#choices thomas hunt

[alj4890]

In Times of Comfort

(Thomas Hunt x OC) in a Choices Red Carpet Diaries/The Royal Romance Crossover drabble.

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: a kiss to the forehead, meant to soothe.

A/N Thomas Hunt x Amanda after Maxwell's death in *While We're Young AU*) as requested by @twinkleallnight This is shortly after Amanda and her daughters move to California in an attempt to get away from reminders of Maxwell and his death.

Rating G for angsty fluff

Trigger Warnings: mentions of character death and grieving

@hopelessromantic1352 @trappedinfanfiction ​​@flyawayboo ​​ ​​  @sophxwithers @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @choicesficwriterscreations

Masterlist

"I don't know." Emily Beaumont mumbled. "It doesn't feel right to go to a party."

Amanda sat quietly as her daughters debated on whether or not to go out for the evening.

Her older daughter, Nicky, had become Addison Sinclaire's assistant. Working with the famed costume designer allowed her to meet and mingle with many of the actors who graced the theater screens.

Since Hollywood was a town where one needed to be seen, there were numerous parties nearly every night. It made sense that the invitations were beginning to roll in for Cordonia's beloved Beaumont sisters. They were young, beautiful, fun, and incredibly sweet.

Their party loving nature came from their late father. Amanda knew how much fun they used to have in going out before his death. She hated that they felt like they had to remain away from everyone and grieve. She knew Maxwell wouldn't have wanted that for them.

"I think you should go." Amanda told them, picking at the food on her plate.

"But--" Emily was about to argue.

"We've been here for two months." Her mother pointed out. "We finally finished unpacking and I think you girls should celebrate that accomplishment."

Nicky reached over and placed her hand on hers.

"What about you, Mom? Would you like to come with us?"

Amanda shook her head, keeping her eyes lowered. "No, I think I'll stay in."

The girls shared a glance.

That's all their mother did. She rarely left the home they'd settled in. She refused invitations to meet friends for lunch or dinner. She only went out if they needed something from the grocery store or if Thomas asked for her help at the studio.

They knew that she was still in complete anguish over losing their father. Her once bright, sunny personality was shuttered away. She'd still smile at them and try and be her old self, but they knew it was an act.

Nicky and Emily could hear her muffled sobs late at night. Amanda would usually go to bed early, claiming she was exhausted, and lock herself away with the memories of her beloved husband.

The girls were still grieving, but nothing like how their mother was.

"Okay." Nicky got up to clear her and her sister's plate away. "We'll leave in an hour Em."

Emily pushed back from the table. She didn't want to leave her mother alone but she knew if she put up an argument, she'd end up upsetting both her and Nicky.

She knew her sister needed a break from the sadness. They all did. But Emily's heart hurt more for their mom than for her own loss. She couldn't imagine losing someone who was not only a best friend but also one's true love.

She paused on her way to go upstairs and swooped down, engulfing her mother in a hug from behind.

Amanda blinked back tears over it.

Maxwell used to do that, she thought to herself.

He was always coming up behind her and wrapping her up in a hug. She wondered if her Emily even knew how many traits she shared with her father.

She reached back and gently patted her daughter's cheek.

"Love you, Mums." Emily said softly.

"Love you too, angel." Amanda replied, kissing her cheek. "I want you to have a good time tonight." She smiled at her. "Dance for me, okay?"

Emily nodded.

"Good. Now go put on that new dress Nicky picked out for you. I know you're going to be a knockout in it. Hollywood won't know what to do with you once they see you."

Emily snorted on a giggle. "I don't know about that."

"Trust me. My girls are nothing but gorgeous." Amanda got up to get rid of her barely touched plate. "Just try and prove me wrong."

Emily beamed at her then ran upstairs.

Once she was out of sight, Amanda went into the kitchen.

"Leave those." She ordered. "I'll clean them."

"But you did the cooking." Nicky argued. "Beaumont's always split the chores."

Amanda briefly closed her eyes. Maxwell used to tell their daughters that every time they did something together.

"I know." She managed to say without crying. "But, I want you to go dress up. You deserve a night of carefree fun after all you've been through."

Nicky averted her eyes. She couldn't imagine a worse time in her life. Not only had she lost her beloved father, but she'd also lost her own, what she once believed, true love. She would be lying if she said she didn't need to go out and get her mind off of things, even if it was for a few hours. She needed a distraction to stop thinking about life without her father and life without Lord Jackson Nevrakis-Walker.

Setting a dishtowel down, she hugged her mother tight.

Amanda held her, gently smoothing her daughter's hair. She wished she could take all of her pain away. It killed her to see her Nicky like this.

Nicky sighed and stepped back. "I'll do my best to be carefree."

"Good." Amanda shooed her out of the kitchen. "I want you to smile and enjoy everything tonight."

"I'll try." She promised.

*****************

"How do we look, Mums?" Emily twirled around.

Amanda nodded, forcing a smile. "Gorgeous. Just like I knew you would."

"We'll be back early." Nicky promised.

"You'll do nothing of the sort!" Amanda followed them to the door. "I don't want to hear you coming in until the sun is rising."

"Yeah, but--" Emily tried to tell her they didn't want her left alone.

"I mean it." Amanda said in a firm tone. "Have a night of pure fun."

Nicky looped her arm with her sister's to tug her out the door.

"We'll do our best." She told her.

Once the door closed, both girls finally gave in to their worries.

"We can't leave her alone!" Emily grumbled. "You know what she's going to do while we're gone."

"I know. But she won't stop worrying about us if we don't go." Nicky slid into the back of a waiting town car.

Emily followed her, brow furrowed as she looked back at the place they were currently calling home.

Nicky chewed on her bottom lip while trying to think of what to do. If they were in Cordonia, she wouldn't be as worried. She knew her parents' friends would be there, drawing her mother out of her grief.

If only they had someone close by who could do the same--

"I'll call Uncle Thomas." Nicky told her sister. "He'll go check on her for us."

"You think he's home?" Emily asked, hope tinging her voice.

"I know he isn't at a party." Nicky teased.

The girls leaned their heads close together as they waited anxiously with each unanswered ring.

"Hello?" Thomas said on the fifth ring.

"Uncle Thomas?" Nicky greeted with a great deal of relief. "It's me and Emily."

"Is everything all right?" He asked.

"Kinda." Emily replied.

It didn't take long before the girls shared their worries with him.

"I'll go over there." He promised. "Don't worry, I'll make sure Amanda isn't alone tonight."

"Thank you." Nicky said, fighting back tears.

"We knew we could count on you to help her." Emily added. "Maybe she'll open up to you. Mums is keeping everything inside and won't talk to us about how she's feeling."

"I know she's doing it to not upset us." Nicky explained. "She's trying to make everything normal or at least as normal as things can be right now."

"I see." Thomas reassured them again he'd go over there.

When the girls ended the call, he sat back in his chair as he debated what to do. He knew if he called and gave Amanda any warning that he was coming over, she'd probably do her best to talk him out of it. Deciding that he wasn't going to put her through that type of stress, he got up and grabbed his car keys.

He wasn't entirely sure what he should do once he got there, but he was determined to try and help someone he deeply cared for.

****************

As soon as she knew the girls weren't coming back for anything they might have forgotten, Amanda sank down onto the couch and allowed her depression to finally be set free.

Tears began fall in steady paths down her cheeks as she stared at the wall. She pulled her knees to her chest, rested her chin on them, and thought about Maxwell. How could she possibly go on without him? He'd been everything to her. Her entire world revolved around him and the family they'd created.

She didn't have him here reassuring her with the decisions she'd made. Did she do right in taking the girls out of Cordonia? With Nicky's infamous breakup, Emily being publicly cheated on, and Maxwell's death; she couldn't see a way around it. They needed to get away from so many memories.

But...

She had so many here in California with Maxwell. With each of them writing and their novels being used for movies and series, they'd spent a lot of their time together in Hollywood. Perhaps she shouldn't have accepted Thomas's suggestion to come here.

Her breaths became audible as she began to think about her past. Romantic moments with Maxwell began to go through her mind. All the anniversaries where he went above and beyond what most would deem normal struck hard. She could recall each outrageous gift, the kisses, the moments alone, his words of love...everything.

She realized why those were haunting her tonight. Tomorrow would have been their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

*****************

A few months earlier...

"This is a big one." Maxwell teased. "We have to really think hard about how to celebrate this anniversary."

"What did you have in mind?" Amanda asked, looping her arms around his neck.

His lips curved as he pulled her close for a kiss.

"Definitely a whole lot of that." He winked at her. "I think we should do a second honeymoon after a Beaumont Bash that puts all previous bashes to shame."

"Isn't that what you say about every new Beaumont Bash?" She teased.

"Yeah, but this one is for my all-time favorite love story." He explained, kissing her deeply. "I can't think of anything more important than celebrating you and me."

"Neither can I." She sank into his embrace, feeling all the thrills his touch still gave her after all these years together.

"Good. I'm thinking for our second honeymoon, we go somewhere where we can be alone." His eyes closed when she kissed his neck. "After all our travels with the girls and everybody, I need you all to myself for a while."

"How long's a while?" She asked, loving his ideas as usual.

"A month." He decided. "If we go longer, I know you'll get tired of me."

"Impossible." She smiled up at him.

He grinned. His dimples she adored deepened with her saying what he hoped was still true.

"There's that reason why I married you!" He laughed when she playfully pushed him away.

Maxwell snagged her hand, twirling her back within his arms.

"I love you so much, Lady Beaumont." He whispered in her ear, hugging her tight.

"I love you too, Lord Beaumont."

***************

Amanda buried her head against her knees as her body became wracked with sobs.

***************

Thomas was relieved he had a spare key. When his knock went unanswered, he quietly slipped inside. Before he could even take a step over the threshold, he could hear Amanda crying.

He shut the door and followed the sounds into the living room.

His heart ached at the sight of her curled up on the couch. Her shoulders shook with each hoarse cry for Maxwell. All the tears had turned her hazel eyes gray.

Without a word, he sat down beside her and gently pulled her into his arms.

Amanda clutched tight to him, burying her face against his shoulder as she continued to cry her heart out.

He sat there, occasionally rubbing her back and allowed her to simply grieve.

She needed this. She needed someone to remain quiet and not speak the usual platitudes of time healing. She didn't want anyone crying with her. She didn't mean to be selfish, but she needed her grief to be front and center. Anyone else sobbing beside her would have made her feel like she had to stop her own sorrow to comfort them.

With her daughters, it was different. Their broken hearts broke hers in a different way, thus making her be the strong one. She knew she had to help hold them while the onslaught of slashes from depression struck their tender hearts.

Maxwell had been the one to always hold Amanda and simply let her cry. For their entire life together, she knew she could turn to him without hesitation or worry over what he might think. She allowed herself to drop all her barriers and simply be the timid little girl who feared losing loved ones she thought she still was.

She'd lost her parents when she was twelve. Her uncle, when she was barely twenty. And now she'd lost the one man who had been by her side throughout all those deaths that had nearly broken her.

How could she possibly recover from losing Maxwell without him here to hold her?

Her sobs eventually quieted. The tears still fell as she simply remained in Thomas's arms. She was exhausted from this harsh episode and didn't even have the strength to apologize for crying so hard on him.

Thomas rested his head against hers and continued to hold her tight as if willing his strength to give her comfort.

Amanda swallowed, eyes closing when she felt him place a kiss on her forehead. She didn't realize how much she needed that tender reassurance that she was not alone.

On instinct, she curled more against his side, selfishly taking every scrap of comfort he was giving her.

He gently brushed her hair back that was sticking to her damp cheeks. With one arm around her waist, he began to run his fingers through her hair, slowly soothing her back into a calm state of mind.

He wasn't entirely certain how long they sat like that with neither saying a word. Thomas only knew he would stay there for as long as she needed him to.

When the clock chimed one in the morning, he knew Amanda had fallen asleep in his arms. He carefully eased away from her to find a blanket to cover her up with.

He paused when she grasped his hand.

"Please." She pleaded in a hoarse whisper. "Please, don't leave me. I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't ask it of you but--"

Her red rimmed eyed held his. They revealed the deep well of pain that threatened to consume her once more.

"I'm not going anywhere." He promised. "I'm only going to retrieve a blanket for us."

Her head jerked in a nod of understanding as fresh tears pricked her eyes once more.

He found a blanket in a hall closet and sat back down beside her. Before she could even move, he pulled her back within his arms then draped the blanket over them both.

Thomas pressed another kiss to her forehead once she rested her cheek on his shoulder.

"Rest." He whispered, his lips brushing her skin with each word. "I'll be right here the whole time."

Amanda hugged him close to her. Exhaustion won out before she could stay awake long enough to thank him.

Her last thought before sleep took over was that she didn't know how to move on from Maxwell, but having Thomas here made the notion of having to do so a little less painful.

[alj4890masterlist]

Worth the Wait

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) in a "what if" version to the RCD/TRR fan fic series A Second Chance

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

Happy New Year!

[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [Red Carpet Diaries]

Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer (F!OC) Book: Red Carpet Diaries Word Count: ~450 Rating: General: no warnings, just fluff Prompts: New Year's Eve @choicesficwriterscreations & @choicesholidays ; first kiss in the new year @choicesjanuary2024

Synopsis: Alex and Thomas spend New Year's Eve at a Charity gala.

This incredibly gorgeous portrait of my OTP is by the amazing ArtbyAinna (Insta). I've been holding onto this art for almost 2 years. I can't even begin to express how much I love this piece. It is one of my favorites of them ever. It's so tender and soft and romantic and it's so very, very much them. I truly can't thank Ainna enough for bringing this vision to life.

The ballroom gleamed with soft hues of gold, set against brilliant black. Flickers of gold twinkled like stars in the night upon the ceiling. The shimmering decor exuded elegance, while the subdued lighting provided a warm, inviting ambiance for the luxurious New Year’s Eve charity gala. The event began with a cocktail reception, followed by a charity auction, and finally, a countdown to the New Year celebration.

While most of the guests let loose near the bar or on the dance floor, moving to the beats of a famed DJ he had never heard of, Thomas and Alex found themselves drawn to a quieter corner, avoiding the boisterous revelry. The strands of lights behind them warmed them with their golden glow, a serene environment for the pair to lose themselves together while the year ticked away.

Their movements were slow and graceful as the pair swayed to a melody of their own. Thomas held Alex close in his gentle embrace, his hands resting softly on the small of her back. Alex’s arms circled around his neck as she nestled her head on his shoulder. Her eyes closed, relaxing in the comfort of his arms. She knew if it were up to him, he would have left the second the auction had ended, perhaps even before, had they accepted his offer to purchase a few pieces before the event. But still, he was here with her—because of her. A radiant smile spread across her lips; there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her, but that feeling was mutual.

“I love you,” she whispered softly. She tipped her head slightly, her gaze meeting his.

His lips brushed gently against her forehead, placing a tender, lingering kiss. “I love you, too, my Alex.”

The cheers of celebration grew louder, the countdown to the New Year beginning.

“Would you like to join in?” He questioned, though his arms remained warmly around her.

“I have everything I need right here.”

“I could not agree more.”

They leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender kiss even before the countdown was completed.

As cheers of “Happy New Year” filled the space, the pair stayed together, locked in a loving embrace. No matter what the future held, as long as they were together, they would make it through.

“Ready to go?” Alex whispered when they parted. She held her hand toward him.

"Almost." He couldn't resist stealing one more kiss. It was the first of many kisses to follow, but it was enough for now “Happy New Year, my love”

"Happy New Year, Thomas!"

He laced his fingers with hers, guiding her out of the ballroom, without a glance back toward the party, still in full strength. All they needed was each other, their children safely asleep at home, and their beloved black lab.

As much as I'd love to hold onto it, I feel like it's time to share it with the world. I know Thomas and Alex aren't a popular pairing but I appreciate any and all support of them now and always.They will always be the couple that I hold closest to my heart.

[storyofmychoices]

I can't believe we've reached the end of 2023. It was an up and down year for me personally. I've been struggling more with my health in these last couple of months with little answers as of now. But I'm grateful to be able to come here and interact with this fandom. I am so grateful to all the amazing people that are still here. We may be small, but this fandom has such heart. I have loved finding new people to follow and become friends with this year. I've loved hosting the book clubs and getting to know people and their MCs better through that. 2023 in the fandom is definitely one to remember.

I am proud of all the things I've written this year. It has been fun to continue exploring my OTPs. If I counted correctly, I shared 74 stories. It's not my most active year, but it's more than I thought I had.

Thank you to everyone who has ever supported me and my writing. I can't tell you how much it means to me.

I hope everyone has a beautiful and amazing 2024. May only good things come your way 💛💛💛

Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer  [HollywoodU]  [Red Carpet Diaries]

New Traditions (+ Art):Thomas and Alex try to enjoy some lights at a holiday festival.

Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley[Open Heart]

After Dark (text fic): Olivia finds an unexpected advertisement on Instagram.

A Winter’s Walk/Snow Angels (+ Art): Bryce and Olivia take an evening walk in the park following a snow storm.

Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer  [HollywoodU]  [Red Carpet Diaries]

Distraction: Thomas is the guest of honor at a party in December, but our favorite grumpy director would rather be somewhere else.

Hoppy Easter: Alex gets her family together for a perfect Easter photo.

Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley[Open Heart]

After Dark II: Satisfaction Guaranteed: Bryce has a special surprise waiting for Olivia.

Dance With Me (+ Art) : Bryce and Olivia take an afternoon walk in the park and things take an interesting turn.

Texting Gone Wrong (text fic): Olivia accidentally sends a picture meant for Bryce to Tobias. [featuring Tobias x Casey]

Happy Birthday, Olivia (+ Art): Bryce has a special surprise for Olivia to celebrate her birthday (March 9).

Unspoken: Olivia comforts Bryce after a difficult day at the hospital.

An Early Morning:Bryce attempts to get up early to start his day.

Flipping Love (+Art): Bryce attempts to make pancakes for Olivia.

Our Future Doctor (+Art):  Bryce and Olivia enjoy the morning with their daughter.

Mal Volari x Daenarya [Blades of Light and Shadow]

A Thief in the Gardens (+ Art): Mal and Daenarya are idiots in love (is that a synopsis?)

Daenarya Character Profile

Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer  [HollywoodU]  [Red Carpet Diaries]

Love Among the Pages: Thomas and Alex enjoy a quiet afternoon reading.

Together As One: Thomas and Alex enjoy a quiet movie night in.

No Greater Gift : Thomas enjoys a tender moment on Father’s Day.

The Bogart Diaries #37: A Special Day:  Thomas has a surprise for Alex and Bogart on this very special day.

Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley[Open Heart]

This is Survival: Olivia and Bryce have two very different approaches for dealing with Zombies. [Zombie AU]

Breathe: Olivia leads a yoga breathing lesson for some of her patients

Whispers of the Sea: Bryce and Olivia enjoy a day at the beach. (Pregnancy fic)

Babysitting: Olivia overhears Bryce say he “needs to babysit” Malia.

Mal Volari x Daenarya [Blades of Light and Shadow]

A Meadow Affair [OT3]: Mal, Daenarya, and Nia are enjoying a lazy picnic in a secluded meadow.

Trystan Thorne x Lilah Rose [Crimes of Passion]

Dealing with a Narcissist : Lilah is attempting to read a new case file but Trystan is being distracting.

Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer  [HollywoodU + Red Carpet Diaries]

In the Stillness of Sunrise:  Thomas and Alex share a soft morning moment.

Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley[Open Heart]

A Sweet Surprise: Bryce helps Olivia surprise her pediatric patients with a cool, sweet treat.

Can I Have this Dance?: Some dances last a few minutes, others a lifetime, but every so often, there’s one that lasts forever.

Anchored in Love: Bryce and Olivia share a tender moment between patients.

The Warmth of Love (Bryce x Olivia): Morning snuggles with Bryce and Olivia aka the literal sunshine couple.

Mal Volari x Daenarya [Blades of Light and Shadow]

Beyond Riverbend: A Kit's Call to Adventure:A certain smug adventure has gotten under Daenarya’s skin, but she won’t let him define her.

The Reign of a Short King: Mal is very insistent that a half inch makes all the difference… in his height 😉 

How to Distract a Rogue : Daenarya devises a new way to keep Mal distracted.

Old Hair, New Look: Daenarya has a few thoughts about Mal’s new armor (from Blades 2) + ART

Crime and Punishment: Mal expresses the idea of never leaving bed, but Daenarya has an idea of her own.

Trystan Thorne x Lilah Rose [Crimes of Passion]

Close Talking: Lilah is at the office, typing up her report on the Iverson Ball, when Trystan stops by to check on her.

Happy 4th with Marple: Lilah shares a celebratory pictagram post featuring Marple

Troy Hassan x Astraea Callen [Wake the Dead]

The Princess + The Dragon: Astraea is ready to start the day, but Troy just wants to sleep.

Shadows and Deceptions: A Royal Murder Mystery (Mini Series) [TRR, COP, BOLAS, & D&D]

In the heart of Cordonia’s grand ballroom, an eclectic cast of characters gathers, their lives interwoven as a result of a shocking turn of events. Trystan Thorne, the exiled prince with a taste for mystery, Olivia Nevrakis, the snarky Duchess skilled with daggers, Tyril Starfury, the noble elf Lord a defender of the realm, Amalas, the enigmatic spy queen, and Prince Hamid, the charming and formal imperial prince. Amidst the grand party of the birth of King Liam’s third heir, Princess Ariana, the joyous celebration is broken by a piercing scream, a dead body, and a room full of royal suspects.

Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer  [HollywoodU + Red Carpet Diaries]

Coffee + Dinosaurs:  Alex has a coffee fueled idea. (We should all be worried 😉)

Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley[Open Heart]

Tides of Change: With the news of the spreading wildfires on the picturesque island he grew up on, Bryce knows he can't sit by and do nothing.

Pages of Emotion: Olivia and Bryce enjoy a quiet evening of reading on the porch of their new house.

Mystery Unlocked: Ethan keeps skipping out on their Escape the Room group date nights, so they bring the mystery to him. feat: Tobias x Casey, Ethan x Merida

Mal Volari x Daenarya [Blades of Light and Shadow]

Restless Shadows: Daenarya puts on a brave face during the day, but alone at night, she's haunted by her grief.

Chosen by Light: Mal has some questions for Daenarya after seeing her use Light magic.

A Royal Portrait: Daenarya and Maiele pose for a royal portrait, while Tyril and Mal discuss their partners. feat: Tyril x Maiele

The Cutest Goof: Daenarya has some thoughts on Mal's new armor.

Trystan Thorne x Lilah Rose [Crimes of Passion]

Between Coffee & Cases: an unexpected day: Lilah is pouring over the clues they've uncovered, looking for the missing piece, when Trystan surprises her with a special offer.

Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley [Open Heart]

Our Little Girl: Bryce and Olivia head to their latest ultra sound appointment to find out the gender of their little one

Obvious Secrets: Olivia and Bryce are at the beer garden with friends and she has a (not so secret) secret to share with him.

Mal Volari x Daenarya [Blades of Light and Shadow]

Shadows of Hope: She was there, and then she was gone. Mal would move heaven and earth to bring her back, but what happens when he can't? [Blades 2, Chapter 1]

Her Legacy:She may be gone, but she could never be forgotten. She lives on in the stories he tells and the hope he inspires. [Blades 2, Chapter 2]

A Quest for Daenarya: After hearing her stories, Thalassa, Ovisa, and Lysander decide it is their quest to bring Daenarya back to Mal, they just never imagined it would be so easy. [Blades 2, Chapter 3]

Sculpting Desires: (Mal x Daeny, Mal x Tyril, Tyril x Maiele): Daenarya considers a possible future as a sculptor with a very willing model. [Blades 2, Chapter 5]

Go On, Feel It: Mal makes an offer Daenarya can’t refuse.

Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer  [HollywoodU +Red Carpet Diaries]

Always and Whatever Comes Next (+ Art): Alex finally has a chance to teach Thomas how to ice skate.

Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley [Open Heart]

Obvious Secrets (+ Art): Olivia and Bryce are at the beer garden with friends and she has a (not so secret) secret to share with him.

Our Little Pumpkin (+ Art): Olivia and Bryce are on the quest for the perfect pumpkin

Thanksgiving's Little Miracle: Happy Birthday, Malia! (+ Art) : Bryce and Olivia celebrate the birth of their daughter, Malia.

Cuddles and Curiosities: Olivia & Bryce cuddle with their almost 2 week old baby girl.

The Greatest Gift: There is just one last gift that needs to be wrapped.

Impossibly Perfect (+ Art): Bryce, Olivia, and Keiki are taking a walk through the park on their way to do some last minute Christmas shopping.

Holiday Cheer (+ Art): Olivia, Merida (lilyoffandoms), and Casey (jerzwriter) decide to decorate the Diagnostic Office.

Mal Volari x Daenarya [Blades of Light and Shadow]

Vintage Dreams: Mal and Daenarya drink some wine and have some fun. [with Tyril x Maiele]

Drunk on Love: Mal is very drunk, but he is also very much in love with Daenarya.

A Development of Sorts: Daenarya has some complicated feelings about her best friend, Maiele. Mal is a huge gossip and can't wait to share. [with Tyril x Maiele, Tyril x Mal, Maiele x Daenarya]

The Rogues Embrace (+ Art): Mal loves talking. Tyril is tired of listening and has found a good way to shut him up, even if just for a moment. [Tyril x Mal]

Beneath the Mistletoe: Daenarya and Maiele find themselves beneath the mistletoe. [Maiele x Daenarya, Tyril x Mal]

Mal the Magnificent: Young Mal Volari gets a bucket stuck on his head. [Blades Prequel]

The Promise of Tomorrow (+Art): Mal and Daenarya share a moment together the morning after her return. [This follows The Quest for Daenarya] [Blades 2, Chapter 3]

Torn: Daenarya is back and trying to process what happened. [Blades 2, Chapter 4]

The Princess of Parnassus and The Trophy Husband (+ Art): Daenarya and Mal enjoy a much needed relaxing afternoon while contemplating what comes next. [Blades 2, post book]

Trystan Thorne x Lilah Rose [Crimes of Passion]

No Kissing (+ Art): After the events of Drakovia, Lilah has a new rule. No kissing while on a case.

Follow Your Heart to New York (+ Art): Trystan and Lilah share a quiet moment in the city that never sleeps.

Levi Schuler x Laura Day [Mother of the Year]

Flickers of Light (+ Art): Levi and Lily celebrate Hanukkah, despite some reluctance.

[choiceswithmika]

Birthday :)

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A post shared by Mikaylyn Ortega 💍 (@choiceswithmika)

Posted a birthday edit on instagram but happy birthday @lovealexhunt !!

[cherrycruise]

TOM CRUISE at NICKELODEON'S 14th Annual Kids' Choice Awards

[lovealexhunt]

Happy Holidays to you! I hope you are having a wonderful day!! Thank you for sending me sweet messages, I always appreciate them, so here's a little gift for you <3 I hope I did him justice!

lksdjflkjdf ohmygosh!!! I did not expect this at all!!! LOOK AT HIM!!!!!!!!!!! He's perfect!!!

^^^ actually me right now. Seriously this was so thoughtful and kind and sweet and ohmygosh!!!! THANK YOU!!!! I love this so so much!!!

I hope you holidays were filled with wonderful memories and good times. You deserve all the lovely things! Thank you again! I am blown away by this!!!

[tveitertotwrites]

Rereading the AME series and I forgot that Thomas Hunt shows up in book 1. Like when I saw his name, I did a double take.

Like this version does not sound like him to me.

Nvm, he's back

[gutsfics]

a collection

[princepotatosack]

ermmm who else making fake letterboxd pages for the movies in red carpet diaries as a way to cope with a job rejection 😳😳😳

notes below lol

it was a really cool job it was in a library in like the middle of the woods. but youre not here to read about that haha.

hmmm i am trying to reflect on my design choices so i can write about them but honestly not a lot of thoughts went into this, just a mug of black coffee and disappointment :-/

also it's been such a long time since i played this series so forgive me if i got any of the plot details wrong since i literally can;t remember :'-(

it was fun writing the synopses for the movies though! and whoops i forgot the tagline for the last duchess :-(

the ratings and other stats are totally random, so don't read too much into it

i started feeling better once i got to the last one tee hee and as a result i didnt want to do this anymore which is why ninradell is the WORST looking one lmfaooo

they never said who played the sage in ninradell so i casted aliana velazquez from LOA since we never really got to see what her career was like oustide of the riverdale clone from that one chapter :-) rip aliana :-(

[hopelessromantic1352]

I honestly kind of forgot I made this magazine cover 🙈😆 I decided to make it so y’all could see Natalia’s dress and hair from chapter 13 of New Beginnings.

Thomas tags: @alleksa16 @alj4890 @kuladekiwi @lxaah11 @lilyoffandoms @moodyvalentinestories

FCs: Emmy Rossum and Jon Hamm

[alj4890]

Worth the Wait

(Thomas Hunt x OC) in a what if to A Second Chance AU

@hopelessromantic1352 @trappedinfanfiction @my-heart-beats-for-ya ​ @aworldoffandoms ​​ @flyawayboo ​​ ​​  @sophxwithers @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @choicesficwriterscreations @peonierose @krsnlove

Masterlist

Part 1

Thomas took the rest of the week off from work. After Amanda's announcement, it had been impossibe to concentrate. He instead spent time alone contemplating the fact that he would be a father in six months or so.

The very notion was so unbelievable that he could hardly wrap his mind around it. For years, he had never planned on marriage or having a family.

He grimaced as he reminded himself how all that had changed when he first started dating Amanda. He had fallen in love with her not only hard but also, at least in his opinion, fast. He had to force himself to keep his feelings in check until he was certain of her reciprocating them.

Then he went out and purchased an engagement ring.

If she had not broken up with him, he knew they would be in the midst of planning a wedding...instead of a nursery.

Perhaps they would be doing both.

He still had the ring tucked away upstairs in his nightstand. He couldn't seem to drum up the will to get rid of it.

It'd been the first time in his life that he willingly bought something that would permanently change his carefully laid plans of a bachelor.

He dropped his head in his hands. The past few nights he'd either had Amanda join him for dinner at a restaurant, her hotel suite, or here in his home. He knew they needed to work on their relationship before their child came into the world.

Thomas though, wanted more.

Maybe.

He honestly didn't know what to make of the feelings she had stirred up within him once again.

Being around her after all that occurred was both wonderful and yet utterly miserable. His heart ached from not touching her...kissing her...simply holding her within his arms.

It also ached with the fact the relationship they once had was destroyed. There was no way, at least that he could detect, in picking up where they'd left off.

They couldn't possibly...could they?

He jumped when he heard the gate buzzer.

Checking the time, he frowned at it being too early for Amanda's arrival.

The last thing he wanted was Addison and Holly poking around in this delicate matter. He knew they had taken these past few days off and spent them with Amanda. He was surprised they waited this long to talk the situation over with him.

"Yes?" He answered.

"We're here!"

His eyes widened at the sound of his brother-in-law's cheery voice.

"Thomas?" His sister Rachel called out. "Aren't you going to open the gate for us?"

He'd completely forgotten they were coming into town this week.

"Of course." He pushed the button for them.

Reluctantly, he slipped his shoes on and stepped outside to greet them.

*****************

Addison and Matt's home...

"He's perfect." Amanda cradled the four month old in her arms. "Look at all that hair!"

Addison smiled proudly. "I'm so thankful he took after Matt. I was bald until fifth grade."

"No, you weren't." Matt pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I've seen your baby and childhood photos."

"I might have had hair," she conceded, "but it was such a light blonde that there are pictures where a bright flash was used that make me appear to be bald."

Amanda grinned at the couple before focusing once more on their son. He slept peacefully in her arms as she gently rocked him.

"Feel free to come over everyday to hold Michael." Addison told her. "You'll need the practice and I can always use a nap."

Amanda chuckled softly. "I wish I could, but I'll be leaving at the end of the week."

Addison, Matt, and Holly each exchanged a loaded glance.

"Is Thomas going with you?" Holly asked a little too casually.

"No. He plans on coming in time for my next doctor's appointment."

"Have you two decided how you're going to do this yet?"Addison asked.

"Addi." Matt shook his head at her.

"I just want to see you both happy with each other and your baby." She ignored her husbamd's whispered warnings to not get involved. "You two were so in love that I don't get why you're not already in the magazine's for having eloped in Vegas by now."

Amanda handed the baby over to Holly. "I should probably go. I'm supposed to--"

"No!" Addison reached out to stop her. "I'm sorry. I know I'm being too nosy, but I don't want to see you both miserable."

Amanda gently patted her hand. "I know. But things changed for Thomas when we broke up." She fought back tears. "I don't know if he'll ever want me like he once did." She lifted her chin. "I'm happy he at least is kind to me and wants to know our child."

Holly gave Matt his son when he began to whimper and squirm.

"Yes, but have you felt anything since you've been back?" She prodded.

Amanda gathered her things. "Of course I have." She lowered her eyes. "I never fell out of love with Thomas, and when I found out...I had hoped..." She wiped at the tears beginning to fall. "I'm sorry. I have to go. He's expecting me for dinner tonight."

The trio walked her to the door.

"Don't cry." Addison pleaded, throwing her arms around her. "I shouldn't have asked."

Amanda couldn't stop her tears. "It's okay."

Holly hugged her. "We won't bring it up again."

Amanda could only nod before blubbering a goodbye and slipping into the waiting town car.

****************

"Pregnant?!" Rachel breathed.

Stephen slapped Thomas on the back. "Congratualtions!"

"I'm going to be an aunt?" Rachel began to smile before launching herself at her brother.

He oomphed while accepting her hug. "Yes, you will be. You'll either have a niece or nephew by September."

She punched his arm once she stepped back.

"Rachel!" He snapped at her.

"Why didn't you call me when you found out?" She placed her hands on her hips.

The siblings glared silently at each other.

Stephen, the forever peacemaker between the Hunt's, spoke up.

"He's probably still trying to comprehend it, himself, babe."

Thomas nodded. "It's true. Of all the times I imagined Amanda walking back into my life, I never dreamed it would be because she is pregnant."

"Well, now that I'm here we will plan out everything." Rachel left them for a moment and returned with a pad and pen she found on his desk. "Let's see."

She sat down, tapping the pen on the arm of her chair. "I think a small ceremony should do nicely. Perhaps on the beach..."

"Small ceremony for what?" Thomas asked.

"Your wedding." She grinned at him. "How did Amanda react when she saw the ring you had bought? I bet she was shocked you decided to ask her before the break--"

"There isn't going to be a wedding." Thomas informed her.

"Just because she's pregnant, that doesn't mean you have to have a ceremony in a county clerk's office." Rachel grumbled. "I doubt she's showing yet." She began her list again. "If we have it here, then we can--"

"I didn't propose." Thomas explained.

Stephen plopped down in surprise on the arm of Rachel's chair.

"You didn't propose?" She asked in disbelief. "Why not? You're in love with her. She loves you. You're having a baby!"

Thomas began to pace as he tried to explain his hesitation.

The couple watched him struggle with his reasons.

"I see no need to rush into marriage just yet." Thomas added. "Not until we are certain this is the right decision for both of us. It will save us additional heartache and our child won't suffer in the process."

"But--"

Stephen placed his arm around his wife's shoulders, gently squeezing her.

She closed her mouth at that subtle sign that she was being pushy again.

With a deep sigh, she slumped in her chair.

Thomas whirled around when his buzzer sounded again.

"Were you expecting anyone?" Rachel asked.

"Only Amanda." Thomas mumbled.

********************

Amanda grimaced once more at her swollen eyes. Thank goodness she had gone with waterproof eye makeup. At least she only looked swollen instead of a puffy eyed racoon.

Her stomach gurgled when Thomas opened the door.

She hid her face in her hands. "I'm sorry. I've not eaten since I threw up a muffin this morning."

He couldn't help but smile at her embarrassment over something he thought was trivial at best. "You don't have to worry about what I think when that happens."

When she lifted her head, his eyes narrowed in concern.

"You've been crying." He gently took her face in his hands.

"Hormones." She wondered how she was able to say such a falsehood so easily.

His hands lingered, thumbs brushing her cheeks, then dropped to his sides. "I should forewarn you. Rachel and Stephen are here."

Amanda stepped back, nearly falling backwards off his front stoop.

Thomas caught her in his arms, turning them both until she was safely between him and the front door.

"Are you all right?" He could feel her heart thumping against his chest.

She nodded. "Just caught off guard." Biting her lip, she lifted her eyes to his. "Did you tell them about," she gestured toward her belly.

"I did." He answered.

"And?" She prodded, worried over his answer.

"And they are thrilled with the knowledge that they will have a niece or nephew before the year is through.” He explained.

Amanda finally asked the question that was really bothering her. 

“Do they, of course they must, but do they hate me too much for my,” she took a deep breath, “for ending things between us?”

If Thomas was to go by how his sister had not only readily jumped into planning a wedding for them as well as becoming angry over his not proposing to Amanda, he seriously doubted she held anything against his ex.

“They don’t hate you at all.” He kept an arm around her waist. “Come inside.”

Leaning a bit closer than necessary to him for comfort, she allowed him to lead her to his living room.

Rachel jumped up and hugged her, pushing her brother out of the way. “I’m so excited!”

Amanda laughed when Stephen thanked her for getting pregnant. 

“Now Rach will stop pestering me about getting a puppy or kitten. All her time will be spent in preparation on becoming an aunt.”

“We will get one of those if my niece or nephew wants one.” Rachel snapped at him. 

She ignored his teasing grin and focused on Amanda. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.” She lied.

“She suffers with severe morning sickness.” Thomas corrected.

Rachel’s brow furrowed. “Who is taking care of you?”

“Me.” Amanda said with a laugh that wasn’t quite sincere. “Servants, occasionally my friends, and of course Thomas when we are together.”

Rachel glared at her brother. “She needs help all the time.”

He glared back, knowing she was heavily hinting that they should get married.

“I’ll be fine. Hopefully by my next appointment it will have lessened.” Amanda said, wondering at their sudden irritation.

“And if it doesn’t?” Rachel continued to stare Thomas down.

“Then I’ll do what I have been doing.” Amanda shrugged. “I really don’t have much of a choice in the matter.”

She moved away from them to sit down.

“Some people have a choice.” Rachel muttered where only Thomas could hear.

Ignoring her, he asked Amanda what she felt like eating.

“I’m not sure. This baby and I have very different views on what I should eat." She tried to joke.

He had to stop himself from brushing her hair back from her face. That lopsided grin of hers had a way of making him feel the need to comfort her.

"I was thinking of taking you to The Palm for dinner."

Her surprise made him smile. It used to be one of their favorite places to eat. Thomas hadn't been there since they broke up. For some reason, he'd gone ahead and made a reservation for them.

"The Palm?" Rachel leaned forward. "What kind of food do they have."

"Italian." Amanda smiled at him. "I have had a craving for tomatoes recently."

"Then hopefully you'll be able to enjoy a meal for a change." He responded, smiling more easily around her.

"We'll go to the guest house and get cleaned up." Rachel tugged Stephen up out of his chair. "What time should we be ready?"

"You have thirty minutes." Thomas warned.

"Thirty?!" Rachel dashed out.

Stephen chuckled. "How long do we really have?"

"Forty-five minutes." Thomas replied. "But I know my sister and if i say forty-five, she'll take an hour or more."

Stephen snorted in amusement. "Yes, she will."

Once they were alone, Thomas sat down across from Amanda.

"The Palm." Her smile dimmed some over the memories of romantic evenings spent at that particular establishment. "I can't remember the last time we had dinner there."

"November." Thomas fought squirming when she looked up in surprise once more.

"I'm looking forward to it." Amanda said to break the uncomfortable silence that had fallen between him.

"So am I." He got up to get something to drink. He offered to get her something just to have something to do.

He could feel her eyes following him out of his living room. When he was out of eyesight, he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He still didn't know if he could risk his heart again. He knew she was leaving soon and that things between them were up in the air.

The more he was around her, the more he was wanting to settle into how they once were.

But then that would bring up whether or not they should go ahead and marry.

Should we? If it doesn't work out, how much more will it hurt to walk away from her and our child? To break the life I once dreamed of having with her...should I really jump into it without seeing if it's worth the chance?

He didn't know. He knew his fear was keeping him from so much. Yet...hadn't his fear kept him from horrible decisions in the past?

Or had it kept him from something great?

He prepared her a glass of ginger ale and brought it to her.

He grasped on the topic of what she planned to do once back in Cordonia while he debated on what to do with his own future.

***************

Dinner turned out better than either thought. It seemed almost natural being on a double date of sorts once again with Rachel and Stephen.

It was certainly romantic out on the terrace of the restaurant with the strings of globe lights softly brightening the darkness.

The four laughed and talked over what they had been doing since they were last together. The teasing that Amanda used to do with Thomas had made his frown all but disappear. He couldn't resist doing the same to her.

The roll of her eyes or a laugh had him placing his arm along the back of her chair and gently rubbing her shoulder.

Just like he used to do.

"Are we getting dessert?" Rachel asked. "Please say yes."

"I don't know if I should push it." Amanda leaned back in her chair. Her hands settled over her stomach. "So far it seems that there is approval of the chicken parmesan."

"No nausea?" Thomas asked.

She shook her head. "That's why I don't want to chance it with dessert." Her nose wrinkled. "Though those cinnamon doughnut holes are calling to me."

"We're getting the chocolate cake for two." Rachel told her husband. "And this time, I will leave you more than two bites."

Thomas waved their waiter over and placed their order. He noticed the curious looks they were getting from various tables. He suspected that he would be in tomorrow's gossip pages.

He had never alerted the press of their break up. He knew Amanda hadn't either. He assumed they thought he was too busy for work to meet up with her these past couple of months.

He didn't know if that was a good thing or not.

"I can't believe you didn't order the cake." Rachel said between bites.

"So far, chocolate and I are on the outs." Amanda explained. "Which has nearly killed me."

Thomas pushed the plate of warm doughnuts towards her after making a dramatic show of removing the chocolate dipping sauce.

She laughed and took one.

His eyes riveted upon her when she took a bite. The cinnamon and sugar coated her lips. He knew if they had never ended things that he would have kissed it off.

She licked her lips and stilled when she noticed where his attention was.

Stephen and Rachel pretended not to notice the obivous tension developing and talked amongst themselves while waiting on the couple across from them to make a move.

Thomas raised his hand to Amanda's cheek and brushed his thumb along her bottom lip to remove what her tongue had missed.

He could feel her quick breath over the sensation of his intimate touch. His eyes lifted to hers. He could see the yearning in the hazel depths combined with her uncertainty.

All it would take would be to lean down a mere tweleve inches and kiss her. There wouldn't have to be any words exchanged just yet. No immediate decisions needed to be made. It could be an experiment to see if that spark between them truly existed.

Her eyes closed when he began to inch forward. Her lips parted in readiness for his kiss. She nuzzled into his palm when he cupped her cheek.

Thomas felt his pulse quicken in anticipation.

"Here's the check." Their waiter dropped it down in between the couples. "Let me know when you're ready or if there is anything else I can get you."

Rachel glared at the man who had caused Thomas and Amanda to jerk apart.

Stephen sadly shook his head while reaching for the small folder.

"I'll get that." Amanda and Thomas said at the same time.

"We'll get this one." Rachel said in a no nonsense tone. She forced a smile. "I'll let you get the next one."

"How much of a tip should I leave?" Stephen asked softly for his wife's ear alone.

"None." Rachel hissed. "He lost it when he interupted my niece or nephew having his parents together."

*******************

"Where to now?" Stephen asked once they stepped out of the restaurant.

"It is still early." Rachel added, eyeing her brother. "Plenty of time to do something."

Thomas briefly rolled his eyes.

"I think I'll call a car to take me back to my hotel." Amanda replied.

Her smile was a bit strained as she faced the other three.

"I'm sure you all have some catching up to do." She added. "These last couple of weeks, I've been known to nod off during conversations." She laughed with a shrug. "I won't be adding anything stimulating to any, most likely."

Rachel mentally groaned over not finding them another chance to be tempted to be together.

She glared at her brother, hoping he would take the hint.

"I'll take you to the hotel." Thomas ignored his sister's pointed stare.

He could still be a gentleman without any romantic notions.

"That isn't necessary." Amanda countered. "I'm sure Rachel and Stephen would prefer--"

"Actually," Stephen wrapped his arms around his wife, "I was planning on taking Rach dancing." His grin was unrepentant when he heard his wife's surprised gasp. "It's been a long time since we've been to a decent club."

Thomas merely cocked an eyebrow over that announcement.

He didn't believe it for a moment.

He did believe though that Stephen would do anything to help Rachel's plan.

"Enjoy yourselves." He bid his sister and brother-in-law a good night.

"You should go --" Amanda tried to argue.

"You know my feelings about night clubs." Thomas set his hand at the small of her back, gently urging her on toward the parking lot.

She looked up at him. "There were some evenings you didn't mind going."

Thomas met her eyes. He could remember the few times he'd gone to one with Amanda. It wasn't hard to enjoy himself then. He either was able to hold her against his body while they danced or enjoy watching her on the dance floor.

And without him saying a word or even giving a grimace, she'd always known when they should leave before the crowd and noise got to him.

Taking her arm, he cleared his throat. "Those times were different."

When you are with the right person, you can enjoy anything, he thought.

"I do wish you wouldn't trouble yourself." Amanda argued. "I'll be fine getting back to the hotel."

She knew she needed some space from him. Everything about today and this evening made her want to ignore his wishes and try to get back together. He had always been her temptation. She realized she still couldn't resist him.

He was being too kind. Too thoughtful. It hurt worse than if he was cold and cruel. At least then she wouldn't long for him to kiss her. Take her in his arms once more, speak in that deep voice how she made him feel. Seduce her with merely a look.

She loved him so terribly much. She thought she did before coming to tell him about the pregnancy. Spending this time with him only made it worse than before.

Has to be the hormones, she thought. They exacerbate everything as it is. I wish Thomas would simply tell me there is no hope for us. This waiting around on him to decide whether or not to give us a second chance is worse than--

"Amanda?"

She looked up and realized he held the passenger door open for her.

Cheeks coloring over being so lost in thought, she quickly got in while mumbling her thanks.

"Are you tired?" He asked once he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Hmm? Oh. Not really." She replied. "But it strikes at odd times and I didn't want to intrude any longer on Rachel and Stephen's time with you."

Thomas frowned some over that.

"You're not an intrusion."

"I am." Amanda stated, attempting to keep her voice from wobbling. "We aren't together anymore so," she swallowed, turning to look out her window, "so it doesn't make sense for me to be with you so much."

His frown only deepened. He knew they weren't officially back together. Yet, he felt like they were teetering upon the very brink of that decision. They were in some mystical gray area where they were a couple in a way and yet not at the same time.

It's purgatory, he thought with a grimace.

"We're having a baby." He grumbled. "You are an important part of my life so therefore you are not an intrusion."

Amanda's gaze dropped to her stomach.

That's all I am, the mother of his child. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The two fell into an uncomfortable silence.

It wasn't long before Thomas was handing his keys to a valet and following Amanda up to her room.

"Since you aren't tired," he began when they were alone in the elevator, "why don't we watch a movie?" His lips curved somewhat when she finally looked up at him. "I had initially planned on taking you to one after dinner, but Rachel and Stephen's arrival ruined that."

"You did?" Amanda could hardly believed it.

He nodded.

It almost sounded like a date. It would have been a date if they were a couple.

"Since you're worried about falling asleep, at least if you do so now, you'll already be in your suite." He added.

"I'd like that." Amanda replied with a smile.

Thomas felt those unusual flutters her smile still caused. He followed her out of the elevator, his eyes drifting along her figure.

She pulled out her key card, noticed where his attention seemed to linger, and fumbled her key.

The two bent down to retrieve it, bumping heads.

"I forgot how hard headed you are." Amanda teased, rubbing her forehead.

He chuckled. "You don't have the softest one either."

He tilted her chin up to see if she was bruised.

He felt her slight intake of breath at his touch and being so close to her. When he looked at her face he noticed that her attention was upon his lips.

He didn't fight it this time. He leaned down and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

Her muffled gasp turned into a soft moan as she sank into his embrace. One arm slid around his waist to urge him closer while the other tangled in his hair.

He felt his skin practically sing under her touch. His entire body responded to each brush of her tongue against his. Thomas groaned when she abruptly broke away.

He then heard people getting off the nearby elevator.

With a quick swipe, they hurried into her suite. The moment the door shut, they were back within the other's arms, lips eagerly meeting while hands began to drift over their bodies.

Thomas guided her back to the sofa, gently pulling her down into his lap. He gloried in her smile he could feel against his lips as he refused to pause their kiss to sit down.

He kissed down her neck when she broke away to catch her breath. His name spoken in her breathless, excited voice made him unable to think of anything, save for being with her.

Picking her up, his lips crashed down upon hers again as he carried her into her room.

The lights were off. The only slight illumination came from the city lights driting in through the sheer curtains. They eagerly began to remove the other's clothes. Lips and tongues tasted the other's newly revealed skin as if doing so for the very first time.

They each were refusing to think about what this meant and whether or not they should have sex. As if by mutual accord, they both seemed almost frenzied to be with one another without demanding a declaration or even a discussion of whether or not this was wise.

All the almost kisses, the touches, seeing the one they had loved again made the need so much stronger than ever before. Neither wanted to fight it any longer. Neither really had the strength or desire to ignore what was between them.

What had always been between them.

Thomas carefully covered her body with his. He worried for a moment if this perhaps would hurt her or possibly the baby. Then he felt Amanda's legs wrap around his waist and he couldn't think at all.

Amanda could feel the gentleness and care he was taking with her. It brought tears to her eyes as she encouraged him on and on and on. Her lips met his again in an attempt to convey just how much she loved him. Each kiss made her heart sing anew in being this intimate with him again.

She'd never held anything back from him. She remembered when Thomas told her that being with her was a whole new experience for him. He himself had admitted to being unable to control his responses to her.

It was never sex between them. It never had been.

They had only been able to make love.

"Thomas!" Her breath caught as the sensations flooded through her.

He held her close as he was knocked speechless from the intense emotions combined with the waves of pleasure he felt.

They held onto the other in the aftermath. Both were afraid of saying something that might ruin the moment. So many words and questions revolved around their minds.

When Amanda yawned, Thomas jumped upon that as a reprieve.

He reached down to cover the two of them up, then gently pulled her back within his arms. His lips brushed over hers when she asked if he wanted to stay.

He knew he could use the excuse of having family in town to go ahead and leave. Yet, there was nothing he wanted more than to stay here with her, holding her close as she slept. A part of him argued he should stay to make certain she and the baby wasn't physically hurt from his rash actions.

Another part prodded that since he was so ready to fall into staying with her that he should go ahead and realize that his love for her was undeniable. They should be together.

But could he go through the possibility of losing her again?

"I want to stay." He said softly. "If you want me to."

"I do." She pressed a lingering kiss to his lips.

"Good." He gently caressed her cheek.

Unable to keep her hope from bubbling up, Amanda asked him what this meant.

Thomas didn't pause in his caress. He too wondered the same.

"I think it means we do want to be together." He replied. "But--"

Amanda felt her heart sink. She began to pull away, only to have him draw her back even closer than before.

"But," he repeated, "I think we should start out dating again before we decide on something more permanent."

"You want to date?" Amanda's brow furrowed. "But not be in a serious relationship?"

"I want us to start again as if it was the beginning of a new relationship." He replied.

"Not to be blunt, but not only am I pregnant by you, I'm literally naked in your arms having thoroughly been seduced by you." Amanda told him. "It's a little late for first date etiquette to apply here."

Thomas knew she was right.

"Perhaps then, not at the very beginning." His forehead dropped to rest against hers. "Amanda, I don't think I can go through another breakup with you."

"I don't think I could either." She closed her eyes right when their lips met. "What are we going to do?"

"Would you be willing to try and see how we feel these next few months?"

Amanda opened her eyes to meet his vulnerable gaze. "And what happens then? Other than our child being born?"

"Then we decide if we want to move on to that next step in our relationship."

"What is that next step in your opinion?" She asked, determined to understand just what he wanted from her.

Thomas brushed her hair out of her eyes, his own tracing her profile lit in the soft light.

"That next step is the last one." He kissed her, unable to resist the need to feel her body once again. "We will decide whether or not we should get married."

[alj4890masterlist]

1st set of Choices drabbles and request

2nd set of Choices drabbles and requests

Everything's Sweeter with Three (Liam x Riley)

One Night (Thomas Hunt x OC)*NSFW*

Premiere Date (Thomas Hunt x OC)

The Getaway (Ryan Summers x Holly Chang)

Trapped in Awe (Thomas Hunt x OC)

Baking Woes (Matt Rodriguez x Addison Sinclaire)

Hollywood Magic (Seth Levine x MC*Jessica Clarke)

An Ugly Time of Year (Victoria Fontaine x Jessica Clarke x Chadley Fortnum) *platonically*

Change of Plans (Thomas Hunt x OC) *NSFW*

It's Unavoidable (Thomas Hunt x OC)

Tis the Season (Thomas Hunt x OC)

The Christmas Card (Liam x Madeleine) (Liam x Riley)

Another Chance (Thomas Hunt x OC)

Christmas Journal (Liam x Riley)

The Christmas Card (prologue to L-O-V-E) (Liam x Riley)

L-O-V-E (Liam x Riley) part 1

L-O-V-E (Liam x Riley) Part 2

L-O-V-E (Liam x Riley) Part 3

Time Together (Thomas Hunt x OC)

Right by Your Side (Maxwell Beaumont x MC)

Something Sweet (Jax Matsuo x MC)/On a Rainy Afternoon (Thomas Hunt x OC)/Addiction (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Don't Let the Light Go Out (Tobias Carrick x F!MC

Interrupted Plans (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

A Couple of Drinks (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

The Date (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

The Reason (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Mine (Tobias Carrick x F!MC) *NSFW*

The Offer (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

The Wake (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

On the Run (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

A Glimpse (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Meeting the Family (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Tobias x Chris artwork (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Holding On (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Tea Time (Naveen Banerji, Ethan x F!MC)

Something Sweet (Ethan Ramsey x OC)

Something Sweet Part 2 (Ethan Ramsey x OC)

The Morning After (Thomas Hunt x OC) *NSFW*

A New Kind of Intimacy (Trystan Thorne x F!MC

The Babysitter (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

No Time Like the Present (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

What Might Have Been (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Nope (Trystan Thorne x F!MC)

Whose Is It? (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

If I had a flower for every time I thought of you...I could walk through my garden forever.

—Alfred Tennyson

This incredibly beautiful portrait of Thomas and Alex is by the wonderful ArtbyAinna on Instagram. I can't express how much I love this piece. They are so gorgeous and then BOGART! Bogart is the happiest baby ever and he has my whole heart! These two are my forever OTP and I love them so much! 🐾 💖💕

[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [The Bogart Diaries]

[storyofmychoices]

My top 10(kind of) favorite Choices Books for @choicesfandomappreciation

Okay so I can't figure out a top 10. I have a top 5 and then a bunch of books I really like but my preference for what order changes depending on my mood

Top Five:

Blades of Light & Shadow (all time fave)

Red Carpet Diaries 2 (the second half is everything)

Mother of the Year (3 amazing LI, and the worst choices villain)

Crimes of Passion (Trystan Thorne, that is all)

Open Heart (It started strong, and Bryce Lahela got me through the Covid years and I owe him so very much)

Other Books I love (in no particular order)

The Elementalists

The Crown and the Flame

Wake the Dead

A Courtesan of Rome

The Unexpected Heiress

Veil of Secret

#LoveHacks

Most Wanted

Red Carpet Diaries 3 (It's filled with flaws, but it's the only book where I can romance Thomas Hunt for the entire book)

[peonyblossom]

So happy that @choicesmcmadness is back even though it took me all month to finally find time to do these oops

Ethan x Sydney

Not really a holiday tradition per se, but since their wedding anniversary is on Dec. 17, one of their favorite things they do each year is celebrate their anniversary lol

This year (2023, so ig last year now oops) they got their second kitty, Burrito, to celebrate their first anniversary!!

They also go on a ski trip every year during the week between Christmas and New Year's to celebrate the holidays

Thomas x Jackie

Each year they spend the holidays with one of their families (they switch off which family each year)

They also spend a lot of time in their cabin in the woods in Washington state in the winter when one of them misses the snow

One of Jackie's favorite traditions is to get together with their friends and have a movie marathon of all the holiday movies any of them have worked on (Chadley has 100% been the love interest in a Hallmark movie before)

Kit x Jules

One of their favorite holiday traditions is go into town and get hot cocoa and walk around looking at the lights and decorations

They usually go into a few local shops to do some Christmas shopping as well

They also gather around the fireplace on Christmas Eve and Jules plays Christmas carols on his guitar and sings

And ofc Kit cooks Christmas dinner every year lol