2023 Choices OCtober

Based on this drabble in which these two best friends try questionable chocolate bar flavors.

Thank you so much, Aurora, for participating in OCtober and for sharing your OCs and MCs with us all! I hope you love this piece of you gorgeous MC.

@aallotarenunelma

Fic: Indigo Blood (ID, Cas x MC)

@cariantha

Fic: Hunger Pains pg-13 (OPH, Ethan x MC)

@gaiuskamilah

Art & HC: Marya Moonglory (Blades, OC)

@jerzwriter

Fic: Pumpkin Love (OPH, Tobias x MC)

Fic: Tricks and Treats (COP, Trystan x MC)

Edit: Better Luck Next Year (OPH, Tobias x MC)

@ladylamrian

HC: Halloweeen Costumes (Multi)

Fic: Duty & Pleasure (NB, Nik x MC)

Fic: Toward the Future (NB, Nik x MC)

@lilyoffandoms

Art: Conner x Tenebris (ILITW, Conner x MC)

Fic: Crimes Drabble (COP, Trystan x MC)

Fic: Blades Drabble (Blades, Nia x MC)

Art: Troy x Saeed (WTD, Troy x MC)

@noesapphic

Intro: Neera Rose (COP, MC)

@peonyblossom

Edit: Meet My MC - Reese O’Malley (ID, MC)

Edit: Bianca & Co. as Choices Characters (HWU, Multi)

Edit: Meet My MC - Issac Vance (ILB, MC)

Edit: Lisa Valentine & Aria Sheridan (HWU, Multi)

Edit: Ethan Ramsey in my HC (OPH, Ethan)

Edit: More Jackie Redesigns!! (RCD, MC)

@petiteboheme

Fic & Art: Birthday (TRR, Drake x MC, OC)

@potionsprefect

Edit: Too Many Clothes (OPH, Ethan x MC)

@rosepetals1

Intro: Meet My MC - Arielle Park (PM, MC)

Edit: Lily Spencer (BB, Lily)

@starsarewithinme

Fic: A Day Off (COP, Trystan x MC)

@storyofmychoices

Art: Love & Respect (Blades, Mal x OC)

Edit: Nyx (Baldes, OC)

Edit: Nyx (Blades, OC)

Intro: Nyx Selenastra (Blades OC)

Fic: Nyx x Aerin (Blades, Aerin x OC)

"The pain, the loss will forever remain. I lost my husband and my son. May the ones we lost rest in peace and may the corrupted souls be purified.", she prayed and finally turned around to the four figures standing in back.

All four respectivly standing behind Lady Thalissa and Alex. Thalissa signaled them to meet the crowd, so they stepped forward till they stood next to her and Alex who secretly stole a look at the blond man.

"But now let's celebrate our heroes who not only defeated a powerful bloodwraith, but also united me and Elric with our beloved child, Lady Alex.", Thalissa happily announced while holding the hand of her stepchild.

"So true, if it wasn't them I... I... I probably would have been dead already.", Alex got emotional.

Yes, next to them were standing their guests of honour in their most formal wearings, as Lamrian's newest heroes. Nik Ryder, Katherine, Cal Lowell and Vera Reimonenq. Lady Thalissa was so generous to hold a ceremony only for them. The stars of the night. She began to continue her speech as the fae crowd got restless, especially the fae nobles.

"I know, I know, there are not faes. They may be diffrent than us, but their hearts are pure. If it wasn't them, the monster would still be alive, hunting their next possible prey which could be anyone of us. Afterall, we are powerful fae nobles. But they, they are just simple citiziens of New Orleans who risked their lifes for my Alex and the rest of the world. Because of them we are now safe.", she encouraged the crowd who felt more comfortable now and clapped their hands.

"All hail, Lady Thalissa. All hail, the heroes of Lamrian."

A fae servant approached to Lady Thalissa holding a tray with four golden medals placed on it. Thalissa took one of medals in her hands and signaled the four heroes to appear one by one and stand infront of her.

"Damn, we're gettin' real gold today.", Nik's eyes lighted up at the sight of the reward.

"You already got the six figures, Ryder. I won't let you have the gold.", Katherine wispered back.

"Why? There are four medals for everyone."

"I know Vera, but it's fun to mess up with Nik.", Katherine smirked.

"Very funny, Katy.", he rolled his eyes.

Alex and Thalissa patiently waited for one of them to appear in the front as the four wispered with eachother.

"Uhhh, guys? What are you doing? Come and join us! Everyone is waiting", Alex asked while sharing an embarrased look with the crowd as they began to murmur and wisper.

"I'm coming.", Cal answered and appeared infront of Alex and Lady Thalissa.

"How wonderful, the loyal werewolf companion, Cal Lowell will be the first one. You are the friendliest werewolf I ever met and never have I thought one day to be glad of having one on our side. You will be always welcome.", Thalissa thanked him and the man kneeled infront of her, so it would be easier for Thalissa to fasten the medal around his neck. It shined golden and the emblem of Lamrian was engraved on it. That majestic piece touched the soft skin of Cal his neck.

"I feel honored and happy for everything I could do, duchess. I would do anything for Alex.", Cal confessed and stood up to stand next to Thalissa her stepchild who proudly smiled at him.

Before Nik could make his step forward, Lady Thalissa already requested Vera to be the next for the medal while the huntress mischevously grinned at Nik. Guess, Thalissa got impatient and decided to call everyone themselves. And with that, Vera already stood infront of Thalissa and gently bowed her head to wear the medal.

"Vera, dear. You look beautiful. My sweet child... Thank you for beeing Alex her best friend and never leaving her side. Lamrian's doors will always be open for you."

"The honor is all mine.", she thanked at took her place next to Alex and Cal.

Taking the next medal in her hand, Lady Thalissa announced Katherine to appear.

"Today's not your lucky day, Ryder", Katherine wispered before making her way towards the duchess. Bowing her head deep, Thalissa managed to fasten the golden piece around her neck.

"Katherine, the bravest woman I have ever met. May all your dreams come true and may all your achievements be accomplished. You will always welcomed in Lamrian."

"Thank you, Lady Thalissa.", she showed gratitude and stepped aside to stand next to the rest of her friends. Nik made himself ready to be called as the next one, but instead Thalissa called a fae servant. The servant approached to Lady Thalissa and handed her over a beautiful, golden sword decorated with gemstones. Probably the most beautiful and expensive sword Alex and her friends have ever seen. Thalissa took the sword in her hands and signaled Nik to step forward and stand infront of her.

"Why is Thalissa holding a sword? I'm scared.", he heard Vera wispering to Cal on his way.

"Nik Ryder, go on your knees."

Confused Nik did what the duchess has ordered and went to his knees infront of her. His heartbeat increased and he began to sweat. What the hell is going on? He was patiently waiting for his medal and this is definitly not what he expected. He wanted to curse Katherine, he suspected that she had something to do with it. To annoy him. Lady Thalissa bravely holding the golden sword high over Nik's head.

"What the...?", Katherine lost her words out of worry because even she was unaware of the sudden turn of events.

"What is Lady Thalissa going to...?"

"Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby give Nik Ryder the rank of honor because of his special achievement of reuniting us with our missing child, Lady Alex Clarissa Fontaine. From now on I will knight him as Sir Nik Ryder, who will become a member of the royal guard and my stepchild's personal royal bodyguard.", she declared, lightly touched his shoulders with the golden blade before handing back to the servant.

"What??!!!", Nik panicked, stood up unable to believe what he just heard.

"Yes, Nik child, if it wasn't you..."

"I don't deserve this honour, I just did what anyone would have done and I wouldn't have done this all without the help of the rest of us. Lady Thalissa, I'm only a nighthunter and that's all I..."

"Nik, please accept."

"No rook... I... I mean Lady Alex, it feels wrong. Besides Lady Thalissa, it was Alex who defeated the bloodwraith and not me or anyone else. That's what I call a real achievement."

"But Nik, none of this would have been possible if you wouldn't have been by my side. You're the one who united me with my father and Lamrian. Please, you deserve this. You deserve the honour. ", Alex begged and next to her, the rest of the group encouraged him too. Even Katherine.

"Nik, you deserve it."

"Hell yeah, Ryder".

After taking a few minutes to consider, his eyes met Alex's. He definitly didn't wanted to disappoint Lady Thalissa, Alex or anyone else infront of the whole crowd, but he's a nighthunter. The hunt is his life.

"I'm sorry, I don't feel ready.", he answered and left the throne room.

"Nik, wait!!", he heard Alex calling out for him

After escaping the ceremony, Nik found himself gazing at the beautiful stars which decorated the purple nightsky of Lamrian. He needed some time alone, to think, but it didn't took long until Alex joined him on the balcony. His eyes still fixed on the stars above.

"Nik... Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, rook. Sorry for ruining this celebration and making you and Thalissa look bad infront of the public. But... but you at least could have asked me first if I want this, right? I could have had more time to think at least."

"Nik, I didn't know either."

"What?"

"I only knew that Thalissa was going to honor the four of you. That's it. Guess, she decided to do something special for you since you're the one who brought me to Lamrian in the first place. Aaaaand maybe, because I happen to talk more often about you with Thalissa in private.", she shyly confessed.

"Oh yeah? I hope good stuff only.", he smirked and finally looked at her.

"Of course, the good stuff. Or else she wouldn't have given you such an honorable title, instead I would have requested her to lock you behind bars as a prisoner.", she joked.

"How cruel of you, milady."

"Well, I would have had you closer by me. You would have stayed with me toghether in Lamrian then."

"Is this why you requested me to accept the title? To be closer to you? To stay with you? To always be by your side as your personal royal guard?", he asked and she shyly nodded.

"Yes, and I'm sorry. Part time would be fine too. I just..."

"I like that idea, but I need time.", he answered and Alex respected his decision. Afterall it's his life too.

"Whatever you decide... I love you, Nik.", she moved closer for a hug. His arms around her waist and her head reasting on his broad shoulder.

"I love you too.", he confessed and was about to kiss her until they heard a gasp from behind.

First, Nik declined Thalissa's offer and now he got caught with making out... or about to start making out with the future heiress of Lamrian, Thalissa's stepchild?? Damn, don't ruin your reputation infront of Thalissa, Nik thought.

Both immediately took distance from eachother and turned around only to discover Vera, Cal and Katherine who akwardly looked at them.

"Uhh, sorry, we... we were about to leave. Are... Are you two a couple??", Vera surprisingly asked.

"You never noticed?", Alex asked back. Vera and Katherine were both shocked, but Cal seemed to be not surprised.

"I don't know, maybe it just seemed normal to me. When did this happen? Why didn't you told us?"

"Sorry, but don't blame Alex. I'm not the guy who openly romances. Guess, you all found out.", he nervously rubbed the back of his neck.

"Don't worry, I actually knew it. I mean the way you were often covered in Alex's scent and she in..."

"Uhhh... We got it, Cal. Okay? But Alex, you're romancing Nik??!!! Him??!!! The Nik Ryder? You sure? What do you even see in that guy? You deserve better. Well, I thought you had better taste, girl. Uggh, never mind. Nik better treats you well or else... It won't end well.", Katherine warned.

"Don't worry Katy, I won't let you hear any complaints", Nik chuckled.

"I think Nik and Alex look cute toghether."

"Awww, thank you Vera."

"You're welcome, Alex. But now we should head back inside. They all must be worried. Besides, it our party."

Time to face Lady Thalissa her disappointment, Nik secretly thought.

As the five finally returned back to the throne room, they saw the excitement of the guests who began to congratulate the new heroes while others already left the ceremony. Discovering Lady Thalissa standing in a corner alone, she smiled as Nik joined her.

"Lady Thalissa, I apologize for ruining the ceremony and for making such a bad impression infront of the whole court. I didn't mean to disrespect or..."

"Nik, child, it's alright. You did nothing wrong and only did what felt right. You listened to your heart and I should have asked you first. I should have given you more details first. I hope one day, you will accept this honour, but for now... This golden medal belongs to you", she explained and held his reward ready.

With that, Nik Ryder, one of Lamrian's heroes, went on his knees for Thalissa as she fastened the medal around his neck. Becoming a royal guard was maybe another chapter of his story or maybe not meant to be. Who knows what the future will hold, but right now he only saw himself having a bright future with his beloved Alex. Towards their future.

"Cheers for the heroes of Lamrian."

"Cheers for Lady Thalissa."

"Cheers for Lady Alex Clarissa Fontaine, future duchess of Lamrian."

"Cheers towards the future. A brighter future.", Alex cheered with her friends while glancing at Nik who still stood beside Lady Thalissa. Both, Alex and Nik proudly smiled at eachother.

The next night, back in the Graveyard Shift...

"Wait, what? Nik is dating? I don't believe this.", Ivy giggled as Katherine and Vera shared the news.

"But it's true!! They were about to kiss eachother until... well...", Vera got embarrased remembering how her gasp disturbed their beautiful moment.

"I think that's wonderful news!! Maybe Krom-darling and I could invite Alex and Nik for a double-date. Wouldn't that be fae-tastic, Krom?", Garrus mostly got excited after hearing the news.

"What would be fae-tastic?", Nik suddenly appeared. He calmly climbed down the stairs from his apartment and joined the group in Garrus's bar. As always, Garrus immediately began to prepare a drink for Nik.

"Oooooh, who do we have here?? And where's your beautiful princess?", Ivy immediately began to tease him.

"Uhhh, Alex is in Lamrian. Like always at this time. Umm, why?"

"Thank you, I... I'm just a bit nervous. It's my very first garden party as the heir of Lamrian. Well, it's not just any small garden party. It's a royal garden party. How many will...?"

"Dear, you have nothing to worry about. Just enjoy yourself. Make contacts and form new alliances to strenghten Lamrian. Today you are the star.", Thalissa explained and led her outside in the palace garden of Lamrian.

Outside everything was decorated with colorful flowers and pixies flew around for entertaining themselves and the guests. Lady Thalissa has organized a royal garden party in Lamrian and invites some fae friends, royals and nobles. Her main goal was to strenghten their bound and friendship with friends and allies of the duchy. Everyone including Alex were wearing floral costumes, suits or gowns to match with the party theme and celebrated the birth of the spring season. Peacocks elegantly strolled around the garden and showcasted their natural beauty. The guests were having a great time playing games, for example: Royal croquet, Pixie Ball and more. Some even decided to play instruments to make music for a more lively atmosphere while others danced to it.

Everything was so beautiful for Alex, but also a bit overwhelming. Wouldn't it be great to share such a beautiful time with her friends or a special someone? While Lady Thalissa, the duchess greeted and mingled with her guests, Alex tried to do the same. Afterall Lamrian hosted this party which means for Alex and Thalissa to make sure that everything runned smoothly and there should be no complaint from any guest. Showing her friendliest smile Alex, the future heir of Lamrian tried her best to get know the rest of the fae royals and nobles. Some seem very polite and friendly to her and welcomed her warmly, but then other nobles tried to avoid her or even ignored her. For them she seemed to be an outsider, no full-blooded fae, a regular human who shouldn't be worthy to rule one day as a duchess over Lamrian and become a member of the royal fae court. But hopefully one day Alex could prove them wrong.

"Alex, dear... Would you like to play the violin for the guests? I once heard you playing alone in your chambers and it was truely beautiful", Lady Thalissa, her stepmother encouraged her and ordered a fae servant to bring a violin from the royal music hall.

It was a beautiful golden instrument decorated with expensive, little gemstones. Something that Alex has never seen or touched, but it wasn't her own violin from back home. Her own familar instrument which her mother, Jacqueline gifted her and shared beautiful memories of mother and daughter making music together. She loved her instrument and always brought it with her while travelling. It must be lying somewhere in her royal chambers upstairs. Lonely and untouched.

It was strange for her to hold another violin and not her own. The violin she shared so many memories with and always calmed her down when she was was alone, sad or even crying. Her loyal little instrument upstairs waiting for her. It may look like a regular violine. Not golden with pretty gemstones, but for her it was her loyal companion. Now it's too late for Alex to rush upstairs and get her own violine, because now several fae nobles and royals curiously glancing at her and waiting for her to finally play. Before, she only played for herself and never for others, but now... Her music guided her and expressed her feelings and emotions. Her music was only her's. But if she has to play for others, then she will. For Lady Thalissa and Lamrian. For her beloved father, Lord Elric who passed away but trusted her that she will do well as his heir.

She smiled at the servant who handed over the violin and started to prepare. How will this violin play? Just like her own one or diffrent? What if something goes wrong? No. No, just calm down!! Don't panick! Just some powerful faes standing infront of her which she has to impress and bound alliances with. No big deal, right?

Alex was making her way towards the middle while almost tripping over her heels. Calm down, Alex. Just walk confidently and don't fall on the ground. Everyone is watching. You don't want to embarrass yourself infront of the whole court.

Finally she made it and carefully sat on a golden swing bench, decorated with roses. Her favorite flower. Taking a deep breath, she began to play. Everyone got quiet to hear the slow and peaceful music beeing played.

She closed her eyes, imagined to be alone and focused only on herself. Everything around Alex faded away. It was only her and the violin left. And with grace, she masterfully concered every note, every tone.

They all listened to her till the very end. She finished with the last silent and sad melody at the end and opened her eyes only to face a thundering crowd infront of her clapping with her hands. Wobbling on her legs, she slowly stood up from the swing bench and gently bowed.

"Wonderful, my dear. It was beautiful.", Thalissa called out.

"Thanks. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a short stroll alone for a while.", her stepchild requested while handing back the violin back to the fae servant.

And so she did. Taking a short walk around the royal garden, the young heiress decided to take rest on a bench in a secluded area. A familiar creature caught her eyes.

"Tinkerbell, did you followed me?", her lips formed a smile as her perrikin closed the distance and nuzzled against her legs while she scratched the back of the creature's fluffy ears.

"The prince is here", the pet purred.

"What? What prince?", she asked her future-telling pet.

"The Prince of Swords", it purred again before it left chasing a butterfly and left.

Before Alex could react, she felt a strong arm embracing her and pulling her closer.

"Hey, let me...", she was about to say something until she found a strange figure facing her.

It was a young, fair-skinned fae wearing an elegante royal suit who mischevously smiled at her.

"What is the meaning of this??!!", she commanded and pushed the man away.

"I want to kiss you.", he answered.

"Don't you dare or else I'll scream to call the royal guards. They'll protect me and make sure you'll..."

"Your bodyguard can protect you better, my princess."

"Huh? How do you know that... Waiiiiit, Nik Ryder??!!! Nik, is that you??!!!"

She realized that the man was Nik, but he looked diffrent. He looked like a fae noble.

"Nik, what the hell??!", she got scared and took a few steps backwards.

"Hey, don't worry. I don't happen to be secretly a fae prince or something. I was always human. It's all fake. Garrus borrowed me an old fae suit of him, powdered me white and made fake pointy for me.", he chuckled and took his fake pointy ears off to show her before he wore them back again.

"But... but why all this, Nik?"

"You're asking me why? I had to, rook. I had to do this. Or have you forgotten me? Forgotten me and your real friends? It's been weeks since we last saw you. Weeks since you even were in New Orleans. Or have you been enjoying your royal life in Lamrian too much that you forgot us, especially your boyfriend, your royal highness?", he bitterly asked her and looked away to hide his sadness.

"No, Nik I didn't. I... I just got busy."

"This is no excuse, rook."

For a moment there was total silence between both of them. Both looking above at the purple sky of Lamrian and listening to the melodic sounds of birds. Just enjoying the silence as if the time freezed around them. But then Alex began to speak again.

"I'm sorry, Nik. But you might think I'm happy here. You might think I have everything here. Power, a palace full of luxury and helpers who help 'round the clock. Sometimes you should try to see the whole picture instead of only the part you see. Royal life is cool, but very hard. Very difficult and strict."

"So, you're not happy?"

"I still have to figure it out. There are some things I like, but some things... I... I can't believe I had to share my own comforting violin music to strangers."

"It was lovely music. It was a sad melody, so I hoped you were alright. But you played it very well. Just so sorry to hear that you're not happy, rook. I didn't know. I pulled out this ridiculous fae get-up only to see you again. My eyes and my heart yearning for you. I had to see if you were alright."

"I forgive you and I'm glad you did.", she took his hands and moved closer to him until their lips touched eachother for a kiss. A sweet and soft kiss.

"Damn, have I missed this.", he wispered and began to kiss her more passionatly as if wanting to collect all the kisses he has missed over the past few weeks. His hand moving over the small of her back while kissing and his other hand touching her rosy cheek.

"Nik..."

"Love you too, my Alex."

"Nik... We... We should stop. They'll catch us.", she pulled away from him, but didn't wanted to.

"Why, rook? This is our love life. Nothing is forbidden. Doesn't Thalissa know about us already?"

"I don't want to cause a royal scandal because the royal protocol says..."

"Forget that damn protocol, rook!! Did they brainwashed you or what??! I don't care what other's will say or think. Even others ask me how I could be in a romantic relationship with a non-human as a supernatural hunter, but I don't care. I don't care who or what you are, because I have fallen in love with you just the way you are. So I need to know now, what exactly do you want?", he tried to argue.

Both stared into eachother's eyes before she spoke.

"Of course I want you, Nik. What's that kind of question. I love you. I deeply apologize for the pain I caused to both of us and I'll make it up to you. I promise. I... I... Thanks for opening my eyes.", she began to cry.

Nik quickly pulled her closer for a hug. To comfort her and planted a quick kiss on her forehead.

"I'm here for you. I'll always be there for you. And if someone only lays a finger on you or tries to hurt you, then they'll have to mess around with me first, rook. Please, don't cry. I love you today, love you tomorrow and forever will. And if we cross path in another life again, I'll love you then too."

After a few seconds passed, she wiped her tears away and thankfully smiled at the young man.

"That's how I like you, rook. Smiling happily. But you're right, I have to leave in case I get caught. I tried my way to sneak inside this royal garden party. The sooner I leave, the safer. But the quicker I will meet you again, right?"

@cariantha

Fic: Hunger Pains pg-13 (OPH, Ethan x MC)

@gaiuskamilah

Art & HC: Marya Moonglory (Blades, OC)

@jerzwriter

Fic: Pumpkin Love (OPH, Tobias x MC)

Fic: Tricks and Treats (COP, Trystan x MC)

Edit: Better Luck Next Year (OPH, Tobias x MC)

@ladylamrian

HC: Halloweeen Costumes (Multi)

@lilyoffandoms

Art: Conner x Tenebris (ILITW, Conner x MC)

Fic: Crimes Drabble (COP, Trystan x MC)

Fic: Blades Drabble (Blades, Nia x MC)

Art: Troy x Saeed (WTD, Troy x MC)

@noesapphic

Intro: Neera Rose (COP, MC)

@peonyblossom

Edit: Meet My MC - Reese O’Malley (ID, MC)

Edit: Bianca & Co. as Choices Characters (HWU, Multi)

Edit: Meet My MC - Issac Vance (ILB, MC)

Edit: Lisa Valentine & Aria Sheridan (HWU, Multi)

Edit: Ethan Ramsey in my HC (OPH, Ethan)

Edit: More Jackie Redesigns!! (RCD, MC)

@petiteboheme

Fic & Art: Birthday (TRR, Drake x MC, OC)

@potionsprefect

Edit: Too Many Clothes (OPH, Ethan x MC)

@rosepetals1

Intro: Meet My MC - Arielle Park (PM, MC)

Edit: Lily Spencer (BB, Lily)

@starsarewithinme

Fic: A Day Off (COP, Trystan x MC)

@storyofmychoices

Art: Love & Respect (Blades, Mal x OC)

Edit: Nyx (Baldes, OC)

Edit: Nyx (Blades, OC)

Intro: Nyx Selenastra (Blades OC)

Fic: Nyx x Aerin (Blades, Aerin x OC)

Thank you soooooo much @choicesficwriterscreations for hosting a Choices fandom bisexual awareness event and thank you sooooo much more for this beautiful art you gifted me!! When @jerzwriter told me I won I knew I had to finally get art of these two. I’ve written them a few times and had never bothered with any art and I needed to remedy that asap.

Lydia was happy today, no actually, she was excited. She was now 5 years old, a big girl! She wasn’t the oldest here in her class. But she was the biggest. She was taller than all of her friends. Same as her papa who was the tallest in the family, she was going to be as tall as him someday. She soon would be saying goodbye to her nipiagogio for good and going to school. She couldn’t wait. In the meantime, her Papa had promised to pick her up early today for a special ‘birthday surprise’.

Her mind had been racing all day with the countless ideas of what it could be. Whatever it was, she knew it would be adventurous and exciting. Like the time they had taken her riding. She had completed a whole hour-long trail without stopping. 

Her most recent proud moment was her first outdoor rock climb. She had thoroughly enjoyed it after lot and lots of practice with the indoor climbing walls. Now she was big enough to do it all. She could swim, skate and snowboard, row a kayak, do taekwondo and  jiu jitsu. She had a lot more to learn with those, but she loved going to practice.

Drake approached the entrance to his daughter’s nipiagogio and pressed the bell

“Hello?” The voice crackled over the intercom

“I’m here to pick up Lydia.”

“Come on in.” The door buzzed, and he entered into the lobby, stopping at the inner door before he was buzzed through again. 

He nodded politely at the receptionist as he passed, making his way towards the lively sound coming from behind the door of the reception classroom. 

The noise hit him as soon as he went through, and he was greeted with a smile by Rose, his daughter’s favourite teacher.

She turned her attention back to the packed room. “Lydia, your papa’s here.”

“Yayy!”

Lydia popped up from the other side of the room and began to tear across. 

“No running inside, please!” Rose called out. “Walk nicely.”

Lydia obeyed, slowing down as she made her way through the assault course of children, toys and furniture.

“She’s been well behaved today, although extra lively.” Rose explained. “She’s told everyone that it’s her birthday and has been enjoying all the attention!”  

Drake chuckled and turned to retrieve Lydia’s rucksack from her peg, he noticed, however there was also a large carrier bag hung with it with what looked like a box inside.

“Oh, What’s this?” He asked, as Rose opened the safety gate to let Lydia through. 

“Cake, I got cake!” she cried out excitedly. 

“Who gave you cake?”

“We did.” Rose admitted with a smile. “It’s an early farewell, last birthday with us, thing. She's been with us for so long now, we just had to.”

Drake smiled. “That’s kind of you, thank you.” 

It was hard to believe his little girl was now five years old. She’d been coming to this nursery school since she was around a year old. But In just a couple more months, she’d be starting school. He wasn’t sure if he was ready!

“They had fish fingers at lunchtime,” Rose went on. “She finished her plate, and her dessert fruit too!”

Drake smirked down at his daughter. “Guess your belly got no room for your cake then, huh? I suppose I’ll have to eat it.”

“Papa!” She looked up at him with an indignant expression.

He chuckled at her. "You ready, Queenie?" 

He reached out to take her hand, then paused when he noticed the multi colours on her fingernails. 

He pointedly held her hand up. "What is this, then?"

Lydia gave a gap-toothed grin and pulled her hand from his before proudly holding up both her hands for him to see. "For my birthday!"

"Lydia asked us to do her nails." Rose informed him. "It'll wash off with water." 

Drake smiled and nodded knowingly. "Alright, let's get you home."

He thanked Rose and led his daughter out. 

He happily listened to her chat away on the drive home. She told him about her day. All the activities she’d got up to, all the fun she’d had with her friends. He drove all the way home with a smile on his face.

Ava sat in the kitchen, relaxing with a coffee as the food on the stove simmered away. The monitor placed next to her, so she could keep watch over her poorly two-year-old, who was currently napping. It wouldn’t be much longer before he was to turn three. Their little ones were growing so fast!

“We’re back.” 

Ava smiled at the sound of her husband's voice

Lydia meanwhile barrelled to the kitchen, 

“Mama!” She cried, excitedly, “They gave me cake… Don’t let Papa eat it, though!”

“Cake, huh? Well, I’ll try my best, Mija.”

“Hey”  Drake stepped into the kitchen and set the cake down on the counter and greeted her with a small kiss. “Everything good?”

“Si, claro. Does that need to go in the fridge or is it all right out?”

“I don’t know.” He admitted. “They weren’t keeping it cold, so I assume it’s fine?”

Ava giggled. “C'mere you!” She pulled Lydia closer. “How was your day?” 

Her expression then suddenly changed, she took one of her Lydia’s hands and held it up. “Who put nail polish on you?” She demanded, starting to get up from the stool. “That has to come off, now!”

“No, mama! I wanna keep it. Please?”

However, Ava wasn’t listening and began to try and lead Lydia towards the sink. 

Drake quickly intervened, pulling her back. “It’s okay! He murmured into her ear. “ It’s child safe and easily washes off.”

“Mama please.” Lydia continued to beg.

“It won’t do her any harm.” Drake reassured. “It’ll be just for the rest of the day. We can let her have that, right?”

Ava’s brow furrowed, “Are you sure about this? Because I’m not!”

“Have you ever known that place to give the kids anything that wasn’t safe and appropriate?” He reasoned. “We know that everything there has to be pre-approved. This stuff is water based, and Lydi asked to have it done.”

Ava she felt the imminent feeling of defeat and stopped with a sigh. “Child safe, you say?”

Drake nodded confidently;

She looked down at their little girl’s pleading face. “Okay,then. It can stay.”

Lydia hugged her mother’s waist, grinning happily. 

Drake meanwhile rubbed her back affectionately. “Alright, you ready for your present?”

“Yes!!!” Lydia almost screamed.

“Shh!” Ava put her finger to her lips with a chuckle, Lydia copies her, grinning away with excitement. Drake grabbed the monitor, as Ava turned off the stove, then the three of them made their way upstairs.

They led her into their room.

Drake then sat on the floor at the foot of the bed and pulled back the wooden panel at the base of it. He then pulled out a large, long object covered in colourful wrapping paper and a ribbon.

Lydia screamed at the sight of it.

“Lydi, your brother!” Ava chided sharply. But her daughter was already down on the floor next to it, grasping at the ribbon. 

Drake gently pulled her back towards him. “Calm down, Queenie! We don’t want cha waking your brother.”

“Sorry Papa, sorry, Mama.”

“You gonna let Mama take a photo before you start tearing away?”

Lydia nodded, the ends of the ribbon still in her hand.

“Atta, girl!” He nodded towards Ava, who took out her phone and took a few shots. Lydia, meanwhile, wriggling with anticipation.

Ava smiled. “Okay, we’re ready when you are.”

Lydia didn’t need any more prompting and almost immediately, paper was flying everywhere as she eagerly revealed a brightly coloured children's kayak.

She squealed as quietly as she could and leaped up to throw her arms around her parents one then the other.

“Thank you! Can we go out now? Please, can we? Please?!” She looked between the both of them before settling on Drake. “Papa? Can we??”

They chuckled at her.

“Better ask your Mama.”

Ava threw Drake a look as she smiled. “You can go to the lake outside, but no further!”

Lydia squealed again and ran out the room to change.

“Heh, sorry!”

Still smiling, Ava shook her head and leaned over to kiss him. “You just love to drop it on me, don’t ya!”

“Just didn’t wanna say yes if you wanted her to stay in today. But I won’t let her outta my sight!”

“I know, don’t be too long though, dinner is more or less done.”

Drake winked. “Oh, ain’t no way we’ll be late for that!

And here's the masterpiece

Tags

@cariantha

Fic: Hunger Pains pg-13 (OPH, Ethan x MC)

@gaiuskamilah

Art & HC: Marya Moonglory (Blades, OC)

@jerzwriter

Fic: Pumpkin Love (OPH, Tobias x MC)

Fic: Tricks and Treats (COP, Trystan x MC)

Edit: Better Luck Next Year (OPH, Tobias x MC)

@ladylamrian

HC: Halloweeen Costumes (Multi)

@lilyoffandoms

Art: Conner x Tenebris (ILITW, Conner x MC)

Fic: Crimes Drabble (COP, Trystan x MC)

Fic: Blades Drabble (Blades, Nia x MC)

@noesapphic

Intro: Neera Rose (COP, MC)

@peonyblossom

Edit: Meet My MC - Reese O’Malley (ID, MC)

Edit: Bianca & Co. as Choices Characters (HWU, Multi)

Edit: Meet My MC - Issac Vance (ILB, MC)

Edit: Lisa Valentine & Aria Sheridan (HWU, Multi)

Edit: Ethan Ramsey in my HC (OPH, Ethan)

Edit: More Jackie Redesigns!! (RCD, MC)

@potionsprefect

Edit: Too Many Clothes (OPH, Ethan x MC)

@rosepetals1

Intro: Meet My MC - Arielle Park (PM, MC)

@starsarewithinme

Fic: A Day Off (COP, Trystan x MC)

@storyofmychoices

Art: Love & Respect (Blades, Mal x OC)

Edit: Nyx (Baldes, OC)

Edit: Nyx (Blades, OC)

Intro: Nyx Selenastra (Blades OC)

Fic: Nyx x Aerin (Blades, Aerin x OC)

I have too many clothes like Victoria. I can’t resist a bargain online 😂