#and from Maxwell. Nate. and nobody knows where the hell nate came from but nate is only maxwell's parallel

[nexus-nebulae]

im naming a new phenomenon we've noticed in our system. Body Blindness. if the fronter in question is too similar to the body (or they lack an appearance to the point they're not visible in headspace) nobody in-sys can tell who they are when they're in front. including themselves

[msjr0119]

Hold On

Part 14 - I love you

Nobody got injured at the Homecoming ball, they all get separated into different safe houses- for safety.

Riley and Drake had confirmed that they had feelings for each other, however Drake believed Riley should be with Liam. Heartbroken, she moves back to New York. Only keeping in touch with Hana, Maxwell and Olivia.

Riley meets lawyer, Nate Cooper and begins a relationship with him. In Cordonia, Drake begins to court Kiara.

Nine months after Riley had left Cordonia- there is a reunion, but not the reunion the friends had hoped for.

*Characters belong to Pixelberry*

If you are under 18 please do not read this series. If you do, you are consenting that you are over the age.

Series warnings: Suicide, domestic abuse, swearing, stabbing, smut 🍋. If any of these triggers affect you do not read!

Tags- @annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @choices97 @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic

*******

“Ri, are you okay?”

Liam asked with a benevolent tone of voice. He knew it would be hard for Riley to hear that Drake was having another baby. He also had doubts about Madeleine’s ‘confession’.

“Yeah, I’m fine why wouldn’t I be?” Riley responded, still in shock. Why would she be in shock? A bit of jealousy? Maybe. But she loved Liam- and cared for Drake as a friend. Drake’s personal life didn’t include her- so why should it matter?

“Riley, you don’t have to pretend in front of us. You and Drake have history.”

“Li, I’m fine honestly. Drake and I aren’t together. I’d have thought he would have told me though. Especially after we talked.”

Liam had an inkling that she wasn’t fine. But didn’t want to force the issue. He noticed Madeleine waltz into the toilets with Kiara.

“Li, I’ll be back soon. I need to find Drake. Tell him that Maddy has told everyone. He and Kiara may have not wanted to tell everyone yet. She just loves causing havoc between everyone. It’s not fair on Drake and Kiara.”

Liam looked at her in awe. The way she cared about other people’s reputations made him think about the time her scandal came out. She had been the previous court gossip- and no matter how much she was hurting she obviously didn’t want anyone else to be in that situation.

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, you have to stay here. It would look odd if we both disappear. I’ll meet you back here. I want to spend some time with you alone- to talk.”

Liam nodded, he gave her a kiss on the forehead- Riley returned the kiss on his cheek.

“I’ll see you soon, Lady Riley.”

*****

Riley couldn’t find Drake anywhere- she searched the entire room, before accidentally bumping into Bastien.

“Oh, I’m sorry Bastien. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“It’s quite alright Lady Riley. Are you okay?”

“Yes. I was just looking for Drake, have you seen him?”

“I think he’s in his room.”

“Thanks Bast.”

Riley headed up towards Drakes room, she didn’t know why she needed to inform him that he part of the new court gossip.

She knocked on the door quietly. There was no answer.

“Drake? It’s Riley. Are you in?”

There was no response, she decided to return to the ball. He would soon find out anyway as gossip spread in a flash. As she turned around to leave, she heard the door knob twist slowly.

“Brooks?”

“Hey, can I come in?”

Drake gestured for Riley to enter. She walked in and noticed the whiskey on the bedside.

“So. What’s up? Why aren’t you with Liam?”

“I’m not here to talk about Liam, why didn’t you tell me? I might be wrong but I thought you’d have told me at least with our past. I know if it was the other way around, I’d probably still tell you.”

“What are you talking about...?”

Drake looked confused at Riley, and offered her a tumbler of whiskey. He seemed to be oblivious to the fact that she wanted to talk seriously. Drinking alcohol was going to get them nowhere.

“I.. I can’t drink alcohol for a while but thank you. And about you and Kiara. Madeleine has told the whole court. I don’t know if you both wanted everyone to know yet. It’s all my fault, I’m so sorry. I got her riled up- by not backing down to her nasty comments.”

“Know what?”

“Shit! I’m so sorry, I’ll leave you alone. I think I’ve said too much.”

Riley walked towards the door, thinking that Kiara must have only just found out and had not had the chance to tell him yet.

Drake forced his way in front of the door, not allowing Riley to exit. Placing his calloused fingers on her arm, staring longingly into her baby blues. She froze at his touch.

“Drake, let me out please.”

“No. I. I can’t. Please, Riley just tell me.”

Riley- he never used her first name, unless he was serious about something. Figuring out that he still cared for her, she had to leave.

“You have your second chance at happiness Drake. I’m happy for you both, I really am. I need to go.” - Riley looked at him with a smile, before the tears began to flow. Drake wiped her tears off her cheek, his hand lingered there for a while.

“I don’t want you to be happy for me. I fucked us up. I wanted you to be happy. But I wanted us to be happy.”

“Drake, there was no us. Kisses here and there. I had to force that on you. I had stronger feelings towards you than you did me. That night we slept together, I felt relieved that I could finally be happy. Ignore all the shit and gossip about me. But looking back, it was must have just been lust- especially with what you said to me after. I’m glad you said what you said in the end. It broke my heart but it can be fixed. I meant what I said before, I want us to still be friends. I know it’ll be awkward and it’ll take time.”

“Riley, all that was said was a lie. You are always on my mind. You don’t know how I felt about you. So don’t try and think that you did.”

“Drake, you need to get me out of your head. Your ... your... “

“I can’t Brooks. Do you know how hard it was to hear you say that I was a mistake to you? When you feel so strong about someone- it hurts.”

“You ended whatever was between us Drake. I find out from ‘gob on legs’ Maxwell that you practically bedded Kiara the day I left. So yes, it was a mistake. If you really cared for me, you shouldn’t have let me go and you should have tried to fix things with me. The last 9 months have been hell on earth for me and we have to relive it all next week in court. Whilst you’re here having the time of your life. I’m sorry but I’m ending this discussion now. I just wanted to give you a heads up. So please let me go.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Too little too late, Drake.”

Drake’s emotions were now bursting at the seams. He knew everything was his fault, he just wanted to hold the woman he had rejected.

“Why is it so hard to get over you? I love you still. And I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Drake pulled Riley towards him, and forced a kiss on her lips. She abruptly pushed him away.

“Ri, I’m so sorry.”

“I love you too, but only as a friend Drake. You need to love Kiara and your baby. Please don’t try and kiss me again.”

Riley ran out of the room, hyperventilating- not giving Drake chance to respond. She was now regretting trying to be a friend. If it wasn’t for Liam she would have been straight on the plane back to New York.

****

Riley found her way back to the ballroom, it was quieter than it was before. People had began to leave- it had been an eventful night. She saw Liam and went straight towards him, he turned around and grinned at her.

“Hey.”

"Hello, beautiful. Did you find him?”

“Yes, he’s in his room. Drunk. He didn’t know what I was talking about. Probably too much whiskey eh?”

Lies- she knew that Drake could handle his booze. She regretted interfering. She should have just left it be.

“Yes, probably.” - Liam was having doubts. He knew exactly how Madeleine’s mind worked. He didn’t truly believe that Kiara was pregnant- he thought it was Madeleine’s way of stabbing Riley in the back as if she was a voodoo doll.

“So you said you wanted some alone time? What do you want to talk about? I’ll escort you to your room and we can talk if you want?”

“I’d like that.”

“Come on then m’lady.” - Liam whispered holding his hand out to Riley.

*****

Riley and Liam bid their goodbyes to the others and strolled straight upto Riley’s room. She poured her King a glass of scotch- knowing it was his favourite drink. Riley and Liam sat on the edge of her bed, they stayed silent for a while. Liam adoringly looked at the beauty sat next to him.

“Thank you. So what do you want to talk about?”

“Us. I mean if there is a ‘us’ ?”

“What about us?”

“I want you Li. I want us to try again, get back to what we once were. If you want that too? I wanted to talk before on the balcony but you know...”

“Matchmaker Leo, interrupted.”

“Yeah...”

Riley looked down to the floor, maybe she was too honest? Was she rushing things? He had avoided what she had told him. She could do with some alcohol too, to calm her nerves. Liam held her hands in his, gently rubbing her knuckles with his thumb. He tipped her chin up, so her focus was looking directly at him.

“Ri, I love you. I always have. I want you back in my arms as mine. We can take it slow. I’m not rushing.”

Riley explored his baby blues- they provided the look of love and protection.

“I’m always going to be here for you no matter what happens. I should go. Bastien is waiting outside.”

“Stay, please... I haven’t been sleeping properly, can you stay until I fall asleep? If not - don’t worry, I’m sure Max will.”

“Get yourself ready. I’ll stay with you until you’re asleep Ri. I’ll wait outside with Bastien until you’re ready- to give you some privacy.”

****

Liam waited outside with Bastien. It felt awkward standing dormant in the corridor- thoughts racing through his mind. Why couldn’t she sleep? Why hadn’t Maxwell told him?

“Li? So this is why you snuck out early?”

“Leo, it’s not what it looks like. I’m not like you. She’s asked me to stay with her until she falls asleep.”

“Yeah, her nightmares are pretty intense. At least she’s got you now Li to hold her. See ya in the morning. I’ll have a coffee waiting for ya.”

“Goodnight Leo!”

Liam couldn’t be bothered with his brother pushing them both. He eagerly awaited for Riley to get ready- he wanted her to feel safe and loved. He was ready to get back to what they was too - back to what it was like before all the problems in the social season occurred. A second chance is all he wanted.

*****

I’m ready x

Liam repeatedly thought about what Leo had said - at least she’s got you now Li to hold her. His heart broke at the thought of her having nightmares- he blamed not only Drake but himself. She came to court a strong, adventurous woman- and they broke her. He now knew that he needed to fix her with the combined support from her friends. He slowly re-entered the room. Riley was sat on the floor, wearing a crop top and shorts- her hair was brushed into a tight ponytail.

“Hey! Thanks Li, I know I probably look stupid on the floor- but my counsellor told me Yoga and breathing is a good technique to relax. And I know I sound pathetic... but...”

“Ri, I understand it’s fine. I’m here, I’m going to protect you.”

Liam looked at Riley, she looked calm but still so fragile. He would stay awake all night if he had to- just to make sure she would get a good nights sleep. Because that’s how much he cared for her and loved her. She was still sat on the floor, legs crossed - twirling with her hair nervously. Liam joined her wrapping his arms around her- kissing her rosy cheek. She became more relaxed in his presence and sunk into his body.

“Are you tired? I can ask Max to stay?”

“Yes, but you’re my priority. I don’t have a meeting until tomorrow afternoon.”

“I’m sorry that I’m being such a burden.”

“You’re not a burden. Don’t worry.”

Riley stood up from the ground, bent down and kissed Liam catching him off guard, before guiding him over to the bed.

Liam passionately kissed her, she melted back into him- he was like a magnetic force pulling her to him at every opportunity. She removed his tuxedo, her hands roamed around his body. Liam pulled her closer to him, not wanting to let her go. His soft touch, felt every inch of her body. Her head fell back, as he kissed the sensitive parts of her neck and earlobe. They both felt a jolt of electricity run through their bodies- both wanting more.

“Liam..”

“Riley...”

Riley fell backwards onto the bed, Liam supporting her as he hovered over her. Both looking deeply into each other’s eye. Ever since the first night in New York, this is what it had all been leading up to. Both of them had fought their sexual feelings - all until now, Riley knew Liam wanted this back in the social season but never forced it. Now it was reality.

“Are you sure? Do you want this?”

“Yes Li, we’ve waited too long. I love you. I’m sorry for fighting it.”

Liam gazed into her baby blues- he knew she wanted him. He wanted her. Their first night together.

“I’ve wanted this for so long Ri. I love you.”

[msjr0119]

Hold On

Part 4- New York

Nobody got injured at the Homecoming ball, they all get separated into different safe houses- for safety.

Riley and Drake had confirmed that they had feelings for each other, however Drake believed Riley should be with Liam. Heartbroken, she moves back to New York. Only keeping in touch with Hana, Maxwell and Olivia.

Riley meets lawyer, Nate Cooper and begins a relationship with him. In Cordonia, Drake begins to court Kiara.

Nine months after Riley had left Cordonia- there is a reunion, but not the reunion the friends had hoped for.

Tags- @annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519

*Characters belong to Pixelberry*

If you are under 18 please do not read this series. If you do you are consenting that you are over the age.

Series warnings: Suicide, domestic abuse, swearing, stabbing. If any of these triggers affect you do not read!

*****

“Liv! You can’t go to Boston. It will fuck it up for Riley.”

Olivia’s eyebrows rose up at Leo, whilst folding her arms. She wasn’t going to give up on defending her friends.

“Watch me Leo! I’m going. Don’t you dare try and stop me! Just say to the others I had to return home- or so help me!”

Leo knew he wasn’t to argue with a Nevrakis so just nodded and bowed to the Duchess- she snuck out of the hospital without the others noticing- researching the quickest way to get to Boston. Leo walked back into the waiting room, seeing his friends reactions broke his heart. Riley meant the world to each of them- if only she knew.

“Hey, Liv has had to return to her Duchy. She said she will be back as soon as possible. You guys can go in now if you want.”

Bertrand looked at Maxwell and Hana and encouraged them to go in next.

******

The pair walked into the room, holding hands- supporting each other. They both began to cry- seeing their friend lifeless, attached to the machines.

“Why would she do this? We have to take her home Max.”

“I.. I don’t know Hana? She is a Beaumont even if not by blood. We will look after her. I can’t believe it. It’s all my fault. I brought her to Cordonia and let her leave.”

They comforted each other, still in shock. They both knew that she had miscarried, if she hadn’t have lost her baby she would now be introducing them to their niece/nephew. They both positioned themselves at each side of the bed- each taking hold of one of Riley’s hands, squeezing her gently.

Hana thought back to the last conversation she had with Riley.

“Hi Hana!”

“Hey Ri, are you okay?”

“Yeah brilliant thanks. What about you?”

“Are you sure? I know you don’t want to talk about it, but it was your due date a few weeks ago. I’m always here for you Ri, it’s not been the same without you.”

“Hana, it’s fine. I’m fine. I will always love the baby- it just wasn’t meant to be. But I can be a mom again- someday. Just not right now. I’ve got a partner who loves me, a nice apartment, a job. I’ve got my old life back. Obviously I miss you all like crazy, I’ll come and visit one day.”

“Maybe you could come for a mini break? Rather than just one day? We can do things together with the Beaumont’s and Liv?”

“Yeah! I’ve got annual leave soon. I’ll book a flight soon- I promise. It’ll be like old times. I love you Han, I need to get to work. Looking forward to coming back for my mini break.”

“Oh Ri. Why couldn’t you ask for help? Was you even coming back? I love you. Please come back to us. I need to see that beautiful smile of yours.”

Maxwell thought back to his last conversation with Riley.

“Hi Blossom, it’s so good to hear your voice! How’s life in the Big Apple?”

“Maxi! My life is brill- although I miss you all. The Big Apple is busy as usual. How’s little Apple Cordonia?”

“Glad to hear it! It’s boring without you here. We all miss you. Hana said you was thinking about coming back?”

“Yeah! You better organise a Beaumont bash for my return! I’ve got annual leave, and it’ll be great to return for a few days. Like the old days. I wouldn’t shut you out of my life Max, you could come and visit here too! You’re my brother. I love you and miss you.”

“Hell yeah!!! And ditto Ri.”

“Blossom, we all love you and want you back. You’re my sister. I can’t lose you.”

Just after Max, said those words to Riley- Hana’s hand immediately let go and flew back as if she had been shocked by an electric shock.

“Max! Say that again... repeat what you’ve just said....”

“Why?”

“I... I... she just moved! Say it again...”

*****

In Cordonia, there was still the silent atmosphere- it was like a ghost town. Liam for the last couple of days had been contacting everyone- even Leo and Riley. There was no response. It was 7am, and he had been drinking scotch for half an hour. Where were they all he wondered? He felt now that he had lost Riley forever, he shouldn’t have text her what he did- but he needed to see that she was okay. She was his friend, and still the woman he loved.

Riley, it’s Li. I hope you are well. I keep wondering what wonderful things you are doing with your life. I wished that you was still here. We all miss you. You’re my friend, I miss talking to you. I hope you’ll respond. I love you x

There was a knock at his study door- Drake entered. Liam couldn’t get those words out of his mind - or have you fucked her over like you did Riley?

“Li?”

“Drake. What can I do for you? It’s early.”

“No one is here.... You’re avoiding me now.....What have I done? I can’t sleep.”

Liam couldn’t deal with Drake being all melancholy, the world didn’t revolve all him. He handed his friend a tumbler of whiskey. Drake accepted the drink but hesitated drinking it due to the time that it was- he then saw Liam drink three shots in a flash.

“I’m not avoiding you. I’m the King, I have duties- I’m busy!”

“Busy? Busy getting drunk? My ass Li, you always made time for us all. Since Brooks and everyone else has disappeared you’ve been avoiding me!”

“This is not all about them or you! But I do have one question.... What happened between you and Riley?”

“Li, I love her. I never... I never fucked her over like Liv suggested. I told her to be with you before she left. We kissed, we slept together the one time. I’m sorry Liam..”

Liam now felt guilty for disregarding his friend, but he was still pissed off that he would sleep with her only one time then end it.

“Why? Why would you do that if you love her?”

“Because you deserve her. This country deserved her as their Queen. She came here for you, she was your girl first. I’m a nobody.”

“Are you using Kiara?” - Liam thought that Kiara would possibly be a rebound if Drake couldn’t have Riley. No matter how much he was hurting ‘giving’ Riley up- Kiara didn’t deserve that.

“No. Not using her. I have feelings for her. But they will never compare to those for Riley. I’ll leave you alone, but if you hear from anyone please let me know. I’m worried sick about them all- even Liv and that is saying something.”

Drake left the study, his words lingered in Liam’s mind, along with Olivia’s. He slept with her, then dumped her assuming she’d jump back in my arms? Liam immediately shouted Bastien into the room, he was drunk so needed to use his famous stoic expression- even though Bastien would see straight through him.

“Your majesty?”

“Bastien? I need to cancel my meetings for the next few days. Can you get the Royal Jet ready to leave as soon as possible?”

“Yes Sir. Why?”

“We are going to New York!”