him again as she spoke again,

“I know.” He blinked at the girl, bewildered. Did she actually notice him before today?

“Tyler Woods. Sophomore. Sports medicine major. One of the top track and field runners in the state,” she raddled off, taking a sip of her tea. Tyler’s face fell a bit.

‘Damn, so she hasn’t really noticed me...’

“Oh yeah, that’s me,” he said, waiting for the girl to say more. She didn’t. 

The two sat in silence before Tyler spoke again.

“So, what’s your name?” 

“Valentine.” The boy blinked again.

“I thought it was Judith.” Judith (Valentine?) looked up again.

“That’s my middle name and I usually prefer to go by that. But my real name is Valentine Judith Stone. And before you ask, I was name after the character from The Two Gentlemen from Verona, not the holiday,” she replied before returning to her book. Tyler inwardly sighed.

‘I hope one day you’ll be my Valentine... Valentine Judith Woods, I like the sound of that...’

“That’s actually really cool, Judith... Wanna you know what else is cool,” he asked. He got a raised brow as an answer.

“My shirt.” Finally the girl looked up again. Narrowed eyes study the white tee before meeting his gaze.

“And what about it?” Tyler grinned.

“Do you know what my shirt is made of? Boyfriend material.” Tyler couldn’t see the bottom half of her face thanks to her book but he could’ve sworn he saw the corner of her eyes crinkle before quickly fading.

“I’m pretty sure that is 100% cotton actually. It is the fabric of our lives,” the girl hummed before silence fell on them again. Few moments turned into a few minutes and Tyler could feel his nerves get the best of him. The girl didn’t seem to much of a conversationalist or maybe she just found him to be annoying.

He honestly couldn’t tell.

“Was there something you actually needed from me,” Judith asked, still not looking up at him. Tyler perked up at this opening.

“Yeah, actually. On a scale of 1 to America, how free are you tonight?” Judith flipped a page as she spoke,

“I’m afraid Harriet Tubman hasn’t freed me from my plantation yet. So, still enslaved.” Tyler’s jaw dropped before he let out a laugh.

‘She’s so feisty, it’s cute. I’m going to get her one way or another...’

“Sassy, I like it. Mark my words Judith Stone, you’ll agree to go out on a date with me,” Tyler smirked. He perked up when his name was called. Judith eyed him as he slowly stood, thankful for the book covering her face just enough to hide her flush when he flashed flirty smile.

“I’ll see you around, Miss Stone. And that’s a promise.”

‘Trust me Tyler Woods, I don’t doubt you for a second...’

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And so it began. 

Almost anytime Judith would be in the coffee shop, Tyler made it his business to come in and try any of his pick up lines. Not so much so to see if they’ll work on her, but to see what she says.

He finds her sass and wit to be amusing.

But it was also a good way to start a conversation or get a smile out of her (he thinks she smiles at least. It was hard to tell because she seems to always be hiding behind a book).

“So tell me something interesting about yourself,” Tyler prompted one day. Judith looked up for a second before returning to her book.

“I can speak Portuguese.” Tyler made a soft curious noise, causing the girl to explain.

“When I was little, I had caretakers that spoke the language. Since I’ve been around them so much, I picked up on the language and can speak it fluently.” Tyler smiled.

“This sounds totally cliché but could you say something in Portuguese,” he asked, making a pleading hand gesture, “Please?”

Judith rose a brow before lowering her book. Tyler felt his heart give a hard pound against his chest as he took in her whole face. It was one of the few times that he could see it without a book obscuring it.

‘God really took his time creating her because good Lord is she gorgeous...’

“Na verdade, eu acho você muito fofa e charmosa. Mas adoro ser difícil para você me convidar para sair,” Judith said smoothly, a hint of smirk tugged on her full lips. Tyler blushed before clearing his throat.

‘She sounds so... I don’t know, it feel hotter in here for some reason.’

“Wow, you weren’t kidding, you sound really good. But what did you say just now,” he asked shyly, subconsciously scratching the back of his neck. Judith’s smirk inched wider.

“That’s for me to know and for you to find out,” she said coolly, clearly enjoying herself. Tyler pouted.

“Seriously?”

“As a funeral.” The sophomore tried to keep up his annoyed expression but ended up cracking a smile in the end.

“Wanna know something I’ve heard,” he asked innocently. Judith did a cute impression of an owl head tilt, curious to what the boy had to say.

“I’ve heard it said that kissing is the ‘language of love’. Would you care to have a conversation with me about it sometime?” Judith rolled her eyes, but Tyler caught a faint half smile appear on her face.

“Last I checked, French was considered to be the language of love. But cute attempt, Woods,” she drawled. Tyler laughed. 

“Hey, think about it like this. You’re pretty and I’m cute. Together we’d be Pretty Cute.” Judith held her poker face for a solid ten seconds before she let out small smile. 

“Tyler, you’re like cheddar because that was cheesy. Like white cheddar cheesy,” she said, highly amused. Tyler gave a dopey grin, slightly dazed by the cute sparkle in his crush’s eyes.

“Can you blame a man for trying?” Her raised brow was an answer enough. He raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Haha, sorry. that was probably too forward of me,” he said lamely, glancing away. Judith paused for a moment before saying,

“Talvez, mas eu me pego gostando. Você adorável idiota.“ Tyler raised a brow.

“I may not understand the language but I’m pretty sure I heard the word ‘idiot’ in there.” Judith gave a guileless smile.

“Did you, now,” she asked, a teasing tilt can be heard in her voice. Tyler narrow his eyes before chuckling.

“If you’re going to insult me, at least say it directly to my face in a way I could understand.” Judith’s answering laugh both surprised and pleased Tyler. It was so rich and warm, Tyler almost forgot why he was annoyed.

“Tyler, Tyler. You already know me to be direct. The only thing you don’t know there are times where I’m not. When you may ask? Well, looks like you’re going to have to figure out that one yourself.” Before Tyler could respond, the girl placed her book in her bag and got up.

“See you around, Tyler.” 

“See you...”

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“Girl, he’s got it bad. You said this has been going for a month?” Judith best friend, Stevie Sun, laughed. The girl had the decency to blush.

“Oh hush... it’s cute,” she mumbled. Stevie snorted, playfully shoving her usually stoic friend.

“A bit cringe is more like it. Didn’t you say that one time he greeted you with a line that went something like ‘What’s a smart, attractive man like myself doing without your phone number?’“ Judith cracked a smile, partially due to Stevie’s silly impression of Tyler’s voice but mostly because the memory of the silly pick up line.

She remembers clapping back with “Clearly not getting a phone number from a smart, beautiful young woman like myself your cheesy pick up lines. How are you this morning Tyler?”. 

She meant this playfully, of course. She was glad at least the Tyler had eased up around her to the point he understood when she was teasing him.

“Yes, he did say that. Like I said, I find it to be cute...” Stevie regarding Judith with a curious head tilt.

“So why haven’t you put him out of his misery and gone on a date with him yet?” The criminology major let out a soft sigh.

“I don’t think he’s super serious about going out with me, Stevie. No guy really paid me much mind in high school, especially due to the fact I prefer to be alone and being a PI part time. Sure I might seem interesting at the moment, but he’ll probably lose interest in a at some point,” Judith vented. Stevie rolled her eyes.

“Okay Ace, allow Mama Sun to speak some sense into you. One, you’re my best friend, so there’s no way you can be boring even if you tried. Two, those guys in high school were either idiots or too intimidated by you to even approach you. Their loss, by the way. Three, this has been going on for a month. I bet the man’s search engine is full of entries of what pick up lines he could use to get your attention. He approached you first, which is a first for any guy, and he seems as genuine as they come. If he’s not then I’m kicking his string bean ass all the way to Hong Kong.” Judith laughed.

“What! I’m being serious. Besides, you can be a college student, a kickass PI, and still be a relationship. Look at your cousin Jude Rose. He works full time and managed to bag himself a whole prince! And he acted just like you, playing hard to get and yet still Trystan managed to get him,” Stevie pressed. Judith shook her head fondly, remembering her surprise at how her equally hardass cousin got in a relationship with the exile Crowned Prince of Darkovia. 

“Hey! It kinda just happened, okay? When a man wants you, he’ll stop at nothing to get you.” Jude once said when they got on one their weekly phone calls. Judith remember laughing at him, appeasing her cousin with a playful “sure” before he started ribbing her.

“Okay, okay. I’ll accept his offer on a date next time he asks, just as long you promise to never call yourself ‘Mama Sun’ to me again,” Judith said. Stevie smacked her with a pillow.

“Mama Sun is always right!”

“Stevie!”

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Judith was at her usual booth, fiddling with her fingers. She’s never been asked out by any guy before, thus her lack of experience on being on a date. She knew the whole point of a date was to get to know the other person while (hopefully) having a good time together. But she had so many questions.

Where will they go?

What will they do?

Will they go out to eat?

What if she somehow managed to stain her clothes?

Should she get dressed up or should she dress casual?

Will Tyler try to make moves to be close to her?

Will Tyler try to kiss her-?

“You look down, Judith. Do you know what you need?” Judith’s head snapped up, slightly surprised to find Tyler’s boyish grin greeting her.

“A healthy dose of Vitamin Me.” She hide her giggle behind her hand, though to no avail. Tyler’s grin grew bigger at the sound of her laugh.

“Hey, there’s that beautiful laugh,” he cheered, causing the younger girl to blush. 

‘Damn it, what’s wrong with me?’

“Hello, Tyler,” she finally said, giving him a soft smile. Tyler let out a curious hum.

“No book today,” he promptly asked. Judith forced herself to steel her nerves as she answered.

“No... I wanted to give you my attention in case you had something important to ask me,” she said slowly. Tyler blinked, feeling the hope rise inside his chest.

“You know what, I do actually. I’m learning about important dates in history. Wanna be one of them?” Judith snorted.

“Another pick up line? Seriously,” she laughed. Tyler gave a one shouldered shrug.

“You haven’t told me to stop ever since we met so I don’t see the problem now. But on a serious note, will you go out on a date with me, Judith?” The girl let a shy smile cross her lips.

“Yes, I would love to... where would we go?” Tyler looked thoughtful for a moment.

“I’d like to take you to the movies, but they don’t let you bring in your own snacks,” he smirked. The girl blushed.

“Tyler!” 

“Okay, okay. I was think we could see the movie “Nope” say around 6:45?” The girl shook her head with a smile.

“It’s a date.”

[judeschoices]

⚠️ Spoiler Alert ⚠️

⚠️ Guinevere Spoiler ⚠️

👑 King Arthur/ Queen Artura's Art Scene 👑

👇 Images under cut 👇

PB, why did you have to name the queen as 'Artura' though? 😭

[judeschoices]

SPOILER ALERT

King Arthur/ Queen Artura

Hello, Your majestic. What is you fate this time? Happy forever with Guinevere or?

[judeschoices]

So I started reading Guinevere, and as someone with a degree where I minored in English Literature, oh boy do I have a lot of thoughts.

So, I’ve always loved Arthurian legends, but when I got into college I became especially interested in them during Medieval Literature courses. So here’s the thing many of you may not know, ahem…

Lancelot is NOT an “OG character” in these legends.

Arthur, Guinevere, and his knights were the stuff of ENGLISH legends hundreds of years before Lancelot was written in by a FRENCH author named Chrétien de Troyes.

The most famous example of literature concerning these characters is in Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory.

Basically, what I’m saying is, the French took a look at English legends and, while swirling around their wine, went “hmm… not scandalous enough… LET’S ADD A LOVE TRIANGLE!”

Now there is no Arthurian canon per se, but if most people had to point to one “canon” account they would probably pick Le Morte d’Arthur. In which the subsequent love triangle, affair, fall of Camelot and lots of deaths occur. I am assuming this is a huge source the Choices writers are pulling from.

Why do I care about any of this? Well my friends, you see….

I AM SICK!!!! SICK!!!! S I C K

OF PEOPLE BLAMING GUINEVERE FOR THE FALL OF CAMELOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is the French addition to the legend iconic? Yes. Does the thought of the love triangle make me weep bitter tears? Yes. Do I care that the French added on their flair to old English legends? No.

But I care deeply about how people perceive Queen Guinevere (a character previously known to be devoted to her husband Arthur and to Camelot) who, because of one French guy’s idea, is now considered an infamous adulterer who betrayed the best king England ever had just bc she couldn’t keep it in her pants and therefore she is responsible for the fall of paradise. HER. Not her AND Lancelot, a character specifically created to seduce her and create dRaMaAa, but her. It reeks of sexism to me and always has.

I’m probably not putting my words together very well bc this topic makes me heated, but I will NOT have slander put on my namesake, my precious Queen Guinevere’s name. That and I am firmly on team PROTECT ARTHUR PENDRAGON AT ALL COSTS!!!!!! Despite how much I like the concept of Lancelot’s character, it’s just always bothered me that one culture’s icons got hijacked by a different culture for the PLOT!!! THE DRAMA!!!!! And now that’s society’s perception of it. And what did it cost? Oh, you know, just a woman getting demoted from loving, faithful wife and beloved queen to being considered a treasonous, adulterous whore who destroyed England’s hopes for peace throughout the realm. Oh, and who was going to get murdered for it 🤷🏼‍♀️

[judeschoices]

How Far We’ve Come

Because I miss one hardass, but softie for MC, Elijah Sipes.

Book: Wake The Dead

Pairing: Elijah Sipes x Judith Archer (Black Female MC)

Rating: T (Teens)

Tags: Future-Based, Reflecting, Fluff, Mentions of violence

Summary: It’s been a year since Olympus has been founded and survived the 7-Year Surge. Judith found it nearly impossible to sleep and Eli finds it uncomfortable without her sleeping next to him. So the two of them reflected on the events that lead them to this very moment. Together at last, under the sparkling night sky.

“You should be sleeping.” Honey-brown eyes glanced over a moon-kissed shoulder, regarding the towering man silently before turning back to look at the full moon. Eli walked up silently before sitting behind the young woman on the window sill, wrapping his arms around her.

“I could say the same for you,” Judith responded softly under her breath, eyes never leaving the celestial bodies in the sky. Eli gently squeezed her closer, pressing his chest along the length of her back.

“I woke up when I realized you weren’t next to me,” he mumbled against the soft skin of her shoulder. Eli could feel the vibration of her gentle laugh against his lips.

“It’s funny that you say that. I was just thinking about how far we’ve come. I bet over a year ago, you couldn’t imagine hearing yourself say that. Especially since you threatened to kill me to prevent trouble coming to your doorstep,” she replied. The older man shook his head with a chuckle.

“Being alone was all I knew. With a face like yours, you were bound to bring all sorts of trouble to my life.” She raised a brow at this.

“A face like mine?”

“I always found you to be beautiful… your eyes were what drew me in the most. Even in the dark, they seem to shine like two suns. They’re captivating… you are captivating… but I couldn’t let that deter me or my focus on surviving.” A sharp canine gently wore down on her bottom lip as Judith felt a blush warm her cheeks.

Eli was a man of a few words… but when he spoke, he made them count. Usually, he’ll be short, blunt, and to the point. She knew he wouldn’t become a waxing poetic to just anyone.

“I didn’t realize you thought that way, Eli,” she whispered softly. Eli nuzzled her neck affectionately, squeezing her close.

“I did… even though part of me wanted to keep you at a distance… I’m glad I didn’t. I don’t regret a moment we shared together,” he mumbled softly against her pulse. Eli could feel the shudder run across the warm body in his arms.

“Not…not even that day at the carnival,” she asked shyly. Eli surprised Judith by giving her a rare smile.

“Not at all…” She turned to face him properly, slender fingers dancing over the healed bite mark adorning his neck.

“I find that hard to believe, especially after you got bitten,” she said. The memory of the drone sinking its disgusting teeth into Eli’s skin was something that Judith would never forget. She could’ve lost the man she developed feelings for long before she was ready to confess. Before seeing if there was a remote chance of them exploring what these feelings meant. Where they could possibly lead...

A larger hand reached up to cover her own, dark hazel eyes looking directly into hardened amber ones. Judith blinked as if she was coming back to herself. Eli met her gaze with steady determination.

“I would be a liar and say that I didn’t berate myself that day. I kissed you even though I told myself to stay away from you. You kept me alive even though you knew the rule of what happens when someone gets bit. I almost killed you because you refused to kill me…” Eli fell quiet for a moment, taking in the face of the woman who wiggled her way into his heavily guarded heart.

Judith was a beautiful young woman, Eli would have to be dead not to notice. Bright-colored eyes that turn into molten gold under the natural lighting. A diamond-shaped face softened the plump curve of her cheeks.  A cute nose that would wrinkle at anyone who annoyed or sassed her. Full dark brows that would communicate at least 60% of her answers. Full lips that held a particular sweetness that Eli just can’t get enough of. Long ombré colored locs that would tumble over her shoulders and upper back. Dark brown skin marred by battle scars, but still soft and warm to the touch.

“But I couldn’t find in myself to regret being with you. Not then, not now, not ever.” Judith let out a shaky breath at his confession, cheeks flushing in a deep red.

“I... don’t regret taking a chance on you either,” she said quietly, forcing herself to hold his gaze.

Judith has never really experienced love or romantic feelings before. No one at the Tower really interested her and the guys there seem to find it a fun sport of bad mouthing her and calling her all types of racial slurs. Jaime would step in and threaten to break their teeth in if she ever caught them harassing her but Judith tried to block them out and ignore them whenever she wasn’t around. 

It was the apocalypse, she couldn’t really see herself being with someone and having a family of her own.

That was of course until she met Eli.

It was unconventional.

Her Knight in Army-clad armor was quick to aim his arrow at her heart after he saved her and her friends from being devoured by zombies. Even with his steely gaze, Judith couldn’t help but admire his eyes. At first, she thought he had brown eyes until she saw him in proper lighting. Flashes of green appeared in his iris, reminding her of the forest surrounding his cabin.

And Judith had eyes. She would have to be a zombie not to notice how handsome Eli was.

Dark hazel eyes framed by long dark lashes. Full brows that framed his eyes and face structure perfectly. Full lips that stuck out no matter how much he frowned or scowled. The facial hair outlined his strong jawline. The small scars that decorated his face. Even with his dark wavy hair outfitted in a mohawk that Judith never fully understood.

Don’t get her started on his body. Judith has been lifted up by Eli several times, mainly to save her ass from a zombie trying to eat her. But it never fails to make her secretly blush at how easily he’s able to do so.

But Eli was more than a handsome face with a fit body. He was a source of comfort for her. Even though he helped Dirk drag her awhile from Jaime, he expressed many times he understood her. That he truly saw her, no matter how hard she tried to hide behind a reassuring smile.

He just seems to get her. And it seemed natural for her to get him too…

”I do admit, I’m glad you said that. I know I didn’t make it easy to get close.” Judith smiled, before pecking his lips.

”Some things in life are never easy. That’s why they’re worthwhile,” she whispered. Eli’s tongue swiped over his lips, eyes dark with intent. He leaned in, pressing his lips against Judith’s soft ones.

The young woman let out a soft sigh through her nose, parting her lips for Eli to get a deeper taste. The man let out an answering groan when the familiar taste of her ignited his senses. The two shared a small battle before Judith submitted to Eli’s building desire.

It was when he moved from her lips to her neck that she gave a little jump.

“Oh!” Eli immediately stopped upon hearing her, brows creased with worry.

“What is it,” he asked, body wounded up tight as if he was ready to jump into action at a moment’s notice. Judith let out a small laugh.

“I think our little one is trying to tell you to give me a break. I don’t think they appreciate your passionate actions last night as I did,” she teased, gaze turning down to her extended belly. Eli relaxed at this, giving a small smile. His large rugged hands trailed down to Judith’s stomach, rubbing it soothingly.

“My apologies, little one. I didn’t mean to wake you up last night,” he said to his unborn child. Judith loved seeing this softer side of Eli, especially when he interacted with the baby growing inside her.

Their baby.

“You’re lucky that you’re not carrying them. They gave me hell over it almost the entire day today,” she snorted before wincing a bit when a tiny foot pushed against her skin. Eli ran his hand over the spot, soothing the child living her stomach before leaving a kiss beneath her ear as an apology.

“I’m glad I’m not, but that doesn’t mean I don’t admire you for doing so. You’re so strong for doing this. Something our kid seems to demonstrate already,” he whispered. There was a brief pause before Eli spoke again.

“What gender do you think our baby is?” Judith took on a thoughtful expression.

“I think it’s a boy, personally,” she answered, entwining her fingers with Eli’s. The man smiled.

“Interesting, I was thinking the same thing… would you be disappointed if we had a girl instead?” Judith shook her head.

“No, not at all. If we did have a girl, she would probably be a badass like her mama,” she replied with a smirk. Eli rolled his eyes before pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“Hopefully our kid wouldn’t inherit your ability to throw yourself head first into danger.”

“Hey!” Eli laughed at the woman’s offended cry. He pecked her lips before looking into her eyes.

“Though I do hope they inherit your eyes… that beautiful honey brown that would shine even in the darkest of nights.” Judith fought back the blush that threatened to burn her face. Damn Eli’s ability to tease her and make her feel like mush in less than a minute…

“Our kid is gonna be beautiful. They have the finest parents around after all,” she said with a wink. Eli let out an amused hum before dropping his gaze to her belly.

“Thought of any names?”

“Yeah… Kayden David Sipes for a boy and Preach Jaime Sipes for a girl.” Eli squeezed his love close.

“They would be honored to hear that, you know?” Judith looked into Eli’s dark hazel eyes.

“I know… and they would be proud to see how far we came. Together as a couple. I love you, Elijah.”

“I love you too, Judith Lupa Sipes…”