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takingcourage · 3 years

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Family Ties

A Miscalculations one-shot

Pairing: M!Cassian x MC

Word Count: 3,400

Summary: Having Cassian back in her life means meeting his family too.

Note: This story is set somewhere between the final chapters and the epilogue of Miscalculations. It’s dedicated to my Cassian Nonnies and the now-inactive secretsaladbouquet, who once asked to see Kellen and Owen meet Cassian’s family.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this.”

“She’s going to love you, Kellen.”

“You don’t know that.” Rolling her lips flat, she stared past the sidewalk and up the stoop to the front door. Unassuming as it was, she couldn’t help imagining a critical woman peering through the diamond of frosted glass. A woman she had the sense that she’d already wronged despite never meeting her -- perhaps because she'd never met her.

Shifting the car into park, Cassian removed his hand from the gear and used it to cradle Kellen’s knee. “I know my Ma. She loves anything that makes me happy, and you’re at the top of the list.”

With a deep exhale, she felt a small portion of her worry melt away at his words.

“Besides,” he went on, “look who we’ve got in the backseat. You make a good impression on everyone, don’t you, Owen?”

“Uh-huh!”

Kellen giggled in spite of herself. Their son had almost-irritating tendency to agree with everything his father said, as long as it wasn’t related to vegetables or bedtime. “He’s like our secret weapon,” she agreed, punching her thumb on the seatbelt release.

“Show me your smile,” Cassian prompted, catching his son's eyes in the rearview mirror. The boy obliged, then resumed his efforts to pry apart the clip at his chest. “And yours?” Cassian continued, turning to the woman beside him.

Her lips curved instinctively at the question. Eyes dancing, he leaned into the passenger seat for a quick kiss. “Let’s go.”

Plucking up her courage, she tossed the strap off her shoulder and reached for her bag.

Kellen knew how to exude confidence. Between her flirtatious nature and her ability to stand up for herself against the naysayers in her line of work, she was used to taking the world by storm. Yet, she was at a loss as she mounted the doorstep, waiting to meet Cassian’s mother.

This wasn't a place to make an impression with double entendres or by bringing up her MBA. She didn’t even know how to get her own parents' attention, and they were the ones who’d raised her. What hope did she have of impressing the woman responsible for the incredible man standing next to her?

Hearing the click of the latch on the other side of the door, she shivered and held Owen’s hand a little bit tighter. The hair at her temple swayed as Cassian leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “You’ve got this.”

“Thanks,” she mouthed, focus still cemented on the door as it opened to reveal a dark-haired woman.

Though she’d seen pictures, Cassian’s mother was shorter than she’d imagined. She bit back a newfound sense of awe that this was the woman who’d brought eight children to a new country all on her own. But any threat of intimidation evaporated at the sight of the woman’s smile. Like her son and grandson, Teresa Keane had an incredibly ready grin.

“Hello, hello! Welcome.” The older woman’s thick brogue made Cassian’s accent sound weak by comparison.

“Ma, this is Kellen.”

“Hi, Mrs. Keane,” she greeted, stretching out her free hand.

“Hello, dear. Call me Teresa,” the older woman urged, pulling her in for a hug instead. Arms pressed awkwardly to her sides, Kellen tried to focus on the moment instead of berating herself. The attempt was only partially successful.

Ten seconds in, and I’ve already made a fool of myself. The thought sent a tremor of unease through her bones as Teresa pulled away.

“And this must be Owen?” She bent at the knees for a closer look. “How are you, young man? You’re very handsome, aren’t you?”

Feeding off the woman’s enthusiasm, Owen’s mouth cracked into a smile.

“He’s like a vision of the past, isn’t he?” she asked, straightening back to her full height to embrace her son.

“It’s uncanny,” he agreed.

Kellen warmed at the pride in his voice. They were fine -- this was fine. In spite of her misstep with the hug, things were still going relatively well.

“C’mon in,” Teresa beckoned. “It’s nearly winter and you’re still standing out here on my porch. It’s like you want this lovely family of yours to freeze, Cassian -- it really is. Let’s get inside.”

Gathering Owen into her arms, Kellen followed the other woman into the house, grateful when Cassian’s hand found the small of her back. Even if she and Kellen didn't get along right away, at least Teresa would see how attentive Cassian was toward them both.

“Is that apple cake I smell?” He asked, and Kellen breathed a chuckle at the question. Between the strong fragrance as they approached the kitchen the number of times it had come up in conversation, she could practically already taste it.

“Don’t sound so surprised. You know I make it any time there’s family over.”

Family. Was that how Teresa thought of them?

She means Cassian, you idiot, she corrected. And maybe Owen. They are related, after all. Whatever Teresa meant, Kellen was fairly certain she wasn’t part of it. But maybe someday...

Hoisting Owen a little higher, she tried to focus back on Teresa's voice.

“... told Cal not to cut into it until we got back, but I had to post Grainne in the kitchen to keep him in check. I’ve been watching him like a hawk all morning.

Kellen’s ears perked at the familiar names and tried to conjure up the images that matched them. Even with pictures to help, there were so many people to keep track of that it had taken nearly an hour for her to get the names and birth order of his siblings straight. With a flash of panic, she remembered how many members of his family she’d have left to meet after today.

Don’t get ahead of yourself, Kellen. Today is about Teresa. The fact that she was meeting two of his siblings was fairly incidental. As the youngest, Callahan was living at home while he attended university. Grainne -- Cassian’s eldest sister and the one he was closest to -- had devised an excuse to join them at her older brother’s insistence.

“I can hardly blame him. It smells delicious.” Kellen tried to gather the threads of conversation she still remembered, hoping there was still time to salvage the afternoon. “I assume you’re who I have to thank for Cassian being such a wonderful cook?”

The sound that came out of Teresa’s mouth was inarticulate, but it struck Kellen as vaguely disparaging. “I saw to it that no child of mine would ever have to rely on takeaway. They’ve all been cooking since they were old enough to reach the stove.”

Kellen bit her tongue to silence the curse that was hovering at the tip. She'd have a fit if she knew her grandson was subsisting on my repertoire of frozen bag meals and grilled cheese sandwiches. Maybe Cassian can give me some lessons before the next time we come over

“Mama, I thirsty.”

Shifting Owen’s weight to her hip, she dug into her deep leather tote for his bottle. Their eyes locked as he clicked the button to release the cap and sucked the straw. As she trailed Teresa into the kitchen, she stroked the boy’s curls fondly. Trivial as the interaction had been, she couldn’t help her sense of relief at the small reminder that her son’s needs were still being met.

Still shielding the cake as they entered, Grainne was the first to speak. “Cass! Good to see you.” If Cassian's stories hadn't left her with such a favorable impression of his sister, the woman's sparkling eyes and bubbly affect might have given cause for alarm. “And Kellen?” Abandoning her post, she slipped an arm around the other woman's shoulders.

This time, Kellen was more prepared. Though her hands were still occupied with Owen and her bag, she managed to lean into the embrace instead of standing still. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Cassian talks about you all the time,” she shared as Grainne pulled away.

From his place at the breakfast table, Callahan lifted a hand in salute.

Once the adults had finished introductions, Grainne’s attention turned to the only child in the room. “Hey there, buddy. Can you tell me your name?”

Holding his cup close to his chest, the boy replied with serious eyes. “Owen.”

“Owen, huh? I like that name.”

He gave her a toothy smile and wriggled to be let down. Releasing him to the floor, Kellen stretched out a hand to keep him from venturing too close to the stove where Teresa was finishing up the custard.

“He’s so sweet,” Grainne crooned in Kellen’s direction. “I can’t believe how much he looks like you, Cass.”

“Poor kid.” Cal quipped, tilting his chair to balance on the back two legs. “Pity you’re such an ugly ba--”

Spoon in hand, Teresa turned on her youngest before he could even think of adding a second syllable. “Callahan Arthur Keane! There are young ears in this room. You should be ashamed."

“Yes, Ma.” All four legs of his chair smacked the tile floor.

Kellen squatted down to retrieve Owen’s cup before it could roll under the table. Out of sight, her brows furrowed in concern. Was Cassian on such bad terms with Cal? She knew he’d asked Grainne to come in order to help temper his youngest sibling’s dubious charms, but it had never occurred to her that the two brothers might not get along.

Schooling her features before she rose, she wondered vaguely if she needed to come to Cassian’s defense.

Goodness knew she and her own brother weren’t close enough to have any kinds of disagreements. They didn’t know one another well enough to offer meaningful insults. But her parents certainly did. She considered it a miracle if the three of them made it more than five minutes without trading barbs. If the situation had somehow been reversed, would she have wanted Cassian to defend her against their criticisms?

She couldn’t say for certain, but the question was enough to make her feel sick to her stomach.

“You’re just bitter, Cal. We all know there weren’t any good genes left by the time it came to you.”

Recognizing the teasing edge in Cassian’s tone, she realized she’d been misreading the entire interaction. Blood rushed to her cheeks along with the certainty of her mistake. His family isn’t like that, Kellen. They don’t have those fights.

Noticing her distraction, Cassian raised a brow in concern. She quickly shrugged it away before he resumed the conversation.

“He’s only like me when it comes to looks. He’s already better with numbers than I am. Should we show your Uncle Cal, Owen?”

“Uh-huh!”

Still exploring the floor, Owen probably wasn’t even certain what he’d agreed to, but he always had plenty of uh-huhs for his father. Most of his nun-uhs and noes were, unfortunately, reserved for her. She smirked as her son turned his attention to Cassian. Come to think of it, she couldn’t blame him for the preferential treatment. His father had a tendency to get all of her yeses as well.

“C’mere,” Cassian prompted, and the boy who’d been squirming in her arms no more than two minutes before happily climbed up on his father’s knee. With the ease of practice, the man held out his hand, fingers stretched. Owen took them in turn, counting off in a lilting rhythm.

“One... two.... three...four....”

Of the two of them, Cassian was by far the more accommodating teacher. Kellen was always slow to provide answers when the boy faltered, intent on learning exactly how far his memorization skills had progressed. Cassian mouthed everything along with him, sometimes whispering hints with pretend secrecy. She hadn’t determined which approach was the most pedagogically sound, but there was no question which one was more fun to watch.

Teresa had turned from her place at the stove, positively beaming as she saw the two of them interact. Even Cal had slipped his phone into his pocket and adopted a courteous expression.

“Seven...eight...”

Owen’s brow furrowed, and he launched himself toward Cassian’s ear in concern. Even though Kellen didn’t catch all of the words he whispered, all signs pointed to a call of nature.

“Excuse us,” Cassian offered, pushing back his chair so that Owen could hop down from his knee. “We’ll be back shortly.”

Kellen breathed a quiet laugh as they passed into the hall, all at once aware of the tension now that the one person who connected them was gone. Feeling an uncustomary loss for words, she tried to recall what she knew about the room’s other occupants. Grainne was in sales, Cal was finishing pre-requisites and hadn’t declared a major, Teresa did administrative work for one of Cassian’s brothers-in-law... that didn’t give her a lot of ideas for sparking conversations.

“Mona?”

“Hmm?” It took a beat for Kellen to comprehend that the word was a question.

“Your lipstick,” Grainne clarified. “It’s Mona, isn’t it?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m impressed! Cassian told me you were into fashion, but...”

“My roommate is a beauty vlogger. You see enough swatches, some of it just starts to stick. It’s a great shade with that outfit, by the way.”

“Thanks.” Suddenly self conscious about the rest of her makeup, Kellen’s eyes flicked to the semi-reflective door of the microwave, but it was no use. The image was too dark to reveal anything about the application, though she was sure it had been passable when she’d left her apartment some hour before.

“It’s nice not to be the odd one out in the family anymore,” Grainne continued, leveling luminous brown eyes at Kellen. “My sisters have been refusing makeovers for years. At least Ma lets me pick her nail polish from time to time.”

Kellen’s lips crept into a smile as Teresa pshawed the statement. “Don’t speak ill of those who aren’t here to defend themselves.”

“You sound like the girls who sit in front of me in psych class,” Cal complained, phone in hand again. “They’re always carrying on about makeup and shoes. It’s moronic.”

Grainne cocked a conspiratorial brow across the table. Kellen met her grin, bracing her elbows on the table as they listened to Cal's continued complaints.

“I’m sorry you lead such a rough existence, Cal,” Grainne offered sarcastically when he paused to check a notification. “I’ll say an extra prayer for you tonight.”

“Plates?” Teresa cut in, her implied command rousing her youngest from his seat.

Kellen had to hide her giggle after the glance she shared with Cassian’s sister. No wonder he was so fond of the woman. She didn't want to get ahead of herself, but it was easy to see the two of them becoming friends. Making light conversation as Cal set the table, she hardly had opportunity to miss her boyfriend and son.

By the time Owen and Cassian returned, the cake and been cut and was ready to serve. His needs met, Owen returned his father’s knee while Teresa passed out the slices.

Kellen leaned over to straighten the buttons on the boy’s shirt. “Maybe you should share a piece, at least until we know he likes it? There’s a lot of cinnamon on top.” Catching herself, she glanced toward Teresa, “I can’t wait to dig in. Owen’s just a wild card when it comes to spices.”

“He’ll like custard.” Cassian poured a measure onto his cake and slipped his son a bite, beaming with glee at the boy’s enthusiastic response.

“More, please?”

With a hearty laugh, Cassian obliged. “Save some for the rest of us, a stór.”

“I’ll get him a dish,” Teresa insisted, returning to the cupboard for a toddler-sized bowl.

Like his affinity for sisters, Cassian’s taste in desserts was unassailable. The apple cake was, indeed, one of the best things Kellen had ever tasted. With the sharp tang of stewed apple, warm blend of spices, and rich, velvety cream, she was starting to feel like she never wanted to leave Teresa’s kitchen.

They finished eating some twenty minutes later, and Grainne stepped into the other room to take a phone call. Increasingly sleepy, Owen was preparing for a second attempt at counting. Exchanging a polite smile with Teresa, Kellen gathered up the dishes from their side of the table and followed the older woman to the sink.

She’s lovely and kind, and she seems to like you so far. Make conversation, her subconscious urged as she set the plates on the tile countertop. “Cassian’s told me about his nephew and nieces -- your other grandchildren?”

“I have four. Well, five now,” she adjusted, watching Owen tug on Cassian’s fingers. “Jack’s going to be so excited to finally have a boy cousin. He was so disappointed when Ciara’s last one was another girl.”

Kellen nodded with a faint smile, feeling heavy with the reminder of how extensive the Keane family was. Even with Cassian’s many assurances that they were loving and supportive, she was still an outsider. Perhaps she always would be.

“I have to tell you, Kellen, you’re not at all like I imagined.”

Panic pierced through like a knife to the gut.

Kellen expelled a shallow breath, feeling like she’d had the wind knocked out of her. For the past hour, she’d been lulling herself into a sense of security. Sure, there had been some missteps, but they'd started to find their footing -- or so she’d thought. But really, Kellen, she chastised, Cassian’s incredible. Is it any wonder you don’t measure up?

This was her worst nightmare. She could deal with their judgment, but if they didn’t accept her? She couldn’t ask Cassian to choose between her and his family.

“Oh, but I didn’t mean it in a bad way.” Teresa reached for Kellen’s arm, grasping it just above the wrist. “You know how he is: he’s got this constant need to swoop in and be a hero. I always worried he’d end up with a woman who was afraid of the world and needed rescuing all the time. That’s not what I see when I look at you, Kellen.”

For the second time that afternoon, Kellen bit back the words that came on impulse. Despite her frequent insistence to the contrary, she had been the kind of woman who’d needed rescuing. But with Cassian -- in many ways, because of Cassian -- that wasn’t the case anymore.

Lost to her thoughts, it took a few minutes to realize that Teresa had continued speaking. “You keep up with him. You challenge him.” A bony elbow prodded her side softly. “And you make him the happiest I’ve seen in ages. I’m glad he has you.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled in response, wondering how tentative that gratitude must be. For a mother, it would be all too easy to see her as the woman who’d broken her son’s heart. With a shiver, she considered how she would react when face to face with someone who’d hurt Owen in the same way.

She certainly wouldn’t be this civil.

“I’m really grateful to have him in my life again.” Glancing back to the man at the table, she couldn’t help the impulsive compliment. ”You must have been an amazing mother.”

“I did what I could," she agreed, nonchalantly. "Cassian said you don’t see your own parents very often?”

“Maybe once or twice a year. We’re hardly close.”

Turning back to the sink, Kellen expected to see judgment. She found only a genuine smile: a reflection of one she’d seen countless times before. “I’m sorry for that. I hope you know you’re always welcome here with us. Cassian knows this already, but we'll be getting together for dinner for Jack's birthday next week -- we'd love for you and Owen to join us if you'd like."

“I’d like that very much,” she assured, hardly giving the question a moment’s thought. She didn’t need time to consider; her eager anticipation was already proving that it was the right answer. Her eyes swung back to the table, imagining how much Owen was going to enjoy getting to know his cousins.

When they’d decided to go all in, to jump headfirst into this relationship without looking back, she’d thought that the family she had with Owen and Cassian would be all she ever wanted. But this afternoon was reminding her of something she been learning time and again since Cassian came into her life: what a delight it was to be proven wrong.

#playchoices #playchoices fanfiction #witness: a bodyguard romance #cassian keane #cassian x mc

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takingcourage · 3 years

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Cassian Nonny 😊

Tbh I mostly miss choices fics than the actual books, hehe! Old times are haunting me, I suppose, as I didn't played the game in a long time... 'once upon a time' time-ish 🙃 Nostalgic much, aren't I? 🤣 Are you serious about Keane requests? Bc, omg!, I think I can come up with some, if I put my mind to work for a bit! 😂

Hi, Cassian Nonny! : ) That’s fair. I haven’t read fic in ages, but I miss the days when there were too many stories on my dash to keep up with. That’s what pulled me into the fandom in the first place. Yes, I am serious about requests! I’m always willing to take them, though I can’t guarantee how quickly they’ll be completed. If you think of something you’re dying to see, feel free to pass it my way. 😊

#answered ask #playchoices #playchoices fanfiction

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takingcourage · 3 years

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Any chance of a fat, Proust-ian type, Cassian story load any time soon? I know I'm a wild minority but I badly miss him! Say yes plz on a 'Miscalculations' sequel series!🐶👀 Much luv & fingers crossed ! ("She will agree, she will agree, yes, yes, she will!"__ currently my fav mantra 😜😁)

Oh goodness, Nonny! This message made me smile. To be honest, I’m not planning any Choices series any time soon. I’ve gone back to my roots and have been working on Lord of the Rings fic whenever I’ve had the opportunity to write. I expect that I’ll return to Choices in the future when I have more time, but I just haven’t been feeling inspired by the current books.

With all of that said, I will post the two one-shots that I’ve been sitting on for the better part of a year. They’re mostly finished, and I will prioritize them as I have free time this week. If you have specific one-shot requests after that, I’d be happy to consider them.

Thanks for the entertaining message and for getting me off dead center! : )

#answered ask #witness: a bodyguard romance #cassian keane #playchoices

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takingcourage · 3 years

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Domestic Simon? Yes, please.

I’m not getting my hopes up, @holla-back-girl , but I would be happy to see a sequel or a holiday special. I need more than 16 chapters of Simon.

I imagine Simon being quite soft with his children. He probably encourages them to prank his grandparents, and when anyone corrects them for “forgetting their manners,” he’ll have none of it.

I also picture him being quite the talker with babies. Baby: “talks in baby.” Simon: *places his finger to his chin, considering what the baby just said* “Yes, I do agree that a stroll in the gardens would be nice. Maybe we’ll pop by and invite your mom to the estate tour and then sneak off to make sandwiches. It’s become quite the tradition for us.”

Nonny, this scenario is seriously the cutest thing!

Thank you for brightening my day with this fluff. : )

I’m putting the rest under the cut because it’s slightly spoilery.

I agree, Simon would be the softest and most supportive dad ever -- with an ornery side because that’s in his nature. Like his parents did before they passed away, I think he would encourage his kids to explore the world until they found what drove them and made them happy.

Not gonna lie, I would have spent an embarrassing amount of diamonds for an epilogue scene with a child or children. The idea of Simon having people in his life that he can wholeheartedly love and trust gives me warm, fuzzy feelings all over.

Thank you so much for this fun ask, Nonny! I loved it. 😊

#a very scandalous proposal #simon montjoy #choices vip

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takingcourage · 3 years

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I imagine Simon being quite soft with his children. He probably encourages them to prank his grandparents, and when anyone corrects them for “forgetting their manners,” he’ll have none of it.

Nonny, this scenario is seriously the cutest thing!

Thank you for brightening my day with this fluff. : )

I’m putting the rest under the cut because it’s slightly spoilery.

Thank you so much for this fun ask, Nonny! I loved it. 😊

#answered ask #avsp #a very scandalous proposal #choices vip #simon montjoy

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takingcourage · 3 years

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I just wanted to let you know that I haven’t forgotten this request, Nonny! I am actively working on the two fics I mentioned, though most of my writing time has been going to other projects lately.

Thanks for your patience and support. : )

I'm interested :) Now we're 2 ppl that want to read your CK fics. Just noticed, as I typed them, that Cassian has the same initials as Clark Kent!! 😁😁😁

Thanks for letting me know, Nonny! I’ll take a look back at those fics and see if I can revive them. For what it’s worth, they both take place in my Miscalculations AU. If you’re looking for something that’s canon compliant, you’re welcome to make a request.

So he does! I don’t remember noticing that before, but you’re right.

#answered ask #witness: a bodyguard romance

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takingcourage · 3 years

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Would you consider writing another Simon x MC as parents fic? I loved your last one, and I love your writing! ❤️

Thank you so much, Nonny! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it.

Yes, I would absolutely write another parenting fic! I had great fun with the first one, and I enjoy writing Simon Montjoy in general. I haven’t been writing much for Choices lately, but I would love to write more AVSP fic when I have the time and motivation again. Thanks again for this sweet message! 😊

#answered ask #a very scandalous proposal

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takingcourage · 3 years

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hey, here’s a friendly reminder that your original content is incredible! let’s spread some support by sharing this message to 10 other blogs whose creations you love, and don’t break the chain ❤️✨ have a great day/night and remember that you’re loved! (you're not obliged to do this, i'd just thought i'd let you know that you're fantastic!)

Thank you so much, @missameliep ! You’re seriously the sweetest. : )

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takingcourage · 3 years

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These prompts were so much fun! I only wish I’d had time to write stories for all of them. Thanks for hosting this event and bringing some timely cheer. 😊

CFWC Silly Love Stories Masterlist

Day 1: Friends to Lovers

Open Heart

Until I Met You | Aurora Emery x F!MC - @eleanorbloom

With Every Heartbeat

The Star In Her Sky | M!Dakota Winchester x MC - @lem-20 [adult content]

Day 3: Roommates/Neighbors

Desire & Decorum

Love Thy Neighbour: Part 1 | Hamid x F!OC - @missameliep

Mother Of The Year

Forward Together | Levi Schuler x MC - @storyofmychoices

Day 4: Fake Dating

Open Heart

Be Mine | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @starrystarrytrouble

An Unavoidable Dinner | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @lucy-268

Day 5: Meet Cute

Desire & Decorum

(Un)fortunate Circumstances: Part 1 | Hamid x MC, Yusuf Konevi x Bartholomew Chambers - @lorirwritesfanfic [adult content]

A Stroke Of Serendipity | Luke Harper x MC - @takingcourage

Open Heart

6 First Dates | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @anntoldst0ries

Past And Future | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @lem-20

Red Carpet Diaries

In Another Life | Thomas Hunt x MC - @theartoflovingthomashunt

The Royal Romance

Happenstance | Liam Rys x MC - @takingcourage

Day 7: Oh no! There’s only one bed!

Wishful Thinking

By Your Side | Jaime Lewis x MC - @takingcourage

Day 8: Unrequited love

Open Heart

An Awakening | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC, Naveen Banerji x F!OC - @stygianflood

Distant | Ethan Ramsey, F!MC, Rafael Aveiro - @lorirwritesfanfic [adult content]

Perfect Match/Platinum

Call Me? | Damien Nazario x PM F! MC x M!Raleigh Carrera - @romewritingshop

Day 9: Mutual Pining

Ride Or Die

When The Heart Follows A Blue Dot | Logan x MC - @lorirwritesfanfic

Day 10: Songfic

Desire & Decorum

In the Arms Of A Prince | Hamid x MC - @itslaniquelove

Open Heart

Seizing Opportunities | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @lorirwritesfanfic [adult content]

Perfect Match

Paper Rings | Damien Nazario x F!MC - @former-westchester-resident

Day 11: Size Difference

The Royal Romance

When Size Doesn’t Matter | Liam Rys x MC - @lorirwritesfanfic [adult content]

Day 12: Date night

Blades Of Light And Shadow

Of Starlight And Love | Tyril Starfury x F!Elf!MC - @aallotarenunelma

Desire & Decorum

The Letter | Annabelle Parsons x F!OC - @lorirwritesfanfic

Mother Of The Year

Date Night | Thomas Mendez x MC - @itslaniquelove [adult content]

Open Heart

Everything Else Is Just The Weather | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @anntoldst0ries

A Single Rose | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @thequeenchoices

Day 14: Ugh, I hate couples!

Desire & Decorum

Sing Your Love Song | Hamid x F!OC, Ernest Sinclaire x F!OC, Edmund Marlcaster x Briar Daly - @missameliep

Open Heart

Four Valentines | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @starrystarrytrouble

#playchoices fanfiction #cfwc silly love stories

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takingcourage · 3 years

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That is so kind of you to say, @missameliep ! I really appreciate your feedback.

Luke would be a gentleman in any time period, wouldn’t he? I just adore him. While I don’t have any plans for a follow-up (most of my writing projects at the moment aren’t for Choices), I wouldn’t be opposed to writing more if the inspiration strikes. Maybe I’ll try a set of headcanons or something.

Thanks so much for commenting and reblogging! : )

A Stroke of Serendipity

Pairing: Luke Harper x MC

Word Count: 1,850

Rating/Warnings: General; no warnings

Summary: During her first term at university, Helena discovers that there’s more to her housemate than meets the eye.

Note: I’m not usually one to write AUs, but @choicesficwriterscreations ’s post about Silly Love Stories crossed my dash and I couldn’t resist trying a few. This story was written to fulfill the the prompt of “Roommates/Neighbor,” and takes place in a modern setting.

Despite the chill in the air, it was unseasonably warm for November. For the first day in weeks, the lawn was cluttered with students choosing to linger in the sunlight for just a bit longer than necessary before heading inside for their lectures.

Making her way past the crowds, Helena unlocked her bike and mounted, finding equilibrium easily. She felt a tinge of shame with the memory of how daunting the task had seemed just weeks before. Keeping her coat out of the spokes and her backpack balanced had presented an unexpected challenge at the start of the term, and it had earned her more than one pitying glance from passersby.

Pumping the pedals, she picked up enough speed to glide over several lengths of sidewalk. Fellow students blurred as she moved past, their forms merging with her thoughts before they faded altogether, consumed by her ever-growing list of assignments.

When her estranged father had insisted on paying her way through university, she’d jumped at the opportunity – goodness knew she didn’t want to work the till at Morrisons forever. At first, Vincent’s offer had seemed too good to be true. Nearing the end of her first term, however, reality was stripping away much of the mystique.

Continuar lendo

#reblog response #playchoices fanfiction #desire and decorum #sir luke harper

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takingcourage · 3 years

Text

Thank you for reblogging, @krishu213! : ) I miss them a lot too.

By Your Side

Pairing: Jaime x MC

Word Count: 1,150

Rating/Warnings: Teen; mild innuendo

Summary: New nightly accommodations lead Jaime and Arden to reveal their true feelings.

Note: This story is a half-baked variation of the “there’s only one bed” trope, written for @choicesficwriterscreations ’s Silly Love Stories event. It also fits the @choicesfebchallenge prompt for “Gossip,” if you squint.

Arden turned the corner sharply, small backpack hitting the ridge of her spine with an audible thump. She took a deep breath, resisting the urge to sigh with her exhale. Here, the air was clean and clear.

If she wanted to, she could still catch the scent of the city on her clothes: the traces of asphalt and stale beer held tight to the collar of her denim jacket.

Maybe it was a good thing Ellen hadn’t been available for this trip, after all. It was difficult to imagine the older woman blending in at the downtown hostel for five whole days without setting off someone’s alarm bells. Comfortable as Arden was conducting interviews on the set of The Ellen and Arden Show, undercover investigations remained her favorite part of the job. When this opportunity had arisen, it had been too tantalizing lead for her to pass up.

Behind her, a taxi slowed and came to a stop. The smack of the door was followed by a well-known pattern of footsteps. With Ellen otherwise engaged, she’d traded one partner for another.

Patience running low, she slowed her tread for Jaime to catch up. This far from the city, she was no longer worried about people seeing them together.

“Miss me?”

“Always,” she replied, a giggle hovering at her lips.

Keep reading

#reblog response #playchoices fanfiction #wishful thinking #jaime lewis

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takingcourage · 3 years

Text

By Your Side

Pairing: Jaime x MC

Word Count: 1,150

Rating/Warnings: Teen; mild innuendo

Summary: New nightly accommodations lead Jaime and Arden to reveal their true feelings.

If she wanted to, she could still catch the scent of the city on her clothes: the traces of asphalt and stale beer held tight to the collar of her denim jacket.

Behind her, a taxi slowed and came to a stop. The smack of the door was followed by a well-known pattern of footsteps. With Ellen otherwise engaged, she’d traded one partner for another.

Patience running low, she slowed her tread for Jaime to catch up. This far from the city, she was no longer worried about people seeing them together.

“Miss me?”

“Always,” she replied, a giggle hovering at her lips.

Keep reading

#next-day reblog #playchoices fanfiction #wishful thinking #jaime lewis #jaime x mc

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takingcourage · 3 years

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I'm interested :) Now we're 2 ppl that want to read your CK fics. Just noticed, as I typed them, that Cassian has the same initials as Clark Kent!! 😁😁😁

So he does! I don’t remember noticing that before, but you’re right.

#answered ask #witness: a bodyguard romance

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takingcourage · 3 years

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Hi. Idk how this works (not a Tumblr regular) but do you still write Cassian from choices bodyguard book? I loved your fics, looked for more but didn't find anywhere. Sorry if this ask is weird in some way. Good day! <3

Hello, Nonny! Thanks for your message and for reading my fics. Your message isn’t weird at all, and I hope you have a good day too. : ) I haven’t written Cassian in ages. I kind of lost steam as the book continued and moved further away from the versions of characters and events that I’d imagined. With that said, I’m still very attached to the characters (especially in my AU), and I have some unfinished WIPs that I could complete and publish if anyone is interested.

#answered ask #witness: a bodyguard romance

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takingcourage · 3 years

Text

By Your Side

Pairing: Jaime x MC

Word Count: 1,150

Rating/Warnings: Teen; mild innuendo

Summary: New nightly accommodations lead Jaime and Arden to reveal their true feelings.

If she wanted to, she could still catch the scent of the city on her clothes: the traces of asphalt and stale beer held tight to the collar of her denim jacket.

Behind her, a taxi slowed and came to a stop. The smack of the door was followed by a well-known pattern of footsteps. With Ellen otherwise engaged, she’d traded one partner for another.

Patience running low, she slowed her tread for Jaime to catch up. This far from the city, she was no longer worried about people seeing them together.

“Miss me?”

“Always,” she replied, a giggle hovering at her lips.

The entered the hotel together, Jaime staying close as she checked them in for the night. He’d insisted many times that he was comfortable with the arrangements of the past week, though his unspoken concerns as they’d passed one another in the hostel hallways had been frequent. Clearly, he was just as relieved as she was to have reached this stage of the journey. Tomorrow's flight would take them both back to Northbridge and the normalcy that came with it.

Leaving the front desk with a smile, Arden pocketed the key cards and made a beeline to the elevator. The doors sealed shortly after, leaving her alone with Jaime for the first time in nearly a week.

“Did you--”

“I can’t wait to--” she hesitated upon realizing that they’d been speaking over each other.

Sorry, too excited there.

Arden smiled knowingly. “You go first,” she prompted, reveling in the feeling of his proximity and the comparative silence. These past few days, her mind had been so full.

He shifted closer, the flannel of his sleeve raising the hairs on her forearm. “I was going to ask if you’d filled that notebook with new leads. I know I only saw bits and pieces, but it seemed like things were going well.”

“So well! You would not believe how believe how much intel I got talking with those women.”

"I might, actually, considering your ‘secret weapon’...”

Arden winked at his exaggerated air quotes.

“...Anyway, what were you saying?”

“I was saying that I can’t wait to get cleaned up and put on fresh clothes.”

Their legs swayed with the motion of the elevator before it stabilized. “You’ll have your chance soon.”

Key in hand, Arden led him into the hallway until they reached room 437. Jaime was close behind, still taking his role as protector a little too seriously. “This place is going to seem like a mansion after the bedrooms in the hostel,” she mused as the light on the handle flicked from red to green.

She hit the switch for the overhead light as she passed, taking in the quaint accommodations with an appreciation born of recent experience. Sensing Jaime’s presence nearby, she looked up to find his attention directed to the center of the room.

“There’s only one bed,” he whispered. The hand that had been floating at her side made contact, thumb finding its way beneath the hem of her sweatshirt.

“Of course there is.” She arched into his touch, leaning her head back until it nudged his collarbone. "We’ve been married and sharing a bed for four years, Jaime. Were you expecting me to book a room with two?”

His eyes screwed up with distaste. “I’d push them together if you did.”

“And I’d help. Hostels are excellent for blending in and getting in on local gossip, but not so much for spending time together.” She dropped her bag to the chair and began searching for her small pack of toiletries.

"I’m just saying, I’m glad we’re together tonight.”

“I am too.” Locating the desired object, she ventured toward the ensuite. “Turns out, it’s hard for me to sleep without having you there to grope me all night.”

“Grope?”

She showed him a sliver of tongue when he joined her at the sink. “You know what I mean.”

“I’ll keep my hands to myself tonight,” he threatened, though his thoughts told her a very different story.

“Ha ha,” she intoned blandly before cutting a length of floss. Jaime grazed her with a hip on his way to the faucet, and quiet reigned for a few moments as they completed their respective tasks. Though his mouth was obscured by a toothbrush, she could make out his smile by the squint in his eyes.

She grinned back, leaning away from him momentarily to dispose of her floss. “Also, I never realized how much your breathing lulls me to sleep. The room at the hostel wasn’t quiet, but it was the wrong kind of noise if that makes sense.” Arden prepped her own toothbrush while she waited for him to spit.

“Perfect sense. I kept expecting to hear you to start talking half-asleep like you usually do when you’ve been researching all day.”

Her eyes widened at the undesireable prospect. “Let’s hope my poor roommates weren’t subjected to too much incoherent mumbling. I try to save that for you.” Arden shoved the toothbrush into her mouth, expecting Jaime would follow his normal routine and hop into the shower within moments.

As predicted, the faucet started running just seconds later. “There’s one thing I didn’t miss.” He’d chosen the perfect moment to make his revelation: he was out of sight, and she was unable to speak.

It didn’t take long for curiosity to get the better of her. “Hmmhh?”

“You trying to tuck your ice-cold nose into my shoulder blade.”

Arden rinsed her mouth quickly. “Sorry, but I can’t promise I won’t do it again. You’re awfully warm.”

One end of the curtain opened to reveal her husband’s familiar face. Even from several feet away, Arden could make out the glimmer of water on his dark lashes. “As long as my days end with you next to me in bed, Arden, I don’t care what state you come in.” Although you did kind of stink earlier... And come to think of it, I’m very, very warm right now.

Without waiting to hear anything further, she shed her jacket and sweatshirt onto their growing pile of clothes on the cold floor. She’d been planning to shower regardless; resisting her sudden urge to shower with him seemed foolish.

“Thought so,” Jaime chuckled, pulling the curtain shut again as she entered from the other side.

#playchoices #playchoices fanfiction #cfwc silly love stories #wishful thinking #jaime lewis #jaime x mc

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takingcourage · 3 years

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You’re too kind, @yourmajesty09. : ) Thank you for reblogging!

1, 7 & 11 for Liam x mc?

Thanks for the requests, lovely! : )

1 is here , but the other two are below. The prompts themselves are in bold.

_____

Liam could feel Eliza’s footsteps. Though faint, the tremble they produced rose up from the hardwood floor and through the padded soles of his slippers.

He lowered the coffee mug from his lips, afraid to take a sip of the hot liquid before her impending arrival. If his usually graceful wife was stomping through their home, something was certainly the matter.

She crossed the threshold seconds later and tossed a stack of colorful tabloids onto the table before him.

Ignoring the papers, he focused instead on the woman beside him. The flaring nostrils, the indignant flash of fury in her eyes, the way she bored holes into the glossy gossip papers – if her footsteps hadn’t been enough to convince him that she was angry, her appearance certainly was.

With huff of air, she identified the target of her frustration. “Look what came out this morning!”

Obligingly, he cast his eyes down to the array of photos sitting in front of his empty breakfast dishes. In the fuzzy images, he saw his wife standing before a moderate crowd, looking polished and lovely in her outfit from the day before. Brow furrowing, he tried to make sense of the varied headlines:

Queen Eliza has nervous habits after all!

Champion Queen distracts during first solo appearance…

Eliza slumped into the chair next to his with a groan, the sound tempting his focus to stray once again. “They’re all saying that I’ll lose my wedding band if I keep twirling it around my finger when I’m taking questions.”

Instinctively, his thumb ran the length of the metal band that circled his own finger. While his wife’s attention was turned back to the tabloids, Liam worked to get rid of the tiny smirk threatening to steal across his face. “I’m sure the fidgeting will end soon. It’ll take a little while to get used to having another ring there.”

Blue eyes shot up from the mahogany table, darting back and forth across his features. “Why are you smiling at me like that? This isn’t funny.” Her elegant nose wrinkled with vexation.

“I can’t help that you’re adorable when you’re mad.”

“I don’t think you want to press that any further,” she warned, tone still edged with anger.

“Not mad then. Upset?” He looked to her for confirmation, but her forehead only creased further.

Brushing the papers out of her reach, he switched tactics. “You have every right to be upset – if you are…” he added cautiously. “But I have to say, if this is the worst complaint they have against you, you’re doing incredibly well.”

She met his eyes, propping her cheek on a fist. “I know shouldn’t let it get to me. I think it just came as a shock.” The storm brewing between her shapely brows began to lighten. “I know that’s the kind of story they always publish, but yesterday’s speech went so well. Why can’t they ever talk about the good things?”

Silent, Liam reached out to take her hand under the table. She gripped his fingers tightly, then released them. “I’m better now. This isn’t going to ruin my day.”

“A wise decision, my queen.” As he rose to his feed, he pressed a deliberate kiss to her forehead.

“I’ll see you at dinner?” she inquired, following him into the kitchen.

“I’ll be out of meetings a little after six,” he confirmed. Opening the door of the dishwasher, a strange idea came to mind. “Maybe we can start a fire once we’ve eaten? We haven’t had a chance to use the fireplace since you moved in.”

“It’s nearly summer!”

“True, but I have some paper I’d like to use for kindling.” He tossed a significant glance toward the dining room.

Following his eyes, his wife grinned and pulled him close for a kiss. “Then I think I’d like that very much.”

_____

11.

Eliza cracked one eyelid open as the mattress dipped behind her. “Liam?”

“Shhh,” he whispered, sliding beneath the thin sheet she’d been sleeping under. “It’s late. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

She rolled toward him and took a deep breath, mouth contorting into a yawn as she sucked in the air. “How was your flight?”

“Too long. They always are when they’re keeping me from you.” Liam inched to he middle of the mattress, maintaining a modest distance.

Eliza closed the gap in an instant. Body hot from sleep, she craved the blissful coolness in his touch. Tossing a leg over his hip, she pulled herself up for a kiss. His lips were cold but soft, still minty from toothpaste.

“They’re even worse with weather delays,” she confided on pulling away. With a sigh, she shuffled down to rest her cheek at his shoulder. He may have only been away for two days, but reunion kisses were always worth waking up for.

“I’m sorry to be so late. I would have done anything to hurry the trip along.” Liam stroked an idle hand across the bare skin of her back, and she could almost feel her excess heat seeping into him. Smiling against his skin, she wrapped herself tighter around him.

“You can’t change the weather,” she reminded, shifting so they could both turn to their sides.

“Even so, I know how much the gala meant to you.”

“You mean more than anything,” she promised. As he draped an arm across her waist, she captured it, squeezing his palm in reassurance. “And you came home safe. That’s what matters most.”

“You’re very obliging.”

“You make it easy,” she told him seriously. Liam’s lips brushed down her spine, the touch sending a wave of shivers through her shoulders and neck. “I’m glad you made it home tonight, even if it’s later than you planned. I hate sleeping without you.”

He was quiet for several moments – so long that Eliza wondered if exhaustion had claimed him. When he did speak, his voice broke with the sudden question. “Do you know what I like most about sleeping with you?”

“What?” Her own voice had softened with her increasing sense of weariness.

“Waking up to realize that you’re not just a part of my dreams.”

Despite her tiredness, Eliza sought her husband’s hand. Twining her fingers through his own, she returned to sleep with a contented smile on her lips.

#long post #reblog response #playchoices fanfiction #the royal romance #liam x mc

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