This absolutely gorgeous art is by the one and only @/artbyainna on Instagram. She is seriously the most talented and lovely gem to exist. She is helping me create my very own Sistine Chapel of Bryce and Olivia lol. So here is the latest addition!
Soon (It's a relative term)
[Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley Masterlist]
Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley (F!OC)
Other Characters: Keiki Lahela
Book: Open Heart
Word Count: ~700
Rating/Warning: General (all the fluff and kisses)
Synopsis: Bryce and Olivia finally have a morning off together.
This was not how things were supposed to go. They had plans: sleep in, brunch, and then, apple and pumpkin picking with Keiki before heading in for a late afternoon shift. It was supposed to be the perfect autumn day, except, so far, they'd only made it as far as the couch.
Her nose scrunched, and her eyes closed as she smiled into the warmth of his embrace. Her feet bent up behind her, flitting playfully back and forth as he held her in his arms, kissing her softly and slowly.
Olivia always marveled at his natural warmth. She had grown up in New England and was used to the crisp autumn air but still needed a hoodie or sweater on the colder days. Non-native New Englanders from warmer climates typically had difficulty adjusting to the cooler temperatures and could be seen wearing winter coats as early as October. Forget about what they'd be like come January. She had expected Bryce to be one of them, especially having grown up in the tropics. But he wasn't. Bryce didn't seem bothered by the cooler days. (And Olivia certainly was not bothered by the view that came with that.) Somehow, he always seemed the perfect temperature, even as the days grew shorter. Bryce was never too hot or too cold but always just right. Olivia felt like Goldilocks when he held her in his arms. Everything about the way they fit and how it felt was just right and exactly what she needed as if the space was created just for her.
It had been far too long since they had a morning off together. Twelve days to be exact, but the pair agreed it felt much longer. They had hoped to take advantage of the beautiful, autumnal day but found it difficult to keep up with their schedule. Despite its enchanting allure, the wonders of fall paled in comparison to the magic they found in each other.
He twirled the loose strands of hair at the base of her neck that had slipped from her messy bun. He kept her close, kissing her again and again, savoring every subtle shift of her breathing and memorizing the tender touch of her fingertips brushing lightly over him. This was his favorite kind of kiss. The kind of kiss where you lose yourself in each other. Slow. Steady. Neverending. The kind of kiss that makes you forget everything else except that moment.
"Should we?" He whispered regretfully into another kiss.
"Nuh-uh—" her reply hummed against his lips. "Soon," she decided, resting her forehead against his as she caught her breath for a moment.
"Okay," he agreed, brushing his nose against hers, "—soon." He pulled her in for another kiss.
Olivia couldn't help but smile, knowing that soon was a relative term and this time it certainly didn't mean anytime "soon". Although in all fairness, on their last morning off together, they never made it out of bed. She figured they could agree that the couch was significant progress.
A Long While After "Soon"...
"Ugh—" Keiki groaned, sticking her tongue out in disgust. She squeezed the plastic spray bottle in her hand. "Wake up!"
"Ahh!" Olivia quickly pulled up the hood of her hoodie and buried her face further into Bryce's shoulder.
"Keiki!" Bryce sputtered as his little sister continued spraying water at his face. "Stop it!"
"Make me," she teased, spritzing him again with a light mist. "Did you forget about our plans?"
Bryce's hand lashed out, trying to get the bottle from his sister without knocking Olivia off, who was giggling into his neck.
"Time. To. Get. Up!" Keiki announced smugly, ending each word with another fine stream of water, this time focusing her attention on his hair.
"Now you've done it," he grumbled. Bryce lifted Olivia's chin and pressed a kiss on her forehead before slipping out from under her as carefully as he could manage. "Sorry!" He called back as he chased after Keiki.
Olivia repositioned on the couch, curling up in the warm space Bryce had left on the pillow in his absence. She watched as the siblings tore through the apartment. They had come so far since that first night when neither really knew how to react. Now that they had found each other, she knew they’d never lose one another again, and she couldn’t be happier for them. They needed this. They needed each other. And she needed both of them just as much. They were a family—the three of them—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thank you for reading this pointless drabble. I hope you enjoyed it. I really need art of the epilogue part now. I totally head canoned that happening but had no intention of writing it, but here we are. It was kind of my favorite part so I had to share. Keiki is a gift we did not deserve in book 2. I love her so much! 💖
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Tension
This magnificent artwork was a commission from the incredible @/artbyainna. This left me breathless! Look at that lighting! Look at them! I love seeing my little people come to life!
I hope you enjoy this beautiful piece, and the accompanying story too! It's nice to take a little break from the angst in my WTD World.
Book: Wake the Dead
Pairing: Eli Sipes x F!MC (Zoe Rivera); feat. Troy Hassan
Rating: Teen
Category: Fluff / Friends to lovers / Pining
Summary: On a rare afternoon of respite, the colonists all find a way to unwind... except for Eli and Zoe. Taking the opportunity to perfect their skills leaves them anything but relaxed.
Words: 2035
A/N: I imagine this scene to take place just before the trip to the amusement park in Chapter 10. These two are fighting a hell of a lot more than zombies. :) Participating in @choicesjanuarychallenge - Day 17 - Relax
WTD Masterlist
Full Masterlist
It was an unusually quiet afternoon at the lodge. The colonist’s hard work had paid off: fortifications and watch crews were keeping the drones at bay, and the gardens and livestock left the pantry full. With daily chores out of the way, most were free to enjoy a rare afternoon of tranquility.
Troy reclined on one of the couches, humming quietly as he took in the scene around him. Shannon sat nearby, gripping an old magazine she had found as if it were the holy grail. Published around the time of the outbreak’s start, she was adamant it could contain something to help her research. In a distant corner, Minna was setting up a table with May, who was eagerly prepping a tea party for her stuffed animals. Seeing his friends relaxed and experiencing joy… just as he was… brought a smile to his face. And then… there was Eli….
Troy fully expected to find him crouched in front of the fireplace, working on his bow or doing something else… productive. To Troy’s dismay, that’s how Eli defined “resting.” But today, Troy was amused, watching his friend surreptitiously as he hurriedly walked in and out of the room at least half a dozen times. Stretching his neck in every direction, Eli was definitely searching for something. Troy could have asked what he was looking for… as if he didn’t already know… but this was much more fun. Entertainment like this didn’t come along daily, and Troy wasn’t about to let it end too quickly. But on Eli’s sixth go-round, Troy took pity on him.
“Looking for something, Eli?”
Eli turned gruffly in his direction. “What makes you say that?”
“You’ve been in and out of here six times… you’re either looking for something or working up the nerve to ask me to take my night watch shift tonight… any chance on that?” Troy begged, using his best puppy-dog eyes. They might have worked on half of the colonists in Olympus but on Eli… not a chance.
“Keep dreaming, Hassan.”
“So then you are looking for something….” Troy winked. “Or better yet, someone….”
“I didn’t say I was. I….”
“She went outside… mentioned something about going to the range for target practice on the one afternoon we get some downtime!” Troy shook his head with disgust and pointed a finger Eli’s way. “I hold you responsible for this! She used to be fun. Now, look at her!”
Eli did his best to suppress a smirk. Shrugging his shoulders, he strode past his lounging friend.
“I don’t know who you’re talking about,” he replied straight-faced.
“Yeah, my ass,” Troy yelled after him.
“Troy… I will never be looking for your ass,” he mocked before heading out the front door.
The moment the fresh air hit him, his feet carried him swiftly in the direction of the range. He was moving at twice his normal speed, though there was no need to rush. No drones were on the property, and no one needed immediate protection. His chores were done, so he wasn’t completing a task. Still, just the slightest bit faster, the man would have been running. Even the elders from Sunflower Creek seated on the porch commented on it. Eli couldn’t help but overhear… then his mind went into overdrive.
This is just how he walked, he tried to convince himself. There was nothing suspicious about it. He was headed to practice himself and wanted to get there before the sun went down. Of course, the sun wasn’t setting for another five hours… but still. There was no reason to be suspect. None at all.
As he neared the range, he could hear the twang of her bow as an arrow released, then seconds later, the dull thud of a target being hit. He waited patiently for the next sound; there could only be one of two outcomes… and a smile crossed his lips when it was the one he had hoped for.
“Yes!” Zoe cheered. Followed but a string of happy little noises Eli couldn’t describe if he tried.
But another sound broadened his smile and made his heart race…. silence. She was alone, and while he’d reprimand her for being unsafe later, for now, he was delighted… Zoe all to himself. He almost surrendered to the rush that washed over him, but without warning, that voice was back in his head.
What does it matter if she’s alone? She’s not why I’m here. I’m going to practice. Zoe being here is good because we can offer each other tips. If someone else was there, that would just be more input. This means nothing. Nothing at all. His head may have listened, but his heart hadn’t heard a word, and Eli cursed it for continuing to hammer in his chest. This. Meant. Nothing.
Zoe was startled when she heard footsteps approaching through the brush, raising her bow in preparation.
“It’s me,” Eli hollered, “Don’t shoot.”
Her bright smile appeared naturally when she saw who it was, but she quickly turned it into a coy little smirk by her own design.
“Not so much fun to be on the other side. Is it, Mr. Sipes?”
“Are we ever going to stop talking about that?” he deadpanned, but Zoe was astute, and she didn’t miss the smile in his eyes.
“Absolutely never!”
He walked blithely past her and settled down on a large rock to prepare his bow. Zoe’s eyes trailed his every move, returning to shooting? It wasn’t even a thought. She didn’t flinch when he looked up, catching her in the act, and only a slight blush rose to her cheeks when he raised his eyebrows in question.
“Yes? Do you need something?”
“Oh… so, so many things,” she chirped, not missing a beat.
His lips twitched as he turned back to his bow, looking anyplace but at her. He tested the strings before standing.
“It sounded like you had a good shoot when I was walking down here.”
“Of course I did! I’m good!” she boasted, chest sticking out with pride… how he tried not to notice.
“Yes,” he chuckled, and now her heart was racing. She couldn’t describe how she felt when she made Mr. Grumpy laugh or smile, breaking that cold façade. All she knew was it was intoxicating, and each time it happened, she desperately craved more. “You are good,” he continued. “Very good. One day, you may even be great.”
“Oh,” she teased, slinking over in his direction. “And what’s standing between me and greatness?”
He all but lost his ability to think, though he knew he needed to come up with a response. He could just turn around and aim for the target, ignoring what she had just said, but at the moment… he had forgotten how.
“I.. uh… I mean… you…”
“Don’t worry,” Zoe laughed. “I know what I need… even if you don’t.”
“Oh, and what is it that you need?”
“I need to perfect my shot with a standard bow,” she offered immediately, “That’s why I’m here. Most of my training back at the tower was with a crossbow, and I rock the crossbow. But there are differences, and I want to improve there.”
“There are differences. And lucky for you, the traditional bow is my specialty.”
“Oh, I know,” she winked. “That’s why this is my lucky day.”
Her heart fluttered when he smiled again, she could tell he was trying to fight it, but he didn’t stand a chance. Again, she was left yearning.
“Come over here,” he demanded, and she quickly complied. “Now, get into stance. Remember, your feet need to be parallel to the shooting line.”
Zoe glanced over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. “I’m not a complete idiot, Eli.”
���I didn’t suggest… I’m just taking it from the top!”
“And I’m just teasing you,” she giggled.
“Zoe, if you want to perfect your shot, you should take it more seriously.”
For a split second, she almost felt embarrassed, but only for a second. Her sass was quick to return.
“And if you want me to perfect my shot, perhaps you should show me and just bark orders,” she goaded.
“Fine!”
She assumed he’d get into position, raise his bow, and pull the string with godlike precision. They’d watch his arrow fly through the air like the work of art it was until it hit his desired target… dead on. That’s what she thought would happen. Instead, she gasped silently when she felt his hands on her waist.
“Get into position,” he commanded, and her mind went numb.
Somehow, she managed to raise her bow. Her shirt rose a bit when she lifted her arms. Suddenly the sensation of the rough pads of his fingers brushing against the delicate skin took her breath away.
“Now, turn a little more. Just like this,” he instructed, twisting her the slightest bit to the side.
She wondered if he felt like she did right now, and if her heart wasn’t thumping, she would have felt his pounding against her back. For his part, being this close to her was doing things he hadn’t fully expected; the feeling was overwhelming. But Eli’s game face was unrivaled, and, despite the longing of every fiber of his being, he presented a somber, almost stone-like effect.
“Now, relax your knees….”
Was he kidding? If she relaxed her knees, she was quite confident she’d dissolve into a puddle at his feet.
“Right… relax…” she muttered.
She was flustered, and he saw it. A chill ran throughout his body, and Eli was uncertain. Was he winning or losing?
“Your shoulders should be a little more in line with your bow arm,” he began, “and you want to use your back muscles to aim….”
He hadn’t finished his sentence when her back muscles aimed for their intended target, lying flush against his chest. Neither of them could breathe, and if not for the sould of the gentle breeze rustling through the trees, they would have believed that time stood still. Each waiting, in silence….
“Try shooting,” he blurted. He had to say something.
And she did… instantly… without a single thought. The ping of her bow was followed by silence as her arrow flew through the air, ultimately falling to the ground. But Eli hadn’t moved at all, and neither had she.
“Well…” she stammered. “That totally sucked.”
The two broke out into a fit of nervous laughter, still leaning in closer to one another when interrupted by an approaching voice.
“Eli! Zoe!” Angel called.
“Over here,” Zoe shot back. “What’s going on.”
“There’s a brawl breaking out in the kitchen,” Angel said breathlessly. “I don’t even know what it’s about. All I know is even Feather looked like he was ready to flip out.”
“Oh, that can’t be good,” Zoe chuckled.
“It’s not. That’s why Troy said I should go get you….”
“Oh, Troy sent you,” Eli sneered.
Angel scrunched her brow in confusion, “Uh.. yeah… I mean, is that a problem… or….”
“No, it’s not a problem at all,” Zoe said, gathering her things. “Let’s head back now.”
“Yeah,” Eli scoffed. “I’ll handle Troy later.”
The three made their way back to the lodge, with Angel running ahead. Trailing behind, Zoe looked up at Eli with a coquettish grin.
“Yes?” Eli acknowledged with a raised brow.
“I just think I was really getting it back there,” she grinned. “We’ll need to do it again soon. I think I’m perfecting my shot.”
“Really? I wouldn’t say that based on your last one,” he half-smiled.
“I don’t know,” she said, starting up the steps. “I think certain good things could be said about it.”
“Like what?
“Like….” Zoe opened the door, and they could hear the clamoring and chaos at once. “Oh, my….” She sighed.
“It’s probably best you tell me some other time…” he smiled. “It looks like you’re needed in the kitchen.”
“Me… needed in the kitchen,” she laughed. “Words I never thought I’d hear!”
“I’ve gotta admit,” he smirked. “Neither did I. Perhaps I should join you.”
“Yeah, wouldn’t want any cooking breaking out with me unattended.”
“Lead the way,” he grinned, “then when I’m done… I’ll handle Troy.”
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WTD: @cariantha @kyra75 @lilyoffandoms @missameliep
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Together as One
[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [Red Carpet Diaries]
Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer (F!OC)
Book: Red Carpet Diaries (Post-Book 3)
Word Count: ~500
Rating: General: no warnings, all the fluffy fluff
Prompts: @choiceschallenge-may2023 - love
Synopsis: Thomas and Alex enjoy a quiet movie night in.
This absolutely adorable and gorgeous art is by the one and only ArtbyAinna. 🤍
The glow of the TV cast a cool light over the room. The familiar sounds of one of their favorite films playing on the screen drowned out the faint snores of their faithful black lab, Bogart, sleeping on the floor beside them.
Alex nestled her head in the crook of Thomas’s neck, taking in his scent and the feel of his soft skin against hers. A blissful smile spread across her face as his arms urged her closer.
His fingers drew mindless paths along her arm, lulling her in the safety of his embrace. The warmth of her breaths tickled his neck. He gazed down at his beautiful wife. Her brown hair fanned out beneath her head on his chest. A contented sigh slipped through his lips at the sight.
There was a time when he enjoyed films in solitude. It was only without the distraction of others that he could fully appreciate the art of the film. He spent countless hours absorbed in the media, learning and studying from those he considered masters. He took pleasure in the critique of what he watched, and rarely did he stop to just sit and let the story draw him in without any assessment of it. But, with her, everything was different.
He traced the outline of her jaw with his fingertips, lifting her chin slightly. Her soulful brown eyes met his, warming his chest. He brushed a kiss on her forehead, marveling at how much his life had changed. Now, he had come to enjoy a balance. He still immersed himself when a film warranted it, but he also took the time to enjoy these quiet moments, where the film took a secondary role and became a backdrop to his own Hollywood love story.
The once overflowing bowl of jalapeño popcorn began to dip as the movie played on. Alex’s eyelids grew heavier with each passing scene. The comfort of the familiar story lulled her further toward sleep.
Thomas held her in his arms, listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing as it gradually slowed. The blue light of the screen cast a dreamlike glow on her features as she slept, making her even more beautiful. His fingers glided gingerly through her hair, savoring her soft, silky strands.
Taking care not to wake her, he pulled the blanket further over her. He couldn't have imagined a more perfect night than this. It didn't matter that the movie was her choice and she had fallen asleep. What mattered was this—the time spent together, with her in his arms where no words needed to be spoken to know the depths of the love they shared.
The best love stories weren't the loudest or the ones with the most memorable dialogue. The best stories were the ones that were told in the quiet whispers between two lovers' hearts, dancing in tune until they began to beat together as one—a love that could only be felt deep in one's soul.
If you made it this far, thank you for giving this drabble a chance. I only had a few minutes to write today, so I apologize if there are any errors. I am trying to spend less time analyzing my writing because that's where my self-doubt kicks in and then I edit it until there is nothing left or I don't share it because of my anxiety. So I hope that you enjoyed this quiet look into their lives. If you did, please consider reblogging and leaving a comment. It means the world to me to hear what you think.
Thank you again for reading this! You are appreciated!!!
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